The Undeclared War. (The War. 1.5.)

[Enizo]

"This dock transports items to the city, it's likely that Bartholomew is on the way there..." Enizo looked around, there were no fire or smoke, not even hot embers under the collapsed wood. This had happened awhile ago, meaning he could already be at the capitol by now.

"If they were going to strike they'd have done it... for the past ten minutes we've been in the open and no action has been taken. I feel like if they plan on striking it'll be further up." Enizo picked up his blade and slipped it away, "What their intentions are with these attacks I have not a clue, other than to strike terror."

[Vash, the Angel's Moon]

I shook my head.

"Terror can be a good way to wage war, unfortunately," I said, sadly. "Roxa..." I addressed him for the first time, a little sorry I hadn't had time to greet him properly before the others had rushed in. "Is Duo working alone? How far has his army massed? You were with the Saints; you know a little of his tactics. What are we up against?"

[King Roxa Hiaten]

"We're suspecting that Bartholomew's working alongside him, but other than that, I have no real idea on whom he's working with. An army may be gathered, but last time he did that, it was because he was a legitimate ruler. He doesn't have that authority anymore... If he reconquers Unda, then we may be unlucky enough that some of the loyalists present there will side with him, but with Roccia alone, we'll easily be able to field more men, unless he looks to other, more supernatural means." He let out a sigh as he gave a small shrug.

"Armies or not though, he's formidable even alone. I doubt that the number or caliber of the men we garner will be effective enough. But as for tactics..? It was usually flat out domination when he was Emperor simply because he could... But he's Kain's brother, and I have no doubt that they shared the same sharp mind... I'll have to use everything he taught me in order to have a hope of reading Duo's movements, but that's useless until we're on the battlefield." He gave Vash a look, one of solid determination. "But you're no doubt an educated man, you should understand just what will happen if we let him make the first move."

[Vash, the Angel's Moon]

I nodded.

"A student of history, yes. I know what will happen if we wait for Duo's attack." I shook my head, sighing. "We need to strike preemptively, which means working fast. I've held you all up long enough; we should get moving as quickly as possible. You suspect that Duo's accomplice, Bartholomew," I winced, slightly, at the thought of an ex-Saint on Duo's side, "is behind this attack?"

[Seigmand Dezmar]

Seigmand grumbled to himself with how little his efforts had turned up. The rain had washed away what little evidence there could have been, Footprints had been taken by the waters, and with no smoke or fires it was almost impossible to tell how long ago the attack had been. Surrendering his hopes of any discovery he returned to the group. At least it seemed their heads were back in the game as he came in during the discussion on Duo and strategy.

"There is no preemptive strike on Duo. He's made his first, second and third move already, and worst of all is we don't even know enough to react yet. Whatever this 'Bart' is up to, he wanted us to see his handiwork. There's no strategic benefit to this destruction, which means it's strictly for us. If we're lucky, whatever trap he has laid for us won't require the city ahead also be in ruin."

Knocking down the possibilities there was a particular one that had still gone unaddressed up to this point. Moving past Vash and his crowd of adoring fans he moved close to Roxa and met the boy's eyes with a harshness that warned him of what Seigmand was about to say. "There is an almost certain eventuality that if we do encounter Bart he will try to use your woman against you. Don't separate yourself from us, don't make any bargains and don't fly off in a rage. We need you thinking with the right head on this thing, and as much as it would ease my problems to have you die now I need you alive till this is all over."

Seigmand turned and began down the path towards the city. He smirked to himself, not turning to see Roxa's reaction as he busied his mind planning the next stage of his game.

[King Roxa Hiaten]

"You may want to update your little book..." Roxa said with a sigh and a shrug. "Because you clearly don't know an awful lot about me." A rather true statement. It appears Seigmand believed he was still working with the short-fused and agitated Roxa who had gone through an unsealing process and then had to reseal, rather, he was working with the same Roxa who had bided his time patiently and watches Roccia deteriorate before making his move. He was not some young boy fuelled by his emotions, and yet, he was not some pure blue-blood royal who thought only of himself and his own nation, he was a man whom had watched his family die twice, his actual family and the Saints. He'd helped kill his own brothers and was all the wiser for it, he had suffered Duo, Trucido, Kain and the Ketulunians.

