Dogura, however silent he was, was screaming at the top of his lungs inside his head. As he slwely walked, he stared at only the ground he walked on ahead of him, his eyes wide, as if his best friend had killed him. Fang cringed, feeling uneasy about the look Dogura had on his face. Fang stopped, and turned around, realizing that the group had shrunk. Alpha was trailing by far, which wasnt good, concidering he had the most knowledge about the enemy. If he were captured, it may spell doom for the rest of the group. Surprisingly, Fang was smart enough to realize this, and he dropped back to keep an eye on the man with many names. "Alpha; Is it alright if I call you that? Please, keep up with us. And when you look worried, it scares even me, as I've seen you in combat. Yo-" he stopped, noticing the tightly gripped staff in the man's hand. He shot Alpha a nervous look, as he too prepared for anyting out of the ordinary. [Dodge Check]

OOC: And a dodge check for my angry samurai too

Raven's searching is not in vain. Three sets of Chainmail, three Gilded Swords - though so worn and bloodstained that they probably won't sell for too much (relatively speaking) - a small dagger with a gold-plated hilt in an ankle holster, and a bag of 50 Rupees yield to his search. Though he can't use any of the items save the dagger, the Chainmail is still sturdy, and the swords retain their deadliness. He could probably get a fairly good price for the package.

In the passage, Alpha's eyes go over the entire room, searching for something . . . waiting for something . . . but nothing appears. As seconds drag on into minutes, the Sheikah crosses his arms in bewilderment. There is something here - he just can't seem to find it. At last he turns his gaze to Fang. "It's nothing Fang; I just have a bad feeling about . . . something. Go ahead with the others; I'll be right there. I'm just going to take a closer look at this room."

Fang's Dodge Check fails (1+3+2[Roll+INT+AGI]), as does the angry samurai's(6+7+6[Roll+INT+AGI]). They don't sense anything at all, and it's difficult to avoid something you don't sense. If anything is there at all, which there doesn't seem to be.

The Sheikah steps forward again, placing his hand on different places, particularly surprised when he feels the couch. One part of it feels a bit warmer than the others, even though the couch is parallel to the fire - all parts should have been warmed equally by the blaze. Had someone been sitting here? If so, they would have only left a few short minutes ago . . .

OOC: A choice for all . . . will you follow Alpha, or proceed with Noval? One to do some mysterious, unknown task, while the other seeks to save King Harkinian and Princess Zelda . . . and kill as many Hakiems along the way as possible. Most of the fighting will be with Noval, so characters with a certain degree of bloodlust might want to think about that . . .

All my NPC's will be going with Noval, if you wish to know which I consider to need more people. Ideally, I'd like only a few people to follow our favorite Sheikah (preferably only one or two), but I will allow more than that to do so. I should let you know that there will be at least one more 'separation' with the main group (Noval's), so don't be too hasty in your judgment.

OOC: Well, Dogura is neutral, and couldnt care less about the King. I've decided Dogura will follow Alpha (he's a curious guy) and Fang will accompany Noval.

IC: Fang looked quizzical at Alpha's reassurance. He grinned and, turned back to walking. "Alright Alpha, but hurry up, we cant afford to lose your mind here." Fang continued ahead brushing past Dogura. Dogura read the note which was delivered in the utmost secrecy, and turned around returning to Alpha. Alpha. What ails you? Dont think I cant pick up the waves you've been emiting. You're pondering, and you're really puzzled about something. As long as I've known you, I know that it takes a hell of a puzzle to make you nervous. The samurai had a great blood-lust, and wished for nothing more than to destroy the Hakiems. However, he was also a curious individual.

Fang caught up to Noval, making sure Dogura was following Alpha. Ata boy... He thought smiling. As he walked onward, he watched Alpha and Dogura's form shrink. Everything is in place. All thats left is up to you Dogura... "Noval! Mah main man. Any idea about what lies ahead?" Fang called out, cloaking his true questions. "If we run into any more Hakiems, we may be in trouble, you realize that? We could hardly take on two high ranked Hakiems with the whole group in tact! How will we fare with a smaller group?" he pointed back to the room where Alpha had gone.

