Hargeon a simply port town located in the south of fiore. A simple town known for it's beautiful scenery and large marina. It was a town of peace and quiet home to the famed guild of Blue Pegasus, where many mages gathered in solace to find kin amongst one another, to whom they could share their life stories with, to those whom they could form new bonds of friendship and perhaps even love. Our story takes place not at the Guild of Blue Pegasus but in Hargeon's simple yet illuminate town square, a small section of the port town with a found positioned in the middle, wooden benches stationed around, each beneath a tree providing the perfect shade.

A young boy could be seen running through the town square laughing merely as a kite flew behind him, held tightly by the string in his hands so not to blow away, he is no the focus of this story. No our focus pans towards an elderly woman seated upon one of these benches. This elderly woman is short, standing only five foot as she sits upon the bench, legs closed together and hands neatly folded in her lap. She appeared traditional dressed in a long flowing kimono made of the finest silk, tied closed by an obi, jacket and sash over her shoulders, paired by the white tabi and waraji on her feet. The old woman's eyes appeared shut, her white hair tied up in a double bun with a hair pin that had two pearls hanging off the side sticking in from the left to keep the bun in place, with matching ears hanging from her ears.

The elderly woman's closed gaze was fixated on the fountain, she appeared to be ignoring the world around her, paying no mind to those that passed. With the way she sat not moving and eyes closed many assumed she had simply fallen asleep, if only they knew. Her eyes were open only slightly giving the illusion they were closed. If one was to look closely enough they would see a dull shade of red piercing out from beneath the shadows of her eyelids, as dark thoughts filled her mind.

"Look at these heathens doing as they please. They do not even know the glory of the Chaos Lord Khorne. They dare to live without knowing of his presence. It is an a front to his glory, they deserve only death." Thought the old woman as day dreams of blood shed filled the void within. If her guild did not believe in hiding within the shadows, to not draw attention to themselves she would not hesitate to rise from her feet and kill these heathens where they stood.

"That fool of a guild master is lucky he is strong, a valued trade of Khorne else I would have attempted to end his life years ago. I must bide my time and continue to strengthen myself. But first I must find a way to rid myself of this useless decrepit form, I must regain my youth."

Yumi held back a sneer as she turned her head, catching a walking couple off guard at her sudden movement. She ignored them and began to survey once more, "For now I shall find something or someone to amuse me. That was when she saw him, the one who would amuse her.

"Excuse me young man would you be so kind as to help this old woman. These old bones of mine have gotten stiff and I can no longer rise from my seat, be a dear and help me up." Called the aged mage as she faked a passable friendly smile, speaking in a soft tone to the young lad.

Finn had found himself in the Hargeon Square, having previously been roaming through the town aimlessly for hours on end. There had been no rhyme nor reason for his venture into the town that housed his Guild. Instead, his exploration of a town that he had combed over time and time again was in a poor pursuit of passing the time. He had been with Jake that morning, with plans for the day that the two of them could pursue together. Ideas of venturing into the nearby wilderness, perhaps further North to find some form of adventure.


It was a series of events that was all too common for the young man, devoid of any actual magic. Jake was Finn's best friend, of that there was no question. However, whereas Finn would be content with new ventures on a daily basis, Jake needed frequent breaks to recharge himself.

Despite his supposed plan of meeting new people, Finn had passed these hours in relative silence. He greeted the people he passed on the streets, but didn't bother to stop to talk to them. It wasn't a disdain or disease that they caused- It was simply a boredom that overpowered his sense to end that said boredom. A rut that many young people would find themselves in, having found their plans canceled on them before they even begun.

That sense of boredom would not need to last for long. "Excuse me young man would you be so kind as to help this old woman. These old bones of mine have gotten stiff and I can no longer rise from my seat, be a dear and help me up." Turning to face the origin of the voice, a face that seemed as withered and aged as the voice it housed. She felt eerie- A sort of feeling that Finn got whenever he met an older person. The wrinkles, the aches, the pains; All of them added up in a sort of way that made him wonder whether or not he'd be able to deal with that process.

"Oh, sure thing Gr-" Finn's face noticeably cringed as Jake mentally corrected Finn, "Erm, Ma'am." Rushing forward and leaning down, Finn would wrap one arm around the ladies back, the other gently gripping her hand, allowing her to decide the pressure that would be applied. She would likely feel the hardness of his muscles upon her back, something that came from a man who lived in a world of Mages without any such magic.

