genessia | [Video/Action in Everglade (Night)]

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[Video/Action in Everglade (Night)]

[Video]

[The feed begins with the little dragon sighing with relief.]

Well, I sure am glad the election is over. That sure was nerve-wracking. It's no surprise that Satori practically wiped out the competition, given her previous experience as Guardian...

[And that experience would speak louder than anything that any of the candidates could say in the debate. Azalea sighs again.]

Frankly...I'm somewhat relieved that I lost. I wasn't sure that I could handle the pressure of being a Guardian...and I guess it showed in the debate.

[She gives a nervous laugh.]

Regardless, I will still do my best to protect Fayren, and all of Genessia if necessary. I don't believe I need a Guardian title to do that. That said, I wish the best of luck to all the Guardians.

Action - Everglade (Night)

[Meanwhile, Azalea's clan felt that they needed some exercise. At the same time, they also wanted to test the extent of Everglade's curfew law. After sunset, the creatures of the night were allowed to attack and kill humans without penalty. But what if something were to go and kill the creatures of the night? Would they suffer penalty? Or is it just as allowed?]

[Azalea brings the same party she had brought with her the last time she had explored Everglade – Qubine, Sabori, and Amadeus. They roam the streets, fighting and killing the creatures they see. Qubine and Sabori do most of the physical fighting with their teeth and claws, while Amadeus and Azalea hang back and heal any injuries sustained. Qubine occasionally channels the ice elements into his attacks, while Sabori sometimes blinds her opponents with a dense black mist. As the night progresses, the night creatures gradually grow more aggressive, seeing the dragons as a threat. Not that the dragons minded.]

[When there's another lull in the fighting, the dragons casually stroll down the road once again. Amadeus seems to be trailing behind the other three. Soon, a horde of night creatures attempt to charge the dragons from behind. Amadeus would be the first target they reach, although he doesn't seem to take notice of their approach. The other dragons spin around to face him, Qubine and Sabori with their claws bared. Amadeus stops walking, and right when the creatures are upon him, he closes his eyes, radiating a powerful barrier of light magic around him. The flash is bright enough to blind all of Everglade for a split second. The barrier forcefully repels all the creatures, causing their dead, smoking bodies to hit the ground in sickening thuds.]

[Only then does Amadeus turn to face the creatures, straightening his glasses on his face.]

Don't crowd me, children.

[He faces forward, where the other three dragons are beaming at him, expressionless.]

Oh, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern.

[Qubine simply nods.] Glad to hear it.

[They turn to resume their walk through the city in search of more battles to fight.]

[OOC: Just in case anyone's wondering, the dragons will not attack player characters, unless they actively seek a fight with them.]

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That was one of the most graceful concessions I've seen on here. It's Azalea, isn't it?

[ Yui's more impressed by how well she was taking it than anything. A lot of people seem to get really thrown when they don't win, or they have in the past. ]

I'm sure you'd have support if you tried to run again next time. [ She just wants to be encouraging. She doesn't know Satori, but Azalea seemed rather level-headed and good to her. ]

Ah...thank you. And yes, I am Azalea. I hadn't really planned to run this time, but someone else had nominated me, so I thought I'd try anyway. But perhaps next time I'll nominate myself.

[She shrugs. It's a big fat "maybe".]

But Guardianship is just a title, really...a position of responsibility. When you're a Guardian, you're expected to protect your city. And if you fail...you get quite a lot of negative gossip about you, from what I've seen. And I really...don't want that.

I think of it more as someone having made a commitment to protect, regardless of what people thought of them, so we always know that we have someone on our side when things get dark.

[ She has her hand over her heart. ] I know that there are plenty of people who protect the city in their own way, just like I do my own part when I can, but I think the Guardians are the people that everyone trusts to be their leader when it comes to protecting the cities.

That's true...but there are still many other things about Guardianship that I don't understand. The Guardians seem to do much more work than we see, and I don't know exactly what all they do when they're not actively fighting something that poses an immediate threat. Well, I know gathering intel on lingering threats is one thing, but I don't know how they go about that...

My clan and I have been trained to quickly eliminate anyone or anything that poses a threat...but in Genessia, I've come to learn that that isn't exactly acceptable...

