The Gathering of Champions [PLOT//OPEN]

[Social NPC]

We are of Earth, but we belong in the skies.

The Champions' Meeting (as it was called by those privy to the King's court) was taking place in the city's Town Hall building, located in the northern sector of Sky Fortress Bashvarium. Its large frame was visible from any part of the city. Its architecture was a sight to behold while making your way up the never-ending stairs. As you near the two-story high double doors you can't help but notice the exquisite details put into its structures. The doors themselves were a perfect example. It was a deep maroon in color; shined to perfection, but look closer. Engraved on its surface are hundreds upon thousands of small runes, covering it from top to bottom. But enough of that. You're here for a meeting.

Past the doors and into the foyer you see a line of pages along the right side of the entrance way. Each page has been ordered to escort you (and any other companions) to the meeting room. As the attendant leads you to the boardroom there are troops of the King's Rune Knights patrolling every inch of the building. In no time at all do you find yourself standing in a grand room, and the herald quickly excuse themselves from their duty. You take a quick look around but the King doesn't seem to be present. In his place at the high-end table, raised to tower over the rest of the floor, was a severe looking middle-aged man. He says and does nothing, not even giving a sign that he knew you were there. But now that you're here and it was obvious that you are still waiting for some people to arrive, what to do?

Well, there's a refreshment table just a couple of meters to your right. Maybe a bite to eat or a drink to pass the time would be nice; there are also several round tables to occupy whilst you munch or sip at your food. Perhaps, that doesn't interest you and you simply stand by one of the many columns lining the edges of the room. Or better yet, you wander out into the open veranda to enjoy the fresh air until the meeting commences.

[Heero Villenn]

Heero arrived at the Northern entrance and ignored its massiveness and just walked through it. There were pages there once the door was open. Probably to escort those who got the job to the meeting room. Heero didn’t need them to get to his destination although he probably didn’t have a choice. The place would be guarded in every nook and cranny and would probably confront Heero if he wasn’t with a page. One of them recognized him. Heero pointed at him and picked him off. Heero thought he looked vaguely familiar so he was probably raised in the same area as him. “You’ll do,” Heero said and walked off, making a little gesture with his fingers to follow. The page was reluctant but understood that Heero knew where he was going but needed a page with him and followed, because he didn’t think he could take Heero in a fight.

When Heero arrived at the meeting area he walked straight to the table, ignoring the old man at the other table above them. Heero already understood. There was nobody around so he was probably the first to show up. Heero went to the table to eat something. If they were going to fight a dragon there was a huge chance he would die. If Heero was going to die he was at least going to enjoy the quality cooking before him and ate two of the steaks and drank some water to start. Heero also filled his plate with chicken, rice, noodles, basically some of everything on the table. He wasted a lot of his magical power to get here so he needed to replenish it one way or another. Food was the most immediate, enjoyable, and available thing available so that’s what Heero went with and he sat down to enjoy the cooking as he waited for the others to arrive.

[Mitsuko]

Mitsuko arrived here a day to early. This left her with little time left to anything useful. So she decided it might be an idea to find if there was anything to learn on this fortress about dragons. She did not learned a lot but what she learned might prove useful during both the meeting and the hunt. She might discuss it with the other participants. But she would keep it to herself till all the participants arrived she thought as she entered the huge and beautiful building. A lot of pages where standing in the first room. She went to one and asked nicely if he could bring me in to the meeting place. "Um, Could you bring me to the meeting place, please?" She gently asked to a random page. It did not matter which one, so she just asked the one close by.

The left deeper and higher in the large building. Every hallway or room they went through was guarded, and Mitsuko would not be surprised that even most rooms, important or not where guarded. They eventually reached a huge room. She was surprised when she saw the king was not here, but he must have something else to do, as the heavy guard the person sitting at the end of the table must be important as well. Maybe the king was somewhere else in the building. There was one more person. he looked more like a boy, but he seemed slightly older then her. she must look like a girl to him as well, she guessed. Seeing that he was eating all kinds of delicious looking foods, she went to sit next to him. She wanted to ask him something but did not knew if that was against protocol or something similar. So she just took some food and started to eat just like the boy next to here.

[Luxin Rhodes]

Luxin entered the townhall building, it was where they were supposed to meet. The letter had indicated it, thus, he was here. Walking quickly up the flight of stairs, he pulled out his journal and snatched the pencil that layed on his right ear. Entering a door, he saw a considerable amount of pages lined neatly one by one, and asking one politely he was guided through another doorway which was where the metting as going to take place.

A man sat on the table on Luxin's right, giving no expression so Luxin just nodded at him and walked forward towards the food. He was a little early but it seemed two other mages were here also, but they didn't spark his interest so he just waved and minded his business. He didn't want to disturb them. Grabbing a wrap, he wandered off into the veranda and took a seat alone at a round table near the lake that ran in front of him, a couple feet below. Luxin put the wrap on the table, beside it the journal and wrote what he heard. The birds, wind, trees, everything. He described every sound and the setting he was in. After finishing, he began to continue writing the story he began in Magnolia.

[Sergius Marduk]

A angry, deep throated growl could be heard through clenched teeth as Sergius kicked opened the massive doors and started to walk pass the attendants of the castle. " Heero ! Youuu Bastarrrdddd !!! " he roared, the canines of his white teeth showing as he paused in the middle of the foyer room, bracing himself so that the residents of the Castle could hear his displeasure.

Beside him the attendants all gazed with unsure gazes, peering at the wide space stance and upturned fists of the boy's posture. " Sir their's no yelling in the castle ! " A guard said sternly, walking in through the doors he had just kicked in. Sergius brought is wild eyes on the man, filling him with a primal fear. " You ! " he said, deciding to point him out from everyone else. " Where the hell is Heero Villen ? " he asked. The guard's clueless expression made him elaborate. " About yay tall, slim, black and blue hair... " he told him, lowering his hand two inches below his own head.

