The Child of Minanum - IC

[Akranadas]

The Child of Minanum
In Character Thread

The Child of Minanum - Out of Character thread (http://forums.relicnews.com/showthread.php?t=168408). Contains all the back story as well as important information on creating your characters. It also contains information about the peoples characters who are playing in the Board War.

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The story should start with your characters leaving their homeland and tribe, onto their journey towards the land of the innocents and the capital; Ebor.

There you should explore the various locations within the city, as these will determine whom you encounter. You must clearly tell me in your posts which key location you will be visiting before actually going their; this is important to advance the story.

Below is the description of the various locations and key locations of Ebor.

Ebor, the City of the Innocents.

Ebor is the main city and main place where the Child of Minanum will take place. It’s like an old feudal style Chinese city, with a lot of the architecture being similar. Ebor has a few key locations where a travel could go to get information about certain things; these range from the obvious Markets down to the Waterfall Gardens.


Key Locations.

Tea Shop

The tea shops is the Minanum equivalent to our modern day bars/pubs, it is a hotspot for travelers and citizens alike, all of them coming in regularly to get a nice cheap cup of herbal tea. As such, it is quite busy, but a table is always easy to find, as it is setup like a restaurant with lots of tables for groups to sit down and enjoy their tea is relative peace. The main attraction beyond the tea is the shops center piece; a massive fountain complete with flowering water lilies. It’s also a good place to ask about the Child, as she could have passed through the tea shop.

Waterfall Gardens

The waterfall gardens is one of the most beautiful places in all of Ebor, it’s green grass lawns, it’s flowering gardens and most beautiful of all is the Many different waterfalls placed throughout the Gardens. Lots of locals come to the Gardens to reflect on what’s happening and to clear their mind.

The Aqueducts

The source of all the water in Ebor, the Aqueducts serve as the life blood to the innocents. Without such a device, the population would surely die of thirst. The Aqueducts are made up of many canals, all bringing water in and out of the city. Most of the locals come to the Aqueducts to gather water to take back to their homes, or they stay their and wash in their clothing in the designated canals.

The Markets

The markets are the busiest place in Ebor, there are hundreds of people going in and out, buying and selling goods. It’s possibly the most perfect place to hide. Throughout the hundreds of stalls and shops, the aroma of the goods drifts through the air, teasing the senses.

The School

Even though Ebor is located in the land of the innocents, it doesn’t mean the children go untaught. The school is meeting place for all the children of Ebor, hundreds of kids running around, laughing and having fun. If there was an easier place for a child to hide, it would be another school. The school is a massive collection of buildings, serving as the different class rooms for the children.

Horse Yards

Just before the main gates of Ebor lies the Ebor horse yards, this is where the hunters of Ebor keep their horses. It’s a pretty large place with hundreds of stalls and an equal number of horses. People and horses are always coming and going; could this be the perfect place for the child to hide.

Important Information about the Key locations

Each of these areas will contain 2 – 4 NPCs, each with different information to give to you, to figure out where the girl is; you may need to travel to 2 or more locations to gain the right information to finish the puzzle. Some NPCs will be helpful, others will be down right dumb and misleading, it’s up to you to pick the truths from the lies. How this will happen is; I have all the conversations and notes along with the locations, each have a random chance for you to met them depending on where you go and how long you stay there.

For example; Going into a Bar and talking to the Bar tender may result in little or no information, but stay inside the bar for drinks or some such and another NPC may approach you and over you information. All of this will be sent privately to place within their posts, but none will specifically tell you where the Child is hiding. Please play fair and don’t cheat by reading information in someone else’s post and using it to your advantage, as I will dismiss your posts if I didn’t send you the information specifically.

If you think you know where the girl is, you need to Private Message me first and I’ll tell you if you have or haven’t found
her.

Thus, now we begin the quest into the heart of the land of the innocents, deep into the world of Minanum; searching for the Child of Legand; Ouz.

Good Luck.
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The doors of the great gates slammed behind the group of girls as the started to walk down the cobble road. Three girl; clad in the warrior armour of the Women of Flower, their weapons at their sides at all times. They walked for a while in total silence, until one of them broke it.

“Mequ” Lao shouted from behind the group “How much further till we get to the city?”

“Lao, we just left home like an hour ago” Mequ replied “Don’t tell me you’re tired of walking already?”

Lao quickly caught up to Megu and Seoh, “No, I’m not; just wondering that’s all. I can’t wait to get into some action” she said smiling “I wonder who we’ll meet in Ebor”

“Hopefully no one” replied Seoh “It’ll make our jobs a lot easier if we can just walk in there, get this kid and walk out. But I bet, as always we’ll have to do it all the hard way”

“Don’t worry to much sisters, we’ll get this girl easy, regardless of who will be there” Mequ said with a determined look on her face “If we do find someone in our way…well you girls know how to handle them right?”

“Of course Mequ” laughed Lao as she drew her war fan “We went through the same training together”

Suddenly the city of Ebor rose in the distance, and the group picked up the pace to get there as fast as they could, hopefully before anyone else.

“Great, we’re here” shouted Lao in excitement “Where should we search first?” she asked, pulling out the map of Ebor with the key locations circled on them.

“I don’t know about you to, but I could do with something to drink and a place to rest” Mequ said as she snatched the map out of Lao’s hands “So, we’re off to the tea shop”

The group head down the small streets of Ebor, past the Waterfall Gardens and towards the tea shop. There were innocents all over the place, but they soon made a path for the warriors.

[Sword_Monkey]

Liss, Sherfan and Despak and sailed down the mouth of a grand river itself heading to Ebor and countless other places in the land of the innocents. They had sailed for days from the Seerlands finally loosing the crew and larger ship some hours ago at dawn. The rest of the journey would be made by a small fishing trawler, and Liss would remain blanked for as much of the journey as possible.

Despak sat to the rear of the small boat, hand on the rudder control. Sherfan sat next to Liss's hidden standing form as she inspected a map of the city.

"Markets first Sherfan." Came the seemingly disembodied voice of Liss.

"Sounds logical, but there will be so many people."

"And stallholders with good memories."

"Are you sure we should be searching so publicly? The underbelly of the Innocents should yield better results."

"And we'd soon be found out, and it would cost, and we have no such standing contacts. We shall ask politely, 'have you seen this girl', that is all."

"Very well ma'am."

"Seer."

"Yes Seer, my apologies."

[Methuselath]

"Ah, Ebor, they say it's the city of opportunities..." Jian Wei said as he wiped the sweat off his forehead carelessly with his forearm. The travel across country have been ardous, but thankfully bareable due to the mild weather.

Lee Wong grunted as he hefted his man-sized Zhu in his back, "How many agents do we have in this city?" he asked with a frown, the way into the city was congested, from carts to carriages. Ebor was the trade centre of the Innocents and as such, became the heart for every trade route across the country.

Jian Wei pulled a silken and battered book out of his coat and thumbed through the pages, "Not alot, I think there's one working as a musician in the local tea house, another as a street performer in the market. A few others are scattered around, unfortunately they don't stay in one place regularly." He sighed, looking at the multitude of bodies, "Looking for the girl won' be easy, and as far as council order goes, the agents won't directly help us, they've been told to only provide information and nothing more."

"Yes, yes, we know, Wei..." Xiao Fan muttered under her voice. It wasn't long before the pushed past the crowd and stood in front of the impressive bronze gate of the city. She took a deep breath, it was different than The Acoustic Falls from where their came. Zitherian cities has always been dedicated to both art and martial purposes, seeing the wealth of a trade city took her breath away, "I never thought it would be this beautiful."

"Or crowded!" Lee Wong boomed, struggling against the crowd.

It took them almost half an hour to pass through the main street and into the town centre, a nice cobbled area overlooking the City's palace, which, to the party's relief, was less crowded than the main roads. "Right!" Jian Wei huffed, "We need information before we can do anything, so, since we need to cover a lot of area in a small amount of time, I suggest that we split up, and meet me at the Tea Shop and we can discuss about lodgings... Lee Wong, you go to the horse yards and see if you can get any information. Also, I need you to buy us four horses, fast ones. I have a feeling that should we ever get the child we may need to get out of here fast," Lee Wong nodded and walked away, strumming his Er Hu absent mindedly as he goes, "Xiao, I think the marketplace would be well suited for you, you do like shopping don't you?"

Xiao Fan made a face, "Not in a dirty market I don't. Where will you be going then?"

Jian Wei shrugged, "The Tea Shop maybe? I tired and I need a drink and maybe a plate of Dim Sum?"

Her eyes flashed, "Hey, I want the Tea Shop!"

"No can do! I called it first!" Jian Wei laughed, patting the girl on the head, "Now off you go, Little Sister and if they're selling Ebor's famous roasted duck, buy one for dinner will you?"

Xiao Fan pouted and wallked off with a huff, "You can find your own dinner, you slacker, and I'm not your damned sister!"

"Whatever you say, Little Sister!" Jian Wei called back, and ran off before she turned around and threw something at him. Joking aside, he knew the seriousness of the matter, the Tea Shop is known as the first stop for most travellers, and his cousin, Hei Fang, works as the musician in the establishment. It's a good place to gather some information, keep an eye out for other clans the Council warned him and establish some contacts. Plus, he heard that the tea is the best in all of the lands. With a chuckle, he slowed down and pulled a piece of silken scroll from his coat, first off, he needs to find his way to the Inn and Restaurant district.

[Master Chief]

"Finally out of that forest," Aurus said out loud to no one in particular.

"You didn't like it? I found it very tranquil."

"I prefer to have the sun above me, not leaves."

Aurus and Iselia had descended down from the Fortress City in the mountains and traversed through a patch of woods near the base of the mountain range.

"Is that it?" Iselia asked as they climbed over a hill, revealing a city.

"I believe so. Let's go!" Aurus shouted out, hurrying to get to Ebor now that their destination was in sight. The two warriors from the mountains raced over to the city gates, hoping to find the child before anyone else did.

"Now, where should we start looking..." Aurus said, looking over the map for important areas.

"It would be best to split up- we could cover more ground that way," Iselia pointed out.

"Sounds good. I'll take the marketplace. That's usually a good place to start. What about you?" Aurus asked.

"This school seems like a good place. It wouldn't be a bad place to hide, and if any of the students have seen the Child, then they might be able to help us."

"All right, that sounds good," Aurus said, handing Iselia the map. "I know where the marketplace is; use this to get to the school. We'll meet up back here at sunset-that leaves us plenty of time to search. If you find the Child, bring her back here with you, and keep her safe. If you get into tro-"

"Trouble, I send the signal. You've said this about a dozen times," Iselia said, chuckling as she folded up the map. "You worry too much."

"Guess so," Aurus said with a grin. "So, I'll see you back here then. Good luck."

"You too!" Iselia said as she waved back at Aurus.

The two began heading to their assigned locations. Aurus just hoped that he was worrying too much; better to worry needlessly than to have his worries be proven true. As he walked through the town towards the marketplace, the townspeople murmured and stared at him, curious as to the land that his emblem belonged to.

[Innonexess]

A slight adjustment to the birds wings allowed the her to slowly exit the thermal she had been riding, and glide down to report back to her master. Her keen eyes had spotted the city long before any humans would have.

So far there had been little trouble on the journey, thanks to her awareness that expanded for miles in every direction they just avoided it. She landed on her stand, protruding from her masters satchel and whispered her report into his ear.

"Three, maybe four more miles and we'll be there." announced Luan Mai Par. "Should we start to planning what we will do on arrival?" He asked Shant Sun Par, his superior.

Shat looked across at Kin Sig Par, the man with the most military experience in the party, "Well?" he asked. He knew respecting Kin in this way would help him in the future, if, when his talents would be needed.

"I have to agree with the scout." Kin replied, slowly stroking Ser’Mand's head, his Boa constrictor Vismando.

"Good!" said Shant enthusiastically, pulling the map the tribal elders had gifted him before the party had left and examining it. "Right, I think we should either go to the... Waterfall Gardens, or the Horse Yards, we may be able to have a few words with the horses, or the plants in the Gardens. Thats presuming they trust us."

"The plants will, as long as I am there." said Kin, reminding Shant of his great powers with plants. "But horses, they may lie."

"Still, it may be worth it." said Luan, who had until now, stayed silent.

"OK, We'll visit the Waterfall Gardens, then go to the Horse Yards when we're done there. I've been told stories of those gardens, there natural beauty is meant to be astounding, even by our standards!" Shant decided. "We can pick up some transport when we get to the Horse Yards, and hopefully be out of the city within the month, presuming the child is still alive."

The group moved on, now with more speed, almost as if they had a more definite purpose now.

[noname0112]

"Were almost there..." Said Shinnosuke, walking ahead of the two.

"How about we rest a little bit? We've been walking nonstop for days already." Fei Long complained and stopped walking.

"And how about shutting your trap and use your feet to walk." Shinnosuke continued on his way.

Sang-hee stopped when she suddenly detected a strange chi in her surroundings. Shinnosuke noticed the strange expression of Sang-hee's face stopped him from walking.

"What's the matter Sang-Hee? Is there something that bothered you?"

"Nothing... I thought that I just felt something. I think it would be wise if we rest for a while and think for our plans in the city. Also, I guess it is the time for us to change our outfits and find some ways in concealing your weapons." Sang-Hee replied.

"You're right..." Shinnosuke said and then stared at Fei Long.

"What?" Fei Long asked him in reply to his stare.

"We are leaving, she is going to change her clothes. We too should change our clothes after her." He dragged Fei Long away from Sang-Hee.

After they changed clothes, the three gathered themselves together.

"With these they should be less suspicious on us. The problem is these troublesome huge weapons. How are we supposed to hide them?" Fei Long asked.

Shinnosuke replied, "You two shall be going into the city first. I'll be the ones in charge with your spear for now, Fei Long. You two shall go first to the local teashop your outfits would give you less troubles as you enter the city. But I recommend to stay away from places like slums. During the night I will sneak into the city, we shall regroup near the school. If you find something or caught into some trouble, don't bother to use these signal flares. I should be able to see it from this distance and rush into the city to aid you. Also, one important thing... always keep a low profile. The success of our mission relies in it. If our cover is blown out, the chances for us to succeed in our mission would become zero. So please be careful, both of you!"

"Agreed, now we shall be off." Sang-Hee replied and left with Fei Long.

[jackster]

"Huh...This place is so unimpressive and small..."
Taikira walks out of her room and complains to Soturi
"Any city in our homeland is so much more beautiful than this place and the food would have been much better too."
Hearing this the young prince smiles as he has his breakfast, his childhood friend always have a better taste than he does. He knows that after they parted last time as children, she had been learning in the arts of the courtier and artisen in the capital, while he trains in the ways of war and leadership in Dojo Moto in the grand steppe,

"This is never ment to be a vacation." He replies playfully
"What? You want to go home already?"
"Do you want me to go?" Taikira winks back at him
"Ofcourse not." Soturi says, he misses her a lot for all these years, but he decides that there are more urgent things than expressing his feeling right now.

"Have you seen Xiuen Sensei this moring?"
"He walke out early to go to have some tea"
Soturi should have guessed, the venerable sensei enjoys the art of tea making and tasting over anything in life. His skill in this art is unparellell to any.
"No surprise, well, we should go there as well, we might find some information regarding our mission."
A servent in the estate bows to him
"Should I prepare your steeds, master?"
"No need, we will go there by foot, that way we can take a good look of this place on the way."

After a while of dress up the two young warriors walk out of the rented estate and march towards tea house. They wear their armor and weapons, as warriors do. But they left the pole arms and banners at the estate. Only Taikira is follow by her 2 handmaidens, as per Kylin Custom for a noble lady.

"This place is certainly fill of weird people" Taikira says "All the unwanted people from other nations, they will make our mission harder."

"A Jade stays clear even in midsts of mud, if this girl is indeed divine in origin, she will leave behind evidence."

Taikira nods "you are right."

And soon the two arrive at the tea house and they walk through the entrance, few glances at them and are shock as they see the mon of the Kylin on Soturi's armor, even in the lands of innocents, the military might of Kylin is well known.
Soturi does not response at any of this, he simply keeps going.

[noname0112]

"I just don't understand the idea. Why are we sent to obtain some mystical kid? I mean, I just sensed something fishy." Fei Long suddenly said while walking.

"Me either, but we have no choice this is a mission and we have no right to ask questions." Sang-Hee replied.

"Even though it is a mission, but I guess they should have a better reason than to babysit some mysterious brat." Fei Long complained.

"Our country nowadays is facing a great threat in all of it's sides. The barbarian tribes endlessly invading our borders, and the conflicts with some of nations in the north and wast are starting to agitate. Although we hold a strong military force, it would be never enough to protect our entire territory from a full scale attack on all sides. Our soldiers were spread too thin in our borders and the Wulong are only too few to fill in the gaps." Sang-Hee explained to Fei Long.

"Is our military or our country that weak to depend on such child? We fended of invaders for the last eight decades already. And I wouldn't believe that we are going to loose this time. Not just yet, we the Wulong wouldn't let that happen!" Fei Long said to Sang-Hee.

"Although we sent several diplomats, none of the nations in the north or the wast treat our country as a nation. I am not saying that our nation is weak, what I am trying to say that we don't hold the enough force for a full scale war. If this time were overran, we would be wiped out for sure..." Sang-Hee replied.

"I still don't get it... But maybe you are right about a while ago. This is a mission and I don't deserve the right to question it. I give up, this whole thing is a complicated one." Fei Long said.

The two finally arrived in the city gates after hours of walking.

"We are here already, do not forget what Shinnosuke said to us." Sang-Hee reminded Fei Long.

"Yes ma'am!"

The two kept going inside the city and proceeded to the tea shop.

[jackster]

Sensei Xiuen had been sitting in the Tea house almost as soon as it opens this morning, soon he finds a group of old men, who love tea almost just as he does and they share their love together.
He starts to tell a joke about the story of he and the Khan of Kylin
"...so I said to the Khan, I'd rather eat nothing for three days than not drink tea for a single day! And isnt his greatness mad at me!" He says to the crowd of similar minded tea lovers in the room
"Great Karma! Now there is another time, when my old majestic friend and I was having a drinking Sake contest and..." He pauses as he sees Soturi and Taikira coming
"Ha there is my prince, sorry my friends, i guess the story has to wait." He bows to the crowd and welcome Soturi in to the shop.
"Oh my good children, they have some really awesome tea here, we ought to get some back to the capital to your father."
Soturi smiles then embrace his aged sensei heartedly
"I am sure we will, sensei. But I have more important things to do at the moment, you havent forget what we are here for, right?"
"Of course not, my good boy, I am doing the work as we speak."

