AD - Tasks: Seraphin's Request

hunterN05 

The sun rose up over the trees near the compound, casting a reddish hue across the morning sky. A lightly chilled wind blew in from the north across the grass creating waves of green.

The outside felt great to most of the compound's inhabitants, Samuel had decided to spend the day outside. But he was hidden deep within the woods, brandishing his sword and practicing on a dummy he made out of a log.

His jacket cast aside, and his body wrappings taken off, showing a pale and heavily scarred upper body.

PuzzledHeartBox
Xarr rose from a branch in the forest that happened to be overlooking his friend Samuel whom was hard at work. He admired his dedication and perseverance, and oddly enough admired his lesions and scars. He must have seen quite some fights, he thought to himself as he jumped down the branch, tossing a bottle of water Sam’s way. The mage hardly made a sound, as he landed.

“Drink up. You’ve got to keep hydrated if you’re going to keep training at this rate.
And speaking of training, wouldn’t beating up a few perverted punks make for a great addition to it?”
Xarr’s left corner of his mouth curled up as he smiled, or let’s say, attempted to smile at Sam.

hunterN05  
Samuel caught the bottle without so much as a glance, looking back at the mage he sighed before unscrewing the cap and drinking half of the bottle's contents, "Appreciated" he said holding up the bottle, putting the cap back on he grabbed his bandages and proceeded to put them back on, taking care in doing so, "Perverted punks?"

PuzzledHeartBox
“Yeah, I stumbled upon an interesting looking request on the task board the other day.” He smiled and tossed him the pamphlet. “It’s by Seraphin, the Umbra princess, apparently she's being annoyed by six of them..”

hunterN05  
Finishing up with his bandages he grabbed his jacket before eyeing the pamphlet he read it before murmuring,"hmm..." once he saw the amount the Shadow was paying he nodded, "alright," looking up at the air mage he said,"Teaming up once more?"

PuzzledHeartBox
The mage nodded and slapped Sam on the back, sighing.
“The Umbra Tribe’s located all the way in the north most point in Eastern Yoru, we’ll be lucky to get there by tomorrow afternoon”

The sky was clear as it was still early morning, not a cloud staining the blue canvas above them.
The duo started walking at a steady pace, looking to cross the border between South and Eastern Yoru by nightfall.

hunterN05  
Samuel walked along side the Air Mage, Sword holstered on his belt and his pistol hidden away in his Jacket. His eyes scanned the horizon ahead, nothing really peeked his interest so he just eyed the woods, occasionally spotting some form of wildlife bounding across the grass in the distance.

PuzzledHeartBox
It was not long before dusk was upon them and they arrived near the edge of the woods, 
The lands were growing more barren by the minute and the air itself tasted saltier and drier. There was a dry patch, dead land, wasteland, that divided Eastern and Southern Yoru, a place where nothing bloomed nor stayed. Not a single creature or organism took refuge there due to the lingering ominous remnants of a war fought long ago, this was a sanctuary, a constant reminder of that era. “ghastly place, let’s not take longer than required to cross it…” the mage said to Sam, as the hairs in his neck began to rise up.

hunterN05  
"A barren land, torn by a war fought centuries ago, for what?"he questioned, eyeing remnants of the war half buried in the earth, "here's a question for you Xarr... what do you think life was like, back then?"

PuzzledHeartBox
"I suppose from what I've gathered, life was similar to what it is now, constant conflict and a struggle for survival, though humans were a bit more... open and direct about it." the mage pointed at the remnants of a bomb just a few feet away, half buried and rust all over. 

“The nuclear era was the end of mankind as we know it, they killed each other and the planet, 
What little is left became populated by mutants like me, and survivors, like you.”
He sighed, looking weary and saddened by the historical events. “this wasteland is nothing more than a constant reminder of something not even nature wishes to forget.”

hunterN05  
The human survivor looked at the wasteland around them, "after that war... and everything that has happened, we're still fighting." he shook his head," it would seem that the world, what's left of it is intent on fighting until there's nothing left..."

