Now that he was in Crocus, he had one mission in mind. Finding the survivors of Penumbral Guard so he can find out what the actual hell happened. Since becoming a Rune Knight, he learned that Masami was a high-ranking Rune Knight and if he recalled correctly that boy was a friend of his sister's from her time in Penumbral Guard. Masado Faithe hadn't been there long enough himself to make many friends, but he recognized names from his sister's circle.

With any luck, he could find Masami and perhaps some other members. He only hoped Rinni was safe and having better luck than he was in her own search. As he had set out to find Guildmates, his sister had set out to find her boyfriend. Of course, her goal in that search was to also find old friends of the Guild, but her main priority was Ko Lesalt.

He still wasn't entirely sure what she saw in that deadbeat punk. He smelled like trouble from the moment Masado first set eyes on him.

And alcohol.

The knight shook his head and fought to hold back a sigh as he patrolled down the streets. He didn't like being this far away from his sister. However, with all this shit she's been through he trusted her to be able to take care of herself. He just hoped she wasn't doing something stupid right now.

The streets weren't overly crowded today. Nor were they inherently empty. This both aided in making the scene completely peaceful as well as potentially easier (or harder) to find the people he was looking for. Depending on one's point of view. of course. He sighed, wondering if this entire trip was a waste of time.

He hoped that it wasn't. And if it were, he prayed Rinni had found someone at least. That way when they meet up later they can share what they discovered with each other and compare notes. He just hoped she came across an ally and not an enemy. At that thought, he subconsciously placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Receiving reports of fellow members' names, ranks, and locations were not exclusive to higher ranking Rune Knights. In truth, it started as soon as one became a Page. In fact, that's what brought the 22-year-old mage to Crocus, to begin with. He was, officially, going to head to Era to meet the Rune Knights but as he checked his notes he realized most (if not all) the Rune Knights had left for Crocus. One name, in particular, had caught his attention among the high ranking Rune Knights. Masami Kita. If he recalled, during their family vacation his younger sister spoke of Guild Members she had met and even worked with. One that stood out was Masami. He was no older than herself, yet his magic was impressive.

According to the notes, the boy had been granted Captain-commander upon joining the Rune Knights. That was quite a feat for such a young mage. He must have some impressive credentials. Of course, the notes included mention of the fact the teen had already reached X-Rank. Masado wasn't even aware Ranks that surpassed S-Rank existed. He thought it was mere rumors and tales. Still, it was impressive. And one of the main reasons Masado had decided to stay in Crocus upon arrival was in hopes of meeting this famous mage.

If he truly used to be with Penumbral Guard, he'd have knowledge of what happened during their absence. Too bad Masado had no one to get in touch with his sister from a distance. It wasn't that he was worried about her safety. She was an A-Rank Ranger and a werewolf. He had no doubt she could take care of herself. But, sharing information would go a lot smoother if he could talk to her freely. But, it was what it was. As the Rune Knight speed-walked down the street, his armor clanging, his hand still resting on his sword hilt, he heard rustling and as he glanced over his shoulder he caught movement out of the corner of his eyes. It was quick, almost a blur to the untrained eye, but he definitely saw something.

After the third incident, Masado was convinced of it. He was definitely being followed. He kept his hand on his sword and stayed alert as he walked down the road. He wasn't sure if the one tailing him was friend or foe yet, so he decided to be cautious but not irrational. A voice soon reached his ears, implying he was scaring the citizens by walking too quickly. Most would be startled by a disembodied voice speaking to them. Masado didn't scare as easily as his baby sister, however. Instead, the man slowed to a halt and turned his eyes toward the source of the voice.

It was then that Masami himself landed by his side. He could tell by his clothing, equipment, and the way he carried himself that the boy was both powerful and high ranking. Masado removed his hand from the weapon that rested at his hip, eying the boy in front of him. If it wasn't for his notes and the confirmation of Rinni's stories from the Guild, he would have assumed this teen to be a young girl. The boy was petite, and smaller even than that of Rinni. How could someone so small and innocent looking become so powerful?

Guess one truly could not judge a book by its cover.

As Masami pointed out that the streets were filling again now that he was there, Masado only nodded. It was to be expected. No one knew him; on the flip side, everyone knew Masami. Masado stood at attention and saluted the Captain-commander respectfully. It felt a bit strange showing such respect toward a boy so young, but it was what it was. He was sure the kid deserved all the respect and trust he had most likely earned over a long period of jobs and services. "Captain-commander Masami, yes? You're actually just the person I'd been looking for. Me and my sister used to be members of Penumbral Guard. I believe you'll know her; Rinni Faithe?"

Masado looked around as people busied themselves all along the streets, no longer seeming so distant now that Masami was present. They clearly trusted and looked up to the boy with high regard. Masado would then look down at the shorter male that stood beside him. "I do apologize. It wasn't my intent to scare anybody. I'm searching for Penumbral Guard members. My family and I returned to Fiore after a trip to Enca and discovered our guild had been destroyed. Rinni and I split up in search of answers. She's in Oak City right now, I believe, looking for her boyfriend and any surviving ex-Guildmates. I came here for the same reason. I was hoping you could shed some light on the situation?"

