A Secret in the Desert (Masked)

Job Info:

This job is done with masks

Rolling ~

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

---

'Monster Dice' :

Johann sighed while he put on his mask, his hair turning from a light grey to a deep, dark black, his clothes transforming from his West Fiore Trading Company uniform to a leather coat, a black shirt and a black pair of pants, the metal of both his blades, one on each side, turning from a shining silver to a damp black as well, the vast desert landscape stretching out before him and his job partner, a rocky cliffside stretching out before them on the horizon. It's not like he disliked the desert in general, but the constant dust storms, sand and the heat was not something he particularly enjoyed either. In any case he just wanted to get this done, "clear the way" as the client had put it. The request had been given to Black Sails more or less directly by a contact, put forth by a rather dubious figure claiming to be a "treasure hunter" and a self-proclaimed "adventurer and explorer", that his research would be presented in museums across the globe. Johann shook his head. Whatever he was or wasn't, he seemed dedicated and convinced of his cause, offering a handsome pay for assistance in this matter. Now, there he was, trying to settle this issue for his guild.

Additionally, he had asked Ruvel to join him as Moon since he had no idea what he was getting himself into despite knowing of the youth's attitude towards his ... efforts to try and get him to join Johann on sketchy jobs like this. It had become something of a habit for him to ask the young summoner first to accompany him before going on a job, and Johann secretly hoped that the other wouldn't mind too much as he had learned to appreciate his fellow Vice President of the West Fiore Trading Company and Keeper of Black Sails as not just a superior but also a good friend. The sand under his feet crunched with every step as they left a trail of footprints that were blown away by the desert wind just moments later, making his way towards the oasis that they had heard about, getting closer to see the dunes vanish from the landscape, before them a valley, covered on all sides by rocky cliffs with a large, clear lake below, green palm trees, bushes and grass covering the area in green.

It was a truly beautiful sight, the elder male now turning to his job partner. "And this was covered by a sandstorm for the last thousands of years ? Appears like a colossal waste to me" his eyes wandering over the breathtaking view for a few seconds. "Then again" he continued "people have the tendency to ruin beauty and peace out of their primal urge for destruction, and maybe we are the plague upon this land". He laughed a little under is masked, certain that the other would agree to his proposal "Let us try and keep the balance" before taking a few steps forward, kneeling down at the edge of the cliff, his left eye turning completely black and starting to glow deeply red under the glass of his mask, closing the other to get a clear picture. His enhanced vision helped him make out a clear picture of the stone ruins in the distance with a massive step pyramid at their end that throned above all else, probably around 80, no, 100 meters high. "Looks like we found what we were looking for. Should I get us down there or do you have something else in mind ?" he asked before turning to Moon.

-------------------------
Word Count: 604
Word Count Total: 604 / 8.000

Ruvel was known to be strange within the trading company to the point he was given special allowances on his dress code and even seemed like he done nothing but train with Cirven yet was trusted unconditionally by Cirven, though no one quite understood why. The truth which no one in the company or guild but Alisha, Cirven and Rasparov knew was Ruvel couldn't read, write or count if his life depended on it. It was shameful to him as it seemed that by his age whatever it may be people could do this as if it was the same as breathing, but what he lacked in that department he made up in knowledge of other cultures, races, linguistics and could sell ice to those who lived in the frozen glaciers. Of late Cirven had been away dealing with matters leaving the youth and Johann who had just recently got through the training to become the same rank within the company and guild as he was to deal with matters. He was proud of the elder silver haired male remembering the day that they met when he himself was still new to his home even managing to recruit him into the guild though it had been an emotional day for them both.

He had become aware that the co vice president often came to him first if he needed help on something be it good or bad, and he was often met with resistance when it came to the darker side of things. Generally he didn't mind being asked to going on tasks with people but when it was jobs on killing or harming people, it was clear to even the blind he didn't like doing this kind of work but at the same time never declined either as he always feared the outcome. "I hate you for asking me to do these things Mr Weiss." he said as he was requested to come along on the task as his Black Sails persona 'Moon' he quietly huffed going to get his items and mask before going to see Alisha to get the link in place so he could keep in contact with Cirven in case of issues or if he found more information on those who hunted them "If I am sick this time you can blame Mr. Weiss" he commented walking off to meet his companion.