Haller-san always seems very busy trying to form and lay out what he's planning next in order to increase security or provide humane punishments for criminals, things like that. He always makes time to make sure that charity projects like the Childrens' Home are funded, since kids need a safe place to stay as well. Plus patrols and upkeep, and probably even more things I'm not informed about.. I think there are a lot of different ways to be a guardian too, so I'm sure the others have different things they do.

[Fai sighed slightly, as he had been out on patrol. He had seen what had happened and because of it, had to do a report. However it mean he needed to find out what exactly happened.]

Excuse me~ Azalea!

[The dragons turn upon hearing the human calling for Azalea, who waves cheerfully.]

Oh, hello, Fai.

[Qubine raises the two eyes on the left side of his face.] A friend of yours?

Yes...this is Fai. He's the Guardian of Everglade.

So this is one of the Guardians you've told us about? He doesn't look like much...

Well, there's more to Guardianship than just fighting.

[Azalea addresses Fai.] So were you working late? Do you need us to escort you home so you don't get attacked?

No, I can defend myself perfectly fine. Since then I can arrest people who try.

[Instead he gestured toward there they had just been.]

Did you see what happened to the creatures here?

[The dragons glance back at the creatures. Azalea feels a cold chill in her heart, but the others don't seem unaffected.]

[Amadeus tips his hat as he answers.] These creatures attempted to pounce on me, so I defended myself. My apologies.

So it's justifiable homicide? However, I still have to punish you even if it was self defence as you did still kill someone.

[Because he knows if he gave them a slap on the wrist the actual natives will be up in arms. However he also knew that normal punishments wouldn't work because they were bigger than the cells they actually had currently.]

So in this case the punishment will be a ban on coming to Everglade for a month. You will not be allowed to come here during that time.

[A month. That seems like a mild punishment. Azalea is ready to just take it and go, but Qubine speaks up.]

Here...I don't understand. It was our understanding that these creatures were free to attack and kill whoever they pleased at night? And we're being punished for self-defense?

[Azalea glances at him, pondering, as he does raise a good point.]

That's right...that mayor person said that any human out at night waives all legal rights.

[Fai may be Guardian, but still...]

...And didn't he say no exceptions?

You just realized you just made my point? All human rights go out the window. The ones you killed were not human therefore the rule in place doesn't count.

[Logic is being used for once, he was aware of loopholes in the rule. It was a rather dumb rule regardless.]

All human rights go out the window... [Qubine repeats the line.] Does that include your right to punish us?

[Azalea just wants to burrow herself underground and hide. She does not like where this is going.]

Qubine...let's just go...

Edited 2016-07-05 10:32 (UTC)

Looks can be deceiving if you have ever seen the vampires. However, I could ask someone who works in my group I formed for this exact thing and let them find out.

[Fai was just speaking with a smile on his face.]

[What is this guy smiling about? Qubine shakes his head with a sigh.]

Don't even bother with your little group. Just tell us one more thing...well, two more things, actually. First, if we had killed humans, this law dictates that we cannot be punished for that? And second...

[Qubine takes a step forward, raising his voice in irritation.]

What are you smiling about?!

I'd like to know that myself. [Azalea adds. Is Fai really that pleased about punishing a friend? At least, she had assumed they were friends...]

Edited 2016-07-07 21:07 (UTC)

The smile is simply because if I get mad something might end up being damaged. I would rather not do that because I lack control of my magic when angry. Or it goes to it's maximum and no one wants that at all.

[Simple and to the point. He didn't want to smile, but it was better than the ground getting damaged or something.]

Besides I have to keep a cool and calm demeanor both day and night anyway. Might not be the right way to go about it however and I'll keep that in mind. [he knew the first question and was going to go back to that.]

If they were human that would be correct. But I do notice the pattern as humans won't attack unless they are attacked first because most humans here are aware they can't fight them without the right means and also the no rights thing. There are exceptions however that there are humans who might, but are rare.

[The dragons respond to Fai's explanation with a slow nod and a frown, indicating that they understood, but were not happy with it.]

So that's just it... These beasts are free to kill anything they wish, and yet when someone kills the beasts, it's suddenly not okay? [Qubine nods his head.] Makes perfect sense.

[By which he means it makes no sense at all. Qubine now addresses Azalea with his commanding voice.]

We've heard enough. Azalea, let's go. We've learned what we came here to learn.

Right... [Azalea nods to Qubine, and then gives Fai an unhappy glare.] Goodbye, Fai.

