Weird doesn't even begin to describe this one.

Michael found himself half asleep waiting on his good friend Yazuki to arrive in this tiny back water inn was about a cliché and dull as you can imagine from badly made wooden floors to the grimy old bar with about a dozen rickty old wooden tables arranged in front of the bar area only made worse by how slim the pickings were to the point of non existence unless Michael drank enough booze to kill a dragon and a dozen horses he may then flirt with some of the rather homely ladies around here and it wasn't like there was much around here besides the ancient ruins to the south something that while Michael was sure would interest some wizards and lay men was about as interesting as a lecture on paint drying to Michael nursing his drink longer than he should have by any stretch of the imagination, A tiny whisper of a man approached him a envelope in hand and look on his face that was a twisted blend of agony and terror "You don't need to be scared I don't bite" the man cautionushly handed Michael the letter before running out the in like hell itself had just opened up in his back side before Michael could open the strange letter a familiar psyche moved in but the face wasn't quite what Michael expected.

He stepped into the rickety, old inn. He had chosen this place for a reason. His scar was now impossible to remove, this much he knew. His hair was longer and closer to his friend's that was nursing his drink at the bar, but he wore it much differently. He wore robes, which he knew would be a complete throw off to his friend. His eyes were even shaded green that matched a certain individual's hair color...

"It's been a little while since we spoke last huh Michael?" He knew the man would recognize his soul, knowing his prowess with his arts. he walked over to the bar, his Dharma and Shoulder pads on. He knew his look was far different than what was normal to Michael, and he smirked an wry grin.

"Sorry its been so long. I have been meditating in Mysterious Canyon after my... Incident. I see you are well?" He looked over at the bar, noticing they still hadn't gotten much of a selection since the last time he had came. He looked around for a moment, then down at Michael's hands. The letter intrigued him as he had seen the hand off as he had arrived. He looked at the letter and pointed. "Someone knew you were here. You finally have a stalker?" He laughed at his buddy. It was good to see him again. The last time they had been together, Yazuki hadn't been able to spend much time with him because the ball had been so chaotic that night. Yazuki thought he was in love, though he hadn't seen her since. He had met a green haired girl, a white haired girl, and a few other travelers since then. He had even met Princess, who he thoroughly enjoyed working with. Though she seemed a little young and awkward for him to be around at sometimes.

Michael let out a light chuckle before pointing at Yazuki's hair "You know I kinda prefer you as a red head, though that outfit" he shook his head with a look  amusement on his face "That outfit isn't exactly what I would call your style my friend" Noting the robes as most certainly unusual given Yazuki's issues with static cling granted Michael's look had gone under something of an update recently as well with the acquisition of the Hands of Defiance which now rest along his belt holstered till needed, along with Karina who rest by next to Michael her black metallic frame glistened in the limited light her cruciform teeth seemingly thirsting for the blood of some unfortunate villain and most important of all the little blue crystal fox pendant resting around Michael's neck a small gift made from someone very special to Michael. Raising the letter casually up "I haven't the faintest idea who sent me this one and to answer your question my stalker is not the letter writing kind , she is the stealing of my socks off my feet while I am wearing my boots kind" a feat Michael has yet to figure out how she is able to do without the use of magic. Tearing the envelope open he began to read it's content mumbling as he went as most people do with an impish smirk on his face Michael looked to Yazuki "Well my friend it seems we have a job on our hands if you think you can handle it of course" a little barb to see if this new Yazuki still had some martial and arcane pride in him whatever happened to his friend had certainly changed him in a lot of ways.

He looked at Michael, a small smile cam across his face. He looked at his shoulder plats and his dharma for a second, then gave an evil smirk back at Michael. His confidence was finally back when it came to the martial and magical skills had peaked, and he had some new tricks up his sleeve. Michael and himself had never been on a straight mission before, so it would be interesting to see Michael in action. He looked over at the chainsaw sword and his gauntlets. Obviously, Michael had been busy during his absence.

"Up to it? The very gods back me," He gave an impish grin as he finished. He had been reassured several times that he was prophesied to be backed by the gods, instilling in him the sense of wild pride that got him cursed and scared. Yet, he was still here, and he still was getting stronger.

"You have yet to see me have my fun with that. A flirt off is nothing compared to a strict fight. Speed and reflexes my man, speed and reflexes. So, what is this job? Saving a damsel in distress no doubt?" He laughed at his friend. He had missed having his competitor around. That was the whole reason he had arranged for them to meet here... The place was dank and rotten, but he didn't want people knowing who he was, so this place was key to making sure his secret was kept.