The two had travelled by ship and as every other time was dragged on by one of his summons given that the two where of equal rank they would be sharing the cabin on the ship, however he was more than happy to give the full reign of the cabin to Johann while he found somewhere on the ship he could rest without rolling everywhere. The noise didn't bother him at all given he was raised with both blaring noise and complete silence and though the journey was long and tedious he bore with it as he knew they would reach land eventually and he could get off. When they did reach land he couldn't get off the boat quick enough "You've got a week of shore leave, if we aren't back by then head back without us." he said to the crew deciding after all the time at sea they deserved a bit of time for rest and relaxation "Just remember you are representatives of the West Fiore Trading Company and behave yourselves, any infractions will be dealt with seriously." he said before walking off after the elder male knowing that they would remove the goods and deliver them to the customer before their leave started.

Once away from the dock and town he headed forward a little more he took his mask from his top tying it at the the back of his head, the moment that he did the raven streaked hair changed to be white with the streaks remaining but non metallic looking, his top changed to be a white priest kimono and hakama, on the left breast of the top a black butterfly, the the under layer of the top was black. Looking to his companion he blinked "Aren't you melting in that material and colour Wolf?" he asked continuing to walk through the sand taking note of what the other had been talking about, he wasn't overly interested at the moment after all he wanted this dealt with as soon as humanly possible so he could forget that he had taken part in such a distasteful and horrible thing. "I can't use shade there isn't enough shadow, so we are relying on you as Bennu would alert everyone in the area of our arrival." he said knowing that this was likely the best course of action.

Word Count: 789

Johann reminded himself of the words the youth had given him, and was wondering whether or not Ruvel meant it. He said that he hated Johann, and the man was unsure what to make of it. On the one hand he knew that the young summoner had a dislike for these types of activities where Johann was completely neutral, and he didn't mind doing whatever job for the guild. They were mercenaries and their services were for hire, after all, but on the other Johann didn't want to bother Ruvel with these kind of requests, but felt that he had no one else to go to. He couldn't ask the CEO since he always seemed busy with something else, he couldn't ask a portion of the Company's members since they didn't know about the other side of the coin, and he couldn't ask just any random Black Sails member since there was barely anyone he trusted as much as Ruvel.

"Admittedly, I don't like desert and especially not the heat, but there's nothing we can do about that" he gave back to the others remark "might wanna design a more ... permissive outfit, hm ?" he grinned under his mask. Ruvel seemed to not really listen to him ramble. "You know" he turned to his head to his fellow VP "you can always say no when I ask you". He knew the other would never turn a request like that down, but it was worth the try. The summoner was his friend, after all, and he truly didn't want to make him uncomfortable. "I'll go ahead, then" he replied, not waiting for an answer while spreading his arms and a large, chalk coloured magic circle appeared beneath them both, turning the two Black Sails members into wind in the blink of an eye, rematerializing them at the foot of the cliff and inside the valley. The damp brown of the desert sand and rock was gone, and instead they were surrounded by lush, green grass and bush, large palm trees dotting the area around the enormous, Johann just got an idea of how big the lake actually was, oasis.

He took a moment to enjoy the fresh, cool air down here where the water would help making the temperatures more enjoyable and the scorching sun didn't shine directly down on them, sighing in relief as he already felt a lot better. "Now" he asked his companion "let's go ahead and -", his sentence was cut short by the earth before them starting to shake, leaving him with a confused expression under his mask. "So much for keeping balance", the ground started collapsing in places with large pincers piercing it, and from it emerging 4, no, 5 large arachnid creatures, more than 3m meters in length, equipped with gigantic stingers. Wolf drew his black weapon, holding the hilt up and pointing the blade forward. "Looks like someone's been waiting for us ... shall we ?" he uttered under his mask, a grin spreading across his face.

