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Post by newb23 on Dec 21, 2013 0:06:28 GMT -5
The Captain barely paid any attention to the boy as he barged into his quarters. He hardly heard the words that his son spouted. No he was to busy focusing on the ring that sat on his desk. The ring was nothing special. It was something that no one would really notice. So modest in it's appearance that the Captain was sure that he wouldn't get much money for it. Perhaps a few silver and that was only if he threatened the right people.
It was a plain silver ring. No large gemstones nor gold outlining. Simply a sliver circle that would slip over ones finger. The only thing that it did have was an inscribing. 'Justice' was all that was written on it. So why did the Captain feel such pressure from it? Why did it make his heart hurt? Hurt so badly it felt as if his very soul was on fire.
Finally the Captain was brought back to the world as his son kept rambling. From the corner of his eye the Captain noticed a silver glint. Quickly he moved and grabbed his son's wrist in his right hand and the dagger in the left. Ripping the dagger from his son's grip he studied it for a moment before turning his attention to his son.
"Why must you use such a weapon to threaten others? Why must you use a weapon at all? Have I taught you nothing? Strength comes from within. From your very own two hands. If you were strong you could easily make others fear you just by being in the same room. You would have no need for such weak weapons," The Captain snarled at his son as he applied a bit of pressure to the boy's wrist.
"As for the sherriff well that is his job is it not? To protect people from thugs like yourself. Of course he would not try that on me but then again he knows my strength. You have nothing to show them. You have already shown them what a coward you are." Without another word the Captain placed more pressure on his son's wrist before snapping it back. The sound of breaking bones echoed throughout the room. Letting go of his son's now limp wrist the Captain turned his attention back towards the ring on his desk.
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Post by Hitotsumami on Dec 21, 2013 11:28:46 GMT -5
Arx smiled and nodded at the sheriff as he finished his second drink. "That would be very kind. Such good hospitality around here."
Then, M asked about Lian. Arx looked around absently, then gave a small shrug. "He was here just a second ago..."
The sheriff chuckled. "I saw him leave not too long ago. He had a look of curiosity in his eyes. Let's just hope he doesn't go and... No, that's no problem. Come on, you two, it's getting late."
And so the sheriff would lead M and Arx out of the old tavern and down the cobble street towards his house, which just so happened to be located in view of the stone square prison. The sheriff's house was small, but quaint. It had a long wrap-around porch, and emanated comfort.
"My grandfather built this house," said the sheriff, putting his hands on his hips and observing the handiwork. "Was one of the first houses here in Vallyway, you know. Back when the city... had some good in it. Now, its mostly beggers and drunkards and thieves. That's why I became the sheirff, you know. To try and turn this little town around. To make my grandfather proud."
This would be a good time for M to ask any questions, if she wanted to.
The sheriff then looked at M and Arx and laughed. "Oh, excuse me! Sometimes I slip down memory lane and I don't realize who I'm talkin' to or what I'm sayin'! Though, to be honest... who exactly am I talking to?"
He pointed at Arx. "We haven't had a priest here in Vallyway in over fifty years. What would a holyman like you be doing in these sinful places?"
Arx smiled and opened his mouth, but something cut him off.
A hurtling scream shook the town. It came from the prison.
---
Simon yelled in pain as his father, the Captain and the head of the prison, bent his hand completely backwards, breaking his wrist. Simon fell backwards onto the ground, shaking and nursing his hand, tears streaming down his face.
"B-but father, why!? I am your son! Your only son! I am heir to your throne over this city!"
But Simon knew it was no good. His father never liked him. He was never good enough. That's why he spent his days in the tavern, drinking away his fears with his father's money, waiting for a day when he could prove himself. That day would never come, though. But Simon would try his best.
Simon pushed himself onto his knees and looked at his father who towered over him. "Give me a chance to prove that I am a noble person," he muttered. "Let me interrogate the prisoner. I'll find out what he's waiting for."
