[center][h1][color=ed1c24]Cody Bloodstein[/color][/h1][/center]
[hider=My Hider]
[center][img]http://phoenixwing.weebly.com/uploads/3/1/1/1/31114287/907950253.jpg[/img]
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[@Zarkun]
Even while on a mission, James didn't let up on Cody's training. By the time most people were rising from their beds, Cody had already run through a series of drills, including but not limited to close combat, endurance and strength training, before splitting from James to do their own things. First things first, Cody made sure to have a shower and put some ice on a few painful bruises he had received. Compared to James, who had years of experience in all these things compared to his month, he was nothing but a rookie and the differences showed when they spared.
After some breakfast he met up with James before slowly making his way with him to the construction site. He felt particularly sore today, the younger man feeling and appearing off. Like something was dwelling on his mind, but he didn't know how to express his multiple thoughts. And quite a few things weighed on his mind, but thus far he had at least managed to brush James questions aside.

Upon arrival, Cody made a note that there were scarce workers about the site. So it wasn't too difficult to find the client, standing about with an anxious feel to his actions and the orders he barked to his few workers. Walking a few paces behind, the duo approached their client, Cody looked about the site. Taking in how tense the workers seemed to be, even the laugh they emitted as one made a joke to try and lighten the atmosphere around his fellow workers.
And who could blame them?

[hider=collab of Ethel + Ariel]
[@Caits][@t2wave][@Crimson Raven][@hatakekuro]
All Ethel got in response to her answer was some strange, though justified, looks from Dalton and Nolan. If she even had a shred of social skills she might have been be able to interpret just how suspicious they found her, but her skills were that lacking she simply found [i]them[/i] to be the weird ones. I mean, it was a rather simple request by Ethel.
Letting out a drawn-out, soft 'hmm' accompanying her slightly cocked head at Ariel's appearance, Ethel frowned slightly. The scary man she was talking to didn't seem too interested in talking to her anymore, but to this new older girl. While it didn't bother Ethel, she found it rude that this man had yet to help her yet.

As Ariel and Nolan spoke, Ethel grabbed her left hand like it had been set on fire, her face being hidden by the shadows of her hood to avoid the two of them seeing the obvious discomfort on her face. Why did her hand hurt so much?
When Ariel turned her attention to Ethel, Ethel would be looking down at her left hand, gripping it tightly as the pain seemed to intensify tenfold. And was she begining to fade?
[color=bc8dbf]"Ethel is...looking for Cody."[/color] The young girl said through gritted teeth, her discomfort becoming more obvious as time wore on. This was probably the first time she had used Cody's name, having remembered what Nolan had said a few moments ago.

Ethel looked at the outstretched hand, seeming reluctant to move her hands apart.
[color=bc8dbf]"Ethel...Ethel Storm."[/color] With some effort, Ethel took and shook Ariel's hand in an admittedly weak and flimsy grip. At that same moment, Ethel realized what that pain in her hand was. The seal on the back of hand shattered quite spectacularly, blowing a hole clean through her left glove which allowed the entirety of her tremendous, smothering magical presence to be fully felt by everyone else in the room. The hand that Ariel was shaking was gone by the time Ethel had instinctively stepped backwards.

The sudden burst of magical presence confused Ariel. Being so close to the source she couldn't tell where it was from. The girl in front of her seemed to fade or something but that could have very well have been her senses being overwhelmed. She too drew back her hand but the sense of magic seemed to still be getting stronger, closer even.

Ethel looked down at where her arm had been just moments ago, her blank face an inaccurate portrayal of the disbelief she felt. The pain in her hand displaced by a numbness that began to spread throughout her body.
Turning her head, the young girl looked at her rapidly fading left hand, watching helplessly as it began to break apart into what could be best describe as 'blue sparkles'.
Slowly at first the 'sparkles' gravitated towards Ariel but the faster her body broke down the faster they began to move towards Ariel.
Soon enough, the girl who was standing before Nolan and Ariel was gone.

Oh, well that made a little more sense now. The girl was where the magic presence came from. She also looked to be breaking apart while Ariel, completely helpless to stop it, drew in the magic. It actually reminded her somewhat of the god forcing magic into her. The main difference there was that that magic was partly sealed along with his mind. Ethel's magic seemed to have lost that stability and was seeking a new home. 

Seconds ticked by that felt like minutes before Ariel couldn't hold any more of Ethel's magic. No other place to go the remainder shot out and dispersed to anything that remotely would hold it. Being right by the source it knocked Ariel back on the floor. With that burst of magic Ethel had completely disappeared from the room. 

