Caliborn had stood back for the most part, allowing the Guild Members to discover things for themselves. He was suspicious of Balthazar however, and the whole incident where they had to battle X to get through made him a little suspicious of the operation they had going here. What kind of organisation are we dealing with here. it has to be illegal at best. There's no two ways about it, these aren't lawful people, but equally they don't seem harmful. The Riders of the Desert... Where have I heard that name before? Could it be a Dark Guild? I can't say I've seen them represented at any of the Guild conferences before so... Perhaps? But equally, Balthazar doesn't seem it. He doesn't strike me as a Dark Guild member, although X certainly would. Who are these people... And what do they want with the Hand of Midas? If they were a more obviously straight up legal guild then I wouldn't be so concerned. Caliborn looked behind him, checking if they were being followed and made sure to do that the entire time. Something about this seemed wrong. Is Balthazar too innocent? Soon enough, things took a more interesting turn however, and one that led Caliborn to question more things about the nature of the men that they were dealing with. "Everyone, be careful with what you ask of this. Be more like Malkira, and less like Beucette with what you ask." Caliborn warned. Balthazar seemed to be familiar with this thing, however it surprised him that the man had not used it already given that he already had knowledge of it. If it were so easy to access, what motive would Balthazar have for not yet using it. Could they be using us to test the oracle, to ensure that it doesn't cause harm? Is there more to this than they are letting on? "I have nothing to ask of it, for now. I would recommend that if you don't have anything pressing to ask it now, then wait. Give yourselves time to think about this. The answer to the question you choose may have a great effect on your lives. Be careful." And be wary of these people. "Interesting! If this is not your sister or indeed, any family you recognise then I would very much like to know who this woman is to you exactly!" Vance called over the sounds of the battle. The shrieking of the Sapphire Phoenix and the clanging of the Bedrock and Clay spirits. The room was a menagerie of strangeness. He found his eyes assaulted from all sides by the strange spirits within the room, two of which had an ethereal beauty around them. The Diamond Spirit in particular, was a source of radiance. A slight feeling of exultation filled him, as if he were in the room with a legendary creature. The shining of the wall it cast was almost blinding. He was glad he did not have to face the shimmering creature. However, it seemed that despite it's characteristics and piercing shriek, he and Taylor were able to significantly wound the creature. He smiled as they smashed into the creature with weapons aflame, glowing in what was once a dark room, now illuminated by their flames and the dazzling Diamond Spirit. "Taylor, press the advantage! We have it now!" Vance ordered, sweeping his arm dramatically outwards to the right, and then pointing it at the creature sending a violent burst of wind towards the Sapphire Spirit. Vance used Aero
"What is the meaning of this? We have bore no hostile intent and have conducted ourselves honourably within this lady's household! We have meant her no harm! Indeed, I have tried my utmost to try and marry her, it is this competition that robbed us!" Vance exclaimed as the witch summoned the monster to destroy them. He gritted his teeth and his scowl reformed. So, it was going to be like that? Very well, let them taste his fury. It seems that either the father employed the services of a wizard or this witch is incredibly powerful and has an ulterior motive. She's not here for Nessa that is clear and... Incest? That means that this is Nessa's family, perhaps she can call them off! "Nessa, this woman is your family! Call her off if you can, reason with her! We shall hold these creatures back! Come Taylor, with me! We shall destroy this spirit!" Vance struck out with the fire that enveloped his staff, punishing the insolent creature for daring to come and attack him. The blue crystals it was formed of reflected beautifully in the firelight, he noticed. But there were far more important things at stake here. Such a waste of time. They hadn't come to cause harm. No harm would have been done had this ridiculous competition not taken precedence over everything! Vance used Fire Dash
