Vescrutia: Legacy

In the very heart of the Den of the Golden Lion, a place usually dominated by an aura of unshakable power, Erigor's Sanctum thrummed with a palpable tension. Erigor, the formidable Guild Commander, had summoned his most elite hunters, each a master of their craft, to prepare for an impending threat that could unravel the very fabric of their stronghold. The once silent chamber, a solemn tribute to countless victories etched into its stone walls, now resonated with the hushed voices of seasoned warriors, each bearing the weight of innumerable battles.

Among them sat A'isha, her eyes closed in deep contemplation, arms folded tightly across her chest. Settled next to her was Cyrus, his ebon armor shimmering with a cold menace, his every movement betraying a barely restrained fury. His fingers tapped a relentless rhythm on the surface of the round table, each beat an echo of his growing impatience as he awaited Erigor's command.

At the far end of the table loomed the mysterious figure of Azele, the Spectral Fang, one of the elite hunters and a marquee member of the Gilded Fangs. Draped in a dark cloak, she exuded an aura of enigmatic power, her head bowed low and her shoulders slouched in a manner that belied the fierce reputation she carried. Her face was obscured by the deep shadows of her hood, and the air around her buzzed with the faint, eerie hum of her incantations.

This urgent gathering had been called due to Azele's unsettling astral vision—a prophetic warning of an impending invasion from the B'halian Empire. It was a vision that echoed a forewarning Erigor had received long ago, a prophecy that now seemed destined to unfold. Despite the gravity of the situation, Erigor's resolve remained unyielding. Clad in a formidable suit of armor forged from the scales of ancient, mythical beasts and tempered with powerful arcane magic, he stood at the head of the bone-carved table. His breastplate bore the emblem of the Gilded Fangs—a ferocious lion encircled by a ring of gleaming golden fangs—while his pauldrons, intricately inscribed with protective runes, gleamed ominously in the dim light. Even under the weight of such imposing armor, Erigor stood tall and unwavering, his gaze sharp and unflinching.

“An invasion? Are we truly certain of this, Commander?” Cyrus demanded, his voice tight with frustration as he struggled to comprehend the severity of the situation. “Is this because we welcomed that reclusive brat, Okoye, into our midst?” His words dripped with venom as he continued, “Why else would Helidor suddenly become a target for some imperial, narrow-minded, jungle-bred tyrants?”

His fury erupted in a fierce slam of his fist against the table, the sound reverberating through the chamber. A'isha, maintaining her calm composure, responded with conviction, “We made that decision together, Cyrus. Her life was on the line—how could we have left her to perish?” Her voice was steady, each word infused with the certainty that she had acted rightly, even if it had brought them to the brink of disaster. Yet Cyrus was unmoved by her reasoning. “No, it was your decision! And it was a reckless one, A'isha." he spat back, his voice laced with bitterness, his gaze sharp and accusing. "One that may very well bring Helidor to ruin."

Before their argument could escalate further, Erigor intervened, his tone commanding and resolute. “Enough, Cyrus. Whether or not her presence has brought this upon us is irrelevant now. She warned us of this possibility long ago, and now that warning has come to pass. Azele, the Spectral Fang, has confirmed it—her visions show a B'halian infantry marching toward Helidor’s border within the month.”

As he spoke, Erigor gestured toward the holographic globe hovering at the center of the table. The sphere flickered to life, displaying a detailed map of the B'halian Armada deploying from their homeland, with strategic points of defense within Helidor highlighted in glowing red. “We must fortify our defenses immediately,” Erigor continued, his voice brooking no dissent. “I’ve already summoned the Gilded Four from their posts– both Kamari and Azele stand with us– and I expect the others to return to the Den with all due haste. We will wait for their arrival, along with Zol, Axel, and Clara, before we finalize our plans.”

As the weight of his words settled over the room, the warriors exchanged grim looks, their determination steeling for the battle that loomed on the horizon. The Den of the Golden Lion, a bastion of strength and power, was now on the brink of war, and every hunter in the room knew that the fate of Helidor rested on their shoulders. One hunter in particular mistook this heavy burden of responsibility simply as a chance to wet his claws with glory.

