Raindrop Valkyrie

"Understandable. You've always said looks were you're strong suit." it as certainly always an aspect that Airi had as far as Orchid could tell. Now the girl just had a few extra... appendages? Regardless she was still mostly the Airi she knew and that was enough for Orchid to be happy. Still unsure how to really respond to any of the others she didn't probe any of them directly. The green blob was certainly an oversharer, but honest at least. Still, information she didn't remotely need to know. Elastiboy seemed rather level headed the last to speak after the intercom had blared at the man who seemed to be in a rush to leave. Well she thought he was the rubbery one... she was losing track of who had waht quirks at this point. She figured that she'd perhaps answer his questions with what she thought. Though she was sure her answer wasn't going to be much to chew on. "By the state of how most of you faired... More than likely."

"Head's fine. Doesn't feel like it's been cleaved in half. l'm still unsure this will last but l'll enjoy my first migraine free moments in what has it been... 15 years?" Orchid put rather matter of factly. The pink horse was certainly... something. Least it wasn't purple. All of this was quite a bit to process given the non-stop increasing levels of "what the fuck?" around every single corner. She was unsure how she got away with little to no physical change given everyone else's plight it seemed. Perhaps tiny Gothic Lolita was strange enough already for them. She went back to focusing on her friend. "l see them, l suppose this wasn't a wholly terrible idea then. You've got your legs, my headache to rival the gods is gone."

That was her alright. Orchid couldn't help but find her voice easily despite everything going on here, lt was only as loud as usual though at least this time she didn't have a splitting headache. She'd not much interest in all the other interesting denizens of the room at the moment and decided to head over to met up with Airi for the time being. She'd rather not think about what seemed quite horrific results comparatively to her own. Seemed some were fated for much more complex procedures that ended far from their origin point. Some of the faces were completely unrecognizable from before. She walked past the man that was awfully talkative. Seemed to be suffering some form of delusion, or was just incredibly full of himself. Which ever the case didn't matter. There was a few others speakin' but it was difficult to place the voices as she couldn't see where they were coming from. She finally caught sight of the friend she'd been searching for only soaking in the new features for a moment before hopping up next to her in the bed. "The ears are new." she quickly addressed Airi then went back to her more quiet nature.

lt was finally gone. That infernal migraine was finally gone. lt was all Orchid could think about as she awoke from the slumber she'd been in. All the years of constant pain suddenly gone. She felt a clarity unlike any other she'd felt before. Perhaps that was the benefit of not feeling like your eyes were about to shoot out of your skull at any moment due to the pressure. lt took her a few moments to let the euphoria end before she came to of her surroundings. She sat up slowly not wishing to be made a center of attention and then slowly checked out her body. She still had her long black hair... all of her limbs felt fine. Her fingernails still painted the black she preferred. She then moved onto moving her limbs. All of them seemed quite intact, she was still her usual height of 4'8". Her body seemed exactly the same, so whatever they had gotten up to it was within her mind seemingly. She'd figure that out later, she was sure it'd present itself. For now she looked about the room, seeing if she could catch sight of Airi, she'd entered with her she had to be around somewhere. As she did so she observed the rest in the room, unsure what to think about the number of people and all that was currently happening.

Huzzah!!! A new challenger approaches!

Kaede The blue haired Ustole had been content being quiet at the moment while she was being directly addressed. lt was a bit tiring dealing with Church Officials even when genuinely being cooperative. She was using the time she wasn't the center of attention to recoup, glad she had gotten the time she did to do so. "Given the circumstances, l do not blame you. No offense taken. Friends aren't exactly something l make often." She decided to exclude the methods many of their classmates had resorted to to escape her in the past. Others didn't see to take well to the prior resident leaving through quite permanent means. "My apologies for not telling you prior Arturia. Though... the roommate part l only knew about today myself. lt was only a matter of time anyway. Perhaps it's good that she choose to be here rather than... all of the prior residents of our little abode." Kaede was always a bit hard to read even for Arturia, perhaps the only person that'd spent enough time with her to even have one on her. However her earlier statements during the interrogation and Alva's well... willingness to be within 15 feet of her probably said more to Arturia then any words Kaede could. "That also goes for that girl. l had only known she'd arrive when Tys briefed me." as her mentor had often been to this room time and again, Arturia would be familiar enough to know who she was. "l didn't know she'd arrive this quickly. She's not some normal church official either. She's something.... more. l've heard whispered but... l couldn't say with certainty such a thing was real." Kaede looked to the girl. lt was certainly the one that had dislocated Alva's arm. The one that Arturia had run after that day. "Understand something Arturia. The less you tell me the better. l have to be as cooperative in this investigation as possible. Even though it's not my desire too, they'll be hovering around me anyway as they seemingly have no information and l was the sole member that was present in some capacity. l cannot lie if l do not know the truth. Her methods were immediately hostile. l'm sure you are aware what means given she'd reason to suspect you of hiding something. l did what l could. And l shall continue to do so to the best of my capabilities, but this is likely the start of a long road."

