Lugubrious — Roleplayer Guild

One Month Before the Games

Archangel, that is what they called Magni. It intrigued the man as the heartless beasts that he hunts would give him such a name. As he was contemplating, Magni was sitting in the forest, his blades stabbed deep into the earth while the 'monster' would get his rest from the long journey to reach this town. This was rather strange for him, Magni never really tried to do anything else but hunt dark mages and kill them like vermin. However, they were getting stronger, strong enough that Magni couldn't deal with them alone any longer. The Antimage looked up at the town, it was based upon a hill, buildings towering over each other even though they were of the same height, it was an interesting concept, but Magni was never the type to gawk at the scenery.

He continued to sit for a bit, he never really had any time to just... think. He had been on the hunt for years and his goal was just getting further away from him, like the dream he was chasing was just out of his grasp. However, Magni would never falter from his noble goal, this stubborn man would see his quest through, no matter what it takes from him. He breathed deeply, enjoying the time to his own thoughts before standing up from the lush grass. Magni retrieved his warglavies, sliding them into his sheaths located on his back and was ready to finish his travel to the guild of Frenzy Plant.

The Antimage walked through the streets of Oak Town, the way was relatively empty, but there were always people staring at him. It might be from his dangerous weapons, impressive muscles, or maybe the scary looking armor. He didn't really notice people staring at him, his mind set upon one thought, and that thought was to join this guild. The reason of wanting to join was merely that he learned that Frenzy Plant were filled with strong warriors, and he needed these warriors to help him on his quest. Magni knew that if he manages to direct the guild with his goal, he could finally finish his quest. And now, now was the time to join them as he reached the front doors of the guild.

Magni stared at the doors, was he really ready to interact with people once again? Was he ready to change his destiny by relying on other people? He had many questions that one could answer but only himself, Magni clenched his fists, he hated those kinds of questions. The man sighed as he placed his hand upon the door and waited for a couple moments before finally entering the guild. His life ready to change, for better or for worse, he did not know. 

So this is what the towns that the humans had occupied were like. The streets were wide and paved with stone, the buildings towered those of his village, and they all had strange cuisines in windows of shops, and odd garments displayed on plastic people with still, emotionless faces. The people seemed strange, simply because they were human. They didn't have any extra or missing parts of their bodies nor did they appear like bipedal creatures other than humans such as foxes or walking umbrellas. 

The humans seemed to be very curious about Enma, but who wouldn't be when a six foot man with a spiked club and horns protruding from his forehead is walking down a street looking at every single thing like it was something he'd never experienced before. The yokai didn't even notice their worried glances or their stares. He was simply too enthralled by the sights and sounds that Oak Town had to offer. There was some slight anxiety however. An oni that lived among other yokai all his life he had only met two humans, Nolan and Karn. He didn't know the customs of humans and he didn't want to accidentally offend anyone. When he and Nolan went their separate ways the God Slayer had told him to try and not do anythings stupid. It wasn't actual good advice, but at least he was showing concern. Right? 

Enma walked around absently mindedly with no actual clear cut idea of where Frenzy Plant is within the town. He groaned loudly and grabbed his head in frustration. Just how did he even get to this town in first place?! 

As a sign that Lady Luck smiled down upon him a stranger walked up to him. "Hello there, you seem lost. Where are you trying to go?" It was a man that as in his late forties, tall and slim with black hair and a long nose. He smiled at Enma politely. The man was trying to be a good samaritian though he was about to learn that sometimes it's just best to be a selfish person. The stranger held his hand out for a handshake. "The name is Jason by the way. What's your name stranger?"

Oh no, the legendary handshake! He had only heard legends of it from the yokai that had left the island though this was his first experience with it. From what Nolan had told him, a handshake is a polite greeting between humans. He musn't let himself appear to be rude. He must one up him!  Enma took the man's hand, but rather than shaking it he squeezed it due to him thinking that a handshake was really gripping someone's hand tightly. Popping sounds came from the poor man's hand and Jason's eyes were about to pop out of his skull

After a hell of a lot of explaining and convincing Jason to not set the authorities on him, Enma had finally arrived outside of Frenzy Plant's guild. Enma was going to thank Jason, but he had already ran away in fear that he would get another crushing handshake or something even worse. With his head held high he entered the guild. 

Immediately inside the grand doors of the Frenzy Fort was a small, rectangular chamber.  Though clearly designated a reception area, it also sported shades of a room that could be converted, in times of war, into a Murder Hole.  The doors of this area leading into the interior were made of metal and, though open now, easily reinforceable judging by the circular holes in the floor directly behind the doorframe.  Vertical slits, usable for either arrow-shooting or spell-slinging, lined the interior walls, and beneath the carpet in the area's center the floor was suspiciously hollow.  Even in the ceiling, there was a panel that could be moved out of the way for the pouring of boiling oil.  In the new age of magic, such medieval defenses seemed antiquated and useless, but nevertheless they provided a glimpse of Frenzy Plant's fortitude and seriousness when it came to war.

