Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy (Chapter 6-13)

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

“Hello residents of Giddeus, gawk… I am Quu Xuchi, Chief Inquisitor of the Yagudo Theomilitary. My job is to keep our people pure and always respectful, kyah" he said slowly, but loud, “I am going to test Giddeus’ piousness". The crowd simply cheered and listened. Before Quu Xuchi could speak again, a song filled the air its sound. A requiem.

Quu face was filled with confusion. From the crowd, a red flute playing Yagudo marched forward in a slow-paced march. On his back was a large staff with a square flag baring the flag the Beastmen wore twenty years ago in the war. The residents grasped and chaos broke out. “Who do you think you are? Kawk!" Zhuu Buxu roared to the flute player, quickly bringing peace back to the mob.

He was committed to playing his flute then lowered it when the song was complete. Quu Xuchi felt his body shiver and ache. An almost invisible aura of magic covered his body, sealing the curse. His face did not react to the pain though. In a moment he focused his strength and resisted the spell. He had been attacked, but parried it with his will.

“I think I am Hoo Mjuu the Torrent. I think you are Zhuu Buxu the Silent and I think he is Quu Xuchi the Judgment" his voice was calm and spiteful, looking at Zhuu and pointing at Quu. His voice was soft like he was singing.

“Why do you interrupt our ceremony?" Quu Xuchi looked at the bard, slightly offended.

“Why did you kill those two Yagudo soldiers?! Gawk!" Hoo Mjuu yelled back ignoring his words, angry, “My friends!"

The crowd went silent, as did Zhuu Buxu. “They were about to kill a defenseless Tarutaru merchant, which is against our laws. I pray that doesn’t happen every day here, kyah" Quu Xuchi gave his response swiftly, looking to Hoo Mjuu.

“Then why did you kill your parents, one year ago?" Hoo Mjuu continued, with a bitter grin. Quu Xuchi was flabbergasted. He couldn’t speak for moment, and then rested his eyes. The Yagudos just watched the two.

“You are trying to prove something?" Quu Xuchi asked bitterly, looking at the lower birdman.

“Why would Castle Oztroja send a murderer of his own people to help us? I am starting to question their ethics" Hoo Mjuu shrugged as he talked.

“You are to never challenge the word of the Avatar. Unless you are some weakling still loyal to the Shadow Lord?! Kawk!" Quu Xuchi almost ready to pounce off the stage, hand grabbing the red hilt of his great katana.

“Well, whatever my answer is" the bard began to walk away, out of sight, “More than half the Yagudos who live here agree one-hundred percent, kawk".

Quu Xuchi gazed at Zhuu Buxu, concerned. He looked to the sun-bearing sky. ‘Am I in a land of heretics? Could the rumors of people wanting the Shadow Lord to return be true? He was a false idol’ he thought to himself.

Shinato laid his back against a stonewall facing the streets of Bastok Markets. To his right were some stairs that directed down to Gold Street: an area with a Goldsmith’s guild, instrument store, and some rich merchants’ houses. Bastok Market was a man-made island of stone and iron holding itself up through the ocean. In front of Shinato was a large fountain with a beautiful centerpiece. Behind that was the Auction House, filled with adventurers and merchants. ‘Hmm, I wonder where Bleeding Wolf has been these days’ Shinato looked to the ground.

“Excuse me" a Galka in full Iron Musketeer armor, a white breastplate and heavy gear with a helmet that hid the face, said nicely as he walked by Shinato almost bumping into him. Two other Musketeers were with him, both Hume, as they escorted a senator. It was a known man, with long red hair braided down to his shoulders. He had black tinted glasses, very small so that they only covered the very center of his eyes. He wore a fancy, sky blue robe with red designs and slops. Shinato knew the name of the mysterious government official: Jud’Oriulo, the extremely quiet senator who always supported wars. It was said that he had strong ties to the Jeunoan science group called the Armathrwn Society. Shinato watched as he passed. Jud’Oriulo turned his barely covered eyes to Shinato, for a moment they watched each other. Then he was gone, along with his guards.

“What a weird vibe I got from that guy…" Shinato said under his breath. The silence in his head broke soon after by a shouting man a few minutes later.

“Do you think you are tough?! Want to make five-thousand gil!? Then step up and escort a priceless artifact to San d’Oria!" a fat Hume with a hat covering his gray hair. His hat and heavy outfit was a lime green. His face was big and round, with a wide smile.

‘Hmmm, there has to be a catch. Five thousand big ones just for playing baby-sitter? Well, I am bored… I’ll do it’ Shinato debated in his head. He began to walk up to the fat man. “Sir! You got your hero right here!" Shinato shouted, grabbing his attention. His yell was louder than all the random talking by the Auction House.

“Hello adventu-“ the older Hume tried to say but was quickly cut off.

“Shinato, and yes I want to do the quest for five-thousand gil" Shinato told him with a smirk.

“Uh, okay! We are meeting at Mines’ Gatehouse in about an hour. Don’t be late!" the heavy man almost began to scold.

“Yah yah!" Shinato brushed him off and began to walk back to his small house. After crossing a small bridge and making some turns in Mines he walked through Ore Street and entered his house. Shinato donned his heavy blue and white scaled armor. He strapped on his substandard Scythe to his back along with the Deathbringer. Slowly he placed on his centurion, blue and white scaled, helmet. ‘Finally’.

He waited for a few minutes at the gate; he was the only one apart from the guards there. Then came a Mithra, from seemingly nowhere, in mage clothing: black robe and black slops. Her white hair and cat ears were under a tall hat. It was the legendary Fungus Hat. Its powers were unknown but it was made years ago by concentrating the magic in poison mushrooms. Her hair was short with very light brunette highlights. Her tail hung out, wagging back and forth very slowly.

“So uh, you herrre for the quest too, eh?" the Mithra got close, in an interrogating fashion, giving Shinato a curious eye. Shinato just watched her face for a second, surprised.

“Yes, I am. So I guess we in the same party for it?" Shinato smiled, slanting his head back.

“Yep! My name is Roni Aha. My friends are lazy though. They call me Ronia" she said, partly sighing.

“Okay, Ronia" Shinato laughed, getting Roni Aha annoyed, “My name is Shinato".

“What a plain, borrring name" she shrugged.

“Was that suppose to hurt my fe-“ Shinato almost said till he noticed an Elvaan in blue leather-covered chain mail. His straight long black hair shined in the sun’s light.

“Hello!" both Shinato and Ronia focused at the Elvaan’s fair eyes. He wore a scythe just like Shinato’s.

“Hi, my name is Baramunk. I am a Dark Knight, I am sure I can help. Uh… unless you guys are not here for the mission, then I just made myself look very dumb" he was ready to look embarrassed.

“At least he admits it" Ronia laughed. Baramunk eyes keened on the sarcastic Mithra.

“Wait, Dark Knight?! How is that possible? Zeid die… disappeared after training me!" Shinato yelled at his soon-to-be companion as if he was some kind of spy.

“You’ve met the original Dark Knight? You liar" Baramunk rolled his eyes with those words.

“This man who claims to have a dead style of fighting only I can use appears in front of me… and has the balls to call me a liar? This is some kind of dream world" Shinato looked to the ground, confused.

“I am from the school of Dark Knighthood in San d’Oria. My master trained me well in elemental black magic. I can destroy anything with magic alone" Baramunk moved forward, forming a circle with the Mithra and Hume. Ronia just kept quiet, not knowing what they were talking about.

“Damaging elemental magic? What the hell? Dark Magic consist of draining the enemies’ magic and body and adding it to yours!" Shinato yelled at him.

“Like some kind of a undead? That’s unheard of" Baramunk looked away, not believing.

“You want to go right now?!" Shinato lost his composure, getting ready to bring out his weapons.

“Guys! Guys! Break it up! Shesh" Ronia sighed.

“I am not even doing anything…" Baramunk said innocently.

“Shinato…" it was a Galkan voice: Bleeding Wolf’s.

“Wolf! You took request too? Ah, cool, at least now I am working with one professional" Shinato smiled to the plain-faced Bleeding Wolf. The Galka slowly walked to the other three of his party.

“You calling me unprrrofessional?" Ronia shook her head at the Hume.

“I don’t like this guy one bit…" Baramunk said with a grimace, “far too cocky for his own good".

“Bleeding Wolf, we haven’t even left Bastok yet and they are exiling me" Shinato turned his face away in shame.

“You three grow up. I need that money" Bleeding Wolf said simply.

“Why?" Ronia asked, for no reason. Shinato was stunned that some stranger would ask Bleeding Wolf about his reasoning. Shinato couldn’t even get an answer out of him.

“Let’s just say…" Bleeding Wolf began to say then walked away, as if it was a joke to begin with. Ronia missed out on the humor. Shinato and Baramunk couldn’t help but laugh a little bit.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

The fat, older Hume man from Markets approached the four, distant from each other. “Hello! Hello! We got some party here. Bleeding Wolf, check. Shinato, check, Baramunk, check. And Ronia-“ the was looking through a piece of paper.

“Roni Aha!" the Mithra snarled.

“Roni Aha, check" the Hume said with a corrective tone.

“Please explain why you couldn’t just do this via Airship?" Bleeding Wolf asked directly.

“Well due to a terrorist incident which caused the Bastok to Jeuno Airship to fall a few months ago, all passengers can not access any luggage while on the Airship. This would leave our little relic very unguarded and easy to steal. The company behind the request, Bastokian International Storage of Historic Relics, doesn’t get any special privileges until our license is passed. That’s it in a Quadav’s shell" the Hume explained lengthily.

“I see…" was Bleeding Wolf’s only response. He covered his eyes from the sun.

“The leader of the organization, the man I work for, is waiting in San d’Oria, by our personal storage house. You will be driven by a wagon and chocobo. The driver, Marcus, is waiting outside. Good luck!" the man finished, and started to walk away, but stopped. “Oh and one more thing… the self-proclaimed King of Thieves is after the relic"

“What is this relic?" Baramunk questioned just before Shinato was about to ask.

“The legendary Lu Shang’s Fishing Rod! Its priceless" the fat man explained, wearing his green clothes.

“Sounds easy" Shinato nodded back.

“I am not afrrraid of any King of Thieves" Ronia smiled.

“I like to fish" Baramunk said, no one listening.

They walked out the gate to see a wooden wagon with a large cloth roof. In front was a tall Hume with blond hair, spiky, with red-orange trousers and vest on. In front of him were two yellow-feathered Chocobos with rope tying their harnesses to the wagon. “Hello! My name is Marcus. I will be your driver, please get in the back and make yourself comfortable. It’s going to be a twelve-hour ride to San d’Oria if we get no intrusions" he explained in his older than appearance sounding voice. The party of four got in and sat on the inner wagon’s oak floor. Two crates lay near them, a third that looked very special lying against the back wall. With a loud “Kweh!" from both birds they were off.

Walking through the dusty wasteland full with hills, the wagon went on. A few lizards and birds watch them as they go. No Quadavs were out, even though they passed a burned out camp. Gustaberg was a depressing land without rain and little life. Abandoned windmills filled the area right outside the gate. A land filled with ore and rock with desert like conditions. They reached North Gustaberg, passing some hot pools of water and crabs.

“Shinato, I was speaking to Dalzakk the other day" Bleeding Wolf whispered to the Hume. Before Bleeding Wolf’s faint voice, the entire trip had been silent. Shinato nodded. Dalzakk was an adventurer like them, of high ranking as well. Shinato was best friends with him growing up. Now Dalzakk had two homes for his adopted Elvaan daughter and a Galka boy who loves to follow him around, side by side in Markets. “He brought up the topic of someone named Aritomo: A legendary thief who calls himself the King of Thieves. I think this is the guy" Bleeding Wolf finished.

“Bah, Thieves are nothing once you get them face to face" Shinato unconcerned himself.

“This Thief is different. His skills are like a Red Mage and can fight with a whole range of weapons" the Galka with spiky black hair went on, “They say he was a great thief since he escaped from Tavnazia at age fifteen".

“T-Tavnazia? He is from Tavnazia?" Shinato said with directness in his tone, surprising Bleeding Wolf of his sudden attention to the matter.

“Uh, yes or at least that’s the rumour has it" Bleeding Wolf said quietly.

“What are yah rrrreading there?" Ronia tilted her head towards Baramunk to get a glimpse of what was on the white sheet of paper, a letter Baramunk was reading.

“My cousin sent it to me. San d’Oria was attacked. I can’t believe I missed it. I read it often, cause my disbelief is strong" Baramunk said as he folded the letter and gently placed in his bag of goods.

“So what you arrre you going to do once yah reach San d’Oria?" the Mithra placed he head back.

“I don’t know really, I’ll figure that out after this little escort" he smiled back to her.

They reached a long bridge that let out of Gustaberg and to Konschtat Highlands. It crossed over a valley and a river. Drachenfall, a giant waterfall left from the wagon, raged beautifully. It was one of the great wonders of the world, giving life to the valley-bound Zeikt Creek. Shinato could only remember his training with Zeid that took place here. The waterfall didn’t impress him, as it did Baramunk and Ronia. Bleeding Wolf was just quite the whole time.

Soon enough they were in Konschtat. The grassy hills and bone-white, giant crag became visible after passing through a series of valleys, the Aulgung Pass. The ancients knew the crag as Dem. Just like last time Shinato and Bleeding Wolf were here; they saw the herd of wool-covered white sheep and a few windmills. It was peaceful with a gentle wind, a dust storm had gone and past hours earlier. The dirt roads the wagon and chocobos’ feet were guided by were slightly spoiled due to the storm. The rider was quiet the whole time directing the two yellow birds forward to Valkrum Dunes.

“Hmm… its quiet" Baramunk whispered. The passengers weren’t talking. They looked to the ground or out of the back to see the scenery.

“Too quiet" Shinato giggled, “how cliché…". Baramunk and Ronia smiled and gave laughs as well. Bleeding Wolf just watched them with one eye open. He turned his open eye to the sturdy, six foot long, skinny black case with golden locks. It was a custom-made box for the fishing rod.

A little white calf started to follow the carriage. It had a small snout and beady eyes. Its fluffy coat was just growing in. It was adorable.

“Cute…" the Mithra smiled at the sheep, while adjusting her tall hat.

“Hehe, I’d say so…" Baramunk agreed, now looking to the following baby, “I am guessing Shinato doesn’t find animals… cute and adorable".

“You got that rig-“ Shinato was about to say before the wagon took a sudden stop. The baby calf had fallen out of sight.

“Marcus what’s the deal?!" Baramunk called over, not happy about the backlash.

“There is something right on the road… a small basket" the Hume’s raspy voice called back. He got out of his rider’s seat. Baramunk and Shinato slid out the back, to join the rider to find out what was in the basket. They marched on the dirt road, right up to the wooden weaved square case. Shinato and Baramunk were a few feet away from it as Marcus crouched down and opened it. “Um… nothing" he said and shrugged. Baramunk and Shinato looked blankly for a moment. Then he showed up.

With a single elbow thrust to the face, Marcus flew off the road, hitting the muddy grass. Like a blur, he appeared with the attack. He had been invisible the whole time. Marcus was out cold, but not dead. When they got a good view of the Hume, they noticed his short black bangs leaking out of his red hat. He was skinny, but muscular and attractive. His entire uniform was red, with buckles and a belt. His red chapeau had a feather sticking out. On his holster were an unused, blue steel blade and a metal, long spiked-club with a bright red handle. With breath he introduced himself: “Hello, I am Aritomo, the King of Thieves. The Lu Shang Fishing Rod, place it in my hand". He held his black glove-wearing palm out.

“Is this guy serious?" Shinato barely questioned, offended.

“I guess its time I show you how I fight" Baramunk smiled. Bleeding Wolf and Ronia hopped out now too. All four of their eyes examined the man who had just injured Marcus.

“And I’ll show you what a Dark Knight really is" Shinato took out his scythe. Bleeding Wolf didn’t plan on touching Aritomo yet, so he barely moved. Baramunk pulled out his scythe, slightly better condition than the Hume’s. Ronia was ready to cast a few spells.

“You… are going to fight me?" Aritomo’s voice was calm and blank. He withdrew his palm and brushed his dirty blond hair. He almost reached for his sword, but hesitated. ‘These guys will not be hard’ he thought to himself calmly.

