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Post by Neo on Jun 18, 2015 17:11:14 GMT -6
Orion didn't really have much to pack. He took only the barest of essentials, just a couple extra sets of clothes, some First Aid bandages and gauze in case of emergencies, and that was it. He thought about bringing his flute to pass the time, but decided against it. He couldn't risk it being stolen or damaged. As he was storing it away for the trip, he noticed a small bottle of golden liquid, placed carefully in the drawer. It was a bottle of Ambrosia's famous water that he'd bought on his very first job with the Guild, weeks ago. He had originally intended to give it to Eden, to see if she could discern the water's true properties, or use it for some kind of special divining, but it had completely slipped his mind during all the chaos after that job.
Hmm... Maybe, if I can mix in a bit of my own healing spells, I can increase the water's restorative properties... At the very least, experimenting on it will give me something to do.
He stores the water in his pack, then takes a quick shower. He had a thin beard beginning to form, along with some rather long sideburns, but he decided he liked the look. It didn't make him look as boyish. In fact, it made him look a couple years older. Once he was cleaned up and dressed, he strapped his staff across his back and tied his sword to his waist, straightened his cloak, and went down to meet the others. Both Cenric and Eden were already ready and waiting for him.
"Sorry I took so long," he apologizes sincerely, smiling. "Are we all ready to leave?"
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Post by GX1997 on Jun 18, 2015 17:25:30 GMT -6
"I'm ready, but there's something I want to go over first," Eden said as she adjusted the belt that held her pack. "Since Zalia assigned me to be the leader I'm responsible for what happens on this mission, and I want the best possible outcome, if for no other reason than to make sure we all make it back safe. So we need to make sure we all trust each other before we leave, since that's key to good teamwork. So I'll say it first; I trust both of you with my life, and I trust your judgement."
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Post by Neo on Jun 18, 2015 18:13:41 GMT -6
"I trust you both," Cenric agrees, though for some reason, he seems a bit nervous. "But um... Can we keep the telepathy to a minimum? I don't want to accidentally read your minds... Again. Erm... No offense."
Orion laughs. Poor kid. He's still traumatized about that. "That's fine with me, but it's up to our fearless leader here."
He turns to Eden, and smiles. "All teasing aside, I'd like to think you already know how much I trust you, Eden. But if you just need to hear me say it, I understand. I trust both you, and Cenric, with my life. That's no small feat, you know."
Just then, Zalia walked out of her office and joined them, with an envelope in her hand bearing the official seal of Silver Chimera. She handed it to Eden. "Give this to Senna when you meet her. It proves you're the three I've sent, and authorizes each of you a temporary Secret Clearance for the mission."
She then turns to Cenric. "Once you reach Ambrosia, I want you to conserve your Magic Power, you hear? Only use your teleportation if absolutely necessary. In the worst case scenario, you may need to teleport back to the Guild, and I need you to be ready to do that at a moment's notice."
Cenric inclines his head, and all trace of hesitation or nervousness vanishes. "Got it. I'll be ready, Zalia."
Zalia smiles. "Good."
She turns to look at Eden and Orion, and her motherly smile turns to a knowing one. "You two be good."
With that, she turned around and walked behind the bar, and casually poured herself a drink. Cenric looked at them both and asked, "Are you ready?"
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Post by GX1997 on Jun 18, 2015 18:44:37 GMT -6
"You remember our old signal for when I need to communicate with you via telepathy, correct?" Eden asked, and was relieved when Cenric shook his head to indicate he did. "Alright then, let's go."
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Post by Neo on Jun 18, 2015 19:18:49 GMT -6
The three linked hands, and their bodies seemed to flicker for a moment, and then they vanished. They reappeared in a small side street in Ambrosia, a few feet away from the bustling Main Street. The alley was currently empty, and no one noticed the three Wizards materialize out of nowhere.
"Old habit," Cenric explains quickly, a bit sheepishly. "I forget sometimes that Wizards aren't... Never mind. Let's just go."
Orion gives him a surprised look, but doesn't press him. ... Feared? Hmm, I wonder... Just where did you grow up, Cenric Engel?
