Kazimir walked with a hood drawn up through the streets of Oak. People seemed to be doing alright considering a dark guild was nestled deeply in the city's existence now. One that was infamous in regards to a recent attack, that was the talk of the town. Whispers crept in the corners about citizens claiming to have seen the assault but nothing was clear aside from who had one.

Puddles splashed from heavy steps, formed by the previous night's rainfall. A light mist drifted along the sidewalks and roads. Pushing by the final crowd of people and merchants, he saw the guildhall on the outskirts of a mountainside. The walk was lonely and dark. Trees creaked and groaned a message to all travelers that tried to march up toward the tower.

Once the wind mage reached the front door, his fingers grazed a couple of narrow holes in the wall. The doors weren't locked. Why would they need to be? He slipped inside the front door to see a throne on the far side of the room. Small burnt marks lined the ceiling. No doubt from a battle.

The wind mage aimed his hand outside the door and cast a harmless tornado a few meters in height. It wafted into the air and dissipated as harmless as its arrival. A small trick to denote that the tower had a visitor.

He pulled a chair up to the table and sat. His bag dropped lightly to the floor. Out of it, he brought a small teapot with a warmed, powered by mana.

"Odin, are you here. We have some things to discuss," he spoke into the void of the room and poured a few glasses of tea.

Of course Odin was there. He ruled Oak City from atop his tower, often spending many hours simply watching the city below from the summit of the Spire. While specifics were impossible to make it out, the view itself had always been incredible. Although today, it was interrupted by one of his cultists informing him of a figure approaching the guild hall. One of the most famous faces in Fiore, and someone Odin hadn't interacted with properly in some time. Of course, he had spotted the former Fairy Tail guild master -news travelled fast- at the Sugma Ball, but they hadn't spoken to one another.

Kazimir would enter the guild hall just as the elevator behind the throne reached the entrance floor, Odin stepping out dressed in a simple robe, little else on his person save for the ring on his finger, attempting to show the man before him that he meant no harm. Whatever reason Kazimir was here for, Odin had no reason to suspect him of any misdoings. Sure, the Eudaemon was a threat and possessed a large bounty, but there was also the possibility that he was here simply for some tea and a conversation.

Odin would join the man at the table, taking a cup of tea for himself once it was poured before speaking. "Kazimir Seiryu, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

Almost on cue, the elevator door opened. Heavy sliding doors slid into the walls of the guild building. Emerging forth was a human figure. Kaz Tilted his head as a being of flesh and blood crossed the room. He should have guessed his arrival would have been seen easily...but he didn't expect the being before him. Sure there were rumors of a new face...but this.

The wind mage noted how unarmed the former lich was, gave a side smile at the welcome reception, and gestured toward the tea for Odin.

"As cordial as ever Odin Morningstar. I see you've gained a new form," the wind mage answered as he himself was just a human now. There was a familiar aura about the man's new body. Having fought numerous deamon and angels it carried a semblance to it. But nothing as plan as that.

Kazimir took a sip of his tea to gather his thoughts. Neither men were prone to beat around the bush. "I'm here because I'm not from this country originally. There is still a lot I don't know and as things are changing I need more information to move forward." He set the tea cup down and turned it slightly with his fingers on the ring of the cup, before making eye contact with the newly formed Odin.

"People seem to despise you and fear what you're doing. Others have turned a blind eye to your actions. I know a little about what you've done here and in Bosco. Soon I have no doubt that people will call on me to help confront you and what you're doing. Before I make that decision, I want to know your side of things Odin. What led to this point? Your history with nobility and your actions in Bosco? Regardless of your answer, I came here to have a nonviolent talk and I will leave the same." Gloved hands folded onto of each other as Kaz leaned his back against the chair, ready to listen.

There was more to Odin than blind hatred for the world around him. But there was still a mystery to what all fueled his actions. Kaz was keenly aware of the problems with nobility and was rarely known for jumping to their aid even during his time at the knights. Even to the point of creating a police faction ungoverned by them. So he was curious about what information Odin may possess about this foreign land that the mage had never known of.

