[Task 3 - Zadi]

(OOC: Feel free to post in this thread if you are spying on Zadi. Italics means he is thinking~)

Task 3:

After the Fanalis filled meeting, with Personamorphism v1.5 seamlessly replacing Personamorphism, Zadi picked out a job posted up on a board within the meeting area. Many missions were taken leaving only a couple left for Zadi to pick from. The job seemed good enough to take and it technically didn't involve killing. Though Zadi was against killing, he would probably end up doing so anyway unless the Kou soldiers begged for their lives. However, the specific mission that Zadi picked involved ambushing a small group of Kou soldiers and "taking them out" as the missions loosely described. This definetly involved death in some way, but it was only a few troops.

"Better just take it before anyone notices that I'm hesitating."

Zadi swiped the small chicken scratch from the board and left for the indicated road where the Kou troops are to be. On his way over there, Zadi felt like he was being followed by something. The sky was rather cloudy today so it was rather difficult to see any significant shadows on the ground. However, it was unmistakable. Zadi felt followed. Was it the Kou person that almost ratted out Zadi or was it the strangely level-headed Fanalis that almost got Zadi to freak out? Either which way, if Zadi wasn't dead yet, that meant they wanted to know if Zadi was trustworthy...maybe. The person that may or may not be following Zadi could also just be trying to mess with Zadi's head before killing him! All the same, Zadi continued on with his Fanalis-ing and made his way to the specified road.

"Friggin' darn it! Whatever may or may not be following me is getting rather annoying! This feeling...this paranoia! Wait! Better keep a straight face. Don't want to blow my cover, no matter who may or may not be following me."

Zadi kept his composure as best he could. If anything, they might have been a slight shudder in a recent footstep, but it was hopefully masked by Zadi's continued composure. Though the continued composure could also indicate that Zadi was hiding something! The pressure is too intense! Zadi couldn't help it. He stopped for a split second and turned around 180 degrees to see if he was being blatantly followed- but he was mistaken in thinking that he would see anyone blatantly looking his way. There were a few pedestrians here and there, but nobody that Zadi saw at the meeting. Zadi's detective skills would have noticed otherwise.

"Alright, nobody is following me. At least this paranoia is gone now."

Zadi turned back around and continued on as if he never turned around in the first place. Zadi kept his disguise on, wand hidden and gripped firmly with his left hand, sword sheathed on his lower back facing Zadi's right arm, left arm dangling freely, and composure kept in tack. Zadi felt large and in charge with this disguise on!

"It's been a while now. The rock formation towering over the specified road should be somewhere in sight by now. Ah! There it is! Time to find a good position."

Zadi eventually made it to the rock formation which was towering over the "ambush road" where Zadi would attempt to ambush a small group of traveling Kou troops. Hopefully they would all beg for their lives so that Zadi wouldn't have to kill any of them. Anyway, Zadi found a good position and waited for the Kou troops to make there way between Zadi and the other rock face on the other side of the road. Zadi's position wasn't very high off the ground. It was a mere 1 meter from the road's level and 1 meter away, but it was as good of a spot as any. Zadi may look and talk like a Fanalis, but that didn't make Zadi a Fanalis in the least. Zadi made sure he kept his disguise in tack without changing a single detail. Sure blending into the rocks would be smart and all, but Zadi wanted to see if he could rely on something other than magic for his fights. It would be risky to say the least, but Zadi loved to try new things. Technically those "new things" mainly included eating and drinking and sometimes even spells, but Zadi made an exception this time since he didn't want to kill any of the troops...at least not with his magic...if at all possible anyway. Zadi took a gulp at the thought of that challenge but stuck to it when he look down to his sword's hilt, the part right below the blade. He took a quick glance specifically at the ruby encrusted within Rukh Slayer and felt safe once more. The supposed power that this ruby gave Zadi when touching Rukh Slayer filled Zadi with hope that he could take on a few Kou troops.

"Ah! Here they come! Better get ready now."

Zadi crouched down further underneath the cover of the rocks. He kept his eyes on the troops' camel-driven caravan while securing his shield, Knight's Defender, to this right arm and then unsheathed Rukh Slayer with this right arm. The reason behind Zadi's refusal to use his left arm for anything but holding and hiding his wand was to ensure that even the Kou troops wouldn't be able to pick out Zadi from a lineup in case Zadi failed with his ambush.

