Aeterna - IC

[Kristia]

Kalkun, Rockhill District

Finishing her part of the rabbit, Kris looked again to the horizon with her telescope, the desert looked calm as always, its dunes big as hills and changing almost everyday, moving clockwise she saw the rocky paths she came from, slowly with time they formed from a flat surface into a great canyon

Yet when the huntress looked at a path, she noticed a group of people, 2 were seeing a fallen one "An ally of them? or maybe" her thought trailed off as the idea came over, they were possibly bandits

Kris then took her bow and went to a close area to the group of people, crawling on the rocky surface with a higher point of view, she noticed one of the men was checking on the unconscious guy, yet she couldnīt identify if he was scavenging or only checking him.

In the end Kris decided for a confrontation, taking an arrow from her quiver the huntress put it on the bow just in case the people would attack her "Hey, what are you doing to him?" she asked coming to the manīs view

[bookdragon2000]

Everbloom Forest-1:00AM

Yomi woke up and sat up, his head pounded and he felt a thin trickle of blood drip past his ear. He reached up and winced and he felt the painful head wound he had endured. He looked around and saw that his belongings were scattered in a 10 foot radius around him. He set to collecting his items.

He had lost about half of his books and most of the food was gone, but at least he still had his grimoire and huthvirn. After packing them up, he started foraging for food, all the while thinking:
"I need to find a new place to go... The forest is really getting to crowded, i also need to start working on my magic. I heard that there were steppes to the south-west. That might be a good place to go, there should not be many people there, and the open air would be better for me to practice rather than this undergrowth.

He finally collected enough nuts and fruits to fill his pack,(not berries, those just don't last long....), with that he opened his grimoire and found a certain page. It contained as much of what he could remember the time he accidentally cast the spell. That time he had been ambushed by one of the patrols and the surprise and panic had caused him to accidentally cast this spell. He had been on the edge of the forest when he was ambushed, and when the spell ended, he had found himself on the opposite edge. It seemed that he had turned himself temporarily into light and sped off. He had yet to try it again as that one time he did it, he had collapsed and slept for 3 days, the energy demand had been extreme. But this time he planned to only travel a much shorter distance and hold the spell for a mere 1/2 second rather than the 3 seconds he had done that time.

There was a flash that blinded anyone and anything that might have been looking at him, and he was gone.

residuum steppes

A blinding flash of light materialized and a boy appeared at the source, which happened to be the top of one of the small hills, he toppled over and just lay there. The energy drain had been immense, and all his muscles ached, but at least he was awake. After a while, he took out some food and started eating. And then gratefully fell asleep.

(note: I hope this is ok, I did it this way because if he were to walk, it would take a long time, and the story was progressing in terms of minutes.)

[Katrix]

Everbloom Forest - 1:00 AM

"Have you heard about the boy that killed 36 men alone after they killed his father? I don't know if you have as you were most likely out here when it happened.
Anyway, I decided to hunt him. It had been a long time since I had a prey like that. The soldiers that got too the house lent me a hunting dog which led me to the boy.
Then some fighting happened. He's a speed mage, and a creative one too. In the I gave him some sleeping gas before he jumped away. He should be sound asleep by now."

"As for Vox, he helped me locate the boy when the dog got afraid and ran away. Poor dog was killed right after that too." Sidna sent a smile towards Vox.
She didn't want to be any trouble for him. What happened to Hell Master on the other hand she didn't care about at all.

"We learned a lot today. Now, if we can catch him while he is steel asleep I think it would make this much easier".
While talking Sidna ignited a single flame in her hand using some of the branches lying around. She limited the amount of oxygen it had so it didn't burn up at once.

"As for me, I would like to get a medical check, but no broken bones or anything. "

[wonderweiss]

"Alright. Just hold still."

Hell Master began treating any wounds that he found.

"Ya know, is it just me or is it that I'm the nicer of us two?" He said jokingly as he finished off.

"Good. Now then, how did a speed mage manage to raise your temperature like that?"

