Chapter 2: Noble Entourage

Nighttime began to descend upon the western portion of the Karashian continent. The sky shone with an orange hue and the clouds took a fluffy pink demeanor, like they were beckoning the coming night of sleep and sweet dreams.

The complete opposite to what the people felt, inside the silver ship that just landed, kicking up a cloud of dust as its metallic legs sprouted from the bottom of the contraption, clicking and squealing as they slowly supported the weight of the landing apparatus. The whir of the motor slowly stopped and the vessel fully settled.

The airship stayed still, lined up in a row next to a handful other ships of various sizes and colors, its doors not opening, continuing to face a stone and wood building at the edge of the town they had landed upon, with the words "Pennyworth Inn" on the small wooden sign above its entrance. The stone walls and wooden beams had seen better days, denoting the age of the inn, but it was still built solid. The windows that were displayed around its outer walls showed that the lights were on inside, and shadows of people could be seen passing by.

Soon, a transparent dove emerged from behind the inn's roof and fluttered away towards the airship. It landed on its windshield and then shattered.

-My Diamond Projection detected no one suspicious inside. Mister Eldus, you can go take your secondary scan. And I'll continue my recon towards the other end of town.- a voice said from inside the ship. Then, the back of the vessel opened up with a fizzing sound, letting out a ramp that landed on the ground.

Eldus Egas walked down the ramp, its long white beard swooshing slowly thanks to the gentle and chilly Aqua cycle breeze. His usual white robes were replaced by black cloak and a pointy hat, its rim casting a shadow over his deep purple eyes as they peered at the building they landed next to, seeing the lights and shadows of movement inside. The renowned Sage of the scholar city of Soula clutched the leather binding clasped to his staff and draped around his shoulder. Retrieving the staff, he pointed it at the building and peered at the emerald orb sitting atop the wooden pole, clutched by a strange motif, a mix of a claw and tree rots.

-All clear.- he voiced at the ship as he climbed back up the ramp- No unusual spikes in soul energy. Unless they've really learned how to suppress themselves in their own territory, there doesn't seem to be any Order soldiers at this inn.- he said, looking back at Hanzo from inside the ship, who had sent his ice doves towards the building as the ship was approaching it.

-Agreed. Nothing your Brigade has done has given the Order reason to suspect you'd be moving today. And, even if they knew, it would take them a while to dispatch soldiers to all villages in the territory, this here Kolimbra included.- Hanzo replied, the head of the Order's intelligence division clad completely in a black uniform, going all the way up to a mask that covered his mouth, leaving only his red penetrating eyes and matching hair as stand-out points.

-Well, we're still only halfway into the territory. I'd say that you'll only start detecting strong BladeMasters if we keep flying west. Although, then we'd have to deal with the radars for airships.- Sobek said. The blue haired young man stood much lower than the elderly Sage, a 150cm tall body that bellied a wealth of enormous energy. As he went to meet Eldus at the ramp, the long blue scarf that was wrapped around his collar swooshed like Eldus' beard and he'd run his hand along the naked lanky arms sprouting from his white shirt, the cool breeze causing goosebumps on both them and the thin legs covered by his blue shorts, a star-shaped skirt-like cloth draped over them.

-But we're on an Order issued airship. Why do we have to walk the rest of the journey to the Tower? Ugh...- Zeke Truesdale groaned from inside the one of ship's long seats, which he mostly took over as he lied around on them, the young boy always off in dream land. His usual scruffy and disheveled Soula Academy uniform had been replaced with a personalized Angel's Crow mercenaries uniform, all black from the pants to the jacket, although his had a blue stripe running up from the right side of the waist to the right shoulder, to signify his Aqua elemental affinity. Although he hadn't had a good experience in the past with coordinated outfits, since this time, he wasn't going on a sneaking mission, it was "imperative", according to Lucy, that the Soula Academy representatives looked the part of the Anti-Order Brigade. Needless to say, his friend Axel Rhodes was ecstatic at the idea of a do-over at matching uniforms, although he had to stifle his squealing.

-If we flew off a bit, then yeah, the smaller radars on the secondary bases wouldn't recognize us, but the Order Tower itself has a more advanced radar.- Sobek explained- One using Sage technology, that can detect raw soul power and even its personal signature. Even if Lucy was by herself, they'd detect an unusual spike in strength coming in that ship. Now imagine if they detected a dozen of them, plus a bunch of familiar soul signatures. It's too risky, we'd get shot from the air and have to fight our way to the Tower. Weren't you listening at the meeting yesterday?

-Sobek, it's Zeke. He was sleeping all throughout the meeting, his drool leaking onto the maps.- Axel said, the lilac-haired boy having his uniform properly zipped all the way up, a purple stripe on it. A let out a small sigh of resignation, the boy a genius but always stuck taking care of the lazy Zeke, to make sure he didn't get into trouble.

-Then why did we bring him? Will we just toss him at the nearest Order soldiers like he's a bomb?

-Clearly you don't remember your fight with Zeke. Even functioning as a paperweight, he'd make for a stellar weapon!- Axel huffed, hands on hips.

-I've been called worse...That's right, you guys go sweat and fight. I'll just be finding myself the nicest nap spot in the Tower.-Zeke yawned, rolling on the bench, back facing the group, ready to fall asleep again. Only that his efforts were stopped by someone pulling on his ear, a yelp leaving his mouth.

-Off your butt, Zeke. You will fight. Or what, you'll leave your friends to their fate? Then you'll have to try even harder to save them. Isn't worrying about them more of a bother in the long run?- Mercedes Kroe asked, the third seat in the Angel's Crow crossing her arms and looking at the auburn-haired boy with disapproval in her dark eyes. She wore her usual uniform, a sleeveless black tube top, knee-length skirt and knee-high stockings. Just like Zeke, she wasn't too enthused about having her attire chosen for her, but Lucy insisted that the breezy outfit fit Mercedes' fighting style perfectly and that she'd be a fool for discarding her feminine charms a "weapon only half the world populace has".