Simon knew the consequences. He knew what happened to the others who attempted to speak with the man. But he had to face the prisoner if it meant making his father appreciate him.
---
Elsewhere, Lian was almost at the prison. He could probably see it from where he was now on the road. However, as he continued to walk, a half dozen group of thieves showed up. This was common in this town.
Lian might notice shutters on windows getting closed on houses all around, or how weary parents would pull in their children from outside and lock their doors. It seemed the whole city was afraid.
The gang consisted of strong looking men, all with big muscles and equally big weapons, like double sided axes and longswords. Some even carried swinging maces and giant hammers, weapons only available in bigger cities.
The leader of the gang stepped forwards. He had spiky red hair, put up in a mohawk. Tattoos covered his face, shapes of dragons and lions and tigers, traveling down his bare chest and around his back. In one hand he held a shiny, polished silver sword and in the other a smaller knife. sacks sat around his waist, but their contents were hidden.
"So, who do we got here?" said the leader, pacing around Lian with his gang. "Some traveler, eh? We don't get many of them in this town, and fewer still wear such... expensive looking jewelry. I think we'll just have to take that from you!"
Suddenly, two of the lesser gang members pounced towards Lian, their swords and knives ready to strike.
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Post by Mise™ on Dec 21, 2013 12:54:12 GMT -5
Lian was making his way towards what he believed to be the town's prison when suddenly he could hear a horrible scream coming from the very same building he was going to. If it really was the prison maybe they just weren't treating their prisoners too well. Lian didn't have too much time to ponder about it as soon his expensive fashion sense got some unwanted attention as a gang of thieves surrounded Lian. Lian was not fazed by this at all, in fact it was almost like he did not care in the slightest. He just kept on walking forward like nothing was going on. Only when two of the thieves were about to attack him did Lian act. He clenched his fist really hard and all of a sudden he had moved several meters forward and the two thieves were now in a crash course with each other. It would be wrong to say that he moved really fast. He really did not move at all. "Thy efforts art futile. Thou couldth never touch these valuables of mine."
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Post by CJ on Dec 22, 2013 0:14:11 GMT -5
"Lian," M grumbled after the sheriff told them where he went. "He is by far the least patient person in our group. He could have at least told us where he was going."
Of course, had M been thinking less of herself, she might have noticed Lian leaving herself. It seemed her grudge was really having an impact in more ways than her mood.
A brief smile came over her face when she saw his house. In spite of the prison in the distance behind it, it looked awfully nice to live in. It looked nothing like the castle she once called her home, but she thought she could sense a similar comfort inside.
"That's a very noble pursuit," she said to the sheriff. "One could tell there was something different about you in that bar. It takes a strong willed person like you and your grandfather to not fall into sin here. What's your name, Sir?"
She frowned, looking at Arx as he was asked about his priestly duty. Holding back a quip, she remained quiet, waiting for her companion to speak when a scream shattered her focus and turned her attention elsewhere.
"What was that?" she asked, looking toward the prison. Her eyes were deadset in curiosity and fear.
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Post by newb23 on Dec 24, 2013 0:37:34 GMT -5
The Captain smiled slightly at his son. This was not a smile of pride though, no this was a mocking smile. One that dared the child to try what he was suggesting. One that simply stated the father thought his son would fail and hoped so to.
The Capatain chuckled slightly as he contemplated his sons request. "Yes. You may try to interrogate the new prisoner. Go. He's still in the interrigation room so make your way there quickly. Before I change my mind," The Captain said as he made his way to the chair behind his desk and sat down.
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Post by Hitotsumami on Dec 24, 2013 15:10:14 GMT -5
Though any regular person may think that the sheriff of the town would go and immediately investigate a horrifying scream, one may be surprised to see that instead, he stood still and lowered his hat, a frown covering his face.
