Perditions Tale, Chapter 7: "The Job"

[CelesJessa]

After the group had rested up and filled their stomaches with rations, they set off for the town. After a day of travel, they reached the village that the woodsmen had come from. They then lead them up to the Elder of the village. The man didn't look extremely old for an elder.

The elder glanced at the group with a slight distaste, "Are you really the warriors who saved the princess?"

(OOC: I know the last chapter was short. For once we didn't exceed the 100 post limit)

[Forever Zero]

"Well, we have Exhibit A, the princess and Exhibit B, a ragtag group of adventurers with the princess, so I think it is safe to say that yes, we did save the princess," Vace snapped, losing his temper at the constant barrage of suspicious attitudes people had had since they got out of the castle.

[CelesJessa]

"Ah yes. It seems like it should be obvious shouldn't it." The elder laughed then said under his breath, "I guess heroes come in all types."

Cesia was also tired of people not being cooperative, and getting back to the castle as soon as possible was important to her, because she was unsure of weither Cid was still around to carry out his evil plan, "Yes, but we are in need of getting back to the castle quickly. It would be greatly appreciated if you could supply us with some horses."

The elder coughed and looked down at the ground, "Well, I would... but we are in need of warriors such as yourselves to help us with a small problem..." The old man said uncomfortably, "It would be an easy task for warriors such as yourselves who could defeat the wizard."

(OOC: side quest time perhaps? hehe ^^ )

[GatoFiero]

"Are you really the town elder? Bah, the more important question here is if your town has a locksmith, i gotta get these boots off of me!" Shakes his feet where clinking and sloshing of water can be heard. Just when i start to get used to their weight they get filled up with water and become heavier! I have such crappy luck...Cid, i may be a coward but i still have a sense of vengeance! I'll get you back somehow!

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: No side quest...

"No, we need to get back to the castle. We have no time for you little job. Once we finish what is needed at the castle, we might come back."

[LilWhiteMage]

Dawn was already not liking the sound of this and sighed. "I would normally disagree with the concept of just turning down someone for help, but Lynx is right. We really do need to get back to the castle as soon as we can."

[CelesJessa]

"Why do you need to make it back quickly? The princess is safe, is she not? We'll send a messanger to the castle saying that she is alive and well, that should give you a chance to help us out." The elder pleaded.

[IHateMakingNames]

If anyone started to talk, Lynx quieted them and turned to the elder. "There is a much bigger problem then the princess having been captured. There is a very little chance of success, but enough to get to the castle as fast as possible. And a messanger may not be good enough."

[Squishy Cheeks]

ooc: (ic:)You can't stop me. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!!!! THESE LANDS ARE MINE!!!

[Forever Zero]

OOC: Well I see someone is having fun, Jad, and as to your evil plot, just read my sig...

Vace said to Lynx, "We need to just tell him. We need all the help we can get, and depending on this mission, it may be possible to do it before we go to the castle."

[GatoFiero]

"Yea, like if it's a locksmith!" Said Thid, butting in of Vace's and Lynx's conversation.

[CelesJessa]

The elder watched as the other argued about what to do or what to tell him. "Well, I regret to say that if you do not help us, we cannot supply you with horses... but a locksmith might be possible..." He added the locksmith part after hearing Thid's repeated request.

[IHateMakingNames]

"Your not going to supply horses to the princess when she needs them most? The king would have your heads for that..." Lynx started making empty threats, but ones that would get him the horses he needed.

[CelesJessa]

"Weeeell..." The elder scratched the back of his head, "It's not like everything is that easy that we can just give up everything... And sending the princess out on one of those horses would be like sending her on a death sentance, hence the need for the favor from you." The man started to pace around a bit, "See, we need you to take care of this monster in the woods... it's attracted to animals... and if you head out on horses without taking care of the monster first, then you'll surely be eaten. Why do you think our woodsmen who found you were not on horses?"

(OOC: Persistant, ain't he?)

[MasterZero]

Kalimare stood behind everyone, his orc shape seemingly looming over. He didn't mean to look big and scary, that's just that way he was. Kalimare just simply looked around and waited for the negotiations to finish.

((i know, short post, but i needed to put him in early))

[IHateMakingNames]

"Fine, give us horses, and we will go directly to the castle. If that thing happens to attack us, we will kill it. If not, tough. But we aren't going to run around the forest looking for it."

OOC: I'm assuming you have to cross the forest to get to the castle

[CelesJessa]

"Fine." The elder sighed, "The horses are down in the stables next to the pub. Talk to the stablehand to get directions back to your castle." He started leaving the room, "I wish you luck on your journey, and please do protect the princess on your way back."

"Geez, why does everyone have to act like I can't take care of myself all the time?" Cesia muttered as they left the elders house. "So should we head to the stables right away, or maybe Thid would like to get those boots off of him... I doubt a horse would like someone riding him with those boots on."

