The Dance of Catastrophe

[The Black Waltz Project]

{Closed to Lavinyan Pride}

Chapter One: Thy Brother's Keeper.

THWACK THWACK THWACK

"Another help wanted add?" Sharon Waltz blurted loudly as she watched the hammer in Wilfred's hand obliterate the small nail into the wood of a nearbye tavern wall. "Don't you remember what happened the last time?" Wilfred's hammer stopped mid swing as his eyes focused upon his little sister, a small glare letting her know that yes, he did remember all to well.

"I don't know about this Wilfred," Dark said in a dodgy tone as his face shook in mild disagreement. "I kind of agree with Sharon. We might be getting in a tad bit over our heads. Shouldn't we call Sivienna if we need an escort? I'm sure she'd be willing to considering her cheery disposition." Again Wilfred's eyes focused a small glare towards his younger brother Dark.

"Wil you know we wouldn't be pestering you like this if it wasn't for the fact we feel strongly about it!" Sharon proclamied reaching for the notice. Wilfred grunted and swatted her hand away, motioning for his bag to Dark. The smaller, stout man grabbed the bag and tossed it to his taller brother, his hat shifting to the left a little. He grabbed his traditional Black Mage hat and readjusted it with a small smile. During that time Wilfred had taken out a small roll of parchment and wrote upon it handing what he wrote to his sister who read it aloud.

"Yes I am very aware of the danger we can get into, but it's a chance we just have to take. It's not easy having some mysterious order breathing down our neck not to mention that maniac Vladimir on the loose. And don't forget that Kycoo guy! Without my ability to cast spells realiably we'll just have to hope we meet someone who won't take advantage of us."

"My god Wilfred," Dark said stunned. "How fast can you write?" Wilfred took Dark's hat and pulled it over his eyes, pushing him away playfully. Sharon on the other hand asked a more serious question.

"Wilfred, it doesn't take much for a person these days to see weakness, and these notices..." Sharon took in adeep breath and continued. "Besides, we have grown so much in power since then! Dark is more than capable of handling a few peons and I myself and no longer such a slouch in combat! We don't need these help wanted adds Wilfred." Wilfred placed a firm hand on her shoulder, looking into her soft golden eyes. She returned his gaze, only able to see his golden coin orbs as well, and nothing else of his face. His mage coat and mage hat covered his face to the point it almost couldn't be seen, as a traditional black mage dresses. Usually those who looked into a black mage's eye would be paralized by visions of death as torment and screams of agony filled the air, but all she heard was a small voice of reasoning and saw Wilfred's soft eyes looking into hers. "Okay bro," she said softly smiling. "I'll trust you this time." Wilfred gave a nod as he let go of his sister.

Deep in the recesses of his mind where only he could hear, Wilfred thought aloud to himself. I know my siblings that I ask you once again to blindly follow your brother. I have thought this out many times and the fate that happened to me I can not possibly bear to face watching happen to you. I'll risk another monster if it means you two will be safe, I'll protect you no matter the cost. I swear it.

Little did Wilfred know, that promise was about to be put to the test...

[Lavinian Pride]

"Sarah! We've been walking all night; can't we get some rest now?" The voice of a small child whined into the open air of the night, as the sounds of wind playing through the trees could be heard. The girl in question was dressed in a small dress, her brown tresses of hair neatly pulled back in a ponytail, set high upon her head in an effort to expose her neck. She walked, stumbling every few steps as if to under line her fatigue.

Sarah, who the girl had complained to, on the other hand continued to walk unabated. She felt no such fatigue, but knew that the girl could only walk for so long. She was after all only six years old, and therefore, the strain of journey hit her harder than the woman who stopped and turned to look at her charge. Her brown eyes focused on the girl as wind whipped about, causing the girl to shiver in the breeze. Sarah nodded softly as she said, "The next town is only a little farther Kid, be patient. I promise we can rest there..."

"My feet hurt," The girl said as her lower lip jutted out in a pout. Sarah knew it was an act, that she really shouldn't be acknowledging the statement. However, the part of her, her more humane part cringed at the girl’s obvious pout. Sarah was fairly certain the girl was doing this specifically to abuse the fact Sarah couldn't say no to her. With a sigh, the woman stepped forward and kneeled in front of the girl.

Kid reached out and hugged Sarah, her small arms wrapping around her neck as Sarah gently hugged her back. The girl let her hands tighten in Sarah's brown locks, left free and open today as she whispered, "Please?"

Sarah let out a soft sigh of defeat before she nodded and gently let one of her arms slip down under the young girl. With a slight grunt she lifted the girl, letting her head rest on the woman's shoulder before she walked down the road and said softly, "Only until the next town, you may have me around your little finger, but I'll be damned if I coddle you all the time."