Soturi and Taikira both seemed puzzled. Xiuen Sensei, unlike most people in his cult, is a really lighthearted man with really cavalier style manner. Some thinks he is a bit crazy, but Soturi knows its because he is highly enlightend and see what normal people cant.

"You have to be patient, my child. And use what power you have, you are both very talented individuals, you just need to learn how to utilize them."

Taikira is still puzzled "But how is telling tea stories helping our cause?"

"These are experienced and elderly people here, they should be familiar with this city, their wisdom can help us."

Soturi agrees with the idea, after all, he likes to have a tea with his Sensei as well.
"Good Idea, we will stay here for while so i can drink with the Sensei."

Then he and his old teacher sits around a table, Soturi takes out a bottle of Sake and add to his tea, the two starts to talk about anything from old war story to old legends, which seem to gather lots of attention.
After he incited some poem, Soturi walks around the shop and give some coins and rare candies to local children, none of them were what he was looking for, but they are certainly happy to receive his gifts.

Good Impression can go a long way. He thought

He always think that the world should think of his clan less as barbaric invaders, thats simply the wrong impression, his people was hard pressed during their exodus, results in their marshal culture, but they are deeply civilized people and they do more than just wage wars.

Taikira doesnt seem to appreciate the idea much, she is too active to stay at the table and drink tea. Instead she went back to change with the assistance of her handmaiden. And came back with her beautiful silk dress, and go on to dance on stage. Which seem to be gathering quite an attention too.

[noname0112]

Fei Long and Sang-Hee arrived at the Tea shop. Someone suddenly called their attention before they could enter the shop . A raggedly dressed man smirked at the two and told them to come closer to him. Fei Long looked at him with suspicion and told Sang-Hee to stand back and prepared to draw his sword, while at the back Sang-Hee also prepared herself.

"I am expecting for you to come, I have something to speak to you in private. Follow me..." The man said.

Fei Long and Sang-Hee decided to follow the mysterious man who lead them to a small alley away from the Tea shop.

"You need not to fear, I am one of you... I am also a Wulong." He said

"How can we trust you?" Sang-Hee asked in reply.

"Stop it Sang-Hee, he's an ally..." Fei Long replied.

The man smiled at Fei Long who noticed his real identity before he revealed himself and then began to speak.

"From your looks, it's hard for ordinary people to know of your real identity. However to me it's just very easy to identify you guys. There are other people have already arrived before you and are currently at the tea shop. From their looks, it seems like they could easily identify your real identity that's why I called your attention." The Wulong spy said.

Fei Long replied, "How do you know that we will arrive in this place? And also, our mission here is classified not anyone even in the field are told about us."

"You're wrong kid, there was a letter that was sent days ago informing us of your arrival. The letter also said that there are three of you, however you lack one. Where is your other companion? Also, judging the girl's appearance you are no Wulong but more like an En."

Sang Hee replied, "Yes, indeed I am an En. Our leader, Shinnosuke is waiting for us outside. He said that he will sneak inside this city this night and we are to regroup near the school. However if we run in to some trouble, he asked us to use these signal flares."

"I see... So that man hasn't learned from his mistakes in the past has he?" The spy suddenly become silent then continued, "Give me one of those flares, I'll call him here."

"However if you call him using this flare, it might even cause some ruckus in this city." Fei Long said.

"You're wrong, you are just wasting your time if you wait here til night. You two will go ahead in the tea shop, while I will meet your leader somewhere in this city." The spy suggested.

Sang Hee complained but Fei Long stopped him and did what the spy said to them. "Alright, we trust you... Where shall we meet you after you called Shinnosuke?"

"In the tea shop. I already reserved a seat for you three." He said to the two.

"We're counting on you!" Fei Long said and headed to the Tea shop with Sang Hee.

Sang Hee who was still suspicious to the man asked Fei Long about the man. Fei Long replied that the spy is Shinnosuke's brother, Taro Yagami an intelligence officer of the Wulong. The two continued on their way to the Tea shop while Shinnosuke's brother is on his way in meeting Shinnosuke.

When they came back to the tea shop, the two suddenly stopped when they saw some group of people familiar to them.

"The people of Kylin they are already here..." Sang Hee said to Fei Long looking at them from a distance.

"What shall we do now, I think they are the people that Shinnosuke's brother told us about." Fei Long replied.

"I think there are others too, other than themselves who are in this city looking for the child. But I think we can enter the shop undetected with these outfits." Sang Hee replied.

"You're right... We'll just have to keep a low profile as what is instructed to us in this mission." Fei Long said.

The two entered the shop, they saw a blank table which is not occupied and decided to wait for them there.

[Gorb]

"So my young charge, where to go first? This place is a veritable fountain of information." Huang turned to his fellow assassins. Xiang looked back in surprise.

"This place? Huo, its a dump. A marketplace." She uttered the name as though it disgusted her. Of course, it was all for show. 'Huo' was Huang's cover name for this mission. Xiang was known as 'Li', and her brother Lo was called 'Rei'. Xiang continued on her 'rant'. "A place where tramps and peddlars sell their wares for stupidly high prices." Beside her, Lo smiled.

"A good thing then, my spoilt charge, that we are well endowed with a 'stupidly large' amount of money. Information is what we require, and meeting places such as marketplaces are the perfect gathering grounds for overhearing important bits and pieces. You shouldn't be so quick to shoot down poor Huang's ideas. He's a little bit insecure, and only wants to help us." Lo winked at Huang, and the team leader grinned back. They continued walking through the marketplace, nodding at various stall owners, and stopping to complement certain pieces of pottery or weaving. They were dressed for the job. Huang and Lo were in impeccable matching suits, walking slowly behind Xiang in her overly 'fashionable' dress. A spoilt rich girl wandering around the low areas of the town, protected by two of her household's bodyguards. It was perfect. They could even be visitors from another town.

"Where shall we go now. I'm bored. This place is a dump." Xiang stamped her feet and pouted. Lo grinned.

"I think, miss, we should go home. Its getting late, after all."

"No!" Xiang shouted so loudly that people nearby stopped and stared. "I want to go somewhere fun! Don't be meanies, you two." Huang grinned as well, watching Xiang act out a strop was always funny. He spoke slowly to Lo, as if he was thinking about something.

"Well, Rei, we could always try and find some kids her age, I suppose." Lo nodded slowly in agreement.

"Yes, Huo, we could. Of course, we'd have to ask around . . . . What do you say, miss? Fancy playing with the other girls and boys?" Xiang slapped him lightly on the arm.

"Silly man, of course I don't. I know what to do; this marketplace looks fascinating. Let's go around it one more time." She winked back at them. Lo and Huang looked at the people around them, and they both grinned in an embarrased kindof way.

"Sorry about that, ladies and gentlemen. Our little mistress is a bit, well, precocious. She requires quite a lot of handling." The commoners grinned back, pitying the two bodyguards that had to look after the pretty brat. Xiang's voice called from behind a scarf stall.

"Boys, where are you? You're too slow! Hurry up, or I'll tell Mother!" Shaking their heads, Lo and Huang followed Xiang back into the marketplace. She really was enjoying this.

EDIT: OOC: "marketplace" = The Markets, if you choose to be picky :)

[Akranadas]

The People of the flower group had been searching through the town for a while, looking for the tea shop. The passed the hordes of beggers and other innocents.

"Such riff raff" Mequ said as she knocked another person to the group as she pushed through "Lucky we don't live like this back home"

"You said it" Seoh replied as she to pushed her way through the crowds of people "I'll be glad when we're out of this place"

"Look there it is!" shouted Lao who pointed at the sign of the tea shop, with a steady stream of people going in and out of it. The group slowly made their way towards the shop.

"Ah the tea shop. A perfect place to...." Mequ paused,
"What is it Mequ?" asked Lao who had just stepped beside Mequ.
"Enemies of our state. It appears we are not alone in our quest for this child" Mequ announced, "Come girls let us introduce ourselves"

With a smirk on her face, Mequ and the other girls entered the tea shop; they weren't trying to hide who they were, as they were dressed in the warrior robes of the people of the flower. Deep green with golden string tied around the waist, arms and legs, and dotted along the robes were the various jasmine flowers that mimicked the ones painted onto their faces. The quickly dismissed the Bartender "Our friends have saved us a seat" Mequ said as she moved towards the table.

"Well well well, if it isn't the people of Kylin" Mequ said as she step behind the obvious leader of the group "What brings you to this part of the world?" Mequ laughed as she sat down the table behind her.

She pulled out her war fan, which to the untrained eye, looked normal; "My my, It is hot in here with all this tea hanging about" she said as she fanned herself "What do you think girls?"

"Yes... yes it is" they responded as they both pulled out their fans and began to cool themselves.

"So, are you going to invite us to your table or are you going to leave us poor girls to stand all day; I thought the Kylin were dignified and nice" She said with another smirk on her face, but it was covered by the fan.

[noname0112]

Meanwhile outside the city at it's outskirts. Shinnosuke just woke up from taking a nap and then stared and observed the city. He liked the idea of being alone and enjoyed the cold breeze of the place. A sudden bright red light illuminated in some part of the city, when Shinnosuke looked at it he noticed that it is one of his signal flares that he gave to his two comrades.

"Careless idiots! I told them to avoid trouble and now how am I supposed to enter the city?" He said to himself.

After the flare was gone, he immediately rushed into the city with some of Sang Hee and Fei Long's belongings. He headed to the Horse Yards, the place where the flare was lit. Arriving at the place, he hid in the stables in order to prevent detection by the guards. Suddenly a hand grabbed his shoulder that surprised him a lot. He jumped away from the wall where he leaned and then his brother, the Wulong spy appeared in front of him.

"Brother, why are you here?" Shinnosuke asked.

"I apologize if I surprised ya a bit. I told your friends to wait for you in the tea shop." His brother said.

"How did you know about our mission? This mission is supposed to be classified!" He said to his brother.

"Nonsense, are you listening to your briefing before you came here? The Wulong had sent several spies to this place to aid you once you arrive here. And luckily, the famous and the well known intelligence officer, Taro Yagami is here! By the way I am one of your contacts inside this city. If there something that you would like to ask, just tell me?" His brother bragged.

Shinnosuke who was irritated at him said, "Yeah, I have lot of questions that I would like to ask you! And why is it of all the agents around here, the most annoying sibling of mine is the ones in charge!!!"

"Let's just say the higher ups are impressed of my performance in my other missions." His brother bragged again and laughed.

"Anyway, about our mission there are lots of things that I would like to ask you. However if we talk here, the other parties that might be looking for the child might be able to see us. Also, how are we going to go inside the city without being suspected. I mean, with these huge weapons I am sure that those people would make suspicion of us?" Shinnosuke said.

His brother confidently replied, "It's simple, just leave the rest to me!!!"

"Like, who would carry these stuff and how are we supposed to hide it?" Shinnosuke asked.

"I guess it's obvious... YOU!!!" His brother Taro said.

"WHAT A USELESS CONTACT YOU ARE! I THINK I KNOW NOW WHY YOU FAILED THE MILITARY EXAMS FOUR TIMES. YOU ARE AN IDIOT, A WIERDO AND A, A... nevermind." He yelled at his brother.

"DON'T ACT BIG SINCE YOU ARE BRANDED AS A GENIUS BY MANY. YOU ARE STILL MY IDIOTIC SIBLING A VERY SPOILED AND VERY GLUTTONOUS ONE. DARE TO SAY THAT AND I WILL BREAK OFF YOUR ARMS AND MAKE YOU CRY LIKE A BABY!!!" His brother yelled at him in return.

"YOU'RE A JERK, A JERK, A COMPLETE JERK!!!" Shinnosuke yelled in return.

"Why you little!" Taro wrestled him and locked his arms with his legs, Shinnosuke screamed out of pain and continued to curse him. Suddenly while the two are fighting a guard who happen to pass by outside the stable scolded them to keep quiet. The two stopped and continued to hide inside the stable. The guard seems to be insensitive and did not check the stable inside.

The two sighed in relief and then give each other a cold stare after thing shave calmed down. Taro stood up and then said to Shinnosuke, "We wasted much time, let's go now shall we?"

"Ok, I almost lost my arms with that it still hurts." Shinnosuke said.

"What about a little massage before we go? Shino boy?" His brother suddenly said to Shinnosuke.

"No thanks... I am alright." Shinnosuke replied to him and hurried outside the stable.

"Are you sure that you wouldn't want it? I guess a little of it would help you relax your body a little bit. No brother would like to see his younger sibling hurt would they?" Taro teased him again.

"Enough of it, I am warning you..." Shinnosuke warned his brother.

However Taro still insisted and continued to tease him, Shinnosuke began cursing at each other as they walk towards the city gate. The people stopped and stared at them as they came close. The two finally stopped when the guards scolded at them and became silent. After they got pass the guard they began yelling and cursing at each other again while on their way to the tea shop.

Meanwhile back at the tea shop, Sang Hee began to talk after finishing her tea.

"About Shinnosuke's brother, what is he like? I haven't seen him around with Shinnosuke. I was wondering if he is his true sibling of some sorts." She asked Fei Long in front of her.

Fei Long suddenly threw up his tea for not holding off his laughter and said, "You wouldn't like to know... however if you are really interested then I shall share this story to you."

After Fei Long's story to her, Sang Hee's face became indescribable. "So, the two are not related by blood but only has the same family names. Also that Taro guy is..."

Fei Long stopped her and said, "Shhh, that's a taboo... You shouldn't say that. But he only act like that just to annoy his adopted younger brother. We people in the force just misunderstood that guy, he's pretty strange or mysterious. I mean it's pretty hard to describe him."

"I see, so even they are not really related by blood but their relationship is similar to one. I really envy that guy, although his personality is somewhat unlikable but I think he's a nice one don't you think, Fei Long?" Sang Hee asked replied.

"You shouldn't ask me about that matter. Me too kinda dislike the way he talks to me or to anyone. That guy should need to tame his mouth or else he will always get into trouble. Not to mention that our rivals are already in this place, things would become rough if he was here." Fei Long continued.

[Methuselath]

Finding the tea shop wasn't hard, Jian Wei followed the main pathways criss-crossing the city and arrived into the district faster than he expected. He noticed several field agents on his way, most of them ignored him and went on with their daily chore. Not that Jian Wei minded, the Council specifically ordered them not to arouse any suspicions and they're doing just that.

The Tea shop, despite the quaint name, is actually an impressive building, flanked to it's side by a pastry shop and a colourful and lavish inn. Jian Wei made mental note of that, since he have practically unlimited funds, thanks to various field support families, he might as well have some comfort while chasing down the child. Yawning, he went past the crowd in front of the shop and settled himself inside the shop, a nice secluded seat at the end of the shop, looking discreetly at the entry.

It was a fairly chaotic place, yet somehow manages to be calm and serene at the same time. Despite the clink of tableware, the endless drone of people talking to each other, the tinkling of the main fountain, which is impressive, Jian Wei admitted, can still be heard clearly across the building. That, and the accompanying music blends the underlying chaos into something rather comforting. Jian Wei stretched himself and settled more comfortably on his chair... The music sounds soooo-

"Good day to you sir..." said a voice suddenly, breaking him from his reverie. Jian Wei blinked and looked into the smiling face of a cheerful man, the shoptender apparently. "Pardon me for the late service, but I believe sir just fell asleep..."

"Did I?" Jian Wei asked, scratching the back of his head, "It's just that-"

"Very sorry sir, today seems rather busy, or I would've got to you earlier. It is entirely my fault..." The man apologised with a bow, "Would sir be having our famous tea, freshly sent from the Hwa Zen mountains? Or would sir prefer something more exotic, like perhaps a cup of coffee we just recieved from the port early this morning?"

Jian Wei closed his eyes, as if meditating, "That's fresh eh? I think I'll have something traditional, the tea please. And a plate of fried dumplings with perhaps, a couple of mantou?"

"A pot of our finest tea, plate of dumplings and mantou!" the man repeated, scribbling on a piece of board with a chalk, "I'll send your order right away in a few minutes sir..."

Jian Wei smiled as the man made his way towards the kitchen. Good man, he thought absently, knows his job well. He yawned again and was about to fell into a nap when he noticed that the Zhu player missed a rather discreet note in her music. Then another... and another. With trained hearing his senses was wide awake within seconds, a field agent was playing today and she's sending him some information.

"Cou-n-sil nos- yuu heer-" then a short rest, "Oser-s r ser-cing- for -de- -chil-"... "be- advise- -keep- -vigilance- -watch- -front- -en-rance-"

Jian Wei coughed and diverted his attention to the main entrance. Someone was having what they would call back home as a 'brew up', invading another group's table. They were also good at concealing their attention but Jian Wei be damned if he can't read any underlying 'tone' in any discussion. He smiled, they didn't noticed him as of yet. Leaning back into his chair he did what he was taught to do as a Soundweaver. He cleared his mind, "What is emptiness.... silence..." he muttered. He systematically shut out the clinks of tableware, the tinkling of the fountain, the music and the incessant noice of people talking. Then, he focused on the group.

"-Of Kylin-" said the voice of a girl, "-brings you -part- this world."

"Your tea and refreshments sir!" Said a voice suddenly, almost making Jian Wei jumped out of his chair, "Sorry sir, you seemed like you phased out a few moments there."

"Ah right..." Jian Wei gave the man his most innocent smile, "Sorry, I just arrived into this city and are very tired..."

"I see, so sir is a traveller?" The man asked, and gave Jian Wei's ZhuGe Nu a glance which he placed beside his chair, "And a musician too, it seems! What brings sir into this city, if sir don't mind me asking..."

"Not at all, not at all!" Jian Wei laughed, glancing at the outlander group, Not very friendly with each other are we? he thought and turned his attention back to the tender, "Simply looking for a patron for my arts, as it were. You know how it is for musicians, one day we're drowning in gold, the other as poor as a beggar." The man laughed, but from his eyes, Jian Wei can tell that he did not buy into the lie. Smart man, he thought.

"Well sir, I wish you luck in your quest. We have a musician working for us, perhaps you can have a friendly chat with her and see if she can help you? I'll leave sir with sir's tea. Have a pleasant meal!"

Jian Wei nodded at the man, grabbed a chopstick with trained accuracy, took a nice piece of deep-fried dumpling and dipped it into the accompanying sauce. He leaned back into his chair and turned his attention back to the Kylin group, absent-mindedly munching on the dumpling. Nice crust, sweet sauce and interesting, a soft shrimp interior... I'm starting to like this city... Jian Wei smiled inwardly.

[jackster]

Soturi look on at the new comer with disdain, he does not trust these people, though they appear to be unarmed.