The guard's eyes widen in retrospect. " He's in the meeting hall, I can take you if you want. " he told him, the man's eyes lowered and sly. Sergius wasn't too sure about that, but for now he needed a way inside the castle. Not to mention he was unaware that the guard was suppose to escort him anyway. " Alright then, take me too him. " The guard took the lead, walking ahead and having Serigus follow closely behind.

It took no more than five minutes for the guard to show him the door and leave soon afterwards.

Sergius swiped the bangs of his hair lightly, allowing the long-healed scar above his right eye to become visible. He raised his left leg and kicked the door open, his eyes quickly scanning the room. As expected Heero was sitting comfortably and beside a blonde cute girl at that. He raised his right hand up vertically towards Heero; in it was Kurikara's sheathe and on the sheathe was the insignia of Fairy Tail in orange. " This means we never leave our comrades, Asshole ! " he barked, taking the ideals of the guild seriously.

With a quick step, Sergius had dashed to the empty side of Heero and attempted to grip him by his collar. " Why the hell did you leave me with that falling pebble !?! " he yelled loudly and argumentative, shaking the man back and forth if he had grasped him.

[Jinchu]

Jinchu approached the entrance of the Town Hall, nothing short of a smile spread across his face. The large double doors and the building they opened to even made Milton's mansion look like an average home. He pushed, embracing what would happen next. He almost laughed as he walked in, this epic moment where he was to begin his legendary task only gifted him a flight of stairs to conquer, a new chore before the fun would be able to start.

His brow furrowed, accepting this challenge and raced up the stairs, "Nothing's gonna ruin my excitement for this day!" His steps bouncing one after another, even in his haste he kept his underlying thoughts on keeping his magic from spiking past control. Sometimes though, it did seem that he'd skip a step from getting more force off his stride even without applying any extra effort.

He blew through the door, managing to get it open before ripping it off its hinges but if one took notice they would see the door handle was now slightly cracked and a little warped out of shape. He was the pages in the room and skidded to a stop. "Hey... Um, you guys know where everyone's meeting for the 'Champion's Meeting'?"

"Oh, yes it's right this way," one of them spoke up, gesturing as they turned to lead him, "I'll be yo-"

"Thanks!" Jin bolted past the man and continued on down the short corridor, he could see the door already. He barely noticed but it looked as if he passed some guards, standing in front of a couple other doors down the hall. It didn't clue into him that these men were Rune Knights but even as he went by the first one he already heard him yell.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Another came out to block Jin's way in response but he just gave a determined grin as he dropped, sliding under the man's arm, reaching in his pocket as he began to turn, low to the ground. His rear just bumped the doors that would lead him to the boardroom and they exploded open, his moment of excitement got away from him. There was no structural damage to the doors but more the force to make a nice scare to any who may have been waiting on the other side.

Meanwhile he pulled out a slightly crumpled letter carrying the King's Seal, "Hey!... I'm here by the King's invitation!" His overdone smirk and eyes, burning with passion, to add the perfect touch to his next sentence, "I'm here to beat the Dragon." The knights would obviously be a bit speechless and confused by Jinchu's unorthodox choice of entry but they couldn't argue with the paper in the youth's hand.

"Just don't mess around... And you shouldn't take this situation so lightly... Carry on!" A nod from Jin marked his understanding and he turned, standing up as everyone else would likely be shocked by his form of arrival. Even so he just took steps, nodding at the girl and two men closest with a smile, casually running his hand on the opposite side of them through his hair and returned his letter to his pocket. He went to get some food, finding a way to balance three loaded plates in his hand as he went to sit down.

He looked on to see another guy, choosing to be more alone in a more outdoor-ish location. Jinchu would have went to sat with him but it would be too far away from the one he was really eager to talk to; the old man at the end of the table. Jin swiftly carried his plates, making it to the seat closest to the end on the opposite side of the other two sitting at the big table, "Alright," he said as he got seated, "so can you be straight with me? Just how strong is this Dragon?" The strangest part about his question was that he almost looked excited to hear the answer. It was in his eyes again; they harbored a passion within them, daresay an indomitable that lay within his green gems. He wasn't usually quite this excited but the thought of fighting a Dragon lit a fire in his spirit. "I'm Jinchu by the way, ha!"

[Social NPC]

Through life, death, and time I only serve thee, my King.

The man's name was Edmund Franz.

Tall; slick; sharp; polite; and roguishly handsome even with his out-of-place mustache. His co-workers described him as prompt, strict, and down right devoted to the King. Any assignment or favor asked of him was almost always perfect in every way; from the way it was presented to the curvature of a single letter. The King relied on him more than anyone in the kingdom.

He was the King’s right-hand man.

In actuality he was a little young for a man in his position but age has nothing to do with skill. Besides, fifty-six was not considered all that old, right? Nevertheless, as he sat waiting and discreetly observing the incoming mages Edmund going over the information at the forefront of his mind. He didn't want to sound like an incompetent fool in front of the esteemed mages that the King had invited. One by one they appeared before him, though the last pair made quite a scene.

A small smile twitched at their antics; his mask of indifference and seriousness slowly dissipating. Edmund waited a few minutes more so that their guests were able to respond, get to know each other, and let out a bit of steam. Turning his attention to the man who called himself "Jinchu", Edmund chuckled and replied, "Unfortunately, I can't be straight with you. I'm gay." That was just about the worst joke he had ever attempted, but the King always genuinely laughed them anyways. He then continued without pause, "As for the dragon, I really can't say. From the reports we've received and read, powerful enough to decimate a couple of cities like nothing."

[Heero Villenn]

The next person to arrive while Heero was eating was a blonde woman with her guild mark on her right hand indicating her alliance with Melodic Sirens. She seemed rather sweet and non-violent at first look. She sat next to him and seemed to be uncertain whether to address him or not. Heero just continued to keep eating. The next man to come in went straight to the balcony and took out a journal. A writer huh? Heero thought as he slurped up some noodles. Heero figured it would be rude to interrupt his writing and just let him be.

Not too long after it would seem Fool-kun had found the place without too much difficulty and confronted Heero as the imbecile showed Heero the guild mark on the sheathe of his sword, Kurikara. “This means we never leave our comrades, Asshole!" Heero sighed as he put his fork down as Sergius continued to shout. "Why the hell did you leave me with that falling pebble!?!"

