A very familiar sigil. (OPEN)

[Fillion "Fateseeker" Avalure]

Beneath the towering oaks and fey growths of Alberisato, the humble city of Nemus goes about it's business, time all but lost to the people deprived of sunlight. Only patches of the natural glow peek from the thick foliage, like starlight amidst a lush sky. As one of the few trade centers in the wild growth visitors slip in, lost to all but those with an eye for fresh faces. Yet it is one such visitor that is about to bring more than Nemus Village is prepared for this day.

"Sorry folks, caravan's been delayed. We're currently waiting to hear back from them, but most times the wildgrowth can hold them back an hour or so." A monotone announcer does his limp march among the crowds waiting on the lowest level, each one a face of annoyance staring back at him. "L-look, I suggest going up two floors and waiting in the square. Get some eats or something. We'll inform you the second we hear from the caravans." A cacophony of boos and insults from a few people throw him off, causing him to stagger away from them in fear. "Get mad if you want! S-see if I still let you on if you act like that! Now off with you!"

Amidst the grumbling tones, a lone laugh of adult glee stands alone. Rolling his coin back and forth across his knuckle, Fillion gives a nod of approval before moving with the pack of travelers up the treetop staircase. "And to think I didn't have enough time to get to sample the food stands here! Thank you fates! Hahaha!"

Yet unknown to Fillion, amidst the figures he walked amongst was the beginning of adventure, from the most unlikely of places.

[Bang Shishigami]

"Come now," I cry out, my boisterous and powerful voice cutting through the errant chit-chat and chatter of the other caravan riders. "You now walk in the homelands of Bang Shishigami, and no man knows these lands such as myself, nor its food. Let us feast and take this break in good spirit." My arms, like the very oaken limbs that made up the great forests, encircled and lead my caravan kin towards the second level such that we might delight in a place that was like a second home to me. Taking a moment to glance back at our announcer and deliver a wink that all to properly said, "Fear not, for these good people shall be in my custody, and not a hair on their head shall see harm. You have the word of Bang Shishigami; a currency more valued then the most polished gold," I turned back to the mass of travel companions before me with a grin of assurance.

Tailing behind the throngs of my travelling brethren, I made an effort to joke and jest with them, hoping that I might bolster their spirits until the native cuisine of Alberisato might light their bellies afire with vim and vigour. Out of the corner of my hawk-like vision though, I could not help but spot a single patron of our roving band that I did not recognize. Perhaps we had been seated upon opposite ends, or perhaps he was just the type to keep to himself, but for whatever the reason, the man's minimalist appearance almost called to me, and drove my strides towards him. Upon my arrival, i could not help but notice the solitary coin that rested in the man's hand, and suddenly all was clear.

"You, my good sir," I bellow as I warmly wrap my chiseled arm around the man. "I can see your predicament all too clearly. So little coin, but your gullet rumbles with the hunger of 5, no, 10 men! How shall you ever satisfy it? Well fear not! For I, Bang Shishigami shall see that you are treated to a meal of manly proportions!" I slapped the man's back hardily, wrapping my arm around him once more and leading him to the upper levels so that we might delight in a good meal and regale one another with our tales of travel and adventure.

[Jasmine Loque]

Weaving in and out from the groups of people going about their business was a young woman, draped in a purple robe and hood that she brought over her head as she travelled through the Nemus village. This place had quite a history, this whole country did and fascinated her as such. It wasn't the myths of faeries or a 'god's land' that brought her through these days however as much as it was information.

Crepusculum, her home land, was known for some of the largest of libraries in the world but nothing was quite as unique as spending time in another, hearing the same tales from another's point of view, hearing new tales from different sources, and learning something different about the ground she walked on. She had a renown apothecary for a mother to live up to, a woman who knew the world's deadliest poisons inside and out, and that was something Jasmine felt she needed to know, too. What better place than Alberisato to learn all about it?

Despite the noise, she heard the loud voice of Bang all but a few feet away and turned for only a moment to give a look--not entirely sure she remembered his face specifically, but the one with him she unfortunately did. Fillion she'd had a less than pleasant encounter with once and he as a person rubbed her the wrong way. She stared for all too long of a moment when she thought she saw their heads look toward her, she immediately turned away, hoping her hood would help disguise her if by chance they had actually seen her. What was he even doing here?

