Characters involved are: Maverick (RED), Charon (ORANGE), Asher (GREEN), Brin (BLUE), Xeero (INDIGO), Ayame (VIOLET), Ildon (PINK),
Logged by Brin

---

Ayame blinks, peering past Xeero a moment to see what he was talking about. "Oh...Asher...what's he doing here?" she blinks, tilting her head slightly.
Asher stops a moment, looking to his soldiers. He turns. He could've sworn he heard his name. His eyes flash back and forth, trying to pick out familiar faces. They stop. Ayame. He nods towards her, silently ordering his men to keep watch. He then begins to make his way towards her, almost casually.
Xeero grits his teeth some as he notices Asher heading his way. He says to Ayame quietly, "Look I've got some stuff to take care of, I'll see you later," .o O (I hope) He turns and begins to casually walk further down the street.

Dazil, Mercantile Area
Here the road continues to stretch from east to the west, where yet another huge, pale stone bridge stands to grant shade and to serve as a marker to show the turning of the pale, otherwise unmarked, road of sand. Yet another small merchant makes her trade out in the street before her store, crying out her goods and posting her wares behind a wall of crates and boxes. A small <tavern> stands off on one side of the road, a small sign standing before it in an attempt in advertisement. Across the road from it stands the <doorway> to a small house. To the <east> stands the huge Dazil Water Tower, and to the west, under the <bridge>, lies the rest of the town.
Contents:
Ildon
Charon
Asher
Xeero
Ayame
the Tavern Advertisement

Brin emerges from the nearby tavern, with a small package under his arm. He appears to be walking slightly awkwardly, almost onnoticeably so, as if some annoying wieght were putting him slightly off balance. As he steps out onto the street, He notices the people standing about, and seems not to really notice, giving only a cursory nod to them. He begins a slow, steady walk down the street, carefully putting one fott in front of the other, as if learning to walk again.
Ildon walks down the path of the Dazil street, for some reason busy at the current time. A few unfamiliar faces are about, as well as a few familiar ones. He recognizes Brin immediately, the Ethos uniform and hairstyle, and the deadly weapon at his side. He also recognizes Ayame, appearance cold as usual, and is reminded of the other night... What an enigma. He dismissively waves his thoughts aside. The company that she is keeping at the moment is a bit unapproachable... some sort of soldier grouping. I don't want to get involved, he thinks. Looking between the two familiar faces, he decides it best to approach Brin. "Hey, Brin. Is something going on? Who are these people?" He looks over to Ayame. "I hope that nothing bad is going to happen." Ayame seems like the type to attract danger, and in this case an entire group of soldiers.
Ayame blinks, watching Asher step closer and Xeero step away. "..." she opens her mouth to speak, but simply nods, deciding it best to keep things as they were...meaning Xeero out of Ashers range. x.X "Er...Hello, Asher." she seems...almost cheerfull towards him...how unusual.
Maverick has connected.
Charon runs rampant through the bustling streets, avoiding feet as best he could. He slows, skidding to a halt as he spots his next victim...the unfortunate feet of Asher. He slinks low against the ground, staying behind the man as he continues to stalk him, waiting for the perfect moment...
Asher walks up, looking around the area, almost as if looking for something in particular. "I should say the same, Ayame. It's been a while. But then, that's more of the point." He sighs, almost waiting for Ayame's response. "It HAS been a while, hasn't it? Specifically, where have you been lately? With all the time Lord Krelian has been in Fort Jasper, I've not seen hide nor hair of you OR Lukev. I've been spending half my time that I should be spending finishing my work on the Jasper doing your job. So what's so distracting lately?" He smiles a bit, hoping he hadn't been too accusative in his tone.
Xeero quietly heads down the street towards the water tower. Occasionally he looks about, but doesn't turn to look back towards Ayame or Asher. Of course he does divert some of his attention back towards them, but only enough to notice if anybody is heading his way.
## Delta-save in two minutes. ##
Charon continues to stalk ever closer to Ashers feet, keeping low and assumes himself to be invisable. He stalks a little closer, a little faster, gradually getting closer to Ashers feet.