Sergius tried to grasp Heero by the collar but Heero caught Sergius by the wrist. “What so you need me to hold your hand? You need me to guide you the whole way here? I didn’t abandon a comrade I trusted him. Besides, how do you plan on fighting a dragon if you can’t handle something as small as that ‘falling pebble’? If you can’t handle something as simple as that head back to the guild now because, you’ll just be dragon shit in the end.” Heero glared at Sergius as he explained all this to him and tightened his grip on sergius’s arm. A glare that meant Heero was dead serious about everything he just said.

"So can you be straight with me? Just how strong is this Dragon?" Heero looked over, keeping a firm grip on Sergius to see another dumbass with red hair with the man who was here before Heero showed up. "I'm Jinchu by the way, ha!"

"Unfortunately, I can't be straight with you. I'm gay." Heero was surprised the man actually responded to this Jinchu’s stupid question. But he put in a nice little joke to ease the tension so Heero liked him at least a little bit. "As for the dragon, I really can't say. From the reports we've received and read, powerful enough to decimate a couple of cities like nothing."

Heero threw Sergius’s arm away giving him a good glare before turning his head to face the other two. “Allow me to give you a bit of an explanation,” Heero called out to Jinchu and the other man he knew to be Edmund Franz from his time being raised by the council. Heero never met the man but he saw Franz once or twice so Heero recognized him at the table when he walked through the door. “Basically the dragon is more than they can handle. The military, magic council, and the rune knights can’t defeat the dragon themselves, or if they can, the government predicts a massive amount of casualties to the army. I would guess they expect that they would have at least 50 percent of their entire military destroyed if they fought the dragon themselves. Probably more around 60 or 70 percent. That’s why their hiring us and paying us money. Because the soldiers they’re already paying can’t handle it.” Heero took a sip of water before continuing. “The short version is. We can expect this dragon to be strong enough to take on this entire country and destroy at least half of it, probably more. That’s how powerful we should expect it to be and how powerful the government is predicting it to be. Otherwise, they have no reason to hire us to begin with.” With that Heero picked up his fork and went back to eating his food.

[Mitsuko]

A lot of people entered the room. First someone guy entered, but he quickly left for the Veranda. He seemed a little Asocial, but maybe he was just not a people-person. Next person to enter was a little more loud and social. While she did not dislike this guy. He showed his tattoo which was the guild mark of Fairy Tail. She had heard of them, but never saw one of them in person. It seemed the person who she took a seat beside was also a Fairy Tail member. They seemed to argue about some falling pebble. Maybe she should join the conversation, but it was none of her business. Then the last guy to enter also seemed more loud and social then the first one after her. He started to ask immediately about the dragon. The man who was silence for the entire time finally spoke. First joking about that he was gay. She did not care about that, and this was not the time to make jokes. She could not really care if he was gay. That would be his own decision.

A few moments later he started to explain what he had heard. Shortly after that the guy who was sitting next to her started talking about how strong this dragon should be. Mitsuko was not happy with it. She had to hide her fear for now however. If not stopped, who knew what the dragon was going to do more, or where he was going to stop. "What do we know about the dragon as well? What kind of attacks can it use? Maybe some sort of magic, any other ability's?" She asked to the group in global if any one of them knew and shared this could be a huge advantage. She knew what the dragon was capable off, but knowing how he did it was a part of avoiding it to happen.

[Luxin Rhodes]

Surely, it would seem that having the chance of fighting for the king and the country, the mages would at least have the least amount of maturity in them. But no, they just had to barge in and begin a small ruckus. At least try to act as if you are in the situation, did they know anything about peace and quiet? Luxin shut his journal and packed up. There was no point to continue, not after his inspiration had disappeared. Guess it was his fault, the mage chose the wrong time to write. So, he just had to wait it out.

After a while, the voices simmered down and it seemed the mages had finally come back to reality. Luxin sat up, pocketing the journal in his jacket and placing the pencil above his ear. As he walked in, he had heard enough of one of the mage’s Intel on the mission to understand most of it.

“…to take on this entire country and destroy at least half of it, probably more. That’s how powerful we should expect it to be and how powerful the government is predicting it to be. Otherwise, they have no reason to hire us to begin with.” Luxin leaned against the wall behind the group, unnoticed and listened.

"What do we know about the dragon as well? What kind of attacks can it use? Maybe some sort of magic, any other ability's?" The girl that Luxin saw earlier spoke, she seemed a bit… what was the word… distressed. Yes, that was it. Distressed. Luxin lifted his back, freeing the wall from his weight.

“Well, for starters, we know it is a ‘pitch black dragon’ and if you have met a dragon… I’m sure you have not… you have no reason to worry. We are all in the same shoes here.” He paused. “Now, I’m sure its magic has something to do with darkness or something along those lines. And its other abilities, I’m sure it will take advantage of its size and of course do not forget its roar. I have read many horrifying descriptions and I am sure nobody in here will desire to anger it. But it will be angered...and I am also... sure of that.” Luxin sighed and waited.

[Sergius Marduk]

Sergius growled in response to Heero's reaction. The grip on his wrist had tighten but in response he had tighten in his arm, showing the resistance of his emotions in his fist. As Heero dragged on and on, while having such a serious expression on his face; Sergius had begun grow impatient. With a growl Sergius had accepted Heero's makeshift bandage but that didn't mean he had to like it.

Sergius looked away from Heero's glare, turning his gaze upward with anger on his face. Heero had a way of making people feel inferior or lesser in a way. Honestly the guy ticked him off in more ways than he could count. Even still he wasn't going to let what he said slide by without a response. " I won't go back... Not until this mission is done. " His voice held a stone-like stubbornness, but his eyes were kept at the door.

As the small group of mages and such begin to speak, Sergius' mind was kept on what Heero had said. Had he really just taken things overboard again. He brought the thumb of his right hand to his teeth as he bit it in frustration. " I shouldn't worry about that right now. Heero was just being Heero, Oh well, I'll stick to being myself too. "

He came back in the middle of a discussion, one that from all he could tell was about the Dragon in question. Everyone had brought about some good points but none more than Heero himself. As always he had the smartest to say.

