Jin wandered through the town without a care. Somehow the island felt safe even though he knew things could turn south at any moment. The whisper of the sea called to the hearts of adventures and townspeople. It was a vacation dreamland for anyone lucky enough to get there.

But all those pleasantries were just a backdrop to what was really important. The meeting was unplanned but thought out. Erebus was surely not too far away and the tow had a mission. With a deep breath, Jin ran his hand through his hair and let it fall back.

A tour guide strolled by and Jin grabbed the man's arm, "Hey have you seen a wizard Saint in the area?" The man scrunched his face and shook his head confused. He slunk away back into the crowds. Jin crossed his arms and tapped his feet. "Now how does one, attract the attention of Alisa...a contest maybe?"

Before the mage could come up with a concrete idea, a hand slapped on the back of his robe. "hey you little punk," a gruff voice bellowed.

"You're that punk that stole my wine," The burly man said. Jin swallowed and dropped himself downward, freeing himself from the man's clutches. With an awkward smile and his hands held high, "Hey...you have the wrong guy." Jin said, holding a half-empty wine bottle.

Another man behind them bore a devious smile and was waving an empty wine bottle, mocking the paladin.

In the flash of a moment, a rock flies through the air, and hits the half empty wine bottle, shattering glass across the face of the devious smiling man.

‘What the,’ could probably be heard from the guy who was in front holding onto the Nightmare Guildmaster, but just as he turned around to see what happened, a flying drop kick sent him spiraling to the side of Jin. Thrusting his feet down in mid-air acrobatically, Erebus arrived to stand a mere twelve inches beside Jin Tatsumi.

There was only a few things Erebus could really do, and hurting lesser men was one of them. He turned his head to glance at Jin, there didn’t really seem to be much threat in a couple of thugs, outright murdering them would only gain the scorn of Alisa Vollan. The idea here was to seek her council.

He put an arm around the shoulder of the Healer, and began to speak to the guys behind them. “Don’t follow us, or you’ll end up floating in the harbor!” without much more to say, Erebus walked Jin around a building, and then removed his arm from his Guildmaster.

“Damn... This place is a bit more dangerous than the brochure let on, huh?” Erebus voiced, running a hand full of sweat off his face and wiping it on his cape. “Any luck finding her yet?” Erebus hadn’t exactly been as occupied as Jin was in the search, but he had took to the roofs and looked around, hoping that he might scout the highly reputable woman. Though, wherever she was, Erebus wasn’t sure if it was in Town. Perhaps a building, maybe the beach itself?

"Phew, thanks," Jin remarked as Erebus through an arm around him. The men scurried off. Lucky that Ere could strike fear into the hearts of men. "hmmm, maybe we can make some updates to it," he shrugged with a laugh as they walked further down.

"No luck yet," he said and was answered almost in tune, by the soft feminine voice of his former guild master. The weather was hot, but she managed to stay as cool as ever. It was a sight to see someone from the past that felt like a long time ago now. He rested his hands on his head with a smile and nodded. "I've been making my way around. His one of my best pals these days." He spoke and his hands lowered to his sides when she began to address Erebus.

Alisa wasn't prone to hunt bounties or violence so he waited with bated breath to see if that had changed. But with her next sentence, he breathed an air of relief. "Thanks. And it was no big deal."

Jin put his hands on his hips and tapped the toe of his boot on the ground. Thinking of how he would approach the situation. But the answer was always the same. "Soooo, we are with Eternal Nightmare. And I'm here to chat with you about our goals. As you know we aim to...for a switch of rulership. Ideally by non-violent means." He slid his hands into his pocket and faced her directly.

"So, how do you feel about the king, and do you mind if we institute a shift or regime? Or is it inevitable that the two guilds will clash? In the end, we seek a system of merits and not noble birthrights. I know as a light guild you are aligned with the nobility and King. But perhaps it's time to be free of all that. We aren't asking you to help. Of course not. Just to let the guild take care of it and let the nobles fight for themselves."

The sudden voice of Alisa, seemed to drown the rest of the people on the town out to Erebus. He hadn’t ever seen or met Alisa but wasn’t disappointed, she didn’t have to say it, or spell it out to him. He could tell that she was a leader, someone of respect and importance. It was more than just knowing her stories on the road, when you were in the same room as her, you could feel all the outlandish heroine tales and actually believe them. She radiated that, it was not something Erebus didn’t immediately read in a person, he too felt that vibration from Odin.