Having consumed the bulk of the magic there was a small issue that would soon resolve itself. [color=green]"Wh-what..."[/color] Adapting quickly to contain the power Ariel's appearance began to shift once again. This wasn't particularly surprising at all except she also had to accommodate a second issue, another consciousness. Frozen for a while as Ariel and Ethel's minds competed for control, neither one able to make headway. Being contained in magic though as it bagan to integrate with Ariel so too did the minds. Like putting two books side by side and flipping the pages together, Ethel and Ariel's minds folded into one another. [color=steelblue]"is happening?"[/color]

Outwardly Ariel's clothes and hair changed color and pattern that more closely resembled what Ethel had been wearing. Her eyes took on a red hue and her skin began to shift from its dark complexion to a white tone like that of Ethel.

[hider][img]https://i.imgur.com/uRdNEC3l.png[/img][/hider]
Reaching a stable point, magically anyway, the woman rolled over in a daze and picked herself up. Neither of the two involved had a good idea of what just happened so confused would be an understatement. Bewildered? Whatever the case one feeling gripped her like a vice, she was alone. Looking up she just needed to find someone that could help her. Gaze falling on a man who also seemed to be trying to find someone she was focused on Ferrin. While she was pretty sure she was not the one sought after the mutual situation resonated with her and she picked herself up off the ground.
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[hider=collab of Sora + Rosalina]
[@Leslie Hall]
[center][h1][color=39b54a]Sora Kaze[/color] and Rosalina collab[/h1][/center]
The train had barely even stopped at the station before Sora had gotten off, all the while mumbling and grumbling under his breath about the overall slowness of the whole process. Not even bothering to tell the others what he was up to, seeing as he was already running behind his schedule thanks to the train, he stepped away into the crowd.
He was sure that the three of them could work out what to do from here, and if not he'll deal with it later when the time came. As of now he had to get to his meeting with Rosalina, which he was already late to which would probably infuriate, but not surprise, the woman.

It only took a few minutes to don the disguise he had planned. It was perfect, a Gentlemen's Convention just so happened to be running at the same location. So with his top hat, monocle, fake mustache and glasses on he entered the hotel he had told Rosalina to meet him at.
The Nonchalance hotel.

Talking to the receptionist, it would seem that Rosalina had already arrived and was awaiting him in the room he had booked before he had come to Magnolia. Not wanting to keep the councilwoman waiting any longer, he make his way to the room up a couple of flights of stairs and didn't even bother removing the beyond ridiculous disguise he wore upon entering.
[color=39b54a]"Pardon me Captain but my train was running late. Sorry excuse for a train system, but that's a matter for another time."[/color]

"Spare me the idle chatter, would you?" Rosalina responded, paying little mind to Sora while she scoffed at the gaudy decor of their meeting point. Tacky red felt wallpaper lined every corner of the room, with a matching carpet with several unidentified stains and marks. The whole room was dressed up in shabby furniture that creaked when sat upon. Not to mention the whole place smelled of cheap perfume and sweat.

Finally turning her attention to Sora, she did little to hide her discontent.

"I think you know that my expectations of you are already quite low, but this really does take the cake." Her beleaguered tone was almost funny, if not for the exasperated look upon her face. "Let's get down to business, shall we?"


The Councilwoman rose from her seat, carefully eyeing the armchair with warranted suspicion. She folded her arms across her chest before addressing Sora once more.

"Now, what exactly is it you want, Sora?" She accused, impatiently awaiting a hopefully swift and concise response.

Sora shrugged at Rosalina's scathing words. Most people might be offended by the tone that she used, but it didn't seem to bother Sora. He was used to it, it was part and parcel in his line of work.
While he himself wasn't her number one fan, and obviously she wasn't his, he must say that she at least got to the point rather quickly. He had a few smartalec and witty one liner comments prepared for this meeting, but decided to shelve them.
For now.

[color=39b54a]"What can I say, I never disappoint."[/color] Sora joked, swiftly moving into the nearest armchair even as Rosalina stood from her own. He noted the noticeable, loud groan that sounded like it belonged in a horror movie more than a hotel before leaning back into it.
He took a moment to get comfy, purposely making the councilwoman wait before continuing. This time, without his usual mocking tone.

[color=39b54a]"What I want, and what you want, are very similiar Captain. Similar, without being the same."[/color] Reaching up, he removed the fake glasses and mustache set, and consequently the monocle, and placed them tenderly, like one handling a newborn child, onto his lap.
Taking a moment to think of his next words carefully, he turned his full attention back to Rosalina.