Out of the corner of his eye Samuel spotted some of the sand shifting, the ground shook underneath them. Suddenly the ground in front of them burst open, sending the two flying back.

PuzzledHeartBox
Knocked back on their ass they could clearly see a shape moving under the sand it was much like the shape of a common earthworm, but bigger, much, much bigger. They could see it racing back and forth looking for prey.

"Dune Worms, or better known as the terror of the Sands." The mage said while softly grabbing hold of his staff."They detect movement through the vibrations in the sand."

hunterN05  
Samuel stealthy pulled out his pistol, his eyes locked on the form of the Dune Worm, "I have never seen one of these before..." he muttered as he readied his firearm and sword.

PuzzledHeartBox
"I guess you're in luck." the mage laughed, creating a tiny vibration in the sand, which the dune worm used to shoot up from underneath Xarr, sending him flying.
The mage quickly threw a massive gust of wind to regain his footing, allowing him to descend to the sand softly whilst taking out his staff. "Let's not underestimate this opponent." he said, humbled by the velocity of the worm's attack. "Here it comes again, straight at you.. be ready Sam."

hunterN05  
Once the worm came at him Samuel jumped back after pulling out his pistol, aiming he waited until the creatures mutated maw opened, and fired three shots before ducking out of the way.

A terrifying screech sounded from it as blood fell onto the sand, angered it burrowed back under the earth, heading for the air mage.

PuzzledHeartBox
The worm coloured the sand where it slithered under, leaving a red trail making it much easier to spot. Xarr did not give the worm much respite and followed up Samuel's gunfire with a barrage of Air slices, throwing the sand up where they connected with the surface. Red stains quickly covered the sand and the screeching noises subsided. "I think that should have done the trick."

And just as the mage was about to turn his back on it the maws of the beast lunged up. The mage sensed the sudden
change in the air and launched a lethal slice of air, severing the beasts bottom jaw from its upper, leaving it lifeless in the sand.

"Okay, now its dead..."

hunterN05  
Holstering his pistol with a quiet sigh he eyed the fell beast of the sands with a second glance, "not much of a fight he was." the warrior commented.

PuzzledHeartBox
"I suppose not, but we only encountered one, they usually move in groups of 4 to 7." the mage was quick to reply to Samuel's sigh. At which point the duo left the barren wasteland and ventured across the borders of Southern Yoru, entering Eastern. Not much later, dusk was upon them. "There's no prettier horizon than when it's basking in a sun set." Xarr sighed in relief. "Samuel, would you rather venture on through the night or rest up, either way is fine by me.."

hunterN05  
Samuel was already laying down when Xarr finished asking, his eyes closed and his breathing steady. His right leg thrown over his left as a cool wind started blowing in front the north.

Several birds flew overhead, some strange looking species were circling the dead carcass of the worm left in the two's wake. They could be faintly seen from in the distance.

PuzzledHeartBox
"Hah, classic.." the mage thought as he softly moved up the trees to get a better idea of their surroundings. He could clearly see the territory of the Umbra tribe in the distance, the spires of the king's castle were quite predominant over the rest of it. Our destination, King Michaelia in the royal district. "We'll get there by noon tomorrow and head to the club straight after that.." Xarr thought to himself. He laid himself back against the trunk of the tree, covered under the thick foliage, and shut his eyes. Some rest welcomed him as he drifted off to sleep.

hunterN05  
Several hours had passed by, and before you knew it morning struck. The Sun casting down its bright rays onto the two resting travelers, jostling them awake.

Samuel stirred and sat up, brushing the dirt from his pants as he stretched his aching limbs and yawned widely.

PuzzledHeartBox
A gentle breeze ruffled Xarr's hair as he moved forward, reaching with his hands towards his feet, stretching.
"What time do you think it is?"he asked Sam, as he jumped down onto the green moss covered ground.

hunterN05  
looking up into the sky, Samuel mentally estimated it to be around nine, "I'd say nine."

PuzzledHeartBox
"Hmm, that's not half bad, we should arrive at the Umbra territory by noon." the mage stretched and gathered his gear before starting to walk out. The scenery was lovely, blue air, filled with tiny clouds in all forms and shapes. The trees looked a bit more rugged than the ones they just left, as if they went from a temperate forest vegetation towards taiga.

