Megumi nodded and said "of course....it won't be easy. But since you ask, I will. Like I said last night...I was never asked to be branded" she sat up slowly, closing her eyes. "Thank you lily for bringing my packs ashes..." Lily smiled and nodded. Shade looked at the man and said "you have questions"

"Yes, I suppose I do have a few questions," Garoth said, confused again by the notion that having her branded would be something difficult. "But first we need to get your story straight for The Guild. Unfortunately, 'I was never asked' won't cut it; the law says that all spirits must seek out The Guild of their own accord to be branded. So, we'll say that's exactly what you did. You had been living in isolation, and feared traveling lest somebody report you as you were going to The Guild. As soon as you heard that a Guild member had arrived, you presented yourself to me and asked to be branded." He ran over the details in his head one last time, and then continued. "They'll probably reprimand you and give you a lecture on the laws so that you can't plead ignorance, but as long as you cooperate there shouldn't be any real punishment. As for my questions..." he paused again, thinking of the best way to get to the bottom of things. "Perhaps it's best if you just tell me exactly who you are -- what you are rather -- and why you think being branded will be difficult." As soon as the words left his mouth though, he realized that he had never properly introduced himself to this woman. "Oh, and by the way, my name is Garoth Brightwing. I apologize for the late introduction."

Megumi looked at him and said "that's alright...my name is Megumi shade...or also known as the Wolf Spirit of the Golden Moon...and I can't lie to the guild. The truth will be just as well understood once they know who I am. You see, for a spirit like me, the old times of spirits were asked for blessings or favors of those who would call upon them. This you know. But what most of my kind never told anyone is that we have to be asked to do anything with a mortal. And I mean anything. Apart from protecting those that a spirit has blessed, like I did for lily and this village like I have in the past....hundred years! I only fight those with a twisted heart and black soul. So when I say I wasn't asked....I really mean I wasn't asked to be branded. Therefore, I couldn't walk into a guild post and be branded. The old spirits are so few now that those of us left needed to protect ourselves, not for our sakes but for those who needed us for protection, for guidance. Now why branding with be a problem....well, the best way to explain it is that my father, the Wolf spirit of the West, did something to me as a pup to keep me from being found and to be branded. That reasoning is a very long story...."

Garoth was fascinated by Megumi's story, and was somewhat embarrassed that he, as a spirit, knew so little about the ancient ones. He was certain that his parents hadn't been of that sort; they interacted with mortals on a daily basis and had him branded before he could even remember anything. Furthermore, he had no idea if the law said anything about those ancient ones that were physically incapable of seeking out The Guild. There were spirits in the Council though, so it wasn't strictly mortal law... but did legal loopholes work on ancient magic? He just shook is head. He would hurt himself if he thought about it anymore. Still, one thing was bothering him. "You said that I don't know what The Guild fears. They wouldn't fear you just because you can't be found or ran into a bit of power. I won't ask you why your father tried to hide you, but I need to know what I'm dealing with here. Understand that if I bring dangerous magic into The Guild, I could be banished, or worse, for being reckless." Here he realized that the tone of his voice was becoming a bit more harsh than he intended, so he checked himself by clearing his throat. "I'm sorry if I'm prying in things that aren't my business, but I can't exactly tell them that I brought a mysterious stranger with me if they question me." He let out a sigh. He felt bad for pressing Megumi so soon after she had woken up, but he had his duty as a Guild member to uphold, especially if he wanted to rise through the ranks.

She shook her head and said " don't worry about it, I understand. To be honest....I don't really know why my father hid me. Or why....all I know is that father told me that I must keep my emotions in check and not let anyone find out what I really am...I took that as a warning. So I heeded him. But if I am bein asked to be branded, then I will do so. I will take full charge of anything that might happen, I swear" she rubbed her shoulder, still feeling a bit woozy

Garoth let out a sigh. He didn't like not having answers, nor did he think The Guild would let her take full charge of anything that might happen if he brought her within its walls. However, the only other choice he had was unacceptable, so he would have to deal with it. "Alright, I guess that will have to do," he said. Then he mumbled, "I just hope Malik isn't around..." He was tired of over thinking the scenario. The Guild wasn't in the business of getting rid of potential allies. He stood up and stretched for a second and then continued, "Let me know when you're feeling well enough to travel. This was supposed to be a one-day job, and The Guild might send others if I'm not back in time. Needless to say, that could make things... complicated." Then his keen eyes looked Megumi up and down. She had a slim frame, light even for a woman. It didn't look like it would be too much extra weight. A grin then crossed Garoth's face. "So, in all your many years, have you ever flown?" Ancient spirit or not, wolves did not have wings, and while he had seen magics that could make one levitate, he had yet to see any spell that could capture the full grace of winged flight.