As Odin took his cup of tea, he couldn't help but smile at Kazimir's comment. "What do you think? Children aren't nearly as scared of me anymore." As much as the two were on good terms, and honestly had been throughout their adventures, Kazimir was still a Wizard Saint and Odin was still a Wizard Lord. They were still on opposite sides, so maybe to call each other allies was a bit presumptuous. Still, Odin knew the man was honourable enough that, if he said he wasn't planning on fighting, he would keep to that word.

The next question intrigued Odin even more. Kazimir was famous, a former guild master and one of the most respected light mages in Fiore. He had access to a wealth of knowledge from so many people. The Rune Knights, other light guilds, all of which could help him answer his questions. But he came to Odin. Spending so much time as a Lich made the man forget how to hide his emotions. As a skeleton, he hadn't needed to because everything was hid from him anyway. But that wasn't the case any more, and the grin on Odin's face was only matched by the mischievous gleam in his eye.

"So you want to know my story? It's a good thing you brought some drinks." Odin took his seat and began drinking his tea, enjoying the flavour of something he hadn't really tasted much in his time. This was going to be a long one.

"I'll try to avoid the boring stuff and just give you the details. If you remember I was the vessel of Lucifer for much of my younger years, especially during my tenure in Grimoire Heart. After my losses in Era and Hargeon I sought out new power, which made me the Lich. Worked out quite well considering what happened in Crocus." The death of the previous King, Arthurias ascension to the throne. It had been so long ago now since Odin had spoken about it. His face grew darker, his voice more solemn and he continued.

"When Arthurias claimed his throne, he made a promise to the member of Grimoire Heart. He cleared our names and offered us positions in his royal guard. He said that races would no longer be discriminated against, and all who wished to join him could do exactly that."

Odin paused and took a deep breath. This was where it became heavier.

"You don't understand how much I wanted that. The one who was always discriminated against, given a seat next to the new Emperor? I believed in that goal. And then, Arthurias died... and Reign took over."

"The promise was gone. Whether Reign even cared about it isn't important anymore. Arthurias never told us who his successor was, but even if it was Reign... The man betrayed the Emperor. He betrayed the man I swore to defend. The discrimination continued, we were all still judged by what we were. Nothing had changed, and the world only saw me as a monster. So I became one."

He took another sip of his tea before getting to more recent events. "It's no secret that I want to change Fiore, whether that's simply remove Reign and put a new King in his place or overturn the monarchy system entirely. I want to achieve Arthurias dream first, and then focus on my own second. I put Hildegard on the throne of Bosco because she believed in the same thing: happiness for all races. She saw the monarchy as an outdated system, and changed Bosco for the better by becoming Chief."

"I wanted to prove: to my followers, to my enemies, to Reign. I wanted to prove to them that change can come to Fiore, and it can work."

It was interesting to see facial expressions from the man now that his form was flesh and blood once again. The wind mage shook his head with a chuckle. It would be odd, and possibly alarming for many to see a saint and a lord getting along and sharing a laugh. "It's a good fit. And now you don't have to wait for Samhain to go out," he jested back. But with that, Kaz leaned in a little, just over his cup of tea. "But...what exactly have you become. we've both encountered our fair share of strange beings...but this seems different," he leaned back to his original spot, curious if Odin would even answer that question. But with Kaz's research on all the new races people woke up as recently, this was an interesting case.

"If you don't mind," he nodded to answer Odin's question about his story and sipped some tea. He brought out a few more bags, letting Odin know he came prepared for as much time as needed. He placed them on the table with a subtle raise of his brow.

In any case, he listened as the being went on about his time as Lucifer. Something he mostly knew about through second-hand reports. It was a time that was hard to remember for the wind mage as well. He struggled to piece together the deeply woven history of this nation.  Although he couldn't deny the advantages the Lich may have had because of his undead disposition in crocus.

Kaz let out a long breath through his nose, thinking about the acts that Arthurias wanted to put into place. He wanted to speak up. To make some sort of reply. But letting Odin finish completely was more important. Already, he knew that people had mixed opinions on Arthurias, but his decrees were something the land needed. Not much changed afterward.

The mage's eyes met Odin's with compassion. He viewed all people with a sense of compassion and respect. But he had not expected that side of the Dark Mage. It was true that the world created the villains. Something he had seen in many of the accused criminals in his past. Many of whom unjustly deemed that way for doing things on their own terms.

