[System]
Age: 25

Gender: Male

Ethnicity: Caucasian

Description:
{Name unknown by most. I love role-play so someone can be my accomplice :) } A tall, Caucasian from Florida, he is around 6" 1'. He is lean and slightly tanned, strong in upper and lower body. He has some facial hair, but not much, due to his large knife strapped on his chest. a somewhat shy man, who keeps to himself, and only speaks loudly when around a small group of friends that may not still be alive. he has a scar on his face, from a mutant wolf claw, and he has a spot on his left shoulder he makes sure is well covered...

Biography:
Born and raised along the east coast of America, Alexander has always wanted to travel to Europe, at least until the outbreak. He has/had (unknown) a younger sister, mother, and step-dad. He always loved the outdoors, and lucky for him, loved to role-play apocalypse situations as a kid. He also loved to parkour in his free time, and is very fit due to it. Not a drinker or smoker, though does love the woods. In schooling, his mother always pushed him to new limits, leading to him being in advanced math and history classes, in both middle and high school. He didn't have many friends in high school, and didn't like many sports. The only true friends he had were a small group of about 5-8 people.
Although they were small in number, his friends and him made a YouTube channel, and saw each-other almost every weekend. They would role-play, shoot guns, parkour, and make videos on his channel (he was the owner of said channel).
Alexander was close with his mother, mainly due to the fact that his parents were divorced, and he only got to see his dad on the summers. When he was with his mom, it was the school-year, so he lived regularly. When Alex was with his dad, however, they went sailing, hiking, camping, and fishing.
Alexander was trying to become a famous archaeologist, and succeeded. He discovered lost cities, ancient religions, and lost civilizations no-one had ever heard of. He made award winning fantasy books, like The Dragon's Lover, and Lost in the City of Time (I don't know if they are real book names or not :) ).
Alexander got a master's degree in Archaeology, and owned a mustang, a nice house, a large plot of wooded land, and he had a wife, and two kids. (They are of unknown location to them, which might be why he actually drank liquor for the first time since he was 21.)

Pre-infection Career:
An archaeologist who specialized in ancient Mayan cities. Parkoured and wrote stories in free-time.

Other:
Wears jeans, a t-shirt, and leather "armor" scraps over his clothes. Also has a paintball mask made into a gas-mask. In his camel-pack he has a mostly full water skin, a loaf of bread, some painkillers and vitamins, a Zippo black lighter, and some extra mags for his guns. Extra t-shirt and two pants included.

[User]
"No." Captain Ishida Hisashi rejected the offer, before remembering the more socially graceful words, "thank you. That would be illegal. What ration is given to you is your own. Supplies are limited." He had always had difficulty expressing himself in the language of the land, partly due to his basic grasp of it. All he could do was to state facts, but what he felt and what he thought were constantly locked inside of him. He could state those as facts too, but that would be insufficient.

Looking down at Alexis, Tanya's younger sister, he couldn't help but to crack a smile, "Hello, Alexis-Chan. It is good that you are reading." Before turning back, rather reluctantly, to her guardian. Behind her was her dinner - they were eating out of cans again. In fact, most people were these days. Modern living by itself was unhealthy in some ways, and to live in a fallen modern society would be worse. The 'farm' that was set out would not be able to feed everyone around the year, very far from it in fact. The very same thing that was sustaining them was killing them over the long term.

"Tanya-Kun, you missed your medical appointment today." The medical officer said, concern trickling through. "While you and your sister's last screening has uncovered little health issues, a month passing is a very long time." Bringing up his computer, he checked his digital schedule. After pressing a few virtual buttons and passing between virtual windows, he came upon the right day on his calender. "I have another window for you open two days later. Or I could do it tonight."

Looking at the kid again, he remembered what Jack had said behind his back as he was leaving the bar-n, what some people were saying when they thought he couldn't hear or understand. While they didn't have the power to remove him from his duty, what they had said had cut deeper than that. Looking at the kid had given him some hope. "We will protect Alexis-Chan. No matter what it takes." He said to Tanya as he smiled again at the youngling.

[Assistant]
Jack shrugged his shoulders and asked for his whiskey back. If someone else was paying he was sure as hell going to oblige. Grabbing the small glass he sipped at it and grimaced again, the lovely taste of piss filled his mouth. Sighing he looked the man over. He actually had no idea who this was, he had only heard the name from the Peacekeeper. However it was only fair that you knew your drinking buddies name.

"Name's Jack. Brit, born and bred, what about you fella? I heard Matt from those blue-tops, but where you from? It seems like we have all kinds around here. First you got the locals who turn up, me in fact as well, and then those from out of the state. Then. Well. Blue tops from out of the country arrive and apparently we all have to worship the ground they stand on and respect their bullying ways."

Jack winked smugly before taking another sip from his cup, he offered it up to connect with Matt's glass, he was always a fan of knocking glasses.

[User]
The man offered a toast of sorts, Matt obliged. The glasses clanked and the two drank. "Where am I from? Up north I guess. I guess it really doesn't matter that this point because most of my family is gone. If not all of them" Matthew said, but he suddenly changed his demeanor to try and get the self-pity and sadness away. "Brit eh? What brings you to this neck of the woods?" Matthew asked.

Finding out new things about people was always an interesting situation to get into. Matthew found, before the Z's took over the working world, that he loved interacting with new people, as long as they were friendly, and often tried to make new friends and acquaintances. At this point, with all that was going on in the world, having more friends was not a bad idea. But on the other hand, it could be. New friends meant that you cared about people. Whether it be in a friendly fashion or something more. The more you cared the more you were likely to be hurt in the end. The Z's were persistent beings, they usually got what they wanted. Their only drive was to eat, humans was to survive. The Z's usually won.

[Assistant]
Rain, great for masking your sound. A strange man, whom no-one recognized, thought to himself as walked in through the entrance to the camp. He didn't look like a standard civilian, nor a guard. Some-what like a mix. He wore dark, strengthened leather armor pieces over his t-shirt and pants. He had sneakers that were slightly worn, but could last for still some time. On his back was a large camel-pack, which was when people started to realize this must be one of the fabled Scavengers. The Scavengers rarely came into camps, and spent almost all of their time looting and in abandoned cities. They were the closets one to the undead, and the farthest from them. Strapped to this man's hip was a pistol, that lucky enough, had a silencer on it. Also across his back was a rifle with a decent scope, but no silencer was seen on this weapon, though it was hard to tell in the rain and dark...

This strange man made his way toward an area of commotion, some kind of barn, it appeared. Once inside, a hush fell upon the place. This man, a white man with a mop of blond hair, sat at the barn and order a drink. The bartender was a little weary by now, and somewhat afraid of the man. Not only did he have the guns, but he had a large knife across his chest. When the bartender slipped him a drink, the man passed him a small amount of vitamins. the bartender was shocked, but the man told him in a somewhat gruff voice to keep them, and proceeded to sip on his drink, all eyes on him...

[User]
Tanya nodded at Captain Ishida she did drink coffee often whenever she had it, when Ishida mentioned missing her and her sister's appointment for the month she rubbed her head slightly. "I totally forgot, I've just been working so much that it must have slipped my mind." Tanya answered as she went to take the can off of the stove and onto the counter. Alexis looked up at Ishida and smiled at him before putting the book face down on the built in table so she wouldn't lose her place. "It just keeps my occupied." Alexis answered looking over towards her sister for a moment she forgot about the appointment as well.

"We can do it tonight, might as well get it done sooner then later. Just let us eat real quick, your more then welcome to join us as well." Tanya said looking towards Alexis who agreed to as well though Tanya never liked going to the doctors when she was growing up with the zombies outside she couldn't risk getting sick either and leave her sister to fend to herself. "Thank you Captain Ishida." Alexis smiled as she looked towards the can of beans.

[Assistant]
Most people started to get back to their games and drinks, but some stayed staring at the man. He looked around, not moving his head, only his eyes, to look at all the people. He appeared to be studying the people. After finishing his drink, he pulled up his hood, covering his face, and started to leave. Someone stopped him before he could make it out the door...
(any guests or people in the Bar-n go ahead if you want and role-play that you stopped me on the way out, I may be willing to do shady work or lessen the power of the Japanese. I might just get supplies, or whatever is needed.)

[User]
Jack had immediately taken a liking to Matt. The guy seemed honest, hard working and like he was just trying to make his way in life. Whilst the foremost was not always a boon these days, the rest were respectable enough. Sipping at his drink Jack almost laughed at the question too his origins. Hell, if he had a choice he would still be back home.

"Grew up in London. School was shit so I just bummed around, making some money from a number of less than legal vemtures and eventually my parents got tired of it. Family booked me a flight and sent me to live with my Aunt over this side of the pond. Course I didn't change toi much." Jack winked and then downed the remainder of his drink.

"Anyways, thanks for the drink Matty boy. I shall return the favour someday. Until then keep yourself well." Jack got up, patted Matt on the bag and half walked, half stumbled, towards the exit. He hadn't noticed the Scavenger come in and so was thoroughly surprised as he collided with the blonde haired man. Reversing suddenly Jack spluttered out a curse.

"Fucking hell! Watch where your going." Jack then noticed the gun. "Jesus christ, it is not my night, guard or blue top? 'Cus those are the only two groups allowed guns out in the open here." Of course many others had firearms and Jack had his eye on a nice pistol. But on thw black market they were incredibly expensive and more of a pipe dream for most.