A soft childish kiss hit her cheek as she heard the girl whisper her thanks. Sarah meanwhile sighed as she moved through the town, feeling the heat of the girl against her cool flesh. It was always so disorienting, to have such a warm body against her, when her own flesh was so cold. The fact she was dead was sometimes forgotten, until the urge to feed, or worse, the sun came out and she was forced to acknowledge her fate. Sometimes it was easier to accept that she merely was a night owl, than a vampire, but she still had to abide by their rules.

Her gate took her through the Concordia forest to a small town on the edge. Finally reaching their destination she sighed looking about the town. No one was out or about at this late in the night, perhaps it could have been called the morning, except for the fact that the sun was nowhere to be seen. The town seemed a simple one, a small in for travelers, a bunch of houses, and a road that lead through it. She could almost imagine it was one of the towns in Reven, except the scenery held a more lively green than the deathly grey that seemed to grip the countryside.

Moving through the town she headed for the obvious large building that had to be an inn, before a paper was whipped up upon the wind. Paying it no mind she was soon introduced to it in a rather comical way, when said wind did flare up and push the paper from the low position hovering about the ground to her face. Using her free hand, being careful not to disturb Kid, who had seemed to have fallen asleep, she plucked the offending paper from her face before she muttered about fate being a bitch, and entered the tavern.

It was dark, except for a few small candles lit here and there, the owner understanding fully well that some people could not afford to travel during the day. The place was empty, a few chairs knocked over, a few standing in silent sentinel to the night, their ever vigilant watch casting deep shadows in the faint candle light. Her eyes darted tot he bar, where a rather tired looking man was, wiping a glass that already seemed impeccably clean, probably for lack of better things to do. Approaching him she fished in her satchel and produced some gold coins, before she tossed them onto the counter, "Take what you need for a room, and keep the rest for a tip, I just need one bed."

The man looked up at her, as if coming out of a dream before he scooped up the gold and nodded. A key to a room upstairs was left on the counter before he said, in a croak that sounded like he had not talked in perhaps an hour or two, "First door on the left, good night miss."

"Thanks," She replied as she walked across the room, her boots sounding against the floor as she continued her march. The chairs loomed about her, their menacing shadows only managing to amuse the Lavinian as she finally made it to the stairs and began her upward assault to the bedroom. When she had reached the top she saw a long hallway that had doors on both sides. A sigh escaped her lips as she opened the door and entered, being careful not to make too much noise for Kid, who had snuggled against her and was currently washing her hot breath along Sarah's neck. It was an odd sensation, one that was pleasing to Sarah. It reminded her that she was cared for by someone on this rock called Althanas.

Setting the girl down she finally hazarded a glance at the paper that had assaulted her outside. Her eyes flitting back and forth as she deciphered the rather ornate writing before her. It said scholar or noble, and the first words got the point across very well. This person, Wilfred Waltz, needed the help of an escort through Corone to reach an appointed port of call, before they would move on and leave their protector with a rather sizable sum. Bodyguard work seemed more along the lines of a scholar than a noble, for nobles traveled in packs.

It reeked of desperation.

Looking at the bed she sighed before she said, "I'll have to be careful then, probably sleep now and talk to them in the afternoon, get on our way then. Perhaps I should dress more conservatively." The words were spoken softly, almost to herself before she nodded and looked at the sleeping form of Kid. Her shoulders sagged as she saw the girl sleeping so innocently, but immediately straightened as she moved her hand down to her waist.

With a casual flick of the wrist her belt of daggers immediately sagged on her wide hips. Grabbing the belt it was placed in her bag, before she bent over and untied her boots and stepped out of them. Moving into the bed she left the small paper on the nightstand before she slipped into bed next to Kid. Moving closer to the small child she sighed as she tried to get comfortable on the rather lumpy bed, before her breathing steadied, out of habit, as she let sleep claim her, more than accustomed to getting sleep when she could.

[The Black Waltz Project]

Wilfred looked deep into the inside of his eyelids as he groaned mentally to himself. Before him and his siblings was two men, a tall athletically built man with a very large axe, and next to him a small overly flamboyant pudgy kid who held a rapier in his large fingers. They both explained how no mysterious order was ever a match for them, and began to regal the tales of their past exploits. Wilfred sighed loudly and Sharon began to yawn in an overly bored mannerism, and Dark pulled his hat over his eyes to hide the snickering he was audibly broadcasting to them.

“And then we were surrounded by no less than five of these strange warriors, but thankfully my associate here handled them with one swing of his mighty axe. And that is how we destroyed the Bandito Organization!” He patted the ogre-sized human on his arm and smiled leaning back upon him. “So let’s go ahead and negotiate our fee…” He said slyly pulling out a quill from his shirt. Sharon instantly snatched the feather up into the air and tossed it upon the Crown of Ashes. The wreath of thorns erupted in flames and burned the quill to smoldering ruins and she gave off a very smug smile.