Augustus Elias would feel an incredible jolt of pain, it was clear that Augustus hadn't quite finished on the repair of his nerves. lt hadn't been the mind numbing force it was before but it'd certainly discourage movement for the time being. Elias felt a pang of emotion that didn't belong to himself. A sort of light disappoint, the sigh you'd give a friend before they tried to do something stupid like they always did. "Seems you too much the type that wants to go exploring... l suppose you're employer is still missing... l'll have you fixed enough you can move soon. Patience friend." while he'd wanted to avoid the suspicion of the impossibility of someone moving after that blast, he'd tried to be understanding of the situation. He couldn't exactly relate, but he knew such things were important to humans. "To answer your question while we're still here however..." he began, a tinge of scholarly excitement to his voice. Elias could feel that excitement ever so slightly bleed over into himself. "We are conversing through thought. A sort of limited communication that actually naturally exists between two souls occupying the same space. lt was discovered by a colleague of mine..." the excitement exited him at this moment. Clearly he wasn't on the best of terms with this one. "Think of it like telepathy in a sense. The sending of a thought to another. Not every thought you think shall be transmitted, so do not worry about such things. You may notice that emotions get sent over as well time to time as well as things such as physical pain. We share a body so strong signals like such are interpreted and sent over as well." The Stewardess "That is why l am here." The Stewardess said matter of factly, and for all purposes it was true. She was here to remedy that problem. Perhaps unlike the others of the Arcana, she was looking towards the future, the potential to reawaken who'd be lost... to right what was wrong for good. Her goal was more cosmic then the others, beyond the scope of herself. After all she was the caretaker of the Arcana lost, and the oldest amongst them. She could see however her answer would not be satisfactory. Elaboration was needed. "One of our number, The Fool, long ago found a method with which We may survive independent of faith of the masses. We of the Arcana can subsist as a soul without a true body unlike any other form of life. However even we cannot live without one forever and vessels made by ourselves aren't much better as they eventually will die like any other life. lt'd take too much to continue maintaining such. The method found by the Fool, by complete blind dumb luck... was that we could share a body with a willing human." She stopped there for the moment, she continued pacing as she was but realized that all she was revealing may be more than a human could process, at least while new to the information. She waited for the girl to catch-up. Death "Oh, struck a nerve have l?" Death's features softened going back to her typical seemingly emotionless state, however Siena could still see the smile in her eyes. "No no dear Siena, while l do deal in endings l... well l suppose in a sense l do seek an ending to your life." she left off here, letting the chilling words linger far too long. The silence was broken by the screeching of the chair breaking the tension in the air as Death leaned forward her face coming close to Siena's. She placed her hand either side of her face leaning in close using her elbows for support, still clutching her parasoul is her left hand. Siena felt her cold breath on her face, icy talons in the pale night. "There's more to Death then the endings, sometimes my dear... it's only the beginning." suddenly a small finger booped Siena on the nose, killing the tension of the moment somewhat with it's playfulness. "But no, you're faith matters not. lt just made you one that be more willing to hear what l am truly here for. l'm here to make a deal with you Siena. A contract... this life will end. But we shall begin a new one, together! Right here~ Do you wish to hear more...? Or does the fear of the unknown paralyze you?"

Kaede There was a lot for the young Ustole to unpack and process here. Firstly that this seemed not just any church official. One of seeming import past what she had known existed. As well as she knew the inner workings of the church apparently that still held secrets she didn't know of. This wasn't truly world-shattering, after all this is what the church did. Dabble in secrecy. She couldn't help but feel this made little sense. The church had to know that she herself was not present at the events of the cataclysmic disaster when it unfolded. They had to have better information than what was being presented especially if they were sending one of a station she didn't know. Had this been some small routine legwork they'd not send someone of this nature. She figured she'd start from he top as she weaved herself through these mysteries. "l apologize for my friend's terseness and my missteps. l had figured that this wasn't such a pressing matter as my alibi should be well known to the church and that was simply a formality rather than a true investigation. That was presumptuous of me." she said offering a slight dip in her posture, she did mean this sincerely or as sincerely as she was capable of. "As for Arturia, l hope you'll forgive my friend. Times have been quite rough for her which l can attest from my visits while she was hospitalized. lt's a large favour l know and you don't owe me that." lt took Kaede but a moment to realize she'd not yet answered Kindle's battery of questions. She luckily had Alva's first answer to back up her own story, "l was not present at the splitting and only heard of the event sometime afterwards. As Alva said she had her shoulder dislocated. l reset it back in place but we went back to the nurse to make sure that that'd be enough and there'd be no underlying issues that present later on. lf you need further proof there are two other girls that were along with us. One girl by the name of Riley and one Esyllt, they can further corroborate if need be." even if this weren't the truth, Kaede's ability to remain absolutely calm and level would make it hard to discern she was lying anyway. She had an air of utter confidence in her words, one that utterly unshakable. She was quite the cool customer, nothing but stillness in the frigid lakes that were her eyes. "l've not come into contact with anyone claiming to be any of the 4 goddesses. Had l, they'd have been reported post-haste." this certainly a lie if thy were someone important to her she would not. However she didn't falter one bit, after all it was easier to maintain a half truth and but a cinch for Kaede. "lf there is anything else that requires answering you've my full cooperation. lam but a humble servant of the church and it is the least l can do to serve her."