-------------------------
Word Count: 507
Word Count Total: 1.111 / 8.000

Ruvel could never hate the older man in honesty he didn't even hate those who harmed him, a disliking perhaps but he never hate it was almost as if he was incapable of negative emotions for to long against people as much as he or others may have wished it. He knew that taking less than savoury jobs was part of his job as a keeper within the guild but it didn't mean he had to like it, he knew he could turn down jobs but he never did because it was his job to help people and knew that sometimes the only way to get justice was to work outside the lines of the law. He sighed quietly eyes closing "Sorry for my words back home Wolf, I don't really hate you... just these tasks are distasteful to me but I know it is part of the duties that the guild expect of us." his voice holding no emotion at the moment it was like his normal persona almost went to sleep, it was how he managed with this side of his job.

"You realise you could ask others for help." he said truly wondering why the elder male came to him for help and no other, it confused him to no end but he guessed it was due to the fact that he himself brought him into the guild. "I know some of the others don't know but you can ask those who do, you know." His tone still unmoving held a confused and concerned undertone on the matter as they went forward, it was when he heard his companions words he raised an eyebrow under his mask "You don't like the heat but took a job in the desert, not only that you wear black..." he raised his hand to his forehead shaking it lightly, right now he believed the Keeper of Virtue was a little bit of an idiot given even he knew that darker colours attracted heat and that heavy materials stored it which was fine when the moon was up but it was the middle of the day. "I can make you one in lighter colours and fabrics that could give the same protection as what your wearing does at current Wolf." he offered the other unsure if he would take him up on it, it would be a challenge for him to as other than the one outfit he had made for Demi on the harvest festival he had only made clothing for himself.

He paused looking to the other through his mask and sighed quietly shaking his head "I know I am able to say no Wolf the reason I do not is because this is part of my job and is expected of me; even if I find it distasteful it is what it is." he said honestly to the other even if he didn't know it Ruvel was honest with everyone, where he could play a part he could never full on lie to another part of it was fear the other part was his genetics. "If you wouldn't mind, I would hate to give our advantage away." he said covering the bottom of his mask where his mouth would be to yawn out of habit, the sun was soothing to him and at current making him sleepy. He remained still as his companion went around making his seal that turned them briefly into particles of the wind, leaving them to materialise at the bottom of the cliff where they got their first glance at the vast Oasis. He noticed it was that much cooler and how Johann seemed to enjoy it that way.

He listened to what the other had said and nodded but as he did he couldn't help but notice the overgrown scorpions "Wolf, I have to be careful... scorpions are poisonous." he didn't show worry but at the same time he knew that he had severe disadvantage if they managed to sting him in fact he knew it could be deadly. "Endema" he whispered and out of the shadows knelt by Ruvel's side there she was. Endema appeared as a dark skinned woman with pale purple hair wearing tight black leather. Soon she stood and it was at that point her height could be seen as 6'0" and slender though she seems to look more than a little annoyed but this was normal. "You better have a good reason." she huffed her eyes going to he scorpions who where soon wrapped in tight cocoons of what seemed to be spider webs. "Scorpions have always been idiots." she declared crossing her arms knowing that her task was done but would wait before leaving as if she did the web went with her.

Word count: 795
Total word count: 1'584

Before Wolf could even do anything his job partner and fellow Vice President had already reacted, summoning forth one of his companions to quickly and efficiently immobilize the 5 creatures before them. He was surprised time and time again by the sheer diversity in abilities that the young summoner combined within his magic, even if he at times would rather not encounter some of the summons that the other had contracted. "Not even gonna lie, looks like you got them under control pretty well" he giggled slightly, pointing the tip of his blade at one of the enormous arachnids struggling within the boundaries of the cocoon that Moon's summon had enveloped them in. "You better make sure not to bite the scorpions them, if they really are poisonous, that is" the Keeper kept giggling, the slightly muffled sounds coming from under his mask. "I, however, would argue that they're venomous, kind of a difference there" he was sure that his colleague would hate him for being a smartass, and didn't think it through any further. He was having fun, hoping that his friend wouldn't take the joke to heart, making his way over to one of the beasts before inspecting the thing that was still trying with all its might to break free.