Sergius lifted Kurikara's sheathe up, positioning it diagonally in front of his chest. He stood off to the side of Heero before he slowly walked forwards to a seat between the group and the elder man. " Does any of this really matter. I say we charge forwards and aim for the weak spots ! Every reptile is similar in anatomy right ? " he said with confidence and passion, ending his small part with a cheerful smile.

[Jinchu]

Jinchu was taken aback a bit from the older man's response. In all honesty he had not expected a joke from someone who obviously sat at a seat quite close to the crown. In most cases officials and government types were so dry and prude it was refreshing to encounter one with a personality. Unfortunately though the one that displayed the least bit of emotion ended up being on of the other mages, the man with the dark blue hair, he seemed to express a prowess of understanding how the crown was operating with this Dragon threat but really did nothing but bore Jin to tears.

Before Jin would get a chance to say anything about it though, it would seem everyone was finally getting in their bit to say. The girl asked about what we knew about the Dragon which brought a subtle smile to his lips, 'A cute question, but not a very useful one. Unless anyone here is a heralded legendary Dragon-fighter we can only go by speculation.' Of course no one would notice Jin's own intellectual deductions as he so far has put himself off as a hot-head with the mental capacity of a rock. The truth though was that he was just as excited as he has shown thus far but he was definitely more intelligent than most would think.

Finally the one who took position at the balcony had showed up; he was pretty much elaborating on the whole aspect of speculation based on the rumors. An educated guess really, and the best thing stated so far that they had to go on. Lastly the other blue-haired mage, sword held across his chest, spoke his mind on the matter.

" Does any of this really matter. I say we charge forwards and aim for the weak spots ! Every reptile is similar in anatomy right ? " Now a full smile would return to Jin's face, his eyes passionately lit as he prepared his own response.

" Hah! You guys all act as if I am the only one excited to be here!" He looked around, halting on the face of the one who spoke as if he knew the whole strategy of the King, "And you. If you don't have something useful to say then you shouldn't say anything. For one, anyone who came here can expect the Dragon to be powerful or obviously we wouldn't be here. But you also must know that the Dragon can't be earth-shattering or in the full legendary capacity or there would be renowned S-rank wizards taking the helm on this one. Not just the fresh faces of the new generation." With that he raised an eyebrow to see if there would be a response, Jin initially felt like the guy was trying to belittle the others with his comment and decided it was his time to even the playing field in that moment.

He also looked over to the one with the sword, "Now you! Battle strategy is exactly what we should be discussing, hah! We need a way to bring the pain to this monster, I am even willing to lead the charge. I won't get killed by just some Dragon." His words would sound bold, even conceited to some but if the group heard it like he envisioned them to hear it, they would feel the bravery and valor in his tongue. Even in the best of interpretations though, some may believe Jinchu was displaying his own stupidity, as he outright denied his potential death in a fight so trivial and unpredictable as one would expect of a Dragon. He literally stated he could not be killed by the most feared and reveled creature in Fiore.

[Aleia]

Aleia had entered the meeting place after convincing a guard that she was indeed a mage. Her way of dressing made them assume that she was a court jester. Actually it might have worked better if she acted as one but she wanted access to the free food offered to the mages. Why shouldn’t she display herself as a mage? She knew magic, sure she wasn’t the strongest magic user and probably has one of the most unorthodox type of magic but it was magic nonetheless. Besides there was nothing contained in her letter about engaging in combat, all she needed to do was listen…

Of course the first thing she notices when she entered the intricate town hall was look for the refreshment table. As soon as she locked onto the table, she happily skipped over. Her hand reached out and took the nearest drink and sweets she could find, happily munching close to the source of the food. From the start she just planned to stay out of sight and out of mind. Of course she was serious about this mission too but she didn’t quite have too charismatic skills to walk up to one of the important looking people and ask about the situation. Honestly she thinks there was plenty of information out there, a deadly dragon was out loose, and the king wants to take it down, the end. This was perhaps a reason why she can never be a criminal mastermind. She did not want to think too hard into the situation, in this way she worked out as a soldier and pawn, albeit a reluctant one.

When she had entered there was already a few other people around. She ignored them for the most part, satisfied by the sweets. Once her sweet tooth relaxed, she began to take on the meatier substance and munched away at those as well. What did she hear? Noises, there were people chattering away but she did not find herself focusing on the details just yet. In all honesty she was not paying much attention until she heard the words: I’m gay. It was actually strange why she zoned in at last by such a juvenile statement but she finally perked her ears up after taking a bite of the sandwich. Now she was interested and ready to gather whatever she could from these people. She still had no intentions to even mutter a word unless directed to.

[Kiyoshi Isamu]

"...I should really buy the sequel...I heard it's pretty good.." muttered the natural tanned skin, white haired man. His eyes staring at the book he's reading in a quite calm manner, showing that he's especially calm despite in the next few hours he would be fighting against a dragon. From what he recall he already reached the town, passing the gate just now, not that he's sure of it because he doesn't looks elsewhere beside his book. Perhaps what makes him stay within his own ground and express a calm manner is because he believes in himself that he would beat the drag---lie. Looking at him again, he's sweating like crazy. He's not calm, he's just too nervous for anything that he keeps staring to his book which makes his face expressionless. His legs are shaking and although his mind keep screaming "run for your life", he couldn't for some reason. He's not reading the book because he's calm but because he wants to space off while reading the book, thus he would not think about the event which would set before him, perhaps a fatal event which could be recorded to his life momentous. Kiyoshi is only mumbling to himself because he needs some voice to fill his head, and despite the town is filled with people walking around, he can't hear anything beside his heart beating furiously. Why is he here anyway? Why him of all people? Why not a mission to catch a fly instead?