"To make you aware, I go by Raijin at the moment. Having received a few gifts from him, I took up his title until I deem necessary to let people know who I really am. After all," he pointed at the scar on his face, "A pretty boy with a scar? Rather not tell people I was so careless."

Michael shrugged and let out a chuckle "The gods you say and here I thought I was the one with the ego" raising the note up to hand it to Yazuki "Well Mr Speed and reflexes take a read yourself I am sure you will find it more interesting" he had a more serious look on his face than usual he was worried for his friend it seemed whatever happened to him left is psyche far more twisted than it was before and if it continued down this path he would become a monster "Hey I have a rather clever idea why don't I join up with Fairy Tail it's not like I have any real attachments to Blue Pegasus" a rather poorly done attempt at trying to help is his friend, Michael admitted to himself but it was something he needed to do. Rising out of his seat Michael took hold of Karina sheathing her on his back "Well are you coming along?" he began to stroll out towards the door sliding his right hand into his gauntlet enjoying the feeling of the magical rush of energy it gave him sliding his left hand into the other gauntlet the strange mix of chemicals and magical energy began to inject into Michael giving him a rush of energy like no other. Spinning on his heels to face Yazu a hunters look in his eyes and a hungry smile on his face as he stretch out his arm as if to say you first good sir.

Yazuki smiled at the thought of Michael joining him. More time with his old pal would certainly help him rediscover himself now that he had changed, but there were things Michael needed to know for sure about what all had happened. There was no sure way to know what had happened on divide island, only what he was now and the scar he had that wouldn't go away. He would surely fill him in on the way to their job, but for now, he was just happy to see Michael.

"Fairy Tail can always use a fox like you my friend, but its not ego speaking. My dharma and shoulders literally came from a god as a gift. My only complaint is this dharma definitely cramps being stealthy. These shoulders always have a feint glow and the dharma seems to grow brighter the more lightning I use, and it doesn't seem to want to calm down for a while. Last time it stayed lit up like the sun for 3 days. Last time i train during a thunder storm.." he laughed a hearty laugh as Michael basically implied he go first. He walked up and opened the door and returned the gesture. It had been a little while since he had disappeared, and most people thought him lost, but Michael wasn't in Fairy Tail yet, so he had no way of knowing he had been gone for a month, unless... He stopped Michael before he went out the door. There was a sullen look on his face for the first time since they had reunited as he asked a grave question.

"Zeno still doesn't know where I am or hasn't come to find you has he? I heard most of Fairy Tail things me... gone. Of course this is not true, and when you decide to come to the guild, I will have some explaining to do for sure."

Michael pondered on the question for a moment his left index finger pressed against his chin and his head cocked slightly to the side "No I don't think I ever got around to meeting your student and he certainly didn't come around Blue Pegasus asking after me" tapping Karina's leather bound handle "And you think I can be stealthy with this lovely lady at my side" he chuckled as he stepped out of the inn "It seems you will have a lot explain to me never mind Fairy Tail, you have caused quite the mess haven't you" Michael turned his head to meet Yazuki's gaze, Michael let out a deep sigh as the rather uncomfortably hot weather was beginning to reach it's blistering peak "Well we best get moving I'd rather not cook in this thrice damned heat" With that Michael began to walk off in the direction of their quest locking his arms behind his head trying his best to rest his head on his heavily armored his hands he was making himself as comfortable as possible for the long walk they had ahead of them and it most likely be a walk that would have some rather uncomfortable stories come to life from his old friend and his recent adventure to a place called Divide island a name Michael would do his best to remember that name should a job cross his way taking him to such a place more so given that he would rather not get a similar scar on his face he had more than enough of those all over his body as is

Act One: Genesis details

He followed his fox of a companion as he walked towards the destination. He thought a moment as to how he was going to explain everything that had happened. There was a blank spot in what happened, but the scar remained. He thought of how Nightken had reassured him he would be fine, but to someone who was used to flirting, it didn't suit his ideal look. So he changed drastically to become something new, shedding his old self away and becoming something that was totally new. He wanted to be who he had been chosen to be: a walking talking storm, who represented the god of thunder and lightning, Raijin. He wanted nothing more than to focus on work and forget love, yet he knew around Michael he would eventually open up into what he used to be. He dreaded this, but maybe it was what he needed as well. He needed THAT kind of confidence back, to find someone to spend the rest of his life with. He looked over at Michael, still thinking of how to say it. This silence had become awkward.