Before he says anything, Xiuen takes him aside and says quietly
"Let me handle them, my prince. Dont let them be your worries."

He turns to the people of the Flower and says
"Ha ha ha ha, they say that you should treat people from faraway as guests, even though we are far from our homelands, still can't forget the manner. Right?"

He clears off three seats and invites the three to sit down.


"So, What brings you three young ladies here? not just for the tea I assume, your country makes some really nice ones already, I was quite impress last time I had a cup of them."
While he address casually, he is truelly testing these newcomers, from their answer he can learn much.

----------------------------------------------
Meanwhile Soturi walk towards the stage for Taikira
"Get down here! I can tell there are more than one group of outsiders here. Probably doing the same thing we are doing."
"That is predicted, we know that we wouldnt be the only group that want this girl."
"We will stay here and observe them for now, but tell your handmaidens to secure an exit via backdoor."
"Yes, my lord."

Taikira whispers to her two servents, and they pace to the back of the shop.
She and Soturi sits around the corner of the shop and observe the conversation between these newcomers and Xiuen.

[Akranadas]

Mequ and the group took there sets around the table, so far her plan was working...

"Thank you" she said "Our tea? Oh right, it is powerful stuff indeed, not like this water you're all drinking" Mequ laughed covering her mouth with the fan to appear innocent.

"You didn't answer our question from before; What is your business in Ebor travelers?" asked Lao who was still fanning herself, should the need arise; her weapon was at hand.

"Lao, don't be so rude, but she does have a point; What are you doing in Ebor... looking for something or someone perhaps?" Mequ suggested; She knew other tribes would be after the child, she just had to make sure who it was and what they were capable off.

[jackster]

"You young people are so impatient and full of imagination, looking for someone? Where did you get that idea?" He says again, while pouring another tea. "We are just here for some diplometic matters on my lord the Khan's behalf."

He takes out a rice ball and starts to enjoy his launch

"Hmm... Ebor is an interesting city isnt it, full of a bunch of exotic people, even for us Kylins. And heck, we came from so far away that you wouldnt probably believe some old stories and legends in our records. I am pretty sure they will have much to exchange with us."

"So I've answered your question I guess, would you young ladies be so kind to answer mine now?"

[Akranadas]

Mequ had enough of this useless talking, obviously this guy wasn't going to admit that he was after the child, so she would have to make him admit it...

"We are looking for someone" she said, still hiding behind her fan, she could see the shock in her sisters eyes "We're looking for a friend of ours, a important person to our nation was recently kidnapped and was brought to this....this....city"

She pauses, waiting to see what her sisters would say to go along with the story.

"Yes, she is very important to our nation; next in the line for the throne" Lao said calmly, and hopefully selling the story. Seoh just stayed out of the conversation, Mequ could tell she was also growing tired of these people and would rather leave than continue to talk to them.

Still, they'd wait... wait till the right to to either strike, or leave.

[Gorb]

"Ooh! A spice stall! I love spices!" Huang and Lo shook their heads. Xiang really was laying it on a bit thick. They gave the stall a once over, not impressed at what they saw. The vendor was a dishevelled little man, with beady watering eyes and stained fingers. Xiang flounced over to him, wrinkling her nose in response to the multitude of strong aromas. The vendor noticed her interest and grinned at her.

"How you going there, little girl? You know, girls like shouldn't wander around. You might get lost, like that other . . ." he trailed off and looked away as Lo and Huang moved closer. Huang spoke.

"Is that a threat? What do you know of a lost girl? A small child perhaps, that you've seen wandering around?" The vendor looked back at them, lost in thought.

"I don't know of any . . ." Just then, a small bag of yellow spice fell from a self, scattering spices all over his head. He sneezed violently and looked back up that the assassins. ". . . Oh wait, yeah I do. You gonna make it worth my while?"

Huang reached into his inside jacket pocket. The stall owner shrunk back slightly in fear, the relaxed as Huang withdrew a small leather bag. He counted out some coins, gold, foreign, but definately valuable. He extended his hand, and the vendor swiftly took them and hid them beneath his robes. He smiled.

"I heard there was a strange little girl around some water somewhere. Can't say where exactly though; missed that part on a account of slipping into some chili powder earlier. " Lo and Huang looked at each other, then at Xiang. She nodded. Lo turned back to the spice vendor.

"Thank you, sir, for your custom. Your spice is indeed, excellent." Taking a small bag of spice with them, the three left the marketplace, talking quietly to each other.

"Lo, Huang, you heard of any fountains or rivers in this city?" Lo shook his head. Huang thought for a moment, then spoke.

"No, nothing comes to mind. I think we've got a solid lead here. We need to go somewhere to relax, somewhere nice and open where Xiang gets to play at being a kid again." He grinned, and for reason felt happier when Xiang smiled back. This was a mission, Huang reminded himself. Personal feelings are irrelavent. Still, there were times when he wished he could just speak his mind. He shook his head to clear it, and spotted something. A tea shop.

"Miss, that looks like a nice place to rest after a long day exploring. Would you fancy a small cup of tea?"

"Huo darling, I'd love a cup of tea. I hope it won't take long though, I'm rather tired." To emphasise this, she gave a long, convincing (and faked) yawn. Lo tapped Huang on the shoulder as they drew nearer to the tea shop. Huang responded by clicking his fingers twice with his right hand. Xiang turned around suddenly, waving a finger at the two 'bodyguards'. She spoke loudly, again attracting the attention of nearby locals.

"You two. Honestly, I can't take you anywhere. Stop talking in your fancy bodyguard clicks and whistles, you embarrass me." Lo looked solemnly back at her.

"I'm sorry miss. It is our jobs, after all. We must protect you at all costs. Whatever would Mother think if we let you get hurt."

"Very well. But please, keep it down. You're not being very sociable, you two." As she turned away, she winked at Huang, signifying that she too had understood the coded message. Huang didn't respond, as his sides were aching with the pain of not laughing. Xiang was perfect for this role. Nevertheless, she had got the message. Other spies and assassins were afoot. Most likely they were looking for the Child. Huang only hoped that his own disguise was a little more unorthodox, and thus more likely to fool the rival groups.

They entered the tea shop, nodding politely at the occupants within. Xiang flounced around, grinning at everyone until she found a small table by the window.

"Ooh, this will do fine. Pity there's only room for one. You two boys will have to stand, I'm afraid." Lo's smile by now had become a bit fixed. Huang could perhaps understand why. Acting in character, that was one thing. Being a pain purely because she could, well, that was pushing it a little bit.

[noname0112]

"Gladly they haven't noticed us... However, I wonder how Shinnosuke and his brother were doing." Sang Hee sighed.

"I think they are probably on their way, I can already sense his presence which is coming near..." Fei Long replied.

Their long wait finally came to an end when Shinnosuke and Taro appeared in front of the entrance. The two looked exhausted and beaten up, the feeling of relief suddenly changed when Fei Long saw Shinnosuke's furious face. Glaring at the Kylin people who were talking with the ones from the Flower.

"This is not good!" Fei Long told Sang Hee.

"Why is that?" Sang Hee asked.

"I forgot to tell you that Shinnosuke hated the people of the northern states, especially the Kylin who he believes the people who killed his parents. I already know his personality, at this kind of situation he has the huge tendency to go berserk." Fei Long warned her.

"This is bad, and thinking that one of them maybe of some higher rank of their nation." Sang Hee replied and tried to stand up to stop him.

"Higher rank, what do you mean?" Fei Long asked in reply.

"One of them dresses like someone in nobility no, probably of royalty. If we can't find a way in calming Shinnosuke down, it would really cause a huge disaster at this place." She said to Fei Long in a low tone.

Shinnosuke glared angrily at the people of Kylin, clenched his fists and tried to control his temper.

"Wha, what's the meaning of this!? These people... the ones that killed my parents! And one of them seems like someone of nobility. Now he's in front of me, this is my chance to kill him!!!" He said to himself trying to draw his weapon.

Taro tapped Shinnosuke's shoulders calling his attention and whispered at him to calm down. "We are not here to wage wars, being agitated of his presence would only cause a great peril not only to yourself but also our to country. Remember what we came here, for now forget about revenge and calm yourself first."

"You're right..." Shinnosuke said and proceeded to where Fei Long and Sang Hee sat.

Taro remained and apologized to the Kylin people and to the people of the Flower for Shinnosuke's misconduct a while ago and gave them a bow. "Please forgive the misconduct of one of our companions. I just don't understand him sometimes, but please allow me to apologize for him." He meekly said to them.

[Sword_Monkey]

The trio arrived in the city by the docks, and being careful not to be spotted by fellow Seerlanders they made their way to the marketplace, a short walk away.

They noticed immediately the tides of people coming in and out, pulsing with purpose, errands to run, things to fetch. Liss walked a different route however, she didn't want to risk blanking in such a place, too many people to bump into, but also didn't want to walk with the others, she simply didn't like crowds, and that is what three people are after all.

So Sherfan and Despak began their work, mainly Sherfan's work, she was so good at it.

"Please sir, our daughter, small girl, Ouz. Haven't seen her in days, got off our fisher at the docks and just didn't come back."

Mainly there were looks of remorse, fishmongers trying to console her, Bakers offering free food to the poor couple. Then there was the vegetable vendor, a cute girl by all means, sitting in the shade, her dirty veg displayed in front of her.

"You daughter you say?"

"Yes, she likes to wander, and loves the city every time we lay anchor, have you seen her? She's 12, of fair height for her age."

"There are lotsa girls in this city lady, could be any one of them. But I were you, or if I were your daughter I'd be at the stables. In fact people've been saying theres'a girl round there, nobody knows whose. Wouldn't blame her with all the pretty horses." Said the smiling girl, not at all phased by the idea of a lost daughter.

"Thank you so much my dear, you've been such a help, we'll go at once."

Despak looked around clumsily as Sherfan whisked him off in the direction of the stables, things always got hazy when Liss borrowed one of his eyes.

OOC: TO THE STABLES!

[Methuselath]

Jian Wei ordered another pot of tea and a plate of stuffed buns. It was interesting, watching the strained civility between two warring groups, each trying to grasp each other throat while saying pleasantries in between. As an artist, Jian Wei savours the irony of the situation. More travellers are streaming into the tea shop since his first plate of dumplings, this is going to be interesting.

The same shopkeeper placed the pot and plates carefully infront of him, "For such a thin man you do eat a lot Master Jian Wei." In the past hour Jian Wei managed to get to know the owner better, a fat balding man, cheerful, typical of people in his profession. He was a good man, sharp of wit, yet managed to covered it with geniality. Overall, a true restauranteur down to the last strands of his hair.

In short, a man who knew his art, hence, deserving of Jian Wei's respect. Which is why Jian Wei gave the name his real name, of course, minus his surname. Something are just too noticeable even in a foreign place like this.

Jian Wei fetched the bread and eat it down, "As usual, Master Feng, delicious. I dare say it rivals the buns in the city of Caligarum."

The man grinned, "Ah yes, the owner of that shop was my master. A rather strict man, but as you can tell, his lessons have served me well."

"Yes of course, I used to work as a musician for him. His voice still scared the wits out of me..." Jian Wei chuckled, "Oops, Master, I seem to think there may be some trouble there."

Feng turned around and watched a black haired medium built man approached a party of nobles, Kylins from the look of it. He was also ready for a fight. Feng was about to disarm the situation when one of the young man's friends did it for him . "Ah, no need for it now, looks like they managed to clear it themselves." Jian Wei said, popping another bun into his mouth.

Feng nodded in reply, "Will that be all, Master Jian Wei?"

"Oh please, if it's no bother to you, Master Feng, a bowl of noodles perhaps? I hear Minanum noodles are something worth dying for..."

Feng laughed in reply, "Of course sir, of course, I'll send it right over!"

[Master Chief]

Aurus stopped to look into the tea shop. It was full of people, much more than he would have predicted. However, he saw colors, emblems, indigenous to the Flower tribe. Not a good sign. There were already people of other nations here. Aurus kept walking, hoping that they didn't already have a lead.

Aurus proceeded into a stall, which turned out to be a meat vendor. The butcher walked up, his entire front and face stained with blood. He began wiping his hands off with a filthy rag, just making them dirtier.

"Yeah? You want something?" the meat vendor asked Aurus.

"Yes. I'm looking for my sister. She's about 12 years old, and her name is Ouz. We lost her up north when we were attacked by bandits, but heard that she's been wandering around here recently. Know anything about her?"

"Hmm...I might have to think about that..." the meat vendor said expectantly. Aurus brought out a small bag of gold and tossed it to the butcher.

"Now I remember. I've heard from a friend that a young girl's been seen by herself recently. Likes green places. You know, trees and that crap."

"All right, thanks for your help," Aurus said, leaving the stall. A green place. Not very helpful. He kept walking throughout the Markets, searching for information.

-------------------------------------
Iselia frowned; their map wasn't completely up to date. There was a new residential district in her way to the School. The consequences of living in a sheltered fortress city. She drew in the corrections and decided to go somewhere else instead of meandering through the entire city to get to the school. She was confident that the rest of the map was fairly accurate, and so decided to head to the next closest place, the Stables. She placed her hands behind her head, whistling as she walked.

OOC: Still in the Markets with Aurus. Iselia's heading to the Stables.

[jackster]

Taking the opportunity of disturbance, Xiuen stands up and bows to the girls
"Well, since my presnence is not welcome, i think i will take my leave. Good luck in your findings, ladies."
Then Xiuen swiftly go through the crowd and disappear to the back of the tea shop.

At the back Soturi and Taikira catch up with him.
"Very good acting, Sensei." Soturi compliments him
"Nah, was nothing, the important thing is that we now notice other nations are here as well." He says "We better get on with our task."
"Thats true, but I think we should somehow observe the groups in the shop, this will give us vital intelligence."
Taikira steps forward
"Well, thats a perfect job for me, I am trained for all these kind of things in the capital."

Soturi nods in comply, then the two walk into the shop once more, and Soturi calls up the Shop owner to the back.
"May I help you, Master?" He says humbly.
"I need a bit of a favor, find her an outfit of your workers and let her stay here. You will be handsomely rewarded for it."
He takes out several pieces of gold and handed to him, the owner is quite amazed
"Of..of course..."
"Keep quiet about all these and you have the Khan's gratitude."
Soturi then turns to Taikira
"Go on and put on your makes and change."

It takes her a few minutes to do so, when she comes out, Soturi can barely recognize her. Makeups has almost give her a new face, she look almost just like another female performers in the shop from top to bottom, she even starts to imitate local accents.
"Good, Stay here until we come back, try to observe these group of people and try to get what you can about the child."
"As you wish."
She walks back into the shop and starts out her work.

"Well, we should take the time to look around the market, we've attract enough unwanted attention for the day."

And the two men marches for the market.

OOC: Taikira is disguising as a shop worker in the Tea Shop, while Soturi and Xiuen walks towards the market.

[noname0112]

After asking an apology Taro left the group and then went to where his three companions had seated.

"What is the matter with you Shinnosuke? Do you want to die!?" Taro scolded him discretely.

"I am sorry..." Shinnosuke apologized.

"I guess it's my fault too for not telling you beforehand." Taro sighed and then continued. "We already wasted a lot of time here, it's about time for me to discuss to you everything I know."

After Taro told them everything he knew, Fei Long asked him about the clues of the person that they are going to find.

"We haven't found that out yet, although we hear about rumors of some young girl who happens to pass by this place days ago. We are not sure of the details, anyway we would not take it something vital for it's just only a rumor." Taro answered Fei Long's question.

"By now those people would be very suspicious on us, why not we split into groups?" Sang Hee suggested.

"The merchant should have at least need a handful bodyguards to protect her." Taro said and continued, "You three should decide where you should go for I have still something to do in the city. Once I find something out, I'll contact you. And Shinnosuke don't forget, if you get into trouble there will be no one here to help you so think first before you act or say something to anybody." He reminded Shinnosuke.

"Understood..." Shinnosuke replied.

Taro left the group and went outside the Tea shop, the three remained in their seats and continued to talk for their next plan. While they were discussing something, Shinnosuke's order arrived to the table.

"What!? Since when did you order these?" Fei Long surprisingly said.

"Oh, sorry guys if I haven't told you. Before I saw those Kylin guys I ordered something to that beatiful girl over there." He said to the two and then greedily ate all the meat buns in the plate.

"Hey, what about our share!" Fei Long replied.

"Order yourself, what am I some servant of yours?" Shinnosuke replied to Fei Long.

"After all the trouble you caused us?" Fei Long tried to grab some of the meat buns, however Shinnosuke ate them all.

"That was fast..." Sang Hee said in surprise.

"Just as we expect for the well known glutton in the Wulong, Shinnosuke Yagami." Fei Long said.

"I would not dare to say that again if you wouldn't like me to break your bones." Shinnosuke replied.

"It's true after all, what you did now just proved it you glutton!" Fei Long replied.

"Stop it, you two! We are not here to play, unless you don't want me to leave alright!" Sang Hee said to the two.

"Go ahead and leave!" Shinnosuke replied to her.

"C'mon now Sang Hee, he did not mean it. Just ignore this tactless, gluttonous guy." Fei Long tried to calm her down.

"We already tried the teashop and did not find anything here. Why not ask some people around here? They might give us some vital clues." Sang Hee suggested.

"You're right, and this time we'll have to do it by ourselves since that useless contact of mine has ditched us out." Shinnosuke said.

"You two should go to the marketplace after that we'll meet up in the aqueducts. Anyway since you're here I guess you brought our belongings, where did you hid them." Fei Long suddenly asked him.

"It's a secret, you'll find it out by yourselves." He said.

"This is no joke Shinnosuke!" Sang Hee replied to him.

"We already found ourselves a place to stay in the city. Taro and I placed our belongings there, what about visiting that place before we go to the market Sang Hee?" Shinnosuke recommended.

"You're right." Sang Hee agreed.

"Guys, before we go to the aqueducts I'll drop by at the school here. Maybe she's one of the students or maybe some cheeky one." Fei Long excitingly said.

"What a perverted pedophile..." Shinnosuke complimented.

"You wan't a fight again huh, Shinnosuke?" Fei Long challenged him.

"You bet, and I won't loose this time!" Shinnosuke replied.

"Kids..." Sang Hee complimented at the two who were fighting.

After they dine in the tea shop and paid, Sang Hee and Shinnosuke left Fei Long in the tea shop and proceeded to the marketplace.

OOC: The three decided to split up. Shinnosuke and Sang Hee went together to the Market, while Fei Long is staying at the Tea Shop first.

