Declaration of the Oldest

**Date Started:** November 5th, 2022
**Date Completed:** Ongoing
**Next Role-Play:**
**Users Involved:** User:Ash9876, User:Starving Skeleton, User:Arukana, User:KontonMan, User:ComicMaster619
**Setting:** Yehuda, Ishgar
**Characters Involved**:
* **Yehuda**: Saint Laurent
* **Ishgar**: Macnia Gowan, Mack Malloy, Axle Strider
* **Flashback**: Scheherazade, Cassandra Bathory

## Messenger Meets the Message

Yehuda.

A continent known for remaining isolated from the rest of the world. A landmass filled with potent Ethernano which flowed throughout all living creatures. It saturates the wind, water and plants. Some would say that, even in the most berserk weather patterns and barren locations, Yehuda still resembled an earth of old. Its richness allowing for the cultivation of rare resources.

"Do you know how Yehuda was found?" The white haired man said to the children who sat before him. His long flowing hair held in a pony-tail. He wore an oversized robe with sleeves that hung loosely from his hands. Yet the gigantic cloths flowed elegantly even in the strongest winds. His body was hidden in garment but still radiated a powerful magic.

"N-noo Mr. Laurent." A child answered. Saint Laurent smiled. His soft eyes closing as he rubbed the boy's hair when he looked down in shame.

"No. No. Don't worry about that." Saint laughed. "Although this is why you have to study. It's important to understand the past in order to master one's future. "Yehuda was a paradise untouched by man. While the surrounding worlds fought against Dragons and embraced the chaos they brought about, those who understood who this world truly belonged to left. They came here and created a new paradise."

"Excuse me." Saint said. He saw several of his underlings approach the gateway to the garden. "You two," He snapped. Several books popped up and floated before his children. "read up. I'll send for your mother in about an hour to take you home. Tell my sister that I want to increase your study time by ten minutes."

"Awwwwww!" They groaned in unison.

"Aw me all you like," He smiled. "But times are changing. We're going to need powerful mages in order to better serve the Gods above us. For our might is the greatest expression of *their* power." He kissed his niece and nephew's forehead. "That's the only way, Krissy, for you to become a High Priestess. And for you, Kaleb, to join the ranks of the Cherubim."

Their eyes lit up!

"Good. So please continue to study diligently." Saint smiled and made his way down the flowery path.

"Master." They bowed. He raised his hand and continued. "I'm delighted to see the children seeing the Cherubim as role models." One added.

"As they should. They're the Gods Swords. Even our newest addition." Saint lead the men down numerous grey hallways and onto a gigantic corridor. A magnificent structure where one could see Yehuda's capital. A beautiful view. Filled with colorful buildings, laughing children and loving, pious families. Gigantic statues dotted the horizons with even larger structures protruding from the ocean itself. The air crisp and water a clear blue. "Any word on our messenger?"

"Ishgar's boy is arriving any minute now." His eldest underling said. "B-but to allow an outsider into our holy lands..."

Saint's eyes were glued to the holy scene. His mouth in a soft smile while his arms were crossed. "The Gods don't think in terms of outsiders and insiders. Only those who worship and those who will. All are welcomed to accept their blessings."

"Of course, my master. I just fear of the potential sacrilege."

"Sacrilege is in knowing but not of ignorance. Remember that those beyond our borders know not what they do." Saint said, unable to exit his teaching state. "Our mothers and fathers have allowed more than enough time for our siblings to sort out their strifes. But they grow restless. High Priestess Shiona tells me they wish for us to begin preparations immediately for their awakening. They have blessed us with their patience so it is now time we show our gratefulness in tenfold."

*Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.*

"Our guest is here." Saint said happily. He swiftly continued his steps where he and his men entered a large white coach that'd take him to the port.

"So, this is Yehuda..." At the helm of the ship, there stood a young brown-haired man with deep blue eyes and an excited smile etched onto his face. To say he was shocked would an understatement, having spent his entire life within the continent of Ishgar. The fact *he* was personally chosen to travel this mysterious land out of all candidates was a great honor. "Alright, Macnia." Whispering to himself, he took a deep breath before releasing it. His once tense shoulders sagged in relief as he stared at the port.

"Don't let everyone down. First impressions matter and this is a serious job."

As the boat dropped anchor, Macnia stepped onto the dock and looked around with eyes sparkling in awe. "I knew this place would be different but this is something else... Wait!" Shaking his head, the teen smacked his cheeks. "I can't get distracted now. I've gotta delivery this thing!" With renewed focus, he walked forward in search of those he was expected to meet.

Several men with unique swords on their hilt approached Macnia. "You must be the child from Ishgar?" The eldest said as he stepped forward. "Right this way. Our High Priest has been expecting you."

They lead Macnia to the massive carriage of silver and gold. Its wheels as large as the messenger bow. Stairs rolled out to allow Macnia to sit. And when he did, the boy would realize that this carriage was actually a spell in itself. Where Macnia would walk up several flights of stairs until he reached the top where the carriage had open space. And on each side were velvet seats. Saint sitting on one side.

"Welcome to Yehuda. My name is Saint Laurent and I'm thankful that you were able to make it here, young one."

"Oh, it was no problem at all! It's nice to meet you, sir!" Macnia bowed his head, recalling the lessons from his mother about behaving around those of higher standing: always make sure to treat them with ample amounts of respect and make sure to bow when speaking to them. Oh, and compliment them when noticing shown something extraordinary. "Yehuda seems like a very lovely place. It's a lot different from Ishgar."

The carriage started moving. Bringing Macnia and Saint throughout the outer city of Yehuda's capital. The buildings and endless sculptures and paintings exploding in radiance. Naked statues decorated every corner and square. The people carrying their trinkets and effigies with them as they continued to live a life no different from that of Ishgar. Churches reached the sky above. Their colorful rainbows creating rainbows.

"Thank you. It is because of the Gods that we're able to enjoy this Paradise. And for that we always gives grace. Are you familiar with the Gods?" Saint asked. Those born here were forbidden to return once they stepped outside the borders. So he, of course, had some curiosity. The spies only told them what would be expected of an enemy nation. But Macnia served a deeper purpose than just delivering a message. Saint had ben tasked to gather information.

Macnia paused, taking a moment to think on the matter. While he had a formal education, there were certain subjects that he simply didn't know about due to a lack of interest or simply being covered during his youth. Religion and, by association, deities happened to fall within the second category. "Sorry, I can't say I am. Learning about gods is a subject people look up on their own in my own experience." He bowed once more to Saint, expressing his apologies for his lack of understanding.

Saint smiled. Nodding his head as forgiveness for his ignorance. "But you don't need to be sorry." He reassured. "The young here are taught the Gods names well before they're aware of their parents name. This way we're raised with the knowledge of the strongest, highest, and the greatest. To leave people to search for that knowledge on their own is to leave someone in the dark. And you shouldn't abandon your brethren."

