The Safe Zone

Elle couldn't help but to smile, realizing that her potion actually worked. She was scared it would have been the wrong recipe, though seemingly, her memory didn't fail her."I'm glad to have helped." She said softly. She felt a warmness in her heart for the girl that stood in front of her. Of course, they were seemingly polar opposites, yet Elle didn't let that cloud her judgment, she liked Aura and she could sense some respectable feelings from her back. Aura offered Elle a sit in the stool."Oh, why thank you so much. I've been so caught up in all this talk about Aeons and The Elder Spirits, and with the visit from the Pyreflies,"She noticed she begun to ramble, so she stopped herself in mid sentence, and gave Aura a bashful smile,"I'll take that seat."

"My Cure spell, could only work as a light, but only temporarily. The art of White Magic is different from Black Magic I presume. At in Black Magic you take pieces of your Mana Pool to cast out a array of spells being disruptive towards the area it influences, while in White Magic, you drain large portions of your Mana Pool in a short amount of time, which can be quite tiring, yet it does restore itself rather quickly, especially if you have an adrenaline rush in mid-battle!" Elle knew how magic worked, and she knew that Aura was also very knowledgeable as well, so she tried to have a Mage to Mage conversation with her, she knew that it would be beneficial if they both became close, since they were the only mages amongst the group."I'm sure eventually you'll catch on. You're a strong mage, I wish I was as powerful as you are." Elle begun to blush slightly, everything she said was true. Seeing Aura cast her magic made Elle wish she could do more, but that was the life of a healer...always wishing they could do more.

Aura nodded, impressed at what Elle knew about that Black school of magic. “It's as you say, Black Mages can tap in to our pools , and release the energy gathered faster than other mages. It's like running a hand through the water, and causing a splash. I think the hard part is the concentration involved in casting spells in that manner. That's why you see trainees shouting their spell names: because if they screw the what they want to do and where they want it to be done, they could very well end up killing themselves. I don't technically have to snap to cast magic: I can whistle or clap, anything that creates sound to act as a channel for the magic to activate. Snapping is quick and effective, thus why I do it.”

She rummaged around some of the shelves, “I understand, all of this about guardians is a lot to take in. I was just expecting on researching spells my entire life, and now I find im about to travel with people I know to an Airship.... I wonder what flying feels like.” She pondered, still rummaging around, until she found what she was looking for, a dusty old lantern. There were tons of these lying around, for late nigh studying. She opend the tiny little door, and snapped. Lightning arced out, igniting the eick, casting light. Now armed with sight, she was able to find and light the other lanterns, until a dim glow filled the room.

“Being strong isn't quite what it's cracked up to be.” Aura said, grabbing a stool, and Sitting next to Elle. “You have to be careful not to get too greedy, and cast a spell you aren't prepared for... I think having a White Mage's talents would come in handy more than that of a Black. I tried casting a white spell, when I was little, but I couldn't tap into my energies deep enough, so I went with Black, witch requires speed instead of depth.” She explained

"If there's anything I hate more than losing my shop, it's these little annoyances that keep coming!" she yelled as she kicked the dead corpse of one of the Seekers. This match up was not good for her, their close range attacks made it difficult for her long-range attacks to take as much effect. Luckily her ability to dodge was enough to not be damaged severely. She knew though that sooner or later they would land a devastating attack.

She thought for a second, Where would I find help? She hated being out of the loop on things, it always causes problems if you don't know what's going on.

There were too many for Ana to fight them off now. They all stood at a stand still, waiting for the other to act first. Ana's guns pointed at them, the Seekers ready to cast a spell or rush her. A piece of burning lumber fell to the ground, springing Ana into action.

She ran right at them, they did the same. Right as they were about to clash she cast Haste, giving her the added boost to run past them without a scratch. She hoped she could find someone this way, and then let them deal with this.

Kries ran from his house and back toward the center of town. He had to get to the center and try to help as many people as he could. Although that was easier said than done. He couldn't be everywhere at once. And he had to organize these people. How should he do that? Well, right now was not the time to think about it. He had to get to the center of town first and work his way from...

His thoughts cut off abruptly as he rounded an upcoming corner and came face to face with a pair of blades raised to kill. Kries staggered back a step before he recognised the face. It was one of the otehrs. One of the other ones that had been summoned by the elders. Kries let out a huge breath as the blades fell to his shoulders. "That would have been terrible" Kries heard Yuri say. "No kidding", thought Kries in response. But he said nothing as he let out the breath of air he didn't realize he had taken.

