[center][h3][color=A4DDED]Ni Rensa – Crocus Street[/color][/h3] [@hatakekuro][/center] Without any stops on the way, lest she should lose her resolve, Ni led Enma back to the Doma Flau, through the congested entryways stuffed with people either leaving out of disappointment or vying to get back in and see the fight, and into the Frenzy Plant seating area. The War Sphinx breathed deeply as she approached General Sanders, but did not falter. Even the old man outclassed her in terms of height, but Ni Rensa thought nothing of that. A lifetime of being small meant that she'd long ago accepted that no matter the circumstance, she'd be looking up. [color=A4DDED]”Genyeral!”[/color] she hailed, and gave her report. When she was done, Sanders remained still for a moment. Then a wan, dry turn of the mouth that might have been a shadow of a grin appeared between his whiskers. [color=556B2F]”To your knowledge, did Argus receive his brand before going out into town?”[/color] A few seconds of consideration went by before Ni shook her head. [color=556B2F]”Then even though Argus passed his test, he is not technically affiliated with us yet, and we are not liable for any damages he might incur.:[/color] This conclusion brought forth a sigh of relief from Ni. Her blunder held no consequence; she was off the hook. [color=556B2F]”However...”[/color] Ni went rigid. [color=556B2F]”Try to see to it that you are not beaten by articles of furniture in the future, Lieutenant.”[/color] The War Sphinx laughed nervously. [color=A4DDED]”Yes, sir! Nyo more wardrobes will ever get the drop onya me!”[/color] Returning to Enma, she took a seat to watch the Chimera battle currently taking place. [color=A4DDED]”Yeesh. Ya probably haven't experienced it yet, but havin'nya to report a failure to Sanders is intense!”[/color] [center][h3][i]III IV[/i][/h3] [@zarkun][@lunarlors34][@hatakekuro][/center] The strange pair listened stoically to all that James, Cody, and the newly-arrived Levi had to tell them. Evidently the brown-haired, headband-sporting man knew a thing or two about blades, for by the acuity of his eyes alone he could craft a firm and wise-sounding pronouncement about not just this sword, but all of them. With a short burst of laughter at his victory, the butterfly knight turned to the ladylike moth at his side, having given Cody the weapon to inspect more closely. “Can't judge a book by her cover, wouldn't you say? I win this round, dearie.” At that, his partner cast an irritating look his way, losing her focus for a moment. Just then, the sword in Cody's hands began to glow, and in a blur of chaotic motion it was replaced by a young girl in expensive clothes. Half-conscious and black-eyed, she twitched feebly in the man's arms. Under her breath, the moth lady cursed, and took a step back. A sudden silence fell over the knight as he froze. Slowly, he turned his brilliant blue eyes on the three humans, though he gave his companion a light prod with his index finger. “Sadie...you're going to be the death of us, [i]darling[/i].” Crossing her arms, Sadie sniffed imperiously. “Whatever do you mean, [i]darling[/i]? Surely you don't think these three could possibly give us any sort of challenge? And surely, Gil, you don't think dying alongside your Empress would be a fine way to go?” Gil, still smiling, reached for his belt and drew a long, elaborate scimitar with a flourish. At the same time, Sadie reached out for a fascinated onlooker, stretching her fingertips toward him, and sent some kind of wisp spiraling into his body. Instantly, the young man's shape disappeared in a whirl of motion that flew back toward Sadie and in her hand resolved itself to be a standard-looking [url=http://pre10.deviantart.net/bc0d/th/pre/f/2008/262/2/c/balsa__s_spear_by_e1l0n3wy.jpg]spear[/url]. The two moved close together, their faces masks of equal parts compassion and hatred for one another, but regardless if these humans saw fit to play the heroes the Beasts would fight as one. [center][h3][color=d8bfd8]Nero the Genie – Crocus[/color][/h3] [@liferusher][@invisible man][@cirusarvennicus][/center] Closing his eyes and laughing to himself, Nero squeezed Eve's shoulder gently. [color=d8bfd8]”That...that was a good one, E. I'll never be able to tell ya how grateful I am for ya. I must be the luckiest dude alive.”[/color] A new feeling rooted itself within him. While not usually one to care about keeping his less-than-benign nature a secret, he'd never shared this particular truth before. Having a friend to not only listen but to understand and accept took a substantial weight off his chest. Now featuring a warm smile, the Genie watched as Ayame gave a lot of money to Trinity. The sight of it inspired him to say something out of the blue. [color=d8bfd8]”Isn't the kid a gem, Winger? Unhesitating consideration for strangers, without the dogma of some guild master shoved down her throat. We may be dark mages, but I'll betcha we do more good for people than most so-called light guilds can do in twice the time. We could practically form our own guild at this rate...yeah! A wandering, masterless guild: Miracle Eye! Sounds fun, right? Man, am I good at improv! Anyhoo, good luck with old Karn. Don't waste your effort on someone who doesn't care enough for ya to keep livin' for ya. Come with us if ya like. Ciao!”[/color] Another moment and the group were off. Truth be told, Nero's knowledge of Crocus layout was shaky at best; he relied mostly on luck, signs, and asking directions. After nearly getting lost in a trade district, Nero finally found his destination: Reddy, Ame, and Fyher's. This chain of ranges, present in towns all across Fiore, catered not only to mages but also to normal people, who used bows, knives, axes, shurikens, or any variety of gun in place of the arcane arts. [color=d8bfd8]”And heeeeeere we are! Sorry that took so long, ladies. After you!”[/color] He held the door open for his friends, and from inside came the muffled sounds of wizardry and gunslinging.