The party walked for what was a little close to two hours and a half, and they could see a guard post up ahead.
"Let's let them know we're here on business for the Princess and that we'd like an audience with the king."Xarr gently pushed Samuel forward in the direction of the guard. "I suspect they'll take kinder to humans instead of mages." he said, trying to justify his push.

hunterN05  
Samuel scoffed lightly, "you can just admit you're scared," he said, biting back a chuckle as he walked forward towards the guard.

The guard eyed Samuel, and questioned, "Who are you? state your business."

"Me and my Companion over there are here on business for the princess, and we would like an audience with the king."he droned, eyeing the guard right back.

PuzzledHeartBox
Without a moment's delay the guard answered in a monotonous manner: "The princess does not worry herself with outsiders, you are not allowed entry to the Royal Court."

Xarr retrieved the pamphlet from his inner pocket, boasting the princess her stamp on it and walked up to the guard. "I do believe this is a royal request from the Princess, are we not allowed to heed her call?"

the guard angrily moved aside. "Make haste" he sneered, as the party of two passed him.

hunterN05  
Looking back with a scowl Samuel commented silently, "douchbag." 

The two traveling companions walked through the Umbra area, Samuel saw some of the inhabitants give him dirty looks as they passed by, he ignored them as the two continued to the castle.

PuzzledHeartBox
The two strangers to this land proceeded towards the castle. 
"Once we get there, I'll do the talking." Xarr said to Samuel. 

It was a majestic castle with many spires, an old Gothic look, and mostly existed out of darker stones. It had an overall ominous yet beautiful and grand feel to it. The windows were bountiful and decorated into the finest detail. 

It was not long before they arrived at the steps, accompanied by a guard whom had chosen to escort them here.

"Wait here, I shall go and request your audience with the king, whom shall I say is here?" the guard asked.

"Xarr, Xarr Rakath, Air Mage of the Unity." the mage said in a proud but modest manner.

hunterN05  
"Samuel Fel, of the Unity." The human droned in a bored manner, eyeing the guard with a vacant expression.

PuzzledHeartBox
"The king will see you now, please speak in a proper manner an avoid prolonged eye contact." at which point the guard lead the two inside through a sequence of corridors and stairs until eventually arriving in the central throne room. It was a room clad in burgundy, black, gold, and some shades of grey mixed in. The crest of the umbra tribe adorned the banners above every corridor, and the room was filled with all sorts of exotic flowers and draperies.

"Pardon our intrusion, your majesty." Xarr took a bow to the king and remained knelt until the king told him to rise.
"Please, rise Master Mage, and tell me what brings you this far from home." the king spoke with strong steadfast voice, looking at the mage with eyes full of warmth and consideration.

"Your highness, it was brought to our attention that the princess would like someone to teach the vagabonds hanging around the club a lesson in humility, and we felt obliged to do just that. I besiege you, grant us passage upon your territory for us to fulfill our request." the mage bowed again and awaited his reply.

hunterN05  
Samuel bowed as well, not entirely sure how to act. He was just mimicking Xarr's actions.

PuzzledHeartBox
"Granted, but don't let anyone know about my niece her involvement, she's famous enough for her trouble-making as is." The king handed them a royal permission and patted them on the back and had one of his guards escort them back outside.

hunterN05  
As the two were escorted outside, Samuel eyed the permission slip with a wary gaze. It was small and colored a pasty white, "so, how many men is it again?" Samuel questioned Xarr, his hand finding its way to his sword to rest on the hilt like always.

PuzzledHeartBox
"Six, nothing we can't handle, I'm sure." the mage reassured his partner as he picked up the pace heading towards the club downtown. The bright neon lights, smoke machines and a laser show made it quite easy to find. The stench of liquor, booze, puke and overall dirt soon reached their nostrils as they passed one of the many dark back alleys that haunted this area. 

