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-The screen flickers as a non-standard broadcast interrupts the shows. An unseen narrator speaks as scenes of destroyed and damaged buildings of wing city are shown-

A recent poll has shown that a majority of the people in the bar would trust their own skills, weapons and magics to protect themselves from the threats of Wing City, especially that of Gambit's Bar, then they would any of the so called protectors.

After a firefight broke out today involving Red Halo Mercenaries and Tech Con, the Coalition arrived to clean up the mess. While Tech Con was involved with their battle, another person rose up to fight off a killer robot, one of many that frequent the bar.

"Yeah, it's just not safe here anymore. Most of us just come here to meet people, we don't want to see gun fights right outside, especially not with explosives and lasers. People could get caught in the crossfire and die from that sort of battle."

Most reporters also now avoid the bar, deeming it not worth their life getting a good story. The reporter who was present at the time just happened to be dropping off a parcel for his friend when the fighting broke out.

"Maybe if there was a better way to get people to fight somewhere else, then everyone would feel safe. Isn't there an unused arena or something?" suggested one person.

But until that day comes, Wing City will always be a city of fear.

-The screen flickers and goes back to it's normal programming as if there had never been the broadcast at all-

In front of Gambit's Bar, the report, a perky 20-something woman with a stylish haircut and business suit stands, microphone in hand. She smiling brightly, and next to her stands the bartender of Gambit's recognizable to any of the patrons.

"Hello! I'm Sandy Day, here with the bartender of Wing City's world famous Gambit's Bar!" She says, smiling brightly to the camera. "We're here to find the facts on one of the more disturbing rumors floating about Wing City." She pause again, shooting the camera another smile, before turning to face the bartender. "Tell me Mr. Bartender, have you heard anything about Artifacts? We hear that's the latest buzzword on the street."

The bartender smiles politely and nods. "Yes Miss Day, I have. I don't rightly know what they are, but as far as I can tell there are several very powerful men and women all on the look out for them. And they seem willing to do pretty much anything to get them." He says, his voice calm even as he relayed the news. Behind them, you could see an explosion occur through one of the windows of Gambit's Bar. This event was thoroughly ignored by both the people.

"Can you tell me what these people want these Artifacts for?" Sandy presses and the bartender looks thoughtful for a moment or so.

"Seems to me they want them for a whole lot of reasons. I can tell you though, that I don't rightly trust anyone who would attack people just sitting at the counter to get a hold of theirs." The bartender says.

"I see. Tell me, do you know what these people call themselves, sir?"

"Yes miss, I do. On one side you have the people who have been protecting these artifacts. They call themselves the Guardians, though I've heard the Patronus as well. And on the other hand, you've got the people who want the artifacts. Those people are called the Orsa Terminus."

He replies, but he goes on, ignoring Sandy, who had opened her mouth to ask another question. "I've heard both sides looking for help in the bar. Guess you'd just have to ask if you wanted to help either one out." He says quietly, looking straight at the camera.

"That's good to know sir! Now tell me, what sort of artifacts are they talking about here? Is it any magical artifacts, things made by someone specific?"

The bartender stops and things this over for a minute, ignoring the dent that just appeared in Gambit's wall and the man who entered by kicking the door off it's hinges. "Hm. I'm pretty certain it's just a handful of specific items. I don't rightly know, but I'm pretty sure."

As another explosion happens in the bar, the reporter glances back at it dubiously, before looking to the camera. "Well, thank you for your time, Mr. Bartender!" She chirrups happily and he nods, about to say something. Sandy quickly cuts him off as the sound of fighting grows.

"I'm Sandy Day, and this is Wing City Rumor Watch! Remember, keep your ears open, and your eyes wide! See you next time!"

The camera shuts off, returning to commercial break, but not before you catch site of an odd man bringing in a beam of wood that looks far too heavy for the average man to carry.

Theme music begins to play and the camera pans across a series of comfortable looking chairs. It encompasses the entire set, before a second camera cuts in, focusing on the host. Sandy Day smiles brightly for her audience.

"Welcome everybody, to a special edition of Rumor Watch! Today we're honored to have with us one of the many fighters in the Artifact Wars, Nyx Alurane." The camera zooms out, taking in the sight of Nyx sitting on the chair next to her.

"So tell our viewers a little bit about yourself, Nyx. Only what you can of course. I wouldn't want to divulge any sensitive info."

