Chapter 1: Fated Task (Main)

[Nynx]

Nearing sunset, Nunavut Region......

This was quite an interesting day. The resistance agreed to take on a dangerous task from which their very lives could be at stake. Winds howled through the air almost as if it was guiding them down the right path. It was cold outside. Nunavut was known to have a very cold climate but the landscape was always beautiful. Lush green grass, multi-colored trees, huge waterfalls and lakes that were large enough to bath a herd of elephants. Snow floated down from the white skies gently, covering the ground like a soft blanket. Shin and his group headed toward the Nassau region in hopes of returning to their HQ and re-plan their situation. With the urn in their possession and the army on their tail, there was no time to mess around.

As the group was walking up the elevated hill, Shin was thinking about something the monk told him. The monk mentioned something about the urn's origin and where it was originally made however he gave no real information about its whereabouts. They could return this urn to their base but what good would it do. Mortals could not use the item, so why hold on to it? This item was did nothing but provoke unwanted attention from the army. However if it fell into their hands, who knows what would happen. Shin reached into his pocket and grabbed a cigarette. He lit the cigarette and placed it to his mouth. This was a stressful situation for him. He was putting his team in danger for something he didn't fully understand. It was a risk that he really didn't want to take. He was with 10 of his most trusted companions, all of them willing to help the resistance. This was a betrayal of their dedication on his part. He closed his eyes for a minute to think when suddenly his cigarette was taken out of his mouth and thrown to the ground. He knew exactly who was responsible for that. The sharp little Rose, beautiful but quite demanding?.. She looked at him with a very angry expression on her face. Shin sighed a little and said "Can I have at least one smoke?"

"You know my feelings on that." Rose said stepping on the lighted cigarette in the process. "You really need to cut back or even better, quit." Shin shook his head a little at Rose's comment. He knew she cared about his health but it was still kinda annoying to have a "mommy" around.

"Sorry. I'm a bit worried about some things."

"Its alright. I've been thinking about some things as well. However this urn is dangerous and it needs to be kept out of the Empire's hands. Everything will be alright. I have a good feeling about this."

"I hope you're right about that because its our lives thats on the line here. The best thing we can do right now is find shelter from the cold weather which is what Lien is doing. I pray for her safe return." Rose looked up at him and gave him a warm smile.

"She'll be fine. She is a strong woman after all."

"Heh yes but she's also quite stubborn." Shin looked back at his fellow members. They seemed to be tired and exhausted from the long walk but their spirits were fine. They deserved a good rest once they found a suitable place. " Everyone, just a little further. We will find someplace to rest soon."

[Angel]

Alexander, or Katherine/Kattie/Kitty to the resistance was annoyed. The black lolita dress she was wearing was fashionable and just the sort of thing his sister loved to wear all the time, but it was not meant for the cold. Hell, it was not meant for traveling in general, but he refused to wear anything but the things that she had worn her whole life.. the things she had loved. He had learned to cope with the stares and the people telling him that he should be wearing better travel clothing..

Though, the fact that he had made this outfit for her, along with many other might have had some sway in this decision. Not that he would admit that to himself.

He noticed the "leader" pull out a cigarette and start smoking it and felt envious at the warmth it probably provied, but then the young girl started getting on him and telling telling him to stop again. He grimaced and made a small hmph sound as the princess was succeeding in annoying him again. She was a 14 year old brat who he thought was basically a traitor to the man he had served his life for and for so many years.

But no, he was more annoyed at the leader in question. He was actually letting this fourteen year old walk all over him. Respecting your subordinates is one thing.. letting them walk all over you was another altogether. The entire display was insulting and at that moment, he would give nothing else but to back amongst the order and discipline of the knights. But the Resistance had saved his life.. and he owned them a debt. And until he felt that debt was re-payed. He knew he would serve them. Honor was an important thing to him, just as important as loyalty.

And so, Alexander kept in his comfortable position in the back row, his face emotionless and bland, his young legs looking cold and slightly purple in the weather but without the slightest bit of outwardly shiver. His pacing in the back was small, so he had managed to keep his energy a bit up but that didn't change the fact that his young body was desperate for some sleep and that he was still on guard, his little hands ready to grasp one of the knives tucked nicely in his hair-ties.

[kunekune]

Paco held up the rear and was clasping tightly the book his father had lent him for the journey, a copy of a book named Don Quixote. He never found out who wrote it, even his father didn't know, but the story within was a mix of humor and tragedy that seemed pertinent for Paco's current situation. The hero, Don Quixote de la Mancha, was a madman who believed himself to be a knight of chivalry and filled himself with delusions of grandeur, dragons, and damsels in distress. At times young Paco saw himself in the illustrious character that was Don Quixote, a commoner caught up in a torrent of power greater than he could resist--the dream of becoming a knight errant, Paco's analog being the forces vying for the urn of Magic. He usually didn't think so deep into matters such as this because he always left feeling depressed and hollow on the inside, the weight of a nonexistent chain around his neck, but such musings in the long run made him a more sane individual, albeit a very somber one.