Wolf quickly drew his other blade, now holding one in each hand before ramming them both into the immobilized creatures head, splitting open the chitin armor with a loud crack and a high pitched shrieking sound from the scorpion before it's body stopped moving. He was ready to move on to the next one, turning only to see a large pincer grabbing for him, only narrowly missing the grab but slamming into the man, launching Wolf back violently before he crashed back onto the ground. There it was, the moment Wolf wasting time with stupid jokes came back to bite him in the ass, and he could kick himself for it if the scorpion hadn't done it already. Wolf stood up, his obviously dislocated left arm dangling from his shoulder before he grabbed it and pulled it up, the joint snapping back into place with a loud crack. "Well, that was unpleasant" he muttered under his mask, coughing as he picked up Azure Silver, the now black blade he had dropped before speaking out with a streak of hate in his voice "Guess it's my turn to return the favour, then".

A grey aura surrounded him, air rushing towards him before, once again, a chalk white magic circle appeared beneath the mans feet, Wolf ducking down into a sprinting stance before the compressed gases were explosively released, launching him forward at the approaching creature at speeds so high he would, as always, breach the sound barrier instantly, it's distinct, loud rupturing sound echoing from the walls of the canyon. The arachnid stood little chance against this attack, and the two blades in the keepers hands cut through the monsters chitin plates like a hot knife through butter, taking of one of its claws with one and splitting its body into two with the other blade, the thick, blue blood of the creature splattering across the ground. Wolf came to a stop a good few meters behind the now motionless remains of his former foe and, taking a second to reorientate himself, he looked around, his eyes searching for the other 3 scorpions. Much to his dismay he found that they started ripping apart the webs that Moon had trapped them in with their pincers and freed themselves, a small sigh escaping Wolf before he turned the word back to the young summoner "Guess I wasn't quick enough ... sorry, Moon", his words acting as an apology for his misplaced attempt at humor earlier. Still, the threat wasn't neutralized yet, and so the Black Sails mage started reading another spell, this time a yellow, sparkling magic circle forming around his right hand that he now lifted up, seemingly grabbing something before a bolt of lightning appeared in it, hurling it towards one of the still struggling creatures a mere moment later. The bolt hit the scorpion just as it turned towards the two, striking it at it's head and piercing it before dissipating, leaving another one of the oversized arachnids down and two more to deal with.

-------------------------
Word Count: 719
Word Count Total: 1.830 / 8.000

HP: 295 / 330 +5 HP from UA regen every 2 posts
MP: 110 / 120 +5% from UA MP regen every post

Stored Item Charge: 10/15 MP

Defeated Enemies:
-3x Normal (Scorpion)

Spells Used:

- Sonic Slash (Duration left: - / Cooldown left: -) Signature Spell
- Sonic Boom (Duration left: - / Cooldown left: -) Signature Spell

- Hastam Tempestas (Duration left: - / Cooldown left: 4)

Abilities Used:

Ruvel looked to Johann through his mask he knew that he hadn't said it correctly and it made his eye twitch more than a little with annoyance "Poisons and venom's act the same way with me, is that better?" he almost growled to the other, due to how his body was he had absolutely no defence against such things and even an antidote that should work might not due to his unique blood so he would rather not be within five hundred feet of the things but alas that wasn't about to happen. "Even if those abominations weren't poisonous I wouldn't bite into it, I'm a vegetarian but you seem to have an iron stomach so feel free to have my share." he continued not happy that he had been mocked for not explaining what he meant better to the elder male, at current he hoped he baked in his black leather clothing. He knew that in this heat they would be hard to remove even when he was cooler and knew he would get the last laugh at the end of the day.