Shinato raced forward and swung as hard as he could. The blade cutting wind filled their ears in a sharp and short-lived sound. Aritomo simply shifted his body back a few inches, avoiding certain death. Shinato’s body was pulled forward by his own effort, leaving him open. Aritomo thrust forward with the tip of his right fingers. Each finger stabbed into Shinato’s neck. Shinato gasped for air in a moment, then dropped to the ground, like he was shoved. He couldn’t stop wheezing, grasping his neck.

“I’ve never seen Shinato taken down this fast…" Bleeding Wolf looked with almost worry on his face, “One… attack?". Ronia got a chill, but Baramunk didn’t hear him as he centered his scythe. The Elvaan started to chant black magic with his hands almost in together, with scythe between them. When he finished a small ball of fire exploded on Aritomo. Just as the flames attacked Aritomo, a dark shadowy version wrapped around it, burning away. Aritomo was never touched.

“Blink?!" Ronia shouted to him, confused.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

“Actually… Utsusemi, but that doesn’t matter" Aritomo smiled. Baramunk became infuriated. Grabbing his weapon, he did the same as Shinato, but used the butt of the wooden handle to block off Aritomo from countering. He slashed away at Aritomo. None hitting him; the one that got close only destroyed another shadowy version. Baramunk began casting another spell in the same position, as Aritomo was ten feet away. Suddenly a strange sensation filled his body and he stopped casting. He became numb for a moment and couldn’t move. His brain went blank and he was perfectly still. Two magical, orange shaded rings of light tied around Baramunk’s body before disappearing. They emitted the strange, stunning feeling. He couldn’t even breathe for a moment. As of time had stopped. With the given chance Aritomo yanked down Baramunk’s arm to pull down his body.. The stunning feeling went away as Aritomo held him down.

“Stay down" he said delivering a kick to the back of his neck, knocking him out. Baramunk had been defeated. Aritomo, literally standing on Baramunk’s body, was shoved to the ground: a revived Shinato wanted revenge.

“I don’t know what you did… but it hurt… like hell. Before I smash your face in, I have a question…" Shinato rubbed his neck as he said. The moment was still. Aritomo was sitting on the ground a few feet away from Shinato.

“What?" Aritomo got to his feet, quickly.

“What happened to…" Shinato tried to say, but couldn’t get the words out of his mouth, “Forget it. Let’s go". Aritomo smiled, as he was ready to knock out the second Dark Knight. Shinato cast a spell, in the same way Baramunk did. The air around Aritomo became tight, almost like a vacuum. Without thinking, Aritomo felt his soul being drained. In a large clump, a ball of purple light busted out of his chest without causing a small wound and flew into Shinato’s. The Hume embraced his stolen energy as curing spell. An old scar on Aritomo’s left hand began to bleed.

“That was annoying…" Aritomo frowned. He ran forward rushing his knee at the Dark Knight. Moving his head, Shinato was able to dodge the high knee kick. Shinato slashed forward again and again. Aritomo was too quick and read his moves easily. Aritomo grasped the scythe’s handle just before the blade and swung him into the ground. Shinato landed on his back into the dirt and grass. Before he could finish anything, Aritomo was forced to dodge yet another attack from Shinato, who pulled out the Deathbringer. Shinato had more skill with the black blade, his thrusts and slashes were quick. Giving all he had, he landed a dead on cut into Aritomo’s shoulder. Before even be happy about his attack, he noticed something wrong. The area around the wound turned to stone, as if Aritomo was a rock golem.

“Stone Skin spell!" Ronia growled. Both her and Bleeding Wolf watch Shinato give his best. Shinato heard Ronia’s warning and gave a frown. He knew what the spell was: turns one skin to stone just as they are attacked.

Aritomo grabbed Shinato by his neck and threw him back. The stone appearance disappeared, but the King of Thieves’ coat was ripped “This coat is worth more than your life… but you serve as a good opponent. I’d like to fight you again, when you get better" Aritomo smiled. With that he cast a spell. A slow, depressing sound filled Shinato’s ears. He felt his eyes get heavy and head become less active. He blacked out, falling back. “Have a good rest" Aritomo said to the sleeping Shinato. He turned to the Galka and Mithra.

“Your shadows won’t protect you if I blow up everything around you!" Ronia roared and cast spell as soon as she could. ‘Firaga’ she planned for the spell.

“You talk too much…" Aritomo complained, he cast his own spell, twice as fast. With a shining light flashing in her face, Ronia felt her mouth shut. Her spell was canceled, as she couldn’t complete the chant. She tried to yell out in confusion, but it only came out as a smothered cry. Ronia was useless now. She could not cast without speaking.

“You are quite good" Bleeding Wolf complimented.

“Thank you" Aritomo nodded, “Could you give me what I seek?".

“Sure, wouldn’t be a problem" Bleeding Wolf nodded his head. Ronia was shocked. The Galka jumped on to the wagon, grabbed the black box, and jumped off. He slowly walked to Aritomo. Ronia held him back, screaming with her mouth closed, but Bleeding Wolf gently shoved her back, causing her to hit the ground. Aritomo grabbed the black box.

“At least you are smart" the thief smiled.

“You know we going to fight later today, right?" the Galka looked deep into the Hume’s eyes.

“Really no need, now that I have this" the Hume smiled, holding it up. “Well I’ll be off" he said and waved goodbye. Just as he was leaving, Ronia voice became free.

“What the hell!" she screamed at the Galka.

“What?" Bleeding Wolf looked at her angry face.

“The box! You gave him the box!" she yelled angry.

“Well, the old man in Bastok never said to deliver a box" he smiled at her.

“But, the Lu Shang rod!" she was getting frustrated.

“Is inside the wagon… it was never in the box" with those words, Ronia was puzzled, but no longer angry.

“Weren’t you curious why they would bring two other crates on this trip? The Lu Shang fishing rod is in one of them. Its real box, in the other" Bleeding Wolf explained.

Baramunk and Shinato got up after a moment. “What the hell… why do I have a headache?" Baramunk rubbed his head.

“You got the crap kicked out of you, that’s why" Ronia laughed.

“I lost the fight?" Shinato was sad for a moment.

“He put you to sleep with a spell, if that makes you happy" Ronia informed him. Shinato’s expression didn’t change.

“Did he get the fishing rod?" Baramunk asked.

“No, but he got the box" Bleeding Wolf said, as he jumped on to the wagon. He tore open the crates. He put the Lu Shang in its fishing box.

“So we thought a dummy was the real thing, eh?" Shinato asked, unanswered, as he too hopped on to the wagon.

‘I can’t believe I was defeated so easily. Next time I will kick that cocky Hume’s ass… both of them’ Baramunk thought to himself, in silence.

Ronia and Baramunk revived the fallen Marcus and he was unhurt. After a short discussion, they decided to head through the dunes, and complete the quest.

“You know… he is going to be back for the fishing rod right? And he is probably going to beat us up if we don’t have a plan" Bleeding Wolf told the other three.

“Hmm, so a battle plan" Shinato approved.

“I got a good one to protect the fishing rod" Ronia smiled brightly.

“I like to fish" Baramunk said, no one listening.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

The wagon pulled into the Valkurm Dunes. To the east of the sandy strip of land, was a small town named Selbina. They couldn’t stop there, but Shinato vowed to once. Valkurm Dunes was hot and bright. Its sand and tropical trees seemed out of place with most of Quon. Giant flies and even gangs of Goblins roamed these deserts. Shinato had been here once before, a long, long time ago. They rid in the hot sands, without error.

They drove into a short cave. The heat didn’t bother the Chocobos, but the cold shade seemed to please them just a bit. Ronia, Shinato, Bleeding Wolf, and Baramunk had finished the plan. It was flawless in their minds, but all of them saw and felt how powerful Aritomo was. In little more than an hour, they left the dunes.

Now in La Theine Plateau, the valleys and trees became numerous. Sand was replaced with grass and dirt. They saw another crag; this one was named ‘Holla’ by ancient text. “So what are you going to spend your money on?" Ronia asked, curiously.

“I think… I will buy a new scythe with it. Do some more adventuring, and make some more money, more efficient" Baramunk smiled.

“Hmm… I’ll spend it on… I’ll probably just waste it actually, on alcohol" Shinato laughed. Bleeding Wolf ignored the question.

“We are just about at Ronfaure! Close to San d’Oria!" the driver shouted back. It had been at least four hours since the fight with Aritomo, their wounds healed.

As they left the dale filled land, the trees got more common. Before they could really notice the change, they were in the woods. The mighty trees towered the party and their cart. Everything was darker, as the sun was barely getting by the leaves. Some of the more open areas of the woods shed light. As they traveled the path they noticed tiny birds and rabbits inhabiting the woodland.

“Its quiet…" Bleeding Wolf smirked.

"Too quiet…" Baramunk laughed. Ronia looked dead into Shinato’s eyes.

“Don’t mess up, alrrright?" she warned him.

“Psh, no need to worry" Shinato smiled.

They were getting closer and closer to San d’Oria. They passed a large lake and even an outpost. A second passed before they noticed something wrong.

“Marcus! I think you are making a wrong turn!" Baramunk yelled loudly to the driver, there was no response.

“Do you think…?" Shinato didn’t need to finish his sentence as he stood up.

“I’ll check with you…" Ronia said and got up as well. They hoped off, side by side, to check the driver’s seat. There was a tied up Marcus, and a grinning Aritomo waiting for them to appear.

“Hello, my guests. Let’s do this one more time" he said with a smile, once the running Mithra and Hume came into sight. His coat was repaired. The spiky club and fancy sword still were at his side. With a sudden gesture, the Chocobo’s were let free and ran off. Aritomo slid off the side of the seat and walked back a few yards. Shinato quickly grabbed Marcus and untied him.

“I’ll go to San d’Oria to get help!" Marcus said, as he was ready to run.

“No need, but get somewhere safe" Shinato ordered, and Marcus went off running. “Ronia go get the others. Don’t worry, its working" he turned to her, then to Aritomo. “Tavnazia, huh?" the Hume spoke to the other in a calm tone.

“Yes… how did you know that?" Aritomo looked questionably at the Dark Knight.

“Rumor on the streets… were you there when it was blown to bits?" Shinato asked like they were not enemies at all, but two common people chatting about a recent event.

“Yes… it was horrible… Orcs flooded the walls of the Marquisate, killing everybody. Child, elder, royalty, or women, it didn’t matter to them" he began explaining. “The horror lasted for hours. Behemoths entered the walls and crushed any army we had. Then it happened" Aritomo looked to the ground. A white flash, and then everything was gone. Land, water, people, Beastmen, buildings, and streets whipped away in an instant, total oblivion. Aritomo shivered, but was quick to regain his cool.

“What happened?" Shinato moved forward, slightly.

“Why do you ask?" Aritomo looked back to him. Shinato’s features seemed a little clearer to him. ‘Just who is this Dark Knight?’

“I… had family there" Shinato turned to his right. Baramunk and Ronia approached slowly, by the side of the wagon, hidden from Aritomo.

“Did you-“ Aritomo said as he noticed them. He ended his thoughts. “Okay, no more chit-chat. Hand over the fishing rod again, this time for real" he said, his face was deadpan. Shinato brought his scythe to hand. Bleeding Wolf appeared behind the Dark Knight.

“Hmm, going to attack all at once? Not if I can do something about that…" Aritomo said as he started to cast. Ronia couldn’t recognize the spell. Suddenly a magical seal appeared on three of their feet, leaving only Shinato. “And for you… good night" Aritomo cast a spell of sleep once again on the Dark Knight. Shinato felt the sensation of tiredness, his eyes closing. Within a second later, his eyes blinked open. “What the hell?" Aritomo said, surprised.

“Hard to sleep when you’ve been poisoned" Shinato smiled and coughed.

“You mean… you let Ronia poison you?! That’s maddening… don’t you feel the terrible pain?" Aritomo questioned at the Dark Knight.

“I’ve had better days…" Shinato gave that as his war cry and was off. His first attack was a whirlwind of a slash, destroying three of Aritomo’s shadows at once, while the thief barely got away; sliding his feet in the dirt, bringing up a small cloud of it into the air. Shinato didn’t give him a second to recover as he scythed up, cutting into Aritomo’s left arm, breaking through his Stone Skin spell.

“Argh!" Aritomo grabbed his arm, in shock. Shinato let another array of swipes, but Aritomo ended it by grabbing the handle and taking it away. He held it up, ready to use it. Shinato retreated, reaching for his Deathbringer. Aritomo let out a cure spell, healing his wound. The stolen scythe and great sword clashed in a tied match. Both of them retracted their weapons and slashed again, and again. Their weapons kept on getting caught into each other. Aritomo tossed the scythe and pulled his azure blade and gold-hilted sword out. They met with force, but Aritomo was able to land a stab into Shinato chest, not deep at all. Given the advantage, Aritomo threw the Hume away. While on the ground, Aritomo quickly chanted a spell of Bind. Shinato was trapped to the ground.

“Don’t forget about me!" Baramunk roared as he slashed his scythe at Aritomo. Aritomo blocked the blade with his. Baramunk shifted the end of the handle to smack Aritomo in the face. The Red Mage fell to the ground but quickly returned to his feet. His swordsmanship was fast and furious. Throughout the course of the melee, Baramunk received many wounds as he tried to parry, and counter with his own attacks. Baramunk was quick to let out a spell of thunder at Aritomo. With a short chant, a large thunderbolt hit Aritomo’s back. The Red Mage gave a cry, and shoved his body into the Elvaan’s. Baramunk was knocked the ground as Aritomo stabbed into him. The Elvaan pummeled the Hume’s right cheek with his fist as he fell. Aritomo, knocked away, swiftly began to cast a spell. A shrieking sound grew loud and a light green aura burned Baramunk’s skin. Suddenly the air of Baramunk’s lunges emptied and he couldn’t breath. Baramunk grabbed his chest as he began to choke. A large wave of fire engulfed Aritomo and the spell on Baramunk ended. With a hurried slash from Aritomo, the flames departed and burned out. His Red Mag uniform was faintly burnt.

“Damn the Black Mage!" Aritomo cried and charged at Ronia. Ronia panicked for a second as Aritomo slammed her against the wooden wagon, shaking the wagon, holding her up by her coat with his left hand then throwing her to the ground. She cried as she landed on her tail. He cast a spell of silence on the Mithra, as before. Shinato grabbed Aritomo by the hair, from behind, and pulled him to the ground. In another direction, Aritomo’s red hat flew to the dirt floor wildly. Shinato raised his sword up and stabbed down to Aritomo, but the Hume caught it with both hands. He rolled away, picking up the sword he dropped. Shinato and Aritomo dueled again.

Shinato’s scythe slashed to the right, blocked. Aritomo punched forward, pounding Shinato the ground. He delivered a kick to the side of the fellow Hume’s head. Shinato, with the dirt on his face, slashed his scythe up, cutting Aritomo and his outfit up the center. Aritomo retreated back slowly as he felt he bleeding abdomen. Shinato got back to his feet and they continued the fight. They hacked at each other, leaving no seriously damaging blows. Shinato knocked Aritomo’s sword away with a quick parry. Aritomo, panicked, shoved his palm into Shinato’s stomach, knocking the wind of him. He grabbed Shinato’s helmet and pulled it off. With all his force, Aritomo shoved knee into Shinato’s head. The Dark Knight was bleeding as he fell back to the ground.

Ronia started to chant again, with the enfeebling silence magic off her. She finished, summoning a giant stone. It came down on Aritomo knocking him back. Baramunk, right behind the just-attacked Aritomo, slashed at his back. Aritomo felt the blade pierce and slash his skin. He gave a kick to the back of Baramunk’s knees, sweeping him off his feet. Aritomo chanted another black magic spell. A dark purple aura absorbed him with a shrieking sound. He was gone. Ronia and Baramunk looked around franticly.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

He appeared standing upon a strong branch of an aged oak tree several yards away. He looked at the three with an expression of frustration. His hair was now free. The front and back of his coat was ripped, and he was bleeding from the wounds inflicted. “Who are you people?" Aritomo couldn’t help but ask.

Shinato slowly got to his feet and rubbed his head. “None of yah damn business!" the Dark Knight taunted. Baramunk and Ronia agreed, smiling.