“Yes, let’s.” She smirked. “Dark?” Her brother stiffened up and grabbed the glass of water in his hands, and with a little bit of effort made all the liquid a frozen block of ice.

“You see…what we are looking for is someone with ice in their veins.” Dark reached over and grabbed the larger man’s cup and did the same trick. “Someone who isn’t so hot blooded to act out. A calculating and patient person. You two dipsticks are nothing more than common swindlers. You prey upon people like us and try so hard to make yourselves look like heroes. You charge an outrageous fee so you can make up the money you owe to the fake bandits you higher to make you look good. So sorry to burst your ideals but it may be best to hit the road.”

“WHY HOW DARE YOU!” The pudgy man shouted in outrage. He slowly stood up hiding behind his bigger comrade. “Mongo, show them we mean business.” Mongo stood up shoving the whole table over knocking papers everywhere and ruining all the food set before them. Wilfred was instantly up and in the face of the beast, even he being taller than the Black Mage. “Mongo fears nothing! Mongo…rough him up.” The pudgy man said vilely.

Yet no matter what the man asked, his comrade didn’t either listen or acknowledge the remark, for he stood starring at Wilfred into his cold golden eyes. The mammoth sized human took a step forward to get a clear look into his opponents soul.

Be warned, fool. You are looking death in the eyes… Wilfred thought angrily. Mongo stood his ground, but his body began to shake starting the quaking in his boots. Soon his body began to turn as if to run away from whatever he was seeing, before soon Mongo grabbed his head and screamed as if he saw the most horrifying creature he ever knew could exsist. His worst nightmares spilled out of each pitch of anguish as he turned tail and ran away from the scource of the terror. He knocked over his pudgy partner as he ran out of the building, his mouth uttering the words, “No, No, No…” over and over. The pudgy man quickly stood up chasing Mongo shouting after him, and Dark quickly stood up and raised his hands.

“Sorry everyone, didn’t mean to startle you. Please go back to your eating.” It took a moment but the crowd dispersed and the people began talking all over again in their little social circles. Wilfred and Sharon had lifted the table while Dark ordered more food from the kitchen.

“Ugh, what a mess…” Sharon groaned. “Who’s next?” Wilfred looked through his papers of responses and sighed tossing one up into the air. Sharon made to grab for it, but before the parchment could grab her soft digits, another cold and assuming hand reached up and snatched it from her face. Dark looked it over and smiled tossing it back to her. Sharon grabbed the paper scowling at her brother then read the parchment loudly. “Will a Duke Kupo please come forward?” She asked. She looked up and saw nobody standing before her. “DUKE KUPO!”

“KIPO!” a tiny voice shouted from the crowd. “Coming!”

“I’m sorry, Duke Kipo.” Sharon corrected herself.

“KUPO! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD IT’S KUPO, KUPO!” Sharon became very alarmed at the tone the voice shouted towards her, but she just let it go. Out of the crowd she saw a weird fuzzy red ball walking towards the table. Falling the antenna she saw the cutest most adorable teddy bear followed by a yellow colored sheep.

“Awww….so cute!” She couldn’t help herself as she clapped her hands together near her chest. Dark slapped his head in embaressment as Wilfred’s eyes looked at the two with a look of utmost hilarity. He started to bang the table in excitement as the duo walked forward and they both took their seats. The small sheep herded one over with his head before they sat down. The bear like creature pulled a very large tome out of his red satchel and opened it pulling out a quill. The sheep sat upon it’s haunches and let its tongue hang lazily out of the side of his closed mouth.

“Uh…Mr. Kupo?” Dark said trying to regain composure. The creature with the red antenna looked up.

“Yes?” Dark tossed his papers up in the air in frustration turning to Wilfred.

“I blame you!” Dark said vilely turning to Sharon. “You get to ask the questions.” His sister nodded looking over to the two talking creatures.

“Hello, my name is Sharon Waltz, and you applied for our ad for an escort, correct?”

“Yes I have, this guy here is Tim…um…Tim the Yan.” He said unsure of a last name for his friend. Tim just nodded dumbly.

“Nice to meet you, mam.” Tim said politely. Sharon had a soft look in her eyes as she couldn’t handle the cuteness of the two. Dark interrupted with a few harsh words to bring her back to focus.

“What the hell are you two?” Duke looked over to him and shrugged.

“I’m a Moogle, and Tim is a Yan.” Dark nodded as if he should have obviously known this.

“So, a few questions for you. Number one: What quests or adventures have you gone on?” Sharon asked.