"Oh! Oh! Dat's me. Well well, lt's yer lucky day sir knight. l just so 'appen ta know a fink or two about them keepie outties. Stand aside and let me work me magic!" said the excitable thief able to use one of the skills she'd picked up over the years. She was used to having to improvise, so the set of thieves' tools she'd received from Leslie were quite appreciated. Funny how they had arrived just in the nick of time. Fate, a peculiar thing it was it was. She went about the job about as quickly as she did everything else, a swiftness that was beyond remarkable. She leaned against the door listening for the tumblers to fall neatly into place as she jimmied the lock to see her adventuring party to their destination. "Hmmm, yes... uh huh..." the thief mumbled to herself as she continued working. Without much warning she exclaimed "TAAAH DAH!" as the lock clicked into place. Cassidy swung open the door with aplomb, the hinges screeching a bit in agony. What was visible from the doorway was... well a swarm of enemy soldierin' types. Well... that was certainly no good. "Hmmm, well ain't dis a sticky wicket? Fink l've an idear whys that door was da way is were." she said pointing at all the men huddling down the hall. Pick Da Door, Move to H26

Nastasia The young madame was quite sure she was somewhat out of her element in this room after all that was currently occurring. Not in the sense she had no reason being here, but in the sense that she wasn't well abreast of the situations and social ebb and flow between all these individuals. She sunk back into her chair, having used the intervening scramble to observe everything that was currently transpiring. This new arrival made it all the easier to do so as the focus was completely off Nastasia due to the tension in the room. lt seemed the man, who had nary the thought to introduce himself to new company, had made some move to earn the ire of the one she knew as Hiroki. He didn't exactly endear himself much to herself either however, being the bearer of such news she couldn't fault him too much. However, all that she'd been taking in now she wasn't prepared for the next thing she'd witness. Sain was... crying? That lecherous lout broke into tears now of all times? Nastasia had to hold every fiber of her being to not react... somehow to a sight she could barely comprehend unfolding right in front of her eyes. She wasn't sure if she'd laugh, recoil in disgust, cry herself... what she'd have done in response, just that it'd certainly not be the time for such actions and would certainly sour the impression of her character ~~if it hadn't been already~~ to the others present. Rather than any action that'd call attention towards the so called god, she slipped a hand quietly as she could to his shoulder. lt wasn't an action of reassurance but one to allow him to realize he needed to pull himself together in this moment. As much as she loathed the man... we all deserved our dignity. Her own handkerchief was balled in her hand, offered as a means to recover from his current break. She figured she'd speak to keep the conversation going keep the air from being dead and people surely noticing Sain's current state of being. "So, with a terrible omen there is but a whisper of fortune at it's feet. Ohohoho~ The world works in mysterious ways it seems." Nastasia understanding the gravity of the tension between the parties, or at least enough of it, addressed the man who still stood. A method to retarget the focus from Sain. "You are new to me messenger, l'd offer you a seat but it's not my place and well... l'm sure there's good reason you're still standing across the room. Regardless, we've not met before. Madame Nastasia Susanna Sinclair, Charmed~." a clearly sarcastic tone was present in her voice on the last word.

Rayne moves to P9, Attack Monk with Slim Lance, Canto to P10

Kaede "Even if we were having such a thing... you'd not be invited." Kaede said flatly, no real tone of indignation attached to it. A simple matter that she had no idea who this was. She seemed to have invite herself in without any warrant... so to speak. Perhaps taking advantage of Alva somehow. The girl did seem to have quite a nice streak, that much was notable in the short time Kaede had known the greenhaired people pleaser. "Now... l am here you may leave this space. You're here for me, no? lf either of them are relevant to the matter at hand they shall be summoned as per usual and typical protocol. l shouldn't have to remind you not to badger people in their homes. You should know what's expected of your station" Kaede rattled out calmly staring at the unknown entity. "Wait in the hall please, l need time to settle my affairs before we move to a more suitable location."