“Apparently you have taken my mercy for granted. Not once has my prey gotten away from me. I’ve never lost…" Aritomo looked down, from the thick, sturdy branch he stood on, “I’ve stolen from Orc warlords, Yagudo High priests, Quadav generals, San d’Orian royalty, Windurstian scribes, and Bastokian musketeers! Not a single one posed a challenge! It was easy! I’ve stolen from the greatest dragons and demons of the land! Not once have I failed! And… and I won’t let some half-assed baby sitting squad outdo me!". Aritomo ripped out his spiked club. “They say this club is worth more than a thousand bricks of gold… and you are about to face its power. Good day" he calmed his tone. A second past, and they watched him focus. He cast a short spell and warped like before.

Seven thumps were heard and Ronia fell to the ground. It had been the sound of a bludgeon beating flesh. Shinato and Baramunk spun around quickly. Ronia was too stunned to feel the pain instantly. More attacks were heard and it was Shinato who had fallen victim. Baramunk stood, not shaking. “Try it…" he smiled.

Ronia and Shinato lay on the ground, aching with pain. The attacks had been so fast, almost as if Aritomo had eight-hands. Baramunk blinked for a second, but he heard him warping in behind him. Aritomo raised the club to hit Baramunk. Baramunk smiled as he spun around as fast as he could, swinging his scythe. Cutting everything around him, Aritomo was slashed away, spilling his blood into the air. With Aritomo’s blood, chopped grass flew wildly in a tiny tornado around the Elvaan. The collected cuts now made a cross on Aritomo’s chest.

“Argh!" Aritomo grasped his wound. Baramunk charged forward to inish the match. Aritomo couldn’t express his frustration in words. He screamed loud into the air and swung his club furiously. For each swing he made, seven or eight actually attacks landed, like he recalled the club back and hit him again that many times in an instant. Baramunk felt the blows to his face, back, ribs, and knees. He coughed out blood and fell to his knees, then to his side.

Aritomo was out of breath and grabbed his multiple wounds. The three adventurers had fallen, once again. “So that’s that…" the Hume smiled, but then a thought hit his head. ‘Wasn’t there a Galka?’ he thought and began to swiftly peek all around the woods. Before he could say anything, a large fist punched into the side of his head. Aritomo flew into the dirt road, sliding.

Aritomo was fast to get back up, his ripped coat now tarnished with dirt. Bleeding Wolf had appeared. He brushed his black, spiky hair back. His wool doublet of tan and white colors and his black slacks stole Aritomo’s entire attention. “Sorry for using your trick" he said with no emotion.

“You really think you can do something that your friends couldn’t?" Aritomo asked pointlessly, casting a cure spell on himself.

“Who said they were my friends?" the Galka stretched his limbs. He was getting ready to fight. Shinato heard the comment. He gazed at his ‘friend’s face. He was speechless. Bleeding Wolf didn’t notice him and just looked at the King of Thieves.

Aritomo let out a sigh. “Just because you are nearly double my size, you think you stand a chance? Get ready for a deep lesion to your silly Galka pride" he spat blood to the ground. Bleeding Wolf looked down to his right palm. He focused for a long moment, leaving Aritomo confused. A wind blew past Aritomo and whirled around Bleeding Wolf. With that the tension erupted causing a loud sound of energy. Bleeding Wolf’s muscles grew and debris as pebbles and stones shattered into the air. An aura of power, like a distorting wave of heat, consumed the Galka. The ground he stood on trembled slightly. He swung his hand back. A faint light glowed on his palm. It grew, bigger and bigger. Soon it consumed his entire hand.

“You can have this" he said lightly. He punched forward, into the air and the ball of light was released. Flying through the air, Aritomo delayed his dodge, studying it. Within a second from impact, he ducted to the ground. The ball continued, hitting a study tree. A loud boom echoed the forest as the truck was blown to chunks and the upper portion of the tree swung to the ground.

“Impressive" Aritomo looked at the ruined plant, “Never seen a Chi blast that strong before, and so quick". He turned to where Bleeding Wolf was, but the Galka was missing. A flying kick came at his face, giving Aritomo little time to block. Aritomo pressed forearms against the kick, but was overpowered. His boots slid back into the dirt. He pulled out his sword, swinging as he did. Bleeding Wolf was in front of him ready to punch and kick. Aritomo stabbed forward and made a direct hit into Bleeding Wolf’s abdomen, breaking through the flesh and entering deep. Bleeding Wolf didn’t show any pain, but strode forward and landed a forceful punch into Aritomo’s upper chest. Then he let out another one, to the side of Aritomo’s ribs. Aritomo retreated quickly, exhaling loudly and bleeding from the mouth.

Bleeding Wolf continued his pursuit, swinging down his heel above Aritomo’s head, but the Red Mage barely dodged. Aritomo couldn’t help but feel powerless. He delivered a slash across the Galka’s doublet, scratching his chest. Bleeding Wolf let out a howl of pain, his first sign of injury. The pain did not stall him however; he forced his elbow into the lowly in size Hume’s chest. The force knocked him back. Aritomo quickly released a black magic spell at the Monk. A chilling feeling covered Bleeding Wolf’s body. His fingers became numb and frost emitted from his skin. He shivered painfully. Bleeding Wolf had never been so cold. Aritomo smiled as he controlled the temperature of his body. Bleeding Wolf focused all he could, and stepped closer to his adversary. Then another step, as he felt the spell lifted. His body began to burn with the sense of his own strength and sweat, dispelling the frosting effect. The ball of light appeared around his right palm again, faster than Aritomo could realize. He threw it forward, hitting Aritomo with the massive amount of will energy. The Hume flew into the air, being stopped by the trunk of a tree. He cried in pain.

“What the hell was that" he collapsed to his knees. ‘This one… is a lot stronger than the others’ he looked up to the Galka. Aritomo’s sword was out of reach. He pulled out his club quickly.

“The mythical Kraken Rod" Bleeding Wolf said as he gazed at Aritomo’s weapon.

“So you know… that his weapon can and will crush you" Aritomo picked himself up with help of the tree next to him. Bleeding Wolf didn’t answer. They charged at each other, with swings and punches. Bleeding Wolf couldn’t believe what he was feeling, like an infinite amount of hits. Even his rock hard body was going to fail. He thrust his shoulder forward, crashing into Aritomo. It was too late, Bleeding Wolf collapsed to the ground, incredibly wounded. Aritomo backed off slowly. Bleeding Wolf was able to get up to one knee.

“Oh Altana! Give up!" Aritomo commanded and looked in disbelief. Bleeding Wolf was bleeding from his forehead and bruised all over. His doublet was tore apart.

“That… was nothing" he said, a bit woozy. Bleeding Wolf hurried to pick himself up, but his exhausted body wouldn’t let him.

‘I got to… I got to…’ Baramunk couldn’t stop shaking, as he lay defeated on the ground. He looked up to the close by Aritomo. ‘Bleeding Wolf can’t lose’.

“I will just finish you off…" Aritomo slowly moved forward to do so. He was ready to bash in his Galka opponent’s skull. Within an instant, Baramunk got to his feet and rammed into him. Aritomo, while falling back, grabbed the Elvaan’s left arm and held him down. He pushed him deeper into the dirt. Baramunk was pinned to the ground, facing down, and his left arm held up backwards, twisted.

“Get off of me!" Baramunk cried up. Bleeding Wolf helplessly watch his Elvaan companion being man-handled.

“I hope you enjoyed your left arm" Aritomo said lightly, hiding his intense anger. With that he pulled it back. A snap echoed through the woods. Baramunk let out a horrific bellow. Aritomo had snapped Baramunk’s elbow out of place. Bleeding Wolf was stunned and the burning sensation of anger burned throughout his body. His stolid facial expression was gone. Aritomo dropped Baramunk’s dead arm to the ground, hitting the grassy floor with no resistance. Baramunk bit his lip as hard as he could. He released a moan as the pain was intense. Bleeding Wolf was out of his mind with fury. Aritomo gave a slight kick to Baramunk’s broken arm. Shinato and Ronia watched in horror, as did Bleeding Wolf. The Elvaan let out another cry.

“You… you scum-eating piece of crap! I am going to break you into countless pieces" Bleeding Wolf roared and stepped up. Aritomo looked at the Galka with little concern. “Prepare for the beating of your life!" he shouted and ran forward to kill.

You shall be burned by the rage that controls you.

“Dogs never learn" Aritomo signed and readied his metallic mace.

They met each other in a tied strike of weapon and fist; Aritomo and Bleeding Wolf continued the battle. Something was different as Aritomo could notice. Bleeding Wolf fists were almost invisible, moving so fast. He was actually punching away each strike of Kraken Club, an even match. “Faster?!" Aritomo was stunned as he felt Bleeding Wolf make an impact into his chest, pushing him back. The Kraken Club’s speed had been outmatched and parried.

‘The last time I saw Bleeding Wolf act like this…’ Shinato recalled in his mind, deep in thought and pain.

Aritomo tried his best, but Bleeding Wolf was attacking with unrivaled speed and stamina. ‘How could… this Galka be so fast and strong?" Aritomo’s mind echoed as he flew back a few feet to the ground. Shinato and Ronia watched astonished. The King of Thieves was quick to get up, but very disoriented.

“Now! Do it, Shinato!" Bleeding Wolf shouted, while Aritomo was still unbalanced. Shinato’s pain disappeared and was ready to fight without hesitation. He ran up, grabbing Baramunk’s scythe as he did. Aritomo only just turned around to see Shinato raising his friend’s weapon in the air. A draining feeling made Aritomo shiver as Shinato and Bleeding Wolf flanked him. A ball of darkness formed at Aritomo’s half turned back

‘To harvest one’s sins and use them against you’ Shinato focused his mind. He slashed the orb of evil and dread exploding on Aritomo. Shinato’s blade cut into him as the darkness burned his body. Bleeding Wolf counted to three in his mind. With that he gave two punches and a kick to Aritomo almost instantly, all on his back or sides. Each attack caused him to wail and ache. Energy flowed through the woods, with its axis emitting from Aritomo. A giant spark of electricity burned through out Aritomo’s body. He gave another loud cry, almost collapsing. The large ball of electricity stayed alive all around the beaten King of Thieves.

“Ronia! Give the final blow!" Bleeding Wolf ordered. Ronia focused. She watched the Hume. The aura around him, it was clear to her. A thread-thin yellow line divided down the middle, like a door about to open. It was apart of some larger flow of electricity. She chanted a few words and released a spell of lightning, aimed for the very center: the vertical yellow line. As it impacted on Aritomo, an explosion of voltage erupted as the yellow line expanded, opening into a gate from the plane of thunder elemental magic: a black void pumping thunder into the material realm. Aritomo’s scream was silent compared to the violently earsplitting shriek of the thunder. Shinato and Bleeding Wolf were blown back at the might, but unhurt. The radiant elemental aura of destruction disappeared. The fight was over. With the burst of magic, Aritomo fell to the ground. His dead-like face and eyes watched the fatigued Bleeding Wolf. His coat had all but been blown to pieces, with the remaining parts burnt. Everything was quiet for a moment, as the fallen Aritomo’s body rested on the ground, between Shinato and Bleeding Wolf.

Bleeding Wolf sat back and so did Shinato. Ronia gave a large sigh of relief. Aritomo’s mouth spilled a painful moan. Lifting the elbows up, palms on the ground, he started to push himself up. He focused all his will, and jumped up. He could barely stand, but he was. “No way" Ronia jumped back.

“Damn it!" Bleeding Wolf cried, getting to his feet. Aritomo kicked him down, preventing him. With each movement Aritomo felt pain throughout his body. He cast a spell of sleep on Shinato, now without the poisonous magic, and Ronia. His spells were done nearly instantly. Both of them fell to the ground, sleeping. He paid no attention to the lifeless Baramunk. Bleeding Wolf retreated a few feet and got ready to fight again.

“No… I am tired of this" Aritomo said slowly, in pain. He grabbed his ribs with his left hand, ready to only fight with his right arm. He began to chant another black magic spell. A light purple aura covered Bleeding Wolf’s body and disappeared. Electricity filled Bleeding Wolf’s veins, as soon as the aura vanished. He was in shock as he felt his body tremble without control. He couldn’t think straight. The pain was dreadful.

“Hard to resist a spell, when your mind is totally focused on the pain" Aritomo said and grinned with his bloody mouth. He cast one last white magic spell. Bleeding Wolf felt his muscles tighten. He couldn’t move his forearms or knees. “Enjoy being paralyzed" Aritomo taunted as he paced to the wagon. He grasped a black box, like the one before, with gold locks. He opened it hastily, and checked what was inside: an ancient fishing rod of divine wood and shiny string.

“Yup this is it…" Aritomo wiped the sweat from his head and closed the box.

“We are going to meet again…" Bleeding Wolf warned angrily, pain in his voice, causing Aritomo to focus his sight on him.

“I hope we do. Next time we fight one on one, to the end. Then I’ll prove to you I am the strongest" he smiled, “Start training". He cast the spell Warp and was gone. The woods were quiet, after the large storm of battle. They had lost.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

A few minutes passed. Ronia and Shinato awoke. Bleeding Wolf was lifted of the two curses bestowed to his body. Baramunk’s arm was wrapped in a soft cloth. The morale was inexistent.

“Winning isn’t everything… don’t worrrry about it" Ronia said to the quiet crowd.

“I know. It’s just that… we let that thief get a priceless relic" Baramunk sighed. Shinato didn’t speak.

Bleeding Wolf’s words echoed in his mind: “Who said they were my friends?". ‘Did he really mean that?’ he looked annoyed at the Galka, but Bleeding Wolf was busy looking east, towards San d’Oria.

“Let’s head to San d’Oria" Bleeding Wolf ditched the wagon. The three began to follow as the Monk began to walk. Their wounds still hurt, especially Baramunk’s. But outside the Elvaan’s, none of the damage was serious.

“Home is home, defeated or not. I wonder what Baramore will say when he sees this arm of mine" Baramunk laughed.

“Hehe, I am happy you aren’t letting yourrrself get down" the Mithra smiled to Baramunk.

The walk to the city was silent. The big trees watched in peace, dropping their leaves. One could tell that the Orc’s offensive strength had dropped since the attack on the city. As they approached San d’Oria’s Ranperre’s Gate, Baramunk was confounded. It was partly demolished and being rebuilt. “Holy crap! What did I miss?" he gazed at the wall.

“Nothing important" Shinato kid. He left his disappointed mood at the wagon. They entered the gates. Two knights met them, to Baramunk’s dismay that neither of them was Baramore. After the party described their troubles and their reasons, Marcus showed up. He was sadden to hear the thief stole the rod, but not surprised.

“Come on guys, my boss wants to speak with you he said with his raspy voice.

“I hope we are not in trouble Ronia sighed, “I’ve had enough crap go bad today.

“I think we can all agree with that, Roni Aha Baramunk laughed. Ronia was a bit surprised the Elvaan remembered her real name.

Marcus led them through Laborman’s Way. It was the northern most part of North San d’Oria. It was also the liveliest street of the district. The road had two floors, and was built on top of water. Its top floor was made of strong, tan wood and gray brick stone; as the bottom floor and left side of the upper area was just like the rest of San d’Oria. The Blacksmith and Carpenter’s guilds were based in that part of town as well. Passing a few kids and busy Elvaans, they ran down a few stairs at the end of the street.

They stood in Port San d’Oria. It was a port off the lake that the city lived on. It was totally in housed, like a large cave of stone bricks and wood. The sound of an airship flying out of the docks could be heard in any part of the district. An auction house, just as busy as some others, was also heard from the stairway entrance. They didn’t need to get far into the dungeon like district to see a chubby, yet tall Elvaan. He has dead, white hair and a large nose like a bird’s beak. He wore a light blue aketon*, half cut off, and a set of black slacks. He waved at the arrival of the adventurers. Marcus walked away, once they reached him.

“Hello, my name is Avagratis" the old Elvaan bowed.

“I wouldn’t be so happy…" Bleeding Wolf frowned.

“It was stolen right?" I know Avagratis said with a smile.

“How?" Ronia questioned.

“You see… I paid Aritomo to steal the fishing rod" he said and looked a little embarrassed, “I paid him less than all of you together. I save money and keep my fishing rod safe, it was a good deal". The old Elvaan revealed the black box.

“That’s freaking ridiculous!" Shinato was annoyed. Bleeding Wolf looked spitefully at Avagratis.