Would Michael think him weak for his scar? He had made a mess of things? Surely, he was just joking. He pulled out his case of lightning charred sticks, pulling one out and beginning to chew on it slowly. He knew this nervous habit needed to stop eventually, but it made him able to think more calmly than otherwise. Finally, he spoke to break this long, awkward silence.

"Well, Divide Island wiped my memory somehow, but this scar is from there. That is all I know. I have changed my looks because most people know me as who I was, not who I am now. Yazuki is dead, Raijin Reigns. It's my way of.... coping. I have to have some sort of confidence, because I obviously allowed myself to get hurt with the speed I possess. I had to have been reckless. So to be honest, I went back to my home. Stayed there. Went to a nearby city. Found this saucy little biomancer who set me up with a new look. Hair, eyes, etcetera... I like this new look, its grown on me. I look more like your brother now." At this comment he smirked a devilish grin, as the thought had just occurred and he wanted to see his companion's reaction.

With this little speech from his friend, Michael smiled with a twisted look on his face like something was beginning to gnaw away at his mind for a moment "Be careful saying your old self is dead I learnt the hard that is very rarely the case" in the spinning typhoon of Michael's own mind his own the cackling of an insane voice more manic than Michael's own limited connection to sanity rattled his head a silver-haired version of face formed with bronze eyes in his mind "What's the matter Mikey boy afraid to let the Count come out and play again" Michael more irritated by this resurfacing of his old "friend" again this was a bad omen if Michael ever saw one the thought that the Count of the Iron Pegasus, leader of the Count's Irregulars and first of the monstrous dead who slew the God King and the Pantheon of 15 was not something Michael was keen on trying his best to suppress Count and his mania in check. He let a smile move across his face to attempt to waylay any possible concerns his melancholic friend might have about Michael's own mental state in it's constant pendulum swing of solid as iron to shakier than a building built on sand while an earth dragon slayer is causing one thousand earthquakes underneath it. The duo were beginning to near their destination it seems granted it wasn't all that far from the rat hole of a dive inn they were in not long ago.

Yazuki looked over at Michael, hoping he was alright. Something seemed to perplex him, then he gave a big smile. He tried to dismiss it but he couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking about. The comment about an old self not leaving threw him of guard, as his friend usually seemed cheery. He stopped in his tracks and his head bowed as he realized there was one thing left out.

"Also, I now carry a sin with me." His bangs covered his eyes and the depressed nature of the topic rang out. "I left a family in Magnolia during the attack to die, and I should have made sure they got to safety."

Yazuki stood there for a moment in silence, trying to reconstitute himself. This failure he owned was not one he took lightly, as he had no clue what would go on with the family now and he assumed them dead. He knew that they were wizards and had a change to get away, but he still doubted that they would have. He looked back over at His friend. "Let's Continue."

As Yazuki and Michael made their approach, Yazuki saw a short girl around wearing a black miniskirt, a grey shirt with no sleeves, black fingerless gloves, and black boots that covered her shins up to her knees. She she appeared young, but in her teens. She approached as she showed her approach, seeming to be the one who sent the note.

"Greetings I was the one who sent for you two. I have a situation that I think the two of you may be able to help me with. I hope you don't mind, it would be ever so helpful." She held out a strip of metal and touched it in a weird fashion causing both her and the strip to glow. This took Yazuki by surprise, as he had not expected something like this, instantly pulling him out of his depressed state. He looked over at Michael to gauge his reaction.

Michael was more confused than anything else by his friend's claim of carrying a sin before he could calm his friend's clearly heavy conscious about the whole thing they had arrived and met a rather diminutive in Michael's perspective given his rather impressive height young lady who after explaining that she was the one that sent the note proceeded to perform some magic ritual that Michael was less surprised by and more confused by the showmanship for seemingly nothing other than a bright light and surprising his friend after the light show was over Michael asked rather perplexed "Um what was the point of that beyond confusing myself and my friend here with a light show?" completely unaware of what could have been possibly a rather impressive show of magical prowess or it could be as Michael thought it was a light show for no real reason "Furthermore why have you asked for the aid of myself and my friend" Michael stood there waiting a response, trying his best within his own mind to reseal the monstrous Count back within the dark byzantine labyrinthian like construct of mental blocks and barriers he had set up to prevent the Count from coming out to as the mad man put it play unless the dire and most evil of  circumstances required letting him out of his chains an event that Michael dreads the day will come to pass as it will mean none will be safe from the Count's wrath his anger at the world was an unfathomable fury that would consume Fiore and all foolish enough to stand in his way but Michael did not hate the Count for it, for as Michael knew all too well both he and his darker half were both merely men besieged by fate and out for revenge the only difference is one side never stopped seeking it.