Vance stood in the corner, brooding over his defeat. His only comfort was that nobody else had won either, but that left Nessa's fate to chance. Chance... Chance was a fickle lady. Sometimes, her favour shone on you and brought you forwards to great victory, at other times she abandoned you in your hour of need. Lady Luck had abandoned Vance, so he would never trust her again. Control, if I control all the cards, then this can never happen again. Vance Dorian never loses when he has control. Therefore, I must always keep control for with control, comes victory. I will never lose to a game of chance again! He was leaning against a pillar, his head down and his arms folded, his face formed into a scowl. Nessa reminded them of the rules again. No more marriage... I'll have to break that rule. I wish it could have been you, Nessa. You had a hope of actually understanding. As he was about to leave, he heard it. The chanting. He knew for a fact that it wasn't them. So therefore, who could it be? Nessa wouldn't be doing it, as Zephyros had accused. If anything, she would have rigged it so that he won. He knew that she liked him. He liked her too. That's what was irritating about this whole thing. As he wracked his brains for anything that resembled an answer, he figured it out. And then he laughed. "Of course! It all makes sense! Vance Dorian never loses!" Vance exclaimed. "It isn't Nessa doing this, nor is it any of us. It is another suitor. Of course they would. They don't know the nature of the competition, so why not just curse the ones playing to fail and then find the answer out! Since we all lost, we must have gone through every option! The person doing it could easily narrow it down! Therefore, we have a cheat. The integrity of this competition has been voided. Now then... Let us find this cheater, before he uses his newfound knowledge to win! That is the only explanation for this, there can be no other answer!" Vance stepped forwards, grinning. I am going to solve this, I will lead everyone here to victory! We will defeat this individual and I will claim the hand of Nessa as it is rightfully mine! "COME FORTH, COWARD!" Vance bellowed, raising his staff and setting it aflame to provide light to the darkened room (Which he can do because he has Fire Dash don't question my logic thank you very much). "Nessa, come to me, I shall defend you!" I am Vance Dorian. I will not be denied! Meanwhile, in a less dramatic place. "Gaius you idiot we needed that! What the hell are you doing?" Boreal exclaimed, watching the man in woman's clothing outright swallow the paper that they were using. However, it seemed that retribution was close at hand, for Renette, the utterly mystifyingly strange girl appeared and began trying to squeeze the page out of the ma- Woman's stomach. There was only one thing he could do in this situation. Boreal, not knowing how exactly to handle the strange picture in front of him, stood there laughing at the scene. They might be crazy, they might even be unstable, but they are fun, I have to admit.
"I shall go after you then, Zephyros." Vance declared. He was slightly irritated that his owner was sleeping while the scenario started and so could not make him go first. No matter, he would deal with it! And he would totally win! It would take more than just going fourth or whatever to make him lose to these peasants! "But Zephyros, don't even think of touching me again, otherwise that hue of yours shall become darker than it already is."
Boreal's arms locked at his sides as soon as he was accosted by the ecstatic Renette. He had never met the woman in his life, but there she was, embracing him as if they were friends. He wasn't sure what to think. I was right. This guild is full of nutcases. I don't know if I want to join this guild. Everybody here seems unstable in some way or another. "Do I know you?" He asked, utterly mystified as to why this girl's arms were around his neck. "If not, it's... Nice. To meet you." After she released him, he was ready to be actually told something useful. She had fixed him with an intense stare, as if she were to reveal something blindingly important and relevant, no, essential to the solving of this problem. And then she asked him if he liked waffles. He blinked in surprise. He heard her right, he was sure of it. "Yes, I do like waffles." Boreal answered. Maybe if he played along with the strange girl's games then he would get somewhere. He was half tempted to ask the others for a bit of advice about what to do about her, but he had a feeling that in her case, nobody was going to be able to be forthcoming with him about. He knew that they wouldn't. Some people you just couldn't predict, or explain. She seemed to be that person. Finally however, she was able to, if a little absent mindedly and strangely explain the nature of the situation and having glanced around the room a bit, had in fact managed to spot what he assumed to be the offending paper plane. "As it happens, I didn't know that already. However, I believe that I have spotted your paper plane." Boreal took the chance to step away from the strange, but enthusiastic lady and went to pick up the paper plane. He did so and unfurled it from its current state that of a normal piece of paper. He held it up to Renette. "This is the paper you speak of, yes?"
He smiled at Thea when she thanked him. She is a good girl. She needn't have thanked me however. Such ugly thoughts detract from both parties and besides, she is but a little girl. She didn't need to be accused or be thought of as something so vulgar and frankly disrespectful. Is this the sort of culture purported in Nessa's parts? it seems that a bit of Dorian dignitas and decorum needs to reach this place. Or at least, her. "It is nothing, young one." Vance said. "Yes, perhaps you should get them. Be mindful though. If I know what they are like, then their business is not quite finished yet. Come in and tell Conrad and myself if there are any problems out there." With that, Vance readdressed Nessa. "And well, yes. I suppose we should see this contest room. Will we be starting immediately afterwards?" Vance asked.
