Obsidian [Quest]

[Dartz]

Night had already cast its dark shadow upon the land, the deep jungle of the Apthian kingdoms territory was now shrouded in complete darkness, the moon light cast shadows across the lush vegetation of the jungle floor, making his way through the very same jungle was a lone figure his armored clothing, and his spear in one hand, the blue head of hair gave off a sort of glow with the moons light reflecting off of it. His blue eyes scanned the area in front of him thoroughly, and he kept his guard up he was here to meet with someone who had placed a very unique quest up in the quest boards, but to be completely honest Dartz was not here for the quest. No, his true purpose for being here is to try to speak to the player known as The Master, he had heard this person was a very high level hacker who got away with so much in this game all because Phalanx was afraid of what would happen to their precious gem if they pissed this person off.

A smirk formed on Dartz face at the thought of his former employers quivering in fear, 'Wonder where this guy is' he thought to himself as he continued to walk down the path, following he directions on his mini map which he held in his hand, looking left, and then right he rolled the map up as he walked on figuring he was going the right way. Finally he spotted it, the jagged tree or at least that's the info he got when he took the quest he was to meet the quest giver at the jagged tree, approaching the tree with some caution he held his spear in a firm grip as he stopped there. He saw no one, his map safely tucked in his travelers pouch, he figured he would wait maybe he was early? With a sigh he allowed himself to sit with legs crossed, and his spear hugged in his crossed arms over his chest.

'Wonder how I am going to talk some sense into this person...Maybe The Master has seen the virus core...Maybe they know how to get to it?' he thought to himself silently as he waited patiently for someone to show.

[Xicon]

[/color][/ul]

TAGS: Dartz
NOTES: Quest Reply, Intro
WORD COUNT: 735

[Mari]

The moon was lit, hanging in the sky and surrounded by hundreds maybe thousands of stars that helped its radiance across the sky, able to be seen from miles upon miles away from any destination. The luminescent glow from the sky shined on anything that it hit, from the grass to the branches in the trees. Along with the hair of a suspicious female who was found traveling alone through the darkness of the forest. Only to be seen from the glow in her exotic pink hair, glistening with the light of the moon. She stopped walking, her arms hanging by her sides as if dead and her head lifting toward the sky, allowing her pale eyes to shine, soon to move to the side toward a certain bush, which soon 'scuffled' upon contact not knowing what was within the darkness, the animal did not wish to know what she'd do.

She continued onward, down a steady path of few trees and stones covering the ground, making it more easier for her to trip and collapse. Though she found this route to be more of a pain she felt it to be better then following the road, especially when it gets dark, allowing herself to somewhat blend along with the darkness that hid herself from any beasts or bandits that awaited her. She kept her distance to those she knows would be a threat but likes to test herself when she believes that she is able to do so, in this case, the new quest she has taken was one that made her wonder.

This quest was one that felt different from the rest, something that could potentially lead to bigger things be it, allies, items or new information of the game and how to use it, to her advantage. In which case she didn't want to pass up on taking such a quest and not knowing what awaited her, just made her want it more. The trees started to grow smaller in numbers, allowing her to see more of her surroundings. She stopped where she stood and reached within a bag that rested on her left thigh, retrieving a map that she looked at not to long ago.

She allowed the map to show her the way from this point onward as the destination wasn't far from where she was. Only a few trees and bushes laid in her path to what looked like a jagged tree, with its branches heading in all different directions and what looked like the figure of another person, a player perhaps or maybe 'The Master' the quest refers to. She walked closer, placing the map back where it belonged and had gotten a better look at the unknown person. A man, which seemed to be human and wielded a spear as he sat on the ground, with blue hair that shimmered as the wind blew the branches and leafs away to let the moons light strike him.

"I shall assume you aren't 'The Master'. Am I correct?"

She stated in a soft voice that seemed all to distant as she placed her left hand on her hip. Soon to turn around looking outward toward the trees to see if anyone else was arriving, giving him her back to talk to. Awaiting for her answer, she scratched the back of her head and gave a small frown, with guilt and regret suddenly hitting her.

'Was I rude?'

She thought to herself.

[Kyros]

The jungle at night was his playground, his domain. And the Beast Kyros Tigareon ran for the sheer joy. A lithe shape cloaked in blue, blending into the night, the wind ruffling his fur and the sounds and scents of the night tantalizing his senses as he moved from one tree to the next. Tomorrow he would go back to school, focusing on a history project about some inventor or other. But tonight he could enjoy the ripple of the wind in the trees and the moonlight dappling the leaves, tonight he ran free. Or as free as a person could when inhabiting a virtual world. He paused when a new sensation crept into the edge of his consciousness. No human would have noticed the subtle difference in the night air. But a Beast was blessed with senses that no man, except his brothers and his sisters, possessed.

