BoZV - Arc 6

[Sorrum]

Recap:

The group merrily celebrated their victory over the Calico Pirates, surviving a cross dimensional event, and their successful journey to The Frontier city of Sandora. An animated Aqua would educate her friends on the many sights as they approached, sparing not even the light house. On board, a Vile Rai would abstain from the celebrations, which would be noticed by Terra. The girl sought to question the man about his participation in the fight, but was obstructed by the man known as Lloyd. Vile was nowhere to be found, but Lloyd informed Terra that he hadn't been anywhere in sight of the ships crew, furthering and validating her suspicions that he was not to be trusted.

The celebrations would continue into the night, but would end there. In the morning, Aqua was identified as The Princess by the inn clerk, which would evolve into a shocking revelation that her father had been arrested. The party only had 3 days to make it to the capital before the official trial, which Aqua was determined to stop. Her friends vowed to stay at her side, however Alriik would separate temporarily from the group to fetch a disguise. On his errand, he would assassinate a member of the Altiim that had been tracking him. The elf was right to be cautious again, as he had now returned to the lands he once called home where his enemies lurked around every corner. Furthermore, he would bequeath his swords to the party as an act of trust. As they had come to know he was particularly attached to his weapons, thus the party took the weapons without any complaint.

The group would require the proper paperwork to enter The Frontier proper, thus they entered the Immigration office. Here, they met Officer Igor, an old friend of Aqua's. She processed the group and sent them on their way, but an ominous voice spoke to her after their departure, congratulating her for her deed. The woman then fell unconscious in her office, leaving little explanation for the event.

The group would pass through the border and into the city of Sandora. Aqua continued her explanations of the life in the country as they traveled, but they could now see it for themselves. There was a contrast between the state of living between the humans and elves. The elves had it better, though the humans weren't in rags scraping to get by. Mages had the most luck in finding employment as professions involving magic use was expanding. They would only pass through however, as they needed to make haste for Meribia.

The party would leave Sandora and come upon the Crystal Forest, a land where Mana soaked the land, water, and air. It's fantasy esque landscape mystified the group as everything within was revealed to be a mana filled crystal. Aqua realized that her friends had asked her much about the forest to keep her mind off of the situation with her father, for which she felt their kindness. Terra would ask about the crystals viability as weapons, where Aqua would reveal her own weapon was a result of the forests existence. It would be hard to come by a potential crystal option though, as those with the ability were rare.

At night, things became dangerous in the forest. The many predators of the forest came to life and fought violently throughout the forest. The group would stand together for whatever may come, but the last thing they expected was an old face. Silver, in her dragon form and bulging with Blight, attacked the group from the shadows, only to be intercepted by Celestrus. Celestrus passed her onto them, claiming he couldn't help her now, then vanished, leaving them alone to face the dragon in a fight to the death.

Aqua felt a mix of emotion seeing her old friend alive, but in this state. She quickly called out to subjugate the dragon without killing her, and they attacked. Spells and strikes were flung a plenty from all sides as they wore the dragon down, freezing her again and again as they sought to immobilize her. The dragon was proving to be stronger then they however, breaking through the attempts. Their battle then expanded when a pack of wolves and bears mutated from the forest entered the scene, attacking everyone, even the dragon.

Aqua lost her composure and launched an assault on the dragon pushing her back, but in the end was faced with an enormous fireball. Terra jumped in the way to save the girl by erecting a column of stone in it's path, saving Aqua's life. Now that Silver had shown that she wouldn't be taken down easily, Aqua pulled one of her trump cards out. While the others distracted Silver, including some monsters, Terra flung Aqua skyward over the dragon, where Aqua ripped one of two mana crystals from Sharksbane and dropped it on Silver, where it rapidly expanded into a glacier that trapped the dragon within. The sudden explosion of magic energy would scare off the attacking forest dwellers for the rest of the night.

Rion took this opportunity to relieve Silver of her blighted state. He would succeed in pulling the energy from her, but the transfer proved dangerous when a dark bolt of lightning struck him, proving Silver could still be a threat until she was fully neutralized. Rion ultimately succeeded as Silver returned to her human state, where Aqua then reached in and pulled the girl from the iceberg while the others tended to the injured Rion.

While they awaited Silver's awakening, the group finally began to open up about themselves. Rion revealed his secret: that underneath his armor his body was crystalizing, his history with the Shining Swordsmen, and his resolve to continue combating the darkness despite these losses. Terra about her family's death, and her involvement and subsequent evasion of the House of Lords and it's mercenaries, as well as her hopes to start a new life in the lands they now rested in. Alriik about his, well, everything. The man revealed he was an amalgamation of 10 unfortunate children in a religious sacrifice, forced to undergo despicable treatment to become a living weapon, his life after escaping the cult and becoming a hunter of Port Town, the friends and family he had made, and the meeting of his wife. He would also speak of how he lost them all despite his strength, and how it has turned him into the wreck they saw at Shiner's Bay. Silver would rise awake too, and tell them the reason she had panicked and ran back then was because the massive dragon the blight mage summoned used to be her mother.