“Myself? That is not at all sensitive; I hide nothing from those who ask nicely.” She chuckled quietly and idly flicked a strand of hair back from her features, settling into a comfier position in the chair before continuing, a thoughtful expression on her features. “Let’s see... As you know my name is Nyx Alurane. Often people tend to assume that simply because I am demonic that I will devour their souls at a moment’s notice or kidnap their children, something foolish like that-“ She chuckled quietly, shaking her head. “-But actually I am quite fond of chatting, much like we are doing now and I find it rather hurtful when people simply assume things without knowing me in the slightest...” She trailed off with a heavy sigh, placing the perfect imitation of sadness upon her face before shaking her head, as if removing depressing thoughts from her mind. “But I’m getting off subject, my apologies. I am fond of red wine, good conversation and good company... Also I have never lost a game of cards.” Again she chuckled lightly, smiling cheerfully. Her performance was made to create empathy, to create the image of a kind person, one who would never harm a fly. She hoped it would work. “I’m not sure what else to say... I’m afraid I’m not at all very interesting...” She chuckled, crossing her legs neatly as she waited for the next question, head tilted to one side in a curious fashion.

“Never lost a game of cards, huh? Sounds like a great skill to have.” She smiles brightly for the camera. “Remind me never to play poker with you, Nyx.” She chuckles, cuing audience laughter. As the laughter ends, she smoothly enters into the next question.

“So telle me a little more about your organization. We've heard many different views of the Orsa Terminus, you see, and would love to have it all cleared up.” Another award winning smile, and she prompts Nyx to speak, her body angled to show just the right amount of interest in what the other woman says.

At this she made a thoughtful sound, resting a finger to her bottom lip for several moments before replying. “We aren’t an organization... Simply a group of people who have the same interests, wish for the same things...” She smiled, nodding firmly. “We are like a family; Supporting each other when needed, protecting each other should one of us become in danger...” Her words were lies, yet they came out effortlessly, convincing as if they were nothing but the truth. “I think that... We have been getting a great deal of unwarranted bad press, so to speak... And I am unsure why. We simply defend ourselves when the need arises, that is not a bad thing surely?” She sighed heavily. “I adore my family as if they were that, and I only wish for us to succeed... Why should we be condemned for that?”

“I don't believe you should Nyx.” She says, covering the other woman's hand with her own. “It sounds as if you are really close to your family. If only all families loved each other so. I'm afraid I do have to ask what your family's goal is though? We've heard rumors of some horribly violent goals from your people.”

She took on a slightly firmer look, white eyes glittering with longing as she replied without a moment’s hesitation. “As I said... We are like a family, but a broken one...” She lowered her head, a frown coming to her features. “Our dearest Father is lost to us; sealed away where we cannot reach him... We simply want him back.” She nodded, looking up once again. “Is that something terrible? To be fought against so terribly? We simply want to be made whole again, to change this world for the better... It is... A shame that others see things differently...” She looked off to one side, a small sniffling sound coming from her, and anyone would think she was truly crying as she turned back, clearing her throat. “I am sorry... That is a... A sensitive topic, please could you... Move on?”

“Of course!” She says, patting Nyx's hand comfortingly once or twice. “I'm sorry I upset you so, sweetie. I do hope you are able to reach your father soon.” She murmurs in comfort. “I'll move straight to the next question then. What can you tell me about the artifacts?”

Nyx tilted her head to one side, still slightly ‘saddened’ by the previous question. “Oh... I know little of them... Only that they are the items that are keeping... Keeping him away from us...” She lapsed into silence before continuing. “We seek them so desperately, we want nothing more than the items. We never wished for this conflict to begin, for so many lives to be put at risk... I know that personally I have tried speaking with several carries of these items, to convince them to peacefully give them to us... And always my efforts have failed...” She shook her head. “It is... A terrible shame...”

“Now we've all heard the rumors, and I have to admit to curiosity now myself. People truly want to help you and your family out, but they need to know. Why should the viewers side with you in this so called 'Artifact War'?” She asks, the hard journalist's look coming to her eye once more. This was what she wanted to know.


She looked rather surprised at this and shook her head quickly. “A war? I was not aware that this was being called such... I am... Quite shocked...” She looked genuinely so for a moment before continuing. “I suppose if anyone has been forcibly separated from a dear family member, has felt the pain of loss as we have... I would think that they would empathize with our plight... However I do not want anyone to join in with this, like I said; I have made peaceful approaches, all of which have failed and so I would hate for people to join and become injured...” The true reason was simply that she wished no one to get in the way... But she would never say such a thing.