Brin suddenly notices Ildon's presence among the bustle of the street. "Ah, good day..." he intones softly, drawing to a lsow halt as Ildon approaches. He calmly listens to Ildon's question, and replies, softer "I'm not sure, I certainly don't know any of these people. Perhaps we shoud not fear the worst just yet..." He smiles reassuringly, almost as much for his won benefit as for Ildon's.
## Saving delta file. ##
## The save has been completed. ##
Ildon looks back at the people. They are wearing uniforms similar to the one that woman was wearing at the pub that day. Could they be from the same affiliation as her? And what did they have to do with Ayame? "I know one of them, Brin. The woman's name is Ayame, and i know that she is some kind of a soldier. She is a little unfriendly. She's probably in some kind of trouble with the military. I hope that she isn't in trouble." He looks back at the scene, awaiting impending action. I hope Brin doesn't hesitate to use his weapon, he thinks. What am I supposed to do? Throw my books at them? I can't use my ether in a place like this... his thought trails off.
Ayame blinks, looking down the streets. "...Hmm...I do apoligize Asher...Master has been keeping me under a rather tightened training schedule..." although it was only a half-truth, she hoped this would sufice and appease his curiosity. "I have not yet been told the location of Ft. Jasper as it is. Though, I do not see how I would be needed to guard Lord Krelian if he is remaining in a stronghold filled with our soldiers..."
Asher shakes his head slightly, sighing and looking up to her. "Well, I still could've used your help. All of my duties on the Jasper, plus Lord Krelian, plus the recruits I'm seeking out, it's beginning to get to me. As for the Jasper's location, just send a message in to HQ, they should get you access codes and the location. Still, I do have some other things running through my head...namely that one man, the one who crashed his gear into Lahan not long ago. Intelligence said he was spotted here. Have you seen anything?
Xeero continues to casually walk down the street. On occasion to look like he's not in too much of a hurry he briefly pokes his head in at one of the street side vendors and looks over there wares before moving on once again.
Charon suddenly darts forwards, playfull attacking Ashers feet, though doing no damage or harm, being that he's obscenely small, even for a runt and has no claws and his mouth isn't big enough to actually -bite- him, nip his shoes maybe, but not bite. Besides, he seems quite happily enjoying playing with Ashers shoelaces now. (awww...isn't that cute? x.X please don't step on him asher...)
Brin nods at Ildon, looking over at Asher, and guessing where he's from. Ayame, he hasn't seen before, and they seem like they're not being _too_ hostile. "Well, we shall see what we shall see..." he grins slightly, and loks at Ildon directly. "And you? Anything interesting happening lately?".
Ildon looks to the sky. Should I tell him? "Well, last night I met someone rather interesting in Blackmoon. A young lady, about fifteen or so, with the mind of a seven-year-old. Strange, no? I had to explain to her that her big brother Daos was dead. Man, whatta day that was, considering I haven't met either of them before. I guess it was a challenging experience, nonetheless." Ildon stops suddenly, realizing that he is speaking loudly. I hope that none of those soldiers heard me... the name Daos could attract attention...
Ayame twitches slightly, hoping Xeero had gotten out of sight by this point. "...Hmmm...No, I've not been down here long enough...If I see him or that gear...anything suspiscious I'll report to command of course. I'll notify you if I see anything worth reporting. As for the acess to Ft. Jasper, I'll get them tonight, I should likely be there tomorow then, unless given other orders."
Asher looks at Ayame, a bit strange. "Are you all right? You seem...on edge." He glances around slightly, remembering the reports of 'rebels' he had heard about this area. "Is something wrong, Ayame?"
Charon gets bored with the mans lack of reaction, shoelaces can only amuse a kitten for so long. He continues along his merry little way, Aya of course, too distracted by Asher to notice him as she saunters after Ildon and Brin, pouncing on small insects and chasing flies as he wanders around.
Xeero nears the exit of the street into the next area of town. He still moves casually and, despite his slightly out of place attire, manages to blend in with the rest of the people in the area fairly well.
Brin scratches his chin. o 0 ( ...Could this be the same person?... ) "Hmm, that is...interesting. I believe I've met a similar, if not the same person at one stage..." ... he stares at the ground. o 0 ( ...How sad. Such a sad life, and now such terrible news. I hope she's all right... ).
