BoZV - Arc 5

[Tony]

The scientist began to explain how the rank the crystals they harvest... with the comparison to playing cards, this is the first time Arne felt he had some understand of what went on in this place. Hien, however, simply tilted his head and softly chirped in confusion.

When Peter offered to start the upgrades to his weapon, Arne smiled and handed his halberd over. "That would be great, thanks. Afterwards, if possible, could you pass it off to someone in the melee department. I'd like the pole to be replaced with a collapsible one."

Then came Alriik's rant, which sucked all the energy out of the room. Arne was about to speak, when Terra pulled Alriik from the room. Arne simply just sighed and let them go... not wanting to follow. He was sure Terra would be able to say everything that needed to be said.

[Sorrum]

As Alriik ranted, Edward slowly shrunk away in presence. He had clearly touched a nerve, though he wasn't quite sure how. After the man finished, he stammered. "I-I'm sorry sir, I didn't mean to offend you that badly. I thought it was a simple question!" However, Peter had something else to say.

"Leave me out of his well deserved tongue lashings if you would, I'm not the one with garbage social skills." Peter carefully worked on Arne's weapon, while he mumbled. "Hunting is a fine hobby... not like I don't bring back what I kill.. love me some fire rifle cooked rabbit.."

Aqua stared daggers at Alriik. She knew the guy would have a hard time in here but thought he'd be able to hold it together better than that. She would take note of the distress it put the researchers in, all their work going into their benefit, and for free given her sway. She did not care for it one bit. However, before anything else could be said Terra strong armed Alriik out of the room. Aqua sighed. The two seemed close, so maybe a scolding in private from Terra would be sufficient. "I apologize on his behalf, Edward, Peter. Edward, please check your tongue from now on whenever you address people? I dare say an antagonized Alriik of Altiim is a force to be reckoned with."

"S-sorry, Frida.."

"I think we've just about overstayed our welcome with that outburst.. in the mean time, let's make our way to Harkness's lab and find out more about our carriage. The doctor has had well enough time to prepare." With that, Aqua headed out of the office and toward one of the aisles. Peter looked up from his desk.

"Oh? You're going to use that exit again?" He said, excitedly.

"Yep. Everyone, meet up at north of this facility as soon as you're done here, I'm going to avoid my fans in the mean time." Aqua said, drawing Sharksbane. A window at the far end of the aisle and end of the lab's northern section opened up, and from out side one could see an ice hook firing and catching the side of another building, which Aqua swung out of from the building and across the gap toward the hangar, where Harkness could be seen walking around, who jumped upon Aqua's landing right in front of him, almost throwing his clipboard into the air.

"I love it when she does that." Peter said, looking out the window after her, before closing it. He would then turn to Arne, and pass him back his weapon. The blade had been coated with a strange translucent fluid, and near the bottom small black devices sat on either side. "These are Reaction Boxes. Through nature magic and magitek combined, we can change the fluid here into a substance similar to a different element. You'll find the easiest time transforming this halberd into water one, that is to say you'll be able to blast torrents from the polearm granted you can find a mage to contribute the element. It can also be turned against said mage, as you can return their magic attacks back at them. It won't be as strong as standalone magic, but it's still considerable. Should work with most types of magic, I think.."

Edward now recovered from what had happened, addressed the remaining group members once more. "Well. I'm sure that your friend's upgrades won't be much of a problem either, and a collapsible pole isn't a hard piece of equipment to devise either. Stop by the Melee lab and they should be able to outfit you no problem. And uh.. sorry about all that."

[Sorrum]

Inside the Melee lab, the environment was quite the same, although the setting had more dummies that weren't so far away, and a plethora of different dummies that were being attacked by different weapons by different researchers. There wasn't a distinct office to go through as there was in the ranged lab, rather an attendant that greeted the group as they would enter. "Hello," the man said. He was a young man in his teens, with a very plain look about him. Brown hair, brown eyes, a round face and black clothing underneath his coat. "My name is Matthew. I'm already aware of your weapon designs. It's the department's honor to aid Captain Aqua in whatever way we can, so your weapons have already been approved and accounted for. Though, with the time constraints, I'm afraid a weapon design such as the claws doesn't fit in the captains time frame, so we have elected to pass on a design schematic and several tools necessary for the creation of the weapon. This is quite the task to complete for someone without experience working with Magitek equipment before, though I'm sure if you can follow the design closely you should be able to create the weapon. I implore you to take your time with it, however; mana crystals, especially fire type, can become explosive if you don't route power correctly."

With that said, another attendant brought a cart out from one of the different areas inside, on it were an assortment of tools and the collapsible pole Arne desired. "Simply attach your halberd's blade to the weapon here and the weapon should be able to fold and become easier to carry."

