The Return

[Siege]

"This place has always burned my eyes," Growled Atrox as he made his way through the town undisturbed excluding the guards at the gates to the city though they let him and his company by rather easy cause of Atrox's sheer size and the fact he still held onto some old papers. But now he had only one place left to go, The fortress.

Atrox glanced back at Argon sighed quietly before turning back around and looking of head of him at the large fortress before them, " I suggest if the guards are thick headed we try to keep somethings somewhat calm... our magic is blocked here so it would be difficult entering or exiting by force," explained Atrox as they neared the gates to the fortress and the pair of guards that were stationed there.

The guards looked curiously at Atrox as he approached them and slowly their hands moved towards their weapons as a reaction to the threating being before them. Atrox saw this reaction and simply sighed raising his hands over his head to show he held no weapons, though little know to the guards the hilts of his swords were actually closer at hand in this position. But even with this the guards' hands remained on their sword hilts.

"Speak your name and business sir and then turn around and leave we have no business with peasants," said one of the guards as he chuckled at his little mock though the other one who was apparently the smarted of the two remained silent and ready. Atrox glared at the main with the ferocity of a beats which caused the man to back away slightly and grip his hilt tighter.

" I am Atrox, The Infernal Knight of the Empire and general of the alchemist section of his lord's army and I am seeking a audience with the lord or at least his current location so I may speak with him," spoke Atrox with much authority though after his introduction all he got was a snicker from the guards after they looked at each other.

" Well mister inferno the lord isn't here and we see no reason to tell you, neither of us have heard of you and truly don't care about you magic using sissies," mocked the loud mouth guard and this time the other fellow couldn't help but snicker. though the laughter was cut off quickly when Atrox wrapped his large hands around both of their necks and lifted them both high into the air then shook them violently causing both of them to release their weapons cause of the shock created by the sudden violent reaction.

" Now you annoying bastards I hope your companions inside have more brains then you do cause truthfully I am not one to be messed with," growled Atrox as his grip tightened and he held both of the men high in the air, " Now someone get me the lord of the castle or at least someone who can tell me where in this blasted hell he is," Atrox roared as he shook the guards once more and then he smiled as they both started to regain some sense and struggle to break his grip.

[-Argon]

Argon watched as he saw this, remaining silent and ready for anything. He had returned his hood to his head before they entered the city, so no one has seen his face. You couldn't tell by looking at him, but he smiled a little.

He could feel that someone behind him had picked up his tail so he turned around, it was a human child who had obiouvly not seen many like him, or any at all. He let out a small, non-threatening growl telling the child that he didn't like her messing with his tail. The child then ran of back to her mother and Argon turned back around to the guards and Atrox.

[-Dark Kaleb]

OOC: *Note* The request to do a small god mod on Atrox has been approved by Siege.

Bic:
More guards began rallying throughout the area. Like ants drawn to a queen in distress they panic and floaded the streets. Any attempt to break into the Zaleran court was considered treason and was a priority alert to all. The one who was trying to make his way by though was none other than General Pyrelancer, High General of the Alchemist divisions. Known for his unusual talents with fire his name had spread quickly through enemy forces and was feared in more countries than the Empire had control over.

The two guards struggled to gain breath when none came to them. Atrox had a knack for making his presence noticeable which is why Kaleb had never let him do any stealth missions. He left those types of missions for the likes of General Ashbringer, Senior General in the Zaleran army and leader of the Dark Magics division.

The grip on the two guards slowly began to loosen until they both dropped. It wasn't Atrox that had loosened his grip, it had been Kaleb. "That is enough General Pyrelancer, you do just as your reputation demonstrates." He hadn't been there the entire time, in fact the Leviathan, flagship to the Empire, had recently arrived. Kaleb was on his way to his personal chamber when he decided to take a stroll through the garden. It was then he saw Atrox and decided it best to approach him.