He spent a while going through all of the knowledge he has obtained about speed mages. It took him a minute or two, but then he finally solved the case.

"Oh, man, that's a bad way to go. Much worse than burning. You need to get home. And as for the boy..."

He thought for a while, then decided, "I'll hunt him down. You said you wanted to see me fight someone like that? Well today is your lucky day, ain't it? And who knows, maybe I'll come out with worse injuries."

Hell Master was not like many. Though he was arrogant, whenever he goes in to battle, he always expects not to come out alive. That is his secret to fighting to his fullest. However, this is also why he doesn't like fighting.

"So, Sidna, are you gonna encourage me to get my ass kicked or are you going to fail at stopping me? Because with an opponent like this, I'll surely be in the hospital for some time, wheras you just need to stay home and relax."

He stood up and walked over to Vox.

"Hey, Vox, it's obvious she likes you more than I, so keep her safe for the mean time. I'm counting on ya."

[Tewi_Inaba]

Everbloom Forest – immediately following Jason’s shockwave.

In a rage Seki had attempted multiple times to hit an enemy who was simply no longer there, until a sudden shockwave hit her from a distance. It didn’t exactly harm her, rather just sent her air-born towards a nearby tree. Seki caught herself, using the back oh her knees to catch heself and continusly flip onwards in the direction she had been traveling. In a instant her mood changed and she was starting to actually have fun. Her flipping turned to rolling once she hit the ground and took off like a ball heading down a gentle slope.

Everbloom Forest around 1:10 AM

After rolling about for several minutes in the woods Seki found her self in a familiar place. She rolled on her side coming to a gentle stop next to what used to be her house. During all the loud fighting that day. Somewhere between when she actually got attack and being sent off by the odd shockwave. A boulder had given way to gravity and traveled the exact same path as Seki, down the slope and over/through her house. Seki stood up covered in both mud and confusion in what could have possibly happened to her house. After giving it a moment of thought she came to a conclusion,

“Gahh!! My house ran away from home!”

Teary eyed she sat back down in the location where she had stopped rolling. She was not so much crying, as she was pouting, never the less she was upset.

“And I was just staring to get really hungry too. Stupid house…. Huh?”

Seki reached into her dirty pants pocket extracting from it her little doll whom seemed to be her only companion in the world.

“I know Anna I’m sad too….. What should we do now?”

She spoke to her doll “Anna” as it it could understand and even answer her. After a moment at staring at her doll, an answer came to her from one of the many voices inside her head.

“Ok we’ll go find something to eat at Kalkun.”

Seki smiled for a brief moment and hugged Anna before placing her back inside her pocket. The girl rested her blade on her shoulder as she began making her way north/northwest towards the mountain area.

[Major Mario]

Kalkun, Rockhill District (@Kris)

---

Bob the mule grunted in surprise as Eric halted his investigation. What a shame, he thought as he lifted his hands away from the fallen knight of a man. When he needed to find a buyer, it seemed like every person disappeared within a ten-mile radius of him. But when he wasn't actively searching, people flocked into view. The problem with this was that not everyone was looking to buy from him.

Eric looked over at the newcomer and immediately changed his tune. Long, black hair. Unnatural purple eyes. An outfit only an eccentric would love. It seemed customary for players/users to pick appearances that they could never get in real-life. Eric didn't think any less of them for it, seeing as his imagination came up lacking. But the most glaring aspect was that the newcomer was a woman, and a rather interesting one if not for the notched bow that showed that she meant business.

Raising his hands into view, the lone merchant decided he would use his charm and good looks (beg for mercy) in an attempt to explain himself. Just about every person in Aeterna existed in the real world, so if Eric drove his dagger into this woman's heart, he would essentially be driving it into a dessicated vegetable somewhere else, and that was bad karma.

"Hoy there... This isn't what it looks like. You see... I found him on the ground just now and was hoping to find that he's alright. If he's not alive, then... well..."

