Kazimir was finally coming to terms with all the recent events that transpired around not only himself but the devastation in Orchidia.

Going on a simple patrol was more calming than anything else right now. He wandered off into the rougher parts of town. The streets and alleys wound together with dead ends and whispers. Vines spiraled up buildings like messengers carrying secrets to the depths of the city.  

There was seemingly a perpetual uneasiness about the place. Crime didn't even rest during the rebuilding of the city and the loss of so much life.

The first few hours were uneventful aside from the occasional pick-pocket but a lively tune caught his ear.  Stringed instruments filled the air with a pleasing melody. A small band was playing on the outdoor balcony of a local club.

"I suppose a break couldn't hurt," he easily convinced himself. The knight walked over to the club but despite the music it was eerily devoid of many patrons. The smell of freshly brewed tea was also luring him closer. But the closer he got the more he noticed, the emptying streets around the place.

There was no way to the second level. At least not for someone without the right credentials, but there was a small service at the lower level, under the balcony. Standing room only. It was a like going up to a bank teller. Quick-food and watery tea. Melted ice from the snow above dripped down on the service counter.

"I'll have a tea,"he requested. The server look at the Rune Knight badge with sneer and brought up the tea. Kaz held the steaming cup in his hands and turned back to face the cold streets. There was something charming about the gritty atmosphere.

He took his first sip of the tea when a gruff yell came from next to the building. A large meat cleaver whirled from out of the alley way almost hitting man with a coat full of stolen watches for sale.

Kaz sighed and blinked slowly. When his eyes opened, another cleaver was flung from the alley stabbing into the cold ground accompanied by more yelling from a man's voice, "I'll kill'em"

"Just when I thought things were calming down," Kaz said turning the tea cup in his hands and starting to head toward the alley.

Before Kazimir could get around the corner to investigate the source of the cleavers a new element entered the mix. A slender yet muscular woman appeared and knocked the watch thief into submission. He was about to intercede when he picked up what she was saying. Her tone and actions all pointed to one thing, "She has to be with the knights, or maybe she's just an exceptionally good mercenary for hire," he thought.

Either way a chubby man finally emerged with a third cleaver in hand and a look to kill. He wasn't about to be slowed down and from his gate it was clear he planned to take advantage of the fallen thief. Kaz stepped in between the cleaver wielding mad man and the thief that recoiled at the feet of the pink haired woman.

"Sorry for the inconvenience, but you can't go around slinging cleavers. You could have caused serious damage to someone," it was clear that Kaz wasn't too concerned with the mild pain the watch thief suffered.  The cleaver wielding man stopped shaking the weapon at Kaz. His eyes were thirsting for blood.

While Kaz intercepted the cleaver, the watch thief moaned in pain from the attack at his joints. The blow caused him to drop some more of his prized possessions that he scooped back up just as hastily. With a trembling voice he replied, "Listen, I'll go wherever you want. Being around here ain't good for eitha of us. This street is owned. I promise, I ain't do nothin to that club or  The Chef," he said the man's title as if it was a name of importance. "Just get me outta here," he held his hands forward ready to get cuffed.

The once barren street seemed to have many eye peeking out of a curtain covered windows and through loose boards in battered buildings. Almost at the exact instant the man extended his hands to get cuffed the music stopped on the balcony. Silence covered the street except for the loose creaking boards nudged by the wind.

One finger snap resonating from a window on the top floor of the building and summoned a fast and sharp beat from the band. It was laced with a dark undertone and more patrons filled the outside seats of the balcony. It was like the pause never happened.

In the windowsill a man's silhouette sat. His face was hidden by a loose flowing curtain and shadows. The only defining features seen were a tailored suit, pointed shoes, and a cheap gold watch on his wrist before he swung back inside. A small cape fluttering in behind him. The once probing eyes from the corners receded to their depths.

The man stood straight and pointed his cleaver at the watch thief before anyone could reply. "The law doesn't  come around here. We got a different set of rules," The Chef demanded. From around a couple more corners three men emerged with knives.

Kazimir looked over his shoulder at the woman, "My name's Kazimir," he directed at her and the second part toward The Chef, "I'm with the Rune Knights, and I'd like to ask you to cease what you're doing," the second part came out plainly as in his experience they never cared.He said it mostly out of habit, courtesy, or maybe the faint hope that it would be taken more seriously one day.

Thugs clamored into the streets at the rantings of the man with the cleaver. It would seem that once again his proclamation didn't serve any purpose other than elevating the situation. The Chef was has pig headed as the animals he led to slaughter.