After a few more minutes of waiting while staying hidden, the caravan's camel aligned with the rocks that Zadi was hiding behind. Zadi used his Flash Steps in order to quickly take a single, one meter long, leap with a single step onto the back of the camel, facing towards the Kou troops that was guiding the caravan. The 20 m/s leap was quick and got Zadi an edge of surprise on the single Kou soldier. Zadi's feet landed on each camel hump, one hump per foot with Zadi's right foot closest towards the Kou soldier. Rukh Slayer's blade pointed towards the Kou soldier, Zadi took another step forward at 20 m/s while taking a decisive Forward Thrust towards the Kou soldier's heart with the added power of the Savage Ruby. It would be a sudden and relatively quick death for the Kou soldier, one that Zadi would remember for the rest of his days, but it got the job done. The quick footing and timing of Zadi's two Flash Steps secured the edge of surprise specifically due to the combined speed of the second step with the Forward Thrust. Zadi's second Flash Step landed Zadi on the guider's area where they rest their posterior.

Unfortunately, Zadi couldn't keep this surprise ambush much of a surprise anymore. The other five Kou soldiers underneath the roof of the caravan head the sudden cries of both of the camel and their fallen comrade during his final death-throws. Zadi anticipated some cover-blowing noise, so after landing on the guider's seat with his right foot having followed his left, Zadi pushed off at 20 m/s towards the left side of the caravan while cutting loose the camel in the process with a single swipe of his Rukh Slayer. In the process, one of the Kou soldiers tried to Jab at Zadi, but Zadi was too quick. In the meantime, the other four Kou soldiers rushed out of the caravan and surrounded Zadi, two on each of his sides. The camel had run off after being cut loose, so the two Kou troops that took to Zadi's right side made it at just about the same time that the left-side troops made their positions. Zadi now had to take on about four Kou troops at once, each of which were ten meters away from Zadi.

The four Kou troops attempted to Jab at Zadi at the same time, all at 20 m/s. However, Zadi was far enough away to be able to react with one Flash Step at 20 m/s towards the left-side Kou soldier closer to the caravan. In doing so, Zadi, with his wand kept hidden within his left arm's sleeve, elbowed the now defenseless soldier's head with B-tier power due to the help of the Savage Ruby. The Kou soldier's defenselessness was due in part by him being left handed, therefore jabbing with his left arm. The soldier's head could be head slamming against the side of the caravan, but he was already knocked out, or perhaps dead, by the time Zadi's powerful elbow hit his head.

After the single Flash Step that helped end one more Kou soldier, Zadi used his remaining momentum plus muscular strength to twist his left leg, the leg he recently Flash Stepped with, swing his left arm around to his left, twist the rest of his body, cock his right leg, and quickly kick the former right-side Kou soldier closest to the caravan using B-tier power in his right leg. However, the Kou soldier was just quick enough to Block with his shield. Even more so however, Zadi's kick was powerful enough to break the shield upon contact, though stopping all the same. The sudden power behind the kick staggered the blocking Kou solider while the other two jumped backwards in shock, but quickly regained composure once more.

Two soldiers down, four to go, one without a shield. Zadi cocked back his right leg, putting it on the ground, and putting up his shield with his sword pointed upwards. Zadi kept a serious face, knees slightly bent, and senses ready. The caravan Kou soldier finally got out of the caravan and ended up behind Zadi while the other three signaled him to keep caution. They all put up their shields, one just his sword, with their swords cocked halfway behind their shields, knees bent just as much as Zadi's. The arrival of the other solider prompted Zadi to back up against the caravan, back facing the caravan while his eyes shifting between the four soldiers inching ever closer, each only 5 meters away from Zadi. One was to the immediate left of Zadi while the other three where at Zadi's two o'clock.

Zadi took another Flash Step at 20 m/s to his left without waiting for the Kou soldier to get any closer. During the step, Zadi readied his Shield Slap, cocking in right arm to his left shoulder, sword still pointed upwards. Zadi aimed for the soldier's shield for he, exactly like the elbowed soldier, was left handed. Zadi was ready to step with his right leg for another Flash Step, but the Kou soldier was able to follow Zadi's most recent Flash Step and tried to Jab at Zadi's right shoulder. However, Zadi's borg got in the way. It was technically using magic since it was a borg, but Zadi could care less at the moment! Zadi's borg broke while halting the Jab by the soldier, allowing for Zadi to Shield Slap the Kou soldier in the face then using another Flash Step to hey past the soldier which was accompanied by a downward slash that cut vertically down the soldier's chest, knocking out or killing the soldier due to the extra B-tier power using the Savage Ruby. Either which way, another Kou soldier was out of the fight!