[Vic Alriikerson]

“… If your slave master was a librarian, would you enjoy being in libraries?” Looking into Alriik's eyes, she'd see a level of derision she'd not seen in the half-elf as he tilted his head. “If you were repeatedly experimented on, would you want be singled out due to the marks those experiments left on your body?” He'd take a step forward, gripping the sheath of his katana near the hilt. He'd flick his thumb forward, causing a bit of the blade to show… before running his index finger down the sharpened end, and close the sword, all in one fluid motion. “I knew this. This is why I tried to stay outside. But you -insisted-.”

He'd hold his finger and thumb together, the mercury-like substance starting to slowly pour from between them. “So I tried. I went in. And yes, I gave my titles. One, that's how I affirm myself. I see people looking at me like I am an experiment to be unravelled, so I remind myself who I am. That I'm not just Silver Ranger Number 7 of Batch #490, Designate Alriik the Lesser.” He'd clench his fist. “I'm the Bleeding Heart of the Port Town Blight Hunters. For defending 2 dozen of my wounded brothers from the beasts of the night until the dawn arose and they finally fled.” A drop of blood would hit the ground. “I am the Silver Blaze for enduring the flames of a mage who had gone mad when the hunters were away, and ending the second burning of Port Town without a single life lost.” Drop, drop, drop. “I am Metalblood, the Slayer of Az-Narub, the Mountain That Charges Like a Bull.”

“And yes, it'd be nice for you to get that happy ending. I tried that once.” Shut up, boy. “Tried to put down my swords, start some form of family even though my d*ck doesn't work.” That's enough, my student. “Guess where that got me?” Baby, she's trying to he- “IT GOT ME A DEAD WIFE AND A REMINDER OF WHO I AM.” Oh, yes, tell her. “So you can go back at the end of this, start a family, get past this darkness. But I can't. I'm a marked man. I'm the 4th in a line of warriors that have died in combat with the dark. I'm a widower, a warrior, a freak, a weapon…” Aaaaah, and what else?

He'd open his hand, lean in, and smear the metallic blood across his face. “But more than that, I am a monster.” Yes. Remind yourself. “Ten children ripped apart, and sown back together. 9 broken down to empower the tenth. And that one was filled with all of their memories before his turn as being a slave for his creators. So, sorry for my little ‘outburst'. But remember… -You- asked for this.” He'd take a step around Terra, and would walk into a bathroom to clean himself up. But he hoped his point was made.

As he rinsed his face off, the adrenaline wore off, and he wondered why it was suddenly so bad. He had handled himself before, that man meant no harm… Then it hit him. A sudden, sharp spike of pain. He'd put his uninjured hand on his head… When suddenly the pain became intolerable. Double A, it… It was… Screaming? Sweat poured down the Altiim's face as the pain suddenly erupted even further. He would stifle a roar of agony as he fell to the ground. The… It wasn't the sword screaming… It… It was…

“Circus Life… Under this… Big top world…” He'd mutter in a trance, eyes hollow. “… We all need the clowns…To make us smile…” He'd slowly force himself to his feet, head fuzzy and agonizing “Through space and time… Always… Another show…” He'd stare into the mirror, as his eyes slowly focused… “Wondering where I am… Lost without you…” He'd take a moment to breathe… Before silently making his way to the Melee lab, keeping his eyes forward.

[Swim]

Stupid. Stupid and pointless display of machismo. Just another idiot beating his own chest so he could bury the pain underneath and not have to address the underlying problem. She'd seen it all before with her brothers. Terra understood that it was a coping mechanism and didn't take it personally, but it was frustrating to watch Alriik sweep her words aside and continue his self destructive behavior. She sighed again, this time exhaling literal steam and watched him storm off toward the bathroom. She wanted to yell at him Of course it's a touchy subject but save your rage for the real enemy! Those two guys back there aren't worth it. It was probably better to take a step back and come back to this later, but they definitely weren't done with this conversation. Not by a long shot.

Terra walked by herself down to the Melee department and did her best not to let her frustration over Alriik show as she introduced herself to Matthew the technician. The man had already been filled in, and although there wasn't time to improve her gauntlets he was able to provide her with the plans they'd drawn up in the short time they'd been there. Terra gratefully accepted the schematics and tools Matthew provided and stored them for the time being. She was a little worried about making the improvements herself however. It wouldn't be the first time she'd upgraded her own gear and her uncle had taught her how to work all kinds of metals, but never anything quite like the crystal she carried now. It might be better to look for a forge master that specialized in this sort of thing once they reached Meribia, she only had one shot at getting this right and she certainly didn't want to damage the crystal. "I appreciate the warning," Terra said and thanked Matthew before turning to go.

At this point Arne and the others arrived, and Terra stepped back to let the tech explain the details of his new halberd pole. Behind them she could see Alriik, the elf seemingly keeping his distance. Terra didn't want to start another confrontation right now, but she also wanted to show Alriik that his response wasn't nearly enough to drive her away. She wasn't the type to give up easily. Terra walked over and stood quietly beside him for a time, neither one speaking. Finally she broke the silence. "You know," Terra said softly, "It's not too late for you to try again. Your father, your master, your wife- everyone else you've lost, they'd all tell you to move forward. They'd all want you to find some happiness."