The group felt a closeness they hadn't felt before. They would turn to Aqua last and ask her about what they had all been wondering, if she was really a princess. The woman gave them a in depth lesson, about her mother becoming the nation's savior and separating them from the elf kingdom of Vane.

In the story, Aqua's mother was revealed to be General Aqua, a top member of the Elf Kingdom's military. She lead a revolution against them which resulted in the destruction of the port city of Atlantis, the separation of Neo-Vane into the country now known as The Frontier, and the liberation of the human slaves. The formation of a new government that afforded humans the same rights as elves was also put in place, though it seems that the effects of millennia of slavery can still be seen in the crevices of society today.

This was the girls mother who has become an icon in the country, and as a result she has been hoisted to lofty status as a "princess" that most members of society adore. There was still more to say, but Aqua was tired from the battle, as was everyone else. They took up separate watches and were able to enjoy a uneventful rest of the night. Terra would again try to comfort Alriik over his past at their change of shift.

Meanwhile, Vile Rai met with an old friend, a half bestia by the name of Tyven. The pair shared drinks and reminisced over old times, but Tyven did ask Vile to give up his search, only to be denied outright. The pair would leave, nothing seeming out of the ordinary about the encounter.

The group would set out in the morning. Alriik had come up with a name for the entourage, "The Dawnbringers" that was met with mixed reception. Aqua told the short story of Captain Dawn of who the name was reminiscent, saying the name was fitting. Eventually they would come upon an area where the forest's crystal presences dwindled where a research facility had been built.

Men and women in white coats filled the area, among them one Dr. Timothy Harkins stood out, possibly the first half elf the party had encountered. The man was friendly and offered them refuge, and promised them a faster way to the capital if they would stay at the site for a short while. They helped themselves to the resources of the facility, being served a fantastic meal and even picking up some weapon upgrades.

Alriik would dislike the facility and grew weary of it quickly when a researcher called him a tribal, an ignorant slang term for the native denizens of the island before it was colonized by Vane. Rion would also be accosted by researchers as their strange devices picked up on his condition. They mentioned that, not long ago another person like him arrived in the facility with the same crystallization over his skin as his did, though he boasted the power of inextinguishable flame. The man took off on a red dragon as soon as he came, though they thought that he might have actually been looking for Rion. Alriik and Rion both put the events in the back of their minds as they prioritized saving Itham first.

Before long, they would meet with Harkins again and his son Damian, a young man skilled in magitek. He would unveil to the party the Wind Runner, a boat shaped land machine that could cross the country roads of The Frontier quickly enough to get them to the capital of Meribia by the end of the day. Before departing, he told the party of the challenge Aqua faced living up to her mother's image, and asked them to stand by her side through what events may be unfolding.

Meanwhile in Meribia, a swordsman by the name of Saito dispatched a nature mage who'd been using her magic for ill intent. The enigmatic swordsman left the girl to the authorities as he disappeared back into the shadows of the human district, hiding his presence in the city. But from who?

The Wind Runner, piloted by Aqua, would soon arrive at the city proper. The sight of the Savior Statue loomed behind the city. Aqua pushed the Runner forward, the last leg of their journey was almost over, and a day left before the trial was to begin.

The story unto this point has been straightforward, yet with the different forces that will oppose the Dawnbringers their future is uncertain. What awaits them in Meribia? What of the supposed blight mage hiding in Mt. Remorse, or the man with fire crystals who also resides there? Are the House of Lords really powerless in this country? Who is Vile Rai, and why is he here? What of the Altiim, and the not so far away Bleakwoods and the Silver Lake? And who is this mysterious swordsman hiding in the capital?

One thing is certain. The Dawnbringers will have to watch their backs. Danger is lurking just around the corner, and the evils at work there are already in motion. Catastrophe is imminent..


~

BREATH OF ZERO VIRUS

ARC 6:

THE SHADOW OF THE MOON

~

[Swim]

In the days that followed Lisesh recruited a number of villagers and formed a watch to replace the Bultaranis town guard. There were plenty of volunteers, now that they’d been given power over lightning many of the people seemed to be looking for more than simply a return to their normal lives. Lisesh organized them into various task groups and began to devise a plan to deal with the increased attention from bandits.

When the next wagon out of Bultaranis was held up the raiders those encircling the vehicle got quite the shock discovering more than they bargained for. Bolts of lightning jumped from bandit to bandit, and when it was done the citizens mounted their bodies on pikes to deter further incursion. Bultaranis was no longer the vulnerable little village it had been.

Things were going well. In the days that followed the town came together to erect a medical clinic and a schoolhouse. For the time being there were only two class levels, child and adult, and the new teachers certainly had their work cut out for them. Lisesh remembered that it had been important to Boltin that everyone learned to read and write, but she didn’t know what else was to be taunt and left the teachers to their own devices.