Club Virgo Inferno, the shadow's main place to be was a magnificent building with plenty of allure, even though it found itself in the let's say, less beautiful part of town. It stood strong as an ever fixed mark, a neoclassic building with coloured glass and bountiful stroboscopes. The blackened walls, decorated by many a street artist screamed out to everyone passing by, and the big purple pink sign above the doors literally pulled your eyes towards the building.

"Virgo Inferno... sounds like one hell of a place." Xarr laughed and patted Samuel on the back.
"If you'd be so kind as to lead the way.." the mage reached towards his back, loosening the straps that secured and helped conceal his staff.

hunterN05  
Hearing the loud thumping music and the flashing lights of the club gave the human a headache, pinching his brow in annoyance. "fine," he said, concealing his pistol more so within the folds of his jacket, "I am going to severely dislike this place."

PuzzledHeartBox
Samuel pushed open the doors and the duo entered, they could easily spot six individuals in the left corner in the back, circling a beautiful woman with red hair and emerald eyes. The mage tapped Sam on the shoulder and pointed in their general direction.
"Caught red handed so it seems.."
He slowly started making his way through the crowd towards the suspicious looking fellows, one had a scar running from his left brow down to his chin, an other one had a tear shaped tattoo on his right eye. Those two seemed to be in charge of things, the other four wore a biker jacket with a hooded sweater underneath, high boots, and a necklace with the symbol of Alpha & Omega engraved upon it.

hunterN05  
As soon as Samuel spotted them, he scowled further and began thinking of a plan of action, "you take three, I take three?"

PuzzledHeartBox
"It's not like we have a choice right, unless you're feeling adventurous and would like to take on four of them." the mage released a laugh and readied himself for battle as he withdrew his staff from underneath his robe.

hunterN05  
Samuel held a hand on his sword's hilt and commented, "I'll gladly take them all on, if you feel like taking a nap that is." a small grin present on his face.

PuzzledHeartBox
"By all means, have at it." the mage retreated to a seat at the bar, and sheathed his staff.
he could clearly see Samuel and the six individuals from where he was seated and continued to order a drink.
"A Scotch mixed with absinthe, shaken not stirred."

He politely signalled Samuel as he sipped his drink, tasting the mix of pure 90° Absinthe, mixed with old Scotch made him sigh. How he missed good drinks like this one at the compound.

hunterN05  
Samuel’s sweat dropped, "he moved fast" he looked at the six and moved closer to them, eyeing the two leaders "Greetings." he said, getting some looks from the group of six

"Who are you?" the tear drop leader questioned, flexing his fingers, "someone looking for trouble?"

"Looks like it~" the scared one commented, eyeing Samuel evilly.

Samuel audibly growled just low enough for them to hear, "Me and my... associate, have come here, here to have a talk with you."

PuzzledHeartBox
"Talking's for losers, if you have beef with us, settle it like men, or are you guys pussies, and hot for each other?" the leader snarled and punched in Samuel's direction, signalling the others of his crew to join in on what was going to be a rather one-sided beat down..

The second in command threw his bottle of beer at Xarr, successfully hitting his hand, making him drops his drink.

"You've any idea how hard it is to get a decent drink nowadays?" The mage angrily unsheathed his staff and came up to the six with a fierce lethal gaze in his eyes.

hunterN05  
"Oh well, I suggested we talk for your own safety," The human told him as he pulled out his sword, the blade glinting slightly from the strobe lights, "now you've poked the beast."

PuzzledHeartBox
Xarr couldn't contain his laughter at Samuel's choice of words.
"The beast, really, the beast?" he smiled and thrust his staff forward hitting the second in command on his forehead at which point the mage released an air push from the very tip of the staff. 

The big broad man, with a thick goatee and cigarette between his lips got knocked backwards against the table, causing all the drinks to fall to the ground and his cigarette to grace the ear of the man behind him, immediately alerting the rest of the group that was sitting there.