A heavy heart sank into the mage's chest, hearing Odin proclaim that he became a monster. Became the thing that people kept trying to pin on him. "These aren't the words or feelings from someone who is just a terrorist or seeks to spread evil. I am sorry Odin. Sorry that the world kept that eye on you." He refilled Odin's cup. "Is that why you sided with Zagan?" For all the stories he was told about the man. The person that sat before him now was far different than any he had heard. A man tormented and shaped by his past just like any other would have been. But with the drive to do something about it. They may not share the same values or methods. But Kaz could respect the tenacity and desires. What was certain though. Is that it pained him to know that all of this had happened, simply because a man wanted freedom.

"You are right...not much has changed in this world in that regard. It is a terrible thing to see groups treated like that. People have spoken in a lot of ways about Both those Kings. Good and Bad. The discrimination before Arthurias. The methods that Arthurias used. And as far as I have heard...many people claim that Reign is the successor," he titled his head asking the question as another thought was already forming. "But then again...if a meritocracy is what you are after, then it doesn't matter much if he is rightful or not." The mage almost didn't need to ask, based on Odin's words. It seemed to the Eternal Nightmare leader, that Reign was never appointed. Something that only brought more intrigue."Who do you think put Reign in that position?"

Odin continued about Bosco and his mission with the crown. Kaz took a long sip of tea. It was...heavy to process it all. he leaned his arms on the table. "I see. It makes more sense now. So you don't think Reign is a competent leader? I know that a lot of what Zand did was awful. By no means was he a great ruler. A lot of what I know initially came from the ones that brought me in the Knights. Hatsu and Akira. But its nice to be able to get your point of view on things. It seems there is a lot I still need to learn about Arthurias' mission."

"Do you know how he died?"

He would slide that question in as he then listened to Odin's final statement on showing the world what was possible. He spoke nobly about his cause. But it also made Kaz let out a sigh, "I see. We both know this path will lead to violence. We both also know...that despite what people feel. Sometimes violence is the only answer to break through. Words can stir the hearts of people, but force breaks down walls. People will come for you Odin. They may always brand you the villain because of it. I'd say you have proven your point about change with Bosco. What will you do now?" Regardless of anything else, it was surprisingly refreshing to see how open Odin was about his path and what brought him there. It was almost time for Kaz to bring up the other reason he was here.

It was that humour that Odin had always enjoyed about Kazimir, as the latter joked about Samhain and the former's new ability to not be instantly recognisable. Although, once word got out of his new transformation, that would surely change relatively quickly. Just like the knowledge of Eternal Nightmare's win against the forces of light, rumour and fact both were known to spread like wildfire throughout the country. Prominent names could do very little without someone else finding out, such was the way of things.

Before he began his story, Kazimir requested to know exactly what Odin was. As keen an eye as ever, the man knew the Eudaemon was something special. After all, Kazimir had spent enough time dealing with seraphim and demons to recognise the auras of both, but of course he'd be confused when he saw some amalgamation of the two in one body. It was unheard of, until now at least. "I am what is called a Eudaemon. More of a mouthful than 'Lich' of course, but this form is a fusion of the Nephilim and the Daemons. I am neither one nor the other, but something more than both."

It was kind of Kazimir to let Odin finish his discussion before interjecting. He clearly realised very early on how much this meant to him, especially with the ever-darkening expression on Odin's face. But his questions deserved answers, even as the apology was uttered. He had to ask. Why Zagan? Why side with the demon who sought the destruction of the world? "Zagan promised us power, a form of power that had laid dormant for centuries. He used us to further his agenda as much as we used him to access his power. And when that power was taken away from us and Zagan broke his promise, we severed ties with him." Another sip of tea, as Odin eyed up some of the other flavours that now joined his cup at the table. "It's no secret he aided us in the creation of Eternal Nightmare, but this..." Odin raised his hands and gestured to the, admittedly slightly charred from the previous fight, grand entrance hall they found themselves in, "was never his."