OoC: I think it's obvious that Tayro'll go with Alpha, seeing the boy has some (still) unexplained hatred for the Royal Family. Elenina, as always, will follow the mage apprentice.

IC

As they enter the new corridor, the boy feels a heavy weight falling on him. Seeing every light was out everywhere, how come this corridor was the only place illuminated by candlelight? He wasn't sure the others had noticed such abnormality, as they seemed far more concentrated on saving that oh-so-almighty and notorious King of Hyrule. Never one to pass on such a mystery, the boy stretched and slighty twirled his ears, trying to capture any odd sound around. He expected to hear swords slashing between Hakiems and Royal Guards, her muffled cries of prisoners desperately trying to get help, yet he did not hear either. All he could hear was the footsteps of the party, carefully walking through the corridor to help a man he despised. Elenina, in the meanwhile, continued to observe the grandious architectural structure of the castle and the notorious paintings of different man. Although such was unaudible to the others, he could've sworn he had heard he gray fairy mumble that 'she had seen quite better'.

Yes, Tayro, like many of his friends in the orphanage had still not forgotten the heinous acts the Royal Family had done previously, and perhaps never will. If some of the people who sworn allegiance to him knew of his actions, he was sure they would think twice before aiding that despicable tyrant... but this was not the time to think of it. The Hakiems are also after me and there are chances that pig is the Golden Hylian. Even if I not aprove of him, I must, for the safety of the people. If Zaboorak was to get another Goldforce Power... - he thought again, to reaffirm his position. Still, he would have the chance to change that option of his. As he continued to walk, his ears finally picked up something odd. According to them, two pairs of footsteps were starting to leave the group. Immediatly, Tayro looked back to spot Dogura and Alpha entering a room. Disregarding the rest of the group, he walked back towards their location, Elenina also stopping and turning back. "Master Tayro, what's- " "Shh!" - he whispered, placing his index finger by his lips. She obeyed, and followed him without question. Just as he was standing at the door, he noticed immediatly both men's apprehension. How come the fireplace is lit? "Alpha?"

After General Lion and Elenina's bit of magic, Rose felt refreshed. But as she followed Noval down the corridor, she began to feel uneasy about the lack of a Hakiem patrol. She almost wished she was fighting a few Hakiems right now if only to reassure her that she won't fight more than she can handle later. She lets out a little sigh. She should've taken Keely's offer to play her flute for the patrons of The Owl Talon, Tarm City's inn. As she reflects on this, Alpha slips off, unnoticed to her.

OOC: So, yeah, I'm sure you wanted Rose to go with my favorite Sheikah, but I think I'll be evil and punish you, Alpha.

Actually, it's more like punishing myself. I'm sure going with Alpha, Dogura, Tayro, and Elenina is going to be a tad bit more interesting than going with Noval and your other NPCs. But I've been neglecting to check here, especially since I know the notification system never notifies me anymore. I also partly blame Pokemon Fire Red for my absence.

Pyre wasn't quite sure where to go. He wanted to make sure that the king and queen were okay, but felt that they'd be fine with Noval and the others. If not, he knew that the two groups would join again, and make sure of it. After only a moment of thought however, he made his desicion.

It was the desicion that most people would make in this situation. Comparing the two groups, the choice was easy. He barely even knew Noval. He didn't have natural leadership. He was was shady, and protected his secrets. Alpha he didn't know much better, but he had powerful charisma. The hylian thought through his desicion more, and after a little bit of time was sure of it.

He was certain that most of the others would come with him as well, and that would make things more interesting, and give him more of chance to meet the others. Of course they would probably be fighting but Pyralin didn't care.

Now no obvious choice was given, and one might wonder why the hylian was thinking like this, but like most Hylians, he was intelligent, and could see the signs. Something was bothering Alpha. Not only that, but he was occasionally leaving the main group. Pyre could see the conflict between Noval and Alpha that would arise from this. The two would split.