Jasmine clutched the strap of her bag and turned her body only a smidge to try to get another glance back, curiousity getting the best of her, or perhaps that was just stupidity.

[Fillion "Fateseeker" Avalure]

"Mmm? What's all this?" Fillion turned his attention from the distant shops to drink in the wild clamour coming from behind him, only to find himself face to face with the unusual ninja. At first trepidation masked his face, yet by the end of Bang's friendly speech and embrace Fillion's lips turned to a grin, and his silence to laughter. "Bang was it? I might be poor in coin, but I'm richer beyond the wildest dreams of some men in me own ways. I'd happily pa'take of your gift! Now what say you lead the way?" The request was all but formality at this point, as the burly Bang had already placed his bulging bicep around him, taking him up towards the shops he'd been eyeing not a minute ago.

In truth Fillion had been debating which of the one stalls he was most interested in, but at Bang's behest the singular choice had opened into a buffet, blooming before him as if the market was a beautiful bud of Alberisato's wildlife. Wiping off a single bead of drool that had formed below his lip he snapped out of his momentary trance. "Forgive me manners. For a man to give me a meal the least I can give is me name. Fillion Avalure, at your service. Let me tell you, it's nice to see a friendly face here in these parts of Alberisato, especially as of late. Twas not long ago I roamed these lands, and let's just say it taught me the only thing more dangerous than yer drink is yer women." A single throaty laugh escaped him as he recalled the past escapade. "Aye, this place be home to all kinds of sneaks and cutpurses. Oye, there be one now, I bet you." Fillion cast an accusing finger towards a maiden shrouded in her cloak, averting her gaze just as he directed Bang towards her. "See? No doubt she's targeted us mate, just a couple lonely mates waiting to be distracted by her...you know?" Fillion darted his eyes around as if he was fearful someone was listening to him before he brought himself close to Bang to whisper, "Her charms, I mean."

[Jasmine Loque]

When she looked back, the two of them were in what looked like whispered conversation. Who knew what they were talking about or what they were up to, and she told herself that she really didn't care. Why should she care? They were just in the same part of the village doing...whatever they were doing. She was here post war and alone, trying to just stay away from her family and make some kind of a living in Alberisato while she did her studying.

Jasmine had not much on her, just hands that felt useless at this time where she wasn't bringing in any money. Her mother had had the right idea, set up shop and charge for bed and medical care. Jasmine thought the idea of traveling and providing much the same--aside from the place to rest--would have been a good idea and in ways it still was, she clearly just wasn't doing it right. When someone was injured she felt more compelled to aid them for free, it wasn't right to leave someone dying in the road and tell them that they owed her anything. What if they had nothing? She couldn't leave them there.

The elixirs were what she needed to work on. She had a handful of little ones she had made along the way, mostly with calming effects for those who were injured or anxious, though she did have two vials of minor poisons she'd made as well. Nothing much, though if she planned on being able to afford to eat in the next few days she had to do something to get rid of them in exchange for coin, and she couldn't hunt.

'They're fighters. They need stuff like this. It'd be stupid for them to not buy anything' she told herself then as she took a deep breath and assuming he didn't even recognize her, Jasmine very casually approached Fillion and Bang and tried to keep her head covered as much as possible with her hood.

"A traveling apothecary," she spoke out to them, head down and pulling out a couple of the vials she'd put together to show, "a lot to help a warrior rest easy, I can take orders to make something as well if you'd prefer. Few coppers for the pre-mades, if you're interested?"

[Fillion "Fateseeker" Avalure]

Fillion scrunched his nose up, trying to take a step away before realizing the futility of it as he only pushed against the unmovable treetrunk that was Bang's torso. Unable to avoid the lady his only recourse was to hope he could move his newfound friend through words instead of muscle. Leaning in once more he whispered to Bang, speaking just loud enough that Jasmine would be able to hear his blatant insults. "See mate, vials she's offering to us. Selling her wares she says. Twas offerings of another liquid that put me in my last predicament Bang, and I tell ya, if it weren't for me..." Fillion stopped himself mid-sentence before grumbling as he pulled his coin out and placed it against the back of his thumb. Please fates, I'd appreciate a little hand here. Tossing the coin in the air he starred down the cloaked girl before catching the trinket and palming it, the act so familiar he didn't even need to watch it descend. Taking his eyes off her only for a moment to check the facing of the weathered coin his eyes lit up triumphantly.