[Darth SS]

"Okay, simple solution. We ride into woods, kill the thing, then just continue onto the castle in one trip. Can't be all that bad if they're still here."

[gh0st]

Taim looked speculatively at Thid. "Are the locks on those things magical, or just pure locks? 'Cause if there's no magic involved, i can try to get'em off if ya want. It'd be better than having to haul you off the bottom of every body of water we fall into."

[GatoFiero]

"Na, just really heavy duty. I tried to pick 'em once but the picks broke, *mutter*damn pieces o crap*mutter*."

“But if you think you can get these things off then give it a shot, couldn’t hurt...I hope.”

[LilWhiteMage]

"So I suppose we're going to be getting his boots off first then." She folded her arms over her chest. "Let's just make it quick so we can be on our way."

[BMHadoken]

(OOC: Damn concert, I'm behind in everything)

Jude tried to downplay his curiosity when he heard of the monster, but he couldn't help his glory sneaking nature, and as everyone walked away he sneaked up to the elder.

"SO, how bad is this monster? Lotsa teeth, magic breath, acid breath...what will I, eer, I mean we be dealing with huh?"

[Raiden]

(OOC: And now, to use every creative bone I have to make up a good post to cover up for being gone so long. God, I'm gone for one weekend and I miss 3 chapters!)

Tamakatari had been carried by Jude ever since the group escaped the castle. Jude made several complaints on how he wished that Tamakatari would wake up, simply so that he wouldn't have to carry him anymore. But, he never did. Most of the group had given up on him. Dawn had tried to heal him once, but it had no effect. She didn't try it again, because it was just a waste of good healing magic. Lynx had suggested that they leave him in a ditch to lighten their trip, they needed all the speed they could get. But no. Dawn and Cesia wouldn't allow it. Even though they might not have openly liked him, they couldn't stand the thought of leaving Tamakatari in a ditch alone to die. So, Jude carried him. And while he was carried, Tamakatari dreamed.

**Tamakatari's Dreams**

Tamakatari was three years old. He was outside his family's hut in the forest near the village, and he was playing with some rocks and sticks. His aunts and uncles came to visit his parents, but his uncle Jack was outside playing with him. It was the first day his powers were shown. His uncle would take small stones, and roll them slowly to Tamakatari. Tamakatari would grab them, and then toss them in the air, trying to make them bounce. But being rocks, they never did.
"Sorry, kid. Rocks don't bounce. Only a ball bounces. And your last one was popped, remember? You'll just have to be satisfied with the rocks." But Tamakatari wasn't satisfied. He picked up one of the rocks, and thought about a ball. Strangely, the rock began to glow and change. Slowly, it formed itself into a rubber ball. Uncle Jack's mouth dropped open.
"S..Sa..Sara! Sara, get out here!" Uncle Jack yelled out Tamakatari's mother's name. She came running out, and saw Tamakatari play with his ball.
"Now, where did he get that?" His mother took the ball from Tamakatari, and looked at it. Uncle Jack pointed at him.
"That kid...ain't normal." Then, the scene became blank, and was soon replaced by a new memory.

Tamakatari was now 16, and he could control his powers better than ever. He was walking to his house from the village, where he had just finished a fight with a group of kids. He had won, with a little help from his special ability. His large mace was slung over his shoulder. He was within eye-shot from his home, when he heard noices. He turned around, and saw a large group of villagers were chasing after him. He broke off into a run, and entered his house. He ducked into his room, and hid there. He heard voices that sounded like his parents.
"What the hell do you want?"
"We've come for the monster! Give him to us!" The villagers were shouting and screaming. He could see the light of torches through his window.
"He's not a monster! He's just a child!" His mother was yelling at the villagers, but to no avail.
"That boy is a monster! He turns ordinary items into weapons! He hurts our children! We can't take the risk that he'll kill somebody! Hand him over, or else!" The villagers sounded like they were meaning it. But, Tamakatari's father stood tall, and wouldn't move. The broadsword that Tamakatari had made him for his 35th birthday was pointed out at the mob.
"You'll get my son over my dead body. He's my boy, and if you want to even lay a finger on him, you'll have to go through me!" So, the villagers did. His father fought bravely, and his mother also, but the villagers outnumbered them greatly. His parents were killed before his very eyes. The villagers stormed the hut, and searched for Tamakatari, but he was nowhere to be found. He had left before they entered, and he never looked back. The memory faded, and was replaced by a new one.