He sipped a glass of wine which appeared from a nearby box. "It's not your fault but your country's. I'm guessing there are many like you there?"

"I guess..?" Macnia said unsurely, trying to think of any religious people he had met across his journey throughout Ishgar. The amount of people who genuinely worshipped deities within Ishgar were few and far between, being able to count them on both of his hands. "There are churches and monasteries that I've happened to see but they aren't on the same... scale? Yeah, that's it.. They aren't on the same scale when compared to you guys if I'm being honest."

"Understandable." Saint looked at Macnia. "Your land was no different than ours a long time ago. The Gods simply moved down here to give you and the Dragons time to figure out whatever needed discussing. But sadly you, our brothers and sisters, have forgotten to welcome them back into your hearts."

He took a second. Looking to the grand tower which spiraled high into the clouds at the center of Yehuda.

"Would you be willing to let them into your heart, Macnia?"

Macnia paused, taking a moment to think on the question. While the question might have been asked in a casual manner, he was aware of the importance of the Gods to the people within Yehuda, having been briefed on the matter by his mentor. He was aware that lying in this situation would led to distrust between the two and it was the last thing he wanted. So, with a heavy sigh, he spoke. "I don't know. I've never had a reason to do such a thing. I've lived a good life so far, been loved by great parents and met amazing people without the guidance of the gods. To some, that means we might not need them."

He closed his eyes, letting his voice carry throughout the enclosed area. "However, there is evil within my country. Slavers, dark mages, illegal substances and so much more. As someone who wants to help people, I can't lie that the gods being welcomed back could help greatly. It's just... hard to say." He opened his eyes, looking at Saint before his face flushed red in embarrassment. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to offend you!"

Saint smiled. “No this was a talk between two men living under one sky.” He said with warmth. “This has nothing to do with business or why I summoned you here. I’m just happy you acknowledged there’s evil that needs vanquishing.”

Saint pulled out a roll paper. “Thank you for that however. It was beautifully said. Now for business, I’m requesting on behalf our sovereign to meet with the Magic Council. If you can bring back this sealed document and a chest filled with riches. There’s a smaller chest inside, fill it to the brim and that’s yours. Hide it in the chest so you won’t get taxed.”

Macnia would notice that the carriage was already heading back to the port. They had circled a large portion of the city. “Is there anything you might need?”

"Well..." As he mulled over the question, his head turned towards the window as he happened to spot what looked to be a gift shop in their way back to the port. With a smile, he looked back to Saint and sheepishly asked. "You wouldn't happen to have any recommendations for gifts and souvenirs, would ya?"

"Oh!" Saint smiled. "How about this, I'll have my men take everything to your ship and my student will take you throughout the city." He reached into his sleeve, pulling out a seal. "This will allow you to buy whatever you want. Take as much time as you need. We have a bunch of antique shops on our eastern road, you'll find things only made here in Yehuda."

"T-T-That's too much! I'm just some delivery boy!" Macnia exclaimed in shock, eyes wide and arms wildly flailing about. Knowing that a small piece of paper held such power was daunting to him. "Besides, there is probably someone else who's more deserving of that!"

"A truly God fearing soul." He said while acknowledging Macnia's humbleness. "But don't worry. You came to a foreign land none have ever traversed by yourself without fear for your life. You're a path-maker if I've ever seen one and deserve to be rewarded. Don't worry we have more than enough. I'll be going to prepare for my trip over to Ishgar once your return. It was a pleasure, Macnia."

"Mom always told me elderly people were stubborn but I didn't know it was this bad." The young courier mumbled, feeling embarrassed yet elated at the insistence of the wise old man before him. From the gleam in his eyes and honesty in his words, Macnia knew this was a battle he wasn't ready to win. "Alright, I accept. I'll make sure to pick out something good for master."

## When Heads Argue

The Chimera Head.

A large guild which has grown exponentially since this generation came to seniority. All thanks to the three S-Rank mages who wore its emblem on their being. However it wasn’t just business and jobs. What really brought this guild to where it stood was the sisterhood between them.

Scheherazade never thought she’d feel love since…the thought pulling her heart down whenever it came up. But she remembered the day the three of them sat at that table. And since then, they’d became prospects for even the 10 Wizard Saints.

But that dream started to feel fleeting. Chang started acting different. She secluded herself. Devoted herself to this maddening work. She’s always been a workaholic, a trait that allowed her to pass her sisters, but Scheherazade started to worry when she heard rumors. Continuous solo meetings with the Magic Council????

They all possessed differing views towards that council of old men. But did they ever trust them completely? And why did she need to go to those meetings alone?

It wasn’t until she overheard a report from one of her subjects. A man she put in place at the castle just to ensure they’d stay a step ahead. Scheherazade was on her way in a fiery rush to their guild’s headquarters where she’s burst through the doors. Rushing past people who stepped out the angry woman’s way.

“Where is Chang!?” She screamed. No one dared answered. For everyone in their presence lacked the magical power to get in between the sister’s arguments. Less they want to spend eternity underneath the War Queen.

"Scheze, she's probably just...wrapping up a meeting." Chin resting in her hand, a glass of water continuously orbiting around the woman while her free hand fidgeted with a butterfly that had landed nearby. Cassandra Bathory was a woman of elegance, it had been the trait she had projected to the world. But in front of someone she regarded as family, as a sister? She didn't need to keep that guard.

Cassandra didn't know what to feel. She was glad Chang was going to come see them, it had been forever since they had gotten to talk. But she understood Scheze's rage. Why would she not try to reach out more? Spend more time with the fogey's than with family? "She'll be here soon. And then we'll get to talk like we always did. She's going to talk about some new magic, right? Isn't that exciting? Don't you remember when we were discovering and mastering our magics all those years ago? It'll be just like that again, even if only for a bit."

"I apologize for the tardiness." A somewhat stoic voice called out from the entrance of the room. It was a cold voice, but there was another layer beneath it that Cassandra and Scheherazade knew all too well. After all, it was none other than Chang Maria, whom Scheherazade had been shouting for merely moments earlier. Among the Chimera Head, these three were noted to have an unbreakable bond. They were regarded as the "Castle Tilters", and they were women who could topple any opposition merely by themselves. They stood as the strongest three members of the Chimera Head next only to their Guild Master.

"I see you're shouting as always, Scheze. Though with that look in your eyes..." Chang observed her more clearly as she took her favored seat, "You appear to have a lot to ask me."

Chang quickly faced Cassandra next, her forlorn look making it clear what she wished to say, even if she was the expert at hiding her emotions. "Don't be afraid to ask me either, Cass."

Chang sat there, with a soft smile. She knew exactly why this gathering was called. To Cassandra and Scheherazade, this was an intervention for Chang. For Chang...this was her last chance to convince her two best friends about her goals.