The Antimage and the Oni, arrived with in seconds of one another, were scarcely given time to size one another up before a voice from their right greeted them.  "Hello!  Welcome to the Frenzy Fort."  Against the room's right wall was a long desk covered in neat stacks of folders, binders, and papers, behind which sat a gorgeous woman of about 30 years.  Her long, blonde hair streamed behind her, which -coupled with her elegant, extravagant garb- gave her an almost regal air.  She wore a professionally friendly and welcoming expression.  "May I help you gentlemen?  I take it you're not here for sightseeing."

When Magni had entered the room, it seemed to be rather normal for any kind of waiting area, but as he continued to look around, he found several strategically placed defenses as his eyes continued to run along the ceilings and walls. It seemed a rather ancient way of defending a place, but this room could probably take out dozens of attackers if all the traps were timed correctly. He was about to walk further into the room until the doors opened once again, Magni quickly swiveling towards the direction of the entrance to find someone impressive. The stranger's appearance looked rather extravagant with the added help of his height seemed to make him look rather intimidating to anyone not used to such sights. He was about to just turn around, searching for more traps as it seemed to entertain him more than talking to another person, however, a voice came to greet their presence.

What a truly formidable structure  this guild was. Even the reception room was riddled with traps and spaces for sneak attacks that turned this place into a killing floor. In an age of magic they seemed to be quite useless unless used by a skilled tactician. Nolan was right about this guild; they really are  always prepared for war. Now this is something he could get used to. If everyone was so gung ho about training and war then there is maybe so chance that he could ask for their assistance in uniting all of the yokai in Ishgar. The other lands had warriors much stronger than him and  in greater abundance compared to his own military. If he had this guild along with his own army and Nolan's help then perhaps he had a chance, just a chance, after all. 

A masked man stood beside him, silent and exerted with an aura of menace. He would have to watch out for him if this guy was inducted into the guild as well. His attention on the masked man turned towards something much more attractive. Enma was going to say something, but Magni's silence just made it awkward. Something told him that this guy really didn't talk much, like at all. 

The Antimage looked to the right to find another being, and it seemed that this one was apart of this reception area. He glanced at the warrior before moving for the girl, he actually felt quite stupid for not noticing the only other human inside of the room, maybe he was just secretly really into traps? As Magni continued to get closer to the woman, he did notice the elegant look of the lady. In another life, he might have asked her out in a second, however, he was Magni the Antimage who cared not about appearances or pleasure. The silent man reached the desk, most likely the warrior right behind him, and continued to stare at her for a couple of seconds. 

Awkward silence filled the room as Magni didn't really know how to respond to such a basic question, he hasn't actually spoken in quite some time, the only time he really uses his voice is for grunts. He continued staring at her, there was luckily a mask hiding his embarrassed face through this entire ordeal, and he finally found something to say, "I want to join." Yes, nailed it. 

Though Indigo couldn't see past the strange man's mask, she got from his silence and cranial direction that he was rather fixated on her.  She gave him a smile, though covertly wondering if measures would need to be taken.  "Join Frenzy Plant?  Alrighty then, I think I can scrounge up some people to test you.  Rank progression is determined by your ability to defeat opponents from each rank you wish to pass."  She cast a glance at the other man, particularly his horns.  "And you?"

Finally. that introvert finally said something. Enma sighed with relief and then felt woman's staring at his horns. It was something that most people weren't used to seeing on a person he guessed. It seemed like that he would have to fight his way up through the ranks to get where he wants to be, which was quite alright with him. It was a way to test his strength and impress the guild. "The name is Enma. I am here to join the guild." Oh did he hope that there was some healing mages on standby. There were some mages that were going to get broken.

"Very well."  The receptionist stood up from the desk and strode stately around it.  Her movements carried remarkable grace and allure, though it was hard to say if she were even really trying.  Both of the men were taller than her, forcing her to look up as she requested, "Please follow me."

Not Long Until the Games

Fleo Plector - Phoenix Wing Hall

Even more so than usual, Fleo Plector was excited.  Today was the day that it would all begin.  Though she'd opted out of participation, the dusty woman was dead set on accompanying the others to Crocus and watching the events live from the spectator stands.  It promised to be, as Fleo said often, 'one heck of an occassion'.  Her spirits had been high for some time now, ever since she'd played a part in the restoration of the 'dream spirit' Annalise.  The dye-haired foreigner had visited the guild several times, often to hang around and talk, or put in a show with her incredible Dream powers, but never stayed long.  Fleo was happy for her; with the young woman's crippling mood swings gone, she was free to make up for the ten years she'd spent trapped in a dream, living a life most would envy to the core.