[Tony]

Arne examines the strange substance that now coats the blade of his halberd as well as the small devices attached it... quietly hoping they were very durable as he doesn't think he could find anyone to repair something like this outside of this place. "I'm not quite sure I get it, but I'm sure I'll be able to figure it out. Thanks, again."

After Aqua made her exist, Arne made his way over to the melee lab... finding Terra already there and everything else the group requested brought out. He picks up the new pole for his halberd and tries it out... extends and collapses back down fairly easily... and all it takes is a simple twist to lock it in place "This is perfect.". He simply attached the pole to the side of his belt for now. "Terra, once we have some time... mind helping me with this? I'm no smith... so, I'd rather leave this up to someone who knows what they're doing."

[Bloodbane]

Rion looked over to Aqua, nodding when she mentioned that perhaps a visit to the offices where the Energy techs came from would be a good idea. "I think so too... it doesn't sound like one of the Swordsmen if they were using fire, but if it's someone that can help me figure out what's going on it's worth trying to find out more." Unfortunately, it was only seconds after Rion came to that conclusion that Edward asked a rather unfortunate question to Alriik, and everything the Altiim had been holding in as a result of being in a place like this came spilling out. While he certainly could not deny that what Alriik had been through was terrible, it seemed to Rion that this place was an example of learning the world simply for learning to use its resources more effectively, as opposed to the zealous cult that Alriik himself wished no less than eradication of. Rion looked away slightly as the outburst came to an end, finding himself unsure what to say.

Moments later, the group all appeared to go their separate ways. Arne was given his weapon back and pointed in the direction of the Melee lab, while Terra had practically dragged Alriik with her in the same direction; there was little doubt that Terra had some things to say about what Alriik had let loose. Rion, however, saw no real need to head to the Melee lab, as he wasn’t entirely sure how effective Magitek would be for his particular set of skills, or even his circumstances; whatever these people learned from the stranger that passed through, it did not seem to be much. When Edward once again apologized for what happened, Rion shook his head. “Don’t worry about it… he’s been through a lot.” he stated plainly, before looking over to Silver, somewhat curious about what her plan was. By this point, Aqua had already made her grand escape, and Terra had taken off with Alriik, with Arne seeming set on heading to the Melee division office as well, leaving just Rion and Silver together yet again.

“Well, Silver… I don’t know if there’s anything else you want to check out here… but if you want to follow me over to where those folks from the Energy division went off to you’re welcome to join me.” With that, Rion took his leave of the RMW offices and made his way toward the Energy Research Division offices, following the signs until he was outside the lab headed by Dr. Mayers.

Rion took a few steps inside, before the sound of the older man’s voice caught his attention. “Hello again! Anything I can help--” the research was nearly dumbfounded when Rion turned toward him, pulling away the cloak to reveal the exposed crystal where his chestpiece had been damaged. “... my word… so she was right after all.” It seemed he was trying to be a little quieter about his revelation for some reason...

“Right about what?” Rinita’s voice called out from a nearby desk, though when she stood up to see what was going on her eyes widened in excitement as she gasped. “So he really is another crystal-skin!” She quickly took out what looked to be a toolkit of some kind, but as she made her way to where Rion and Jeremy were standing she paused as Rion held his hands outward at arm’s length.

“Okay, easy there… I’ll admit, you were indeed right about this, er, condition of mine… but I don’t have a whole lot of time to let you try poking and prodding at me, either… we’re, uh, pretty busy with other things.” That much was at least true, to say nothing of the fact that he did not want to see how anyone in the group would react to that sort of thing at this current juncture. “I can tell you what I know about this, at least… but in return can you tell me more about the guy that came through here?”

Rinita seemed to frown for a second, though at the prospect of at least getting a bit more information she nodded and smiled. “Okay! I think he’d want me to tell you all about it anyway, seemed he was looking for someone like him judging by what he was asking at first…” So was this man looking for Rion, then? ‘Seek out the other crystal bearers…’ Perhaps a better question; was this man someone Shin was also aware of?

Rion nodded. “Okay, go on…” Rinita put a hand to her chin, seeming to think about where to begin. “All right, so this traveler comes in, asking about the Ranged Magitek office, says he just wants to make sure his gear’s in good shape. Pretty standard ask around these parts, so he heads over there. Around that time, some of the field techs reported some weird readings from their sensors, which of course had the folks in here pretty curious. The fluctuations were moving judging by the details from each of the sensors, so that had us thinking maybe one of the bigger animals got loose or something. Lo and behold, the source was none other than the guy in the lab!” She paused for a second, letting Rion process the steps that led her to the man originally and confirming she had followed a similar process to find him with the other members of the crew.