Among it all, Xandra looked back at him with a smile that put the situation more at ease with a potential ally. Her words were curt toward the thief. There was both a gentleness and an intensity to her. The thief stood, hunched over, clutching his watches in his arms. He repeatedly nodded in understanding about the situation.

Kazimir smiled back tightening his scarf, "Habits I suppose. I'll be more careful around here next time. Although they had me pegged from the moment I bought this tea. Just glad they didn't poison it." he still held the warm beverage but passed it back to the thief who almost dropped a watch grabbing it from the knight.

He was going to address her actions towards the thief but it all made sense once she revealed herself as a knight as well. He felt more at ease now with a comrade at his side. It gave him a small smile, "Arresting someone in the middle of the street. Bold move as well," he said before starring down the chef in support of Xandra's threat.

The Chef didn't back down and instead met them with a taunt, announcing the murder of knights by his own hand.

"Nice to meet," he replied to Xandra and held his staff ready. The three dashed forward and in that brief moment before they reached the two knights more thugs emerged from the alleys. A voice called out from the club's stairwell halting all movement, "Cleaver," it was the raspy voice of the well dressed bouncer. "Boss says you're fired. Our condolences for the inconvenience," he directed at the two knights. The new thugs backed away leaving only the original three and the chef.  

Kaz thought they were off the hook but it appeared just to be away to keep the club off the hook for their now former employees actions. The mystery man may have a more devious foothold on the area than he would have thought.

"What! How dare you," the Chef's anger seemed to be fuming at the knights, holding them responsible. "I'm gonna cut you into pieces!" Acting on pure anger now, he sent his three lackeys forward and pulled out another cleaver to heave at the Knights.

"Two and two," Kaz suggested as he flung his staff upward to deflect the cleaver. "You want the Chef?" He asked but had a feeling he knew the answer.

A thug charged within striking range at Kazimir. 'Why does everyone need to get so close for combat,' he thought to himself as he leaped into the air and flung a wind slash downward sending the man colliding into the ground. another thug hurled a knife through the air at the wind mage.

meanwhile one thug charged Xandra and the Chef gripped his cleaver eyeing the right time to strike.

He could already tell Xandra would prove to be a fascinating ally. She gave him a quick glance and a quick-witted mention of her specialty, that caused the wind-mage to raise an eye-brow with a grin. He had done so many more overt operations it seemed, that it was a nice change of pace to meet thugs with a bold expression.

The situation was more intricate as the members of the organization severed their connection with the Chef, and more guards surrounded the building putting an uneasiness in the air.  The Chef ranted about his failings and veered his anger toward them. However, Xandra tried to reason with the man and play on his insecurities and emotions to flip his side. Kaz caught her glance and gave a nod of recognition. "You should listen to her. Think about yourself now,"he added in support of her attempt.

The Chef was still to driven by pride and readied his men for the assault anyway. The possibility was still alive that they could turn the man on his comrades after he learned the true strength of the knights that he stood against. He looked back at the female knight, "They always need a kick in the right direction," he said seeing her grin at accepting to tackle the Chef, in full confidence in his partners ability to bring the man around to see the logic of his own preservation.

Kazimir knocked the knife away and landed safely in time to see his partner act. She brought the man in close with a quick disarm and devastating kick. It appeared she also excelled at close range combat. A nice compliment to his own long range tactics and a potentially deadly duo. She undoubtedly had the skill and power to support her bold and cool demeanor.

The wind mage allowed himself to get to lost in thought curious about her fighting style and the second thug dashed forward with his hand pulled back and muscles tensed. he snapped back into attention in time to make a small circle with his staff and thrust it forward, hastily saying, "Cyclone." An explosion of wind burst forth cutting at the man's skin and close and forcing him to stumble backward from the shock and pain, falling on his back.

Xandra evaded a second cleaver and starred down the remaining threat. The three lackeys laid on the ground in various degrees of pain and consciousness. The thugs no longer concerned Kaz as he looked at the cleaver wielding man. Kaz took a few slow steps forward and tossed the thug Xandra injured by the other two. Demonstrating that the Chef was truly alone now.

The pink-haired knight lunged forward at him, "You should have listened," he remarked with a winced eye, worried about the pain his comrade was about to bring down upon the man.  

Sweat beaded on the Chef's forehead. His mind raced with defense or surrender as he say how stack the odds were against him. He grit his teeth and his cleaver started to lower. His knees wobbled slightly.  It was unsure if he would force himself to challenge the knight head on or crumble under his mounting fear of the pain coming his way.