It was two years later, but still one year before the incident at the castle. Tamakatari was now 18, and ill. He had been wandering around, trying to find a place to call home, but his newfound distrust of people and inability to not get in fights kept him moving. He hadn't eaten in days, and water wasn't easy to come by in the forest he was in. He laid down by the side of the road, and passed out. A carriage pulled by large horses came clomping by, and then suddenly stopped. A small cry from inside the carriage was heard, followed by the door opening and a girl coming out. She had a flask of water in her hands, and she rushed to him. She kneeled down, put his head on her lap, and put the nozzle of the canteen in his mouth. She gently got him to drink, and within moments, he opened his eyes. His vision was blurry, and through the light, he thought the girl was some heavenly being, welcoming him to the realm that souls went when people die.
"Angel?" Tamakatari couldn't make a full sentence, but she understood what he meant.
"No, I'm not an angel. Just a princess." She smiled. Tamakatari suddenly realized that he wasn't dead, but was alive. He quickly rolled away from her, and sat in a crouched position. His eyes were narrowed, and he stared at her like a dog would stare at a trespasser in his territory. Tamakatari grabbed a stick. The stick slowly changed into a beautiful sword, with a blade that would rival even the King's armory. The girl gasped a little, but then calmed down. Apparently, strange things weren't too scary for her.
"I saw you on the side of the road, and I thought that you needed some help." The princess stood up, and brushed the dirt off her skirt.
"Nobody asked you for help. Why did you help me? I have no money, and I'm not much of a person for favors." The girl laughed a little, which made Tamakatari frown more.
"I'm a princess. I don't money, and favors would be lost on me. I have servants for that." Suddenly, they both heard a loud, deep voice come from the carriage.
"Excuse me, your highness, but we must be going! Your father is waiting!"
"Coming. Farewell, Mr....."
"My name is Tamakatari."
"Mr. Tamakatari. Well, farewell, and try not to lie hurt on the ground by the road. It's not healthy." And with that, the princess stepped up into her carriage, and it rode off. Tamakatari watched as it drove away. The princess. His angel. Tamakatari looked at the canteen on the ground. She had left it there. He picked it up, and put it under his cloak. It might be useful later.

The scene turned blank, and then, no other memory came.

**Real World**

Tamakatari made some loud grunts, and his eyes started to blink open. His movements were jerky, his head was pounding, and his chest wasn't too happy with him.

"God, what the hell hit me?"

[Forever Zero]

"An very angry mage, but glad your back amongst the living," Vace said to a revived Tama.

[Raiden]

"Fuck. I knew I shouldn't have tried a head-on attack. Where the hell are we." Tamakatari then noticed Lynx, who was now human, but he didn't know that.

"And who the hell is he?"

[Forever Zero]

"That would be Lynx, who somehow merged with the body of the sorcerer, after the sorcerer tried to betray Cid and Cid killed him, right before something happened to Cid and he left setting the castle on fire forcing us to leap into a pool of water outside and be rescued by woodsmen who were passing by." Vace said with a straight face. After a few seconds he looked at Tama with a smirk and said, "Yeah, I was there and I still don't know what happened..."

[IHateMakingNames]

"I didn't merge with him. Am I some old, pale guy? No." Lynx then continued to make his staff.

[Forever Zero]

"So what did happen to you? The sorcerer just happened to have a potion that made you a human?" Vace asked.

[IHateMakingNames]

"Yes, yes he did. I don't know why, and I really don't care."

[Raiden]

Tamakatari rubbed his head. He didn't know if it was possible, but his head was hurting even worse than before.

"Where's the princess? If Cid hurt her, I'll....!"

[Forever Zero]

"Well either way, when Lynx transformed he gained magic powers and has taken over as our resident mage as well," Vace said and shrugged, thinking he had covered all the main points. "Oh, and our current mission is to return to the castle to try and intercept Cid before he completes his plan to take over the kingdom, and to do that we have to go through a forest filled with monsters that will most likely attack us as we try to go through them. And the princess is just fine, she is around here somewhere." Vace added, then said, "Why does everything have to be so complicated since I joined you all?"

[Raiden]

"Wait, you mean that you guys didn't kill Cid? God, what kind of heroes are you? I would have killed him myself, if I wasn't out for the last who-knows many hours."

[BMHadoken]

"Oh, thank god your awake." Jude said, then promptly dropped the warrior off his aching shoulder to tumble on the ground. "You talk in your sleep you should know. Really muddled stuff. Where's Dawn, I need something to relieve this ache if I'm...we're ever going to get to kill this monster thingy, god forbid it should attack us."

(OOC: You never said that he was off of Jude's shoulders...and I thought it was mildly funny)

[Forever Zero]

OOC: Hmm, that provides for an odd scene...

"You would have had just as good a chance as we had, since most of our energy was sapped and we could berely walk at first, and by then and Cid tore out of there. Something went wrong with the power draining and Cid took off. We still don't know what happened or how it effected him, just that he's still alive," Vace said.

[IHateMakingNames]

"Yeah, you really would have killed him yourself. That attack you did on him yesterday was a great one..."

[CelesJessa]

Cesia finally caught back up with the group again, the Elder had called her back to give her some provisions and a letter from him giving them free access to many things in the village. She was wearing a new white cloak with a hood, since now there was a rumor in that town that the princess was there, and at the moment, she didn't want a whole lot of publicity.
"Hey." She said waving the letter, "This should let us get in and out of the blacksmith's and get us some horses." She looked down and read it, "Plus it will give us free drinks at the pub..." she trailed off, and looked up, noticing something different. "Hey! Tamakatari is awake!" She smiled, then frowned, "You know how dangerous that was to try and take Cid and Skurai by yourself? You're lucky you're still alive!"