“At first we thought maybe he had something fashioned out of crystals directly; guy looked to be a treasure hunter of sorts so maybe he had that kind of money. That is, until he explained that the crystal around his hands was actually his skin… and that’s when things got real interesting. We asked about his condition, and he seemed well enough inclined to tell us what he could, but then he asked if this was something we had seen before, and well, it was at least to creatures who had been born of the forest... but this was our first case of meeting a person who appeared in such a way, outside of what we’ve been able to gather from remains of afflicted creatures.” No doubt she was referring to the Blight there. “He said it’s a kind of magic that isn’t very easy to come by these days, and offered to demonstrate. And who were we to deny a learning opportunity, right?” The elven woman chuckled as she recalled what came next. “So he takes his Magitek gun, and fires rounds into a few of our dummies, watching as they all caught fire. Nothing special, right? Well what got us intrigued was the fact that even after the extinguishing systems kicked in, they kept on burning… even the most flame resistant models started to wear down, right up until he walked across the way and plucked the flaming crystal shells right out from them, without so much as a scratch or burn on him! Needless to say, he wasn’t keen on leaving behind a sample, but when he confirmed there was nobody like him that we had seen yet, he started asking about some locations nearby.” Rinita tapped her head a few times. “What clued me in to him being a treasure hunter was when he started asking about Mt. Remorse.”

“Mount Remorse?” Rion repeated, tilting his head.

“It’s one of a series of peaks within the Frontier, but though there have been all kinds of rumors surrounding the mountain, the area’s one of the more treacherous ones so there aren’t too many sane folk keen on poking around there. That being said, the place really does exist, and the guy seemed pretty set on setting up camp there… we tried to talk him out of it of course, but I suppose scaling a mountain isn’t much trouble for a man who can just fly up out of here on the back of a red dragon!” Rinita gave a brief sigh and looked toward a window. “It was so cool…”

“I… er… I see. So the guy controlled some kind of fire that burned until he took back what he fired… and flew off looking for Mt. Remorse on the back of a red dragon?” Rion asked, seeming to snap Rinita out of a brief daydream as she quickly looked back and nodded. “Y-yep! So… that’s all I’ve got, your turn!”

“Hmm… well, I can’t say I’ve got nearly as interesting of a tale as that fellow… I’m just heading to Meribia with my friends--” “Mm-hmm, with the Captain.” “R-right… we’re with the Captain. As for my powers, anyway...” Rion would then hold out his hand, forming the same small blade he had made back in the Ranged lab, though after he held it for a few seconds the blade would begin to crystallize and glow with the same radiance as the crystal on his skin. “You mentioned the shells the man fired were crystal… so it seems we may both have the same ability to crystallize magic of our elements…” He held the blade out to Rinita at that point.

“My father’s also a light mage back where I’m from, he said he could focus light through a crystal like this to make it grow slowly, so I think it’ll be safer to hang onto than something that keeps on burning. Consider it my thanks for the info… and giving me something to be on the lookout for.” Rion smiled as the scientist took the dagger-sized blade in hand for a few seconds, then beamed with joy.

“We’ve only ever seen the natural crystals of the forest in all our time out here, but now I’ve got living proof that there is magic out there that can turn elemental energy into crystals all their own! Maybe this will help us learn how such a region came to exist! Ohh thank you so much!” She held out a hand and shook Rion’s hand with the same excited energy she had shown all along, before humming a happy tune as she headed back to her desk.

“... Sometimes I forget that woman’s nearly as old as I am.” Jeremy laughed before looking back to Rion. “This is probably the most interesting development we’ve had in some time, and to think we’ve seen it twice in a week. I hope our detailed recall was of some use to you, lad.” Rion would simply nod, draping his cloak back over himself and covering up the glowing crystal once more before taking his leave of the Energy Research labs and heading off in the northern direction Aqua had instructed the group to meet up at.

[Arashi]

Silver began to feel more at ease around these people after eating the tasty food. They did not seem to mean any harm, they just seemed...eccentric perhaps? She was still wary of them, but that was just her nature. She would otherwise hold no ill feelings towards them.

She did stay quiet though as the group toured the building and chatted with the people within. She did take note that Alriik seemed a bit...off, but perhaps he was just still not comfortable with this place. She could not blame him for that.

Upon seeing humans in the facility, Silver was a bit surprised. She expected this to be all elves. They seemed nice enough, though. She would introduce herself quietly, and continue to just listen. Magiktek weapons? Something about Aqua's weapon being broken? She had no idea what any of this meant, but it was interesting none the less. Another human, named Rinita, seemed to take quite an interest in Rion's condition. Silver tilted her head, not entirely sure what to make of that. It would have annoyed her if the woman didn't seem like the others here...eccentric. Silver would instead find the woman to be kind of adorable in a way. She was just passionate about something. It was cute when humans did that.