The woman stirred fear into the Chef's heart as he stumbled backward. Kaz stood behind her patiently observing how she handled the situation, knowing that she had it in complete control. he appreciated her act of seeking the route of nonviolence but making it known she meant business if things were taken that far.

As the Chef surrendered, Kaz nodded back at Xandra pleased that the moment was over, "Sounds good. You make for a very intimidating presence," he said as a compliment, before rolling the lackeys beside each other and sitting the thief down.

The club beckon an uneasy feeling within the knight. One that seemed to be shared with the other knight with him. This story went far deeper than he imagined and would undoubtedly need to be dealt with for the better of Orchidia. The festivities ignored them now, only the watchful eye of the bouncer stared at them void of emotion.

As soon as Xandra turned her back the Chef leapt up for an attack. Kaz instinctively conjured wind to launch an attack but Xandra's quick reflexes sent the man colliding into the ground. The cement shattered and decorated the air like fireworks. The scene caused Kaz to wince out of sympathy pain, knowing how much that must have hurt. He then shuck his head as it was the Chef's choice that put him there.

The woman's casual response garnered a laugh from Kazimir, "he made a poor choice. Hopefully they'll no better than to try that one again."

His attention was taken by the approaching footsteps and he once again prepared for a tussle but it proved to be a flock of reinforcements. "Good to see you all. Can you take these three in. Xandra and myself need to interrogate the other two," he shot a passive look back at his current ally.

The pages happily agreed, if nothing else to be down with this place. Most of them kept looking over their shoulders and few were wiping sweaty hands on the pants of their uniforms. They hurriedly gathered the three and totted them off but not before they cuffed the Chef and the thief, getting them ready for interrogation. Kazimir nodded for them to leave and it was now just Xandra, himself and the two criminals.

"I know a small abandoned building perfect to have a discussion, hopefully away from prying eyes," he said to Xandra to see if she agreed. If she did, he would help the prisoners to their feet and usher them a block away to a multistory building that was once an apartment complex. It was owned by a slumlord but after the demonic attacks it was left partially destroyed but still had rooms within eye shot of the club. He pushed the men to a more secure floor and sat them down waiting for Xandra to accompany them.

"Alright, we know somethings up with the club. Who wants to go first," he asked after waiting for Xandra to get situated.

Both of the criminals looked at each other and the thief stumbled to find his words. The chef looked at Xandra and immediately felt a level of intimidation return to him. "I'll tell you something...but what do I get outta it?"

"Wa..wai...wait. I used to work there," the thief shouted out trying to beat the Chef to the punch.

They walked through the desolate building. The remnants of homes now in shambles. Kazimir looked back to see the heavy-hearted look on his fellow knights face. He didn't say anything, knowing all to well the weight of seeing the devastation. Placing a hand on the back of the thieves he nudged them onward until the arrived at the room.

Xandra had remained silent. The wind mage wondered what she thought about the situation, but appreciated the time he was given to open up the investigation. With a quick flicking motion, she tugged the curtain close, dimming the already low light of the abandoned room. Enough light lingered giving justice to the devious conversations that were to follow. The only company the group had was the draft seeping in through the cracks.

The female knight moved to tower over the fearful chef. Her presence eclipsed his and her threat made the man sweat. Kazimir starred down at the man, "Looks like you have a pretty easy choice to make now." Xandra's words did make even him think for a moment if she was serious or not.

The wind mage met Xandra's eyes as with an intrigued look as the thief interjected. They would be able to pull out more info, surprisingly from this one. It appeared that She knew more about the situation than Kaz did. 'A front for lobbying?' he thought to himself. 'What have I stumbled into this time,' his mind rolled over more scenarios.  

As the thief spilled vital information Kaz walked to the window and peeked behind the curtain. Checking if any strange actions were occurring in the streets or if they had been followed. It wasn't long before the thief's words stung the wind mage. He once again met the gaze of Xandra upon hearing the grim details, that rune knights may be involved in this. His expression was wide-eyed with concern, "It seems we stumbled upon something with deeper roots than I could have guessed."

moving away from the window, "This complicates things a lot, but what needs to be done needs to be done,"he said taking a deep breath. He didn't like it but if knights were corrupted they needed to be dealt with too.

It only grew worse as kids were used as entertainment. Kaz's face turned to a grimace as the twisted plot hidden in the streets became more clear. It made a sort of sense to him, for an organization that dealt with something so heinous they would need higher ups and even knights to keep them in business and untouched.