It was safe to say that his head was securely screwed on and in the right place. He rested his fists against his hips and turned back to the others, the discussion of strategy being the most important here.

"Bart's tough. He's no Kain, Grey or Duo, but still he's tough. I reckon any one of us could safely fight him one-on-one, but this is withstanding that Duo has boosted his power at all, if he has, we still have the number advantage. We're no pushovers ourselves, so I reckon we can take him." He rubbed at his chin slowly. "He's a swordsman, and a damn good one. But his sword is large and ungainly, any closer combat will have him on the defensive." He looked at Enizo. "That's where you and I'd come in. Long range attacks from Vash, Annabelle and Seigmand would make sure he doesn't take any advantageous opportunities, and Kazan and Volkmar could easily use their brute force to create openings..." He closed his eyes briefly, and swore that he could hear his own brain ticking over, Ave scratching as always at the back.

"Gensayce and Riliath are also here, and both can fulfill any of the combat roles mentioned. I suggest they fight with the mid-range group of Kazan and Volkmar. Their weapons are too large and ungainly to get in close, and they both pack some serious brute force to break through his defences." He looked across at the group. It was a swift analysis and no doubt full of holes. But first plans always were, but he would hear the opinions of the others before giving any refinement. "Of course... If you all think you are better suited elsewhere, please, say so."

[Sahir Masbrati]

In the sky above the unsuspecting party of warriors, a monstrous figure broke through the cloud cover, hovering over the remains of the port city. It's two wings spanned easily three times the width of its scaled torso, and each leg was curled close to it's body, leaving its talons pointed down at the ground below. It had a neck that seemed almost too long for it's body, ending in a head that was as wide as it was flat. Strapped onto the creature's back sat a figure who seemed to be swaying side to side looking for something on the ground below them. Stopping at last the figure moved deftly up to the creatures neck and pointed below at a spot and in an instant the scaled creature descended in a circular landing pattern till it touched down just a few feet away from the men and women that had congregated around the destroyed port.

"You there!" The figure called out as she leapt gracefully off her cohort's back, landing to his right as it snarled towards the group. "I'd heard rumours that this simple port had been obliterated by some foul ne'er-do-well, but to think that you'd all still be here. Surrender now, and spare yourselves the vengeance of this one." In what looked like a simple trick of misdirection, the figure, hooded entirely by a cloak of deep purple, brushed her hand past her body and in an instant a weapon formed in her palm. The frame looked much like a scythe, but in lieu of a blade of iron or steel there was only a faint outline that seemed to glister like a shimmer of light in the rain.

Whoever this person was, they seemed itching to fight, and with the dragon-like monster at her side it was hard to tell who would be holding who back if things escalated quickly.

[Enizo]

Enizo nodded to Roxa as he did his best to walk up the slight incline from the beach to land, "Up close and personnel with a Saint that fought in the Great War? Yeah, nothing could go wrong there!" He gave Roxa a thumbs up, "To be serious, that plan does sound like it'll work. We have to be careful if more creatures like that Hunter comes along, Kazan and Volkmar should be able to handle those, though..."

As they talked strategy Enizo couldn't help but notice the crack in the sky, he squinted his eyes to get a better look at what was coming, "Hey guys... am I the only one who see that...?" A moment later the creature landed right before them which caused Enizo to make a rather manly scream (and by manly it's more like a nine year old girl who thinks she sees a monster in her closet scream).