Yuri talked fast, obviously in a rush, and spat out the information on the situation. The microphone! Yes, that would make sense. Kries had worked on the speakers and knew basically how the microphone should work. But the rest of what Yuri said was troubling. The seekers were after them? Did this have anything to do with why the elders had called them? Or more to a fact, the pyreflies? Did the seekers have instructions to hunt pyreflies or mass quantities of them? And why would that be..?

Kries shook his head to stop his analysis. No time. So the plan was obvious it seemed. get the villagers to the mages guild then get to this... airship!? When had there ever been an airship here? He knew they existed and all, but he had never seen one around the safe zone, well, not that they had any reason to LEAVE the safe zone. But they didn't have any choice but to trust this information right now. If they had the mobility of an airship, they could get a respite from the seekers.

Kries nodded to Yuri and ran off with him in the direction of the hall with the microphone.

Soon the pair entered the room, not much worse for the wear. Well, Kries was at least, he couldn't really tell about Yuri. The man fought like he was posessed, and Kries quickly understood why the man was scarred. Kries panted slightly as he ran up to the microphone, hoping Yuri would take it easy for a bit. He looked down at the bord and began punching buttons for the machina. then he took a deep breath.

"Attention everyone. Report to the Mages guild to hold out there. There are other people there and you will be safe. Bring your weapons and discard anything that will slow you down. Speed is of priority."

Kries punched a few more buttons and the message began to loop on itself. Wasn't exactly professional, but it got the message across. Safety was at the Mage's guild and bring the weapons. And most importantly, speed was of the essence. Kries walked back over to Yuri. "So... now is the part where we get out of here?"

When the sound of Kries voice blared loudly over the microphone, Ryuu stopped in mid-dash as he nodded his head some and turned his dash off towards the mage's guild., cutting his way through seekers on his way hoping to give survivors a clear path straight towards safety. Upon reaching the mage's guild he made his way inside quietly, sighing with a bit of relief to be out of the battle. His breathing returning to normal and his eyes locking on two mages; one being Elle; and the other being Aura as he made his way over. He didn't say anything at first just quietly observing them, before he finally cleared his throat to let them know of his presence.

"I cleared out as many seekers, as I could see on my way here." His first actual sentence to both of them today, if at all in his entire life. He then settled into a relaxed posture leaning against a wall. Well he had made it, and he was sure that the rest of them would too; honestly if they didn't the pyreflies wouldn't have chosen them; so he had no reason to worry, then again that didn't stop him from worrying at all, his family coming to mind foremost. His worries were probably misplaced, due to his father and mother teaching him everything he knew, so in retrospect, they were destined to make it. He shifted his position a little, quietly observing his surroundings and taking in to account of every possible defensive position they could take in the place, and the best place for him to unleash some backstabs on any unsuspecting seekers. "So, our next move?" He asked, feeling that there was something he didn't know; the message from Kries being a little limited, other then on what the present holds, and since he was already here, and they had time; they could at least explain what their next move would be, they had to find a way off the island; if there wasn't one already told to one, or both of them.

To be perfectly frank, Yuri hadn't a clue as to the nonsense he was spouting or the reasoning behind it either. He just knew what had to be done, had to be done now. Why were the monsters attacking them? Why was it right after the pyreflies chose? Why did the pyreflies choose now? Where in the bloody hell did that airship spring from? All perfectly rational questions, but the mind wasn't rational in an emergency situation. He had a job to do, to protect as many people as possible. Any other thoughts could come and fester in his mind once that was taken care of.

"Right behind you Chief," Yuri said as he followed behind Kries. The fellow should know where he was going. It didn't take long for them to find themselves in the room with the microphone, Yuri's brow beginning to glisten with sweat and blood. As Kries began to fiddle with the microphone, Yuri took this oppurtunity to sit his blades down against the wall and try his best to wipe off the blood. He couldn't do much without a good bit of soap and water and all he was doing was further smearing it on his arms. He did manage to wipe off his forehead, however. The stinging mixture was getting on his nerves.

When Kries had finally gotten the Microphone working, Yuri found himself sitting against the wall, resting. Ever since the Pyreflies had descended, he had been running to and fro and it was beginning to take it's toll on his stamina. The beast within may have had a limitless supply of energy, but he was just a man and had limits.

Finally, Kries began to speak into the microphone. There was a delay between his voice and the booming speakers outside, "Attention everyone. Report to the Mages guild to hold out there. There are other people there and you will be safe. Bring your weapons and discard anything that will slow you down. Speed is of priority."