"That's... that's the kid form the tavern earlier. It's a recognizable sound to anyone in this town. Like I said before, his father... he's the guy who pretty much owns this town. He runs the prison, and if he doesn't like what you have to say, that's where you'll be going."
The sheriff looked at the prison down the street. "Even the justice system here is corrupted. Everything is. From the lowest levels to the highest. You just can't find peace here." He turned back to M and Arx. "You must understand, I want to help. Even that kid, Simon, deserves a chance. But the Captain of the prison... There's nothing I can do against him."
The sheriff clenched his fists and looked down at the ground. It was clear the situation was getting to him. "Sometimes I wish there was some help. Someone else who saw the potential of this town... Someone who wanted to rid the evil of the world."
The sheriff then realized what he was saying and said, "I-I'm sorry. Please, go on inside. Away from the noise."
Arx didn't like this situation at all. He sighed and looked down at M. "Perhaps this place does indeed need our help," he said.
---
Elsewhere, closer to the prison, Lian had somehow dodged the two thieves. The two thieves collided into each other and fell to the ground, rubbing their heads.
"What do you think you idiots are doing?" yelled the leader of the gang.
"H-he vanished!" said one of the thieves. "Out of nowhere!"
"If you can't catch a regular old traveler, then get out of the way!" said the leader. He raised his silver sword and charged at Lian at full speed. "You won't get away this time!" Then, as he ran, he pulled one of the small bags off of his waist and through them on the ground. It exploded in a blaze of bright light and send smoke everywhere, concealing the leader.
The leader than slashed his sword, hoping to cut Lian in two.
---
Simon looked up at his father, tears forming in his eyes. "R-really? You'll give me the chance?"
He then jumped up to his feet and nodded. "You won't regret this father. I'll do it! I'll make him talk where no one else could before!"
And quickly, Simon left his father's office, went down the halls and stairs, all the way to the interrogation room where Harlow was held in chains. As Simon entered the room, past the guards at the door. The inside was dark and damp. He could just barely make out Harlow hanging there in chains. Simon had never seen the prisoner, only heard of others talking about him. But he had to do it.
He slowly approached the prisoner, but made sure to keep his distance. "Hello, Harlow," he said in the most confident voice he could muster. "I am the captain's son, you know. I can make anything I want happen. I've heard you've been waiting for someone. Why don't you tell me who? You haven't told anyone else. What are you hiding?"
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Post by Mise™ on Dec 25, 2013 5:47:07 GMT -5
"I hath saidth thy efforts art futile. Thou nae can lay thy hands on me." Lian had all sorts of abilities, but he could not see through the thick smoke around him. However it didn't matter to him as Lian punched the air and suddenly the smoke just disappeared. If the thief boss were to look he would notice that he somehow still had his smoke grenade on him, as if he had never even thrown it. Lian stared at the man who had leaped towards him for a moment and then drew his sword, hidden within his robes. Lian's sword wasn't very long or heavy, it was more like it was built for speed. As expected from Lian the handle was golden and fancily decorated. When the enemy was close enough to be hit Lian swung his sword, but did not try to hit the thief itself, but rather his sword in an attempt to break it. With a several hundred years of sword fighting experience under his belt it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that Lian was a master swordsman; his technique, speed and strength were unbelievable. It would appear that instead of fighting Lian was more like intimidating or taunting the thieves.
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Post by CJ on Dec 26, 2013 10:20:27 GMT -5
M looked back at Arx glumly. It was the first time in a while that she acknowledged him seriously. Perhaps they really were needed in this place.
Before she went inside, she approached the sheriff quietly. Her determination was coming back as she imagined what surprises might await her and her friends in this town.
"Mr. Sheriff," M said in a hush, "is there something going on here that is bigger than you can handle? Like something that might even challenge your grandfather?"
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Post by newb23 on Dec 27, 2013 4:05:49 GMT -5
Harlow looked up slowly at the boy and smiled. This was not a mocking smile instead this was a smile of concern and caring. “I can not tell you. I did not tell the captain nor will I tell his son. It is not your business who I wait for,” Harlow said as he yawned slightly.
