Normality, Shattered

Adriane just nodded and began to lead the beggar back to the inn, rather excited for the lunch. The snacks and breakfast the inn had provided earlier had been absolutely scrumptious, the maid was certain that their upcoming meal would prove no less. However, just before the duo reached the building where Marya and Claire were eating, the maid realized something. Turner had no idea what her name was, yet politely ignored her rudeness and instead regarded her as 'madame' and 'miss.' She couldn't help but blush at the realization and came to a sudden halt, turning to him with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, it seems with the commotion of today's events I forgot my manners. My name is Adriane Gundershine. Pleasure to fully make your acquaintance, Turner." She politely bowed her head and hoped that her earlier discourteous behavior could be overlooked entirely, although the beggar seemed to not mind.

She lifted her head after a moment. "Now then, sorry for the interruption. We'll be there in two shakes." she promised with a smile before once again taking the lead. It only took a few seconds for them to get to Marya's room, Adriane knocked twice before opening the door. "Hello, Miss Marya. Miss Claire." the maid greeted with a warm smile as she stepped into the room first. Her eyes quickly wandered from her friend and recently introduced acquaintance to the food that had been gathered in front of them; she spotted the soup the receptionist had brought up almost immediately. "Ah! Perfect!" Adriane exclaimed, moving aside to let her guest in. "That would be for you, I ordered it special." she explained to Turner, allowing him to take his food and seat before settling herself opposite Marya.

"Miss Marya, Miss Claire, this is Turner. I met him while we were taking a look around the town and talking to people. He's offered to help us in our search for the truth." Adriane elucidated with a nod, a brighter smile spreading on her face.

Marya turned her head to look at the door upon hearing the knocking, and as it turned out, it was Adriane, just as the receptionist had said.  The source of the woman's delay was revealed, however, as an older gentleman stepped across the threshold.  He looked like some kind of vagabond or something, his visage slightly dirty and his clothes tattered.  Adriane had said his name was Turner, a fellow seeker of the truth.  He must have been someone that Adriane had run into earlier and befriended, but a beggar?  Marya was definitely curious about the maid's motives, but she had no choice but to trust in her decision.  "It's nice to meet you, Turner.  Welcome to the group, I should say," Marya chimed, even if a bit uneasily.  Maybe there was something about Turner that she didn't quite understand yet.  She was certainly going to make an effort to find out what it was; that was for sure.

"Hey, I've seen you around the city before," Claire spoke up, her eyes widening a bit.  "You're that unorthodox beggar that....begs for money AND gives money away?  I've only heard rumors, but people definitely talk about you."  She paused a moment realizing that it might have come off as a bit rude.  "Er...still, nice to meet you formally and all."

"It's actually good that you brought him, Adriane," Marya said after taking a swig of her root beer.  "Regis said he was going to wind up visiting the recruits between now and tomorrow.  At least we can warn Turner so he won't be surprised."  Marya remembered her very first encounter with the rather erratic and unpredictable man where he had seized her arm and dragged her down some dark alley like a kidnapper or some such.  She dreaded that he might use similar tactics on the friends they had managed to make today.

"Regis...now that's a name that strikes me as familiar," Turner spoke up after stating his pleasure in meeting Claire. "I once knew a man by the name of Regis Stark. An eccentric and powerful man. Worked on the King's council for that matter. For some reason or another he abandoned his post and was never heard from again. Could that possibly be the same one?" he questioned as soon as he finished recalling the memory, looking inquisitively towards Adriane.

* * *

Entering the portal landed Authurius in some woods where the trees were quite spread out.  Out in the distance, a dirt road could be seen.  The trees appeared to be deciduous, but their foliage wasn't very thick despite the time of year...or at least what the time of year appeared to be.  The bark of the trees was a light color, and it seemed a bit hotter here than it was in Rose for whatever reason.  I'm always watchin' out fer ya, Regis's voice resounded suddenly throughout the area.  This seemed to attract some attention from some nearby bunnies that were feasting on the yellowish-green grass that grew upon the ground.  A couple of odd creatures that looked like clumps of dandelion seeds floated idly in the vicinity, though they didn't appear to be alerted by anything.  There was also something else lurking about making sure to stick within the shadows.  Consider me a part o' yer team, if only fer the time bein', he said again.  The air seemed to get a bit heavier after that while the portal continued to swirl behind Authur.

It was time to hunt.

Hunting 00: It Will Do For Now

Location: Sparse Woods - Outer Edge

Objective: Defeat all enemies and harvest their blood!