His words ran off. Probably for the best, he thought as he looked up at the woman.

[Katrix]

Everbloom Forest

At the idea of Hell Master going after the boy she was pleased. She couldn't think of any reasons why he'd win and not she.
("In reality he's weaker than me anyway. I just held back during those battles. I couldn't bring myself to kill him strangely enough.")

"I like the idea off you going after him. Don't expect me to just sit home in my chair and do nothing. If i have to sit home in a chair, it will be a chair of studying.
Do you have any idea of where he was headed anyway? It would probably be more clever to alert all off Tyruss's soilders, just like they already know about Seki."

She made another ball of twigs and branches, but this time she added some stearin to it so that it would retain the flame for longer. She then added some epsom salt from one of her pouches.
When she igntited the ball it glowed a bright white color color. She then threw the ball and led it to where the battle had occurred where it exploded violently.
"Next time we get him. Just like that. We just have to find him sound asleep as he should be by now. Then we can do whatever we want with him"

[wonderweiss]

He stopped in his tracks. She was right. How could he know?

"... Gee, you sure are acting a lot more dark than usual. Almost as if you wanted to kill me. Well then, if you say so. I'll post the new wanted list. You and Vox here will tend to the description of appearance. Oh, and just so you know, I'm not that bad of an idiot to not know that you will still tend to your duties in any way. Still, you're in a bad condition as it is. You can tend to your job, but stress yourself and you will become a baked potato. Oh, and see a medic. God knows what will happen when you do this and that while you're in your condition. Well, I'll be off. Hopefully, you won't summon another giant sleep-depriving fire tornado."

HM walked over to Vox.

"Oh, and Vox, if you're not doing anything tomorrow night, you and I should grab a drink, on me. Ya know, for doing such a good job." He began walking home until...

"Uh, Sidna... Mind giving me that famous 'shortcut' throw? I don't wanna walk home, and it'll be much easier if ya just wind threw me."

[Kristia]

Kalkun, Rockhill District

Kris looked at the fallen knight, he had bruises and cuts on him, but still breathing, ("Hm.. he looks more travel damaged than battle, probably got lost in the wilderness") she thought while calmly walking to the groupīs direction

Then she examined the man, he looked quite clean, so the possibility of being a bandit can be taken off, yet there are outlaws who take advantage of travelers. Taking a calm breath she saw the man was clean of any trace of blood and the large backpack on his persona "how is his state if I may ask?" the huntress asked touching the unconscious guyīs wrist to check his pulse.

"I suppose you are a traveling merchant, not many can be seen since the empire appeared, if you need shelter or a drink, I suggest you to go to the townīs inn"" Kris said lifting up the unconscious guy and preparing to walk towards the town, yet ready to draw her sword just in case

[Kilelicus]

Residuum Steppes - 1:00 AM

Phenom's gaze was yanked from the horizon as a large flash of light could be seen a few mounds away. While many of the hills in the steppes were not large enough to actually be called hills, they were large enough to hide the source. He immediately rose to his feet, hands on their respective swords in case this was some new foe from Regius. He cautiously approached the location, peaking his head over the nearest hump in the ground.

"The hell happened here..." Phenom whispered to himself. That was when he saw the source of the flash. Another boy, significantly younger than him, laying in the grass.

"He doesn't look Regiusian..." he added. He didn't see any Regiusian crests on him, but then... many of the Regiusian commanders lacked crests as they preferred to dress their own way. "The hell is he eating? Looks like fruit!"

YES, FRUIT! I'M SO HUNGRY!

Phenom silently lurked in the shadows until the boy fell asleep, when he would steal, and hopefully get away with, some of the food in the boy's bag.

It was a few minutes before he went to sleep, but it would definitely be worth the wait. Phenom crept up to the boy slowly, using his speed magic to slow his body whenever he felt he was moving too fast.

[Major Mario]

Kalkun, Rockhill District

---

"I prefer the term, 'vagabond vendor', but that tends to confuse people," Eric replied. "For instance, I sell supplies, not wandering people looking f- Oh, you're leaving."