[Assistant]
On his way out the exit, Alexander (unknown to most) was interrupted by a somewhat drunk man, probably from England based on his words. As the two men both backed up, Alex made sure this wasn't a purposeful introduction to an attack, and saw a look of shock on the man's face. The English man claimed "it wasn't his night," and asked if Alex was "a guard or a blue top". Alex knew what a guard was, of course, but had never heard of "blue top."

"Neither," Alex replied, "I am a Scavenger, and I will carry my weapons wherever I so chose." Alex figured that this man might be a good fellow, but as a drunk man, he should probably be left alone until morning.

"Are you still sober enough to tell me where any tents are that I can fall asleep in, or do I have to ask another person." All Alex was hoping for was that the guards or the "blue tops" didn't show up, and didn't know about him until morning. Although, getting an answer would be nice, and getting a map of the base would be better...

[User]
Jack narrowed his eyes as the man mentioned he was neither. In all honesty Scavengers were nothing to him but wannabe heroes. However the man was armed and his arrogant dismissal of the camp's rules tickled Jack. Though his knowledge, or lack of, meant he wasn't a local. Hell Jack had had enough of being told what to do by the camp, and it's prestigious guests. Walking forward he gestured out of the door.

"Have you seen the state of the camp fella? We are packed in here and if there was much spare room it would be taken." Then pointing to one of the dirtier looking ends of the camp he spoke again. "See, I was one of the first ones here and I get shitted on. Now I may have a bed in my bunk that is free, but a decent space to sleep is hard to come by around here so..." Jack looked off into the distance and then smiled.

"Tell you what! You can have the bunk for thw night, if you get me something nice. Don't care what! But something I can't get this side of the fence." Turning Jack was caught in a slight daze but then righted himself. He then offered his hand and plastered on a cheeky grin.

[Assistant]
Alex was a little skeptical at how quickly this man's mood changed, but still reached out and shook the hand, unable to keep a completely straight face. Alex decided that he might as well try to have at least one friend in camp, for when he placed his bombs at the main guard locations. He still remembered the damaged house he used on the edge of the city, and left his makeshift bombs there. I will use the shack as a base, and leave my rifle there. I will get him "something special," and then come back.

Alexander hoped the house still had its barricades on it, and hoped that even if it didn't, the hidden compartment in the closet on the west side of the house wasn't discovered. He still knew a couple of stores and locations of the city that weren't scavenged, by him at least.

"Do you have anything in particular you want?" Alex asked the man in a hushed voice. People were starting to take notice, and as such, Alex asked the man if they could go somewhere less crowded to talk, as he double checked all his supplies were still fastened tightly, and that his pistol and rifle were still in place.


[System]
Species : Elf
Gender : Female
Age : 54
Height : 175

Jazdia is a tall elven woman with a pale complexion, blue eyes, and long, waist-length platinum blonde hair that she often let untied. Elves are all born beautiful and Jazdia was no exception. Her attractiveness is often described as an eternal winter barely touched by the sun's embrace. But that's just another way for the gentlemen to adore her face that seemed to always sport a perpetual frown. At least that's original.

Former leader of a peacekeeping organization, Jazdia understands it would be in her best interest to omit such details from her MO. Not that she is a wanted criminal or anything; she ended her tenure on a relatively high note actually. The thing about working as law enforcement is you will have no shortage of old enemies who would persistently try to even the scales with you even after retirement, and Jazdia does not wish to be tangled with such... nuisances.

So now, she is just Jazdia. An adventurer, restaurateur, and tea connoisseur. Yeah, just put that in her business card.

Traits and spells:

-Blood Phobia (passive)
Taking damage would result in lower combat efficiency. Jazdia will start sweating, having a shaky aim and blurred vision. At a certain threshold, her Ultravision cannot be activated.
-Curse of the crimson flame (passive)
Resting near any fire or under the sun would slowly regenerate her power and heal her wounds. However, any healing magic cast on her would instead deal damage.

-Arrow Enchantment.
Channels magic into her arrow. Can only use one type of arrow in a single turn. Has three flavors:
A. Crystal Arrows.
Glorified fireworks with an equally destructive explosion contained inside. Can be programmed to either explode upon impact, delayed, or remote detonation.
B. Crystal Arrows
Non Explosive variants, but hot as hell it pierces through plates and mails like a hot knife through butter. Armor Piercing, nuff said.

-Counter
Any close-range attack will be answered with heavy retribution. Figuratively speaking, sometimes this extended to the non-combat situation. Proceed with caution.

-Ultravision
Channeling magic to enhance her vision, Jazdia can see pass through solid objects and magical manipulation such as illusion and darkness. Imposes varying degrees of strain on her body depending on the area covered and elapsed duration. Prolonged abuse of this skill might result in myopia and gradual blindness.

-Vengeance
At this point, taking heavy damage would no longer weaken her. Now she is faster and deadlier and angrier. The third flavor of her enchanted arrows unlocked:
C. Poison arrows. Deals heavy damage over time. The enemy killed by this arrow will have their body burst into a swarm of black lepidopteran that attacks nearby hostiles until either they or the caster died, or the effect expires. At the end of its fleeting lifespan, the insect will return to the caster and heals her wounds. Has 3 days of cooldown.

Equipment
-Lurea
A recurve black bow adorned with gold and silver linings on its limbs. Has an absurdly light draw weight of 44 pounds.
-Maugrim
A long knife with ivory handle and elven runes inscribed on its blade.
-Medium-sized satchel bag
A plain-looking bag that doesn't seem too out of fashion despite being designed with function in mind.
-Pocket watch
A momento from her father. Well maintained and functioning properly.
-Medikit
Generic first aid kit.

[User]
I see. 神様のお恵みがありますように... May the God be with you. Who knows, maybe twisted fate give you a better future.

Well then, want for another round? You should eat plenty for your recovery. Once you brought back into good shape, let's have some drink. I noticed you are a good drinker back then."  Chounan replied and smiled.

[Assistant]
For a moment the fox observed Veronica Blackwater as he tried to get a bit of a read of her emotions. However the pale girl turned out to be pretty proficient at masking them. Not that it was too surprising for someone who was doing shady stuff for the king himself. The girl probably received pretty much direct orders from and directly reported to the guy on the throne himself. A loyal tool to the king was Kaito's guess.

As Cedar made his way to the door, the kitsune noticed how just for a very brief moment her senses sharpened as she followed the movement of the bear. There was this slight change in her posture when the door was opened and it changed again the moment it closed.

""Blackwater, eh? I'm pretty sure I've heard that name before somewhere not too long ago. Three, maybe four decades or so. There was this farmer who used a story about a certain Lord Blackwater to scare his kids into behaving. If you misbehaved he'd come out at night to take you back to his lair and feast on your blood."

The fox paused a bit and gave Veronica a friendly smile " It must be a total coincidence that you share a family name with a vampire from a folk tale. Just as the curtains happen to be closed in broad daylight for some added secrecy of our operation."

Kaito could not help but wonder about the colorful cast of their party. The king certainly had gathered a bunch of outsiders and anomalies to search for his son. From a bearman to a presumably vampire to a mythical fox creature. Not to mention that the doctor seemed to have a funny smell around him. It sure made the orc and the elf look like normal ones.

"Anyway, since we're departing half an hour before midnight. If there aren't any specific questions you want me to answer I'm off to grab some extra food and take a nap."

[User]
Solomon Sparrow
Location: Hdur, Kindeance

---

 "I believe I know whom you are speaking of, Mister Kaito. He is more than the villain of folktales. I once had the pleasure to make his acquaintance. To say he was less than hospitable would be putting it nicely. Last I spoke with him, he was in search of something. A protege perhaps. I do not really know. He was cordial enough during my encounter, so I don't think much ill of him. If I remember correctly, he probably still lives at the Tretagor convergence." said Solomon, his head tilting to the side as he was attempting to remember details about the one time he had encountered Lord Blackwater. He then lookws forward, his head slightly shaking from side to side. "I cannot say what he is up to these days. We didn't have much to offer each other to maintain communication."

 Solomon leaned forward in his chair, his eyes looking intently at Kaito, "Not any questions relating to the mission at hand. I am curious, however. Jazdia spoke of your mastery of illusory magic, with whom did you study?" Solomon's voice didn't carry any hints of interrogation, rather, he seemed to have genuine intrigue. The study of magic wasn't a well distributed occupation, so to have someone be a master in the school of illusion was impressive.

[Assistant]
Despite exuberant cheering and being pressured to eat more, the poor bear was experiencing the strange mix of sensations that frequently accosted him this time of year.

Being physically stuffed to bursting, while remaining ravenously hungry.

Well, at least the mind-altering edge had been taken off.

He had polished off a good 2/3 of the cauldron by himself, but the large quantity of water in the stew had bulked it up. He would have practically sloshed when he walked, causing him to have a rather profound need to find the little bear's room. (Do bears go in the woods? Yes. Yes they do.) Given that he could not physically consume any more, but would certainly be able to finish it in a few hours, he asked if they could move the remainder to the inn, where the rest of the group was holed up.

"better check with them on their end first-- They aren't usually keen on outside food being brought up."

In hindsight, it seemed like a sensible enough objection, given the nature of their business, but on the other...

He looked at the cauldron with a sad expression. He REALLY wanted to eat the rest of it, but was already suffering the effects of fluid overload.

"I'ma go fin' out 'en" he moped.

"You SURE you can't finish it Mr Bear?" chortled the farm-hand that had sold the lot. "Eyes too big for your stomach?"

Cedar rolled his eyes at the comment. "I saids i' woun'na be all at oncet! Dayum! Ain't no ways 'at whole thang gonna fit in muh gut!"

"I dunno, it's pretty close! You got most of it in there!"

The entire crew got a chuckle out of that at his expense.