(OOC: I'll only be on for a short time tonight, I have a band concert tonight and my friend is... 'kidnapping' me afterwords to get some food or to watch Pirate of the Caribbean or something.)

[Forever Zero]

"Free drinks? Now that's my kind of reward!" vace said, smiling at their gift from the elder.

[LilWhiteMage]

"Free drinks?" She gave a look of disdain as Vace seemed overjoyed about that part of the deal. "Last thing we need is a bunch of drunkards on our way back there."

[Darth SS]

Ark watched Lynx a bit more, and said, "You're horrible at this. Give me that." He took the branch, and flipped out his dagger. He was MUCH better at carving than Lynx.

[Forever Zero]

"No problem Dawn my dear, I can handle my alcohol just fine. Besides, a little drunken courage could help against forest monsters," Vace replied with a wink.

[IHateMakingNames]

"Of course I'm bad at it, I've had one day to get used to arms. And you have no idea what your doing. I wasn't just making a stick you know."

[Squishy Cheeks]

Meanwhile....

Cid was walking purposfully into the throne room. "Bad tidings my king, your daughter is dead. Skurai killed her." Cid then produced the royal Ring belonging to the princess.

"M...my... my daughter." The king said.

Suddenly cry came from the new Alban ambassador. "FOR ALBA!!!" He drew a knife and rushed the throne. Cid drew his sword and beheaded the assassin, but it was to late the king was dead.

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: Your lucky Celes is already going along with your plan, due to lack of other ideas...

[Squishy Cheeks]

ooc: I have never done anything with Cid witout her aproval. O king of the illogical.

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: I know that... I said that, did I say "Celes said you can't do that"?

[LilWhiteMage]

"I would think it would be easier to fight without being intoxicated... but I wouldn't really know about it. Just so long as you don't get yourself killed I suppose." She shrugged a little, still not liking the idea of him going and drinking that much.

[IHateMakingNames]

"There is no drunken courage, there is just being drunk. That means you become an idiot, and will swing at anything that moves when in a fighting, possibly cutting off Dawn's head."

[Forever Zero]

"Also means I won't have any silly notions of fear or such, but I can handle myself just fine in a fight, drinking or not, and I won't go cutting off anyone's heads, your just over-exaggerating. You focus on the spell casting, and I'll take care of the swordfighting just fine," Vace said.

[IHateMakingNames]

"You'll fear when your drunk... Just half of the fear in you already turns to stupidity, the other half stays fear. Then add some throwing up. And then riding a horse with blurred vision..."

[Forever Zero]

"Bah, I won't get that drunk, and you haven't even been human until less than 24 hours ago cat man, you completely underestimate the human body. I'll be fine."

[CelesJessa]

"And it's not like he will be allowed to drink to the point that he's staggering." Cesia added in, "It's only free if you have the letter from the Elder or are with the person who has the letter." Cesia teased, then tucked the letter away in her cloak, "But down to business. We need to get to the blacksmith's place to take care of the boots, then we should leave as soon as possible, we never know how far ahead of us Cid is..."

[IHateMakingNames]

"A day or two at most."

OOC: Aw... Just thought of another flaw in Jad's idea...

[Squishy Cheeks]

ooc: Blame neighboring nation for kings murder, use crisis to assume emergency powers, declare martial law, have you guys declared imposters and spies. seems pretty fool proof.

ic: Meanwhile....

"We must react. Alba can not be allowed to go unpunished for this treachery." A courtier said.

"We have no heir, The king is dead. We have no leader." Cid said disheartened.

"Then we must have a new king. To handle this crisis. Cid you were the king's must trusted general and we know he favored you to be his successor. Will you take the throne?"

"If that is the will of the nobility?" Cid replied.

The court nearly unanimously agreed. that Cid should lead.

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: I want to argue... But even if I did, Celes is probably going with your plan because it's 'convienet and pleases everyone, and will prevent argueing'...

[CelesJessa]

OOC: hey, is it so wrong to want people to get along?

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: Can I make arguements anyway?

[Darth SS]

Ark finished the staff, and handed it to Lynx. It was perfectly carved, perfectly circular and perfectly straight.

"You're right, I do have no clue what it's for. But, here's the main body."

[IHateMakingNames]

Lynx sighed, and took the staff. "Oh great, now you ruined it... Now I can't make the ruin head, and would be very hard to make the rune shapes in the staff... Oh well... Guess this will due for a while..."

[CelesJessa]

(OOC: I think somebody should make a seperate thread for people to go to when they need to argue about an RP. Feel free to argue, but not in the RPs. Go... teepee each other's house or something, just keep this thread fairly free of arguements. Or use PMs.)