“Well, we met Andy Rorton, and helped him in his quest to find his cowboy lover. Then we went into the desert and fought a giant cactus guy who said “Boi” a lot. After that we traveled to hell and fought Lucifer for the soul of some guy named Yagi using these strange cards. After that we went to Acinvar, city of fractions. We met a priest, but then things got really blank after that. Then we wound up here.”

Sharon blinked multiple times before she shook her head moving onwards. “O-KAY…” She shuffled her papers around. “What would you say if you were being hunted by a mysterious order?” The Yan jumped up onto the table and began to shout vry loudly.

“WE ARE BEING WATCHED BY THE ROUND GUY! HE KNOWS ALL, SEES ALL, AGGHHHHHH!!!” And the yan jumped into Wilfred’s arms shaking. “I’m so scared….” Wilfred instinctively rubbed the creatures head and then motioned for Sharon to continue.

“OHHHH-Kay…” She looked downwards and read her next question. “What would you do if we were attacked in the middle of the night?”

“What?” Duke said wide-eyed. “Attacks? Huh? I thought you needed an escort…” Sharon looked puzzled for a moment. Dark suddenly exploded in laughter as he got up walking away, the moment too much for him to handle.

“What…did you…think…I…meant?” Sharon said puzzled.

“Well…I thought you needed a date to some formal thing. Naturally I thought you were attracted to my Pom Pom.” He said shyly. Dark fell to the ground in a fit of laughter as he kicked the ground repeatedly.

“Oh my…” Sharon said, her face turning a bright shade of red.

“Ouuu. It’s getting interesting…” Tim said to Wilfred, now perched on his shoulder.

“Tim! You told me she needed a date, KUPO!” Tim shrugged.

“Dunno what you’re talking about, Kipo.” Tim said absently. Sharon remained quiet as the Moogle and the Yan both traded insults, Dark still laughing so hard he was wheezing. Wilfred eventually picked up the Yan and placed him on the ground, patting him on the rear.

“Oh well. Good luck finding Mr. Right, Misses. Waltz.” And the two bickered away.

“Oh my…” Sharon said embarrassed. Dark still couldn’t contain himself as he just kept laughing. Wilfred shook his head in amusement.

“Alright, well, that was the last one…so in all honesty if we don’t find someone soon we’ll be stuck here another night. Might as well order dinner to. It’s almost evening.” Sharon said shuffling her papers.

“What a strange little creature.” She muttered

[Lavinian Pride]

"Kid darling, I think the make up would be a bit much. We're mercenaries, not going to a party. If this was a mere honor guard, I'd agree, but, this is something grittier. We need to be fearsome, not....regal," Sarah said as she gently pushed away the make up that Kid had begun to hold up to her face. She seemed to pout a little before she nodded and hopped off the chair next to Sarah. Sarah could tell the little girl had wanted to doll her up, had wanted to put her at her best look, but she couldn't for fear of the job. They needed the money, and really this was their only shot.

As Kid pulled on her top she sighed, looking at the little girl. They had both washed up for the meeting, trying to look at least presentable. While the dirty grit of a warrior was expected, she figured a need to show that her other talents could come in handy. Her hair was pulled back into a low ponytail today, so as to stay off her shoulders, but still hide her neck a bit, particularly the bite marks on her throat. She had learned early they would never fade, but she often took the time to at least hide them, if she would have to be present among mortals for extended periods of time.

"Are we going to travel at night Sarah?" Kid asked.

She pondered the question before she said firmly, "I don't see any other way this will work. At the least, it'll leave fewer witnesses to our passing, and it’ll also make night ambushes not an issue." She then pulled on her shorts before the dagger belt was slung about her hips, trailing up one, and under the other. It seemed odd placement, but Sarah was used to it as such, and so it would probably throw many off guard when she could pull a knife at a whim. While not as fast as Seth, she certainly would given the man a run for his money now. Were he not dead.

It was still hard getting used to that fact. Seth Dahlios was dead; she was a free woman, unable to be plagued by his bad reputation anymore. Anyone with a grudge against him could be told to piss off and get in line behind her, without fear of them pressing the issue. It was, relieving to have such a freedom, but all the same she knew that as his "sister" she would still inherit the occasional grudge. Eye for an eye made the world blind, but it also seemed to be a popular opinion.

Her boots were laced up tight as she carefully tied them. They had been brushed off of most of the dirt and mud, still retaining a bit of their grit however. Subtle hints to her warrior background would be acceptable. An odor that could be smelled a mile away, wasn't. However as she looked at herself in the mirror, she sighed. Something seemed missing. It was at this point Kid forced her bracers upon her along with her gloves and sleeves. Smiling at the girl she ruffled her hair as she said softly, "Don't know what I'd do without you Kid."