The alley exits out right by Central Plaza, and it didn't take them very long to locate their contact. The dark blue and gold uniform of an Imperial Officer was designed to make its wearer stand out. Sitting alone on a stone bench in front of the Fountain was a young woman who appeared to be in her early twenties, older than Eden, but younger than Orion.
That young, and a Captain already? Impressive...
She had medium length light blond hair worn in a ponytail, and ethereal stormy gray eyes. Her tan skin and worn boots marked her as an experienced traveller, despite the immaculate and nearly perfect condition of her uniform. She had two long, slender Rapiers sheathed at her waist, and her uniform was decorated with numerous awards and medals, some even Orion couldn't name.
She looked up expectantly at the Wizards' approach, raising an eyebrow. She opened her mouth to say something, but her entire expression seemed to change when she saw the emblem of Silver Chimera. "Ah, you must be the Wizards General Zalia sent! I've been waiting for you."
She stands up and smiles pleasantly, extending her hand to each of them. "It's an honor to meet you. My name is Captain Whiteriver, but you may call me Senna."
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Post by GX1997 on Jun 18, 2015 22:39:43 GMT -6
"It is an honor to be chosen to represent our guild and work with you on this mission. And as representatives of Silver Chimera we thank you for choosing to use our guild's services, and will do our utmost to ensure that this job goes well."
Eden was trying to show due respect and be professional without drawing extra attention to them. She was also specifically avoiding mentioning what the mission was, wary of the threat of eavesdroppers. She handed Zalia's letter to Senna before she started to introduce herself and her teammates. "These are my teammates for this mission, Orion and Cenric. And I am Eden."
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Post by Neo on Jun 19, 2015 0:44:45 GMT -6
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," Orion says politely, giving a respectful bow.
Cenric introduces himself as well, though with a slightly less dramatic flair. Senna smiles, and opens the envelope. She quickly gives the letter a glance over, then places it back inside the envelope and tucks it away in her jacket pocket. "Right then, all appears to be in order. Follow me."
Senna guided the three Wizards down another side street, where a black standard military issue Magic Car was parked. An older man who seemed to be in his early forties was waiting outside, leaning against the driver's side door. He too wore the dress uniform of the Imperial Army, but his was the blue and silver of a Noncommissioned Officer, or a NCO. He had short silver hair and a dark brown eye- his left eye was covered by an eye patch- and was extremely tall and muscular. Orion even had to look up to make eye contact, and that was something he didn't have to do often. A long scar could be seen below his eyepatch, and he had a thick, bushy mustache that was rather fabulous. His skin was very tan, almost bronze colored. He saluted as Senna approached, and she returned the salute. He unlocked the car, and Senna slid into the front passenger seat, while Orion, Eden, and Cenric slid into the back.
"I believe introductions are in order," Senna said, as her driver started the car. "This is my second-in-command, First Sergeant Flynn Mustang. Mustang, these are the Wizards from Silver Chimera, Eden, Orion, and Cenric."
"Good, you three made it here quickly," he says, his voice deep and gruff. "Have you been briefed already?"
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Post by GX1997 on Jun 19, 2015 1:14:22 GMT -6
"We've been told enough to get by, but very few specific details. I assume that is deliberate in order to lessen the chances of information leaking, though please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. And if there's anything you feel we need to know, please do go over it," Eden said.
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Post by Neo on Jun 19, 2015 14:58:32 GMT -6
Mustang nods, and looks briefly over at Senna, as he pulls the car out onto Main Street. "Ma'am? Would you like me to brief them?"
Senna shakes her head. "No, I'll do it. Thanks, Mustang."
She flicks her wrist and a 3D hologram of what appeared to be a crumbling old ruin flickered to life in between the front and back seats. Orion arched an eyebrow. "My, my... That is Archive Magic. You're a Wizard as well, Lady Senna?"
