Chaos Sonic

“Keep your head up, and watch your hands,” "My thanks Chris..." Ziun huffed, already seeing Chris drive his dagger into the thrashing skeletal hound's head. “Dirt washes out. Bone dust washes out. Only thing you have to worry about is the smoke, but you accepted that going in, hopefully.” Ziun rolled his eyes in a manner to show he wasn't too amused by this, but immediately took his coat and shook it once to get it clean of what was on it. "Aye. I made sure to accept what this dungeon threw at me...it doesn't mean I have to thoroughly enjoy it." he huffed again, already putting it back on. "Of course, it would have to be the undead we encounter first...the ones who have no soul for music. Truly a shame." He moved slightly, before finally noticing his rapier on the ground. "Ah, finally...there you are!" Ziun sighed happily, immediately picking it up and holding it in his hand. "Much easier to do things when I have my weapon now." However, he did hear the sounds of more hounds, to which he groaned. "Perfect..." “Keep moving, uh, that way!” "Truly better than just standing here for sure, my good sir." Ziun commented, before hearing him make mention of keeping defensive. "Tis a thought, not a truly magnificent one, but it could help mitigate some more causalities." he said, keeping near Chris' left side. After all, he was the one with the plan as well as someone on his back, it was obvious he would be a target if the skeletons continued their approach...and someone had to keep him protected. ...how did you get stuck with this job? he thought, before immediately stepping in where the next skeleton was coming, basically just pushing it back away from Chris at this point.

"It's light, won't get high without weight. Jeremy, Ibuz! Give us a really, REALLY great wind to help it blast off, okay?" "Quite the tall order, miss Kaede...buuuuuut..." "We have your back, Kaede." Jeremy nodded, his Djinn and himself prepping for the moment the bag of rocks would be launched. And at the moment it was time, the pair let loose the greatest gust of wind in the direction of the bag...whilst also prepping to make sure to keep Diana's fall to be slowed. "T-That...should do it..." "PSHSHNEH!" Now the knight and the bag swapped places thanks to the rune from Alexandria's library. Though for a moment, like the others, Jeremy was puzzled if anything happened. Nothing different seemed to be going on right now and the junk Quetzalcoatl still remained in the sky. "Um, Kaede...did you say that ri-..." About this time, Jeremy ate his words, watching the junk serpent let loose a screeching metal grinding on metal sound...maybe even metal being torn apart. Needless to say, it was painful to hear. But in any case, the serpent had been defeated, the knight saved by Diana...and apparently the Tower stopped it's rampage too. Victory seemed to be theirs for the moment. "Bravo! A good work to you all!" Ibuz laughed, applauding those who were on the ground. "Truly a band of like minded and formidable Founts if I ever saw them. Now, who's up for shawarma?" Jeremy did have to admire and be amazed by Ibuz's enthusiasm about it all, but at the same time, this was NOT how today should've gone. But hey, it's life. Megalopolis 6th District, 3:00 PM Jeremy made his way to the bar, namely cause...where else would he go at the present since all the emergency work currently going on. While he sat down at the bar, Ibuz now safely within his lamp which still remained at Jeremy's side, the young man finally moved his bag onto the table and dove his hands into it. He rummaged around until he felt what he was looking for, pulling the items out: two intricately ornate Faberge eggs, though you could see the wear and tear on them as the years passed. It was obvious they had been with the couple he procured them from for a very long time. "They didn't crack or break...thank Christ..." he sighed in relief. "Shame truly. I'm sure a few cracked eggs would've been perfectly fine, master." "And have that on my record of being the one antique store owner and proprietor to not only take people's antiques but destroy them immediately before selling them again?" Jeremy asked in an irritated tone. "Yeah, I'd rather not...though I will say, they did say it these were of Napoleonic origin for one and the other...either Chinese or Japanese...still, doesn't matter. I'm sure these had some good history involved with 'em in the long run." As he put the eggs back into his bag, he could overhear a conversation going on now...apparently from three Founts: numbers 39, 20 and 53. He didn't get it all at the present, buuuuut he got the tail end... “God damn it! You can’t tell me something that juicy when I can’t even report it! Do you think anyone is going to buy your shadow person and illusory presence story!? I’m not saying you’re lying. It adds up more than just you and Sei being alone with Stratford. But fuck, all it would manage to achieve upon reporting would be paranoia and hysteria, which may very well be the aim of whoever did this. We don’t even know if our mystery elements are connected! And good luck getting the cops to listen, the chief won’t take hints from anyone, I’ve tried!” “...Now you see the problems I’m facing, Miss Soleil. I wish to defend Mr. Stratford’s name, for he didn’t do this under his own will. I believe that spectral voice to be connected to his increased paranoia, but I cannot prove it… It would create more panic than it would anything else. People will drag his name through the mud for the time being, as I investigate with very few leads, and I must simply hope I can find enough proof to restore his name with time. I wish I had more to offer, something that would clear his name and point to the culprits, but as of now, I do not. In the meantime...Perhaps you can find some engaging story among the defenders. If I can find leads... I would appreciate your cooperation, if you would offer it. You must have some experience in investigations." "Hmmm, the blonde one seems like quite the feisty one." "...I'm going to ignore that, Ibuz. Besides, did you not see the feisty ones literally being the one behind the bar counter and the woman with the fiery red hair?" Jeremy sighed, shaking his head. "They're the feisty ones...." "Perhaps master, but...I do like the challenge. Perhaps I can get her to give you her numb-..." "That's it, you're done for the night." Jeremy shook his head, immediately taking the lamp and shoving it into his bag. A few muffles and groans from the lamp were heard as he shoved it away, closing his bag up. "You are just too much to handle sometimes...like, more than you should be." He glanced again in the direction of the three before shrugging. "Even still...investigative journalist..." Current events were technically part of history, so maybe he could learn and glean something from this journalist. After a moment, Jeremy finally made his way over towards April after grabbing a quick shot of whatever Leo made. "Afternoon, miss...Soleil was it? Do you have a moment?" “Eh? Hey, aren’t you that guy that owns that one antiquities shop?” “I see my reputation precedes me.” Jeremy nodded, extending a hand out. “Jeremy Shelby, at your service.” “Yeah… I have an item from there, from when I was a child. I know you weren’t the owner then, but…” April’s eyes sharpened, seeming to snap out of whatever place she had drifted to, “Anyway, what was it you wanted?” “Well first off, I do hope whatever item you got from Diamond in the Rough Antiques was something that you truly enjoy.” Jeremy smiled, immediately pulling his hand back after seeing her eyes practically sharpen and snapped into the present moment. It was obvious she wasn't in the mood for the normal pleasantries... “Straight to the point, I was hoping to see if there was any other information you had on this case…or story…or whatever this currently is. Like, is this the first occurrence of something like this? It’s current events, and as a history major, I do want to make a point in trying to know more about these kinds of things.” “Depends on what you mean ‘like this’. Any info on the case at hand I have is from missy or the lime back there, so I can’t tell you much. Individual districts have news all the time, but… Nothing of this scale, generally.” “So something on the scale of a massive monumental building practically wreaking havoc isn’t on many dockets of news…okay, I should’ve figured, but I wanted to be sure all the same.” He shrugged, rubbing his chin slightly. “But I guess if things like this incident specifically happened in the other districts, it would’ve made the news and headlines almost instantly, I’m assuming.” “Sorry, don’t have much for you. I hear a lot of the gossip through some people here in Districts 5 and 6, but even then not much of this… magnitude. Though some are maybe more concerning.” “Concerning in what manner?” “I imagine this came about due to a lot of unrest across Megalopolis,” the reporter explained, tapping a finger on the bar as she did, “Mangled bodies showing up in District 2, gang wars in Districts 4, 7, and 8… Zealots standing out in District 10, along with more cults popping up all the time. You name it.” Jeremy rubbed his chin once more, pondering on what was told to him. “Hmmm, this is pretty strange. And if memory serves, Megalopolis hasn’t had anything like this, not counting the Tower Titan, happen in its history.” A sigh escaped his lips slightly. “I’d ask if there’s a possibility if these incidents are all connected, but alas, I believe you’d say there probably isn’t enough evidence or even there’s just no way they can be.” “... Yeah, there’s nothing concrete,” April looked to the side, “No different than our story right now. Just hearsay at absolute most, as far as the greater public is concerned.” “I see, I see.” he nodded, crossing his arms before adjusting his glasses slightly. “Still, this is a lot of stuff that’s been going on. And with the whole Tower Titan today…plus the junk Quetzacoatl…it’s getting strange that it’s all happened like this. Like…maybe like small dominoes falling…but, I’d have assumed the Tower would’ve been the final domino to fall if that.” He paused, before immediately clearing his throat. “S-Sorry about that, I didn’t mean to ramble there." “We’ll see.” “Oh, and by the way…” Jeremy said, snagging another shot. “I overheard your conversation there, annnnnd the people you’ll probably want to interview on the junk Quetzacoatl fight happen to be that one blonde girl out there helping out with the clean up, that knight…annnnnd there’s one more…” “You’ll just tell her about miss Kaede like that?” Jeremy sighed, smacking the side of his bag some. “First off Ibuz, it’s rude to just interrupt a conversation…secondly, it was her plan after all.” he turned his attention back to April. “The third one is Kaede, she’s the young girl with the sun hat.” “I’m not involving a child unless they choose to be,” April interjected, “And I… don’t think chasing after Seigi is a good idea. Fucking impossible to nail her down for an interview, considering her fairly high record of property destruction in the act of heroism… But thanks for the info on the third one.” “And I totally respect that…you’re definitely different than other journalists, that’s for sure.” Jeremy smirked. “They would’ve just gone straight to playing 20 Questions with the kid. But either way, I’m glad I could be of service…and if you ever need another antique or maybe want to drop any other tidbits of information by…ya know where to find me.” With that, the young man walked away from the journalist and sat back where he was prior. Though now, things were puzzling to him. Mangled bodies...gang wars...zealots and cults...and to top it off with the Tower walking and being sentient. These things were making sense, nor were their pieces falling into place properly...IF they were all connected somehow. For now, Jeremy hoped that things would start to calm down after this Tower situation...keyword: hope.