Megumi smiled and said "not in the way your thinking. I can travel within the shadow plain and that can feel like flying." She stood up, her head spinning for a moment but she pushed it away. "You worry too much, garoth. I am sure once it is explained that the guild will understand..." She looked out the window and sighed, looking sad. "It will be sad to leave this place...but it's time I moved on"

"I know the feeling," Garoth replied, remembering what it was like the day he decided to leave his village. "It wasn't easy for me to leave home. I had a lot of good friends back there, and I still miss the place from time to time. But, I don't really think of it as leaving the place so much as expanding my horizons. I may rest my head at The Guild headquarters, but the whole world is my home, including my old village. Besides, its not like they forbid us from paying visits to old friends. Anyway, if you're ready, then follow me outside and we can take off." He turned to the young maiden. "Lily, even though my visit was short, it was a pleasure meeting you. You are a kind and honest girl; don't let the world change you." With that, he gave the priestess a little pat on the head and proceeded outside to the courtyard.

Before transforming, Garoth always liked to get a good whiff of the air so that he knew what he was in for. Although it was no science, he seemed to have the unique ability to tell what the whether was going to be like by doing this. He couldn't explain how he knew if he was asked beyond simply saying "just got a feeling;" perhaps it was instinctual, but even other griffins weren't able to make predictions as accurately as Garoth. So, he closed his eyes and breathed deeply. "Clear skies ahead," he said to himself. "Megumi's in for a treat."

Then, his body began to morph. Feathers sprouted out around his neck and down his arms as he began to take on his bird-like features. Wings grew out from his back, shimmering in the bright mid-day sunlight, and finally he stood with his eagle head held high in what he considered to be his more handsome form. He sent an intense, but kind gaze back towards Megumi. When he spoke, his voice was loud enough that everyone at the shrine could hear him, yet again carried no malice in it. "Hop on and hold on tight."

Megumi moved to lily and knelt down, smiling at her. Lily was trying not to cry as she said "your leaving...." Megumi nodded and said "but not forever....I will see you again" lily nodded and hugged Megumi, Megumi hugging her back. "Be safe my little pup..." Megumi came out, telling one of the priests her hut was free for those who needed a place to stay. She walked over to garoth and jumped up. "Wow, this will be fun..."

Garoth hoped Megumi would appreciate the sky as much as he did. It wasn't just fun, it was truly invigorating. The air was crisp and pure, devoid of any odors, unpleasant or otherwise, created by the surface; vast expanses of land were laid out before him like a map and he had only to choose his destination; and the ambient sounds of life were replaced by the serene wafting of the wind, an ambiance that cleared Garoth's mind and let him forget about the woes below. However, he wasn't nearly articulate enough to describe this feeling to Megumi, so he silently kicked off the ground and let her experience it for herself.

His wings gave several quick and strong flaps as they gained speed and altitude, but once the buildings below were but tiny ant hills, they settled into a smooth but steady rhythm. He was sometimes more playful in the air, banking and diving in search of the best air currents, but he decided to keep this flight smooth and relaxing since he had an inexperienced rider to think about. If she fell, he was certain that he could catch her, but he didn't think wingless ones would appreciate that kind of excitement. It was a beautiful day anyway, so that was enjoyable enough.

And so they flew on peacefully for a couple of hours until the capital city, Cedarburg, home of The Guild HQ, came into view. The massive walls of the headquarters were clearly visible from this height, even to Megumi's eyes. Garoth then began his descent in a slow, easy spiral, again refraining from his usual sharp dive lest he give his rider a heart attack. Slowly, the smaller buildings became more distinct, and then came the people, some of the giving the returning Guild member a welcoming wave. As they neared the ground, he gave a few more rapid flaps with his wings before finally landing with a gentle touchdown. "So, what did you think?" Garoth asked as he waited for Megumi to dismount.