[Darth SS]

Ark produced a very small knife. "It's called a carving knife. They're very useful things to have around. You use them to carve very small emblems into stuff, and fine detailing."

[Forever Zero]

"Aww, just have to ruin all my fun, don't you Cesia? Well, just gives me one more reason to hate Cid and want to get rid of him sooner, other than the whole evil plan to take over the kingdom and tried to kill us thing," Vace said jokingly, but anger seeped into his voice when he spoke of Cid.

[Raiden]

Tamakatari made a nod to the princess.

"Yeah, whatever. It was better than being chained to a wall. And our mission was to protect the princess, no matter the cost. Even if it means dying. And even if I did die, it's no skin off the group's nose. I'm surprised that you even took me along."

Tamakatari rubbed his head. His head was pounding, but his gut hurt. He needed something to settle it down.

"God, if I ever needed a drink, it would be now. Vace, I'm joining you. I'd rather die drunk than sober. There's no fun in dying with all your brain cells."

[IHateMakingNames]

"Then you could die right now and be happy..." Lynx commented.

[Darth SS]

"Low blow! Seriously Lynx, no hitting below the belt until they're drunk."

[Raiden]

Tamakatari had already picked up a stick, and it had changed into a mace. It was smaller than he had intended it. Whatever that mage had hit him with, it was screwing with his powers. But, nevertheless, he pointed the mace at the mage.

"Whether you're a human or a cat, you're still annoying. And with my head pounding like this, you're best bet to survival would not be pissing me off. I've got no hesitations to killing you."

[Forever Zero]

"While it would be fun to watch you mercilessly beat Lynx to a pulp, if you don't I'll buy the drinks since the others are using the pass to visit the blacksmith." Vace said.

[IHateMakingNames]

Lynx held out his stick to the side, mumbled something, and the entire thing was set ablaze, then funneled into the stick, and formed at the tip. He pointed that tip at Tama. "And I you."

[Raiden]

Tamakatari smiled.

"Ooh. Kitty learned some new tricks. And I bet you feel really big about yourself, huh? Feel powerful now, do ya'? Considering I can see you still haven't got your human legs down pat. You lean forward, as if you want desperately to walk on all fours, but you can't, because then you'd look silly."

Tamakatari turned to Vace.

"Sure, you're buying. Let's go find a bar, or somethin'."

Tamakatari started to use his mace as a crutch, and walked by Vace into the village to find a bar.

[LilWhiteMage]

"Come on guys... last thing we need to be doing is arguing." Dawn stepped between Tama and Lynx. "You and Vace going and get your drinks or whatever while we get what we need. Just don't overdo it."

[IHateMakingNames]

Lynx looked at Tama like he was an idiot. "I'm sitting down dumbass! And I've gotten used to walked, it was when you got patheticly beaten in one hit"

[CelesJessa]

"Well Thid and I and anyone who is interesting in following along are going to go to the blacksmith's now. The rest of you can do whatever, but try to stay around the pub. When we're done at the blacksmith, we'll come to get you." She thought a second, "and try not to kill each other." She said as she lead the way to the blacksmith's.

[Raiden]

(OOC: Too bad Tama already left, IHMN. He can't hear you. And you think that I'M stupid. Hehe.)

[Forever Zero]

"Aye aye, Miss Dawn," Vace said with a salute and left. He did indeed want a drink or two, but the other reason for wanting to go to the bar so badly was for outside information and maybe some info on the monster in town. The others had brushed it off and focused on Cid, but after the last monster they faced, Vace wanted to be a bit more ready for this one.

[Darth SS]

Ark followed Tama, "Someone's gotta' make sure the bar brawl doesn't end with everyone dead."

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: That's why there was a !, see, that indicates that he yelled, so your guy would hear it.

[LilWhiteMage]

"Bar brawl?" There was a bit of worry in her voice as she went to sit beside Lynx. "You really shouldn't let him get to you like that. He's just testing your nerves... and there's no need to waste your energy on him when he's just being stupid."

[Raiden]

Tama looked at Ark.

"Hey, as long as nobody touches my drink, calls me a name, insults the princess, hurts the princess, thinks about touching the princess, starts a fight, brushes up against me, looks at me the wrong way, breathes on me, bumps my stool, talks too loudly, or acts like a dumb ass, I won't have to kill them."

The three men walked through the village, and stopped at what appeared to be the local pub. They walked in, and the smell of alcohol, puke, and rotten wood rushed out to meet them.

[Darth SS]

Ark wrinkled his nose. "This lads, is why I live in the wild."

[IHateMakingNames]

"It was a simple spell, and the staff makes it easier. It's enough to knock him out for another day, again." Lynx yawned and dropped his staff, the flame in it disappearing. He reached over for a nearby piece of wood, and began to practice carving runes on that.