Kiyoshi cocked his head up to skim through the town to see whether he has reached the meeting location yet. From what he recall, the page from earlier had pointed this way. And well, he is right. He's there, just approachung the building. Now that he thinks about it again, the page from earlier must have viewed him in disgust. Firstly, he's sweating. Secondly, he's shaking. Lastly, he doesn't looks that strong. Well like he cares anyway...the only thing he cares of right now is the dragon. How should he deals with it? How could he survives? He didn't even notice what the town look like since he was always staring at his manga book in which he can't understand the story anymore. Taking a deep breath, before hesitating, he entered the building, "Sorry dad, I don't think I could fulfill my dream after all. At least, I can only wish that you keep the fiction I wrote in a secret place, that you yourself wouldn't know where it is," murmured Kiyoshi. He doesn't makes sense any more, how could his father not know the hiding place if he were the one who kept it.

He resumed his book reading activity which is the one and only way to keep his calm at the moment, he's not calm actually but at least it's better than not. His other hobby being writing but how could he writes in a state like this? He can't even hold his pen properly. Guess, he's just a coward after all, and he doesn't intends to change it why not? Because he's too scared to change it, plain and simple as that. He found himself in a grand hall, and a table filled with food. He does likes food, and it would be more than thankful to have a large meal for free. He can eats lots of food, and he does enjoys it, but guess he'll have to forget it for now. Why? Because he's a coward. Since he's nervous, he wouldn't have any feeling to eat, wouldn't he? He notices a blonde girl with some weird mask on half of her face. Suspicious. He could tell that, after all...he reads so many books and wrote many of them. They said, author know a lot about what appearance suit a certain type of personality. After all, he's pretty good with judging a book by its cover. His father said so. Everyone said so. Is it just him or is she actually eavesdropping because she stood far away from the rest, with a sandwich in her hand, and a face which look like she's interested in the conversation itself. He shakes his head, "Stupid me and my cover judging again. Perhaps, I'm too nervous that anyone look like an enemy"

Kiyoshi continues walking and he found a group of people talking. He notices an old man, sitting on a chair, a red-haired guy next to him, from somewhat a little far from the rest being a black-haired guy or so that's how it looks like to his eyes, a blond-haired girl and the other two... Kiyoshi paused. He rubbed his eyes. He looks at them again. He repeated the same action. He paused for a moment, about a few second. He can't stop that smile on his face and he can't stop that excited sentence, he's going to spurt out which would probably drew the attention of the whole room towards him, "Heero and Sergius!!!!!" shouted Kiyoshi with a smile on his face. He dashed towards them, interrupting the conversation. "I'm glad you guys are here too, I feel safer when I'm with someone I know," continued Kiyoshi with a cheerful grin, once he reached the group. He stopped his laughter, and thinks about it again. It doesn't changes the fact that he's still going to battle a dragon.

It tooks him about a few seconds to calm down but after that, he showed a worried face. He leaned down next to Heero before whispering next to him. "By the way, I found some suspicious girl over there eating a sandwich. I'm not sure if she's a friend or a foe, and I know it's reckless of me to go to suspicious her, but since you're my friend, you know about my ability to judge people based on their eyes and action right? You know, the other time, I've also judged that one guy who tried entering our guild as a spy and I was right. I want to know your opinion about this, but perhaps I'm overreacting, let me know about it. I feel that I should speak it out to someone I actually know," said Kiyoshi with a somewhat serious face.

[Malacanth]

Malacanth had just arrived to the sky fortress a hour ago, he knew he was probably late the meeting but he wanted to slip in and be ignored. He wasn't there to help anyway so being unnoticed is best. He entered the foyer as quietly as possible but sadly an army of servants were there. One walked up to him and told him he would guide him to the meeting. So much for being unnoticed going in. He was led around building until he was told to go through an impressively big door. The servant opened it and Malacanth slipped inside. He knew that he would be noticed but hopefully they would be to engrossed in the conversation to care. He walked quickly to the side of the room, and leaned against a wall. He chose the spot because it put him outside the conversation but close enough so that he could hear. He quickly caught up with the conversation and found out the popular opinion of the mages. Most seemed to think they could handle it with one or two people being pessimistic. He had no idea if they were right or wrong but he didn't really care. If the mages thought a dragon could be slain by some new mages then let them be optimistic. He wasn't here to help with tactics anyway. All he needed to do was collect all the information that he could and leave. He didn't know what this information would help his employer with but if it paid, he didn't care. He looked around the room, trying to figure out how many mages were here. The information would probably be something the man wanted. Without the king's servant there were six mages. Small turn out for a meeting that was of national security.

[Peter Endless]

As he made his way up the long-winding stairs to the Town Hall, Peter was currently going over the pros and cons between choosing the King's Request and the mysterious Dark Letter; he received both. It should have been automatic for him to aide the King as he had been allowed to lived in his castle since his early childhood; a debt that would forever be written on his record. He hummed in thought before shaking his head. While he was grateful to the King for having taken him in, Peter still remembered paying for a crime he didn't commit.

His running thoughts were slightly jarred when a page came up to him with a worried and anxious expression, almost afraid that he was speaking out of turn. "E-excuse me Sir but you cannot enter this building. It's been closed down for today." Peter paused in his walk and turned his head towards the lowly servant boy.

"Is that so? May I ask the reason why it has been shut down for today?" His voice was calm and friendly to emulate that he was not at all bothered or annoyed with the page. He folded his hands in front of him and smiled softly, waiting for an answer patiently. Despite still being on the fence of choosing a side, Peter wasn't one to let a source of information go to waste. "Well, Sir, the King has sent out a number of letters out to anyone that could help with the "problem."

"Oh, a letter?" Peter asked before digging into an inside pocket of his robe and then presenting the King's Letter to the page. "This would be it, correct?"

The attendant's eyes widened, "Sir! You have the letter. You're late for the meeting! It's over this way."

Peter had no choice but follow the scrambling messenger hastily; the letter back in his robe pocket. They passed by many scouting guards before coming to a stop at large double doors. "H-here it is," the boy panted, opening one of the doors and silently letting Peter in. "Good day Sir."