Once she was aided to her feet, Finn would smile and stand there in case she needed support. Old people smell weird.

Yumi continued to smile politely at the young lad as he turned to face her, it seemed he would lend her a hand after all. She noticed the noticeable cringe that appeared on his face as he spoke almost calling her granny no doubt, but correcting himself and calling her Ma'am. If there was one thing Yumi hated it was being reminded of her current age. She hated this feeble old body of her's and dreamed of being young once more, to regain her glorious black locks, her vibrant red eyes and above all her milky white skin. If she had known getting old was such a tedious task she would have found a strong foe to end her life on the battlefield years ago, but she fought on. If it was the will of Khorne for her to grow old then she would, but not before passing on the teachings of her great God.

Yumi felt the boy wrap an arm around her back while accepting her hand with the other. She would apply a noticeable amount of force into her grip that would be quite surprising for someone her age to have. She gripped tightly and rose from the chair releasing a groan of discomfort from the moving of her aching bones. She leaned forward in a slight slouch before putting both hands on her hips and forcing her back to stretch eliciting a loud cracking and popping noise from her joints. The old mage began to roll her shoulders eliciting similar cracks as she moved the stiff muscles, showing she had been sitting down for a quite some time.

Yumi moved her neck side to side popping the stiff joints, using her left hand to rub the back to get rid of the stiffness in her muscles, "Much better. Thank you young man you've done this old woman a service." Yumi straightened her back and stood with perfect posture. Her wrinkled hands slid into the sleeves of her kimono as she folded her arms over her chest.

Yumi turned to face the young boy in order to size him up. Her eyes widened ever so slightly revealing a slight shimmer of dull red. She lifted her head slightly noticing he was taller than her by nearly a full foot. The boy was young, maybe sixteen or seventeen, possibly eighteen she wasn't quite sure. He had blonde hair that poked out from the odd shaped white hat he wore, "Oh dear how rude of me. You'll have to forgive me, I seem to have forgotten my manners. I am Yumi pleasure to meet you. And you are...." She left the question opened as she awaited for the boy to tell her his name.

The discomfort on Finn's face grew with every pop of the woman's bones. The sound wasn't a pleasant one, and although he had heard it before, it didn't sit well with him when done in such high quantities. It was like her entire body was reconnecting, forming back together for her to be able to move. This gunk is gross. As she thanked him and straightened her body, Finn couldn't help but admit that he was caught off guard.

Whatever she looked like in her youth had been all but lost with time. Her eyes squinted, hiding any hope of a glint or gleam that might have given hint to her personality. Her skin was old and wrinkled, matching the gray hair that fit comfortably in its bun on her head. Her posture was the only thing about her physical appearance that maintained any sort of illusion that contrasted with her actual age. "Yeah, not a problem. Glad I could help!" His voice held some genuine enthusiasm, but the slight discomfort from her previous poppings and crackings were still apparent.

"The name's Finn!" He said with a bit more bravado, puffing out his chest and smiling to her. He was one of the more innocent people in the world, something that could be apparent by one who'd seen any of it. "Are you new to Hargeon? I don't think I've seen you around." He didn't know what else to say. The words came out piece by piece, as if he was still formulating the sentence as it came. He had to get over her rice-crispy body before long, right?

Yumi turned back to look at the fountain, water glistening down cascading like a slow waterfall. The boy had great enthusiasm, a deep layer of innocent hidden beneath his voice as he puffed out his chest with bravado and smiled towards her. Such an innocent child this boy seemed to be, how naive. Innocence would not last long in this blood soaked world. Many saw the Fiore as a beacon of shining light, never aware of the darkness that shadows cast upon it. The darkest that seeped beneath carefully scheming until the time was right to put their plans into action.

At his question Yumi turned back to focus on him. Yumi paused briefly thinking of what to say, "I'm merely visiting. I return every few years to reminisce about the times I spent here with my dear departed husband." Of course it was all a lie not that the boy would know. She had never been married but she had always taken precautions over the years to make it seem like she was a normal person. If she was caught by Rune Knights early on she would not be able to sacrifice in the name of Khorne.

For such occasions she had a photo or two up her sleeve to keep with her little old lady look. Yumi removed her right arm from her sleeve pulling out a photo that had been stashed inside. The photo appeared to have been carefully preserved and was on of a much younger version Yumi back in her youth, she looked to be in her early twenties. In the photo is showed Yumi smiling by the fountain, long black hair as beautiful as silk cascading down her back, vibrant ruby red eyes shimmering in the sun dressed in a black Gothic Lolita outfit. In the image it revealed that she was once without doubt considered a beautiful young woman. Next to her was a tall young man with short spiked shoulder length red hair with emerald green eyes dressed in black trousers with a white top.