"Probably starve," She said sweetly. Sarah laughed at the statement, knowing how true it was. The sleeves went up her arms, starting at her wrist, and ending at the elbow. It would serve as a good insulator against the bracers, made from the bones of a dragon. This particular dragon had rampaged through a caravan in Haidia, what seemed like ages ago. Having been bit by a vampire, Sarah had been forced to fight it while it was still in the process of dying, going insane from the conflicting magics. It resulted in a rather brutal end for the dragon, when Sarah beheaded the damn thing in frustration, having seen it wound one of her friends.

She sighed, reminiscing on that particular week. It had been interesting to say the least. Sleep with Brock Rundgren, who had dropped off the radar, fight a dragon, which was well beyond the job description, then leave with her gold, and Rundgren's. That had been poetic justice, since the man had been rather an ass to her following their night together. Finally she shook her head realizing the sun was finally beginning to set.

Picking up a heavy cloak to shield her from the waning rays of sunlight she looked at Kid before she said, "What do you think girl? Do I look the part? Am I a tough warrior?"

Kid giggled as she said, "No, you're just a big softy!" Sarah of course knew that the girl had seen her fight, brutally. She had seen Sarah at her best, and her worst. The comment was a joke, reminding Sarah that she would never bent he vicious warrior she pretended to be, just a thief, who was skilled in combat.

Sarah kissed Kid on the head as she whispered, "Well then, lets get this softy over to the tavern, so we can see if she's got what it takes to scare them."

Kid only giggled at the comment as they moved, Sarah lifting her satchel. The knives clinked together on the belt as they passed, subtly reminding her of their presence. As did two other daggers. While she had never had reason to wield them, Ebony and Ivory sat just behind the girls, in a position for use, only in the direst of emergencies. She had found out the hard way, that while her body was of Seth's blood, since she was not Seth, or descended from him, she couldn't touch them without pain, at least, if she made flesh contact.

The thought of the two knives enveloped her as they moved downstairs form the inn. Sarah lifted her cloak as she stepped out into the light feeling its warmth for the first time in months. She hissed slightly as she narrowed her eyes, adjusting to the much brighter daylight as she quickly moved to the shadows of the inn. Her heart raced as she considered the prospect of potentially dying trying to get this job, but she figured at least Kid could pull her back into the safety of darkness, if she began to burn too much. The sun had served to rouse her from her thoughts before she moved swiftly inside the tavern.

Her eyes scanned the area, seeing two people with large hats, reminiscent of the old fashioned wizarding hat. They had a girl with them who seemed to be flushed in the face, either from embarrassment, or even from excitement, it was hard to tell at this distance. Still as she had figured they were the ones, it would look foolish to merely walk up and assume. Her eyes scanned for other such candidates, and finally she moved to the bar, advertisement in hand. Twisting it on the counter to show the tender he examined it, picking it up before he nodded and pointed, as she had thought, at the wizardly looking bunch.

Scanning the tavern she saw there was a few clusters of people here and there, some drinking, others carousing. Lanterns were scattered through the area, and a wench was hurriedly lighting them as the waning rays of sunlight lost to the darkness that threatened to envelope the world. Tipping the tender a couple of gold for his work, she grabbed the flyer before she moved through the sea of patrons. Her efforts seemed to go unnoticed until she tossed the flyer on the table before the three of them, and sat purposefully in the chair across from them. Looking back at Kid she nodded as she managed to take a chair from one of the other tables and set it down next to Sarah.

As she crawled into it she gave Sarah a reassuring smile before Sarah smiled herself and ruffled the girl’s hair. She then took on a much more professional demeanor as she spoke frankly, "My name's Sarah Dahlios, and I hear you need an escort."

[The Black Waltz Project]

Wilfred felt a hint of something dark walk into the room as the trio of Black Mage’s continued to set up. What it was he couldn’t put his finger on it, but the only new additions to the tavern were a woman and a small child, a few drunkards, and a couple of travelers. Any one could be the source, but he decided to dismiss it.

Despite Sharon’s stern warnings Dark continued to heckle her for the Moogle’s antics, prodding deeper into territory that he knew he shouldn’t go. “I can see the wedding now, Sharon!” He said clapping his hands together. “You walk down the aisle, that long white wedding gown train being pulled by that retarded yellow sheep. Your face a light with the knowledge you found your true love. You two had to fight so much critiscm and hate to get where you are…” Wilfred shot him a vile look, but Dark continued. “The priest would then ask for your vows. And he would pull that ridiculously large book out of his bag, and then read to you his love for your lack of a pom pom.” Wilfred lost his look as he tried so hard not to laugh. Sharon on the other hand was getting more irritated.