[jackster]

Taikira secretly observe that strange group while pretending to be serving another table, they obviously are warriors, not hard to tell by that ill-mannered one who almosted provoked a fight with Xiuen earlier. And they probably all have a low opinion about her clan.
Though they seem be trying to conceal their identity, she cant find any mons or symbols on the common cloth they wear, she has to do more to gather that intellegence.

So after the other two of that group walk out of the Tea Shop, Taikira approach the one thats left behind in the shop. A young man about her age.

She goes around his table and gracefully sits beside him, as she talks to him, she imitates the local speech seductively:
"Well, how are you enjoying your staying, handsome? Not too many men are like you around here."

[noname0112]

Fei Long faced the girl, his face turned red and his heartbeat became fast. He became nervous in front of her and almost became speechless.

"What am I doing? There's a good looking girl in front of me, I cannot act like a jerk in front of her! Act like a man Fei Long, this is a very rare opportunity, Shinnosuke would be jealous if he finds this out!" He said to himself and then tried to calm himself down, smiled and then cleared his throat then began to talk to her with calmly and with confidence.

"Yes, I am having a great time in this place. Although I am a little bored of asking older people here." He said charmingly.

He did not notice that she was one with the Kylin and thinking that she is only some girl in the tea shop, he began to ask her something about the child. "Anyway, there's something I would like you to ask. About some kid, a girl, our master Lady Jini is looking for her. Saying that she was currently found at this place. I am currently looking for clues about her, but it seems like most of the people's answers here are only rumors. I would like to ask if you found some child of the age of 10-14. My master would be very angry at me if I wouldn't find her within five weeks."

Fei Long began to became suspicious with her after moments of staring at her face. He began to familiarize her, however he couldn't remember. He thinks that he seen her but couldn't just remember when. However he tried concealed it with his smiling face.

Not knowing to him, he was easily seduced by the Kylin girl that almost blew his cover. Luckily for him to be able to remember his mission and talked with the girl cautiously. However there is one thing that he forgot to hide, his sword in his waist that would identify him as a Wulong warrior.

While Fei Long was having a nice talk with the Kylin girl who disguises herself in the tea shop, Shinnosuke and Sang Hee arrived at the market. The place seemed pretty busy and there were many people around. There were only few kids there playing however most of the people there are old and adults.

"I wonder how Fei Long is doing in the tea shop. Probably he's been chasing out girls back there and having a good time." Shinnosuke suddenly said.

"Could you stop thinking something bad at your companions?" Sang Hee asked.

"C'mon now, I wasn't serious when I said that. Don't take it very seriously ok?" Shinnosuke replied.

"You know what, sometimes its very hard to tell if you are kidding or not." Sang Hee said to him.

"Oh, that's just like me... I guess Fei Long had already told everything about me to you. This is the way I am, there's nothing we could do about it." He replied and continued on his way.

The two continued their search for the child in the market. Shinnosuke continued to act as Sang Hee's bodyguard while Sang Hee was the one who asked the people of some information about the child. However most of the answers that the people tell them are nothing more but rumors. The two almost gave up and thinking about meeting with Fei Long at the school for it is pretty early for them to meet at the Aqueducts.

OOC: Shinnosuke and Sang Hee are currently at the market, thinking of their next step.

[Master Chief]

Aurus was about to enter another stall to ask for advice when he heard a whisper from behind him.

"Hey...Yes, you, the Knight from the Shield. Come here...I have information about the Child that you might find interesting..."

Aurus turned around to see a hooded and cloaked man quickly back into an alley. He was instantly suspicious; not many knew of his people. However, he desperately needed a lead, so he cautiously followed the man into the alley.

"Good. You came. I overheard you asking about the Child. I have some information that could help you. No, there's no need to pay," the man said as Aurus began to take out a small bag of coins. "Just call me a concerned citizen. Now, if you want to find her, head to a place with water. She likes water."

And with that, the man promptly took off down the alley before Aurus could say anything else.

Aurus frowned; that could be a useful lead, or it could be a trap from a hostile nation. It was hard to be sure. However, one thing was certain: this was his only lead. And so, Aurus proceeded to leave the Marketplace when he ran into Iselia.

"Ise? What are you doing here? I thought you were at the School."

"I was, but this map is old. There was a residential district in the way, so I went down to the Stables, but there are hostile forces there. I came back to warn you; we're not alone here."

Aurus nodded his head in support. "I know. I saw some of the Flower tribe's members in the Tea Shop just a bit ago, probably with denizens of yet another nation. We'd better be careful. Now, let's go. I've just gotten some information that places the Child at a green location near water. Any ideas?"

"Hmm..." Iselia took out the map and started looking for any gardens or lakes. "Bingo! Right here, the Waterfall Gardens! That sounds like the place!" Iselia said as she handed the map to Aurus.

"All right, let's go," he said as he folded the map and put it away. The two then left the Marketplace, heading straight for the Waterfall Gardens.

OOC: Both of my characters are going to the Waterfall Gardens.

[Gorb]

Well, the tea and cakes were good, at least. Huang looked around at Lo, and Lo nodded back. It was time to go; there was nothing of interest to be learnt here. The most fascinating things so far had been the (predicted) discovery of rival groups seeking the Child, and Xiang's rather successful attempts to annoy her two fellow assassins. Huang moved away from the wall he was resting on, gestured towards the exit, and spoke quietly and slowly to Xiang (as one would speak to young children).

"Come on miss, tea-time is over. We should make our way to an inn of some kind, perhaps we'll be able to stay the night." Xiang pouted.

"Aw Huo, you're no fun. I want to do something fun!" Classic. Lo stepped forwards, raising his hands in a placatory gesture.

"Come miss, we'll take you on a sightseeing tour. I heard the Waterfall Gardens are a good place to relax. Then we can go to bed, okay?"

"Hmph. We'll see." Xiang reluctantly got up from her chair and moved towards the exit, head held high in the air. Lo and Huang slowly followed her, shaking their heads and offering quiet apologies to the other people in the tea shop (regardless of whether they were rival assassins/bounty hunters or merely local citizens).

OOC: To the Waterfall Gardens! And yes, I do have a map :)

[noname0112]

Sang Hee and Shinnosuke almost gave up, suddenly something caught their attention after passing by a fish vender by his stall. The man seemed to be somewhat strange, strange enough to catch the attention of the two. Because of his stench, Sang Hee who was not used in dealing with such filthy people couldn't stand it so Shinnosuke stood forward to ask a question on him.

The man greeted them, "Aye, you want some fish? It's still fresh..."

Shinnosuke declined and instead asked him a question. "Excuse me, there would something I would like to ask... About some kid, a girl by the ages of 10-14. Her sister is over there, she's been looking for her for months and we heard rumors that we can find her here. Do you have some information that you could share to us?"

The man then replied to him, "Oh Yeah, I saw a girl.... expect I didn't see her on the account of me being blind.... both eyes are fakes, a squid sucked 'em right out of me head!"

Shinnosuke lost his patience of hearing rumors. He became annoyed at the man almost drew his sword at and glared and scolded him, "Listen up there old man, we are not here to listen to your pranks. You think this is funny huh? What about you talk to my sword over here!?"

The man was shocked in Shinnosuke who lost his temper. He replied in a shaky voice and said, "H-hey, I am sorry alright! Y-you seem to be in a pretty bad mood there sonny... eh heheheh. Alright, alright I'll tell you just... take that sword away from me ok? You wouldn't like to harm a defenseless blind old man like me are you?"

"Enough of it Shinnosuke. You are already threatening him, he is scared already!" Sang Hee yelled at Shinnosuke and stepped forward in front of him and apologized to the man.

Shinnosuke was calmed down by her yell and stepped back and apologized. The fish vendor ignored him and entertained Sang Hee.

"Well there young lady, is there something that I could do for you?" The vendor asked her.

She apologized again for Shinnosuke's behavior and said, "I really apologize for my bodyguard's behavior, he's been working hard for days and is already tired. He does became like that if he's exhausted."

"Oh, that's nothing actually..." The fish vendor said.

"Is that so, then is it alright if I would ask you something?" She kindly asked the man.

"I don't know, but I'll try to answer your questions the best that I could." The vendor replied to her.

Sang Hee repeated Shinnosuke's question a while ago and said, "I've been looking for my younger sister. She's been lost for almost two months and I haven't seen her since. I was deeply depressed, not until knowing about some information about her that she's was sighted on this place days earlier before we arrived in the city. Her age is about 10-14 years old."

The man replied to her and said, "Oh, a girl... you're looking for her am I right? Sorry, if only my eyes could see. I am sorry but I couldn't help you young lady..."

"I see..." Sang Hee replied.

"Rumors do spread quickly indeed, I can also sense something different from you people. I heard some rumor lately saying that there is some child whose incarnation of some god. If you would ask me, those are just rumors but ironically it became more popular to the people around here. Anyways about the one that you asked, sorry I could do not know a thing about you say. I am only some blind man who only happen to hear some senseless rumors. Although I tend to not care or trust rumors, for they don't seem to be very helpful to us or foreigners alike. Anyways I can tell that you are a foreigner from your accent. From your accent you seem to be not from this place, I can tell. It seems like you're from the country of Tao. I talked to someone who had the same accent as you are." He said to her.

"Oh, I see... Then what a coincidence." She said and continued, "Yes, we are from that country. I am recently leading a caravan heading to the eastern state of Xiang Bei but stopped for a while at this city upon hearing some information about my lost sister. However you already helped us that much, thanks anyway." She thanked the man and then left.

Shinnosuke listening from a distance approached her and then asked if what she has found.

"Nothing..."

Shinnosuke sighed and said "I see, so I guess we'll have to search back again from the start. Things would have been easier if that stupid brother of mine gave me some map. We'll be lost in this city if this goes on."

"You're right... Let's head to the school and meet up with Fei Long, maybe he already found some clues right now. Also, I guess it's pretty too early for him to arrive at the school." Sang Hee said.

"However how are we supposed to get there since we don't have a map." Shinnosuke asked her.

"Let's ask some directions from the people around here. Maybe they can also give us some clues about the child that we are looking for." Sang Hee suggested.

"You're right..." Shinnosuke replied.

OOC: The two are currently heading to the school to meet up with Fei Long.

[Methuselath]

Jian Wei pushed away his second bowl of noodles, sighing with contentment. It has been weeks since he had good food like these and he's not sure if he'll get another one tomorrow. Such is the life of a Zither Soundweaver. "Everything to your liking, Master Jian Wei?" The shopkeeper said as he cleaned up the plates.

Jian Wei grinned at him, "Oh yes good sir, I don't think I can eat another bite." He patted his stomach as an emphasise, "By the way, Master, a friend of mine used to lived here in the city, unfortunately she passed away a few weeks ago.."

"I'm sorry to hear that Master Jian Wei..."

"Indeed, she was a close friend of mine-" Jian Wei watered his eyes thearatically, "Though she is not my concern, what's gone is gone. However, she did left a young child, by the name of Ouz, a young beautiful girl, barely capable of holding out on her own. Her mother sent me a letter before her death telling me of her plight and asked that I should take care of the child in her behalf. Pray tell, where do all orphan child end up to?"

"Ebor is a large city Master Jian Wei, an orphan child is easily lost in the multitude. Do you have any descriptions of her?"

"I'm sad to say I did not. I was due to arrive here before her death, the physcians expected her to live much longer, but apparently their predictions proved wrong."

The shopkeeper gave him a grave look, "I'll keep an eye out, Master, I give no promise..."

"You're a generous man, Master, that is more than I deserved.." Jian Wei said with a wan smile.

The man smiled back at him and shuffles away, heaps of plates and cups in his arms. Jian Wei gave another sigh and leaned back on the comfortable chair, he ate too much, and the weight is starting to feel in his stomach. He'll probably get hell from Xiao Fan but it was worth it. And true to here nature, Jian Wei saw Xiao Fan making her way through the multitude still waiting for their seats in the front door, smiled winsomely at several man she bumped into and sat at Jian Wei's table, her face dark with barely supressed rage.

"So, how was your day?" Jian Wei asked, and called another set of tea.

Xiao Fan glared at her superior with malice, "Oh fine, very fine. The market was all I expected and more! Not only it smelled of fish guts, it also smells of cheap spices and sweat."

"Good, good..." Jian Wei said absently and poured Xiao Fan a cup, pushing it to her, "I suppose you managed to learn something helpful for our quest?"

She took the cup and gave it a sip, "Nothing! Have you even heard what I said? The place was crowded, a young woman could die of suffocation in there!"

"Well, at least-" Jian Wei stopped mid sentence and looked over Xiao Fan shoulders. His expression was clearly understood by the young Soundweaver, Someone behind you, hold fast, keep you hands free. Automatically, she placed the teacup delicately on the table and discreetly reached for her flute. "How can I help you, good sir?" Jian Wei asked with a cheerful voice, though his eyes convey no warmth.

A man in a deep hooded robe nodded at him, his voice came up raspy, though through Xiao Fan trained ears she knew it was not his real voice, "Can I join you, travellers?"

"Please sir!" Jian Wei said expansively, "Have a seat! Have a seat!"

The hooded man nodded again and took his place, though the tea house is light, his hood was deep and dark, keeping his face away from the eyes of the Soundweavers. "Thank you, I over heard you talking with bartender that you are looking for someone; the child, I have some information you might like to hear..."

"Do tell, I care deeply for Ouz though I've never met her."

The body language of the man belies his thought, he did not believe what Jian Wei said. Nor will I believe you, Jian Wei thought silently. "Ignore the Waterfall Gardens..." He rasped, "It is... a waste of time."

"Duly noted, sir, may I tempt you with a cup of tea?" The man gave no reply and stood, stalking away into the crowd.

"That is useful..." Xiao Fan said after a long silence.

"Indeed," Jian Wei replied, "You wait here for Lee Wong and can you keep an eye on my Zhu? Good, when Lee Wong arrives, go to the inn next door and book a room, 2 rooms is better, posibbly connected to each other, for the week. I'm going to see the Waterfall Gardens and I'll take my Erhu just in case."

"But the man said-"

"Yes yes, I heard him too. A helpful man suddenly giving a traveller a helping hand? Not likely. While the citizens of Ebor might be friendly, keep in mind Xiao Fan, they're distrustful of strangers." Jian Wei raised his hand and signalled for the shopkeeper. "Master, here is my sister-" Xiao Fan eyes flashed "...mind, her bark is worse than her bite!" Jian Wei laughed and reached for his pockets, producing ten gold coins which he dropped into the man's eager hands, "A friend of mine is due to arrive soon, and give them as much food and drink as they need. I hope this is enough to cover the expenses though any extra you may forward them to me, I'll be lodging in the in next door for the week or so, or until I can find myself a job." Jian Wei patted the man on the shoulder and made his way outside, humming softly under his breath.

[jackster]

It took Taikira some effort to suppress her expression when the man tell her about the child
"Well, that must not be an easy task." Taikira says warmly "Coming this far for a child, you must be really tired, all this for a little girl, how brave."

This is working out perfectly
Taikira refill the man's now empty cup and while she is at it took a look at the man.

He certainly wear very local, but as Taikira look on, she sees a very exotic weapon hanging by his waist.
That certainly isnt anything made in the lands of innocent. Taikira note to herself that she should tell Soturi about it, he knows more about these kind of things.

She walks around the man, amused that he turn his head and look at her as she moves.
"So do you have a place in mind where she might be, this is a pretty big city after all." She says "Maybe I can... help you about it."
She lean slightly forward, reveal the beautiful healthy curve of her body and a good view of her cleavage.

[Master Chief]

Aurus and Iselia entered the Waterfall Gardens, gazing up at the large currents of water falling over the cliffs covered in verdant green moss, with large trees surrounding the area.

"Now this place I like," Aurus said, nodding approvingly. "It's just like the Luminares Falls back in the Mountains."

"Yes, it's certainly magnificent. A welcome change from the Markets." Iselia said, looking around at the area.

Suddenly, their attention was attracted to a young woman entertaining passersby with various juggling acts. The entertainer noticed their foreign attire and walked over to them, juggling all the while.

"Greetings, newcomers! I've never seen you here in Ebor before. Are you enjoying our city?" the entertainer asked, still somehow managing to juggle.

"Hello. You're correct, we are new here. It's a very nice city," Aurus replied, answering the entertainer's questions. "However, we have a problem. My little sister went missing a while ago, and we've tracked her here. Her name is Ouz. Do you know anything of her?"

"Oh, her! She was such a delightful child, so bright and full of life. Of course I remember where she was; she was with me next to the water. That's all I can tell you though, sorry."

"That's all right. Thanks for the help!" Iselia said, bowing politely.

"You're welcome. Hope you find her!" the entertainer shouted back as they left to search the Gardens.

"Another clue near the water...I have an idea where she might be. Let's go!" Aurus said, and with that they ran towards the large waterfalls.

"Remember back at Luminares Falls? There was a large cave behind the waterfall that was hidden from sight but easily reached?" Aurus asked Iselia as they reached the waterfall.

"Yes...do you think there's one here?"

"Let's find out."

Aurus and Iselia checked around the waterfall before heading to the edge of the cliff, seaching for a cave or opening behind the water.

OOC: Aurus and Iselia are checking around and behind the waterfall for Ouz.

[Akranadas]

Mequ and the rest of the group left the tea shop, it was getting dark now as the sun began to set behind the horizon. Still, the group continued their search for the Child, they couldn't return to their homeland without her.

"Any ideas girls?" asked Mequ as they continued to push through the crowds

"Not on bit I'm sorry" Seoh replied "But I am sure she'll turn up somewhere"

"Perhaps your right" Mequ said stopping the group "If we wait until someone else finds her, it'll make the task a lot easier to get her ourselves. Let the others do the work for us"

"Great idea" shouted Lao.

"We'll wait in the alleys, waiting for the person to find her; then we pounce" Mequ laughed as the headed for the many alley ways that crisscrossed Ebor.

--------------------------------------------------------------
It is now turning to night
Many of the Ebor inhabitants are heading home and once they do, the streets will be relatively empty.

[noname0112]

Shinnosuke and Sang Hee arrived at the school, it was already dark and the class seems to be over. There were only few people around, mostly are older people teachers and professors which seems to be heading home.

"What do we do now Sang Hee? I think he already went to the aqueducts by now." Shinnosuke said to her.

"You're right, by now he should be angry at us waiting there. Let's go there, maybe he already found some clues about the child." She said to Shinnosuke.

"You're right, let's go Sang Hee." He said to her.

The two headed to the aqueducts in thinking that Fei Long had already went there before them. Meanwhile back at the Tea Shop, Fei Long seems to be having a good time talking with the girl in the shop.