Questions raced through Cassandra's mind. There was so much she wanted to say. She didn't want to ask anything that might make Scheze erupt, but Cassandra wanted to know everything Chang had been doing. Chang was gifted beyond measure, her ability to understand and treat complex magic as nothing but trinkets. Cass wanted to know what her meetings had been about, especially since they had been frequent. It'd open the chance to try and pull her out of it alongside Scheze's help. But in all honesty, two questions came to mind first and they were the ones Cassandra asked.

A soft smile to match Chang's. "How've you been? You're not forgetting to eat and stay hydrated as much as you should with all of your work, right?"

Chang couldn't help but blink twice. She let go of her tense expression and simply let out a sigh of relief, before chuckling. "Heh...haha..." Chang looked at Cassandra. "You never change, do you?" Her expression became surprisingly warmer. "No matter how tense the situation is...no matter how close the world comes to crashing, you will never let your friendships be affected. I've always envied that about you."

Scheze was about to remind Cass of the purpose behind their adventures. The bond they had forged over countless life or death experiences. And the intimate nights they shared talking about how they'd usher in a better future for all to come after them. Scheherazade dreamed of being an aunty to Cass's children. Chang of course would become a member of the Magic Council, and Scheze would remain here and lead the guild. But only one part of this dream seemed to be coming true...in a horrible way.

"And I've always envied how dedicated to your cause you are." She interrupted with a poisonous growl. The War Queen looked at Chang with an angered snarl. But her eyes lied before her sisters. She isn't as angry as she's scared. Afraid that this women would disappear just as he did all those years ago.

"I mean you're willing to become a Goddess of Ishgar after all!" What was Scheze talking about? No one would know besides the two woman facing one another. In fact, that tidbit bit of information might've revealed a *tiny* *itsby* *bitsy* crime she committed. But more importantly she'd received troubling news involving Chang and a new magi-tech invention.

"This world is not yours to oversee and control! Humble yourself, sister!"

"I don't thing Chang is trying to control everything with it all." Cassandra chimed in. She hated when they had to argue. She was often caught in between Scheze and Chang, trying to mediate as not to lose or fracture their bond. Or at this point, prevent the bond from fracturing even more.

Cassandra caused a few droplets of water to break off from the orbiting ring for her to drink. "And you have to admit, a bit more supervision isn't the worst thing. Could help prevent a lot of tragedy." Cass turned to Chang. "But the stuff I've heard from Scheze about your...ideas sounds a bit controlling? I wanna hear about it from you."

"..." Chang knew it would come to this. It always did. Scheherazade was a woman of personal liberty. She saw her own choices first before the greater good. Nothing was inherently wrong with that mindset...except the fact that nothing had lead her down a darker path, yet.

"Indeed, I am trying to control everything." Chang reaffirmed, no doubt irritating Cassandra too. "The world of magic is rapidly changing you two. After what we did to all of those Etherious and powerful Dark Mages that were performing those unusual rituals...there has been a massive surge in mage numbers."

Chang took a sip of water herself. "We went from 10% of the population able to use Magic, all the way to 50%. It is a massive difference that could spell the end of our continent if it isn't reigned in."

"Thats just a self righteous excuse to obtain the power you've always thought only you right to hold!" Scheherzade barked. "The world is always changing and on the brink of destruction. You're using this as an opportunity."

Ironic, or perhaps hypocritical, for the woman known as the War Queen due to her frightening mastery of Human Subordination Magic to scream and cry about control or overstepping boundaries. But this was less about controlling or manipulating people. Her *spells* were vanquished foe. She commanded them to fight and potentially die for her. However it's something she forced upon them. A fate she captured them in due to overwhelming might and knowledge in her thaumaturgy. They'd try to kill her if they had a second of freedom.

What Chang is trying to accomplish isn't about power or force. Its about devotion. Commitment. It's about love. The world will love her for ushering peace. They'd place complete trust into her magic and follow in line beneath her. A line no human should ever dare challenge for it rivalled those *things* she despised.

"You don't need to be involved in this. Even if you want to bring about monitoring, it doesn't need to be **your** magic!"

"Scheze, you have to admit if it's anyone's magic involved in the supervision, shouldn't it be Chang's? She's a powerful mage and understands the limits of magic and it rules." Cassandra added. "But the world is always changing. Does...Chang, can you tell us more about how you're gonna be doing this monitoring thing?"

"Hmph. It seems your trauma is really getting to you, Scheze." Chang spoke to her friend calmly, despite her accusations. "I am in no way attempting to emulate the power of a God. In fact..." Chang was about to finish before Scheze said it was power she always wanted. "Ah, so that's what you..." Chang almost sighed in agreement.

"Very well. Let me explain the Magic further. Or rather, the...I suppose you could call it, the Three Great Magic at work." Chang began to speak, putting up her index finger to demonstrate the number one.

"First we have Super Archive, from our very own Jack Webber. We will create a terminal that all guild jobs can be archived and immediately accessed by any guild with the proper clearance. Then we have Map Magic from the Leyway Twins. We will create a railroad throughout the continent based on space-time travel, reducing the need for Guilds to consolidate large amounts of influence in a single area."

Chang paused for a moment so the others could keep up, "And finally, we have my Magic. In the form of the Jewel Tag." Chang took out a jewel that was in her pocket, an onyx-like color. "These are created as an extension of my magic. Each Guild will possess a larger variant of these jewel tags, and for every new member registered, they will obtain a smaller one. For every mission completed, it will be recorded in this tag through a link to the Super Archive. A mage's character will be built not just through power, but identifiable merit with this tag. As one goes through more jobs, their tag will change color, granting plenty of benefits for studious work."

Chang finally stopped for a moment, hoping Cass and Scheze saw her dream. "So?"

"And of course the part that links to the person is. *your* magic." Scheherazade scowled. She knew there was something more to it. Something CHang wasn't telling them. Or else they wouldn't have been the *last* to know. The three sisters shared everything. Yet she felt the need to do all of this in secrecy. Why not trust them to support her vision firsT? Not even to help but to let them know at least. Why did it take them the longest to know?

Chang needed the support of a stronger force before coming forth. Just in case they tried to stop her, the only people who could, she'd already amassed a supporting far stronger than anything they could accomplish on their own. Scheherazade looked at Cass. "I hope you're not buying this." She said.

"It's not that simple. You're becoming the core of the Magic world. And I know you're hiding something." She looked down. Her eyes stuck on the ground for she feared that for the first time in centuries she'd cry once more. "Stop this Chang. Let's leave the world changing to the Magic Council and focus on our adventures...please. Like old times."

"And then what?" Chang asked, with a little bit of irritation in her face. "We'll become adventurers that pursue our thrill. We'll become the strongest Mages in the world...and we'll still lose the people we want to protect, to Mages that could never follow the half-hearted rules developed by the Magic Council."