Oh, then I definitely picked right then XD

Hmmm Pirate, Knight, Cowboy and Dinosaur sounds interesting...honestly I know absolutely NOTHING about what this meme entails so I probably did this all wrong xD

Memes…They say that they're the DNA of the soul. Role play…It's often said that one can tell and weave together a story that the players can assist with and even make more of an impact… What if you combine the two? Within this thread, you'll see a list of compiled jokes and references from the RP section that have cemented themselves as an RP Meme. What could have been from a scene that made it memorable, general chat within Discord chats of the RPs themselves or even just something so stupid it ended up becoming beloved by the cast to where it ascended to this status. These RP memes from both YCM and NCM history will be submitted by users and even talked about by them. After all, if it's a moment that emerged from one's self, why wouldn't you talk about it in great detail? The RP Meme Vault

I can't just pick one, my guy! Like, I love all these ideas! So yeah...I picked em all, sorry not sorry

"right well, I should also mention something else. Beryn, the Accursed, where he's located. Which is, well, here. Legends state that he resides in the throne room of the old castle ruins. Fitting, I suppose. though, uh, it would probably still be best to go to Storm and Ocean's shrine first. I can't say what lies there but Beryn was known to be quite powerful himself, so, well every little bit helps." They had the heading they needed. They'd venture to the Storm and Ocean's shrine to see if something could be brought forth to them about their entrance into Aerstroff. But at the same time, Gene was wondering how things would end up in the long run. It sounded like a good time for him, all things considered, with him being in a world of fantasy...to live out his dreams that he used to have in the world prior. On the other hand...like many of his favorite characters in his shows, stories and games...they had a heavy burden of protecting this land...to save it from what these "Accursed" had wrought in this world. Needless to say, Gene had to be careful in living his fantasies in this world...otherwise he'd be a terrible hero. “...Now, as for the exact nature of how we should do so, we have more than a few options. This primarily is determinate based on the comfort and preferences of those around us, and so, were we to choose a systematic way of determining things, I may suggest either placing us in one of the two houses based on age-groups, as some of the younger members of our group may be uncomfortable with so many adults around, or, by gender-presentation, as that seems to be a tried and true system in many parts of our old world… “ "If we're doing it systemically, splitting between the boys and girls seems smartest, doesn't it? Three guys, four girls, if I'm counting right. It also saves us having to figure out age groups and all. Personally I'm fine with whatever we end up doing, but I'm not sharing a room with any of the men. No offense, guys of the gang." "Buzzkill! Just yanking your chain of course. I don't think that's a bad idea. Hell I can even sleep outside if things get too cramped on your side, boys." Gene rubbed his chin a bit, before shrugging. "Honestly, splitting up between the two does sound good...plus it keeps us out of trouble in the long run." he laughed nervously. Why did he say it like that? ...stupid...could've said ANYTHING else but that...jeez... Though he did have to ask something else. "B-By the way..." he quickly changed subjects. "Is there any place we can get a bit better clothes? M-Maybe something that befits Aerstroff's culture in general and maybe helps us get more in-tune with our surroundings?"