The three remaining Kou soldiers didn't move from their positions very much. Only a few feet to be precise. They were barely able to follow what just happened in that split second between the borg breaking and the shield slapping their comrade. Seeing a Fanalis with a borg puzzled them to the point of hesitation. They've seen a borg, not to mention break, and they've seen a pure-blood Fanalis, but never at the same time on the same person. They didn't know what to do much less say as their comrade fell to the ground while Zadi turned around with a scarily calm stare and body posture, seemingly ready to strike as if he wasn't nothing had just happened. To the remaining Kou soldiers, Zadi was more than a monstrously fast and powerful Fanalis...he was an enigma unlike anything they've ever seen, much less comprehend. They knew about magic, but they just couldn't think wrap their head around Zadi being possibly disguised. All the same, their short burst of hesitation was followed by wild battle cries as they didn't know what to think anymore but "kill or be killed". They didn't even think to keep their shields properly aligned with their swords as they ran from 4 meters away from Zadi at about 6 m/s.

Zadi was already turned around and their short hesitation helped Zadi anticipate their wild run. Therefore, Zadi was able to take advantage of the situation by taking one Flash Step at 20 m/s to his 3 o'clock, another to his immediate left at 20 m/s while crouched underneath the Kou soldier's shields, two of them at least, and in that second Flash Step slash at the fabric covered part of the legs of the soldiers nearest the feet, causing them to not only get injured but also trip. However, during the falling period, Zadi made one last Flash Step that helped swing Rukh Slayer across the naps of all their necks. This left Zadi standing in the middle of the formerly running Kou soldiers, victorious.

Zadi took notice of his surroundings, making sure none of the soldiers were moving anymore, as in dead. Zadi dealt fatal blows to all of them in some fashion. Stabbing, elbowing, slashing, and even more slashing. Blood wasn't rampant however. Only where the soldier's met their death did blood cover the ground. Zadi took on hard swing with Rukh Slayer in order to get the loose smears of blood off the blade and sheathed. Zadi then unstrapped his shield and secured it to his back, covering the sheath of Rukh Slayer like it was before use. The task was complete.

"Friggin' had to use my borg! But at least I know that I can sort of fight without magic. Not completely, but still a little."

Zadi then headed back to the Fanalis meeting area to claim his reward, stainless yet ashamed of his kills. However, it was for the good of some rebellion that Zadi didn't have the greatest interest in, to some degree.

---

1,500+/1,500 words

220/290 Magoi/Stamina
Borg Broken

Tech(s):

Sly was good at what he did, there was a reason he was called Sly. When Zadi left the meeting with a task in hand, Octavius had given him a nod and Sly had disappeared into the crowd to follow Zadi. The man had seemed suspicious of being followed, his body language fairly screaming ‘I’m scared.’ Sly snorted as he hopped another rooftop, his red hair covered as he followed Zadi. When Zadi headed out of the main town and began to move to the location specified for his task, Sly followed, though he was forced to increase his distance or risk being caught.

He watched as Zadi fought the men, about to turn around and leave, satisfied the man was who he said he was, when suddenly it happened. A shot aimed for the man in the meeting met resistance and not from a regular shield. Sly’s eyes widened but he continued to watch, not interfering. While Zadi dispatched the last of the Kou troops, Sly made his way back to Octavius with blinding speed.

---

By the time Zadi arrived back at the meeting hall to report about his task, Octavius had already been filled in by Sly, giving his second-in-command a grim nod before watching Zadi approach him. Octavius’ voice was gruff but friendly, his volume low enough that only Zadi and Sly would be able to hear him, though three other Corp members were in the room, keeping a sharp eye on Zadi.

“Brother… you have completed your task. But I must ask. Who are you and why are you trying to fool us?”

((Zadi may respond to this post))

From his vantage point in the sky, Azix watched Zadi behind a veil of invisibility with his Vanish spell. The Marquis kept a close eye on the other magician while he tried unsuccessfully to guess Zadi's intentions. Was the man legitimately wanting to assist the rebellion? Why did he hide his appearance, even when the illusion had clearly been seen through? The questions would go unanswered as Zadi continued walking. With how well the man kept composed, Azix didn't realize Zadi's suspicion that he was being followed until the man spun around to look behind him.

From atop his magic carpet, Azix held his breath, not wanting to betray his presence. Once he remembered that he was invisible, Azix let out a breath of relief and watched Zadi turn back around. After some time had passed, Zadi hid behind a rock formation, which he used to ambush some Kou troops. They were dispatched rather violently, not that Azix was one to judge, but efficiently. He even had to commend Zadi's skill at holding the illusion. If it wasn't for a stray hit to the magician's Borg, Zadi could have fooled any non-magician that he was a savage Fanalis.