Noval would go to the king, and fight the Hakiems, saving North Castle. Alpha could obvious feel something more ominous. From the way he was acting, it was easy to suspect something darker was at work, and Pyre had to admit he was curious and a little afraid. Even so, he had made up his mind, and didn't plan to change it.

OOC: Guess who I chose. My reason: I'm neutral, and for IC purposes, it pretty much explains it above....I'll go with Alpha.

OOC: I'm assuming that the chainmail goes into the pot because as much as I like the idea of Raven keeping everything he finds. I don't like the idea that he's going to end up like a pack-horse barely being able to move under the weight of chainmail and gilded weapons and would RP it so that he only takes the rupees and the dagger. Then again, does anybody need chainmail that doesn't already have it? Maybe have a sort out of the items (or their worth) at the end? I'll leave it to you, Alpha.

IC: As Raven leaves the room to join up with the others he sees that they are being to seperate into two groups one headed by Noval who was no doubt on his mission to save the King and Alpha who was doing what, exactly? As he closes the distance between him and them he sees them making their choices and realises that he will have to make one of his own.

When he reaches the point of separation; the room or the passage, he makes his decision. As much as he would like to go with the ladies of the group and make sure that Calla would be safe, the room proved to be more interesting and more inviting than being hewn in two by a Hakiems blade.

OOC: Yeah, sure thing Raven. I'll take care of it all at the end of Part 8 . . . any Grunts that need Chainmail, PM me!

Heck, Neutral people are all following me . . . man, I should have thought about making this part be for the Twilight Guardians! But no, Raven joined us and Rose did not. Thanks guys, thanks a lot. Anyway, um . . . for those who didn't think I was serious, I was. I really don't want Alpha's group getting too big. Already we've got five people with him (Dogura, Tayro, Elenina, Pyralin, and Raven), and I'm concerned that that may be too many for what I've planned.

And technically, guys, your PC's don't know that we're splitting up. For all they know, Alpha's just looking into some sideroom for a quarter of a minute, and will then rejoin everybody. Let's try to keep the OOC stuff out of IC parts.

IC:
Noval turns to Fang as the man speaks to him. "A smaller group? What do you . . . ?" His eyes follow where Fang motions, to the doorway where Alpha has disappeared into in time to see Raven following him. Turning back, he motions for the group to keep going, and he'll catch up, though he isn't at all surprise when both Kamas and Horren stop as well. And Shada, and Koura, and Calla. And probably everyone else who hasn't followed the caped Sheikah. "Alpha!" he calls back to him, "Is everything alright?"

The Sheikah's ears twitch as he catches wind of the call, and he is quick to return to the doorway, rudely brushing past or simply pushing out of his way all those who have followed him into the room. Once he has arrived at his destination, he calmly leans outside. "It's nothing; I thought I felt something in here. I'll catch up in a minute."

Noval's gaze lingers for a second as the Sheikah returns inside. He had caught the subtle strain the other's voice had produced, though it had taken some skill to pick that out from the otherwise calm tone. Alpha didn't want company for some reason, and from what the leader of the RER knows of the man that probably means it's best to leave him be for now. "Very well," he says softly as he turns back to face front, though not without a trace of hesitation. From not far away, Shada's gaze lingers even longer, and once or twice she even moves as if to go back and check on Alpha, but in the end, with a sigh, she too follows Noval.

Alpha glances at the five people with him. "I'm sure it's nothing," he repeats. But unlike when he had spoken to Noval, this time his voice is a commanding one. A dark glint can be seen in his eyes; he's obviously lying - there is something in here, and he knows it. But his spiteful tone, devoid of kindness or caring, makes his underlying, snappishly sharp command clear: Get out and go back to the others. And do it NOW.

Sensing his command, Leth obeys the orders posthaste. He tells the rest of his party, "Come on, Let's get out of here." Obediently, they all shuffle out of the room. Drom leaves last, his eyes shifting around the room, and lingers a little longer...