From the guards perspective Atrox had simply dropped them, but from Kalebs perspective he had forced his hands open with his mind. Not a simple task to accomplish to such a man. The gate began to open and Kaleb released his mental lock on Atrox to allow him to move. It was a gesture of quit fooling around and lets get back to business. Kaleb turned and began to walk towards the palace. "Come General, we have much to discuss." Kaleb didn't have to tell the guards to return to their stations as even the sight of him meant the utmost formal behavior. He noticed a companion with the General, something that had been happening more often in these days.

[Siege]

" My Lord," spoke Atrox after he had been let loose of the psychic hold and then stood staring blankly at Kaleb before saluting the man out of respect though his eyes hid a bit of anger since he dislike the fact he was so easily manipulated. As he did this though his eyes moved back towards the men who had mocked him and a crooked smile crossed his face.

He then looked back at argon and nodded his head and motioned the man to follow him and Kaleb before turning and following Kaleb through the gates of the fortress. But as he passed the guards once more the wicked grin crossed his face once more, " I will remember your faces," was his last words to the guards and probably the most threating words that could of been said at the time.

" Lord, what is exactly going on with the demons and what is our position in the matter I have been left out of the loop," spoke Atrox as he looked down at the Lord's back and continued to follow him quietly though he wanted answers and then his next assignment, he had been kept out of the loop for far to long.

((Atrox will be following Kaleb so you can lead him where ever just don't get him killed lol ))

[-Argon]

Argon listned carefully to everything to be said. He also looked around at his surroundings, never having been here before. He following Atrox, as he has been doing for a while now. He didn't know anyone around here, except for Atrox, so he kept his hood on and remained silent.

He was curious about the situation of the demons, as he didn't know very much about it. He wanted to know about all of it up to now, the places attacked, who else is fighting against them, and how powerful they are.

[-Dark Kaleb]

Kaleb had truly glad to see that Atrox hadn't died during the past months. Contact with his Generals had been limited by numerous rebellions happening in the south. More and more cities were refusing to send mail north to the capitol. It was becoming quite tiresome and bothersome. The Empire may have looked bad for how it took over, but the benefits have been far greater than any before have brought. Hundreds of thousands of lives had been saved do to the organized military and economy that had come about. Yet they looked at him with such disdain. It saddened him to a great extent, but that was apart of the job he supposed.

"General, the battle at Tristan was a huge success. We sized of one of the last demon lords hordes fairly easily and have a good idea of what it is capable of. Generals Ashbringer and Seatamer are currently on clean up duty with only a five percent loss to overall forces. The Empire is now in control of two gems, one formerly of the blood elves. I very much doubt we wont be hearing from them very shortly." Kaleb kept walking as a few servants walked up to Atrox and Argon and gave them a choice of an assortment of fruit and the likes. Kaleb continued.

"The next battle has already been staged and will take place very shortly once we hear from our allies the Aesir. The battle will take place on open sea as it will give us a large advantage over them, and this time we will be attacking." Kaleb grabbed a mango and took a small bite out of it as he took off his cape and draped it over a bench in the courtyard.

"General, this will be an all out offensive and the decisive battle against Phiem. We sink her to the bottom of the ocean. We have the Aesir, Blood Elves and Crowleys Militia at our backs. We will stab the heart of the demons and we will take the gem leaving only Oldatoro." Finishing his speech with a harsh cutoff he glanced back at Atrox. "You will be notified once we mobilize, get your division prepped and ready and see to it that your friend stays out anything that might go boom."

Kaleb took another bite of his mango and walked off towards his chambers for a long dousing of water. One last bit of information was spat out at Atrox, "And General, this naval battle will be taking place near a very hazordous area, your powers and all those will be limited so I would recommend some strength training as it will be draining on all of us. General's Ashbringer and Seatamer will return shortly to join you."

[Siege]

"Very interesting," mumbled Atrox as he listened to what Kaleb had to say about the battle that had been raging and the fact that the combined resistance was able to hold of the demons astounded him slightly but in the end he guessed that the demons didn't really send as many troops as they could of. "How many casualties," was another question that came to his mind though he didn't care any for the soldiers the loss of them could cripple the armies power.