"Xandra...It sounds like we are about to shake something serious loose. I can't stand by while people abuse their power for greed. I'm all in," he stood by his reassurance to the cause even if it took them against potential powerful foes or once allies. Kazimir's frustration could be seen in his on his furrowed brow.

Kaz filled the pause after the Chef made his exclamation, "Do you have any ideas from the inside that could help us?"

The Chef was in a more sharing mood now. It seemed as though he hated the situation he was put in and may not have been a willing participant. Something that would have to wait until later though.

"Yeah! There is one thing...there is supposed to be a masquerade starting tonight and lasting for a few days. People are gonna be in and out. I know because I was supposed to cook for it. People are gonna come in in masks. Anonymous so to protect their identities. Can't have big wigs being seen down here," he looked back and forth between the two knights,"I don't know how you can do it. Its invite only. They all get special letters."

Kaz turned to face Xandra while, "A masked party. Secret Identities and guests trickling in and out over a few days. Sounds like an open window. Could be risky but may be the only way without causing to much of a scene. At least until we reach the inside."

A simple question from her held the weight of the world behind it. A few short words holding a waterfall of consequences ready to rage forth from whatever action that they took. Her face was stern but not in anger. She had shown herself to be true and straight forward. Her actions unfolded a story of quick action and resolute decisions. This was there chance to make a difference and protect the lives of the innocent and the wind mage could tell his new found comrade felt the same and they were not about to waiver.

With a calm head nod he responded, "Not even a choice. This has to stop...no matter who or what we find." He knew his answer would tell her he was ready to accept whatever consequences befell them and to face off with the potential Rune Knights that  had strayed from their path and become criminals especially in such a manner that it put peoples lives in danger and kidnapped the innocent. Kazimir was aware of the danger but how could he truly call himself a knight if he didn't face this. If he could turn is back on this instance in the face of protecting his own advancement in the knights.

Xandra was lost in thought for a moment before snapping herself back and contemplating the next move. They had the information, but now they needed a way to act on it. Quickly she brought her attention back to the Chef, inquiring about the Masquerade. Kazimir waited as the exchange happened
when Xandra glanced over to him slyly. The wind mage took a few steps closer to the Chef and the other knight. "I'd play what cards you have. After all your chances are better with us than they would be if we let you go and your life was back in their hands," he added.

The chef gritted his teeth, realizing that even if they were bluffing it was his best shot. He would be in dire straits if he was let go, especially if any prying eyes knew he was interrogated by two knights. Plus it was either go to prison now or take his chances at success and relocating. Without waiting too long the Chef gave up the rest of what he knew.

After taking it all in, Xandra turned toward Kazimir with an extreme proposition. One that was out of the norm but made more sense than anything else could have. They needed stealth and they had no resources. The grin that crept on her face showed the excited and positively devious plot she concocted that pleased her. Kazimir was impressed by her quick thinking and willingness to dive in to depths for the sake of the mission.

He smiled back as he took of his badge and  tucked it away in the deepest part of his Gi uniform. "I couldn't have thought of a better plan. Looks like we have an exciting performance to put on." Act like criminals to take down criminals. This wasn't his first time infiltrating a place but it was his first attempt at something to this degree.

"So then, Let's cuff these two here, head to the roof, and see if we can get the drop on some early arrivals." He secured the two dealer, cuffed around one of the remaining sturdy pillars that held the building up and began to walk toward the roof, waiting to see if Xandra accompanied. With how many allied there where, the vantage point of the roof may save them the most time.

reaching the roof, Kazimir peered around to see if there where any who looked ready for a masquerade. It was not long before small groups began to appear throughout the allies. Sparse at first, as it was still some time off from the opening of the event.

Suddenly they where there. Two people wearing outfits that concealed their identities. Dressed for the masquerade and walking down the dim light alley near them. It was convenient after all that they chose a place so near to the club to use.

Kazimir perched on the ledge ready to go and looked over at Xandra, "Well then, shall we begin our life of  crime?" he asked with a simple jest, awaiting her response before the first act of their play began.

The rooftop brought a strange feeling to the knight. He had stood atop them many times seeking out crime but never had peered out at the city in this manner. Acting the part of a criminal with an accomplice by his side. It nudged him closer to the mindset of a criminal as they scanned the area for people that would no doubt be called their victims. All was for the greater good though. For the cause of stopping something much more heinous.