The woman looked at both of them, not quite understanding what Michael had said she looked very confused. "i sent you the letter, someone said you might be able to help. This tunnel system behind where i stand hold something that could be very useful, but there are... these things in there that are a little too powerful for me to defeat alone. I require assistance."

Yazuki calmed a bit, then bowed to her for a moment, continuing straight into the cave, unnerving the girl. He was sure whatever it was would be a simple matter for him to deal with, as he could care less about danger at the moment, he needed to stretch after meditating for so long. He would have to describe to Michael later the problems that he had, never really knowing if he could come to terms with what had happened. It wasn't confirmed whether she was alive or dead, but he still had to live with the fact that Frey could be gone. Such a precious girl, with a sinister mother, could very easily never see the light of day again, as he had left due to his anxiety and not fulfilled what he should have. He hoped more than anything to see her again some day. He stopped just inside the entrance, turning around to look at Michael and the girl, as if to say 'What are we waiting for.' The response from slightly inside though sang a different tune, as sounds could be heard coming towards him. He quickly turned around, preparing for the impending opponent, activating his speed aura, lightning pulsing around him and his dharma slightly starting to glow. This was what he was looking forward to: stretching his wings and getting down to business. Things were about to get serious.

The member 'Yazuki Yoshino' has done the following action : Dice Rolls

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'Monster Dice' :

Peering past his now glowing friend he saw the glowing light of what appeared to be his worst nightmare come true a massive spider covered in freakish circuitry Michael was genuinely frozen in place with shaking hands he took hold of Karina as tightly as he could trying to white knuckle his nerves away with something a tremble in his usually calm voice "The eight-legged abomination is yours" taking a look at the second enemy that was more to Michael's liking though he wasn't a big fan of harming dogs, in general it was better than fighting a massive spider the very thought of which caused Michael's skin to go ice cold focusing on the canine foe Karina roared to life with a snarl that made sure everything around them was very much aware of his existence bounding forward his muscles swelling in size with each step his teeth growing to mighty fangs Karina roared even louder as Michael pumped some of his magical power into the whirling motor of Karina causing the already incredibly powerful roar from her arcane turbine engine to screech even louder to the point anyone within 900 feet could hear her screaming bellow her teeth turning at absurdly high rates of speed lunging forward he let out a mighty bellow as he swung with Karina digging deep into the side of the mutated mongrel it let out a horrible yelp as Karina dug deeper with a second blow letting go of Karina with his right hand Michael snapped his fingers causing a deep purple magic circle to form with a deep snarl he intoned "Phantasmal Shotgun" slamming his fist into the circle causing burning black skulls to fire out the circle wreathed in mighty purple and white flames as they tore into the side of the dog where the gore-drenched wound Karina had left on the dog's side, the beat was clearly wounded but not done just yet finished turning to Yazu Michael growled "How you doing with that freak of nature"

Michael was less than amused by his friend's comments " I am not a fan of the eight legged freaks, never have been never will be" Michael gave the wounded hound one final mighty slash with Karina sending the beast sprawling the circuitry sputtering as it tried to keep it's host alive but ultimately failing as the beast feel silent "Now my question is who is twisted and crazy enough to do this to animals" casting his gaze on his female compatriot "Care to explain why we were attacked by something out of my nightmares and a dog" taking a step towards her with a shiver coming down his spine as we could of sworn the spider was still alive poking it with his sword "Disgusting little freak" clearly the beast now was dead as could be what gave Michael a most extreme sense of dread however is that neither creature gave off a psyche signature these things were like the undead twisted parodies of life with no will of their own kept alive by this strange circuitry which all likely hood was also controlling the dead bodies as well and it made Michael even more sick than he was at the sight of the bloody spider hoping to get an answer out of the young lady turned back to her again only to hear something coming up the tunnel towards them "You explain what's going on my friend and I will deal with whatever is coming towards us" Michael growled as he raised up Karina again ready for whatever freak of science and magic came next.