Finished with his work, Zadi headed back into Remano and Azix continued to follow him. The Marquis wanted to see if Zadi stopped along the way to report to anyone, but no stops were made. Once Zadi made it into the warehouse, Azix descended off his carpet and dropped his invisibility. He entered the facility to hear Octavius speaking cautiously to Zadi. Azix leaned against the wall closet to the exit, waiting to hear the magician's response to report his observations.

[270/300 magoi]

Spoiler:

Zadi made it back to the Fanalis meeting area with his disguise in tact and went over to Octavius to report his recent progress. Unfortunately for Zadi, he would get some unexpected questioning coupled with grim suspicions with a little confused filling...if that made sense. Anyway, Zadi could feel cautious eyes pointed his way and couldn't help but feel dread. It seems as though they found out something that a Fanalis wouldn't want to hear, found a person that looked exactly like Fanalis-Zadi who's comrade or mother or father or whatever passed away, found out that Zadi looked like a Fanalis that showed up at the last second, OR there was indeed someone spying on Zadi during his ambush which meant that they probably knew about his borg. No matter what the outcome, Zadi was sure that he was screwed.

"Ugh, time to think of some cover stories."

Only a split second later was Zadi asked a few questions to which Zadi found out that they either knew about his disguise, his borg, or both. Either which way, it was time to "come clean" or at least lie enough to sound like he was "coming clean". It would take a second to think of a "clean" way to answer the questions, but Zadi was able to think of something clever that both explained his disguise and his borg. Zadi made sure he was also as quiet as Octavius though continued to talk in his fake-Fanalis ruggedness;

"I work fur'a mercenary guild that goes by th' name of Typhon. Specifically it's first n' second-in-command, King n' Pink. All I was told to do was look, act, and speak like a Fanalis n' casually bring up Typhon in order ta spread its reputation, even if that meant killing in the name of th' rebellion. And before you ask, no. I don't know any more specifics. I'm just a mage-warrior among many. I have no further information on Typhon, much less King n' Pink."

Zadi wanted to wait for a response, but he was too busy keeping up his lie. He needed to act like a mercenary mage-warrior who was in turn acting like a Fanalis trying to do his part for the rebellion. Therefore, after his response, he asked rather loudly with his continued Fanalis act;

"Now do I have to stand here all day 'r are ya goin' to give me another task!? The rebellion sure doesn't have all day!"

Zadi gave a mean Fanalis glare that made Zadi look like his time was being wasted. Hopefully Octavius got the message that Zadi intended to help the rebellion, but wasn't in it for the glory aside from spreading some of Typhon's fame in terms of power. If Zadi was spied upon, then the spy could probably tell that he was a good enough asset to any army, which is an ideal goal for a mercenary guild's soldier. Even after having "coming clean" about the disguise and probably also the borg, Zadi continued to hide his wand in his left sleeve, still gripped tightly. Zadi's dark purple cloak, the main clothing that was currently being disguised as a black, buttoned up coat, was long enough to cover half a foot past his hands, sleeve-wise but that is all that mattered until further notice.

210/290 Magoi/Stamina
Borg still broken
-10 Personamorphism v1.5

Octavius listened with an experienced ear, sensing some half-truths coming from the magician and some outright lies. One did not gain the rank he had by being foolish and he looked over to Azix, waving the magician over as he spoke, his voice still deadly serious.

“There is a problem with your story, ‘brother’. You are still deceiving us, instead of revealing yourself. I was killed by a mage once, so I hope you understand my suspicion of someone trying to hide themselves so… cleverly, right under my nose.”

If Azix were to approach, Octavius would look over with a friendly smile, a subtle wave to his Corp members drawing their attention, all of them tensing in preparation. Should Octavius give the order, they would attack the unstable element in their midst.

“Friend, can you please confirm something for me? Is this man before us showing his true face? Or should I assume his intentions are as fuzzy as the image he is giving us?”

Azix rested his eyelids as he listened to Zadi's story about being a hired hand for a mercenary guild called Typhon. The names of the senior leaders of the guild seemed like nicknames, but that was to be expected among mercenaries. The scarier the name, the better the reputation, though with a name like Pink, Azix wasn't sure how much fear that inspired. He set the names aside and was disappointed to hear that the Fanalis-disguised man had no further information. Or at the very least, claimed to have no more knowledge than a simple grunt.