Odin allowed a few more questions to come all at once, as he knew many of them could be answered together. His views of Fiorian politics were... uncommon after all. But he almost caught his breath when Kazimir asked him if he knew how Arthurias died. That was one of the big secrets. "The fact that Reign still sits on that throne suggests to me that he was Arthurias' successor, I can't deny that. But Arthurias picked him believing he would follow his predecessor's will, and look to make Fiore a better place for all races. Successor or not, he has not fulfilled that wish in all the years since he came into power. As for the death of the Emperor, I do not know. I doubt anyone knows beyond his closest allies: Theseus, Zade and Icarus. It was never revealed to the public, and by then I was a terrorist so could not find out the information on my own."

"Arthurias had a mission that I believed would better Fiore. My methods are very similar to his own, however I believe the problem may lie in the roots, rather than the spores."

The final words from Kazimir were almost like a warning. Not a threat from someone who saw himself as a foe, but a message that the others would come, and Odin knew it. Kazimir would only be able to stand by for so long before he could be pushed into action, Alisa the same. But Seika, Jove, and many others will seek to stop Eternal Nightmare on their path to a better Fiore. Odin just had to make sure his guild was ready.

"For now, I need to prepare. In gaining this new form I lost a lot of what made me a threat. There is too much untested within me, and I need to ensure I know my own abilities in case they come for me again. And we both know they will."

"What about you? Surely the great Wizard Saint Kazimir Seiryu wouldn't travel all this way just to talk about the past."

A sideways smile appeared on the wind mage's face as Odin announced he was a mixture of angel and demon. A small breathy laugh escaped from Kaz. What an interesting development considering all that was happening. "I see. So the power of both. Mixed within your body. Seems Nerva was on to something after all," he mentioned, thinking back to his time in the inquisition and the secret projects that Nerva had been working on. Ways to use the divine powers against those that would come into their world. And now it was possessed by the former lich. "It is a fitting transformation for someone seen as both a saviour and a villain."

"I want equality as well. I've recently reverted back into a human form...but not for long. I intend to regain my vampiric nature." he felt it only fair to share his own intent after learning that Odin was something enhanced as well. And to let the Eternal Nightmare member know that he shared a deep concern for equality of races, having lived a life as multiple ones himself. "I've been a vampire, a werewolf and a nephilim, for many reasons. One of which was to be able to understand what life was like for them."

Kaz trailed his eyes up the walls and to the ceilings as Odin gestured. The Eudaemon's words brought a breeze of relief across Kazimir's face. "I can understand that. I've been a vessel for destruction before. And I've consorted with beings for my own ends. You had little other recourse it seems. I wish it was a less destructive path. But seeing what you have built here, and what your intentions are...I have the feeling that when it came down to it. You would fight Zagan to preserve the world," he let his gaze fall back to Odin. "You wouldn't be working so hard at this to just let it fall to chaotic ruin."

Kazimir was eased on knowing the truth behind the matter. A dangerous act nonetheless. And one that would merit its own justice in time. Zagan's return was inevitable in ways. And no one that was supportive of Zagan had done much since that day to usher in the dark dragon's agenda. At least now, Kaz didn't have to worry about Odin being a threat to the world. Just nobility.

"That is good to hear. Thank you for taking the time to clarify. I had a feeling there where some things in the messaging that was mixed around. Although I'm not saying I'm okay with the fact you sided with Zagan. But it doesn't seem like there are any reports of your guild acting to further those goals."

Kaz rested a hand on his chin as Odin explained the intricate situations of politics. There was something more here...something deeper. He couldn't help his mind from wandering back to the same things. Not even Odin knew what happened and the doors in the church and Knights were shut tight on some topics. "True...He has not done much in what Arthurias professed to do. And It would feel odd of a man so calculated to appoint someone that wouldn't. Unfortunate that those allies aren't accessible"

With a nod of his head, he knew that Odin would need some time to be ready. Not only with a new form, but one that was so new to existence. "You may be the only one of your kind. That poses a great challenge." A smile came across the mage's face once more, "But I'm sure you will adapt quickly. You always manage to survive." It would be a mistake to think Kaz was interested in learning about Odin's abilities too. The abilities of a new race mixed between opposing sides.

Kaz leaned back and scratched the back of his head. "You are partially correct. I did come primarily to ask you about your intentions and history. To be frank. I wanted to know if I needed to be ready to engage you in combat in the future," he rested his hands back on the table with a troubled brow. "If your goal is to face the king. Remove him either through peaceful or violent means, but with the overall goal of bringing more care to those that have been mistreated in the world. Then it is the folly of a ruler to face violence instead of seeking peace through regulations. Truthfully. Knowing that you don't intend to bring dragons and madness to the world. At least for now. I have other things on my mind than protecting a king. I will probably let all of you hash that out unless it begins to cross into my investigation."

