<span style="font-style: italic">Glissade, city of Ul'Mil - House</span><br/><br/>Lydia had fallen asleep seeing how she had been exhausted after the raid on the Gala Skyship. She couldn't understand why Torvic wanted to have such expensive blades, it was beyond her really but regardless of the danger she would do anything for the male. He was the most precious person in her life, her father disowning her after she joined a band of Skypirates at the age of fifteen. Torvic had rescued her after she had unsuccessfully tried stealing a few treasures from a Gala store. If it wasn't bad enough, the Burin people were blamed for a lot of the things that had been happening to Ruin. It hardly made any sense to her as to how the two races started seeing one another as enemies, but she supposed that was how life worked. She knew that she had picked one of the more lethal occupations in this universe, but a girl had to eat. She wasn't sure why Torvic put up with all the shit that she did but he chose to stick around. She could say that she was happy to have a companion with her though she wouldn't voice the fears that she had that one day she would lose him. Sometimes she had nightmares that would keep her away from Glissade for weeks so that no one would ever trace her back to the BeastTamer and every time she returned, he was there waiting.<br/><br/>Groaning, she rolled off the couch she had been sleeping on. Yawning Lydia stood up stretching out her sore limbs. She looked over at Torvic, who was polishing the fresh blades on his spear. She shook her head, not understanding his love for his weapon. It certainly didn't fit under the Clan that he was in. "Alright, let's get this meeting over with," she murmured in a drowsy tone, yawning once more.<br/><br/>"Oh, we're leaving already," Torvic asked in a bored tone.<br/><br/>"No need to wait too late, it'd be suspicious wouldn't it?" Lydia moved towards the small basin near the dining area, splashing her face a few times. After wiping off her face, she grabbed the handle of her knife as she turned around pointing it at Torvic. His bright eye slit up and he gave her his infamous fanged grin. "You'll hurt yourself if you keep sneaking up on me," she growled out, sheathing her knife back on her forearm.<br/><br/>"Aw, I'm just keeping your reflexes sharp," he said with a laugh.<br/><br/>"My reflexes are sharp enough," she muttered and was caught by the strong hand of her friend. "Don't," she hissed out. Normally she was a happy-go-lucky person, but when Torvic decided to lecture her, she became a bit stubborn. She jerked her arm away from him before walking away; she could hear the low growl that escaped him. It was hard to believe that they were best friends sometimes. They fought constantly though they had their moments when they would laugh and have fun. Lately, it seemed as if most of the laughter died from the house, only to be replaced with tension. She knew why Torvic had been a little on edge lately. The head of his family had been pressuring him to assume the role of Clan Leader. It had not been something that he wanted to do, because that meant leaving her. Of course, Lydia had told him to go assume the position and that only led to more arguments. Not that it mattered anyways; she had her own plans to focus on.<br/><br/>She needed a crew, full of strong people for her Skyship. She was a hunt for blood. Ever since she was little, she knew that there had been a plan to destroy the Burin people. There had to have been one. There had been no reason why her mother was killed in the pillage five years ago. She wanted vengeance from the Gala who killed her. Despite the relationship she had with her father, she had loved her mother dearly. That woman was the reason for her spunk and energy. That woman had never judged her for all the wrong that she had done in her life. Then she was gone, just like that, her cold hand laying on the floor lifeless, her eyes wide open, and her mouth fixated in a silent scream. She needed people who would be willingly to put their lives on the line with her. People who had the same sense of vengeance as her, hell, even if they wanted an adventure, she'd give it to them. She wanted to stop the impending doom of the Great War and exact justice on the person who killed her mother. This pirate crew would be King of all crews. This wasn't about getting a high status for thieving and pillaging cities. This was about liberation in a sense. What she wanted was for things to go back to days of carefree peace, and that wouldn't happen until the tension between the Gala and Burin died down.<br/><br/>However, she knew even after all her efforts; nothing would bring her mother back.<br/><br/>"Wear this," Torvic said saving her from her own thoughts. She turned looking at him, taking the fabric in her hand. She gave him a questioning glance and he let out an annoyed snarl. "If you don't hide your appearance, then some will find you and they will attack you. After that flashy show you put on today, the Force has every right to hunt you down like you are the Divine Messenger."<br/><br/>Lydia looked at the fabric before sighing. She knew that Torvic was right but she hated hiding. If these were peaceful times then she wouldn't have to thieve, well not all the time. Sliding the cape around her body, she felt trapped in the fabric but choose not to argue with Torvic anymore. He was the only person she could rely on. "Besides, this meeting could be a setup I'm just looking out for you." Lydia smiled slightly and punched the male in his arm gently. "No one is going to capture me, remember I'm good at what I do." He rolled his eyes and pushed her towards the exit of their little home.<br/><br/>It didn't take long to reach the Cliffs, seeing how Torvic had built the shack close by for an easy escape. Lydia smiled, feeling the excitement coursing through her veins. She glanced over at Torvic who nodded and they took off at a brisk jog before breaking into a fast run. Leaping off the Cliff, Torvic let out a war cry while Lydia laughed. Plunging into the mist, the allowed their bodies to dissipate into the atmosphere, heading towards Ko'Gisha, city of Ris. Things were about to change drastically between them.