He looked at the boy again. “Why do you not leave. I see your wrist there. Is that the way a father should treat a son? I have father and sons playing in the park. Has there ever been a time your father did not mock you or make you feel like you are less than dirt?” His face did not look calm and collected this time. Instead there was a hint of anger. The air itself felt heavy at least to the guards that stood there. So heavy that they decided to leave.
Shaking his head Harlow seemed to calm down. The air returned to normal. Again Harlow smiled. Again this was a smile of concern and caring. “You should put your wrist in ice and then head to the doctors to get it looked at.”
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Post by Hitotsumami on Dec 27, 2013 12:32:38 GMT -5
The sheriff stopped at the front door as M approached him, whispering something to him. He looked at her, then down to the ground. It appeared he was struggling inside to say anything. "There's something you need to know," he said.
He looked up at M and Arx and said clearly, "I know that y'all two are part of the Seven Heavenly Virtues." However, he didn't move from his spot, as if he knew there wouldn't be a backlash for saying that. "I know the world fears you. They think you're criminals. But I don't. My grandfather praised your team as upholders of peace."
He looked back to the prison. "It's getting late. If you are truly knights of light, then perhaps I could ask your assistance, and we could change this town before mornin'."
Although he might sound cryptic, it was pretty obvious what he was hinting at... Taking down the Captain of the prison, the source of evil in the town.
---
Elsewhere, the leader of the gang's sword shattered into pieces by Lian's blade. The leader stumbled backwards, gawking at the hilt he held in his hand.
"Just what is going on here!?" he yelled, obviously confused. He reached on his belt and found that the smoke bomb he had juts thrown was still there, as if it had never been thrown.
"That's it! I don't know what kinda tricks you're pulling here, but I've had enough! I've never met someone so willing to die like you!" Suddenly, the leader pulled out all of the pouches around he belt and chucked them all at once to Lian. As soon as they got in arm's reaching distance to Lian, they'd erupt in a huge explosion.
"Let's see you get outta that one!"
---
Simon stared blankly at Harlow. It appeared he was hearing Harlow's words, but not listening. Every time Harlow spoke, Simon clenched his teeth and fists.
"Enough!" he yelled, hiding his broken wrist. "You don't know anything about me and my father! He loves me! He'd do anything for me! He's letting me interrogate you right now! And you know, when we finally do find out what you're waiting for, he'll let me deliver the finishing blow that takes you out of this world!"
With Simon's good hand, he slapped Harlow across the face.
"My condition is none of your concern. Now, answer my question, who are you waiting for, or else it'll be your condition you'll have to worry about."
Simon pulled a small knife out of his pocket and waved it menacingly.
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Post by Mise™ on Dec 27, 2013 13:11:58 GMT -5
If Lian wasn't so patient he might have started to get irritated with the thieves and especially their leader; he certainly did not know when he was against an unwinnable foe. No matter what he would try it would not have any effect on the Virtue of Patience. "I dost nae needeth any tricks." As if to prove his point Lian just ran away from the bombs dodging all the explosions that way and then making his way towards the thief boss and once he would get close he would do... ... ...nothing, he had even sheathed his sword again. It would seem like that Lian was just patiently waiting until the thieves would give up, instead of harming them.
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Post by CJ on Dec 27, 2013 17:48:06 GMT -5
"MMMMMMMMM," M hummed loudly in shock.
Her entire body went stiff. She hated being recognized, but this was one of the few occasions she could tolerate it. After all, it was her princess's wish that the world be redeemed and leading The Seven Heavenly Sins was the only way M knew how to do such a thing.
Nodding at the sheriff's insight, M smiled smugly.
"That sounds like a plan," she said while cracking her knuckles. "Saving this place by morning sounds like a pretty diligent thing to do, wouldn't you say, Arx?"