"Let us know if they say it's OK Mr Bear. We'll hold on to it a bit longer until then."

Cedar thanked them kindly, stood up, and immediately had to lean on his walking stick. The need to find a secluded tree was very pronounced. He waved at the farmers, then started hobbling down the road, before dipping to the side into a densely wooded copse of trees to see to his business. One of the farmer's dogs had followed him in curiosity, but took off terrified the moment it caught wind of what he was discretely letting out back there. Cedar chuckled at the dog, finished his business, then sauntered back onto the road, and toward the inn.

The sun had moved noticeably in the sky, and he guessed it was early afternoon.

Feeling like a new bear, he went through the door.

[User]
Not long after Cedar left the premises, a man walked in.

"I don't know we have a guest," he said, walking closer to the currently most populated table. A man of the same age as Jazdia approached with a carefree smile. Just by looking, he seemed like a good man who got along with women. He had a handsome face and droopy eyes, with masculine, chiseled features. His slightly long black hair had smooth waves and his eyes were the usual brown. His elven characteristic contrasted with his plain, natural attractiveness. One that does not showy and easily forgotten but still very pleasant to look at.

His traveling outfit uniform was worn-out, a ranger tunic like Jazdia wore, but his was adorned with ornamental plaid cloth hanging from his belt and a silver patch on her shoulder with a symbol of an eight-pointed compass in a circle. His voice was cultured and smooth, and he gave off a completely different impression compared to the brusque attitude that seemed to be the trademark of his fairer counterpart.

"Miss Jazdia. What a pleasant surprise!" he greeted, though, with a hint of sarcasm. The elf smiled back, but the man smooth yet evasively turned to Matilda.

"Wilyadin is the name, but folks often call me Baker. I am so happy one of the king's retinue visited my humble establishment! I should offer a handshake but that's not how an innkeeper expresses their hospitality. Ninaa!"

"No need to shout, I'm right here like I always am. How'd your meeting with the Guildmaster go?"

The owner wagged his fingers. "Tut! Tut!" Now is not the time. Have you prepared the food? Rooms and bed?"

Nina pouted, such a poor sight for a cute young lady. "I have! But we need to cook the stew again!" across the table and counter that separated the common room from the kitchen she showed the now-empty pot and placed it back on the stove. "If you have time to dally you should help me! I've asked Nob to fetch the grocery, we are short-handed at the moment!"

The owner glanced at her and chuckled "I am sure you can manage sweety! I have a matter to discuss with one of our guests!"

"But, Fatheeeerr!"

Ignoring his 'daughter' plea and possibly underestimating the possibility of having cooking utensils thrown at him, the Baker continued. "I am very tempted to ask what's the occasion, but I guess I will invoke the old saying that ignorance is bliss." He shuffled his gaze on Matilda, then to Veronica, Solomon, Kaito, and lastly Jazdia.

"I assume your visit is not coincidental, eh Boss?" he said, still smiling.

"No, not really." answered the elf after a long and heavy sigh. "I need to take some of your old equipment with me. Could that be arranged?"

The elven owner flinched, but his jolly persona remained unchanged. "Goodness gracious, how long has it been? Ten years? And Your P's and Q's have not improved a bit. Of course, I still have them, and I will lend them to you if you have the password~~"

"Those are the property of CSA, and can be recalled or confiscated if needed."

That cheerfulness faded almost instantly. "But you disbanded it... have you not? And you are retired. Then by what right do you demand me to surrender my mementos?"

Silence, while Jazdia kept her deviant look, other patrons also looked at him uncomfortably. Then, a smile cracked on his face. The amiability returned, but this time it was laced with cautiousness. "Of course, I was just messing with you. You can use COMMS. Anything else is off-limits though. This is Kindeance. If you want something, you have to offer something else in return. Well, let's have it settled then. Ladies, and gentlemen, please enjoy the food and drinks... and atmosphere." He bowed, and as the man straighten up, he winked at the other two ladies.


[System]
Age: 18

Gender: Female

Sexuality: Bisexual

Appearance:

Personality: The first thing that anyone would notice in Elena that she is vey friendly and polite to those around her and very caring. She is seen to be a very calm and collected person. Being born into royalty Elena was always taught to always be polite and treat others very kindly and expects the same treatment as well though she was always given what she always wanted she never became spoiled because of it. Elena though at first meeting a new person she can be seen as a slightly shy person but opens up fairly quick she is also a very trustworthy friend and always will have her friend's back.

History: Elena was born in a small country called Etheania which is about the size of Delaware in the Baltic Sea between the countries of Sweden and Estonia. The country isn't very well known due to its size and how it is closed off from the rest of the world, growing up in the royal family Elena lived a rather peaceful life. She was very close to her family and those who raised her, though her family was never very close to her uncle who always sought the throne and take control of the country he had full control of the military. The moment Elena's family and advisors found out what he was planning to take the throne both her parents and advisors suggested they send her into hiding.

By the time the civil war started and became major news Elena and two members of her family's personal guard left Ethenaia and got onto the first flight out of the country. Now with a fake name Elena moved to a small town called Solis, playing as a transfer student from England until the civil war is over she would remain hidden in the small town

[User]
It was a beautiful day in drab, uneventful Solis, Ohio. Harley Peyre had arrived at the gates of Solis High School an hour early as per usual. The high school in the early hours was somewhat peaceful - almost serene. There were only a handful of students shuffling in the hallways that would soon be filled with the flock of the student body. Harley wasn't fond of the stillness. Nothing important happened this early in the day, and she would rather spend her time hanging around her locker and observing the masses. Still, she had responsibilities. She was part of the school paper and the student council. That meant having to wake up dead early and report for duty.

The student council president drawled on about stuff the rest of the council knew by heart already. The school's foundation week would be coming up in the following month and they needed to work out a budget for that. There was also prom, which they still needed to pick out a theme for. Honestly, Harley wasn't even listening.

"... new student and we need someone to show her around."

Oh? That had caught Harley's attention and she sat a little straighter. A new student this late in the year? And in their droll little town? Call it a journalist's intuition, but Harley felt as though that new student would be interesting. Perhaps interesting enough to write a mind-blowing article on. Oh yes, she loved the idea of that. Before anyone could attempt to, Harley had her hand in the air and offering to be the new kid's guide, much to the surprise of the rest of the council. She paid them no mind, too focused on the idea that her mind was conjuring. Just who would this new student be?

Half an hour later found Harley loitering outside the main building, searching the students that entered the school for a face she didn't recognize.

[Assistant]
Elena at woken up early that morning, she couldn't get that much sleep last night it wasn't her bed and she was used to living in a very lavish bedroom back in Etheania. Her bedroom was rather small then what she was used to but managed to get some of her things to take with her before moving to America. The young princess slowly got out of her bed and made her way over towards her dresser she was nervous it was her first time going to a public school that was in a completely different country. Elena picked up a white tshirt with a pink flower in the center of it and a pair of blue jeans, after getting changed Elena headed downstairs.

"Good morning milady." Anna a woman in her thirties also one of her personal guards said putting some breakfast down onto the table and smiled at Elena as she sat down at the table. "Good morning." Elena said reaching for the glass of water and looked down at the plate of food that was set up and started to dig in. "Hear anything from home?" Elena asked looking up at her, Anna shook her head slightly and sat down at the table. "I'm sure we will get a call later today with the time difference and all." Anna said watching Elena finish eating the rest of her breakfast.

It looked like it was a nice day out Elena grabbed her school backpack with all of her school supplies and started to walk outside and to the car, Anna followed shortly after her. "Nervous at all princess?" Anna asked as the car started Elena sat quietly for a moment and then nodded slightly. "A little bit, never been to a public school before." Elena looked outside the town was pretty small as she watched the buildings passed and they were at the school in just a few minutes. "I'll see you after school." Elena said with a smile as she grabbed her backpack watching the dozens of other students getting off of the school busses and their parents cars, she remembered that there would be another student waiting for her as she walked up towards the steps she spotted Harley waiting and smiled at her.

[User]
Harley had just finished giving another student a high-five when she noticed a car pull up to the school. She'd never seen it before or the blonde girl that exited the vehicle. That would be her, she thought to herself as the new girl made her way towards her. Harley supposed she'd been informed about things already and had correctly assumed that Harley would be her guide. Not like anyone's still hanging around out here but me. She didn't need to look around to know that most of the students had already made their way inside the building. She could hear the loud buzz of their chatter in the hallways from the steps outside.

But enough about them. She had a new student in front of her. Harley gave her a once over, and found herself frowning slightly. Sure this girl looked gorgeous, but other than that, Harley couldn't find anything out of the ordinary about her. She certainly didn't look like she belonged in such a dingy town as Solis, but there she was. The new girl didn't look like she'd be causing any trouble. Such a shame.

Harley schooled her features back to a small grin as she held out a hand. "Good morning, princess," she greeted, her usual nickname for girls rolling off her tongue without a second thought. "I'm Harley Peyre, Student Council secretary and head of the school paper. Basically means I know everything there is to know about everything and everyone here, so if you need anything, just ask me." She winked conspiratorially at the other girl. "So, I'll pretty much be showing you around today. Did you get your schedule already?"

[Assistant]
Elena eyed Harley for a moment, the girl seemed to be the typical American teen though she was rather cute. "Good morning, princess." Elena was about to shake her hand and froze for a moment thinking that somehow that she was actually found out? Elena quickly shook her head out of it, no one knew that she was from Etheania except for her parents and those within her family's counsel and her two guards. "It's really nice to meet you." Elena said and smiled, her accent sounding like it was more from England taking Harley's hand and shook it.

