Friend of a Friend

"Friend of a Friend" is a BOTGD 2 Act I thread written on [IRL DATE].
==Summary==
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==Full Text==
The Arbiter: The Arbiter hadn’t taken a lot of time to really look over the people he was Protecting. He believed that he didn’t need to, as any threats would still need to get through The Warden. But their knowledge wasnt infinite, and neither was his ability, he needed to hone his skills. He decided to mentally search around.
He found a familiar mind, yet he didnt recognise it. He quickly moved to the person and inspected them before slowly appearing in front of them.
Hello there.
Dixie Donz: Dixie took several steps back and placed a hand over chest. He looked at the demon with wide eyes, vaguely recognizing him from the trial at a distance.
“My…gods…” he murmured, his eyes flickering his form. “That color pallet…”
The Arbiter: What? Is there something wrong with me? He looked over his form, a false worry about him. 
He turned back to face the man. I jest, I am here simly to get to know you. I belived I recognised you. 
Dixie: “Quite the opposite, its…hm…well I’ll need to commit to memory and I dont do that with bad things.” Dixie paused. “Recognized me…ah…probably the trial, I shared some words there…”
The Arbiter: That may be it.  He paused as he felt Dixie’s mind, searching for what the familiar feeling is. He finally realised how it felt, it felt like a mind of the past.
Have you any family? I may have met an old member.
Dixie: Dixie eyed him. “Only one alive, at the moment, a cousin. Blunt.” He rolled his eyes.
The Arbiter: Ah. Blunt. Now I know why you felt familiar. He gave somewhat of a smile and thought back to his youth. The old times when everyone was together. Why are you so quick to dismiss him?
Dixie: “Haven’t you ever had an annoying cousin? ” Dixie replied dryly. “I didn’t realize Blunt knew a demon so personally.”
The Arbiter: He didn’t meet me as a demon. The Arbiter explained. Had it not been for him we may not be able to have this very conversation.
He thought for a moment. As for family. The only one I belive is left from my old life is my sister, though she left with an old friend a long time ago. 
Dixie: Dixie hummed once and clicked his tongue. “That’s too bad…met you as a human huh?” He glanced back at the town and then turned back. “How about a cup of tea? You look like you could use it.”
The Arbiter: He gave off a semi-laugh. If you wish to, I can accompany you. His dust began to unsettle as his body morphed and fell into a cloud.
After a few moments the dust began to calm again and a voice called from within. “or would this make you more comfortable?” he asked, a smirk on his face as he stood before Dixie in his human form.
Dixie: Dixie hissed lightly through his teeth, put a hand half out, and then retracted.
Oh gods…the ruggid look works for him sure, and ‘technically’ the brown and the blue go together but…compared to the colors of his demon form…
“Yeah that’s fine…” he said in a tapered voice, and then gracefully motioned towards a small hut that served hot tea. “Let’s have a seat, and you can tell me more of how you know…eh…Blunt…”
The Arbiter: “We certainly could get to eachother better” He half-joked as he began walking to the hut. “Tea, eh? Its been many years since i’ve had tea” He got himself a quick drink and sat ata a table, ready to answer any questions Dixie might have.
Dixie: Dixie got a cup that was more extra spices and seasonings than tea itself, and sighed contentedly. “First of all dont get me wrong. He’s a…fine…person. In the day he confused stooping to low levels with being clever and opportunistic. His side of the family is also eeh, not the greatest example of Donzes there is. But he’s the least of those offenders so I guess that’s fine.”
The Arbiter: “Yes, I had heard of some of the things that him and his side of the family had been… known for.” he gently stirred his tea. “However it is almost gratifying to know that he was the exception rather than the rule” he looked down solemnly at his cup. “I’m sure you know of Orskaf, and the battle that the rebels had with him. One of my biggest regrets is not helping them out more.”
Dixie: His eyes moved up to Dixie, taking a good loook at the member of the Donz family. “Blunt was always good. To me at least, if not everyone.“
Dixie snorted and sipped his tea. “Orskaf was indecisive and lost in his own mind. Tal was a man child and Blunt had reality problems. But I see why you all like him so much that is what he’s good at.”