Kaede Kaede had offered the smile back to Tys as she had left, however it was nothing more than a practiced courtesy. The nod of acknowledgment accompanying the false smile was much more genuine, and often what Kaede would leave Tys in parting. Perhaps she was the only person that she didn't need to pretend and have emotion around but the practice certainly never hurt. The girl was never sure why Tys seemed to not mind her... but she appreciated there was at least someone she didn't have to be anything other than herself in their company. Was this something allowed of a broken doll? Well... even if no, Kaede didn't care. She made back to her room, some spring in her step. She preferred to linger within the halls as little as possible. There was the thought that whoever the church had sent would arrive early as well... She felt something, knowing that Alva had been there still. The church weren't beyond using underhanded tactics and a roommate would make a good target for some prying if she freely gave information. All of this served to hasten her steps, though not more than a brisk walk. There was no certainly anything was occurring and even if it were it'd be best to arrive with a much more put together demeanor. Part of any such matter was appearance. lt'd certainly leave a sour taste in the mouth if she suddenly flew at full pace barging into her own room. Well... so Kaede had thought. Trying to work from how others viewed the world was quite difficult and never quite perfect. But, due to lack of sharp emotions it was hard to discern these things from her own perspective. lt had seemed she was correct to have whatever those feelings were however confirmed as she had opened the door to her room and another was stood within. She heard the last question leave the girl's lips and given she'd never seen her before, gathered that it was clear who this person was. Crystal Clear. "l've one more by the name of Arturia, she also resides here. However she is out at the moment. l cannot speak for Alva." Kaede said, firmly and while continuing with her business. She had began flipping off her shoes as was typical. She'd have thought to stop but it was the usual step she carried out when she arrived at home. "l was returning to speak to you about this..." Kaede had turned to speak with Alva, no longer paying the new presence mind as she was addressing her friend. "But it seems you are already acquainted. l may not have much need of an explanation."

Apollo "Yes of course! l'm sure she enjoys your company as well, l just imagine she's not a person that's great showing that to others." Apollo said nodding as if she'd said something wise or profound. Apollo was glad she was managing some headway, that this seemed to be going well. But, she wasn't quite sure how this end up moving into more... serious discussion. She thought to ease in, the current topic at hand helping this endeavor. "July reminds me quite a bit of a friend of mine from back home. She's also the type that seems a bit gruff on the surface, but is truly quite kind when it matters." Augustus "Where? Hmmm... that's a complicated question." and one he wasn't sure he'd have to answer quite in this manner, but... oh well. Such was the way of things. "ln the terms of which humans would typically mean, l am nowhere. l do not currently possess physical form... it's not needed in the present." but he figured that'd hardly qualify as a true answer to Elias's question. "lt is hard to place into words a better answer at present due to the work l'm currently performing... but l am in a sense occupying the same space as you are."

Death Death did nothing but intently stare at Siena, and as the chill of her gaze finally set in... the thing to break the scene was hysterical laughter. Death almost dropped the parasol in her hand as she succumb to her temporary lapse of character. As stoic as she was she just couldn't contain herself right now. "You couldn't be more wrong, l don't give a damn about your faith. l couldn't care less about an individual's faith. lt'd be as meaningless as caring about but a single drop of rain in a storm." Death managing to swiftly regain her control though notably there was but a faint smirk now played across her lips. Humans were amusing, so self-important. She never tired of that aspect of them slipping into their character almost without fail. Even more amusing was the fact that Siena believed in The Arcana at all, made her one of the people she supposedly was not. Death had no devout followers. People weren't typically eager to worship her even when they actually understood what she was the goddess of. Humanity was always frightened by Death and by change, new perspective. So, Siena even believing she existed... was basically the strongest of followers she had in this new world. "Faith is the reason l'm here, but not the reason l'm here." As if it wasn't a confusing statement, Death left it hang in the air momentarily. "Of course, at first, the reason l'm in this world... the second why l am here in your presence." Death closed her eyes, tapping her foot ever so softly against the table. She appeared to be humming something to herself as she waited for some response. She suddenly seemed all the more lively then before, perhaps Siena's misstep had greatly amused her enough that she was no longer able to hide she was enjoying this. Augustus Augustus winced at the sudden shot of burning pain. He figured this would happen at least once however, so he didn't lose his concentration. "Hmmm, quite. l'd suggest not moving for the time-being. l must be able to concentrate on this process or it will not take effect. Every pain you feel, so do l." Augustus went back to his silence for now. He wasn't going to speak unless he was asked to... now would be the time to explain what was happening in any normal situation however they had to skip over the "ease them in" step. Such was the dangerous line of work of a Maid or Butler perhaps. Augustus was only going to fix Elias enough that medical teams could repair any leftover damage. lt be much too suspicious if there was no damage when Priscilla returned with Sebastian. Apollo Apollo noted for later, sudden loud noises = bad. She'd work out the kinks over time as she could, she was at least going to make the effort. Apollo was legitimately puzzled at Mika's words however unsure quite how to take them. "ls she really that grouchy? She seemed quite pleasant to me, she was quite helpful and seemed to more than delighted to point me in the right direction ta find ya." Apollo said index finger to her chin, an inquisitive look about her. She seemed quite genuine what she was saying, she truly believed what she was saying.