"I'm Elena Middleton, I uh do have my school schedule." Elena said as she looked over her shoulder watching as her ride drove off down the street, she felt nervous about being alone with no protection like she was usually used to. Elena started to dig into her pocket and pulled out her class schedule for the semester this year. Her first class was history, then pre-algebra, English, science then she had lunch then study hall then school was over.

Elena looked around seeing a few looks and watching some other students whispering, seeing that they were curious about her. "Oh yes, I also have a locker?" Elena said as she pulled out another small sheet of paper that had her locker number and combination for the locker. "Do you know where it is?" On the sheet the locker was number 267.

[User]
Harley nodded as she listened to the girl speak. Her eyes roamed, and she didn't miss the way the girl hesitated for a beat before she'd taken her hand. There was something in her eyes - something that Harley couldn't quite put a name to just yet. Worry? Had she been worried? She watched as the girl looked back at the vehicle she'd arrived in. Ah. She was nervous. Harley couldn't say she understood why, but she guessed it had to do with being in a whole new place and knowing no one. And in such a small town too. The girl must have known that she'd be the center of attention for weeks.

"Elena," Harley repeated with a warm smile. "Pretty name," she muttered under her breath as she took a look at the girl's schedule. They had their third and fourth period together, which she supposed was good. Harley knew she wasn't a genius or anything, but she could definitely help Elena catch up on English. Ms. Woods was a kind young woman - the youngest in the staff, actually - and Harley had befriended her with ease. She was sure that with their combined efforts, they'd get Elena caught up in no time. As for science... "We have English and Science together," she announced with a small, lopsided grin. "I can help you in English, and I'm sure I can find someone to help you catch up in Science. Carter maybe."

Harley handed the girl's schedule back to her and waved away the students staring. She nodded when asked about a locker, and almost laughed when she saw the number on the paper. "You are one lucky gal, Elena. Or maybe I'm the lucky one," she added as an afterthought before taking the girl's hand and leading her inside the school. They maneuvered the mess of students in the hall, made easier when most of them simply took to staring at the new student.

Harley stopped in front of a row of lockers. "There's yours," she pointed to a locker labelled 267, "and there's mine." She released her hold on Elena to pat the locker sitting to the right of Elena's. She leaned back on the lockers and grinned at Elena. The more she looked at the other girl, the more her curiosity gnawed at her. Never one to keep her mouth shut, Harley jumped straight into her questions. "So, Elena. Why did you transfer here? In the middle of the school year?"

[Assistant]
Elena was relieved that she had at least two classes with Harley when Harley handed back her school schedule she slipped it back into her right pocket she couldn't help but blush slightly when Harley took her hand and led her into the school. She looked at the other students some took a few steps to get out of their way while others stared, and hearing a few whispers coming from the students. 'Who is she?' 'She looks pretty' She wasn't used to all of this attention and being stared at, but she remained quiet for the most part.

When they arrived to her locker Elena looked to the one on the right of hers and smiled glad that their lockers were right next to each other, she started to put in the locker combination. Elena took off her backpack putting it inside her locker and pulled out the books that she needed for class. "So, Elena. Why did you transfer here? In the middle of the school year?" Elena hesitated for a second, she couldn't tell her the truth why she recently transferred here to this school in the middle of the year and decided to go through with the story they had thought up.

"Well uh, my father was a manager at a company they needed someone over here at one of their stores so we had to move here." Elena said hoping that her cover story would actually work, and decided to change the subject. "So what do you do for the student council?"


[System]
Race: Human??? (Deep One)

Appearance: A squat, 4ft girl that appears to be quite young. She's got the Innsmouth look, with her eyes being set too far apart, her mouth being a little too wide, her skin clammy and grey, and her long black hair matted and unkempt. Her fingers and toes are slightly webbed. She wears an old, faded, dirty dress that's nearly been worn to ribbons. Over top of it she wears what looks like armor made of woven reeds. This armor includes a chest piece, arm guards that extend from her elbows and stop just before her fingers and leggings that likewise start just under her knees and extend to right before her toes. She has a large conical hat, also made of reeds, that she uses to obscure her face.

Inventory: A fife, carved out of a greenish wood. A small knife, for carving said fife.

Special Abilities:

Ignore Terrain (Wet): Mud and muck do not impede Gish's ability to move. She could walk through quicksand and it would have absolutely no effect. In fact, she gets faster when wading through even a small body of water.

Swimmer: In the water Gish is greased lightning. While on land her movements can be clumsy and uncoordinated in the water she's more graceful than any fish, being able to control her direction and reach great speeds in a way that should be impossible. She can somehow propel herself with enough force to leap three times her height.

In addition to these obviously supernatural traits she's also a good wittler, can fish, weave her own clothes, play the fife, and knows the sound of a language her mother called Deep though she's unable to comprehend or speak it herself.

Personality: Ruled by a cautious curiosity, only knowing of most of the world through stories. Deeply religious and chalks thing up to providence. Starting to doubt her gods after a run in with the Mindskitter, though still firmly believes in fate and destiny. Talks a lot when excited or as a defence mechanism. Enjoys speaking and listening to other people speak. Her time in the swamp living with someone she trusted implicitly have left her with a complete inability to lie or hide her emotions.

History: Raised in an inland swamp by her mother. Never knew her father. Mother eventually went into the water and never came back, leaving her to fend for herself. Doesn't know how long ago that was, but it is much longer ago than she figures. She haunts a local town on the edge of the swamp, skulking under windowsills and in attics at night watching and listening to people. Has become something of a local legend.

Other:
-Fascinated by fairy tales and fantastic stories.
-Gets headaches whenever she tries to think too much about certain topics.
-Gish is not her real name. Her mother named her in Deep and she's unable to pronounce either her own name, her mother's, or her god's. Gish is sort of a contraction of what she's heard the people in town call her. She picked Gish because it was either that of Firl and she thought the former sounded better.

[User]
Sir Guttman didn't seem to bear Rose any ill will. In fact there was something almost playful in their interactions, like two children sharing a secret from their parents. That should be reassuring. That should mean that the woman wasn't a horrible witch like she thought.

So why was she still so uneasy?

"I don't anything about treasure or power, but...but..." Gish started. If she had been brought here for a purpose then she should try to seek it out, shouldn't she? "If god brought us here it shouldn't matter which way we go. We'll end up where we're supposed to be anyway, right?" She paused. She hadn't meant to voice doubt like that, but it had crept in all the same. In her head she saw the scene the Leech thing had show her, the massive god of her mother rising from the sea and reaching out to drag her down into the depths. She shook her head to try and dislodge it, but it just wouldn't go away. "Yes." She assured herself under her breath. "Whatever happens, it's fate. It's fate."

[Assistant]
"The Lost!" Rose exclaimed. The witch cackled in agreement with Luciel's chuckle. The joke, in truth, wasn't particularly funny but Rose seemed to find absolutely hilarious. "How funny! There is no need to be embarrassed Little Luciel. Hmmmm, I do like you, you're quite the cute one, aren't you?" Of course that wasn't really a question, more Rose's unsolicited observation. "And young Miss Gish... I suspect we'll be great friends. I can feel it." The witch tip toed slowly towards the fish-girl. "You'll find that I'm a very valuable friend to have. Allow me to give you a piece of advice, as a friend," The witch's face hovered closer to the girl as she squatted down to whisper in her ear so the others would not hear. Her previously chipper tone turned serious and her grin faded, "Stay away from Mr. Guttman. Definitely do not go somewhere alone with him. He is more dangerous then he appears. Tell Little Luciel as well, will you? Make sure Victor doesn't hear you, of course." Rose moved away, giving the girl a small wink as she turned towards Victor, who was ready to move on.

"Yes! We must blaze onward, and uncover our lost memories!" The witch said, extending her finger to point down the hall, her voice oozing with exaggerated gusto. The fangy grin had returned to her face. As she began to move down the hall Victor probed her for additional information, "Hmmm... well, I know a few landmarks and many legends, but I can tell you little of the path ahead. The halls are... well, they're tricky, to say the least. I've heard rumors that the halls path's have a tendency to change... roads disappear, places move, likely by the work of some magic... very powerful magic, no doubt. Of course it goes without saying that this is rumor, and rumors have a tendency of being exaggerated. In this case I think I must agree with Little Luciel, we only need to take the first step!" Rose trotted down one of the cavern's many offshoots with little reason evident to her choice.

---

The cavern proved to be a bad choice, or at least it seemed to be at first. The group pushed onward through it for what seemed to be several minutes, the cave slowly beginning to narrow inward until Rose had to stoop to continue. In truth she may have considered turning around, but she urged the group onward, the sound of cascading water promising something was ahead. A strange breeze flowed down the tunnel, an odd occurrence beneath the surface of the Earth to say the least. The air was cool and carried a strange scent, the smell of perfumes but also a hint of something else... rot? As the group pushed on Rose seemed to chatter ceaselessly, switching subject with little care for finishing her thought and saying few things that mattered and more things that were prone to annoy.

"You know, they say there's a road that connects many of the important places in these halls, The Bright Road, they call it. We need a team name, y'know? Something cool and catchy. Did you know root of mandrake is a purgative?" She continued speaking in this manner, caring little for the other's input, until the dark tunnel slowly began to widen again and the sound of water grew closer and the smell grew stronger, until suddenly the group emerged into a large cavern. Rose estimated it to be about a few miles to the opposite wall, where another cavern snaked towards destinations unknown. Far above at the top of the ceiling was a large hole, letting in sunlight and providing the cool breeze. However of far more interest was the strange lights display that played across the ceiling- points of light of just about every color imaginable rapidly sputtered in and out of existence rapidly, like multi-colored twinkling stars. Rose gazed up, taken in by the light show, but what lay below was of far more interest to the group.