...And then after some words were exchanged, something seemed to set off Alriik. He went off on an angry tirade, which caused Silver to shrink back in to the background. Things like that made her uncomfortable; to see someone's switch just flip like that, and for someone to insult these innocent people so badly. Perhaps calling him a "tribal" wasn't right, but the man seemed to mean no harm. He just seemed a bit ignorant.

She would, however, feel a bit of pity for Alriik. Something must have caused some damage to him before for him to react that way. Soon, Terra would drag him off. Probably to scold him, because she grabbed his arm a bit abruptly. Hopefully, Terra would talk some sense in to him.

Soon, everyone would kind of...split off. Silver found herself a bit nervous. She didn't really know what to do here; she had no interest in getting her weapons augmented, because she did that herself with her magic. Probably wasn't the same, but it was not something she wanted. She kind of just wanted to see things and learn.

Luckily, Rion was still there. He asked if she would like to accompany him to to the Energy division. She had a look of relief.

"Yes, sure! Perhaps I can learn some more about these people. That would be nice." She would reply with a smile, and follow along.

When they reached the area, the same excitable woman from before was there. She seemed really excited about Rion's arm, again. There were more like him? That wasn't something she was expecting.

Rinita would then talk about the other crystal person. Apparently, it was a fire mage. Interesting. Silver had thought that most things relating to elemental crystals were in the past...but it appeared to possibly not be so. Were they related to the crystals of legend? She wasn't so sure of that, but...what else would it be? She, admittedly, really wanted answers for Rion's sake.

Silver couldn't help but quietly laugh as the woman told the story, though. She was just...so happy and excited about everything, especially when Rion gave her the dagger.

She would then wave as she left with Rion. As soon as they were a decent distance away, she would finally speak.

"That woman was just so adorable, wasn't she? She was so excited. She must really love her job."

She smiled a bit, and then looked at Rion and tilted her head.

"So, we're gonna go look for that other crystal guy, right? I might still be kind of useless for a bit, but I think we need to find him."

She was still quite a bit sore and not really in fighting shape; the dragon would be easy prey right now. She would still walk pretty slow, but there is no way she would miss this opportunity. It was just too good.

[Sorrum]

Aqua sheathed Sharksbane and waited while Harkins composed himself. The man adjusted his glasses and took a deep breath. "Hello again, Ms. Nyharllothor."

"Doctor. My companions will arrive shortly, so I request your services now that we may return to the capital with haste." Aqua said formally. Harkins looked at her blankly for a short moment before nodding. She must be getting tired of the extra attention already.

"I see. Well then, you're just on time. My Damian is performing the last of his system checks before start-up. Would you like to enter the hangar and meet with him?" Harkins asked. Aqua tilted her head slightly, not sure why he couldn't come out himself. She shrugged, and followed the good doctor through the doors.

Inside the hangar, there was still only the dim light of Damian's work desk in the distant corner, but higher above was a pair of red and blue lights sweeping over different pieces of machinery. While Aqua's eyes adjusted to the dark, she noticed a churning, spinning noise from somewhere in the room. "It's dark in here, Doctor.. why?"

"Within these walls are our most secretive projects, Captain Aqua. Regular researchers are forbidden from entry as details spilling out about experimental tech can result in attack from thieves, such as the dread pirate Calico, or the tech thief Drake." Harkins said. Aqua's eyes narrowed at the mention of her most recent foe.

"Understandable.. I suppose this darkness is a form of protection? Though I do not understand why one could not light the darkness with a torch.."

"A device somewhere in this room actually devours light energy. I call it the Dark Umbrella. It isn't necessarily composed of crystal energy, rather a mixture of the bio-luminescent fireflies reverse engineered to absorb light instead of producing it. Damian was able to breed these insect-like creatures via the crystal creatures mutated bi-products. It is quite the invention."

As Harkins lapped praise on his son, the red and blue lights turned and looked at the pair, shining down on the pair from above. The lights, Damian's goggles, fell from the light above them and with a whir quickly approached the pair. "You must be the Princess?"

"Damian! Please, address the Captain formerly."

"Yeah yeah.." He said. Damian now stood close enough Aqua could see him. Damian was a young man in his early teens, wearing a thick pair of goggles under red and white spiky hair. He wore the standard lab coat, but was covered in black dust from his work. The goggles produced a strong glow up close, and the two could follow the boy's head movements through the darkness with ease. "Whoa.." Damian said, looking at at Aqua. The red and blue glow from his goggles slowly dipped from Aqua's face to her legs, then back up to her chest, which soon were covered by folded arms.

"Ahem." Aqua said, interrupting the young boy's perverted gaze, which quickly shot up to her face. The lights then looked down at the floor as the kid hid his embarrassment. "If you're done ogling me, I need your help." The eyes looked back up at Aqua and Harkins. "Your father promised me a method of travel fast enough to get us to Meribia by the end of the day. I assume you're the one who can get us there?"