Enizo regained his cool and stepped up from the group, his hand on the hilt of his blade as he spoke, "Stand aside warrior, we are the Allorum Guardians investigating this attack and by threatening us you're threate- who, wait..." Enizo squinted his eyes a bit more to get a proper look at the woman, he recognized that voice, the weapon and even the creature was familiar, "IS IT TRULY MY LOVELY GOD-SLAYER!?"

Enizo broke out into a run with his arms flying everywhere in a rather comical manner. To anyone else it looked like a puppy running to its master but to the big creature? It probably looked like someone coming to attack.

Funny how those things can be taken one way or another...

[Sahir Masbrati]

The sleek steed of Sahir's snapped to the front, baring its jaws at Enizo as he approached. The woman let down her cowl, revealing a young woman known perhaps only to a few of them as The God Slayer, if they knew her at all.

"Down Dral, hold for now." She petted the side of the creatures long course neck, moving around his protective stance to face the young Guardian. "Don't think that familiarity gets you anywhere Enizo. As far as I'm concerned I just caught a bunch of villains at the scene of their latest crime, and this looks like some pretty powerful magic was to blame here." She couldn't help but give the boy a suspicious raise of her eyebrow.

Looking beyond him she could see that he was definitely running with a heck of a rag tag crew, and most of them looked armed. Her presuppositions aside Sahir hoped she was wrong, because even with Dral and her tricks it wasn't likely she'd be able to take them on.

"However, I guess I can allow you to at least explain yourself. You know...'cause I suppose this could just be the worst case of wrong place and wrong time." Her nervousness snuck out in the form of her voice cracking a little, though her body language did a better job of putting up a brave front.

[Enizo]

"So... cold..." Enizo muttered as he particularly froze in place at her words. Enizo had longed fantasied when they'd meet again but the only thing remotely close to those fantasies was the fact they were on a beach... everything else was in complete contrast.

"I guess I don't blame you..." Enizo nodded, shifting his head to the right to try to get the wet hair out of his face, "We've been chasing a man who is working with Duo Angelo... not sure what you know of that name but I'm sure it rings the sound of bad news. As far fetched as that sounds you can just look around you, this attack happened hours ago and we just got here there's no reason why we'd stay all this time."

Enizo wiped his forehead of rain water before making one last plea for her to believe the words he spoke.

"I'm not a killer... well, not like this. The man who did this is probably doing the very same thing in the capitol right now."

[Bang Shishigami]

I could do little to interject and greet our new comrade as, being a man of etiquette and respect, I choose to stand off to the side and wait for a turn to greet this Vash character, as opposed to shoving comrades to and fro in a fit of excitement. As hard as it was to hold back my sociable nature, it would appear that I would have to stifle it for awhile longer, as matters of strategy and planning suddenly became the focus; something all too import to disrupt with idle chit chat.

Paying razor sharp attention to every word, I found myself at a loss, as it would appear that either the young Roxa had forgot about me, or that I was not part of the strategy, at least not for fighting this Bartholomew character anyway. Confident though that it was simply that the young King could not decide which of my many talents would suit a battle situation best, I naturally assumed that I was to field as many positions as possible and assist the battle to come in any and every way possible.

Sadly, not being one for strategy, I found my attention waning as time when on, and with the appearance of the cloaked figure on the horizon, my attention fully shifted thinking that this new individual might very well be one of the fiends aiding this Bart, and rushed towards them, figuring Enizo had assumed the same and decided to assist me in my charge.

Nay though, for upon closer inspection with me hawk-like vision and ever-keen memory, I beheld the face of the-young-hero-whos-name-I-did-not-know; the title I had come to impart upon the young woman till she would reveal her name. With a slight pause, I could only take a powerful pose, crossing my arms and spreading my stance before addressing the-young-hero-whos-name-I-did-not-know.

"Greetings the-young-hero-whos-name-I-do-not-know! Have you too come seeking retribution against those unjust fiends that do plague the world and seek to do ill to the common person? If so, then know that we too come ready to fight, and that your company in our band would be most welcome, the-young-hero-whos-name-I-do-not-know." I announce to the young woman, hoping that she might join us, if only so that I might assist the flourishing hero in her journey to true heroism!