Not that Mercedes believed that to be the case for her. Although she wouldn't admit it, her thin and delicate figure was something she was a bit self-conscious about not developing much at near 18 years of age, and she wasn't jumping at the opportunity to flaunt something she thought sub-par to people. Not that she would flaunt at all even if she had, the girl more prickly than a bed of roses.

-Wow, you know me so well. Yeah, I better work now so I can rest later. Screams of agony are not good lullabies for me. - Zeke groaned, standing up and scratching his head with an annoyed expression on his face -But geez, we've really grown closer since I joined the Brigade, huh? So sweet I might puke...

-It's not like an animal's behavior patterns change that much to begin with.- she shot back.

-Yeowch. Then do tell how the "noaheonius" species's brain ticks. Seriously, that boy's expressions are a mystery to unravel and you certainly spend more time with him than most...- he smirked, making Mercedes' face flush. The bed of roses would become either even pricklier or completely pruned when it came to talking about Noah Eon, who had been assigned to help her with chores ever since he had arrived at the town of Soula on a beam of light with nothing on him, not even his memories.

-Am I really that deadpan?- Noah asked, the boy grabbing his own cheeks and squishing them around, but it didn't help to add a bit more emotion to his usually neutral face, his red eyes almost always void of much insight and his mouth always curled in an oval shape of childish curiosity. He had switched from his trademark plaid green shirt and brown pants to a black uniform as well, his stripe orange, just like the lenses of the goggles that always sat upon his messy bed of golden hair- Miss Juliet said that too, the other day. I was returning from the bookstore with a bunch of new books I bought, but my face didn't really translate the happiness I felt. She said I looked "depressed"...

He approached Mercedes, who stepped back, hands up in a defensive motion, with a face that got redder by the second as Noah leaned in, still pulling at his cheeks with a dejected expression on his face.

-There's being mysterious and then there's looking silly, you know? How do I look now?- he asked, pulling his cheeks upwards, then downwards and finally outwards, all in quick succession.

Mercedes eyebrow twitched as she tried to keep her composure.

-And why, pray tell, would you think I'm the authority to help answer that?- she asked, her polite smile shaky.

Noah raised his index finger in a confident display of apparent knowledge.

-Because your emotions are, according to Lucy, as pronounced and fickle as a tornado in a ceramics store--- -his words were cut off as a pair of hands grabbed at his cheeks and pulled them back harshly, his gums and teeth jutting out like he was turning into a skeleton. Behind him stood Lucy Crow, the guild master revered as the strongest BladeMaster in Gaia, who had taken him in and was acting as his teacher. The young woman was dressed in her usual black sleeveless top, but this time a black jacket was worn behind her back like a cape. A matching frilly skirt that reached down to her knees was below her waist as well as similarly black knee-high boots and fingerless gloves, all that contrasted greatly with her bright silver hair, adorned with a crow feather headpiece on each temple. Her lavender eyes looked scary, contrasting with her curled up lips.

-Meeeee? Saying thaaaaaat? Why I never! To me, my sweet Cidy is as cool and composed as a cucumber!- she giggled, but her tone was anything but amicable, carrying the stench of death threats as she kept pulling on his cheeks -She probably looks miffed because you keep giving her extra work when you go stitch the mercenaries's clothes.

With that, Lucy pointed to Mercedes' raised palms, her fingers wrapped around in bandages, thanks to all the times she pricked herself with the sewing needle. Noah was much better at stitching fabric than what he was when he started out, but all it took was for Mercedes to trust him with more complex patching jobs and he flubbed it all over again, forcing her to take his workload and hurt herself trying to undo his mistakes and then re-stitch the clothes.

Noah sighed.

-Yeah, you're right...Jackson from the seventh year keeps telling me that he often catches her in her classroom, at lunch break, looking at her bandaged up hands with a dopey smile on her face. I'm really sorry I keep causing you suffering because of my lack of ability...- he pouted, but Mercedes' face was already beat red as she heard that.

-Wha..?!- she let out, but a shadow whizzed right past her and grabbed and Noah's cheeks as well, pulling at them from the front while Lucy pulled at them from the back. Her twin brother, Merceny, said nothing as he stared daggers at Noah with his dark eyes, the bobbed-cut light blonde haired boy always protective, if not a bit overprotective of his sister's safety and integrity. Like the rest of the mercenaries, he wore a black uniform as well, although his was characterized by a long, open dark coat that dragged behind himself like a cape.

Eventually, the duo let go of the boy, who fell on his butt while massaging his reddened face with a groan. Lucy helped him up onto his feet, but doing so by grabbing the back of his collar and pulling him up in a concise, less than delicate motion.

-But still...I'm glad I can keep making these mistakes in all sorts of activities.- Noah ended up saying, a wide and innocent, almost child-like smile on his face- How can I find what I was good at in my previous life if I don't fail at a bunch of stuff right now?

-Aren't you kind of seeing failure too lightly, Eon?- Merceny asked, arms crossed, the young man never taking too lightly to losing or being upstaged.

-If you don't know loss, you can never truly win!- Noah replied, a confident grin on his face as he pointed at Merceny- Although, right now, the only thing I'm half-decent at is battling, so I do hope I don't embarrass myself too much at the raid. So I have to make myself more expressive! Get my game face up and running!

With that, he stomped off out of the airship, still pulling on his cheeks, growling at the air.

-I really don't know if I preferred him when he was a lost puppy when he arrived at Soula...-Lucy sighed- Ever since the goddess Tera said he's a great warrior, "hyper" is an euphemism to what he is now...

-Well, I kinda like it! Don't we need that kind of positivity for the raid?- Guy Vermillion piped up, the last of Noah's classmates, a Pyre-born, as denoted by the red streak in his black uniform that matched his slicked back hair and hugged his slightly rotund shape- If even the clumsy Noah can be feeling raring to go, it gives courage to the more...unsure people.

-Hey, the only guy shaking in his boots here is you, Guy. I don't want you being afraid of your own flames for the coming battle.- Merceny said, placing his hand on his shoulder.

