BTFD Rangers (Main Thread)

"A pleasure to meet both of you." Kronos said calmly as he too read his companion's auras. He listened intently as Hyounn told of the ancient artifacts that he was to help display during the festival.

"Ancient artifacts?" Deep down he knew this was what had awoken him. Something evil was within the city. "Forgive me but... might I continue on with you and aid in your task? I am intrigued by things of eras past." He remarked.

"As from where I hail?" He smiled and chuckled slightly "I come from a small village on the outskirts of the forests eastern end. It has been so long since we've had visitors that even the elders have forgotten what our village was called. The few travelers we do get have called our village 'the forest oasis'."
 
Arslan continued to watch as the Festival continued on after his little 'fun' he had with it. He shook his head, "This is ridiculous, how can they be just so naive and think that all is well? I can't believe I used to be like them." "Do you miss it?" "Not at all. What do you want Robotaclese? I have already dealt with you." Robotaclese stood next to Arslan, "A message from Ryagon. Would you like to here?" Arslan smirked, "Loved to."

"You are to go to her castle." "Castle?" "Her host's Castle." "Ah." "Go there an inform there you are to see somebody. You are in no way to say who you are. And keep your identity sealed." "Always keeping my identity sealsed. About the only thing I miss about being a normal Windorian." Robotaclese smirked, "Go there tonight. Its almost getting dark, so you should leave soon. Her Castle is this way." He pointed in the direction to the Caste

Arslan put up his hood and started to walk, "Then I will see you later on Robotaclese."
 
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Weiss had made it to the Southern Forest and made a bee line for the deeper regions, where the ruins supposedly were. She didn't look around the forest to admire it's beauty or anything like that. She wanted to, but as long as her connection with the land was cut, it would just be a constant reminder of the loneliness that she was experiencing. After a while of searching, she came across the entrance of ruins of some kind. Assuming this was the place, she went inside. The place was dark, but it didn't matter to Weiss, as she had natural night vision, given her spirit nature.

Scrawled on the crumbling walls of the ruins was a type of text of a civilization long past, probably the precursors to the people occupying the nearby city now. Again, Weiss didn't stop to look at the text, though this was just from disinterest rather than avoiding to look at something due to bad memories. As for finding Sollis's hand, Weiss basically tried to sense anything that gave off the same aura as the Lich. It would be unique enough that it would stand out, since Sollis was the only Lich she has met, after all. Some more time passed when Weiss finally sensed something. Going down a corridor, the fallen nature spirit soon found herself in what appeared to be a large circular room, with a beam of light shining in through a large crack in the ceiling.

It's in here... Weiss thought to herself as she flew to the ceiling of the room, to see if she could spot it from above. Scanning the floor beneath her for anything, her eyes fixed on a certain location and she dove toward it. There was rubble in the way, but Weiss simply called up her scythe and swung it once, sweeping the debris to the side. She then saw the object she was looking for as she landed on the ground next to it, kneeling down to pick it up.

This wasn't her first time seeing a skeletal hand, but this one gave off quite the dark aura. So..with this, he'll be complete, right? Well...if it helps further my own motives...then so be it... Making sure she had a firm grip on it, Weiss started to make her way out of the ruins, her mission now complete. It would take her some time to get back to the city and evening was starting to set in...

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Meanwhile, back in the city, Helena was still enjoying the festival having had a helping (or two) of cheese potatoes as she waited for both Hyouun and Lorelei to return. Well..there is little else I can do...I could get another helping, but I don't want to overeat now... It was getting dark, but it wouldn't do much for Helena to go look for the two of them, since they were supposedly coming from the forest. Best if I chill here...just have to fight the urge to get more food...
 
Tsubasa opened the door to see the two princesses in front of him; he knelt in standard greeting manners to his sister in law. Who rank wise still have much seniority over him, but mostly this wasn’t about rank or status. It was just out of full respect for the older princess, Tsubasa while growing up he wasn’t allowed to see Misaki’s face. The traditions forbid him, but Tamiko Misaki’s elder sister, would always come to visit Tsubasa, and she would answer him all his questions. She would tell of Misaki’s well being, as a child and even now Tsubasa has always had sibling love towards Tamiko. As he was given a smile from the elder princess, he was given a signal to rise.