Wilfred couldn’t help it as he wrote swiftly on a sheet of paper and then handed the piece to his brother, who read it aloud with the bravado of a Bard. “What would Shiron think? To lose to such a small creature…” He instantly began to fall apart again as the two brothers both pounded the table in laughter. Sharon gave off a quick smirk and then grabbed both hats.


“FIRE FUEL MY RAGE!” And instantly both hats started to burn at the tips. Quickly both brothers put their respected fires out, muttering apologies as Wilfred pushed Dark in a condescending way. As Wilfred regained composure he saw a tall, lithe like, woman walk to the table, dropping a chair next to her. Quickly a small child ran up to the chair and sat, smiling at what he would assume to be her mother. The atmosphere quickly changed to a serious one as she dropped the escort sheet on the table, and speaking her intentions in a clear, determined tone.

“Holy shit…” Dark said in a daze.

“REALLY DARK?” Sharon shouted at her brother. “Does any set of boobs get you going?” Dark turned a bright shade of red as he excused himself to get drinks. Wilfred smacked Sharon hard on the back of the head and motioned for her to keep to the job she was given and continue. Sharon apologized more to herself than anyone else but took a sip of water smiling.

“Okay, let’s get this started on a more polite note. My name is Sharon Waltz, this is my brother, Wilfred,” Wilfred nodded to her. “and the other idiot was Dark.” The table scooted and Sharon squeaked in pain rubbing her ankle. “Anyways!” She said sternly to Wilfred before moving onwards. “I see you have the look of a warrior to you. A very distinguishable trait that is very easy to see. I can also tell just by your look and weapons you are experienced. So I think I will explain a bit about our situation and then I would like you to explain how you would defend our lives in the event of an emergency. Unfortunetly I don’t know how you will take this but we must, at all times, travel by night, until at least the noon time. We sleep for six hours, and then we got to get moving.”

“Oh and another thing,” Dark said sitting back down, his tone more suited to what he was asking. “We have been hunted and attacked personally by two very lethal groups of people. One is a group of warriors named the Knights of Apocalypse, the other is a more elitist group who are followers of Kycoo. One group has near limitless resources at their disposal, and the other can show up anywhere with magic that can shatter souls and minds.”

Wilfred pointed to the girl, and made a motion for a drink. Sharon smiled dropping a glass of milk before the tiny girl.

“You have a beautiful little girl. I’d hate for her to have to deal with these things…”

“Honestly, I can’t in good conscience ask her to join us in this ridiculous setting. The road ahead is not going to be pretty. We have fought Hex Mage’s, barbarians, psychics, blood golems…to ask a small child to witness such things is not fair of us to ask you.”

Wilfred looked into the woman’s eyes and saw something in them he saw before. A very familiar look of a friend from long ago.

“Not like this would matter to you, but there is a particular sinister man, who is hell bent on our deaths. Vladimir Sigma, a former member of that KOA legion. He’s sinister and has no qualms stooping to levels so low that it makes him beneath a monster. Then we fought Arkham Zarro, that Hex Mage.” Dark chipped in.

“More like I did, and he was a brutal sonovabitch. I swear to god, his arrogance in thinking he was a god was the only reason I lived.” Wilfred cleared his throat very loudly pointing to the woman. Wilfred looked her deeper into the eyes, and she didn’t seem to back down. Somehow he could feel a conflict. She wanted him to push deeper he felt. Backing off he motioned for her to talk, at the same time offering food for the child next to her.

Talk now, show me your betrayal. I suddenly distrust you woman but you’re the only person I think can handle this job…

[Lavinian Pride]

The objections flew in. They seemed relentless in their insistence, and ludicrous in their logic. They talked of Kid being in danger, of Sarah's inability to keep up with their feats, and more. For a group that required and escort, they certainly seemed full of themselves when it came to the weapons of war. They seemed too caught up in their stories, however, the silent one, he seemed keen on her, studying, watching. She knew he was sly, he knew the score, and he was hiding something himself. As she waited patiently they finally shut up, allowing her to talk for the first time since she sat down.

First, she looked at Kid, who looked up at her. She jerked her head towards the siblings before she giggled and nodded. Sarah herself nodded before she said, "Kid is special, she was born in a vampire blood puppet farm." Sarah then turned and looked somberly at each one of them, "She's seen things far more brutal than a blood golem, or a Hex Magi. And as the sister of the notorious Seth Dahlios, you better come up with better scary stories if you think I'm going to let some two bit mage with a pension for murder stop me."

She then got up slowly and leaned forward on the table placing her hands squarely on it before she spoke earnestly, "I don't give a rat's ass what you think of me or my girl. I know for a fact that I can survive this trip, and that Kid will be there with me at the end of it. We didn't come from the bowels of Reven just to have three mages, who are too afraid of their own shadow, tell me that I'm not good enough to baby-sit them."