"Yes, that's right." The voice said flatly. Aqua stared at him for a second, waiting for him to say something else, before opening her mouth to continue. "I can take you there on the Wind Runner." He interrupted. Aqua stared again and waited again. "I can take you and all of your friends with us."

"Good, then-"

"I just need to get the Runner outside."

"Okay."

"It will take a second, so just wait outside."

"..."

The eyes then turned around and whirred back to the top, where Aqua assumed a walkway had to be. Harkins held his face in his palm the whole time, rubbing his eyes behind his glasses. "He uh.. doesn't really have any girl friends his age around here. Sorry about that, Frida." Aqua simply shrugged, her and the doctor then turned and stepped outside of the hangar, where her friends had now gathered.

[Vic Alriikerson]

As Terra spoke, Alriik would keep his eyes forward. Their time in the Melee lab was short, and as soon as Arne finished with his weapon it seemed like time to head out. He'd begin to leave… Before turning to Terra suddenly. Stepping forward abruptly, and aggressively, the elf would extend his arms… And wrap them around Terra's shoulders. He would jerk her forward, into his chest. His arms would engulf her, holding her only a bit too tightly.

She would hear his heart beating like a drum. He was not comfortable here, that was obvious, but this was something more. He'd rest his forehead against her's, trying to match her breathing. He wouldn't mutter a thing, just… Silently holding her. 30 seconds would pass, and eventually… His heart would begin to slow. He'd release her, and wordlessly step away, and make his way out of the lab. As soon as he could, he would be outside again, by the hangar, arms behind him, silent. He'd await the others.

[Swim]

This was definitely the strangest hug of Terra's life, Alriik seemed to be using her to regulate his own breathing? She didn't really question it, the elf was clearly under a lot of strain. After a minute of awkwardness he walked away without saying a word. The sooner they got him out of this place the better.

Terra blinked not really sure how she wanted to respond to that. Fortunately Arne approached and asked her assistance with a problem she was more certain of how to handle. "Of course, I'm happy to help out," she answered him as the group made their way out to the hanger. "This should be a simple enough job, I just need to find a forge and an hour or so to work on it. Hang on to it for now and remind me once we get to Meribia."

[Sorrum]

Not long after Aqua left the hangar, the doors began to creak open. From within the cloud of darkness remained opaque even in the sunlight, and billowed out in small bubbles. But surely, a pair of red and blue lights appeared and rapidly approached the exit, accompanied by the whir Aqua heard before..

From the dark burst a white and green metallic body riding on thick rubber wheels. An enormous sail sat above, attached to a pole the same color. However, what pushed the car forward was a pair of glowing green fans propped in a hexagon pattern in the back. Wind crystals pushed heavy winds against the sail as Damian appeared aboard at the back of the craft, spinning a white wheel and pulling a lever to control the crafts speed.

Harkins grinned as the Wind Runner came to a stop before the party. "Well, Captain Aqua? A ship that goes on land is certainly something you shouldn't have any trouble controlling, I reckon." He said.

Aqua looked up and down at the land-boat in awe. It was an amazing invention. It was large enough to carry The Dawnbringers and then some to Meribia! "It's amazing!" Aqua said. She wasted no time and hopped aboard. The boat had a long body, and sported several seats sat along the side by the rails, facing the boats front. Damian stood in the back on a raised platform, where he was soon joined by Aqua who showed her the controls. The boat began to move as Aqua took over the controls, moving in circles around the open lot, accelerating, braking, and crossing over bumps and ditches while Aqua test drove the machine.

"I'll go with you to Meribia so I can bring the machine back," Damian said. "Secretly, my father wanted to give this to you as a gift upon your return from your journey, but this is only as far as we've come in development.." Damian said, but Aqua didn't notice. She was too busy piloting the machine. She turned the Wind Runner around and pulled back to the hangar. At this point, several researchers were showing up, looking on as the princess drove around the lot with curious eyes.

"Our idea was a carriage especially for the princess.." Harkins spoke to the group. From his lab coat he withdrew a cigarette and a lighter, and started smoking while watching Aqua drive around. "Ever since her mother's disappearance, the nation has had it's eyes on the young girl. She told me one day that she was worried she wouldn't have the knowledge her mother did to effectively help The Frontier and it's people. She's been surrounded by the kind of people who just want to use her for their own gain from both humans and elves alike, so it's really nice that she managed to make friends she can trust such as yourselves. She maintains a strong face but I'm sure this fiasco with her father has her torn inside, and I can't begin to imagine what lengths she's willing to go through to protect him. Even now, as much fun as she looks like she's having, she's learning how to get that thing to Meribia as fast as she can. She even took a risk sleeping in the forest, knowing how dangerous it is. She's not nearly got the strength her mother had, and I think that scares her too." Harkins finished his cigarette as Aqua was pulling up. "I don't know the length of your friendship with this girl, but to us, she's our princess. So please, if our hospitality and gifts meant anything to you, please, keep her safe."