He stopped short, lifting his head and dragging in a deep draft of humid air. Unfamiliar scents tickled his nose. It wasn't a monster nor any animal. In this patch of jungle, he sensed other players. Perhaps he was getting close to the meeting point? What brought him to the deepest part of the Apathian jungle this evening was a quest posted to the boards in town. Now it wasn't the request itself that interested him. Infiltration of a guild wasn't something many average players would undertake. Doubly so after he'd learned that Obsidian was the name of the guild that was to be infiltrated.

However he was interested in the poster of the quest, a player only known as The Master. He had heard many rumors about this character, so much so that the information was often conflicting and up to that point he thought it merely fiction. No one could seem to agree what the player looked like or even what his class was, that is if the man even had a class. The only common trait was a high leveled hacker that even the game's administrators feared. As usual, a command below the level of his senses seemed to pull him toward the unknown. And he obeyed, taking one step forward and then another, when deep inside he knew that he should turn and run for his life--for his sanity. It wasn't like he was new at breaking and entering either. Soon enough he found himself here, deep in the jungle and apparently not alone.

The thick leaves of the jungle made the prefect cover for the tiger and he cautiously made his way forward. Voices drifted toward him through the darkness, as he moved closer to see the jagged tree perched at a clearing in the jungle; the meeting place for the quest. The tiger watched as a figure approached a man who sat with a spear. A woman, judging from her body shape. With his night vision, he could clearly see her. It seemed that the man and woman were here for the same reason as he was. Then something subtle caught his attention, he picked up footsteps and the strong scent of a man. He looked to his left, peering into the darkness and blinked as he discerned a shadow among the trees. So the pair had a stalker...And one with an unusual character design. The man seemed to have a sort of visored helmet in place of a head. Interesting...nothing suspicious there, he made his way purposefully towards the man.

"Greetings fellow traveler!" He said smiling amicably at the man. "I am Kyros, paladin and follower of the goddess Miara. And who might you be? I would imagine you are you here in regards to the quest. If you are not, I must warn you that I can and will scream like a little girl."

Suddenly he turned to shout at the other two that had gathered by the jagged tree, waving both his arms. "Hello! We shall be joining you two very, very soon!"

"So about that name?" He asked again looking expectantly at the black stranger.

[Zero]

He could hear everything. At night in the middle of the jungle, one might not think there would be much to hear. In fact, he hadn't expected there to be much activity in the forest himself, but upon closing his eyes he found himself entranced in the chaotic melody. The rustle of the leaves in the trees. The sound of running water of a river, the moistness of the air attesting to the water's distance. The fluttering of wings as something took off overhead. Occasionally there was a screech of an animal. It was all so natural. The brunette's face hardened as he heard the crunch of twigs breaking underfoot. His eyes shot open to find a man some distance away. Whether he'd been noticed or not was none of the young man's concern-- whoever it was didn't seem to want to talk to him regardless, the way he proceeded to sit on the ground with his spear resting on a shoulder. Whatever. This one didn't want to talk to him either. His emerald eyes closed again for minutes before another sound reached his ears disrupting his trance. He took in a breath and let it out in a elongated sigh.

"Great--" He whispered inaudibly to himself. It seemed his enjoyment was to come to an early end. He had been asked by someone to meet here. When he'd gotten the message via inbox all that had been indicated as the sender was The Master. Hardly a name if he ever heard one. Not that his was much of a name either if truth be told. Zero. That was his name. That was all he could remember about himself. The Master had told him to come to this place, that he wasn't alone and that the others would help him to achieve his ultimate goal-- whatever that may be. Was it possible this Master knew more about him..? He didn't know, but if there was even the remotest of chances that he did, he had to find out... even if it meant working with--

He looked over to the blue haired individual who seemed to have been joined by a woman. A voice yelled over saying that he-- no. We-- So, there were others. He let out an irritated breath of air. Just how many people did this master expect him to work with? He'd never been one for groups, but this was ridiculous. Without a word, he approached the other two, his hood drawn up over his face, the shadows effectively hiding the upper part of his face so all that could be seen was his mouth. He didn't dare stand closer than 10 feet to the others, leaning his back on a tree and crossing his arms.