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Ko'Gisha, city of Ris - Loft</span><br/><br/>Paella had seen the wanted pictures of her face before; they had been flashed at her many times by some people of the Force. She could only thank the Saviour that she had hidden long enough to allow her body to change on its own. She was no Shapeshifter, but she had learned how to disguise herself effectively among living with a family of Flyers. It probably helped that she covered her Marhks too. She looked up at the sky, seeing the colors were slowly beginning to change; she would have to head towards the meeting location she was given soon. It was best to be there early rather than leaving the Skypirate waiting. It had been a miracle, a gift from the Saviour that she had overheard of a Skypirate looking for crew members while she was in the slums. Of course, she had been laughed at because 'a delicate doll like her couldn't survive that kind of lifestyle' but she had been surviving her own quite well.<br/><br/>She wondered if the Force was getting close to finding her and she prayed that they weren't. She had changed her outfit completely than the brief picture they got of her back on Holee. Her face had gone from a baby faced girl, to a slender and angular woman. Her face had been covered by a hood at that time; the pale brown cloak she had been wearing was also her blanket on that cold and lifeless planet. All they had was her face to go by, and anyone could have magenta eyes in Ruin. Anyone could have pale blonde hair like she had. She could be anyone. The Divine Messenger could be anyone. What mattered was her Marhks, and they had been disguised and changed with a bit out make-up and paint. She was just like any other Flyer in Ruin. She was safe, for now.<br/><br/>Paella let out a sigh, wondering if it was really the best idea to join a crew. Wouldn't that make her a criminal? Wasn't she already seen as a criminal amongst the people if the Force was looking for her? Running her hands through her wavy locks, she looked down at the people in Ris; they were all enjoying the Bazaar, being able to enjoy a normal life. She had wanted to be a part of Ruin, but with the may her Clan was treated in the past, she knew she wouldn't be able to blend in. Not until Ruin was saved. Frowning she moved from the spot that she had been sitting in. Brushing off the dust from her pants, she fluffed the ruffles on her blouse. It was not good to sit here and merely watch as Ruin went down the drain. She had to listen to the Saviour's messages and pass them to the people. It was her duty.<br/><br/>Walking down the stairs of the abandoned loft, she waved at those who she had come to know, some orphans that she had grown up with or older people who had lost everything due to the ever rising tension. It pained her heart to see the people like this. It was not meant to be. She needed to find people to help her save Ruin and it would start with the Skypirate.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">'Hear my cries, Ruin is falling apart. Go and search for those who will help save my precious creation.'</span><br/><br/>She nodded as those words resounded in her head, the voice neither masculine nor feminine. She had always wondered just what the Saviour looked like though in the Scriptures, one would be blinded by the light that the Saviour emitted. It was a hopeful dream to think of but it was never going to happen. It was simply how things worked.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Carlin, city of Turmille - Junkyard</span><br/><br/>"Can you believe it? Arcane's daughter has really gotten out of hand. How dare she think that she can just attack a Gala ship? She puts the Burin people to shame."<br/><br/>Gareth smirked as he listened to the people of Turmille complain about the Skypirate. He had to say he admired her bravery and also the way she plunged headfirst into a death wish. She was only causing more problems for the Force and Master Rion as well. She rummaged through old metal and other parts, searching for materials to work with in his shop. Master Rion had requested a real weapon instead of relying on his abilities as usual and the Forager blood running through his veins couldn't resist the request. He hulled a few pieces of metal over his shoulder walking to the checkout area. He held up the Force badge to the clerk, getting a discounted price of the scrap metal. "Did you find everything," the Burin clerk asked him. Gareth beamed at the male and nodded. "I always do when I come here; you have hidden treasures that'll do wonders in my shop."<br/><br/>The Burin clerk smiled and read him the total and Gareth paid for it. He placed the pieces of metal in a container, to make it easier for him to lug around and Dive with. All over the news, the Force spoke of the misfortune of the Gala Skyship that was attacked. Gareth shook his head, although he was with Master Rion's group, he was not necessarily part of the search for the Divine Messenger. He didn't care about the power that it would bring them; he merely wanted the Burin race gone from Ruin period. After that crash that nearly killed him, he could feel his old hatred boil blood. Sure, he admired the Burin Skypirate but as he watched the Gala Skyship fall from the sky, it brought back the horrors of that day. He clenched his jaw, knowing it was useless to get angry at a time like this. However, if they ever managed to catch the woman, he would be sure to have a little chat with her.<br/><br/>"Master Rion wants to know when you're coming back to Headquarters," Lun's voice rang in his ears and he clicked the Visor's earpiece. The blue screen slid across his eyes and he looked at the impassive face of the Warrior. He grinned a bit, noticing the small ticks in her jaw. She was definitely annoyed with the Hunt. "I'm heading back now. How's everything on your end?" She snorted slightly, glaring at him through the screen and he let out a loud laugh as he was disconnected from their conversation. He always enjoyed trying to ruffle her feathers because she never showed anything but anger, which was better than her emotionless phases.