Guy placed his hand atop Merceny's, giving him his best confident grin, trying to emulate Noah's.

-All the training you gave me would be for naught if I wussed out now. Instead of letting the embers fizzle out...-he clenched his fists- I'll force myself to fan them bigger! But still, agh! I'll admit I'm nervous! If we're going to an inn, I have to fuel up! Hope their pantry is big!

With that, he ran outside as well, his fists still clenched tight, his arms clenched up beside his frame.

-Oh, they grow up so fast...-Axel sniffed and fake-wiped away an imaginary tear from the corner of his eye as he followed Guy outside to scope out the area.

-Meanwhile our mama diva better not pull off any stunts. We got these lame outfits, let's not repeat an Aireen and try to deviate from the plan, kay? Too tiring, trying to play the hero...-Zeke groaned, latching onto Axel's back and, upon placing his head on his shoulder, fell asleep, the lilac-haired boy not too unfamiliar with being Zeke's carriage.

-Nuh-uh, not lame! I'll have you know, I payed some heavy gold coin bags to have these ELX-fabric suits custom-made for your sizes! It might not survive an Ultima Soul, but it should deflect any stray Blade's strike.- Lucy puffed her cheeks, hands on hips- This, boys, is the ultimate power of fashion! Stand tall and proud, because the only thing you have to work on to make yourselves look stylish is your lame fighting!

-Yeah, we know, Lucy.- Axel smiled at her- And we thank you for recognizing us as true members of the Brigade, even if we're from your guild's eternal frenemy, the BladeMaster Academy.

-Oh sure, I recognize you as guild members...that's why I'm expecting the money I spent on your clothes back, with interest, if you up and ruin them by trying to be Mister Romantic and rush off.- she scowled, making Axel shrink in place. The boy had always been logical to a fault, always trying to stick to a plan, ever-reliant on odds, but ever since the fateful day when Sobek invaded Soula and faced him, Zeke and Guy in battle, Axel learned that some battles couldn't be won by logic alone. Although that backfired, the boy doing a 180 and becoming very hardheaded, always rushing into danger with a foolishly gutsy attitude, which was swiftly shut down by Allie in Aireen, forcing him to try and seek a path in between brains and brawn. And to someone raised by strict, odds-worshiping soul researchers...Axel's road to his own brand of BladeMaster wasn't one easy to recognize.

-Dah, take it easy on poor Axel. He and his group only defeated me because he pulled his head out of a thick, complex-built, ass. He can be a good boy and stick to the plan, right?- Allie asked as she smiled sultrily and winked, stretching her arms as she had also just woken up from the sleep that the long trip over to that town provided her. Dressed in a dancer's outfit, complete with a flower-shaped red armor on her torso, and thin baggy pants opened in the middle to purposefully leave little to the imagination and lots to adversaries to be distracted by when she'd latch onto their necks with the sash that stretched behind her back, tied to both her wrists, below the Aqua Enchanted Stone rings Eldus had placed on her, acting as a limiter to keep her Pyre Element in check.

-The goodest boy!- Axel quickly replied. From behind him, Zeke's fist raised up behind his head, to admonish him for having such a non-logical, and therefore non-Axel, crush on his former enemy, the Order's beautiful Lotus, but Axel quickly cleared his throat, a blush on his cheeks- I mean...I can't very well compromise the mission to follow a foolish reality of me being the strongest hero in a team of...well, strong heroes. Besides...without me, whoever will take care of these four buffoons?

With that, he chuckled and followed Noah and Guy outside the sheep, making sure Zeke was tightly held onto his back as he carried him.

-Wait...one, two, three...four?! Whoever are you including on your list, Axel?- Mercedes promptly followed him outside, her feet stomping on the metallic floor of the ship.

-If the dunce hat fits...- Axel's voice echoed from outside, prompting Mercedes to speed up to give him what for, Merceny quickly following behind her.

-Ah...the power of youth. 'Tis such a beautiful thing...-Master Rye sighed happily, the tall grizzled man dressed in a simple white gi, muscular arms stroking his white beard that matched his front-puffed hair. Leader of a martial arts school in Soula that taught the art of the Astral Soul, a technique independent of Element that could boost every physical parameter of a BladeMaster, he was a well of fiery determination, to match his always warmed up muscles. Although, in the Element-focused BladeMaster Academy, he and his partner didn't find many applicants for classes, most of the revenue they would manage to pull in coming from being partners of the Angel's Crow guild and being sent to do more hand-to-brick jobs that suited their physicality.

-Rye, your age is showing. If there's one thing Astral Soul can't toughen up is a mid-life crisis~- Master Gee chuckled, Rye's partner a shorter and much younger man. His thinner build was also clad in a simple white gi and his deep blue hair was tied in a bun. His slanted eyes gazed at Rye with mockery shining through them, an emotion that was mostly reserved to be thrown at Gee himself, the skirt-chasing jester always the butt of a joke, especially since his abilities didn't get a chance to shine ever since he got soundly defeated by Sobek in the past, due to some lousy luck. As such, no matter how much he boasted and tried to impress his favored Lucy and the "varied flowers of the battlefield", as he called the female Order Elites in the Brigade, he wasn't taken much seriously, so he took any opportunity to tease his muscle-bound friend Rye.

-Gee, with age comes a wealth of recompense. Experience, wisdom...besides, the more time I have to train with my Astral Soul, the less age will deter me. Besides, everyone loves the calm and stoic older gent.- Rye huffed with a smirk as he shrugged his shoulders.

-Is that so..? Well then, point me to the nearest waterfall! Time to hermit it up!- Gee quickly replied, pumping his fist, his mockery quickly being bested by his lecherous desires to impress the fairer sex- I'mma become so stoic and aged like fine wine...

-Although, it also comes with the curse of not understanding the young people's lingo and then there's the joint pain...-Rye quickly swerved back.

-Being old sucks.- Gee spun right around.

-But where youth truly lives in is in the heart.- Rye quickly added, firmly placing his closed fist against his heart.