“Ya know, as much as I could careless for Cyrus, he's got a point.” Came the sardonic voice of the rather tall man, leaning casually against the wall of Erigor's Sanctum. He wore no shirt or shoes, his sculpted torso bared to the world, while a fur pelt around his waist tastefully covered his unmentionables. His hair was long, brown and unkempt. And his sandstone skin was a canvas of intricate tattoos and wounds that testified to a tale of resilience and triumph.. This was Kamari, The Primal Fang.

“You all know how I feel about outsiders.. but we're passed all the finger pointing and told ya so's. If we're doing strategies, how about we just send me to their stronghold?! No fuckin’ around, straight to business.” Kamari's proposal was blunt, his tone laced with the primal confidence that earned him his moniker.

"They want a fight, I say we give em' what they're lookin for.. and then some." His words hung in the air, challenging the room, much to Erigor's chagrin. It was no question that the Primal Fang's capabilities in battle were beyond reproach. Despite his age, he was an excellent hunter and a truly anointed warrior, but not one Erigor was willing to sacrifice so haphazardly.

“..we will await the arrival of our comrades before we proceed any further.”

Following all the way from the medical bay Clara and Axel made their way to the door of the Sanctum. The ashes of his joint tucked away into an ashtray he summoned from the inner shadows of his cloak. It would’ve been about half smoked depending on how far the walk was, he offered of course but Axel did not have to be told twice to keep it to himself.

Clara and Axel approached the entrance of Erigor's Sanctum, the clamor of raised voices reaching them long before they even touched the heavy doors. The heated discussion inside echoed like the prelude to a storm, a storm Clara knew all too well. She understood the urgency behind Erigor’s call and, despite that, had deliberately arrived late, savoring the last remnants of sleep she could steal. She respected the Commander enough not to interfere with his strategic discourse, leaving the finer points of the plan for him to unveil.

“We’re not as late as I thought.”Clara murmured to Axel as they stepped into the chamber. Her eyes swept over the room, noting the several unoccupied seats still surrounding the war table. It was clear that not everyone had gathered yet. Axel, as always, was free to choose his place among the circle. As they settled in, Cyrus acknowledged Axel’s presence with a brief, emotionless nod. Though Axel was a newer recruit, Cyrus harbored no doubts about his capabilities—he had personally tested the young man’s mettle and found him more than worthy to bear their crest.

“I’m glad you both could join us,” Erigor’s voice cut through the tension in the room, calm and sincere. Yet, his eyes remained fixed on the holographic projections floating above the table, an intricate display of tactical data and enemy positions. His focus was unyielding, every detail of the upcoming battle etched into his mind. The atmosphere thickened, the weight of what was to come pressing down on them all, but Erigor's quiet confidence was a beacon of steadiness in the gathering storm.

“Did we miss anything?” Clara inquired casually, her tone betraying none of the tension that had settled into the room like an unseen fog. Erigor remained silent, his mind clearly occupied, and it was Kamari who answered, his words as sharp as a drawn blade.

“The Commander clearly isn't in the mood to repeat himself, so I'll help,” Kamari said curtly, his voice laced with a hint of disdain. “Azele's little astral dreams have convinced her and Erigor that Helidor is to be invaded by month's end.” His demeanor was unruffled, almost nonchalant, despite the gravity of the situation.

“But aside from that, you haven't missed much. We're just waiting for the others to arrive before we continue. Sensitive information and the like…” Kamari’s voice trailed off as his gaze shifted to Axel, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the young man. His expression was one of mild disdain, as though he were sizing up an uninvited guest. “And who is this boy? Another one of your strays, A'isha?”

The air seemed to grow colder with Kamari's words, his tone dismissive and challenging, the unspoken tension now palpable.. The room felt like it was holding its breath, waiting to see how this newcomer would respond to such a blunt challenge.

“But aside from that, you haven't missed much. We're just waiting for the others to arrive before we continue. Sensitive information and the like…” Kamari’s voice trailed off as his gaze shifted to Axel, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the young man. His expression was one of mild disdain, as though he were sizing up an uninvited guest. “And who is this boy? Another one of your strays, A'isha?”

As Aisha went to respond they would find their throats a bit thirsty as the heat in the sanctum began to rise steadily. It embraces them like the dry air of the acrix gripping at their throats. This influence however was brisk and fleeting only serving as the precursor to the space between the primal fang and the rest of Heliodor's finest. Vertically a thin strip of flaming naten minutes before was split open revealing a blazing portal of searing flames. From within the epicenter of this blistering arbitor would be a woman staggeringly tall as she stood more than 7ft tall.