Ildon nods thoughtfully. "It is likely the same person. Her name was Princess Khiea. Not too many people fit her description." He looks back over to the scene with Aya and the soldiers. She is talking to the man, so she must be friends with them. "Do you recognize the uniform worn by the soldiers? I know that Ayame is affiliated with Solaris, so this could be a simple meeting." I don't want to be around when guns start going off... Ildon shudders.
Charon begins to tire, heading back towards the gear where Ayame had left him, knowing he could sleep safely there. Even if he couldn't get into the cockpit on his own. How he got out, well...he likely just fell out. x.X He scampers through the busy streets, bounding off to bed when he finds one last 'victim' this of course, being Xeero. He stalks him silently, moving quicker with each step before finaly pouncing...it would've been quite the manuver...had he not slipped when he was leaping and instead goes tumbling right into the back of Xeero's leg. He sits up, shaking the dust off himself and falls back over a little dizzy since he hit his head.
Ayame pauses breifly, shaking her head slowly "...no not really. I suppose I am just getting a bit...worn..." she blinks, hearing the soft patter of a rather familiar creature. (...uh-oh...) she turns her head slightly but dares not look down the street, not wanting to drop a vital hint. "How are things oppoerating in Ft.Jasper?" she iddly makes conversation with Asher.
Asher notices the glance. He turns, but sees nothing. "...Quite well, actually. Still, I should be getting back. I'll be expecting you to show up more often down there, I really do need the assist now and again. Good luck." Turning away, he heads off through the crowd, slightly suspicious but not showing it any.
Asher has disconnected.
Xeero blinks as he feels something collide against his leg. He stops and turns arund looking down to the ground. He raises an eyuebrow as he spots the dazed kitten. Dropping to a crouch chuckling at the black fuzzball in front of him, "Hey there little guy, you outta be more careful." Xeero slowly extends a hand to the kitten.
Brin nods. "That's her...". He stares into space, or the corner of the tavern doorway, depending on how you look at it. "She seemed...quite happy when I met here. Only once, mind..." He frowns slightly, and looks at the ground. 2I certainly hope she's all right..."
Charon mews innocently, sitting up and sniffing Xeero's hand cautiously.
Ildon notices Brin saddened. He must really be worried about the young princess, considering he didn't even answer my question. Ildon sighs. "She's going to be okay, i'm sure. One of the things that she said was that she 'had seen enough death and fighting to understand what they were.' Perhaps a child of war? That would explain the regressive behavior." He looks over to Ayame, seeing her alone now suddenly. She looks a little depressed. Maybe she just heard bad news? He begins walking over to her, wanting to cheer her up a little. A part of him is afraid, and hopes that Brin will follow.
Misc. Drunk #2 stumbles out of the tavers muttering profanities at everyone
Ayame sighs gratefully, leaning back against the wall. She doesn't seem to notice anyone, turning to pull herself up onto the rooftop and laying down. She needed time to sort through her mind of how to deal with Asher...
Xeero hrms and gently pets the kitten after it's sniffed his hand for a while. Gently he tries to pick the kitten up so he can move it away from the center of the crowd so it doesn't get trampled on.
Yeah...right. hehehe
Charon shivers a little bit but clings to Xeeros hand as he picks him up.
Brin looks over at the little exchange between a man, and a msall kitten. He smiles. Nice to see that in the business and bustle of this street, someone can care for such a small creature's welfare. He stands there, beaming widely, and turns to address Ildon, finding him not there, he swirls around, scanning the street, and sees Ildon crossing to where some officers were conversing just a minute before. Hmmm.
Ildon watches Ayame begin to climb the building, and quickens his pace a little, until realizing it best to just leave her. He turns back to where Brin is standing. Feeling a little bad for running off, he strolls back over. "Sorry, I just thought I'd try to catch Aya, see what is happening. I don't want any Solarian wars happening where I sleep." He looks at the sky. It's dark, and he is fatigued. Still, he doesn't want to rest just yet. He looks to the rooftop, Ayame's silhouette visible in the moonlight. She is thinking about something, he knows. Something is up, and it is unsettling.
Ayame lays still, fighting with her subconscious. (...where could Lukev and Talon be...? I haven't seen them since that night...I can't help but wonder if they're alright...) she closes her eyes, sighing a little as she continues to wrestle with her thoughts. She places her hands on her face, sighing before opening her eyes to look at the stars. (...death...what is it? Is it really redemption...? Or...have I been wrong all along? Is what I'm doing really right...? Ugh...I don't know anymore...) she breathes deeply, not trusting her emotions...for once, longing for the sting of the needle as the chemicals are released into her blood, the alterations that keep her from these feelings...