Chang knew that both Scheherazade and Cassandra instantly knew what she was talking about. The loss of Chang's younger brother, to a swarm of Dark Mages that were once Chimera Head's enemies...it still played vividly in her mind. "You should be thankful I am not putting my power towards completely annihilating Dark Mages to cinders."

Cassandra placed a hand on Chang's own as she recalled the incident. It was hard for Cassandra to think about, so she couldn't imagine how much it plagued at Chang to dare to bring it up. "Changie, I'm...I agree with what you're doing. No, really I do." Cass raised a finger towards Scheze before she could berate Cassandra. "If anyone's going to change the world, I'm really glad it's you. The train, the job system, even that Jewel Tag stuff is...incredible."

"And I don't wanna seem all suspicious of you...but I know you, you know?" Cass let a sad smile curl onto her face. "I think you're not telling us the whole story here. Is there something else you wanna tell us?"

But Scheherazade understood her pain better than anyone in this room. To lose someone so dear to them. She remembered that moment when she had to...Every-time she stood in that room and stared at that pillar which protruded from the wall. Her heart ached for Chang. But the path the woman before her, the one she called her dearest sister, was set to walk would lead only to one place.

Scheherazard was going to interrupt until she saw Cassandra's finger. Cassandra was always the calmer of the two. Scheherazard valued freedom and adventure above all else. She drank when she wanted. Wore what she felt and held no words back. Chang on the other hand dedicated her existence to rules and law. Things that should never break. Cassandra was the warmth between hot and cold.

Instead she nodded and looked to Chang. Hoping her sister would reveal the *truth* behind this magic.

"There is no secret truth or sacrifice to this procedure I have developed. Though," Chang briefly paused, "I suppose you want to know if I can take away a Mage's power at my discretion."

Chang moved her hand away from Cassandra's. "Yes, this system can remove magic from others. But you two should know me better than that. I am not onw for foolish secrets and deceit."

Chang looked at both Cassandra and Scheherazade, with eyes more resolute than before. "I have the strength to face the world's issues head on. It is base secrecy that causes the world to collapse. I have no need of such things in the world I envision."

Scheherazade stared at Chang. She didn't fear any secrets as much as she saw where Chang was going. She's planning on becoming the very thing Scheherazade despised. The one thing which took away everything she loved and held dearly. This is the dangers of Magic. Humanity would begin to tread on that line.

"Chang. I'm not going to sit idly by and watch you become a goddess." She revealed. Although her words were empty. What can she do? The council itself is standing behind Chang. This would mean a war that not even she could win. And Cassandra's worries proved unfounded really. Chang *didn't* have any diabolical secrets. Yet Scheherazade had the foresight, or trauma, to see where this would go.

"If you go along with this, I'm leaving Chimera Heart. And you can do this shit all by yourself."

"Woah." Cassandra quickly chimed in. "You don't have to leave the guild. I mean we can come to a compromise. Anytime we've run into something like this, we find a solution. That's...that's what *we* do. If it's us...there's no wall we can overcome." but her voice shook at the end. Doubt.

"Right?"

"It's only us for now, Cassandra." Scheherazade said. "It wasn't us when she went to speak with the Council. it wasn't us when she was working on this system. It's not us because she knows we're the only ones that cans top her should she choose to make the wrong decision." Scheze looked at Cassandra with soft eyes. "She's moving on to take a step no human or beast has the right too. A horrible step. She's reaching to become a Goddess. And nothing good ever comes from *them*."

Chang didn't hesitate as she listened to Scheherazade's declaration. She truly believed that Chang went down the wrong path, but she did not know...just how much the system needed to change. "Even if you leave the Guild, my path will not change, Scheze. After all...the Council has asked me to lead them, and to cut off all ties with my Guild."

A bittersweet smile was seen caressing Chang's face. "Feel free to insult me as much as you'd like. But we all know I'm the only one who can take the world of Magic out of the hands of these conniving, deceitful bastards." Chang knew that insulting the Magic Council was tantamount to treason, but Chang also knew that the contributions she'd made to the Magic Council made her immune from any criticism. "Not to mention...we have accomplished so much as Chimera Head. The three of us, Ray, Jack, George, Robert...do you think the Magic Council will make the same mistake they did with Fairy Tail and allow us to continue acting together?"

Chang looked at Cassandra. "I'm sure you understand what I mean, don't you?"

## In One Piece

Shango looked over the railing into the library. He wore his usual ensemble that consisted of stretchy pants and a hooded cloak of some kind. Leaving it open to expose his muscular and defined upper body. His bare feet tapping against the warm stone of Bahamut Breath's headquarters. He followed Scheherazade who walked passed the three great podiums which held thick books, older than the Library’s sandstone walls themselves. The podiums appearing as pillars in terms of size. Everyone who joined this guild was familiar with those three books. No one understood their importance but those of previous generations often spoke that they possessed great power. They were called the Three Great Books of Bahamut Breath.

Shango silently followed until she stood before a wall. The blue haired Guild master, dressed in her signature white cloth which showed more skin than one would think of a powerful mistress, looked up the wall at the black large pillar protruding from white stone. A phallic piece of art Shango found awkward himself.

Shango was familiar with this wall. Located beyond the Three Podiums. A social area where hundreds of chairs and different arrangements were gathered for people to sit, read and eat. The guild was empty during this time of day as most were out doing jobs or on adventures. Only a few remained and they appeared more concerned about what they discussed than the Guild Master and Shango.

"Why the fuck is Dapper Dipshit going with Mercedes?” Shango asked. “Just because he’s S-rank doesn’t mean he’s stronger than me! And *why’re* you sending Mercedes?! Is the old man bitching again?”

Scheherazade smiled. “Love needs to be tested Shango. And besides, the job I’m sending you on is of equal importance. There's something I need to know.”

Shango groaned. He looked at his fell guild-mates and rolled his eyes. They all got along quite well. But he knew how they felt towards him. How much they loved and honored Constantine. “Why're we even helping the magic council, anyway?” He asked. “They’re always trying to take away our legal status.”

"I don't blame them. It's not like it's unwarranted."

"What? its because they're jealous of our freedom." Shango declared.

“You burned down an orphanage, Shango.” Scheherazade revealed

“Yeah but I killed the bastard tryna steal the painting right?”

“Chang, Cassandra and I might not always see…eye to eye. But they’re still important to me.” She said while staring at the wall. Shango couldn’t see her soft eyes but he felt the sadness radiating from her. “It’s a lot to ask for but you’re the only one that can do these type of jobs. I need to know what’s being said in that meeting. Chang isn’t going to tell me because of our falling out and Cassandra won't to keep the peace.”