"Ah... heheh, well sure. I guess it seemed alright to tell this to you. I was thinking that she might be in school and I was planning to go there. However it seemed that it's getting late already and the girl might be heading home so..." Before he could finish talking he froze in shock. He forgot that he has appointments with Shinnosuke and Sang Hee at the Aqueducts and also forgot to go to school to check some clues about the child.

He excused himself and said to her in hurry, "Sorry if I could not stay longer, I will be heading to where my companions are or they would get mad at me. Anyways I promise to see you again. But for now I shall be off... I am really sorry I really would like to stay and chat."

Fei Long said, then left the Tea Shop and rushed to the aqueducts. Lucky for him he still remembered what Taro said to them on the tea shop, and was not lost on his way there.

Shinnosuke and Sang Hee were tired of waiting for him in the aqueducts and almost decided to leave. When they are about to stand up from the rocks which they sat on, Fei Long finally arrived panting.

"Where could you be possibly wandering? Do you have any idea how long we waited here for you?" Shinnosuke yelled at him.

"I am sorry if I am late, I chatted with some beautiful at the inn. I thought that she might be of help, but it seems like it only made me forget of our appointment here. Heheheh, sorry again Shino-san!" Fei Long apologized and replied to him.

"That's all what you can say after what we've been through! You have some nerves, while I almost lost my patience in hearing rumors you are just having some good time with some girl from the Tea Shop!" Shinnosuke angrily yelled at him.

"What's all the noise in this time of the night!?" An old man who happened to pass by yelled to the two.

Sang Hee at the back of the two apologized to the old man. Seeing the three the old man raised a question to the three.

"What are you guys doing in this place in the middle of the night? You three seems to be foreigners, I can tell from your accent." The old man asked them.

"Yes we are, I am a daughter of a known merchant. I am Rei Akagari, these are my two bodyguards. Sung Hook and Tien Bao, they are my companions in this city." She said to the man.

"Oh, I see... So you are some merchants from the distant lands. I guess I too should apologize to you. Not many people here pass by in these parts of the city. I am the Aqueduct Manager by the way." The man said and introduced himself.

"Nice meeting you sir, if you're not in a hurry we would like to ask some questions if you don't mind." Sang Hee said to the man.

"Hmmm, it's alright. So what is it that you want to ask me about?" The manager asked.

Shinnosuke asked in her place and said, "If you would allow me to speak for her, she's been tired already from our travels. We are looking for her sister, aged 10-14, she lost her for almost two months already. We hear that we could find the girl in the city so we immediately went here to look for her. Do you happen to see her in this place?"

"Some girl you say? Your question is kinda hard to answer for you haven't gave more descriptions about her. Like her looks or how she dress or how tall she is. Kids aren’t usually around the Aqueducts, but yeah I saw some kid whose age is the same as what you asked." The man replied.

"Really? Where could you find her?" He asked.

"As far as I could remember, the last time I saw her is, she was near some flowers or something, I can’t remember to well. By the way I think I should go now it's getting late already. Now if you’ll excuse me; I have to get back to work” The manager replied.

"Thanks by the way. That was a big help to us." Shinnosuke replied.

"No problem, I don't sense anything bad from you at all. Anyways just doing my part as some concerned citizen." The manager said and then left.

"So, we could find her in some place where waters and flowers could be found." Fei Long remarked.

Shinnosuke sighed and then said, "I guess we wasted a lot of time already. By now that kid should be at her house. But I think it's not too late to find her, she may be strolling around in some place in this city."

"You say a place where you can find water and flowers? I can only think of two places, one is the Tea Shop if it is water then you can think of the fountains. Also a good attraction, the child must have been passed by that place. Next is the Waterfall Gardens, a very good place to relax. As far as I could remember from what Taro said to us earlier, he said that place has gardens so I think she would probably there." Sang Hee said and explained.

"However, the problem is that it's already evening and I think that she would probably gone to her house at this time." Fei Long said.

"If we go there, we could probably get some clues in that place. Maybe from bystanders or some vendors alike. I also recommend in passing by the Tea Shop, if he says water and flowers then we can check around the fountains regarding some clues about her. If she's not here then we can proceed to the Waterfalls Garden." Shinnosuke said.

"Then it's settled... Let's head to the Tea Shop first now!" Fei Long said optimistically.

OOC: The three are now heading to the Waterfall gardens passing by the Tea Shop first.

[Innonexess]

The moon, shinning down on Shant Sun Par was suddenly blocked out suddenly, he looked up. It was Luan.

"No room, where will we stay?" said Luan, he had left to look for lodgings two hours ago.

"I suppose we can stay here. We're unlikely be harmed here," he replied "especially if we keep a guard rotation. Kin, do you think we should, or is it to dangerous?"

"I've heard there are other groups looking for this child as well." he answered "Though the reason why they would be in these gardens at this time of night fails to come to me. I think it would be a good idea to sleep here, we may even be safer like this!".

"Its decided then!" said Shant happily "Though i think you, Luan Mai Par, should take the first watch. As you failed to find us proper lodgings." he ordered sternly.

"Well... ok, i suppose." said Luan, now wishing he had searched harder for a place to sleep that wouldn't have to be guarded all night.

"Good!" replied Shant "Kin and I will prepare our sleeping sacks, in two and a half ours wake me for my shift."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luan Mai Par plodded round the makeshift camp, watching Lu’Mand, Shant Sun Par's vismando, sleeping next to his master, occasionally twitching in his sleep.

Luan heard a crack and spun round, un-clipping his Chicken Sickles and bringing his eyes to bare on the source of the noise. A fox. Relived he turned back around to return to his original patrol.

After completing three more circuits of the camp Luan began to wonder over to a nearby fountain, fed from a nearby waterfall, and drink from it. Another noise made him choke on the water in his mouth and, for the second time that night, spin round to find the source of the noise.

A man, with his back to Luan, was bent over, tending to the flowers in their beds.

"Who are you?" Called out Luan, slightly bewildered by the mans lack of attention to him.

"The Gardener" the man replied.

"But what are you doing here?" asked Luan.

"I don't know, im a gardener, in a garden... I cant possibly doing my job, can i?" said the gardener, sarcastically. "No, that would be unheard of, wouldn't it?"

"Ok, OK, im sorry I offended you, i've just got to be alert is all."

"Oh, well could you go and be 'alert' somewhere else, your distracting me."

"Sure, could you just answer a very small question for me?" asked Luan, an idea suddenly popping into his mind.

"Fine, just make sure you go away afterwards."

"Ok then," said Luan "I'll just go ahead an ask it then. Have you seen a little girl around these gardens?"

"Hmmm, i don't know about the gardens, but i have seen a girl around flowers though."

"Flowers... What kind?" Luan asked quickly.

"Nope. One questions what you said. Now GO AWAY!"

"Fair enough" He sighed.

He turned and sprinted back to camp, waking both Kin and Shant.

"I've got a lead," He told them ecstatically "from a gardener over there." he said, gesturing in the general direction from were he'd come.

"How? When?" asked a confused Shant.

Luan Mai Par told them everything.

"Kin, get over there now," Ordered a now much more alert Shant Sun Par "take Lu’Mand, Sair’Mand and Ser’Mand, they'll help you find him, if this 'Gardener' is still there."

"And what if he's not?" asked Kin.

"Then we stay here in the morning and search for him more," answered Shant "we're gonna be going the stables later after that, we need some fast transport and we need to talk to those horses."

Kin ran into the darkness, leaving Shant and Luan alone to ponder the clue.

OOC: Sorry for the late post! Just to clarify, my group will be staying in the waterfall gardens for one more post, then in the one after that go to the stables.

[Master Chief]

"Found one!" Aurus said to Iselia as he sidled behind the waterfall to a cave. He glanced disapprovingly at the sky; it was starting to get dark. Their light magic wouldn't be as powerful at night, but at least it wasn't cloudy, allowing many stars to shine out. As Aurus and Iselia entered the cave, they looked down to see a young girl, about 12 years old, huddled next to a wall, looking very frightened. Aurus and Iselia glanced at each other;

"Are you Ouz?" Aurus asked, trying to calm the child. She nodded, but was clearly not at ease.

"I'm Aurus and this is Iselia. You're in danger here. We're here to help you and take you to a new home, where you'll be safe," Aurus said, taking a step closer, when Ouz let out an enormous ear-splitting scream and darted out of the cave, into the Gardens.

"Wait! Don't! There are bad people out there..." Iselia shouted out, as she began to chase her.

"Quick! After her! Everyone in the city must have heard that!" Aurus yelled, dashing after Ouz.

Aurus and Iselia ran after her as she headed towards the Marketplace...

OOC: The chase is afoot!

[Gorb]

OOC: Damnit, too slow. Will complete post in morning.

[jackster]

As Soturi and Xiuen walk through a corner of the market, a hooded figure approached them.
"A word with you please, outlanders."
The man's face is covered, so the Soturi cannot identify him.
"I know what you are here for, my noble prince. The one you seek is last seen by the aqueducts."
Soturi look at him suspiciously "Why should I trust you?"
"If you want to find the girl you should." As he finishes his speech, he moves swiftly back into the shadows.
"Wait!" Soturi shouts, but it was too late to chase the stranger as he is gone already.

"Can we rely on that kind of information." Soturi asks
"No, my lord, but a clue is a clue, we should atleast check it out."
The two start to walk back onto the street and was joined by Taikira.
"Well, that was kind of a waste of my time and talent, all that fool knows is that she might be in the school." She says depressingly.

But before Soturi can answer, they hear a loud cream of a child coming out from the garden nearby, so loud that it can be heared from a distance.

"Did you hear that?" Taikira says alertly.
"Yes, I did. Come on, we have to see what happened there."

Ahead of them by the gardens, there seem to be a lot of commotions, there are people who are bewildered by the scream and some other figures moving around.

Soturi takes out his spy glass, a foreign artifect that allows him to see things far away.
In the shadows of both the plants in the garden and people, he can see a small figure running very fast towards the market, following very fast by another two larger figures.

"I think we got something, there seem to be a chase in the garden! Taikira, Get our horses! Me and Sensei will go and find those people!"

"Yes, Soturi-san!" Taikira paces swiftly back to there estate, where they have left there horses.

While Soturi and Xiuen run on top of their speed towards the figures that just came out of the garden, trying to intercept them.

[Gorb]

"Ooh, you were right Huo, this place is beautiful." Xiang clapped her hands happily and wandered up to a large tree, and the leant on it as she gazed up at the long green lawns in front of her. "What do you think Rei?" Lo looked back at her impassively.

"Yes, miss, it is truely a wonderful sight. However, the sun has gone down; we'd best be off before we get into trouble." Xiang pouted again.

"Oh, are my oh so strong bodyguards afraid of the dark? Come now, what could possible be lurking out here?" Behind her, a shape moved. Lo and Huang moved swiftly, with Huang pulling Xiang out of the way and Lo crouched in front of her, a pair of shining daggers outstretched.

A hooded figure approached the three assassins, his face hidden under his hood. Lo narrowed his eyes at the newcomer, and spoke in a low threatening voice.

"Who are you and what do you want with us? Stay away from the young one, if you value your life."

"Hold on, travellers. I see you’re looking for something, the Child perhaps?" The hooded figure spoke with a hoarse, almost raspy voice. Even Huang couldn't tell if it was his real voice or not. He thought it wasn't, after all talking like that either meant you were very ill or employing the basest of espionage tactics. Even so, someone with news of the Child was welcome, however deceiving he appeared to be. Huang looked at Lo; neither displayed any sign of surprise to the other at the fortunate news. Huang turned to the hooded man, and talked to him quietly and urgently, allowing the figure to palm a few gold coins as he did so.

"The Child? Of course we are interested. Do you happen to know anything that may . . . help us find her?"

"Thank you kindly, sirs; it is glad to know that gentlemen such as yourselves are interested in the welfare of such a vunerable individual. The Child was last seen near where you buy things."

"Buy things? The marketplace?"

"I have said all I can, and now I must go." Swiftly the hooded figure retreated from Lo's knives and disappeared into the shrubbery. Lo turned to the other two, and spoke quietly.

"Okay, so we have the marketplace pointing to the gardens, and the gardens pointing to the marketplace? Who do we trust? Which informative source do we agree with." At this, Xiang looked at Huang, and he felt a little thrill of pleasure that she was readily referring decisions to him. He gave himself a little mental shake; he was the team leader, after all. Xiang was merely looking to her leader for advice. He cleared his throat.

"Well, first I suggest we scout around the Waterfall Gardens, just in case there is something here that may help us. First we'll - " At that moment the three were stopped in their tracks by a piercing scream that originated from beyond the Gardens. Soon after, a small figure ran past, swiftly pursued by two larger, adult figure. But Xiang, Huang and Lo were nowhere to be seen. Close by, in the shrubbery, Lo whispered to Huang.

"Nevermind the disguises now. That's the Child, or I'm a goat. Strike now, and strike to kill." The other Council agents nodded their agreement. Huang gave the official order.

"Go. Find her. Kill her. But in the name of the gods, we must stick together. And we must not get caught." Silently the three assassins moved from their hiding place, and ran towards the markets, in pursuit of the Child.

[noname0112]

The three did not find the child anywhere in the Tea Shop, even near the fountain. After moments of searching around the place they decided to leave the shop until someone called their attention.

"You three suck at hiding. You wouldn't be needing those outfits already." A beggar who was sitting near the fountain said to them.

"Is it you, Taro?" Shinnosuke asked the beggar.

Taro who was disguising himself as a beggar replied, "Yo, long time no see! Just as I thought, you three are still amateurs when it comes to these missions."

"What do you mean Taro?" Shinnosuke asked him.

"That Fei Long guy blew your cover by talking to some girl in the inn. I overheard your conversations, you seem to be pretty careless young man." He referred to Fei Long.

"What do you mean about that Taro?" Fei Long asked him.

"I guess you should ask yourself about what you did in the Tea Shop this afternoon." Taro replied to him.

Taro stood up and then headed inside the tea shop with the three and headed to the exit at the back. At the back of the Tea Shop, he opened a crate that contained their belongings that he and Shinnosuke hid.

"What are you guys standing around there? Hurry up and change your clothes, your equipments are also here." He said handed to them their clothes and their weapons.

"It seems pretty slick for you to hide these in such place." Fei Long commented.

"There's no more time Fei Long, hurry up and change already! We will hurry up to the Waterfall gardens immediately after this." Shinnosuke said to Fei Long.

"What about me?" Sang Hee asked.

"Oh, I forgot that we have a lady with us here." Shinnosuke said.

"You're right, she can't change her clothes here." Taro said then continued, "Sang Hee, use the dressing room of the performers inside the Tea Shop. We three will be waiting for you outside once you're done. You don't have to worry, those people are my friends. Just tell them that you are my guest and they will let you in." He said to her.

Sang Hee agreed and immediately went inside the Tea Shop to the dressing room to change.

After the two had changed their outfits, Sang Hee was also done in changing and went outside of the Tea Shop to meet the two. Seeing the two of her comrades, she barely recognized them. Shinnosuke at the right, with the brushed up hair wearing his uniform neatly while on his left was Fei Long who ponytailed his hair.

"I guess I already done my part guys. I will leave the rest to you..." He said to the three.

"Why where are you going now Taro?" Shinnosuke asked.

"Home, I will regroup to my platoon. We are called back to our country." He replied.

"Why would they call you back, our mission is not yet over?" Sang Hee asked him.

"Your mission is not, but ours is over. We just received a letter from the general this morning. Telling us to leave the city during nightfall. I am the only ones left, the other guys are already heading back to our country already." He replied to her.

"I see..." Shinnosuke said.

"Don't look gloom now, we will still see each other once this mission is over am I right? Just take care of yourselves in here. I'll be going now, see you later." He said and left the three.

Shinnosuke's group headed outside of the Tea Shop after Taro left them. The three is already in their full gear and now are heading to the Waterfall Gardens.

OOC: The three are now heading to the Waterfall Gardens. Not knowing that the other groups have already found the child.

[Akranadas]

"Did you hear that?" asked Mequ to the rest of her girls.
"Yes, sounds like a child screaming" replied Seoh,
"It's her, it's the child... quick!" ordered Mequ, and with that the group took off down the alleys towards the sound, the dropped their more "street" worthy robes along the way, reveling their full warrior gear as well as their weapons.

Suddenly the group burst out of a side alley and into the main street, the child was coming right for them. It didn't take long for the child to reach them, and before she could react and get away, Mequ grabbed her arm hard. Following her were two other people, obviously after her as well.

Mequ threw pushed the girl into Laos arms "Lao, hold the child while we handle this fools" Mequ then approached the people (Master_Chiefs guys). "Thank you oh so much in delivering our prize into our arms" She smiled; "It is a shame you two won't be able to be alive to see our victory"

With that, the two remaining members; Seoh and Mequ drew their weapons, pulling up their War fans and took a fighting stance.

[jackster]

From a distance away, Soturi observe the confrontation of the two groups with his spy glass. He is both furious and relieved that he finally see those Flower people outside of their disguise. Righteous fury burns in his chest.
"Darn it! Those Flower people really need to pay for messing around with our mission here." He says quitely.
He turn around to his companion, Xiuen is already focusing his mind towards the chi around him, communicating with the spirits nearby.
"Hide here and prepare to intercept anyone who is trying get away with the Child. I will go to deal with these fools myself."
Without another sound, the Shugenja disappears, the Wind of Death cast its darkness upon him and he blands into the night.

Stepping out to the street, Soturi comes out the opposite side of the other two warriors, which the Prince identify as warriors from the Shield.
He draws his Katana and block the other side, so that the three female warriors are now surrounded.
"Three on two aint quite fair, huh? Maybe I should show you treacherous thieves a thing or two about honor?" He said to the Flower people disdainfully.
He looks to the other side, the people of the Luminous Shield is not officially an ally of Kylins, but at this moment it matters little.
"Warrior of the Luminous Shield, while you and I might have many differences, I wish that no harm would be done to this Child. It would be in the best of our interest that we join forces to guard her, less to have her harmed or killed by some treacherous thieves."
That done, he starts to focus his inner chi, readying his first strike.

[Innonexess]

Shant Sun Par woke with a roar. The scream reverberating around his head. It felt like the sky was breaking up, and falling on his head.

"DEAR GOD!" he shouted out, struggling to be heard above the ringing in his ears. "WHAT IS THAT?"

"THE CHILD. IT MUST BE THE CHILD!" called back Kin, finding it equally hard to dispel the ringing.

"IT'S INHUMAN, ARE YOU SURE WE REALLY NEED HER?" questioned Luan.