He sighed under his mask "Keep laughing like that and you'll waste time needed to defeat these things Wolf." he said his voice held a neutral tone, it was almost like he was analysing the situation to see how best proceed but for the moment as they where wrapped up tightly in spider silk there was no way to gain any true information. His moon blue eyes going to his summon quickly nodding as the tall woman vanished into the shadows from whence she came, though she had never actually done him any harm he was always nervous around her thanks to the energy her magical aura gave off. His eyes then turned back to the keeper of virtue only to see him being knocked back and landing hard on his ass "Wow, how about that karma?" he said flicking his hand making gently causing a golden crimson seal under the remaining scorpions "If you don't mind, kindly die." he said activating the seal causing the scorpions to stop dead for the second time in as many minutes, it was then he seen the other picking up speed and knew this was going to irritate his ears as he hit the sound barrier 'He's so lucky I'm use to that happening due to Bennu, still irritates my ears though' he thought silently as he watched as best he could as his fellow keeper made short work of the second scorpion, jumping back as some deep blue and foul smelling blood landed near his feet.

"Watch where your aiming Wolf!" he called to the other "Blood is a nightmare to get out normally but this kind on white I may as well make new clothes!" he was already irritable and this wasn't helping him any that was for damn sure. He looked to him as he apologised for not being fast enough and rolled his eyes a little "It wasn't that you where to slow, it was you where to busy mocking my mistake." he corrected the other bringing his hand up hearing the last scorpion screeching in what seemed like agonising pain "Nothing personal but you are in the way and we need to get through." he said with an eerily calm voice as he seemed to push back through several trees braking them along the way one of the trees breaking in such a way it impaled the last scorpion with seemed like a last death shriek it went limp the seal fading. "Shall we continue? They likely aren't alone and that would have alerted others." he said walking towards their destination making sure not to go near the things as he moved forward.

Word Count: 630
Total Word Count: 2'214

"Well, I'd argue that getting a bit of blood on your clothes is part of the job, but what do I know ?" Wolf jokingly coughed up from under his mask "You don't know how many new outfits I had to get because the old one got trashed", perhaps the one thing that annoyed the Keeper the most. As soon as he had found an outfit that he liked he was sent on a mission, and came back with the thing in tatters, which is why he had started ordering his clothing in bulks, his wardrobe at home full to the brim with the same white suit over and over again. As soon as Moon scolded him once more for the misguided joke he lowered his head a litte "Alright, Alright, I get it, okay ?" while quietly thinking to himself "that's what I get for trying to show a bit of humor"

"Yeah, perhaps our best option" Wolf nodded as the last of the scorpion was drained of his life essence by his masked colleague. Sometimes he wondered just how much Ruvel's personality changed when he put on that mask, unlike the youth he couldn't read minds, but at the same time he understood, himself not being innocent in that regard, either. He knew that the White Wolf was very different than Johann, even if he was only an alter ego, when he wore the mask of Onyx Moon he felt free. He dropped the polite mannerisms and spoke freely, not least to distinguish himself from the persona of the West Fiore Trading Company's Vice President in just another manner, probably adding to his disguise.