Eric raised himself up from the ground and dusted his trousers from the dust and dirt. Sometimes people liked a merchant who looked personable, other times they did not. 60% of the time no-one gave a rat's ass. Regardless, a potential mark had been carried away which left the merchant wondering what to do next. Typically, when he came across a corpse he would strip it of armor and supplies. He didn't feel bad about it at all, figuring that if it failed to save the poor sap's life, it could help save someone else's. Perhaps the nearby town would offer him a chance to resupply or purchase better equipment, preferably the sort that did not come at a discount.

Whistling for his pack-mule to follow him, the merchant decided to follow the ranger woman. She wasn't a bandit, but perhaps she could be of use as an escort. Sometimes all it took to keep monsters and bandits away was the sight of someone who could wield steel or a bow. That, and Eric figured he could make a potential customer out of her and her 'catch', if he woke up. But it was time to play it cool and go along with her questions for now. Build rapport and all that. Customers liked being talked to.

"Oh, this guy? He's not bleeding and he doesn't stink, so I'll wager he's alive. Plus he's breathing, so things are fine." He glanced over his shoulder for a moment to make sure his beast of burden was following. "I take it you're heading to the inn as well. Never been around this area, but I'll bet the innkeeper can point me to a blacksmith or apothecary..."

[Kristia]

Kalkun, Rockhill District

"If you are searching for a blacksmith, there is a forge in the south part of the town, canīt miss the smoke and smell of metal." Kris said walking towards the town and then pointed to the small smoke towering to the sky gesturing the blacksmithīs location.

Looking at the merchant, the huntress then said "Im sure the inn owner will know about an apothecary or atleast an herbalist, this rocky areas are full of resources for herbalists", taking a herb from her backpack, Kris took a bite from itīs leaves to resist some of the nightīs cold weather, then she took some leaves and handled them to Eric "Want some? they are good for this climate"

"By the way, is there a chance you got some ebony ore in your inventory? I can trade it with some of my supplies if you want to" The huntress asked as the duo was reaching the inn

Again the bard girl was playing her music and her crowd was hypnotized by her sound, Kris chuckled while putting down the unconscious guy on a bed, she faced one of the staff people and handled him some coins "Keep an eye on him and advise me when he wakes up, please" she said calmly while taking a seat in the bar

[wonderweiss]

'Late-Shift Casino'- Otori

---

The moment Otori walked in, cheers were thrown in for him. He was popular in the casino. That is, along with his two other friends. But Hell Master had left town to become a commander. the very thought of it made his heart turn. Someone from the cards table called out to him.

"Hey, Otori. Glad ya finally came by." It was Frank, one of Otori's friends and the card dealer of the casino.

"Hey, Frank. How's the wound treating ya?"

"Well, I'd be lying if I said it was well, but it ain't too bad." He said as he lifted his shirt, revealing a large bandage wrapped around his stomach area.

That wound was from when Frank and Hell Master were fighting thugs. Frank was mortally injured because he was pierced in the stomach by surprise by an angry thug. Hell Master became angry and brutally murdered the thugs, showing no mercy. Ever since then, Hell Master has changed for the worst. He began covertly killing off any shady people or anyone who considered themselves a dangerous gang.

Frank spoke up while attending his work. "So... this is it, huh?"

"... yea. I have to. There is no other way. He won't change. I must end it."

Otori was planning to leave town to hunt down Hell Master.

"But you do know that he will stop at nothing to kill you, right?"

"Yea. Electricity is a dangerous power, and he will most likely find any way to enhance his powers."

"But Otori, you're only in your basic stages."

"Just because it's cal'ed basic, Frank, it doesn't mean that the moves I knew how to use aren't advanced as it is."

Otori only knew a few moves, but all of them were quite dangerous or self-helpful. Otori's favorite offensive wind move was the wind scythe. Not many could channel their power like that. Then there was his defensive move, the wind guardian. It was a giant wind sphere that surrounded Otori. It could deflect any projectiles any slow down an enemy.