That claim didn't sit to well with Azix, the more he thought about it. Even when the Grumptoes spied around Reim for him, the children had plenty of information about him. They knew meeting places, the various disguises he wore, his mannerisms, and enough details about Azix's dirty secrets to paint a pretty picture. No, this fake Fanalis had to know more than he was letting on.

Even worse, the man refused to drop his illusion and act. That very act seemed disrespectful almost, as if he thought Octavius was a simpleton. Azix kept these thoughts to himself as he waited for Zadi to finish. Whatever the fake Fanalis had hoped to accomplish, failed. Octavius seemed even more suspicious now, gesturing to Azix to approach. The orange magician moved from the exit, coming to a halt to the side of Octavius and faced Zadi.

Questioned on whether the fake Fanalis was displaying his true face or still under a disguise, Azix shook his head. "This is not the man's true face. Without magic, I know you can not see it Octavius, but from where I stand, the man's blond locks are as plain as day to me." Azix paused and rubbed his chin with one hand, while his other hand fingered the wand hidden up his sleeve. His eyes searched Zadi's own, as if judging the man's character. "It is obvious that your disguise has failed and you continue to try to deceive this man. Why is that? Do you have no respect for this great General? If you wanted to hide your true face, then you shouldn't have come here with such an inexperienced illusion. Know that I can see beyond that illusion and see the real you. I have every detail, every curvature of your face memorized."

Letting that sit for a moment, Azix grinned, "So, why don't we start over and you tell us more about the real reason you are here. More about this...Typhon as well."

Zadi felt unheard as Octavius and the now obvious magician who's name hasn't been revealed yet made it a point that Zadi hadn't undone his disguise. Zadi did say in his story that "All I was told to do was look, act, and speak like a Fanalis" which meant that it was part of his fake persona's job to continue to use his Fanalis disguise. His fake persona was also told hold the disguise until told to otherwise, at least that sounded good in Zadi's head. However, it probably wouldn't be enough to just say, again, "it is part of my job" so he decided to add something else. Something that would be personal to not just the fake persona but also to Zadi, therefore, it was one lie and one truth;

"Jeez. I just said I was told to do this disguise thing. They didn't tell me what to do if anyone found out. I expect they don't care as long as Typhon's name came up in a positive light, but that ain't workin' out. I don't mean any disrespect with this disguisin' stuff."

Zadi made sure to continue his rugged fake-Fanalis voice so as to hide his voice. Now that the emphasis on "this is a job" was made, it was time to get a tad bit personal;

"However, since you REALLY want to know why I'm wearin' this act, then I'll tell ya...I don't want anyone ta know my face; like any good mercenary, ya only want to be known by name and mine is Apollo."

He then looked to Azix with a smirk, "Reason for the name is my knowledge of Light Magic, as YOU already know." His face then changed to a disapproving look, "Now wipe that smug look off yer face. Illusion Magic isn't all that hard to see through if you are a magician." Zadi then looked back to Octavius with a continued look of disappointment, "And if you are as great a General as this kiss-ass says ya are, then why aren't I in a prison waitin' fur'a proper court Martial while you 'n yer Fanalis buddies kick Kou's arse out of Reim?"

It was several bold remarks in one, but Zadi had something going with that smug talking of his, "The way I see it is you still think I'ma valuable asset to this rebellion, not to mention Typhon if you let me continue helpin' ya out like I did with dat ambush. You know I did good and hav'a gut feeling that I'll continue doin' good. You may also be bettin' on Typhon's aid in case them pesky Kou magicians show up again. As I said, I'm JUST a grunt, but I'ma damn good one compared ta other army grunts."

Zadi then looked back to the other magician within the conversation with a cheeky grin, "And wouldn't you wanna know more 'bout Typhon." He then looked back to Octavius with a slight nudge of his head towards Azix when he came up in another one of Zadi's points, "He could very well be a spy fur Kou, ya know? With his knowledge of illusions, I wouldn't be surprised if he was workin' some sorta informational angle with you like a good little spy. What if I were ta tell ya HE is usin' an illusion right now? You'd be shocked, right? At this point though, you are too busy with me to think 'bout yer cute little magician from Kou bein' a spy. After all, it would be a shame fur'all your plans if he ended up being a spy, bein' such a valuable asset 'n all. But nuff'a that. He ain't wearin' a disguise nor usin' an illusion. In fact, the only thing I can think of that would bother me as a General with such'a convenient asset is the asset's country of origin. If he was once a devout spy or magician fer Kou, then why'd he leave for this side so suddenly? Personal gains I'd say. He, much like me, is only in this fer the reward at the end and he can't prove otherwise until this whole mess blows over. If ya aren't willin' to trust me as much as ya trust him, then why keep him so close? Because I'm wearin' an illusion? As I said, the illusion is part job and part personal. My name's Apollo and that's all anyone needs ta know about my profile."