“That’s business" Avagratis laughed.

“Oh really?" a voice familiar to Baramunk called from behind. It was Baramore in his white Temple Knight armor, shield and sword included. The old man flinched. “You know its illegal to pay someone to commit a crime, even if it is against yourself" the Temple Knight went on.

“Cousin!" Baramunk cheered at the sight.

“I see that you broke your arm" Baramore said and eyed the old man.

“He wasn’t… I… Oh dear no" Avagratis began to sweat and couldn’t breath well.

“Don’t worry I am a reasonable man. I know you are extremely wealthy. It would be a shame if you got sent to prison. So you should pay a fine: to the adventurers, their gil and an extra amount to a healer to examine Baramunk’s arm, no harm done to anyone" Baramunk smiled. Ronia, Shinato, Baramunk, and Bleeding Wolf looked on happy.

“I suppose that is the best thing to do" the older Elvaan bowed. The ordeal was over. Baramunk and Baramore headed off after being payed, leaving Bleeding Wolf, Shinato and Ronia sitting on a set of stairs a few minutes later.

“So where you heading to next Ronia?" Shinato asked.

“I got this job in Mhaura. I am going to join this raid to get rid of ecological threats" she answered beaming, “Sounds like a lot of fun".

“Hehe sure does… I guess I will see you around?" Shinato started to wave goodbye. Bleeding Wolf joined in late.

“Of courrrrse" she said with one last look and ran up the steps, back into North San d’Oria. It was just about night with the sun setting.
Bleeding Wolf got up.

“I could tell you were holding back against Aritomo. Want to tell me why?" Bleeding Wolf asked, not looking at Shinato’s face.

“I don’t know…" Shinato answered slowly as he looked to the ground, “I guess I don’t kill people?".

“Shinato, hang out here for a day. I got a feeling Bastok will want us to do something" the Galka advised.

“Uh sure…" Shinato nodded as he talked. Bleeding Wolf was gone, just the way Ronia disappeared. Shinato picked himself up and walked through the halls, deeper into Port San d’Oria. He reached an open area, sky being blocked by a large ceiling. Shinato was bewildered by the constructed sky. It stole his sight as he walked slowly. The moment of observation ended violently as he bumped into a taller Elvaan.

Both of them almost tripped to the ground, but were able to keep their stance. The Elvaan had armor similar to Baramunk’s but with an iron face guard on. His hair was a straight haircut of silver curls, just as long as Baramunk’s cousin’s. At his side was a red-hilted sword in a black leather sheath. He looked at Shinato angry.

“Watch where you are going!" the Elvaan adventurer shouted at Shinato.

“What?! Who do you think you are?" Shinato fumed and moved closer, ready to begin a brawl.

“My name is Auricant. Get the hell out of my sight, Hume" Auricant just as furious replied, ready to pick up his fist as well. Two very different people had just met, as destiny had intended.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

VANADIEL TRAGEDY
Chapter Ten: An Invitation of Unfriendly Intentions

It was Windsday morning and a hot day in Bastok. Before Shinato had heard the request to deliver the Lu Shang’s Fishing Rod, Jud’Oriulo walked into the Metalworks District’s Iron Musketeer’s quarters, hidden from the public eyes. Jud’Oriulo wore his sky blue robe and tinted glasses that stood out from his long, red braided hair. A long, narrow hallway he stood in with a series of jail cells to the left. The floor was of cold iron and the room’s expression dead. Every cell had a barred window, ruined mattress, and exposed toilet. Out of the four cells, only one was occupied; the last one, at the end of the hallway. Jud’Oriulo looked at the man in the cell, with a face of disgust. Two guards waited at the door to the room.

“I am so happy you came to see me" the Hume looking man said sarcastically and laughed. He was bald, but wore a hood. His long, black hooded coat with strange designs. It was one of a kind. His face was graced with red lines and marks, ancient runes. He wore two star shaped earrings, black in color. His coat covered down to his black boots. He dressed nothing like Jud’Oriulo, yet he seemed so similar to him.

“Men, please leave us in peace?" Jud’Oriulo asked of the musketeers. With a nod, they did so, closing the reinforced door behind them. Jud turned to the man. “You were a fool then, and you are a fool now" he snarled.

“I am not the fool, you are. Believing the society will save us from the coming doom that is the awakening of Promathia… the emptiness" the bald Hume was sat on the bed, then got up and walked towards the iron bars that held him back. A strange rune was at the bottom; it negated all spells directed at the bars. This man was a special case.

“Promathia… and what in the world is the emptiness?" Jud’Oriulo looked concerned.

“Its something before and after your time. I came across a rather interesting book, The Vana’diel Tragedy. A good read, look it up sometime" the criminal grinned.

‘He has read the book…’ Jud focused on the parallel man’s smile. “Where is it now?" Jud’Oriulo did his best to not show any emotion.

“I don’t know, and I don’t care. Why? Have you’ve been seeking to read it before my little suggestion? Could the society’s puppet really want to learn more? How cute" the criminal laughed and began to walk to his bed, sitting on it.

“Your jokes at my expense bother me little. You should be displaying emotions of fear and sorrow, not cockiness and happiness. Gro’Asogo, you defied the Armathrwn Society when you destroyed that Airship and killed those people. Death is your only option" Jud focused his eyes at now laying Gro’Asogo.

“I am going to break out soon… I will get one of my tools and break through these walls. I suggest you skip this town, because I will burn it to the ground. I’ll kill every disgusting leech that lives in this godforsaken land" he warned with laugher in his tone. He laid his head back, against the brick wall.

“It is dreadful to talk to someone like you… but I need information" Jud looked into Gro’s closed eyes.

“I am sleeping, please leave" the imprisoned man said weakly. Jud’Oriulo sighed and walked out of the room, slamming the door hard behind him. Gro’Asogo just laughed loudly, eyes still closed.

Many miles away... Seagulls cried in the sky, as the white birds flew wildly above the docks of Mhaura. Windsday morning was a pretty one in that part of Vana’diel as well. The town was built out of white stone and rocks, using the earth to build houses and buildings that included wood. Children, mostly tiny Tarutaru kids, played in the streets. Unemployed fishermen threw out their nets and fishing poles in the see, hoping to make a quick buck. A large steamboat had just left, leaving a few random passengers. An old lady watched to the seas, with a frown on her face. She had a red bandana over her frail, white hair and a red dress to match. ‘Will you ever come back to me?’ she thought in sadness as the sun’s gleam bounced off the rushing waves, into her eyes.

Renza walked out of a small building, which seemed hidden. He was wearing his white gi and black slacks. His dirty blond hair danced in the sea’s wind. He rubbed his chin with a burning sensation he got from shaving.

A short, male Tarutaru, wearing a harness, subligar, and slacks, approached him. The material of the armor was slightly blue but mostly a dark black, made from beetle shell. A red ribbon was wrapped around his head, below some of his fluffy yellow bangs. His ponytail touched the back of his harness. “Renza! All the paper work is done; we can finally start planning the new set of raids. Of course, the tunnels in Tahrongi are to be first. We need three adventurers though…" the Tarutaru explained quickly.

Renza looked into Siatdiat’s eyes for a moment. “We do not have enough?" Renza questioned, turning his head forward, gazing the bay’s grace.

“After the old guy croaked, well… almost everyone left" Siatdiat sighed, “we have two adventurers coming, another three would solve the problem. Do you want me to inform Windurst?" Siatdiat asked.

“Hmm, seems like the best course of action, go ahead. Have one of our recruit agents head to the city now" Renza nodded.

“Oh and another thing…" Siatdiat said unfinished.

“Hmm?" Renza expressed his interest, looking to the Tarutaru.

“You got this in the mail" Siatdiat reached into his pocket and pulled out a letter: a folded white envelope with a red handkerchief hanging out of the crease. Renza snatched the paper vessel gently and brought it close to his face to read the address. It was blank, save a “To Renza Azure" in dark bold lettering with the address in the same font.

“Okay, thanks. If that’s all, you are dismissed" Renza smiled softly. Siatdiat returned the beam, bowed, and walked away. Renza turned his attention to the letter. He opened it hastily and laid his back against the tan stonewall of a busy, yet currently quiet tavern. A used piece of paper was inside. He read the words slowly…

“Hello, old friend. I am sure you remember me. At the time that I shared your regrettable company, I was a man of such honor. The horrific Behemoth Incident should be burned into your mind, as it has mine."

Renza stopped reading the letter for moment. The memories came back rushing to his mind. ‘Who could have written this? They are all dead… all of them, but me’ Renza began to breath heavy. He eyes raced down to the bottom of the parchment page, no name. He decided he would finish reading the letter. ‘Could it be…’ Renza thought as he read the letter.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

“Renza Azure, I have a problem with you. Deep in my heart, I realize the death of so many people was your fault. I won’t stand by as they rot in their graves and the man at fault for their deaths runs free. My demand is simple. I want to fight you to the death tonight. I plan to meet you at the docks of Mhaura at midnight. Please be there. I will crush you like a bug or destroy this town. Your choice"

Renza could only frown. “It’s him" he sighed under his breath. He gazed up to the sun. “Will I ever escape my past?" the words spilled from his mouth in a quiet tone.

Mercutio sat on the docks. His reddish-brown coat and slops seemed clean as he leaned against a post on the docks. Mhaura was beautiful for him, but he could never appreciate it. ‘This is becoming hopeless…’ he sadly thought, ‘I will never find out who I am, never… ever’. His shaved sides and ponytail of black hair was embraced by the wind and blew wildly. Footsteps on the dock were heard behind him.

"Uh hey, new guy… you don’t mind if I practice with this pistol? Its loud" Jody asked nicely, understanding. He was in his green uniform with brown leather gloves and boots. His hat hid a lot of his black curls. Jody’s brown eyes were so forgiving and almost nice, but unemotional.

“It wouldn’t bother me" Mercutio talked fast and shy.

“Okay, thanks" Jody smiled and paced forward to place three empty glass bottles on far away posts of the docks, facing the sea. He walked back, near Mercutio. The steps of preparation caught Mercutio’s eyes. Jody loaded his pistol and placed two other bullets in his left palm. With his right hand he held the gun up, aimed to shoot one of the bottles. He smiled, and then turned to Mercutio, “You’ll like this". With that pause in the air, he closed one eye.

One shot of thunder proportions rang in the air. Such force caused Mercutio to jump. The glass shattered into a hundred pieces, it seemed to Mercutio. Not a second later, Jody had loaded the next shot and fired. That familiar bang and the glass shattering, and by the time Mercutio noticed these noises, Jody had loaded his third shot and fired. After the third bottle had been destroyed Mercutio looked up to Jody.

“Wow… you shot them all within five seconds, perfect shots too" Mercutio looked at the three wooden platforms and back to Jody.

“Thank you" he put the pistol back into his pocket, “I usually fight with this, though". Jody pulled at a small rifle, not bigger than his arms. It had two handles, for perfect aiming.

“I see, I didn’t know that" Mercutio looked on at the weapon. The amnesiac got up and began to walk out of the dock area. “Thanks for the show, I guess I’ll be seeing you around" he called to Jody. Jody waved goodbye and pulled out four more bottles out of a pack, placed them on the wooden posts. Mhaura’s sun became red as it dropped from the sky, setting on the horizon.

The Behemoth Incident wouldn’t leave Renza’s mind…

In a land eternally under the curse of winter, snow and granite-rock mountains, a group of eighteen people marched in armor under fur coats, expect two. The land was ridged and bitter cold. Many dead trees, without leaves, reaching out with black bark branches were around them. The icy wind blew very hard on the faces of the travelers. Easy to see was a soaring tower of the bone-white cerment material that the crags were built of. At its top was a crown like design, a heavenly sight. Three legs of cermet, like spines of the earth, were half dug under the white snow and frozen dirt as they connected to the tower. Two men led this pack, a Hume and an Elvaan. Half of the troops were Ducal Guards of different races and white armor. The other half was Elvaans in Royal Knight armor. They all shivered when a gust of icy wind hit them.

The Hume was Renza, as a young adult. His dirty blond hair was just as long and in the same fashion. He wore the armor of a Ducal Guard: white breastplate and a heavy set of armor. Over his armor and head was a white and tarnished hooded-cape. At his sides were steel-bladed katars with red handles. He shivered little compared to the rest of the soldiers.

The Elvaan next to Renza had on a black-leather suit of armor, along with black mask that only covered his eyes and nose. He was almost a feet taller than Renza, about six and half feet tall. His long black hair was wild and blew in the wind constantly. He wore a very small buckler on his left hand. On his back was a large Darksteel great sword, strapped on by black leather matching his armor. He wore no cloak, and stood out, looking nothing like his San d’Orian troops. A tattoo on his palm had a male adult lion impaled by a great sword with the words “West Lions", named of his special-ops Royal Knight brigade. The cold seemed to bother him little.

An Elvaan with black hair and gray leather vest and trousers with a headband, with a white cloak over his body stood next to the Royal Knight leader. They had the same hair, but looked very different facially. The younger Elvaan was an archer, equipped with bolts and a crossbow.

“Renza… how far are the caves anyway?" the Elvaan spoke, his breath was chilled and yet calm.

“Well, from this cheap map, seems like less than half a mile" Renza nodded, he was less of a man than he was as an adult, but still brave.

Their trip to the Behemoth’s Domain had been peaceful, but a struggle thanks to the chilling winds. Renza and the man next to him pressed on, until they noticed they were being watched. From the hills above, two green-skinned, bald-headed giants with muscular bodies yet, bony ribs, grunted loudly. They had no lips, with sharp, disfigured white teeth. They stood at around thirteen to fifteen feet tall. The Beastmen wore loincloths made from wolf hide decorated with cheap wooden and iron shields. Even with their shoulders over their head one could still see the cheap necklace around their necks, four stones on a rope.

“Sir Aument! Attack?" one of the soldiers, shaking with the pain of coldness, asked quickly. The man in the black leather armor hesitated to speak for a moment.

“Renza… me, you, and Fredant will take them with the assistance of the Ducal Guard White Mage, if necessary. The rest of the troops will conserve their energy. You must be a good fighter, if they let someone this young raise to such a rank" the Elvaan smiled. The Elvaan that followed him, younger than Renza, looked nervous as he pulled out his crossbow and loaded it with a sharp bolt.

“I won’t disappoint" Renza smiled, “these Gigas hit hard, but slow. If we can take them out fast, no damage will be done".

“I’ve never dealt with these monsters before, but any Beastmen can fall to my blade" he looked at them run down the snow hill, getting closer and closer. “Their legs seem pretty weak, take them out and I’ll get a perfect neck shot. They don’t have much of a neck though, I’ll have to be precise. Fredant, stall the one we don’t kill first" the older Elvaan nodded to the younger of his kin. Fredant nodded back, nervous.

‘My first mission… stepfather is acting so different. He is not making fun of me, he is treating me like a respectable person’ Fredant was concentrating on the Gigas running behind of the other attacker. He looked deep into his white eyes, pupil-less like an Orc, the frostbite on the Beastmen’s hands. It seemed like it was starving to death, its tiny waist not proportional to the rest of its body. ‘That Beastman is in pain… can… can I kill it? Why should it die?’ Fredant looked past the enemies’ frightening disfigured face, ‘If I don’t, stepfather will be mad’.

The front Gigas suddenly stopped and slammed its hand into the ground. “What the hell is it doing?" Aument questioned, hand gripping on his great sword’s hilt.

“Don’t move!" Renza yelled, running right from the pack, closer to the Gigas. It was like Renza was wearing commoner clothing, his armor seemed as heavy as paper to him. The Gigas roared as it pulled a giant rock, barely what could fit in its hand. He eyed Renza down, as the Hume stopped pacing. They stared into each other eyes, until the Gigas lunched back and chucked the stone at Renza. Renza ran forward and somersaulted over it, landing gracefully. The stone hit the ground, causing a wave of snow to explode into the air.

“Renza! Go!" Aument roared to his ally. Fredant readied his crossbow. The soldiers watched on, still in awe of Renza’s movements. Freeing his arms and head, Renza swung his white hooded-cape back, now with bits of snow on it. He pulled out both his katars and brushed them against each other, arms fully extended, causing a loud sharpening sound. He glared the Gigas and charged. The Beastmen pulled out a spiked, metal club and readied itself. Renza slid under its legs, crouching, and using the ice. The Beastmen’s swipe missed his head. Just as he passed under, he stabbed both legs and ripped out the muscles of the green monster’s knees, spraying blood into the air. Renza jumped through the rain of blood, both katars covering his face, and continued to race to the second one.