[She takes off into the air, and the other dragons are quick to follow, ascending into the skies of Everglade to head back to Fayren.]

[A cloaked wraith in black and silver lands on a nearby roof, drawn by the light that all of Everglade must have seen. His blue eyes narrow at the sight: four dragons standing amid what's left of the local fauna. The kind that only come out when the sun goes down. He's relieved at the lack of human lives lost... and surprised when he actually recognizes one of the dragons.]

Azalea?

[Moon Knight follows carefully in their wake, curiosity more than a little piqued.]

[The dragons resume their stroll through the city looking for any other creatures to fight. They seem unaware of their potential stalker, until Amadeus begins sniffing. He inhales loudly through his nose, the sound of which draws the other dragons' attention, as they stop and look back at him.]

I smell something nearby. [Amadeus points out.] Be on guard, everyone.

[Qubine asks,] Where is it coming from?

[Amadeus continues to sniff, slowly turning his head in the direction of where Marc is perched on the rooftop and points.] Somewhere in that direction.

I'll take a look. Wait here for me. [Azalea launches herself from the ground, flying up towards the rooftop to find whatever Amadeus is smelling. She has her magic ready within her in case she has to blast something.]

Hello?

[He'd made leeway for being detected. It's good; it means he can have some form of interaction with them (tranquil or otherwise) to ascertain their intentions. But with Azalea herself investigating? That's even better.]

[Moon Knight lets his hand fall away from the crescent-hilted katana at the small of his back as the tiny dragon draws nearer. He steps out of the roof's shadows and into the moonlight, lifting a hand in greeting. And...]

Peace, friend. I've never seen your flight in Everglade before, and I wish only for the safety of those who walk by night.

[Azalea raises an eye at this figure. Is it human or something else?]

Those who walk by night...

[She repeats the line suspiciously. If he's referring to the night creatures, they might end up having a hostile encounter.]

...Are you talking about the creatures of the night?

Humans, primarily. But beasts and spirits, too, travel beneath the moon's light. And I would aid them if my god commands it.

[He gestures to the smoking monster corpses on the street below.]

Marauders like them don't count.

Oh, good.

[Azalea sighs with relief.]

We were wondering if we were just as free to attack anything as these creatures are at night. So we're spending the night battling the creatures.

[His shoulders sag in relief of his own; a sign there's a human beneath that shroud. Said human considers Azalea a friend, and raising a hand against her is the absolute last thing he'd have wanted.]

No complaints here. Your pastime's my vocation, and I can't exactly be everywhere at once.

I'm glad we can help then.

[Azalea glances down at the other dragons, who are waiting on the ground below. She should probably let them know that everything's okay.]

Well...shall we go down and meet my friends?

[The crescent crusader follows her glance. He definitely hadn't met them at her celebration about a month back. Time to fix that.]

By all means.

[He lets her go first, then spreads his cloak to the wind and glides down to the rest of her flight. Upon touching down, he makes sure both his hands are right where they can see them. He nods at Azalea, figuring it's best if she speaks first before he actually introduces himself.]

[Azalea lands on the ground in front of the other dragons, who watch her and the stranger intently.]

It's okay, everyone. He's not hostile.

[The dragons give a slow nod of approval.]

And...who is this? [Qubine asks.]

Um...that's a good question... [Azalea scratches her head, glancing at the crusader again.] Who are you?

[His shrouded head moves in a courteous nod-bow.]

They call me Moon Knight. I protect humans out after dark, and the occasional non-human too. [He nods to Azalea and gestures to the corpses behind them.] Your friend tells me you're here for the exercise. I was telling her that's very much welcome, considering there's only one of me.

[And far too many of them.]

Edited 2016-07-01 12:26 (UTC)

...Moon Knight? [Qubine raises two of his eyes and suppresses a chuckle.] I'll bet Beryl and Katarina would have loved you.

They sure would have...

[Azalea turns to Moon Knight again.] I'm sorry. I'm Azalea, and these are my friends, Qubine, Sabori, and Amadeus.

[The dragons nod in greeting.]

Edited (Whoops, missed the edited part) 2016-07-01 12:33 (UTC)

((OOC: No, mea culpa. Sarreh!))

Well met.

[Beryl and Katarina... children? Of course, the man behind the shroud knows Azalea already. It's almost like being reintroduced. And in a way, it actually is.]