They stood on a raised platform, able to overlook the floor of the cavern with a path ahead spiraling down towards it. The cavern looked more like a field then a cave- tall grass coated the floor, speckled with a large variety of flowers that came in many shapes and colors. What also dotted the field were strange looking scarecrows that were likely like nothing any of the group had seen before. In the distance they would've passed for humans but up close they were clearly anything but. Their skin was jet black, and they had no discernible eyes of nose. They possessed mouths, lined with a sharp row of fangs, matching the deadliness of their claws, which were long and ebony in color. They were muscular and lean, and stood with an oddly perfect posture. They were not moving in any discernible manner, not even breathing, standing perfectly straight with no indication that something was holding them up. There was also no indication that they were alive.

In the center of the cavern was a small picturesque cottage which seemed to radiate a sense of peace. It looked like a very pleasant place to be, the light emanating from the windows promising warmth and comfort. To the right of it a waterfall came from a hole in the cavern's wall, water falling into a lake below. The water didn't seem to be going anywhere, but the lake was not filling. Overall the cavern was beautiful, the lights above creating a spectacular skyline which paired well with the field below. Sunlight filled the room, something that would likely be a rarity in the Endless Halls. There were only two things that detracted from the cavern's beauty- the strange scarecrows below, and the smell. It was pleasant, like lilac, but there was a stench beneath it, like rot and decay. The smell was strong and permeated the room.

"What a beautiful vista!" Rose exclaimed, deciding she would let someone else lead the way.

[User]
Awakening from what seemed of nothing but a dream that I could not remember, yet could feel its frigid horror pull at my subconscious, I sprang up with a terrified expression and heavy breathing. The fear diminishing as I was now faced with a labyrinth of an area before me. A massive hallway with doors that seemed to have no end, however curved and darted this way and that. As I came to I could hear the talking of perhaps a girl nearby. It dawned on me that I had no idea who I was or what I was doing, but I remembered one thing, my name was William. Blinking as I examined my body, bare feet yet sporting fresh clothes of simple black pants and white shirt with a solid dark cape and hood draping over me. Moving my pale hands in my vision for a bit before I realized how thirsty I was. I felt as though I was in the middle of the desert as dehydration tugged at my throat.

I didnt want to interact with others, but I needed something to drink to quench the urge, I didnt want to die after all. Navigating through the walls and pinpointing the sounds of footsteps and speech I'd eventually come across a strange group. I could make out several human-looking people, except one had a coned hat upon her head. I then noticed more strange features of the group like a person who resembled a fish and an unidentifiable monstrosity. It was bad enough to socialize but these oddities made the situation send me more red flags about these strangers. However I could hear the rushing of water and one of the first things I noticed past them was running water.

I gulped and kept mostly hidden by a wall, creeping a peek and watching them. Essentially, I could just wait for them to leave and take the water, though I'm not sure how long I can last without it. Furthermore they might know who I am. Debating my options for a while, social anxiety held its sway and I remained somewhat hidden, albeit I was not good at sneaking or hiding, I could probably stick out like a sore thumb if any of, whatever these people are, looked my way. My eyes showed nothing but the expression of a scared and weak child.

[Assistant]
All thoughts of providence and god vanishes as Gish felt Rose's attention on her again. As the witch tiptoed forward Gish stiffened visibly, like a mouse caught in the eye of a predator. She didn't move as the woman bent down and whispered in her ear, only slowly nodding at her as she gave her advice. Then she led the group off down the nearest passage.

Gish entertained the idea of just ditching them, fading into the background like she was used to and slipping off in the dark, through another passage. But then there was Luciel stuck between the witch and Sir Guttman. Not that she doubted Sir Guttman, of course! It was just a little strange that the knight hadn't seen the witch for what she was. Or had seen her and decided not to do anything about it? And also, why had the man come to her and Luciel, who were small and alone and pattering around in the dark, when he should have gone to the fire like everyone else had? even the witch had come up to the fire. It was just strange, was all.

Again she tried to shake doubt from her mind and failed horribly. Whatever secret the knight had, which she was sure the witch knew because witches were very powerful, was enough to wedge doubt in its place. So she followed behind, trying to decide what to do about this situation and hoping for providence to provide a proper path.

As they walked the witch talked, and as the witch talked she started to feel better. She enjoyed the sound of people taking. She did it herself when she was alone and when she was caught skulking it bought her a few seconds while the listener with the nasty looking stick realized exactly what was talking. Words, proper words, made something more of a person. It was only a little later that the passage began to narrow, forcing the large members of the group to duck down and allow her to overtake them. Then she heard the waterfall, and smelled the nostalgic smell of decay. All this combined she was convinced they were on the proper path and in her excitement picked up the pace.

She burst out of the cave and onto the platform overlooking the queer, breathtaking scene. "Wow! Oh wow! A waterfall." She said excitedly, quite literally bouncing. "I've never seen a waterfall before." She took a big whiff of the air. "Smell like home, sort of. Maybe. Look at the house! I always wanted a house like that. It's like something out of a fairy tale." She began to bounce off down the path, then stopped when she noticed the scarecrows. She slowed, calming herself down. It was never this easy in a fairy tale, and she backed back up the path toward the rest of the group. "What do you suppose those are?" she asked she had her suspicions. "There's always some sort of dragon, isn't there?"


[System]
Age: 16

Gender: Female

Appearance: Is... something the matter?

Arcana: II Priestess

Personality: Kotori is, by any standard, a quiet girl. She rarely speaks if not spoken to directly - and even when she does, she only does so in a soft voice. She isn't one to put herself forward and, in fact, actually prefers to keep her distance from others, making her a rather timid person. She is, however, rather diligent; always doing her utmost at any given task. Given her weak constitution, she dislikes most physical activities and, in fact, often sits out during P.E. She also seems quite conscious of people's eyes on her and quickly feels uncomfortable when that is the case.

Given these traits, Kotori is not exactly the most sociable person - though that doesn't really seem to bother her. Most of her free time she spends studying or helping her mother around the family flowerstore in the Warakuma Shopping District.

Equipment/Skills:
Weapon - Japanese Umbrella: A bamboo-and-paper umbrella.
Armour - School Uniform: The standard female Warakuma Highschool Uniform.
Accessory - Small Locket: A small heart-shaped pendant worn around the neck; kept in a pocket while at school.
Skills - Does well in her studies. Knows a large number of flowers by name. Quite capable at Flower Arrangement. Is strongly near-sighted. Low stamina.

Background: Kotori is the only child of the Shirohane familiy, who have lived in Warakuma for generations and are known for their flower shop in the Warakuma Shopping District - the shop is on the ground floor while the family home is on the floor above. Unfortunately, Kotori's father - a kind man who was never seen without a smile on his face - passed away in a car accident three years ago, leaving her mother to look after both the store and the child. Fortunately, Kotori was by no means a troublemaker - though after her father's death, she did become a lot more quiet and reserved. Though saddened by her husband's passing, Kotori's mother remains a cheerful person at heart and does her best to keep both the store going and watch over her daughter.

Apart from these things, Kotori's childhood had few other noteable events. She hasn't joined any clubs at Warakuma Highschool or actually made any real friends due to her nature, never being one to draw much attention. Furthermore, she isn't much of an athlete; quickly getting out of breath and has sat out during P.E. a number of times due to this already - though she doesn't feel all too bothered by this.

Persona: Kikuri-Hime

Appearance: Kikuri-Hime

Abilities:
Dia - Light Single-Target HP Recovery
Patra - Cure Single-Target Fear/Rage/Confusion ailment
Zio - Light Single-Target Electricity Damage
Strong against Electricity
Weak against Physical

[User]
Akane Hanazawa // Mirror World - Play of Control - Backstage Penthouse
Sunday, June 21st, 2015

"Right." she acknowledged the order, without taking her eyes off the enemy. With Rui all powered up, they were finally nearing the end of this long and exhausting battle. A moment, all they needed was to create was a single moment so they could clobber that bodyguard and finally get rid of the main shahdow. With a single swing of his blade, Rui's persona destroyed all the enemy shadows except for the bodyguard and main shadow.

The moment was finally here, timing it just right, Akane, along with the others, summoned their persona and ordered an attack the moment Rui gave the order.

"Kill Rush!"

[Assistant]
Play of Control - Backstage Penthouse
21/6/2015 Sunday

The attack was a resounding success, the bodyguard was destroyed, as sturdy as it was, against such concentrated fire it fell. The shadow in the chair immediately cowered the moment the last minion shadow fell, and without mercy the party was upon it, blasting it with all their spells and attacks, before it went flying, the chair turning to splinters as it transformed back.

"This was certainly a... Distasteful experience...", Kazuki commented.

"So this shadow belongs to... Seighardt?", Rui turned around to see the one this party was out to rescue, Seighardt. He recognized him from Drama Club. Made him wonder why Leiko wasn't in here right now raving on about the theatre, then he remembered... He was the one in charge of choosing the parties.

"Whatever it is you've experienced, running does no good. Seighardt, your past is set in stone, but your future isn't, I think you'll make the right choice", he said, walking towards the exit to wait.

[User]
Sieghardt Kasumi- Play of Control

The battle would reach the climax with Sieg waking up to see the monster being blown back and change back into himself normally. He was waiting for them to keep striking him down but some guy told him life advice which made him frown as he expected that he would make the right choice in this matter, to which he further frowned.