Late night clearly begins to set in over the desert town of Dazil as the moon rises high in the distance. It's light shines brightly, making many places consumed by darkness illuminated. Most of the citizens have gone to retire for the night so the streets remain barren. Though a few Aveh and Gebler guards attempt to stand at attention about the outer wall of the small trading city, but most appear to be sleeping rather than performing their duties. Only the wind stirs the quiet silence and it seems that it will be another dull night in the city of Dazil...... Then suddenly, toward the center of town a fearful scream erupts from one of the alleyways! Shortly after, a small petite woman stumbles out of the darkness. Her clothes appear to be tattered and torn, followed by a deep wound from her right shoulder.. Tears weep down her face as she falls to one knee, calling out, "Pleas...e someone.. Help.. me." Then proceeds to collapse to the ground.
Maverick has connected.
Xeero 's attention snaps away from the kitten as he hears the scream. Quickly he sets the kitten down and begins to quickly move towards where it came from. As the woman appears he quickens his pace. Stealing himself for what may happen.
Brin 's ears prick up, as the scream pierces the almost-silence that had descended on the street. he spots a man on the street moving toward it, and moves to join him, wondering what poor soul could be in trouble. His staff no longer touches the ground as he walks, yet he does not quite hold it ready just yet.
Ildon takes a moment to process the sound piercing the night air. A woman screaming? Brin is already ahead of him, on his way to help the woman. He ponders for a moment whether he should even follow, this man is, after all, an Etone. He shrugs, and follows. Perhaps if I stay at a distance, I won't get in the way. And they might need my help, after all... With this in mind, Ildon dashes after Brin.
Ayame blinks, her train of thought interupted by the scream, shattering the silence and peircing the death-like calm of the vacant city streets. "...hmmm...?" She sits up, though does not move forwards, for lack of being commanded to. Perhaps it is selfish to simply sit there, while someone could possibly be in danger, but, as Aya had always perceived life to be, it is each for their own, and only the strongest may survive. She stares off into the distance, watching the preceedings from her perch atop the roof.
.... A few moments pass as everyone in view begins to take action. Suddenly, a rough, low voice can be heard from the alley way from which the woman came, "There she be men! Lets collect our bounty for the evenin and proceed out of this wretched hell hole!" ... Afterwards, Three men with decent builds about them appear from the dark filled alleyway, armed with a couple of Aveh standard firearms and swords to boot.
Xeero 's eyes narrow as he spots the men. Something clicks as images briefly flash through his mind. Doing his best to ignore the pain Xeero draws both his sword in his right hand and his gun in his left. He doesn't shout any battle cries, threats or warnings. He simplay takes aim and fires at the lead man as he runs. His shoulder is knocked back a little from the .45's recoil but he keeps moving.
Maverick has disconnected.
As Brin draws up behind the man, who has just fired a shot at the gang, he is battling with himself, to assist or not? He looks down at the scared woman, and makes his decision. He closes his eyes momentarily, and grips the Amulet at his neck, holding his other hand outstretched toward the lead man, who is neares to him, he concentrates for a second, and quietly murmurs. "Seal...". The amulet glows with a pure white light, and a blast of ether energy flows, as if from within Brin himself, and heads in the direction of the lead gang member.
Ildon feels frustration building within him. Emotion burning, he begins to lose control. A thought repeats itself: "I don't want to die..." Sands begin to rise around him. He lifts his hand almost involuntarily, looks ahead of him, and fires a small white shot from the palm of his hand in the general direction of the happenings. He falls to the ground from the intensity of the moment, also from the draining feeling in him now. Still, there is plenty more where that came from...
Maverick has disconnected.
(OOC) I need to know, Ildon, i got the impression you just raised a bit of sand around you and that was it. Am I right or did you throw it at them?
Ayame remains where she is, watching contently, deciding not to involve herself this time, being that this simply wasn't her fight. If/untill she was needed, she would remain on the sidelines. She felt no compassion towards this woman, it was her fault for being weak anyways. She shrugs to herself, watching the stir below.