It was his emerald eyed companion that made the first move. She eased of the ledge where she gentle rest as she spotted the two who would be their targets. Hastily she made her way down the staircase and with a simple nod in reply, the wind mage followed her lead.

They arrived at the bottom before their targets and Xandra pulled Kazimir into the darkness of a small corner. Her tug surprised him, but he didn't make a sound. There they laid in waiting for the two citizens to pass them by.  Even now he recounted the times that he nudged around the strict laws of the region for what he felt was right.

Once they walked past them Xandra leaned in for a whisper. His nervous reaction to the closeness only pushed aside by his focus on the mission. She spoke the plan so only he could here and it was decisive. He looked back at her to wonder if she had walked this path before but then realized that they had been doing this to criminals all along. An easily transferred skill.

"Right behind you," he whispered back. He knew what needed to be done but hearing her speak it aloud was reassuring in the encompassing darkness around them.

They moved out of the shadows. Each step brought them closer to the giggling pair before them. Xandra moved in on hers as Kazimir darted forward. The man had turned to see the woman he was with being pulled backward.

Before the masked man could let out a sound, Kazimir had covered his mouth and drove a fist into his gut. The force knocked the air from the man as he faded to unconsciousness. Kazimir held the man in his ornate black suit. He could hear his gentle breathing behind the black and gold mask that surrounded his eyes.


"Should be almost time," he replied as he carried the man back to the building and changed clothes. He wrapped the man in his GI so he wouldn't be laying about in the nude.

He waited for Xandra in the street. The Black suit fit well with a gold trim and matching black and gold ornate mask. Once she arrived Kaz held up the letter he found on the man's person, "We have everything we need now. Just need to get in. Should we go through the front or the back secret entrance," he asked extending his arm for her to take to play into the masquerade further.

As they would exit the alley, it was easy to see the growing crowd of people donning masks in front of the club. All waiting for the doors to open for a night of what they assumed to be fantasy.

With a gentle hand on his arm they moved through the mass of masked masqueraders. A slew of costumed citizens adorned with vibrant colors and feathered regalia made to suit the taste of all. Once beyond the watchful eye of the guards outside, Kazimir was awestruck by the bathing golden light within. Never had he seen a prelude to an attraction as dazzling as this.

They were stopped by two men with the stature of brutes asking for the invitations. He forced himself to move casually as he presented the letter and with a simple gesture they were off toward the main gala. They stood before the doors. The final threshold between them and their mission. Be that failure or victory, they were in the thick of it now.

He felt a slight squeeze on his arm from the now golden haired woman on his side. A motion bearing a million and one thoughts on what awaited them and a thousand more outcomes most of which probably ended poorly. He pulled his arm a bit closer and her with it. A minuscule amount, only felt and barely seen. He reflected a same nervousness and apprehension but a resolve that outweighed it. One that was bolstered by Xandra's presence. He had a knack for diving in headfirst and at least this time he was not alone.

His thoughts barely settled when the doors opened. The room was immaculate. filled with lights and reflections to mystify any who laid eyes upon it. His first instinct was to see the chandeliers as points to move around on in case things went south. Xandra was silent as they walked through the maze of people. An image multiplied by the multitude of mirrors lining the walls. even not seeing her face he saw her head analyzing the room as nonchalant as possible and kept quiet as well.

Again they were not finished as another set of doors appeared in their path. Beyond those was the ballroom. Already filled with dancers joined by the new crowd that they accompanied. Each one adorned with lavish outfits primed for the occasion. The wind mage couldn't help but wonder how long the dark deeds had happened here and which of those patrons were related to the Knights.

Above them was yet another set of doors, ones more beautiful and ominous than the others they passed through. a few men stood in front of it on the small ledge that overlooked the rest of the party. On the other side of the room was the band they heard early in the day. The doors closed behind them with a click, much like the cells in a jail. Once they had entered here they were truly committed to the nights affair.

Once the doors had shut, the band from earlier began to play a slow tune that was eerie given the dark circumstances of the event. The silhouette of the man they had seen in the balcony window came from behind the lavish doors, which were shut immediately afterwords.

"Ah, everyone. Welcome to tonight's festivities. You all know who I am and why we are," he said making a wide gesture with his arms. "Please enjoy the music and the dancing. The real show begins shortly. As those words left his lips the band began to play a more lively tune to dance to. The participants took arms and began their midnight waltz heralding the dark deeds to come.