Error

Error

Megumi enjoyed the flight more then she thought she would. The air cleared away the headache she had and she was able just to be peaceful, not think of the dangers to come. If she was to die on this day, she was happy to have flown like that. She hoped she could show garoth her way of transport, if she loved that long. She jumped down and said "the flight was very nice...this place however....I will be honest I will be on edge. But I'm fine. Shall we go in?" She was hiding her nerves quite well, figuring if this was the end then so be it. Wouldn't mean she wouldn't fight if it came to that. She had lived this long....

As soon as Megumi hopped off, Garoth morphed back into his mortal form, taking a deep breath in preparation for entering The Guild. He had never presented a spirit to be branded before himself, and he hoped that they would understand the situation. He could tell when they were flying that she was truly at peace and that she had nothing to hide. Well, most of the council members were pretty understanding, so as long as it wasn't Malik... "Yes, just stand next to me as we approach the doors," he said, pushing that thought aside. "We'll need someone to let us in." Of course, Garoth could have simply landed within the walls, but that would have gotten him a lot of flak from the higher-ups, especially since he was bringing an outsider with him.

As the approached the HQ, which was for all intents and purposes a fortress, there were a massive set of stone doors labeled "East Entrance." At the top of the enormous walls an armored man looked down at them. From that height, it took him a moment to recognize who it was, but then he called down "Ah, Garoth! Welcome back!" He signaled to some of the other guards, and then the was a loud grinding sound as the pulleys and gears slowly urged the monolithic doors open. Waiting at the entrance was another middle-aged man dressed in deep red silk, a wide-rimmed had, and a katana strapped to his side. "Quick as always," the man said, and then he gave a little smirk. "Who's that? Your new girlfriend?"

"Ah, no," Garoth replied quickly, not allowing any time for a misunderstanding. "Her name is Megumi. She's a spirit that is coming forward to be branded."

"I see..." The man paused a moment as if in thought, and then smiled at Megumi. "It's always so much easier when spirits decide to cooperate with us. You've made the right choice. My name is Aliat. Follow me and I'll see if a council member is available. You too Garoth." And so Aliat led them into The Guild. Upon entering there were dozens of warriors of all races and disciplines outside honing their skills, having friendly duels, or just loafing about. However, they were heading towards the building that looked like a small castle in the center of the HQ; that was where all of the business-related activities took place, including the brandings. As they walked, Aliat tossed another smirk at the other two and said, "You're a lucky girl. Garoth never lets anybody ride on his back. Finally letting go of the griffin pride of yours?"

"I was... in a hurry, and flying was faster." Despite Garoth's answer, Aliat just gave a small chuckle as they advanced towards the building.

Megumi didn't talk much as they headed in, trying to stay calm. She was nervous and scared. She could handle fight with most creatures and win no problem, but where she wasn't sure if things went wrong she could run for it. She could sense the seals around the place, taking a simple shadow vanish out of the question. When they reached the castle she was shaking, trying jot to lose control and lose her human form. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths

Upon entering the main building, they found themselves in a large and finely decorated room. Just at the entrance, there was a receptionist at the desk tracking who came and went and for what. Aliat signed the three of them in and continued to the back end of the room towards what appeared to be a dead end with an ornate seal on it. He took a marble out of his pocket, placed it against the wall, and with a bright flash, a circular opening appeared. "Alright, you two wait here. As soon as a council member is free, they will come out to interview you." With that, the man disappeared behind the wall and the opening sealed itself back up.

Garoth could tell that Megumi was nervous, even though she was doing her best to hide it. To be honest, he was a bit nervous too. Even though his life wasn't on the line, if he screwed up and brought something dangerous this far into the HQ, there would be serious consequences. "I'm sure everything will be fine," Garoth said, partly to calm Megumi, and partly to convince himself. "If there were any problems I'm sure Aliat would have said something. Just don't do anything that would make the council members mad. I've seen what they can do..." He shivered as his mind went back to the time when he'd had the privilege of seeing a council member hunt down a powerful rogue spirit. Poor thing didn't stand a chance.