[Dartz]

Sitting there the blue haired individual was lost in thought, his mind still wondering just who this Master guy was, and just exactly what it was he could do to convince this guy to lend him a much needed hand, running around Grant solo was not only dangerous, but tiresome for the forcefully retired game designer. Though just as he was about to reminisce about those unwanted memories, he would hear the cracking of dried leaves under someones weight which was not his own his blue eyes darted off to the side, part of him was hoping he would meet with the Master. Though when he saw who stood there, he blinked a few times the pink hair, the piss off expression on her face....It was the woman from the bar! The one who had whopped that giant guy 'What a small world' was all he thought, although Dartz didn't really get to speak as she simply shot a question at him she thought HE was the master? This made the man blink more then once as he realized that the woman did not recognize him, as she turned away he smacked his forehead with his palm.

Shaking his head with slight disappointment, was he that forgettable? Even after helping her? Maybe she didn't appreciate the help? The man gave up trying to find an excuse for her, maybe if he jogged her memory she would remember her handsome savior although before any of that could happen a loud ruckus startled the blue haired man, he turned quickly in the direction of the screaming there he could see...A talking cat? 'No' he thought to himself as he narrowed his eyes it was a tiger, hmm clearly this was a Beast. Standing upright finally he used his spear as support to push himself up, there he noticed the hooded man leaning against a tree. Dartz frowned, he really didn't like all this lone wolf I don't give a crap attitudes, the pink haired girl seemed to be the same way just from how she had spoken to him, and turned away.

Then it happened.....

A bright red flashed came from the jagged tree, the intense light lit up the entire area turning Dartz blue hair red, and his skin red as the light reflected off of him as it would do to the others. Turning Dartz would raised up his free hand to shield his eyes from the intense light, when it settled, and dissipated in the place of the jagged tree stood....A woman, a very attractive, and well endowed woman Dartz stared at her blinking as he was caught in a trance by her dominant features. Short cut black hair with some bangs covering her left eye, purple eyes, fair skin just the right tone to, curves in all the right places, and a more then revealing outfit that left little to the imagination, in her right hand she held a black staff more Obsidian colored actually....

'Thats....The...Master?' he thought to himself as the woman took a few steps forward, her breast following suit with every step she stopped just after a few steps her purple eyes rested on the pink haired girl first, then Dartz, then the hooded man, the tiger, and finally she stared up into the trees. "Everyone is here good....I hope you are all done getting acquainted with one another, it is time to begin" she said loud enough for all to hear, not being one to waste time she got to it quickly. "The Mission is simple, I will transport you all to Obsidian base, you will find your way inside, walk in through the front door, or sneak through the back I don't care! Just make sure one your inside you follow the path to the markers I've already uploaded to your maps. Once you get to that marker, you will find them....The Obsidian weapons, you will bring them to me, and I will destroy them. From there you get your reward of Gold, and XP. If you try to bargain with me to keep the weapons, or if you try to steal the one you take....I will personally make sure you suffer an agonizing death, over, and over" her voice was stern, and her warning stung like a scorpions sting.

Dartz had been listening he figured it wasn't a good idea to interrupt her, and ask about the virus. So he simply gave her a silent nod of acknowledgement although his eyes where staring downward at the woman'ss chest....Once everyone was clear, the Master would raise her staff "Come back alive, I do hate failures, and I'd hate to have to recruit another band of idiots....Farewell" she said as her wand gave off that intense red glow again this time it spread rather quickly all around, consuming each of the players.

_______________

When Dartz opened his eyes, he would find himself standing amongst a barren wasteland the floor was black, the stones where black....Everything was black, the sky was consumed by dark clouds, and the wind was strong off to the distance he could see a towering castle resting atop an obsidian mountain. A long bridge led to the castle, it seemed the only way to get there was to cross the bridge, he reached up scratching the back of his head "Seems a bit too easy...Don't you gu--"

[/color] but before he could finish, the sound of galloping horses could be heard in the distance this alarmed the veteran player. He looked around at the rest of the team, and in case they had not already thought of it he said it, "Hide!" he quickly ran under a nearby boulder, sliding right under the ditch, laying there he hoped everyone else was hiding.

The galloping got louder, and louder then it happened four black horses, with players atop them rode along each warrior although dressed differently all shared the same color scheme a black colored armor, robes, or whatever they were wearing. Though each had the same purple crescent moon insignia on their back...Perhaps the clans symbol? Once the men where gone, and on the bridge Dartz emerged, standing upright he stared off as the mend rode along the bridge towards the castle, he smirked a nervous smirk before saying.

"So...Anyone got any ideas?"
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

OOC: Remember the Master can look however you guys want, just he/she needs to have the black staff -nod-

[Xicon]

[/color]

He pushed himself off of the tree and landed on the ground, his powerful legs bracing himself from most of the impact. He was crouched down as he landed, the weight of his body causing dead leaves and branches to crackle and snap. He stood slowly, placing a hand on his gun blade, keeping it in place. He stood, staring at the beast in the blue robe, Xicon studied him, the beast was a tad taller them himself, which he expected. And then he saw yet another person, carrying a gunblade and an amulet, interesting, a harbinger as well. A mixed set of classes, only lacking an assassin and it would of completed a Grant Class listing. Xicon grunted in the direction of the new comer and turned, going to the main group. There was no point in staying at the tree tops, after all, he was known about now.