“This is no tournament. It is just a single sparring match and, in the interest of not being here all night, we will be going in all at once. As for what is allowed, anything goes. If you can do it, it’s fair game. These devices work much the same way as in the Arena in that no lasting damage will be done, but if you fight as though you can’t be hurt this whole training session would be made pointless.” "Intriguing...please make a note of this..." Trevor nodded, speaking to the Cabanomicon as a pen materialized itself and began to write into the pages of the grimoire. "The technology here truly is a wonder, as well as it's touch of magic. It does my heart good to see it in such a state." Nevertheless, he watched as Melissa already entered the pod...there was no time like the present...it was time for this sorcerer to show his stuff. He glanced over to the zombie before smirking. "Now don't keep me waiting, partner." he said, giving a two fingered salute as he and the grimoire that now landed in his hand made their way to a pod and like Melissa, were shipped off to a different locale. From the dark, Trevor saw now the protruding light poor into his vision...and what he saw, was quite something he wasn't expecting. The most obvious sight is the building. It was fairly large, two stories, and had a rather simple porch in front of it. Beyond that the most unique part of it was how it seemed like it was practically falling apart. Rotting wood and a multitude of cracks and holes peppered it periodically. It looked essentially like the corpse of a house. Which was fitting as the area around said house appeared to have been turned into a graveyard. Graves rose up in even rows in the front yard of the house. Grigoriy stood to the left of the door, which was ajar, and he seemed to be looking around with an annoyed frown on his face. As Trevor got his bearings he would notice he could feel a faint sense of magic around the area. "Impressive..." Trevor muttered, taking in his surroundings and truly feeling the sense he got of this place. And truly in my element...this may go as well as I'm hoping... he thought, before, snapping his fingers, allowing the grimoire to float into his hand as it opened and began to flip it's pages. "I believe an introduction is to be had here, Grigoriy sir. As you gave us you and your team's names, but alas, we didn't truly reciprocate that." A slight tip of his hat was presented, before he proceeded to take a bow. "My name is Trevor Masters, I hail from the world known as Arcana Cabana. I am the apprentice to Balthazar Blake, sorcerer of the 777th degree." The older man raised an eyebrow and shifted silently. "Alright." He rumbled in response. "I'll assume that means something important then, good for you." Then he drew a long sword from its sheath at his side. Suddenly electricity crackled around his body and he kicked off the porch. The armored man raced towards Trevor at high speed. "Indeed it d-...WHOA!" Trevor shouted, immediately taken aback by the sudden burst of speed that the older gentleman displayed. "AERORA!!!" The grimoire reacted in-tandem with his casting, as a shield of wind began to swirl around the young sorcerer and with a quick movement, he did his best to pivot away from the knight. "Electricity? It seems there's truly more to you than I anticipated...and if you control electricity in the manner that you show...one can hazard a guess that you may be immune to electrical attacks. Are my assumptions in a proper direction?" He just let out a grunt as his blade came down on the wind. The electricity surged through his body and through the blade, coming out as a bolt of lightning that struck the wind and scattered it. Trevor felt a tingle of static as the electricity faded. However Grigoriy doesn't stop there and immediately pulled a knife from his belt to throw at the magic user. Trevor noticed the lightning scattering the wind around him, before noticing the glint off the knife the older gentlemen pulled out, throwing it at him. With a forceful slam close of the Cabanomicon, he threw it before him and it began to have it's chains wrap around it and with the now chained up grimoire, he blocked the knife. "Now...FIRAGA!!!" Trevor pulled the chain of the Cabanomicon out of the way once the knife was blocked, now holding his free hand forward as he pointed towards Grigoriy, his red gemmed ring glowing brightly as he fired off the fire blast spell he had. Grigoriy raised an arm in front of is face as the flames strike him. He grunted again and electricity surrounded his body before he took a determined step forward and flung his arm to the side. Electricity danced around him and seemed to react with the fire, causing the magic to explode between the two men. Through said explosion Grigoriy charged in and swiftly brought his sword down upon Trevor. "Whoa...this is unreal!" Trevor said with excitement in his voice, the look of enjoyment as he watched the magic explode between the two of them. Though Grigoriy was still on the charge, as he rushed in. "Aerora!" he said, putting up the shield just in time, though he just barely and narrowly dodged the strike. "I must say, your usage of magic is truly remarkable!" he said, though he glanced to his sides for a split second. ...c'mon Morgan...where are you?

First it was lodged inside the skeletal hound's jaw and then it was ripped out of his hand...and with a clatter on the ground, his rapier disappeared into the mist. "Gods be damned..." he muttered at first, his mutterings would soon be halted as he saw the hound attempt to rush in and it's target: his thigh. "Blast it all!" Ziun groaned, dodging out of the way, a quick roll to make sure he wasn't literally dog chow. Okay Castir...let's assess the situation here. First: this encounter within the walls of this dungeon presented you with skeletons, with neither a love or appreciation of music or your illusions. Second: they won't stop coming and this mist continues to hinder us. Third: I have now lost my weapon within the fog, basically unable to properly fend off these creatures. Ziun glanced at the lute he had with him and immediately shook his head. Under no circumstances...can't just use this as a blunt object and weapon...that's basically sacrilegious... This wasn't looking good for the bard in any shape or form. Especially given that as he dodged out of the way, the hound simply rushed where he was, turned around and began to make a beeline straight for him. It was obvious it was hungry for a taste of his blood...or flesh...an ironic thing to be in the realm of tasting for, at least in Ziun's mind. But the undead had their tastes about them, they wanted certain things, so perhaps that was one of them. Nevertheless, with the hound on it's way again, Ziun put together that dodging and rolling would not be helping him now. So what was he to do then? An exhale escaped his lips, his breath being seen in the process. Without a moment to waste, Ziun did something a bit...strange, crazy even. He quickly removed his coat and held it in front of him. The moment the hound got closer, he threw the coat towards the hound, preparing to hinder the skeletal hound's sight. And once it was basically having it's head covered in coat, Ziun took the opportunity to seize the hound by the neck, wrapping his arms around the skeletal creature and forced it down. "...t-tch...didn't think I'd resort to tactics used by a hog farmer...how low can I possibly stoop?" he groaned, somewhat regretting himself asking this as he started to punch the hound's "suffocated" head.