Her curvature is ordained in a vibrant cardinal armor embodied with gilden ornaments that gleamed with mystic valor. She had a pair of massive whose feathered tips hummed softly with a smoldering flame, while the top was coated in the same kind of armor covering her body. Her presence alone commanded the respect of all who recognized her and invited all those who did not to kneel. However the glint of kindness and good in her eyes denoted that she required no such folly, it was simply the vitality of her mystic might, not her desire. However, the regalness of a queen is not something easily held back, nor the steady staccato of her crimson stiletto heels.

"Now, now, you of all people should know not to question Azele's visions..."

She said as she stepped through the portal fully, the blazing tempest of the All-Flame, of which she was the conduit, would snap shut returning the heat to its normal temperature allowing free breath once more. Her eyes fell into slits as they fell upon the Primal Fang.

"After all, those, dreams have saved you more times than there are birds in the skies...little Fang"

Her hair crackled with the softy cackle of simmering flame. She supposed an Introduction for the new ones was in order, her favorite part of meeting new people. Telling them how grand and glorious she was. Pompous piety at its highest peak.

"I am the breaking dawn, the crackling ember in the shadows. The coming of spring, the end of eternal frost. Queen Of Illustralla, Home to the Dawn-Flame, gift of the Nameless One. Aurelia, The Blistering Fang."

She said with a slight bow, to Erigor, and he alone, none other had inspired her respect nearly as much as he, a mortal with his kind of power was rare indeed. Not many short-lived could claim to wield the power of time itself. But more so than his temporal ability, she admired his valorous heart. How he reminded her of his master. May the Dawn Ember guide him to the great blaze beyond. She also recognized Azele. The only other fae here aside from Aurelia who belonged to a long-lived race of avian fae born from an ancient magic known as the Dawn-Flame, The Hi-No-Tori. Born with incredibly magical power and the ability to manipulate flame. The reigning Queen of their beautiful realm is known as Illustalla. Ages ago, when the realm of Helidor was still young she and the former guildmaster entered a pact after he aided their realm against evil invaders. She was dubbed the Blistering Fang, the First of the Gilden Four, in recognition of her prominent ability. She is in honor of this oath and only appears when a threat large enough threatens both realms.

"Come now my lady, Please refrain from taunting the young fang. Someone of your standing, should not be convorting with mannerless whelps."

A deep voice called out from seemingly nowhere. A few feet from Clara would be a pair of piercing blue eyes whose sharp gaze cut through the darkness cloaking him. He had been there, unworldly since the summon was given arising slowly from the cover of a shadow. Waiting for his lady to appear. His appearance was rather unassuming as he was dropped in a solid black cloak. His hair was arranged in high point black as the night itself. A crow resting casually on his shoulder.

"You are as luminescent as ever, Lady Aurelia."

As he neared the more lit area where the rest were gathered his footsteps were remarkably silent. If they weren't looking right at him they would swear he was a ghost. His phantom-like presence, or lack thereof, was replaced with a voided sensation of dread as he slowly walked past the others. This silent menace was due to the long kintana on his back. Its sheath was wrapped in a litany of talismans and sealing runes that held back its insidious mana. His name was unknown to many as he is the guild's hidden hand, their spymaster, responsible for not only creating and painting Helidor's complex and vast information network. His blade is wielded to covertly deal with forces of both the Seen and Unseen. It grows in malice and power with each successful mission. That it held such a foreboding aura even sealed was a testament to his prowess.

Born from a clan of Taoist purifiers called the Watteru, who sealed a powerful archdemon within a blade. Notcilia, against the doctrine of his people, drew close to the black blade and fell prey to the demonic influence. Unshackling the blade and becoming possessed by the demon inside. He nearly slaughtered his entire clan but through force of will alone broke the demon's hold. He is now eternally bound to the blade but has mastered how to wield its cursed influence after learning the demon's true name revealed to him through his patron deity. Ragana, mother of Shadows. Sister to the Dawn Flame creator. The Nameless One. Ragana, who had been warring with the demon chose to also possess the swordsman allowing him the ability to wield the enchanted blade. Aurelia's somber lime-green gaze shifted over to the black one. A face and menace she was quite accounted to, one that despite its malefic nature, held great respect for. He approached gesturing for her hand in his, she obliged as he kissed her hand, his lips warmed by the touch.