He arrived at the two, towering over them a bit. He leaned against a tree, eying the tree which they seemed to be fixated on it. He leaned his head against the tree was well, his hair brushing against the bark. And then the flash happened, a red burst by the looks of it. He didn’t shield or protect his eyes however, expecting some sort of odd sign or something in the red flurry. That was what he expected, someone as so called illustrious as the master would be a shabby player with basic items, far from it. And then he saw the master, very different then what he had thought it would be, he couldn’t even tell if it were male or female for that matter. The main thing that had stuck out to Xicon was the Obsidian Staff, maybe marker of what they had to obtain? His mind raced with thoughts.

To Xicon, however what he was far less humanoid then what he assumed of been, a monster by the looks of it, but not really a monster. To was, in the least to say, a black mass. The mass being black goo, a face was visible, hollowed, abyssal eyes, a mouth which dripped ooze slowly. It held the staff in the mass, all of it visible, but somewhat shrouded by the black. And then it spoke. Xicon listened intently to the words. Thinking them over, analyzing what they could or of possibly meant. The quest was being explained. Recovering Obsidian Weapons, which to him sounded rare but it also gave warning. So now all that was in for it was your basic rewards? He started to think it wasn’t worth it, but the multiple people would of made it easier to him so it couldn’t of been all that bad, aside from that priest of course.

Then they had teleported. It was in the least to say, an odd feeling. Xicon looked around the new landscape, the black was fitting, and almost had a home feeling for him. He eyed the castle which seemed to be made of Obsidian, he wondered if that would make the quest harder, the place not properly aired or heated, or for that matter, chilled. Then he heard the galloping, it was a familiar site but he knew not to trust it, or to persist around the open area for longer. He darted smoothly to behind a boulder, crouching low behind it. Gripping his gunblade if need be. He ignored the words of the blue haired man, eyeing the surrounding more. He had some idea, but decided it would be best for the more, heroic type to decide on the course of action, of course if need be he had a back up plan, that was who he was, after all.

Xicon followed suit and emerged as dartz did. For now sneaking would be the best viable course of action. His had still wavered towards his blade just in case, being prepared was also the best to do. H however chose to remain silent, not giving any ideas or thoughts into a plan. He didn’t want to stick out for now, well not become the hero of the group who was showered in glories, he still wished to remain as unnoticed as he could. Xicon took to the back of group, preferring the position due to the range of his weapon; it would be an added advantage. He wondered what exactly was inside of the dark and looming castle, if it followed his appearance; he knew nothing good was inside. He shrugged a bit towards dartz, assuming the blue haired man had taken roll as leader of the group for now, fitting for a warrior type.

[/color][/ul]

TAGS: Dartz, Mari, Kyros, Zero, The Master, Enemy NPCs.
NOTES: Quest Reply
WORD COUNT: 1072

[Mari]

She stood there waiting for an answer that wasn't ever going to come. Mari crossed her arms over her chest, staring into the sea of trees that swayed along with the wind, few leaves flying up into the sky and branches fell toward the ground. She let out a large sigh from his silence and guessed that he wasn't 'The Master', seeing as she's never seen 'The Master' and only heard rumors of his/her existence and seeing that this man was the only thing here, what else to do is ask if he was. Her disappoint grew as to see that she wasn't able to meet them yet and soon rustling from the trees caught her attention. Beast or player, Mari slowly went and placed her hand on the gunblades grip and slanted her eyes toward the near edge of the sea of trees.

A large man walked out of the trees, wearing a blue robe. He though gave a feel for a humans body but as she looked closer he wasn't human...but from the beast race. He had what looked like fur, white with black stripes as what she can see from the moon light hitting his face. The man soon started to wave his arm into the air, toward her direction, she cracked a smile as that was unexpected of him to do, probably someone that likes to make friends, she thought to herself. She could see that the man behind her and the newcomer got her to thinking that some more players would come to join the quest. A as her thinking proved right as another person jumped out of the trees and landed onto the ground, what looked to be helmet rested on his shoulders, but with a weird looking face.

She shrugged her shoulders as her heart fluttered from the sight of more people going to join. She thinks it would be more of a challenge fighting along side those she doesn't know and be of great help facing multiple foes at once, even she couldn't face them all alone. Especially when she doesn't know exactly who she was facing. Soon the two that revealed themselves walked toward the jagged tree, gathering around it soon a faint red light grew from the trees direction. He shadow grew out toward the sea of trees and made her eyes widen.

