Fantasy The Final Masquerade | Volume: ONE

[kjsprk]

Julian ate most of his food, didn't finish it, but ate most of it. "I'm not too hungry." He stared out the window again. His emotions were being blocked by the anxiousness and nervousness of the journey that he was leading. He didn't know what to think, so he tried his best not to.


"I should probably get back to the pier for the introductions, mee me back there when you can. Thanks again." He smiled at Terra and put some money on the table, enough to cover the price of both their meals, then proceeded to stroll out of the cafe and towards the docks again.

 

[animegirl20]

"Um ok bye." She finished her breakfast. "Now that was a breakfast." She got up and headed out. She looked around at the people. Man I'm bored maybe I'll head back. She started to head back.

 

[Numberfox]

"My condolences, Miss North, to you for the loss of your parents. It must have been an incredibly difficult time growing up. I applaud you for continuing to work on your swordsmanship considering your hardships," Torre replied. Although he had technically lost his father, he had actually met him, so he suffered no direct loss. He could not imagine how it would have been like to loss both a mother and a father while being so young. He also could not imagine the disappointment she must have felt from being rejected from enlisting into an army, twice. "I do not think many could have the same resolve as you given the circumstances."


He noticed that she had started to become more irritated, retelling her story. "You do not need to dwell more on the topic, Miss North, I was given more than enough. Thank you for telling me of your past, you are very considerate for doing so. You are also kind in general, for all you have done for me." They had finally arrived at an area that seemed to sell cakes. He noticed however, that it was nearing the time when the Organizer had told us to meet. "I believe it is almost time for us to meet with the group again soon, unfortunately. Perhaps we could get our cakes wrapped, Miss North?"

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

"Silas, I'm one of the crew members for the voyage." Looking the girl up and down, she had the look of someone who knew how to protect themselves, unlike some of the other people who had shown up earlier.


"The kid who organized all of this is probably out eating breakfast or something." Taking a seat on one of the crates scattered across the docks, getting comfortable for the inevitable wait for everyone else to show up. Turning to the woman he realized he hadn't actually confirmed if you was here for the poster, "Wait, You are here for the trip right?" Fishing the poster he'd taken earlier out of his jacket, crumpled from being in his pocket all night and showing it to the woman, making sure he hadn't jumped to any wrong conclusions.

 

[Iris 8th]

| - Selena Howard - |


She nodded, confirming to the man that she'd heard the name, but she had no intention of telling her name, not yet. Unlike her first impression, he seemed kind of relaxed, or at least confident. She stood still as he took a seat and continued talking.


"The kid who organized all of this is probably out eating breakfast or something. Wait, You are here for the trip right?"


He said, taking out a poster similar to the one she was holding. Ah, right, she almost forgot she was still having it. So he did know who and what he was talking to, and about.


"Maybe."


She didn't even hide her caution toward him. But since he was the only one there, she decided to ask:


"How do think of this trip? Is that organizer trustworthy?"


@The One Eyed Bandit

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

"How do think of this trip? Is that organizer trustworthy?"


"Hmm..." Throwing his head back, watching wisps of smoke drift from his cigarette, considering the events that had unfolded the previous day, putting together his opinion on the boy who had organized their little escapade. "Trustworthy... I don't know the kid that well but.. As far as I can tell his offer is genuine, the look in his eyes was a determined one."


Thinking to himself he realized how little he knew about Gray, only done as much as telling him he was on board with his little plan and he'd been accepted on the spot, he didn't even ask his name. The kid was either naive, or up to something, both of the prospects being equally worrying.


"There isn't much else I know about the guy, other than that he seems far too trusting. Didn't even have to tell him my name, kid just accepted me on the spot."

 

[Iris 8th]

| - Selena Howard - |


Didn't mean she'd trust the man calling himself Silas. But for the time being, she accepted his answer. Folding her arms before her chest, she took another careful look at him, someone from the same side of society with her, with similar aura and smell. All the more reason to not eagerly shake hands with him, saying "great, I'd follow you".