[color=39b54a]"You see Captain, as much as you hate to admit it, but you need me, or at least someone like me. You can go on and on about ethics and whatnot, and I'm sure you would be more than happy to do so too, but when it comes down to it, the end justifies the means. You need someone not attached to the Knights to weed out your little....problem. Someone who isn't afraid to get their hands more than a little dirty, someone who no one can trace back to the Knights if complications were to arise. That's where I come in Captain."[/color] Leaning forward, Sora emitted a serious aura to accompany his tone.


While Sora spoke, Rosalina approached the fireplace on the wall adjacent to where the armchairs sat. Running a gloved finger along the mantle, she quickly grew disgusted at the layer of dust and grime caught on her fingertip. Her eyebrows perked up at Sora's offer whilst she carefully removed a handkerchief from her breast pocket to rub away the dirt. She attempted to hide her surprise, but the situation had taken a rather unexpected turn.

"I take it you expect something from me in return? You don't strike me as someone who would take on such a task for the benefit of Fiore; much less out of the kindness of your heart." Now she fully turned to face Sora, an icy cold glare boring into him like a pair of daggers.
"Not to mention, there are hundreds of different people I could ask to fulfill what you're offering. I'm afraid you're going to need to up the ante a bit. What do you possess that could possibly entice me to enlist your services? Skill, strength? You'll need much more than that."

Now Rosalina took a seat opposite the man, almost smirking at him in a most challenging manner.
"I'm not convinced you possess the finesse to provide me the service I require. Nor the ambition. So tell me, how do you intend to prove me wrong?" She spoke, taking little offense to his comments on ethics. What he said was true. What Rosalina was trying to achieve was bigger than herself, and bigger than the Knights. Progress had been slower than expected, and if she wanted to make any headway she'd need to work outside the rules. Even if it meant enlisting someone as insufferable as the man she sat across from.

In negotiations such as these, Sora knew that showing any weakness, such as letting the other see that their words had hit a sore spot, was as good as fatal in the stakes competition. Rosalina too seemed to understand that, as she seemed to take everything in her stride and keep rolling out the punches to match.
She was good. Sora couldn't deny that.

[color=39b54a]"Too true Captain. There are hundreds you could ask. But how many are willing? And what can I say, you've caught me." [/color]Sora shrugged, sporting a wide smirk as he leaned back again.
[color=39b54a]"Of course my services aren't free. However, my 'payment' of sorts might too be of benefit to you Captain."[/color] Using all his experience in such talks, Sora saw the chance and pounced. She already knew he was after something, but would she be expecting this?
[color=39b54a]"You see Captain. I may lack 'finesse' as you put it, but results are all that matter. Make things look pretty all you want, but it doesn't matter if you can't get the job done, no? Results are what I get, guaranteed. So you needn't worry about my end, but rather....your end."[/color] Sora returned the challenging smirk, showing that he wasn't prepared to back down to the woman.

[color=39b54a]"As I'm sure you're more than aware, while Ethel may be my employer I am still technically, for better or worse, her guardian."[/color] Sora payed close attention to Rosalina as he talked, watching to see how she took him suddenly changing the topic to Ethel and how it would affect her.

[color=39b54a]"You've met with Ethel, you've surely sensed it haven't you? That strange sensation she gives off. Well, you see, that sensation is her magic."[/color] While that wasn't a hundred percent true, Sora technically didn't lie. He just couldn't be bothered explaining it fully, nor did he feel like it was his place. Employee Secrecy and all that.
[color=39b54a]"Her magic is a very unique one, unique in the way that some...unsavory sorts have and will continue to come looking for her. To use her in whatever nefarious plots they've concocted."[/color] As soon as he said that, he seemed to give it a dismissive gesture however. Like what he said didn't matter.

[color=39b54a]"But what am I saying? I'm sure you couldn't care less about the girl, right?" [/color]Just from the look in his eyes one could see he was mocking her. But if she gave in to emotions, it was his win in this negotiations.
[color=39b54a]"My offer is simple Captain Idwal. I take care of your little infestation within the Knights, and whatever other problems you may have, and in return I simply ask you accept Ethel into the Knights' ranks. Oh and I suppose the occasional little snippet of information I may ask for here and there, as I assume so long as I accomplish my job with little fuss a blind eye will be turned to my actions."[/color] He had laid his offer on the table, and while he was still happy to continue negotiations, he was also sure that the swiftness of this talk would've taken her by surprise and hopefully would force her hand.


Captain Idwal took a few moments, perhaps one too many, to consider the offer on the table. She couldn't help but shake the feeling that there was more to this 'simple' request. Though before she could dwell on it, her prolonged silence had reached an uncomfortable level. Leading forward with her fingers interlocked beneath her chin, Rosalina looked through Sora with a curious glare.