The winds brought with them a cooling effect that bit at his neck, prompting him to turn his collar up and tighten the scarf around his neck.

"Why does fate punish me so?" he wondered, scrambling forward to keep up with the party. He noticed two people at the front chatting, one obviously not pleased at the other's desire to smoke, and with this he began to wonder exactly why he was even chosen to help protect the urn. All that he could think of would be his knowledge of the magic with which he had never actually dabbled. In his country's Biblioteca Nacional were books in the archives dealing with magic, spells and alchemical ingredients that were no longer of use to people with no magic to use. When the institution decided to destroy the books, Paco begged his father to help gather them up before they were taken to the fire. Paco's room was then littered with books concerning magic and its history, and he read them day after day trying to soak up as much information about the arts as he possibly could. He assumed that the others had seen his potential and wanted him along, but all of this knowledge was for naught if the magic wasn't available for everyone to use, and so Paco had to learn how to master the only weapon in his arsenal--a boomerang.

Its weight was now apparent to him as the trek continued, and he set a hand on the pouch behind him that held it aloft.

"I just hope this ends soon..."

[Maelys Knight]

Day xx Month xx Year xxxx Location: Nunavut Region

--Why are we even doing this. It`s a goddamn urn with the last bit of magic in Evalince. Magic which provides problems for soldiers in battle. It has nothing to do with us. But if this is what Shin will have us do, then so be it. I may not agree with the mission, but it`s a mission Shin agrees with. i may not understand his motives, but I will protect our group.

We have been walking for quite a while now, and some of us are tiring very fast. I don`t know if everyone will make it back to HQ, but i will do my part to see that they do. No one has died yet. Everyone seems to be fairly ok, but if it happens, I will make sure it`s my blade that is rammed through Riviere`s throat.--

Rikkan had been writing in his journal throughout the journey. It seemed to be the only thing that kept him sane on their trip. he always kept glancing around, expecting Rivieres men to pop out from anywhere. When he wasn`t writing, he was walking around and through the group, helping others that needed help.

[Tony Redgrave]

" Everyone, just a little further. We will find someplace to rest soon."

Wrapped up in that woolen black cloak of his, Roland was sporting quite a scowl, waging his own personal battle against the elements themselves. A travelers cloak could only protect but so much from the bone chilling winds and cold snow falling every which way. To suffice, he had long since pulled back from the front lines and all the way back to the flank where he could hopefully use the others to buffer the wind and so he wouldn't have to hear their leader for the fifth time say "Just a little further"

That didn't do much though since, Shin and that little brat beside him were so loud, he could hear it from way back. The nerve of her.. even marching around like she had reign over this little entourage. Stamping out cigarettes and ordering people to kick a habit she had no business whatsoever in telling a person leave behind as it was. She even looked like somewhat of a trollop as well.

Irritating is what this all was and it was all for some artifact that they claimed held the regions last bit of magical essence. However, it was a claim that seemed to hold up fairly well seeing as this ragtag group was being hunted down for such a measly looking thing. It didn't matter though. He joined the resistance of his own free will and if they were to encounter Riviere`s men, so be it. A fight in this winter wonderland would be just what needed to warm up and with the spirit of the berserk residing within him, This dapper looking chap would simply paint this white landscape a rather comely shade of crimson. A promise he was so focused upon, he had his hand fixated upon the hilt of the rapier hidden away within the confines of his cloak.

[Mariomasher]

"So cold..." Chase said to herself, shivering like mad.

She never liked the cold, especially being dressed in not much clothing. What a cumbersome thing it was. Slowing people down, making them ill; the only thing positive coming out of this was the beautiful sight. White snow forming a thin blanket over lush green grass. Chase continued to shiver, barely keeping up with the group. Why was this urn so important? Magic? sounded all far fetched to Chase. Magic was always used in fairy tales her mother told.

"Mommy..." Chase closed her eyes and a single tear escaped from her eye.

Joining the Resistance wasn't exactly Chase's idea. She woke one morning and her mother was gone. She went out to search for her mother when she spotted her; she was being dragged away by the Empire. Chase didn't know what to do, thus she ran away into the vast country. She met a few others whom protected her from the wild animals. They said, "Come with us, we're the Resistance against the Empire." Against the Empire. It was the only phrase Chase payed attention to. She became lost in memory. "Mommy?" She came back to reality. She nodded, too shy to actually speak to these strangers. She was part of the Resistance from then on.

"We will find someplace to rest soon," said the leader of the Resistance.