"Thea, as I understand it my lady has been taken on as a ward at the guild. Her family is both ancient and noble, and we carry them in the highest degrees in my family. I know little of what has happened to the young lady, however on the way here I reintroduced her to the manner of speaking to other members of the aristocracy and despite our differences, I can assure you that Conrad is at the very least a man of virtue, not to be involved in such... Affairs." Vance said pointedly. She really needed to curb her tongue sometimes. Honestly, to make such allegations against a guest... Should we marry then I believe I shall have to correct her in her treatment of guests. It is not polite, unless one wishes to make an enemy of someone, to speak such uncourteous words. After all, she may have to marry one of us. "In any case, the girl is also a Wizard hence her being taken on here. More than that, I cannot say for her arrival preceded my own." "Alright then, let's get to work." Boreal spoke, clapping his hands. He walked around the room a little, trying to pick up any details that might give them a hint. He spotted a paper plane lying down under a table, although he didn't think much of it for now. "Well, to start with, how did this begin? From what I know of these, then there has to be a trigger mechanism or someone to cast it directly. Now, I'm guessing that nobody cast it? So how did this all start?" As soon as he knew that, then he might be able to figure out a solution. The thing that struck him about all this was, the question of who exactly did this? It was a little bit random, to say the least. It was almost as if someone was trying to cause some chaos within the Guild, but to what end? There weren't many magical pranksters that knew anything this, well, sophisticated.
"I can't say I had much of a choice in the matter honestly. It started with an accident. We were making a deal with another family, trade and such. When we were finalising the payments, they offered terms that were quite... Unacceptable. In my anger, I reached out and pointed with the intent of shouting. Instead, when I reached out, a bolt of lightning leapt out my hand and shocked the fellow unconscious. Well deserved if you ask me." Vance recounted. He seemed to wince a little as he described the next course of events. "And then there was an argument. The opposite family were outraged at what I had done, but we certainly weren't going to give any ground. Father, in his infinite wisdom, threw me out until I learned to control my magic. Long story short, I did a little research, tried to find the best Guild to go to and judging by the S-Classes and the Guild Master, I chose Sapphire Eclipse. As it happens, the Guild Master and S-Classes are not necessarily representative of the rest of the Guild. And here we are today." Boreal followed the lead back to the Guild. He rubbed his hands eagerly when he was in the hall and saw everyone milling about the place. It was quite hilarious, looking at it, although he decided it was probably best not to start laughing. Maybe they would be offended. However, it seemed that somebody was not overly keen on seeing him. There could only be one person who would run at him like that. "Boreal what are you doing here!" Dale yelled, racing towards Boreal. He stopped short, seeing that others were with him. "You were locked up! You shouldn't be out!" "As it happens Dale, I've done a fair amount of research on obscure magic. I may well be able to sort out the problems that you are having. That is why I'm here. If you'd like, I'll go up to what counts as my cell again and let you people sort it out yourselves." Dale gritted his teeth- Well. Thomas' teeth. "Fine." Dale snapped, turning away. "Maybe we'd believe that your intentions were good if you had gone legal and weren't trying to use a weapon of terror!" Alessia snapped. Alessia used Fire Surge on the Dark Guild Shadowmancer. Then, she was reminded of something. Through the sounds of battle, she could hear Cassandra yelling. Follow Quinn? He was so quick, and going after Erigor? How was she going to possibly be able to defeat Erigor with Quinn? Very well. "Hold out everyone! I'll be back as soon as I can!" With that, Alessia ran as fast as she possibly could after Quinn.
While the others went out to fight, Vance stayed behind. He had already spoken to them and felt vindicated. There wasn't that much point going out there, he felt. He didn't per say need to go fight, despite the bloodthirst of his companions. Let them do as they wish. I have done enough I feel. She spoke her piece, and it became evidence that she was a little racist. Vance was not a man for racism. As far as he was concerned, you could be of any skin tone you liked, but it was your class that mattered. Tone of skin did not make someone good or bad as far as he was concerned. All people had equal opportunity to be people of character or degenerates. Still, that didn't discount her entirely, although he might have to bring her round to his way of thinking during their marriage. "Zephyros is an odd character. I've never met anybody quite like h- them. For you see, the peculiarities are greater than his tone of skin. That one has the ability to become a woman at will. It is truly bizarre a sight to behold. One moment, a man stands before you and in a puff of smoke, there stands a woman." Vance recounted, remembering the strange sight of that outside the manor. "Also my lady, I should point out a fault in your reasoning. Why prefer that he shrive you, when you could simply have somebody shrive him? It is better to think of the death of one's enemies first, and your own next." Boreal blinked in surprise as 'Charlotte' appeared and released him. "Thank you, although somehow, I don't think you're Charlotte." Boreal said. He shrugged and looked at Ra. "It seems I am free. Lead me back to the Guild." "You might outnumber us, but we won't let you succeed!" Alessia cried, attacking. Alessia used Sliding Dash on Dark Guild Assassin 2.