She slowly turned around and watched as the light started to grow immensely, blinding her for only a few moments before dimming again, and left a small young boy around the age of seven. With black hair, combed back roughly with strands popping out from the sides and the from the front. He wore a black robe that covered his whole body and even rested on the ground. He held a black staff in his right hand and had it resting on his shoulder, yawning and covering his mouth his left hand, he started to open his eyes, which shimmered a purple color, with his eyes half open with a sleepy face.

In a young boy's voice he talked toward the group in a desperate tone, he appreciated everyone's enthusiasm and want to join the quest, for different reasons of course but it was the thought that counts. He threw the staff in front of him, pointing it toward each individual player and asked them that they would travel through the maze of the castle and bring back the weapons that must be destroyed. And he warned them that if they were not successful that he would bring them back instantly and beat them with the staff and if they were to try take the weapons for themselves he would beat them with the staff, and maybe beat them with the staff anyway.

And with that he gave a little wave at the all and disappeared into the bright light which soon, appeared again brighter then before and she felt a sudden burst of energy and her surroundings felt different. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she found herself standing in from of a gate, leading to a large bridge toward a large black castle. Along with the castle, the surroundings were all colored black as well it was a surprise to her, either they were sent further then she's traveled or this is a totally different place, from her knowledge.

"Woah."

She said to herself, bending her head back as she lifted it looking up at the size of the castle. And the sound of clicking against the hard ground suddenly hit her ears and a few of the other players decided to hide instead of facing the unknown figment. She placed her hand on the grip of the gunblade hanging behind her, and slid it open into its blade form, and pointed it toward the sound.

"Let us begin."

[Kyros]

"Xicon?" Hearing the masked man's response made Kyros's smile broaden. "What a wonderfully exotic name! I will be looking forward to working with you Brother Xicon." Though he didn't show it, he was relieved that the character wasn't an enemy. He didn't want to fight against an Obsidian member, not if he could help it. From what information he could gather, the guild was at a significantly higher level than he was. And his peculiar character continued to be a mystery he was looking forward to solving. Eventually. After the mission was over. He followed Xicon's lead, leaping down from the tree and made his way towards the other players.

"Greetings, I am Kyros. It is a pleasure to make all of your acquaintances." He said with a bow before looking over each player. The first was a hooded figure that he'd apparently missed in his initial observation. A harbringer he figured after seeing the two weapons strapped to his side. Next was the sole female of the group; pink-haired and fair skinned, she didn't look like a fighter. Then again whoever did in these games? She also carried a gunblade, same as Xicon. The last was the blue-haired man that was obviously a warrior if the spear wasn't enough of a hint. He wasn't sure how many people had decided to take on the request of The Master, but he was glad he would have help. Although his chances of speaking with the hacker had just been drastically reduced.

Almost sensing that all participants had gathered, there was a sudden flash of red light emanated from the jagged tree which blinded Kyros. Once his vision had cleared the tree had been replaced by a hooded man. He wore a single black leather coat with the hood obscuring his face in darkness. The coat itself was plainly adorned with a silver zipper and seemingly pointless silver beaded pull strings for the hood. He also had black pants and knee high silver trimmed boots. Short black leather gloves that ended at his wrists covered his hands revealing nothing about the character hidden beneath. The only notable feature was a black staff in his right hand. This could only be The Master.

Folding his arms into the sleeves of his robes, he listened as The Master explained the mission, occasionally nodding. It wasn't all to different from what was posted on the board. Infiltrate the guild and procure the weapons, although the markers leading them was new and would be helpful. Then there was the threat about not keeping the weapons. Wait, did he also call them idiots? That wasn't particularly very nice. He didn't get a chance to voice his opinions before The Master raised his staff and another red glow engulfed the group. He really wished The Master would stop doing that, his night vision couldn't take much more.

When he could see again, silence drifted toward him along with darkness. They appeared to have been transported to a wasteland and he moved closer to stare at a hulking building perched on the peak of the only mountain. A fantasy of stone and concrete, it was built like a medieval fortress with turrents and small, arched windows designed for privacy--or to prevent escape. The Obsidian Guild's Home Server-or, perhaps more appropriately, the Castle. His ears twitched, picking up the sound of hooves pounding against pavement and the scent of multiple men, men that weren't a part of their group.