"Yeah but this sounds like a lot of shit to do with ya'll." Shango grunted. "Mercedes is out there by-"

“Constantine is strong enough that whatever is going on in that temple it’ll be alright. And I need their strength to get through whatever is going on. Because it's undoubtedly connected to this meeting."

"How the hell am I supposed to eavesdrop on a Magic Council meeting." Shango asked. "This sounds like a suicide mission."

"That's why you're going alone. I send anyone else and Chang'll undoubtedly grow suspicious. But you won't be alone. Just please be careful. This isn't our usual field of adventure. We're meddling into something that might be bigger than anything we've dealt with before."
"*He's going to be there*" Shango groaned. "Fine. But how am I supposed to eavesdrop. This is the Mage Council you're talking about. They're Wizard Saints, ain't they? And ya sister is leading them."

“You’re going to use this.” She pulled out a cup. "Chang has always possessed a mind far greater than anyone in Chimera Head. She’s prepared for everything. But people like that tend to forget about the simple stuff. I gave it a sound boosting enchantment. It’ll pick up the vibrations of the room and you’ll hear the conversation.”

"I don't know what this is all about, boss lady. But you're not usually involved in this type of stuff." Shango said while grabbing her cup.

“Your people are familiar with the gods, Shango.” Scheherazade asked.

“Yeah. But they abounded us a long time ago.” He replied. “Most my folks are more into the Wild Hunt and the Father Who Stayed than anything else.”

“As expected.” Scheherazade smiled. "I just want to make sure that the ones who left, stay gone."

Shango arrived at the train station right on time. This time wearing a light blue cloak and his hair braided forward. His famous blades, Taiwo and Kehinde, were strapped to his back. A unique short sword and a short spear. Both designed with a powerful Twin Magic spell. He looked for the others who were supposed to be here. Where a special carriage would supposedly arrive carrying this emissary from a distant land.

"Two Fox Tail mages, huh?" Shango thought to himself. Fox Tail, like Butterfly Effect, was considered their sister guild. Scheherazade apparently grew as a mage alongside their Guild Masters and were part of a mega Guild known as Chimera Heart. The history Shango did study even claimed that the three of them would've taken over kingdoms if they'd so chose to. *What could break apart such a group?*

"Sir Shango, yes?" Mack gave a curt bow towards the man, rapiers strapped to his side. "An honour to meet you. I've heard tales of your feats and the prowess over your blades. As a swordsman myself, it's quite the privilege to meet you."

He stood back up and extended a hand out, doing his utmost to present himself as someone worthy to work alongside the others attending. "My name is Mack Malloy. C-class mage of the Fox Tail guild. I am unable to use magic."

Following straight behind his fellow guildmate, Axle gave off the impression of a lost dog, clumsily following the same gesture and mannerisms as his senior, giving off a tenderfoot bow to who he thought was one heading off the request, "And I'm Axle, A-Class mage from the same guild, I hope I'll be of help for this job, glad to be aboard." Glancing around their surroundings, Axle took in their environment and the people around them. From the job description, it would be a simple matter of transporting a diplomat, coming from some country he hadn't heard of, *this is going to require a delicate touch* he thought. Letting his hands rest into his pockets, his keys jingled from the sudden movement, waiting for their transport to arrive and begin their excursion.

“Aye, a C-rank Magicless guild member?” Shango repeated. His voice lacked any maliciousness. No. Instead it was filled with admiration and interest. For someone like that to reach the level he did meant something serious. Shango smelled Mack and his sweat was different than others he fought. He sensed something deeper.

In fact this kid might be the closest thing to him he’d encountered yet. Shango looked at the A-rank mage and smiled. Someone who shared the same rank he did?

“I guess our sister guild ain’t so plain Jane after all.” He teased. “Let’s get this shit started.” Shango lead them up the stairs and towards the train banking area where numerous Ley-Line trains were awaiting in a gigantic lot. Intricate statues of different genius inventors dotted the area. Magic kept it perfectly lit. Bustling business people and travelers overwhelmed the trains.

A group of men wearing white clothes approached Shango. They surrounded a rather regal looking gentleman. His long white hair flowed behind him with each elegant step. His eyes filled with the most life Shango had ever seen!

“Ah. You’re our guardians.” The foremost mage said. He bowed.

“This is Lord Saint Laurent and we are his Students. We do not possess names as we have yet to earn our individuality. So please, address us as a collective. We thank you for accepting us.”

"Don't worry about it." Shango said.

Mack instinctually bowed in response, following the mage's mannerisms to a tee. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances." he stood back up, offering a deeper bow towards the Saint. "Lord Saint Laurent, it will be an honour to escort you and your students."

Mack had always been a respectful young man, but these behaviours had only been reinforced during his time in Fox Tail, not forged. He had gotten them from somewhere else. Long ago. A home he had run from. Mack was still unsure of how he felt escorting those from his old home of Yehuda, but he would not let doubt show. He was a mage of Fox Tail first and foremost. It was his duty to see a job to its end.

"I couldn't have said it any better my lord, you'll be in good hands. Mack, why don't you and Shango keep the client company here, while I'll keep an eye out for his studenTs in the booth next door." Axle observed the lord, his eyes glazzing over his figure as they darted back to Shango and the other white clothed men. Nearly losing his balance as the train had left the sation, Axle gestured for their client to sit, tilting his head down in adulation, bearing some resemblance to a formal bow as he took the seat beside furthermost from the booth door. With the lord taking the window seat, with both Shango and Mack would serving as the first obstacle anyone would have to encounter if they approached him with any nefarious intentions. The pair standing between the lord and anything else, sitting adjacent to him in the same booth.

Gesturing the students to enter the booth on the other side, he motioned in, giving the pair a small wave. Although he didn't like staying too far from their employer, they also had a responsibility to look after his student's as well, so it only made sense to seperate the two rather than keep them all in one room in order to minimize the danger. But his position was no less than important; with Axle's booth one room ahead of the lord's, it created two potential targets for any would-be attacker, as well as a way for him to scout ahead, dividing their potential adversaries, with Axle taking on the role of the decoy and lookout. Sitting closest to the door, he crossed his arms, closing his eyes as he focused his attention squarely on the hallway.

“Your lord?” Shango repeated, confused. He’d die before calling another man his lord. His people were slowly moving from the gods of old and only held love for the Father Who Stayed. A being who promoted free will above all else. No man stood near him. So to call another lord would be of the utmost disrespect.

But damn was Axle smart. Shango didn’t think about the reasoning behind the mage’s decision until they actually boarded the train. Separate targets so multiple attacks would allow for openings in escape and defense. It’ll also require potential enemies to think twice about their plans.

Saunt Laurent sat in a velvet booth surrounded by the finest drinks and items on a charcuterie board. He nibbled away at aged cheese while staring at Mack and Shango.

“What’s wrong, guy?” Shango asked.