Yumi positioned the photo showing it to the young boy, "I was here over sixty years ago. Here I met my husband. He passed away fifteen years ago, in his memory I make a yearly trip to Hargeon simply to reminisce about our times together." The photo had been of a boy she had met many years ago who she seduced into leaving town with her. Once they were far out of Hargeon's view she had sacrificed him in Khorne's name and got rid of the body.

"Oh I apologise, I seem to have gone on a tangent. A young man like you shouldn't be listening to this foolish old woman reminisce." Yumi slipped the photo back up her sleeve, "Young man as a thanks for helping and listening to the foolish woman, why don't I treat you to a nice meal. I here the 8 Island restaurant is still as popular as it was in my days."

Finn looked at the picture she retrieved from within her sleeve, a little confused as to why a woman would be randomly carrying photos in her shirt. However, once he saw the image, his eyes widened slightly, his cheeks tinting pink. This rosier color carried slightly into his nose, making it a very obvious sight. The girl within the photo was beautiful, a surprising contrast to her older counterpart. Expression, skin tone, everything seemed so changed now. Is that what age did to people?

"Wow..." He barely managed to get out a word before realizing how he must look. Clearing his throat and looking away, he mentally tried to change his mindset. Woah Finn, don't be a donk. Wrapping his hands behind his head as he continued looking away while his blood flowed away from his cheeks, he acted as if he was focused on some far off object. "That's fine Yumi, you don't have to say sorry or any of that junk."

Trailing his voice off, Finn thought about the offer for a moment. "Nah- Erm, No thank you. I can walk you there, but I have to eat dinner with my brother tonight." He had already resolved himself to complaining to Jake that night about the lack of co-travel. Whether or not its importance was raised to allow him to avoid being stuck at a dinner with an old lady was still a mystery.

Yumi watched the boys expression with the faintest hint of amusement. She had been considered quite the exotic beauty in her youth, with both men and women falling head over heels for her with naughty but a smile and a flip of her hair. Sadly now she could only reminisce about those days while continuing every day life in this pitiful old body that she was cursed with until her death.

Yumi brought herself out of her thoughts as the boy began to speak saying he would be able to walk her to the restaurant but he had to attend dinner with his brother, "Smart boy. One can never be to careful when accepting anything from a stranger, even what appears a harmless little old lady. If only her knew." But there was no way the boy would be aware of her past, she had made sure i stayed buried by becoming inactive in the last decade.

"Thank you deary I would appreciate that." Yumi began walking away from the fountain at a slow pace, "Aren't you a sweet child, eating with your brother. Spending time with family is something to be cherished. Once should always cherish the time they have with family while it lasts as you never know when the last moment will be the last" Spoke the old woman softly hands still folded over her chest, her feet shuffling across the ground. Even though she was old Yumi walked with grace no wasted or sluggish movements and her steps made no sound.

"Deary, may this old lady enquiry if you are a mage or a member of a guild?" queried yumi in order to keep the conversation rolling.

This lady was a stereotypical old lady- That much was pretty certain. She seemed normal in almost every aspect, though perhaps he wasn't one to speak for that. For the majority of his life, he had spent it with only Jake's family- Which, of course, was now his own. Still, things like the elderly and children were both very new to him. He was unaware of what separated the two, other than the potential of death being much higher for the former and the potential of growth being higher in the latter.

Really, were age differences that big of a deal? A thought of a man who had spent most of his life ignorant to the two, passing by quickly enough and allowing him to resume his current mindset, which was directed towards her. "Yeah, you're right. Mom and dad are pretty old- But they're both super strong, so they will probably be around for a long time. Same with Jake." Unlike humans, beasts gained more and more power as they aged. Death could be postponed by small amounts of power, and his family contained vast amounts of it. The ideas that they'd be dying anytime soon was so far off to him that he couldn't even fathom it.

"Oh, I don't use any magic," Finn said with a shrug, though most people would be disheartened by such facts. "I'm just an adventurer- Getting by on my brainstuff and my musclestrength!" With that, Finn offered a flex of his arm and a laugh. This confidence and joy was not faked to make her feel better about the situation- It was how he truly felt.