Lost in thought atrox didn't even notice that he was offered fruit and simply pushed his way by the servants following Kaleb then stopping before him and looking down into the lord's eyes.

" A naval battle... I come back and find out I am placed in the type of battle I am least suited for.. either way I will take your advice and prepare," replied Atrox and then he glanced back at Argon and shook his head, " and no worries, he is lizard like anything that gets blown off may grow back.. though I have yet to test it."

(( sorry hit a block best i could do.))

[-Argon]

Argon still had many questions, but he would ask them when the time came, or they would be answered without words. Argon then turned to Atrox, "What's next?" he asked, a simple question indeed.

He wondered what these "gems" were, and what they did. Also, he still needed to investigate the disappearance, the disappearance of his entire race. The only clues he has are, portals, buildings completely destroyed, and no bodies, parts of remains or anything.

[-Argon]

((OOC: post changed))

[-tincup]

Belten and his army marched towards Ascantha, elated at finally reaching their destination. Belten told his army to rest and that he would send for them when they were needed. Then he entered the fortress in search of Lord Zaleran. Since Demarkos left to go... somewhere, Belten had no choice but to report to the Lord. After a brief search, he found Lord Zaleran along with two others. One he recognized as the Psychic general, Atrox. The three were discussing the naval battle that was to take place in the near future. Belten didn't mind the prospect of fighting at sea. In fact, he welcomed it. He had an advantage over the demons in that he was raised on the sea. He even commanded a galleon far a short amount of time before being drafted into the Zaleran army.

"Lord Zaleran," Belten saluted. "General Demarkos left Tristan. I'm not sure where he went, though. Is there anything I need to do, other than train my troops?"

((OOC: Ack. Crap post.))

[-Dark Kaleb]

Kaleb halted his pace as he heard Belten behind him. It had been two weeks since he had left Tristan and Belten had already made it back with his men. He didnt want to admit it but he was impressed. Belten may turn out to be quit the General after all, perhaps extending the legend of the Zaleran Empire as many have already done.

"General Seatamer, this is General Pyrelancer and his companion who I am not familar with." Kaleb nodded to Belten giving the customary, "at ease" gesture. Word had not yet arrived of the incursion attempt that Aesir were cooking up. What would happen in these times to come he wondered.

Kaleb motioned for all three, "General Pyrelancer and Seatamer, Argon, you three will organize your troops into groups and have them train with one another. After that is organized you will train amongst yourselves for the duration of one month. I think it wise for us to know our own limits before we test them against foes who know theirs." Kaleb turned for his domicile but left with a couple words, "Dont worry either, I think I am going to need some refresher training as well."

[-Genetic Styles]

Grimmjowh walked outside into the fresh air and closed a door behind him. He took a few steps around and quite frankly was not familiar with how this area looked, it had been quite some time since he had ventured here. But as a personal assassin for Kaleb Zaleran, a mission was a mission, no matter how long it took. Grimmjowh had gotten so used to the killings, he knows no names, just sees the faces of the countless people he has slain in the name of one person, Kaleb Zaleran.

Grimmjowh left the palace grounds after looking around for a while and not finding Kaleb. He figured Kaleb was out doing whatever it was he did this time of day, not that it really mattered to Grimmjowh though. As he was leaving the palace grounds, he noticed many different looks the people were giving him, most however were quite puzzled looks. Grimmjowh couldn't blame them, they had probably never seen him around before. One of the men around the palace grounds, appeared to be a guard or protector of sorts confronted him.

"What is your business on the palace grounds here sir?" The guard asked with a disgusted look and a hand on his weapon.
"Nothing that concerns the likes of yourself." With an excessively violent personality and a lethally short temper, Grimmjowh was already able to tell this man was going to aggravate him.
"State your business sir or I'll have t--" Grimmjowh cut the man off.
"Have to what? Scratch my back with that stick you use for a weapon?"
The guard was clearly getting aggravated and Grimmjowh could tell, but it made him smile, and he laughed to himself.
"My business here, good sir, is that I am a 'Personal Assassin for Kaleb Zaleran' as he put it himself quite a few years ago." Grimmjowh stated. "Don't worry though, I'll be on my way, it appears Kaleb Zaleran is not on the grounds anyways." With that said Grimmjowh left the man standing there puzzled.