"Noctilla, I must say, I am continuously beguiled by your charm and bewildered as to why Erioogr has Shadow-Touched amidst the four. "

The swordsman smirked.

"You wound me, your majesty, why, even my darkness can not help but give way to your galvanizing rays..."

She smirked, his flattery would get him nowhere. She was more than familiar with this one, who despite his couth...

"Oh, Madame Clara, how could I have been so gauche, to not have addressed one as fine as you."

Was an inssuferable womanziner. In the blink of an eye, he was already kneeling before Clara barely a spec of dust kicked up despite the speed he moved. Before she could catch him with her infamous slap he was already before Erogir bowed.

"The Midnight Fang; Noctilla The Black reporting. This foe must be a great one indeed for you to have called all of us, Lord Erigor."

The Midnight Fang was invited to join the four after he and Eriogor met on the battlefield surrounded by a legion of evil forces. There was none other he trusted with the most sensitive of tasks. Aurelia rolled her eyes, the sun could fade into the dusk, and sure as the moon would rise Notcilla's mannish ways would be the same. Just outside the doors of the sanctum would be Zol. It seemed like whenever he was called upon he needed to steel his resolve before entering his father's sanctum. This time, however, his heart was heavier than usual. Meru was no longer with him, having named him the new guardian of the world tree sapling in his stead. Moreover, what he was to do to fulfill the promise he made to his friend many eons ago? And the price that was to be paid. But he couldn't harp over it right now. Hledior needed his light once more, and true to fashion and per the promise he made his guild, he would stand for them once more. He would keep his promise to them first before anything else.

"B'halia? That's where Okoye is from right?"

He said to himself. He didn't know much about the invaders, only that they were not to be messed with. But he couldn't imagine why they would invade the continent all for one girl. Still, their foretold arrival was one of the few things written in stone. But what role did Okoye play in all this?

"Okoye. Just what mischief have you gotten into now?"

He sighed, remembering the first day he laid eyes on here. Never had he seen someone so beautiful, yet so cold. Like witnessing the chilling gales of a moon lit night.

"Incredible"

He said as he felt the various flows of life behind the door. Their combined naten presence is like a universe onto itself, myriads of colliding stars and planets bashing into each other and yet, energetically synchronized forming a microcosm of mystical unity. He had only felt this once once before...when the Gilded Four were all assembled. An occurrence he had only witnessed once. When he first came to Helidor.

"Meru, thank you, I promise, you will live on in my heart, for all eternity."

He took a deep breath and as he exhaled he entered the sanctum. He saw Axel, Clara, and a host of others. A winged woman, a cloaked man, and Aisha to boot. Erirogr was wearing his battle armaments. This threat...it had to be great indeed.

"Guildmaster... I got your summons. Clara, Axel, Cryus glad you guys are ok."

After the mission in Hojuku Zol had been kinda mia around the guild hall. Tending to the needs of Yggdrasil was a job in and of itself. One that he was not entirely equipped to handle. He saw Kamari, who was wearing his usual annoyed scowl. And three others who he didn't entirely recognize. But based on their incredible aura they had to be the other members of the Gilded Four.

Axel was putting the roach out in his pocket ashtray with the rest of his collection as the invasion was mentioned. Reciprocating the greeting he had decided to stroll to the seat next to Cyrus at the war table on the other side of A’isha nodding to her as well as he sat down.

Fate I wrote: Sat Aug 10, 2024 1:44 am “I’m glad you both could join us,” Erigor’s voice cut through the tension in the room, calm and sincere. Yet, his eyes remained fixed on the holographic projections floating above the table, an intricate display of tactical data and enemy positions. His focus was unyielding, every detail of the upcoming battle etched into his mind. The atmosphere thickened, the weight of what was to come pressing down on them all, but Erigor's quiet confidence was a beacon of steadiness in the gathering storm.

“Sounds important, honored to be here sir.”

He understated to Erigor, his attire was plain to see as it wasn’t something he was ashamed of, some of the finest silk pajamas gold could buy and a hand tailored fur lined black cloak from one of his first hunts. Despite his demeanor however, you could tell he wasted no time getting dressed and took the summons incredibly serious. Nonetheless he wanted to get a better view of the situation, and he didn’t even get a good look at the enemy formation’s there his presence was immediately questioned.