-Tell that to me when you're being sent to the nursery home next week.- Gee muttered, hands behind his head as he looked away, although two seconds later, he would already be deep within Rye's grasp, the two masters engaging in a fierce grappling competition, shouting about "whippersnappers " and "elderly healthcare" at each other while the rest of the ship crew watched.

-Tell me again why we brought the comedy duo with us?- Sobek asked, with a sigh as he watched the two tumble around in the ship's floor.

-I wouldn't underestimate Master Rye. Even if he's the second oldest in the team next to Eldus, he's well within Elite level. When you invaded Soula, he chucked Axel across half the town just to fight you, remember? Besides, since then, we've been trading bodybuilding tips and occasional sparring, and I can confidently say that he's called "Master" for a reason.- Terri T. piped up, the Order's Titan towering over Sobek, comfortably standing at the two meter height mark. One wouldn't think she was at the bottom of the Elite ladder, the young woman downright statuesque as the leotard she wore exposed her muscular arms and legs, each pair looking fit enough to crush a whole boulder between them, but in reality, not even a whole house and the ship the crew rode in would escape Terri's monstrous strength that easily wielded building-sized swords. According to the brunette, her weightlifting dream would be to pick up the entire Order Tower, the steel building standing at 800 meters of height and housing all sorts of weapons that weighted, in total, tens of thousands of tons.

-What about Master Gee?- Allie tilted her head.

Terri adjusted the goggles that mirrored Noah's atop her head. Crossing her arms, she "mmm"ed away, swaying her body from side to side, her long chocolaty ponytail swaying behind her back and brushing close to the ship's floor. She then exchanged a look with Lucy and both nodded.

-Bait.- they both voiced firmly.

Gee groaned as he found himself stuck in Rye's arm-lock.

-C'mon, gimme some credit! All you Elites lost too! And Rye hasn't fought anyone yet! Why am I getting the stink-eye?!- he complained.

-All the Elites, at least fought. You got done in by a pipe sticking out of a wall.- Lucy shrugged.

-And throughout my stay at Soula all the training I've seen you do is the "frolic-ly chasing the female guild members around" marathon.- Terri pointed out, causing Allie to stifle a laugh as she leaned away.

-It's good cardio. You should try it sometime...- Gee mumbled before he had Rye's knuckles buried themselves into the top of his head, grinding sadistically against his skull.

-Besides, out of all the intel we've gathered, I've only seen you reading up on Salacia and Sera's intel profiles.- Lucy added.

-Well, you guys can go and handle all the sweaty men to your heart's content. I've been studying up the more delicate and nuanced challenges to try and resolve things peacefully with the Elite dames! Call me "Geeplomat"~- he huffed with a proud smile- Besides, that intel sucked. It's missing vital stuff like measurements--

His words were cut off by Lucy joining Rye on giving him noogies, Gee's yells filling the ship.

But it would be soon cut off by the people that were outside returning to the ship, everyone sporting a grim expression on their faces.

-We might have to rethink our stay here. Going to an inn or even staying cooped up on the ship isn't going to cut it anymore. They're bound to check up on any new arrivals because of these.- Eldus promptly stated, holding in his hand a stack of papers.

-Are those...-Lucy let go of Gee and moved to pick up the papers. Immediately, Noah's deadpan face he was famous for stared right at her, a blue-tinted photo of him square in the middle of the paper. And cycling through them, she could see Axel, Zeke, Guy's and many more displayed out above the words "WANTED" and a large number underneath.

-Wanted posters? That's...a bit overkill. I know that Angel's Crow isn't the only bounty hunting guild in Gaia, but I didn't expect the boys to have targets stuck in their backs so fast.- Rye said, shoving Gee to the ground and peeking over Lucy's shoulders as she cycled through the posters.

-Yours is here as well, Master Rye.- she said, handing him a paper with the grizzly man's profile displayed, his back turned to camera and showing off his naked chiseled back as he stared into a sunset somewhere- You have some strange habits...

-I knew I saw something flash behind me the other day while doing my meditative training atop the Northern Wall!- he exclaimed as he clutched the paper- At least catch my chest..! But...mmm, it's also good to know that my back muscles are looking so fine!

-You should care more about the fact that you're being hunted!- Gee yelled as he promptly got up and smacked the back of Rye's head. Another poster would immediately be thrown at his face.

One with a picture of himself with a sly smirk, his face surrounded by greenery, the edge of a photographic camera he was holding on the bottom edge of the picture. The Master's face cringed in disappointment.

-Hey! So that guy in the bush with me was not a "chick guru on the lookout for Soula's hottest babes"?! I was looking forward to his magazine release and even let him take my picture to be one of his sponsors! Awww..!- he groaned as his shoulders slumped down in dejection.

-I'm going to put the "What were you taking pictures of" question for later. But who exactly has been taking these pictures..?- Axel asked, examining his poster.

-Most likely people from my unit.- Hanzo replied. At the Order, the Diamond's unit was responsible for gathering intelligence in hostile territory and Balthazar had sent him to keep watch on the Angel's Crow's state in their battles against the Elites while, at the same time, to look for a particular artifact within Soula's walls- We call them "bounty scouts". We at the Order expand our range of operations by cooperating with various neutral parties scattered throughout Karash and even overseas at the continent of Mox Well. But it's not always a straightforward alliance.

"Many guilds, like Angel's Crow, are not aligned with the Kingdom or our objectives, but are always on the lookout for notorious criminals and dangerous BladeMasters. As such, the Order's intelligence division singles out potential targets, bounty scouts travel the land to take pictures and then we issue the bounties to these guilds under an alias of a similarly neutral client. That way, enticed by the reward, the guilds will at least point the client towards the target. And, at best, deliver the target to us. That way, we both get what we want and they are none the wiser because of a guild's policy to not question a client. Many crime syndicates, like Brayga's dons, are found out that way."

-A mystery client issuing bounties...hey!- Mercedes jolted in place at the realization and Hanzo nodded in response.