Augustus "The Hero hmmm?" what an odd notion to have at this time, perhaps, such was what death caused in humans. They were an oddity that he had never quite understood. When the method for which the Arcana would ensure the continuation of their existence was revealed, he had refused. How could humanity handle such a task? How could they harbor such powerful secrets? Especially those that belonged to him, The Emperor of Secrets. He had amassed countless fonts of knowledge from all his years in this universe. Knowledge that held the power to end this world with but the simplicity of lifting of a finger. How could humans handle this? And yet, there was other secrets that could not afford to be lost, wonders of this world that would be squelched from eternity if he had chosen to indulge his self-import. He felt it fair he be likened to a demon brokering a deal, though... he wasn't hardly the lout as his fellow Arcana more befitting the name. But this deal was an even trade, one that would not land Elias within his debt. A life for a life... fair, even. Perhaps a god's was worth more than a mortals... but who was to say this was true? Augustus had been living amongst them, he had seen parts of their lives, more than he ever had from on high. These beings, they were crude at times, they had flaws, they inflicted malicious deeds upon themselves and one another, but they had the capacity for the opposite as well. Humans were the culminations of secret tales and stories. They were woven from a million unseen actions of their own making and those around them. Perhaps why they were so interesting in telling the tales of heroes... regardless, they were fascinating beings, ones that were worth his study. "You're in luck Elias, this Contract will save me as much you. Debt isn't something you should worry about. Even if l were a devil, this trade is even, fair. lt is a life for a life. Perhaps, that l've this ability would make mine seem more valuable but l'm not here to discuss semantics." lt was strange, he wasn't being as he usually would. being honest, fair. Perhaps he was getting soft, perhaps humanity was rubbing off on him. There wasn't time for tarrying however, he could ponder the finer details what all this meant later. For now, he had work to do. He removed the fine silk glove from his right hand exposing his skin. The contact was important for what was about to happen. A soft golden light enveloped his hand, as if it was emitting candlelight that never wavered, a perfect flame. Elias felt as the light neared, as it touched his forehead. But... strangely it hadn't stopped there like he'd have thought. The warmth penetrated further within. lt was a feeling that he couldn't describe, one he'd never felt before... one he was sure he never would again. When it had waned... Augustus was nowhere to be seen.

Augustus "Well, l'll answer them in order of importance. No, you're not dead.... Yet." lt was at this point Elias realized that the man had been more or less lying on the floor as well to converse with him, trying to look him in the eyes as he spoke, a measure of some sort of respect. "As for the young princess she's unscathed. Your actions certainly saved her life. She's not made of sterner material like you." Augustus looked away a moment, losing his resolve for a second. As much as he thought he didn't care, telling a mortal they were beyond normal means of saving... still felt unnaturally cruel, even for him. He sighed, one born of weariness, that shield had taken a lot out of him, more than he'd expected. Perhaps Death was right, even one as strong as himself would suffer from the smallest of miracles these days. He looked back to the man that lay before him, knowing full well that while he felt what he was asking was cruel, it was the only thing that'd save both of their lives. Elias's now, his own in the long run. "l owe you the truth in this situation. You are beyond the medical capabilities of man. Your nerves all are about shot to hell, your life hangs by but a thin silver thread. That... was the magic of the gods. Luckily, it was but a cheap imitation, a counterfeit. lf it had been the true thing we'd not be speaking right now." he paused, a frog in his throat caught him a moment before pushing past. "But it offers you one solution. l cannot explain it in detail, we've not the time, you'll have to trust me Elias."