[Sahir Masbrati]

With a gasp of surprise Sahir cried out at the rushing silouette of Bang Shishigami charging at her. By instinct alone she hurled an alchemist flash-bang at him, only a half second before it dawned on her exactly who she had just attacked. Cowering from the blast of light and sound she looked back up with a flush face of embarrassment.

"Uhh, sorry Bang. I didn't know it was you there. And just call me God Slayer. 'the-young-hero-whos-name-I-do-not-know' is a little wordy don't you think?" She almost groaned at Bang's name for her as she said it but held her tongue so as not to hurt his feelings.

Sahir shook her head. "Sorry Enizo, but that name means nothing to me. Still, I suppose the best I can do for now is give you the benefit of the doubt." Her hands pulled Dral's head in close to hers. "This one is okay Dral, but you watch the rest for me okay? Warnings first, and we run if it gets out of hand. I don't want you getting hurt." Her companion closed its eyes as it gave a furious nod of agreement.

"Okay Enizo, if you are telling the truth then you won't mind me coming along to make sure you're telling me the truth right? Besides it you are I can help." She gave her scythe a little flourish before she once more brushed her hand up against her chest and caused it to vanish from sight. Giving the young boy a shrug she directed Dral along and waited by his side to get moving.

[Kazan]

"Oi! Lemonface!"[/i]

Kazan jogged over, his large blade balanced on his shoulder, held in one hand as he looked at the new comer with a broad grin before looking down at his comrade.

"Oiiii... Oiiii... Is this that girl you're always going on about, Lemonface? Dadada... She is pretty!" He admitted, giving Enizo a clap on the back. "Seems just right for you, eh?" He grinned widely, looking across at the girls guardian with an intrigued expression. Spending so long in the wilderness had given him a hunch for creatures of all kinds. He knew which were most likely to bite his hand off. The mount looked protective and loyal, and Kazan admired that.

"Oi... That is a magnificent friend you have there!" He murmered, resisting the temptation to reach out and stroke its head until he better knew its temperament.

[Enizo]

"I-I would love for you to come along," Enizo laughed a bit until Bang came along which earned a lemon face.

=_=

"Bang, can't you see I'm trying to-"

And than the bigger goof came along. Kazan. Enizo's face grew tighter with every word the man spoke, and at the mention of his feeling Enizo felt his face light up in embarrassment.

"GO DIE IN A CORNER, KAZAN!" He yelled as he tried to push the much bigger man away, this however didn't work in his favor... it made him look like a young brother attempting to push his much older brother away.

He flashed a smile back at Sahir as he was trying to push the man away, "Eh, uh, ignore EVERYTHING these two have said, okay!?"

[Sahir Masbrati]

Always on about...pretty! What are those two talking about? It was a stupid question that Sahir asked, if only because she knew the answer before she'd even thought the question. Everything about her body language closed up as if a shell was protecting her from the embarrassing looks Kazan and Enizo were giving her.

It was the sort of thing that made her self conscious of the revealing finishes and form fitting flare of her top and skirt. She'd never admit it, but when she'd first obtained Umbravox she'd spent nearly a month trying to alter her transformation to something more conservative before she'd resigned to its...advantages. A lot of mistakes had gone from disastrous to minimal thanks to a little showing of skin, and her brief time as a married woman had taught her enough to make it as good a tool as anything on her belt or backpack. Of course, she only held confidence when the advantage was hers to play, and in this case it most certainly wasn't.

"Ummm, okay? We should...probably go. You know, bad guys and all right?" A meek smile was all she could manage before turning to follow the ponytailed man down the road. Dral followed slowly behind her, stopping only to leer at Enizo for a long, awkward pause. Was it a look of curiosity, a warning against the boy's amorous intents, or nothing more than idle staring of a stupid creature? It was for Dral to know, and for Enizo to be left clueless.