The miners were another problem she didn’t know what to do with. There was no quarry of minerals outside of town, she had no idea why Boltin had called for them, and they were growing restless with nothing to do. For the time being Lisesh was able to placate them with the funds Boltin had left behind, but he would need to return soon. When he got back she was really going to give him an earful.

[Swim]

After several days of travel Boltin reached his destination. The journey here had been a long one, and the solitude allowed him to reflect on his plans for Bultaranis, as well as ponder what had gone wrong and caused the death of the final would-be mage. After so many successes this failure was statistically insignificant, but for whatever reason the anomaly irked Boltin. When he failed he liked to learn why, but so far the answers had eluded him, and the one test he’d attempted had torn apart reality and transported him to another world. One test was hardly adequate, but he hadn’t really had the time to properly study the lightning crystal since becoming town master. And that was a problem on its own. Traveling solo again had given him time to reflect, he was certainly more comfortable out on his own. Master of his own schedule with no responsibilities or people to answer to. He’d never get any work done if things continued that way, which is why it had been necessary to strike out on his own for a bit of field research.

No one had been able to give him the name of the mineral he’d purchased from the merchant in Bultaranis so he did a little bit of digging. It seemed to be particularly rare. Trace deposits could be found all over but from what he could tell there was only one location where the mineral was found in abundance. But even there, the mineral was an afterthought, a curiosity they would dig out even as they sought for more valuable metals. Boltin stood now before a dilapidated old ruin that had once been a town, long since overtaken by blight. It had once been a mining colony known for having rich deposits of iron and copper, as well as an abundance of the lesser mineral. On one hand it was a novelty, it was hard to find this material elsewhere. But on the other hand, no one really knew what to do with it. It didn’t seem very useful for constructing buildings or forging weapons. Artists would occasionally grind it down and give their project a glossy sheen as they finished. And occasionally rock collectors would seek them for their scarcity and their deep black color. Boltin cared little for any of that, he was most interested in using the mineral to develop his own artificial crystal. The rock he’d purchased from the merchant had been too small a sample to fabricate a synthetic, which is why he’d journeyed to the source. Now he’d be able to put his theory to the test.

There wasn’t much left of the town. Blight and time itself had eaten away at every natural thing. Even the wood and stone looked more gray, like all color had been drained out of it. And just about everything was covered in a thin layer of dust. There were a few signs that pointed to some limited human presence, Boltin could easily see this as a meeting place for thieves to trade illicit cargo amongst one another, but of course no one would want to stay for too long with the lingering blight presence. Boltin could feel it even now, but it was somewhat lessened. Perhaps the pervasive aura had weakened over the years, or maybe his protective charm was just doing its job. Regardless, Boltin showed no hesitation as he made his way through the ruined town and entered the mine.

The mine bothered him quite a bit, immediately assailing his senses with death and decay. Whatever had perished down here had not decomposed naturally, and clearly had not been able to ventilate all these years later. Hopefully he wouldn’t be down here long. Boltin held aloft one hand and allowed lightning to crackle between his fingers, providing him with some light. As he strode deeper into the mine shaft he was amused to find some of it reflected along the walls. Eventually he came to a dead end, the tunnel ahead had caved in. Upon closer examination it appeared to Boltin that it had been collapsed intentionally. Curious as to why that might be, Boltin looked around until he found some mining equipment. It would take all day to tunnel through with a simple miners pick, but there was another tool, one with a metal pole which seemed to extend and retract which could quickly break apart the rocks in his way. It only needed power. Boltin picked up the tool and willed electrical energy to flow through it, and in no time at all he was able to create a hole through the passage.

The noise served to alert the denizens on the other side however. Slowly skeletal corpses began to stir, and drag themselves toward the man intruding on their tomb. They were no threat to Boltin of course, he had expected some sort of resistance from the blighted remains. They were simple to blast apart with their bodies barely holding together as they were, proving even more sluggish and frail than the zombies fought back in Aldur.

Beyond the shambling zombies Boltin finally discovered what he’d been looking for, a vein of the unnamed mineral. It was still embedded within the wall of the mine, and Boltin had discarded the helpful tool from before. Even so, as he felt around with his hands he could feel the mineral reacting to his electrical charge. When he pushed there was a responding pulse. It was a conductor. Boltin stepped back and electricity shot from his fingers, flowing into the mineral. With concerted effort Boltin pulled, causing the rock wall to shift. He pulled again, slowly drawing the mineral out of the wall and into his hands. It was larger than he had anticipated, much of it having been obscured within the tunnel. But now that the rock wall was no longer resisting him the bolt of lightning connecting with the mineral made it easy to lift. It was however a waste of mana to maintain the connection, so as much fun as it was to levitate rocks Boltin decided to simply carry it, and he slowly made his way out of the mine.

It was hard to say how much time had passed when he emerged back into the ruined village. The sky was completely grayed out, no sun to inform him. But the trip here had been worth it. Now all he needed was some uninterrupted time in his lab and he’d have something truly special to show. Preoccupied as he was with his thoughts Boltin failed to notice that he was being watched, and as he made his way to leave the town a dark shadow fell upon him...