"I thought you'd be steadier on your feet, what with you being such a BIG man.." he emphasized the big, and could see the anger in the man's eyes rise up as a volcano ready to spit a hot stream of lava.

hunterN05  
"Do you prefer I call you something else?" Samuel asked as he dodged a right hook and countered with a bicycle kick, knocking the man back into a table, angering several patrons who started to get up, with a glare they backed away and moved on as the Human dodged another attack. "cause I can."

Moving swiftly he cut the first leader in the leg, making him fall down as he thrust his knee forward, breaking the Shadow's nose and knocking him out. "Is this really your leader?" Samuel scoffed, "I've fought rats stronger than this." Sam remarked as he dashed forward to take on one who broke a bottle and was using it as a weapon.

PuzzledHeartBox
"Hah, the beast just sounds so ominous, that's all." he laughed and continued his assault on the big man by Air dashing forward and jabbing his staff between the big man's ribs, bruising his chest and causing one of his lungs to collapse.
"I advise you to stay still, if you know what's good for you." 

Two more men began their assault on the mage by throwing a variety of glasses, bottles and the occasional knife his way, every one of which were parried and deflected by well-placed air pushes. 
One of the knives however managed to slip past his defence and ended up cutting up his left shoulder.

Xarr released a minor sound caused by the pain and retaliated with a severe air slice, severing the knife throwing biker's right hand from his arm. His eyes faded to a greyish white and his mind went blank.

What followed was a barrage of air pushes, slices, throws and dashes, causing massive damage to the knife thrower and leaving him on the brink of death. It all seemed to have happened so fast that the second assailant didn't even have time to stop Xarr from devastating his friend.

The mage his eyes returned to normal and his breathing normalized, he regained control over his body and actions and air dashed backwards creating a gap between him and the second assailant, an Asian looking biker with bleached hair and snake bites in his lips. 

"Two down, one to go, how about you Sam?" 

hunterN05  
As Xarr asked that Samuel just decked another two of the six thugs, severely injuring them, "two down, one left." he said, focusing on his last target before dashing at him, he ducked low to avoid a punch and countered with his own, upper cutting the shadow in the jaw sending him flying into one of the booths. 

That didn't deter him however, he got up and was about to attack Samuel, but a bottle being smashed over his head from behind knocked him out, holding the broken bottle was a young shadow girl, "Thanks." he said, tilted his head down.

She winked in return as her and her friends walked out of the booth, giggling to themselves eyeing Samuel and the Air mage with impressed looks. 

PuzzledHeartBox
With his five friends out of commission the Asian looking thug's breathing intensified and adrenaline started to course through his veins, escape or perish he thought as he started running towards the door. 

The mage however wasn't about ready to let him escape. With a gracious sway of his staff he created a horizontal air push, hitting the knee cavities of the thug and before long he faced the ground and Xarr's staff on the back of his head. 

"There's no escape, so don't bother trying." 
he tied him up and started walking him towards the door. 

"Are you coming Sam? I think the king would enjoy having a heart to heart with this one."

hunterN05  
Samuel nodded and sheathed his sword before following Xarr through the front door, several patrons watching them leave.

PuzzledHeartBox
Xarr noticed the patron's eyes following them and proceeded on his way, pushing open the club's doors with a minor air push, and not before long they arrived near the castle where they were greeted by a guard.
He promptly showed him the King's permission slip and was allowed passage.

"We'll leave him in your capable hands, whilst we report to his Majesty, if we may." 

Both Xarr and Samuel looked at the prisoner once more and pitied the fool, for the Umbra's jail's no pretty place to be in.
They went up and down stairs turned left and right and left once more and after what seemed to be a while they arrived at the dining hall, where they were politely greeted by his Majesty and the rest of the nobility present at this current time.

"We apologize for the interruption sire, the deed has been done and we'd kindly request your approval for us to return from whence we came." the mage spoke in a most gracious manner, and eyed the king once, twice and then deflected his eyes, for one can't look at a king for too long before being though of a criminal mind-set and bearing ill-intentions.

"Very well, you two may take your leave and do tell my niece she may expect a visit in the near future, It's been to long since I've been at the Compound." 
At which point both Samuel and Xarr were brought a glass of ale and asked to toast with his Majesty, on a good end and a swift return.