"No magic? An odd life choice for one so young. Youngsters these days are so eager to learn magic. I suppose its refreshing to see one take upon another path. But how far will this particular path take this young one." The Apostle of Khorne continued her path through the streets of Hargeon allowing a silence to waft over the two as she allowed herself to retreat momentarily into her thoughts, gathering what to say. If there was one thing age had taught Yumi, it was to take time to think things through even if every day conversation.

"An adventurer, the dream of many younglings to journey out into the world and seek daring trials. I remember my adventures in my own youth." started the aged woman, her dull hues seeming to twinkle in the light, "I may not look it, but I was once a Mage and had many glorious adventures in my youth. I hope you to will experience the joys and wonders of the world as I once did." Yumi reflected on her journeys through Fiore. She had seen and experienced much in her time. While she may not have many years left she would continue to experience what the world offer and serve her Lord Khorne.

"Have your partaken in any recent adventures?"

The lady seemed younger, if only for a moment. Her eyes parted as they seemed to strain on an image long gone. Something he had said, likely in regards of his lack of magic due to the timing of it all, seemed to trigger something inside of her. Some memories, long behind her now. How terrifying age could be. To find oneself in a state where the body could no longer keep up with the mind was a scary thing. Finn would have to find a way around that, eventually. That, or he'd age just like the woman before him.

Well that would be some gunk... Not as articulate as others, maybe, but a true statement nonetheless. "Awh, come on Yami!" His voice held a sort of tone to it that mirrored sympathy, though it wasn't that. It was empathy. He was, for the briefest of moment, relating to where she was coming from. It was not pity, nor sadness, but understanding that edged his words. "You're still a mage, even if you can't do as much! Besides, I've seen a whole bunch of dungeons and shizz in my travels with my brother!"

The words seemed random, but the confident grin he shot her said otherwise. "There's some crazy whatzits in some of them. There's probably even a way to make you young again! If I ever find one, I'll hunt you down and let you use it first. You have my word as Fiore's number one adventurer!"

The boy was truly a strange one. Attempting to lift her spirits the way he was, it seemed he generally cared for the well being of others, even if they were total strangers. Something Yumi did not share, she could not care for the well being of others, she would sooner leave a stranger to die then bother lending then her aid, unless it benefited her in some way. Though she supposed in the eyes of others, the traits this boy had were of value to the world and he would be seen as a compassionate soul, someone who could easily win over the hearts of others.

The boys offers to find a way to regain her youth intrigued her. He barely knew her and yet he would go to such a length to assist. Yumi would not deny him the chance to help her regain her youth, as it was something which she sort so desperately, "You are a kind young man Finn. A trait to be respected. It warms this old womans heart. I will hold you to your words and offer you three favours in return. If it is in my power to aid you should you require, do not hesitate to ask."

Finn laughed, shaking his head while putting a single fist on his hip and raising his other hand, wagging his finger. "No way, Yumi! You forget, I'm an adventurer! It's what I do. We don't go after the treasure, we go after the thrill!" With that, he clenched his fist and raised his other, holding both fists as if he were a saiyan powering up. "I don't do the junk for rewards! Besides, we're friends now! It's just what friends do, duh."

His words did not carry with them the weight of someone who saw value in them. He did not think of his acts as a favor, nor did he intend to have her repay his acts. They were genuine- As offhanded as one would ask the weather. There was not a speck of alternative motives hidden within what he said. The boy was truly a pure soul, through and through. As the boy went to speak, he paused, then glanced at the lady. "Besides, I just realized I have no way to find you. So when I figure it out, I'll just post requests for you all over Fiore. That way you can just come back to Hargeon for it!"

Yumi opted to release a shoft hearty laugh at the boys words, it was not mocking or condesending it simply was a laugh of amusement, "There are not many who would do such a thing without reward. You truly are a special one. Try not to let the world change you. There are many who would see that innocence of yours crushed my boy. Take the advice of this old woman and becareful of whom you trust."

Yumi offered the boy a small smile, her pale lips rising up ever so slightly, wrinkles forming in her cheeks fron the movement, "I will make sure to keep my eye out for your name in every town i visit." The old woman turned her head to look up upon the sky, "However young Finn promise an old woman this, always look forward never back. Do not hesitate to live your life to the fullest. Experience love, heart break, adventure, sorrow, happiness, all the life throws towards you and remember no matter the trials life gives you, continue onwards. Do not grow old with regrets."