"Ha! There ya have it. Tails! I knew it!" He shook his finger at her in a taunting manner. "There'll be no prey for you this day lass." He gave Bang the same confident smile, oblivious to the fact that the ninja had no clue exactly what he was so happy about. All that mattered to Fillion was that the fates had clearly made the right choice, not that they ever didn't of course.

[Bang Shishigami]

He truly was a strange man, this Fillion, but I had to admire his zest and vigour. As I let my new acquaintance speak of dastardly plots and seductive scandals, I simply watched the hooded woman from the corner of my amazingly perceptive eyes. Alas, there was nothing evil that I set my eyes upon as she herself gazed to and fro, stopping on us but a few times. I was a man that knew well the looks of evil, and evil looks were not a thing that I spotted as I looked...for evil. As she approached, my scraggly comrade was all too excited to abstain from any of her colourful brews, and I sadly had to follow suit.

"Forgive me, young apothecary, but I, the Great Bang Shishigami, sadly have no need for such potions and concoctions. Never have I needed one to sunder the vile forces of villainy, and as such, I take all my foes with the strength and heart that was born unto me, and nothing more, even if that menace be a common cold." I looked at the hooded figure and couldn't help but feel bad for the lass, and felt that though I may not be willing to spend coin upon her wares, that perhaps I could still give the young adventurer something of merit for her troubles. "But listen, all that glitters is not gold, dear friend, for though your pockets may be empty, I shall still make thee wealthy...wealthy in company!"

With a swift and sudden motion, I envelope the young woman in my mountainous arm and, along with Fillion, lead them towards my previously sought destination. "I was just about to treat my good friend, Fillion, to a feast that only we Alberisato kinsmen know of, and when it comes to feasts, I, Bang Shishigami always say, "The more the merrier!" Come, let us eat, drink and share tales the likes of which bards wish they could sing of," I boisterously announced as I throw open the front door to a small little place I had come to make a common stop whenever I visited Nemus; a little place called The Verdant Vale.

As the door flung open, I was greeted by the usual thick accent of Damsk, the Vale's owner, cook, host, waiter...and pretty much everything else a eatery would need.

"Hey Bang, I thought I's heards yous coming. Hows yous doings? Goods to see yas, and companys, as usuals," Damsk remarks with his usual charming raspy chuckle. Releasing my cohorts from my friendly embrace, I move through the building's small interior so that I might greet my favourite chef with my ever stout handshake, leaving Fillion and my new cloaked acquaintance to take whichever of the small tables called to them.

[Jasmine Loque]

"What?" Jasmine had barely spat out at Fillion after noting the coin-tossing and what came off as a very, very random response to her honestly selling wares. This guy had to be truly crazy or something, what did he think she was doing?

She was unable to say more before Bang spoke to her, letting her down a lot easier than Fillion did though she felt a sting of defeat in her regardless knowing that it was her wallet that was soon to take the hit and not her. Though now that she got listening to the man's speech she thought he sounded a lot like Andy, stubborn as hell but he was a lot more charismatic, more eloquently spoken this one. As he put his arm around her she attempted to pull back for just long enough to realize she was only going to end up going wherever he was anyway but leave with her feet grooves that were caused by her resistance. Jasmine quickly gave up and came along with the two men quietly, silently grumbling that sure, 'wealth in company' was a good thing but it really didn't do any good for her pockets.

'Ah well. Try again later.' She thought to herself and as Bang released her and Fillion she wasted not a moment to dart to a round table in the darkest corner of the room and took a seat.

[Fillion "Fateseeker" Avalure]

Fillion muttered under his breath in response to Bang's unwillingness to heed his advice, yet resigned himself to the girl's company with little more than a "Hmph!" as he took his newfound cohort's lead towards the cozy eatery. Yet his anxiety was soon melted away as exotic spices and aromas filled his senses, the small hut almost incubating the cook's culinary works from the outside world. "By the fates!" Fillion grinned enthusiastically and made for a table the moment Bang let him loose. Taking in the sights in a moment he noticed that they were almost alone in the Verdant Vale, with a few small tables in the corner of the hut populated by individuals wolfing down what could only be described as a feast on a plate. Fillion's eyes went wide as saucers as the sounds of gnawing teeth, and for the first time in hours truly reminded him of how long it'd been since he enjoyed a full meal.