Aqua pulled up to the group and waved to them. " C'mon Dawnbringers! Let's go to Meribia! "

[Bloodbane]

Walking away from the Energy Research Division offices, Rion turned his head when Silver spoke up. "Adorable is... one way to put it, I suppose." he replied, chuckling. Rinita definitely seemed to enjoy her work, almost to an eccentric degree. If nothing else, she had information that was definitely useful, and he was glad he could help their work along in some way with what little he did know of his powers. When the time came for Silver to question whether they would search for the crystal-wielding mage, Rion shrugged his shoulders.

"It's easy enough to say that I want to. However, getting Aqua's situation taken care of comes first to me; that's why we're here, right?" Rion then smiled after a few seconds. "I'm hoping to find out more about that Mt. Remorse place while we're in town, though if he's flying around on a red dragon and looking for me, then I've got a feeling we'll spot each other before long. Doesn't seem like he sounded like he was looking for a fight, but it might be best to make sure we're rested up before we go anywhere dangerous." It sounded like the mage was looking for other crystal wielders as well judging by Rinita's tale, so Rion figured it would simply be a matter of time before they ran into each other, leaving him without much reason to go looking in strange places.

When the two reached Aqua and the others, Rion waited outside until he saw Aqua step outside of the hangar, at which time the doors finally opened and from the darkness came a rather magnificent vehicle. "Woah..." Besides this, Rion was speechless, taking in the details of the craft as Aqua tested out the Wind Runner, looking over to Damien as he explained it was not yet complete. That was somewhat unfortunate, the ride seemed rather stylish and would make for a great means to get around. When Dr. Harkins spoke up Rion finally looked over to him with a nod.

"Whatever she's willing to go through for this, we'll be right there with her. We wouldn't be here otherwise." He looked back to the Wind Runner as Aqua pulled up, smiling. "She's indeed your princess... and she's our Captain as well. If she gets into trouble, we'll get her out, and we'll get this business with her father straightened out." Another chuckle escaped Rion's lips as Aqua called out to the group before he made his way onto the craft.

"It's kinda unfortunate you don't get to keep this yet... but for now, I guess the Dawnbringers will be riding to Meribia in style!"

[Vic Alriikerson]

Alriik would make his way outside briskly. He'd take in a deep breath of fresh air as he stepped outside, somewhat reinvigorated by the Great Outdoors. The pain in his head was still there, though… That tugging at his soul. The inaudible screams. He'd have to push that all to the side, however. It'd only get worse the closer they came to Mt. Remorse. He'd have to suck it up and deal with it. Like before. He just hoped his presence was worth the burden he was about to cause them. But… Meribia held some promise. It'd been some time, but the party was finally reaching lands that could prove his tales as deeds. He was owed a few favors, and more than a few drinks.

As Harkins spoke, Alriik would reply in stern voice. “… Yeah, she's going to be fine. As long as I have any say in it, anyway.” He'd grit his teeth for a moment, before almost grunting out his apology. “Also, please tell the scientists I yelled at that they are stupid and I'm sorry. In that order.” His swords would shake against his back, eliciting a sigh from the elf. He'd drop the machismo, turn to Harkins, and give him a genuine look of sorrow. “Look, I lashed out, it wasn't right. I've been through sh*t, but that doesn't excuse my behavior.”

Soon after, Aqua would approach in her steel cart, and she would yell out to the group. Rion would reply. Both using the name Dawnbringers. How could Alriik help but smile? “I mean, I'm more of a ‘On the Back of a Massive Beast' type guy, but this is cool too.” He'd reply, his joke only delivered half awkwardly as he boarded the Wind Runner. He had made a fool of himself, but he hoped the others wouldn't judge him too harshly. Because the pain was still there. But he'd deal with it, like before.

With a little help from his friends.

[Albireo]

Enter Saito

---

These streets had grown to become a familiar sight to the swordsman, each step he took was more relaxed than yesterday's as he began to understand the streets and people. For a little over a few months he had been laying low in Meribia, within the Humans district in the east. He figured this city where it's ruling class cares little for the affairs of humans like himself would be a great place to hide, after all he did come from a human territory. If anyone wanted to hunt him down, then it would be humans.

Regardless, he abhored what he saw. The standards of living while not entirely terrible, were still much lower than what he thought was acceptable for a society, even for a slummy side of town. People still had work, but it was clear that it was not enough. Families were packed into smaller residencies, infrastructure was quite poor with broken roads, and crime was still rampant showing people's need to turn away from the system. His former profession and due diligence always made it a priority to improve the lives of people if he could, and so here he found himself unable to hold back from helping.

And so that brings him to today. Throughout the districts he had been helping people secure food, routing muggers and keeping people safe while trying not to bring the ire of authorities, and it eventually led him to something a bit bigger. Missing children, so they say, on it's own this wasn't unusual, but there was a patten to it all, an unsettling pattern. His investigation one way or another led him to a flower shop.