The sandy rock under his feet crunched with every step, the heat was bearable and the air got cooler the closer they got to the giant lake in the midst of this oasis. Truly, he had not expected such a sight right in the middle of the desert, a wonder of nature.  Moving past palm trees and the occasional shrubbery, they had already gotten a little closer to the huge desert temple that reached up into the sky, impossible to miss. But there was something else, shifting, moving, and whispered voices. Wolf was certain that they were being watched by, well, someone, Moon would probably notice it too, but the Keeper went on on his path, paying them no mind. "You noticed it too, Moon ? Be ready." They would show themselves soon enough, and naturally, a few seconds after he had finished that very thought of his, a spear flew through the air towards him. The attack with the primitive projectile would have absolutely no effect to the masked man, who, with supreme agility and reflexes, simply raised one of his hands, catching the weapon mid-air, the sharpened piece of flint at the top of the wooden stick just inches from his face before turning towards the dune to their right, sighing at the crude display of power. At the dunes highest point there stood a group of men and women, 11 of them, natives, most likely, dressed in pieces of tied cloth while liberally showing off the tanned skin beneath. Half of them were carrying some kind of rudimentary bow, while the other half carried spears much like the one that had just been flung at Wolf, who dropped the projectile on the ground and turned towards the group. At its front there stood another man, dressed similarly to the ones behind him, although wearing a decorated wooden mask, palm leaves and feathers decorating the probably ceremonial disguise, probably their leader. That, however wasn't the thing that worried Wolf, from the man emanated a strong aura of magic, and he barely tried to conceal his untamed murderous intent, small strings of sand moving strangely at his feet, snaking up his legs before falling back to the ground.

"Thou hast no business 'ere, outsider" a deep voice rang out from behind the ornate mask, angrily groaning in between words "Turn back from whence thou camest, or perish". Wolf sighed a little under his mask. He had feared that there were locals who wouldn't take kindly to their intrusion, he couldn't hold it against them, though, they had every right to be offended. Still, he had his own interests, and as far as he was concerned those would take priority over other sensibilities. Still, he would avoid bloodshed if the possibility would be there, and so opened his mouth to reply "We don't mean to disturb the peace here, but we are on a mission, and as far as I'm concerned we are bound by contract. You don't think we could perhaps solve this conflict without having to spill blood ?", The Keepers answer promptly being delivered to him in the form of an arrow aimed at his head, the Wolf tilting it so the projectile hit the sandy ground behind, sticking out of the dirt like a monument to their ignorance. "A shame, but I understand" Johann's hand going back to the rapier at his left to draw the blade once more. He had given them a choice and they had made theirs, the grey aura around the speed mage starting to shimmer, the air distorted before he burst forward at the group.

-------------------------
Word Count: 880
Word Count Total: 2.710 / 8.000

HP: 295 / 330
MP: 115 / 120 +5% from UA MP regen every post

Stored Item Charge: 15/15 MP

Defeated Enemies:
-5x Normal (Scorpion)

Spells Used:

- Sonic Slash (Duration left: - / Cooldown left: -) Signature Spell
- Sonic Boom (Duration left: - / Cooldown left: -) Signature Spell

- Hastam Tempestas (Duration left: - / Cooldown left: 3)

Abilities Used:

Ruvel's eyes moved to his fellow keeper and sighed, he couldn't argue that getting dirty was part of the job; they were mages after all it came with the territory. That being said unlike Johann whom bought his clothes in mass bulk due to the job, Ruvel made all of his from scratch meaning he hated it when his clothing got damaged in any way. "I get your point Wolf, however, unlike you I make mine so it's a tad more of an inconvenience when they get damaged." his voice held no emotion to it as he spoke, he wasn't against damage if it was unavoidable but even the blind could have told that there was something else that could be done to the scorpion. "Yes, I know you buy mass produced clothing normally but again I have to custom make mine and the colours I use aren't as forgiving as the ones you wear." he finished, their were reasons he made his own clothing that only two people in the guild knew. The first was because it had to be extremely light but durable due to Ruvel's strength issues, the second was because of where he was raised. It was the reason his clothing was primarily white no matter what he wore, then due to how things were at the facility he promised himself if he had the chance to choose what he was allowed to wear he would make it himself. A promise which he had kept so far.