"THE ELDERS DEMAND it!" replied Shant, the ringing slowly subsiding. "Lets move out, we must find her, everyone will be looking for her now. She must be close, we have a good chance of finding her before anyone else if we move now, and quickly."

"Where shall we go?" asked Luan, unsure of what to now do.

"The plan has gone awry. Luan, i want Sair’Mand in the air now!" Shant decided faster than he thought possible "You, Kin and I will be searching on the ground, if the girl has already been captured by another group we can use Ser’Mand to kill her or her captors, depending on how many there are. On second thoughts, Sair’Mand can report to me, Luan i want you to go to the Horse Yards, we're still gonna need a fast exit."

"Where will we be searching on the ground?" asked Kin.

"Everywhere, can cover a lot of ground from the air, he'll be looking round the Aqueduct, Tea shops and School, we'll take the Market as that closest. Luan can have a look round the Horse Yards, while he's there."

"OK then," said Kin "to the market, and good hunting!"

[noname0112]

While walking to the direction of the waterfall gardens, the group suddenly heard of a scream that made them stop. Sang Hee felt the presence of the the three groups who were confronting each other, telling her comrades of the upcoming danger.

"What do you mean Sang Hee?" Fei Long asked her.

"That scream... came from the child. It seems like the other people from different lands have already found her." She said to them.

"Let's hurry to the watefall gardens then!" Shinnosuke said to the two.

"No, I think the child is not anymore in there. Her presence is slowly fading in that place. I think we should check her somewhere around the market or the tea shop, maybe at the alleys. Her presence is strong at that place, not only hers but also from the other people who's looking for her.." She suggested to the two.

"Then, I guess we'll have to split up again?" Fei Long asked.

"No, not a good idea... by now the other groups who stayed up late this night probably heard that scream. It's best for us to stick together." Shinnosuke said to the two.

"Where shall we find her anyway?" Fei Long asked again.

"Sang Hee could sense her presence so it's best for us to follow her." Shinnosuke said.

With Sang Hee's lead the three went to the location where the People of Flower, the Kylins and the Warriors of the Luminous Shields are. It seems that they were too late when they arrived, the people of flower had already got her. Left with no choice the three had to take her by force, prepared themselves to fight. Shinnosuke with his gigantic sword headed first while followed by Fei Long with his bisen-to and by Sang Hee with her bow after she casts a resistance magic to herself and her allies.

Seeing the Kylin prince, which Shinnosuke easily identified through his clothes, he called his attention and pointed his sword at him.

"I never thought that we would meet here, people of Kylin. And it seems like it seems like that it's a lucky day to me. I can kill some nobles including some prince. I could finally avenge my parents and get promoted at the same time. I've been waiting for this day you imperialist pigs, invaders of our lands!" Shinnosuke shouted at Kylins in front of him.

[jackster]

Seeing as the situation change Xiuen leaps out swiftly and lands between the Prince and his aggressor. He was charged by the Khan to protect his possible future heir and he is not about to fail his task.
"All things change, young man. Stone to sand, Countries to ruins, Man to Corpse. Let me show you."
His Yin chi now flow through his 7 chakras, a cold, black mist is created around him and then gather to his fists.
But Soturi raise his hand
"No, let me deal with him, sensei."
"But, my lord! You are too important to face this insignificent cur!"
"I ll teach him the true ways of warriors, you just keep those flower people from getting away with the Child."

Unwillingly Xiuen turns his attention to the Flower people, ready to strike if they make their move.

Soturi turns to his foe and point his blade at him.

"Death is the risk that we all take as warriors, it cannot be avoid, but only embrace. It is but one step in the cicle of nature my friend, no more significent than any others."
"Only the strongest remains, thus is the truth in nature. So bring it on!"

Soturi sheash his Katana back. Iaijutsu is the way of dueling, one single strike his what he needs.

Manipulating his Chi around, he inhale and his Chi suddenly turns and convert as per the cycle of balance and his eyes glow brightly.
Few have witness his Brilliant Reborn Style and survive, this day will be no execeptions.

Few hundred yards away, Taikira gallop on her Kylin Heavy Warhorse, follow by another two of its kin.
In few moments she will arrive to relief the situation.

With her Naginata in hand, she is ready. Like all Kylin, she is fierce in battle.

[noname0112]

"Tough as a hide, light as a feather. Protect me, elements of earth and metal. Wulong 6th Supportive Art, Metal skin!" Shinnosuke used one of his Wulong arts, his body is now wrapped with a thin metal armor. After that taking his huge sword with his two hands, he focused his spiritual energy to it.

"Destiny cutter... REACHER!" He shouted after releasing it with a slash attacking the Kylin prince from a distance.

Fei Long who was watching him tried to stop him. "Shinnosuke, take control of yourself!" he siad.

Sang Hee tapped his shoulders and shook her head and instead said to him.

"There's no use in stopping him now Fei Long... also, at this rate you'd only get into his way. We should concentrate in getting the child to our side. By the rules of Wulong, an officer must not be interfered with his fights. Let's leave him be until he needs our help" She said to Fei Long.

"Yeah, you're right..." Fei Long replied watching Shinnosuke fight at the Kylin prince.

While watching at their comrade. The two were on guard, waiting for any possible moment of an attack from behind. Sang Hee grabbed her bow and arrows, aimed at the prince while casting an offensive magic to it while Fei Long guard her from behind.

[jackster]

How foolish, he even anounced what he is doing
Anticipating the attack, Soturi prepares his counter in perfect concentration like clear water.
While all other style of Kylin emphasis on evasion and subtle attacks by manipulate yin, the Brilliant reborn style is almost the polar opposite. The use of Yang chi imbue its user with resilience and strength greater to a far superior level.
Sensing the the strike, Soturi draws the Tiengoshi, his katana was in tune with it's user. Imbue with Chi, the weapon makes a brilliant golden flash as it is draw, dazzle his opponent in front of him.
And then he takes the attack head on, sending a Chi wave of his own. The two energy collides in mid air and explode, all the people around it took a step back to weather the shock wave it creates.

Xiuen side step, and contact Soturi's back. He drains away the excessive Yong chi that Soturi creates and receives in the attack. Soturi feels a cooling relief coming into his veins.

And then Xiuen summons the dark wind onto Soturi, propelling him to a blinding speed.

While Soturi himself focus again, concentrating his Chi from his Chakras.

Brilliant Reborn style 39th, The Desert Wind

Without waring, he leaps into the enemy formation in a flash, he evade the strike of the two warriors and strike for the mage. In such close quater, his blinding speed has the advantage against the much slower enemy. He starts to slice at the magic user holding the bow, seeing as she is not holding a melee weapon.
Only few 10 yards away now, Taikira draws her Daikiyu while holding the Naginata with her shoulder and arm. She knot and fire three arrows against the warrior on the back and the powerful projectile comes straight for the head.

[Master Chief]

"A Kylin, eh? Fair enough. No harm can be allowed to befall Ouz," Aurus said as he and Iselia drew their weapons in unison. "However, we will not allow you to touch her after this either."

"People of the Flower! Let her go or face the consequences!" Aurus said as he took his battle stance. The warriors of the Flower did the same, pulling out their war fans.

"So be it...face the purifying light of Righteousness!" Aurus shouted as he prepared to strike.

It was at that exact moment that more foreiners came, People of the Tao. As they engaged the now reinforced Kylin and his friends, Aurus frowned. This was getting more chaotic and dangerous by the second. They had to get the Child out fast.

"Iselia! We need to finish this fast and secure Ouz!" Aurus shouted out as he prepared to strike.

"Roger! Let's do it!" Iselia replied as she brought up her hands in preparation.

"Ouz. Don't worry. You're going to be all right," Aurus said as he raised his arms up.

"Ray! The piercing light of the Heavens that cuts down all sinners!" Iselia shouted out as Aurus began his spell.

"Judgment! The holy flash of light that saves all true believers!" Aurus chanted as he fired off his spell.

"Ray Judgment! The unison strike of Righteousness!" they both shouted out as the spells fired off at the same time. The Judgment spell exploded out in the midst of the two Flower warriors exactly as the God Ray pierced through the sphere, supercharging the sphere and substantially increasing its power, sending pulses of light energy crackling out and lashing at the buildings beside them. However, it was night, and the spells were substantially weaker than Aurus would have liked. He and Iselia brought their weapons back up and prepared for combat, if the People of the Flower had survived.

[Akranadas]

The brilliant flash of light rocked through the city of Ebor, but it's original targets; the People of the Flower stood firm. As the light dimmed, the were still standing where they had originally been.

Mequ looked at the obivous leader of these people and cracked a cunning smile. Suddenly Soeh and her fired a barrage of darts at the two interlopers, before closing in with their weapons in hands. Instead of taking the direct path, the girls leaped up onto the roofs of the surrounding buildings avoiding the direct attacks of anyone. They then leaped from the roofs, closing down onto the two fools below with their weapons drawn for the kill.

Meanwhile, Lao was still holding on Ouz. But during the flash of light, she found that Ouz was gone. In the confusing of the battle around, no one else saw this happen and Lao hid in the side alley; waiting for her sisters to finish fighting to tell them the bad news.

[Methuselath]

Jian Wei took a nice shady spot under a tree, leaning his back against the cool trunk. It was a good place to be, he admitted to himself, and without thinking he pulled out his Erhu and started playing a sorrowful music as he looked at the pink sunset.

"Excuse me Young man-" said a voice softly. Jian Wei opened his eyes, startled. He was so enthralled with playing the song that he became unaware of his surroundings. He shook his head and gave the owner of the voice, a wrinked and bent old man an inquiring look, "What are a young strapping out of towner like you doing here, shouldn't you be fighting off the war that's still raging outside these walls?" the man said with a laugh. Jian Wei noted a slight accusatory note in his voice, yet there was no malice.

Jian Wei placed his instrument carefully by his side, "Sorry sir, but I'm a refugee..." He looked around, and faked a look of confusion, "Have you seen my sister, a young girl, around 10 - 14 around here? She must've wandered off while I was playing?"

"Ah yes, I saw a young girl by the water... but-" There was a sharp cry of a girl, ringing across the city. It was close, somewhere in the vicinity of the garden.

Damn, damn, damn... Jian Wei cursed under his voice, I was careless. Someone already got to her. The old man paled as he saw Jian Wei's expression and walked away.

He saw a faint visage of a girl running for her life towards the market, followed by several armed... individuals. Jian Wei's mind reeled, the scream was loud, someone else must have heard it. He grabbed his Erhu and barreled down the lane, shadowing the group. His hands began frantically playing a high frequency message, not heard except by the trained ears of a Shadowweaver. He hoped another agent is around to pass his message.

A few seconds later, a song came in reply, relayed by an agent. "What are your orders..."

Jian Wei kept on running as he played his orders, to the marketplace, stay out of sight, do not engaged unless ordered or compromised, wait for me.

Suddenly, a figure pounced out of the darkness into one of the girls pursuers, Jian Wei, without thinking, dived into a darkened alley. So it has begun, Jian Wei thought grimly, the pieces are finally going into place. Unfortunately, it's also crashing into one another.

Jian Wei pulled his sword out of the instrument, while keeping his back pressed on the wall and staying deep in the shadows. There are bound to be others around and-

A brilliant flash of light rocked througout the city, Jian Wei made a slight adjustment to his calculation, there WILL be others around, the other hunters, the city's guards... curious townsfolk. Curse the idiot that cast that spell, this is going to be rough. A song played it calm tone in the chaotic din of the skirmish... They're here, hidden and are awaiting his orders.

[Gorb]

"Well?" Lo looked at Huang, slightly accusingly.

"What could I do? There's way too many spellcasters out there for a frontal assault. However, we could just walk up and . . . " Huang stopped. He grinned at his two shocked partners.

"We could just walk up."

"Suicide as usual Huang. Then again, your suicidal plots have a tendency for success." Lo grinned back. Xiang sighed.

"So who are we, clever boys?" Huang winked.

"Easy. We want to protect the Child."

"But she's gone."

"So we'll have to find her again. Point is, we gang up on those, oh, very pretty ladies over there, and we're all happy. Besides." His face suddenly turned solemn. "Now we've seen the Child, we have no excuse not to fufill our mission." He looked at the other two in turn, and they both nodded their assent. The three assassins stopped leaning against the wall and walked swiftly round the corner, weapons in hand. Huang shouted as he walked.

"The Child belongs to us. Give up Ouz, and we will be merciful." He paused. "It is not in our nature to kill indiscriminately, we seek to avoid bloodshed and trickery." The three of them stopped some distance behind a group of militaristic warriors, the fools who had blinded the whole street and scared the Child away. More fool them. He knew the Child had already escaped, where the little girl had gone he didn't know. All that he saw were several groups on the edge of combat with one another, and no little girl to be seen anywhere. He hoped that she was nearby somewhere, otherwise all of this would be in vain.

[noname0112]

Sang Hee barely evaded the attack, by using her bow as her shield redirecting her enemy's attack from hitting her vital points. She screamed loud as she was hit and wounded by the Kylin prince and was thrown away to the ground. With her bow destroyed, she grabbed her kodachi under her robes.

"Sang Hee!!!" Shinnosuke shouted looking at Sang Hee and hurried up to cover her on the ground.

Fei Long blocked most of the arrows however he was at his shoulder. Lucky for him the wound was just shallow because of his armor beneath his uniform. However he stood still and again proceeds into his stance, preparing for a counterattack on his enemy in horseback.

With the two wounded, Shinnosuke became furious, then looked on Fei Long facing at his opponent.

"Fei Long, retreat with Sang Hee while you can!" He yelled

"Are you crazy? We cannot leave you here!" Fei Long replied.

"Shut up, you two are only dragging me down! Unless you want me to execute you two for not following orders. Now go!" He shouted at Fei Long.

"I am sorry, but I cannot follow that order. Even if it's an order from a superior officer that I cannot do. I'll rather die here with you." Fei Long replied.

"You two really are an idiots... Don't blame me if you'll die." Shinnosuke said with a smile holding the handle of his weapon tight. "Well then... you two already know the drill. He gathered all of his spiritual energies into his body and concentrates while casting a technique.

"We cannot just leave our leader here..." Sang Hee said and stood up from the ground.

Suddenly a bright light blinded the three, followed by the explosions. It was too late for the three to evade so Sang Hee casted a protective spell at her allies. With the help of their armors and the barrier spell which Sang Hee casted a while ago. The three managed to only receive minor injuries though Shinnosuke's thin armor of metal shattered and caused him some wounds.

OOC: Yo, it seems like things have calmed down here. Anyways more power on to you guys.

[Master Chief]

Aurus brought his shield up, the darts bouncing off of the steel. He looked back down the street, searching for the two Flower warriors, before realizing that they were above him. He jumped back at the last second alongside Iselia, narrowly avoiding the blows.

"Hey," Aurus grunted out as he parried a blow.

"Yes?" Iselia said as she rolled behind her attacker and struck out.

"Is Ouz still captive?" Aurus asked as he lunged at the warrior in front of him, who promptly danced around his blade and attacked again, forcing Aurus onto the defensive.

"Don't think so," Iselia said as she rolled around her aggressor and slashed at her back. The Flower warrior nimbly spun around her sword, lashing out at Iselia, who promptly raised her shield and blocked the blow.

"Good..." Aurus said as he pushed his assailant away and retook his battle stance. "Now we can concentrate on winning this fight and then take her home."

"Sounds good to me," Iselia replied, leaping back and getting back into formation with Aurus.

Aurus glanced back as he heard yet another hostile group shouting their claim for the Child.

"Watch your back," Aurus said to Iselia as they prepared for the Flower warriors next attack.

[Methuselath]

Jian Wei watched the physical argument with fascination from his dark sanctuary. The alleyway stank of dead creatures, discarded foodstuff and something that does not bear thinking. A relatively fair price for safety, unpleasant as it were. The other group were mostly combat oriented, staying away would be the best method. He could probably even the fight with ranged based sneak attack, but why bother when they're doing they're trying to achieve the same objective without his intervention. He took a deep breath of relief, something he regretted as soon as he did. The place really stank.

He was about to made his way when he felt a rough hand of a man on his shoulders. Surprised, he whirled around, pulling his sword and slashing it through the air. "Wait! Wait!" the man cried and took a jump backward.

"Damn, Lee Wong, you scared me!" Jian Wei whispered, pushing his friend deeper into the alleyway, "Keep quiet!" he insisted.

"I told you that you shouldn't sneak up on him like that..." someone else chuckled from the shadows, whom Jian Wei recognizes as Xiao Fan, "So, they finally have the child. Looks like we need to fight her off them then?"

"Not likely... They lost her, she's probably cringing somewhere in the alleys nearby."

Lee Wong shook his head, "The chase never ends easily, eh?" he didn't wait for anyone to answer, "Should we go look for her, despite the darkness or go back to the inn? Looking for her won't be easy!"

Jian Wei can't help but to grin, "Not really, this actually comes to our advantage. Lee Wong, cover me, pull out your big weapon in case someone comes. Xiao Fan, fine a nice perch and ready to snipe anyone that comes near. I'm going to play the girl a nice song." Both of them nodded. Lee Wong pulled his Zhu and armed it, then placed in on the ground leaning towards the wall while he readies his heavy hammer Erhu. Xiao Fan scrambled up from crates and made her way to the roof, laying low in the cover of darkness.

With a sigh, Jian Wei took his Zhu, which Xiao Fan seemed to remember to bring it with her, settled himself on a crate and placed the instrument on his leg. ZhuGe Nu are always unique depending on the user, Lee Wong's for instance, are heavy and well suited for supressing fire, as his large bulky instrument allows for more ammunition in the loading chamber. Xiao Fan's, on the other hand, are light and uses metal bolts for armour piercing purposes, yet can only managed to keep several bolts in her chamber. Jian Wei's are the most unique of all three, and infact, the whole clan. His was made by several master craftmen as a experimental project, high accuracy, fast reload, light enough to use on one hand yet large enough to have a respectable amount of bolts. It was a masterpiece, a treasure that he would sooner die than to lose.

Making himself comfortable, he began playing a soft and sorrowful riff, repeated again and gain after a brief pause. Clearing his mind, he began to shift through the echoes, becoming one with the song. The battle causes alot of disruption, but he could easily write that off. He concentrated on tiny trembling movement, perhaps tiny feet running away, or just shivering alone, huddling behind a cover. Mental images began forming in his mind, an ability that took him his whole life to train. He would need the help of his friends, as such ability requires a deep concentration and total disregard of his surroundings. He just hoped that the other parties would be too engrossed with their fight to notice the music and disregard it as a simple musician practising their art.