Those were a LOT of words that could either 100% help Zadi or 100% kill Zadi, or at least get him stuck in a makeshift jail cell. All the same, Zadi made some legitimately good points about Azix's reasons for doing what he's doing. Sure Zadi had to assume that he was a spy for Kou once, but it was a possibility, not to mention Azix's apparent knowledge of illusions, much less magic. Azix my know Zadi's face, but that's one too many people for Zadi's personal taste already. Zadi really did want to keep the disguise on for personal reasons.

200/290 Magoi/Stamina
Borg still broken
-10 Personamorphism v1.5

(OOC: I am NOT going to drop the illusion! Stop trying so hard!)

As Octavius listened to the words of both Azix and the other magician, his face hardened, first in concern and then anger. The other Fanalis Corp members in the room saw his reaction and immediately moved closer, drawing their swords as they moved. When Octavius spoke again, his eyes hardened near to rage.

“I have no patience for you or your sham. If you are truly just a grunt with no sway or information, fine. Your leaders want to bring Typhon’s name into the light? Very well. You tell these leaders, Pink and King, that General Octavius would like to speak with them. I will not deal with another of their supposed grunts and their lack of any real power.”

As he was speaking, he held up a hand to stay the advance of Sly and the three other members, his eyes locked on Zadi.

Azix arched a brow as Zadi's speech turned condescending, but the friendly grin never left his face. The orange magician never intended to come off as prideful of his accomplishments, he was simply letting the man know that the level of illusion used was too basic to be effective in the field. Regardless, with the shift towards an aggressive attitude, it would do no justice to Zadi's cause. Typhon's leaders had chosen their messenger poorly, something that could possibly reflect on their leadership.

Instead of getting offended, Azix shrugged, "I didn't claim seeing through illusions was hard to see through, just that yours was easily seen through and that hiding your face had failed." What did grate on his nerves, was how Zadi talked down to Octavius, especially after hearing the hardships that the Fanalis man had gone through. Had this Apollo paid attention at all during the meeting? Another mark against the Typhon guild. Now it seemed that Typhon cared not for who they raised their sword for, all they cared for was their name spreading. Which could be taken as a sign that they would just as easily sign up for Kou, using the knowledge obtained from this meeting as an entrance. Of course, that did mean that Apollo had to be paying attention during the meeting to use that information, which it started to seem like he hadn't.

When Zadi began to attack Azix's character, the Marquis noticed a flaw to his argument. After Apollo had just stated that it was easy for any magician to see through illusions, the man tried to claim that Azix's ability to see through illusions made him an illusionist. Apollo further tried to sway Octavius with petty words, claiming Azix was a spy for Kou. While that would have been an accurate statement when Azix first arrived, it was no longer true. Apollo asking Octavius to trust him as much as the Fanalis trusted Azix was laughable. Azix had made a name for himself these past several months, fighting for the rights of the people. Yes, his earlier actions in the country were questionable, but he had done much good for Reim. The people in the slums that had suffered from injustices, were now being trained and finding jobs they would never have had a chance of. The education system had also been reformed under Azix's guidance to give every child an equal chance, rather than just giving the rich children the best education. For Zadi not to recognize Azix on his deeds alone, spoke volumes of the man's ignorance of Reim in general. For that fact alone, Apollo was digging himself further into a hole. What had Apollo done that even compared to Azix's accomplishments? What made Apollo's disrespectful tone and actions merit obtaining the same trust? Refusal to show his true face when Apollo even admitted his superiors did not order him to stay hidden if he was caught?

During Apollo's speech, something about the name Typhon clawed at the back of Azix's mind. There was something extremely familiar about it and his mind was drawn to his return trip back from Imuchakk. A piece of information he had obtained when he rushed back to rescue Ariella. She had been following leads into the assassination attempts around Remano. Yes, that was it. Typhon had been one of the groups suspected of having a part in the assassinations. With that key, a rush of information flowed through Azix's mind as Octavius gruffly told Apollo to bring his superiors here.