Without much of a word Peter was gently pushed into the room full of mages. If anyone had any interest or curiosity to have glanced at his person, Peter would have sent them a nod in acknowledgment. Quietly, he made his way towards the refreshment table; someone was already there. As always the King had a knack in choosing the most delicious of foods. He filled his plate and stood a few feet away from the stranger and began to enjoy himself whilst listening in to the ongoing discussion. Maybe I should join their side... Not a lot of mages seemed to have answered to his Majesty's call.

[Social NPC]

Through life, death, and time I only serve thee, my King.

Edmund sat calmly in his seat when a familiar boy took reign of the meeting and attempted to explain and describe the overall problematic situation. While the information given was almost accurate, it was something that anyone and everyone would have known if they thought out about it. It was still a bit off, however. While they had had lost a many of their troops to the mysterious dragon, the reason the King had wanted the help of any available mage was so that they could rebuild their army in case of an invasion from the surrounding countries. No doubt that they had heard of their problem already. With their numbers lowered considerably, it was a prime time for the enemies to attack and take their land.

But that was another dilemma entirely and Edmund was sure that the King was currently handling it. The discussion continued as each mage contributed their own opinions and thoughts regarding the matter at hand. Edmund nodded at some valid points and made note to remember each particular question and statement to report to the King afterward.

”Alright, that’s enough,” his icy tone cut through the crowd, a little magic amplifying his voice so that he could be heard over the mages. While he allowed the healthy discussion of the dragon, he did not tolerate any baiting or a potential fight - verbal or otherwise. He hoped that cut close any future arguments between Jinchu and the boy, Heero Villenn (ah, he finally remembered); at least, during and within the meeting. They can go ahead and riff-raff after he had given them their assignment. Edmund then cleared his throat when he noticed that a few stragglers came in: a joker, an associate (from the looks of it) of the Fairy Tail members, a young boy with orange hair, and the somewhat banished Holy One.

”The only information we have is what you already know. Large enough to decimate villages and cities like stepping on a fly; black as night; scales that shine ominously in the light. We have no detailed records of its magic, never-mind the attacks. Darkness magic is the most obvious choice but there wasn't any residue of magic being used in any of the sights either. It would also be beneficial if you all know that they are highly resistant to magic due to their scales acting as some sort of innate magical barrier.” His tone was solemn, and his eyes held the glint of steel. ”But do not fear, we have talked to the great Grandeneey. She has informed us that she does not recall ever having seen a dragon as we have described. But she did say that it might be a rogue dragon that does not know of their treaty with us. Grandeneey will be having a council meeting with the other dragons about this matter as well.”

Edmund shook his head as if in disbelief and continued on. ”Given that we are currently leaning towards you all for help, we would like you all to gather any viable information (report it back to me) and track down this beast. The Magic Council and Rune Knights have already tried but they always come up empty.” With a snap of his fingers a flurry of maids and butlers came in and presented each mage with a box. Just as fast as they came, they were gone.

”Inside are small communication jewels - earpieces to be exact. They can transfer any number of messages via sound, but it takes a while for them to retrieve or send information." He opened his own box, took the item and held it out to them before fastening it onto his ear. "All and any messages will automatically go to me, Edmund Franz. Just say 'message' and it will record anything said after it. To send it simply state, 'end message.' Now then, please get into groups of two." Edmund did a quick count before adding in, "With one group of three. Each group will be assigned an area to search. If you have found any trail or the dragon itself, you are to send word to me immediately and station yourselves in a relatively safe place until we send for reinforcements."

Edmund stood up and nodded his head to indicate that they can now talk freely and choose their groups. "When you are done forming, please send one member to inform me of your grouping," he pointed to a desk in the back corner of the room to let them know of where he will be during the duration of the meeting, "I will assign you your area then for finalization."

[Heero Villenn]

Spoiler:

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OOC: sorry if it's a little messy I got excited and just started typing.

[Mitsuko]

A lot of people entered the room now. The place was filled with different people. A girl that ignored everyone, another Fairy Tail mage, and a few more. After calming the mages down, Edmund started to explain about the dragon. He said Darkness magic was obvious, but it could be something else. Sad, if they knew exactly what to watch out for, maybe they could survive something like a dragon. But defeating it was an entirely other matter. Then he warned them that the scales were were resisting magical attacks, Mitsuko presumed they also would resist her physical attacks. Then he mentioned someone named Grandeneey. She presumed that either would be a human that knew a lot about dragons or another dragon that was not aggressive to humans. She would wager about the last choice. She guessed right as he said that she would meet other dragons. Then he explained why they need help. It was not to defeat the dragon, but to find it. She did not knew what help it would be to find the dragon if they were not going to defeat it. Then they would sent rune knights, but didn't those guys lose a lot of men to the creature already? She was still wondering when a few maids and butlers entered the room.

One of the servants came to her and gave her a box. She opened it and found a earpiece. "oh, Thank you very much." She answered the man politely. The man bowed slightly to her, then disappeared with the rest. Edmund gave an explanation on how the earpieces worked. Mitsuko putted it in her ear, but did not do anything with yet. She would know how it worked if she needed it. She was secretly hoping not going to need it, but if she needed to use it she would. Further he asked to split in groups. Mitsuko didn't knew who to choose right now. There were so many different people to ask, but she had did not knew who could compliment her strengths or weaknesses. She did not gave it much thought so she finished her meal, stood up and looked around who might be interested in partnering up for now. But she did not have a clue who to pick.

[Luxin Rhodes]

It seemed there had been some unresolved conflict between the two Fairy Tail mages. One of them had mentioned finding the dragon's the one with the red hair weakspots, which was a smart idea but we would need another dragons help with that. The one with the red hair seemed to be willing to take charge which made Luxin let out a slight laugh but excused himself right after.

Four new mages had filled the air in the room, the first mage was a girl who seemed to not care about joining he conversation. He already assumed that she was listening but not saying. The other, who caught Luxin's attention with his white hair and the book he held. He had also seemed to know one of the other two mages in the group. The downside of that guy was that he talked way too much. The third mage was a quiet type. He just slipped into the room without being un-noticed and chose a spot where he could listen just like the girl earing alone. And last but not least was a teenager that looked about eighteen to nineteen. He gave Luxin a slight nod and joined the girl and filled his plate with food.

