Arcane Tales

*Efreet floats back just in time to dodge Creed's attack, but Soul and James' attacks catch him off guard. This and the fact there are bullets showering him causes his entire body to turn into black sparkles that fly into the sky. They hear a voice in their heads, which they recognize as being Luna's*

"This was only the first step in your long journey to save Verte... I have been weakened and I can not help you all, but I will give some of you my powers. May the little that remains of my powers rest within you and help you face the adversities to come..."

*A couple of armored men arrive on brown horses. They stare at the group, perplexed*

~Everyone but Kari, Kentaro and Creed has acquired their Aeldia Arte! (Limit Break)~

=====

*Derek is standing by the throne, on which his uncle is sitting. He is a middle aged man with black hairs that go down to his shoulders, a long black moustache and green eyes. He has the stereotypical king's crown and clothing. A man is bowing to the king in front of them. He has messy silver hair, light blue eyes and pale skin. He's wearing a deep blue vest over a white shirt and a blue jacket, baggy pants of the same color, and black boots. The throne room is large and--again--stereotypical, with a large door and a red carpet that leads to the throne, as well as luxurious tapestries and statues for decoration*

???: <Your Majesty, have you made a decision?>

King: <I don't know, how can we be sure it was their doing?>

*An armored guard runs in and bows*

Guard: <Excuse me, Your Majesty!>

King: <Have you dealt with the monster?>

Guard: <I-I've just been informed by the tower that a group of people killed it! It seems two of them bear the crest of Alda!>

King: <...They're early. Go and--actually, you're dismissed. Derek, would you mind calling them here? See that they feel welcome, they did save the southern district of the kingdom, after all.>

*The monarch smiles at his nephew*

*Derek nods and turns towards the entrance of the throne room.*

Derek: <Where might I find these people?>

OOC: Am I doin' it rite?

*James lands on the ground on both feet and picks up his sword, strapping it onto his back.*

James: <Mmmm, I could go without it, though I'm more satisfied with the opponent we just fought!>

*James has a satisfied grin and laughs loudly.*

"Way to mess up Creed" Alto turns and feels the power flowing through him.

Creed looks at the armored men, "Yes?"

Knight1: <Yo..You defeated that thing... by yourselves.>

Knight2: <(That was no ordinary monster. Those black sparkles... what could have caused this beast to appear?)>

Knight1: <Who are you?>

=====

King: <I was told the monster attacked at the main square in the southern district. Guard, escort him there.>

*The armored man nods and waits for Derek. The man in blue straightens up and stares at Derek*

???: <Your Majesty, is this really a good idea?>

*James' smile fades away and he walks up to one of the knights.*

James: <Before we reveal ourselves, you'd better tell us who you are!>

Derek: <Alright. Stay safe while I'm gone.>

*Derek laughs as he follows closely behind the guard. He glances back at the man standing by his uncle and tenses up a bit.*

Derek: [Just who is that guy?]

*Allina giggles and points at Soul*

Allina: <Yeah, too late for that, James.>

*Another armored man and a young man arrive on foot, and the knights salute them respectfully*

Knight1: <Master Emeraude!>

Allina: <(Guys, guys, it's the King's nephew!)>

James: <Hmm, too many law enforcement and officials in one place! I'm feeling uneasy about this...>

*James' expression becomes serious as he stares down a nearby knight.*

*Derek gently shakes his head and waves off his recognition.*

Derek: <Please, I don't need to be treated with a term such as "Master." Just Derek, or Sir Derek if you're feeling extra-formal, will do. In any case, are you all alright? I heard you defeated the monster that was here.>

James: (Grr, this guy's full of himself. I oughta....)

*She bows*

Allina: <We di--well, my friends did. Who do we owe the honor of having you here, sir?>

*The guard that escorted Derek to the square steps forward and looks at them, paying special attention to Kentaro*

Derek: <His Majesty the king sent me here to check up on you guys. I'm glad to see you're okay, and I personally thank you for the favor you've done our people.>

*He bows to the group with sincerity.*

*James was getting even more annoyed now.*

James: (Ha! This guy's just eating it up out here...)

*Derek stood up and laughed a little.*

Derek: <There's no need to be so assertive, miss. You've already done enough.>

*He turned and faced James.*

Derek: <Is something wrong, sir?>

Allina: <Y-You're welcome, we did what we could. I'm just glad no one got severely injured.>

*She hears James' whispering and glares at him*

Allina: <(What are you talking about?)>

Guard: <His Majesty would be delighted to talk to you. Please, follow us to the palace.>

Allina: <Ohmygosh, what!? Yay! (James, James, let's gooo!)>

*James follows Allina and the guard. Before passing Derek, he looks at him.*

James: <...Nothing.>

*James continues walking.*

James: <...Yet.>

"What was our mission again Creed?" Alto asks as the group has a fangasm over the king's nephew.

"In all the confusion I seem to have forgotten oh well."

They follow the group.

*Derek scratched his head in confusion. He had a troubled look on his face as he followed the guards back toward the palace.*

Derek: <So, where are you all from?>

*He smiled as he looked over at all the travellers.*

*James continues walking, a depressed look on his face when Derek asks where everyone is from.*

James: <It'd be... better if I didn't say at the moment.>