"Mate, I fucked up pretty good. Yeah. Savvy. I appreciate your help, Kitt. I know I'll need it. I guess, thanks Lord Nil. For a better understanding of what it is that I was missing. I suppose then, we should be going. Perhaps, back to the beginning? Back to Galatea Yeah. I'd like to start there. That is, of course. If you're prepared and willing." And Now...The End is Near... "Going back to check up on everyone as well as doing things right..." Kitt smirked, nodding at his friend. "...fix the mistakes we had prior, I'm sure we can work with that. Just try not to cause a scene with Levanna and the guards again." He jabbed the shoulder of Olivander, poking fun at him. "After that, we'll figure out how to work with Corpus...and fixing that one to allow everyone to come back to live there, well...at least the ones who left." The silence, however, was strong. Kitt glanced and noticed that Nil remained there motionless, seeming...unsure of what she was going to say, pondering like. Though now, the silence became more... He could hear, the lighthouse creaking, the cool nighttime breeze and insects and even the crew mates of the Swallow Tail...no...it was more. Andalou...Corpus...Nieuw...Galatea...and further beyond. This, all this, is what you have been assigned. You need to understand that too. And So I Face...The Final Curtain... That’s it, then? Knowing what you do about the world, you still insist on fighting onward? All these things I have threatened, they will come to pass. I can only ask you now the question I asked when we first started this conversation: What matter of pride makes you think you can save the world? No, perhaps that is not the question I should ask. Let me ask this instead: What will you do, then? I have heard your mentions of returning to the start of your journey and trying again, but what about after that? And after that? Tell me about the future you are trying to protect. Just as many times before, before Kitt could speak, his friend spoke first...perhaps it was for the best he started it. "The future I want to protect is the one I've not yet seen or experienced. At first, I was ready to accept that there was no hope. But Kitt, and yourself, have instilled in me a reason to look to things I've yet to know. So long as there is more for me to live for--even knowing that all things must one day end--I will protect that. I'm a watchdog of Hinder, after all. This is probably the biggest gamble I've ever taken. You've shown me enough, Lord Nil. The time is now. We must act. And who knows? When we right things, maybe there's more cake to be had. Maybe I can help Kitt find the love of a woman. Or, a fellow, if that's where your wind blows. Regardless, there's much to do. And, Lord Nil, I like to think you're looking forward to this yourself. I imagine it's quite amusing to watch people, the world over, doing so many manic things. All the while, you know what's coming. It must be like a game for you. In which case, I'm a renewed, willing player." He let out a slight chuckle. "Something tells me, that fellow thing might be more your alley, my friend." Kitt finally did put two and two together after noticing a few things, surprising the Watchdog of Hinder if anything. "I may have been born and created at night, but it surely wasn't last night, Olive." However, Kitt finally looked back at Nil. "Like Olivander said...why does this surprise you? You told us that you knew how this would end up. But, Lord Nil, I suppose I'll humor you nevertheless." He exhaled slowly, hand resting on his hip slightly. "Lord of the Void and Oblivion, for all the things that you threatened...yes...in time they will come to pass. But today is not the day when that judgment will be passed. As I said before, if it was, then our patrons wouldn't have led us on this journey and mission to begin with. It would seem rather pointless if they had us go through everything they had us do just to tell us nothing mattered, wouldn't it?" Who said I was surprised? Nil said. As to your question, perhaps the idea that nothing matters is the point. I told you then too that I do not mean to speculate on the affairs of the other gods, but if you believe it perhaps it is so. And More, Much More Than This… "I suppose...but even so..." Kitt continued, his smile remaining nevertheless. "I'll be honest...I DON'T know if we can save the world. That's the future, the unknown...and that's the beauty of it. Experience the unknown and find out that everything we've done meant something. That we truly achieved something, not just for our patrons, but for ourselves. It's like forging and crafting a weapon. You can plan it, you can prep it…but in the grand scheme of it all, you never know if it'll truly encapsulate your vision until it's finally done." A pause came upon him, a small snicker escaping his lips. "Heh...sometimes, you have to be a bit selfish, from what I've learned from a certain thief...and I believe this is that moment and part to be." He looked beyond Nil, towards the edge of the lighthouse, towards the horizon. "As for what we'll do after returning to Galatea and taking care of it? We'll travel and revisit the other islands we stepped foot on...and after that? Truth be told, I wish to continue to travel with my friend and ally here...to my surprise, Taros and Hinder work pretty well together, all things considered. What may life have in store after? That's for the gods to decide." Another chuckle escaped his lips. "Honestly...now I'll choose to live my life in the moment. I...don't know how long my type live...homunculi...I did age properly as a young child to now, but afterwards...I know not and Lord Taros has not deemed to tell me, but perhaps that's for the best." His eyes looked wistfully, full of longing. "I will say this...the day when Taros no longer requires me as a Watchdog, I will do something better than my mentor did...I'll still be a tool for my Master Forger. I'll train the next generation of Watchdogs to Taros, and I'll keep myself sharpened, lest I fall into the same trap he did. My knowledge of these events will be passed down to my successor, to give them a Dog's point of view and experiences. But their story will remain unwritten..." His eyes, surveyed along the horizon, even making movements to pass near the lighthouse mirrors. There, he could feel the nighttime air, his eyes closing as he honestly thought about everything he had done...everything he accomplished himself. This journey...it made him grow more than he originally thought it would. As if carried by the nighttime wind, Kitt could hear something that he knew not of...but he knew it was the sounds of the forge. When this was, that was the question he knew not the answer to. One assumption, the biggest one anyway... My future, perhaps? Kitt thought, hearing the sounds of the hammer hitting the iron. A simple smile emerged on his face as he turned back towards Nil and gave a look of both acceptance and even...a sort of calmness. "Lord of the Ever-coming Oblivion..." he began. "...I believe our futures, unwritten as they may be, we will be fine. As will the people that live upon this land of Naviim. As I've been acquainted with those on Corpus...mortals are resilient...they survive. We've survived up to this point...and we will continue to survive. And when it's all said and done...we'll say we saved and led this world...and..." "We Did It Our Way"

"First off..." Ziun started, the smell of slightly singed hair filling his nostrils, as the bard immediately turned around with quite the worried look on his face, his arm motioning between himself and Estelle. "SAME TEAM, DREAD PIRATE!!! Please have your aim be a bit more truer, lest you turn us both to a pile of ash!" This was the closest he'd ever been burned...now burned in the sense of a relationship, he was used to that. Apparently he was the type of bard to just hit on the wrong type of women who would end up burning him and his chances of doing what people say bards do best...wait...where was his mind going with this? Oh right...back to pressing matters, like more skeletal hounds. Ziun let out a groan, seeing them being attacked by even more skeletal hounds. Not like one was worse enough...no, there had to be more. "And unfortunately, it seems my music and illusions are not helpful in this portion of the dungeon." he muttered, brandishing his rapier as he struck at the skeletal hound before him. "Alas, I fear that this level of this dungeon, I'm truly at a loss to be of service. These beasts don't enjoy the melodious tones and apparently have enough common sense to see through my illusions." Another slash at the hound, it's legs being attacked at this point. "This is most uncivilized for someone like myself...I'm supposed to be keeping back and covering our tracks in order to move forward...and yet I'm fighting more than I thought I would. Truly this is the worst predicament for a bard!" he lamented, taking another swing and slash at his target.

"You were supposed to be here two minutes ago. I know you're new to this place but you'll have to be more punctual in the future. I am Grigoriy, I lead this squad and have been tasked with heading this training session. We are called Squad Grand." Unfortunately, they WERE late...but what was one supposed to do in a moment of trying to get all their groceries in order and put away? Least, that was Trevor's thought anyway. They were basically shopping for a small army, they had to make sure their supplies were high. But nevertheless, it seemed like this was the team that would be their opponents for this mock battle. Grigoriy, Kelsey, Rei and Fiona...each one was strange in their own right, but unique at the same time. Trevor was interested to see each one in action...and truth be told, each of the three were cute...though Grigoriy himself made him reminisce of Balthazar himself for a little while. A small sigh escaped as he thought of his former mentor and master, he did pray that he was still in good health. But at the same time, Trevor was intrigued by the man's attire and armor. Two blades, an ivory colored armor adorned with red crosses. It would seem that in his world, he would've been very heavy in religion perhaps...perhaps a Knight's Templar? Those he read about in Balthazar's books during his tenure as his apprentice. That along with all those myths and legends he ranted and raved on about something called the 'Prime Merlinean', whatever that was. But his mind was soon brought back to the present. At the same time, Squad Grand? Intriguing name... he thought, his hand being placed upon his chin. It does seem to have them in high regards if they're that good... "Which means that I shall take on both of you. Do not think that you are at an advantage because of numbers. I assure you I will give you a more than acceptable fight. Now, any questions?" "So we fight you, sir?" Trevor asked, nodding slowly, glancing at Morgan. Hmmm...so myself and the zombie Morgan...an interesting duo to possibly work against a knight as this. Interesting indeed... "I would say that this would be an unfair fight and unfair advantage...but, that would be insulting to you, I'd assume. I suppose this would be a fair fight for someone like yourself...after all, you are the leader of Squad Grand, by your own admittance." The young sorcerer nodded again, before figuring he'd ask one important question. "However, I do wish to know. How is this mock battle going to work out exactly? Is this in tournament ruling of one paired match at a time or would it be taking place all at once? Furthermore, what is allowed and not allowed? I'd rather know all the rules presented in this moment before we all get down to brass tacks."