Yuri looked up to Kries as he approached. "So... now is the part where we get out of here?" "Probably," Yuri responded. He then used his blade to help himself to his feet, "We need to make our own way to the Guild now. Elle and Aura should be there," He really hoped they made it safely, a concern that was clearly plastered across his face. "Oh, and keep an eye out for Ryuu and Daia, they were chosen too," Yuri stated. Looking out the door he shrugged, and shouldered his blades. "Well, into the breach once more, yeah?" Yuri said, turning towards the door and leaving the building and back into the city, all the while Kries's voice booming around him.

Though Daiavani was glad to see her mother was alright, her mother seemed a bit neutral on the fact that her daughter was there. Though that, of course, didn't stop Dai from smiling. Though, it wasn't long before her mother spoke up. "You go on ahead, don't worry about me," she said looking at her. Dai opened her mouth to protest, but her mother quickly stopped her, "i'll be fine. Now go on."

Dai was silent for a moment but then nodded and gave her a broad smile, "will do. But, i'm going to be mad if I find out you got hurt," she said to her, her tone sounding teasingly, though she slightly meant it. She turned and quickly began to head back in the direction she came; looking back every once in a while, trying to make sure she wasn't going to get attacked by more Seekers.

Though, before she could go any farther, she slowed down to an almost complete stop as she heard the announcement about going to the Mages Guild for safety. Her already slowed pace now turned into a stop as she looked around quickly to mentally map out the best way to get there, or more like, the fastest way to get there. Though, that only lasted for a short moment before she nodded and started moving again. As she did so, she made sure she kept Guardwind close, keeping her eyes open. Soon enough though, her eyes caught hold of Yuri and Kries, she turned slightly, keeping at the same speed, and she made her way to them.

Ana punched a wall as hard as she could. "Shut up, shut up, shut up! I know I have to get to the Mage's Guild!" With all the noise, her headache came back and beat against her brain RELENTLESSLY. She just knew she had to get somewhere and the sooner the better. Regardless of the pain she pushed on.

What bothered her even more is the monsters or lack there of. They couldn't all be gone, not in a long shot. She really didn't care and just kept moving. The fewer interruptions the better, and the sooner she got to the Mage's Guild the better. So it's like better², and better x better is always good. Enough of the math lesson.

With the speed boost wearing off, Ana luckily arrived at the Guild just in time for it to be gone. She gasped for air as she readjusted to her normal breathing pattern.

"Phew, this could give someone a heart attack. Sure does feel great while it lasts though." She entered into the guild and found two younger girls, with some odd similarities around them. She couldn't quite place it though.

She approached them and said, "Is there someone in charge around here that can tell me what's going on? If there's an escape plan then I'm all ears or was I just told to come here to prolong my death?"

Daiavani was the next person they found. Yuri came to a full stop and threw wary glances all around them. Nothing. At least for now, there was always the chance that a seeker may surprise them. Yuri had to be ready for them, he would cut them down before they could hurt anyone else, that he swore. Without looking back to Daia he spoke, "Are you okay?" Finally bringing his eyes to inspect the woman. She looked uninjured, and in fighting shape. That was good, they'd need all of the strong arms they could gather. "Good," He said, "I guess you heard the announcement, hm?" Kries voice was still booming from the speakers, beckoning those listening to find shelter in the Mage's Guild.

"Let's take our friend's advice and get there, yeah? It's probably the safest place to be right now," He said, absentmindedly leaving out the bit about them having to leave on some adventure or whatever. To be quite honest, even Yuri himself hadn't completely wrapped his mind around it. It was a lot to take in in a couple of hours, so surely he would be forgiven for it. "Let's go," he said, and jerked his head toward the direction of the Mage's guild. Once again he found himself hoping everyone had made it there okay. Oddly enough, the first people in his mind weren't his parents, but Elle and Aura. Yuri knew his parents could take care of themselves, his father was a Soldier and his mother an Alchemist. They would be fine, if not guiding people to the guild themselves. He didn't just happen upon his protective streak.

Before long, they too came to the Mage's Guild. A number of people were already beginning to find their ways to the guild. Yuri turned to Daia and Kries, "Right, see if you can do anything to help these people. I'm going to check to see if Elle and Aura made it. Be ready to move though, we should be leaving soon," In an airship, that they had no idea about. Really, how do you hide a bloody thing like that? He shook his head, realizing he forgot to explain to Daia exactly what was happening... Maybe Kries could do it, he thought as he entered the guild.