The young lady was clearly still quite ignorant of the ways of the world and the ways people opinions worked. But even still, her youth had an unusual wisdom to it. He looked down at the ground pensively, stroking his chin. Something about what she said, perhaps the way she said it so bluntly cut through his ego for a moment and hit him in the core. Why does it matter? He looked up at Nessa. She wasn't traditionally beautiful in the face, but she wasn't the worst looking woman in the world. Far from it. Even if the rest of her might have been imperfect. Really... So what if she couldn't walk? She could communicate, and still interact with the use of her hands. She could even move around in that chair. So... Why? "I... Hmm. I..." The young nobleman began, trying to speak. She had raised a good point. Vance looked up again and he was reminded of where he was. He stood up straight again to cover the moment of doubt. He hoped that the others had not seen it. They couldn't know. He was Vance Dorian, he was a nobleman and he was meant to be strong, beyond doubt. "It is because people see something that is not ordinary and they rail against it. It is not common for people to be bound to a chair in the way that Nessa is and those men are not men of character. They are selfish and vain, only concerned with themselves and their public image. They only see going to the grand balls with her in her chair and not standing on her feet dancing with them the same way that someone else might." As Thea trailed off into talking about how pretty Nessa was and how she wanted to be like her, he fell into silence again and the same pensive look appeared. Listen to myself speak... I can see it. I speak the words, I know that my opinions are not necessarily logical so... Why do I think them? Vance looked up at Thea again and smiled weakly. Oh young one, your innocence makes you who you are. It makes you wise beyond your years. I only pray that the Gods see fit that you never lose it. Gods.... What is happening to me? What am I thinking? I am Vance Dorian and I am not concerned with these trivial issues! I have the future of my family and myself to worry about! He shook his head, his moment of clarity over. Boreal found himself frozen to the ground, unable to move. It seems that GexIn is better at being my brother than my brother is. He sighed in relief as Ra attempted to call Trevor off. He made a pretty much perfect deal, what he was looking for really, and breathed an all too obvious sigh of relief. Better conditions, hopefully a less crazy guard and maybe the Guild would see that he had done something for them. Thinking about it, he had already said he was going to join a guild. It was unlikely but... Perhaps this one? No. For that, he'd have to see what the others were like not to mention what their Guild Master thought and she evidently wasn't here. "I accept those terms Ra, gladly." As much as he wanted to, he couldn't actually undo the magic that was binding him to the floor. It would take GexIn to cancel that out. "Although, you shall have to ask GexIn to let me go. As you can see, I am pinned to the ground here and I won't be going to any dorm if I'm stuck outside like this."
Vance averted his gaze to watch the other nobles leave as her crippled nature became apparent. So... This is the catch that I suspected to exist. I knew that it wasn't so simple. He exhaled and reset his expression. He clenched his fist, masking it as him fixing his collar. "Foul tongued fools! You make a mistake in your judgement! Heed my words, sirs, lest you become undone!" Vance yelled as they left. And now, it was the Guild and the crippled lady. We're here now, and we've come too far now. I think the others may react in a similar way and I wouldn't blame them. I'm too far gone in all this now. I have to take the chance here. I could gain so much from all this and besides... Even if I lose, I'll screw this contract and face the consequences. I have the power with my newfound magic, and the resources. Also it said marriage... I might be able to get away with a ******* and pass it off as my own legitimate child. Whatever the case, I'll think of something. Either way, I win here and I gain a loyal, wealthy wife. So be it, Vance Dorian shall risk his honour and go onwards! He turned to face Nessa. "No matter! Do not hide your face so!" Vance spoke. It may even be worth it just to see the look on father's face. It's not exactly traditional, but I think his reaction would amuse me and her wealth is more than enough to compensate. Perhaps I can even figure out a magical solution to the problem. "You heard the words I spoke to them my lady. Their opinions are worthless. I would not take their kind so seriously, no matter how barbed their words may be. They are but naysayers and intolerant fools, nobody worth considering the words of seriously." This Guild is ridiculous. Look at what they're bringing me to do. For the sake of some money, I... Am having to try and console... A cripple. Well I can't deny that this is an interesting place at the very least.
"I can't intervene in this I'm afraid everyone. If I do, I believe they'll claim foul play and we won't get through anyway." However, he leaned in close to everyone and spoke quietly before they fought. "However, if the fight goes poorly then I'll be here. I won't let any of you get seriously injured, or die here." With that, Caliborn backed away, arms folded and watched the challenge take place. He hoped they came through. He knew that they could.