Background: ~You Do What You Have To~

{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } A
{ } {t} { } { } { } {L} { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } {t} C
{ } { } {t} { } { } { } {F} { } { } D
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } E
{ } { } {C} { } { } {t} { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {S} { } G
{ } {t} { } { } {A} { } { } { } { } H
{ } {N} { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } I
{ } { } { } { } {V} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Authurius (Vampire Raver) *INVISIBLE* *CHR +10%*
HP: 40/40
MP: 30/30
DD: 0/10
CG: 0/50
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 3
Spr: 4
Evade: 6%
Move: 4 cells

Regis (Master of Dimensions) *NO FORM* *OVERWHELMING PRESSURE* *MAG DMG OUTPUT +25%* *CHR +30%*
HP: --/--
MP: 175/175
DD: 0/50
CG: 0/200
Atk: --
Def: --
Int: 45
Spr: --
Evade: --
Move: --

Linux (Blackthorn Leopard)
HP: 50/50
MP: 50/50
DD: --/--
CG: 0/100
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells --- 3 cells

Carry (Wandering Spore) *SLEEP*
HP: 15/15
MP: 35/35
DD: --/--
CG: 0/50
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 4
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells --- 3 cells

Sleepy (Wandering Spore) *SLEEP*
HP: 15/15
MP: 35/35
DD: --/--
CG: 0/50
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 4
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells --- 3 cells

Nibbles (Just A Bunny)
HP: 5/5
MP: 5/5
DD: --/--
CG: 0/25
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 1
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 3 cells --- 2 cells

Furry (Just A Bunny)
HP: 5/5
MP: 5/5
DD: --/--
CG: 0/25
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 1
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 3 cells --- 2 cells

{t} - Tree (cannot be occupied)

*Starting position has been set.

Player Phase 1!

Sleepy takes 30 Dmg!

Sleepy OVERKILL!!

Hunting 00: It Will Do For Now

Location: Sparse Woods - Outer Edge

Objective: Defeat all enemies and harvest their blood!

Background: ~You Do What You Have To~

{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } A
{ } {t} { } { } { } {L} { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } {t} C
{ } { } {t} { } { } { } {F} { } { } D
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } E
{ } { } {C} { } { } {t} { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } {A} { } H
{ } {N} { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } I
{ } { } { } { } {V} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Enemy Phase.

Linux uses Trigger Command: Oblivious Hunt! [Removes all current stat reductions and prevents them]

Linux moves to D8.

Linux uses Blinding Shot on Authurius! 9 Dmg! (ATK) [Authurius is Blind]

MP: 44/50

Carry uses Scatter! [Cannot be targeted]

MP: 29/35

Nibbles moves to H1.

Nibbles waits.

Furry moves to D5.

Furry waits.

{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } A
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } {t} C
{ } { } {t} { } {F} { } { } {L} { } D
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{N} {t} { } { } { } { } { } {A} { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } I
{ } { } { } { } {V} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 2!

Authurius (Vampire Raver) *CHR +10%* *BLIND*
HP: 38/40
MP: 30/30
DD: 2/10
CG: 30/50
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 3
Spr: 4
Evade: 6%
Move: 4 cells

Regis (Master of Dimensions) *NO FORM* *OVERWHELMING PRESSURE* *MAG DMG OUTPUT +25%* *CHR +30%*
HP: --/--
MP: 175/175
DD: 0/50
CG: 0/200
Atk: --
Def: --
Int: 45
Spr: --
Evade: --
Move: --

Linux (Blackthorn Leopard)
HP: 50/50
MP: 44/50
DD: --/--
CG: 2/100
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Spoiler:

Sleepy (Wandering Spore) *OVERKILL*

Nibbles (Just A Bunny)
HP: 5/5
MP: 5/5
DD: --/--
CG: 0/25
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 1
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 3 cells --- 2 cells

Furry (Just A Bunny)
HP: 5/5
MP: 5/5
DD: --/--
CG: 0/25
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 1
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 3 cells --- 2 cells

{t} - Tree (cannot be occupied)

Hunting 00: It Will Do For Now

Location: Sparse Woods - Outer Edge

Objective: Defeat all enemies and harvest their blood!

Background: ~You Do What You Have To~

{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } A
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } {t} C
{ } { } {t} { } {F} { } { } {L} { } D
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } E
{ } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{N} {t} { } {A} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } I
{ } { } { } { } {V} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Authurius is Blind for 2 more turns.

Enemy Phase.