Now that everybody had been in the room, Luxin switched his attention back to Edmund, who finally quieted everybody down for business. He confirmed some questions and he said something about someone named 'Grandeeny'. She sounded more like a dragon than a Human but Luxin waited 'till the right time to ask. He did not want to interrupt the man. A woman came up to Luxin and handed him the box everyoe had recieved. The box that contained an earpiece so everybody could communicate. He memorized the instructions.

"...and this Grandeeny is who?" Luxin asked as he wore the earpiece. Waiting for his answer, he did as Edmund as asked. Form a group. Luxin walked to the first girl that had come to the meeting and introduced himself.

"Greetings, my name is Luxin Rhodes... and yours?" He held out his hand.

[Sergius Marduk]

Sergius looked towards the blood haired man who spoke up next. His voice sounding just as, if not even more excited than his own. With a smile and nod Sergius acknowledged the comrade in spirit that he had found. It was rare to find someone with such drive and ambition as himself, though a little silly he may be; the other guy seemed to have his head on his shoulder. Which would balance out the two kindred spirits.

With the soft insults tossed around Sergius couldn't help but grin richly with pleasure, going so far as to even shut his eyes in an innocent display of merriment at his compliment. It was good to know that his uncommon set of traits had actually been useful at some point in the discussion.

As the others begin to pile in, Sergius couldn't help but turn towards the door. His sensitive hearing had picked up every foot step, no matter how light they had been in the thought. The first that had came in appeared to be a clown and had brought a jovial smirk to his face as he stood there, his hand still grasping the royal-purple colored sheathe of Kurikara.

His midnight blue, sleeveless tunic - which was opened at the neck and tied with a thin white string - was covered over by a sky-blue waistcoat with silvered fur trimming down its collar and inner edges. It lead down to an azure sash that was knotted to his right side and fell to the right foreleg of his darkened trousers. He wasn't particularly sure if anyone had cared or not but he knew that he was looking particularly cool today, especially with his shin length black boots that was trailed along the soles with steel. Correction; he was looking awesomely cool today.

With the entrance of a particular mage, Sergius was tempted to leave the conversation and join him but even he knew that at the moment the discussion was more important. So he simply lifted his free hand , waved and smiled.

Once the elder man cut the discussion of the mages, Sergius crossed his arms and turned his fading smile towards the serious gentleman. He had little mind to track the movements of the other newcomers and his mind ran a thousand miles as he kept track of the information coming from the man's mouth. " A dark dragon with shining scales." he thought, his hand cuffing his chin while his brows furrowed down. " And it left no magic essence... Weird. Usually giant monsters have such large reservoirs... Its nearly impossible to not leaven any residue. "

At the snap of the man's fingers a flurry of movement came into the room and brought him out his thoughts. Sergius' head swayed from left too right until a box was presented in front of him. Inside was a small earpiece and like the man had said he gripped it and placed it inside his right ear; positioning it so it didn't interfere with his small, star-shape earring. After gathering the man's instruction on operating the device he was finally given the go to set up in groups.

Automatically he wanted to group up with Heero and Kiyoshi; if the only reason being that they were his guildmates. Walking over to them Sergius lifted a finger to his cheek, thinking on a way to gather the most information in the shortest amount of time. " Okay guys here's the pla- , " he started but was interrupted by Heero's own words.

Listening to Heero, his restrained passion spelled out a very different reason than the one he had spoken. With a nod Sergius agreed, only leaving Heero with a clap on his shoulder and words of calm sincerity. " Whatever you're gonna do plan on coming back. Remember Fairy Tail sticks together. " he said softly, only being loud enough for the three in the immediate group to hear.

With off to look for others and Kiyoshi left waiting, he was now wondering if just the two of them would be enough. Crossing his arms behind his head - and letting the sheathe of Kurikara slant across his head and neck -, Sergius spun on his forefoot to face Kiyoshi. " Well buddy seems like its just the two of us for now.. Seems like Heero thinks you're weak. " He let out a humor filled chuckle before forming a contagious smile onto his face. He was going to have to wait for the others to find teams before he could continue, miles well enjoy the company of kindhearted fellow.

[Jinchu]

Of course Jin sat, hearing everything, but only listening to the important bits. He wasn't too eager to listening through the whole bit as it would bring him out of his excited mood, in essence a buzz-kill. He still let that borderline arrogant smile shine in full splendor while listening, only really taking one phrase out of the Edmund's words as worth thinking about, 'Scales shining?... Sounds more like smooth stone... Or even shiny metal..' He only held on to the thought for a moment and continued to let his emotions and excitement lead his forefront. But then there was something else said that would spike his own excitement further.

"Potentially a rogue Dragon!?" Jin burst in his own bit. It was as if no one noticed though, maybe he only screamed it so loud in his own mind. His whole face looked as if it carried a slight glow, part figuratively and there was also part a reason to his passive shine. His specific line of magic was very heavily based on self-control, and in this moment Jinchu clearly lacked control and restraint. His magic as acting up a bit, not enough to produce anything violent, but in a way his magic was being worn on his sleeves.

Everything else would continue on, Jinchu was there but barely responsive in his own anticipation until the councilman snapped his fingers, bringing about sudden action in the area. Servants came and were gone in a second, only leaving each of the meeting's called members with a box. Jinchu grabbed his, placed beside his loaded plates and nearly ripped it open. He found the ear piece and took no time before fastening it to his left ear. He understood the directions on the function without issue, all that was left was a destination and Jin was ready to head out.

"Now then, please get into groups of two." Edmund did a quick count before adding in, "With one group of three. Each group will be assigned an area to search. If you have found any trail or the dragon itself, you are to send word to me immediately and station yourselves in a relatively safe place until we send for reinforcements." Jinchu rose to a stand, placing his palms on the table to bear his weight as he did so. Subconsciously, his palms would radiate vibratory ripples in waves through the table. Only those touching it would notice and there was no harm in feeling this passive vibrations. Potentially someone with a skill with sensory might pick it up but it was unlikely. "When you are done forming, please send one member to inform me of your grouping. I will assign you your area then for finalization."

He only stabbed the largest piece of meat on his three plates (with his fork) as he turned away from the table. Before he even took a step the meat was gone and the fork was tossed back on one of the plates. He walked the obvious direction, he was heading for the desk at which Edmund was just heading to. The gleam in his eye was the most noticeable part of him as he walked, even making his confident grin seem to be taking a back step.

"My group is ready, heh! I'm all for a partner but it's best to assume going alone as I am not always the safest of companions." It would seem as if he was trying to look tough or even brave since he was showing his excitement so expressively before. But in truth this more had to do with the case of the danger his own self could inflict on a potential partner. Jinchu's magic was a powerful one. And he knew himself that in a fight with such a fabled adversary, he could lose it and be more of a danger than help being within close proximity to anyone.

[Aleia]

Aleia had placed herself in an awkward position to say the least. All she expected was to hear some information and leave for the most part. She cared little for the intricacies of her part in the grand scheme of things and did not expect to be held up like this. Even though this whole situation should have been predicted long in coming, she was probably just overlooking the most important details. She took the earpiece, quite reluctantly and placed it in her ear.

How loud should she speak? Should she even talk at all? Well it mattered little as she glanced from person to person. At the very least they didn't want them to fight the dragon. That meant that this particular quest was more just a hassle than a pain in the butt. Actually those two comparisons seemed synonymous in her book.

Her eyes scanned the room for a recognizable person but of course there was none. It seemed that she might be the odd one out to attach herself to any others that were to form. However one person wanting to separate himself from any form of group work meant that there will be another person to pick from. She leaned against the table and just continued to nibble on her food. What a hassle this has become. She just wanted to go back to bed.

[Kiyoshi Isamu]

Kiyoshi is too fouced on that two friends of his, and the anxiety which had caused by the fact that he's going to face the dragon making it impossible for him to notice anyone coming in or anyone making anyone talking something unimportant. He tried to dismiss the dragon away from his head, and just think about peaceful stuff, that's his way of making peace either way, dismiss it. And when he finally get to takes a deep breath and feeling his chest getting looser from the pressure, the man who seem to be working for the king reveal something which bring him into a worst condition than he was. Large enough to destroy a village as if it were stepping on a fly? As Edmund continued, Kiyoshi sweat more and more. His trembles. "I want to go home" muttered Kiyoshi to himself in a shaking tone whilw wiping away his sweat.

Out of the blue, butlers and maid came into the room, with a box in their hand. One of the butler stopped in front of Kiyoshi. He's too nervous to react. Kiyoshi glances at Sergius to see that he's taking an earpiece out of the box, and he does so with an obvious fake smile that disappear as soon as it appears. It's just a common courtesy, how could he be able to smile in a situation like this anyway? Or at least to Kiyoshi, he couldn't smile. He watched everybody in the room to see that they placed the earpiece in their ear. Kiyoshi clumsily does the same. "This is my pretty cool...awesome, new equipment for my fiction" muttered Kiyoshi to himself.

He cocked his head back to Heero, to find that he requested pulling himself out of their group. The latter man decided to join another group giving a reason that it would be hard to work with Sergius because they are-and still is, in an arguement. Thus, he would pair up with Sergius instead. He listened to Sergius, scratching his head slightly. He chuckled in a nervous tone, his hand still shaking slightly. How cool of Sergius. He's willing to pair up with him, a good-for-nothing guy in a dangerous mission like this one. He knows that somehow, he would become a hindrance instead of a help to Sergius instead. Why is he here in the first place? He himself, realize that he would be a burden to anyone else. Perhaps, he would even flee for his own life leaving Sergius..just like how he did to his best friend before. And then history would only repeat itself, he would just cover himself with his blanket and cry. How pathetic.

Still scratching his head, tilting his head down showing that he's inferior to the others he said nervously, trying to be calm but it's obvious that he's nervous to one's eyes. "Uhh well, I wouldn't advice going in a pair. Just so you know, you should find another member because I'm not that strong and it wouldn't help you much. It would be like fighting on your own, and I'm a coward too. So yeah, we should find another member or you should find another member, I'm fine with going by myself," said Kiyoshi, with a fake smile at the end. In fact, he wants to do this mission in pair with Sergius but he couldn't. He's afraid that he wouldn't be any of help. He's afraid that he would just be a hinderance. He's more happy going by himself even though he's a scaredy cat because at least that's better than putting anybody else in a tough position. If he were to die, at least he could die an honorable death.

[Heero Villenn]

"Whatever you're gonna do plan on coming back. Remember Fairy Tail sticks together."

Heero waved without looking back at Sergius as he walked away to tell him he got the point. As Heero looked around he noticed a few people trying to go alone. After looking around the options were the redheaded idiot, the white haired guy who came in late, and the woman in jester clothing. Heero figured the guy with jester clothes would be the most suitable partner and probably the most interesting to be around. The jester was a little strange for a jester though. Less cheery than you would expect a jester. The redhead was planing on going solo which in itself was stupid. It might even be best to just make one entire group out of this but Heero liked this approach. It gave him time to figure out what was going on by moving around with the least number of people possible and with only the people that interested him. At the moment, the only person who seemed out of the ordinary, or extremely out of the ordinary, was our uncheery jester.

Heero walked over to the less than enthusiastic person in the funky clothing. “Excuse me,” Heero started, “but would you like to partner up? My name is Heero. Heero Villenn.” Heero reached out his hand in greeting with a nice little smile on his face. It wasn’t his devious smile but a more content and happy smile that showed no malice or ill intent. “And yours?” Heero asked the jester.

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OOC: Since gamemaster didn't post I'll assume she's not actively keeping up with the thread. Therefore I will be expecting everyone to have groups ready soon and in a few posts. Anyone who doesn't will be put on reserve because this has to be moved along. Soloing is fine.

OOC edit: Anyone who doesn't post in this round/order will be put on reserve.

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