As Tsubasa rose, his eyes met with Misaki he could tell something is different about her, and it was obvious. Ryagon wasn’t in control, Tsubasa paused as his heart felt pain, he wanted to be able to speak to the two without consequences, and more over he wanted Misaki back. Suddenly his vision went blank and his hearing dulled, it was at if time stoped and it did even for a moment it felt like eternity. It’s meaning is only one thing Sollisferrum was there. In his hands was a skull, in a rarity appearance Sollisferrum talked to Tsubasa as if he was faced to face. A black obsidian skull, with red glowing eyes faced him. “She isn’t there right now†Sollis spoke to Tsubasa. “You will punish me if I tried anything, is that what you came here to tell me?†before Tsubasa could finish the sentence he tried his hardest to throw the skull as far away as possible. But it just came right back facing him square in his face in this dark gloomy room. “No I am here to let you know that, I am kind and I am not cruel, for the next hour. Your life is yours. I cannot stop Ryagon if she returns. Enjoy I shall take a rest now†Instantly Tsubasa snapped out of his trance, only about a minutes, not even minutes possibly seconds have gone by “ Thank you “ Tsubasa said under his breath. He then went over to Misaki and held her hand to his face. “ I’m here to take you to dinner, but I hope we can get a moment or two together†He said as he smile towards her and to the look of delight on her sister’s face.
 
Zeke got tired of waiting rather quickly, so instead of taking the servant's advice and simply waiting Zeke decided to go wonder around Hmmph, peasents...that's the thing with these Windorians: They know NO respect! Making ME! Wait! ME!! He thinks, his arms were crossed as he wondered about, tapping his arm with his finger.

The thing about Windoria was that it was always rich and filled with culture, just about every turn, every step he took had a story to tell and these hallways were no different. Decorating the otherwise plain white marble stone walls were vases, paintings, suits of armours, and other artifacts like swords, and shields protected behind a glass case with a lock.

Walking through the Windoria palace was like walking through a museum. As Zeke wondered about, he felt the dark presence again, but then it quickly vanished Hmmm...strange...that feeling...it disappeared Whatever that feeling was, it felt...uncomfortably close.

it was then that he saw a boy entering a room in front of him, and it looked as though something troubled him. He smiled as he followed suit managing to catch the door with his foot before it closed, it was then that he saw Misaki...along with a girl he didn't recognize "Ah! Misaki! You're looking as radiant as you do everyday" Zeke says he enters the room and kneels, taking Misaki's hand he kisses it and then quickly stands up, ignoring the fact that Tsuabasa was also in the room. He stands up towards Tamiko "And who's this? I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting miss..." He says waiting for Tamiko to introduce herself.
 
Hyounn raised an eyebrow for a moment before returning it down the path leading into the city, “You are welcome to accompany to the palace once we’re sure that these two are good hands.†Hyounn nodded, “I have heard of that village a very small and remote one. I admire your village greatly helping to preserve the forest and wildlife.†As the city was coming more into view the dragon humanoid

As the city came more into view the dragon humanoid was relieved they had made it just as the sunset down in the horizon. Most of the Obsidian Eve’s festival at this point was dying down only leaving the night firework display to hold when the sky is light with the sea of stars. But yet even after dropping the two victims in the hospital care, Hyounn could not shake off the feeling that they were facing the calm before the storm. “Lorelei keep an eye out for Helena. Once we have found her than we shall take refugee for the night at the inn provided to us. I’m sure that they’ll make room for our friend here too.â€

At first Lorelei did not respond for the young woman was looking at the castle. If only for a moment felt a mixture of energies not commonly found from the inhabitants of the Silver Sapphire. Hearing her name be spoken for the third time turn around and nodded. “Hehe…She’s into that cheese stuff, so I’m sure we’ll find her at one of the booths if they’re open still.â€

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Tamiko’s plans of escaping from the palace to enjoy what remain of the Obsidian Eve festival before dinner were dashed as her brother-in-law entered the room properly greeting them. The elder princess set the hair brush back down on the stand aside to give the two a bit more privacy. As the prince walk past Tamiko could not help to notice for a moment the rather blank stare cast over his face. Much like her sister, Tamiko worried about him as well for in the visions Tsubasa had been presented amongst the chaos. Reminding herself that the visions could not only be trusted dismiss it being nothing more of a nightmare.