Linux moves to G7.

Linux uses True Toxin on Authurius! 9 Dmg! (ATK) [Authurius is Poisoned]

MP: 28/50

Carry reappears at I6.

Carry attacks Authurius! 4 Dmg! (INT)

Nibbles moves to F1.

Nibbles waits.

Furry moves to B5.

Furry waits.

{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } A
{ } {t} { } { } {F} { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } {t} C
{ } { } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } E
{N} { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {L} { } { } G
{ } {t} { } {A} { } { } { } { } { } H
{ } { } { } { } { } {C} { } {t} { } I
{ } { } { } { } {V} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 3!

Authurius (Vampire Raver) *CHR +10%* *BLIND* *POISON [3]*
HP: 32/40
MP: 30/30
DD: 2/10
CG: 30/50
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 3
Spr: 4
Evade: 6%
Move: 4 cells

Regis (Master of Dimensions) *NO FORM* *OVERWHELMING PRESSURE* *MAG DMG OUTPUT +25%* *CHR +30%*
HP: --/--
MP: 175/175
DD: 0/50
CG: 0/200
Atk: --
Def: --
Int: 45
Spr: --
Evade: --
Move: --

Linux (Blackthorn Leopard)
HP: 50/50
MP: 28/50
DD: --/--
CG: 4/100
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Carry (Wandering Spore) *SLEEP*
HP: 15/15
MP: 35/35
DD: --/--
CG: 0/50
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 4
Spr: 2
Evade: 3%
Move: 4 cells --- 3 cells

Sleepy (Wandering Spore) *OVERKILL*

Nibbles (Just A Bunny)
HP: 5/5
MP: 5/5
DD: --/--
CG: 0/25
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 1
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 3 cells --- 2 cells

Furry (Just A Bunny)
HP: 5/5
MP: 5/5
DD: --/--
CG: 0/25
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 1
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 3 cells --- 2 cells

{t} - Tree (cannot be occupied)

Regis uses Lucent Ascension on Carry!  13 hits!  57 Light Dmg per hit! CRITICAL!! (INT)

MP: 157/175

The air seemed to waver but for a moment as a vortex of light appeared beneath the floating spore which seemed intent on causing minimal harm to Authur.  It was one distraction that he need not deal with.  Blast after blast of radiant light surged upwards, striking the poor creature again and again with a final blast of light effectively ending its existence.

* * *

Authur is no longer Poisoned!

Carry takes 715 Dmg!

Carry OVERKILL!!

Hunting 00: It Will Do For Now

Location: Sparse Woods - Outer Edge

Objective: Defeat all enemies and harvest their blood!

Background: ~You Do What You Have To~

{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } A
{ } {t} { } { } {F} { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } {t} C
{ } { } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } E
{N} { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } {L} { } { } G
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{A} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } I
{ } { } { } { } {V} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Authurius is Blind for 1 more turn.

Enemy Phase.

Linux moves to I5.

Linux uses Preying on the Weak on Authurius!  16 Dmg! (ATK)

MP: 2/50

Nibbles moves to E2.

Nibbles waits.

Furry waits.

{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } A
{ } {t} { } { } {F} { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } {t} C
{ } { } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } E
{N} { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{A} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } I
{ } { } { } { } {V} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 4!

Authurius (Vampire Raver) *CHR +10%* *BLIND*
HP: 23/40
MP: 30/30
DD: 2/10
CG: 30/50
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 3
Spr: 4
Evade: 6%
Move: 4 cells

Regis (Master of Dimensions) *NO FORM* *OVERWHELMING PRESSURE* *MAG DMG OUTPUT +25%* *CHR +30%*
HP: --/--
MP: 157/175
DD: 50/50
CG: 0/200
Atk: --
Def: --
Int: 45
Spr: --
Evade: --
Move: --

Linux (Blackthorn Leopard)
HP: 50/50
MP: 2/50
DD: --/--
CG: 13/100
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Carry (Wandering Spore) *OVERKILL*

Sleepy (Wandering Spore) *OVERKILL*

Nibbles (Just A Bunny)
HP: 5/5
MP: 5/5
DD: --/--
CG: 0/25
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 1
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 3 cells --- 2 cells

Furry (Just A Bunny)
HP: 5/5
MP: 5/5
DD: --/--
CG: 0/25
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 1
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 3 cells --- 2 cells

{t} - Tree (cannot be occupied)

Hunting 00: It Will Do For Now

Location: Sparse Woods - Outer Edge

Objective: Defeat all enemies and harvest their blood!