Azix suppressed an urge to laugh, if Octavius expected Typhon's leaders to be more help than this Apollo, he may find himself sorely disappointed. From what Azix had heard of the man Jahangir, the leader of Typhon, he was a hot-head quick to act without thinking. Much like the Apollo character in front of them. If Azix hadn't obtained a description from both Carmen and Ariella of Jahan's appearance, he would have thought Apollo was Jahan.

The orange magician spoke up as Octavius finished, "I think that would be best, Octavius. I hope the leader of Typhon, Jahangir Nikotor, will be much more diplomatic." Azix's smile finally faded with his last words and his purple eye rested on Apollo.

It seemed that Zadi touched a few feelings that, believe it or not, he should have. Knowing now that they wouldn't kill or jail Zadi without Zadi doing something blatantly detrimental to the cause, Zadi felt like he had free reign to speak his mind. Obviously he wouldn't as Azix seemed to know who Jahangir Nikator was....maybe. It could also be possible that he is bluffing though knows that Jahan is part of Typhon in some way. All the same, Jahan was busy with something. Zadi forgot exactly what it was he was doing right now, but he was too busy to come to a little meeting like this. Zadi's response this time was with a less accented voice, but still a bit rough. His voice was getting a little sore after all.

"Why do you want to talk to him of all people? I heard that he left Typhon behind on some journey after Typhon was declared illegal. Trust you me, it was tough to find work until King and Pink bought the rights to the guild. However, I gotta admit. It doesn't matter what I tell you about Typhon and its past. You wouldn't care anyway, Azix! Just like how you don't care about your home country. You just up and left. I'm also sure they or anybody else close to you doesn't know either!" It was another possible string touched, but Zadi had his reasons. He continued as if the statements he just made didn't matter, "Anyway, why him? Octavius has the right idea of making his statement general by using "leaders". Hehehe, though all the same, I've got one answer for the two of you..."

Zadi then looked back and forth to both Octavius and Azix. One pissed while the other chill and cool to the touch, as if he had an ego made of steel. But that just made it more obvious that he was used to interrogations, until Zadi. Though he was getting the gist of it, he felt like it was getting nowhere.

"...No. Not that I won't but that I can't. You probably know why though. Typhon's goal is representation in this little rebellion. Kou already knows of our presence here, so only the rebellious factions are left. It doesn't matter how we are seen, just that we are seen. After all, too big a stride and you could trip and fall. Too little a stride and you will get overtaken. Therefore, King and Pink wouldn't fell obliged enough to come to a meeting so trivial unless they felt one of their members was doing not only the bare minimum of his job, but also positively representing Typhon on the battlefield. Now don't get me wrong. I wouldn't "betray" this rebellion if you don't allow me to help you. That would be detrimental to Typhon. If one of their members doesn't do the job they are told, then it shows how weak of a hold their leaders have on their members. So, you won't be getting the meeting you desire unless you let me do my job, well might I add. But you don't have to worry about the "well" part. I'll take care of that, hahaha!"

Hopefully Zadi felt as convinced of his argument as he did. It made sense to him. After all, Zadi is one of the leaders. When he reflected on what he said, he knew that Jahan wouldn't come out here unless Zadi was in trouble, which he couldn't know, or Typhon's name was being shouted with glee and rejoice! From the rebellion's side that is. If Kou said it positively, Jahan would probably not want to show his face, much less Zadi. Though that was just Zadi's guess based on Jahan's personality, from what he's seen at least. All the same, Octavius and Azix wouldn't get the meeting they wanted until Zadi's fake persona proved himself for Typhon.

190/290 Magoi/Stamina
Borg still broken
-10 Personamorphism v1.5

Octavius listened to the word from Apollo, still not trusting the mages intentions in the slightest. While he could admit the man’s usefulness, how much could he involve the man without risking the entire rebellion? And his refusal to see about a meeting was grinding on Octavius’ nerves. With all of the babbling the mage was doing, Octavius wanted to tie the man’s mouth shut. At the disparaging words about Azix, Octavius’ anger became apparent.

“Azix has proven his loyalty to Reim much more than you have. All you seem to know is that he has forsaken the country invading this one. That tells me you care nothing for Reim or its struggles. But, for some reason, you want to be in the rebellion. Supposedly for Typhon. You have three options, Apollo. You can leave, and hope that none of my men are angry enough to kill you. You can seek out a different branch of the rebellion to try and sling your guilds name. Or, you can try to earn my trust. The last one will be hard, but maybe you can prove to me that you are not just a lying mage intent on insulting me every time you open your mouth.”

If Zadi chose to listen, Octavius would continue.