Senna chuckles. "'Lady Senna', is it? Well, that's a first. But yes, I am. Many of us in the upper echelon of the army can use magic. I specialize in Nullification Magic, though I can use Archive and High Speed Magic as well. Now, if you'll turn your attention to the hologram. This is a representation of the Ruins of Vale, which we believe are the remains of an ancient city that fell into disrepair and was abandoned centuries ago. It is located near the city of Harthford, near the base of the central portion of the Serpent's Spine. Archaeological teams have scoured the place from top to bottom for years, but recently, a local Professor from Harthford and his students stumbled upon a hidden room, in which the Scepter of Aeolis was found.The Scepter of Aeolis is a Rank S artifact, and one of the Crown Relics. It uses powerful Air Magic, and could be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands. Our job is to deliver the scepter to the Imperial Capital."
The hologram changes to show a beautiful golden scepter, encrusted with jewels and crowned with a large emerald. The image flickers again, changing to a geographical map of the area. A route from Harthford to the Imperial Capital is marked by red dots, leading up the mountains. A second route- marked by green dots- splits off from the first and leads down to Ambrosia.
"The plan is simple," Senna continues. "First Sergeant Mustang, along with the bulk of our Company, will be escorting a heavily guarded decoy vehicle to Ambrosia, which will then travel to the Imperial Capital by rail. Meanwhile, I will be leading a single squad of soldiers disguised as Caravan guards, and we will be escorting the real scepter through the mountains under the cover of night. While I don't think we will have much to worry about, the real scepter will still only have a small guard, and it will be transported via Merchant Caravan, so if we do happen to get attacked, it could prove problematic. That's where you three come in. It's common for wealthy merchants to hire Wizards if they're traveling through the mountains, so we shouldn't have any trouble from random passerbys. Especially given the fact we'll be travelling mostly at night."
The hologram vanishes, and Senna turns to look back over her shoulder. "So? Any questions?"
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Post by GX1997 on Jun 19, 2015 17:01:15 GMT -6
"Two things. What's the plan for if something goes wrong? And I assume that since your men won't be in very heavy armor, light rain wouldn't effect our pace substantially, would it?" Eden said.
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Post by Neo on Jun 19, 2015 17:45:53 GMT -6
"It depends on what you mean by 'wrong'," Senna replies. "We have a few contingency plans in case we get attacked. We have the full support of the Emperor on this mission, as well as the full cooperation of the High Council, and that means we'll have the support of the Imperial Army's Magic Corps, the Silver Hand's elite Jaeger Division, and the High Council's Seraph Knights in case we're attacked by members from a Dark Guild. A squad of Jaegars will be following us at a discreet distance, and they're masters at blending into the shadows; one of the main reasons we're traveling at night. The High Council will have one of its Satellite Lacrima trained on us at all times, and every one of us will have a secure Radio Lacrima. If we need reinforcements, General Auron, the Guild Master of Sylph Wing, leader of the Imperial Magic Corps and one of the Four Keys of Solomon, will have troops on standby, ready to deploy. I think even the Nebilim Organization would think twice before trying to steal the scepter."
Her tone suddenly deepens, turning a bit more serious. "However- and my superiors agree on this-... As important and powerful as the scepter is, it's still only one artifact, and we can track its Magic Signature if, by some chance, someone does manage to get past us and steal it, and they decide to use it. I will prioritize keeping my soldiers- and you three, don't worry- alive and unharmed. If things get too bumpy, I will not hesitate to abandon the scepter."
She brings up another hologram, and this one shows a more detailed map of their route. "We have several safehouses and rest stops along the way, where we can hold up if we're under attack and need a place to lay low. We can also use them in case of extreme weather."
She lightens up again, and smiles. "And no, a light rain won't affect our pace. Though, it might make visibility a bit difficult in some places."
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Post by GX1997 on Jun 19, 2015 18:05:52 GMT -6
"And what places would those be?" she asked, hoping that Senna would show them to her on the hologram.
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Post by Neo on Jun 19, 2015 18:41:48 GMT -6
Senna snapped her fingers, and the holographic map zoomed in, showing several caves along the mountain route marked with green Xs. "All of these caves are very defensible, and free of any monsters or animals."