[LilWhiteMage]

"Well, while I would agree that it would be nice to have him knocked out for another day to keep him from trying to start fights with everyone in sight, it would probably slow us down just as much to have to drag him around." She leaned back, propping herself up with her arms as she watched Lynx practicing his carvings.

[Forever Zero]

"Well as long as those are your criteria, we should get through this fight free," Vace said, rolling his eyes behind Tama's back. When they walked in the bar, Vace said, "Whew, I was hoping for a bit more alcohol smell and a bit less vomit smell..."

[Squishy Cheeks]

Meanwhile....

Cid stood on the parapet of the palace. A crowd had gathered at the gates of the palace The news of the king's assassination spreading quickly. rumors of other assassinations abounded.

"Today is a tragic day," Cid began his coronation speech. "my fellow citizens, a day when our enemies would hope to rob us of our heart and soul. Our king lies dead, murdered by an Alban assassin, and his heir dead at the hands of foul magic. We must not let these demoralizing loses defeat us. We can not let the weak and cowardly actions of our foes prevail. It is with a heavy heart that I, the captain of the royal armies, take up the crown. I will give our kingdom the justice it deserves. Even now vile traitors and spies attempt to poison the heart of this kingdom, our kingdom. Like the Phoenix we must rise from the ashes of tragedy. We will consume those inferior cowards in the fires of our rebirth. We will prove to the world that we are the greatest society, and deliver our wisdom onto those ignorant fools who seek to destroy us. We will not let these terrorist acts go by idly. We will not allow ourselves to be manipulated by these weak infidels. Arise patriots and spread the word! A new power is arising. It's victory and justice are soon at hand!"

The former king's chamerlain placed the crown on Cid's head. Cid stood and took in the quiet joy of a cheering crowd. He silenced the crowd.

"My first act as king is to hunt down the radical insurgents responsible. Only when the those who plotted this treason are brought to justice will our motherland be secure. I encourage you all to assisst the militias and the military in rooting out these domestic terrorists. Only with your help will we be able to take back our kingdom."

[gh0st]

OOC: you know....Cid's plan is suspiciously similar to Prince Humperdink's plan from Princess Bride. Or at least, what it would have been had it, you know, worked and stuff. Can I assume that we are now classified as radical insurgents?

[LilWhiteMage]

I love that movie... >_>though the only difference here would be that Cid isn't marrying the princess to kill her on the wedding night..


"You know Lynx..." Dawn started as she looked away. "Do you ever wander if all of this was even necessary? I mean, we've risked our lives, and yet everything still seems to go wrong somehow."

Sighing lightly, she pulled her arms out from under herself, letting herself plop backwards onto the ground. "Part of me wishes I had just stayed back at the castle with Reena... I wonder if she is okay... I mean.. sure Cid is a day or so ahead of us.. but he wouldn't have gotten there by now. And even so, he wouldn't hurt her, you think?" She asked, though she knew the most probable answer.

If anyone was to get in Cid's way, they'd be dead.

Meanwhile at the castle...

I don't understand how this could be happening.

Reena Burness held her arms over her chest, an ill look on her face as she stood in the back while Cid gave his speech. And what had really been bothering her since the king's death was why hadn't she been called in to help. She could have at least offered some help, yet she hadn't learned of the assassination of the king until much later.

Something is not right here...

She turned and began to walk off as he finished, not particularly in a mood to have to speak with the new king. As she made her way to her chambers, she noticed a strange man standing at the door. Turning around to go a different way, she found herself bumping into another man who promptly grabbed her, covering her mouth as he pulled her off into one of the darker hallways.

[GatoFiero]

Meanwhile....

Cid stood on the parapet of the palace. A crowd had gathered at the gates of the palace The news of the king's assassination spreading quickly. rumors of other assassinations abounded.

"Today is a tragic day," Cid began his coronation speech. "my fellow citizens, a day when our enemies would hope to rob us of our heart and soul. Our king lies dead, murdered by an Alban assassin, and his heir dead at the hands of foul magic. We must not let these demoralizing loses defeat us. We can not let the weak and cowardly actions of our foes prevail. It is with a heavy heart that I, the captain of the royal armies, take up the crown. I will give our kingdom the justice it deserves. Even now vile traitors and spies attempt to poison the heart of this kingdom, our kingdom. Like the Phoenix we must rise from the ashes of tragedy. We will consume those inferior cowards in the fires of our rebirth. We will prove to the world that we are the greatest society, and deliver our wisdom onto those ignorant fools who seek to destroy us. We will not let these terrorist acts go by idly. We will not allow ourselves to be manipulated by these weak infidels. Arise patriots and spread the word! A new power is arising. It's victory and justice are soon at hand!"

The former king's chamberlain placed the crown on Cid's head. Cid stood and took in the quiet joy of a cheering crowd. He silenced the crowd.

"My first act as king is to hunt down the radical insurgents responsible. Only when the those who plotted this treason are brought to justice will our motherland be secure. I encourage you all to assist the militias and the military in rooting out these domestic terrorists. Only with your help will we be able to take back our kingdom."