[Sorrum]

The Wind Runner slowed as it approached the city gates. Sentries had called a militia forward before recognizing the figure controlling the vessel; Captain Frida "Aqua" Nyharllothor. They quickly sent word to the chief of the town guard, Chief Samuel "The Bull" Byk. In his office, the beastman quickly stood up, his desk easily flipping forward from the lion man's sudden jump. "Who!? Did you just say The Princess is back!? Let her in immediately you fools!" The man quickly pulled a black trenchcoat over his dark blue uniform and fastened his sword belt tight before heading out of his office and into the city streets. He would take his canoe and ride it down the canals of the city toward the east gate where Aqua and the others would enter.

Aqua parked the Runner outside the gate, where Damian would casually walk up and take the controls into his own hands. "I can see you didn't struggle with this at all. Dad was right about you, you're really good with this magitek." He said.

"My ship, The Mirage, has similar controls that I have had to teach several people how to control. We also have several magitek weapons aboard, not to mention Sharksbane.. you kinda get used to it all after a while." Aqua said, equipping her helmet and stepping off the vehicle. "Thank you. Tell Dr. Harkins I greatly appreciate it."

"His design, I just thought it should be able to cross the ground first. I'll let him know you like it. Take care now, Ms. Princess." He would wave and bid farewell to the others as well, before taking off the way they had come back to the research facility.

Aqua turned to lead the group forward. She was happy at the sight of the city, but unhappy about why she had to arrive so quickly. The gates, made of wood boards and reinforced with metal plates, bisected and swung wide where people had started to gather. Upon seeing Aqua, some cheering could be heard, but strangely was the mixed in boos. Some turned disgusted and walked off, and a few doors and windows from the houses of the humans slammed shut. The sentries exchanged cautious glances, as did Aqua with the members of her group. "..I guess things are getting worse." She said with a touch of pain in her voice.

"Captain Aqua!" A voice boomed from the sentries. A tall golden lion beastman, towering at an imposing 7 feet broke through his subordinates and approached the elf. "It is so good to see you again, my friend!"

"Chief Sam! You look as powerful as ever!" Aqua returned. The mans face was that of a lions, though his eyes flickered with intelligence. He looked up at the Dawnbringers behind her and greeted them with a smile and a wave, notable were his sharp fangs and claws on his hand.

"I see you brought friends. I am sure your return is related to your father's current situation."

"Yes! Please, tell me what's going on!" Aqua stated. The beastman groaned at her statement.

"It's been quite the ordeal.. but I will explain everything at our office. There is a transport ship awaiting in the East Canal. Please, if you and your friends will accompany there, I will explain. I will also grant you the privilege of seeing him after visiting time has ended. Follow me, Captain." The beastman turned and led.

The party had arrived in the eastern sector of Meribia and were escorted by Chief Sam and two sentries that wore the blue and gold armor they had seen the border guards wearing. The east part of the city was considered the human sector informally as many humans lived there. The houses, while sturdy, looked to be in disrepair in several places. The city was large too, as they crossed through different streets and many homes. The humans looked both excited and unhappy to see the elf girl's return. Though the most that occurred was people retreating into their homes, there was an air of tension.

They soon heard the sound of rushing water. A fairly wide river ran through the city and under bridges between the different sectors. Sam lead the party to a canoe that was docked below, and led them aboard. Soon they were paddling upstream, with the Savior Statue standing in the background, looking down on the city.

Across the river bank would be the populous and lively Market Sector. No matter what time of day or night, business flourished. Trade barges would come in to different docks surrounding the miniature island accompanied by a sentry and individuals wearing armor similar to Aqua's, identifying them as members of The Frontier's naval force.

"So," Samuel began. "We may not be in the office yet, but I suppose I can let you know a few things. Your father is held in the VIP Room of the jail, as to say the man is merely locked in a room for political prisoners. He has not been harmed, though his powers have been suspended. The decision came from Barr, his opposite in the House of Man over the currently stagnant investigation of the amnesiac children. His trial is considered a farce as he had little to do with the case, but the current thought is that he was focusing too much on a problem in the backwoods by Mt. Remorse than problems in the city."

"The blight mage.. " Aqua mumbled. The chief didn't seem to hear her though.

"I suppose we can wait until we arrive to worry you any further. Sorry about this, it's been a hard time for everyone in the city lately.." he says, paddling on.

[Vic Alriikerson]

As Alriik stepped out of the Windrunner, a few of the townspeople would gasp. Even some praising Aqua would suddenly silence upon seeing the silver-haired half-elf step accompanying their princess. Didn't she know he was a monster? Alriik would sigh as he looked to the crowd. How quickly people forget. He'd try not to make a scene. At least, he did until a tomato struck him across his face.