But if he was telling the truth, she'd feel something off here. Some kid, with determined eyes, but not thorough plan and even accepting people he didn't know into the group. No need for name, no need for any contract, with a vague appointment. Too many holes, but at the same time, it was true, more than other kind that didn't look shady and yet holding all the dirty. Was that also the reason this man called Silas would join him?


"Do you know when it'll begin?"


She turned to the most important part, since after all, she knew she would only confirm everything with her own eyes.


@The One Eyed Bandit

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

"We were told that we'd be setting sail Friday."


He could tell this woman didn't trust him, the way she looked at him, observed him, it was the look of someone cautious, someone who knew just how cruel a human could be. It was a nice change though, the amount of chipper, overly trusting people he'd met over the first few days was nauseating.


"What did you say your name was by the way?"


This woman had gotten his curious, something seemed familiar about her, the look in her eyes was not that of one who had grown up in the luxurious conditions of the upper class, it was a look he used to catch in the mirror, a coldness, tempered by something warm, something that stopped one from spiraling down into darkness, something he'd lost long ago. Silas quickly shook those thoughts from his head, poetic thinking like that was worthless, deciding to pool the rest of his focus onto the task at hand.

 

[Iris 8th]

| - Selena Howard - |





Smart talking. She noted about the guy. The way he asked for name was too casual that it would be rude for the other person to reject telling him. She was hesitant, but finding no reason to hide after all. He'd told her enough for the right to know, a little personal information.


"Selena."


Hopefully this caused no harm to the neighbourhood.


"So friday, huh? Thank you for the information."


That meant she still had some time, to rethink whether or not to join. Saying goodbye to the man, she left.





@The One Eyed Bandit

 

[keizerin]

Vivian could tell that Torre meant well by his statements, but could only feel that he was pitying her. Nevertheless, the redhead smiled and laughed, her attitude turning on a dime. "Condolences not needed." she said reassuringly, letting both hands fall to her side. "I am totally, 100% over it all. Besides, life hasn't been too bad. Sure, I miss my parents, but I've gotten along fine without 'em. I mean, look at me! Not only am I smoking hot, but I am feared, loved, and respected by many in my street-dwelling community." The girl spoke dramatically, obviously joking around.


Grinning, the girl took Torre by the arm. "Let's get our cakes to go; I wouldn't want to be late to the gathering!"

 

[Numberfox]

Torre was glad her mood seemed better. He laughed from her complimenting herself so highly, happy that she had high self-esteem at least. When she grabbed his arm, his cheeks blushed a little; he wasn't used to physical contact with women near his age yet.


As they got closer to the bakery he could smell the fresh cakes and bread, which were absolutely alluring. The cakes he had eaten were already made and done by the time they had arrived on his plate in the past, so he never smelt them like this before. He unintentionally drooled a bit, wanting to try the strawberry short cake with potentially some plain bread as well.

 

[keizerin]

Vivian knew they were close before the delicious, fresh smell hit her nose. She was walking faster now, pulling Torre along with her, as they approached the bakery. Before even opening the door the girl had her pouch out, dropping coins onto the counter after entering. The store few customers, all of which were seated outside.


"Lemon cake, please!" she ordered before the baker could even ask. She turned to her companion, whom she hadn't let go of yet. "And you? Don't worry about paying; it's on me."

 

[Numberfox]

Torre was amazed with the speed in which Miss North entered. She must have really wanted some cakes for today's breakfast. He wanted to protest that he should be the one paying, but there were in a hurry so he did not decide to argue the issue. He did not realize lemon cake was even an option, and now was curious on how it would taste. He decided he would simply have what Miss North was having. "I'd like a lemon cake as well, Miss North," he stated, "Please let me pay something for you in the future though."

 

[kjsprk]

Chapter Two: Let the Dog Days Begin


---January 2nd, 2104---



​

Julian made his way back to the docks to find a group, some people he has met before, some not. He slowly approached the group, curious to finally meet some people officially.


"Hello." He said to the group. "Julian Grey." He held out his hand for anyone to shake.