As he left the grounds, he noticed Kaleb was approaching the palace, and it appeared he was returning from something a little more important than a trip down to the market. Grimmjowh decided to await Kaleb's arrival on the palace grounds.

[Siege]

" We train apparently... I have to make adjustments in my combative skills since it is based all around fire and i doubt fire is gonna be very abundant on the open seas," spoke Atrox as he glanced Back and at Argon and chuckled, " I also have to decide on how many and what alchemists I am taking with me, water is apparent but I do not wish to bring many of them cause they will be useful in later battles, that leaves only a few but getting the materials they need for their alchemy to be effective will be difficult and I doubt many of them will be use to using their abilities in such a situation, so i need to think of how to use them to their fullest potential and I also need to get information on what the demons will be using as transports and the materials used to make up the vessels so i can exploit a weakness."

Atrox sighed and looked away into the court yard before kneeling down and staring blankly at the ground, " I need to practice using my magic once more and I need to harness the abilities I have learned recently, i also have to talk to a armorsmith and have a new suit of armor made for me, I was going to request the Lord direct me to a decent one but obviously he left before much could be said... though from the way the lord is chatting with that man my armor may have to wait, " Atrox said though his voice quieted as his attention turned back to the lord and the new man before him, after standing up and looked over this general Seatamer and nodded his approval after being introduced and then glanced back at argon, " I guess this means you were just volunteered to assist us in the preparations."

Though there wasn't much signs Atrox's eyes hid a sense of worry about the upcoming battle and the fact he was expected to adjust to a new form of combat in just a month and then ontop of that be prepared to lead his own men onto this new battle field and command them with ease.

" Well General Seatamer I guess we had better get ready for this battle... we have alot to prepare and very little time to do so."

[-tincup]

Belten nodded as Kaleb told him what they would be doing. Training. Belten guessed as much. Seatamer turned to Pyrelancer, looking him up and down. He was definitely the alchemist general that he remembered. He was happy to see that only one general of the Empre fell in Tristan.

"You're absolutely right, General," Belten said. "I will go split my troops up and get them on their training schedual, and then I will meet you in the training room. How does that sound? I can help your men in sea battle, too, if you want. There's a reason I'm called Seatamer."

Belten knew they did need to train. And hard. He had some techniques to help his warriors get used to the ground moving underneath him. He either needed a few Earth Alchemists, or a very large piece of wood. Either way, the training would get them all ready to fight while on a moving vessel. He had no doubt that the demons had been training since the battle at Tristan. The allies were, indeed, pressed for time.

((Oh good god. I can't type today))

[-Argon]

"Very well, I could use some training anyway." Argon said, thinking of his current abilities. He knew he would have to get stronger, and a battle at open sea sounded interesting to him. Since his race is well suited for water, and are very good swimmers. Although, he may be the last of his kind.

Thoughts were going through his head once again, what did happen to his race? Are they dead or alive? Why were all the buildings burned to the ground but there were no bodies or anything of that sort in sight? He then remembered where it all went back, it all seemed to start when everyone seemed really worried and scared after his return to the homeland. He never did find out why but he now believes the two events are connected to one another.

Argon needed answers, answers to the many questions going through his head, but now wasn't the time. He needed to train for the upcoming battle, and get as strong as possible.

[-Dark Kaleb]

Kalebs eyes widened as Grimmjowh came into sight. He hadn't seen him in over a year and already he was filled with joy at the sight of him. Still wearing the same white suit with a sword at his right side. His blue hair was almost piercing and made sure that if you managed to see him without dying that you would remember him for the rest of your life, however short that was.