"Well, ya got me there. But... are you ready?"

"... to face Hell Master, yes. But to cross the many miles of desert? I wouldn't be able to support myself out there."

"Exactly why we prepared this."

Frank reached under the table and brought out a large pack.

"This is what you need. It has everything in there to support you for hours. It would only take you that long. Everyone pitched in."

Then most of the gamblers chimed in, notifying that they helped. The others at the drinking bar raised their glasses in agreement. Otori stood up.

"Everyone... thank you. I am going to try my best to bring HM back. And If I can't persuade him to return, then I will stop him and return myself."

Then the people cheered. Otori headed for the door with the pack. He waved everybody goodbye. Then he stepped out. He walked towards the boundary of Neo Vegas, revealing nothing but cold, dark desert.

Alright... here I go. I'm going to bring you back, HM. If it is the last thing I do.

He set out.

[bookdragon2000]

Residuum steppes-1:05

Yomi woke ad instinctively froze, still breathing deeply, feigning sleep. He slitted his eyes and saw a vague shadowy figure rummaging through his pack, taking out an apple and chomping on it. He did not mind that his food was being stolen, until the man took out a book and started examining it
`MY BOOKS!!!!` yomi raged silently in his head.

He silently infused his clothes with his magic and breathed deeply, preparing himself. He inched his hand slowly towards his huthvirn and stop just stop of grabbing it. He prepared himself one final time.

He grabbed the handle and as it started to glow, he jumped to his feet and instantly cast a blinding ray of light directly at the man, causing the man to stagger back, blinded and surprised, then yomi charged forward, spinning the huthvirn in both hands.

[Major Mario]

Kalkun, Rockhill District - Inn

---

Eric waved off the ranger's herbal offer.

"Na. I'm already hot and bothered from the trek up here. As long as this town has fires, I'll be fine. Thanks for the offer though." He glanced up at the rising smokestacks from the rocky abodes. "If the homes are made from rock, I can understand how these folks can be generous with their fireplaces. I'll have to have a little chat with the smithy before I leave this town. Maybe he'll clue me in on how to build a proper fireplace, unlike the last one..."

The town looked primitive, sure, but there was a modern vibe to it all. Ironic considering that the world was set in a medieval setting. People wandering about carried themselves with the same mannerisms as modern city-slickers, checking their hands for grime, superstition of being watched, desire to be with others, and above all else, the time-tested love of food, drink, and spirits. Eric figured that these people were not just ordinary NPCs but players or users. Perhaps that was why they had gathered here in this town. Just a bunch of average-joes looking to make the best of a bad situation.

Eric grabbed his partner's reins and led him to the wooden beam near the water troughs. He tied the leather around the beam and effectively 'parked' his mule. After giving the beast of burden an affectionate scratch behind the ears, the merchant followed the ranger into what he presumed to be an inn. With all the commotion coming from within, it was hard to mistake it for anything else. The interior was comfortable enough, the counters were somewhat sticky, the patrons were grizzled yet friendly, and the bard was easy on the eyes as she played near the fireplace. Dames always had a way of wooing patrons, especially if they were already drunk.

After getting himself situated at the bar - and buying himself a small glass of whiskey - Eric turned his attention back to the ranger. Gone was the poor sap on her shoulder. Well, wasn't that nice of her, Eric thought. Most likely the sap was left to the staff. He heard the ranger's question and scratched his beard.

"Ebony ore? Last I checked I have two softball-sized chunks. Jabs into my back whenever I fall over. Better than having a katana piercing my spine, mind you... Lemme check."

As he fished out two pieces of dark, gleaming ore, he raised an eyebrow.

"Just up and help a man off the road and give me the layout of the town... That was mighty decent of you, ma'am. So, you a ranger or a tour guide?" he chuckled.

He began to inspect the two clumps of ore for any defects, all the while choosing to wait for a response.