​

 

[keizerin]

"If that's what you want, I won't insist - we'll take it to go, please." Vivian said to Torre, then the baker, who disappeared into the back room. They soon returned with two slices of lemon cake on paper plates, along with plastic forks. The girl kindly thanked the baker, already going for a bite as she made her way towards the exit.


"I don't think there's much time left," she said, "We'll have to hurry if we want to make it in time."

 

[animegirl20]

Terra finally made it back to the docks and walked over to where they were.

 

[Rynnthewriter]

Eldrick finished his usual breakfast before paying for it, and waving good-bye to his friend. He walked outside, and shaded his eyes for a moment getting used to light, because of the fact that the tavern was rather dimly lit. After his eye (as he was blind in the other) adjusted to the light, he put his hand down and walked down to the docks, where he was supposed to meet the rest of the group.

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

"Looks like our intrepid leader finally decided to show up." Silas had been waiting here for nearing on an hour now and was needless to say, not in the best of moods.


Not budging from his seat Silas extended out his hand in response to Julian's gesture, fully expecting Gray to come to him if he wanted to shake hands that badly, discarding his cigarette as he reached towards him "Silas White" punctuating the gesture by properly introducing himself. "You know, you already missed one of us. A girl showed up earlier called herself Selena, seemed interested." Deciding to inform Julian of Selena, seeming like a capable woman he wasn't eager on her missing the voyage.

 

[kjsprk]

"White. Note taken." He chose not to comment on his other comment about the other member. "What are your skills? Weapons, skills...anything?" Julian had begin to stop thinking, and just make up this trip as he goes; stick to as little planning as he could, pressure is when he preformed best.

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

"Skills. Right." Withdrawing his pistol, it was very weathered, probably dating back to before the apocalypse but it did it's job just as good as any other "Firearms are my specialty, if that bothers you good luck finding someone with better aim" Leveling the barrel of the gun for emphasis. "I'm also pretty good in a fist fight, call me if you ever need a sparring partner" Silas himself though was rather curious as to what skills the infamous traitor son of the king was in possession of himself, though he decided to keep his mouth shut, there would be plenty of opportunities to find out later.

 

[Numberfox]

"I agree, Miss North, let us try to get to there as fast as possible," Torre replied, more or less jamming the cake into his mouth after a couple of bites. He felt the lemon cake was good; definitely not something he would have considering putting into cake before. Following Miss North, he disposed 0f the trash properly next to the door, making sure to not litter.

 

[keizerin]

Vivian finished her morning treat along the way, crumpling up the plastic fork and paper plate into a ball. She kept it in her hand until they arrived at the docks - which didn't take long - and discarded it into an empty barrel while she and Torre made their way along the wooden pier. A group had already formed along with "The Organizer", Julian Grey, meaning that the two were late despite best efforts.


"Yoohooooo!" the girl called, waving to the crowd with her free hand while the other still clung onto the younger male's. When the two were upon the others, Vivian straightened her back and formed a salute, though her grin never faded. "Vivian Langley and Torre Wallace Darren Sams reporting for duty!" she joked, though she surprised herself by remembering her companion's full name, despite being unable to before. "When does this brouhaha begin?"

 

[Rynnthewriter]

Eldrick listened to the others speak, keeping his mouth shut, because he didn't really want to be noticed by anyone. He wasn't exactly the talking type. He yawned and leaned against a stack of crates, and crossed his arms over his chest, closing his eyes. 'This is going to be interesting,' he thought to himself, as he noticed that there was some loud people in the group.

 

[kjsprk]

Julian smirked, "Good," he paused. "Note taken." He said, still smirking. Two others had joined them on the pier; one loud, one quiet.


"Hello, Julian Grey." He introduced himself. "Good to meet you two. So, let me know, what are your skills? Weapons? Anything?"

 

[keizerin]

Vivian grew excited at the question, quickly pulling her beloved chain sword from her back. "I'm much more proficient fighting with my hands than with any weapons, but I do have this!" she said, motioning to the blade as she unsheathed it. "Beautiful, right? Also..." The girl went quiet, leaning in as she spoke. "If you need to start some fires, i'm your girl."