A cold look flashed across the wind mage's face. "The truth Odin. Is that I have always acted on my own agenda. Even in the knights. I did what I thought was right, sometimes regardless of the law. I have done what I felt is Just. It just happens to coincide with lawful acts more than not. When I formed Phoenix Feather, it was built on the foundation of being free from the reigns of the government. So I have no overwhelming love for nobility. The customs in my land and clan are different than here. And in many ways, I see no point for me to be so involved in the political struggles of the country. It diverts me too much from helping the masses in what I do." It was not often that the wind mage afforded himself the freedom to speak candidly. But in the confines of this meeting, Odin was clear with his emotions and Kaz would show the same.

"But to answer your question more clearly. I came here to make sure we didn't need to clash. And now because you are an Eudeamon. It seems you may be a pivotal piece of my investigation," A somber expression came across the mage's face as he formulated his thoughts. "Recently something happened to me and most of my view of the world changed. My intent now is to...Investigate the dealings of deamons and seraphim. Their intents. And the faith of Illumin all together. I have no other concerns at the moment. And now that you are born of both...I would ask you one final question...How?"

"When I was turned into a Nephilim, it was by force. An attempt to turn me into an instrument of wrath on Earthland or to feed off of that energy. But then I broke free." he shared his story. As he spoke, it brought weariness and sadness in the whispers of his words.

The two men were probably the most racially diverse -and Odin had to be very careful how he phrased that- in Fiore. One of them had been four different races already, including human, while the other had been the only one of his kind every single time since discarding his humanity. No one could really compare to the two men in terms of what they had experienced, but the idea of being a werewolf, a vampire and a nephilim was something Odin couldn't fathom. So many different powers, having been held by a single body. How could he cope being a human again after so much? Then again, Kazimir seemed determined to become a vampire again as soon as possible, "If you're looking for someone to turn you, I could help out with that. Otherwise Dahlia is usually the best place to run into them." Sure it was partly a joke, but Odin also just wanted to help his friend out.

When they discussed Zagan, Odin wanted to make one point very clear, especially after Kazimir mentioned him siding with the demon, "I am grateful to Zagan for what he gave me, but I would not say we're on the same side. But if a dragon tries to attack Oak, good guy or bad, I will destroy it. This city, hell this entire region, is under my protection."

They touched briefly on Arthurias and Reign's inaction some more before moving on to the much more important topic at hand: Kazimir's purpose. Not that Odin was ever wary of the man, not after he'd promised nonviolence, but something seemed off about him. Luckily for Odin, Kazimir had no intention of getting in his way against Reign. Apparently he had something more important to concern himself with. An investigation and, as he began speaking about it, his voice changed abruptly. He was no longer the easy-going leader that commanded armies and guilds alike. This was something deeper. He had always been a man for the people, not necessarily for the crown, meaning he had the potential to be a great ally to Odin and Eternal Nightmare's agenda. But that was a conversation for another time. Knowing he wasn't an enemy was already a great boon to the cause.

Odin blinked, taking a moment to sip the new cup of tea in his hands. Demons and angels, why did it always come back to them. Ever since Grimoire Heart took the crown. The incursions, the war, the nine heroes artefacts. Even now with Zagan allying himself with dragons, it seemed the only thing that didn't involve the divine was the Bosco incident. Perhaps that's why Odin had enjoyed it so much.

"You want to know how I became what I am? I'm afraid I won't be much help in this situation." Odin paused for a moment, making sure he phrased this exactly the way he intended. He didn't want to slip up, "After the attack on my guild from the Rune Knight Seika and some members of Infinity Wolves, I was blessed with his power from the goddess I pray to. She stripped away my immortality, but gave me the new powers instead."

"Before you ask, though, SHE herself is human, or at least was before she became more. I don't think she has much linking her to Seraphim, Demons or the Illumin faith. That being said, as thanks for you not interfering with my goals, I'll give you a better offer." That wide grin again, the mischievous twinkle in his eyes, "If you ever look to dismantle the Illumin church, it would be my pleasure to lend my power."

Kaz simply smiled at the offer of finding someone to turn him back. Who would have thought he would be having such a pleasant meeting with the countries most wanted. What would the guild think? And beyond that, he could clearly see why Odin was so passionate about the plight of dark races. The man sat as a combination of two of the most destructive species to have hit Fiore. Two dynamically opposed entities were housed in one form and he seemed to be handling it well. "Thank you for the offer. I have someone in mind though." Kaz answered thinking back on the one that had turned him in the first place.

"I see. It puts my mind at ease to hear you care for the people here so much. Not much different than a light guild. and rest assured if any force descended upon this town to harm the people I'd help too. People see you as one of the biggest threats to the country. But the country is more than the monarchy. I believe that the dragons and the ever-looming dangers of demons and angels are more of a threat. If they do return. Demons, angels, or dragons. I would count myself lucky to fight them with you." He spoke, leaving the final intonation as a question to see if Odin would stand together to fight those foes.

The two were not so different in the wind mage's mind. Kazimir sought to undermine the dark workings of the church as they oppressed people and used it behind the guise of faith. Odin sought the same against the nobles, oppressing groups of people under the protection of royal bloodlines. Both men sat ready to face off against engrained establishments in the country.

Odin had built a citadel to change. Evident by the prominence of the building and the mass that followed him. All the way to the estranged cultist in the building. The man had come a long way from their first snowy meeting, and Kaz knew that Odin's journey was only just beginning in some ways.

Kaz sat back, as Odin paused. It was disheartening yet again to hear that someone was changed without knowing why. The mage rose an eyebrow, "Goddess?" he questioned. It was not often someone who followed a different faith or that gods and goddesses got involved. And the attack was a catalyst? or perhaps a right of passage.

Odin knew already what the mage would ask and answered it before he could even blurt it out. he couldn't help but shake his head with a small laugh at the absurdity of it all. A human becoming mortal? How often has that come up recently? "More proof that it is possible to achieve the divine. Or at least a power that would be comparable. makes you wonder just how many deities are in that position.' He leaned on the table with a hand under his chin, thinking as he spoke.

"Nonetheless. A Goddess with no seeming connection to seraphim or daemons was able to impart both those powers to you. What is the true nature of Seraphim and Daemons? That's what I am to find out."

And then Odin surprised him yet again, with an offer. The mage's ears perked up at the thought. "Thank you. I assume you have something against the church as well? It is my current theory that, they have manipulated the belief in illumin to create falsities in an effort to control people and stay in power. I intend to discover if that is the case. And if so, I welcome the help in setting things straight. I think that...Illumin doesn't care about deamons or seraphim. And if deities can create them, then there is even more distance between them. "

"Oh yes...can I ask who this SHE is you follow," Kaz asked.

They had moved away from the topic of Odin's crusade. Kaz knew this may well be the last time they speak before the world changes. "Odin. If you are intent on making change...I can't support you if you just seek to overthrow the king. But if you find out that Reign has been actively evil, or knowingly allowing evil to happen...let me know,"

While Odin sat and drank his tea, he waited and listened to everything Kazimir had to say. In turn, when it came his time, he would answer the questions. He would not hide the truth away, or lie to his friend. Kazimir would know anything he wished about Morrigan and Odin's transformation, which would bring their amicable discussion to a close. Kazimir would not be harmed as he left the guild hall, and would even be invited to dinner later that evening if he so wished. As far as the former Lich was concerned, he was simply inviting a friend. And no one could possible have issue with the former guild master.

-Exit-

Kaz listened well to all that Odin was saying. About Morrigan and more. An alarming thought that the former Lich was up to all that. It was something that the wind mage would have to deal with in the future. But again, Odin proved to have available information. So much so that the mage would hold onto it dearly. A mortal becoming a god and gifting someone with angelic and demonic power. How interesting? He thought it over and accepted the invitation to dinner. It was as if he sat with an old friend. They would rarely see eye to eye, but something always seemed to lurk around them.

The wind mage thanked him for his time and excused himself. With this new information, he traveled outward and into the town to think. he would return later for dinner. But for now, he had to uncover what truths he felt about himself and the cause.

exit