-Yes. Angel's Crow has helped the Order a bunch by taking out certain dangerous bounties. For example, the Flame Eaters' movement in Myra were first noticed by our intelligence sub-division in the Kingdom of Ifritz. They noticed the rebellious group taking off with the giant weapon, issued a warning to the Order's main intelligence division, the bounty scouts moved out and spread the word to whoever was willing to take on the job.

-Now I feel oddly dirty...- White Feather sighed, her shoulders slumped.

-You're a bounty hunter in a neutral party, right? Just because you're working to overthrow the Order, do you suddenly feel bad for turning in all the criminals you've hunted?- Hanzo glared at her- Or is your status as a guild member just for show?

-Hey, watch it-- Merceny stepped towards Hanzo before Mercedes placed her arm in front of her brother.

-Drop it. Hanzo's right. We are not affiliated with the Kingdom of Karash. We're fighting the Order because we don't want our home to get consumed by Balthazar's territorial advances. We've taken out bounties for Mox Well, the Karash and the Order's benefit because it was to our benefit in the end. And our fight right now is towards our happiness as well.- she said, her stare unflinching towards Hanzo- Just beware that we're not buddy-buddy now. You and the other Elites are still Angel's Crow's POWs. We'll deliver your butts for some good coin if a client so wishes.

Hanzo shrugged.

-Feel free to try.- he simply stated.

-Putting your grudge match aside...-Zeke yawned as he lazily dangled his poster in his hand- These were taken in Aireen when we were there to stop Miss Stab-a-lot, right? I can see Axel's stupid glint in his eyes he got after watching her dance performance, Guy has a whole shish-kebob in his mouth and Noah...I think this was when we got the carpet from the vendor and he's carrying it in the photo right after I told him that no, it didn't fly.

Noah groaned in response to this.

-But we were there in secret, how did your spies catch us, Hanzo?- Zeke continued.

Hanzo then looked at Allie.

-Rosemary was with you that day, right?- he asked the Lotus, who nodded in response- My intelligence unit works very closely with the Desert Roses group Allie worked with. Since they're used to being on the field for subtler missions, like gathering taxes, I've placed one of my members there as a bounty scout. She must have taken a picture of you guys while she was working in Allie's performing troupe shtick.

-And then she gave the pictures to the carpet seller who ratted us out..! The plot thickens!- Guy gasped, but stopped as he noticed Allie look to the side and sigh. Memories of Aireen being destroyed and the Order soldiers and Desert Roses being wiped out after Allie's defeat to his group lingered heavily on the minds of everyone involved in the events.

A heavy silence cast itself over the crew as they looked to their pictures, before it was all shattered by Noah pipping up.

-Guys, I know what bounties are, but is this reward supposed to be so inflated? I don't get how the...um...lo-gis-tics...function when issuing a new bounty, but this looks pretty crazy.- he said, holding up his poster. Under his photograph and the WANTED letters, a number was also displayed: 1.000.000.

-One mil--gimme that!- Lucy's eyes nearly bulged out from her eye sockets as she grabbed Noah's poster- Gods almighty...one million gold coins for your first bounty?! I'm half tempted to turn you in myself..!- she gasped, looking at the blonde boy with a sly glint in her eyes.

-Huh...it's more than mine from the get-go. Talk about a letdown.- Mercedes sighed, waving her poster with the number 800.000 under her picture.

Merceny, in turn, was shaking in place, face red and teeth gritted.

-So many years...building a continental reputation...and you surpass me in one go?!- he chucked his poster to the floor, his reward equal to Noah's.

-Must be because the Order is specifically looking for him because he's this "Alpha" thingy, no?- Axel suggested- Me, Zeke and Guy all got our bounties issued at the same time as him, yet ours are five hundred thousand coins each.

-And he's evolving by leaps and bounds as he surpasses his Backlash. The Order probably would have issued a bounty earlier, but no bounty scouts were at Terri and Hanzo's base when he went there and much less in Soula when Sobek and Tal invaded.- Rye stroked his chin as he pondered, his own bounty at six hundred thousand coins.

-Why am I...so freaking low?!- Gee clutched his poster in rage upon noticing the number 200.000 under his photo.

-Age and wisdom strike again.- Rye huffed in pride- Just look at Eldus' bounty.

Eldus sighed in resignation as he waved his poster with his bounty at a value of 5.000.000.

-Five million?!- Gee, Axel, Noah, Guy and Zeke all huddled around him.

-Well, I am a famous Sage, after all. And I possess an unique Enchant Stone on my staff.- he said, pointing to the emerald sphere. Indeed, Enchant Stones came in various colors, each representing their aligned Element or lack thereof. Even now that Mercedes and Merceny helped create Darkus and Lightus Enchant Stones via the process of Channeling, none of the Stones produced were of an emerald color.

-The Order is always on the lookout for capable Sages to dispose of or add to their folds, even.- Allie nodded- I bet even that doofus from the Owl Knights you kids fought alongside of in Aireen would be someone they'd be interested in recruiting.

-Doubt it. Old stooges like those guys are in too deep in the mid-life crisis to be corrupted by evil.- Zeke sighed.

-Mmm...by the way, Lucy.- Noah interjected- We never found your poster outside---

The boy's words were cut off as Merceny, Mercedes and Eldus all huddled around him, index fingers close to their mouths in a shushing motion.

But it was too late.

-Fufufu~ Oh, you're curious about my bounty, aren't you? Well, it's indelicate to ask a lady how much she's worth, but I guess I can tell you~- Lucy grinned mischievously before reaching to her sleeveless top and slightly pulling forward the portion that was close to her right armpit. Sinking her hand under the fabric, she rummaged around for a few seconds before retrieving a piece of rolled up paper.

-You...were keeping that close to you all this time?!- Mercedes cringed, clutching her face in embarrassment over her leader's haughty attitude.

-A lady has to keep her value close to her heart, after all. Never know when she might want to show it off~- Lucy smirked and winked.

-But you just said that it's indelicate---ugh, forget it...-Mercedes groaned.