He would stand up and walk over to the shadow who was staring back at him waiting for what Sieg would say to him. A head tilt for confused yet a grin to show he also figured the events would only repeat themselves. "So? You agree that you everyone is pointless and just needs to obey you right? If so yell at that man! He shouldn't be expecting anything of you! Its you who should expect of him!"

Sieg listened to his shadow lecture him to which he nodded. "Well you are mostly right, I did like having control over people. Yet when you try to befriend people normally, they only end up using you for your money. So I decided that I would control them with promises of getting them what they want and would ditch them before they could ditch me! It was the only right way to handle such!" Sieg would yell before folding his arms and pouting. "Yet I can't keep doing that. I can't keep holding onto said fear. After all these guys came to rescue me from dying and I don't even know them. So if some people are willing to die to help me, then I'm sure some people out there exist that will be friends with me, without seeing my money."

The shadow stared at him and shrugged while giving him a smile, before being enveloped in a blue light. Sieg would gaze up at this man in regal clothing, with a scythe who was nodding his head in approval.

"Thou art I, I art thou. My name is Saturnus, the brightest star."

The figure disappeared leaving Sieg to stand there as he looked back at the rest of the group. He was about to walk towards them but his body started feeling really heavy. "Did someone increase the gravity or is it just me?" Sieg would ask before collapsing onto the ground unconscious from today's events. Most likely his parents were going to ground him, or spend a ton of money to find the criminal who did this in the first place.

[Assistant]
Abandoned Warehouse
21/6/2015 Sunday

With Ryan and Seighardt being taken to the hospital after their entire ordeal, they all made their ways home. They wanted to talk about why there were two this time... Was it because the cult was picking up their activities? Unfortunately, Kami wasn't present today, still investigating, but likely he may have some answers for them. Kazuki walked away from all this less than pleased. It appears he was not used to these more difficult scenarios, seeing as he handled the previous dungeons okay whenever he participated, but this one seemed to try him.

???
21/6/2015 Sunday

"Welcome, to the Velvet Room"

Ryan's vision began to return to him, but before him was something far unfamiliar, the gentle track of an opera singer being the second thing he heard. All he saw was blue, then as his vision sharpened, he began to make out a table, chairs, and a long nosed man at the other end. There were silhouettes seated at each table, only one was clear... He didn't recognize this other person, wearing an attire that appeared to be from an era a century old, with a cravat and all that. In any case, he noticed that he himself was in a simple suit, or rather, tuxedo. He had a bow tie after all. It was unusual, but he felt he could get used to this.

On the other end, Seighardt's consciousness began to return to him too, and before him was a room of nothing but blue, tables and chairs possibly fancier than the ones he was once used to, which was quite certainly something. He noticed another silhouette seated a ways off in a tuxedo, but he didn't quite recognize this person. He looked down and noticed he was wearing a surcoat with a cravat, it was a brilliant blue in design too. It felt only a little strange to him, but he rather liked it.

Eventually, the two would bring their eyes to the one in front, the long nosed man.

"This is a place between mind and matter, dream and reality. It appears you two are new guests... I daresay, almost everyone has arrived, most pleasant", his voice was concise, a little strange, but very clear, a huge contrast to what his origins seemed to be.

"I am Igor, and this is my assistant, Henrietta, we will be the ones who will assist you, and the other guests, in your journey", he pulled out a deck of cards and drew two. They matched the engravings both Ryan and Seighardt had in front of them. The Lovers, and the Star.

"My, so you have drawn the Lovers. An arcana that represents relationships, in modern times has become the symbol of a strong bond between two as the name suggests, lovers, but it may also refer to one's relationships with other people in general... Family, or friends", then he turned to the other card.

"And this is... The Star. To work towards a goal is one of life's greatest treasures, to shine high and bright, like an inspiration... Despite your... Turbulent past, you still have a goal to work towards that means the world to you no?", Seighardt shifted slightly in his seat.

"I will not pry... However, I'm afraid that concludes our brief meeting", he clicked his fingers, and Henrietta, the gold haired assistant beside, walked around the tables with two keys upon a cushion, both of which she placed in front of Ryan and Sieghardt, one for each.

"This key will allow you to come and go from here as you see fit, but until then... Farewell", and with that, the two blacked out, only to wake up again in the hospital.

Warakuma High - After School
22/6/2015 Monday

Rui was on his way out and onto the hospital. It seems news of the kidnapping was getting major, he was seeing police officers everywhere around the hotspots of the town now... If the cultists were to try anything, they'd be caught, or at least that's what they seem to hope. Kami managed to establish that the cultists don't actually know about the nature of the mirror world, so what was compelling them to throw people in there? Well... In any case, it appears Kami was getting close, he managed to get an early leave and hasn't been seen since. Ayano was beginning to worry too.

In any case, off to the hospital. He was starting to become a regular there...

[User]
Kotori Shirohane - Play of Control: Backstage Penthouse | Sunday, June 21 2015

With the combined strike against the bodyguard, it too fell - and without enough time to summon new shadows, the main foe was suddenly in a decidedly outnumbering situation; albeit on the receiving side now. The team surged forward and struck out against the shadow as it desperately attempted to wave another fast stack of cash into the air - but between the magical attacks, ranged fire and melee attacks being rained down upon it, it had no chance. Sent flying from the last strike, the shadow and its chair exploded into a shadowy mess - and then reformed once more into a more human form, if one excepted its unnaturally golden eyes.

Kotori meanwhile was simply glad for the brief respite to catch her breath. A single dungeon was already draining enough - but a second right afterwards was really pushing her stamina. She hoped that these double kidnappings were the exception rather than the rule - or, worse yet, that it was only a sign for further increases. Either way though, she looked up between deep breaths as Rui encouraged the kidnapping victim - Sieghardt, as he'd called him - to accept his other self. The shadow meanwhile began taunting the boy anew - but this time, it did he did not fall for its tricks. Instead, Sieghardt agreed.

Judging by his words - which Kotori once again felt rather awkward to be listening to so uninvitedly - he seemed to be from a rather well-off family. However, that had not exactly brought him much joy or friends; at least none which wouldn't call themselves such without expecting something for themselves in the future for it. A small sympathetic smile came across Kotori's lips when Sieghardt declared to no longer rely on such false friends but rather to seek out some true ones - it seemed that no matter one's circumstances, people always were in some way afraid of rejection or solitude.

As she did so, the shadow smiled - before beginning to glow in a by now familiar bluish light; signalling another transformation from shadow to persona. Sieghardt's was a princely humanoid clad in fanciful clothing, wearing a half-mask over its face and holding a one-handed scythe of sorts - Saturnus. Turning around Sieghardt seemed a little confused for a moment - uttering some words before the all-too-powerful fatigue overtook him and he slumped over. With matters thusly taken care of, two more members of the team were assigned to bring the unconscious boy to the hospital. The rest briefly met up at the warehouse - but without any real leads and Kaminari not being present, there was little left for them before heading home on their separate ways; something Kotori was a little bit thankful for after the entire ordeal.

Kotori Shirohane - Warakuma High School: Classroom 2-2 | Monday, June 22 2015

The ringing bell signalled the end of the lesson; the teacher reminding everyone to make sure to finish up their exercises for the next class before dismissing them. As the usual buzz began - students discussing their afterschool plans, heading to other classrooms to meet their friends or just packing their things - Kotori was left finishing her notes once again before checking them over. She gave a small nod in passing greeting when anyone said goodbye as they walked past her second-to-front row seat on the way out before she too packed her books and, with a by now mostly empty classroom around her and similar hallway ahead, headed out without having to deal with the usual afterschool rush out.

As she walked down the hallways, Kotori considered visiting the newest kidnapping victims in the hospital - but remembering the uneasy feeling she got whenever she had to visit that place, she decided against it. She felt a little bad for the selfish decision - after all, she'd been pleasantly surprised when so many people had come to visit her. With a small sigh she continued onward nonetheless.

Kotori Shirohane - Warakuma High School: Agriculture Club | Monday, June 22 2015

A faint knock could be heard from the Agriculture Club door, albeit barely. Kotori waited another second or five before slowly opening the door to the club room. "Good afternoon," she quietly greeted with a bow - before looking up to see if anyone was even there before her. In doing so, a small smile crossed her face at the familiar but ever pleasing sight of the dozens of plants of various kinds and colours all around the room.


[System]
Age: 20

Height: 5'3"

Weight: 118 lbs

Likes: Writing, Singing, Music, Nature, Sleep, Animals, Taekwondo/Martial Arts, Silence, Rain, Thunderstorms, Night, and Books.

Dislikes: Mornings, Needles, Heights, Pain, Enclosed Spaces, Sports, and Being Bored.

Party Trick: Amaya knows many martial arts tricks and can break boards.

Profession: Amaya is a student at Shine City Academy. She is majoring in Biomedical Engineering, and minoring in Psychology. She also works part time as a waitress at a fancy traditional Japanese restaurant called the Tiny Snowflake located in Shine Junction.

Bio/Personality: Amaya grew up with two extremely busy parents as an only child. Her mother and father owned a consulting company together, so she had a lot of money growing up. She originally started taekwondo because she was alone a lot, and her parents worried about her well being. Eventually she grew to love it and started taking many other forms of martial arts. When Amaya went into college, she wanted to go away from her home and be more adventurous, but she still wanted to live in a larger city, which is why she choose Shine City Academy. She lives in the dorms on campus to get the full college experience (plus she didn't know anyone going into the academy Freshman year). Amaya didn't want to rely on her parent's money, so she got a part time job, which she absolutely loves. Amaya decided to work there because she enjoys traditional Japanese culture and also she thought the uniforms were very pretty on her (not that she'd admit that to anyone). The pay is enough to get her by, with a bit to spare on a good day.