The blue haired warrior gave the order to hide and just as quickly Xicon had disappeared. Seeing the female draw her gunblade, apparently prepared to fight, the tiger quickly grasped her arm. "While I admire your bravery, discretion is the better part of valor and I apologize in advance for what I am about to do." With that he pulled her with him behind the nearest bolder, blending into the shadows while waiting for the enemy to pass. Once they had gone, he crept toward the front of the structure and watched as the four horsemen were swallowed up by the massive stone building. So much for the guild being empty...

Moving back to the others, he shook his head. "Well, according to The Master's words, we can go in the front or in the back. Seeing as the enemy just entered the front only moments ago, our best option would perhaps be to sneak around back. Then again," His eyes flickered back to the dark foreboding silhouette of the castle. "This is an old castle and they are well known for having secret entrances and passages. Maybe if we search along the walls a bit we can find another way inside."

[Zero]

The group made its way together after a time of talking. Not that Zero participated. If he'd wanted to talk, he'd have gone to a tavern or to the Newtopia Plaza where all the guys would hit on girls and people danced for no apparent reason other than to be strange. Speaking of strange-- a beast and a helmeted man emerged from the trees. From the voice that came from the beast, he identified it as the one that had spoken on joining them in a moment. It appeared to be the form of a white tiger in a blue robe. The silent figure that had followed remained such, almost as though a mouth was absent behind his mask. Of the five that had appeared, he couldn't help but feel uneasy about all this. Just what did they all have in common? This... 'Master' couldn't have just picked them out from the street and decided to send ambiguous messages that would pique each of their interests-- could he? The man shifted uncomfortably. Perhaps he was just overly paranoid... besides, more would be revealed in time. He didn't have to wait long.

A bright flash of red blinded him, his head turning away from the light instinctively to hide behind his drawn hood. Luckily it was just a matter of turning to the side. As his vision began to come back, he noticed that no matter what color the environment had been before, it was soaked in a bloody red that washed out everything. After a moment, it died down. He whipped his hood back, the cloth falling backward to reveal his stern features as he glared in the direction the light had blasted from. Where there had been nothing before, a great man now stood. Zero didn't recognize him, but the man seemed to recognize him, for he gave him a look of recognition. "Everyone is here." The man stated, his eyes trained directly on Zero as he spoke. "Good. I hope you are all done getting acquainted with one another. It's time to begin." The man turned and began pacing, a great sword was strapped to his back and a black scepter was strapped to his side. His great figure was adorned by a silver colored armor and blond hair fell about his head, light blue eyes peeking from between strands. Zero could tell, just from his look, that this wasn't your everyday mercenary. He bore the regalia of a leader. He continued without hesitation to explain the situation. Gather something called the 'Obsidian Weapons' and bring them back to the man. From there, he would destroy them and they would be rewarded.

"Straight forward." He muttered to himself just as the scepter gave off the red glow.

* * * * *

"Wait!" It was the first word from his mouth that was audible for anyone to hear. His hand was stretched out in the direction of the man and he'd instinctively moved toward the spot the man had been standing. There was still so much that hadn't been explained-- how could he just say all that and not take any questions? Well, whoever the 'Master' was needed a bit of work on delivery. Zero recognized his own outburst and withdrew, pulling the hood back over his face. First glance at the world gave him the feel of an Evil Overlord's castle. Second glance wasn't so much better. He held a hand out in front of himself. With a golden glimmer of data strings, his weapon materialized in his hand. It was a Gunblade, suggesting his class to be such.

If anything, the man with the blue hair seemed to be right. Walk in, get a few weapons, get out... There didn't seem to be much in the way of obstacles-- until he heard what sounded like soft thunder in the distance. He cast a glance over to the others, a little nervously. Hadn't the person said that there wouldn't be anyone here..? Not even a minute had passed and already the mission was forcing them to adapt their plans to fit the situation. Without a second thought, he stepped backward into the shadows of his surroundings, almost as naturally as he would walk into a room. He'd always been good at becoming part of the background. He watched from his spot as the others followed suit to hide in their own places as the sound got closer. He smirked as the woman seemed reluctant to join but was pulled away by the beast irregardless. Minutes passed before the men actually got to their position and rode past them. Everything about them was black-- maybe it was a guild thing-- but he could clearly make out their classes. There was a mage, two warriors, and a gunblade. It didn't take long for them to pass, but he stayed in the shadows for a while longer before stepping out once more.

"Pointless." He spoke, walking in the direction the horses had rode from. "The Master has no reason to lie to us-- it's in his best interests to give us accurate information. No matter which way we choose to go in, we'll get to the same place." He reasoned. "Besides, who knows how long it'll remain empty and searching for an unknown secret entrance will take time." He didn't slow down his steps, but he wasn't walking so fast that everyone couldn't catch up with him either. Honestly, if they wanted to search for some out of the way entrance that possibly didn't exist and would take them away from their primary objective, that was fine with him. He just wanted to get this over with so he could speak with the Master again... and maybe get some answers this time...