The Gigas legs wobbled and the giant came crashing down to its knees. The giant gave a loud cry of pain. Aument grinned and raced forward, ripping out his great sword. He jumped onto the Gigas. He swung his giant blade very fast, cleaving the almost inexistent flesh between shoulders and head; such a perfect decapitation that the massive spray of blood didn’t race into the air until Aument was chasing behind Renza. The Gigas’ head landed gracelessly in the snow. The kneeing body dropped totally into the ground. The snow’s color slowly corrupted to blood red.

Fredant, finger shaking on the trigger, finally shot a bolt into the Gigas’ right arm, rendering it and the club it held useless. Renza, pulled the same attack as before and Aument followed as well. The Gigas couldn’t even finish its shriek, before its head and body were two. The finishing blow was slightly messier and some of the warm blood sprayed on to Aument armor.

Renza and Aument looked to each other after both of the Gigas were dead. “I am sorry you got some of the blood on you" Renza expressed, lungs cold from the chilling air.

“Nonsense. In wars to the north, covering yourself in the warm blood of the enemy is one of the only ways to keep you from freezing to death. I consider it a gift" he laughed. Renza looked sickly at him. Aument turned to his stepson. “Good job, Fredant, but you still need practice" he called to him. A random Royal Knight padded Fredant on the back, causing him to blush.

“I can see the cave from here" Renza covered his eyes from the now snowing sky.

“That’s where the last group of troops, twice our size had to retreat. I believe the alpha male, the being causing all the problems, is at" Aument rubbed the Beastmen’s blood on his black leather coat.

“They say… the King Behemoth can summon a star from the sky and destroy anything in its way" Renza noticed his white cloak was now ruined with blood, but the armor under it was stainless. He unhooked the cloak and cleaned his katars with them. He released his grip and let the chilling gale take it away.

“Sounds tough" Aument smiled, the troops now close behind them. The Gigas’ blood dyed the ancient snow red. Fredant looked at his crossbow, as he walked forward, with eyes of regret.

“Renza"

“Renza"

Renza jumped out of his black leather chair, behind a desk full of notes. On the very top was the letter. He rubbed his head, having a headache after his nap.

“Renza" a dark black sea-style shell laid on the desk whispered faintly. Renza grabbed it, putting his hand on it. Suddenly, the message became loud enough to understand perfectly. It was the VERMIN Linkshell. “Renza!" a sense of impatience in the tone. It was Siatdiat.

“Siat? What is it?" Renza said very quietly.

“Windurst says it has three adventurers, of a decent rank, that could fill our last three spots" Siatdiat said over his linkpearl.

“Great, have the agent pick them up" Renza replied hastily.

“Okay. Siatdiat, signing out" the Tarutaru finished the conversation.

The room was a small office. A desk, a black chair, and a few shelves as the furniture in the room. A few framed objects hanged on the plain, white painted wall. Renza walked out of the room, leading to a long staircase and a door out. He left the building, walking on a street of Mhaura. He walked through the main street leading to the docks, passing a wooden bridge above his head. Two Tarutaru little boys and a Mithra ran past him. Finally the docks came to sight. The docks were a series of wooden platforms, some being home only to the steamship. Jody walked next to him, from behind.

“Sup?" Jody looked to Renza.

“Tonight, I’ve been challenged by a very powerful man to fight to the death on these very docks" Renza admitted, voice low.

“Hmmm, your serious?" Jody didn’t look surprised, but was.

“Unfortunately, yes. I don’t know if he has gotten any stronger, but when I saw him twelve years ago, he was one hell of a fighter" Renza continued to talk, as the sun set.

“Twelve… years ago? The Behemoth Incident?" Jody asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yup… he blames me for the deaths of that event. He was there as well" Renza said as he walked to a nearby wall and leaned his back against it. The wall was of a white stone building.

“I thought you only lived through that?" Jody couldn’t help but ask.

“It was that way until this morning, I got his letter" Renza frowned.

“Whoever this is, I’ll have your back. I can probably snipe him off before you get hurt" Jody nodded his head.

“I don’t believe that will be needed" Renza finished, walking away.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

The sun was laid to rest quickly. The dark, starry night showed up faster than Renza had hoped. Mhaura streets were empty. No kids or fishers. The few steamboat employees were locking up the ticket booth as the last ship left an hour ago. Renza stood at the beginning of one of the docks. He looked up, to the moon, with a green tint. It was eleven, fifty-eight.

Jody paced back and forth on a Mhaura rooftop. His pistol, at his side, was loaded. The small rifle in his hands was as well.

Renza was looking down when he heard footsteps. “Hello, Renza Azure" the voice, cold and cocky, greeted. Renza looked up. There was an Elvaan with black hair and black leader armor. On his face was a white mask. His cape was taller than his body, a large black cloth that he wrapped around himself. He unhooked it, dropping to the ground. A long blood-red great sword was revealed. “Hello Renza Azure… My name is Ravez. I am a mercenary".

“Aument, don’t play games with me" Renza looked at him spitefully.

“Hehe… Aument. Under the alias of Ravez, I have completed a dozen requests, a few being assassinations. I was sent here to retrieve a fellow named Mercutio actually" Aument went on, Renza stunned for a second by the mention of his task, “But, all this has been a way to support myself until I found you. I don’t care about this man named Mercutio. Now I just want to kill you".

“Is this for the West Lions? For Fredant?" Renza looked into Aument’s mask. Aument’s expression suddenly became angered.

“You shut your mouth now! I don’t want you to ever mention either of those again. Not even the sound shall come from your lips!" Aument shouted to him. Jody looked on with concern, high above and far away. Aument right hand grabbed his mask, pulled it off and threw it to the ground. His face was slightly aged and had a giant scar: a chunk of his cheek was permanently missing, a Behemoth’s claw ripped into his face twelve years ago. Renza looked away from the sight for a second, somewhat sickened. “Its time for you to pay… to pay for your disgusting existence!" Aument roared. He took his blood-red great sword to hand.

Renza signed. “If I must fight you…" Renza started to say, as he readied his fists. Aument leaped into the air, slashing at the same time. Renza jumped back, barely dodging the attack. Aument continued his pursuit, stabbing and slashing away. Renza jabbed forward, blocking Aument’s forearm with his own, canceling the great sword attack. The fist knocked the Elvaan’s head back. Aument retreated a few yards.

“Hehe… Happy to see you retained your skill. It would be a shame if it was too easy, after waiting this long" Aument smiled.

“Why do you chase me?" Renza asked, annoyed.

“You wouldn’t save him… hell, you wouldn’t let me save him!" Aument was now angry as he exclaimed.

“So it is about him. Why can’t you understand?" Renza cleared his throat, “You are blinded by rage and hatred. You would not have made it in time,. You would died a few seconds later".

“Murderer! Your hands are dirty with the blood of my family… you will die by my blade, or bare hands if need be!" Aument declared, readying for his volley of attacks. Renza stared dead into Aument’s eyes, as the charging Elvaan pounced on him. The blade just missed Renza’s left arm, but Aument’s right shoulder thrust Renza to the ground. Before Aument could take the advantage, he received a sweeping kick to the knees, also falling to the ground. The floored opponents quickly got back up.

“Renza said not to get involved…" Jody noted alone, sitting on the ledge of an Mhauran roof. He watched the Hume and the much taller Elvaan fight. His small rifle was ready to take out Aument, if Renza was close to death. The town of Mhaura had no idea that the fight was going on.

Aument smacked Renza with the blunt side of his sword, causing the firmly planted Hume’s feet to slide back, brining up a dusty cloud from beneath them. Renza retaliated with a swift kick to the face. Aument caught the foot with his left forearm and shifted his arm to grab it, pulling Renza up. Renza hit the ground hard. Aument raised his blade above his head, ready to stab down. Just before it would have impaled Renza, Aument was knocked back a few feet in the air, by two kicks, one on his chest and the other a critical blow to his face. Aument was able to land on his feet at the same time Renza got to his. Blood dripped from Aument mouth.

“Haha! We fight like equals… Makes this all the more worth it. I hope you are only holding back though" Aument laughed, not ready to give up. Renza brushed the dirt off his white gi, paying no attention to Aument. Aument frowned at Renza’s lack of reaction. “Fine! I’ll make you say something" Aument grimaced.

They clashed once again. Aument’s slash was kicked away by Renza, followed by a punch to the Elvaan’s face. Aument spat out blood and swung his blade, to push back Renza. Renza tried to sweep Aument’s knees from, but Aument stomped on Renza’s swinging foot, causing him to let out a cry. Aument then kicked Renza’s face. Renza’s blood spat into the air. He readied a finishing blow to the chest, but Renza flipped up and retreated before he could perform it.

“Die already, you deserve it!" Aument gave out an array of slashes. He fought with a great sword with incredible speed. Aument’s began to spin as he slashed. Renza raced forward, ducking under Aument’s slashed, and punched into Aument’s chest. Aument, stunned for a moment, received an elbow to the bottom of his chin. Renza wrapped his forearm around the Elvaan’s neck, choking him while cutting off any help from his right arm. Renza pulled Aument’s left hand behind Aument’s body. Renza’s right leg was placed in front of Aument’s feet. Aument was trapped in Renza’s submission hold. Aument’s slightly lower head was next to Renza’s in the hold.

“Jujitsu? Always full of surprises, Renza" Aument said weakly, choked up.

“Aument, please don’t make me snap your spine. I don’t want to do this!" Renza pleaded.

“Let me tell you now, I have so much more experience than you in fighting, against any style or weapon. Even if it is something new, I will always adapt and win the battle" Aument chuckled.

“Says the man who is shutdown by my grip" Renza stared at the Elvaan’s eyes and then to the deep scar on his face. Aument gazed down at one to nearly invisible, golden buckles on the top of his black leather jerkin. He bit into one, still nearly paralyzed by Renza’s hold, tore it out of place. His sleeved-gloves slid off, along with Renza’s grasp. The Elvaan swung his hand back and punched deep into Renza’s chest. He swung his opponent’s body in front of him. Renza submission hold was broken as he staggered, almost dropping to the ground. Aument didn’t waste a second as he picked up his sword and slashed down at Renza.

Renza felt the blade slash across his chest, cutting his white gi diagonally in half. He countered by kicking Aument’s side and punching him the chest with his left hand. Aument gave Renza a swift head-butt, Renza dropped to his right knee. Before Aument could take advantage of the awkward position, Renza gave him a great uppercut to the face. Aument was knocked off his feet.

“Give up!" Renza yelled, grabbing his abdomen in pain.

“Grrr!" Aument grew furious as he got back to his feet. He swung and cleaved into Renza’s left shoulder. Renza gave a loud, painful cry. Blood spat from the wound, but wasn’t too deep. Aument followed by hitting Renza with the hilt of his sword. Renza staggered, but grabbed Aument’s neck. Aument felt the air being choked off. He grabbed Renza’s neck with both his hands, dropping his sword. They stood there in a stalemate for a long minute. Renza then thrust his body forward, slamming his elbow into Aument’s chest. Aument got the wind knocked out of him and almost floored.

“Stop this Aument!" Renza ordered, backing away as he grabbed his wounded left shoulder. He wouldn’t be able to use that arm for the rest of the fight.

“Why won’t you kill me?" Aument coughed out blood, bowing slightly, “After all these years, have you’ve grown soft?". He lifted his sword up, from the ground.

“No one really deserves to die…" Renza looked deep into Aument’s eyes. The Hume dazed Aument for a moment.

‘Those words…’ Aument was lost in thought.

“Why do you kill people?! The Beastmen?!" it was fragment of memory of Fredant.

“You can’t be weak like that! People die, people are born. It is the circle of life. Peace is nothing without war!"

“What is war without peace?!"

“Son, I am-“

“I am not your damn son! You are not my father! No one really deserves to die! You’re wrong!"

Aument shivered. His eyes came back to Renza’s. “Why doesn’t he understand… people just have to die? It is how life works!" Aument looked away from Renza’s eyes.

“You talking to… me?" Renza looked confused.

“Why? It is so simple. Life and death… go hand in hand. He never saw death, he has only seen peace!" Aument went on madly.

“What are yo-" Renza looked worried at Aument’s face.

“What an ignorant brat! Why can’t he see it from my view! People and Beastmen who are wrong should die. Altana wills it, so why not? There is right and wrong for a reason, just as there is life and death… but… why did he have to die?" Aument began to shake violently. “He was right… was I wrong? No! We were both wrong? It doesn’t make sense! He should be living his life. I would have gladly died in his place. The stench of blood and the battlefield has never left my nose. He shouldn’t have ever smelt it. There are those who are destined to die! But, he was right! Why did he die?" Aument had gone mad, no longer making sense. His expression was of fear and anger.

“He’s lost it…" Renza couldn’t help but stare. Renza was totally being ignored.

“Who is the one who stopped me from saving him… who is the one who stopped me from saving him… You… you are!" Aument eyes suddenly became focused and stared into Renza’s. He had returned to his sense.

“You are crazy, Aument. You can’t help yourself, let me help you" Renza tried to explain. Renza’s wound had stopped bleeding, but his gi was ruined, chopped up and stained.

“You’ve destroyed my life. The last thing I need is your help, murderer" Aument answered back, revulsion in his voice. He began showing his red sword to Renza. “As the name Ravez, I’ve killed many people. This sword has been my only weapon. It has a secret you know... This blade comes from the single King Behemoth’s horn that you left behind. Its tip is from the King Behemoth’s fang. After the battle, abandoned and sure to die, an old man found me. I didn’t know his name, nor cared. He had these weird black X’s burned into each palm, that’s all I really remember. A crazy witchdoctor living alone in the frozen lands by himself I’d imagine" Aument cleared his throat, ready to continue. Renza just listened. “After I rested to health, he told me my bounty from the great beast had potential. He made a sword out of the fang and horn. He placed a seal on it and told me to slay a hundred demons. A powerful enchantment was laid on it, but could only be activated when the sword turns blood-red… I named it the ‘Behemoth Dethroner’" Aument finished.

“What is the power?" Renza looked at him carefully.

“Hehe, you’ve seen it before. To summon a star to the ground and crush anything below it" Aument gave a bloodthirsty grin.

‘He couldn’t mean the King Behemoth’s spell’ Renza looked very worried.

“What are they talking about down there?" Jody looked confused, down at the two warriors.

“You can’t do that. It would be impossible!" Renza cried. Aument didn’t answer, just continued to smile. He raised his sword up into the air. A heat wave rose from the ground, creating an aura around his body. Fire erupted along his blade. For a second it seemed a white, holy flame embraced Aument.

Renza saw mirage in the heat wave. It was as if the King Behemoth, itself stood over Aument. It was a giant, extremely muscular beast with dark purple skin. It had a thick black hide on its belly and spiky mane. Its snout was black and two dark curved-down horns. It had small ears and white claws on all four of its paws. The beast’s white eyes were without pupils. The King Behemoth was easily over thirty feet tall and forty-five feet long.

‘The town! He will destroy Mhaura!’ Renza panicked and raced to the docks.

“Hahaha! You think running into the water will protect you?! It will destroy you and everything back by one-hundred yards!" Aument laughed. He shifted his body to follow the running Renza. Renza reached the end of the longest dock. He backed up against the very ledge, his heels hanging out. “Finally, I will have gotten my revenge. For the West Lions! For Fredant!" he screamed and slashed down. The mirage of the giant disappeared slowly. A flashing light appeared over the Elvaan’s head and a meteorite raced down to Renza.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

“I’ve survived this before…" he looked dead on at the white fiery stone. It was going to land a few yards ahead on him, exploding on the dock. He closed his eyes for a second and focused. The sound of the meteor crashing down was very loud and sharp.

“What the hell?!" Jody, showing actual emotion, hopped up. He jumped down to a set of stairs and raced down them.