"Ah." Boreal stated as he saw the enraged S-Class rushing for him. Satan Soul magic. Against Ra alone maybe, just maybe, he could have escaped but now... Now it looked a little grim. Nor was it a reasonable S-Class. Even with the Satan Soul outfit he recognised Trevor, the absolute lunatic that had caused him so much trouble before as his jailor. And now it looked like he was going to be in even more trouble with the man. Well... He was about 90% sure that he could sue them some day. Unlawful incarceration, unlawful torture... Maybe he could make a case for it. For now however, it was time to try and run. Trying to use magic would only make this worse. Clenching his fists, he turned around and ran with his teeth gritted.
Boreal rolled his eyes and snarled in frustration. "Oh great, what the hell? That sanctimonious tone can only be Ra, the Golden Birdman. Found yourself a new body I see. That explains why that GexIn guy was in my brother's. I daresay I might even be able to figure out what curse it was exactly that did that." Boreal turned neatly on his heel and looked at GexIn/Ra, sighing. "I don't know what you think I'm planning on doing here, but it's of no harm to anybody. I'm walking away. Probably going to find something to do with my magic in a Guild. And before you say it, I'm not thinking of going Dark Guild. I'm not a killer, no matter what you may think. I've no interest in fighting you, or anybody else in this Guild. Even Dale. I can't touch him, so I'm just getting away from him. Nor do I have any interest in going back into that cell. Let me walk, or find one of your S-Classes and invite me back in under better circumstances where I might even be able to help you with your current predicament, but I'm not going into your tower again. I should also add that GexIn is free now." As he spoke, the ice around Dale/GexIn shattered, "Can we make an arrangement?" Boreal was ready for either. The first sign of any magic, Boreal would throw up a barrier and run. He could make a horse, that would work nicely. Or perhaps something faster...? Alessia clenched her fists as she saw the others fleeing, but the S-Classes were on it. They were going to get them, she knew that she could rely on them. They'd need their help though, they couldn't do it alone. She rushed into the other room. "We've found them, Cassandra and Quinn are going to need our help!" Alessia shouted. "Come on, we haven't got much time!" She raced back into the room and drew her sword ready to fight.
Or at least, that's how GexIn thought it went. In actuality, the scene went a little more like this- The minute that Dale/GexIn began his assault, Boreal sprang into action. With a quick bit of magic, he erected a barrier around himself. It wasn't just any barrier however, it was one of a unique design. He liked to call it the Repulsion Dome. While the not-Dale rampaged with Static Ice Make the dome was covered in ice and not him. When the ice rampage was done, the Repulsion Dome kicked in throwing off with all its ice muscles' might sending the shards of ice all across the room. "I suppose I should say thank you, you've done me a favour here S-Class." Boreal smirked as he stepped forwards, the Dome disintegrating as he stepped out. He raised a hand and smiled, forming a Cage of Isolation around his not-half brother. "If you were actually in your right body Mr GexIn, I'm sure you could get out of this. Unfortunately, you're not and as my brother proved on Galuna island, you cannot escape from this cage. But worry not- You're not going to be in there long. Just long enough for me to escape. If you can manage to reconcile your senses with my brother's body, then you may be interested to know that I'll be happy to come in and help you should you need it some time. I think I owe you one for giving me this golden opportunity. Anyhow, good day for now. Would you kindly say hello to my brother for me when you see him next?" Boreal formed the Icemake Rinkaku on his back again and punched open the windows with them, smashing through Dale's Ice. With that, Boreal climbed upon the windowsill, looked down and jumped. About halfway down, he formed up a pair of wings, gliding elegantly down to a safe landing in front of the guild. Smirking to himself, he dusted himself off and started to walk down the road to freedom. "Allreet Trevor, ah'll get oop there reet away." Edric said engaging Mikasa's 3D-Manoeuvre Gear. He attempted to fire out the wires and fly through the same route that she always took to the top. Unfortunately, while Mikasa had the inherent experience, Edric did not. He slammed into a pillar and fell on to the ground, rubbing his head. "Damn. Apparently the enstructions fer thes theng doon't come in the bloody package. Mikasa, how d'ya use this piece o' ****?" Mikasa/Edric stood up. He winced. She was not going to be happy with the way he was scratching her body up. Vance sighed. It seemed that they were going to go with the riskier option although they did make a good case. None of them in the least, as he had pointed out himself, were any threat to them whatsoever. However, he wiped the exasperated look off his face