Their eyes would meet as he followed the voice without turning his head, and the only tension would be what the savage Fang applied as Axel prepared himself to cut through it in any way he had to. Thankfully someone else got to it before he could, even though Axel could very well had attributed the rise in heat to the intensity of their glares.

Grateful for the distraction however he tried to let the tension slip away. Aurelia, the Blistering Fang was a vibrant queen, and the Midnight Fang Noctilla was a noire gentleman, Axel’s very own kind. This meeting wasn’t about who he was, it would be disrespectful to Erigor to let such a small slight become the focus of the conversation.

Zolgarious Gilden wrote: Sat Aug 10, 2024 12:58 pm He took a deep breath and as he exhaled he entered the sanctum. He saw Axel, Clara, and a host of others. A winged woman, a cloaked man, and Aisha to boot. Erirogr was wearing his battle armaments. This threat...it had to be great indeed.

"Guildmaster... I got your summons. Clara, Axel, Cryus glad you guys are ok."

After the mission in Hojuku Zol had been kinda mia around the guild hall. Tending to the needs of Yggdrasil was a job in and of itself. One that he was not entirely equipped to handle. He saw Kamari, who was wearing his usual annoyed scowl. And three others who he didn't entirely recognize. But based on their incredible aura they had to be the other members of the Gilded Four.

Further emphasizing how much he ignored such a negative influence he acknowledged the next familiar face, Zol, with a nod up that betrayed every ounce of tension the brute was trying muster between them.

“I’m fine bro, I ain’t went nowhere, yet.”

His last word punctuating the severity of the information in front of him, the concern showing on his face. Glancing down the table and back he could feel the power pouring from each and every one of them, and he was overwhelmed with the feelings that came with being included in such a magnificent collection of individuals. As he looked around the table he nodded at those that would accept him into the meeting, blatantly ignoring the Savage Fang, and pausing honorably at the hooded figure said to have had the vision itself, acknowledgement or not, before wondering to himself if everyone was accounted for.

Erigor stood in silent observation as the last of his allies took their seats, the low murmur of conversation filling the Sanctum. The dim light from the holographic map at the center of the table cast an ethereal glow across the room, highlighting the stern faces of those who would soon decide the fate of Helidor. As old friends exchanged pleasantries and subtle glances of concern, Erigor rose to his full height, his presence an undeniable force that commanded immediate attention.

For a brief moment, the room fell into an expectant hush, but the silence was soon broken as voices began to rise once more—suggestions, doubts, and arguments intertwining in a chaotic chorus. It was then that Erigor’s voice erupted like a clap of thunder, cutting through the noise with the precision of a sharpened blade.

“Hunters!” Erigor’s roar was like the wrath of a storm, his voice reverberating off the ancient stone walls. His eyes, fierce and unyielding, swept across the room, quelling any further interruptions. “We stand on the precipice of war, and this is no time for petty disputes or divided loyalties. Each of you has a critical role to play, and you will execute it with the precision and discipline that is demanded of you.”

He turned toward the holographic map, which now flickered to life with a detailed projection of the Empire’s forces, inching closer to Helidor’s gates. “The B'halian Empire believes they can take our home through sheer force, but we will show them the folly of their arrogance. We will strike them where they are weakest, and we will defend Helidor—not with numbers, but with strategy, cunning, and an unbreakable resolve.”

Erigor’s finger traced a path along the Empire’s flanks, his gaze locking onto Kamari. “Kamari, you will lead the vanguard—engage the Empire’s forward forces here, and lure them into the valley where the terrain gives us the advantage. Exploit every inch of that ground, make them pay in blood for every step they dare to take toward our borders.”

His attention then shifted to A'isha. “A'isha, my friend— you, Cyrus, and Axel will fortify the gates of Helidor. Should any enemy forces slip through our initial defenses, it will be your task to ensure they do not breach the city. Their numbers are vast, and they will come at you relentlessly. Assemble a unit of your finest warriors—this battle will be brutal, but Helidor’s gates must hold.”