OOC: Up to Akra to tell me whether they found her or not

Edit: Akra confirmed, so instead of double posting, I just place it here.

The vibrations of the sound is, to provide a metaphorical explaination, akin to the ripples of seen on a calm body of water. To Jian Wei, he merely distinguishes the changes between each ripples, a simple movement, a slight change in air pattern, even other sounds may distort the echoes of his own music and provide him with a vague understanding on what he was hearing. In this case, it was the trembling body of a girl, huddled behind a stack of crate, well away from the fight. Her breathing was uneven, she was obviously tired from the chase yet there is still a marked defiance behind it.

"And we know the direct approach never works..." Jian Wei muttered to himself as he places his palm on the strings of his instrument, stopping the music abruptly.

"What was that, Jian Wei?" Lee Wong asked, turning his hard gaze to his friend.

"I've found the girl, she's terrified." He voiced, "We take her and get out of here. To the stables as fast as we can and we ride all the way back to our land. I don't want to fight them if I can help it, we have no chance fighting toe to toe."

"Agreed..." Lee Wong said simply. He was a serious man, not one to make unecessary remarks.

"Well, I can try to persuade her to come with us." Said a voice from above, and Jian Wei saw Xiao Fan released the ledge and landed softly on the cobbles, "This needs a woman's touch, and two strapping young men such as you might scare her away." Jian Wei answered with a nod, slung his Zhu to his back and stalked away, still keeping in the cover of the darkness.

Finding the girl was easy, he knew specifically where she was situated, and through listening the echoes he also have the general idea in traversing the alleyways stealthily. "There-" he said after a long silence, pointing towards a small huddled figure by a crate. Xiao Fan smiled gently at Jian Wei and step towards the child.

"What are you doing her, my dear?" she asked in her most charming manner. She was melodic, her voice was enough to enchant an armed man into carelessness. A voice that hides the heart of a killer, Jian Wei noted cynically, that's what all of us are, killers. Poor girl, he thought suddenly, what did she do in her past life to deserve this. "What!?" Xiao Fan said in mock surprise, pulling Jian Wei out of his reverie, "You said bad men is trying to catch you? There there, my dear, my friends her can protect you, never mind the big one, he's really just a tame bear once you get to know him well..."

"Very funny-" Lee Wong rumbled.

"Okay, let's get moving-" Jian Wei said briskly, it's no good that he started to feel pity for the girl, she was pathetic, in her rags, trembling in fear, unknowing of her fate. Somehow it spoke to Jian Wei's soul, he was a musician, and as such is familiar with the many tales of hardship that accompanies sorrowful songs as lyrics. Damn him for getting his feeling in the way.

Yet, this girl was denied what he took for granted, he was born from a priviliged family, important figures within the Zither society, and- "Jian Wei?" Xiao Fan, there was a note of concern in her voice.

"I hear you-" he replied simply, "Let's go..." With effort he pushed his feelings back, curse him for taking the assignment. His targets were usually grown men and women, whom he always killed without remorse. Powerful politicians and military figures, one whom he can understand how their death could be of significance for his people. Enemies of his people, or enemies of his people's clients. But a child- What does the council want with a simple child discarded by society?

He kept his thoughts to himself as he followed his companions in negotiating the darkness of the alleys in the City of Ebor.

[noname0112]

Blood continues flow down from Fei Long's left shoulder from the arrow's wound which bled again because of the spell that the people of the Luminous shield cast. Trying to endure the pain, he used his bisen-to as his support as he stands up.

"Damn it Shinnosuke, it seems like the People from the Luminous shields also wants us." He said to Shinnosuke who helped Sang Hee up.

"We've got no other choice but to use "it"." Shinnosuke replied.

"Beats me!" Fei Long said then used a temporary treatment, by placing his palms and redirecting his energy towards at his wound, eliminating only the pain and bleeding but not completely healing it.

"Sang Hee, cast a protective barrier at us. However maximize your own, we cannot afford you having wounded again!" He said to Sang Hee.

"Roger!" Sang Hee replied, healed her wound at her left arm and casted a barrier magic at herself and her allies as what Shinnosuke ordered her to do.

Seeing the disadvantage on their side, Shinnosuke decided to cast one of the forbidden techniques and started channeling his energies and cants, concentrating on his technique.

"I give you life shapeless form. I give you form lifeless beings, obey my command!" Shinnosuke placed his right palm in the ground. "Wulong Forbidden Art Earth Reanimation!!!"

A minor quake was felt by two seconds, later beings which are made from clay came out from the ground like corpses which came out from their graves. Surrounding their enemies including the people of the Flower, the Kylin and the people of the Luminous shield. The clay beings in form of humans attacked their enemies, outnumbering them with their numbers. Which gave more time for Shinnosuke's group to regroup.

Sang Hee which was protected by a strong barrier she casts an explosive offensive spells at the peoples of Kylin and Luminous shield. While Fei Long confronted one of from the people of the luminous shield, Aurus with his bisen-to fiercely.

"You're in the way!" He shouted at him using his explosive chain attack. Thrusting his spear with an enormous speed at him and followed up with a fierce slash which was followed up with an explosion.

OOC: That attack is still evasable or blockable.

[Gorb]

Xiang wrinkled her nose in disgust.

"Lovely. And here I thought there weren'y many who specialised in the earth arts."

"Xiang, we're all hunting for the Child. This chase draws people from all over the world, so we have to expect the unexpected. And in this case." Huang paused to smash through the neck of a golem with his knuckledusters. "We get to fight clay golems. To be fair, its not like we haven't fought them before." Lo grinned in agreement.

"Huang has a point, sister. And at least these ones aren't made out of compressed manure." Xiang grinned back, as the three assassins leapt into the fray. They had to find the Child, and failure was not an option.

[Master Chief]

"Ugh!" Aurus grunted out as the Spear user bashed into him at full speed. Aurus had just barely brought his shield up, and was shoved off balance, unprepared to dodge the second slash. Aurus grimaced as the spear cut through, barely stopped by his armor, only grazing his shoulder. Then, suddenly, there was an explosion right at the point of impact, sending Aurus sprawling out into the alley and blowing off part of his armor, scorching and cutting his bare shoulder. Aurus grunted as he fought off a Flower warrior while on the ground, swiping away the female for a brief second and giving him a chance to regain his footing.

"Aurus!" Iselia shouted out, leaping into the air and bringing her sword down two-handed, bashing the spear away for a second and giving her a chance to strike. She went into a lightning-fast volley of strikes, not letting up for a second, giving Aurus a chance to heal himself using his light magic. As the healing light went away, Aurus heard the patter of footsteps and saw someone taking Ouz.

"Crap...Iselia!" Aurus shouted out, starting to run down the alley. "The bird has taken flight!"

Iselia instantly understand the code and rolled underneath a war fan, kicking out her assailant's legs and dashing away, disengaging the Tao and Flowers and running down the alley with Aurus after Ouz's kidnappers. A stone golem burst out at them and was promptly cut down by their twin swords.

"Ouz! Please listen to me!" Iselia called out as the two dashed after her. "You don't want to go with those people! They don't want to help you!"

"Strangers!" Aurus shouted out as they had started to catch up to the unknown foreigners. "I do not with to spill any blood needlessly. Let Ouz go. She is a light unto this world, a new savior. Why do you oppose peace? Please, let her go!"

[jackster]

Facing off against the puppets summon by his foe, which prove to be hard fight because they are impressively resilient.

Brilliant Reborn style 12th, Phoenix Tail Swipe Slash

Spinning on his feet and bringing his blade down, a trail of fire emits from the tip of the Katana. Cut down the puppets that were closing up on him.

Before more enemies can pile in on him. Soturi shift his style, he've generate too much Yong force already, pushing his limits. He shifts back into All returns to Void form and swiftly dodge and tumble out away.

Just as he does that, Taikira tremple through with the Warhorses, broken pieces of those figures shatter through the air.
"Get on, my prince." She shouts.

In a swift action, Soturi jumps on his own horse, which was galloping along with the other two.

The two young warriors break out along with the three horses. Xiuen quickly rejoins them, while throwin a orb of air from his hand at the clay puppets.

Mounting his own horse, the wise elderly shugenja noticed something that most warriors cannot in midst of the battle.
"The Girl is gone! The people of Flowers might have taken her away, I see they are missing one of their numbers just after that bright flash!"

Soturi realizes that he had been too focus on the fight that he forgot what he is here for.
"Darn it! Fall back! If they get her before we do, all this effort is wasted."



They break into a rush and the speed of their steeds carry them away from the battle.

"Now, how are we going to find her? in this middle of night?" Soturi asks, he really runs out of ideas now.

"Dont give up now, the air Kamis must have seen them. I will communicate with them to see if they can give us a clue."

They drop to a halt, Xiuen close his eyes, focusing his mind and enter the realm of the spirits briefly. His expression is plain, Soturi cant figure out if he has any findings.

A few moments later, he re-open his eyes and said
"They've only know that they went this direction."
He points out down one of the narrow roads, Soturi tries to think if there is any point of interest that might help the thief the Children escape.
He suddenly almost jump up
"Staples, of course! If he or she wants to get out of the city quickly, they need a transport." He points down
"Let us make all haste! That thief will pay!"

The three Kylins gallop down the street quickly towards staples.

OOC: They are going in that general direction, not knowing where the child actually is and who she is with.

[noname0112]

After seeing the other groups flee, Shinnosuke disabled his spell and the clay golems fell down to the ground and crumbled. Using much of his spiritual energy he fell into his knees almost passed out. Sang Hee immediately rushed to him and saw the splinter wounds at his shoulders and arms. She tried to take the huge one at his right arm however Shinnosuke stopped him. He took it instead and threw the splinter away then Sang Hee healed his wounds.

Fei Long seeing his opponent run away he went to Shinnosuke who was treated by Sang Hee.

"It's not like you..." Fei Long said to him.

"They left me no choice, if I hadn't done that then we are finished." Shinnosuke replied, groaning from pain.

Fei Long picking up Sang Hee's bow which was sliced off a while ago gave it to Sang Hee.

"Thanks." Sang Hee said and then took it. "About your wound is it alright?" She asked him.

"No, I'm fine... The bleeding just stopped there's no need too-" Before he could finish talking Sang Hee healed his wound at his shoulder completely.

Shinnosuke stood up and then placed his huge sword at his back. "We don't have time to rest, the other parties are already chasing her out we must hurry!" He said to the two.

"There's no need to rush Shinnosuke, it seems like Sang Hee has already located them. We need to be careful from this point on, they seemed to be very powerful for us to handle." Fei Long said to him.

"Yeah, you're right..." Shinnosuke replied in a low tone.

After fixing her bow with the help of her magic she stood up and placed it on her back. Sheathed her Kodachi under her robes she faced the two and said, "Not as sturdy as it was before, however this sure would still work. Anyway guys follow me, I already found them." She suggested to them.

"Wait Sang Hee! It was my mistake that you two got hurt, I would like to apologize to you for that..." Shinnosuke apologized.

"No, don't worry I am fine. It's not your fault, my weakness is to blame." She replied to him.

Shinnosuke started to pour two vials of mercury to the ground. Fei Long watching him asked him what he was doing. After the mercury was absorbed under the ground, Shinnosuke placed his palm into the spot where he poured the mercury and casted a spell.

"Giving metals life underneath the Earth, Forbidden art Earth Reanimation!"

After casting, he stood up and draw his katana in his waist thrusting it to the ground.

"They will be on their way to track them. I am sure that they are not far. I'll reserve one as an assurance..." He said.

OOC: I'll rest for a while... I will wait for two or three post before i'll post again.

[Akranadas]

Mequ and Seoh watched as the people of the People of the Luminous shield had left, and in their path was clay golems heading towards them.

"Hrmm... It seems someone knows some tricks... to bad tricks don't work on us" Mequ laughed as she turned to Seoh "Come, lets find Lao and leave this city". Seoh nodded in reply and the two darted and danced around the slow golems, and it wasn't soon before they were well enough away to walk away.

That was when Lao popped out of the side alley....alone and looking quite said.
"I am sorry Mequ" she said, falling onto her knees before Mequ with her head tilted towards the ground "I have failed up. I had the child, and I let her escape..... It is all my fault and I will accept what ever punishment you think I need"

Mequ hesitated for a moment, "I don't blame you Lao, we should have taken the child out of Ebor as soon as we had her" she said, as she picked Lao off from the gound "Come, we need to redeem ourselves" Lao smiled at her leader; and the soon headed towards the direct that the people of the Luminous shield went in.

Instead of sticking to the ground like the rest of the groups, the girls of the flower scaled the closest building and began a roof top pursuit, leaping and bounding from house to house; all the while keeping an eye of the Luminous shield warriors. For it would be them whom would bring the girls to their target.

They would have to hurry up as well, the rays of the morning sun began to peak over the horizon. Soon the streets would be full of innocents, making the pursuit even more difficult and worse, it could attract the attention of the Ebor authorities. The feared and dreaded; Neutrals.

-------------------
It is now turning into day
Citizens are awakening and are starting to go about their daily businesses and they will see you.

[noname0112]

As the sun rises Shinnosuke collapsed and passed out. Fei Long and Sang Hee rushed to see if he is alright. Checking out his pulse Sang Hee sighed and said that he was just exhausted. The two headed to the inn where Taro told them last night and decided to rest there for a while.

When the two decided to go outside to take a walk, Shinnosuke woke up. Looking at his surroundings, he noticed that he is already inside the inn. He rose up from his bed and looked outside his window seeing his two friends who were talking and are onn their way into the inn.

"I guess I passed out after using the forbidden art." He said and looked onto his palm dirtied by soil and dust.

"We're coming in!" Fei Long said and then opened the door to his room.

Shinnosuke greeted the two as they entered.

"Glad you're alright, thought you've died out there." Fei Long said to him.

"I would not die in such trivial battle." Shinnosuke replied and faced to the window staring at the mountains outside.

"Still the same proud Shinnosuke..." Fei Long said to him.

"Guys... I would like to apologize of my actions the other day. Because of my desire for revenge, I almost got you two killed." Shinnosuke suddenly apologized at the two.

"It's not your fault Shino-san, if it were me I would do the same thing as what you did. So let's just forget it shall we." Fei Long replied to him.

"He's right, blaming yourself won't do any good. Let's forget about yesterday and instead think for a plan in looking for the child again." Sang Hee said.

"You're right..." Shinnosuke said and sat on his bed.

"Any ideas where will we start again?" Fei Long asked him.

Shinnosuke cracked a smile and replied to them, "Guys, remembered that grayish silvery stuff that I poured on the ground?" He suddenly asked the two.

"What about it?" Sang Hee asked.

"Mercury... a medium that I used to cast an advanced spell. The advanced form of the Earth reanimation technique." He explained to the two.

"What do you mean an advanced form?" Fei Long asked.

"Metal reanimated beings..." Shinnosuke said.

"Shinnosuke, you can't mean that!?" The two said in surprise in unison.

"Yes, this time it would be easy to track them. It's not like you can attack something which is lurking underground. There are six of them, and are just enough to track the other groups." He explained again.

"But we couldn't just rely on that Shinnosuke, also... that forbidden technique drains you of your strength. After you passed out this morning I guess the spell is already disabled." Sang Hee said to him.

"You're wrong Sang Hee... They wouldn't require my spiritual energy for they have their own independent energies to themselves. Comparing them with the golems and dolls which are made from clay, those metal beings have their own core and would not die unless their core is destroyed. There's no need in wasting my energies for they will automatically absorb some energies which are present underground." Shinnosuke said to Sang Hee.

"So that means... That unknowingly, the other groups are tracked by your metallic beings underneath the ground?" Fei Long asked.

"You're right and they are our trump card, our ace-in-the-hole in looking for the child." Shinnosuke said.

[Innonexess]

"Dammit!" shouted out Shant Sun Par kicking over a lump of clay, drying slowly in the early morning sun. "The child must have been here recently, there's been a lot of fighting over her as well."

The members of the Vis Par had heard the fighting in the market. Having initially missed it, they had come running back through the streets to find only small splatterings of blood and a lot of lumps of damp clay.

"Don't worry, I'm sure Luan will arrive with horses soon." said Kin Sig Par, trying to console his leader. "I should have realised what was happening sooner, we can still find the child, i assure you she will not leave the city. By the looks of it there are quiet a few groups after her. Who ever has her now will not have her for long!" he added, attempting to spur Shant on.

"I hope your right, we can't afford to fail." replied Shant "Any ideas where the combatants went?" He asked, hopefully.

"Yes, actually." said Kin, caressing Ser’Mand's head "Can you see down that alleyway?"

"Of course!" replied Shant, non-committally.

"So you see the fresh chunks of clay in the middle of the alley? The dark alley, that has not yet received enough sunlight to disfigure the aforementioned clay?"

"Of course!" repeated Shant, only with sudden realisation of what Kin was getting at. "The footprints..."

"Precisely!" said Kin "And what direction do those footprints point?"

"Down there." said Shant, gesturing down the alley.

"Please, look at the map, where is 'Down there'? Follow the length of the alley, where dose it lead?"

Diving into his possessions Shant found the map. Opening it he traced the line, representing the alleyway, to its end. "The Horse Yards!" he exclaimed.

"Well, that does make sense, seem as the people currently holding the child will want to make a quick getaway." smiled Kin.

The ground suddenly vibrated with the sound of horses. Spinning round, the two men realised it was Luan, a Peregrine falcon sweeping in behind him, and three other horses.

"Hello!" he called out "It's only me. I couldn't find out anything at the stables, but I found these three lovely horses for our transportation."

"Great." said Shant "Everyone mount up! We going down that alley, and getting back to the stables as soon as possible."

"What? But... I just came from there!" Exclaimed a confused and more than a little annoyed Luan Mai Par.

"Don't worry, my greatest scout, you've arrived in the nick of time. I'll explain everything as we travel, we can't afford to loose any more time." Laughed Shant, joining Luan and Kin on the back of the last horse. "Now! Lets Ride!"

[jackster]

The three Kylins have dismounted in the staples, knowing that any group that capture the child would seek a fast getaway here.
Soturi assume a secluded position in a nearby street corner, observing the innocents coming out in the morning.
He is a bit tired after all the fighting last night, but he is used to it. In some of the miliatry campaigns he fought he rarely ever get a full night of sleep.

Taikira had once again put on the dress she wear back in the tea shop, and pretending she is just another girl looking at beautiful horses.

Xiuen appears behind Soturi in a dark wind

"My prince, the earth Kami in this city seem to be irritated, as if there is something wrong going on underground."