A hand shot out and grabbed Grimmjowhs in the deepest sign of respect. "I have been worried that your missions were growing too dangerous even for you." He smiled allowing a hint of taunt through his facade. "How did you last mission go? Were you able to get your target without stirring up a revolt in Galam-Yensa?" Kaleb was well aware of all missions that Grimmhjowh was launched on.

Forty eight in total, all met in success. The last mission that the council had decided to send Grimmjowh on was to Galam-Yensa, the pirate capitol of the northern hemisphere. His target was none other than Rafur Dejok, a wealthy smuggler that had been smuggling people into slavery. He would capture small outposts and take the men who didnt fight back and the women and children. Those that opposed his forces were killed to lower the moral of others. He was very bothersome for the tranquility of the Empire.

"How have you been old friend?", Kaleb asked as he motioned for them to continue to walk through the courtyard towards the main court so they could grab some food. He was eager to learn what had happened on his mission and how Rafur had died at the hands of Grimmjowh, Assassin of the Zaleran Empire.

[-Genetic Styles]

Grimmjowh shook the man's hand, and began to explain how it all went down.

"Rafur Dejok, head of one of many slave smuggling gangs. It was not easy to track the man's whereabouts, but once I had received word that he would be setting up a trade, that is when I struck. My source informed me that Rafur was setting a trade on the docks in one of the local cities on Galam-Yensa. Being that it is the pirate capitol, such news is not spread like gossip, frankly because no one cares." Grimmjowh cleared his throat and then started again.

"Anyways, the trade was set to go on at midnight on the far north dock. When the trade night came about, two large ships pulled into the docks, one on either side. Two men approached each other, one carrying a bag, and one had a person following them. These two, i assumed, were the pirate traders. Money for slaves." Pausing again as he noticed a few people staring at him.

"However, that assumption was incorrect. I slowly and very discretely moved closer to listen in on the conversation, when I was caught in quite the predicament. As I left the building I had been camping out in, I was surrounded by several pirates, all of which held no mercy for me or my reasons for being in such a place. To make the story short, they did not interfere with my plans. When I looked back at the spot where they had been setting the trade, both men were gone, and one of the boats was attempting to flee the area. The other boat, the one with Rafur aboard, was also preparing to leave." He realized how boring this explanation must sound, so he decided to cut to the chase.

"I snuck aboard and when I was aboard Rafur's ship, I ventured down below into the captain's quarters and awaited his arrival there. When he arrived in his quarters and I confronted him from the darkness, he seemed... aware that I was coming. I questioned him on his reasons for endorsing slavery, to which he said nothing, only asked that if I was going to kill him, to go ahead and just do it. So, simply enough, I did. Nothing too horrific, just one slice across the throat."

With a motion across his throat with two fingers Grimmjowh said "One less pirate lord to be concerned about. As simple as that. However, I am starting to become a little suspicious of my informant. This is the second time in a row that the information she has provided me with has..." He didn't want to say killed, because frankly he believed that no one could kill him. "...been a nuisance."

[Siege]

" I will accept that offer and the offer for training for my men the only thing is I have to decide which ones I am sending in and how many, truthfully I do not plan on sending many onto a battlefield many aren't familiar with, it would just mean a mass slaughter with very little gain," explained Atrox as he looked at the general and then started to walk away towards the training room before stopping short and glancing back over his shoulder, " also I would like your opinion on what type of alchemists should be brought except for water which was one of the more obvious, but lets discuss this during training time mustn't be wasted since we have no time."

[Lungo]

With Ada in the lead, the odd couple parted ways from the church and waltzed through the merchant shops of Ascantha. It wasn't long before they quit the district, only stopping to acquire many steel/silver arrows and fine blades (for free, except minor bits of Zeke's health; the former death incarnate used his dark power to manipulate the shopkeepers into giving them things).

At length, they arrived at the Palace, where they were easily able to bypass the guards... many of them were on set rounds, and they happened to stroll through at exactly the right time... and saw another pair of people talking. Zeke grabbed his companion's arm, motioning for her to be quiet and follow him. They drew near, keeping out of sight, and hid behind a wall closeby. There, they listened.