It's good to have you around. There've been a few... troubling incidents lately, and I'd keep them from happening again.

Really? What sort of troubling incidents?

[Qubine takes a moment to ponder.] We had only planned to do this for one night...but perhaps we should come more often.

[That gives Azalea an idea.] Do you think this would be a good way for the other clan members to complete their Passage?

[Qubine responds,] Quite possibly. They'll be less likely to die here than back home.

A spate of kidnappings carried out by one Battler Uroshimiya. About seventeen people were tortured and most of them were murdered. It's got people running scared, and I'm worried it could embolden anyone else waiting in the wings.

[His arms fold as he listens to each dragon. Qubine's words make those glowing blue eyes of his widen quite a bit. "Less likely to die here." Did they come from a world even more dangerous than Everglade?]

Passage? Your clan follows a rite to adulthood?

[He has a feeling he knows what this means, and that's excitement beginning to flood his weary bones. Still, he needs to hear it for himself.]

Oh yes, I know of those. I even recognized some of the victims...it was horrifying to watch those things happening to them.

You may very well be right about others waiting in the wings. This was not the first ominous message that has come up over the network, and I'm sure it won't be the last either.

[The other dragons once again nodded in agreement. Upon the inquiry on the Passage, Azalea looks up at Qubine. She feels that he should explain, since he's the clan leader.]

The Passage is...more like a rite to warriorhood. Upon reaching adulthood, my clan members travel throughout Sornieth to challenge the various beasts in battle to develop their skills and exercise their power. Unfortunately, many of them have died along the way...including both of my sons. So far, only six dragons have completed the Passage to the fullest, including these three with me...Azalea, Sabori, and Amadeus. The other dragons of my clan who are still alive...their Passage remains incomplete.

I understand proving their worth as warriors. It's just that when they don't make it, you'd have parents without their children and lovers torn apart. And that's pretty often, from the sound of things.

[He might as well be a statue, pondering this matter on the open street. He looks up to the moon, as if for guidance from some deity only he can see. Then:]

I don't speak for Everglade but... if your clan were to come here and test their mettle regularly, can I be sure they'll only ever fight a human in self-defense?

[The dragons nod in agreement. Parents without children and lovers torn apart is a pretty common thing. Azalea puts a talon over her heart, thinking of her mate and son, who were also fortunate enough to survive the Passage.]

That is true. And yet...if we don't fight, we'll be at the mercy of the Beastclans. As for humans, they've never given us a reason to fight them.

[Qubine nods.] I'll be sure to tell the clan that fighting humans is off limits except in self-defense. Azalea would have to supervise them as well, since she has the amulet. From what I've seen of these humans, I can see why they don't exist in our world. They wouldn't last one day.

They have a hard enough time surviving here.

[A very small part of him wonders if Everglade would be better off with that curfew. It'd mean humans safe in their homes at least. Until then:]

I guess there's nothing to object about, is there? Your younglings get safer proving grounds, and... let's just say the night will be a little brighter for everyone here.

[Including himself. The four dragons just might swear the lips behind that shroud had moved in a very human smile.]

In return, I'll protect them as I would any member of my flock. So long as it doesn't interfere with their training. Sound good?

[The dragons paused, exchanging glances with each other before looking back at Moon Knight with smiles of their own.]

I do believe we have an accord, [Qubine says.]

Yes, thank you...Moon Knight.

[Amadeus lets out a chuckle.] ...That is certainly a name that Beryl and Katarina would fawn over.

[And now a sound suggestive of a human chuckle. He would've said something about their children's enthusiasm, but that was when a scream cut through the night air. The crusader tips his head somewhere to the south, but not before laying a fist over his chest.]

I'll see you soon then. Khonshu's blessings upon you.

[And with that farewell, Moon Knight fired a grappling line and ascended over a nearby roof. And into a brighter night.]

[The dragons watch as Moon Knight takes off to follow that scream.]

What a peculiar figure... [Amadeus says.]

Khonshu... [Azalea whispers. Something about that name sounds familiar. She still has her talon on her chest, until they brush over the ankh that Marc had given her for her hatchday. She looks down, glancing at it, grasping it with her talon for a moment.]

What is it? [Qubine asks.]

[Azalea looks out in the direction where Moon Knight had gone.] Ah...nothing. Let's go.

[The dragons nod and begin to leave the area.]

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[Video/Action in Everglade (Night)]

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