“Oh nothing. You’re just pleasantly familiar.” Saint said with a gentle smile. “And how the fates ease my worries by providing protection from a fellow Yehudian.”

“What?” Shango tilted his head. “What the fuck is Yehuda?”

“The country I come from and the land which birthed Sir Mack.” Saint looked at Mack. Despite his royal gentleness, his eyes appeared knowing. As if a stern parent who knew what their child hid. “Only a handful of people have left our eternal paradise and one of their descendants sit before me. Today was arranged by destiny…I’m sure of it. Tell me child, are you well read on your prayers?”

Mack's eyes widened before he forced them to relax. He hadn't expected to be realized so soon into the journey. Lord Saint Laurent. What sort of a man was he? It wasn't as if Mack hadn't met fellow Yehudians before. But neither of them were aware of it until they had explicitly talked about it.

"I'm versed on them, yes." Mack nodded. "My father made sure I was aware of them in my youth so I was a...proper vessel for their hearts. I don't read them these days. Not since I left Yehuda. It's not, er." he glanced at Shango before looking back at Saint. "Something I find value in."

"A sad reality in these lands." Saint said. "Generations have been raised without seeing the value in our Fathers and Mothers. Beings that can perform miracles beyond magic and we overlook their blessings and curses. All for the sake of our own hubris." His eyes soft and deeply worried for the souls of the boys before him. "Even your people have began to abandon their gods."

"How do you know that?" Shango asked.

"Because they've come to Yehuda. But don't worry. After this meeting, hopefully, I can initiate the beginning of their return without any bloodshed." Saint smiled. "You both are more than welcomed to stand by my side during this journey."

"Eh, I'm not interested." Shango announced. "I'm here for the money and fun. Plus, I can't leave my lady. We're planning on starting our own guild one day."

"A noble dream indeed. What about you, my child?" Saint looked at Mack. "What ties your heart to this land?"

"I can consolidate my personal power here, under the guidance of Lady Cassandra and the Fox Tail guild." Mack replied. This sort of talk wasn't something new for him. It was classic Yehudian. And it made all the more sense coming from a Lord Saint. "My dream isn't as noble as Sir Shango's."

Mack paused, wondering if he should say something to a devout Yehudian. But honesty was the best policy. "My goal is to kill a man, and then a God."

"Kill a God?" Saint said. It was only a split second. A flash of lightning streaking across the night sky. His face twisting into utter disgust at Mack's declaration. One filled with anger and hatred. Magical power radiating from his skin in a white snakelike tendril. But then subdued by an overwhelming pity. A regal softness rested on Mack.

"I see. You were scarred and the sacrilegious heathens who rule these lands have used this pain to target that which they consider a threat to their false hold of power." Saint tilted his head. Almost in tears when he reached over and grabbed Mack's hands. "The Gods and Goddesses are the beginning of this realm. My dear child...their knowledge knows no bounds. What seems to be done without reason is only so due to our own ignorance."

*"Kill a god?"* Shango thought to himself. He felt Saint's change. His spirit designed for battle felt when aggression or offense erupted. He almost grabbed his twin weapons until he remembered *what* really brought him here. But what bothered him most was how much Mack sounded like-

"The gods and goddesses are like dragons." He interrupted. "A bunch of old creatures that are just strong as fuck. Humans'll worship anything that they can't understand."

"I was scarred yes, but I don't seek justice nor was I targeted by the people of these lands." Mack replied. It was seldom he met someone from his homeland. And an ever rarer feat for someone to possess the beliefs Mack himself once had. "I seek vengeance. So I aim to kill the man, and a God."

*"He showed his fuckin' fangs to us? Devour him."*

Mack flinched, but relaxed once more. "I must ask you. What puts a God above a man? Is it status? The possession of knowledge? Gods have their own power yes, but they're further empowered by faith. So what is a God to a non-believer like me? I see them much like Sir Shango does. Powerful enigmas. But I don't think they should be worshipped."

"I mean no disrespect, of course." Mack added. "I wish to only engage in, er. A discussion. A meeting of philosophies."

"You only see them as such due to an understanding created by a bound mind." Saint said with a sip of tea. His eyes were lowered but his visage serious as he sought to mend Mack's poisoned heart. "They are the absolute highest in a set hierarchy. The supreme command of a sphere. Beings that there exist no higher authority over which they speak."

"Look at magic." Saint continued. "A dragon's fire magic is powerful. It can consume the hottest flames birthed in nature. But it cannot do the same to the God of Fire's magic which burns even greater."

"This natural hierarchy is what grants them our faith." He smiled. "For all of us who exist at the bottom. Who can only conjure fire balls and ice spikes, they are beings that stand in absolute. The world's greatest Dark Mage. The man who walked the earth for centuries as a being of immortal evil. Only did so due to the curse he received as punishment for trivializing stepping into the God of Death's domain. The so called greatest mage of your country's history unable to undo it regardless of how much he tried. That's why we worship them. And the sooner you learn that the quicker your soul'll be safe."

The students sat in the cart with long scrolls in their hands. They read diligently and in unison while Axle would stand guard. The train floated above rails while soaring out of a tunnel. Revealing the beautiful land of Ishgar. Deep blue oceans and bright green grass. It silently reached speeds that turned into a gentle roar. Passing through towns with a swift push.

It would serve as a boring ride for Axle, to be honest.

Except for the silent foot steps rapidly approaching their car. To the students and the average person, everything would be as it was. Peaceful. However a skilled warrior would feel a slight vibration growing in strength. Rapidly rushing towards his car. And then silence.

BOOM!

A fiery blast erupted from the door. Incinerating the beginning of the car and setting some unfortunate patrons aflame. A gigantic balding man emerged from the aftermath. Hunching beneath the doorframe as he stepped into the car.

“Ah. So this is where they are?” He said. Several footsteps tapped against the car’s rooftop. “High ranks assholes from that distant country?! Our sources were right. They’ll fetch us a nice ransom.”

"Hmph!" Axle grumbled, his focus broken, opening his eyes at all the distinct sounds taking place around him, appearing too sudden and numerous to be from his company and growing, as the number didn’t match the amount of passengers currently present in their section of the train. Getting up, he glanced at the student’s around him, all face-deep into their reading material, as one would expect from a student abroad. “I’ll be stepping out for a moment to get some air, don’t go anywhere,” he exclaimed, closing the door behind him. His thoughts running back to the footsteps he heard, that doesn’t sound right, there’s too many of them he thought. Digging through his pocket, Axle drew out a silver key, pointing it at the air directly in front of him before turning it.

“Bear with me on this, it's just a hunch. Open, gate of the hero: Perseus!” With a blinding light, a muscular man wearing a brightly colored suit of armor similar to the ocean emerged to answer the call, his sword pinned into the floor upon his arrival.