"Well, what are ye waiting for? Tuck in thar Bang. You too lass. I may not trust ye wares, but I suppose there's no harm in your company." Eyeing up what he could of Jasmine under the visage of her cloak, he had to admit there was something familiar about her. Had they met before in some fleeting moment? There was something in her indignant reply that stirred half-formed memories, as if he'd heard her angry before. The thought brought a chuckle out of him, faint and brief. "So lass, you got a name? I can't say I make it a habit of sharing a meal with shadowy figures dealing in mysterious vials."

Yet before he could get a response from the girl, a terrible thud broke the mood as a body collapsed against the door and hit the restaurant's floor. The intruder did not stir for a moment, giving everyone a moment to take in the vagrant. His clothing was a mess of scarlet tatters and onyx patchwork. While damaged as if wounded in battle, the textures and embroidery was of fine quality. The man's hair was long and unkempt, like black roots matted together against his shoulders. While the other patrons merely turned away to resume their meal, Fillion watched on as the stranger pulled his head up and gazed around with unfocused eyes. There was something haunting in them, a look of what he did not know. Curiouser and curiouser. He leaned in as the man rose to his feet, dusting himself off with a hurried fashion before he ducked into a table. While of no note to Fillion, there was an intriguing symbol etched onto the man's coat's back and sleeves. It was broken up due to the condition of the clothing, but there was no mistaking the meaning of it to one who'd seen it before. Once a sigil of oppression and destruction, the man wore on him the marking of the Sumata 13.

[Jasmine Loque]

Jasmine pursed her lips as Fillion asked for her name, clearly having not thought of creating a fake one in the few moments it took her to decide to even approach these two. Having him declare her wares as "mysterious vials" boiled something in her and she wanted to indignantly rip off the hood and tell him they're not mysterious, she told them what they were and she was a damn apothecary, the stubborn fool! As she debated how to respond however there came in the ragged man, catching Jasmine's curious eyes as he scrambled to his feet and took to a table.

She recognized the symbol on his clothing, her eyes narrowing as she stared at him. She noticeably so shook at the table with Bang and Fillion as she automatically moved to rise from the table and approach the stranger but she stopped herself partway through and lowered herself back into her seat. Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to approach such a man when she was unaware if he had others coming. Perhaps it was best to play quiet and ignore them, yet she couldn't help but keep glancing back to him every few moments.

[Bang Shishigami]

I placed my hand softly upon the hooded lass' shoulder as I quietly rose from my seat; my large but gentle hands settling easily upon her as if to assure her that all would be fine. My eyes quickly glanced to Fillion, hoping the man might discern my intent as I quietly left the tables comforting embrace to approach the stranger. Pulling out the chair across from him, my eyes met with Damsk, and I could tell the man knew well my thoughts as he simply nodded and then went to my comrades so as to get their order. The man always did have a back for reading my like a book, and I doubt I'll ever figure out how.

Firmly placing my rear in the plush seat across from the tattered stranger, I leaned in, arms rested upon the polished wooden tabletop, and whispered, "For you to come to not only my lands, but to my sanctuary and brandish that sign is a disservice to our lands, our people, our Royals; new and old, and to myself. You would do well to explain yourself while you have the benefit of my mercy, for the Great Shinobi, Bang Shishigami, shall only lend you his ears once, and once only."

My eyes could not help but trail briefly from the stranger's eyes to the symbol that he bore, making sure that it was indeed that most vile and profane mark of the Sumata. My heart sunk for a moment as I recalled those days, not for the misdeeds and villainy that were afoot, but rather that I had been so blind to it and unable to stop it myself. But such would not happen twice, not under my now ever-watchful eyes. If this miscreant that stood before me sought to revive such dark days, then he would feel the unwavering strength of my burning heart and searing justice.

[Fillion "Fateseeker" Avalure]

Ahh, so both of my newfound acquaintances know this person. What threads connect you all I wonder? Fillion's stomach had silenced its incessant grumbling as if his whole body had put itself on hold to better observe this mystery before him. Even as Damsk approached Fillion he only held out his hand to stop him from interrupting a single moment. "Surprise me."