'I see.” The journalists smiles brightly once more, putting on her happiest face. “I'm glad to hear your concern for the common man, Nyx. It makes me glad that there are still people like you in this world.”

The journalist leans towards Nyx ever so slightly, before smiling a vaguely predatory smile. “Now you simply must tell me, so the ordinary man knows. Are these so-called Artifacts, dangerous to ordinary people?”

She nodded gravely at this. “Currently as they are being used as weapons... Sadly they are... We of the Orsa cannot use them ourselves, and so were we to have them, there would be no risk to the public, however currently they are being held by trigger happy individuals, who would rather fight than speak... So currently.... Yes, they are a danger.” She looked downward at her knees, seeming very regretful of this fact.

The journalist waits for a moment before speaking again, as the camera pans across the shocked faces of her studio audience. Once the lens has focused on her once more, Sandy appears to think over the next question. “We have heard a bit of a public outcry lately, Nyx. The people want to know, why can't your family fight away from public places? It's said a lot of the recent damage to the ever popular Gambit's Bar has been induced primarily by the fighters of this war.”

She looked rather confused at this, tilting her head to one side. “I have only, sadly been a part of one fight, however I am sure I can speak for my allies when I say that we use every precaution to remove these unfortunate conflicts away from the public... We wish no harm upon anyone after all, we simply wish for our Father to be allowed to be free again...”

“I'm sure you'll get your wish one day Nyx. You seem too noble a woman not to.” She reassures the other woman with a gentle smile. “Now please, tell our viewers what your supporters can do to help?”

“Truly we have few in the way of supporters because we wish to limit the danger we put people in... However those we do have could strive to gain the artifacts, information on where to find them, who possesses them... Anything of that nature would be vitally important, and of course well rewarded...” She nodded slowly. “And of course, I believe peaceful solutions to be the best ones... However unfortunately the guardians of these items seem to advocate violence... And so I would also urge supporters to keep themselves safe... I would personally be deeply saddened if any were to fall...”

With all questions answered, Nyx would smile happily at the interviewer and bow her head respectfully. “I thank you very much for letting me have this chance to talk with you... Hopefully things will go much more smoothly now that the public know what we are truly like, not the great evil we are being made out to be... My thanks again.”

“It was no problem at all Nyx; I had a wonderful time interviewing you. Thank you for coming on our show.” She turned to face the camera, which zoomed in on her, excluding Nyx from the shot. “You've heard straight form the Orsa's mouth, Wing City! Feel free to e-mail in your comments on today's interview, and be sure to watch our next episode, where we have the honor of hearing the story on the other side.”

Credit rolls and the camera zooms out, viewing the two from a downward angle as they make light talk together. The credits finish, only to be replaced by sponsor commercials and soon, the next program.

Theme music begins to play and the camera pans across a series of comfortable looking beige chairs. It encompasses the entire set, before a second camera cuts in, focusing on the host. Sandy Day smiles brightly for her audience.

"Welcome everybody, to a special edition of Rumor Watch! Today we're honored to have with us one of the many fighters in the Artifact Wars, Dallas Reiger. We've interviewed the Orsa Terminus, and now it's time to talk to the Patronus!" The camera zooms out, taking in the sight of Dallas sitting on the chair next to her. "Now Dallas, what can you tell me about yourself? I understand you may be unable to say some things, for your own safety, and, of course, the safety of your teammates?"

The priestess shifted uncomfortably in her seat, looking altogether uneasy with the technology around her. She forced a smile, which lacked any of the woman’s usual kindliness and geniality. "I can tell you what is common knowledge. I am a priestess of the near-extinct Lahanian Empryea, currently residing in the area of the Multiverse around Gambit's Bar in Wing City."

The hostess smiles brightly at the woman. "The Lahanian Empryea! Sounds interesting, Dallas. And you must be a brave woman to even reside in Wing City." She says with a smile, moving on to her next question. "Now I understand that you can't tell me exactly which artifact each member holds, but what can you tell me about these Artifacts we've been hearing oh so much about lately?"

Dallas nodded stoically, feeling as though she had as much social grace as her dragonborn companion. She was not one to admit she was intimidated by things, but that didn’t mean she truly wasn’t. "As much as I know, I will relay. The artifacts are ordinary items imbued with otherwise extraordinary powers. Each is unique. Together, they are the keys to unleashing a terrible evil known only as The Sealed One.”