“GO BACK TO THE BLEAKWOODS, BEAST!” Screamed the tomato chucker. “THAT THING BLEEDS METAL! NO WAY IT'S ALIVE!” A woman would shout. “GET AWAY FROM OUR PRINCESS, YOU NUTLESS BASTARD!” Screamed a third man. Well, the scene was made for him. Time to deal with it. In a flash, Alriik would have a hand on his greatsword’s hilt.

“YOU SEE A MONSTER, DO YOU!?!?” Alriik would roar out to the crowd, before stabbing the blade into the ground. “HOW QUICKLY YOU FORGET. I AM ALRIIK, SON OF SERAS LAUREY. THIRTY YEARS AGO I STOOD WITH YOUR GUARD AGAINST THE WARWOLVES. WITH THIS BLADE, I SLAYED THEIR BLIGHTED MASTER. I PROTECTED YOU, AS DID MY FATHER BEFORE ME, AND NOT ONCE ASKED FOR MORE THAN SHELTER AND DRINK.” He'd wipe his face with his shirt, and would raise his blade. “THOSE WHO KNOW MY FACE AND DEEDS, SAY AYE!”

A large chorus of the more elderly, would answer his call. He'd sheathe his blade. “NOW, YE COWARDS, REMEMBER THAT DESPITE YOUR WORDS, MANY OF YOU WOULD NOT BE HERE IF NOT FOR ME.” The crowd would silence to a murmur, and Alriik would have once again embarrassed his friends. He'd look down, but an elderly woman would push out from the pack, approaching Alriik. She'd move quickly for an old bag, and she would quickly clasp her hands around Alriik's and flash him a smile. “Need a drink, Metalblood?” Alriik would chuckle as he suddenly recognized the face. “The bar still open, Isa? I got some official Princess business going on, but I can stop by when I'm off duty to see an old friend and all the drinks she owes me.” The older woman would chuckle. “Of course. Just remember to bring the Princess.” They'd give each other a chuckle.

The woman would walk off, and while the crowd still murmured, it was less so. A sudden flash of recognition. Prehaps they were just too young to remember his face. He'd sigh and follow the others, hoping another display wasn't too much. He wouldn't have to stay strong for too long. Good times were at the end of the day, he just needed to get there.

[Tony]

Arne jumped from the Windrunner... amazed at the sight of Meribia... but mostly the massive statue that stood over the city. As they entered most eyes would fall upon either Aqua or Alriik. The latter handling the situation in a way that was... rather expected. Though, it did seem to quite them down a bit. After Alriik spoke to an old woman that he seemed to be familiar with, Arne called out to him "Hey, Al! If you're done greeting your fans, we should be getting a move on."

Doing this drew a slight bit of attention towards him... that continued as they traveled throughout the city. Every now and then, he would look around purely out of instinct and would catch the sight of people murmuring to each other as their eyes were focused on him and Hien. He was aware that having a wyvern as a companion was rather unusual, but not really to this extent. Unfortunately he was unable to make out most of what was being said. Only catching bits and pieces that confirmed that they did find the pair to be rather odd.

[Sorrum]

While Aqua talked to Sam she caught sight of the tomato thrown at Alriik. "HEY!" She shouted at the person. "Do not throw anything at these people! They are my guests! Honestly, what's wrong with you!?" She scolded. She listened as Alriik tore into the crowd, a small grin spreading over her face. She shouldn't have to worry about him, but it was still pretty disrespectful. Though she hadn't gotten a chance to talk with him about what happened back at the research facility, she was impressed that he managed to relatively keep his cool to this even more blatant discrimination.

Sam sighed. "You do not attack people for no reason regardless. Someone draw that buffoon up and throw them in the slammer overnight." With his order, two sentries nearby would arrest the tomato archer and carry them away from the scene. Sam looked on as Alriik wiped his face and ranted, taking care to hide his own grin. ".. Pretty good shot though, right in the face."

[Bloodbane]

Although the ride to Meribia was rather fast-paced due to the speed of the Wind Runner, it had not been entirely uneventful. While it was unclear whether it was to provide context for his earlier outburst, or to simply pass the time on the way, Rion and the others found themselves taking a glimpse into Alriik's past through a diary he had kept with him. Though the small book seemed to contain far more of his tales, Alriik began from the beginning, starting from his time and experience as a child to what had clearly been the point where he was no longer a singular consciousness. Though the party had offered their words of support, the experience was rather sobering to Rion, knowing now that there seemed to be something that perhaps led to Alriik's transformation. The 'Great Truth'... what was it? Perhaps that was a question to ask once the elf had a little time to wind down, assuming he had managed to learn more in his struggle against the Silver Knights.

Once off the Wind Runner, Rion remained quiet, allowing Aqua to converse with the giant beastman. Unfortunately, the relative peace would not last long as someone threw a tomato into Alriik's face, setting off another outburst. Though Aqua and Samuel were relatively quick to rebuke the people in the crowd, the outburst itself was somewhat unfortunate. However, this time it seemed there were some in the crowd who really had known of his exploits and showed their support, with one woman in particular approaching Alriik and seeming to say something that put the elf at ease.