and replaced it with his more neutral one. He considered what impression he might want to give to her. Perhaps she wanted someone with a little more personality, a little more unique? She hardly sounded traditional. Her father had very strange ways. And evidently a strange look. She was... Not traditionally beautiful perhaps, but no matter. She would suffice. And as he made his judgement of her, the idiotic Monsieur Le Bon spoke. First, he addressed Nessa. "I find the conditions to be quite clear my lady. A fair day to you. Please, grant me a moment to reprimand these parasites that have graced us." Vance spoke, turning his gaze to the other idiots that they had been graced with. "Although, what is not clear is evidently these gentlemen's mastery of decorum." He rounded on Le Bon. While he was quite aware that Taylor could take care of herself, he needed to A: Appeal to the people and be thought of better and B: To make himself quite clear to the rest of these people, the Lady in question in particular. "I am like you, in the sense that I am noble. You and I speak the same fair tongue, hold ourselves in the same manner but you'll find yourself quite lesser to myself. Quite simply, you lack restraint. One might suggest that I too, lack restraint, however I give you this message for your own benefit. I dislike seeing one of my own kind shaming himself in such a manner. Your pitiful acts of feigned superiority are frankly pathetic. One does not overbear their stature, especially unwarranted and against someone who clearly is part of this exalted gathering. This young lady is evidently here for a reason, Monsieur Le Bon. She has as much right to ask questions as anybody here, and free of derision. Not everybody can be as intelligent as a nobleman or noblewoman, but equally some aspects of this competition may not have been made absolutely clear and she may not be fully acquainted with the way business is conducted in our world. I suspect this is a case of the latter two and not a question of her intelligence, or honour, which you seem to take issue with her supposed lack of." Lord Dorian judged, his voice loud and crisp. He sneered to back up the next part of his oration. "And now that I speak of honour. Your outburst shows us all a fundamental truth of your character. You are lacking in it. Indeed, might I go so far as to suggest that all of you hyenas who laugh, are also lacking? To see an opportunity and take it so quickly and rashly. Truly, it is despicable of you. Can any men of your character be truly considered? A proper man of character would not take the easiest route to personal amusement at the expense of another. That is the flagrant lack of regard for your position. We are the optimates, the best of men. We lead by example, and what example is it that you intend to give the people that look to you for inspiration? That we are to humiliate all others as easily as possible? You sully the name of our class, sirs, by your uncouth tongues. Please my lords, remember the words which I have spoken to you on this illustrious occasion. Memory of them will serve you well in the future when you undoubtedly break the contract established on this day. Oh and Monsieur Le Bon? Might I suggest that you stay off the wine in the presence of the Lady Nessa? You shall find that it improves thine demeanour. Now, kindly spare us the shame of your speech and allow the lady to advance the proceedings here." And thus, the First Oration of Vance Dorian was complete, known to him as In Le Bon, after the style of the Romans (Whoever the hell they were).
"If that nobleman's mother found interest in a smith, then he is far, far from worthy of his rank. He doesn't deserve to have what he has. And a man should have more interests than just horses." "Palatine sounds simply intolerable. He would be undesirable to even be in the presence of my future wife." "Monsieur Le Bon by the sounds of it is a drunk and little else. Perhaps worse than Edric at the guild. That leaves him very few personalities, I am disappointed, Zephyr. You give this man far too much credit. "Falconbridge... We can ignore." "And the Pirdish Lord sounds simply a brute. His presence is an offence to all men of character. Particularly to Falconbridge by the sounds of it." With his judgements on the other suitors finished, he moved on. "Sportsmanlike, or even honourable... No. It is however, more practical. And one might say that we are competing for the very right to go inside, were we to enter." Vance pointed out. "None of them will stand in our way." Alessia ran after Cassandra without a second thought. They had to track down Kageyama, and Erigor and that X guy if he was with them. They couldn't allow them to escape from them. "There's no time to waste! Come on! For all we know, the people inside are in greater danger and we can't just let Cassandra go in there alone!" She exclaimed, following the S-Class. Why are they wasting time? Don't they know how dangerous wasting time could be? Someone could be in danger... I won't allow that. I won't allow anybody to go unsaved. Not again. It's our duty to save people, it's the nature of the job...