The Stewardess The silver haired maid looked vexed for a moment, her brow furrowing from a moment. Though it wasn't out of anger, but pure lack of an answer. She forgot herself, she was talking to a mortal, a being that wouldn't be able to comprehend what such a concept of death meant to a goddess. The Stewardess didn't plan on having to clear this up, her kind was all she had conversed with before... she'd never spoke to someone who did not understand a facet of her being that was beyond common knowledge to her peers. The silence continued, at least in sense of words, as the Stewardess frantically wracked her mind for a way to explain her meaning, to find the words. She placed a hand to her chin, biting down on her index finger, as she paced. Her heels weighted strikes into the stone balcony were all that answered Val at this moment. "Gods...we subsist on faith, belief. lt is a force that only mortals can provide, living beings that are capable of thought. lt isn't the source of our origin, however it is what maintains it. Without it, our abilities wane, we cannot create miracles without using pieces of our origin." she said seemingly not at Val, but it could only be for her. The woman continuing pacing, perhaps waiting for a reply, some indication of understanding. Death "Hmmm? ls that not but a simple conclusion to one such as yourself soothsayer?" Death angled her face upwards, looking down her nose at the fortuneteller for a moment. lt'd have had more effect if she wasn't so small, though, Death's own presence made up quite the difference. "It is something that you possess my dear but others do no longer. The veritable ambrosia, the bread that sustains divinity. Faith." Apollo The brown haired girl clapped evidently ecstatic she'd found a question with an answer that wasn't rough for Mika. Headway! Progress! Victory! Well, partially. There'd still be more to come, Apollo needed to assure she was comfortable enough that Mika would hear her out, more importantly, that she'd believe her. "Well, he certainly sounds like a good man." Apollo looked around, the place they were staying, it must've been the place Mr. Honeydew gave to Mika, it was quite a place for just one young girl. Just how loaded was this guy? Apollo tried to push the inappropriate inquiries from her mind now not being the time for such conjectures. "Hmmm, even July likes him huh? l'd hafta see dat ta believe it!" she said a bit more of her boister creeping back into her voice. She caught herself before continuing. "He mustn't have been about on my visit." Priscilla, Augustus. Elias made it within time, the roaring inferno still not within range. lt charge down the hall, unchanging in it's raging warpath to the situation unfolding in front of it. Priscilla had no time to process still overwhelmed by the situation, she only reacted instinctively to her name being called, the bare minimum allowing Elias to pull her down to the ground fast enough. She couldn't see anything but darkness,she could only feel the searing heat of a flame unnatural. The flame rolled over them racing uncaring towards the third figure. Augustus only scoffed silently to himself. Child's play was this magic to a being such as he, though it was from the age of gods... he had to wonder how a mere human recovered such magic... was it the Hermit's doing? Regardless, now wasn't the time. He tapped his cane into the ground, and a spark of a deep azure blue rose from the impact. Suddenly a wonderful sapphire wall jumped up in front of the man. lt was pure force, the energy in it's purest form. The flame broke on it's face, scattering to the winds in every direction. Nothing remained but cinders, that danced in the stagnant air. "Well, he certainly tried. At the least it was low level magic, though... any magic from that poor butler would be formidable. Courage to act and protect one that wasn't his own charge... respectable. Yes, l do quite like this... Elias and his secrets. Perhaps l shall..." Augustus walked forth, striding through the wreckage wrought by the hellish flames. Cracked tile, the pieces of decor, all crunched under his fine suede shoes. Priscilla was next greeted by the face of a man she really didn't know, the one she had seen with Elias moments prior. The darkness gave way with a resounding thud next to her. She was still unable to grasp what was happening, but the voice of the man brought her to some focus. "Princess, my name is Augustus! We must be careful until l know the extent of the damage are you okay?" Pris started to feel her body once more, the weight that came over it had dissipated, but... she was on the floor. She didn't remember falling down or what that weight was. However she was unharmed, unscathed other than a few singes to her clothing. She nodded yes to Augustus. She'd have spoken but, she could't bring herself too, as lucky as she was to be safe... she couldn't remove the pit in her stomach, the one that was telling her something was wrong. "Okay Princess, l'm going to need you to get your Butler, Sebastian. He was looking for us prior it should be an easy enough task. When you get up, do not linger here please." He had tried, but the moment she saw him Pris ran to his side. lt had all come back to her. Every second before she had frozen, all the moments while she was. "ELIAS!!!" the butler was charred to ashes about the whole length of his body on the back. Augustus has lain him on his chest to avoid placing pressure onto the burns, and was now holding back Pris with his left arm, quite frustrated. "Dear, please. lf it helps, l'm a doctor. l know first aid and l can keep him alive until better help arrives. l need you to get Sebastian. l cannot work if you're clinging onto him. l know how you feel... trust me, but l need you to seek help." Pris was but a mess, tearing at the man, trying to rip past him tears streaming down both sides of her face. But, she knew Augustus was right. She meekly replied with a choked and labored "o...kay". She whispered something under her breath, heard only be Augustus's ear by mere... happenstance we shall say. "Stay strong for me Elias... l'm going to do what l can." lt was then, Elias awoke to nothingness. He'd certainly feel wrong, but he'd not feel pain. He'd find himself unable to move his limbs however, perhaps a different type of horror then pain. Before he'd have much time to ponder it however, he'd see once more the face of that mysterious man. "Hmmm, quite the daring hero we have here. l probably don't have to explain how dire this situation is do l?" Fortune "l am one of 22. We are but a collection of entities that preside over this world. We, the Arcana." Fortune said a strange tone to his voice. He wasn't quite sure how to take Garret's seemingly unalarmed response to this. He'd expect a lot more... well something out of a mortal having the world thrown up all around them, everything being thrown into question. Perhaps this was just the spirit of a true gambler. "My fellows, l'm uncertain. We've all parted ways. l'm sure plenty are here within this city full of sin, vice, and great importance. We all however have a mission. To ensure the survival of not just ourselves, but humanity as well."

