[center][h3][color=8F9779]Cormorant Sanders – Frenzy Plant Stands[/color][/h3]
[@Zarkun][@hatakekuro][@oblivion666][@lunarlors34][@liferusher][@Caits][@Raijinslayer][/center]

As little as he cared to give audience to the Blade of Phoenix Wing, Sanders heard in Damian's voice and saw writ in Damian's face something approaching contrition.  To his credit, though, he very nearly succeeded in masking it.  Even in the middle of an apology, Sanders' guest would not let his pride recede a single inch.  [color=8F9779]”That is true.  Hyun's defeat meant a lot to her and to us, and the challenge issued after it stank of gloating, mockery, and impunity.  It was ill-advised, but making errors in the heat of the moment is only human.  Jamie's tirade of derision came in a moment of clear-headedness, making it sting all the more.  That will be forgiven far less easily, but even for you, making amends is not the work of a few words.  By now you've heard a Frenzy Plant saying: talk is cheap.  Bonds start with deeds.  If you want...?”[/color]

At Damian's side, a young woman appeared.  Her lithe, slender form had allowed her to navigate through the crowds with relative ease, for she came with an air of utmost urgency.  By now she could be identified as Eliza, the usually somber and sharp-tongued Cross Sync sorceress practiced with the sais.  Very rarely did she make much of a presence in public, but now she bore a look of terror, [color=E1A95F]”Sir.  The rumor is true.  I got in and out unscathed, but I've never been more frightened.  If you want to stop it before it's too late, I say we...uh, suggest we move immediately.”[/color]

She waited with wide, worried eyes as an expression of grave seriousness settled over the General's face.  One could practically see the gears turning at a frenzied pace, and it wasn't long before he replied, [color=8F9779]”That is bad news.  You're right in your suggestion, Lieutenant.  We'll leave the competitors behind but everyone else must go.  I'll trust in your thunder to get us moving.”[/color]

Eliza nodded, and closed her eyes for a moment as if concentrating.  When she opened her mouth, a frightening roar echoed across the entire section of seating, [color=E1A95F]”FRENZY PLANT!  ALL NON-COMPETITORS MUST LEAVE THE ARENA IMMEDIATELY!  COMMANDER'S ORDER!  LET'S MOVE, SOLDIERS!”[/color]

Her immense shout took effect immediately.  Those who weren't frozen for a moment in shock got up immediately, and as one mass every member of Frenzy Plant deserted the area, leaving concessions behind.  Sanders studied Damian briefly and said, [color=8F9779]”This may be the opportunity you need to earn forgiveness.  You may join us.”[/color]  Only Zander, Indigo, Owen, Demetri, and Hyun remained.  Nandy Rewman, muttering his intentions, took off sprinting in the direction of the infirmary.  When he arrived, he quickly moved to the bedside of Thor, who had been healing nicely for a few hours now.  [color=324AB2]“Thor!”[/color]  He shook her gently.  [color=324AB2]“We've got to go!  There's something wrong and all of Frenzy Plant has been called!”[/color]

Meanwhile, the entire platoon convened at the entrance to the arena, interrupting the pre-battle banter of Riona and Ash.  Sanders, who seldom moved this quickly, arrived at the rear of the group and wasted no time declaring, [color=8F9779]”Soldiers!  Head to the camp at a brisk pace, but do not run.  We've got a long way to go.  As we walk: Eliza.  Tell us what we're doing.”[/color]

The platoon jogged down the street, a crowd that stopped not for pedestrian, obstacle, or vehicle.  Through the general hubbub came Eliza's explanation, firm but not as loud as her earlier yells.  [color=E1A95F]”There have been rumors for some time about a plague in a city way west of here called New Iguunale.  They haven't held much water for a while, but recently, something new popped up!  Apparently the worst cases escaped their containment in the city, beginning an infection and fleeing before a quarantine could be established!”[/color]  She paused as she nearly tripped over a loose brick.  [color=E1A95F]”Agh!  And these carriers weren't seen until recently, in a little town known for its medicine that's much closer, called Belka!  Sanders asked me to go there, get in, and see if the claims were true!  And they were!  Things have gotten bad!  There's no known cure, even from magic, and the infection has consumed Belka!  It's making people crazy and violent, like animals! I...”[/color]  She stopped herself, clearly hesitant, and decided to not go down that path.  [color=E1A95F]”Anyway, if this plague spreads, everything could go to hell!  We're going to Belka and getting rid of the plague one way or another!”[/color]

On the way, the large group was joined by Nandy, Morimato Tsubano, and Thor, delayed by the infirmary.  Argus, who being privy to a vision lacrima of the arena almost certainly saw the departure of Frenzy Pant, probably arrived as well.  They arrived at the camp satisfactorily quickly, and with a practiced efficiency began to break camp, prepare weapons, and so forth.  In the camp they found Gabriel, and informed him of he situation.  Sanders also elected to free Isla, telling her that she would be earning her freedom by helping Frenzy Plant with this mission, as well as Rune, mostly recovered from whatever it was that troubled him but still gripped by a vague sort of trace.  Though a great deal of unease surrounded the situation, one thing was sure: Frenzy Plant was on the warpath.