â€I’m here to take you to dinner, but I hope we can get a moment or two together.†Tsubasa spoke touching his hand against his bride’s face, which Miskai rested her hand on top of his smiling. What Tamiko did not understand was the true meaning of his words had taken to them being directed mainly at her. Raising her hands up defensively started to back away towards the door slowly, “Heheh…Ooohh…ho ho…I get the message you two. I’ll leave you two alone for awhile.†Misaki immediately cast her sister a worried at her, “Our guest has arrived and it would be rude to keep him waiting.†adding to her defense. Just as Tamiko made her way closer to the door moved back as an unfamiliar face entered the room

"Ah! Misaki! You're looking as radiant as you do everyday"Zeke announces as he entered the room and kneeling down in front of her younger sister kissing her hand. As her brother-in-law seem unmoved from this gesture of greeting immediately assume that both Misaki and Tsubasa did not react surprisingly like her. “Thank you, Zeke†Misaki smiled, “It is good to see you’ve join us this evening and hope your journey has been well. Forgive not welcoming you properly but we had….a bit of a scare earlier.â€

"And who's this? I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting miss..." Zeke questions standing back up. Misaki was secretly relieved that the two could met this way than following the tradition that Tsubasa and she had to endure. “Please allow me to introduce you to my elder sister, Tamiko.†Tamiko merely stood there quietly in shock to realize that the one before was the one to whom she was promised too as part of the treaty between their two kingdoms. Keeping her presence hidden Ryagon watched on with interest.

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Outside the city walls an elegant carriage surrounded by a procession of royal knights and guards belonging to the Windorian King, Osamu. “Sire, we’ve received confirmation that Prince Zeke had made it to the palace.†A servant cleared his voice flipping through the papers resting on his lap. King Osamu was glad to hear that the Prince of Ursei arrived before them safely; it was the tone of the servant’s voice that caused him to look away from the passing landscape.

“There’s more I take it?â€

The servant nodded looking back up, “New has also spread about a recent attempt at your youngest granddaughter’s life. The man responsible has been caught and lock away for the moment awaiting your decision of his fate.†Osamu lean forward was rubbing the bridge of his nose.

“Make sure that the fellow is double guarded upon our arrival. Tomorrow is truly a joyous occasion that it would be morally wrong to take that from them. I will take time to see this man, but any decision making will be made on the day after.â€

((OOC: Let's start to wrap this first episode up now this week and I will start the preparations for the next day, which will be episode II. Matrix, once I've heard from the others will do a post to get your character into the castle))
 
Tsubasa wasn’t thrilled about the appearance of another prince uninvited into his wife’s chambers, and his approach to his sister in law wasn’t one of which he would approve either. But the way Tsubasa is he’s very calm and cool headed, and he wouldn’t want to waste the little time he as to spend with Misaki on matter as unimportant as this. Tsubasa knew Tamiko well, he knew that she would eventually meet this prince from the other nation; rivalries between the princes of each nation are wide and well known but for Tsubasa he’s always been a gentleman and the most moddest. But after Sollisferrum’s possession you can say Tsubasa has little respect for princes of other nations. Perhaps he was just taking the sentiments of Sollisfferrum, whom’s hatred has transferred into Tsubasa over the time of his stay in the prince’s body. What disappointed him deeply is the lack of security in the palace, it’s almost time for the big ceremony and the place just got intruded earlier, it was too easy for a wandering person to even get into Misaki’s wing.

Some servants entered the room brining some tea that Misaki requested. And so followed along was the guard captain, the captain has been looking for Tsubasa. Paying little attention to the other prince Zeke and Tamiko he moved his hand from Misaki’s and faced the captain squarely. The privacy of his affairs even with his own wife has been disrupted, and there is no telling how long until Ryagon would come back and take over Misaki again. Heeding to Sollisferrum’s words, Tsubasa looked as if he was most irritated. “yes?†Tsubasa said to the Captain who stutter to reply “your ... your highness the king has arrive and so did Prince Zeke†the captian said about, looking at Zeke. Tsubasa gave a look at Tamiko and Zeke, he noticed how Tamiko was in a sort of surprise.