Erigor’s gaze then turned toward the Blistering Fang. “Aurelia, as always, you will be the shield of the realm, and Noctillis, our sword. The two of you will hold the line at the western pass. The Empire will throw everything they have to break through the main wall. Do not let them succeed. If the pass falls, they will flood into Helidor like a relentless tide. You are our last line of defense.”

He finally addressed Clara, “Clara, you will remain within the Den alongside the Spectral Fang—maintaining communications and intercepting the wounded as they return from the front lines. Your unique abilities will glean crucial intelligence from our enemies that standard reconnaissance could never uncover. Azele’s barriers will ensure our headquarters remains impenetrable.”

Erigor’s voice softened, yet it grew more intense with the gravity of his next words. “I have spoken to the citizens of Helidor, urging them to evacuate the city, but many refuse to leave their homes, and others remain unaccounted for. Zol and I will ensure the safety of as many as we can before joining Kamari at the vanguard.”

His gaze, heavy with years of battle-hardened wisdom, swept over his gathered allies. A small, defiant grin tugged at the corners of his lips, a beacon of hope amid the looming storm. With a resolute fist, Erigor pounded his chest, the sound echoing like a war drum.

“We may be outnumbered, but we are not outmatched. Each of you knows what is at stake. If Helidor falls, so does everything we cherish. But if we stand united, we may shift this tide. The B'halians will learn that Helidor is not just a plot of land to seize—it is a fortress, a symbol of our defiance, and it will not fall!”

The room crackled with newfound energy, each warrior’s resolve hardened by Erigor’s words. There was no longer any room for doubt or hesitation.

“Hah! Is that all?” Kamari erupted, his grin wide and vicious. “Not that I’ve got a problem with it—putting me at the front lines is the right call, chief.” he declared, pride swelling in his chest after receiving Erigor's orders.

Cyrus and A'isha, though silent, were visibly charged with conviction. The weight of their task was immense, yet their eyes held a steely determination. Their silence spoke of focus, strength, and an unwavering commitment to the cause.

“I am ready, Commander.” A'isha suddenly declared, rising from her chair with a quiet, fierce resolve. “And I will fight with everything I have.”

“Here, here!” Cyrus echoed, pounding his chest plate in a show of solidarity, his voice ringing with the same fervor that Erigor had inspired. “Let’s give them a fight they’ll never forget.”

The resolve in the room was palpable, a collective will forged in the fires of shared purpose. Old friends, older allies. They were ready.

Clara then looked to Axel, the newest of their recruits. “Are you ready for this?” She asked him casually, her soft voice more of a whisper amidst these boasts of powerful men. Her discretion was intentional. Axel may have proven himself a worthy hunter and capable fighter, but to participate in a war that had little to do with him was a dramatic responsibility. He was just a kid, really.. and he was already juggling his own vicissitudes. “No shame in backing out of a war you didn't ask for."

Axel was fine with responsibility, he had not ever prepared for war however. Still, the gates of the city was a perfect place for Axel whether Erigor knew it or not. Cultivating storms was this ninjas specialty, and he was pretty confident he could find some blueprints to fortify the gates battlements with.

The confident response from every corner of the room also did a number on the anxiety he had about their situation. Axel chuckled in his seat before leaning back and crossing his arms, he was just contemplating what kind of storm it would be when Clara expressed her concern.

“I mean if y’all not worried, I sure as hell won’t be.”

The man before them had gotten accustomed to business meetings in a manner of minutes, trained security forces into soldiers, and committed espionage amidst high tech security. Granted he didn’t teach them to be ninjas but his training in intensive exercises and battle tactics definitely improved their value as soldiers. He taught them what it meant to be platoon, squadron, and brethren all under the moniker Zack Cell, the mercenary arms dealer.

“Besides, I live here too Clara, y’all didn’t drag me in here. I bought an apartment, made connections and investments here as well. I may not have fought very hard against Cyrus but I fought to make it to Heliodor. It may not mean as much to anybody else but that’s exactly why I don’t let anyone come between me and what I work for.”

He said sitting up straighter in his chair, leaning towards her on his elbow until he finished. Even flashing a smirk back at Cyrus just to see if heard the friendly jab that he wasn’t quiet about. Axel actually wouldn’t have minded if the Primal Fang heard the passion he had in his voice about his life. The level of success he achieved with the companies armed forces is what garnered the CEO’s attention in fact, seeing the ability to transfer his talent he invited him into private board meetings and eventually investment balls.