“We just received six boxes of weapons and armor from another branch of the rebellion. We need it unloaded, checked for quality and sorted out so we can divvy it up among the others involved in the rebellion. It’s not a high profile job, but it’s necessary. We need to know what equipment needs repaired before we hand it out, which weapons are too dull for use, that type of thing. I won’t give out sub-par equipment to the people trying to defend this country. So, it is not glamorous, but it is extremely important. I will even have Sly over there help”

Octavius ignored the groan of discontent from his second-in-command. Octavius was not lying when he said it was an important task. In a fight, having equipment in good condition could mean the difference between life and death. If a sword shattered due to shoddy craftsmanship, it would leave a person defenseless. If the fastenings of the armor were rotten, it could fall off or, worse, hinder the person trying to fight. It would also make it easier to keep an eye on the mage.

((You may choose to accept this task, PM Ari with other task ideas, ask about joining Roark’s Rebellion or simply exit.))

All three choices were rather tempting. Especially the one that involved simply leaving the fray in hopes that he wouldn't be followed and beaten up by regular Fanalis. You know, the hotheaded, angry ones. However, Zadi felt that he NEEDED to earn Octavius' trust due to the circumstances. If Zadi's personal goal wasn't interfering with his goal of curiosity, then he would have gladly taken his illusion of the moment he was caught and told the truth, though there would have been no guarantee that telling an experienced Fanalis General in "fear", so to speak, of magicians that Zadi was within the Fanalis Meeting and helping the rebellion just because "I overheard a couple people talking, got curious, ended up here, and went with the flow" that he wouldn't be thrown in jail or worse on the spot. Octavius seemed to like reflecting on past struggles...a lot. Anyway, Zadi felt it best to earn the General's trust so, speaking in a gradually less rugged voice in order to ease his voice into his normal form, Zadi spoke his choice;

"Last option."

As one may have noticed, Zadi didn't feel like totally speaking his mind like a person acting like a hotheaded Fanalis. Sure he would keep up the illusion so that they could recognize his face, but he would drop the acting henceforth. Not that Zadi wanted to be more respectful, but rather Zadi was getting tired! Talking got Zadi near-killed, so less talking would probably be a good idea. If he got Octavius to trust him, then Zadi would not only be able to keep up the illusion but also keep his fake story so that nobody would know who "Zadi" is. However, Azix knew Zadi's face, though not his name! Zadi felt that it didn't matter if just one person saw his face as long as nothing else was revealed.

[exit?]

180/290 Magoi/Stamina
Broken Borg
-10 Personamorphism v1.5

Octavius heard the words of Apollo but his eyes were busy staring at the man’s face. He kept his own expression not moving from the previous one of anger and distrust but before his eyes, the image given to him was wavering and then disappeared completely. It seemed there were limits to how long someone could maintain an illusion. He did not let on that he now knew the face behind the words, or so he assumed. For all he knew, it was just another illusion, but the blond hair matched Azix’ description. When Apollo agreed and turned to leave, Octavius nodded at Sly, who would wait several minutes before following Apollo. Octavius sincerely hoped the man did not have the intention of revealing the rebellion to the wrong forces. If nothing else, at least he would be able to trust Sly to keep the equipment from being sabotaged.

[exit]

((OOC, your personamorphism 1.5 can only be sustained for a total of 4 posts, so the illusion faded during your most recent post.))

Task 3 Part II:

For a man who did not much about Typhon, Apollo seemed to know enough about the inner workings of the group. It was true that Jahan had left to go on a journey, the guild leader had gone into Gremory's dungeon. This information was known to Azix because Ariella had accompanied Jahan through it. Knowing what was at the end of a dungeon, it seemed to Azix that Jahan may have taken up the moniker 'King' as a symbol of obtaining a metal vessel.

Azix had grown tired of trying to get information from Apollo, the man had proved to be irrational. He didn't even bother trying to educate Apollo on his reasons for turning his back on Kou. Instead, Azix simply listened to the Fanalis General and Apollo's discussion while wondering what he could do to help the cause. While he reflected on how he could use his talents to assist the rebellion, Azix caught something out of the corner of his eye. The illusion surrounding Apollo had fallen, revealing the blonde haired man in a dark purple coat underneath. Not letting his surprise touch his features, Azix turned to Octavius with boredom in his features to gauge the Fanalis' reaction. For all intents and purposes, Octavius acted like he hadn't noticed, so Azix didn't point it out.

Once Apollo's task was settled, the man left with Sly following behind after some time. Azix shrugged his shoulders, "Let me know if you need help with that one. I'll keep in touch."

[exit]