The moon’s green light bathed the injured, bloody Renza. His right hand started to glow with a light aura of purple. Sparks of blue, yellow, and red flickered. He clutched his fist and punched forward. The meteor hit the dock and exploded to an earth-shattering boom. A colossal wall of fire consumed Renza and all of the docks along with the few large boats. All of Mhaura heard it, like a constant thunder until it was all over. A large tidal wave followed, smacking against the rocky wall parallel to the fishing town. A wild gust of wind hit the entire town, like a short-lived tornado. The end of Aument’s sword was deep into Mhaura’s dirt. Jody looked completely horrified. Renza, the docks, and the boats had been turned to total oblivion. Nothing but a handful of burning pieces of stray wood and small fiery debris remained. The part of the docks that were a few yards behind the part the meteor hit was melted on the edges and on fire. Aument gave loud laugh. “Finally, maybe I can rest in peace" he smiled. The water was restless until it finally calmed.

“Prepare to die" Jody, only a few yards away, said lightly and aimed his rifle at Aument. Aument jerked and turned around. Jody closed one eye and prepared his sharp shot. Aument readied his sword.

“Just who are you?" Aument asked, but Jody ignored and fired. Aument’s hands and sword became a blur. A loud clanging sound was heard through Mhaura. Jody’s bullet, in two pieces, flew wildly in the air.

“You cut the bullet in… in half?" Jody looked slightly puzzled, hiding his shock.

“Yes, and you are next" Aument raised his sword up. The black night, with a thousand stars, stared down at the mortals. Jody loaded his gun.

“I will not disappoint you, Renza" Jody aimed for a headshot, once again. Aument grinned.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

VANADIEL TRAGEDY
Chapter Eleven: Tears Shed Twelve Years Ago

Some of the citizens watched from their windows what just had happened. The wooden docks had been wiped clean, along with Renza, gone. Ekokoko, the mayor of Mhaura came storming out of her office. She was a small Tarutaru girl, slightly aged, with brilliant red hair. She wore a decorated coat of forest green dyed cloth with white stripes and gold chain zipper, over a pair of plain slops. Her gentle, cute face scared and distorted. “What the helly was that?!" she looked on at the sea. She almost collapsed. “The docks-wocks! What happened to them!" She screamed and panicked. Mhaura’s economic lifeline had been destroyed mercilessly.

Half of the citizens of the small Windurstian town screamed and ran on to the streets. Running for the short wooden gate that lead out of the port town, they wasted no time to express the way they felt. The other half of the townspeople simply stayed inside their houses. Even a few children watched. Two great warriors were about to fight, both ignoring the entire ruckus.

“Never bring a sword to a gun fight" Jody closed one eye, finger about to pull the trigger. Aument sank into position. Jody fired, giving birth to a loud boom; Aument used the flat side of his sword as a shield. The ear-splitting sound of metal being clashed together echoed in Mhaura. Aument flinched and Jody’s bullet bounced off the sword. Aument wasted no time to charge forward, ready to cut the Ranger down. Jody quickly loaded his gun, but Aument shoved him to the ground. His green cap hit the dirt and his black tussles exposed. Jody shot Aument, unblocked; the bullet ripped the upper side of his left forearm, grazing it. Aument cried and grabbed his left arm, hovering over Jody’s body.

“You bastard!" Aument swung a punch, but Jody caught it and pushed Aument back. Jody hopped to his feet and quickly loaded his gun. With a poor aim, he fired the bullet. Aument offhandedly swung the bullet in half. Jody loaded his gun again and fired, but just like before, Aument was ready though. Frustration began to build on the mind of the Ranger. Aument, didn’t bother to chase after Jody, retained his defensive stance.

“How are you doing this?" Jody bit his lip and loaded his rifle again.

“Heh… Even just before the Crystal War, San d’Oria never trusted Bastok. They were too power-hungry. We developed swordsmanship for blocking bullets. In fact, I created it" Aument explained, keeping his stance up.

“So naturally, you’ve perfected it. I see" Jody nodded his head and dropped his rifle to the ground. Aument smiled. Jody pulled out his pistol, killing Aument’s grin.

“A weaker weapon won’t help you, kid" Aument shook his head, dejectedly. Jody reached deep into his pocket and pulled out five bullets. He loaded the pistol and aimed. He clutched the other four bullets hard in his left palm. He held the metallic pistol’s leather-covered handle with precision. Aument awaited the next attack, not expecting a volley of bullets.

“You’ll like this" Jody smiled. Jody fired a loud explosion of a bullet at Aument. Before Aument swiped it away, Jody loaded and fired two more shots. Aument blocked a bullet, just noticing two others were shot. The two bullets entered as two more were fired. The fourth bullet entered his right wrist and the fifth scratched his left abdomen. The chain of loud explosions shook Mhaura. Aument dropped to his knees. Pieces of metal in his right wrist, upper left shoulder, right thigh. He gave a loud cry and examined his wrist.

“You… didn’t hit… the artery. You idiot" Aument said and laughed, his voice choking with pain.

“Idiot? I beg to differ" Jody loaded his pistol and readied a killing shot. “I am sure there is someone in Paradise waiting for you. Have a nice trip" Jody fired the bullet. Aument, using his left hand, created shield out of his sword from the shot. Not wasting time, he dropped the sword and bit into his wrist, like a wolf to its prey. This horrified Jody. Aument gave a smothered cry of pain. Blood exploded from his wrist, along with a metallic object. He pulled out a roll of bandages from his back pocket and quickly wrapped the wound. “Are you crazy?!" Jody shouted, too surprised to load his gun.

Aument ignored him, and pulled out a small knife. It had an ivory handle and a copper blade. He stabbed into his shoulder, and cut out the bullet. Aument kept his mouth shut as it begged to scream. He did the same for this thigh. He bandaged himself up quickly. “You are just a kid. Just like Renza was. He doesn’t understand, even now, what I’ve been through. I know how to survive in any situation. Also…" Aument got to his feet, not slowed, “I know how to ignore the pain to the point, I can never be handicapped".

“You got to be kidding me" Jody hastily loaded his pistol as Aument charged in. His sword was fast. Jody didn’t know how it happened, but felt a blade cut into him. Jody’s reflexes turned a lethal attack into a deep wound, barely dodging death. Jody collapsed to his knees as he jumped away. He got up again, grabbing his side and ran. Aument was only feet behind him. Another attempt, but this one only skimmed the back of Jody’s Jerkin, causing a wide rupture. The pain of the previous wound was starting to make Jody lose control of his lower extremities. A panic over came him and he stopped, adrenaline running in his chest.

“You’ll like this!" Aument mocked the Ranger, swinging the blunt side of his sword. The blood-red blade smacked Jody’s ribs hard. It forced the Hume to fly in the air, landing in the dirt. Jody could have sworn he heard some bones crack. Aument gave a cruel laugh as the attack punished his foe. Jody cried loudly in pain. Blood spat out of the slash wound from before. It had opened up wider.

Sitting himself up, shaking in pain, he readied his gun. ‘I have to use it…’ Jody looked deep into Aument’s cold eyes, of who was about to strike again. The nose of his pistol began to glow. It captured Aument’s attention.

“What the-?" Aument said before the shot was fired. It was fast. Aument couldn’t block it. Aument examined his body a second later. Not a wound. “Uh…You missed" he laughed. He tried to move his feet. It failed. Aument eyes widened and he gazed his feet. He kept on tugging them forward futilely. “What is this?!" Aument wouldn’t stop struggling.

Jody weakly got up and answered: “Shadow Bind". The name gave no recollection to Aument. “I guess you don’t know every trick in the book. You’ve never fought a Mithra I take it. Well this is a bow trick, but I’ve changed it around a little" Jody loaded his pistol. Aument looked back to his shadow, under the moon, and the bullet was nicely placed at the center of it, reflecting the lime colored light.

“Interesting… but what good does it do? You know you can’t hit me with those bullets, not even if you really try" Aument spoke. Jody tried to block out the ideas. He shot a loud bullet, but it was quickly blocked. He did it again, and again, blocked two more times. He grew frustrated. He reached into his pocket, and then his expression suddenly became distraught. He had run out of bullets. He looked around as fast as he could. He spotted the rifle; it was a few feet behind Aument. He ran around the Elvaan, but the spell wore off. Just as he was about to grasp the gun, he felt a strong hold pull him back and threw him to the ground.

“Die!" Aument slashed down at the pinned down Jody. The Ranger grabbed his axe and blocked the attack. The clash of weapons was close to the neck. Letting up for only a second, would give Aument enough leverage to chop off his head. The great sword and axe inched closer and closer to his neck. Jody tried his best to push it back, but Aument was so much stronger. Jody had used up all his resources and the possibility of death grew faster and faster. The slash wound gave him so much pain. Panic began to take over Jody’s mind.

It all seemed lost, until a beastly black figure tackled Aument off Jody. The blunt tip of the great sword smacked Jody in the face, knocking him out cold on the dirt. A black-hided tiger with a white underbelly had attacked Aument. Aument punched it away and got himself off the ground. “Tiger?!".

“Tigers are better for taking out bigger opponents. If you were, lets say, a Tarutaru. I would have gladly used a Mandragora" Siat-Diat taunted and stepped out of the shadows, dropping an open bottle and its cork.

“Looks like another crony to take care of… a Beastmaster too, should be annoying, but you are going die tonight" Aument dusted himself off. The tiger gave a ferocious growl aimed at the Elvaan. Aument was ready to execute the beast.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

The moon gave the water a brilliant green shade of light. The ocean was dark and now resting. Mhaura watched over it. The fires had been extinguished. A piece of wood, from the ruined docks, drifted. A body, a passed out Hume in a bloody, ripped up Gi grasped the piece of wood with all his possible might. He aimlessly washed onto the rocky wall opposite of Mhaura.

The icy chill of Qufim had returned. The dry, cold forsaken land where the Behemoths walked, Qufim had thirty-six explorers from Jeuno and San d’Oria walking into their possible doom. In two groups, one being lead by Aument and Renza, half of them being the West Lions. The men had entered into a tunnel, via an icy mouth. Behind them was the dead wasteland of freezing temperatures. Once inside the icy, blue tinted walls, the cold air started to lessen. Straight ahead in sight were two campfires. Around the fires were Ducal Guards in white breastplate armor of various races. One Hume, slightly older, was the only one standing. His hair was wavy blond and he had a thin mustache and blue eyes.

“Finally! We’ve reached the camp" Aument smiled. The blood on his armor had dried and turn light brown, still almost invisible on his black leather armor. Renza whistled loudly, capturing their attention. The Hume walked to them.

“Captain, how are they?" Renza looked past him.

“The cold seems to be getting to them, but overall good and ready to fight" the captain nodded.

“Okay, we set off now" Renza commanded.

“Now?" the captain a bit surprised.

“Yes, now" Renza said, then turned to Aument. “Your troops ready?"

“Of course" Aument smiled, “I am sure they will out perform any Ducal Guard".

“Lets hope so" Renza started to walk to the camp. The rest of the arriving soldiers followed in the same way. Aument grabbed the back of Fredant’s neck softly and warmly.

“You ready for battle, so-… soldier?" Aument, still with a smile on his face looked into the young Elvaan’s eyes.

“Yes I am, sir!" Fredant acted like he had no relation with Aument. The two Elvaans stared into each other’s eyes for a moment. The cold had made their faces red and hands chilly. Aument let go of his stepson and walked to the camp.

Within a few minutes they continued down the halls of the cave. The hostile freezing air was no longer a danger, but they began to spot giant, dog-like footprints. The quarry wasn’t far. A Ducal Guard crouched down to the ground, fingers examining the dirt and thin layer of ancient snow. “The Behemoths are near" he called back to the rest of the group, just behind him.

“Okay! This will be a hard fight! Get ready!" Renza rallied the troops.

Aument’s eyes darted around the soldiers. ‘Too many Ducal Guards… these soldiers have not fought a real battle since the attacks on Jeuno twenty years ago. Some not even old enough to fight then’ Aument rubbed his chin. He placed his body close to Fredant’s, almost like a shield. “You watch my back, and nothing will ever happen to you" Aument turned his head back and smiled.

“Of course, Captain Aument" Fredant tried not to smile, but failed. Fredant tugged back his sleeves and put on some mittens. As he did, he exposed a tattoo, the emblem of the West Lions on his left arm. He quickly remembered the pain of having the image installed. He pulled the sleeve over it and rested his right hand on his crossbow attached to his waist.

“Renza! I see it! The Behemoth!" the soldier who examined the ground earlier cried. He had pulled out his bow.

“Fire upon it!" Renza pulled out his claws, ready to charge. “Captain Montgomery! Make sure the monster is always on you" he gave one command to the aged, but experienced fighter. He received a nod in return. The archer fired an arrow, cutting into the skin of the Behemoth. The beast, purple skinned and black hided, just like the King Behemoth it lived under. Its clear eyes and crooked horns only added a fearful effect. He gave a thunderous roar that echoed into the halls. It spotted the group of Ducal Guards and Royal Knights. For a second it growled, and then rushed to them. Montgomery began to cast a white magic spell, quickly finishing it. A flashing, blinding light burned into the Behemoth’s eyes. He pulled out his sword and readied his white plated shield, just as the rest of them did. He screamed a war cry and they engaged the beast. Aument did the same, and the Royal Knights followed. The beast was disoriented enough to miss the first attack on Montgomery, but soon enough repealed the hex.

“Something is wrong…" Renza looked around, not fighting the Behemoth.

Their weapons did little more than cut the beast. Its hide was incredibly tough, like a wall of brick outlined in thick layers of sand paper. Montgomery blocked a shot from its horns by pushing forward his shield. The horns were pushed down, but the shield pierced. The horn cut a small wound across the Paladin’s chest. Montgomery cast a Cure spell, before the Behemoth could attack again. His wound sealed up and the blood spilled from it disappeared. The Behemoth’s head bashed into Montgomery, but the shield was able to keep him on his feet. Three other Ducal Guards and two Royal Knight were casting Cure spells on Montgomery constantly. The Behemoth did a lot of damage in short time, but the healing kept Montgomery from falling. One Ducal Guard was a Black Mage, and cast spells of fire and stone at the beast. Fredant, along with five other archers, pumped arrows and bolts into the beast. Each projectile either missed or stuck into the beast’s body with a stabbing sound. Aument was doing the most damage to the beast, able to slash the skin rather easily.

Aument stabbed deep into the Behemoth’s ribs. The crowded beast let out a roar of pain and frustration. It threw it front legs into the air and came smashing down. Montgomery braced for impact, but was knocked away. The stomp by the Behemoth sent a powerful force, throwing the thin snow into the air. The damaging attack floored all the melee soldiers and left the mages staggering. Montgomery was hit the hardest. He body was thrown across the rocky floor, being badly cut. As the group lay, stunned for a moment, Montgomery thought his spine was broken, but was able to get up. Aument hoped up and quickly gave loud commands. He stopped the monster from attacking while everyone was down, shoving his blade its knee, then blocking off its mouth. “Heal all the melee!" he shouted. Then he saw it. Another Behemoth was charging through the tunnels, right at them. “Oh damn!" Aument was ready to stall it, but a figure appeared in front of the monster: Renza.

The Hume’s in Ducal armor head was aimed down, almost as if he was unaware of the coming Behemoth. “Trust me… hurry up and kill this one first!" he commanded quickly. Aument nodded and all the troops turned their attention to the badly wounded Behemoth. Renza began to focus. Aument kept one eye on the Ducal Guard captain. Renza dropped his claws to the ground, bouncing on the frozen rocky ground. With his left hand, he ripped away the armor on his right arm, breaking the breastplate. A strange, purple aura began to drift around his arm. A shining violet light, followed by sparks of sharp yellow, red, and blue volts. He began to shake. The loud, powerful Behemoth was only yards away from him. He looked up and pulled his arm back ready to strike. He thrust forward with all his might. The howls of a wolf echoed in the halls, none belonging to any Behemoth.

Renza suddenly jolted up, falling off the piece of wood. He panicky fluttered in the cold water. He came back to his senses within a few seconds. Aument and the King Behemoth’s spell, it all came back to him. He took a big breath and looked for Mhaura. As soon as he spotted it, not too far away, he began to swim as hard as he could towards the town.

Siat-Diat pulled out another jar with a cork top. He quickly popped it open. A strange, colored haze spilled out and formed into a black hide tiger.