It seemed this was Arx's chance to redeem himself in M's eyes. Twiddling her fingers, M blushed and turned to the sheriff in embarrassment.
"Say, did you ever say what your grandfather's name was? He didn't know the Seven Heavenly Sins personally, did he?"
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Post by newb23 on Jan 9, 2014 13:46:08 GMT -5
Harlow smiled again at the boy as he slapped Harlow in the face. He smiled even wider when the boy pulled out the knife and waved it in his face. “You haven’t been listening. I have no intention of telling you whom I’m waiting for.”
Shaking his head slightly Harlow stayed focused on the knife in Simon’s hand. “As for my condition I feel it will not change.” Changing his view to Simon’s face he laughed slightly. “Restrain: Movement,” he said as he looked Simon in the eyes.
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Post by Hitotsumami on Jan 10, 2014 21:20:20 GMT -5
The sheriff was joyed to see M willing to help his cause. He cared about the small town. It was all he had. He spent his entire life here, and if they didn't stop the captain, then he knew the town wouldn't last many more years. He needed the help of the Seven Heavenly Virtues.
"It does indeed sound like a fine plan," commented Arx. It was his job, after all, to assist the people. He wouldn't feel right if he didn't. "But, what exactly is the plan?"
The sheriff spoke. "Simple, really. That prison there, we need to go there now. We find the Captain, and we kick him out of town. Sure, there will be some trouble afterwards, but nothin' I can't handle. Now, usually, we'd have some guards in our way, but I'm the sheriff you know. We can walk straight in with no problem at all."
As he began to lead the way, he answered Me's question. "My grandfather... you know, that's something that always bothered me. Maybe because it's just cause I'm getting up in age, but I just don't remember his name. Just his message."
Eventually, the group would run into Lian and the bandits.
"That's your pal, right?" asked the sheriff. "Seems he is quite capable of takin' well care of himself."
Arx didn't bother to help. He knew the bandits would be going down. Then they could continue to the prison.
---
However, a man was hiding behind a building closeby, and he had quite clearly heard of the sheriff's plan. The man couldn't believe it. He had to alert the Captain. So, stealthy, he snuck to the prison. With the group temporarily held up by the bandits, he made it there first, and he quickly rushed up to the top floor where the Captain was.
He barged in the door. "Captain! The sheriff! I heard him meself! He's comin' for yer head! We have to do something!"
It was the crazy old man that the group had seen as they entered town.
---
The bandit leader watched in confusion as Lian did nothing at all. This was unlike any opponent he had ever had before. He couldn't take it. He couldn't stand it. And when Arx, M and the sheriff showed up, he yelled at his man that they had to get out of there and they dashed for the hills.
Arx laughed. "Well, good job there, Lian."
---
Elsewhere, in the prison, Simon couldn't move. He literally couldn't move. It seemed that what Harlow had said had caused him to freeze completely in place. He could barely move his mouth.
"W-what have you done? Y-you monster. You don't k-know who you're messing with!"
Simon attempted to move the knife in his hand, but he couldn't.
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Post by Mise™ on Jan 11, 2014 11:13:50 GMT -5
It took him a while due to the thieves' stubbornness but he had managed to repel them without even harming more than the ego of the thugs. Thieves were easy to handle but now Lian was met much greater challenge as M and Arx had somehow caught up with him. He had wanted to be alone that's why Lian had went out for his 'stroll'. M wasn't much of a problem, but Arx was and the reason for that was that he wasn't very bright and would just cause troubles. Lian wanted to tell Arx to not call him by his real name, or at least the name he went by, who knows if it was actually his given name. Even if there were no holy knights stationed in this city like the old man had said the name Lian was very risky to use when others were around. Either way he decided not to comment on this for now. "Nae but a slight annoyance." Lian commented on the thieves. "Now I hath someone I wisheth to meet with. Please excuseth myself." And with that Lian entered the prison, hoping that the others wouldn't follow him. But he knew they would.
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