To which Cid added, "Hail Zeek Zion!" and the crowd responded "Zion! Zion! Zion!"

Anyways, back to the rp. I'm going to fast forward it slightly so it's after the boots are removed.

---------------------------

Thid felt light as a feather when he stood up after the boots had been removed. "This is great! I can move again!" *Does a dance, then falls on his ass* "Whoops, I guess I have to get used to moving again with out all that weight holding me down....hey blacksmith, how much money will you give me for those boots? You could melt them down 'n stuff."

[OOC] fast forward time again [OOC]

Once the lead boots were off, he split up with the others in order to purchase a few items. Thid used the money gained from selling them to get a new pair of light leather boots. Then he tracked down a weapons shop and purchased a sturdy bow with a quiver of arrows, and one special arrow with a silver tip. Gazing at the silver tipped arrow Thid thought, this one's for you Cid, I’ll teach you ya can't get away with putting me through all this....

Thid then went to meet up with the others, who had gathered at the bar.

[Squishy Cheeks]

ooc: Actually it would be more like "ZIEG HIEL!" a changed some of the details, like instead of the reichstag fire, i made it a royal assassination, but most of the other details are about right.

[CelesJessa]

OOC: Actually, I think it would be spelt, "Heil". (unless you're saying the other word that is spelt Hiel, which I doubt you are) 'Cause it's German and when you pair together E and I, the second letter of the pair is the one that is pronounced. ^_^ (I would add something important to the RP, but I have about 3 minutes before I have to be off, so I decided just to make a useless RP post.

[BMHadoken]

Jude, not being a drinker and not being braindead enough to find shoe removing exciting, had stayed behind, and was now leaning against a tree thinking about a lot of current situations.

A big chunk of the thought had been concerning the group, and wether or not he should stick around with it. The two leading factors in staying around this long ha been getting with Dawn, and getting back at Cid. Dawn however seemed to be really oblivious or uninterested, and Cid wasn't really that much higher since Jude had lived through the whatever and not really suffered, plus he had a hard time holding grudges.

Another chunk was about his father, and his roots. He had always wanted to go to wherever the hell the Avion's were and train to be a formal Dragoon, not just jumping high and stealing spears for practice, which is where he was currently. If all hell broke loose as Cid had proclaimed he planned, Jude felt confident that he'd be able to just saunter off to the secret Avion city and wait it out...if he could ever find the Avion city, but thinking too far ahead can be a little stupid sometimes.

For now though, he walked over to Dawn and Lynx and peered at the runes before getting bored and looking for the pub.

[MasterZero]

((OOC: i'm just gonna make a quick post of my character at the blacksmith. I guess the next post I will get to make will be in the next chapter))

Kalimare stood waiting, the blacksmith was a bit afraid of him for his appearance. After all, it WAS an orc that was in his smithy. Kalimare walked over to him, and the blacksmith stepped back, still afraid.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't hurt someone that I want to make a new weapon for me. I need a broad sword, about 5 feet long and six inches wide. If you can, make with this."

Kalimare pulled out a bag with a strange powder in it. This was something that he had gathered from a secret place. It wasn't magical, but it made a weapon nearly indestructable.

"Can you do this?"

"Y-y-yes."

The blacksmith went to work while Kalimare waited just outside, his back leaned against the side of the smithy.

[LilWhiteMage]

As Jude made his rounds, Dawn sat back up slightly, now watching as he made his way back towards the pub.

"I'll be back in a couple of minutes." She rose to her feet, straighting out her robes as she followed after the Dragoon. "Hey Jude..." (erm... no pun intended there... I think >.>) She started as she came up behind him, her arms held behind her back. "I just... wanted to say thanks...for sticking around and all. You've really helped... us.. a lot. I mean, you killed that monster for us... and you didn't have to stay to help...but you did." She pawed at the ground a bit with her foot as she stared at the ground and tried to make it sound as much like gratitude from the group in whole rather than just herself.

[BMHadoken]

Well, theres at least one thing to keep me around I guess. Jude thought as he said it was no big problem, just wandering by, and all the other stuff that heroes say to the girls who their trying to woo.

[LilWhiteMage]

"So... will you be going back to what you were doing before you ran into us Sir Jude?" She asked, an hinge of disappointment clinging onto her voice. She wouldn't be the first to admit it, but she found him to be..well, attractive. Strong, brave, caring... like any girl's dream guy, though she felt completely unworthy of even knowing such a man.

[IHateMakingNames]

Lynx had finished making a small rune handle neat the middle of the staff, when he noticed Dawn was gone. He was going to ask her if the rune was right, since he was working completely off memory.

Getting up, he sniffed around (He kept the senses) and followed her scent, finding her and Jude, but ignoring him for now he tapped Dawn on the shoulder and held out the staff. "Is this right? It's supposed to draw the magic from the user itself, making it easier to cast spell."