As the party danced, small groups of people were taken up to the doors at the top of stairs. Each time they were met by the man presumed to be Carlos with a brief greeting and devious smirk. The wind mage knew they needed to take the next step carefully or discuss what reckless action would follow. Blending back in with crowd he took her hand and began the waltz.

With the slow turning of the dance he leaned in to whisper so none other could hear him, "So we've finally made it here. When shall we enjoy the real show?" he tried to speak vaguely in case anyone somehow overheard. "Also do you remember the play we saw about the thief and the king? In the final act did the thief sneak into the kings court and still the diamond, or swing in through the window to face him?" it was all he could think of at the time which is something he feared they were in short supply of.

As they danced and he waited for the answer, a small person the size of a child adorning their own mask approached. In their hand, they balanced a platter with varying wines to be taken and offered it up to the two knights.

The knights danced through the sea of hidden mischief that surrounded them. Its crushing presence like a wave ready to engulf them in the melody of sinister desires.

The lights shined down, casting elongated shadows swirling around the pristine floor. Distorted as if to reflect what soul resided behind expressionless masks and cunning smiles.

Despite the surroundings, there was a serenity in the dance. The rhythm accompanying the music that filled the room. Xandra's presence an ever lasting support amidst the enemies that twirled about. Each movement they made in unison and executed as seamlessly as they had devised this plan. They had fallen in step naturally on the dance floor as if they had done it a thousand times. So too was Xandra's effortless reply in understanding the wind mage's words.

His eyes quickly glanced over the party with a smile, hearing her speak of royal guards. He made a count of five men who fit that description in the play they created. In actuality just gruff guards on patrol in suit of their own. "Ah yes I remember it well. The king' aids were the key. A crafty thief indeed," he replied.

He gathered what she had meant. Those patrons around them could have all they needed. The wind mage was further interested in Xandra's decision to remain covert. On the streets she had been bold and forward and in her interrogation as well. He partly expected her to devise something more emboldened, but she had far to level of a mind to take any risks like that when lives were on the line.

The small child had approached them, thin as a rail. With a nod, Xandra expressed everything that needed to be said. He nodded back and turned away as she engaged the child. A two-pronged approach and Kaz was off to 'mingle' with the guests. He would have guessed her sweet tone could ease the nervousness of the child.

The wind mage tried not to can the room and just filter through towards the hors d'oeuvres. On the way trying to listen in at any pieces of information he could.

Kaz stopped at the table to see a lone person gathering up goodies as well, "Pardon me," Kaz said with a vein smile, trying to play the part. "This waiting is the worst part, don't you agree."

"Of cooourse," the man replied with a soft sensual voice. The man's hand moved through the air and landed on Kaz's shoulder with a playful squeeze, "I can hardly wait. Last time," as he began to elaborate his hands rose in front of him as if to paint a picture the memory. "There was a window. the moonlight was delightful."

"I see, how long was you're wait last time?" kaz asked, trying to keep his questions vague so it wouldn't give away that he had no idea what was happening here.

"Not long. They are cycling through group fairly quickly this time too. Which is good because I hear they lost the chef and are having troubles in the kitchen. So what is your favorite part? Mine is when they get marched out," the man replied holding his elbow in his hand and his chin in his palm.

"Oh, you'll have to excuse me. I was supposed to return to the dance floor," Having gathered a few tidbits of information, he made a hasty retreat before being outed.The kitchen. Of course, they had taken out the chef.

'Okay Kaz. Think. Goal 1: save the kids,'he thought

Kaz made his way over to the door that the waiters emerged from and stopped one of them that was bringing out more food for the table. His face was flushed, it seemed that kids served the wind to guests and the regular staff served the the real food.

Kaz waited for the man to walk by and grabbed the nearest empty tray he could find and held it like a waiter, quickly walking through the kitchen doors.

Once on the other side things were hectic. The impromptu chef was frantically calling for things. Waiters rushed back and forth, but there were no signs of the kid. Perhaps they came from a different area.

"Who the hell are you?" the chef yelled out seeing Kaz in there.

"I was told you needed some help. So they sent me here," he made up a lie on the spot and placed the tray down before grabbing an apron before the new chef could reply.'

As it lipped over his head he saw the doors in the back swing open revealing another staircase to the upper floor. This may be his chance, he only wondered if it wise to leave Xandra down here, but with her tenacious attitude he was sure she would be fine. This was the plan after all.