From this conversation, with one of the men remaining silent while the other recounted a tale, the angel and demon were able to learn three things. First, they learned of a place called Galam-Yensa, a place known also as the pirate capital. Apparently, slavery was a problem there... and the second that the speaker was some kind of Assassin, by his actions. Third, they learned the second man, the one he was speaking to, was apart of some council, higher in rank than the speaker. Zeke questioned whether he'd be able to join them, perhaps allowing them to lead a similar life as before, also to keep Demona safe from the various forces who would see her as an enemy.

Demona simply questioned whether she would be attacked again.

That question was quickly and unfortunately answered with the coming of a veteran knight, doing his rounds.

"That fake appearance and gold won't hide you, Demon! I see those horns!"

The Jinn grunted quietly at the mention of her horns, and being simply called a Demon. "I'm a Jinn, damnit! At least recognize the rank!"

"Don't move or this silver is going to cut right through you," he said loudly, his decorated (and very deadly) broadsword already drawn and hefted in a ready stance. The two turned, slowly, to see the stalwart creature, poised to kill. He was moving to swing his blade, his mouth open with the breath nearly escaping to yell for aid, when Zeke raised his arm in defense of Demona and shouted,

"Stop!"

The knight looked puzzled and stopped his weapon, wondering why the angel, who then looked like a mere hunter, would want to save a dispicable demon to live. He moved his arm backwards, still aimed to lop off the woman's head... and the white-and-blonde haired man if necessary.

"She's with me and I take full responsibility for her," the sword arm was lowered and the man stepped back, though only slightly, " and I'm here to speak to your Emperor." (He'd heard of Kaleb through small conversations with Shopkeepers before their manipulation.)

"Fine, then. Walk to the other side of the wall, and don't make any sudden movements."

They lowered their arms, and moved slowly--careful to listen for the sounds of him striking them with their backs turned. Ironically, they hadn't to walk very far, nor was the veteran opting to kill them swiftly.

"Sir Zaleran, I found this disguised Demonness," again paired with the annoyed grunt," hiding behind the wall over there, probably about to assassinate you."

Zeke coughed. "Ahem?"

"But this man here," the knight looked at the man with a thinner glare, pausing as he did so and then returning his gaze partially to Kaleb," claims that she is with him, and they wanted to see you."

There was a short break following that, which remained silent. Zeke figured the man might have something to say otherwise, so did not speak. Apparently he didn't.

"Out with it boy!" He shoved Zeke forwards sharply downwards (along with Demona, who had been used to this 43 years ago when it was her mother forcing her to kneel), causing him annoyance of being called a "boy" (considering his real age and experience)..., and at being shoved halfway to the ground, of course.

He shuffled his clothing quietly, careful to keep his hands away from his weapons and cause further unpleasantries to all parties, and knelt quickly in front of Lord Zaleran. He cleared his voice, and spoke with a slight smile, as if he was impressed by the Emperor's appearance or at simply being in front of him.

"I'm honored to meet you; your people speak highly of you. I'm the hunter Wazekial Shallowend of Galam-Yensa, here with my companion Aida to join your ranks... and to ask that she not be harmed. This Jinn is a better creature, not the kind of Demon that attacked at Tristan, nor the kind to fight a man who doesn't strike first. I was a hunter of the Hunter's Guild, and left my allies to help with the demon problem... Aida was exiled from them for trying to stop their attacks."

"And, well, that's it," Demona said, as a way to keep her friend from continuing the imaginary tale. She smiled dimly, her jade eyes almost glowing, to all the world almost looking innocent.. except for those damned horns! ...Though, she had smiled mostly because of the familiarity of the situation; this feeling marred through fearing the possible outcome... Zeke's death. She realized that he was once carrying the burden of being The Death Giver... though now that he had forsaken that duty and lost much of his former power, she feared that now he was truly mortal, like everyone else.