The first of the three gregarious looking men reels back, the flesh of his shoulder both seered by the heat of the bullet passing through the flesh, ricocheting off the bone and embedding itself there, coming to a halt. Her grunts in his pain, reeling backwards onto his knee a moment to check the damage done. "...not...too bad..." he chokes out his words past groans of pain while the other two advance, though the first receives a swift blow of ether of two forms, the third watching in a growing rage as he draws his sword and andvances, shouting as he drive the blade forwards in several swift movements.
Xeero catches a glimpse of the man advancing on him slicing at air. Once again his training kick sin and Xeero's eyes begin to glow bright blue and the blade of his sword begins to crackle with blue energy before a second edge of blue energy forms around it. He brigs his sowrd up just in time to stop the charging man's blade, but the force of the collision nearly causes him to lose his grip on his gun.
Brin hmmms with satisfaction as his ether blow hits home, although not on its intended target. Still. He raises his staff, and twirls it around in a skilled movement, waiting for one of the men to advance. While keeping his eye on the men, he drops his hand to his belt. and with a dull thud, a large belt, complete with pistol in holster drops to the ground. "Hmmm, better..." he murmurs, as he regains proper stance, and prepares for attack.
Ildon forces himself to his feet, his heart racing. Energy is flowing wildly through him. Another link in the chain of war, i become, he thinks... a single tear forms in his eye, as he realizes something. I have to break the chain... He lifts his hands, more focused this time, and concentrates energy into his hands. He aims carefully, shaking a little, but doing his best. A larger blast is fired now, from both hands, of similar colour but making a loud noise. It hisses in the direction of the combat, and Ildon is knocked backward about two feet, falling to the ground.
Ayame remains as she is, watching in an almost dull satisfaction. There was something quite aluring to battles for her. Whether watching, involved in or simply learning more skills for battle, she was always fully at peace with herself. Never plagued by distant thoughts, often coming to a state of joy and pleasure at the feel of blood and victory.
The first lurches up to his feet once more, only to be blasted by a shot of ether, rendering him unconscious as his head collides forcefully with the stone walls. The man embraces sword to sword with Xeero, wrenching his arm sideways to break the locked position, answering steel to steel repeatedly. He makes a swipe towards Xeeros knees, though heavy and largly sluggish, the man seems to have put a great deal of effort into this swipe, as it is rather a swift movement. The final opponent charges towards Brin, weilding an oversized katana as he brings it down heavily above him, directed to his head.
Xeero jumps back from the man's swipe. The blade narrowly misses him, slicing through the knees of his pants and scraping his kneecaps. But Xeero doesn't stop having once again become the relentless monster he is. After he regains his footing Xeero aims his gun at the man and squeezes the trigger yet again. Since he's stationary the recoil doesn't affet him as much this time and instead aids him in bringing his sword in front of him as he spring off at the man again. What he has in mind is anyone's guess.
Brin anticipates the man's desperate swing, and raises his staff to block it accordingly. As the sword comes down hard onto the staff, Brin draws out and kicks the thug where it hurts, hoping to somehow incapacitate him.
Ildon struggles to his feet once again. His hatred for himself is going nuts... he sees a man lunge at Brin. He focuses energy once again, only this time disrupting a different force. Wind begins to swirl violently before him, and a small whirlwind about the size of his body is sent forward, advancing at an alarming speed, and hissing with sand...
Ildon whispers, "Tried to help, man. Sorry. ^_^" to you.
What do you want to whisper?
The large man falls back as limp as a prefallen corpse. Beyond the smoking barrel of a freshly fired gun, the man falls dead for his lack of attention to detail, for he had not seen the gun in his hand. His body now lays limp, the warm crimson fluids seeping slowly from his body. The final man standing, now void and lacking of his previous courage staggers back, wrenching his weapon from the staff and running in his own cowardice...
She shudders softly, the classic meak and timid appearance of a battered and defenseless woman. "..t...thank you...thank you so much you brave, kind souls...how will I ever repay you?"
(OOC) it's late and I haven't slept, give me a break with ya? He ran off, presumably before anything further struck, fearing for his life.
Xeero is far from done though. He quietly mumbles to himself much like a machine, "One target still active..." he aims his gun at the man, "...terminate..." Xeero fires the gun renelntlessly until the slide sticks in the back position indicating the gun is empty. He thumbs a button on the gun as the mazazine drops out.