Chase was relieved to hear that. She wanted to get out of the cold and sit next to a fire, hopefully next to somebody cute. She saw the leader being lectured by a younger girl. She giggled and thought to herself. "Us girls always have the power over men!" She smiled and giggled again. She used the miniature lecture as a distraction from the cold.

It ended too soon for Chase. The cold crept back and snow pelted her. "Please, let us find this resting point soon." She shivered more and increased her pace to keep up.

[Rorschach]

"Its good to be in familiar land, too bad I don't know where in the familiar land we are," Shauna thought to herself.

It was cold, but nothing that Shauna hasn't experienced before. The group was further North than Shauna had expected and her graceful outfit wasn't fit for this kind of weather. Maybe she should have put on some sort of clothing to cover her head. She had nothing to really say, her partners were partners and this was just another job. After she finished this job, she has hopes of settling down and starting a family.

"Hopefully the point we need to reach has tea or water, I am awfully thirsty"

[SLE]

While it was true Sonette was used to traveling in a group and such, she doubted she really fit in with this one. Strange bunch she had here. Though, she was trailing near the back of the pack, she felt exhausted. Did the walk have to take this long? Her stock of weaponry was starting to become a drag. Hopefully this urn thing was worth it. Despite probably listening to the explanation at one time or another, her old mind wasn't really processing it well, something to do with magic? She decided to ignore it, just being happy to help out, maybe it would even help her in the long run.

The snow falling was starting to get to her. Though her robes were comfortable and good for travel, they were not very warm. Sonette didn't intend to catch a cold, so she hoped they actually were getting there soon, like everyone kept saying. She was almost sure most of the group was lost anyway. So, she averted her gaze to the side as she walked. The light falling snow looked beautiful today...

[Nynx]

As the group continued up the path, the wind was becoming more fierce and brutal. Nunavut was known all around to be very chilly but this was a bit too much, especially since they were nearing the Nassau region. Shin looked back at the party for a little check up. Most of them looked a little bitter but a few of them seemed to be holding up pretty good. Katherine, the youngest member of our group stayed in the back row, emotionless and bland like always. He wondered why she agreed to come along this mission but after her terrifying glance it was best not to ask. To his left, Rose was giving the same evil look toward her. Apparently those two didn't like each other very much. However her evil glare was cut short by an arrow that land on the ground in front of them.

The precision and timing of the shot was perfect. No one heard it and if it was intended, it could have went straight through someone's leg. Mao's slim body quickly passed the arrow on the ground slowly coming to a slow stop in front of Shin. "Stay sharp. If I was the enemy, you would have been dead instantly."

"Well It took you long enough." Shin said trying to be cute. Mao wasn't the type to joke around but Shin had a knack for pushing her buttons. Rose said nothing, all she did was roll her eyes.

" My apologies. My search was extended just encase anything was overlooked. Also I found a spot where we can rest. Its outdoors but its well fortified. I was also able to obtain sleeping bags from a couple of wandering merchants. " Lien said as she hooked her bow on her back.

"Excellent! Where is this place?"

"Over the hill and down the path. The structure is big, you can't miss it."

"Good news indeed..." Shin said as he turned towards everyone. "Everyone we found a place to stay. Its just above the hill. A bit further my friends." Shin was relived to here this news. He quickened his pace up the path , edging his comrades on at the same time. He was relieved but he was also a bit worried. The look in Mao's eyes told him that she discovered something while scouting. He wondered when she will talk about it.

[kunekune]

A wave of relief poured over Paco as he heard of the approaching haven, a much more pleasant place to be than out in the cold with a bunch of loonies.

Truth be told, he didn't really know anyone in the party and probably wouldn't know them on a more intimate level despite their desperate struggle to keep the magic away from dark forces. This melancholy attitude was only furthered by his position in the group, the fact that he was in the back made it seem like he would never amount to anything amazing or spectacular, and that those who will receive the glory will be those with the pretty face or with the most energy. He never felt disdain for those who would get that sort of attention, but it saddened him to think that he might never get to bask in the limelight with his fellow protectors. Maybe, just maybe, he'll be cared for if he could get a hand on some magic...

All the while he had been reading Don Quixote, on and off, seeing the stupidity and naivete of Don Quixote and of the odd following of Sancho Panza. Odd following. Maybe he was Sancho in this situation, maybe not. One thing he did envy of him, though, was that sense of adventure and the power to find a friend in anyone if they treated him right. Paco had always been treated with nonchalance, not really hated or liked by anyone beyond his parents, and so this quality of Don Quixote enticed him and made him yearn for more in the story and also in reality.

Thinking of this made Paco quicken his pace, and he soon found himself in the midst of the crowd of people.

Maybe.