The gods have gifted you power, and some have even given you training, but never the understanding of what it is that power is for. Perhaps you could have lingered on an island longer, but then you might have missed the happenings of other places. The past is sealed from you, there is no returning to it. Kitt remained silent, staying his tongue as Nil spoke further. She did have a good point, however. If she truly wanted to end this world that they resided in, she wouldn't need them, it just would've happened. But at the same time...everything seemed like...a contradiction right now. He kept quiet, just listening...it was the one thing he was good at and it was the thing he did at every island they visited...waited...listened...took in all the information he could. "Kitt. I need your advice here. I dunno what to do mate." I'm Only Human Pt. 2 "First..." he said, holding out an arm and hand towards his friend. "...you stand up. Regardless of being in the presence of a deity...it's bad manners to be seen like this. Remember...we're Watchdogs of Taros...and of Hinder. And I'd wager, Hinder wouldn't want to see his Dog in such a state." Once the arm was grabbed, Kitt hoisted and pulled his friend back on his feet. "Listening to everything that was said...what was explained..." Kitt began, pointing in the direction of Galatea. "Galatea was of sloth and ignorance...a lack of wanting to do anything. That word of power also drained the hearers of their will to fight onward. Using our political power and influence, basically asserting ourselves could've changed things...it could have..." Then, he pointed in the direction of Corpus. "The Law of Cycles was used on Corpus...back then, we could've used said word of power...in theory and possibility, to prolong what was to come with Mount Vermeer. However, we chose to manage what it was...namely due to the fact that we knew not what a word of power would do to us as Watchdogs, we erred on the side of caution. But nevertheless, we did what we thought was right on this island." Lastly, he pointed in the direction they came from: Andalou. "As for that one...they simply lived each day as their last. A noble thought, but in the way and manner they were doing it, it was down right distasteful. They accelerated this general thought to the point where it became unhealthy." Kitt exhaled slowly, looking at Olivander, then at Nil...and finally back at the horizon. "Why do I say all this? Why repeat everything you've basically said? Simple...to point out something...something that the gods knew since the beginning: we're only human...we're only mortal." he paused, before shaking his head slightly. "No...they're only human..." He glanced as he looked at his hand, opening and closing it a few times before smiling softly. "I never was...at least...not fully. I am, however, Taros' greatest creation. Of that, I have the highest pride for." Turning back towards the two, before putting his hand on Olivander's shoulder. "At any point in time, she could have done it, as she said...but at the same time...it's like you said as well...she's contradicted herself in her words. Why give these words to us? Why give them to us after everything we went through?" he looked at Nil, shaking his head slightly. "The past is in the past...yes, we know the Law of Cycles and can invoke it, but to what end? What we did, we could change it, but it would betray who we are as individuals. What's in the past, remains in the past...it forges us into the men we are today...and if we try to change it, then we basically prevent ourselves from ever reaching that point." "I'll accept my mistakes...but I won't say those words." Kitt smiled simply. "The gods wouldn't have just sent us here to end the world. I wholeheartedly believe that. And as you once told me, Olive..." he said, glancing at his friend. "...I can guide you, but in the end, it must be you to make that final decision on your own. It has to be something you trust yourself with. Trust your instincts and your heart...savvy?"

I’m Only Human Pt. 1 I was not created when Naviim ended the first time -- there was always some sect or another craving the apocalypse -- but after such a great calamity, there were bound to be more calling my name, intentionally or not. "The world is ending," they have said. "There is nothing to be done." Then, of course, the world only ended halfway. The gods sacrificed large swaths of their power to save themselves. But even as things have approached a new status quo, that belief has persisted. The world hasn't been brought up to the brink time and time again to my people, it has always been ending, and everyone else is delusional for even pretending it is not. You ask if I am doing this, then, because it is my duty to my followers or if it is entirely my own doing. It is both, in equal measure, though I do admit a particular glee in welcoming unwitting followers into the fold. Kitt kept listening intently, though he knew that Nil’s gaze and pause before Olivander spoke made it clear that she was aggravated at him…possibly even irritated. But he knew this was his reasoning, he was being as honest as he could be. Since you so kindly brought up Galatea, we can start there… Now came the “judgment”...of course, starting at the beginning of their little journey. Though it truly started with that moment. Despite your assertion, I am not judging you on any of your particular acts of violence. If you were aiming to hinder my goals, the removal of Simon Weatherson certainly had to be part of that. I will leave it to those who would weigh your heart against a feather to determine if there was a better way than his denouncement and summary execution. Kitt exhaled slowly, seeing the visage of Simon now within the fire. For a moment, he closed his eyes and there…the moment replayed in his mind…and of course, those words he spoke to Olivander before that moment. "Attempt to see reason for a moment, Watchdog of Hinder...lest things go in the direction of bloodshed for all parties involved. After all...you of all people know about a simple gamble. You roll the dice, you make a bet...in this situation, you truly would have nothing to lose. In fact...you only gain. But only if you stay your blade..." "I've watched too many men with evil intentions turn into kings and tyrants who oppress their people and leave them to die. I will not watch it happen again!" Back then, he never knew what Olivander meant by that, but over time, he knew that the man had gone through quite a lot. Hinder’s Dog never spoke of it, but he could tell…the actions he took, the way he conducted himself and the heart of gold he had towards people. And back then…back then… “...back then, I didn’t have the strength nor did I have the desire to take a life…” Kitt sighed, muttering to himself. Though he was fairly certain Nil heard every word he spoke there. “...I suppose everyone has to see the retribution of a Watchdog at least once in their lives before the next step can be made…” Still, Nil went on… What I am more interested in, however, is everything else. When I think about what you have done for me on Galatea, I think about Rose and Gil, who have been authorized by Nuumu’s watchdog -- one of your colleagues! -- to continue spreading ina͠ni̷s and the rest of Simon Weatherson’s teachings. They might even become my Watchdogs just for that. “...Nessa…authorized this?” Kitt asked, almost confused. “Gil and Rose…why…why have I never heard these names until now?” I am not going to speculate on your motives. Nil said I am merely commenting on the actions themselves. Although -- She glanced over at Olive with a smirk -- it is curious as well how you never discussed how Dia's mother of pearl was returned to its pedestal "The stone was returned to the pedestal?" He seemed more confused now than he was before. "...a question for another moment in time, I suppose..." She continued once more... I think about the Religious Council who, in the face of a cult that was slowly eroding the island, staunchly refused to do anything, and how you only let them off with a verbal reprimand. Levanna Marcus has proven stubborn enough to withstand a word of power, do you think she will change her ways? Especially after you forced yourself on her? Kitt sighed, shaking his head. "We did what we could in regards to those on the Religious Council. What more would you have wanted? If you were expecting us to force our power as Watchdogs against this council...we aren't our predecessors. And as you said, Levanna was a stubborn woman. What could we have done there?" What would I have you do? Nil raised an eyebrow at that. I would have had you do about exactly what you did. I already said I wasn't going to comment on your motives, and that includes how you did not exercise your political power and influence. If you think the religious council will do something other than maintain Galatea's status quo without being ordered by messengers of the gods themselves, then say so. "Political power and influence?" Kitt muttered, putting a hand to his chin. This did make him think some, was that something they could've done? While Nil wasn't going to comment on their motives, now HE was second guessing the manner they handled the situation. Kitt was about to speak again, but Nil once again started again, getting him to pause again. Though this time...her eyes almost pierced his soul. And I think of Emily Briar, a young girl drained of vigor who you have left in a place where she will either spread ina͠ni̷s to would-be worshippers or else she will succumb in front of the embers of a dying flame. "..." Kitt was silent, truly silent. He stiffened for a moment, only to look away from the Muse. "...what could i have done? She lost her parents to this stony disease and curse...she couldn't return home. Lar and his hearths were all I could bring her to." He slowly turned back towards Nil. "Would I go back and work with that differently? Yes, as Taros lives, yes I do. If I could, I would've taken her with me...would've offered her the chance to leave. I never said it aloud to anyone, but quietly within my own mind and soul...I do regret that. But..." he paused, before shaking his head. "I believe that Emily wouldn't do either. I hope she wouldn't, but she was one who sought vengeance against Simon and his cult...she wouldn't dare touch that word and spread it through Galatea in the way you suggest." Do you think her mother meant to say it to her? Or her father to his wife before that? She muttered it to you as well, did she not? Was that intentional as well? "How else could she explain the situation to us? She could not convey the happenstance of what occurred without speaking it." Kitt questioned. "Is it truly spreading the word if there is no joy or desire to do so behind the words spoken? She had no vigor or even pleasure in speaking that word...not like the vigor and pleasure I've seen with the Watchdogs or even the priests of the deities." Nil nodded. All that matters is that it is heard. No matter what was said, it was almost like she had an answer that basically shut him down in his quite solid and sound responses. It was beginning to infuriate the Forge Dog. Though he supposed it was par for the course...he irritated her, she was infuriating him, it balanced out, in his mind. "As for what happens to the island if for the world does not end..." he paused, now addressing this question. "If the world keeps turning, they will need a guiding hand to return back to the place they need to be. Without it, they will fail...the council will continue in their ignorance...the people will continue their laziness. Again, they require a hand to guide them..."