The map changed again, showing a long stretch of forest between Harthford and the base of the mountain route. "This is what we need to be wary of. If we are going to be attacked, it will be here. I guarantee it. The forest is large and very dense in places, and there aren't any places we could use as a safehouse. On top of that, the forest canopy will greatly hinder the Council's Satellite Lacrima, and chances are, if someone has discovered our ruse, then they'll also know about the satellite, or at least expect something similar. And that means they'll attack fast and hard, and hope to get out quickly. As such, once we enter the forest, I'll be placing everyone on red alert, and we'll all be switching to our armor. Once we clear the forest, it should be smooth sailing all the way to the capital. Is there anything else you need to know, Ms Eden?"
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Post by GX1997 on Jun 19, 2015 19:43:41 GMT -6
Eden wasn't sure if Senna understood what her magic was used for, and she couldn't read the young woman's face, so she had to assume that she either understood perfectly or was very confused by her questions. She was also unwilling to spend the time it would take to request clarification, so just just continued to ask questions. If Senna didn't understand after all, she could be the one to ask for clarification, not Eden. "Just one. Is there any extra room in the vehicle transporting the relic to store some sort of large vessel that I could fill with water and use for at least part of the journey?"
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Post by Neo on Jun 19, 2015 22:43:01 GMT -6
Senna gave her an odd look, then thought about it for a moment, and nodded. "Probably, but why....?"
Her eyes brightened in realization. "Ah, you must use Water Magic! Sure, we can find you an empty barrel or something similar in Harthford when we get there. May I ask what you intend to use it for?"
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Post by GX1997 on Jun 19, 2015 22:59:15 GMT -6
Eden chuckled and smiled as Senna's face lit up as she realized that Eden used water magic. "I actually use two distinct forms of water magic. One is standard manipulation of water. And the other is the reason why I'm actually on this mission. I can use water for divination. It's an ability that could be quite handy on this mission. Cenric and Orion were also chosen for the unique abilities they bring to the table. Master Zalia- or as you call her General Zalia- is taking this assignment very seriously, and chose the team carefully. You called on the right guild for help, if I do say so myself."
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Post by Neo on Jun 19, 2015 23:45:45 GMT -6
Senna's smile widened at that. "I didn't hire Silver Chimera personally- that was General Auron- but from what I've seen so far, I definitely agree he chose the right Guild. Divination, huh? Oh, the things I could do with that...~"
She intentionally ignored Eden's comment about "General" Zalia, though her eyes seemed to sparkle knowingly. She turned to Orion, and her eyes sparkled with something else; namely, mischief. "So, Lord Orion, what kind of special... Talents do you have, that makes you so perfect for this mission?"
Orion grinned charmingly at the good Captain's unexpected flirting. "Why, I am but a humble priest, milady. I specialize in Light Magic, both offensive and defensive. I can heal wounds, lift morale with a smile and a song, and I know a thing or three about enchanting and artifacts."
Senna's grin widened. "Is that so? Glad to have you along, then."
She turned to Cenric, who merely sighed at Orion's antics. "I use Teleportation and Telepathy Magic," he says preemptively. "I can use a bit of Telekinesis too, though not very well. And don't let the 'priest' fool you, Captain. Despite his fondness for jokes and his 'humbleness', he's a... Fairly powerful Wizard."
Orion gave a light laugh. "Only 'fairly'? Ouch. What did I ever do to you?"
Cenric mumbled something under his breath, something that sounded suspiciously like "You're just evil, that's all," and Senna turned back around to stare out the windshield. She leaned back in her seat and placed her army beret over her eyes, as they passed through Ambrosia's North Gate and out onto the open road.
"May as well sit back and get some shut eye while you can, boys and girl. It'll be a few hours before we reach Harthford."
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Post by GX1997 on Jun 20, 2015 14:08:10 GMT -6
Eden found Orion and Senna's flirting humorous, but felt that they should show the young captain exactly how they got their own reputation back at the guild. She leaned over close to Orion, put her hand on his chest, and intentionally whispered loudly. "Those aren't the only activities you know a thing or three about, and you know another fun way to raise morale too...~"
It's funny how many people believe we're a couple despite the many times we've nearly killed each other. I almost feel bad for misleading them. But it's just so entertaining to play along and watch their faces when we say these crazy things.