MEgumi nodded, her hands in her pockets as she said "It may not even me be making them mad...just me being here might be enough...when father was here last things did not end well..." She sighed and took a deep breath. "But I will try...and hopefully eveything will be alright..." They suddenly heard yelling by the main doors and as they turned to look, three people walked in. One was in huge cuffs being pulled by a white werewolf still in his beast form. NExt to him was a tall bright red haired woman who was smiling and said "Stop whining, Carl. Its your own fault you got caught. Told you not to run away again" She looked over and saw the pair by the door and her eyes got wide. She said "Bane, take our friend to booking...I'll meet up with you later" the werewolf nodded and pulled the spirit down a different way. Then the woman walked over, looking at Megumi with wide eyes. "Hey Garoth, long time no see..." She held her hand out to Megumi and said "Scarlet O'Hara...I'm a shaman. And my dear...aren't you a beauty..." Megumi blushed and said "Pardon me?" Scarlet smiled and said "Don't mind me, love...I see more then most people do..." She turned to Garoth and said into his ear "We need to talk later...alone." She smiled again

Garoth shook his head when Megumi spoke, but tried to hide his frustration. These were the things he had wanted to know before he brought her here. Even so, if her father had rebelled or put up some kind of fight, he was sure that his actions wouldn't be held against her now. After all, she was perfectly willing to accept the brand, so there was no problem that he could see. His train of thought was interrupted, though, as his friend Scarlet approached them. Some people thought she was an odd one, but Garoth preferred to think of her as quirky. "Oh, sure, I don't have anything to do after this," he replied to her invitation. "Just as long as you're not going to tell me about death omens or anything creepy like that..." Before he could continue the conversation, though, the seal on the wall flared with light and Aliat emerged alongside another figure.

The council member was a man wearing a white kimono with crimson streaks. He was average in size and stature, had gentle facial features, bright blue eyes, and long copper hair. The brand on his forehead told the world that he was a kitsune. "You must be Megumi," he said in a soft voice looking at the wolf with kind eyes. "My name is Ayako. I will be hearing your case today and, so long as you act with honesty and good faith, will be the one issuing you your brand." Then he looked at Garoth. "I trust that the rogue spirit at the shrine is dead?" The griffin nodded. "Good work. It is always better when things can be taken care of expediently. I will not be needing you for this audience. Just file a mission report with the receptionist, and you will be dismissed." His gaze shifted back towards the wolf. "Megumi, you may come with us. We will go inside to speak privately first, and then I will give you your brand." His demeanor seemed to hold an air of authority about it without displaying any form of malice or aggression. He waited patiently for everyone to obey, yet something about him made it clear that he would not tolerate insubordination.

"Good luck," Garoth said as he gave Megumi a friendly pat on the back, and then headed over to the receptionist to write up a report. Meanwhile, Ayako stood waiting for Megumi to walk with him into the council room, part of him wondering if the wolf would talk first or if he would have to prompt a conversation.

Scarlet smiled at megumi and said "you'll do great" then followed garoth, a worried look in her eyes. Megumi took a deep breathe and followed the man inside, holding her shaking hands now. When they went into the room, the mark appeared on her forehead again, glowing. She covered and muttered "don't panic, pack brothers....everything will be alright....I hope..." The glow faded and she waited till ayako was facing her again. She bowed her head and said "I am sorry it took so long for me to come forward....things from my past caused me to have to hide from the world as long as I could....I hope the council can forgive this of me"

Ayako led Megumi down a dimly lit corridor and into a small room with little in it except two chairs and a table between them. He listened stoically as Megumi spoke, but did not give her an answer just yet. Instead he motioned to one of the chairs and said, "Please have a seat." He took the chair opposite her and folded his arms inside the sleeves of his kimono as his spoke, a soft, almost lyrical voice filling the room. "I am not concerned with what happened in the past or in the hand you were dealt in life. I am concerned with the choices that you have made. It is not where you stand that tells me who you are, but where you choose to go. At the very least I can see that you have chosen to come quietly with Garoth and have chosen to accept a brand should we offer you one. However, I am curious as to what other choices you have made in your lifetime. Tell me, where have you come from and where will you go from here?" It was clear from Ayako's demeanor that the question was not purely literal; true, location may be an intrinsic part of the answer, but he was more concerned with Megumi's character and ambitions. The answer to this question would determine her fate.

And as Ayako interrogated Megumi, Garoth was busy filling out his mission report. He wasn't required to go into much detail because it was just a routine extermination, but he was careful with what he wrote about picking up Megumi. He remembered that she said that she was not going to lie, so Garoth did his best to keep the information as accurate as possible. Any discrepancies between what he wrote and what she said could cause a huge problem. Finally, he finished the chore, handed the forms over to the receptionist, and turned back to Scarlet. "So, what was it you wanted to talk about?" he asked, not thinking that part of the secret may have been the fact that she wanted to talk to him.