“Grr! This is your fourth pet… I am sick of this" Aument said and arranged the Behemoth Dethroner and charged at the Tarutaru. The tiger roared and charged, but a with a quick movement, Aument slapped it hard with the blunt side of his sword, sending the beast flying. Siat-Diat, shocked, pulled out his axe. Siat-Diat parried a slash but Aument slashed hard down on the Tarutaru’s side with the second attack. The Tarutaru cried as he felt the blow cut along his back. He gave an attack swing but Aument parried it and hit him hard with the end of his handle. The Tarutaru soared back, crashing into an Mhaura tavern wall. He coughed out blood holding his mouth in pain. Before Aument could finish him off, the tiger ripped its claws into the Elvaan’s back. He screamed in pain and spun around. His sword sliced into the tiger. He pulled his great sword up, ripping the beast in half, blood spraying everywhere. As the pieces of the tiger fall to the ground, its body and blood became vapor and faded.

“Damn it!" Siat-Diat was worried. He charged at Aument, his axe cutting the Elvaan’s arm lightly. Aument, furious, grasped Siat-Diat’s small neck and threw him back into the wall. The Beastmaster was knocked out, sliding down the wall. Aument picked up his great sword, preparing a coup de grace. He noticed something off the corner of his eye. Renza was now walking on the dirt. He was drenched in water, dripping and soaked.

“You… you… are still alive?" Aument questioned with eyes of a deep rancor. Renza flapped his hair back and adjusted it.

“Yes, I am" he answered with satisfaction.

Jody was slowly coming back to a state of consciousness. His head ached terribly. He gave a loud moan and rubbed his temples, slowly opening his eyes. His vision was blurry and dark. He slowly was able to see well again, spotting Renza. ‘He’s alive!’ he thought.

“Damn it… I thought you died already. Fine!" Aument charged at Renza. He sword gave a simple slash into the air, which Renza dodged quickly. He gave a quick punch to Aument’s ribs. It was powerful shot, shaking Aument’s ribs. Pain rushed through out Aument’s body. Renza then gave a shattering kick to Aument’s face. The Elvaan and his sword dropped to the ground. He was stunned. The last two attacks were so strong. ‘Renza is finally showing me his full potential’ he got up.

“Please, stay down…" Renza asked.

“I think that is not a possibility" Aument shook his head in disagreement and got up.

“I am not playing around anymore. Please stay down Aument!" Renza demanded again.

“Hehe… you are going to have to knock me down, and keep me down" Aument picked up his great sword from the dusty ground.

“If I must…" Renza very seriously said, “I’ll kill you". He didn’t mean those words.

“How exactly did you live through that?" Aument changed the subject.

“That doesn’t really matt-“ Renza tried to finish.

“It was that attack wasn’t it? The one…" Aument smiled, Jody listening intensely, “That killed a Behemoth in one blow".

Jody’s eyes widen. ‘Killed a Behemoth in one blow?!’ Jody was very shocked. ‘I knew Renza was strong… but that’s…’ Jody finished out-loud, in a low voice, “Impossible".

“Are you going to use it on me? It would probably keep me down. I don’t even know the effect it would have on a humanoid. Would be interesting. Even more interesting, thinking of a way to counter it… come on Renza" Aument smiled.

“You are crazy, you know that?" Renza sighed.

“Are you scared? Is that your trump card? Why do you hold back so much? I would love if you answered these questions, but knowing you, you won’t even say anything" Aument frowned.

“I don’t want to kill people, period" Renza tried to tell a boorish Aument.

In the city of Jeuno, a city high above the seas in a tower formation. On the ports, a teenage boy with messy dirty blond hair sat on the edge of the bridge district. His body was muscular for his age. The floors were of white tiles and just above his head was a line of rope preventing people from falling off. He was just a push away from falling a hundred feet into the endless water. The busy auction house was loud, draining from his concentration. He remembered the days of Jeuno as a small port town, almost unknown, him and his two best friends fishing just for the fun of it. Then they came, and changed it into a huge metropolis.

He watched the bloody sun set, reflecting on the salty waters. His right arm had bright red burns all over it and, it pained him with every movement he made. Even with this pain, with his feet hanging out in the open air, he had a smile on his face. Behind him was an old man, with bushy eyebrows and an old face. He wore a commoner’s sea blue jacket opened over white shirt and sea blue pants with a pair of worn-out olive shoes. His hair was black but was turning gray, even on his eyebrows. He must have been forty-something. “Wow, Renza, you’re up early…" the man said rubbing his blue eyes, “Wait a second… did you sleep at all? Don’t tell me you’ve been using the technique I taught you all night". Renza turned his head and smiled. He saw all the burns on Renza’s arm. “Oh my, you can’t keep on using that attack over and over, or you’ll burn you arm up! Well too late for that... You get some sleep, boy. I’ll just-“ he cut himself off when Renza picked himself up, ducking under the rope. Renza shoved his sleeves down as he saw his friend walking down the street.

“Please don’t tell him you’ve taught me this… he would be very jealous" Renza asked, with an innocent voice.

“Yah, yah! Just get some sleep" he ordered the boy. Renza ran up the street, with lampposts and people rushing through. He past his friend, a Hume with black hair and body strong like his. They waved at each other.

“I am going to sleep, I pulled an all-nighter" Renza looked sluggishly for a moment, hanging his hands down. His friend’s father, who looked rather similar, had the highest rank into the newly formed Ducal Guards: the head captain.

“Renza… my father told me, the Beastmen has declared war upon the five nations of Vana’diel" he said slowly. His voice was serious and straightforward.

Renza dropped his sleepy act instantly. “What? You can’t be serious!" Renza uttered loudly, surprised.

“I am afraid so…" the boy with black hair looked up to the now darkening sky. Renza snapped out of the flashback with the words of Aument’s threat and promise.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

“Okay, have it your way. I’ll come at you everyday of your life. Trying my best to kill you each time, sure to succeed" Aument swung his sword up and raced to Renza.

“And I’ll be waiting, on each of those days!" Renza punched forward. His jab connected on Aument’s face, but his sword still sliced into left shoulder, over the previous wound. Both the fighters staggered. Renza hurled a strong kick into the Elvaan’s upper right shoulder. Aument jumped left, but still was hit. He smacked Renza in the face with the edge of his handle. Renza gave two kicks to Aument’s chest. Aument followed it by slashing into Renza’s knees, just hitting them. Renza shoved his elbow into Aument’s ribs. Aument swung a right punch into Renza’s face. Blood spat for each punch and cut. Both of them roared and cried for each attack given and taken. Jody watched the fight, amazed.

Both of them retreated a few feet and clashed. Aument was able to block Renza’s strikes with sword. Before he could attack, Renza grasped his wrist, with a great wound, and twist it. Aument bit his lip hard, pulling Renza forward and giving him a strong knee thrust to the chest. Renza had the wind knocked out of him. Aument grabbed Renza by his hair and slammed him to the ground, in a hard, violent motion. Renza spat out blood as his head bounced. He grabbed his sword with left hand and tried his best to stab down at him. Renza held the blade itself back with his right palm and fingers was being cut. His left arm was unable to help much. He began channeling chi energy through out his body. The wounds on his body stopped hurting and his left arm was healed. It left a warm glow and feel. With the newly recovering arm, he grabbed Aument blade and pushed it back. The handle bashed his upper chest, causing him to retreat, holding his chest.

“Damn!" Aument complained as Renza got to his feet. The Monk preformed an unblocked roundhouse kick to the Elvaan’s face. Aument ate the blow entirely, but coughed out a large amount of blood. He almost connected a jab, but Aument hit him with the blunt side of the red Behemoth Dethroner. Renza flew into the dirt. Aument, with everything he had, face bleeding, stabbed down to Renza. With blades inches from Renza’s face, Aument felt sudden resistance. A cracking sound was heard, and a blue orb of magic aura appeared. Aument had pierced the glass aura, but could not get his sword past it. “What the?!" he cried, shoving more into it. Renza was also confused. He turned his head to the entryway of the VERMIN headquarters. Mercutio had just cast a white magic spell. Aument followed Renza’s eyes, turning to Mercutio.

“Oh Goddess! Another crony?!" Aument looked furious. Jody jumped up, but his head was hit by an intense ache. He stumbled back to a sitting position, holding his temples. Aument pulled out his sword and the aura disappeared. Aument turned his attention to Mercutio.

“Mercutio, run!" Renza ordered.

“Mercutio? Haha! This is great! That’s the man I need to capture" Aument smiled, he ran towards the doorway. Mercutio’s feet trembled. He was so afraid. Finally his body reacted to what his mind was telling it, he slammed the door shut, locking it, and raced up the steps. Aument, focusing only for a second, slashed into the door then ripped it out when he pulled back powerfully. The Elvaan ran up the steps. Mercutio, alone in the office, looked for some kind of weapon. He looked at a rapier, in a gold and glass case, hanging from the wall. He pulled it off and opened it. He gripped the sword, barely knowing how to use it. He looked at the doorway. Aument was waiting.

“Stay back!" Mercutio ordered, afraid.

“Haha, so you are going to fight with that?" Aument laughed. The Elvaan jumped forward, totally avoided Mercutio’s swipe and grasped Mercutio’s neck with his hand from behind. He placed the great sword on Mercutio’s neck. “I wonder if I should kill you or get my bounty" he said close to Mercutio’s ear. The helpless man was overcome with fear. He couldn’t breath right and trembled. Renza raced up the steps, reaching the room.

“Sorry to do this to you, but if you come any closer, I’ll kill Mercutio here" Aument smiled. Mercutio was placed in front of him; any attacks would hit Mercutio first. Renza eyed the long Behemoth Dethroner ready to slice Mercutio’s neck.

‘This is bad’ Renza was very worried. “Let him go, you want me don’t you?" Renza pleaded.

“Yes, but this little guy could be used as a great weapon against you" Aument smiled, “I don’t plan on killing him just yet. Gives you time to be the hero… makes things interesting, no?". Renza stared into Mercutio’s fearful eyes.

Jody was finally able to get to his feet. He ran for his loaded rifle. “My last bullet…" he said to himself and picked up the rifle. He looked to an alley parallel to the headquarters. In the lighted room, from the window, shadows were alive on the wall. He saw the situation, not clearly though. He sucked in a big breath of air and quickly ran up the steps. Before Aument could tell who had just entered the room, Jody aimed and fired. The loud thundering shot was followed by an eerie peace. Jody dropped the gun. “I… missed" Jody couldn’t express his feelings clearly.

“Well look at that!" Aument laughed. Renza ran forward, Mercutio’s heart stopped. Aument could imagine himself ripping Mercutio’s neck open before it happened. A second past, a loud clash was heard, a sword slamming into another. Not knowing exactly what happened, Renza saw Aument’s great sword fly into the ceiling, deep inside it. Mercutio’s rapier was extended into the air, gripped tightly by his frail right hand. Aument staggered back. “Huh?!" Aument looked at his hands.

Renza looked at Mercutio’s face. It was different and yet the same. He seemed older and direct. His eyes changed radically to an innocent azure to a deep violet. ‘What happened to him?’ Renza noticed the character change within Mercutio. Jody just noticed what happened, confused as well. Mercutio spun around. He raised both his palms and aimed it at Aument, each hand only an inch away from contact. He cast a spell, without chanting or any aura, it just happened. A furious, sharp gust of wind, strong and raging, destroyed the office in a chaotic blast. Throwing the several of the plaques and frames across the room and cutting the desk into three pieces. The wind hit Aument hard. His body was cut and slashed by the winds as it propelled through the window. Shattering glass flew around in the room. Aument smacked the building across the alley and he fell. He could only brace for impact as he saw himself fall two stories into the rocky ground. Seconds past, the Elvaan pushed his body from the ground, knowing a few bones were broken. He didn’t know what happened, nor cared at the moment. He raced down the alley, aching with terrible pain.

Mercutio, in this strange state of mind, didn’t look directly at Renza or Jody. His left hand started to wobble curiously and his right hand dropped the rapier. He looked at it curiously, not knowing what his body was doing. The movement continued up his entire arm. Just as quickly he fell to the ground, and began to have a seizure. “Make sure he doesn’t swallow his tongue!" Renza ordered to Jody and he ran towards the window. Renza looked out the alley. Aument was gone. Renza looked to Behemoth Dethroner stuck into the solid ceiling. He then turned his sights to Mercutio, who was still shaking wildly, with Jody adjusting the position of his body. ‘What is Altana’s name happened?’

The night concluded after Mercutio and Siat-Diat were sent to rest. Renza was met by an official and was expected to meet with the mayor in the morning. The sun rose within a short amount of hours. Neither could Jody nor Renza sleep, so they just watched the ruins they left behind and Jody read a book.

“So, how do you expect to pay for all the damages you’ve caused-waused?" Ekokoko was sitting in a high chair while Renza stood. She was behind a nice exquisite desk. A Mithra with short black hair was adjusting books on a shelf s a few feet away, trying to block out the discussion. The room was small, with several, dark wood bookshelves.

“I am not exactly sure, but I know VERMIN has unused banks full of gil. I’ll use the money and lend man-power" he nodded. His body ached from the battle on the previous night, but he hid it from the mayor.

“Also, after the docks are repaired, I expectaru VERMIN to leave Mhaura. We no longer welcome or supportaru the company of VERMIN" she frowned. Renza was saddened lightly by the news, but understood it. He nodded in response.

“It will take a few days, we have an event planned soon for these mountains… And after that we would have to pack everything up“ Renza explained.

“Of course, I will wait those days" Ekokoko said.

“Understood" Renza nodded.

Renza walked out of the building, with a tired Jody and Siat-Diat waiting.

“So?" Siat-Diat asked bluntly.

“We rebuild those docks, and then we pack our bags and get out" Renza informed them.

“Damn…" Siat-Diat signed.

“Not so good for your first few days" Jody looked into Renza’s eyes.

“Not so good, that you missed that shot last night" Renza returned the look. With the tension suddenly unwinding, they both laughed loudly.

“I don’t get it" Siat-Diat tried his best to sound as least dumb as possible, looking away in embarrassment.

“Renza, so the sword of his is still in our possession?" Jody asked.

“Yes, and I am sure he will come back for it" Renza nodded, hiding a smile.

In a dark room, in a nice bed with white sheets and a think blanket, Mercutio laid looking out a window. His body felt very weak. He was slightly dazed. “Is there… another me?" he said to himself in the darkness, a streak of light pouring onto his face.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

In San d’Oria, a jail cell was occupied by two figures. One was Hume and the other one was Elvaan, Shinato and Auricant. Both had some scrapes and bruises on their faces. The jail cell was under the Chateau. Baramore walked the halls, next to the shadowy warden. The warden was the very same cloak wearing man that led Auricant through the dungeon. Baramore reached the two. He laughed slightly. “Now I know how you felt a few days ago" he smiled.

“I don’t know how you could laugh at that" Auricant shook his head.

“This Elvaan never shuts up! Please get me out of here!" Shinato begged.

“If I am correct, it was you I had to keep demanding to be quiet" Auricant spat.

“Both of you please calm down… and Shinato how could you get in trouble so fast? I literally entered you into the city a few minutes before the fight" Baramore looked slightly concerned.

“Well, he was not looking where he was going and he is stupid" Shinato looked bitterly at Auricant. Auricant simply rolled his eyes.

“I had hoped one night would have taught you something. Can either of you explain your actions?" Baramore asked.

“Self-defense" both of them answered at the same time.

Baramore sighed. “Ugh, just let them go" he told the man in the tunic next to him.

“Okay" he said, almost a whisper, and opened the lock. Both of them walked out, stretching.

“I hope I never ever see you again" Shinato said disgustedly.

“Excellent, we have something in common" Auricant said and smile bitterly.

“Goodbye Shinato" Auricant said.

“Goodbye Auricant" Shinato replied.

“Auricant come with me, you’ve been given a new mission" Baramore said.

Shinato noticed Bleeding Wolf standing at the end of the hall. He met up with him. “Hey Wolf" Shinato greeted.

“How was your night?" Bleeding Wolf grinned.

“I wouldn’t have called it fun" Shinato sighed.

“Well, I was right. Bastok has given us an ambassador mission" Bleeding Wolf informed him.