“OH YEA, THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT BABY! I knew you couldn’t stay away so you came back for more ♬,” Perseus sang out, rubbing his face side-by-side with the Celestial Spirit Mage, drawing the attention and revulsion of everyone in their car, much to Axle’s disappointment.

“Boundaries Perseus, this isn’t a social call, I just need you to keep an eye on things while I’m gone,” Axle retorted, shoving him to the side, trying to compose himself from sheer shock. “I just got a gut feeling, so I’m just going to sweep the train for anything odd that’s all, it’s probably nothing.”

“You tease, the more you push the harder it is to stay away. But just this once, I’ll bunker down and keep your spot warm till you get back ♡,” he winked, with Perseus standing by the door as he raised his fist into the air, magical chains emerging from the palm of his hand, embedding themselves into the walls, floors, and ceilings near the door, with the large spirit standing in the small booth in his place among the students.

Sighing a breath of relief, Axle opened his car’s rear door to head into the other next door, gently closing it behind him. Before he could so much as turn his head, he could smell smoke in the air, coughing from the inhalation alone, his attention focused squarely on the large man responsible for the blaze, the fire climbing around the side of the car, threatening to swallow their section in a matter of time. “You know, if you wanted to make a quieter entrance, you chose the worst way to do it,” he exclaimed, glancing at the bodies of what used to be the passengers of this train car, raising both hands in a ready stance.

“I’m guessing you're just here to rob the train right? And It has nothing to do with any passengers from out of town,” he exclaimed sarcastically, almost certain THAT WAS the reason he was here, since it couldn’t have been a coincidence this occurred on the same day they were transporting Yehuda nobility.

"A wise guy, huh?!" The muscular man smiled. He was, aptly named, Blaze. An infamous criminal that'd escaped the Rune Knights several years prior. He was known as a famous arsonist for his Cremation Magic. His fire burned eternally and with such intense heat his flames were blue in color. For him to appear before Axle with knowledge of this train's patrons..

Either way, he flexed his arms. A unique insignia with tentacle appendages was etched into his bicep's skin. "*A Celestial Spirit Mage*?" Blaze thought to himself. He boldly turned his back to Perseus to face Axle. *"Obadorn can handle it. Just deal with it long enough for me to handle this punk*."

"Do you think you can fuck with me?" Blaze asked with a cocky smile. "Hand over the Yehudian brats and I'll let you live. With a slight maiming of course so you remember my generosity." His arms were engulfed in gauntlets of blue fire. Except they roared with such intensity that nearby seats started to melt. The force generated creating a low vibrational hum.

Obadorn dug his hands into the rooftop. The roar of chainsaws followed by steel machinery cutting into magically reinforced metal. All until a square fell behind Perseus. The skinny man jumped behind Perseus. He wore a green cloak with a deep blue mark on his neck. A similar insignia with tentacle like appendages. "LEAVE THE SPIRIT TO ME!!!! I'LL CUT HIM UP REAL NICE. IF WE DO THIS, SHE'LL HAVE TO LET US JOIN ARACHNE!"

“Me? Handle? I think there’s been some kind of mix-up, I don’t do the fighting, and I don’t know anything about yehu-whatchamacallit,” Axle finagled, his face breaking out in a cold-sweat as he grew pale, knees buckling as he tumbled backwards, landing on his rear end. Quickly darting backwards from the large man, Axle scurried in an almost cowardly display to rush back to his Celestial Spirit as he frantically ran on all fours, lying as flat as he could to the floor to avoid the Dark Mage. It was well-known that most Celestial Spirit Mages left combat to the spirits they contracted with, making them for poor fighters in close-range, a stereotype that Axle would exploit from occasion. It was better to conceal his true power when an opportunity appeared from this deception, even if it meant playing the fool for the time being.

With the heat rising, he had to back away, and this pathetic display was the best excuse to do so, catching a quick glance into Perseus’s eyes as he gave him a small nod, holding his breath.

Without wasting time moving, Perseus, still gripping his sword, simply shifted his position to face his attacker head-on, letting the saw’s blades sink into his body. Rather than a mess of entrails, the attacker was met with water splashing everywhere, the weapon sinking into a body of water with human form.

“You were so so excited to get this far that you didn’t stop to think what would happen next. I like eager boys like you,” Perseus exclaimed, his body expanding and melting.

Using his hand, Perseus opened the palm of his hand, the small gesture summoning what at first started out as small water droplets passing from the windows and square hole in the ceiling, accumulating into a small puddle before expanding into large torrents, and ultimately evolving into massive geysers of water that began to flood through all the open compartments, crevices, and exposed openings in their section of the train. Given the volume of water and size of the compartment, it wouldn’t be less than a minute before the entire train car, with the exception of the passenger booths, would completely flood, drowning everyone.

Hiding under the flooded floor, Axle carefully examined both mages. With how much water was rushing in, Axle was sure there'd be more water than one could feasibly be able to evaporate with an endless supply constantly renewing itself from the outside, and even if he could, it would give him an advantage of wearing down his flames or boil himself to death, whichever came first, he would be ready.

Obadorn used the overwhelming setup to pull himself away. Swimming from the Celestial Spirit with a snarl. This was quite an annoying predicament indeed. He hated mages that changed battlefields...just like Blaze. They were always arrogant, loud, obnoxious beast with no sense of boundary. Magic is beautiful. Magic is elegance. It isn't rage or roar. Neither rush or tear. It is an elegant rip like the blades whizzing around a motorized blade.

He quickly turned away and swung his arm up. His chainsaw arm rising up the door of the students where the spirit's chains were strapped. Chainsaw magic isn't just a physical magic. Those machines he created from thin air or from his body weren't physical metal. They aren't steel or iron. But magic materialized into a concept of ripping. Sawing. Cutting. A magic designed as the epitome of cutting to cut magic itself. Just as a construction worker might, his chainsaw tore through Perseus's metal. Every small blade digging deeper into the magical particles that comprised his chain at unimaginable speeds. Digging deeper and deeper until it would create an opening.

Meanwhile, Obadorn's free arm raised and conjured his own chainsaw blades. Five blades meant to circle into the train's floor. Creating a drainage system that'd dump the water. Simultaneous Spell Casting. A rare art only practiced by the top brass of the Magic World.

Blaze stood patiently while hanging on to a chair while the spirit's water drained from the car. "Damn Obadorn, ya didn't have to steal my moment!?"

"THEY THINK I'M AN IDIOT!" Obadorn screamed. "BUT WE MIGHT NEED TOO-" He gave Blaze a knowing look. Spinning as several blades would fly at Perseus in an angle where Axle backed into. Meanwhile Blaze smiled and nodded in acknowledgement.

"Ya cheeky bitch!" He screamed. Roaring a fiery dragon at Axle. A dragon that'd engulf the side of the car and aim to evaporate Perseus.