Background: ~You Do What You Have To~

{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } A
{ } {t} { } { } {F} { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } {t} C
{ } { } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } E
{N} { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{A} { } { } { } {L} { } { } {t} { } I
{ } { } { } { } {V} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Authurius is no longer Blind.

Enemy Phase.

Linux moves to I2.

Linux attacks Authurius! 8 Dmg! (ATK)

Nibbles moves to F3.

Nibbles waits.

Furry waits.

{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } A
{ } {t} { } { } {F} { } { } { } { } B
{ } { } { } { } { } {t} { } { } {t} C
{ } { } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } D
{t} { } { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } E
{ } { } {N} { } { } {t} { } { } { } F
{ } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } { } G
{ } {t} { } { } { } { } { } { } { } H
{A} {L} { } { } { } { } { } {t} { } I
{ } { } { } { } {V} { } { } { } { } J
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9

Player Phase 5!

Authurius (Vampire Raver) *CHR +10%*
HP: 22/40
MP: 30/30
DD: 2/10
CG: 30/50
Atk: 11
Def: 7
Int: 3
Spr: 4
Evade: 6%
Move: 4 cells

Regis (Master of Dimensions) *NO FORM* *OVERWHELMING PRESSURE* *MAG DMG OUTPUT +25%* *CHR +30%*
HP: --/--
MP: 157/175
DD: 50/50
CG: 0/200
Atk: --
Def: --
Int: 45
Spr: --
Evade: --
Move: --

Linux (Blackthorn Leopard)
HP: 50/50
MP: 2/50
DD: --/--
CG: 14/100
Atk: 8
Def: 4
Int: 2
Spr: 5
Evade: 8%
Move: 4 cells

Carry (Wandering Spore) *OVERKILL*

Sleepy (Wandering Spore) *OVERKILL*

Nibbles (Just A Bunny)
HP: 5/5
MP: 5/5
DD: --/--
CG: 0/25
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 1
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 3 cells --- 2 cells

Furry (Just A Bunny)
HP: 5/5
MP: 5/5
DD: --/--
CG: 0/25
Atk: 1
Def: 1
Int: 1
Spr: 1
Evade: 0%
Move: 3 cells --- 2 cells

{t} - Tree (cannot be occupied)

As Regis' full name passed Turner's lips, Adriane nearly choked on the finger sandwich she had busied herself with. She quickly took a moment to calm herself and take a long gulp of water. "Yes, definitely," she answered when finally able, "and I'd say eccentric and powerful fit him perfectly." The maid wished to rant about the man's brazen abuse of his power over dimensions, but she knew bad mouthing the man would likely demoralize Claire and Turner. They might attempt to flee or fight when he came for them and though they had every right, Adriane knew neither stood a chance against the supposed Master of Dimensions.

Then, suddenly, a lightbulb! "He failed to mention to any of us that he once served King William," she continued quickly, ruby eyes glued to Marya. "Perhaps he isn't so eccentric," she mused for a moment, trying to picture Regis as one of King William's council members. The image didn't match at all. And yet if this much were true then perhaps he knew much more than he let on. Maybe William's plans weren't so perfect after all. "Maybe we can trust him..."

"Yeah that summarizes Regis up pretty well. I've seen some eccentric people but he's probably top of the line in that category," Marya said with an attempt at a joking tone but what she said was complete truth. She laughed nervously and thought of all the man's antics and his complete disregard to pretty much everything when it came to using and showing off his powers. To think that he used to be one of William's council members...there must have been a really good reason to make him leave such a position, one she imagined would be highly sought after considering everyone's apparent respect for King William.

"You know, now that I think about it, it makes sense that he wouldn't tell us," Marya said again after reaching somewhat of an epiphany. "He probably wanted for us to trust him just of our own will without the thought of him actually knowing what he's talking about. Maybe he was looking for people with that sort of faith. Makes me a little sad to think we've been so skeptical. At least we'll be able to get our proof one way or another."

Claire reached into her pocket and retrieved a cell phone that happened to be ringing. The word "Mom" could be seen on the screen and she slid her finger across to answer. "Hey Mom, what's up? Just hanging with a couple of new friends. They're not from here. I'm sure they would love your cooking, Mom, but they said they're going to be pretty busy. Uh, yeah, they're like some land surveyors or something. One of them is quite the painter, too. They actually invited me to go on an excursion with them. I thought it would be a good idea. Yeah. Oh definitely. You sure? It might be a while. I know. I'll tell them. Thanks, Mom! I love you too," Claire concluded her call and hung up, looking to Marya before standing up.