Erebus had found a long time ago that he was not someone so lucky as to have that skill. Charisma.

You could make an army out of that one underlying quality. You could move mountains, or make someon believe you could. Belief is the true essence of power.

Without the devoted however, no one could be powerful with charisma alone. Erebus had a guess that the people in Alisa’s corner were the source of her relentless mentality to reach the peak of the mountain. Whilst thinking about it, he caught himself being mute as Jin and her exchanged a few words. That is until she addressed him specifically. “We have not.” He said with a hesitation, his eyes at the Light Mage gave the indication he was studying her but not in a perverse way— more like spectating a trophy-soldier and showing it the respect of a thoughtful defense, almost curious where he could slip off too if she decided to start unloading spells on his spot right then and there for his bounty... like he was predicting to be arrested without due cause simply for being in her world where such entities as himself were persecuted and thrown behind bars.

His mind put things together that way amusingly, Erebus didn’t know Jin and Alisa had history and so, he was analyzing how one would escape her if she decided to slip the script, Erebus didn’t typically do this kind of ‘diplomatic mission’ stuff and wouldn’t have known what to say due to that, after all— he was an assassin for hire, built differently. Cut from a different cloth as these kinds of mages, and he knew that Jin was morally ambiguous but what about Alisa? How could one truly guess the mind of a legendary heroine. You just couldn’t test your luck wisely, Erebus was merely a God’s Pact— a Warlocke with a penchant for weapons. He was in the presence of a human that in her own right, was God-like and able to change geography itself.

Erebus had his doubts about things, but at the end of the day he was the one who told Jin he would be here. To risk it all, just to make sure the success of the mission was guaranteed. Even if he knew Jin was tried and tested for greatness, it only offered them a chance to trust in each other with them both involved, so here he was. Now that the chore of finding Alisa was all over; came the harder part, Jin would talk business with the strongest light mage in Fiore. A verified Wizard Saint.

When Jin finsihed, Erebus also spoke of the idea Jin was on about. When one thinks about fighting the government, they often don’t see what the real fight is against. Erebus wanted that much to be taken from this, that if they were criminals, it’s because they simply knew nothing else but to rebel and revolutionize freedoms. If the worst thing they were guilty of for this was being patriots, then so be it. He was one to choose treason, if it meant reason.

“It’s true, what he speaks.. Jin is our Guildmaster now, with this policy, we want to assure you our war is with the Nobles. It encourages that people like yourself, and ourselves, stand up for the commoners who don’t have the abilities that we do, instead of letting this filthy elite social-class traffic innocent people, destroy territories that would harvest crop, and defame some of us adventurers that work outside of the crown’s interests...” Erebus looked away, but continued to speak after a brief exhale. “It’s just odd. I mean don’t you think? When a issue that threatens our world approaches, they ask for everyone’s help. Then, after it’s taken care of— we still have all these crimes to answer for? When I save someone’s life, I find comfort— but I save the lives of people who would do the same for me, and it just so happens that it’s people who are also at a disadvantage in this society. I don’t expect thank you, not from your King. But I also don’t see why I need to be hunted for my head after I took out the laundry for him, figuratively.” Erebus added emphasis on his last words. They suggested that people who obey this system are merely used. When they have all the power to make the world right. If it’s not in anybody’s own image, but in the eyes of the most true and the most tried, then you get a republic or at the very least a good senate.

Erebus found that it was only right if all the Guilds, no matter the type of work they do, be the ones that are offering to take care of the world. After all, didnt they already do that? The only difference was that, as of right now, they get taxed for doing what they’re already expected to do. Erebus had known this since before he was in Eternal Nightmare. Perhaps, looking back now, in his days guildless. He would have been a hero, if he hadn’t found out about all the horrible things the Rune Knights were doing to folk. Well, if he hadn’t of been starving he wouldn’t have been stealing to keep people fed, himself included. Sheesh, if Eternal Nightmare wasn’t around, The West wouldn’t be so prosperous. Eternal Nightmare had already proved it could be beneficial economically to it’s region.

But the Nobles? Oak nearly fell to pieces because of the Phantasms’... There could be no doubt in Erebus’ mind. Everything Jin wanted, was what Erebus wanted as well— a truce or an unspoken agreement at the very least. But if anything could be promised, it was that what Eternal Nightmare wanted, was going to happen regardless of everything else. It was the will of many shared ideals that were deep rooted to the members’. Everyone felt that way, in their own way.