"You all right...?" Rion asked as Alriik caught up to the group, and though the news from Samuel as they traveled along the river was also troubling, right now it seemed Rion's focus was more on making sure people within the group were in relatively stable shape given what lied ahead of them. It was hard to say where dealing with this problem of Aqua's would lead everyone, but for now all Rion could do is hope that the group maintained their focus on the task at hand.

[Swim]

The Wind Runner was fast, and a remarkably smooth ride. There were a few instances where Terra was concerned about some obstacle in their path, but Frida deftly maneuvered the craft around them. The rush of the wind would have forced her to raise her voice to make herself heard, so rather than converse with anyone Terra simply settled herself in to enjoy the ride. It was good to take a moment and mentally prepare herself for what was to come. Terra wasn't sure what challenges awaited in Meribia, only that hers was a supportive role and that she would do whatever was required to set Frida's father free. Her gaze fell on the elf girl as she stared forward resolutely. The wind whipped around, tossing her hair about wildly and every so often Terra caught a glimpse of determination on Frida's face as she spurred the vessel onward.

As they neared their destination and the statue of Frida's mother came into view Terra gazed again at her friend and wondered what thoughts must be running through her head. Obviously their errand didn't make for a joyous homecoming, but the statue was a prominent landmark that they would be able to see from all around the city. Terra was sure they'd look upon it often, and she pondered about what thoughts it must evoke within Frida each time the girl perceived it. Did she feel a sense of pride for her mother's accomplishments? Sorrow from her loss? If Dr. Harkins was correct, maybe it elicited a sense of shame or fear that she'd never live up to her mother's legacy. Terra hoped they'd have time to speak privately later. She was sure Frida was under intense pressure and wanted to shoulder as much of her friend's burden as possible.

Terra's musing was interrupted by a voice on the wind. "ITHURTSITHURTSITHURTSITHURTSITHURTSITHURTSITHURTSITHURTS" She whipped her head around to see Alriik reading aloud from a diary. He didn't seem to be in physical pain and after a moment he put the book away and looked around. Despite the wind rushing around them his face looked flushed with sweat. Why did he insist on dwelling in the past if all it brought him was pain? She'd thought that the two of them were growing close, really coming to understand one another... but it was becoming clear to Terra that although they shared some of the same trauma their strategies for coping with it were markedly different. It wasn't something Terra was certain she could help him to overcome... In this case it might be a block that he had to resolve by himself. She simply resolved to be there when he was ready.

When they reached Meribia a large crowd had gathered of joyful people hoping to catch a glimpse of their princess and welcome her home. But strangely Terra could hear some boos as well. Terra looked around in confusion. Much of the booing was focused on Alriik, but it almost seemed to Terra that some of the boos were directed at Frida... Her friend picked up on this as well and looked saddened. This was markedly different from the welcome they received at the research center. Terra looked around bracingly, she wanted to spring to Frida's defense but it didn't seem right to lash out at her countrymen. Fortunately Frida's usual flare of confidence returned as a large guardsman pushed through the crowd and greeted her warmly. The chief's presence served to quell the unruly crowd.

...That is until their attention provoked Alriik into another outburst. Apparently he'd helped to safeguard Meribia's people in the past, and he should feel proud about that. Terra was proud for him. But she still felt disappointed that he rose to their provocation, tomato or no. "If this scene is going to repeat itself over and over while we're in Meribia maybe you'd better put on your Alan disguise," Terra whispered quietly to Alriik as they took their seats in Chief Sam's boat, "At least a wig to hide that silver hair. After all, you'd mentioned picking up a tail in Sandora. I imagine after shouting your name back there for the whole crowd to hear that the Silver Knights won't have a terribly hard time picking up the trail again." She stared at the elf with intense, unblinking eyes. "You're not actually trying to draw them to you right? Because if your plan is to lay a trap to draw these creeps in then the least you could do is let me know about it so I can stand with you and help bust their heads."

[Vic Alriikerson]

As Sam made his comment… Alriik would flash him a glare. As Arne made his quip, he too would catch a glimpse of Alriik's irritated look. He'd open his mouth, ready to tell them both off. Let them know exactly how he felt. He'd only stop himself at the last moment. As Rion approached with concern, Alriik would reply sternly, and simply. “No.” Sleeplessness, disrespect and pain had gotten to him. He just needed to make it to the end of the day. He'd repeat that phrase in his mind.

As they boarded the boat, Terra would again speak to him. He'd wait for her to finish, before finally speaking up. “… Look, I thought I'd be able to unmask when we got -here-. Last time I was here, I was riding people's shoulders, being offered drinks… I was a hero when I rode out…” He'd bury his hands in his face. “… I was a hero. Their hero. And after the day I've had… I was so excited to come back… But I guess time will do that.”

He'd raise his head from his hands. “We're too close to the Bleakwoods for a disguise to work. But at the same time… The Altiim are well enough aware of their reputation around here, so we have nothing to worry about until we leave the city. So the only real reason for a disguise isn't to hide from those hunting me… It's to hide from the people who once chanted my name in the streets. The people I bled for. The people who gave me the name 'Metalblood'.”