"I'm cleared to go on your mission tomorrow but Mom wants me to get home to make sure I'm properly packed, granted she has no idea where I'm actually going or what I'm actually doing. I feel a guilty being so shady," she explained and laughed sadly. She walked over to the desk that was in the room and plucked a pen from a cup resting upon it before walking back to Marya and taking her hand. She wrote a number on Marya's hand and set the pen down.

"That's my phone number. You should...keep in touch even when we're apart," the girl said with a blush, trying to avoid eye contact with Marya. Ugh why am I being all shy? It's gross! Never met a girl who could do this to me, she thought to herself before heading to the door to leave. "It was good meeting you, Adriane. And Turner too. We'll be seeing a lot more of each other. See ya~!"

"And good to meet you, young miss," Turner gave Claire a farewell before turning his attention to the soup that rested on the table, courtesy of the hotel thanks to Adriane ordering it. It was quite tasty. "I haven't many preparations to make myself. I'm used to improvising. Seems to be my whole lifestyle currently, and it has been for some time," he said with a hearty chuckle.

"You too, Miss Claire," Adriane called after the girl as she went home to pack. The Maid had to hand it to the teen – she came up with that lie to her mother pretty quickly. She hadn't even skipped a beat it seemed. Perhaps she would do well with the reconaissance mission they had planned or even other missions Regis would no doubt want them to do. Although it did seem one thing tripped her up; Adriane's gaze fell to Marya and she chuckled lightly. "She's a very nice young lady, Miss Marya," she quipped, "I'm sure your mother would approve."

Although she awaited the younger girl's response eagerly, Adriane's attention quickly shifted to Turner who spoke up about preparations, or rather his lack thereof. "Do you have somewhere to stay, Turner?" she asked politely, knowing he likely didn't have a proper home to return to. Most beggars she knew back in Levall (not that she knew many) didn't have anywhere to go – true, Turner was not like most beggars, but even his fascinating abilities did not ensure he had somewhere to go. "You could stay on the couch in my room if you like. I can see about getting extra pillows and blankets for you from the receptionist."

"I appreciate the offer, Adriane," Turner began with a warm smile but shook his head at her offer. "It means a lot to me that you would offer, but I'm afraid I'm needed elsewhere for the night, especially if I might be going away for a while."

"What do you plan on doing?" Marya asked in curiosity, momentarily thinking about how curiosity killed the cat and a grimace flashed across her face for but a brief moment before returning to her intrigued expression.

"The same old things I normally do," Turner replied after a long moment of silence, aside from the slight slurping of soup. The old man had downed the bowl easily. He felt its warmth surging through his body, easing the pain that wracked his bones. "If you'll excuse me, young ladies. Thank you for the soup, Adriane. It has done wonders for me." Bidding the duo adieu, Turner took his own leave with plans of his own to take care of leaving Adriane and Marya alone.

"Heeey don't think I didn't catch that by the way," Marya spoke up now in mock anger, her comment directed at Adriane's regarding Claire. "I'm not into her...I just think we're going to be great friends," she explained defensively, tapping her claws absently on the furniture. "Did you have any other plans for today? If not we may as well rest up. There's bound to be more fighting, and now we have people we really need to protect."

"If you say so Miss Marya," Adriane responded, her tone honest and direct. If the girl felt that the Rose native would just be a good friend then she believed her. Of course, Adriane didn't add the thought stirring in the back of her mind – some of the greatest romances started as friendships. Perhaps Claire and Marya would be no different. But alas, Adriane kept her attention primarily focused on Marya and shook her head when asked about plans. "I had no plans and I do believe you're correct," she replied in earnest, "I believe we should rest up. It will be incredibly important for us to be at our best if we want to make sure everyone returns unscathed."

At this, the Maid stood and gathered the plates and bowl and stacked them neatly. For a moment, she faltered. Then she chuckled lightly. "Old habits never die, I suppose. Sorry Miss Marya." Cleaning up just seemed like the polite and correct thing to do. "I'll be in my room if you need me, otherwise I will see you in tomorrow morning. I hope we have luck in finding some truth."