The only stick in the mud was Ariel, though she couldn't exactly help it.  After a metaphorical prodding by Fleo, Ariel had explained why she couldn't join the others at Crocus to spectate the legendary proceedings.  Fleo thought it all to be an immense bummer for her friend.  She approached Ariel now, back in her typical blue blouse and burnt-orange jacket this fine day, and said, "I'm so sorry, Arie!  Would it help if I brought back a buncha souvenirs for you?"

Jamie's sudden spectacle made Fleo jump.  She hadn't quite gotten used to the old master being around again, and still suspected it might take some time.  Adjusting her headrag, she waited for Jamie to continue with sparkling eyes.

Nero - Dragon Fang Hall

Something strange had happened.  Nero had always been a believer in 'best laid plans', but despite his most powerful intentions he had found himself forestalling his plan of action.  As best he could figure, Eve was the culprit for this change, starting the moment that she, Joslyn, and Nero departed for her hometown.  While traveling with the necromancer, and being around her afterward, Nero couldn't help but feel a desire to make her happy of his own accord.  Such a want wouldn't be extraordinary for a genie whose joy was to grant wishes if not for the way in which it took route.  What would make Eve happy wasn't a change in height, or new clothes, or a personality shift, however many times Nero offered.  It was something far more difficult to attain, and Nero, unable to allow himself to make a clean cut from the history books with a job left half-finished, swore himself an oath that he'd find out what would bring Eve contentedness and take the steps to make it so.

Two months later, the quirky duo had become fast friends.  Nero had yet to accomplish his mission, so the thought of completing his plan had been pressed far back into the netherrealm of his mind.  He had bargained a place for him and Ayame to stay in Shirotsume, performing tasks and granting benign wishes in the town and visiting Eve in Dragon Fang often.  With Ayame in tow, he'd accompanied her on several jobs and trips, and always found the necromancer a fascinating conversational partner.  With the Grand Magic Games nigh, he'd decided that he'd accompany Dragon Fang to the Games, and so found himself in the Guild Hall this morning.  For a reason he couldn't quite pin down, he's slicked back and combed his hair for the momentous occasion, and made sure that his cloak and vest were free of wrinkles and smudges.

Reports.  They were hardly Ozpin's favorite part of the day -in fact, they lay fairly close to the opposite end of the spectrum- but, like most bureaucracy, they were a necessary evil.  These reports, however, did hold a speck of interest for Beacon's headmaster.  Perhaps it had been a mistake to allow first-years to perform such non-standard missions, but personally Ozpin thought that remarkable situations afforded remarkable growth.  Still...a disturbing amount of these missions had involved the White Fang, in one way or another.  Had the terrorist group truly become such a dominant and wide-spread force that they more often than not worked their way into whatever jobs the school could find?  It was an alarming prospect.  A brutal attack on a peaceful protest, barely averted.  A potentially disastrous procedure, confiscated and prevented.  Worst of all, a bloody and thoughtless massacre that left a permanent wound in team MODA.  Yes, Ozpin decided: the missions would need to be scaled back.  More analysis of the situation at hand, more Grimm fighting in general, and fewer human conflicts.  Aurellius, for instance, would have to be transferred; lucky that a suitable replacement was on hand to fill his spot in MODA.

Ozpin breathed a heavy sigh and leaned back in his chair, allowing him a moment's respite.  What was he world coming to?  Did the Kingdoms really need the Grimm to be torn apart?  Or would they do it to themselves, deterioration over time, a slow poison they absently injected into themselves?

-=-=-

Two days passed.  For some, it was a time of celebration, gaming, talking, and getting to know one another.  For others it was a hurtful healing procedure of the body, and still others suffered their less visible wounds, those on the mind, untreated.  Over the intercom, Ozpin had made it clear that if it was necessary to bring in a psychological therapist, the students should let him know.  Regardless of how it was spent, Beacon's was an interesting first weekend, but it had yet to fully conclude.

The late afternoon sun smiled down on the earth, seldom obscured by the few wandering clouds.   Tonight, the students would be allowed to 'hit the town', as the saying went.  Right now, most were in their rooms, but that would soon change.  The city beneath the clifftop academy would soon find itself stuffed wih students, eager to watch movies, visit arcades, go shopping, or simply hang out and enjoy the dual pleasures of life and youth whilst they were still afforded to them.

It promised to be an auspicious evening.  With classes looming on the morrow, every thought was to make these hours count.

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