Within the years he spent on Sontmano grounds he had gone from a Thunder ninja of the Neo into a Savant Green Thumb granting him access to scores of resources and opportunities for scores more. The likes of which he took full advantage of with his shinobi capabilities, from the blind spots to frame rate of each camera he learned the compound like the inside of his cloak.

“If they want war, let’s give them A FUCKING WAR!!!”

He couldn’t keep his voice down as well as Clara, or rather he didn’t want to. Rather he would have stood and pulled his Thunder Guitar from the depths of his cloak to shoot lightning bolts towards the ceiling like some kind marvelous iconic god if it would have meant anything to them. Despite his devious nature it was not his first intention to turn the Sontmano compound into a disaster zone, he’s not usually that flashy but that’s what Axel felt like they deserved. He had always been a go with the flow type of guy, that’s the one and only way he could ever get a grip on his power, but everybody has wires you don’t cross. For Axel at Sontmano, put simply it was the prioritization of magic and profits over life and decency that drove Axel over the edge.

Here at Helidor it is the unannounced, unprovoked intentions to occupy this city by force that simply could not go unchallenged. Axel couldn’t keep the misplaced vengeance out of his voice and even though his attempt at humor was sincere his fist was still tight over his lap as he leaned over the table into his words.

The moment Erigor spoke the clamoring chatter of the room ceased at once. Like his very voice could still the flow of time by merely being uttered. The way his father commanded a room, the respect of beings far and wide untied under a single banner, Hos. Erigor was the pride of Helidor, the Golden Lion leader and protected, father and guardian to so many. Zol could not help but be immersed in emotion hearing that he and Erigor would face this foe side by side.

I…get to fight alongside the Guildmaster? With…

The pride swelling in his heart was quite difficult to quell indeed. Ever sense he first was stumbled upon by Erigor his entire life had changed. Meeting Okoye seeing how different their perceptions of the world was. How contrary their belief systems, perhaps that why he could sympathize with her a bit. Had he not had Erigor in his life, who knows what path he might’ve tread down. It made him grateful, apart of a legacy…welcomed into the fold. To think a child who was once discarded by his family had not found one but two in his lifetimes.

“I made a promise to the other guild members.”

Zol said drawing the eyes of the others on him. His fist tighter in front of him his resolve and purpose affirmed.

“That I would give my all to protect them and the people of Heliodor . It would be my honor to stake my life besides yours, Guildmaster .”

Notcilla and Aurelia both smirked at each other and the other fangs nodding in unison. They shred the same sentiments. Despite the many things that made each member of the guild their own person, the common thread of all was the desire to serve the guild and by extension the great realm of Heliodor one that has acted as a bastion for more than a century in opposition to the agents of injustice and chaos. And if he had anything to say about it, it would do so, unperturbed, for the next century.

“If they want war, let’s give them A FUCKING WAR!!!”

Zol couldn’t help but smirk hearing Axel passion. In the short amount of time he’d been apart of the guild he was already the talk of the town, an emerging name in Heliodor’s corporate circles. And even though that part was compete over his head, Zol had come to appreciate his tenacity and depend on his strength. He was glad to have him here. Aurelia’s hand went over her mouth shocked at the sudden use of such language that simmered into a coy smirk. Noctill chuckled into a fist.

“CAW!!”

“Well it seems, the old crow agrees, We’re counting on you, young Axel.”

“You as well little Zol, you are the next generation of hunters, here and now let them know what happens when you pick a fight with things that have teeth…”

Her biting affirmation led her to addressing Erigor. It was a sound plan, Erigor tactic or mind and quick thinking were truly masterful to see. In the short amount of time not only had he gathered the strongest warriors that Heliodor had to offer, he perfectly analyzed their respective abilities and even personality traits making the most effect match ups. The force they were up against was the stuff of legends and yet, with their symbol of pride beside them, B’halia would have to earn every inch of ground.

“Heliodor shall have the full force of the Dawn Flame by her side.

She twirled her spear once around before griping it tightly again, drafting up a breif but stern wind.

“We will let nothing bring Heliodor pain. No longer shall the hand be hidden You will have my blade, an always, old friend.

“We stand with you Erigor, We stand with Helidor!”