[LilWhiteMage]

Dawn jumped a bit as Lynx suddenly came from behind and tapped her on the shoulder. Flustered, she turned around, her face slowly turning a faint red. "I.. er.. uhm..."

She stopped, grinning sheepishly as she calmed herself down, looking closely at the rune that had been carved in the staff. "That looks really good Lynx" She smiled. "Better than I could have ever done."

[Raiden]

(OOC: It never fails. Two characters are having a touching moment, and IHMN decides to step in. Every...single...time.)

Tama, Vace, and Ark walked into the bar and sat at stools near the bartender. He laid his mace down by his side, and flipped up three fingers. The bartender nodded, and sent three mugs of liquid sliding down the bar towards the three of them. Almost through an impulse, the three of them grabbed their mugs simultaneously, and drank deeply. The sound of all three of them slamming their empty mugs down on the table at the same time shot through the bar. They then burped. Tama made a smirk.

"If you guys don't watch out, I might end up liking you two.

[IHateMakingNames]

OOC: What? They are doing cliche, touchy feeling moment thing, so I jumped in as the cliche guy who ruins that moment.

[Raiden]

Tama ordered some more drinks. They came sliding down, and the three men grabbed them again. But this time, Tama was bumped quite hard from the back, causing his drink to spill. He heard a laugh from behind him.

"Excuse me, sir. But you made me bump into you. I think you owe me an apology." The man pushed on Tama's back. Tama's face never changed it's expression. He simply raised his hand again, and a mug came sliding down. When Tama went to reach for it, it was grabbed by the man behind him.

"I'll just take THIS as my apology." The man guzzled down Tama's drink. Tama frowned at the man. When he finished the drink, the man burped in Tama's face. Tama turned around.

"I don't know what I did to you, but I'd recommend leaving me alone. I'm not in much of a mood to kill anyone right now." The man's face turned angry when Tama said that. He grabbed Tama's shoulder hard, and spun him around.

"You have something to say, little man! You say it to my face." Tama's hand clenched a little, but then relaxed, and smiled.

"I would, but I don't like to speak to people with such a lower intelligence than mine. Allow me to introduce you to someone with your same IQ." And with that, Tama reached up quickly, grabbed the man's hair, and slammed his face down on the bar.

[Darth SS]

Ark was the first one to move. He kicked Tama's opponent away, then stuck Tama into a hold, and started dragging him away, despite his extreme struggling.

"Nothing to see here folks, just an angry easily pissed off drunk."

[Raiden]

Tama continued to struggle against Ark.

"Let me at him! I told you, anybody who bumped into me, I would kill! You can't really blame me for it, with the way he treated me! I gave him a chance to walk away."

The man got up from the bar, and his nose was bleeding. A few of his friends huddled around him.

"God damn. He brok my node! He brok my node! I'm gonna fuggin gill him!"

The man and his friends started to charge at Tamakatari.

[IHateMakingNames]

Lynx heard Tama screaming, which wasn't hard since the pub was just around the corner. "Ugh... What is that idiot doing..." Lynx quickly left Dawn and Jude, and went behind a nearby building. The pub was behind that building, and Lynx was Ark carrying a screaming Tama out of the building. "Ugh... Baby is having a temper tantrum..."

[Darth SS]

Ark swore, and let Tama go, spinning him aside, and drew his sword.

"You have 2 options here. Either we all just suck it up and walk away, or we fight and the majority of us don't go home tonight. Especially not in one peice. Your choice."

Tama started to move.

"Don't even think it."

[CelesJessa]

Finally finished at the blacksmith's, Cesia and Thid made it back to the pub. As Cesia walked up, she saw Tamakatari and some of the others starting to cause a scene. Cesia raised an eyebrow, "I don't know if I should just leave now before I get caught up in any trouble that they might be causing or stay and see what's going on." Cesia laughed quietly, and watched a bit before she rounded everyone together to get the horses and head out. She looked around, "Is everyone here?" She wondered out loud.

[Forever Zero]

OOC: Aww, I missed the chance at a good bar brawl, oh well.

Vace helped Ark calm down the enraged Tama, after getting one last drink at the bar, and brought him back to the others who were assembled to go. After seeing Tama's armed friends, the bar thugs decided to go find something else to do. Vace thought, <There goes my chance for any info on the beast> but when he got back to the others he said, "It appears our good buddy Tama can't hold his alcohol as well as some of us."

[Darth SS]

"New rule. No alchohol for Tama."

[CelesJessa]

"Alright, keep Tamakatari away from the drinks, right?" She laughed, then got down to business, "Alright, let's head to the stables and get some horses and get going." She said as she led the group to the stables.

(OOC: alright, a new chapter soon. I'm gonna skip ahead to after they get the horses, so if you have anything you want to say, do it really quick now. It might take a sec to get the chapter up, 'cause I'm doing a few things at once, 'cause teachers must think it's funny to give huge amounts of homework a week before Christmas... >_<;; )