Kazimir took to the steps. Slipping away from the rest of the staff. He closed the door behind him, trying to be as discreet as possible. The stairs led up to a simple velvet covered door. It was wide enough for two pepole to walk side by side and there was nothing else in there. Only the dim lights allowed for a little sight in the dark hall. The walls seemed soft to the touch as well. Everything cuddling whoever took these steps. He thought it odd to have such fine steps leading to and from the kitchen but who was he to guess all the oddities in a place of such disgust already sipping with it.

Step by step he took the stairs. His feet touching each one slowly as he came closer to the top. he was almost half way when the door opened. He whipped his head back and forth, scanning for anything but there was nothing. The door behind him opened as well with a guard closing it behind him.

Two guards closed the door at the top of the stairs as the entered and stepped toward the wind mage, "Guests aren't allowed to come this way yet. How did you even get here?" the guard asked with a furrowed brows, his chin jutting forward.

Kaz realized if he tried to talk his was out of this, he would just end up back at the party with even more watchful eyes on him than before. There was only one course of action. He put his hands up and stepped up one more, "Sorry about that, I appear to have been mistaken, I don't even know how I ended up in the kitchen," he spoke with a slur as if he had too much to drink.

One of the guards in front shook his head, shooting the other an annoyed look. "I'll take the drunk back," he said with no regard that Kaz heard him. The guard stepped in front of Kaz and put a hand on his shoulder, "this way," he huffed.

Kaz snapped his hand up and clasped the guard's hand that was on his shoulder. Twisting it he took control of the brutes body. Kaz's left and then shoved into the mans body, slamming him against the wall. He grabbed the back of the guards head and rammed it into the wall on the opposite side as the other two guards rushed upward.

He knew he couldn't do this for long as he actually had no real physical strength. He only accomplished that out of surprise. The guard from the bottom lunged forward at Kaz's legs. With a quick hand motion, an explosion of wind, contained in the all surrounded the man and sent him tumbling back down and knocking into the door.

The last guard kicked kaz in the back sending him into the wall. The guard moved to throw a punch but was struck by a blade of wind. It sliced the man's chest and knocked him to the ground. The first guard shook of the dizziness but as soon as he turned he met Kaz's hand in front of his face. A directed blast of wind caused his body to go limp and crumple to the floor. They were all down and Kaz pulled the man's body away from the stairs at the bottom.

The door creaked open again. Kaz was ready to strike but instead it was the small boy from earlier. The child's shoulders jerked upward and the plate he held wobbled in his grasp. Kaz snatched the plate and pulled the boy inside. "You were the one from earlier? What happened to the lady you were with?"

The kid was shaking and obviously to scared to respond. With a slower voice, Kaz responded, "Just stay by me and I'll get you out. Got it." The kid nodded and held the plate with both hands. He walked hunched over up the steps. Fear trembling his tiny frame.

Kaz made it to the top and eased the door open. He couldn't let anyone see in the hall and the had to act fast now to avoid further detection. Well he did at least. he hoped Xandra was better off than his scuffle.

The door led to a hallway, with various rooms. At the end was a small lounge area. All the doors were number and looped around hallways, adding to the idea of privacy. Kaz walked out of the stairwell and took the plate from the kind. He saw one room open and unused across the hall. "Go hide in there. Close the door and i'll come back for you," With a quick nod the child scurried into the room leaving Kaz with the rest of his work.

He closed the door and extend his sense of the wind. He could fill a varied amount of presences in the rooms and around the corners. He safely made his way to the end of the hall and saw a familiar face. Xandra was dressed as a guard and leading a group of people. Kaz was still in kitchen uniform and held the child's plate in his hand.

He didn't say a word to the patrons but walked by them brushing past Xandra to let her know she was near and give her a chance to say something.

She had picked up on what he was doing, "Of course. I'll bring the drinks there, right this minute." He turned to follow the crowd, still holding the plate in his hand. Behind him was a strange feeling. A heavy presence, that he couldn't place but figured it had to be him. Nonetheless the mission must go on. This is what they were here for.

They arrived at the door and he let Xandra lead the way. He simply fell into the background behind the crowd, taking morsels from his plate. They were fidgeting happily and chatting with glee. Rubbing their hands together and nearly bouncing were they stood. A dangerous combination of over indulgence in alcohol and dark desires.

The door opened and the crowd rushed in. It was a terrifying sight. Kaz remained alert but was froze in his tracks if only for a moment. Taking in the horror that was unfolding. Everything in him told him to bring it down. To tear through it but he quelled his storm for now. Needing to assess with Xandra.