[Dartz]

Well it seemed everyone had their separate reactions the majority had done whats right which was to hide themselves, if they had been caught by those guys well chances are a fight would've broken out, and whoever was waiting for them to return would've become alarmed at the absence of their comrades. He shot a glance over to the pink haired woman, "Hey wonder woman, how about we use a little more brain, and a lot less brawn here? We're on their turf, and chances are we are outnumbered." his demeanor had changed more to a team leader type, and more serious then the relaxed aura he had been giving off earlier. The man grasped his spear firmly as he reached up removing the cloth from the spear head to reveal the sharpened point of his weapon, he listened to what the hooded man had to say agreeing with him.

"There is also the threat of scouts, we are a group so if we all move about searching for the secret passage way a scout may spot us....I think we should try to sneak passed the front gate...Not together though" he said as he turned to stare at the only Beast in their group. A smile came across Dartz face, "I've known your kind to be quite agile, and stealthy....I know you are no Assassin, at least I assume but you cannot deny your natural agility is greater then any human here. Perhaps you can get passed the front gate, and you can open the door for us?...." his plan sounded insane, well it was...This Beast could die in the process.

Yet the blue haired man saw no other way, that is until he spotted something just below the bridge, the man walked over to the edge to get a better look. "Stop!" he said suddenly calling out to the hooded man, and anyone else who might have been walking with him. "There's a cave! There's our back door" he said to the group with a chuckle, the man threw his spear over his shoulder strapping it to his back. Slamming a closed fist into a palm he grinned a confident aura coming from the man, "We hang off the side of the bridge, shimmy our way over to that cave, and drop down to the ledge it must lead inside! By the way, scratch the first plan the front gate must be guarded anyways" he said as he wasted no time jogging over to the edge of the bridge, and literally walking off. Just barely he managed to grab on to the edge, relying on his upper body strength the man began to move down the side of the bridge to the cave taking in deep breaths, and hoping his comrades would follow.

[Xicon]

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TAGS: Dartz, Mari, Kyros, Zero
NOTES: Quest reply
WORD COUNT: 1,061

[Mari]

With her blade in hand, she felt a grip on her arm, not that of a human as it was covered in fur. Turning her head slightly she can see the cloaked beast grabbing her and pulling her in the darkness behind a large boulder, hiding themselves from the horsemen that rode past them without noticing their presence. Mari could only put a frown on her face from not only the thought but sight of someone making her do something she didn't want to do, especially without asking. Though the first thing that came to mind was that they were allies for now and she shouldn't pick a fight with none of them, that was until they started, raise from the shadows and the blue haired warrior told her off.

Being the 'leader' of the group suddenly he decides to let out his thoughts of Mari's actions. Which only made her pout and cross her arms in front of him. Not that she wasn't thinking of her battle with the horsemen, her own plan was to actually use the men's armor as a disguise to walk about the castle much more easier, there might be a few problems along the way, but nothing they wouldn't be able to handle. But with everyone wanting to take the sneaky path in this quest, they looked to be more on his side, making her look more of a 'amateur' to them, which she didn't like and thinking the best thing to do is to stay quiet.

"My mistake, I guess I was being a bit hot headed of my own position of strength, especially within a place I know nothing about."

She said without looking into the eyes of Darts, still feeling a bit bad of being the odd one of the group for her quick actions, but that's how she was, putting her goal first and running straight for it. She decided to just walk off a bit away from the group keeping an eye on the castle and keeping some distance with the rest of the group to be able to hear in on what they were saying, if they had an idea of entering the castle. Finding a back entrance might be their best bet, seeing the entrance can lead to a larger group of enemy's and more then four would be to much in her eyes. Maybe if they scout around the castle they might find a hole of window to enter without being detected.

Soon to place a foot forward Darts had found a secret entrance from a cave just beneath the large bridge, Mari turned her head to watch Darts jump onto the edge of the bridge and jump down, not knowing if he made it or not from her position but she can get the feeling that he did. He choices now were to follow the pack or be the lone traveler that she is and find her own way in. Clenching her fist she forces herself to turn around and head back with the rest of the group, knowing all to well that he way of doing things especially here could get herself killed, and getting on good terms with these guys, was another objective in her own quest for future events.

She decides to head close to the edge and slowly get down, first sitting by the edge with her feet hanging down and drop swinging herself to the caves edge with her right hand catching the hard stone. Pushing herself to get up and placing her knee on the edge for better grip and pulled herself up into the caves entrance. She crossed her arms and laid against the cave wall waiting to continue and follow the group.