At the table opposite the injured stranger jolted from his place only once Bang spoke, as if the ninja's presence escaped his notice entirely. Like a dog picking up a familiar smell he cranked his neck around to give Bang a look of incredulous surprise. If there was any doubts that the man had been injured before, the reveal of his face confirmed it. The thick black hair was plastered against his forehead, clumped in places by a rusted tint that continued down to his eyebrows. His cheek was swollen and dirtied, and the smell of copper and something burnt permeated him. The beginning of some sound choked the back of his throat, giving out only the first syllable as a stammer in response to Bang's dire ultimatum. Tearing himself away from Bang he pressed himself against the wall and gave the room a frenzied look to and fro, searching for god only knows what. It was only upon a relieved sigh that he stared back at the ninja before him. "I...we did it." The words were hushed, barely audible as a prayer of thanks. Laughter spilled from the man in that moment, loud enough to draw the customer's attention once more to the bizarre being before Bang.

Either by lunacy or something else his laughter cut to deathly serious speech in an instant. "Bang Shishigami, tell me. Tell me, have the Heroes of Earth come yet? Has Profeta brought her army of champions to this world?!" His gloved hands shot out when he didn't get an immediate answer and clutched deep into the olive cloth upon Bang's shoulders.

"Profeta? Now where do I know that name from?" Fillion said aloud, partially to himself yet slipping a suspicious glance towards his hooded companion. With the hearing of a hawk the stranger was focused on Fillion. Even as he spoke Fillion saw the color drain from his cheeks. "What? No, no then we missed it. Did she manage to stop them before it was completed?" At first put off by the question he saw that the man wasn't asking him, as he saw the distance in her stare. They were eyes looking past Fillion, lost in a memory. Yet as Fillion could only watch the stranger with only an increasing sense of intrigue, there was another person near him who had solved the mystery as soon as he had turned to face the chaos mage. His features may have been beaten and bruised, his usually clean shaven chin speckled with hair, but there was no mistaking it. Trucido Damnedblood was alive and before them.

[Jasmine Loque]

She knew there was something terribly off about that man. But how could this be?

"How is it that you are alive?" the girl's voice was harsh from beneath her cloak, despite the terrible memories and the fear that struck her upon realizing he sat before them she approached the situation more calmly than she could have imagined.

"You're gone from this world. They had made sure of it. Spill it, sorcerer!"




((for the record I don't think Jasmine ever knew Trucido was supposed to actually be an archangel))

[Fillion "Fateseeker" Avalure]

"Gone, from this world?" Trucido's retorted slowly, trying to wrestle with the meaning behind the girl's words. "But, that would mean...who are you?" He was pawing madly to make sense of the situation, so he looked to this hooded figure as if they might hold the missing piece to his own personal puzzle.

"Now that's the question I been asking meself for the past few minutes." Fillion chimed in as he stood up from his seat. "Ah course, it be awfully rude a'you to go asking the lass' name while you leave the rest of us in the dark. Got a name there, sorcerer?" All the excitement had both Fillion's blood and the mana around him flowing, and even as he exhaled the air clouded before him as though he was on the mountaintops of Ghiacco. "The name's Fillion Avalure, and I got a feeling you and I were destined to meet."

"Silence!" Trucido growled in response to Fillion's introduction, his intensity a fraction of what Jasmine could feel focused on her. "Your name means nothing to me, which means you are nothing."

[Bang Shishigami]

"Enough with your feigned confusion and beguiling double talk, cretin!" My voice raised as my patience hit it's climax. It was obvious now that this figure was not all that he appeared to be; a fact I discerned from out cloaked compatriots outburst at the man's presence. I knew not whom this hooded woman was, but this tattered stranger before us looked, smelled, sounded, felt and, had I taken the extra mile, no doubtedly tasted of evil.

Lashing my strong hands towards the man, I grasped what could be loosely called a collar and hoisted him close to me, for no being when met with my steely gaze could muster such falsehoods and not have me see clean though them. "Now I shall not have another moment of this babbling and skullduggery, vile knave. If you have truths to speak then speak them true, for I, Bang Shishigami, the Hero of Justice, shall sit here and play your games no longer. Speak clear, or I shall prosecute you as I would any member of the loathsome Sumata 13."