As he searched, Yuri found his father laying a wounded man down on his bed as his mother worked with various herbs and magic to heal. "Boy!" His father called. Yuri stopped in his tracks as he was so intent on his first objective, he hardly saw his father. The older man in steel armor and salt-and-pepper hair and beard approached Yuri and shook hands with his son, "Glad you made it in one piece... Er, at least I hope you did," He added, seeing Yuri covered in blood. "Don't worry, it's not all mine dad," He said with a shrug. "Gave them hell did you? Good, I knew I raised a fighter," He said with a proud of smile, "I'm about to head back out to see if I can't get any one else. Come with me?" He asked. Yuri winced, but shook his head. He wanted to go aid his dad, he really did. But he had to find Elle and make sure she was alright.

His father shook his head in acceptance. "Alright... Suppose a guard would be busy here. Alright, alright. Keep safe, and don't do anything... Extraneously stupid, yeah?" His father said before patting Yuri on the shoulder and pushing past him. "Mother," Yuri nodded towards the short woman working fervently on her concoctions. A quick swat of the hand was all the answer he got, so focused was the woman. That's all he needed and he nodded with a smile. Yeah, they'll be alright.

Once again he began his such of the girl. And before long, he managed to find her in a room with Aura and... Another. Anatasia, he remembered her. She ran a knick-knack shop. At least she was okay to. "There you are," he said to Elle, "and you too, Aura. Ana," he said, nodding towards the pirate. Again, his eyes drifted back to the white mage. "So... Now what?" He asked. The people seemed to be holding the fort down there well enough. Should they go ahead and slip away? Who knew, Yuri didn't want to make that decision.

Kries stood to the side of the doorway for a minute to catch his breath. Yuri instructed them to help those around and made his way off to act on his own word. Kries would in a second, but he needed to organize his thoughts first. And catch his breath. The man was a monster, he would never run out of energy. Well, Kries had never asked his to slow down though, but he really hated asking something like that. He really wouldn't want to inconvience anyone that way.

They had met up with Daiavani along the way, another one of those that had been called to the temple. In fact, if Elle was here, everyone whom had been called to the temple was at the mages guild already. If that was true, then they should be able to leave soon. And the sooner they left, the sooner they could get the village back to peace.

Well, at least apparently. The elders had no reason to lie to them at this point, but how could they know why the seekers would attack. And why would the seekers be after them? Kries winced as he sat on the ground next to the doorway and continued to think. Something was amiss here. The seekers knew where the village was. If they had the capacity to follow pyreflies, they should have been able to figure that out. Then why not attack until now. The obvious answer was that it was not necessary at that point, or that they didn't have the capacity. So something about the pyreflies had triggered something in the seekers, something that forced them to attack. Well, now that he thought back, the elder mentioned something about them being able to defeat sin. That would make sense, the pyrelies triggered that ability, whatever it was, in them and now the seekers wanted to eliminate the threat.

So now this left him with even more questions. Why attack? Why not just concentrate on defending Sin? Or if they indeed had to visit all of the temples, why not concentrate their defenses there? It seemed to make more sense to him. But then again, maybe he was giving them too much credit for their ability to think. But his other question was more disturbing. What was it the elders knew? And how did they know it?

No time to ask the question now, if they stayed around longer than they had to, the elders may just die before they leave. And then their information would vanish in smoke. So it all led back to escaping, as soon as possible.

Kries stood back up, wincing as he put pressure on his injured left arm. He could fix that up when they got to the ship. He didn't really need it to fire his gun. And he didn't want to take the medicine or effort from the people there. But it was a good idea to group up and leave if they were all there. Kries took a deep breath and began to look around for Elle, Yuri or Dai to decide what they should do next.

“we should go ahead and split while we still can.” Aura said, looking at all the people who had assembled in such short of a time, “ It is my belief that, once we leave, any more enemieis that may show up may decide to chase us instead.” She said with a nod. She new Yuri and Elle of course. She had seen some of the others around town.

She looked around again, “We should probably do it before the others arrive. We may get stopped by friends family, and the like. We may not get a chance to return anytime soon... I hope this airship has food... or a place/ way to get some” She said, also wishing for other things, like a library, or a place to make her poisons and other concoctions.... though she would ask Elle is she could learn to make restoratives as well... she figured she could be of use best that way.

“In any case, lets go find and power this ship. “ She said, grabbing a lantern, “Everyone should grab a candle. It's pretty dark in here. We'll leave through the back way.... I think that would be best. I'm Aura, for those who don't know me that well. I know this guild like the back of my hand, so I should be able to lead us, even in the dark... either me or Elle could, really.

(its not much... but i can't do much else without lost)