"Our enemies have many foul magics that violates the spirits of nature, we must remain cautious. But in the mean time, searching for the child is more important than all else, she is the reincarnate of our ancesters and she along will bring us back to glory."

"Yes my lord."

[Master Chief]

OOC: Checked with Akranadas, this is all right.

IC: "That's it, I don't care who you are or why you're doing this. I won't let you harm Ouz!" Aurus shouted out as the morning sun burst over the horizon. "Iselia, jump!"

"Roger!" Iselia replied as Aurus cast a weak Judgment spell at the ground underneath Iselia, propelling her at high speeds directly towards Ouz's kidnappers.

"Outta the way!" Iselia shouted out as she burst through the kidnappers ranks, scattering them. Most importantly, she knocked the foreigner holding Ouz out of the way. Aurus then cast a more powerful Judgment spell in air above the kidnappers, high enough to catch their attention but not so high as to alert the rest of the town. The blinding light gave Aurus and Iselia a chance to dash into an alleyway.

Ouz was clearly terrified, and frantically tried to get away.

"Shh..." Iselia hushed, trying to calm Ouz down. She handed her the stuffed bear as a gesture of kindness and to assuage her fears.

"Now, listen Ouz. We are not here to harm you. You are a light to this world, and because of that, some people don't want you to be around. But we're different. We are here solely to protect you. We're here on your mother's behalf to guide and defend you."

By this time, Ouz had quieted down considerably, though she was still fairly frightened by the events that were taking place.

"As we said before, my name is Iselia, and this is Aurus," she said, pointing to Aurus. He nodded his head, acknowledging the introduction. "We're from the People of the Luminous Shield, a city and civilization devoted to righteousness. We're going to take you there, as your new home, where you will never be alone again. Everyone there will be your friend and watch out for you, just like we will. Do you understand?"

Ouz nodded her head as she started to trust Iselia.

"All right then. Thank you, Ouz," Iselia said as she got back on her feet, carrying Ouz.

"Those people who tried to kidnap you will have recovered by now," Aurus said as he started to walk down the alley. "We need to move."

"Where to?"

"If we go through these alleyways, we should end up near the Stables. From there, it's a clear run to the third gate."

"Got it!" Iselia said as the two began running down the alleyways, now illuminated by the sun.

OOC: Oh, and I think I forgot to mention something in my characters info sheet, so I'll post it now: They don't know how to ride horses, since they live in the mountains.

[jackster]

The three kylins have seen them coming far away, thanks to the Spyglass they have.
"Thats prepare a surprise for them." Taikira says.
"Wait until they get closer, then approach them fast. We will engage them close." Soturi says "Be careful not to hurt Ouz."

Just as the Luminous Shield warriors approach the staple, Soturi appears out of the corner.
"Leave her and I will let you live." He says plainly "We are her true descendents, the righteous heirs of the heavens. What rights do you have over her?"

Before his opponents could response, Soturi thrust forward like thunder, his Yari in his hand.
Brilliant Reborn Style 15th, Thousand hand strike

A burst of energy shoots out from his Yari, going directly at his opponent's chest.

At the same time Taikira and Xiuen leaps off the near by buidings, surrounding their prey.

Xiuen summons blades of air from his palm and slice at the female warrior thats holding the child, while Taikira tries to get Ouz away from her.

[noname0112]

After resting the three decided begin their search once again. Before Sang Hee and Fei Long leave he called them attention after touching the ground then stood up. Three metallic beings suddenly came out of the ground. Shinnosuke changed the form of those formless metal beings. The two looked like regular Wulong warriors while the remaining looked like Shinnosuke who still wears his disguise.

"Take this replica of mine with you..." Shinnosuke said to the two.

"But Shinnosuke, I don't think this is a good idea." Fei Long said.

"No... I am alright by myself. These two are more reliable than any other Wulong soldiers around." He replied.

"More reliable huh?" Fei Long murmured.

"Last night, we already checked out the marketplace, the teashop, the school and the aqueducts. Before the other groups could succeed in getting their hands on the child let us find her before they do." Shinnosuke said.

"But Shinnosuke, our mission had one important condition. She must come according to her will. If we cannot make her agree to come with us then our mission is already a complete failure. We must make her cooperate..." Sang Hee reminded him.

"Don't worry, I will call you once you I found her. In the meantime, go search in the teashop first. I will go to the stables, it seems like one of them had found something interesting." Shinnosuke replied.

"What do you mean?" Fei Long asked.

"I am not sure of the details but I think it's best for me to check out. Let's go now shall we, we don't have much time left. By the way, I think there are some signal flares left. Use it to call my attention after finding the child." Shinnosuke said.

"We will!" The two said in unison.

The two left Shinnosuke with his replica who looks exactly as him. While Shinnosuke went to the stables with his two metal beings, which looks like an actual Wulong soldiers in uniform.

[Akranadas]

Mequ and the rest of the flowers followed the others, still leaping from roof top to roof top, watching the battle unfolding below.

"Where do you think they're going" shouted Lao as they leaped across another house
"Most likely out of this city" replied Mequ running across the tiled roofs of the house.

Suddenly, as the attempted to jump across another gap of an alley way, Seoh seemed to fall short and slammed against the side of the house and fell back into the alley, landing on the group with a bone breaking thud.

"SEOH!" shouted Mequ as she stopped and jumped down into the alley to tend to her fallen friend. "How could you miss?"

"I don't know" Seoh replied as she propped herself up against the wall of a house "I jumped and all of a sudden my body just felt numb and the next thing I knew, I hit the wall"

Then, at the end of the alley way appeared a figure; clad in a bright white gown with his hands behind his back. Mequ turned around only to see another figure exactly the same standing there... they were surrounded. The two men slowly walked down the alley and towards the Flowers, they stopped just meters away when Mequ and Lao took up a fighting stance.

"People of the Flower; You have broken the Innocents Treaty. Surrender yourselves to us and we won't harm you" the said in perfect unison. Mequ was puzzled for a moment, then she remembered the stories about the guardians of Ebor; strange almost unworldly figures who guard the city. But, stories were stories; this is now.

Mequ drew her sword and charged one of the men, as she raised her sword over her head to prepare for the strike she suddenly felt her arms go limp. The sword fell from her hands and crashed onto the ground, then her feet gave way and she found herself staring up at the men.

"Foolish Girls; You can not land a blow upon Ebors Neutrals" the spoke, again in perfect unison "Come... the lord wishes to see you and your fellow invaders". With that, the picked up the flowers and carried them towards the palace. Towards the Lord of Ebor.

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IMPORTANT NOTE

Please read the following post before continuing - Information about the Neutrals and what is going to happen (http://forums.relicnews.com/showpost.php?p=2670011&postcount=86)

[noname0112]

Shinnosuke on his way to the stables suddenly someone stopped him on his way. Five mysterious men surrounded him and told him to give up to them. Shinnosuke did not reply and ordered his summons to attack. His summons also drew their sword ready to fight these mysterious people. His two summons charged first on the five while Shinnosuke underestimating his enemy stood up and watch, let down his guard.

"What's with these people? Suddenly picking out a fight for no reason. They won't win after all, they are on the advanced form, it would take long for them to defeat it." He said to himself confidently.

His confident face suddenly turned to surprise after seeing the two of his summons suddenly collapse and began to crumble. With this, he drew his sword and proceeded to his stance and said.

"I guess it's my mistake for underestimating you. Although I am not tasked to kill Neutral soldiers or officials, but I think this time I have no choice. No matter how I plead, I guess you people won't listen to me. I am Captain Shinnosuke Yagami, leader of the 8th Special Task Force Squadron of the Wulong Special Forces. It's such a shame, but I'll not allow you to live after knowing my identity!" He said after assuming to his stance and then charged at one of the five with his katana.

The tall man whom he attacked easily parried through his attacks with an outside block and countered with a kick at Shinnosuke's abdomen. Shinnosuke was thrown away to the ground with his sword which he accidentally let go.

"A Wulong you say, not bad. I must say that i am disappointed, so the rumors that I hear are rumors after all. A Captain with this skill, the Wulong must be overrated. Anyway it's useless boy... we cannot allow you to do as you please inside our territory. Give yourself up, this is your last chance!" He yelled Shinnosuke.

Weaponless, Shinnosuke tried to gather his chi and fight them with spells.

"It's no use kid!" One of them the huge dark bald man said and grabbed him. "From the looks of it, the old man was not lying at us. He is one of those invaders that are inside this city." Then threw him away to the ground.

"Old man? This couldn't be, also... it's strange that I cannot use my spells or techniques. They could not be!? If they could be the guardians of this city they must be the Neutrals!. The old man in the aqueducts must have leaked the information about us. Damn it, I should have known!" Shinnosuke said in regret after remembering his conversation with the manager of the aqueducts.

The tall slim man beside him said to Shinnosuke, "From the looks of it you must have known about us. But don't worry, we are not as cruel as we look. Unlike you, the Wulong we are here to take you in. By the orders of our Lord you are asked to come with us immediately."

The average looking man in glasses continued, "Don't worry, we don't have orders to kill or harm you. However, it is ironic to know that the descendants of the Four Tao Lords would be one of them."

Shinnosuke smiled and chuckled upon noticing a nullifying barrier casted around him that drained his summons' energies. "A nullifying barrier eh? Not bad... I must say that I am a bit careless. You neutrals must be something..."

Meanwhile Fei Long and Sang Hee were close to the Tea Shop two mysterious people suddenly stood in their way. Fei Long drew his sword and then asked who the mysterious people.

One of them the one in brown hair smiled back at him and replied, "So you are the ones who caused ruckus last night. The foreign invaders who wish to conquer our lands, but we will not let you!"

"What do you mean about that? We are just merchants and..." Before Fei Long could finish the Blond man beside the Brown haired man interfered and said.

"We already knew you, people of Tao... Give it up, there's no need for you to hide, your old friend already told us about you. Now come with us peacefully and we will promise to do you no harm. Our Lord only wants to see you!"

Sang Hee almost agreed to surrender, however Fei Long tried to scare her by whispering something to her.

"That can't be!" Sang Hee replied surprisingly and covered her mouth.

"You don't want that to happen to you am I right Sang Hee? I have a plan in getting us out of here. Just prepare yourself alright?" Fei Long said.

"Alright!" Sang Hee agreed.

Fei Long acted as if he is trying to give up to them, trying to cover his actual plan and said, "Actually you're right and you got us. We give up already..." He continued to speak trying to distract their attention as he grabs his signal flare. Completed channeling his chi secretly he gave Sang Hee a hint and then used his amplify technique at the signal flare and fired it towards the two in front of him.

The signal flare illuminated a very bright light that blinded everyone around them, covering his eyes he grabbed Sang Hee away from the place and dissapears through the crowd. The two were able to escape from the Neutrals for a while. While the neutrals confronted Shinnosuke's replica which was left behind.

"We don't have time for you!" One of them said and used a nullifying technique at it. Making it collapse and crumble into pieces.

"Damn they got away!" One of the neutrals angrily said.

"Don't worry, they won't escape for long for we already had someone important to them." The other one with him said.

"What do you mean?" The brown haired neutral asked.

"We will know about it when we return to the palace. It seems like the other groups have captured some of those foreigners already." The blond man said confidently.

Back to where Shinnosuke was, he gave up agreed to come with them peacefully and did not resist any further. While looking at the direction of the Tea Shop he saw the very bright light which came from Fei Long's flare. Shinnosuke smiled in relief and said.

"Cunning as ever Fei Long, don't get caught. If you will I will never forgive you!" Shinnosuke said.

OOC: The leader is captured but his two companions luckily escaped for a while.

[Master Chief]

Aurus was thrown backwards into a building from the force of the energy blast, his shield still smoking.

"Won't even wait for an answer, huh?" Aurus muttered as he got back up. He glanced over at Iselia, who had her shield out to protect Ouz while she was still holding her. Aurus pulled Iselia out of the way of the blades of air as she ducked under the assailant moving to grab Ouz. She whipped her shield around at the man's head, but he avoided the blow.

Suddenly, Aurus felt a massive chill creep up his spine. He looked around and saw five men surround both the Luminous Shield warriors and the Kylins.

"People of the Luminous Shield: You have broken the Innocents Treaty. Surrender yourselves and you will not be harmed. Resist, and there will be consequences."

Aurus instantly knew who they were; Neutrals. Servants of the Lord of Ebor. They didn't have a chance if they fought. The best option would be to surrender peacefully and try for leniency.

"Iselia," Aurus whispered as he slowly sheathed his sword. "Put your weapons away."

"Got it," she whispered back as she put her shield away and slowly walked towards the leader of the group of Neutrals.

Aurus walked towards the leader as well, his hands high in the air. Iselia carried Ouz, whispering to her, telling her that everything was going to be all right.

"Neutrals, I presume?" Aurus asked as he approached the leader.

"Correct, Luminous Shield warrior. You have made a very wise decision in not resisting. I respect you for that. Now, as promised, you will be not be harmed. We will escort you to the Palace."

The Neutrals relieved Aurus and Iselia of their weapons until they finally took Ouz.

"We shall also take custody of this child."

Aurus glared at the Neutral as he took Ouz.

"If you harm her, I harm you. Got it?"

"Calm yourself. She will not be harmed. At least, not for now."

And with that, Aurus and Iselia were escorted to the Palace.

EDIT: Forgot that they took Ouz, fixed it.

[Innonexess]

Light shone down the dark alley, illuminating every crevice in the gnarled walls of alleyway. The horses reared, Kin and Laun pulled the reins, regaining control of their horses almost immediately afterwards. Shant, was not so lucky.

Lying on the ground, spread-eagled he shouted out "Get My Horse!"

"On it!" called out Luan, already speeding off after the rogue steed.

Kin Sig Par twisted his horse round, bringing it along side to his disgruntled comrade, dismounting, then helping Shant up.

"Are you OK?"

"Yeah," replied Shant "We're gonna have to wai..."

Kin grabbed him, spinning him round to look down a smaller, less used alley.Two figures. Two bright, shinning, figures.

"Oh damn..." whispered Kin.

"Shant Sun Par. Kin Sig Par. We already have your companion, Luan Mai Par?"

"What? Who?" asked Shant, confounded.

"We are the Neutrals, come with us."

"Do what they say, I've heard stories of this group. We have no chance of fighting them." said Kin knowingly. He withdrew his Rune-etched twin Chicken Sickles from his belt, laying them on the floor.

"Good." said the the two men simultaneously. "Come with us." They repeated.The two men lashed the members of the vis par's hands together. "Thank you for complying."

A fist came down on Shant's temple. He was out cold.

[jackster]

Soturi looks disdainfully at the neutrals, he was so close to his objective. But he does know that he doesnt have enough force to overcome all of them in the city.
He put away his weapons and the other two did the same.
"I will comply with your demand then." he said.

This turn of event is unpleasent, but perhaps it would present some other oppotunities to get Ouz. Seeing as the Neutrals took her away alone.

[Gorb]

Huang struck down the last of the golems, sighing in relief as he saw no more get up. They were no challenge, they were just annoying. The sun had risen, thankfully the trio's fighting had taken them into a nearby alleyway, out of the sight of the waking locals. Huang noticed several figures moving towards him and Lo, with Xiang behind the first two assassins. Dressed in white robes, hands behind their backs. Neutrals.

"Damn!" Huang turned his head slightly, and spoke quietly to Xiang. "Get out of here. Now!" He looked back at the Neutrals, they were approaching swiftly.

"Unknown people; You have broken the Innocents Treaty. Surrender yourselves to us and we won't harm you." They spoke in perfect unison. Smug bastards. Still, there was no point resisting. They needed to save their strength for later. Huang shook his head slightly, Lo got the message. They both sheathed their weapons and held their hands out.

"We thank you for you co-operation." Swifter than the eye could see, the first Neutral jabbed his hand towards Huang. Piercing pain was quickly followed by a cold darkness, and he knew no more. His last thought was of Xiang. Did she get away in time?

[noname0112]

Sang Hee and Fei Long decided to return to the inn after they escaped. Arriving at the inn, they sighed in relief thinking that the neutrals were not chasing them anymore. The two decided to look for him inside the inn again. While they were searching for him, they suddenly heard some people outside who were, Fei Long took a peek from the door and two neutrals which are talking with the owner near the staircase, two rooms away from their location. He immediately took his weapon and Shinnosuke's huge sword which he left behind then grabbed Sang Hee. The two jumped from the window and landed on the roof below it and escaped from the neutrals who are searching for them inside the inn.

While on their way to the stables, Sang Hee suddenly stopped. Fei Long seeing her stop asked her what she saw.

"What's the matter Sang Hee?"

Sang Hee pointed Shinnosuke's summons which already turned into ashes. Fei Long seeing this froze in shock.

"This can't be... these are, Shinnosuke's summons!" Looking at the remains of Shinnosuke's summons. He saw his sword at the ground and picked it up.

"Fei Long could Shinnosuke be..."

Before she could finish Fei Long immediately answered, "Yes, he's been caught by them."

Suddenly another five of the neutrals appeared again and this time surrounded them.

"This is bad..." Fei Long said to himself drawing his katana at his waist proceeding into his stance.

One of the neutrals stepped forward and said. "There's no use resisting against us. Give it up already, we already have your leader. There's no more reason for you to fight."

"You're right, you may have our leader. But...do not underestimate us!!!" Fei Long said used his Mass manipulation technique to increase his speed. With an unimaginable speed, he charged and attacked one of the neutrals fiercely causing him to loose his balance. A sudden attack from behind however caused him to collapse and weaken his body.

"Damn it..." Fei Long struggled to stand up.

"The Wulong may be the strongest warriors in the Country of Tao. However you don't stand a chance against us, the Ebor Neutrals. There is no chance for you to win fool, give it up already!" The largest of them told him.

"Like... I give up that easily, we are just getting started." Fei Long smiled planning to grab one of his signal flares at his back.

One of the Neutrals noticed Fei Long's plan kicked his right arm which is reaching his flare. The flare was thrown away in a distance and one of the Neutrals picked it up.

"Not bad Wulong warrior... However that trick won't work against us twice." One of them said to him.

Seeing the situation at their disadvantage Fei Long faced Sang Hee telling her to run away. However Sang Hee this time disagreed with him instead decided to give up to the Neutrals.

"There's no use Fei Long... we can't win against them. Let's give up... and surrender to them quietly." Sang Hee said sheathed her kodachi returning it to it's sheath at the back of her waist.

"A good decision young lady. We promise to you that we would not do you any harm." One of the Neutrals who seemed to be a higher ranking officer said to Sang Hee.

The two voluntarily went with them after Sang Hee decided to give up and were escorted by the five Neutrals to the Ebor Palace.