For my sister I wish for the best he thought, when he finally saw MIsaki it was a big change in his life, he wasn’t sure how these two would have felt. They are having a better more surprising meeting then when, Misaki and Tsubasa met. Tsubasa replied to the captain “ well that is great, captain would you please escort her highness and Prince Zeke to a waiting room†The captain nodded “and don’t let the king hear about this†Tsubasa added knowing that a traditionalist like Osamu would disapprove of the meeting without the traditional ways, where they cannot see each other’s faces. The practice of Arrange marriage in Windoria was only recent, within the last two generation as when the empire started to grow. Alliance needed to be made and so the royalty were at its lead, joining blood and packs between nations. Tsubasa and Misaki was the first arrange marriage within the nation’s walls, As Misaki was a descendant from the original monarchy family, and Tsubasa from a new bloodline that took over 100 years ago after a big civil war. Control returned to Misaki’s family when Osamu’s father won the war and ended the civil strife. It was because that both ruler were kind to its people, Windoria continued to live In peace and the populous love Tsubasa and Misaki as the two family joined and ended a civil tension between the Northern and Southern Windoria.

As the privacy returned to the two Misaki moved to sit at an elegant long chair placed at her balcony, a soft sofa stitched in white and gold of a phoenix design. A glass table holding the tea set sat warmly as the balcony faces the sunset over the river. She looked at Tsubasa with a soft gaze one of disappointment; there time was getting shorter and shorter together. Tsubasa sat next to her and held her hand tightly he too was exhausted, and scared of the coming future. Their two lives no longer in their hands but hanging by the thread controlled by evil. Misaki in her pure white dress places her head on Tsubasa’s shoulders. She picked up a planner for tomorrow’s ceremony from the glass table next to her tea cup and looked at the date. She cried, her tears landed on Tsubasa’s arms as she squeezed more tightly, to the point that, Tsubasa could feel pain. Tsubasa closed his eyes and endured the pain kissing Misaki on the forehead. He tried his hardest to speak the words, but it never came out. As hard as he forced it, it only hurt much more. The pain which Misaki is putting on his arms and his heart. Suddenly a gentle push came from an unlikely dark place; a glimpse of a skull covered the inner imagination of Tsubasa. “Happy Anniversary Misaki†the words came out finally, with so much effort.Tommorow marked the 3rd year of the two’s marriage and the ceremony that was interrupted. Tsubasa was choking and gasping for air, but for a slight moment Misaki smiled happily to Tsubasa. For a moment Misaki was victorious against Ryagon. But it was too late Ryagon returned, and so did Sollisferrum, as Tsubasa and Sollis switched places Tsubasa thanked Sollisferrum who returned a nod. Ryagon has fully taken over, and got up to sit in the chair opposite of Sollisferrum. Her White dress has turned dark purple almost pitch black. Sollisferrum straighten out the wrinkles in which Misaki has put into his uniform. Ryagon sat and sipped tea watching Sollisferrum with her red eyes. Sollisferrum too returned with a Red gaze equally terrifying “all preparations is complete, Weiss will bring me the last piece to make this successful, so for now let’s go meet the king shall we?†Sollisferrum said to Ryagon.†it willbe just like three years ago, the days that will end all days†Sollis then got up and prepared to escort Ryagon to dinner.
 
Zeke turns his head towards Misaki and bows gracefully 'You're concern is notes Princess! The journey was most treacherous but I assure you it is nothing my men can't handle!" He says, his head snaps back towards Tamiko "Hmmmm Tamiko you say? Why does that name sound so...familiar....??" He placed his hand on his chin and looked over Tamiko's features, she was oddly dressed, just looking at her you'd think she was a witch or some kind of sorceress...which made Zeke think if she practiced the dark arts or not, it would explain the dark energy that was flowing throughout the palace walls. Despite her odd appearance, there was no doubt in her mind that Tamiko was beautiful, perhaps even more so then Misaki.

He closes his eyes and it suddenly came back to him "Might you be...the Tamiko that i'm suppose to marry!?" Zeke says remembering what his royal advisor told him he left.

"Well met then, well met indeed!" He says to Tamiko "Please, allow me to escort you to dinner my love" He says taking Tamiko's hand into his he escorted her through the palace. Zeke observed around his surroundings, when the two were alone he says to her:

"Truth is...this place is rather quite boring, wouldn't you say? I was thinking of sneaking out and heading into the festival would you care to join me fair maiden?" Zeke says a smile on his face.
 
