The Search Begins [CLOSED-'cept for Bawb.]

[Tony Redgrave]

Ohhhh.. what a sight this was. The client was flying off in a rather conspicuous manner and the mysteriously mysterious fellow in the overcoat and hat seemed to have an odd penchant for talking to himself. Interesting indeed and in the face of such sights, he smiled intently and kept his rather unflappable looks without a bit of waver. But underneath all of that, he asked himself just what the puck he was getting himself into.

People he didn't know much about and seemed quite questionable in looks and behavior. Hell, the client herself seemed like she was going to be piece of work to deal with as it was. But why, just why did he step up to this and add himself into it all? Well, why not?!? A new experience was just what a fine and foxy fortune-hunter such as himself truly enjoyed. For you see, this young man was still quite green and had much to learn anyway. Being a merc for a day just might be entertaining. Though, with his mindset and infinite (and perhaps over the top) optimism, he really wasn't taking it as serious as he should be.

Oh and there was another little reason he was getting himself into this hot mess too.

He actually knew Gavin personally and had knowledge of her identity based on he heard about her. Shoot, he even had notes and sketches in his notebook at that. Upon "meeting" her though, she didn't even pick up on the fact that he was hinting at the idea that he knew him and not in the biblical sense mind you. Ah well.. but the fact of the matter was he owed Gavin for saving his life at one point and this young man in while he was caught up in his emotions simply pushed him away without so much as a thank you.

If he helped his wife however, perhaps that would make up for it, not only for the good deed but it would put the young man's mind at rest as well. But for now, he wouldn't focus too much on it. He was in the midst of lovely company after all and sooner or later, they would have to introduce themselves. But, seeing as the only person within his range was the comely legionnaire, why not start with her as they made their way to their destination?

So... after taking a moment to clear his frontage of one deep in thought, he turned to the hireling and resumed his usual cheerful and happy demeanor

"Oi, oh fair and alluring solider of fortune!" he smiled and waved just before trotting over in front of her. It was then that he pitched his torso towards her a bit, his poncho swaying forward with the motion and his hat humorously tilted over his eyes and obscured his view. But, in quick response, he tilted it back upward with his right index finger. "I'm truly sorry that I butted my nose into business and all." he spoke in joyful spirits. He was not only quick to say it but, he slowly extended his hand out towards her to aggrandize the idea that he meant well. "Could I perhaps atone for this transgression by giving you a proper introduction?"

[smashbro]

smashbro felt himself falling to the floor, not from tripping or anything like that, but by an apparent gravity changed. Soon enough it was lifted though, and he saw the others in the bar struggle to get up too. with a small smile, he considered showing off one of his powers, which they probably wouldn't appreciate quite as much as this. He didn't think her a show off, though, since she kind of had to prove that she had reason to be confident in herself. Judging from the looks of it, he was weakest. BUt that was alright, he was 99% sure that he would fill in the role that he was meant for.

But in all honesty, he thought, that main girl is a b****. Yeah, sure, don't take my idea, but don't insult an idea, or even worse, this princess. It looked like the girls weren't anything like he expected them to be. But then again, that was only hope speaking to him.

So he followed the group outside, staying to the back, and met with everyone else in the square. And now, everyone seemed to be looking at the girl who floated in. Of course Miss Bossy merc would have something to say about that. But for now, smashbro stayed quiet, and waited to hear where the man was supposedly being kept.

[Kismet]

"Oi, oh fair and alluring soldier of fortune!"

Iskra turned at the sound, surprised to be addressed thusly, to see the latest of the newcomers bounding over to her, his oversized hat wobbling to and fro. "I'm truly sorry that I butted my nose into business and all." He said, not at all apologetically. Not rudely either though, as if he was simply happy for the chance to meet new people. "Could I perhaps atone for this transgression by giving you a proper introduction?" He slowly extended his hand in greeting, smiling all the while. Iskra was very much reminded of an overly large puppy.

“Certainly.” She answered, shaking his hand. “My name is Iskra Likhovich, Revenant of the Kirmizi Empire.” Not that that means anything to you. she added silently. Of the three interlopers, this one’s intrusion had been the most forgivable. The word intrusion was in fact entirely too strong a word. All had really done was point out the obvious. Still, there were only so many coins to spread around, even with this employer. Considering that she’d already been paid in gold though, she supposed the addition could indeed be atoned for by a “proper introduction.” Even if she had actually introduced herself first. With an inward groan indicative of what she felt was to come, she reminded herself that not even her employer had yet introduced herself. Or explain what her husband looked like. Or how she even knew he was on the Smash Planet.

So yeah.

Iskra sighed inwardly, turning back to the lad in the sombrero, waiting for his own introduction.