Amaya is a quiet person, especially with strangers. She sometimes gets social anxiety because she's not used to interacting with others. Amaya is very good at handling small children, although she doesn't really like to spend time with them. Once one gets to know Amaya, she can be very kind and gentle. She cares a lot for what little friends she has. She can be silly at times and enjoys laughing with others. However, she does have a limit. If you ever get on her nerves or are rude to her, she is terrifying. Since she is well trained in martial arts, she isn't afraid to hurt others. Especially if you hurt her friends. Amaya finds the way others think interesting. She's also a great listener, but has trouble comforting. Not that she doesn't try her best in doing so. Amaya also has pocrescophobia, or the fear of gaining weight. She has never told anyone this. And while she isn't anorexic or bulimic, she is a health nut. So she works out regularly, and does her best to eat healthy foods. She also makes sure to never measure her weight. While it isn't severe, it still affects her from time to time.

[User]
Iruka was actually enjoying her time at the arcade, for once playing something that wasn't mahjong, she was terrible at any other kind of games (either too much of a klutz, or far too easily distracted), "But, if it's just letting these balls slide down, I can do it... right?" she thought with the half-hearted determination of one who knows she's trying to trick herself.

And so, she began to play, kind of losing the track of time while innocently feeding the machine with tokens until... "Huh?" Iruka said as the last of her tokens was devoured by the pachinko machine, that once again didn't let out any balls at all.

When you think about it, that wasn't such an unexpected outcome and, because of that, Iruka only spend the pocket money she had on tokens, knowing that she couldn't dare lose her sustenance money because of games. Even so, Iruka couldn't help but feel a bit (much) disappointed as she was ready the arcade while listening to the transmission "It's getting late already, I should get back" she thought, but her feet refused to move as she stared wistfully at a prize booth and all the fluffy dolls that they had there.

Eventually, Ir[7ff00=8dc73f]uka's body obeyed her commands and let go of the pile o' cuties and as she was about to leave the arcade... "Wha!?"[/color] Iruka bumped on someone. A taller boy, around Iruka's age, with an oddly colored hair who was chewing some bubblegum. However nothing of this mattered now to Iruka as she had one hand over her chest while taking small breaths and muttering "I need to keep calm... I need to keep calm," insistently under her breath as she tried to control the sudden onset of her haphephobia.

[Assistant]
"I'd like that," Kyle barely got the full question out before she answered him, he figured that was a good thing, "I work the early time slot tonight from 5:00 to 10:00. I'll give you my number." Nori reached into her purse again and produced...a pencil? Oh wait, no that was make-up. Taking his left hand into her own, she began to write the digits down, the make shift writing utensil dragging across his skin as the numbers took form. "It'll come off if you rub it against something, so be careful," she let go of his hand and he observed the digits, they were of course backwards from his perspective, but he'd translate later.

"I guess I should get going. I've got a few more errands to run before work," Nori told him, shifting her weight from one foot to the next. "So...I'll see you around?" She asked, looking up to meet his gaze.

Once again Kyle found himself gazing into her sun-filled eyes, a little disappointed that she had to go, but he was ok with that, she had things to do and he'd see her again later that night, "Yea, most definitely," he smiled a big smile, "I'll see you tonight, stay safe, alright?"

They exchanged farewells and the tattooed girl took her leave, Kyle lingering behind at the arcade machine just watching her walk away. She turned around once to look at him, her eyes just as shining despite the distance, he waved to her with his right hand and watched her disappear from the arcade. Alone once again, or as alone as a building full of people would allow, Kyle took time to reflect on the events that occurred that morning into the afternoon. Bliss.

"Good reaction," he thought idly, looking at the number on his hand he quickly pulled out his phone and punched in the digits. In hindsight he probably should have just handed her his phone, but was too distracted by how adorable "sexy" she was to care. Looking at the digits on his hand one last time he pumped it and immediately felt a yawn coming on. "Hm...kind sleepy..." looking at his phone again, it was still pretty early enough in the afternoon that he felt he could get away with taking a nap before going to Nori's set. After all he didn't necessarily need to be there at 5:00, but he did need to be there so he could see her. With his mind made, Kyle sauntered on home with the intention of crashing for a few zzz's.

---

9:17 pm

"(crapcrapcrapcrapCRAP!)" Kyle shouted out as he ran as fast as he could down the street, phone in hand as he tried to find out WHERE THE HELL CLUB FRICKIN LUSH WAS!!! When Kyle returned to his apartment earlier he thought it wouldn't be a terrible idea to smoke just a little bit before conking out for a couple of hours. Well a couple of hours turned into several which brings Kyle to his current and unfortunate circumstance. Quickly throwing on a t-shirt, blue flannel, a pair of jeans and grabbing his coat and hat, Kyle flew out the door, barely remembering to lock it behind him before rocketing down the street.

"I didn't even text her, god she's probably wondering where the fuck I am, I don't even know where the fuck I am, why did I smoke that shit before sleeping!? Why do I sabotage myself like th-!!!??? WHAM!

Kyle fell flat on his ass, the pain was pretty bad there, but it was his head that he was more focused on, "(Argh, son of a-!)" Kyle gritted his teeth to bite against the pain in his head, he slowly opened his eyes to find another individual on the ground in front of him, another guy, probably around his age but with half his hair dyed blue and the other purple. He looked pretty in pain too...Kyle snapped into focus his attention immediately directed away from his own trauma to the SECOND FRICKIN' PERSON HE LITERALLY RAN INTO TODAY "God what is wrong with me?!"

Clambering to his feet Kyle quickly approached the other guy, "Hey man, are you alright? I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going." Kyle was feeling pretty horrible, but then...he remembered Nori was still waiting for him. "(oh crap)..." Though his feelings were somewhat conflicted, he made a choice, "uh, uh, uh, ah, you!" Looking around he spotted another person, some girl, "So he needs some help, he looks fine, but he might need some ice, I have to uh.. uh... I'M SO SORRY!"

Kyle bowed down and jetted back down the street again. To be perfectly honest, he felt extremely horrible for just abandoning the people like that, but he was sure they had it handled, plus he was LATE! Kyle willed his legs to move faster, pushing himself as hard as he could to get to the club, not even realizing that he dropped and left his phone behind.

Frokane @KoL

---

[User]
"I know the controls can be complicated at first, but you should at least give it a try. It's actually a fun game once you get the hang of it."

Tomoko turned her head toward the source of the voice. A young man, probably not too much older than herself though. Oh shit. Somebody had witnessed Tomoko's horrific failure. This single arcade run was getting worse and worse by the second.

"You see, when he jumps in like that, you can hold down and push punch and you'll do an uppercut, knock him right out of the air. Go ahead and try, you can probably beat this guy with that alone."

"I just chose the wrong character," Tomoko explained, watching the timer on the second round tick closer and closer to zero so that she could be relieved from this run of misery and actually work on getting a respectable score in the next one. Pulling a pair of tokens from her pocket in advance, the girl watched the timer hit zero. The screen displayed the losing screen, followed by the timeless staple in all arcade games: The countdown from ten in big numbers, accompanied by the ever-important question, "Continue?" At that part, Tomoko started mashing buttons to hasten the countdown hitting zero, before being brought back to the title screen.

Nodding toward the young man that had given her some advice, Tomoko said "That's solid advice. Now it's my turn to give you some." before putting the tokens in the machine once more, making sure to choose the proper character this time. Highest skillcap in the game due to an unorthodox moveset, low hitstun, and virtually no ranged attacks, but a top-tier character in the right hands thanks to spacing power, difficult reads, and a metric ton of combo potential. Just her style. At the loading screen, Tomoko opened her mouth and let a veritable hell of mechanical skill pour forth.

"This guy's gap-closer can be blocked, but he'll close the distance anyway and land a hit when he does if your opponent isn't blocking. What most players don't pay attention to is that he can stop while closing the gap; you can use that on most players to stop as soon as you're in range and use a sweep to knock them down and combo. Against pros, you force them to play a guessing game; will I go for the sweep, or will I close the gap all the way? The sweep is safer since you won't be as easily punished if they block it, but if you go all the way and they blocked low for the sweep, you'll hit them. Once that happens, it's time to combo like there's no tomorrow."

Once the fight started, Tomoko immediately closed the distance needed to demonstrate what she'd just explained. Since this was a very weak AI, it wouldn't predict the sweep; it never did. She used this opportunity to put into action what she'd just put into words, stopping mid-gap-close and using the sweep as soon as she was in range. The AI was swept off its feet, and with some quick inputs and sufficient jiggling of the joystick, Tomoko was now 30 hits into a combo and growing, with an airborne opponent taking more and more hits for every moment Tomoko's character of choice was near it.

"Easy, right?"

[Assistant]
After being given the Bluebird Nemesia, Amaya looked over at where the bright girl had pointed out the fertilizer, and grabbed a smaller bag. After quickly purchasing her gift the blond made sure to thank the younger girl for her help. Then she whipped out her phone to check the time. Geez, was it that time already? Maybe it was about time to eat. However, another thought invaded her mind. She wasn't really all that hungry was she? Amaya had such a good workout this morning that she didn't want to ruin it with overindulging in food. Besides she needed to study for finals. She had already spent too much time shopping for gifts. So, with that thought in mind, Amaya stopped by her dorm to drop off her gifts (making sure to find a good hiding spot from Rachel), and grab her backpack and laptop before heading to the library for a long study session.