Taking the paper, she unfurled it and showed it off to the passengers. Like every other poster, her blue-tinted photo was front and center, the platinum-haired woman throwing a big smile for the camera, winking and even throwing a piece sign, clearly not threatened by having her picture taken by a scout to be displayed for her to be hunted. And under the photo...

-That's...but the number...-Noah started, but his next words didn't reach his lips.

-"Name Your Price"?! That is so unprofessional!- Axel shouted, his eyes being next on the list to start to bulge out, nearly popping out of his skull- Is this fan-made?!

-Sadly, no it isn't...-Eldus sighed- She was already the most dangerous Elite when she was in the Order. But after leaving it, she was such a danger to them that the Order placed her first bounty at ten million gold coins after she came to Soula. And even Karash and the kingdoms in Mox Well are, unofficially, looking for her. She attracted many bounty hunters from all over Gaia and caused much more mayhem in the space of eight years after she came to the neutral territory. And after she was recognized as the world's strongest BladeMaster, all three powers came to a rare agreement: Lucy was dangerous enough that capturing her would make all your dreams come true. Hence why her bounty is basically "infinite".

-I mean, it's not wrong~!- Lucy giggled up a storm, caressing her own cheeks as her body swayed from side to side, overflowing with exacerbated pride in her accomplishments- You get a hold of me and I'll make aaaallll your dreams come true! I'm the mother of all catches~! Although, after naming your price, there's no do-overs, so think it over carefully~!

-These special bounty posters were up for a while and I'm guessing the one she has is one of them. But after a bit, word spread around about the infamous Grim Reaper and her ridiculous bounty. So much so that wanted posters for her were no longer necessary. She became a sort of urban legend. An illusory fairy. Grab her tail and riches will grab you.- Mercedes stated, shaking her head.

-Heck, even those wanted posters are worth a bunch to collectors...-Merceny pointed out.

-Where would you even get the space to store so much gold coin?!- Noah asked- Even my million wouldn't fit in a purse...

-Well, that would just go to your virtual account. Talk over with a bank, they chart up a number and that's your registered total. Then they take out the amount you request from their general safe, when you go make an extraction. With all these multi-million gold coins bounties around, it's not like banks have space to make a zillion safes, keeping them under the earth so you'd have to ride a mine cart to get to yours or something like that...- Eldus explained.

-Although, if someone caught Lucy, there would never be enough space in their general coffers. You could just go ask for a quadrillion coins! Or, heck, even cheat the system and ask for a continuous revenue of money to match her "infinite" bounty!- Guy gasped.

-Tee-hee-hee-hee~- Lucy muffed a laugh under her hands.

-Anyways!- Sobek pipped up- Now how do we find lodgings?! Not only do we have a bunch of powerful soul signatures, they have mega bounties on their heads now!

-Yeah...and our original plan of going to separate inns in Kolimbra has sunk. We have to be ready to skedaddle as a unit back to the ship if we're found...- Terri nodded in agreement.

-Tsk, tsk, tsk...- Lucy's waggled her finger in disapproval- So quick to give up? Not to worry, I figured that the Order territory might be on especially high alert, so I took some precautions. The original plan was to use part of it to hide myself and the Elites we have with us, but thankfully I brought in the whole shebang just in case.

With that, she strutted to the back of the ship, where the supplies and suitcases were being kept. The group waited at the main deck for a few seconds before a loud screech of something beyond heavy being dragged across the floor reached them. Lucy then came back out into the deck while dragging a giant metallic box, big enough for even Noah to lie inside of comfortably and tall enough to reach his waist.

-What...is that..?- the goggled boy asked.

-I did notice Lucy coming in with that large chest when we were packing our stuff into the ship, but she was carrying it so casually on her shoulder that I thought it was just a fancy suitcase for her clothing. Not a...vault of weapons..?- Axel tilted his head.

Meanwhile, though, Mercedes' face began to lose color at a rapid pace.

-N-no...no no no no no no..!- she quickly shook her head, her brow glistening with cold sweat- Lucy, please tell me we're not doing that sort of cockamamie scheme again!

-Oh yes we are!- she gave her a giant grin- We can't hide on the ship nor show or faces at the inns. And so, our only resort...

She then kicked the front of the chest, causing the lid to pop open. The creaking of metal filled the deck as the box opened with a symphony of clicks and whirs. As its contents popped out the box began to expand to the sides, sectioning itself off into various parts in order to lengthen, soon doubling and tripling in width. And from within, a large shadow began to cast itself over the baffled Brigade members as the box unfurled like a pop-up book. Soon the transformation ceased and now, the open box was occupying about half of the ship's deck.

-We'll go with new faces! Say hello to "Lucy Crow's Portable n' Variable New Lives War Chest"!- she said with a "ta-dah" as she showed off a vast array of hangers that popped out of the box, carrying a veritable ton of all kinds of clothing. It was a mystery on how she jammed so many into that box, but while Noah couldn't count the exact number, it was already more than any clothing shop at the Soula commercial district displayed for sale.

Mercedes sighed, shaking her head.

-Which is basically a fancy word for "box of costumes and disgui---

Her words were cut off by Noah, Axel, Guy, Zeke, Gee, Terri, Sobek and Allie all running to the War Chest with glitter practically shooting out of their gleaming faces.

-That is sooooo cool!!!- they all yelled in unison.

-Wait.- Guy suddenly raised his hand- If you had a disguise wardrobe, why didn't you lend us some when we went to Aireen?

-Because Mister Dramatic wanted to buy his own outfits.- Zeke and Lucy replied at the same time, giving a blushing Axel the side-eye.

Lucy then cleared her throat.

-Besides, I don't have a lot of outfits fit for battle in here. At least not the ELX-laced fabric you guys are wearing.

-True, Elemantite is already quite a rare mineral, more so than Enchant Stones. And to process it into Elementite X makes it super expensive. It's better suited for offensive purposes in making weapons rather than fancy clothing, even if it's armored...- Terri nodded in agreement, her own Blade, aptly named the "ELX Sword", made of that same material that the black-wearing members of the Brigade were wearing now.

