[b]Several hours ago[/b]
[center][color=Lightblue][b][i]A number of porcupines huddled together for warmth on a cold day in winter; but, as they began to prick one another with their quills, they were obliged to disperse. However the cold drove them together again, when just the same thing happened. At last, after many turns of huddling and dispersing, they discovered that they would be best off by remaining at a little distance from one another. In the same way the need of society drives the human porcupines together, only to be mutually repelled by the many prickly and disagreeable qualities of their nature. The moderate distance which they at last discover to be the only tolerable condition of intercourse, is the code of politeness and fine manners; and those who transgress it are roughly told—in the English phrase—to keep their distance. By this arrangement the mutual need of warmth is only very moderately satisfied; but then people do not get pricked. A man who has some heat in himself prefers to remain outside, where he will neither prick other people nor get pricked himself.

-Arthur Schopenhauer's Parerga und Paralipomena[/i][/b][/color][/center]

Philosophy was one of the less popular classes offered at Purple Crown Academy to say the least, but one that Emma Roche embraced with great interest. The thought of discussing the very fundamental ideas of life and existence to reach a deeper understanding of humanity had a unique appeal to her. The professor, Mr. Meissner, read the passage aloud, and then opened it up for discussion. The class was considered 'Advanced', so while some classes might turn quiet when presented with discussion, the Philosophy class instead had many hands shoot up, including Emma. Emma wasn't called first. Or second. Or, in fact, even third. This went on for some time, but she was used to it. She was what could be described as a 'Serial Hand-Raiser'. She was smart, and always looked to add some sort of insight to discussions, and as such she was always called last. Of course the professor preferred to let the unfamiliar voices go first. When her turn finally came she stood up, eager to add her two cents. 

[b][color=lightblue]"I think that that's incredibly stupid, Mr. Meissner."[/color][/b] The class was a slight taken aback by Emma's uncharacteristic deceleration, and even the Mr. Meissner gave her a somewhat incredulous look. [b][color=lightblue]"Sorry, that came out wrong, let me rephrase that. I think Schopenhauer's opinions on human relationships presented in the text reflect a cynical view that may have been colored by his personal faults and the many meaningless relationships he entered into. I think... I think that the viewpoint presented is a depressing way to look at life. I'd like to believe that people can truly understand each other, and that with the desire to we can get close to people without 'pricking' them."[/color][/b]

A kind smile filled Emma's face as she sat back down as the class let out a collective groan. She heard someone in the back whisper, [i]"What a sappy viewpoint."[/i] Emma didn't care, and the small smile remained on her face.

[b]Present Time[/b]
Emma's walk home was, as always, completely uneventful. She skipped down the street excitedly, looking forward to getting to getting home and playing DGO. As she arrived she found herself, as usual, home alone. [i][color=Lightblue][b]Mom and Dad are both out working late again... I hope they don't overwork themselves...[/b][/color][/i] She hurried up the stairs, practically galloping up the steps. As she rounded the corner she flung the door of her room opened and practically leaped into her bed. [b][i][color=Lightblue]Alright! Today I'm going to win a match, for sure![/color][/i][/b] She thought to herself, a steely look forming on her face. She closed her fist and pumped her arm downwards, a gesture of sorts to show her determination. All she had to do was let her mind slip and give in, and the connection was established. [b][i][color=Lightblue]Let's do this![/color][/i][/b]

[center]3


2


1[/center]

[hr]
[h3][u][center][b]Welcome, Newt[/b][/center][/u][/h3]
[hr]

[i][color=lightblue][b]Newt... I picked it because it fit my fighting style... I've have to be slippery, use the mobility to my advantage, and corner my opponent for the finishing blow.[/b][/color][/i] She reminded herself in her head. She didn't have the raw physicality needed for a straight up duel. She'd need to be creative to win. But, first, she had another matter to attend to. She wanted to look into something. [b][i][color=Lightblue]The Ebony Strikers announce that they're recruiting for the first time in ages, and at the same time a major theft occurs involving from all Guilds except the Black... if I found out more than all the colored Guilds will recognize my usefulness... but that's not my only motive for approaching the Black King...[/color][/i][/b] Emma found a bus. It wouldn't take her to the Black City, but it would get her close enough to walk. She payed the fare and took a seat, planning in her head. [b][i][color=LightBlue]The Crimson Harleys have been helpful, but when it comes to such a large guild it's hard to get the help I need from a high-ranking member, let alone a King. But if she approached the now slowly growing Ebony Strikers it wouldn't be hard to come face-to-face with the Black King... and I could ask her for help. Not just for help, but... I'll... I'll ask to be her apprentice.[/color][/i][/b]

The ride was short and not very exciting. She found herself on the outskirts of the sprawling Black City, the Black King's fortress not far away. She started towards it. [b][i][color=LightBlue]This place is so ominous... it's like a ghost town, emptier than any other place I've seen in DGO.[/color][/i][/b] It seemed that few had jumped at the King's invitation. That played into Emma's plan perfectly. 

Soon enough Emma found herself in front of the building that held the Black Throne. The King [i]must[/i] be here. She knew, at the very least, the geography of the world, the twisting city streets burned into her mind. This was it. She pushed open the door, cautiously entering the building, searching for what she hoped to soon be her teacher.

It didn't take long to find the throne. Sat upon it was an unmistakable presence. Moon Rider, the Black King herself. Emma was surprised to just find her outright. She [i]almost[/i] chickened out, but she steeled herself, approaching the throne cautiously. [b][i][color=lightblue]Should I kneel? I've never stood in front of a King before... no, I should stand, show her I'm not scared.[/color][/i][/b] Emma cleared her throat. She smiled warmly. [b][color=Lightblue]"Hello... you are Moon Rider, the Black King, right? I want to... well, you're strong, and I want to learn from you and join your guild... I was hoping... I was, uh, hoping you'd take me as your apprentice!"[/color][/b] Emma rubbed the back of her head with her hand, now grinning widely.