He studied him. “Given your…other form…I’m willing to guess you gave your all and more for your rebellion. You should be proud.”
The Arbiter: He smiled a little as dixie complimented him. “I laid down my life and made a deal with hel to protect this rebellion.” He removed his cloak and set it down on his lap. “Though that was but one battle. I could have been there for more. and rest assured I will never make the mistake of sitting on the sidelines again.”
Dixie: “What sidelines? You died dude…” Dixie inquired as he crossed one leg over the other.
The Arbiter: “For all the other battles that the rebels had.” He said. “There were so many more times I could have fought, and yet I wasnt there.” 
His demeanor soured a bit “You know, I did have a reason to fight and die. But i’ll give you one guess where that went.” He sipped his tea as he leaned back a bit and stared off into the distance. 
Dixie: Dixie watched him quizzically, trying to decipher his meaning. “Your reason, and where it went…” he looked him over. “Usually people fight and die for someone…”
The Arbiter: He hummed in agreement and nodded “youre on the right track there”
Dixie: “Love lost…” Dixie said, and a bit of color came to his cheeks out of the sheer romantic notion of it. “I know of several who have suffered from it. “I’m sorry to hear that.” He added plainly, but sincerely. 
The Arbiter: He chuckled and set his tea down. “No, life is a game of give and take, and the gods dont care about how much you give, they’ll still find a way to take. but they’ll give what you’ve been trying your best on to someone else.” There was a note of bitterness in his voice. 
Dixie: Dixie swirled his drink. “Oh you were in love…hard.” He tilted his head. “So your lost love ended up in the arms of another it sounds.”
The Arbiter: “There you go” he nodded and folded his arms. “Don’t fall in love. It only ever seems to do harm”
Dixie: “Oh no worries I haven’t…never found a type.” Dixie said, and then eyed him. “First love?”
The Arbiter: “You betcha” He smiled, raising his tea “she was something special as well.” he took a sip and set it down. “she was smart, capable, strong, and beautiful to boot” 
Dixie: He took a moment. “aaaaaaanyway, enough about that. How’d you find yourself on haligan?”
“Business.” Dixie answered easily. “But don’t think I won’t pry at least a little about his amazing girl of yours. I am a hopeless romantic at heart after all. In the time being, the chief of his island was gracious enough to strike a deal with me. Weapons, warriors, and wares for pure, uncomplicated payment. Afterwards I toasted to the fall of Central with a friend, and I hope the rest will be history.” 
The Arbiter: Fiendal was sligthly dissapointed “Money still makes the world go round eh?” he leaned onto the table “And am I to believe that these warriors you speak of are coming here with the full intention and knowledge theyre fighting against central?”
Dixie: “My mercenaries are specially hired for special tasks. If you and your rebellion ever need some extra oofm to your raids and movements I can supplement your ranks. Or offer said specialist to accomplish certain tasks. Granted, the fight against Central drives a high price…but not as high as asking someone to fight against the rebellion.” He quirked his well defined eyebrows. “Your clan is becoming the stuff of legends. And don’t look so glum, I have to make a living after all.”
The Arbiter: “You want to see the stuff of legend, you talk to Grey, or Na-” he stopped and shivered for a brief moment. “As I was saying, Grey, or the warden, or anyone from the old rebellion. They’ll tell you how a legend was made.”  he eyed Dixie “I suppose I shouldn’t have expected much change from my youth. Least of all should I comment on the workings of humanity. Not anymore.”
Dixie: “I don’t think I’ve ever met such a disillusioned demon.” Dixie mused. “Tell me about these comments though. The stories of old aren’t nearly as interesting to me, as the current comments of an interesting present…” he tapped his chin. “Especially from the likes of you.”
The Arbiter: “You forget. I’m probably the youngest demon out there. I still have time to be dissapointed.” he looked at his now empty cup. “Anyway, I was just recalling back to a time when you were either a rebel or you weren’t.” he said as he waved a hand in front of his face
Dixie: “Ah.” Dixie hummed. “No, never a rebel, just me making my way through a world about to end…” he watched him. “Young or not…with two demons in the rebellion, you ensure a great deal of safety for your friends.”