She then sat down on the table as she felt her pride slowly recede back into her still heart. It had incensed her, the casual way they had dismissed her with their stories. Especially when she had slain dragons, braved the undead of Reven, and worked heavily to ensure the safety of the two people that mattered most to her. As she sat down Kid said softly, "Sarah, please clam down. I hate it when you're angry."

Sarah gave Kid the briefest of smiles as she said softly, "That’s right, you don't. I'll try to calm myself." She then looked over at them as she spoke, "I'm a vampire, so traveling during daylight is a problem for one such as me. I can protect you all night, but as soon as the sun's rays caress the earth, I'm hiding in darkness. So long as there's a way for me to travel with you during daylight, I can make sure you are safe during the night."

She then pondered what else to give them, and sighed as she found there was really nothing else to say. She had already impressed upon them her survivor status, and while she loathed thinking what Kycoo was doing in relation to these Magi, she wasn't going to press. She had met Kycoo briefly in Reven and once as Seth in Haidia, both times left her skin crawling and a strong desire to wash herself afterwards. After all it had been Kycoo the Homunculus who was created to be the perfect weapon that had ultimately killed Seth Dahlios. Seemed fitting to her one monster was destroyed by another, even if it meant Liliana was as bad as Seth nowadays. Having been forced to fight for her own life, the concept of throwing it away seemed foreign to Sarah.

Kid finished her glass of milk before she said softly, "Miss Sharon, can I please have some more?" The glass was pushed forward as Sarah smirked. The girl was working her magic, and Sarah wasn't about to stop it. Kid was a fast learner and had been forced to learn how to appease the vampires about her, while getting what she needed. So it would be easy for her to manipulate the woman into giving her vote for the two of them. She merely had to win over the other two, especially the silent one. He seemed on guard, which frankly impressed Sarah; he knew she couldn't be trusted.

Perhaps it was her Vampiric nature, or perhaps it was the Lavinian Pride, but she was interested in seeing what she could get from the group. In the end it was more if they accepted her, how much could she get away with? It only seemed fair since they were going to write her off before she had even spoken more than a sentence that she made them pay for their arrogance. As Kid waited for the answer to her question Sarah sat back in her chair and relaxed, waiting for the final verdict as she looked at the elder of the siblings.

Go on big guy; give me your best shot. I don't think you have what it takes to stop me now.

[The Black Waltz Project]

Wilfred listened intently upon each word she spoke, and he could practically taste the reeking smell of her pride from each defensive word she spoke. Learning she was a vampire both impressed and put Wilfred even more on caution, and she looked to him with expectant eyes. He could already tell she dismissed Sharon in her mind, and Dark was already memorized by her beauty. He would be hard pressed to tell the both of them that this woman wasn't to be allowed, but at the same time he couldn't think of anyone better suited.

Sharon on the other hand was acting like he knew she would to the little girl. Like a babbling moron. Sharon had poured the small child a glass of milk and scooted it over to Kid, who thanked her and drank it. Wilfred felt the uneasy feeling in his gut when he learned she was a blood puppet. The term wasn't unfamiliar to him, but the knowledge wasn't fresh and it would take him time to re-learn exactly what Kid was capable of. The whole situation reeked badly of betrayal, but Wilfred didn't know what aim, what goal, or what motive she would have against them.

Wilfred made the first move getting up and grabbing Dark with him leaving Sharon behind. Her protests and concerns were useless to him now that she was wrapped under the child's finger. The two walked off over to the bar and Dark looked back at the table.

"Well Wil, what do you think?" Wilfred gave Dark a serious look, but then nodded. "Are you sure? We don't have a very clear goal once we reach the edge of this dump. Do you even know what our next plan is once we reach Fallien?" Wilfred didn't make a motion. He stood in silence for a moment studying the back of Sarah before he nodded and walked over to the bullitan board, pulling all their notices for escorts down before he turned to Sarah and Sharon. He made a jerking motion with his thumb over to the door and stood with his arms across his chest.

I will watch you Sarah Dahlios, and if you ever lift a finger to harm my siblings I will make sure to find a way for you to experience hell all over again...

[Lavinian Pride]

Sarah watched as the Waltz siblings held their conference off to the side. While she couldn't hear their words she was more than certain they were coming to the conclusion Sarah had almost immediately. The one called Dark would have voted for her, if she were simply a dolled up bimbo. The girl, while hesitant really could form no argument against Kid, who had her around the small girl's finger. That left the more sage of the bunch, and even he seemed reluctant to throw away their only chance of safely escaping the area.

When she saw the jerk towards the door she smirked before she walked out of the joint, following behind the siblings. Her footsteps were sure as they moved towards the edge of town. Even as a group of men moved to cut them off. Sarah stepped before her charges when a voice shouted out, "I told you three you would regret not hiring me. Instead you're stuck with some stupid girl, who won't be able to save you."