"I have no reason to believe you are a man capable of achieving the results I desire; that has yet to be seen." She began, holding her finger up in case Sora felt the need to rebut her brash statement. "However, your eagerness is clear. Either you no longer see yourself fit to protect Ethel, or you've just simply grown tired of playing the part of a babysitter. Regardless, it's a wise choice. One I'd be willing to partake in."

With the topic of Ethel now sorted, Rosalina shifted her posture back and watched Sora with a strange aura of anticipation. One could even swear she was smiling.

"Even you must know the issue of the Knights corruption cannot be so easily solved by one person. Furthermore, that is not your place to intervene. However, if it's hard work you're after I'd be willing to accept your aid." She chuckled, her ice cold features melting away with a foreign warmth. "Of course, your involvement would need to be discrete. I am afraid you would end up being too much of a liability if your 'results', as you put it, ended up pointing back to me."

Standing up in front of Sora, Rosalina carefully removed a glove from her right hand and outstretched it to Sora.

"Do we have a deal?"

Sora glanced down at the outstretched hand of Rosalina for a moment before turning his gaze upwards to look her in the eyes. This was going almost too smoothly, like he couldn't have planned it better if he had tried.
It was just in his nature to be at least slightly suspicious of such an easy development. With a shrug, he allowed the smug look to return as he reached out with his hand.

[color=39b54a]"Of course Captain, those were the terms I expected."[/color] While he managed to hide the relief he felt from appearing outwardly, he gave it away with his tone. Clasping her hand tightly, he opened his mouth to say something and paused.
[color=39b54a]"About Ethel..."[/color] He paused again, obviously hesitant to continue. It wasn't his place to tell Rosalina this, seeing as Ethel was his employer, but it was something he felt she should know.
[color=39b54a]"Be careful with her. She's a lot more fragile than she likes to believe."[/color] Releasing Rosalina's hand, Sora got up and put his top hat back on.

[color=39b54a]"Anyway, was there anything else we should talk about? I shouldn't leave the kids alone too long, they have a habit of getting themselves into trouble without me around."[/color] Sora added with a chuckle. Of course they usually got themselves into bigger trouble with him around, that trouble usually bought about by Sora rather than their own deeds.

Rosalina's stone gaze crumbled away at Sora's rather considerate warning regarding Ethel. She could feel her firm grip around his hand loosening at the thought that perhaps this man, as crude as he may appear, had a soft spot for the child.

"I understand, but you need not be concerned. Ethel will flourish under my tutelage provided she is willing to learn." Rosalina glowed with pride; her reputation for producing exemplary soldiers was well known to most who knew of her. From her brief encounter with Ethel in Crocus, she had sensed there was something different about her. She was ashamed to admit it, but her curiosity had gotten the best of her in this deal.

When Sora began to depart, Rosalina nodded in agreement.
"Very well. You have your duties to attend to, as do I. I expect to be hearing from you soon though; I want updates to your progress." Her demands put bluntly, Rosalina had nothing more to add as she bid farewell to her new confidant. She watched the back of Sora's head as he left, perishing the brief thought that perhaps she may come to enjoy his company.
[/hider]
[center][h1][color=f49ac2]Jasmine Lockwood[/color][/h1][/center]
[hider=My Hider]
[center][img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7a/ea/49/7aea49979d724bfa6273ac171870ecec.jpg[/img]
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[@Caits]
Having finished her breakfast, Jasmine went about doing some dishes before heading out into the main hall. Most of her morning chores were done with, and looking around she noticed that the room seemed to be filled with an almost eerie sense of dread and tension she wasn't quite used to with the usual casualness that this guild had about it.
There also seemed to quite a few people about, more than she felt comfortable around and more than she had seen before. Especially this early in the morning, so something big must be up.
At the exact moment of that thought, she felt what could be best describe as a powerful breeze wash over the guild hall. While some were surprised or bewildered by the suddenness of it, Jasmine instead felt...warm? A strange sensation spread throughout her body, a sensation she wasn't sure how to describe as she had never felt it before. Her body felt tingly and numb, almost like a pin and needles, her hair standing on end almost as if she had been hit by static electricity.
It was such a strange blend of different emotions and sensations which ran through her body at once, but most importantly it all felt...warm. Familiar even, like the warmth of a mothers hug. Or the warmth of a fresh loaf of bread.
Then, suddenly and violently, she let out a powerful sneeze that knocked her off her feet and into a nearby table. And how had it launched her you ask? Well, that was the stream of water she shot out from her nose that soaked whoever was unlucky enough to be standing in front of her at the time. It was like breaking open a dam wall, such was the pressure of the water.
The residue water had wet her dress too, and after wiping some spray from her face she looked as confused as anyone.