Marya gave Adriane a huge grin as the maid began doing what she had made a profession of. What was there left to do? She took hold of her phone and fiddled with it. Not only was there still horrid service, granted she was lucky there was any at all, but the battery life was reaching its last legs. She had Claire's number and she couldn't even make use of it. She would need a phone for the business they were getting into. She would need to be able to stay in contact with the people they had roped into this whole grand scheme. In her heart she hoped that Regis really was just some old loony coot but given all she had learned today, she was starting to believe that not was as it seemed here in Crazed Levall. What sort of conspiracies were kept behind the curtains in Castle Rose? It would be their endeavor to find out.

"I'm going to head out for just a bit," Marya told Adriane as the woman finished cleaning up. "Hopefully this little trip will prove fruitful," she chimed merrily as she left her room and exited the inn.

Outside, it was starting to get a bit later in the afternoon. Night would be upon the town in no time. The streets were still full of people, and more vendors had set up around the place, hawking wares to passersby. As Marya strolled down the street, she couldn't help but smile at it all. She got that feeling of peace again. It was hard to believe this place was threatened by a cloud of Craze energy just hovering above it and waiting to unleash a downpour that could wipe all sanity from existence thereby creating nothing but pure chaos in its wake. It was a storm she hoped she would never have to witness.

Marya kept her eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary but found nothing. However, upon arriving at the fountain square, she noticed a familiar face. It was Karna. Marya didn't hesitate to approach and greeted the girl.

"Well if it isn't Marya," Karna greeted the cat girl in return with a warm smile. "What are you doing out and about?"

"You know, I was looking for someone who could help me out with something," Marya said and whipped out her phone.

"Oh dear..." Karna said and made a disgusted face which took Marya aback.

"Wh-what's wrong?"

"That thing is an ancient relic. Only old people use flip phones," Karna put bluntly but patted Marya on the shoulder reassuringly. "If you need a provider, preferably one who can offer you a better phone, then I suggest Night Whisper. They're a recent provider that pretty much shot to the top. I never have a problem with my service and I've been using them since they started. They have a store not too far from here. Just head west down the main street and it'll be on the left in that strip of businesses."

"You are a lifesaver, Karna, thank you!" Marya thanked the girl graciously, mewing in glee before scurrying off to the store. It was just as Karna said. The representative gave some pretty solid statistics regarding Night Whisper's service and plans and their rise to the top of the list of best providers. The rep helped Marya pick out a new white phone with a touch screen and a black case with pink accents. Marya turned it on after being helped with the setup and noticed that it had full service. This was what she needed. She wondered if she'd be able to call her mom...

"Uh...this might sound crazy but how's your service when it comes to interdimensional calls?" Marya took a shot in the dark hoping that she didn't sound like a lunatic or just plain stupid.

"I'm sorry, I'm not quite sure myself. You can imagine that doesn't get asked a lot around here," the rep responded with a somber smile, bowing her head in apologies.

Marya noted that it would be okay and forked over some pocket cash to cover the initial setup bill. With new phone in hand, she left the store. The sun was starting to set now and the streets were still fairly busy. She had a time getting back to the inn, unlocking her door and heading to her bed to settle down and play around on her phone. She texted with Claire and chatted with her for a bit before dozing off sometime hours later which would result in her being out for the night. It was for the best for the day to come would bring untold worries and struggles...

Adriane nodded and waved the girl off. Perhaps she should go out too? The sight of Rose at night seemed fairly tempting, but the Maid quickly decided against it. If she went out and found something to do she might not get back and to bed as early as she would have liked – given the additional factors weighing on tomorrow's mission, it would be best to be as prepared as possible. With that much in mind, Adriane quickly walked down to her room and slipped inside. She fell to the bed and drifted off to sleep hoping tomorrow would be not only fruitful but safer than they expected.

The night passed almost as quickly as it had come, and a night of rest found itself over as the sun rose and spread its rays across the morning sky, the light seeping into the windows of the inn rooms. Marya had set an alarm and was already up, sitting on her bed with her hair being a complete mess. She gazed out sleepily towards the window and managed to stagger out of bed to approach it. Opening the blinds let in an even greater flood of light, but also a great view of the town. People were starting to filter out into the streets to begin their day. That was where Marya and Adriane needed to be at the moment, for there was no telling how long their trip would be exactly. She sighed.

Making her way to the bathroom, Marya freshened herself up and got dressed, retrieving her weapons and arming herself. She made sure to grab her phone and a few more materials, like candy and soda, for the road. After double checking everything to make sure she was all set, she grabbed her inn room key and headed over to Adriane's room, giving a deft knock to the door.

"Rise and shine, Adriane!" Marya chimed from the hallway. Adriane seemed like the type to be an early riser, so she had probably already been awake for some time. Marya counted herself lucky that the maid hadn't tried to wake her up first. A cat girl needs her rest.