*You ARE an idiot* Axle thought, still submerged in the depths of the booth's floor whilst holding his breath. With a new drain created thanks in large to the Dark Mage, another geyser of water came flooding in violent torrents from below them, accelerating the speed of the flood, swallowing them up and filling the train nearly to the top of the car's ceiling. He was amused at the flexibility of the enemy, but in a battle of numbers, he still had the advantage, bubbles surfacing from his mouth as it curled into a small smile, his waist glowing simultaneously. Without needing his permission, a bolt of light skidded through the small ocean inside the train car and in-between Persues and the flame, a large shield in the form of face, taking the full brunt of the attack in an instant, dissipating against the hard steel frame of his second Celestial Spirit.

"With a display you’re putting on, people may get the wrong impression of you my boy,” spouted Scutum the shield spirit, spinning in place as it hovered around waiting for instructions, carefully examining Blaze.

Perseus, still continuing to fill the train from all directions uninterrupted, jumped directly in front of Obadorn’s projectiles, letting the blades into his body, slipping halfway through before solidifying again to catch them with his hands. “Should you really be doing two things at once sweetie,” Perseus’s sword reforming from the body of water directly overhead the Dark Mage, but merely content with staying in place rather than continuing forward to attack.

With their battleground practically filled to his liking, it was now time to enact the second part of his plan. Extending his right arm out, Scutum came spinning back toward, attaching itself to his body in similar fashion to a traditional shield along his forearm, his eyes glowing as Axle’s company and the train car itself became enveloped in warped space in the form of a large tomoe, and beyond the door, the students as well were affected by the same phenomenon. In an instant, they had all vanished, arriving in the train car behind them, where the Saint Laurent, Mack and Shango were, with the only difference being that their cars changed places on the train, with the water-trapped car now trailing behind them rather than ahead of them now.

Letting out a deep breath, he examined the students, still in one piece and close to the guards for his lordship. Water drizzling down his body and hair, Axle walked behind the back exit door with Perseus right behind, using Scutum to bash against the train’s couplers, disconnecting the two, delivering a powerful kick to push it away. Perseus was still exerting influence on their aquatic prison to hold them in place, With how fast the train was going and the force he used to separate the two, it wouldn’t be long before they vanished from within eye shot.

Obadorn watched the mage work his magic. The problem with preparing a battlefield is that one must rely on the enemy to just stand there and allow it to happen. But neither did so. Obadorn swiftly swung his arm in an upward arc. Cutting another hole into the top of the car. Blaze swam up and with his super heated hands melted the roof as well. Allowing him to swim to the top. Both mages leaving the water filled car and watching their targets blast away.

"Ugh this fucking brat." Blaze complained. "Oba...Obadorn?" He turned around and his eyes widened in shock. The chainsaw man was enveloped in a dark twist. Tendrils oozing from his skin like puss as his eyes rolled back.

"You wanted to join our nest." A sultry voice radiated from the darkness. A soothing, addicting voice which seeped into their souls. "I give you a simple test. Retrieve the students and yet you let me down."

"M-my lady...." Blaze tried. Yet darkness started to bleed out his eyes and nose. Trailing down his body as well like tears of black blood. "P-please forgive us. A-another opportunity. Please my lady. We want nothing but to serve you. Please!!!"

"Don't you worry. You will still serve us. I'm a merciful lady, after all."

Their bodies started to twist and turn. Mangling upon itself as bones snapped. Screams echoing far until they vanished into the surrounding abyss. Two beings twisted into a bloody ball and enveloped in darkness.

The sudden appearance of Axle, the students and the spirits shocked Saint Laurent. Interrupting his conversation with Mack. "Oh. I assumed you ran into trouble?"

"Yes we did, Master. But this brave mage managed to save us from very bad and powerful men." His eldest student revealed.

"Ah. Well you have my thanks, brave mage. And in time too as we should be arriving soon." Saint said.

But Shango was quiet. He'd remained quiet while Saint and Mack spoke, not outta disinterest or a desire to learn but rather he felt the battle raging on. He just chose not to get in the way of another warrior's fight. Axle losing would've prompted him to jump in after. But looks like it wasn't nee-

He stood up.

"What's wrong, Shango?" A student asked.

"You feel that?" Saint smiled. "The senses you two share have always impressed me."

A cold darkness started to overwhelm the air. A deeply rooted void overwhelming the car. Tainting its air with a thick emptiness. It wasn't evil. Not the feeling one gets watching a serial killer work on his victim without a shred of regret. But the primordial fear birthed when one stares at the gigantic heavens above. The realization that a seemingly endless nothingness one could fall into at any second rested ahead. Or perhaps the vivacious darkness of the unexplored ocean's trenches.

Two defiled corpses, bloodied and broken, fell before the group. Obadorn and Blaze. A magical presence far stronger than anyone in that car vanishing just as fast as it came. Shango's breathing returned.

"Fucking shit." He cursed. "These two are some high ranked criminals in the mercenary world...You do this to them?"

Axle felt disgust rise up from his stomach, churning in place at the mess brough before their doorstep, pushing back the nausea from behind his throat. Taking off his jacket, Axle was now sporting a black tank top, leaving his wet garments to hang along the luggage rack above them. Crossing his arms, he lifted his right arm in a pensive manner, examining the extent of the damage on the cadavers. "No way, I only pointed them in the other direction. If anything, I tried my damndest not to fight," Axle explained, pulling out a keyring from his back pocket, handing them to the Mage spearheading this job as a show of good faith.

"I'm a Celestial Spirit Mage, I don't have any kind of magic that could do this kind of damage. Although, I don't think they were working alone." Quickly turning to Laurent and Mack, he leaned in close, trying to keep their conversation away from the rest of their company out of fear of spreading panic. "While we were fighting, the small guy mumbled something about joining some kind of group called 'Arachne'. I figure it's some kind of Dark Guild, but I'm not too familiar with the name.” Letting out a sigh, Axle sat down to the nearest seat in their train car.

“If anyone could have done this, it could be our mystery guild. This ring any bells to you guys?"

"Arachne Web. Very powerful guild. If they're referring to just Arachne though, there's a good chance they were trying to catch her attention." Mack rose to his feet and examined the bodies. He turned towards the others to add on. "She's the leader of the Arachne Web guild. The guild itself has this reputation of only accepting the best."

He placed a hand on his blue-hilted blade. "I recommend caution from all of us. There's a good chance there may be MORE of these mercenaries attempting to catch wind of Arachne. They're likely targeting Lord Saint Laurent and his students. Which means someone aware of the job ratted out, a "legal" mage, or someone on Yehuda's behalf to try and rid the Lord Saint. Possibly to take his seat in whatever position he may hold."

Mack paused, his eyes focusing back in on the fact that he was surrounded by others. "Er. Fu- I mean. Apologies. I shouldn't have gone on such a tangent and left you all out of the discussion."