“… I don't want to wear a disguise. I want them to see me. I want them to lash at me, I want to beat it into their skulls that I am their hero. The Port Town boy they once shared drinks and stories with around the hearth. You want me to hide? Tell the Captain to tell me. To make it an order. Because if not… I refuse. I am what I am, and I've spent too much time, fought too hard, to hide from the people I once saved. Am I being unreasonable? Probably. But I'm going to be honest, it's only going to get worse until we get past Mt. Remorse. We are too close. I feel my sword screaming to me. And it's going to get louder and louder.”

He'd turn his gaze to the river. “… And if that becomes too much of a problem, well. You got Silver back. You don't need me. I'm a few days travel from my nephews and the port that will take me far away from the Bleakwoods. My head'll be back on straight and all you'll have to deal with is my distant memory.”

[Swim]

Why did he have to be so difficult? "You know that's not what I'm saying, I want you with us. I don't know why you're looking for validation from random people when you've got friends who know who you are, and who appreciate you for more than your titles and deeds. But fine. Have it your way. Just don't forget that the reason we're here is to help Frida's father."

[Bloodbane]

Rion frowned at Alriik's response, but nodded in understanding. What Alriik had said afterward, however, jogged his memory. 'Mt. Remorse...'

Terra was quick to retort, but after she did so Rion crossed his arms. "... While true, don't forget what Ilham was looking into, either." It was clear he was referring to the potential blight problem, but after a few seconds he looked to Alriik, then to Aqua. "On top of that... it sounds like there may be something here for me to take care of as well; either of you know of anything that might draw a dragon-riding treasure hunter to a place like Mount Remorse?" The two elves were bound to know more about the region than he did, and he had a pretty good feeling he was going to need their help getting to wherever this other 'crystal-skin' was heading.

After waiting for a response briefly, Rion looked back to Alriik. "Almost seems odd, doesn't it? The things we keep finding here to deal with... I don't know where our main goal in the Frontier's going to take us yet of course, but if the opportunity presents itself, perhaps it's time to bring that sword of yours home..." Surely Alriik would not have a better opportunity any time soon, with the Dawnbringers alongside him?

[Sorrum]

While her attention was on the task ahead, the familiar sight of the city did not draw her attention from the conversation around her. She would turn back to the others and give them a small smile. "As I would stand against the House of Lords and the Blight, I would stand against the Altiim in your defense Alriik. I bear weight in my decision and attacking any civilization of the country would cause a stir in this tumultuous time, but we cannot always control when we face our enemies. You do not need to hide behind a disguise, for here you are welcome." She said plainly. "And that goes for the rest of you as well."

Turning to Rion, she thought to explain about the mountain. "Mount Remorse is a once prosperous sight, as mines within found large deposits of gold and silver. It made the country grow rapidly, and is even represented by the gold color on our uniforms, flags, and so on. However the mine was closed because of several reasons.. one that many felt that the suffering of the human slaves back then within the mines was extreme, being given dangerous tasks. Closing the mine would become a step in reform of society, though we must admit there was a blow suffered to the economy as a result. Other reasons include that disservice has lead to unstable tunnels. If a person wanted to hide, very few would willingly search the mountain fearing a collapse. There is also rumors about the mountain.. years of superstition have created mystery. Ghosts of the dead within, and dangerous creatures in the deeper tunnels. One story I can confirm however.. there is an eternal blizzard atop the mountain. The reason for this is because the tomb of an Ice Giant rests atop. Long ago, my mother and I traveled there. From it's peak, you can gaze down upon the entire country.. and be amazed at it's beauty. " Aqua finished. Her mind seemed to wander back to the memory for a bit, then became fuzzy.

"We're here," interrupted Sam. The canoe docked at a large pier alongside other vessels, including larger vessels that could carry platoons of sentinels. "Please, be careful getting out and onto the pier." Sam lead the group up a flight of stairs to the city street and to the closest building. Meribia City Patrol Headquarters, a sign hanging from the building said. It was a large building, not quite the size of the research center R&D Lab but large still. It was painted blue and gold over it's bricks and concrete foundation, and rose five stories from the ground. Alight from night fly lights, the building was quite imposing compared to the other buildings they had seen in the country so far.

Sam lead the group inside, where there was a small lobby with an elf and human attendant working alongside the other. They greeted the chief casually, but did a double take at his followers, especially the Captain.

Sam lead the group down a series of stark white hallways, and up to the third floor, until they came upon a door with a glossy metal covering and seemingly no handle. Above the door read VIP ROOM 1. Sam took a look at the group. "I assume that they are fine to go in with you, Captain Aqua?"