---

Time Skip

Amaya's eyes wandered from the pages of her notebook to the massive amount of students in the library. She had been studying for who knows how long, hours most likely. The quiet girl had managed to make a lot of progress since that morning. Her bio essay was 75% done, she studied for her massive math final, and she had even finished her presentation for speech class.

However, boredom was starting to settle in. Amaya's eye were looking around the room, making educated guesses about what everyone was doing. For example, there were a group of guys studying at a table together. It didn't take a genius to know that they were on the football team. It looked like they were hardcore studying to keep their grades up to stay on the team. At another table a girl and a guy sat staring into each other's eyes more than staring at their study material. A small twinge of sadness filled the single female. Being alone sucked, but it was better than being with her ex, Damien. That bast... he wasn't a great guy.

Snapping out of her trance, Amaya realized she wasn't going to get much more done, so she packed up her things before heading back to her dorm. She either had the option of fooling around on the internet, or do something more productive with her life. Especially since she didn't have work tonight, she felt like doing something adventurous. So she decided to see what Shine City had to offer tonight.

The biting winter cold nipped at her uncovered ears and nose. Amaya had dressed up warmly, but not everything could be covered. The park was pretty much empty. Not many people were out for walks in the freezing cold on a Saturday night. But, still, Amaya kept on walking. Even if nothing exciting came up, at least she had gotten some more exercise in that day.


[System]
* Age:157 (Old enough to have a good grasp at youkai abilities, young enough to be a smug idiot)
* Gender:Male
* Race:Baketanuki
* Appearance: Kuro can take many appearances, but his actual, most common appearance is that of a young, 5'10'' dashing young man, dressing in an immaculate white suit with a brown striped tie, expensive italian shoes, and black gloves. His short black hair is combed backwards, and he has dark bags under his brown beady eyes. Like all tanuki he also has sizable junk. His TRUE appearance also includes round-shaped racoon ears, a bushy ringed tail, rings around the eyes and also sizable junk.
* Personality: Kuro is an ambitious raccoon from the Tamagi clan, who has grown tired of the stale old ways of a lot of youkai, and has reinvented himself as successful, yet ruthless and self-conceited businessman. Kuro puts a lot of emphasis in his personal benefit and wealth, and he's not above tricking people for his own ends. He also dislikes other kinds of shapeshifters like foxes and mujin, and in the case of foxes, he also envies their other magical abilities and overall better standing. He also seems to know the importance of caring for one's underlings, even if he truly sees them as disposable pieces. Deep down, he's just someone with deep insecurities, and that hides his own weakness behind his money making skills.
* Abilities:
Transformation Master: As a tanuki, his transformation skill surpasses that of foxes, and can take any humanoid form or shape without great effort, and somewhat inanimate objects, being able to fool almost all mundane detection devices. Although this is only apperance wise, having none of the durability nor skills of the people he copies. Almost all his transformation have a flaw, though, as they retain his raccoon "attribute" (which is shown "elsewhere" in the case of female transformations). He can hide this flaw, however, but only for limited periods of time. His mastery is such that he can even fool supernatural detection means, but like with his flaw removal, it can only be done for a short amount of time.
Tanuki Illusions: Like foxes, Kuro can create vivid, longstanding, multisensorial illusions which are quite realistic and hard to shake off. However, unlike more elder tanukis and foxes, he does require a sizable material component (IE: leaves) in order for them to work properly. Without them, he's only limited to personal illusions or short-limited ones. As a skilled illusionist, it's pretty hard to trap him into one too.
Animal Senses and agility: Kuro has heightened smell, hearing and nightvision. He also can move more deftly than an average human.
* Skills:
Aikido: Since Tanuki are usually non-confrotational beings, Kuro isn't the best fighter out of there and he has learned aikido in hopes of redirecting opponents attack against him. It'd probably not work on good martial artists, however.
Information SkillsAs a businessman of the ruthless sort, Kuro is good at deducting things and finding secrets about rivals, in an effort to overturn the situations with better intel. He's also decent with computers too.
Midas Touch: Like foxes and other tanukis, being a spirit of good fortune actually makes Kuro a good money-raiser. He instinctively knows which are the best ways to get money and funding, and he is imbued with great luck in gambling and business endeavours.
* Equipment:
Suit
Cellphone
Bag of Leaves
His junk
* Brief Backstory: Kuro was born in the forests of rural japan, although he came to witness the rise of the industrial revolution. Thus, the young tanuki learned to adapt quickly to the ever changing eras, and he wisened up enough to actually survive so many changes in such short time. However, he grew arrogant and confident, and usually clashed with the elder's more conservative dogma of not trying to interfere too much with human business. Kuro was fairly confident that such a thing would eventually lead the tanukis into a rocky spot and thus raised a concern and a rebellion among the Tamagi clan.

His voice and modernized manners attracted some of the youths, but it wasn't enough. Kuro wanted more. He had become embezzled with the bright, modern world, and he entered the spiral of consumism and materialism like a child greedily eats an ice cream. The Imaginary district, the intersection between the two worlds is a perfect ground for his plans and machinations, and he has ever since set up home in there, waiting for the business chances to make him a top figure in both worlds.

[User]
Daze@Natsu@Rune_Alchemist@Vocab

Seth had followed close to the group as they made their way to the girls address arriving on the street she lived with short time since it was only a few blocks away. The boy looked around trying to tell which building was the girls address before spotting a young girl who matched the description of the girl who Makiko received the job from. Seth looked at the other group members not wanting to be the one who initially had to approach the girl due to his more quiet nature, his eyes first gazed over to Shina who though amusing to see the girls reaction to the Oni approaching her it was probably not the best choice.

He then turned his gaze over to Akio who had been approached by someone, a girl wearing a kimono who seemed somewhat familiar, wait she was the one who had approached him a few weeks back asking for blood for some of the other races that need it within the Imaginary district. Seth would of said yes to her since her work was fairly well known among other humans within the district but his somewhat shy nature around new people made him too anxious to accept and he had told her he was busy at that moment.

Feeling confident that Akio would be okay around the girl especially since Shina was sort of acting as his guardian deity and as away to not have to deal with being asked to donate anything again Seth left the group and approached the girl and introduced himself "Hi, I am from the Miura Youth Organisation here about your missing cat, would it be alright if I ask you a few questions to help us in our search?" He calmly asked masking his shy side hoping he could get some nice easy answers from the girl but given her age he was not going to completely trust the information if it sounded a bit too far far-fetched.

[Assistant]
He was obviously a newcomer, since no-one used to the district would find the specific ratio of humans to youkai worth noting. This was good and bad... good because it mean that he hadn't rejected the request to join her register at some point in the past but bad because outsiders tended to retain completely reasonable preferences to not share their blood out. Nor life force, being terrified out of their wits, or stranger things that various youkai needed.

"This one maintains a register of the humans within this district, to co-ordinate a schedule for more exotic diets. The more people that join, the less inconvenienced each participant is. This one hopes that it would not inconvenience you to occasionally give blood, chi, terror, or more exotic requirements," Hikaru explained, expression as schooled as ever--aside from glancing at Seth and determining him to have put off coming to a decision upon their last meeting...

@Dash375

[User]
The car elegantly stopped to an halt, as the businessman rapped his fingers against his knees, impatiently. He shot a look at his assistant, who shuffled her clothes once more, readjusting the form-fitting business suit with some difficulty. She let go the steering wheel, and it was then when he noticed her trembling hands. His eyes gazed for a second, before Kuro reached for his necktie, adjusting it.

"Relax".

"But, I can smell them. They're powerful, and some predator youkai smells." The girl answered, her eyes round and big in an effort, as her ears twitched and drooped.

"We'll be fine." Kuro said, as he opened the door, walking confidently in his business suit. He was proud of his dressing sense, even if somewhat tight in some inappropiate places, sometimes. He motioned to his assistant to follow him. She did obey, although with no small amount of fear, judging how she insistently tried to shield her appearance with her Lord's shoulders. She had a similar likelihood in the features than that of the man, with a black hair cut in a bobcut, her suit struggling to contain her bust, and brown eyes. She did not have the beady expression like that of her master, and she sported a band of freckles just under the eyes, which she shifted nervously. Both were not bothering to hide their animal features, as it was said trust was good in business. Sort of.

Kuro stopped a few steps, as he eyed the collective. "Good day. The MYO organization, I presume?" He said, doing a rather articulate, if slightly stiff and ornate bow. "My name is Mr Tamagi. Word has reached my ears that you may have some sort of contractual business within one of my properties." He added as he got up. "Since time is gold, allow me to be concise and precise. My assistant can-"

It was then when the assistant's nerves did not hold and with a "NUUU,too scary!" dropped all the papers she held in a folder, and scrambled for the nearest corner, holding a leaf and quickly vanishing in a puff of smoke... leaving behind a rather droll signal.

Which had a couple of not so droll protuberances, as the young Tanuki botched her own transformation in a fit of panic.

Tamagi's reaction was of course, befitting. A hearty facepalm. "Nevermind." He sighed as he picked up the papers and shuffled them. "I can help you with your goal. I only ask of you to not deface said dwelling any more than necessary." The tanuki smiled. "After all, we do not want to disrupt the wellbeing of the community, do we?" The elder tanuki announced, as he looked at his assistant-turned-signpost.

Well, it is worrisome to an extent. Most of them are young'uns, but not all. I even reckon that some of these, all alone, would be encounters i would not relish upon. Some of them are even stupid KITSUNES. But the golden rules of bussiness and war are to never show your fears to the enemy Kuro thought mentally, as his glare pierced his assistant.

"Sorry about that. She's new. And panicky." He quickly pieced together an excuse.