Cassandra laughed happily still thinking back at the reaction she had stirred after winning one of the festivals many game events. The rest of their evening was spent drawing together strengthening their bond as a family which the hyperactive farm girl enjoyed greatly, secretively wanted to break away to have more fun. Fun that would help their family more for the next harvest in terms of needed supplies and equipment. As the Langley family moved to stakeout a perfect spot for the closing of that night event, Cassandra could not help over hear about the near attempt assassination to the crown princess Misaki life. One would think the palace would be fortified to those that may have a grudge against the royal family. “Bet I could take them on†she laughed.

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Misaki slowly pull away from her husband’s shoulder looking at him with vision blurred from the tears that had been shed. How the young princess wishes desperately their time together would be longer than what the two evil entities allow them. Those three simple words and comfort Tsubasa surrounded her with had had the strength to hold off Ryagon’s will only for a moment longer until the dark deity force its way back. Using subtle minders feeding to the young princess Ryagon grew stronger that soon it would be quite simple to take over without much effort.

“That pleases me to hear Sollisferrum.†Ryagon replied as Lich prince offered his hand out for her, “I have completed scattering the underlings throughout the kingdom awaiting to be set free. The poor little darlings. It pains me to leave them with simple instructions to wait until tomorrow where they shall feast to their hearts content.†Standing up smoothing the wrinkles in her dress stared out at the scenery before them. Closing her eyes Ryagon searched out for her dark ranger amongst the gather population.

Arslan! Arslan do listen very closely to my instructions Ryagon spoke to him telepathically, After the fireworks come to the palace entrance. I shall have Sollisferrum greet you personally for there is much to discuss. Do not worry my dear Arslan you will have a chance to present any questions to me afterwards cutting off the connection as the two walked out of the chamber, “Will also be expecting some company later on. Would you be kindly to escort them inside to a more private room where we can speak freely?â€

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Tamiko had not reacted as Zeke study her features closely for it was quite common amongst neighboring kingdoms and their own subjects alike. The older princess finds that the more traditional garments of a princess to be too restricting defies from ever wearing one (including on her own wedding day). A small compromise had been made for their arrange marriage tomorrow. Her grandfather reluctantly agreed to her choosing of the gown, but one condition. That condition was she wears a necklace having belonged to their mother.

The elder princess must confess when learning of the terms of the treaty between their two kingdoms Tamiko was guilty of picturing him differently. How relieve Tamiko to be having proven ever the wrong on that thought. Smiling more widely allowed him to escort her to dinner despite the fact she was not looking missing out on the closing ceremonies for that evening. "Truth is...this place is rather quite boring, wouldn't you say? I was thinking of sneaking out and heading into the festival would you care to join me fair maiden?" Zeke says a smile on his face. Tamiko’s eyes shot open wide not having taken him for the type of finding the palace equally dulling.

“I would say you are one after my own heart.†Tamiko laugh squeezing his hand as she moved to stand before him. “For I must confess that was my intention long before your arrival. Follow me. I know of a secret passage that will allow leaving with little attention. The festival has so much more to experience than to watch from here.â€

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As the three continue their search Hyounn slow down that he walks behind the two. There was no question in his mind that their meeting with Kronos had been a coincidence, but fate. A fate that has been there throughout the ages no matter how much has change. Question is…are they ready?
 
Weiss finally made it back to the city and made her way back to the palace. She couldn't go through the walls since she had Sollis's hand in her possession, so she had to resort sneaking her way back to the spot where she had spoken to the Lich earlier in the day. Thankfully for her, she knew the blind and the dark spots to move to rather well, having gained experience in scouting these sorts of areas for her "work" in taking care of foolish mortals.

I'd approach Sollis with it instead, but it would be stupid to do so...he maybe among people that he would rather not know about his secret... She thought to herself, not knowing that Sollis and Ryagon were pretty much alone at the moment. Still, she made it back to the spot without being seen, hiding in a secluded spot until Sollis came to check on her. She didn't need to sleep, so she could wait there for a rather long time if need be....

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Helena sighed to herself as she left the booth, walking amongst the now darkening scenery. Crud...I hope nothing bad happened to them... She thought to herself, thinking it was about time that she go out to look for the others. She didn't have to go far, though, when she spotted Lorelei with someone she did not recognize, with Hyounn not too far behind. Elated to see they were ok, she approached them. "Hey, there you guys are! How did everything go? And also...who's this with you?" She asked politely, looking at the young man inquisitively.
 

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