<br/><br/>He might as well head back; he knew that Master Rion didn't like waiting for too long.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">La'Felisa, city of Heelum - The Force Headquarters</span><br/><br/>Rion brooded in his seat for what seemed like eternity. A knock at his door caused him to come back to the living. He frowned when Lun stepped in, knowing that she didn't have any good news to tell him. "What is it now," he asked in a tired tone. This Hunt was taking longer that he wanted. He wanted to hurry along with his grand plan, and then he could be the supreme ruler of Ruin. However, the Divine Messenger was definitely better at hiding than he imagined. He wished that she was some dumb broad, just waiting in the middle of the city for them to find her. A man could only dream.<br/><br/>Lun stood straight, her arms clasped behind her back as her stoic amber eyes gazed ahead. "Gareth reported back. He will be arriving in at Headquarters in the matter of minutes," she said in a monotonous voice. "There still has been no sign of the Messenger. We have men multiple areas looking for her and they have been trying harder...sir." She ended her report with a quirk of her lips, before looking at him. Rion let out a growl, knowing that she was mocking him. If she wasn't an important asset to him, he would kill her. However, she was a necessary person to his group, therefore he allowed her to speak to him in this manner, though she was seriously pushing his buttons.<br/><br/>"Do you have anything else to report," the Shapeshifter asked while standing up from his spot.<br/><br/>"Perhaps if you would allow me to go out into the field, we would have...better luck," she said in an agitated manner.<br/><br/>"It is not necessary for you to be out in the field," he said while stepping out from behind his desk. "We all know how you handle this kind of...investigation. Do you not remember the last time, my dear," he questioned while brushing her pale bangs from her eyes. "You are better off here, until you are needed on the field. Let the others handle the investigation, right now, I need you to do something else."<br/><br/>Lun tensed as Rion neared her, she knew that he was a cruel man. She could only hope that for his safety, he didn't try anything with her. Her fingers brushed against the dagger she had hidden on her lower back. She froze as Rion's hand touched her lower back, pulling the dagger out. "Now let's not get my words misconstrued." He grinned while dangling the dagger in front of her. "I need you to find that Skypirate, she's definitely becoming a nuisance. When you do, take her out," he said, placing the dagger back in her had. "This kind of mission suits you better and you know it." He let out a low chuckle, and lifted her chin so he could look her in the eye. "Next time you try that, I will not hesitate to kill you," he growled out lowly. He left go of her chin brushing past her to leave; he stopped and grinned as he opened the door. "You're not my type anyways." He left after that.<br/><br/>Lun stood in his office, trembling. Was it out of anger or had she truly feared for her life just now? She wanted to believe that she was angry, though she knew that Rion had his ways of doing things. She knew that he was stronger than he let on. She gripped the dagger in her hand, letting it dig into her palm. The pain was dull and she knew that it was pointless to harm herself. Placing it back where it belong, she calmed herself, putting on her emotionless mask. Pivoting on her heel she walked out of the office, going to complete the mission she was given.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Ko'Gisha, city of Ris - In the midst of the Bazaars</span><br/><br/>"Are you sure you want to go through with this," Torvic asked while they moved through the plaza. Lydia rolled her eyes while she placed a few pieces of fruit in Torvic's pockets. "Of course I do, I've been trying to recruit members for ages now. They were quite the team, Torvic and Lydia. Even though Hajji was Torvic's animal companion, Lydia had become another companion to him. They worked well together, stealing what they needed and beating up those who opposed them. In battle, Lydia let Hajji shine alongside Torvic but when they were just having fun, she was by his side. Her fingers let down a piece of dried meat for Hajji to eat, and the feline happily took it. "So, where did you say to meet this person," Lydia said idly as she looked at some of the weaponry. Damn, she should have stolen a blade for her knife, it was getting dull.<br/><br/>"At the tavern just a few blocks from here," Torvic said while he examined the dragon fruit that Lydia had placed in his pocket. He sniffed it for a while, before deciding it was ripe enough. Placing the tip of his claw a centimeter into the skin, he turned into around a few times before the fruit split open in two halves. He ran a claw under the red and black seeded flesh, separating it from the skin. He handed one half to Lydia, while he ate the other one. "I chose the tavern because it's usually crowded, not suspicious at all."<br/><br/>"Though the tavern is full of loud mouthed men," Lydia sneered.<br/><br/>"What's wrong with being loud," Torvic said in a loud tone, a grin on his face.<br/><br/>"Oh shut up," Lydia laughed while pushing the BeastTamer.<br/><br/>Torvic looked around them; a presence that he didn't like neared them. "Oui, we should be a bit more careful tonight," he muttered. His instincts were kicking up and he knew that Hajji felt it too, her hackled of her fur standing up.<br/><br/>"What's wrong," Lydia asked, becoming quiet.<br/><br/>"Something just feels...weird," he muttered. "We just need to get this meeting over with and go back home."<br/><br/>Lydia nodded, knowing that Torvic's instincts were accurate. When he sensed something off, she knew that they only had a small amount of time to do something before shit hit the roof. She only hoped that this meeting really wasn't a set up.