Jin leaned back listening to all that was being said. Formulating both what the two in front of him were speaking about and comparing it to what Odin held in his heart. But more deeply than that, what he felt as well. He needed to make sure he was not a mouthpiece but also spoke the truth to his own beliefs. Hearing the passion and sternness in their beliefs before him, made him see even more clearly how serious the situation was. He had taken this assignment just to follow orders from the guild master and to get the information he needed. But how could he hope to get anywhere if he was not truly honest with himself and his personal experiences as well.

He crossed his arms in thought, taking time to process all the points they made. That combined with the past they all shared. He uncrossed his arms and placed a hand on the side of his head, resting his elbow on the table. His hand slid down and massaged his neck as he stretched it.

"He didn't take the throne by force. But it could be argued that he benefited from the coup. We may not have ever had Reign if it wasn't for Arthurias' actions. This nation has had a few coups in recent history. But we are here now because of it. And if you think Reigns' rule has been better than those of the past. And if he is here as a result of the coups. Then violence and coups have paved the way." He sat upright looking between them both. "Odin used force in the Bosco situation. A way to show Fiore that change was possible. And that a new way could be done. If anyone believes that or not. Bosco is doing alright for itself. I think if nothing else. It shows whether it's by force or words. Lasting change is possible if the right support is behind it."

"Has he truly made it his life's work? Two years have passed. And in that time, there has been no public declaration of progress. No sweeping stances to appeal to the lives of races that have been persecuted. King Reign may have the support of the people. But can you actually name one thing you know for certain he has done outside of killing Brunhilde's cultists?"His tone wasn't aggressive. But he genuinely could not recall a situation or proclamation by the king of something that was a tangible difference. People whispered about hsi support. But there had been no noble's arrested, no people publically ousted for their actions. At least not from the king. The more Jin thought about it the more curious he became about the king. A man that was beloved but where was the action? Where was the proof? Or any public declaration.

It caught his attention that Alisa was so quick to denounce loyalty to the crown, being a light guild. Perhaps She really didn't care for them. Which made her standing as a light guild all the more curious. It was something that he didn't feel the need to question but it was a helpful bit of information.

"Thank you though. Oak does belive in our guild. Its the nobles that are the problem."

"I suspected you would oppose it. And Don't discount the power of a revolution with the right support," He said with a cheeky smile. Alisa held a strange position of both separating her guild from any allegiance to the nobility while also standing in to protect their establishment and the monarchy.

Jin stretched his arms high before speaking again and relaxing back down, "But I'll speak for myself now, and not the guild's mission as a whole. King Reign set out to mean well. And if you can name one concrete thing you know he has done. One noble he has put away for slavery, one law he has put in place to enforce then I'll keep him off my mine. But to be honest, my squabble is with the nobles more than him. I don't think the King has done much. But I also don't think he has the power to do much. My interest is in dealing with the nobles and shaking up their little club. But they are part of the monarchy, so in turn, we'll have to shake that up too." He spoke with no love for the nobles that had gotten in his way for years. Or that used the people as pawns. Something he saw firsthand as a foot soldier for them.

"It's nice to know that we at least see eye to eye on the nobles. But don't you think if Reign isn't able to clean things up, or hasn't been, then there could be someone more capable to be in charge? I also don't want bloodshed. I'm not a fan of violence. I'm a medic first. But things will get bloody...they always do when you ask the powerful to lessen their position."