Honestly that's what I'm wondering too...but if that's the case, why did Registeel get constantly shown up for Yui? It's baffling to me on what goes on here...though I haven't played in a long time, part of me wants to know if the Unown haven't been activated yet, but I'm fairly certain they're always active.

File 2 - On the Violet Wings

"This is where we usually hold town meetings and stuff but to think I can have a super special meeting like this today! Rumian! Get the map! I don't know how much you guys know about Aerstroff, since you're outlanders and all, so if you have any questions ask away!" ...that would be next to nothing honestly... Gene thought, while looking at the map. Between Luca and Rumian, they answered Sabrina's question regarding about royalty...and the fact that the one was pretty much a heretic. So no king...no monarch to govern? Hmmm... he thought, muttering and rubbing his chin as he saw the area that Rumian pointed to. That circle there was the ruins of the castle of this heretic king. "So...are there any locations here in Aerstroff that..." Gene paused, trying to really gather his thoughts before speaking. "...are there any locations that were heavily in tune with Exalted?" Luca shakes her head, as Rumian looks deep in thought for a moment before also shaking his head. “I’ve never heard of past Exalted. After all you guys are super powerful heroes and stuff so our world would already be saved, right?” “Though if you’re looking for points of interest,” Rumian chimes in and points to the square on the map. “This is a shrine to Storm and is also blessed by Ocean. Past notes tell me that were the Exalted to appear this would be the first place to go.” Gene seemed a bit disappointed at the general answer. But regardless, he looked at the square on the map that Rumian pointed...which seemed to be a shrine. A place where Exalted were to appear? But... ...we were appearing in a church sanctuary...not some shrine. he thought, looking at the direction of that shrine. "...not much to go on...but, that could have some more answers to why we came here...plus, maybe we can find some clues on what we can do and how to properly do?" His problem solving mind went to work as he said this. After all, any answers on their true capabilities here in Aerstroff wouldn't hurt.

No Way Home Olivander was the first to speak up...which brought in some interesting information. As such, it was obvious that Kitt would begin to write these things down...it was second nature to him at this point to catalogue his journey. Now, let me ask you a question: The way you asked that question, perhaps it is my own biases, but it seemed like you think you can stop me. How do you expect to do that when all you have done since the beginning is further my own goals? Or do you somehow deny it? "I suppose, before your question is answered, it's time for the questions I have for you myself..." Kitt exhaled slowly, flipping through the pages of his notebook. "You call yourself the Muse of the Void. Would this Void you speak of...would it possibly coincide and be related to the idea of oblivion that Simon Weatherson and his cult worshiped on Galatea?" He paused for a moment, exhaling again, pointing to the word Ina͠ni̷s. "And this word of power...it turns those who invoke it to stone. This word falling into their hands was your doing, correct?" Nil changed her attention to Kitt with only a tilt of her head. It does, she said. Despite being a musician by trade, Simon Weatherson was not particularly creative, was he? But he was insistent on leaving his mark on history with the little time he had left, no matter what that mark might have meant, and it was that stubbornness I used more than any particular talent of his. However, I do deny your other assumption, that Ina͠ni̷s simply turns people to stone. Ina͠ni̷s is a word of acceptance. It drains the will to fight on-wards. Surrendering one's soul is just the consequence. "Drains the will...surrendering one's soul..." Kitt nodded, writing this down. At least that first theory proved true. "Moving along...the way you speak to us...it's as if through the wind. And you said prior, 'this is the word I've given you'. My next question is simple: did you have the Law of Cycles be carried in the wind to my mentor Flynt, taking advantage of his weakness? And if this be true...was it for good or ill gain?" I did give Flynt the word E͘xǫlv̵u͞ǹt͘u̢ŕ, yes. As for my motivations, I think I've made that clear enough already. It went excellently, if you were curious enough to write that down as well. Again, Kitt started writing that answer down once more. "Your motivations with that are still unclear, unless the word physically was causing the volcano to be as active as it was. But I digress..." He flipped through his pages again, getting to the next part. "You gave Joy t͠at҉ib͠us̨...which gave those on Andalou a sense of artificial joy and the illusions...you gave Flynt E͘xǫlv̵u͞ǹt͘u̢ŕ,..." Kitt paused, looking at the book and then at Nil, before shaking his head slightly. "I think...that's the main questions I had to ask. Andalou and Joy answered that much then...at the same time, I theorize you also spoke to us then too...and right now, you generally answered everything, straight to the point." He closed the book and began to put it back in his bag. So answer my question then, Nil said. By what right do you think you can stop me? Kitt was silent for a long period of time, long to him anyway. An exhale finally escaped his lips, before his eyes drifted from Nil to the edge of the lighthouse...to the scene of an outstretched horizon. He seemed...wistful when looking out. "Muse of the Void...I am the Watchdog of Taros....that's the right I have to think I can stop you. I know not how things may go, or if you've 'predestined' everything I've done up to this point...but I make my own path...I forge it every single day. My choices are my own...my indecisions are my own..." He slowly looked back towards Nil. "I can't give up, believing that this will be the end of it all. ...nay...I refuse to believe it. I have breath within my lungs...therefore, I shall continue to fight and strive forward."