Tried as she might, Adriane did not sleep in the next morning. Instead, she rose particularly early (as she was well accustomed to given her profession) and quickly made good use of the magnificent shower the inn had to offer them. She sighed as the spray of delightful warm water washed over her. It sure felt delightful to have the comforts of home here in Rose, especially with what awaited Marya, Authur, and herself at Ender's Outpost. Of course, as quickly as the shower had begun it had ended and Adriane exited with a towel wrapped around her. She blow dried her hair and began to fiddle with it for awhile before stopping. She went back to her bed and pulled a hair tie from the tote she had purchased the other day and quickly went about braiding her long locks and pulling them from where they hanged and working them up into a milkmaid braid. When she finished, she pinned her hair in place and stepped back to double check it. Although not the handiest with hair, it looked decent enough and she knew that this style would keep it out of her face while they attended to their mission.

Finishing what little of her morning routine she could manage given her lack of her usual products and creams, Adriane stepped back out into her room and slipped the dress she had bought on along with a fresh pair of undergarments. Although she had been wearing heels the day before, she chose to forgo them – if they had to run for whatever reason it would spell disaster. No one would want to look back in horror as she would inevitably trip and fall prey to whatever they were running from. Instead she slipped on a pair of flats she had also purchased with the totes – they weren't the best shoes, but they would certainly be more useful for what they had planned than her heels. She quickly stowed what she could in her tote and slipped it over her shoulder just as Marya called out to her. She went to the door and stepped out into the hallway to join Marya.

"Good morning, Miss Marya," the Maid greeted with a warm smile, "I assume you had a good night out last night? Did you get enough sleep?" The young cat girl certainly seemed well-rested so she couldn't have been out too terribly late. And clearly she couldn't have been out as late as Authur. The Maid hadn't seen or heard from the vampire since they were asked to leave Regis alone. She hoped he had gotten sleep... if he even slept. She glanced at the door to his room. "Have you seen Mister Authur? Is he awake?"

"There you are, I slept great, actually. I was more wore out than I thought I was. Fell asleep texting a friend of mine," Marya explained, faltering slightly at the last part. If she said that the person she was texting was Claire, she was really going to get it. "Look! I went out and got a new phone so we could keep in contact with the recruits and the like," she added quickly, retrieving her phone from her pocket and showing it to Adriane, however, when the maid mentioned Authur, Marya's smile faded.

"You know, I haven't seen him since yesterday. Maybe he and Regis wound up having more in common then we thought and they decided to hang out? Even then Authur was always the type to enjoy the night life. Maybe he overdid it. Regis will probably have answers for us," Marya replied pensively, worry now creeping into her mind. She knew Authur had a habit of getting into some bad situations, granted now more than ever he was probably capable of taking care of himself. Regardless, she wouldn't be calm until she saw the guy for herself in tiptop shape.

"We...shouldn't waste any time then. Come on," Marya ushered Adriane out of her own room, closing the door behind her and led the maid out onto the streets and to the alleyway that contained the doorway to Regis's extradimensional abode.

The warm morning air was a blessing as it touched gingerly upon Marya's skin. She didn't give it a second thought though for the only thought now in her mind was what kind of sorry condition her friend was in at the current moment. Marya banged her fist against the door in the alleyway that would look like a stone wall to any normal person. A rather serious Regis opened the door to let the duo in.

"And a good mornin' to ya, young ladies," Regis greeted politely, closing the door behind them quickly as to not rouse suspicion in any passersby. His greeting had been rather somber, however. He shuffled to his kitchen table and sat down in one of the chairs, drinking some tea out of a small white porcelain cup this morning. His eyes seemed to be focused on something, but Marya couldn't see anything but a sticky note on the wall near the entryway to the hallway. It read simply:

In case he comes back...

Adriane frowned as Marya replied that she had not seen the vampire boy either. Although the two were not well acquainted as the younger girl was with him, the Maid still had to worry. If he enjoyed the nightlife and happened to party too hard then the upcoming mission would be all the more difficult – not to mention his health would probably deteriorate with no sleep. At least, Adriane assumed as much. However, when the duo was ushered into Regis' home, all thoughts of the boy's health vanished. Instead, her focus remained on the sticky note sitting in the entryway.

