[h3][color=ed1c24]Maddox[/color][/h3]

The red-haired mage chuckled as Wes asked about the cube. [color=ed1c24]"Yeah, I finally got those made. Breaking the cube will send out a pulse of my magic, to scan the environment and send out a signal. Means I can save your ass in a pinch. If you need it, that is,"[/color] Maddox explained. He took a pause to drag on his cigarette, finally burning it to the filter and tossing it on the ground. He casually squished it under his boot, to guarantee there would be no accidental fires. [color=ed1c24]"I won't stop you if you want to walk. Just figured I'd lend a hand to an old friend."[/color]

The smile faded now, his serious expression returning. [color=ed1c24]"I realized something while you were gone. I had lost my purpose."[/color] There was a brief silence. [color=ed1c24]"Getting you back gave me a purpose. I discovered how weak I've become when I have nothing to strive for. So don't think I'm hiding any anger about your decision to go. The act of finding you allowed me to find myself."[/color] The grin returned as Maddox put his fist against his chest. [color=ed1c24]"I couldn't even stand up to one of the bad guys. Some lousy piece of work I am, huh. But don't worry."

"I'm not failing again. While I'm still here, no harm can come to Phoenix Wing. So you don't have to burden yourself with that either."[/color] His fist went back to his side now, but the grin didn't vanish. [color=ed1c24]"I'd lend you some cash, but for some reason I don't think I'll ever see it back."[/color] With a chuckle, Maddox finally turned away from Wes Gusto. [color=ed1c24]"Good luck, friend. Hopefully the next time we meet up, you'll have everything in order."[/color] With a dismissive wave, Maddox began walking towards the guild hall.

Wes Gusto was always a mysterious fellow. The first time Maddox even met him he only learned his name. He and Wes used to be the strongest, the best at what they did. Only the Gravity Mage was ever able to keep Maddox on his toes. But Wes was more than a sparring partner. He too was running from his past by staying at Phoenix Wing. Both of them were criminals, in their own respects. Neither had ever told the other about their past, but somehow they had both come to understand. [color=ed1c24]"See ya, Wes."[/color]