Endurance of Heart & Soul Saga OP - Vandalize by One OK Rock File 1 - A Heart of Gold

The Dialogue Trap? Jeezuz you must be trying to kill me ...Platinum Endurance Saga? Hmmm...it'll be difficult with me and how much I'm working days, but...FUCK IT!

"HEY!!! GOT A SITUATION HERE!!! S.O.S! SOMETHING!!!" Try as he might, Zane couldn’t get a response from this. He might’ve been too far down for them to hear…or maybe they were also being ambushed on their ends? The latter thought may have actually proved to be true, as the wolf’s ears began to twitch slightly as he heard from above the sounds of solid impacts heard from the cabin. “...joy…means we ARE being ambushed from all sides!” Zane groaned, glancing back in the direction of the strange liquid creature. The blob seemed to be moving slower and slower, which was a definite good thing. Zane exhaled slowly, his breath being seen as he did his best to keep the temperature as cold as possible. BGM The creature immediately shot its arms out at him once more, albeit slower than it did prior. “Nope! Not getting me again like that, bud!” Zane jumped back, grabbing a hold of the railing above him, flipping himself up onto the next level. Now he had the high ground in this scenario. “Again, sorry…seem like a really n-’ice’ guy…a little on the silent side, but still. I can’t have you messing up my fur with those slimy hands of yours, ya know?” he huffed, giving the creature the two finger salute before running off. He knew that the moment he started leaving, the air temperature would return to normal…but all he needed right now was a head start. The creature slowly turned his head up towards the Arctic Wolf. It's mouth, or seemingly lack thereof, began to bubble frantically. As it was able to move freely as the Wolf gained distance, it shot its arms towards the same railings that Zane had used prior. Slingshoting itself upwards, it gave chase, slinging it's arms through the halls as it tried to gain distance in its pursuit. "Doesn't this thing ever quit!" Zane heard the wet splat of it's arms slinging through the halls. The arctic wolf did his absolute best to duck and weave through the corridors, trying to find his escape route, though the wet, squishy sounds behind him were hard to ignore. "Damnit, damnit, damnit...!!" he fired off a few icicles at the creature, making sure not to accidentally hit any of the important machinery...Chimera would kill him if he did. This chase seemed to go on for a good long time, with plenty of close calls as the creature kept slinging it's arms to attempt to grab the wolf's hide, but with no avail. Nevertheless, the arctic wolf really getting the work out at this moment. "It's…almost as bad…as the obstacle course Fenrir had set up with my dad's help…" he muttered with a shallow breath. "...then again…I never really did finish that obstacle course…only one who did was Fenrir." The sloshing and splats continued, much to Zane's dismay. And it was getting closer and closer. He did, however, see a glimmer of hope…there before him was the door to the upper levels of the ship. His chance to escape completely was there…here was hoping it would work. And he had the idea on how to make sure it would. "Kill me later Chimera…but I gotta deal with a literal monster over here." Zane said, forming another icicle in his hand. "Desperate times, call for desperate measures!" The door opened as he approached it, and the moment it did, he stabbed the icicle into the control panel to make sure it slammed close behind him. Again, the sounds of splats and sloshing hit against the now closed door. He knew it wouldn't hold for very long, at least on its own. "Time for a bit of a freeze…stay clear of the door!" he started to form ice and have it completely encased and even blocked the door down to the lower levels of the ship. "That…that should hold it…" he huffed before turning tail and heading up the stairs. What was even happening today? Same time, he knew deep down: that wouldn't hold a creature made of liquid...that was almost impossible to do. But he hoped it would hold long enough.

Running Up That Hill "Let's face Oblivion together." Olivander seemed so confident...or was it...that's right, Kitt did hear him say that he was at peace with the thought of no longer remaining in this world...he was prepared to die. That's just how he had always been and Kitt had seen it. But...would everything they accomplished be enough to have the world they knew continue to spin and another day be granted? Kitt wasn't sure, but perhaps THIS was the reason that Taros and by extension Hinder, had them continue to go west...to this point...to this... "Lighthouse..." Kitt muttered, seeing the singular building here on Destino. It was, well just as this Muse described: he lighthouse is the only structure on the island, but that ignores the stretch of flat grass I have set up for you to land on. It ignores the pathway I have provided you, bordered by rows of an ethereal fungus that lights up as you pass by. It even ignores the clouds of mist that envelop everything else, and you would think that, as a sailor, Helmsley would know better than to pass that by. And right there...the door to this relic of a building. The grip he had on the hilt of his sheathed blade, staring the door down as if it were something similar to Joy. An exhale escaped his lips as he and Olivander stepped off the docking ramp and towards the relic's door...opening it. There stood the spiral staircase...there wasn't any going back this time. Another exhale, Kitt began to ascend the staircase, his confidant, friend and brother in arms following close behind. It was perfectly normal to feel his heart wanting to leap out from his chest...this was the moment they were being directed towards. With each step, the exit seemed farther and father away, almost being out of sight. ...no...it's no use to go backwards...not this time. Not this time at all...especially now that Kitt made this decision himself...he took Olivander's advice: this was his choice to keep moving onward, to continue to follow his patron's whim...to make it his own. The trapdoor now laid before him...to which he flung it open immediately. There, true to the Muse's words: a rotating series of mirrors with someone tending to the flame in the middle. "...Nil..." he muttered, helping Olivander up as well, just watching the mirrors rotate in quite the hypnotic manner. And true to what she spoke to them prior...she spoke again to them, though Kitt could basically mouth what she would speak...it was that clear. "Ca͢n̷t҉icųm̕ad ͝ ̷ ...That's the word I have given you, just part of a whole. Would you like to know more?" The tension and silence was thick, so thick in fact that Kitt wished he could take his blade and cut through it right now. But something hindered him from doing so. Perhaps it was just the fact of how grave the situation was, they knew nothing of what could happen if any harm came to this Muse. Outright striking her wouldn't accomplish anything. "...a word that is part of a sentence that spell out the apocalypse..." he spoke first. "We do have questions, but all those I have currently may wait for a moment...for now, I must ask the pressing one there is, one my friend here can agree with: who are you, Nil, Muse of Void, and why have we never heard of a god like you?"