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime offer, so buy now or regret it forever~"

Rayne move to R8 and Slim lance Mage 1

Nastasia lt seemed that Sain had been well enough informed, there didn't see to be any holes in what she herself was told. Nastasia was sure that she was only informed of what was directly necessary and that she wasn't privy to every part of the planning. That was fine, even if she wasn't fond of it. She certainly was no slouch when it came to battle, and knew her way around Archangel more than well enough, but she wasn't a fighter first. She tended to her business as a much higher priority. lt was a matter of import that not as many were readily as equipped to handle. Battle was something that with enough practice was attainable but all as far as Nastasia was concerned. lt wasn't where her talent was meant to be focused. She was addressed, not at first realizing that Sain spoke of her. Stacy? That didn't even make sense. Where did he even manage to pull that one from? She had assumed at first that it was either of the others present, but neither responded and the piece of the plan was clearly the one she'd be carrying out. She gave him only a probing eyebrow, unsure how to really assess the poor attempt at spite she supposed. She didn't have long before one of the others spoke up. She seemed to lack confidence. This was the one that had stood up to Lord of all people? She couldn't say it was anything short of baffling but she supposed appearances truly didn't have impact on one's ability to pilot. She didn't say much nd seemed unsure of what she was even saying. lt was odd, that name as well. "Arcturus? That certainly wasn't an element presented at the briefing. l don't remember such a name coming up. Everything is as Sain says, but this man was not mentioned. Sain, does it mean anything to you? l can't say it l know of an Arcturus."

Nastasia Nastasia wasn't just any proud noble however, she was self-built and ran an entire empire on her own at this point. Though Sain did have the sole advantage over most, he actually had the aura of a god unlike the multitude of bureaucratic idiots that thought they were gods. lt was certainly quite the tantrum but a tantrum all the same. But Nastasia felt at least an inkling more of respect for the supposed worm. He at least had some principles... lt was more than she could reasonably say for some she'd dealt with in her time. She hated being reminded that Lain was even slightly related to this vermin however... But, were the words Sain saying true? Nastasia thought that he and Lain didn't speak given the rather complex family situation she didn't know the extent of. lt wasn't easy to ignore, given Seeker seemed to speak with the same tone of disgust she did, and just from small clues she'd picked up but it seemed oddly specific thing to pull from nowhere. lt gave her pause for a moment and she couldn't stop thinking it if it was true. lt made her next barks much more that, then bites. However her disdain was still evident enough. Nastasia gestured towards the table and all of it luxuries, she didn't provide this but that's wasn't the point. "l'm much more than that. l'm the reason many people even have food to put on their plate. l may not fight the fields of battle often but l fight an evil just as great. Maybe not as glorious... glamorous as World Ending Deities but, one all the same. One l'm sure you're plane felt quite often. So, remember who speak to. Nastasia Susanna Sinclair, owner of Sinclair's United, the largest agricultural company in all the planes combined. Don't dain to put me in the same self-made category as yourself." She then sat clearly of her own accord, though clearly relinquishing her right to the presence in the room. "Now speak, you've a briefing for our friends here that are more inclined to such things as battle. l'll correct any of your missteps at the end of course as per your request."

Nastasia "Ohohoho! lf you think l'm taking a seat after that pathetic excuse for greeting you've another thing coming Sain." Nastasia left the name fall from her lips coated with a healthy helping of venom. Clearly she was no fan of the man. "Firstly, it's Madame Nastasia Susanna Sinclair to the likes of you. Madame Sinclair if you must shorten it, but l suggest you think twice about that." she said seemingly looking down her nose at him, though she was shifting around enough in her huff it was hard enough to really get a read on her past she was clearly unpleased. Nastasia made no moves to seat herself instead standing behind the chair her arms crossed as she stared wild eyed at the god in front of her. What a pathetic excuse for a god... she could scarcely believe him in any encounter though she had barely any. As most of her dealings were with Lain in the world of gods. She always found herself amazed he would manage to outdo himself every time. Nastasia couldn't help but notice how silent the room was when she wasn't speaking, and how her introduction was completely overlooked for the most part. Everyone here seemed downtrodden,disposed... under spirited. Disgusting... "Besides speak for yourself Sain. l've already been briefed on the situation by those much more important then you, or so you claim. That attitude is why such is the case. You've the potential, you just choose to squander it. Do not push that onto our guests. l'm sure they are plenty capable or they'd not be here. Now, ignore that simpleton's poor assessments and introduce yourselves. He is a horrible host if that much isn't obvious, even a briefing is a matter where guests should be treated with proper etiquette and decorum in mind. He just lacks the knowledge of either it seems. Come now. lt is not a difficult matter. We are too fight on the same battlefield you can at least extend me the courtesy of your names."