"In case he comes back..." she read aloud, accent suddenly very thick. Ruby eyes flashed with anger at the thought of what that little note could possibly mean. And if looks could maim and raze entire cities, Regis would have been crushed under seven hundred and thirty-two feet of rubble from the mere movement of Adriane's right eye. Her gaze on him shot pure destruction and she immediately placed herself in front of Marya, grabbing the cat girl's hand and giving it a comforting squeeze. "In case who comes back, dare I ask?"

"Yer friend...the one who decided he ain't got time to be wastin' on no mission. The one who said he needed ta find himself and figure out who he was now that he had changed," Regis explained flatly, eyes not moving from that note. Only he could see the portal that he had opened for Authur, and he hoped that the fellow would traipse back in at any second, but he knew deep in his heart that his friends would not be seeing him again anytime soon.

"Here, it's all in this letter he was kind enough ta send to me." He picked up a piece of paper off the table and outstretched his hand only to have Marya stomp over to him and snatch it away.

The note pretty much said what Regis did with the additional worries that Authur apparently had regarding whether or not he would be truly able to control himself around Marya and Adriane. He was going out on his own to seek the strength he would need to master his new self, and he couldn't afford to be near his friends while he tried, for all it would take was one slip up to end it all.

"This...is definitely his handwriting... Oh Authur..." Marya said softly, sadness tinging her voice. She clutched the note and choked on a sob that threatened to bring her to complete tears. Authur was the last person she had from her previous life. Even though he was still out there somewhere along with Vendetta, it still made her sad. There was no stopping it. She felt so weak. Why hadn't Authur trusted them to be there for him?

When Marya choked out a sob, Adriane quickly pulled the girl into a loving embrace on sheer instinct alone. She continued to physically reassure the distraught teen, but her eyes were practically alight with flames of rage; although it was physically and logically impossible, the redness of her eyes seemed to darken to that of blood, the very substance she wished to spill right now. The glare she had set on Regis spat acid. How could he dare to lose Marya's only friend? Her only rock that anchored her to her past life had vanished and he had done nothing to prevent it from happening. "How could you let this happen?" she demanded, accent thick with fury. "Do you not see what you've caused? And yes, I do mean you. He left, but you didn't try to stop him. Aren't you supposed to be a Master of Dimensions or some other nonsensical bullshit you've come to call yourself? How in the world could you possibly let him just leave!"

"I can see and warp space but when there is nothin' ta see then what'm I ta do?" Regis growled in response. He had been extremely sympathetic to what had happened but Adriane's rage was causing him to lose said sympathy. "Ya do realize with that new fancy coat o' his he can jus' vanish in the blink o' an eye right? Wiped out all the things he was huntin' and was gone. Thought he'd carry his invisible self back through the portal but he had other plans," Regis explained. "I can only feel space that's presented, and he was doin' his damn best to hide his, and was successful to." He realized talking to Adriane was probably a terrible idea so he focused one Marya.

"Listen young lady, yer friend loved you so much that he risked his life ta protect ya 'til he was sure he could get and keep a hold o' himself. 'Cause he has no idea what he's done! He doesn't have a map o' the place! Nothin'! Only knows a little bit about what the Craze can do. Young lady, I have faith in yer friend and ya gotta do the same. Have faith that he'll come back safe and sound, and stronger than he's ever been."

Marya had continued sobbing onto Adriane's shoulder but Regis's words reached her, and although she was still bitter and sad about the loss of her friend, she came to realize that he wasn't lost. "Authur's strong--probably the strongest of our trio here," Marya muttered, wiping away her tears. "He's right, Adriane. Authur will be new and improved when we see him again...and that means...that means we can't let up either..."

Adriane's glare held out but her mouth transformed into a thin line as Regis spoke to Marya and the girl commented. She did have a point. Authur had changed the most apparently and his new form was astonishingly strong. Not to mention that his coat would keep him safe from most harm – as long as the charm on that coat didn't run out then maybe things would be all right. Maybe he'd live to come back. No, not maybe, Adriane thought, he has to come back. He has to. I'll find him myself if he doesn't.

Nevertheless, her mouth remained rigid. She didn't like how things were playing out. How were they supposed to protect Turner and Claire between the two of them? "Fine. I'm willing to trust he knows what he's doing, but where does that leave us? Where does that leave Claire and Turner?" Her gaze on Regis had softened but her tone of voice still packed a powerful dose of realistic skepticism. "How are we supposed to protect them if something goes wrong? Marya's the only one who can really hurt someone and while I can patch people up there's nothing I can do about serious injuries. You can't possibly expect us to just bring them along on a potentially dangerous mission without the means to protect them!"