This post has been edited by Lungo on Feb 3 2008, 12:42 PM

[-tincup]

Belten nodded to Atrox. He then turned and made his way towards the barracks. After a short walk through the fortress, he reached the lodging area. He opened the door to the first barrack and pounded his fist on the wall.

"Everybody up! Time to train!" he called. "Alert the rest of the army to meet me on the training grounds."

Belten left the barrack area and walked to the nearby outdoor training grounds. On the way, he managed to find five Earth Alchemists to help with the training. He told them to move the ground in the training area as a boat would move on the ocean. Though the Alchemists weren't sailors, the movement of the ground would be enough to help his soldiers get their sea legs.

The army arrived shortly after to find Belten standing effortlessly on the moving ground.

"Everybody gather 'round!" he ordered. The soldiers cautiously stepped onto the moving earth. "As you know, the upcoming battle will take place on the open seas. You need to train accordingly. It will take some time to get your sealegs." Belten watched in slight amusement as a few of his soldiers struggled to stay standing up. "I will be leaving Captain Liam in charge of this training. Listen to him as you would listen to me."

Belten turned to Liam. "I trust you will train the troops as well as you possibly can."

"I will, sir," Liam responded with a salute.

Belten left the training area and made for the indoor training room. He found Atrox already there.

"General Pyrelancer," Belten held his hand up in greeting. "Sorry for the delay. I had to set my troops up in the outdoor training arena."

Belten entered the training room and looked around. It was perfect. Weapon racks on the walls, slightly padded floors, kendo sticks and other wooden weapons were all over the room. It was a perfect non-lethal training facility.

"You asked my opinion on what types of troops to bring to the battle, General," Belten continued. "I would suggest, along with water alchemists, wind, and metal alchemists. The wind alchemy will be especially helpful. They will be able to manipulate the wind and push it into your sails, or against you opponent's sails. That will give you an invaluable advantage against the demons. The metal will help once you board the enemy ship. You can send them belowdecks to ruin your enemy's cannons. They can also be used to change forks and other cutlery into cannonball-like ammunition for your own cannons. Any other alchemy, save master alchemy, will be pretty much useless. Unless you can find a way to use fire alchemy to ignite enemy gunpowder. That would put an end to that particular ship pretty quickly."

[Mason .46]

Following the strange two, Mason has taken a long walk from the church to the castle of some name, he did not notice it's name. Ignoring the two, Mason has wondered the other way, ending somewhere near to the barracks. Before he could notice it, he was standing near a large group of men discussing some alchemists, water, fire, and gun powder. He didn't understand what it was all about, nor did he know what was this place, but decided to stick in and listen more. After a few moments he finally understood that those people were preparing for something rather huge, perhaps a war. Maybe he came at the wrong time to this planet in the first place...

"So much power and defense, are you preparing for a war, I guess?!"-Mason asked, his eyes focused on the man that seemed to be in charge of all this, whatever his name was, he looked like one tough leader. Wondering if this was a good place to stay, The Hylden grabbed his scarf and took it off, stuffing it into the inside of his jacket.

"The Hylden, that's my name of course. And you are?!"

[-Argon]

Argon was thinking of where to train, and what to practice with first. He noticed many were already training, and he heard the discussion of which alchemists to bring. General Seatamer had some very good points about the alchemists.

He realized something then, instead of just basic training, also coming up with tactics would be even more efficient. He then walked to the outdoor training area and found a metal screen with a bulls-eye on it, held down by a weight, but kept up in the air by wood. A good place to train accuracy with basic spells.

[-kyanrato]

Ryan came out of the church several hours later, full of energy, and with a weird feeling on his shoulder. As he walks through the cobbled streets, checking out the shop's items and the like, he goes through what just happened at the church. That lady...she doesn't seem like a normal peasant. Ryan touches his shoulder slightly, and his fingers suddenly feels a little cooler than usual. "At least she has a nice smile," mutters Ryan, as he dodges past a couple of guards doing their daily patrols. Ryan goes by the central town area, and suddenly sees himself staring at the most beautiful building he's ever seen.