Upon noticing everyone just waltzing in the room casually, the mage apprentice felt a little strain on his mind. If they just enetered so normally like this, they would catch the attention of the suject he was examining - if there was any, that is - and they would lose track of him. The boy sighed. They sometimes can be so naive. And they call me a kid. - he pondered, grinning at his own thoughts. Still, he regained his composure soon, that is, until he was pushed aside by the elder mage. He felt like speaking up, yelling even, but restrained his urge. If he was to do that, he could not only catch the suspect's attention but most of the Hakiems in the area as well. Although a fight against those creeps would not be a chance to pass, he believes that it's better not to play too much with the fire. He just swallows his urge as he hears the Sheikah speak with General Noval.

As Alpha entered the room to ask them - forcefully - to leave, in a most subtle way that is, the boy just didn't move from his location. Sure, Alpha was a friend and the reason the boy was actually here, but there was no separating him from a mystery. Someone had been here lately, and the Hylian wanted to get to the bottom of this and find out exactly who. Now that he was here, he had to to take profit of it. So, all he did was shrug. "Nope, I'm not leaving." - Tayro told him, although speaking in a rather diminutive sound of voice to not attract attention - "Not until I get to the bottom of this." Elenina fluttered to his side and there remained as well. Seemed like wherever her Master went, she would gladly follow. So, the two companions, with their stubbornness and curiosity, just stood there, disregarding Alpha for a while and actually take in on the details of the room. [Awareness Check (for both)]

Pyre was slightly taken aback by Alpha's words. His tone had changed to almost a snarl, and the hylian found it uncharacteristic. Then again, he didn't know the man well enough to know what characteristic was. He did know one thing, and I don't think it escaped any of the other five. Alpha was hiding something. Pyralin was not a fool. He suspected that he was getting into something dangerous. Curiousity was not the safest thing at the time. Alpha was reasonable, and was probably concealing whatever it is for the good of the entire party.

Even while he thought, he made no move to leave, beside taking a instinctive step back. Pyre was indecisive, and knew that he was going to end up making a desicion on the spur of the moment. He was now sure about his thoughts before. If he went with Noval now, he wouldn't get to see Alpha for a while. It was obvious he was going to leave. More variables had been added to the choice now. The hylian wanted to go with the sheikah but that didn't mean Alpha wanted others coming with him. He had the right to keep his own secrets, and Pyre respected that. The innate curiousity of the young steered him in another direction however.

He did what had now become a trend for him. Wait. He would see how the others reacted. He had absolutely no desire to go after Alpha alone, and suspected that he would probably end up dead. If others shared his line of thinking however, a different matter entirely was at hand. For now though, there was nothing to act upon, so he waited.

Kasei just stood there...thinking... if I go with alpha, i'd have a better chance of living, but noval also seems loyal..what to do, what to do?

The sheikah stands there, with a harsh look on his face. he couldn't mess up again, never again - his foolishness could've cost someones life..

OOC: so we're actually splitting up> wow. never saw it comin...great going , alpha! and man, I missed a lot, gotta go back and read everything, I did...

OOC: Oh no! I must catch up! I will start from where I left off...

IC: Nogare made a grunt as he was stabbed by the Haikem. But that still could not end him (This blow being likely one of the dozens of mightly blows he ignored in the past.) But he stepped back, away from the dying Haikem. Nogare let the others handle the fight after giving that one blow; he could sense that the others were eager to fight the foes, to end their lives. It was for this purpose that he got away from the action as fast as he could, for he knew that the others could handle this fight, and there was no need to help them much more (Though he could have... he couldn't explain why he stayed back later...) (OOC: What? I had to think of some sort of exuse... ).

After his strong-willed companions had finished of the enemies, he was happy to take in the healing from the Zora's willpower. The spilling blood began to return back into his body through the cuts, which melted back into place. His wounds were gone. So were all the parts in his body that was cleaved. Nogare wasn't surpised abbout being healed, though he was when he noticed that all of the others had been healed as well. He faced the Zora and bowed. Though he said nothing, for reasons unknown...