The Arbiter: “Thats the hope at least” He chuckled “Its a tough world out there. You never know what might happen” he looked out to the people of the village, watching them getting along with their lives peacefully. “These people are worth protecting”
Dixie: “Yes…” Dixie mused. “That they are.” He stood and paced a little as he looked across the town. “The world had become a dark place. Kingdoms like the Wilderwest, although noble, and the Wildest North, although viciously independent, still allowed the existence of the likes of Central. And other kingdoms still became allies of those brain bounced morons…”
His sharp, dark lined eyes squinted. “And then a renegade King and a band of teenage soldiers created a rebellion that is now a symbol of justice to the continent…odd…yet fitting…”
The Arbiter: “The world of old was never good. But as you said, a king and his soldiers rebelled and became the guiding light.” He stood up slowly. “However, there are still many beings out there with intent to harm these people. Good people. Not just them, but their families too.” He thought back to his encounters on other plains while he was with Akkey. Dark lines started to appear along his face and His hand tightened around the cloak he held.
Dixie: Dixie frowned as he turned to face him. “Are you alright there? You’re looking a little…lined?”
The Arbiter: He quickly snapped out of his thoughts and wiped his face, causing the lines to retract. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just old memories.”
Dixie: Dixie put a finger to his chin in thought. He opened his mouth to say something as thoughts flickered behind his eyes. But then he hesitated.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but can I ask you something real quick? ”
The Arbiter: “Go for it. I’ll answer whatever i can.” He looked at Dixie. Coming to slowly regret his irritation.
Dixie: Dixie momentarily swished out his coat as if to draw attention to it, and then held out the back of his hands to display the color of his elongated nails. “How to do they look?”
The Arbiter: Fiendal chuckled and inspected Dixie’s nails, looking closely at them.
“they look good. I never would have thought of colouring nails.”
Dixie: Dixie stood still, and then he clasped his hands together and pointed them at Fiendal. “New to being a demon, lost love, frustration of perceived shortcomings…come, you need a spa, and no is a totally unacceptable answer. Now come with me, I located one the moment I arrived here.”
The Arbiter: He smiled wide and held his hand out for Dixie to take “Lead the way, this will be an interesting new experience” He thought on what Dixie had said, taking a break would be nice.
Dixie: Dixie looked at his hand, and then awkwardly took it. It wasnt so much that his attitude was awkward, more than it simply seemed as though the man had never held a hand before.
He blinked and then motioned with his other hand as he began to tug him along. "Right this way."
He took him to a small, almost shed like building nestled between some hot springs. After paying the man at the counter he walked over to where there were a series of comfortable looking benches. "So tell me." He said with a serious look. "Are you more comfortable as you are? Or as your true form?"
The Arbiter: Fiendal thought about his question. "it depends on the situation. Though this form is far more taxing overall I'd say" he
Dixie: Dixie waved a hand. “Then by all means, I insist you take your most comfortable form. It would be completely contradictory to a spa day to do otherwise.” 
The Arbiter: "Thing is, I don't want to scare anyone." he looked at Dixie "People experiences with random demons showing up have been iffy at best. It'll be hard to convince them that I'm a friend. But it's something I'll have to do." he thought for a moment, bringing his hand to his chin and mumbling "Perhaps I'll talk to Grey first. If anyone should be good about it it'll be her"
Dixie: Dixie frowned, and then glanced at the man behind the counter. He stalked over and met him with a steely gaze. "What kind of coin do you and your staff need to keep your expressions to yourself?"
The man blink. "Oh well...you are paying customers sir, so we wouldn't do anything to-"
Dixie slapped a small stack of extra coins in front of him. "For your good will then. Talk to your staff please. They'll be a demon in your parlor and I insist they are treated with ni differentiation."
The man raised his brows at the coin, and then nodded as he took walked to the back of the spa.