Surely there was a way for them to get the children out of her, take these people in and bring down the boss. If there was a large commotion, he had no doubt the boss would come to squash it. After all, it would be his 'merchandise' and reputation on the line if he didn't. But could the two of them handle it? He had to dismiss that thought as they were already here. They had already chosen to commit to the cause and he would not back out now, seeing it in all its heinous underpinnings.

He stepped forward in to the red and orange bathed room. The guard nodded at him, thinking him nothing more than a waiter, doing his rounds.

He approached Xandra as she stood guard. The look on her face managed to not give away what he knew she was feeling inside.

"Would you like a beverage?" he offered her using is as a reason to step closer. "Looks like all of them. The other child from earlier is safe too."

Standing next to her in the room, eased what doubts he had about their chances of success and why they were here. She stood ready for action and the final act was here. Time to stop playing the role of the criminals and return to being knights.

As he said that he saw someone walk by it was a familiar stride. One he couldn't put his finger on. The it hit him, he recognized that walk from the rune knight headquarters. The person behind that mask was a knight, higher rank than his own, but that wouldn't stop him now.

There may be more difficult patrons in here as well. Kids were scattered around the floor in various places. Interwoven with the enemies. If they burst out it would cause a scene and potentially give them a hostage situation. He had to get the kids away from them first, but how.

"Only guards in here it seems. We may be able to get the kids all on the dance floor alone. Put on a show. Then strike," he said as he set the plate down on a nearby table close to the door. he put some more glasses on the plate and walked around the room.

He approached one man with a child near him, "Sir it is almost time for the next show, the entertainers are needed on the dance floor."

Even down to the velvet couch the environment was full of lewd propaganda. As Kaz continued to walk and send children to the floor, he kept and eye on Xandra and the assumed rune knight behind the mask that was sitting with an entertainer.

Once they had the kids out of harms way they could really get down to work.

Kaz heard the faint shatter of glass breaking against the floor. Xandra had dropped it and he met her eyes with his and her signal. He nodded at the last guest he was in front of as all the children moves to center floor crowded around or another. They all began to away to and from, waiting to see what reason they were gathered up there was.

The glass was in tiny pieces and he bent over to help her gather them. The guard next to her sneered at the situation. Now there were two people cleaning up one glass. The wind mage chose to ignore them and instead heard Xandras whisper carrying words of chaos with it. A distraction was the next step. As usually she was quick witted and ready to take a chance. He followed her eyes that lead him to a row of candles around the room. only one way to find out. We'll have to keep an eye on him,he gave a half smile about the fire then nodded towards the man he thought to be a rune knight.

Her plan was dangerous. There were many factors but short of a full assault it was their best choice. They may have the light to deal with and possibly any other mages. But as was right if they could just isolate the kids and spook them with the fire it could work. Very few ways were available for him to do it discreetly. At this stage however, discretion was something they didn't need much of, but he would try. In the short while they had known each other, he trusted her. They had come this far relying on each other and it would carry him through.

right wall. Got it. The last child should be on that direction too. There is a stairwell leading to the kitchen and a back door out. he stood up, not wanting to cause anymore suspicion by loitering there. He was ready to finally see this thing through. He stayed by her, using this moment to stay the slightest bit inconspicuous. With a simple gesture he caused a swift gust of wind to whirl through the room, knocking all the candles onto the velvet couches. Flames engulfed the furniture fueled by a persistent breeze. The patrons wailed in fear and pain. Some catching on fire along with the furnishings. They leaped from their seats running about trying to put themselves out and charging the door. He knew Xandra would already be moving to get the kids out of the way while the fire was spreading.

The only person that had seen him cast was the guard standing next of them. Too panicked by the rush of patrons to act on it. Kazimir would now act as a cover once Xandra made her way over. The guard had to open the door to let them out instead of facing the wind mage.

Kaz made a quick check of the room. The man he thought to be a rune knight attending the party looked around standing in the center of the room. While others were frantic he stood calm, with only a slight swagger from all the wine. The man clasped his hands together and a magical circle appeared beneath him. Kaz quickly thrust his hand forward sending a tornado of wind knocking the man down and skidding across the ground into the back wall.

The commotion brought the attention of the owner of the establishment. The door was open as the people poured out of it. Between. Their heads and flailing arms he saw him coming. Xandra was getting the kids through the next door as the showdown was marching down the hall at them. Her plan had worked and among the chaos it was calming knowing she was watching his back. They shared a mutual anger for the despicable acts around them. Their rage like the bright burning fires.