Ryan stands before a white marble palace, with white towers and columns, and beautiful plants and trees planted in a row going straight towards the palace entrance. The entrance had a black gate, with brambly leaves weaved through the gates bars. There were 2 guards stationed there, standing still, but ready to stop any trespassers or non-legit people. Ryan looks around some more, and sees marbled walls surrounding the main palace grounds, which has been scratched by old age. Then there was the barracks. Ryan spots several troops in line, waiting for orders from a certainly dressed general.

Ryan then spots a tree, pretty close to the palace walls, and climbs it, branch by branch. He seats himself on a strong and sturdy branch, and leans on it with his back. "I wonder how the palace troops trains," mutters Ryan excitedly, and stares at the troops, and especially, the general himself.

[-Argon]

Argon decided to focus on using elemental magics first. He started by activating his rune, located on all of his horns, which started glowing red. He then stuck his hand out in front of him and fired a scolding hot fireball directly at the target, hitting the bulls-eye.

After seeing this he decided to try ice next. Once again he activated his rune, which then glowed cyan. He then fired a ball of freezing cold ice at the target, once again hitting the bulls-eye. It seemed he was very accurate today.

He repeated this process again with thunder and then water, hitting the bulls-eye. He then was ready to try a ball of pure energy, however he made a simple mistake that could cost him his life if he made it using a more powerful spell, he forgot to activate his rune. The ball of energy flew in a different direction, hitting a nearby tree and causing a hole right through it, the tree also caught on fire. Argon then turned quickly to look at the tree and realized his mistake.

He quickly activated his rune, which was teal, and fired a water ball from his hand, which then impacted the tree and spread, putting out the fire. Luckily Argon put out the fire before it could spread. He noticed that a man sitting on a branch of that tree, but didn't pay too much attention to him.

Argon then looked around wondering if anyone noticed what just happned, he hoped not as it was kind of embarising.

[-Dark Kaleb]

Kaleb listened intently to Grimmjowh as he told of his mission. The high council had sent him on forty four missions total, all met with complete success. Grimmjowh owed his perfect record to an unrivaled system of contacts. From the most southern edges of the Sealed Lands to the high mountains of Akara Grimmjowh could find someone who knew something he wanted. It made him more valuable to Kaleb than he would ever know, especially when he had killed the previous Emperor allowing Kaleb to move up to take the throne.

He was about to tell Grimmjowh something when a guard from behind them yelled. The immediate area around Kaleb blurred slightly as he turned around only to refocus on two assailants. One was a woman with horns, the other a blonde male. The guard shoved them forward and prompted them to speak. Kaleb's irritability began to grow as intruders had been turning up almost daily. What the hell was the point of stationing guards if anyone could walk right in.

"I'm honored to meet you; your people speak highly of you.", Kaleb's eyes analyzed every motion of his muscles and came to a conclusion very speedily that he was lying about both the former statements. "I'm the hunter Wazekial Shallowend of Galam-Yensa,", Pirates; Kaleb hated pirates. "Here with my companion Aida to join your ranks... and to ask that she not be harmed. This Jinn is a better creature, not the kind of Demon that attacked at Tristan, nor the kind to fight a man who doesn't strike first. I was a hunter of the Hunter's Guild, and left my allies to help with the demon problem... Aida was exiled from them for trying to stop their attacks."

His stomach had already turned over many times. For one someone from Galam-Yensa would never claim to be from there to the Emperor, to a man who had decided long ago that the complete destruction of Galam-Yensa would benefit the world in ways only he could see.

"Demon and Shallowend of Galam-Yensa, I cannot allow you into my ranks or allow you to leave. I feel that you are untruthful in what you say which leads me to believe you are here for other reasons. You have two options now, tell me the truth and the whole truth and we will see where that leads or you stand and fight in which case you will surely die unless you somehow manage to flee. Let me assure you that three of four generals and one assassin are present at this palace not including the grand mage Destiny and myself. What be your choice?" Kaleb waited for his reply with a glint in his eye.