[Angel]

Alexander was about to go in his own little world.. when he noticed the Rose girl turn over to her and give her a glare. That seethed him a tad.. but he just gave her a very obvious "I'm ignoring you, bitch." turn of the head. The brat wasn't his problem at all.

The entrance of the other girl was basically ignored by Alexander as well, other than her firing at her own man. This rebel group had no honor at all it seemed. Even to make a point, firing at someone was unnecessary and pretentious. If she had missed and taken his life, they would have lost a valuable ally. Her report didn't matter other than the basic bit he needed to know to get his job done. He found the more he listened to the group, the more he got annoyed.. so he just would rather do what they ask and then leave.

The weather was bothersome, annoying.. and just plain.. irritating. His thoughts started to wander off to his sister.. feeling her hair on his scalp.. on her scalp bouncing around. Every moment often made him do this and made him even more inward than he thought. Oh what he wouldn't do for some nice warm weather and the sunlight of springtime.

It made him think of a song.. a song she often sung to him when he was back at home. It was of a tongue of language long lost, a tongue they both had learned as children as a special way of communicating with each other. Lost in the memories of the song, his inner voice escaped him and he started singing it.

What would sound like gibberish to the rest of them was a lovely song he always had carried with him in his heart. she had wrote it for him. A song about how the sun, the happiness, the wind, it carried all the memories they had spent together and brought them together even if they were far, far away. Hearing her voice sing it once again was painful, but he continued to walk along and sing it.. oblivious to caring about what the rest thought.

[Maelys Knight]

"Everyone, we found a place to stay. It`s just above the hill. A bit further my friends."

Rikkan had caught the look in Mao`s eye, and instantly became edgy. He soon became suspicious of the enemy. Maybe it was only an old, abandoned enemy camp. Although the enemy could still have an ambush waiting there. Rikkan would find someone to help him with night shifts, one awake while the other sleeps for a bit, exchanging places every so often. He would do his best to see that everyone here, even the mercenaries, stayed alive. So he adjusted his pouch that held his knives and his Katana for quick access if needed, and ran up to walk beside Shin on the opposite side as Mao.

[Tony Redgrave]

That Shin.. he knew the direction but he really didn't have a clue if there was an area up ahead did he? That overbearing woman who was always with the group made that painfully clear since she was the one who actually found an area. But if that wasn't enough, He was elated to hear the good news that he actually exclaimed "Excellent! Where is this place?"

But whatever..

Complaining over such a trivial manner was in Roland's eyes, a waste of breath. It was a leaders job anyway to keep the party going forward even if the path was somewhat uncertain anyway. In fact, it just proved what type of person he really was didn't it? A buffoon at first glance perhaps, but looks were deceiving.

Himself included, there were people from many different backgrounds and ideals within the resistance. To unite them all under one cause and keep it organized and together, Shin Myeong would have to be fairly charismatic and intelligent to do so.

An interesting theory that will surely be tested in the days to come. But as for now, there was nothing else that caught his eye and the odd song that little girl was singing wasn't even worth a moment's thought. Walking forward, he took a moment to tighten the wrap of his cloak a bit and resumed the strenuous task of keeping his senses sharp within the heart of his winter storm.

Which.. wasn't easy in the very least. He was really starting to feel the chill to his very bones. In response to that, his body was really starting to shake to build up even a bit of warmth. This place had better not be too far away or in the very least, he would have to start moving around a bit more to take his mind of the cold

[Rorschach]

"I am really regretting not bringing that jacket."

Shauna felt it was getting a bit too cold.

"Why are we going so far north? Why couldn't we go to someplace like the ontario region? Its warmer and more friendly."

Shauna dragged on but couldn't help but hearing about how the base was above the hill and down the path. She felt a little adrenaline, a little pep in her step. She had a reason to continue going now, as a little hope had shined into her heart.

"I wonder if they have beds at the base, I am killing for a good warm nap on a comfy blanket."

Shauna's head began racing with all sorts of fantasies. She was getting ahead of herself, assuming that the group was going to a gigantic palace for a king when really, she was probably going to a place to take refuge for a couple of hours.

Shauna began walking faster, increasing the speed of her steps. The faster her walk, the more she will warm up.

[SLE]

Sonette's spirit was starting to get lower and lower. She trudged against the wind getting heavier and heavier. "Just over this hill!" or "It's not far now!" if she had a nickel for every time she heard something like that, she could buy a dragon with all the money.

Though, she hadn't been outward with her feelings, not even actually showing them on her face, she could tell nobody noticed. Or they haven't noticed her specifically, with everyone being from an 8 to a 3 on the spirit meter. Especially since nobody's talked to her this entire time. She was sitting comfortably being a 5 right now. Borderline 4 if she had to keep walking. She was old, why do her feet need to be pushed like this?