[npc]

His lips curled into a devious smile as he watched them from afar, he had spotted them from the moment they had arrived here the red flash that warped the small group here was not very subtle at all. His all seeing eyes watched silently as the blue haired man ran towards the bridge jumping down to the edge, he was not suicidal, he was just climbing off the side stepping over to the edge of his nest the black armored knight watched them silently, three others followed the blue haired man. "I see they found it" the man said referring to the secret entrance, he was here from the start after all when this guild first started he knew of the three secret passage ways. Without much left the man decided he would be intervening with these intruders plan today, make things a little harder for them raising up his right hand the man held a unique Gunblade....

It had a very long barrel that grew out of the tilted hilt, resting under the barrel a jagged yellow blade, with a red colored edge. The most interesting aspect of his Gunblade was the scope resting at the top of the barrel, the man looked down the scope starring at the large black clothed man, the blue haired man, and finally the pink haired woman. "I got the Beast, and the hooded Gunblader...The other three are heading down the Northern underground entrance. You can cut them off, or leave them at the mercy of the maze...Whichever suits you best Michael" he said with that the man took aim at the other two. With a smirk, the knight squeezed the trigger firing three rapid shots at the ground in front of the Beast, and the hooded Gunblader with that stopping them the man wasted no time, a ring in his right hand glowed, and the man would sprout a pair of black wings the large wings flapped propelling the man into the air.

With a steady, yet swift glide he made his way down landing with a soft kneel before standing upright there he stood in front of the other two. Aiming the gunblade at them, and drawing forth another gunblade this was though was more styled off a pistol, and the blade was shorter similar to a dagger. "Hello Gentlemen, welcome to Obsidian...and well I have decided to let your friends go on, but I wish to play with the two of you. I am the preying bird of Obsidian, Hawk!" he said as he took a pose with his introduction.....



With silence he stood there, listening to the fellow Guild member speak a tri edged war axe resting on his back, and a small crossbow with a loaded bolt in his left hand. The crusader looking knight had the signature black theme of all the members of the guild, then after hearing what Hawk had to say he would merely watch as the one knight took into full flight towards the intruders. Though personally Michael preferred to tell the higher ups about this instead of them handling it alone, but then again a small group of weaklings should be no trouble for Hawk, with a sigh the knight rose from his comfortable sitting position, and started walking to those pesky u underground passageways so many untamed monsters lurked under there that the Obsidian used it as initiation for any new recruits. Survive, and you are considered but die and it's best never to show your face around an Obsidian ever again....

OOC: So the group is officially split, if Zero, and Kyros can take down Hawk or somehow slow him down you guys can use one of the other secret entrances, or the same one to catch up to the rest of the group.

[Zero]

He didn't have to wait long for the others to promptly move in a different direction as another of their group announced that he'd found a secret entrance. He raised an eyebrow. So fast? He stopped in his tracks and turned to look inquisitively at the blue haired man. Something seemed a little strange-- how on earth would he have spent so little time looking to find an entrance that was supposed to be hidden? Either it was a really poorly hidden entrance or--

He didn't have the time to finish the thought. His eyes were drawn to a glint in the distance. It was-- odd. What was there to cause it to shine so unnaturally? "Damn it!" He grabbed the beast and drug him to the ground a hair before he actually heard the blast of the gun sending projectiles toward them. There was a series of gunshots as the area was sprayed with fire. Something about it was familiar. He didn't know what caused it or if it really was dangerous, but he could feel in the pit of his stomach the fear that had been associated with the sight. He hadn't had the time to collect his thoughts before he forced himself to look up at the place the glint had come from. He couldn't see the glint anymore, but he could see a black figure nearing their position. The other group had already begun their descent as his attacker opened fire and their ability to help was limited. With his analysis of his situation, he stood quickly. Adrenaline pumped through his body and he began running toward the castle. His charge only lasted a few steps, however. He looked back expecting to find the beast following him... but the giant form was just laying on the ground. Had a round hit him? The thought chilled the young man as he ran back toward his fallen companion. He only had the time to reach his side before a thud caught his attention. It was the man who referred to himself as Hawk.

"Wow, red carpet and everything." He tilted his head, "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you'd been expecting someone. Either that, or you're just a paranoid bunch." The words hung in the air. "Soooooo--" The word was spat out, "do they pay you extra to do the stupid pose, or was that your idea?" He smirked from behind his hood. He twirled the gunblade like a cowboy might with a pistol before gripping the hilt and resting its blade on his shoulder. "Not that you'd complain. you seem to go all out with the dramatics." He tapped the back of the sword on his shoulder. "What-- you aren't surprised we managed to get here in the first place?"