[Maelys Knight]

[Kiri]

Not all of her mercs were there yet. She waited very calmly. She pulled out her Wind gem, a crystal. She empowered it, and a light shone toi the south

[]

He made his way through the castle town south gate. He had just come from a big tournament in a village. He immediately thought something was wrong. There was that vendor stand thay was knocked over. But his shards began glowing, and he knew. Gavin Arkana knew that Kiri was here. She posessed two gems, and only two could have caused so many to glow. The only others that had any gems were Maelstrom(light)(do. not. ask.), Selena(fire), and Kayden(darkness), and they each only had one. He sealed his shard case, and the glow died away. He crept up the path, and hid behind the upturned carte. Sure enough, there was Kiri, with two others that seemed to be friends. That girl makes friends fast, he thought.

[Zeke Sturm]

Zeke picked some fruit bits off his clothes, and waited for something to happen. He stroked Saifer's head absentmindedly when he started sniffing at his face with his tongue, but otherwise resumed sitting.

Waiting was boring.

[Tony Redgrave]

Finally! The moment came when he could introduce himself in a true manly way! Because introductions were always fun in his book, yes sirree! But.. what could he do? He took a stance that seemed to dictate that he was just about to say something quite profound and most grand, complete with his index finger directed right towards Iskra's nose but, instead he slowly retracted it and positioned his right hand towards his chin so he could stroke it as he pondered on how he could do it right and for once, he looked quite serious.

"Seeing as you are a fair maiden, I was going to kiss your hand just as a gentlemen should and introduce myself but ho hum.. maybe I shouldn't hm?" It took a good two seconds before finally, he just decided to do it the "proper way". "Ah well. I got nothing so.. " The young man took his sombrero by the brim with his right hand and carefully positioned his left hand behind his back, bending it at the elbow. Finally, he brought his right hand to his waist and tipped his upper body forward, bending as low as he could and keeping his eyes fixated upon hers, without raising his chin of course.

"I'm Nouri Aal Sephur, Bandit Extraordinaire and its very nice to meet you Miss Likhovich." Whew, that went alright so he thought but.. time was wasting now wasn't it? "Sorry for the hold up though. We should be getting to the plaza post haste anyway!" So, Nouri straighten up and placed his hat right back on top of his head, taking only a few steps forward so Iskra wouldn't be left behind. "By the way, as we walk and all, please tell me. What do you mean "Revenant" of The "Kirmizi" Empire? he smiled ever so brightly. "Are you a ghost who has come to terrorize us fleshy folk and your doing it for an empire that likes the color red? Curious mode was activated with those words and seeing as he knew enough folklore to know what Revenant was and just enough Turkish to know Kirmizi was red in that language, he just had to know the connection to it.. even if he was once again butting his nose into matters that weren't of his concern.

[Kismet]

Iskra laughed as she joined Nouri and the others at the fountain. The boy’s comic antics were a bit over the top, but there was no denying that he was a sharp one. Of all the people she’d introduced herself to, no one had bothered to ask what her title meant, or what sort of Empire she served. It seemed that with so many otherworlders passing through, people didn’t even bat an eye at such pronouncements. It was unusual that Nouri would show such interest. Or perhaps not. There seemed to be an ulterior motive, after all. She had been genuinely surprised by his understanding of the word Kirmizi, though on reflection she realized she really shouldn’t have been. Nouri was an Arabic name as well, after all.

As they reached the so called empress, Iskra nodded to her, ready to receive further instructions, not realizing the women’s husband had just waltzed into the square and rendering the entire exercise pointless. But either way, Nouri had lifted her spirits. Turning to him, she smiled coyly. “Am I a ghost of the Crimson Empire? Maybe I am Nouri Aal Suphur, maybe I am.”

“Revenants are members of the Emperor’s personal army.” She inclined her head towards her current employer. “So I’m sure you’ll appreciate the irony of the current situation. But what about you, oh Bandit Extraordinaire? Did you gain that title by dressing so extravagantly that the whole world couldn’t help but notice your exploits?” She smiled, waiting for the empress to begin speaking.

[Maelys Knight]

[Kiri]

Kiri: "Now that we`re all here..."

She paused to compose her words.

Kiri: "Gavin Arkana is the adventurous type, very curious, and he fell into a portal that led here. He wears blue robes, is blonde with blue eyes,(no i`m not a neo-nazi) and has two longswords on his back that form an X. Now, I`ve pinpointed his location to the south of the town. That is all... i... can...

Gavin Arkana Began walking up the street to where the group was...

[Gavin]

Gavin was listening to Kiri`s speech, when he looked sideways and his blood froze. A perfect copy of himself was walking past him, towards Kiri. And it hit him. And Gavin was running to the south. He knew that was Armani...

[Zeke Sturm]

Glancing to the side of the group, he noticed a man matching the princess' or empress' description (he wasn't particular on titles that meant nothing in truth) walking by, then another one breaking off in another direction. Even as Saifer hissed, and opened his mouth, ready to strike, Zeke knew one crucial thing.