The Brigade then began to rummage through the assortment of clothing, all kinds stashed away there, for both genders and from all cultures across Gaia. With multiple copies, one could create their own theater troupe with such a wardrobe.

-It's a shame I can't use my regular outfit for a while, though...- Lucy sighed as she watched the Brigade members count and check the clothing, to see if everything was in order.

-Why the jacket, though?- Noah, who stood beside her, pointed out, looking at the black jacket Lucy wore over her usual sleeveless top.

Lucy grinned and swayed from side to side, making the jacket whoosh around like a cape behind her.

-Cause I'm the leader of the Brigade and I need to look the part! Ain't it cool?- she cockily pointed to herself.

-More like "corny".- Hanzo rolled his eyes, picking up a white summer dress from the chest and promptly tossing it back into the chest.

-And I had Albus the Blacksmith make some custom made steel high heels as well...what a shame!- she groaned.

-Wait, but you always wear flats, because it suits your fighting style.- Noah argued.

-Well, yeah, and I do also get my flats altered by him. It's mostly to chrome the sole, especially the area from the balls of the foot forward. That way, the Angel's Dance spinning, which puts more stress on that area, doesn't tear through my shoes. But I decided "Hey, why not further enhance it with some deadly stilettos", so I had these high heels I bought altered. The cool leader and the stylish femme fatale, ain't I just oozing with practicality and style~?- she smirked, raising her leg high to show Noah her black high heels, the sole indeed sporting a chrome cover on it and the heel portion resembling a steel needle.

Noah could only eagerly nod in agreement, eyes shining with innocent admiration and glued to his benefactor's shoes, her brazen pose completely going over his dangerously empty (or full of dreams) head.

-I can see why your mercenaries are so poor, when you waste the missions' money on being so extra...-Mercedes scoffed, a glittery tiara she had found on the War Chest sitting in her head.

-Don't you have custom made shoes as well, Cidy?- Lucy asked, tilting her head, causing Noah to look expectantly at Mercedes as well.

-Me and my brother get ours chromed out, yes, but I would never wear high heels to battle!- she said, beginning to raise her leg- Mine are the usual flats---

She quickly stomped her foot back on the metallic ground, face flushed red.

-Oooooh, you almost got me, you lascivious little..!- she growled and Lucy couldn't help but shrug with a "I didn't do anything wrong" devious smile.

-Can I try your shoes, Lucy?!- Noah pipped up, nearly jumping in place at the idea of Lucy's steel shoes.

-Sure, but I warn you, wearing heels is an acquired art.- Lucy said, taking off her shoes and handing them to Noah, who eagerly put them on.

As the sound of the boy crashing down on the floor of the ship almost immediately after putting them on rang behind them, Lucy and Mercedes turned their attentions back to the War Chest.

-Everything seems to be accounted for!- Eldus said, waving the little paper sheet with a list of items in it that was glued to the underside of the War Chest's lid- So, what should we use? It can't be anything too suspicious, after all.

-Yeah, it has to be coordinated, since we're going in as a group. Thankfully, I also got that covered!- Lucy huffed in pride.

-Mmm, but we're a big group, like last time we had to use the War Chest. So--- -Mercedes' pondering expression quickly shifted back to one of horror- No, please, Lucy, not that again!

"Noooooo!!!"

*

A cloud of smoke wafted inside the dingy office of Kolimbra's sheriff. It was a sleepy, peaceful town, so crimes were quite rare. There was a time, though, where they were accosted by barbarian groups, since they had been, until recently, within neutral territory, belonging neither to the Kingdom of Karash nor the Order. But ever since they were annexed by the latter, those criminal ruffians never set foot inside their borders again, and the Order was quick to dispatch workers to fix raided buildings and help re-plant crops.

To the sheriff, as he balanced on the back feet of his chair behind his desk, vacant eyes staring at the ceiling as his cigar precariously dangled from the tip of his lips as his consciousness drifted closer and closer into a sleepy abyss, this peace and boredom was what he fought for. And what he thanked the Order for providing. He had heard many rumors from friends from the Kingdom that the Order were a bunch of militant ruffians, but upon meeting them, they were as approachable as the regular farmhand.

Sure, they didn't hide that their protection came for a price, but the taxes they placed were fair and the help the populace got more than sufficiently justified them. To him, who had fought all his life to defend the law and order, there was nothing fairer and nobler than being upfront with the cost of your work. The world was not made up of nobility nor did it run on charity. Just a conglomerate of people trying to survive. True kindness was found amidst that struggle, from those who'd go above and beyond it, not away from it.

His smokey soliloquy was interrupted by the loud steps approaching his office, the rays of the twilight sunlight filtering through the cracks on wooden door, that slammed open, causing him to jolt in surprise and nearly fall from his chair. His assistant deputy leaned on the door frame, his ragged breath visible, as he tried to catch it, amidst the Aqua Cycle cold.

-S-sir! Ship! T-the ship..!

The sheriff adjusted his leather hat and made sure his cigar was tightly secured on his mouth as he walked up in a hurry towards his co-worker.

-What is about that newly arrived ship? Did they resist you checking up on them? Must be some Kingdom rascals. Do they not register to the authorities of their towns?- he asked.

The assistant deputy quickly shook his head, looking at his senior with a pale face, glistening with cold sweat.

-N-no..! I-I was approaching the ship, but then it suddenly opened its doors!

-So..?- he scratched his chin, a knot of nervousness forming on his stomach, his mind painting a plethora of ways terrorists could attack the peaceful city- Did you get the crew's documents?

-I-I...I don't think...our town is equipped to handle such a crew...

-Hogwash! Let me check!- he huffed and hurried outside, already summoning his Blade in the form of two golden kali sticks- I have the Order on speed dial, if these bullies think they can waltz on Kolimbra, they have another thing co--

His cigar fell on the dusty ground and rolled away with the breeze, his batons soon joining it. His eyes widening as he saw said crew making their way to the Pennyworth Inn.