He listened to the retort of his colleague when he got scolded, he may have known not known his own age, he however was fully aware that out of those at the head of the company he was the youngest. It wasn't uncommon for him to scold people for their mistakes, though all the heads were dangerous in their own right, he was the one it seemed no one wished to get on the wrong side of. Ruvel was weak, fragile and gave off next to no magical energy but that's what made the youth so dangerous, his strength and power laid in those he summoned and as a summoner you never really knew what to expect from those whom he summoned. It was just amusing to some seeing people much older than the youth being told off by him. "I understand you were likely trying to make a joke, it wasn't funny and some day you may understand why." he commented to the other, his past was a well guarded secret and when asked anything about it he politely but sternly told the person in question it was personal and that he didn't know them well enough to divulge such information. He knew this made him somewhat less likeable but he was still hurting from that past, it wasn't like he could lie about it either he was incapable of doing so.

Ruvel could only silently sigh hearing his fellow keepers 'Of course it's for the best.. I don't say these things to just hear the sound of my own voice.' he thought to himself but remained silent, nodding to show his agreement. When the last spark of life had left the final scorpion he moved forward toward their destination, he had no idea what the other was thinking he didn't have that ability personally even if two of his summons did. Then again when it came to the twin summons Shindara and Amuul's abilities they couldn't turn off that part of themselves, so they came up with additional rules that they followed. The only time they would break that set of rules was if Ruvel was in danger, which he so often was. He may have not known what Johann was thinking but he knew to many when his mask was on his personality seemed to changed, this wasn't the case at all; it did appear to because he wanted the job over and done with as he hated violence and so tried to avoid it. He knew that this wasn't always avoidable in this line of work, but still it didn't mean he needed to like it.

Ruvel followed the elder male listening to the soft crunching of the ground below them as they walked ever closer to their destination, he started to notice how the air became cooler. He blinked in confusion as he seen the vast amount of water in this otherwise desolate land "Water? Here?" he seemed somewhat confused but given the lush area around them at current it meant there had to be moisture somewhere. 'Our summoner this is an oasis' Shindara in formed him 'They're rare but can be found around deserts.' Amuul added he was glad the two summons could read his mind and keep him informed on things he didn't understand due to his upbringing. He wanted to stop and examine everything but knew this wasn't the time for such a thing, this was because they were on a job so that took precedence at the moment. He made a mental note however to come back when he had some time of his own to learn about the place. Due to his heightened senses he heard the shuffling and hushed voices, it stood to reason people would have a settlement around the water given it was sparse in the desert. Hearing the other speak he nodded "I heard them too." he whispered, he was use to being watched so that part didn't bother him in the least. 'Why does everything have to be a fight with these people?' he thought to himself, he would rather not attack the natives if it could be helped.

Ruvel blinked as around a dozen people seemed to came from the foliage, he could already tell this was going to be bad as they were armed all be it with primitive weapons. He wanted to resolve this peacefully, though it seemed the locals had other thoughts as they threw a flint tipped spear. He wasn't to worried as he knew the other would handle it easily. His eyes went to the man that came forward wearing a mask, he didn't believe the man to be the leader at least not in the same way Cirven was to the company; Ruvel believed that this man was likely a holy man wanting to defend the well being of his people. As his magic was only attuned to a select few magics he had no idea how strong this man was but he watched the sand and that gave him a clue, silently he sighed and listened.

"We are no threat to you, your people or way of life." Ruvel explained to what he presumed was an elder male, Ruvel's own tone was respectful as he spoke. The answer was apparent as an arrow was aimed at Johann's head, he was glad the other wasn't hurt but then what happened next wasn't in their own interests as the other burst forward "WOLF STOP!" he ordered the other his eyes moving back to the masked man, before he removed his mask. This time Ruvel didn't look like his normal self. He wore his normal clothing, however he had golden blonde hair, dual coloured eyes and strangest thing was that he was giving off a glow. "We are wishing safe passage to the temple, we are aware that the sandstorm that keep you safe has ceased. We want to help but without getting to the temple we can't." he was frightened to be seen as like this, he knew that the other would have plenty of questions but he didn't want to answer them. He made no hostile movements and awaited the masked man's decision, he also hoped that Johann would listen to him and stop so this could be dealt with peacefully.