Erebus listened to both Jin and Alisa speak, not interrupting but occasionally letting his facial expressions speak for him. Alisa was a world power, she was the answer that the people wanted, but she viewed things differently. She took the side of the King, while the Rogue could agree she made solid points, he could not agree on one key detail. “Won’t fix Injustice?” Erebus stood on the words, mulling them over. “I would see it done without a second emotion, if that meant the world straightened itself up, if I had been the person you are now Alisa Vollan— the strongest mage in the entire world. I would not be appeasing to this crown— I don’t care if he wasn’t nobility because let’s be honest. He was chosen, and to me that looks no different than a sock puppet. The Guilds are the strongest source of power in this continent, we are the republic. Without us, the world would have fallen years ago, or tomorrow. Inside of your heart, you know this.” Erebus pauses for a moment, focusing his emotions to a level-headed manner. His tone was less pushy now, perhaps even attempting to be neutral as opposed to debating her. After all, he knew that would not get Jin’s point across, it would merely dilute his points entirely. “...Even if it meant being hated by the part of the world that isn’t against the King. Scorned forever, because that’s how it will go in the books anyways right? Well so be it, I know my role in this world. It was never to glorify someone who doesn’t even show himself to the population... Let him then, let all of them love to hate us. Isn’t that what makes it the most just, fighting against the adversity of love and admiration— for what is right and true for everyone, all races and all people.“ Erebus wasn’t speaking on behalf of himself purely, but on behalf of Odin, and all the friends he made along the ventures. The one thing they had in common, it was not their love or crave of carnage. It was their unrelenting courage to be the fall guys for real world change. All of Eternal Nightmare, was but an alternate opinion on the state of world affairs. Where Alisa was smiled upon, and held up as a Saint. Odin was the voice that cleared the streets. They possessed different weapons, respect and fear. Two sides of one coin.

Erebus naturally took to looking at Odin as a hero, and in a situation— was madly advocate of the exLich. Odin was the friend Erebus needed, and when you really think of that man, the way he could rouse those of respect together to change things for the better. It shows that he could bring the real threat out and exposes the holes in the system, the faulty line in the grid. One bad upset, could short circuit the whole state of the world— and right now? Erebus was under the impression that was exactly what the world needed. When it came down to being loyal to a Wizard Lord, of course Erebus knew that this was ‘not heroic’ to the government. Of course he was aware of what he was doing, and the reputation would only grow. But he made the decision just like Alisa had, to be a hero in his own realm— a completely different class of society.

Jin too, could be considered an Outlaw just without the reckless abaddon. The headhunting only sours the true nature of what it means to be the bad guy or the good guy in the Kingdom’s grand story. As Jin spoke, Erebus had to admit, The Guildmaster was much kinder with his charm. He could say everything without the emotion flaring from his spirit. Something that the ill mind of Erebus lacked. He was grateful they were one in the same ideology, even if their energies were so much different.

Logic and Feeling.

Light and Dark.

Erebus chose to remain silent and hear out where Alisa would go next with her take in this grand plan. It seemed clear she was no fan of Nobles, which he was thankful for. However, a King who did nothing was still a bad King. Jin was still right on every front, sure if you could consider two years an overnight job, then yes Alisa wasn’t necessarily wrong but she wasn’t completely right either. Erebus had seen far too much of the world to simply fork over everything that brought him to this point. Felt way too much, and way too little as a man to be standing before a Wizard Saint and debating the state of the world. To believe that this monarchy hadn’t been given enough time to show it’s people humility. It was just as much a reason as any to make it their objective. There was a new idea rising across the country anyways, and Eternal Nightmare merely brought it to Alisa’s attention. The common folk were ready to enter a new era.

"I agree... Bosco was worse. We didn't remove one questionable monarch from power. We brought stability to a nation at war. With innocents constantly caught in the crossfire." Jin was pleasantly surprised to know however that the mystery Zade was actually putting in work. He couldn't help but let out a small laugh though. "I see. So they were all executed then. It seems increasingly the case that violence has been the answer. Perhaps I was wrong about our king. Maybe he is just as prone to take lives than any other."

Erebus then spoke with even more passion. His zest for the cause was more engrained than it was for Jin. Something that was powerful enough to move an organization of people behind him. He sat silent while the man spoke with his heart. Before Alisa redirected a response to Jin's other viewpoint.

"Toppling governments and replacing them often. How often have we cycled through a king? And yet not much has changed about this land. Erebus is right. The guilds are what have held things together. You seem intent on holding onto a king, where I don't think a king is necessary. One man without enough oversight. It is a powerful position that would be hard to know the pressures of. Which is why that power may not be best vested in one person."

"And that's not entirely true. A civil war caused laws to change for other races. Life is a little better now after the civil war abolished slavery. And you may not believe that power alone decides who rules. But it's hard to argue that it hasn't put the majority of people in power, into their current positions. Even if the one in charge isn't powerful. Someone around them is. I'm not saying it's right. But it's awfully convenient that Fiore has been shaped by powerful people. The rise of Arthurias, Reigns demonstration of power to the nobles. Zades execution of them, Your ability to fight back demons and dragons. Nerva's Inquisition. Nothing has happened with words alone."


"But I think I have a pretty good understanding of things," Jin kicked his feet out from under the table and stretched. "For whatever reason, You'll fight for the king. Despite him using the light guilds as the protectors of the world. You gave me proof enough. I'll still need to verify it," he spoke about the Noble family killed by Zade. "But I have no personal vendetta against the King. I'll focus my attention on the nobles. And I assume you have no problem with the dismantling of the noble class?" He asked curious as to her exact position. He titled his head to the side with a quick thought.

"Speaking of which. If you harbor no love for the nobles. And you think they are corrupt and committing evil acts...If you are willing to fight for the king. Are you willing to join us in fighting against corrupt nobles?" He was nearly content with the conversation and clear on where they all stood, but that one question snuck into his mind. Would she side with a dark guild to face the criminal acts of nobility?

Jin’s moment yo speak brought a lot of attention from Erebus. The man had shown he was a doctor, a warrior, and a diplomat and it continued to impress Erebus, who up to this point in time, never realized how much Jin believed in the cause. It was a blessing to have someone like that around and now Ere knew without a doubt, why Odin chose him. The rogue grinned, nodding.

His eyes glanced back over to Alisa, she appeared so readily down to fight with anyone opposing Reign that it almost made Erebus curious... “I won’t tell you what to feel— only what I’ve felt. But if you must know the truth from where I sit, I don’t fear Zade, Reign, and... While I must admit you carry a certain pressure where you walk Alisa. I’m not even afraid of you. I’m following through with this to the very expense of my life— because that’s all that seems right to our side anymore. Destroying men like us, it only makes us right, it immortalizes our belief systems. The King won’t have that affect, because no one alive truly knows him.“ Erebus felt around his cloaked armor for his flask— it was missing. There was a chance he may’ve lost it fighting off the thugs in the street. A notable sigh could be read as he expressed a bit of displeasure.

Erebus remained respectful and seeped back into the convo for a gracious moment, listening to them go back and forth with their points, both of which were strong for their sides. After allowing them to finish up their last moment debating, Erebus decided to nod it off and see himself relax, he needed a drink. “Jin. I’ll be at the bar,” as he left he he heard the chair scoot back so Jin might even stretch around and prepare himself to finish up too. At Jin’s last words, Erebus was even more impressed; even getting Alisa to sign off against the nobles themselves was powerful— if she might. Erebus was grateful to be led now by Jin Tatsumi, he was proud of the young Guildmaster— the Paladin would be just fine. Where Erebus was an irresponsible and emotion-ridden entity, Jin was full of enough wit to cover for Ere’s mistakes as a human being. He was certain things would go their way in the end. The topic alone merely reinforced Erebus’ will to see Odin’s dream complete.

Especially if Jin was able to get Alisa to sign off with helping them face down the nobility. That alone primed them for moving against the King himself. Who might even turn on Alisa as they encircle the Lion’s Den. He raised his hand to wave farewell to the BP GM, the last thing he would offer peacefully before the news would get back around to them in a few weeks.

That Odin... Was no more.

Jin pressed his head onto his hand, "You talk about a kingdom that has checks and balances, and in the same vein talk about the rampant corruption in those checks and balances." He replied. The government had been filled with corruption, the knights had fought with corruption. And it may be that all forms of government maintained it, but it didn't mean it couldn't be better.

"You're right things do need to change. But you would talk about change without taking action. Words and Violence are all we have as people. What third alternative is there?" He asked genuinely perplexed at the idea of those two things not being the only choices.

Jin was patient again as Erebus spoke is peace. An unsettling message as the man made his way out. But truly...who would really miss Reign if he was gone? "Alright. Then. I'll meet you there soon." He said, unfortunate to be left alone in a conversation that he had always hoped to avoid.

At last, they had found some ground to stand on against the Nobility. He sat back in the chair and swung his feet out from under the table. "Thank you for that assistance. I hope that you stay true to your ideals of non-violence. I tried to once." He replied, almost saddened at the loss of the sweet and innocent days of his past. Although something fueled the mage to perhaps take a closer look at Vollan's history. Someone of her power and position...certainly had something in her closet. And if it came to it...it would make for good leverage.


"With that small agreement on the nobles. I think its a good time for me to get outta here. Best to end on a good note. Thanks Alisa for your time. I'll see you around. And Enjoy the island." he stood up and gave a respectful nod before the fairly unknown mage departed to meet with his friend.

Exit