Mysterious Man, Priscilla, etc. Priscilla caught the glance but wasn't really sure how to interpret what it meant. She figured it must've had some meaning however, deciding that Elias probably wanted her to take action and he'd follow up on it if need be. "Fat chance pal!" she shouted in a rather unladylike shout [nothing new to Elias]. Her eyes lit up along with her smile as she depressed the trigger and the firearm roared to life. The clap of bullets filled the air, the pinging of metal casings off the tiled floors. lt was quite the scene watching a supposed noble firing an icon of gangster culture... but there wasn't much time to appreciate the irony. Space between the gun-toting princess and her two accompanying servants was now empty, completely. lt was more then proven by the bullets whizzing past the duo as they hit nothing but air in the space that the man had occupied prior. "What the hell?" Pris cursed under her breath though audible enough the two men heard it anyway. For a moment the the air was silent, the three unable to process what had happened when a snap came from down the hallway. The snap of air suddenly rushing out of a space suddenly being filled in but a fraction of a second. The attacker was now down the hallway down the side behind Pris. He sighed heavily, not letting the quiet breathe any longer. "This shit ain't worth it." he said pointing his index finger towards Pris. lt was a gesture that resembled a small firearm. "Boss wanted ya alive but l'm sure he'd not mind ya dead either. Sayonara Miss, nothin' personal, it's just business." the look on his face one of disappoint... before a small orange globe formed on his fingertip. "Feugo." and with that the minuscule globule of orange expended rapidly into a roaring inferno. The man recoiled his hand back, sending the bullet of destruction flying down the hall. Clearly he'd decided taking her with was too much of a hassle, and feel back to an assassin but... what was this? lt had to be magic, but this was impossible! Magic could never do something of this scale. Though now wasn't the time to try and grasp what was happening, the amber wave of energy screaming down the corridor straight for Priscilla. There wasn't an option to run, it could easily out pace the the three of them. Pris also seemed to stunned to move, unable to process the sudden turn of control in the situation.

Garret "Perhaps it once did, but no. I'm afraid not." Fortune said, the wheel was clearly mulling over how to next proceed. What he was to explain perhaps wasn't the easiest newsto break to someone, Humans especially. They were notcreatures fond of thevr worldview being shattered into a million pieces. They werecreatures of comfort, habit. This...it'd hold a wieght not ableto be processed with nary a second thought. Well.. for most humans. Perhaps this Garret was as interesting in that aspect as he seemed in others to Fortune. "Hmmm, The Arcana, are the beings that created this world. l had not told you my full name before, l was unsure how you'd react to being told such a thing. Regardless of me being a talking object." Fortune "walked" closer to the gambler, clacking of wood on wood. "l am Wheel of Fortune, the 10th. He who repersents the winds of fate." he took a deep regal bow. A strange gesture from a roulette wheel. Death Death smirked at the questioning, as to what that grin that played across her soft features for but an instant meant... was unknown to the teller of fortune. "A bold gesture. A mortal to dain that l answer. Questioning one of those which she knows created the divine tapestry known as the Terrastial. One that has taken her time to remove herself from the Celestial to commune with her children." Death's cool blue eyes bore into Siena, as if the goddess could see her every flaw, if every thing had been lain bare. Siena felt naked underneath those eyes of frost, down to the fabric of her being. Her Soul. This glance had been the most intense... Siena felt the imenseness that was the being Death. As if the world curled it's hand around her throat. Despite how she choose to appear to her, a small woman... nay, almost a child... and yet she was the most horrifying being that Siena had ever witnessed. She could feel in her soul how easily Death could toss her aside, take her most precious from her... extingish the gift of life. Death's Icy Talons could pluck the fruit of life so easily from her chest. Over in but a second, and Siena would wither away, forgotten to the world and time itself. And yet, Siena would feel something else within that premordial fear. lt was perhaps not a concept she could truly grasp at this moment, not something she'd know the name of... but it brought her a type of comfort, succor from the horror she bore witness to. Death wasn't only the most terrfying being that Siena had met. She was also the most comforting. The complexity... was hard for a mere human to understand this in full, to process it in onw go. But the feeling kept Siena from reverting to the baser instincts. She didn't feel the need to run, to remove herself from the situation. "But...if l must. We are the caretakers of the Celestial. lt is a place above mortals. One that exists and yet does not. Your kind, the children of the world may refer to space as this. Often you refer to the stars, suns, planets as Celestial bodies. Perhaps in some way but this is not correct. The Celestial is a realm beyond. The Terrastial emcompasses all that you know. lt is your realm. The one that we left for mortal life, the children. We leave it in your care. However, our realms are connected. Without the Celestial, the Terrastial cannot exist."