Kolimbra's peaceful days of sleepy boredom...

...were over.

*

The Pennyworth Inn was an historical establishment of the town of Kolimbra. Having been founded by Mrs. Agatha Pennyworth's grandfather as a safe haven for the people whose lives were ravaged by the BladeMaster War, it sought to be an oasis for the weary souls of many a background. Of course, it suffered its fair share of attacks, Mrs. Pennyworth's own father and previous owner of the Inn passing away defending his property when she was but a lass, during an attack of forces from the Mox Well kingdom of Gnottus.

But even so, 60 years later, Mrs. Pennyworth stuck to protecting her safe haven all the same, not wanting it to be abandoned as a place of death and trauma. Kolimbra was not associated with the Kingdom of Karash, having been lost to barbarian territory long ago, so she couldn't enlist as a Kingdom soldier. But even so, her youth was spent smacking away many a soldier and barbarian away from her grandpappy's inn. Her ability while using her Blade, which took the form of a flaming whip, granted her the nickname of "Smoldering Lash Agatha". Her reputation alone was a deterrent for enemies and so, when the BladeMaster War ended, Kolimbra enjoyed a period of peace.

But, alas, age was an enemy she could never defeat. Agatha fell in love, got married, had children...before long her lashing was not as smoldering as it was before, as her hands began trembling more and more with every wrinkle they gained. Kolimbra began to be seen as defenseless again and was on the receiving end of more barbarian attacks. She feared that her family's heritage would be trampled to dust...

But then Attila's Order arrived. Although she hadn't been annexed to the military nation's territory, she had been good friends with Attila during the warring times. So much so that he had gone out of his way to protect Kolimbra, even if it was out of his jurisdiction. And when his efforts were picked up by his proteges, the little kids she had seen with him more than 15 years ago, she decided to actively reach out for them and ask for the Order's protection.

And Balthazar's hand was quick to reach back and hold hers. They had been in the Order's care for half a year now and the town was more vibrant than ever. Although she planned to retire one day, the tiny elderly woman still sat behind the reception counter of her inn, which she ran with her children, her long silver hair covered by a purple veil that matched the shawl around her frail frame, her amber eyes covered by silver frame glasses, a matching string going from the edges of the frames and around her neck, to prevent them from falling.

She was entertained watching the afternoon soap opera on the little television on her desk when her eldest son erupted from outside, slamming the door so hard that Agatha feared that her time would come to her quicker than she expected, her soul nearly leaving her body.

-Ma!- the middle aged man exclaimed, his face as pale as a sheet- She's here!

-Don't open the door like that, it'll break and then I'll break with bum with a good lashing!- she screamed right back, her dentures nearly popping out- And what do you mean, "she's here"? Did Tera herself grace us with her godly presence?

-Close, Ma! You have to see this!- he said, pointing outside, but then he found something being suddenly dropped over his feet.

A long crimson carpet was placed by the entrance to the inn by a mountain of a man, who wore a fancy jet black tuxedo with a red pin on its lapel, open on the front to show off a veritable mountain of muscles. Around his neck was a little black bow and his hands were adorned with white gloves that matched his white beard and short hair. With a succinct nod, he practically glared at the man, but sported a pale expression as well. He then made his way back to the recently arrived ship which he had extended the carpet from.

His black leather shoes avoided touching the runway, in order to not kick up any more dust atop it as the strange man joined back with the group that was walking towards the establishment. It was a strange party, men and women of various ages, all adorning color coordinated uniforms of noble servants. They walked towards the inn in formation, all sporting the same expression of resigned discontent on their faces. On the front of the group, a blonde girl on the right lead the rest of the maids and carried a basket on her hands. She'd reach out inside and, with a unglamorous flair, threw a fistful of rose petals to the sky; on the left side, a blonde butler with a mean look on his face lead the rest of the male servants and copied the maid's movements, although he less "threw" the petals and more "chucked" them to the air.

-People of Kolimbra!

A tall, tall woman exclaimed, her voice echoing throughout the entire town, or so it seemed, for it was positively roaring. She wore a similarly black and white ensemble as the man, her dress composed of a white and black layer, its skirt reaching to her ankles and adorned with an apron on the front. Sleeveless, it exposed her muscular arms, but the frills around her shoulders retained the maid-y class and cuteness. Her long auburn air cascaded over her left shoulder, atop the frilly white upper portion of the dress, adorned with an red colored brooch atop her chest region. She quickly moved her right arm in a quick flourish to side, the dress's white frilly apron. Rummaging through its pocket, she retrieved something, which she brought back towards herself to peer at, mumbling for a few seconds before roaring again:

-You are graced with the presence of the brightest crown jewel of Sharem! The national treasure of the fairest vault of beautiful riches! The crimson duchess of the new silver millennium..!

In the middle of the group, stepping dainty along the runaway as she had the rose petals cascade upon her, SHE extended her arms almost like she was moving to embrace the entire inn...nay, the entire town, with her presence. Said arms were adorned with red lacy gloves that extended from her fingers up to her elbows, each ending with a large ensemble of silk in the form of a big rose. Her dress was of an extravagant and glittery crimson and gold throughout its layers, all covered with countless jewelry, from the wide and long skirt that dragged itself across the carpet, up to the sleeveless top with a large brooch adorned with an equally large ruby placed right atop her chest. It all almost blinded Agatha and her son as the rays of sunlight reflected off of her ensemble and from her hair, which was brought up in a thick honeycombed style of snow-white silver. Atop her forehead sat a golden tiara that sported, seemingly, every type of precious gemstone on the planet. Her long eyelashes fluttered as she gazed at the duo with her lavender eyes. Plump lips, painted with a glittery crimson, widened, her incredibly fair-skinned countenance beaming with a confident smile.

-Madame Ruby Scheherazade!

-Yes, I have arrived!- she let out with a posh accent accompanying her honey-smooth dulcet, but powerful tones- My sweetums of Kolimbra...LET YOURSELVES INTO MY ETERNAL SHINE!!!

"Hohohohoho!"