Dale backed up, tripping over a bench and falling backwards on to it as he evaded the fireball. He felt incredibly embarrassed about all this. He didn't want to be stuck in this body, he had to try and control it. He clenched Thomas' fist, but it just didn't feel the same. It wasn't the normal clearly frustrated look he would have. To everyone else it probably looked like he just took rejection hard. Of course I got given this guy, of all the bloody people. Dale closed his eyes. There. It couldn't happen again. "I can't be much help here everyone. I've got to make sure I don't see anybody so Thomas' body doesn't get any strange ideas." Dale said. Vance landed rather unceremoniously in a heap upon the deck of the ship after being spat out violently by the whale. He got up, scowling and covered in the thing's saliva, and the sea. Nevertheless, he managed to dry out by the time they had almost reached the island. "Good luck to all of you, on your respective missions." Vance said as regally as possible, straight backed. Sadly, his hair was a slight disaster which distracted from the look. The fight had ruined it. He would have to wash it when they got to... Wherever they were. Perhaps it was the heroic kind of messy though... The kind of heroic mess that a lady might be attracted to. He might be able to subvert the rules that way. Perhaps if he could earn her feelings and respect, she would call off the competition because she chose him... Perfect plan. "Now then, hurry on to the island. Let us see the nature of this competition." Vance waited eagerly to get to the island. He would be first to set foot, and first to speak to the lady that they had come to meet. Meanwhile, Caliborn's encounter with the mighty whale had been even more brief than that of the Guild Members. He had quickly highlighted the weakness inside the mouth of the creature and flown inside its mouth. With an arrow shot, he pinned the tongue of the beast to the bottom of its mouth. it was all too simple then. "Sky Dragon's Roar!" Caliborn shouted, though his voice was clear and crisp. An immense torrent of air built up around him and was unleashed inside the unfortunate beast's mouth, heading down through its body. He heard the whale whine in pain as the attack ripped its insides, the wind rushing through its organs. For good measure, he fired an arrow down the whale's throat and ran to the exit of the fleshy cavern that was the mouth of the leviathan. As he fled, the mouth began to close, but at the last second, he was able to leap through the gap, only a fragment of his coat getting caught in the tooth which ripped off quickly. Then, propelled by his magic, he launched himself into the air, twisting midair and firing a pair of arrows neatly into the eyes of the whale before landing back on the boat neatly. He slung the bow on his back, stood up straight and watched as the second whale fled. It seemed that the other group was almost ready to leave. He heard some mention of a competition, but it seemed too late to find out. No matter. He would learn... Eventually.
"Those two that you saw Cassandra, they're with Erigor. That guy in the white outfit, he's up to something alright. He was taunting us. He said something happened to Hasu Ren from the Guild." Alessia reported, not wishing to waste any time. She saw the rough direction Kageyama and his friend went and they had to follow him. If they let them go... Who knew what they could do in that time? He clenched her fists. "We've got to get after them Cassandra. Whatever they're doing, they could be starting it at any minute and worse, they said something about Ren leaving the guild. He's vulnerable, they could have taken him!" She remembered Hasu from the cathedral, with the ghost child. She remembered the kind way he tried to help the child... He was a good man. They couldn't let him be hurt. They just couldn't! "Not likely! A nobleman leads by example!" Vance shouted back at Cal, running along the deck. She was just taking off on that obscene glider of her's, it didn't look like it should fly in the slightest. Nevertheless, as she took off and started to glide away from the boat, Vance leaped for the glider, staff in one hand. He caught on and used the momentum of the jump and her speed to swing forwards. He sailed through the air with the same approximate grace as a brick thrown by a hooligan at an unfortunate old person's window, but saved some face with a dramatic landing, with one knee on the ground and his staff firmly planted in the fleshy mouth of the whale. "Press on, we shall defeat this beast shortly!" Vance raised his staff above the ground slightly and channelled magical energy into it, forming fire. He slammed it into the flesh of the whale's mouth, probably the tongue and released the flames inside. Vance used Fire Surge, "Ow bloody hell Mikasa yer scratching me- No, wait, yerself! Punch me later or somethin' but don't scratch up tha' pretty face o' yers!" Edric exclaimed, desperately trying to get the enraged cat off him. He yelped as a particularly vicious claw drew a bit of blood. "Sumone get this bloody cat a fesh or somethin'!" Dale dived out of the way before the grand piano hit, but it wasn't necessary. However, he wasn't used to this new body. Dale went tumbling to the ground and hit his head on the floor. He yelped and grabbed his head, rubbing the spot where he hit, closing his eyes as he did so. When he opened them, a fair maiden radiating grace and glory and beauty and- No, wait, that wasn't right. It was only Charlotte, there was only one girl he loved and that was- NO! Compelled by some irresistable urge to go flirt, Dale-Thomas got to his feet and slipped his arm around 'Charlotte'. "Hey beautiful," Dale began (Gabi which green is it because I couldn't figure it out lol), before two things happened. Firstly, he regained control of his senses and his body, and secondly he remembered it was Gaius in control. He snapped his arm back and stumbled away. "Oh no, I am so sorry, I can't help it! This body it just... It just wants to flirt with things I can't stop it!" Meanwhile, in a tower that was conveniently out of range of the body swap, Boreal was staying as quiet as possible to avoid annoying the crazy one in the room with him. It was a startling display of patience for him, one that he hadn't realised he was capable of. Everything was pretty fine and peaceful aside from that, but he heard something. Someone was coming up the stairs. Could it be Mikasa again? No, she would just break the window again. That Caliborn guy? That was possible. Had she told him about what he'd been saying to her? He didn't know... It was worrying to be sure. He could be in grave danger. It had to be another S-Class. (It's totally GexIn, but he didn't know that).