The member 'michaelkeha' has done the following action : Dice Rolls

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'Monster Dice' :

Yazuki watched his friend question the girl. Michael poked at the dead spider, putting an even bigger smile on his face. The young lass still didn't explain much as more noise seemed to come from the tunnel, Michael of course trying to claim it, but then what was seen only brought a brighter smile to Yazuki's face.

"Not the case my friend, as its more... what do you call them? Eight Legged Abominations of your worst nightmares? I got them. You worry about her and get the answers won't you? I am more than able to handle a few bugs under my boot."

He looked up at 4 more spiders came crawling out of the tunnel, making their way up to them, and starting towards Yazuki as if there was a reason for it. He looked curiously at what all was happening. It seemed as those these beasts were being controlled by something, and the spiders seemed to be going for him, a bit annoying as going after Michael would be far more funny, but for some reason another dog ran directly at him. Yazuki planned to intercept, however was being ran over by 4 of the spiders on his own, and knew by the time he was done with these four, Michael could easily handle the other. "Looks like there is a pattern here, I guess you get to avoid the creepy crawlies after all my friend."

Yazuki waited until the spiders were upon him, the lightning rippling along his arms. He crossed them in front of him causing a great explosion as the spiders flew back from the torrent twitching on their backs, their circuitry being fried by the hit as he looked back at Michael. "This is exactly what I call fun. These things are actually pretty easy for me. Care to explain lass why these things aren't living though?"

"indeed why are these things not alive yet still trying to kill us " Michael cocked his head slightly to the side as he gave the young lady the most withering, soul-crushing, stare he could give trying his best to make her very soul shrivel up and die inside her. "Well care to give us an answer" getting a glimpse of Yazuki's destruction of the vile spiders"I have an even more important question what kind of sick freak did you hire us to fight that makes bloody giant undead cyber spiders" a shiver visibly went down Michael from his to his toes at the very thought of those damned things, getting far more annoyed than he should have at the young girl driving his fist into the wall "Yes Yes get angry it makes it easier for me to come and play you know what will happen if I do" with an echoing roar as a large chunk of rock was pulverised into dust by Michael's armored fist"As you can see I am not quite my usual self so it would be best to tell me what is going on before the voice currently screaming in the back of my head gets to take over for a while, that is something I would hate to see happen""Oh the fun I will have shall be spectacular shall I rend her soul slowly from her body or rip it out quickly and play with it in the realms of Psyche as such wonderous decisions to make come now little girl just say something to annoy him a little more and I shall be free and you shall be my newest pet I promise you this little girl before my time is done I will make your very blood run ice cold in your veins as you beg for my sweet mercies "

Yazuki noticed something was going on that was deeply bothering his friend Micheal. Something inside of him was definitely doing its work on him, and Yazuki did not much care for it. His attention was drawn to even more spiders coming down the hall, this time just two more, but still, he began to feel as if the big bad beastie they would have to face would be a gigantic spider and this was some sort of spider den at this point. He grimaced as he glanced over at Michael. What was going on inside of his head? "Please answer him, I don't know what IS up but your spider buddies here have got him weird in the mind! So answer him!"

He turned his attention back to the spiders who were now upon him as one attempted to attack him viciously, only to watch him bolt behind the spider as he punched his gloves together and two swords came out on either glove and he began to slash at the spider with blow after blow. He cut the bug into fourths before he let lightning gather in his mouth, letting loose a torrent of lightning as he shouted "DEMON THUNDER RAGE!"

The last spider and the dogs who had just now reached Michael dropped dead in front of him as he turned his attention towards her. "Speak up love, my patience wears thin." He walked over to the girl his eyes piercing into her.

"Inside that tunnel... there is... another me, that I can't quite understand. I wanted to see if someone else could go in there and take care of the imposter. I an willing to pay, but I did not see this many... dangers nor did I think the bugs would be a problem, so please forgive me. I am in charge of looking into these ruins, but as you can see, sometimes things that aren't alive but aren't dead roam around." She looked with big sorrowful eyes at Michael and Yazuki as she spoke, seemingly a little intimidated but not seeming to shrink from what she needed or wanted them to do. Yazuki looked up and headed into the tunnel without hesitation. These things did not bother him and they were made with metal circuitry. There was nothing for him to worry about as everything would get hit and die quickly or at least malfunction.

The member 'Yazuki Yoshino' has done the following action : Dice Rolls

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'Monster Dice' :