"I'll admit I'm female, but stupid, that’s just low," Sarah shot back as she observed. Before her was five men, three of which seemed like just armed men, people given swords that had at least swung them a few times. They had an idea of how to fight, but no real talent for it. The larger man seemed built for combat, but the trail of drool across his lips told the tale rather well, more of a golem of flesh than a real person. The small man, armed with the rapier was too fat to be of any concern to the woman. The only threat was the freakishly huge man and the battle axe he carried.

"Listen darling, why don't you go home and cook a meal before one of us men rough you up," The pudgy one spoke as the men about laughed.

Sarah tensed at the words, and Kid seeing the sudden shift in her caretaker immediately moved over to the waltzes and whispered for them to get away fast, even as a light breeze upon the wind brought a refreshing chill across them. A few of the men shifted uncomfortably as she plastered a faux smile upon her face, before she spoke, "Oh, rough little ole me up? Is that what you'll do to poor little me?"

One of the men walked up and spoke, "Tell you what honey, you can spend a night with a real man, get this pretending you're an adventurer out of your system and leave the adventuring to the real men."

He didn't get a chance to act before a thorn was torn from its holster and shoved to the hilt in the man's crotch. A look of venom in her eyes as she hissed, "Good luck with that fantasy, it'll be hard to do much of anything when you can't breed. I'm doing the world a favor there..." The act of brutality was not lost upon the men one of which swung for her head, only to have an arm block the blow with a dragon bone armguard. As he dropped the weapon, the force of the blow tearing it from his grip he yelped in surprise as he became a whirling dervish, the sound of metal upon metal ringing out as she deflected a blow from another sword.

The two sword men's strikes deflected she brought an elbow across the jaw of one of the men, sending him stumbling towards their leader even as she stooped low picking up dirt in her free hand. One of the girl's began to dance in her hand as she deflected the incoming rapier before she spun letting him by and threw the dirt into the charging barbarian. As the dirt connected her immediately cried out trying to wipe the dust from his eyes as he screamed, "That no fair! You blind Mongo!"

A kick sailed out and hit the still up man who was scrambling for his recently disarmed sword. Hitting the man squarely in the temple he sprawled upon the ground, even as the cries of anguish from her castrated opponent filled the air. With only three hostiles in combat conditions she saw the pudgy man trying to reach Sharon. A thorn was plucked from its holster as it sailed through the air, hitting the man only a few steps away from her charges as it sunk to the hilt, and popped a lung, causing the man to let out a wet gasp, and coughed trying to clear his quickly filling lung of blood.

Two combatants left she felt herself sail through the air as she was checked hard by the body of the raging barbarian, who seemed to have recovered from her dirty trick. As she sailed through the air a hand trailed along the ground before she sprung off it and righted herself, landing in a slide only a mere foot from her charges. Her hair was loose from the ponytail she had kept it in even as her eyes took on a predatory look to them. The curtain parted only to show the look of intense anger on it. This was how Sarah dealt with her self loathing and anger now, with the thrill of battle, and the hope of redemption.

The barbarian charged at her, only to watch as she charged back in utter shock. However, the shock soon left his face as he brought the axe around in an attempt to decapitate the poor vampire woman. Ducking under the axe blow saw her hit the man shoulder first in the gut and sending him sprawling back even as the remaining thug was recovering from his earlier fall. Sarah soon drew her other girl and stood still, patiently waiting the barbarian as her chest heaved from the exertion.

"Mongo no like you!" The barbarian screeched even as she dodged the axe brought down in a cleaving blow. Her boot slammed down hitting the axe squarely on the shaft, with sufficient force to shatter it, leaving the barbarian weaponless. It was then she brought the knives forward and planted them both in Mongo's chest, as the barbarian shrugged off the damage, even as blood flowed freely over his lips. Sarah was soon found to be the sole recipient of several punches that would have fell a lesser man.

After what seemed like an eternity the barbarian seemed to slow down, as the blood began to restrict his breathing far beyond even his rage could compensate. It was at this time Sarah acted with her own punches before she sent an uppercut punch right at the monstrosity’s jaw and sent it falling to the ground, where it promptly stayed down, unable to recover. Her chest heaved as she raised baleful eyes at the man before her he held his sword as he surveyed the battle scene. The employer was dead, one of his cohorts was out cold, Mongo was bleeding out, and another cohort was dead. He would be the sole survivor if he left, and he wasn't sure the woman wouldn't just end him there to vent the rage that formed in her eyes.

"Leave, now," Sarah said, her voice leaving little room for argument.

And by now, the boy had none, even as the blade fell to the ground and he sprinted out of the small town of Underwood.