Dale looked down at himself after the switch. He knew immediately that something was very, very wrong. His hair to start with. He no longer had the luscious brown hair he had before, nor his coat. Nothing was right. And he felt so... Weak. Looking down at his clothes, he realised something. "Of all the bloody people this curse gave me it's the useless bloody flirt!" Dale exclaimed, furious at this situation. He wanted his magic back. He wanted everything back. Why couldn't it have been GexIn? Anybody, apart from Tabby. But it looked like Mikasa got Tabby based on the cat's new attitude. She must have been fuming. He was too. "No time for training... Ra it must be. You got GexIn's body, you're lucky. You should try being in this guy's body. Anyway, my anger aside... We are not staying like this any longer than necessary!" He yearned for his Ice-Make magic back, but to no avail. If only, if only, if only! Edric was confused. It all started with him at the bar, having a pint. It was good, strong ale and he was well used to it. Most people would have been floored, but not him. No, Edric was just fine with it. His mind was well trained by years of drinking The Strong Stuff that he was virtually impervious to its effects. Or so he thought. Because all of a sudden, this weird rainbow light **** appeared out of sod all nowhere and there he was in the wrong body. Not that it was a bad one mind. After running his hands down himself, he quickly discovered that it was in fact, herself. Somehow in his drunken stupor, he had came up with the craziest dream that he was in Mikasa's body. Other people in the Guild Hall were apparently confused as well, so to be sure Edric turned around and pulled the front of Mikasa's shirt so he could look down it. Not bad, not bad at all. With the quick curiosity check over, he straightened up the shirt again and turned around. Then he heard Tabby. Well, not Tabby. The horror of the voices sunk in quickly. "Oh what the **** is this?" Edric cursed. "We need ta get back to oor bodies as soon as possible. This just ent reet." "Kageyama, I don't know who you are but I won't have you threaten my Guild Mates." Alessia drew her sword and stepped in front of Ander, staring defiantly at him. "I don't like you, nor your attitude. Whatever you're doing here, it's not going any further. I'll give you one chance- Give up now, while you can, because once we're finished with you, it's the cells of the police you're going back to and not your Guild Hall." They couldn't allow him to roam free now that he had so openly declared his hostile intentions. He had threatened a member of the Guild, one of the most pacifistic if memory served rightly. There was no need for that. He couldn't be allowed to do any harm, because it was clear to her that he only meant to do damage here. Alessia tightened her grip on the sword. No way in hell. Still not dying, it's tough. Going to need more power. Got to keep blasting it, and now I'm standing on top of it somehow burning the damn thing. Time to do something spectacular. Vance raised his staff and pointed at the Whale, making sure his back was facing the ship. He gathered his magical power and channelled it through the staff, shaping the magic into the wind spell. The Whale lurched as it swam through the rougher seas and for a moment he lost his balance as he released the magic. How much he hit, he didn't know, but all he knew was that in the process he blasted himself backwards, hopefully towards the ship. He sped through the air, a burst of adrenaline flooding his veins as he flew towards either salvation or a swimming trip with a watery grave at the end. He slammed into the deck of the ship, just as planned. "Note to self, get better at that trick." He muttered. Vance used Aero.
"Who the hell are you? Come out and face me!" Alessia demanded, not willing to put up with the taunting of this dark guild member. Somebody left the guild? Who was that? Hot cakes? Hot glue? Hasu...? Wait, Hasu Ren? He left? But why...? He could only have left just before they all set out on missions, perhaps while they were all leaving? But why would he do that? He was a good member of the guild... He had good reasons, she supposed. But he was meant to help them. He was meant to help the Guild save people. Whatever. It didn't matter. The only thing that mattered right now was dealing with these dark guild members, and that was exactly what she was going to do. Sure enough, he was there. "So, you're braver than I thought. Who are you? Where's Erigor?"