Finn looked a little lost at her words. They were not overly deep, instead being found by many of the older generation when appointed with one younger than themselves. Still, such things caught him slightly off guard from her. They had been in tune with the rest of the conversation, certainly, but still. They sounded so wistful- As if for the moment, ever so slightly, she danced through her past. Finn didn't know what to say at first, finding every word caught in his throat. Why were they fighting so hard to come out, when all they had to do was come out? It was a strange feeling, and one he didn't feel often.

As he often did when in doubt, his mind blanked and his eyes closed. A smile slowly found itself upon his face, and his bright blue eyes opened once more and found Yumi's. "Then promise me that when we restore your youth, we go to some dungeons and gunk together!"

The old woman showed an amused smile, her eyes twinkled with mischief as she eyed the blonde haired male, "I can do that young one. When the time comes, I will gladly join you upon your adventures."After all it is the job of the older generation to show you youngsters how its done. I can't allow myself to bee upstaged by the younger generation now can i young on?" addressed the old woman, she may be part of an older generation but Yumi had not let her skills drop at all. She may not be as strong, fast or as agile as she use to be, but that did not mean she was rusty or any weaker, even the elderly had their own ability to fight in this day and age. Magic was a wonderful thing.

Finn looked at Yumi for a moment, then laughed and nodded his head, looking back forward. The restaurant she had been talking about was coming into view now, and sitting in one of the chairs was Jake. What were the odds? He had noticed also that the woman who had condemned her age prior was now much more open about it. Whatever that meant, he took at as a good sign. That was not to say that to hate times ill effects were a bad thing, but it was nice that she was distracted momentarily.

"Oh yeah, I never asked. You said you were a mage, Yumi? Are you part of any guilds?"

Yumi looked ahead, spotting the restaurant just up ahead in the distance. How many years had had it been since she last been year, five, ten, fifteen years? She couldn't remember, the curse of age and all the memories piled upon her over the years. She was brought back to the real world when Finn asked if she was part of a guild. The aged mage was part of Grimoire Heart a Dark Guild with less than popular reputation. She couldn't just tell him she was part of it, after all one of the ideals of Grimoire Heart was to operate secretly.

"Many moons ago I was briefly apart of a guild in my youth. I never took their name or the stamp, I lent but a simple hand. I was and still am what is considered a freelance mage."

"Oh, that's awesome. I didn't want to join this guild at first you know. When I showed up, the guild master challenged me. The dingus probably knew I wouldn't turn him down, he was pretty strong too. Completely spanked me! Even Jake said that he'd have problems with the guy- And Jake is strong. That's him there!" As he said that, Finn raised a hand and yelled his brothers name. The dog turned over and saw Finn, immediately looking surprised.

"What the Glob!? Finn, I didn't think I'd see you here" Walking over with Yumi, Finn beamed between the two. "Yumi, this is my older brother Jake. Jake, this is Yumi!"

"Nice to meet you! Thinks for taking care of Finn- I know he can be a bit of a... Well, a crazy guy." Finn laughed awkwardly as Jake continued. "Anyways, Finn, we need to go. There's some haunted thingy near our home, lets go check it out. Apparently there's some sweet things inside too!"

"Woah that's totally awesome! I guess this is goodbye then Yumi. It was nice meeting you- I'll see you again though!"

Yumi raised her right eyebrow as Finn called out to his brother, and in response an odd yellow talking dog responded. The boy was related to this dog like creature? How peculiar, perhaps they were adopted or even step brothers, however they were related it did not matter to her. The old woman bowed politely to the one called Jake as he spoke to her thanking her for looking after his crazy brother, "It was my pleasure. Your brother was more than happy to aid me earlier today."

Yumi began walking past the two, turning before she reached the door of the restaurant to face them once more, "I look forward to meeting you again young Finn. I wish you well in your adventures. It has been a pleasure to speak with you." with that she opened the door to the restaurant and walked on in leaving the two be.

[EXIT]

Finn smiled warmly at the woman who had quickly become his friend in this walk. Maybe it was something to do with how the boy was. Maybe it had to do with the woman finding a spark of light within him. Regardless, the two had become fast friends. Whenever they saw each other again, there would be plenty of catching up to do. How cruel the world was- One was light, the other dark. Only one of them knew the truth, and who knew if the day would come when they'd have to cross each other? Such things were out of Finn's comprehension- Something to face when and if the time came.

"Okay chop chop let's GOOOooooO" With that, Jake paid and stretched over to Finn a short distance before beginning to walk with his brother, away from Hargeon.

[EXIT]