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Post by Neo on Jun 20, 2015 15:26:07 GMT -6
Orion gave a deep laugh, and very casually placed his arm around Eden's shoulders, holding her close. "I learned from the very best," he whispered loudly to her.
Senna chuckled softly, and a smile could be seen beneath her beret, but she said nothing. Poor Cenric shifted uncomfortably in his seat and stared out the window, practically pressing his head against the glass. Mustang was completely unfazed.
Orion grinned and sighed contentedly. He closed his eyes and settled back in his seat, loosening his hold on Eden slightly, just in case she thought he was going a little too far and wanted to pull away. The last thing he wanted was to get a black eye before the job even started.
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Post by Neo on Jun 20, 2015 20:43:29 GMT -6
The Sun was already almost below the horizon when they reached the town of Harthford. Senna introduced the three Wizards to her elite squad of soldiers, and showed them the Scepter of Aeolis. Senna then had a large round wooden washtub filled with water, and placed in the back of the caravan for Eden to use. While Senna and her soldiers changed into their disguises, Mustang rounded up the rest of the Company, and headed back to Ambrosia. Not long after, the Caravan was ready to depart, and the mission officially began.
They escorted the caravan out of the city, and once they were out of sight and on the open road, Senna distributed a Radio Lacrima to each of her soldiers, and one to Eden. She reported in to her superiors that the mission was underway, and confirmed that the Satelite Lacrima was locked on their position. The Jaegars had already been dispatched, and would be following them from a safe distance, just out of eyesight. Everything was in place. Senna ordered her troops into a loose shield formation, and they marched at a steady, solid pace; Orion and Cenric out front and the caravan in the middle, with three soldiers on each side and three guarding the rear. Senna herself was acting as the merchant, and was driving the caravan, while Eden rode in the back along with the scepter and her makeshift divining pool. It was a simple caravan, pulled by two fully grown, muscular work horses, but one that appeared fairly expensive. The wood was polished and reinforced with steel and the roof was made of a very hard plastic and covered with a long blue tarp. Instead of wooden spokes, the wheels were made of thick rubber, like most Magic Vehicles.
The first leg of the journey was completely uneventful, and Orion and Cenric were allowed to ride in the back with Eden for most of it. They took turns getting what little sleep they could, though Eden was a little stubborn, and took some convincing. Stories were told to pass the time, everything from travelling tales and legends, to folktales and ghost stories. Even without his flute, Orion still proved to be an excellent entertainer, and he had a million songs and jokes... And most of his songs doubled as jokes as well. Eventually, however, even he needed to rest his voice, and so for his last song, he sang for real. It was a tragic, beautiful song about a wandering spirit who couldn't find its rest, and his voice- when he put his heart into it- was nothing short of angelic. Afterwards, almost everyone was bawling their eyes out. Even Eden looked like she had a tear in her eye, though she refused to admit it.
It was closing in on midnight when the forest finally came into view. Almost immediately, the entire mood changed. Senna held up her hand and discreetly gave the signal to be on alert. The caravan's 'guards' then discreetly formed a tight shield formation around the caravan, and Orion and Cenric walked back out front. As they passed under the first of the tall, dark trees, an eery silence settled over the group. No birds chirped. Even the cicadas were quiet. An almost oppressive darkness loomed before them.
Orion unstrapped his staff from his back and whispered a quiet spell beneath his breath. The tip of his staff suddenly began to glow with a white light, illuminating the immediate area around them. The light was warm, and comforting, and soothing, and as his staff touched the ground, a wave of invisible light shot out in all directions, allowing him to see and hear far into the darkness.
And now we wait. There should be nothing to worry about. We have an elite squad of soldiers and Wizards. With my magic, I can see every corner of this forest. Eden can predict the future with startling accuracy. Cenric can both teleport and read minds. And Senna can nullify any form of magic, regardless of how powerful her opponent is. Our defense should be impenetrable. So why can't I escape this... Ominous feeling?
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