Masami stating that it had 'been a while' since he heard of that guild implied confirmation that it had been destroyed for quite a while. How long have they gone without noticing their Guild Tattoos were missing? How long had they been laughing and having fun on Enca while their home and family were destroyed? Masado frowned deeply, furrowing his brows at the thought. He couldn't even imagine what exactly happened that day. But, he was grateful Rinni wasn't there when it happened. If something happened to her...

As Masami proceeded to walk away, the older man walked in time beside him. Because of their difference in height, however, Masado walked a little slow so as to not leave him behind nor embarrass him with wider steps. He had no doubt this boy was faster and even stronger than himself on the battlefield. But, they were simply walking together. Why push his luck and risk overstepping boundaries?

No pun intended.

Masami's response to his question wasn't what he had expected. The lightning mage raised an eyebrow as he glanced down at the smaller boy that walked alongside him. He couldn't help notice the teen had changed the topic back toward that of the crowded streets, deflecting the conversation and instead, speaking of the fact people didn't know him therefore they didn't trust him. Masado chose to stay quiet and allow his superior to speak, listening quietly to the lecture. It was odd, but the man sensed a hint of coldness and subtle hostility directed toward him.

Yet he was sure he had done nothing wrong to provoke the boy.

Was it connected to what went down at the Guild?

This only succeeded in giving Masado more questions than answers. He watched as the Captain-commander quit walking, prompting him to halt as well. The boy now had his arms around his waist, much like a nervous child. He tried to read the boy, however, he could not. Perhaps there was something he wished to say or to ask but simply wasn't sure how?

After a few moments of awkward silence, Masado calmly cleared his throat and took it upon himself to break the ice. "I apologize, sir, for any issues my presence may have caused. Allow me to start over. If you're willing and able to answer... please, tell me... what exactly happened to Penumbral Guard?"

The 22-year-old gasped at the 16-year-old boy's words as he mentioned a very familiar name. "Tenaka!?" He repeated in a very astonished tone of voice. 'Our Guildmaster? But why?' The thought entered his mind as he clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. The young man was shaking as he listened to Masami explain that Tomoe was once part of a dark cult and had apparently returned to his old path. It was a shame. He was a good Guildmaster, from what Rinni told him. She never did tell him, however, what changed when she suddenly became fearful of the Guildmaster and began to avoid him. Had he done something to her even back then?

Masami headed toward a vendor of sorts and Masado quietly followed him. He ordered some sort of pastry. Masado decided that while he was there he'd take the opportunity to order himself a few macaroons. He hadn't had any since he got home. The ones in Enca tasted amazing. However, given the shock that his sister and himself received upon coming home, he felt he could use a sweet to calm his nerves. As the snacks arrived, he couldn't help but notice the size of Masami's pastry was much larger than average. Perks of being world-renowned, I suppose. As they ate their sweets together, Masado listened as Masami detailed the arrest of two of the perpetrators from the Guild destruction. No names were mentioned, but he doubted Tomoe was one of the arrested. The Captain-commander mentioned 'Yugo'  becoming a Captain of the Rune Knights after his release. So two of the attackers were Yugo and Tomoe Tenaka, eh? Who was the third, then?

ironic, right?

Masado nodded. "Yeah."

I don't know what they were thinking—recruiting such a criminal—I haven't even met the guy yet.

"He must have done something to impress them." Masado paused to pop a macaroon into his mouth. Once it was chewed and swallowed, he continued. "Perhaps he regrets his role in the entire ordeal. Maybe he truly turned over a new leaf? As my sister would say, everyone deserves a second chance."

He was trying to stay optimistic. For Rinni's sake more than his own. She wouldn't want him to go out on a revenge kick. Besides, he was far too responsible and relaxed in his decision making to foolishly run in blind looking for a fight. Especially against Tomoe. He knew that mage was dangerously powerful. It'd be suicide to challenge him so brazenly. He was an A-Rank last time Rinni and Masado saw him. Who knew what his level of power was at by now. He only hoped Rinni hadn't been unfortunate enough to encounter him in Oak City. If he was even though. As pissed off as Masado was, he didn't show it on the outside. One received a sentence and was free, his identity unknown to the Lightning Mage.

Masado popped another Macaroon into his mouth, and as his blue eyes looked down toward the teen, he noticed the boy awkwardly staring at him. The blond blinked a couple times and stared back awkwardly. He slowly put another macaroon into his mouth. He chewed it slowly, and then awkwardly swallowed it. Finally, he asked with a hint of annoyance to his tone. "What? Do I have something on my face?"

Masami's big 'no' didn't really answer Masado's question. At least, not fully. I mean, it did technically answer his question... but it didn't explain why he was staring at him, to begin with. This boy was definitely a strange one. Perhaps he needed to be more specific with his wording, he contemplated this while rubbing his chin with his index finger and thumb. Masado wasn't a fool, however, and could tell this subject was sore to him. Perhaps they should speak of more pleasant matters. He noticed Masami's facepalm, though light, in response to his sister's opinion on second chances.