'This isn't good...'

[octavious]

Octavious awoke at the sound of a keg being slammed onto a wooden table. He quickly stood up and looked around. It seemed that during his unwished cat nap, the subjects of his curiosity had moved from the bar to another area. He hopped down from his perch onto a table, knocking a salt shaker into a man's steak, ruining it. He yelled angrily at the cat as a response.

"Silence, human, your trivial matters have no concern from me."

The man pushed away his mug of beer and began to freak out as the Octavious left. He had just seen, or thought he'd seen, a cat talk! Perhaps it was time for a diet change.

Octavious, meanwhile, was searching high and low. He lost his quarry, and would rather not lose them again. Perhaps, when he met them again, he would take a more directive approach? He considered it. He noted a broken fruit stand a little too late; he crashed into it, getting juice and fruit fragments all over his sleek jet black fur. He meowed and hissed out of instinctive behavior and jumped up onto the roof. As he groomed himself, he finally found the mercenaries and the air-headed heiress. Actually, he only found a few of them, but since the supposed empress was there, the others shouldn't have been far behind.

(OOC: Sorry, the actions you guys did while I was gone (due to lack of internet) is a bit confusing, so I'm doing the best I can, OK?)

After a series of jumps, he made it to the ground, and dashed between a stampede of feet to finally stop at the fountain, though on the other side, out of view from the others.

[Tony Redgrave]

Well well.. so the hardened warrior could show a smile and a cute one at that! Now the day was complete as far as he was concerned. He manage to get himself into something.. well, somewhat interesting, he met a pretty lady and he got a good chuckle out of her too. As she smiled and asked about his own title, he coltishly stuck out his tongue. Of course, in this playful display, his hands went fully behind his back, and with his right hand, he formed the token "V" sign with his right index and middle fingers.

This was his own personal victory after all!

"Ironic indeed but certainly creative! As for me however, my title is a self given one. Though I'm certainly trained in the art of thievery, this is my first journey and I'm not well known just yet." with his "heartfelt" confession, he simply tilted his hat up a bit so he could fully present to his lovely companion that he was indeed sporting a rather confident expression and in turn, extending out that disarming and confident cheerfulness in approached all things with. "However, with my keen fashion sense, flamboyant flair, and much enthusiasm, the world is my oyster and its riches will undoubtedly fall into my hands. Of course, that's after we finish this job."

He was certainly confident about all of it and seemed cheerful in spite of revealing his intent.. but the time for small talk however seemed to be nearing an end. Now, everyone had to await orders from the client and he was too busy chatting it up to notice the familiar face approaching "Say.. after we get our pay, how bout I buy you a drink and we get to know each other a little better hm?"

Of course, he meant those words in an innocent way

[Kismet]

Iskra laughed again. “Perhaps I’ll take you up on that. You’re a little young for getting to know me too well though.” Regardless of what Nouri had meant, that was probably true. There were things about Iskra that most would be better off not knowing. Especially kids five years her junior.

She opened her mouth to continue the conversation, but shut it again upon noticing the stricken look on her employer’s face. Whirling, Iskra followed her gaze and placed her right hand on her pistol, concealed underneath her travelling cloak. There, entering the square, was a man matching the description of her quarry.

No…two men.

Iskra bit her lip. Something was wrong. Besides this being a total waste of time, that was. Something serious.

[Maelys Knight]

Gavin was walking along the path, thinking of his close escape. He wanted to avoid Kiri for now. He wanted to explore this land, Hyrule, as it was called. He knew that Kiri would drag him back to Arkraydia. But his thoughts were interrupted by a putrid stench....

[Armani/Fake Gavin, Kiri, mercenaries]

Kiri: "Gavin?"

Fake Gavin:" Hmph........ no."

With that, the image faded, revealing a man in black and purple robes. Kiri jumped, her sword pulled to attack. But Armani`s longswords were already in an X defense position. He swiped, sending Kiri back into the fountain with the force. He then dissipated the swords.

Armani: "I am not here to fight you. But I will tell you that Gavin is headed to the bridge south of here. I believe he was running from you."

He summoned his stave, and walked off, acting as if he needed it as a walking stick. Kiri stood up, and stepped out of the fountain, drenched once again. Then the realization hit her. Gavin was close!

[Zeke Sturm]

"Gavin is headed to the bridge south of here. I believe he was running from you."
'So that makes this a game of cat and mouse... My favorite kind of game.'

Zeke began hovering a few inches off the ground, and, without warning, shot off to the south, flying right by the fake.

"You said he was this way, right?"

[smashbro]

smashbro looked around at the confusion, and was trying to keep up with whatever was going on. But only one thing ran through his mind about the situation. He whispered it aloud, and kept an eye on Kiri, and began to sun after Zeke. He yelled it to Zeke, trying to keep up. "This is too easy. It must be a trap!"