As he walked down the path, stopping at the front, a rather quaint establishment, with a few people already browsing the flowers. He walked into the shop, a kindly old lady was behind the counter. She wore an old plaited dress, apron, and a large straw hat adorned with flowers.

"Might you be the owner of this establishment?" he asked.

"Why yes, would you like a bouquet? Or perhaps a few small flowers for a vase?"

"Unfortunately my business here is not so pleasant. You are a mage aren't you?" as he uttered this accusation, he detected a glint in her eyes, yet her mannerisms did not change. There was now a hostile air within the store as some customers began to slowly walk out, but a fresh customer was holding a bouquet, began slowly backing away.

"My, whatever do you mean? I am simply an old lady who runs a flower shop", the swordsman sighed, before grabbing the bouquet from the customer behind him, he in fear made a dash out of the store. The lady seemed visibly agitated, but still no break.

He crushed the flowers in his hands, the coloration immediately becoming dark and murky.

"These are deadly herbs and hallucinogens used to hypnotise people, furthermore they're disguised by magic. You've been creating a vicious cycle of turning this town's population into your thralls by having them buy more and more of these wretched weeds. There's no way you're not a mage", he opened his hands after crushing them, letting them float onto the floor.

"Sometimes... It's all I have, maybe I am a mage, and have to make do", the swordsman himself was also becoming agitated, but he quickly spotted her eyes darting towards the floor, and so did his.

The leaves and crushed petals of the herbs sprung to life as vines erupted from them, attempting to strangle him. Within a moment, a silver flash would cut across them as he had quickly drawn his shortsword, cutting away at them, but by then the whole store came to life.

As people walked along the street, approaching the flower store, they would witness a black clad swordsman flying out from the store, chased by vines, being cut apart as he kited them out. He held his ground and began to cut away at the attacking vines with both swords drawn. This lasted for a short while, deciding he would not be able to get closer in this state, he threw the shortsword at the old lady controlling the vines. Immediately, the vines all turned, trying to guard against the pinpoint blade thrown through the center, which she was using to see her target.

The swordsman lunged forward, closing the distance in a ridiculously short amount of time as he took his blade in both hands, and sliced apart the wall of foliage. As he did so, the true form of the old lady showed itself. A voluptuous lady wearing nothing but plants in a scantily clad manner, her mannerisms changed entirely.

"So this is your true form, witch",

"Such an archaic way of speaking, your body may be my type but your personality is no fun. I'll make you fertilizer for the next batch. Besides, what's a man like you to do against a mage? Hmmmm?"

"I need no tricks. This blade is all I need", he stepped back into a stance, two hands on his blade, pointed forward, before changing the stance, one leg back as he holds the sword horizontal beside him.

"How cute, very well, don't go saying you were ill-prepared. I am Greta Burch, your body shall be the nest for my beautiful flowers",

"Very well, I am not so crass as to deny introductions. Saito, a wandering blade"

The battle eventually leaked out into the streets, given her ruse was blown and people had definitely seen her vines attacking a stranger out in the street, there was no need to keep quiet, only to end this before authorities could make it to them. Saito had the same idea, it'd be best if he could avoid the ire of authorities, else they might find out his past, for now he looked for a single opening. Given the crafty nature of this lady, he should end this in a single strike.

"What's wrong? Where's the gusto from earlier?!" Despite the taunts, he was expertly cutting down her advances, keeping his position in a way to prevent her from forcing him to slice from too many fronts at once, yet even then it appeared as if he was capable of managing that too, but there was not a single wasted move. She noticed this too, as it was, there was no way she was going to be able to end him, and the exasperation on her face said it all. How was a normal human causing so much trouble for her? His movement, his precision... She needed to bring him closer. There was no way he had the power to chop a thick layer of wood. She smiled and then purposely reduced the vines going forth, while moving towards the seeds of a tree that had fallen from her shop display. Like clockwork, Saito sprung forth through the opening, but little did she know he was onto her.

A tree sprouted in front of Greta, causing her to laugh, "gotcha!" and yet... Her brief moment of celebration was soon ended by a powerful war cry.

"HRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!", onlookers in the streets watched as a man with a thin blade, cleaved a tree clean through, with a single mighty swing. The look in his eyes at this moment was like that of a demon, putting all of his spirit and strength into that strike, combined with the precise angle and technique to allow his blade to follow through. A swordsman's cut was the testimony of their skill and strength, and his was worthy of cutting entire trees.

In shock, Greta doubled back, intimidated by his demonic glare, eventually her eyes would go to his sword. She quickly put some vines together from scraps behind him and tried to pull it out of his hand, and... He just let go.

"A man's sword is their fists too!", he delivered a crushing uppercut into her gut, the force of which was enough pain to cause her to lose consciousness in a single blow. She turned limp on his arm, before he would lower her. Her plantwork immediately died down as their caster was no longer conscious.