As he calms down after the fight, Brin stares at his staff, barely a splinter left after the deep gash the sword left behind. It falls in two pices as he stands there holding it, and falls to the ground. o 0 ( ...the end, eh? Perhaps this is best... ) He lets the pieces fall to the ground, and stares down at them, for a longer time then is comfortable. Slowly, he turns, and walks to his abandoned belt. He slowly picks it up, and straps it on. o 0 ( ...better?... ) He stares into space, beyond the lights of the city, into the night. o 0 ( ... Perhaps the end is...a new beginning... ) He draws the pistol, spins the barrel around, its frantic clicks splitting the dense silence. He quickly returns it to his holster, and turns, as if to exit the area, without speaking.
Ildon breathes heavily... still standing, his rush dying down, a sound around him indicates that the sand flying about him is falling to the ground. He looks at his hands. They are smoking. He took a life tonight. He killed someone. He steps back, as if away from his own hands, and turns to the tavern, walking, half in shock, but exhausted.
Ayame blinks, there was something wrong with the way Xeero was moving...almost...automatic in a way...(...he's not...no...) she blinks in her mental refusal...denying the truth access to her mind.
Xeero has connected.
Xeero has disconnected.
The mans step faulters, as if life flashed before his eyes and pours through his lungs and exited through his mouth as he begins caoughing up blood, tripping and colliding with the ground. (OOC, to clarify: there are now two yes, count 'em two dead guys, the other one isn't going to make it through the night, too much head trauma. got it? are we all clear on this now? Good. Thought so.) The woman whimpers softly, continuing to bleed as she drops to her knees, laying on her side and slipping into a comatose state, though more of a peacefull sleep then such a harsh knock.
Xeero remains still for a while. And then takes out a spare clip and reloads his weapon, looking between Ildon and Brin. This time he says in a mor eaudiable tone, "Confirmed. Two secondary targets, preparing to terminate," With that he dashes off at Ildon, sword at the ready as he takes a moment to also fire a poorly aimed shot at Brin.
Brin jumps slightly to the side, and gives a surprised yelp, as a pistol round hits the ground , directly between his feet. o 0 ( ...what the... ) he turns, his robes flowing out behind him, to hear the man's paced, almost mechanical voice babbling on, asthe man runs in Ildon's general direction. o 0 ( ...a new beginning? no time like the present... ) he runs for cover beside a stone wall, and draws his pistol.
Ildon hears footsteps behind him. A voice in his head whispers "look out!" Once again, the energy rush fills him, and he turns to face the man. I don't want to kill again. He looks at the ground, focusing ether abilities into the air around his feet. A swirl of sand rises before him, acting as a shield, violently tossing sand about. Ildon shields his eyes.

<Break in log appears here. Crummy disconnects.>

Xeero stops as she shield of sand blocks his way, "Shifting attack pattern," With that he turns to face Brin firing another set of shots more in order to
make him duck for now. He then turns to face where Ildon is projecting his shield, "Charging," Xeero brings his sowrd to a ready position and begins to glow
bright blue as he focouses the bulk of his ether power. The blue glow shifts to the blade of his sword now looking like it's enveloped with fire. He draws
it back, "Energy...." he then makes a slash into the air towards Ildon as all the ether power flies from is blade, "WAVE!" The typless ether power screams
towards ildon with blinding speed (note if it connects it will hurt like hell, but is not deadly) (repose for brin)
Ildon sees the mechanical man swing the blade toward him, and for some reason is compelled to leap into the air. He is aided by the swirling of wind around
him, goes a good five feet into the air and hovers for a short moment, power oozing from his ears, becoming exhausted... he falls back to the ground, having
evaded the attack. He looks at the man. A machine. I don't want to die... He fires a small shot in its direction, a rather futile attempt at survival.
Brin glances over, and sees the prone figure of the woman, lying in the middle of the street. o 0 ( ...blast it. Thinkin of myself again... ). Without a
moment's hesitiation, he runs out into the street, covering Xeero with his pistol. He grabs the woman by the shoulder, and half lift/half drags her to the
side of the road, squeezing off a shot at Xeero as he diappears behind a covering wall. A few second later, a greenish glow emanates from around the corner,
as Brin works his Ether on the woman's injuries. He does not re-emerge.