"Yes, please." Aqua said. She could sense her father was just on the other side of the door now, and the girl had felt the tension she had been feeling since that morning in Sandora begin to peak. "Open the door, quickly now." She urged. The man nodded, and put his hand on the door, a concentrated glyph of earth energy appearing on his palm just before it touched.. Within the walls the clicking of locks and machinery could be heard as they released. One final thud, and Sam pushed the door open.

Within the room was several wooden bookcases along the walls, a small desk in one corner with papers strewn about on top, and a few small lanterns stop the corners that produced a warm light. A red rug lay atop the stone floor, and in one corner was a messy bed. However, in front of them stood a sentinel that had his grip steady on a sword as it crackled with electricity. He looked at the group, then at Sam, before sheathing his weapon. "Stand down, Sentinel." Sam commanded. The man saluted the chief, and allowed the party to enter.

Standing in the right of the room past the door was a figure Aqua knew well. She dropped her composure and hugged the elf as he soon did too. Both began to shed tears, and Aqua even sobbed quietly in her father's arms. "I told you not to come back," Itham said. "Why didn't you listen?"

"They put you in prison!" She cried. It was all coming out now. "And you sent me away because you couldn't protect me!? You can't even protect yourself!" She yelled. Even though he felt the harshness in her words, Itham was overjoyed to see his daughter again.

The two would take a moment to recompose themselves, before apologizing for making a scene. Aqua rubbed the redness from her face and tried to sound stable. "Ahem, everyone. This is my father, Itham Nyharllothor."

The elf had been given comfortable clothes in his time in the jail, and seemed casually dressed compared to the warriors. He had on a purple dress shirt with sleeves, grey slacks, and black moccasins. He did however bear a blue and black seal on his lapel, which also bore the symbol of The Frontier on it. He wore his badge even now in this state of affairs.

"Hello, thank you for escorting my daughter. I would know your names as well." Itham said, as polite as could be.

[Vic Alriikerson]

“… No, I rememember. And I will protect him. No matter what.” He responded to Terra, before Rion spoke up. “… And I am not going to drag you into my business if I don't have to. I don't see us walking into the Bleakwoods and coming out whole. I'll manage. You'll just have to deal with me until we get past Mt. Remorse.” Finally, Aqua would speak up. Saying he didn't need to disguise himself. “Thanks, Cap.”

Aqua would proceed to explain Mt. Remorse, and once she finished, he'd put in his two cents. “It's a cold, dead place. Great for hiding. Some old Altiim tombs lay there, from back when they held more prominence, but the ones I found were all fully looted.” As the canoe reached the end of it's trip, Alriik would disembark with the others, eyes forward. The crowds here were less vocal of their hatred of him. It was something, at least. He'd follow her inside the station, all the way to her father. And when he saw the reunion… He smiled a bit.

Eventually, Itham would speak to them, and when prompted, Alriik would take a single knee, placing a fist on the ground, head low. “Alriik of Altiim. Former Ranger of the Silver Knights, now a steadfast member of the Port Town Blight Hunter's Guild and ardent defender of Captain Frida.” He'd keep his introduction short, and to the point. It had taken a moment when he first saw her, but once he recognized Aqua as Frida Nyharllothor, he recognized how important she was. The daughter of the Liberator of Man, and her partner. No wonder he stopped calling her “Ice Cutie”, and changed his tone to the much more respectful “Captain.”

[Arashi]

Silver would enjoy the ride on the Wind Runner. She wasn't sure what to really think of it upon first glance, but riding it was....different, in a good way. She was used to traveling on her wings, and hadn't really ridden many vehicles of the world.

The dragon would stay quiet, observing the city with her hood up, concealing her dragon features. She smiled a bit upon the group being greeted by a beastman. They were people she always felt more comfortable with. However, all these people were a bit overwhelming for her. Part of her couldn't help but have a desire to get away.

As they walked, she would stay behind the group, letting them take charge. As the people seemed to dislike Alriik, she glared at the crowd. She knew what it was like to be in such a position and she did not like seeing others in it. Before she could do anything, though, Alriik would make his displeasure known. It maybe wasn't the right reaction, but Silver found herself holding back laughter. His response was fierce; likely fierce enough to frighten those who did not like him. And they deserved it, too. Cowards. He also seemed to rally forth some others who supported him, which was good to say the least. Having to fight the entire crowd would not have left the best impression.

She would think no less of Alriik for his reaction.

As they got on the boat, Alriik seemed quite displeased. Silver tilted her head as he ranted. She didn't really know what to say, but she didn't want him to leave. He seemed interesting, and she wanted to help him somehow. It seemed that he planned on leaving the group eventually though. Maybe when the time came, she and the others could talk him out of it.

As they arrived to see Aqua's father, Silver could not help but find herself angry that he was in a prison. She wanted him out.

She would stay quiet as the door opened and the two reunited. The bond between the two was obvious, and she couldn't help but smile a bit...and then be more angry that he was here in the first place.

Once prompted to speak, Silver looked a bit nervous. She would hesitate for a moment, and then take down her hood. She felt odd introducing herself to her friend's father with it up.

"O-oh, I'm Silver. Nice to meet you."