"That's just Rinni, though. I don't always agree with my baby sister. In fact, sometimes I fear she's too sweet for her own good..." He continued in response to the facepalm.

Anyway, something to impress the higher-ups, since there is no way a person could 'turn over a new leaf' that immediately. I don't want to be biased, but that guy is a criminal and should have been crumbling in Era's dungeons even now.

Masado folded his arms, closed his eyes, and hummed. He couldn't argue with that. After committing such a heinous crime, how was the man released so soon, and why was he made into a Rune Knight of all things? It just made no sense. As the Page opened his eyes, he saw that Masami had summoned some sort of demonic hand and was using it as a chair. Was this his magic? What sort of magic could produce such a thing? The Lightning Mage stared in awe before shaking his head and focusing on the boy himself.

So young, yet so powerful already.

He frowned as he couldn't help wonder how his sister was doing on her end of things.

Want to go hunt them down?

"Huh? What...?" He was snapped out of his inner thoughts.

Yugo, I mean.

The young Captain-commander then proceeded to propose they 'talk' with Yugo themselves, and discover why he helped in the destruction of Penumbral Guard, and why he chose to join the Rune Knights thereafter. It was suspicious, he had to admit. Perhaps it was a cover-up, so as to get away with other crimes under the guise of the law? All things considered, that idea wasn't too farfetched. He noticed Masami was laughing and kicking his legs like an excited mischievous child and he wondered if this was a game to him.

Masado searched out the boy's eyes, trying to gauge how serious he was on the matter. If he did indeed wish to seek out and have words with this 'Yugo' character, then, by all means, Masado was game. After all, he needed answers, and Masami clearly didn't have all the answers he sought. The Mage nodded. "Sure. But, what if he does not wish to speak with us?"

Ah, then he doesn't get to play nice with me us, not like he can't get to jail (again) just because he's the Captain of the Rune Knights!

Masami had a point; on both parts of that statement. Just because he was a Rune Knight did not make him immune to being arrested should he slip back into his old ways. Unfortunately, they couldn't arrest the man for no reason at all, neither. Like it or not, Yugo was one of them now. And on the bit regarding playing nice? That was all Masami. I mean, just by looking at the kid, Masado could tell how powerful a mage the boy truly was. The older Rune Knight couldn't dare compare. How was a child barely older than his sister so much more powerful than himself?

The kid must have trained hard endlessly since the Guild fell. It was impressive, to be honest. Come to think of it, now that he was back home it would probably be a good idea to do some training as well. He also needed to do his job as a Rune Knight and keep people safe from further harm by outlaws, criminals, and criminally insane mages and non-mages alike. On that note, he should probably check out a few job boards.

It'll be easy for us to look for him—actually, I think we can go to where he is right now, but doesn't that seem a bit too sudden?

What was with this kid? First, he suggests hunting down this Jugo guy, now he says it would be too sudden to do so? Masado ran a hand through his blond hair and sighed. He wasn't sure what this boy was getting at or planning at this point. Then again, he wasn't one to talk as he lacked any plans himself. He was, as of the moment, looking for answers, not revenge. Revenge could wait. He first needed to know who his enemies were and why they did what they did. After which he could decide a plan of action.

Don't you have anything better to do, though?

"I mean... I should probably take some jobs... I've been so focused on the Penumbral situation I haven't done much since becoming a Knight."

You want to look for your sister?

Masado was surprised by this sudden question. His blue eyes scanned the boy with curiosity. Was he serious right now? How did they go from tracking Yugo to interrogate him... to suddenly an interest in finding Rinni? Perhaps he was simply being polite. At this point, it was difficult to read into Masami too much as the boy's thinking seemed to be unpredictable and lacked any focus point or logic. Masado shrugged and folded his arms across his chest. "I mean, I don't feel a need to go looking for her. I know approximately where she is. She said she was heading to Oak City. If I run into her while searching for answers, then that's fine, we can update one another then."

"What... paperwork? But, Captain-commander Masami!"

Too late. He was already gone. Masado sighed, crossing his arms and shaking his head. Well, looked like his next task was to play secretary for this child that somehow ranked so high. Proofreading huh? Easy enough. Though, it would be a tedious distraction from his current goal. Masado would handle the paperwork requested of him by the Captain-commander, as well as complete some jobs and wait to hear from Rinni.

Masado sighed and stretched. At least he knew his werewolf sister could take care of herself. Perhaps he should send a letter to their parents and let them know they're okay. Masado sighed and put his thumb and finger on the bridge of his nose as though rubbing away a slight headache. He hoped Rinni was having better luck than he was at learning the truth, and that she wasn't doing anything stupid.

So far, all Masado learned were the names of those involved. And that two of them had served time in prison; one of the two somehow becoming a Rune Knight upon being released. How was that possible? Why give a criminal such a position in power over the law? Maybe it was time Masado had a talk with this Yugo character. On that note, Masado turned on his heels and headed off to find the truth.

-Exit-