Sandy leans forward, obviously intrigued. "The Sealed One? Ooo, sounds dangerous." She states, obviously trying to lead the priestess down that path.

The priestess quirked a curious brow, oblivious to Sandy’s attempts to create ratings-fetching drama and mystique. "It does sound rather ominous....and the little bit of power it has shown thus far is enough for me to believe that what was sealed should remain so.”

Sandy frowns. "I see. I suppose you must not know too much about the Sealed One, since it is locked up." She states, smiling slightly. "Viewers want to know Dallas, why should people help you out on your side of the war?"

"Being as the safety and well-being of the citizens both in Wing City and abroad is our main concern, I can't see any reason they wouldn't ally themselves with us." She looked genuinely confused at that, as though it were a simplistic matter of black and white. "As we do not know what this Sealed One is capable of, it's simply makes the most sense to keep it sealed."

"That does make sense to me. But I can't help but ask...If you are so concerned about the safety of the people in Wing City, then why do all of your battle seem to begin and end in extremely public and often crowded places. Other news sources have even cited both of your groups as para-military, and highly dangerous!" Sandy says, leaning in towards Dallas.

The priestess frowned, her irritation clearly growing at what she saw as absolutely ridiculous accusations. "I can assure you it is not the intention of the Patronus to cause harm or destruction. It seems as though our attempts at hiding in plain sight have failed rather miserably, and we have resorted to more remote places. However it can't be helped that the occasional scuffle happens in public places...the enemy is relentless."

Sandy sits back and smiles. "I'm glad to hear that your side, at least, is trying to take all those battles out of Wing City." She says, before he eyes narrow slightly. "So tell me, Dallas, does your side start most of the fights, or do you simply try to finish them. And what peaceful methods have you tried resolving thing conflict?"

Her eyes widened slightly in surprise at the question, having relatively little experience with journalistic types. "Erm...though my personal preferences are for mediation and negotiation, it seems that the Orsa has no interest in such things. They often attack guardians with little warning and little chance for peaceful resolution. The Patronus is left with little recourse but to defend ourselves.”

"We haven't had the opportunity to pursue peace."

"Hm. Well, you must not have much time before the attack to even shout parlay then!" She quips with a smile, before moving onto the next question. "What exactly do these artifacts this war is about do? I understand they open the jail cell of the Sealed One, but Other than that, do these magical items have any particular powers?"

"Each one has it's own individual abilities. They range from offensive magic to defensive magic to mental magic." She paused, her natural inclination being to use her armor as an example. However, she wasn't certain it was a wise idea to reveal that information, seeing as it was going to be that much easier to be outed by her enemies.

"Oh? wouldn't that make them dangerous to the normal people of Wing City?" She asks with a polite smile. "Offensive magic can be pretty dangerous to the normal man and woman on the street."

"We are trying to keep such weapons out of the hands of those who would use them against innocent people." Her brow creased slightly, wondering how many times she was going to have to say the same thing over and over. The priestess quite decided then and there that she didn't like journalists.

Sandy nods and smiles. "I'm always glad to hear that our beloved city has a few heroes in it, Dallas. Tell me, if someone wanted to join the Patronus, how would they do such a thing?"

She frowns thoughtfully for a moment. "I don't think we wish to put any more innocent lives at risk than we must...it probably wouldn't be wise for average citizens to join our ranks."

Sandy nods. "I see. If any citizens have any information they feel you need to know, what would you suggest they do?" She asks, looking at Dallas intently.

This she seems to ponder for a very long time before finally speaking. "Find me." The answer was not spoken with any sense of jest, it was most logically the thing to do. She could not risk exposing other members of the Patronus, as she was apparently their...erm...public face. "I am most often available in Gambits Bar....though I may be less frequent than normal. Other than that, I am certain the resourceful citizens of Wing City can manage to find a way." It was her turn to smile sweetly, quite effectively masking the mockery in her tone.

"Alright! Thank you for all your help, Dallas, and thank you for agreeing to be on our show." She says smiling, then turns to the cameras. "And thank you, my dear viewers, for tuning into today's episode of Rumor Watch! You've heard both sides of the story, now it's up to you to make you your minds!" The reporter. says with a bright grin.

The priestess smiles at the camera, rather genuinely considering, before it cuts to pre-credits commercials.