The Arbiter: Fiendal smiled a bit as he watched Dixie hand the spa a bag of coin. "Thank you. You know they probably think it's you though." he quipped as he gave a warm smile. "But seriously, thank you." he gave a small nod before looking around and gauging his space. "I'll be pretty small for my true form. But that's not really any bother."
He took a few breaths and cleared his mind, noticing for the first time, after The Warden's training, how that part of him would shift as well. He closed his eyes as black dust circled it's way around him, eventually covering him. Slowly his form emerged, stomping down has the last parts of his body formed. He sat again, even in his relatively small size he was the height of Dixie when he sat. Here we are.
Dixie: Dixie watches him, a note of quiet awe in his eyes. "Here we are..." he repeated, and then patted his cheeks, and took off his robe. "Well then, let's lay down and enjoy the professionals do their work."
He watched the staff initially like a hawk. But they entered and began work without a second look at Fiendal. The fact that the Warden was so present in this place probably helped. Dixien then sighed. "I imagine it has been quite some time since your muscles were properly loosened."
The Arbiter: Properly loosened? His voice gave off that he was joking around. My muscles have never been loosened before. He tried his best to lay down in a Manor that would be convenient. His many limbs, tail, and wings making it awkward to do so.
Dixie: The staff carefully rearranged some furniture so he could spread out more and, after a moment's hesitation to evaluate how go about with the massage, set three people on him begin to work out his muscles. Mostly with elbows given his size.
Dixie sighed contentedly. "Then you are in for a treat. I fear these are a weakness of mine. Absolutely wonderful...so...what did you do in your old life...?"
The Arbiter: I cannot particularly remember. He said in ernest. I lost many memories after I split from the rebels. He relaxed as people pressed their elbows into his form
Dixie: "A shame..." Dixie groaned into the pillow under his face. "Then pick a topic you enjoy discussing while relaxing. If any. After they undo the stress knots we can go soak in the springs."
The Arbiter: He thought. There wasn’t much he did talk about. most of his conversations were born of necessity. He then realised what he enjoyed in previous conversations. Tell me what your life has been like.
Dixie: Something popped in Dixie’s back and he hissed through his teeth. “Well if that was an indication of anything there have been many phases of it. My complexion is wonderful I realize that but I am half a century old at this point. Not much to even a young demon but still...Which part are you interested in?” 
The Arbiter: Any part you wish to share. He said as he allowed himself to feel the pressure from the spa workers. 
Dixie: Dixie hummed as the therapists brought in a bucket of hot rocks. “I grew up working. Most Donz’s do, although my parents had done well to avoid the harsher edges of our lineage. But after I calloused by hands scrubbing floors I was able to take the time to eventually find my favorite kind of moisturizer, which was a huge moment. My mother had equisite taste, and I worked tirelessly to surpass her. I had no interest or joy in most of the activities of boys my age, but I was satisfied...I eventually lost them, and then inherited their life’s work...I lost it three months later...both cases to a god’s foot.
The Arbiter: The gods could be harsh and cruel. He said, listening to the story. They never needed a reason.
Dixie: “Hm...yes...” Dixie murmured. “From what I eventually came to understand the war was needed for more than just this life on earth...still.” He sighed. “Well, all was well in the end. I followed in their footsteps, got clever, perhaps lucky even, and I made my business just as there’s, and then ten fold. That is myself in a nutshell...”
The Arbiter: It would seem you've had your wits about you. He remarked. It is certainly not the worst idea to take any chances you can get.
Dixie: "I try..." he mused dryly, and then inhaled smoothly as a hot rock was placed between his shoulder blades.
There was a moment as the staff evaluated the Arbiters own back, and then simply proceeded with setting the stones on anything that looked like a tense muscle or joint.
Dixie glanced upwardly once as if in thought. "Correct me if I'm mistaken...but isn't the rebellion holding a festival soon?" 
The Arbiter: I believe there is. He mused. Do you plan on attending? 
Dixie: “I still feel like celebrating, so yes.” Dixie pressed his face further into the rest, and then popped it up on its side to look at him. “Care to accompany me?”
Category:BOTGD 2
Category:Events
Category:Act I
Category:Dixie Donz
Category:Firkugaan