File 7 - Where the Rubber Meets the Road - Emerald Finale

Taking Off Over the course of the time until Destino would be in sight, Kitt took the time to be under Olivander's tutelage. He needed to learn how to properly make his own code, the way to trust his own instincts and heart about the decisions he would eventually have to face in time. But there was always the differing part between the two: he was innately a good man. This would be his morale compass and guide, he figured. Like Olivander said... "That's why these things are much more challenging for you. The day they become easy is the day you should reevaluate yourself. But that's not a day I think we'll ever see." He was built different, literally, so it was natural for him to find things like this challenging...and like his friend said, he'd have to reevaluate himself the moment things like this became easy. With the teachings Olivander gave and his newfound code of honor that was tailor fit for himself and Lord Taros himself...he didn't figure he'd stray away from the path that was set before him. That was one part down...the other on the opposite side, however... Vandalize There Kitt sat in his quarters, his notebook open with it's pages and contents sprawled out all over the desk he found himself at...everything up to this point...from the first moment they stepped foot on Galatea to what he seemed to hear moments ago. Though it was the things he wrote of what he was just told that truly worried him. Back when Naviim was whole and the city where Andalou is now was the capital, of course there was a use for a lighthouse protecting the city dock. But there is a reason the beacon is alight when you arrive, dear watchdogs, and it’s not because your arriving ship is in danger. No, now, the light beckons you forwards, drawing you nearer, just as it has everyone else who has heard my voice. Shall I describe the scene to you? It is one that you have seen before, even if you can’t say where. Helmsley is correct, of course, that the lighthouse is the only structure on the island, but that ignores the stretch of flat grass I have set up for you to land on. It ignores the pathway I have provided you, bordered by rows of an ethereal fungus that lights up as you pass by. It even ignores the clouds of mist that envelop everything else, and you would think that, as a sailor, Helmsley would know better than to pass that by. The door at the base of the lighthouse is open, why don’t you come inside? This is the Western edge of Naviim. Past here is the end of the world. It always will be. If the lighthouse is a ward to anything, it is to the darkness beyond. And you are going to help me snuff it out. These words truly gave him a shiver...more so than he had ever felt before. But it was half of what was what said...he glanced over at the next bit he wrote. Let me tell you what's going to happen next. I'll let you dawdle all you like, collecting your thoughts, perhaps even going back to your previous escapades to make sure you know exactly what all you have done for me, but you are going to enter my lighthouse. You are going to ascend those stairs that spiral upwards, breaching the trapdoor at the top to reach the balcony, where you will see the rotating set of mirrors encircling the fire. And tending to the fire, of course, is me. I have many forms, perhaps befitting of one of my status, and while I certainly would like to remain in something preferred such as a cold westerly wind or perhaps even the crackle of the fire itself, but I am nothing if not a courteous host. So you may imagine me as a woman, kneeling by the fire, not even bothering to look your way. "Ca͢n̷t҉icųm̕ad ͝ ̷ ," I will say. "That's the word I have given you, just part of a whole. Would you like to know more?" You may call me Nil, the Muse of the Void. I'm sure you have questions for me, and we can go through those first, but I will get what I want out of you. "Muse of the Void..." he muttered. It was a strange title if any, especially considering that not even Lord Taros himself knew of this deity. This truly worried him. Regardless, he began to move his hands towards the records he had down in regards to Galatea. "The Void...could it be along the same lines of what Simon and his cult worshiped? The idea of this...oblivion?" Kitt sighed, shuffling them a bit before seeing the first word of power they received: Ina͠ni̷s. It was still a safe bet that this word ended up making those who spoke it turn into those stone statues...the image of them still vivid in his mind. Shaking his head, Kitt put those papers down before turning to the next set: Corpus, the island trapped in a cycle of a time loop. One brought upon by his own mentor and teacher, Flynt. Things started to possibly click, least after everything he was just old. "That was the word I have given you..." he muttered, repeating what was said. "...did you give Flynt the Law of Cycles...?" His eyes glanced at the second word: E͘xǫlv̵u͞ǹt͘u̢ŕ. It would make sense. She possibly preyed on Flynt's desire to have power bestowed upon him once more, thusly handed him this Law of Cycles. "At the same time, he used to to better the island...albeit he did it in an invasive manner...but he did it to save the island." He compiled the papers and moved them to the side. Last thing to look at, even though the memories of it were very much vivid still: Andalou. But unlike the others, here he and Olivander had to not only deal with a Watchdog who lost her way, but two words of power: t͠at҉ib͠us̨ and of course Ca͢n̷t҉icųm̕ad ͝ ̷ . The one gave a bit of a...honestly Kitt was still truly stumped on the specifics of the word that was used, but it seemed that it was something that caused some sort of artificial joy in others...possibly some illusions as well, at least from what Joy herself displayed. The other, was the first word in a sentence that would spell the end of all things...the apocalypse. "The pieces are all here...and yet...nothing makes sense in the slightest." Kitt sighed heavily, putting all his papers and notes together once more and into his bag. "...the lighthouse is a ward...you'll help me snuff it out. ...I will get what I want out of you." he pondered these things as he shook his head. "It's almost like she's saying she already knows our answers and will be directing us to that expected result..." Standing up, Kitt gathered his things and began to make his way towards Olivander's room. Knocking on the door, although it was slightly open already, once he was given permission he entered. Thus, he began to give Olivander everything he thought about and ruminated over. "What do you think of all these things, Olive? Honestly, it seems like she's trying to vandalize our minds and how we think just by her words."

Once he saw the Drengr fall, Gene was honestly waiting to hear some sort of fanfare. It seemed like his games and shows he once watched, but even more so...it truly felt like his dreams were coming true. He swung his blade before having it rest upon his shoulder for a moment or two. "...what...a...rush!" he huffed with a small smile on his face. "Whoa! I knew the Exalted were supposed to be great heroes but you guys were like, super strong! You all summoned those weapons and used magic that was so cool!" Gene nodded at Luca's reaction to them accomplishing this, making his way towards the others. "The body just started reacting is all...sort of gave me a feeling that this was how to survive." he shrugged, looking at the sword now resting on his shoulder before glancing at his Dragon Sign. A good thing he did too, as something began to fly out from the lion's corpse and rushed towards Sabrina...it was...a gemstone, red in color. It flew in the direction of Sabrina and arrived at her Dragon Sign to be taken inward with some sort of tendril. ...okay that's kind of creepy... he thought. He remembered that most tendrils seemed to usually denote something bad in the grand scheme of things with his stories, games and shows. Maybe it wouldn't be the case here? At the same time, the moment the stone entered her Dragon Sign...Gene heard it: a water droplet striking the water. It was a reverberating sound, it was surreal. "But you were amazing! You're like, one of the bravest people I've ever seen and you fought against their leader so well. I would've been in a whole lot of trouble without your help. Thanks so much for helping my village!" "Think nothing of it, twas child's play for a chosen one of my caliber! My ancient powers could have handled ten, no, twenty of them if I had to!" "...uh...m-maybe let's keep those numbers low for a while...?" Gene spoke up nervously, hearing Sabrina's little declaration of being able to handle twenty of them. "Is everyone all right? How'd the fight go on your guys' end?" Gene glanced at Drake and gave a thumbs up. "Did as best I could. Though...I namely waited the creature out." he said, motioning to the sword he still was brandishing. "Turns out, enough slashes and gashes on a berserking creature like that and making sure they're in the right spots...it'll expend a lot of blood in the process and eventually just pass. Gotta love problem solving!"