They continue on, until they come upon the third hallway. Nogare hadn't been in this area of the hallway before. He sees Alpha's head move quickly, and the Hylian looked over to the Sheikah. He was on guard. Good thought Nogare. The silence was eerie, and the air uncomfortable. Nogare wstayed on guard, though he didn't observe the place; he only kept his sword risen.

Brilliant! Raven's spotted some stuff that could be used later on... especially the chainmail. Since he didn't have his, it is good that Raven has found other chainmail.

After a few minutes, he saw that Alpha is checking the room a little bit more closely. he also noticed that a few others joined Alpha. He wouldn't, though; he would go with Noval, and protect the Royal Family, even if it meant the end of him.

He kept his longsword at his side, ready for anything that may strike. Though he still kept note of conversations.

Alpha doesn't seem sure, but what can I do about it other than be on guard, and make it to the king and the princess.

Nogare came over to Noval and hissed, "We've wasted enough time here! We need to hurry, before we continue into unnessessary battle with whatever lies in the shadows..." He looked over his shoulders, and above him, observing the area, remaining on guard.

[Awareness Check]

All three attempted Awareness Checks succeed (Tayro: 19+6[Roll+INT], Elenina: 20+7[Roll+INT], Nogare: 11+4[Roll+INT]), and at the exact same moment all three become distinctly aware of a growing heat in both the room and the hallway. Since Nogare is now quite a distance away from the entrance to the room, however, he is unable to see the other item that Tayro and his companion fairy notice.

Walking at the head of the pack, Noval abruptly turns around as his acute hearing picks up one word that he has trained himself to respond to at all times. Faintly, he hears the echoes from Alpha's words:

"Wraith, I presume."

'WRAITH!?!' The general takes one step forward -

- and an enormous explosion rips apart the hallway right beside the door Alpha and his companions had gone through. "Keyru!" Shada yells with a gasp as the fire rages outward, engulfing every inch of that part of the hall. As the smoke clears away, they can see that the hall has collapsed in that area, leaving behind nothing but a blocked off passageway that would be impossible to pass through without spending hours clearing away rubble.

And yet, suddenly two more problems arise. One, there is no possible way that the Hakiems could have missed the sound that continues to echo through the halls of the castle. And the second literally rises from the ruins of the hallway. The smoldering remains of the ceiling, walls, and decorations abruptly burst forth anew with flames, and suddenly the fire becomes . . . alive.

Humanoid in form, these odd creatures stand no higher than four feet tall, made completely of a blazing inferno. Their heads are pyramidal in shape, with the point looking forward; distinct features such as eyes, ears, or a nose can be seen. Their arms and legs are shaped like javelins, insomuch as neither end in hands or feet, but merely points. It seems amazing that they could balance on such appendages . . .

. . . razor-sharp appendages . . .

??? x 6
Element: Fire
Stats: STR - 6; DEF - 12; AGI - 7; INT - 3; SPI - 5; SPL - 30; HP - 35

OOC: All those who followed Alpha, please continue in the topic below, "[FoG VIII] Castle Pursuit". I would suggest everyone read both topics to keep up with everything that's happening, but . . . well, that's just my advice.

Fang lowered his arms, which shielded his face from the flying debris, only to find more problems. Small fire based life forms were scattered across the hallway, and they didnt look like they wanted to chat. "Little abominations..." Fang muttered, glancing around the room. The hallway was set aflame by something. And its most likely where those creatures spawned from. It would seem we're short handed here. The Mage took a head count, as to see who followed Alpha and who remained... Not many. The odds were against them, have these creatures prove to be as powerful as the Hakiems. And Fang knew it. Assuming an offensive position, Fang's eyes glimmered and shined, as he called fourth the elements. With a few sweeping motions of his hand, a few signs, and well mustered spell power, he aimed for the enemies. And fired. [Elelemental Burst]

OOC: Alpha, I dont have Fang's stats anymore, and Im having a hard time remebering. Mind sending them back to me? And if I have Lv2 Elelemental Burst, I choose water as my elemement