Both of them, made their way into the Basok Consulate, passing through beautiful halls of the Chateau, which was near by in North San d’Oria. The building was very nice and decorated with the San d’Orian flag and the Bastokian flag. They entered and met with a chubby, older Hume standing at the door. He had casual clothing, green pants and cheap shoes, outside the blue aketon with a Bastok emblem at each shoulder. “Okay, Shinato and Bleeding Wolf, yes?" he said with his deep voice.

“That is correct" “Yah" Bleeding Wolf and Shinato answered, in that order.

“Okay, let me get my notes… Oh by the way, my name is Helaku. Ah here we go" he pulled out a piece of paper and read it, “Okay, you will have an Elvaan escort. You need to kill one Orc. Any Orc. This is a barely a mission of course… just those damn Elvaans trying to keep us busy. Well good luck, but I’d imagine it would be easy. Okay?".

“Uh yah, whatever" Shinato spoke for the both of them. ‘This guys says okay a lot…’ Shinato started to lose interest.

“Where is our escort?" Bleeding Wolf asked.

“He is on his way here, okay?" the man smiled and told him.

“Very well. We will do the mission and report back to you as soon as possible" Bleeding Wolf nodded and gave a short bow.

Shinato quickly opened the door. Auricant looked up. Their eyes met for a second, followed by a cry of horrible disgust.

“You?!’ they both roared.

In a ruin of a magnificent structure made of the chalky white cermet, a temple laid hidden. The ancient carcass was semi-circular with a long slope climbing to the top cutting through the middle and many rows and ramps around it. Chunks of the walls were missing and large wounds marked into them as well. Around it was a deep wood of humongous dark colored trees, wide as buildings. It was morning, with the sun not too old. Innocent radiance shined on the streets and small pools of water. The water here was queerly clear and fresh. On these streets, ancient creatures walked, none of them similar to a man. Pieces of cermet, fallen from the walls, laid as pebbles on the ground. Just before a large entrance to this temple was an all but empty fountain of beautiful design.

Once in the holy place, its beauty became obvious. Walls, floors, and ceilings of cermet lined across the halls. On the ceiling were vents that let light in. Every few steps were closed doors to the right and left. Finally at the end of a lone case of stairs, chipped and tarnished, was a small hallway. It led to the inner-sanctum of the temple.

The room was apparently endlessly tall, falling to darkness before showing its ceiling. The room’s floor was a long bridge with a platform holding a strange apparatus, with many buttons, in the middle and a door, similar to a fence of cermet with an empty slot at its middle, at its end. The bridge was over a large lake of crystal clear water, with many columns, some only little more than towers of rubbish. To the side of the cermet bridge were statues of saints. They were hooded and genderless, some of the statues had no upper bodies or heads, all of them decaying to time. Only two of them stood out through. Above the entering arch was a cold figure. It wore a pointy hood and was bound by many chains. Seemingly male, his wings drooped down. Its posture gave a sense of hopelessness and sadden mood. Parallel to the chained figure, above the door at the end of the bridge was a gorgeous figure of holiness. Anyone of Vana’diel could tell you her name: Altana. A tunic-wearing female just like the rest of them with large, lifted wings high into the air, she welcomed anyone entering the room. Her face, thought plain in the form of the statue, gave a sense of valor and safeness. She was smiling and he hands were folded together in prayer. The room, ancient as time, had an alien yet welcoming silence. It greeted anyone and everyone, but was left untouched… for maybe countless of hundreds of years.

On this room’s narrow floor, just before the device, a body laid. It was a man and he was not conscious. He looked to be in his lower twenties and had strange markings on his face. His black hair was a youthful and full. It was long, reaching his shoulders. His attire was unique and nothing a citizen of Vana’diel would have ever seen before. He wore black robe, hoodless and reached to his feet, which fitted like a vest on the upper part of his body. The robe was missing its right sleeve. On the man’s white skinned right arm were strange markings. They seemed to be tattooed, but were in fact apart of his skin, like a birthmark. The ancient words wrapped around his arm, covering it entirely. They seemed to be countless dark black characters on his skin. Slowly he opened his eyes. They were dark, almost radiating blackness. He jumped up and looked around wildly. He had just woken up from a very bad dream… millions of people watching the sky; suddenly a rushing wave of indescribable power, without color, came rushing through them all. The force simply made their flesh and bodies vanish and blast away. He was in the middle of it all, covering his ears, as the sound was deafening. With a flash, he felt time pass him by, but very quickly. Now that was all gone and he was awake in the world of the present. Outside these images from his dream, he could not remember a single thing.

Slowly he centered his attention and looked up. The chained statue was towering just above him. “P-Promathia…" he slowly began to remember. He turned around. “Altana" he said slowly as his eyes looked at the figure. Suddenly, breaking the peace, a voice was heard in his head.

“You are the one who created the Vana’Diel Tragedy… the one who wrote the Memoria De La S^tona. It is now time for you watch over your story and play a role in the events of this world…" the voice was beyond description.

“Who are you?" he jumped slightly and called. He looked around. The darkness in the room frightened him slightly.

“Go southwest… you will make it in time to meet them" the voice said and disappeared.

The man knew where southwest was, but that was only it. He slowly felt himself recover; relearning his powers and his strengths, but his memory was gone totally. He sucked in a big breath and walked out of the holy room. He set off for southwest. He didn’t know his name or where he was, but he felt like he could trust the voice for some reason. Unknown to him, it was where the Republic of Bastok was.

[Blood Red Poet]

Re: Notorious BRP's The Vana'Diel Tragedy

VANADIEL TRAGEDY
Chapter Twelve: Humanity

There was a land of tropical temperatures and ecology. An island of warm seas, endless jungles, and an explosive volcano, it was called Elshimo Island. It was located less than two hundred miles away from Windurst. The morning of the day gifted Elshimo with its sun. Only one town existed on this island: Kazham. The port town hanging off the northern west coast of Elshimo Island was the home of the Mithra. The houses in this Mithran town were built out of natural materials such as bark and grass. Palm trees sat in the sun and waved to the people below them thanks to the soft wind. The ground was grassy and mossy dirt, exotic flowers everywhere, and even some of the town were accessible by short caves lighted by touches.

All across this town, running and sleeping, the monkey-like Opo-opos loved the bright sun. Mithras, with adventurers or merchants of other races, played roles in work and commerce. With some just relaxing. Airships, with a blue-coated wooden hull with a one large propeller in back and two minor propellers in front, flew into and out the docks that lay out in front of Kazham, all day long.

A Mithra, with silky light lilac colored hair that just cut short just before her eyes and wrapped around behind her neck, walked down one of the wooden docks. Her clothing was a dark, thick violet velvet gi with steel pads on her chest and shoulders. A strong belt wrapped around her sides. At the cuffs of the gi were black folds. A steel brace protected her neck. Her slacks were just as thick and dark. Her sune-ates were black, with darksteel plated into them. Equipped to her hands were black tekkos.

She walked gracefully and slow. On her sights, at the very end of the docks was a large boat. It was twenty feet high and fifty feet wide. On board was handful of Mithras. She had a smile on her face and sack of food held strongly by her right hand. Her stay at Kazham was a short one, just to get food supplies for her crew. Only a few yards from her craft, she was stopped by a shout. “You! Stop therrre!” it came from a Mithra in a scanty dressed in a red loincloth and top. Next to her was another one dressed just alike. The shouter had bright yellow locks and the other had long red hair. Both of them were armed with bows.

“Hmmm? Can I help you?” she smiled and turned around.

“Are you not Hintah Akunih?” the shouter asked. There was a silence, as the Mithra in the black garments hesitated to speak, still with a smile. “Well?” she asked again, slightly annoyed.

The captain dropped her bag suddenly. In her right hand was a small piece of paper in a strange shape. It looked like a cutout person, but will no detail. She began to chant, releasing an insensible aura and strange characters began to burn red into the air. She made a series of foreign gestures with her hands, and the paper disintegrated.

“Ninjutsu!” they both shouted and loaded their bows. They fired with a short time to aim. It was too late now though. Hintah Akunih threw her right hand back, dropping the ash into the air. A distorted aura flashed onto her body and disappeared. The arrows coming right at her flew by her, but none of them connected due to them being blocked by her animated shadow.

“Sorry! I got to go!” she said quickly and began to run. The Mithras chased after her sending arrows as they ran. None hit her, only stabbing into the docks. One arrow ripped the bag and a roll of black bread fell out. Before she could notice, Hintah passed the bread and now was behind the guards. She noted it had dropped quickly. She dropped the bag and ran back. She dropkicked the opposite Mithra into the other, sending both of them to the ground. She got up and ran for the bread. A third Mithra, wearing the same thing and with short blond hair, charged in gripped her curved sword and stabbed forward. Hintah ripped out a sharp, black leather handled kunai and parried the attack. She then began casting another spell of ninjutsu with an object in between her fingers. It was an egg bomb of some type, with a transparent bag over a spice-covered egg. As before object disintegrated and characters burned into the air as she chanted. A cloud of darkness hit the opposing Mithra’s eyes.

“Arg! I can’t see!” she clutched her face. Hintah did a sweeping kick, maximizing the damage from the fall by slamming the Mithra down with her right elbow while she was suspended in the air. The Mithra almost broke through the wooden planks she fell so hard.

“Grrrr! Give it up!” one of the other two shouted, as they both got up. Hintah simply smiled as she moved very fast, faster than the Mithras’ eyes, and with the blunt side of her weapon, knocked them both on their heads while she ran by them and turned around quickly once they had be hit. Both slumped to the ground with a moan.

With three Mithras aching in pain on the ground, Hintah Akunih ran for the boat after she picked up the bread. More arrows flew at her, but none hit her because of her evasive speed. She ignored the door at its side and did a high jump. After flipping in the air, she landed nicely on the ship’s deck. “Lets move it!” she ordered quickly. Three other Mithras was standing on the deck as well. They wore either a basic, tan and black gi or a light-weighed iron chain mail with blue leather. “Underrrrstood!” one of them, with a simple spear strapped to her back, nodded and ran to the wheel. The boat, within a minute was leaving the docks.

A Mithra watching from the land, under a breezing tree, sighed. She had red blouse and a red loincloth. On her head was a red feathery crown over short silver hair. Another Mithra placed her hand on her shoulder. The other Mithra was wearing a shiny vermilion tunic with a few golden strands. “Even if she rrrran away from her duties… a sin hunter never likes to be hunted themselves, Chieftainness” she said with her older, but nice voice.

“Manaa Mihgo?” the chieftainness flinched for a second and turned around, “She is a pirate though. Everrrry time she attacks a ship, she puts Kazham’s diplomacy with the other nations into turmoil”.

“She will come around, one day” Manaa nodded her head.

Windurst was in its natural beauty as usual. The trees, with their fat, white trunk and reaching green leaves swung with the grass in the gentle wind. The sea gave its salty aroma and the sun waved to the citizens. In the residential area, a tall house stood, like the wooden houses of Windurst only the wealthy lived in: two floors with a balcony and plant life growing on and above it. In one of the rooms of the wealthy house was a Hume dressed in long black slacks and white socks. It was Cronin, with his muscular chest bare and his dirty-blond hair lying against his bed. He lay over his white sheets, looking up to the ceiling.

“Master. Is anything planned today, kupo?” a high-pitched, but soft voice called from the corner. Cronin continued to look up, at the star filled wallpaper that covered everything above him.

“Well… nothing planned, but something is bound to happen” Cronin said calmly. He was a bit tired.

“I must inform you, Kurin-Juran sent you something… would you like to check your delivery box, kupo?” the voice called again. Cronin sat up, at the edge of his nice, rosewood-framed bed. He looked to his Moogle. The small, white winged creature with a strange antenna with a red ball sticking out the top of his head was small. Even smaller than a Tarutaru, but the body shape was similar.

“Sure, what did he give me?” Cronin gave a curious look.

“Hmmm” the Moogle raced outside the room and then back in, almost in an instant he was so fast. He held up a kabob, filled with meat, peppers, and onions. “A Meat Mithkabob” the Moogle spun around excitingly.

“Haha, we just read an article about the effects of adventurers eating food” Cronin smiled and the Moogle placed the warm stick with meat on it in his palm. ‘I wonder what he is up to’ Cronin thought as he dug his teeth into the top piece and ripped it off.

“Master Cronin… I don’t think that was intended for breakfast, kupo”

“Kurin-Juran, how are you doing?” Minister Karaha said peacefully. Kurin, only a child, and him were sitting across from each other over a short oak table. Kurin-Juran wore a simple green vest and shorts. Karaha was wearing his decorated tunic, green with many stripes, brown and yellow. On his neck was a blue gem pendant. The hood of his tunic was like a yellow crown.

“I am doing… okay” Kurin smiled.

“Okay it has been six weeks since I started to tutor-wutor you and we’ve gone over many things… amazingly you learned so fast, but I had more in mind for you” the minister voice was strong. He grabbed large, brown book and slammed it on the table. He flipped it open to the first page. “I am going to teach you how to cast magic” he smiled. All over on the first page was a bunch of illegible symbols, the most obvious one was an image of a rock. Karaha ripped off the page.

“M-magic. Like my daddy-waddy cast?” Kurin asked, almost seemed confused.

“That is correct! Now here is the firstaru Black Magic spell you will ever learn… it is called Stone” Karaha said and hopped up. Kurin did the same. “Okay, now focus…” he moved his hands slowly, in a chanting position. Kurin mimicked him exactly. “You cast similar to this stance. Now read those runes from the page, memorize them” he sat down and spun the book. Kurin sat down and looked hard at the page. He saw the letters light up and slowly disappear, character by character. The spell was imprinted into his head forever and ever.

A few moments past… A large rock burst out of Karaha’s house, sending glass shards everywhere. “That… was nice, Kurin” his voiced sighed from the inside.

Kurin-Juran, now in the present day, rubbed his temples. He stood on a dirt road, up a hill in Windurst. To his right and left were walls of rock and on the ground below him were tall grass and dirt. His hood was down, with his silver curls exposed. Whenever he would get a flashback like that, his head would ache annoyingly. Soon it passed over and he continued to walk. He hated to see the past come alive again. It was so vivid in his mind that it hurt. He loved seeing his father and mother together in his clear thoughts, but it grew so painful. Finally he was broken out of thought when he noticed Koshii walking down the same road he was.

“Koshii!” Kurin-Juran smiled and waved. Koshii was wearing her white hooded-doublet like all Sybil Guards. On her back were a strong bow and a quiver. Her hair was silver and she looked around to see who it was. She quickly noticed it was Kurin.

“Well, hello therrrre! How are you doing, Kurin?” she asked and smiled.

“I am doing just fine, you?” Kurin returned the grin.

“Oh, you know, the usual. You, Sakeru, and Cronin have been staying out of trouble” she eyed him down with those words.

“Hey! It wasn’t me” he looked away, eyes hiding, “And yes, Cronin and Sakeru have not done anything messy-wessy to get in trouble”.

“Well that’s good” she leaned back, “Hey we never did get a chance to get in contact… how does tonight sound?”.

“Hmmm, it sounds fine. You know a good place to eat?” Kurin asked.

“No actually. Sybil Guards don’t get to go out usually” she flushed and scratched the back of her head.

“Right, well, me and Cronin have been going to this place for awhile. The food is good and a bard plays some nice dinner music” Kurin-Juran suggested.

“Sounds great, see you at… seven?” she also suggested.

“Sure! I’ll be sure to be on time, I hate being the lastaru one to show up” he smiled now too.

“Bye” she bowed and continued to walk down the road.

“Bye-bye!” he returned and then turned forward. Before he could begin walking again, a soft hand was placed on his shoulder. It was Sakeru’s. “What the!” he jumped forward and turned around. “Where did you come from?!” he grabbed his chest, still in shock.

“I am very sneaky... Kurin-Juran has a date, eh?” she giggled.

“D-…D-date?! What are you talking about?” he flung his hands in the air.

“Welllllll… sounds like you arrrre on a date” she continued to giggle.

“Shesh! Just two childhood friends meeting together! Its not a crush or anything!” Kurin got flustered.

“Okay” she responded smiling.

“You mean to tell me two people who have not seen each other in fifteen or twenty years can’t meet?!” he went on.

“Okay” she did the same.

“I mean, thataru is crazy!” he sighed.

“Okay” she repeated. Kurin-Juran lifted his head, only watching from one eye.

“You still don’t believe, do you?” he asked with forgivable irritation in his voice.

“Okay” was her answer, “Err, I mean…”.