Word Count: 1'304
Total Word Count: 3'518

Johann had already burst into a full sprint when Ruvel called out to him "Well, isn't that just delightful ?", the thought skimmed across his head as the tip of his blade stopped a mere inch before the masked man's throat, the sudden stop followed by a strong and sudden gust of wind as the built up air pressure around his form had to be released. The masked man fell back, landing on his behind, still staring at the Keeper before him in somewhat of a shock, the sand to his feet following him. "You could've told me a bit sooner. Then again" Johann sheathed the rapier, slowly, so that they all could see the action "I might have been a little twitchy. My apologies", directed at both Moon and the natives. "So, good man, let's pick up where we left off, shall we ?", extending his hand for the man who was still on the ground to take. Naturally, the other made no effort to return the favor, he didn't trust the masked man before him at all, instead lifting himself back up and taking a few steps back, now switching from an offensive to a rather defensive stance, the eyes locked on both Keepers still making no mystery of his mistrust, but also fear. He knew he was outclassed with the two, and begrudgingly opened his mouth to speak again.

"Thou dost desire to see the temple ?" the man seemed surprised, relieved and shocked at the same time, lifting one hand to his face to take off the mask, revealing the face and dark hair behind. Not understanding why the still masked Johann turned to his fellow keeper to see he had done the same. "What the-", Johann's eyes widened under his mask, the now blonde and glowing youth standing there as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Why were the other's always hiding stuff like this from him ? Not like he had asked or it was any of his business, after all, but still would've loved to know what was up with that all of a sudden. He would make sure to ask about that later. For now though there were more pressing matters. Ruvel explained that they only wished safe passage, and that they only wished to "help". That cheeky boy, he couldn't lie, but could deceive perfectly well. They, or Johann, at least, had come here for money, after all. "I cannot allow such blasphemy ! The temple is holy ! What if thou desecrate it ?!"

Johann sighed quietly under his mask. "Look, let's be honest here. We came on behalf of the outside world, people who wish to study your society and the temple, to clear the way and make sure it's not dangerous here. We do not wish to harm you", but he had anticipated the other's reaction, who erupted once again into protest. Well, fair enough, if persuasion didn't work, maybe a little intimidation would. And if that wouldn't fly there was always the option to just go the way of the blade again. "Well, as it stands, you can help us get to the temple and aid us in our endeavor, or you can, of course, refuse, and we will just have to make our way to that temple ourselves after we dealt with you. What will it be ?". For a second, the other looked like he would refuse again, but he came to the right conclusion immediately, with a simple gesture of his hand bidding his fellow tribespeople to lower their weapons. "Fine, we will bring thee and thine fellow to the temple, we will grant thee passage. But be warned, this land is full of danger. Wild animals and other monstrosities roam free, and protected is our sanctuary by the powerful temple guardians, who deny even the most pious of our people entry. Nobody has seen the inside of it for centuries." Johann, with the last of the man's words, heard the desperation in his voice.

Maybe there would be an opportunity for a deal, they would deal with the overprotective guardians, and would in return travel these lands unhindered. He would leave that up to Ruvel though, the youth was notoriously well known inside the Company for being quite the negotiator, and Johann was sure the same thought had come to him, too. For now, however, he was happy following the natives who had turned after the man, still keeping their eyes out for the two strangers, and started marching towards the temple. Johann, however, paid them little mind, instead looking down to his fellow Keeper. "So" with inquisitive voice and a curious tone in his voice he asked, symbolically pointing at the youth's hair "What's up with that ?"

-------------------------
Word Count: 800
Word Count Total: 3.510 / 8.000

HP: 300 / 330
MP: 120 / 120 +5% from UA MP regen every post

Stored Item Charge: 15/15 MP

Defeated Enemies:
-5x Normal (Scorpion)

Spells Used:

- Sonic Slash (Duration left: - / Cooldown left: -) Signature Spell
- Sonic Boom (Duration left: - / Cooldown left: -) Signature Spell

- Hastam Tempestas (Duration left: - / Cooldown left: 2)

Abilities Used: