Assignment 0~ Mystery at Oliwreath Shipyard

[Kashew]

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2 weeks ago, the ship, Fren Dor, docked into port to make an emergency stop, due to members of its crew mysteriously dying. Following the docking of Fren Dor, members of the deckhands have too, been mysteriously dying. The local militia has been sent in to investage, however parts of the militia have been hospitalize for an unknown sickness, then several hours later they died. The deck hands have refused going to work in fear that they may die. Your mission is question the deck hands, the remaining members of Fren Dor, and other people in town for information on want is happening. Once enough information is gained, find a way to stop the mysterious deaths from spreading further.

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It's the middle of the night, the streetlights are giving off a faint orange tint onto the street below. Off in the distance a figure is seen walking into the deserted street, a small dot floating just off the left side of the person. As the figure stepped into the streetlight beam, the person, a woman, can be seen looking at her surroundings taking in whats happening.
Man I didn't think Oliwreath could so deserted after dark.
Well considering the fact that this, "mysterious death" is going on, people are scared stiff to leave their homes.
The dot, the lit end of a cigerette, brightens up as if someone is taking a breath. Then a smoke escapes from the other end, the woman grabs the cigerette tosses it to the ground and steps on it putting it out.
You know I hate it when you smoke.
Please, whats the problem its not like I can do anything about it. Beside I think you like it when I smoke.
The woman turns to face nothing then starts yelling at thin air.
You self-centered idiot! I've never liked it when you smoke, you pollute the air I breath and I can't think straight. And I need to be thinking straight, so I can get the Assignment done. Now the first thing to do is talk to the locals and get some information, so we can stop these deaths from happening.
A female scream is heard and the woman turned around to the direction of it.
I think, we can skip the questions and go straight to the stopping.
And with that the woman, with sword drawn ran down the street to the source of the scream.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Faust]

Roy couldn't tell anyone in Traverse Town what he was up to, traveling around to other worlds. He hadn't decided what he was going to say even if they asked. Maybe he'd call it trading, or looking around for remnants of his lost world. Of course, anyone who knew him would know that he was no trader, and he had the commone sense to know that anybody from his world would have already wound up in Traverse Town. Still, he had to tell them something. If they found out the truth...

His late night ruminations were cut short by a scream in the night. Apparently, he thought, crime must cross intergalactic barriers. He turned around, but then stopped himself. Darn, the place he was staying was too far away. There wouldn't be any time to go get that item. But without it...

"Gah, no time for this!" Resting his hand at the sword he held at his side, he ran in the direction of the shout. He would have entered the area from the opposite side as the ladies, when the sight of bared steel caused him to duck into an alleyway. Were those... attackers? He tried discreetly to draw his blade, wincing as it rasped. He wasn't too pleased when the hilt clanked against the alley wall either. And in his shock, he leapt and banged his hand against the wall, causing him to cry out. With his sword half-unsheated, letting go caused it to fall out, clattering against the ground.

"Well, so much for subtlety," He murmured. "Stupid thin alleyways..."

[Kashew]

((I know I didn't say what the second person's gender is so thats my fault, but Gram is a dude and a spirit. Just that no one can see or hear him. You can check it out if you want Maria and Gram))

The woman finally found the source of the scream. On the ground was a woman, about her age. She pulled into an upright position against her leg and started shaking her a little bit.
Ma'am are you alright, hey speak to me.
She's not going answer. Right now it seem that the attacker is not far from here.
The woman set her down then grabbing the necklace from around her neck, she took it off and placed on the unconsicious woman.
What are you doing?
Considering the fact that the attacker may come back, you'll need to protect her.
But you can't do it by yourself.
Watch me.
The woman started running when she heard the clattered of steel and a cry of pain. As she turned into a small alleyway there was a man on the ground, normally she would have helped but the situation said otherwise.
Alright what are you doing here? Answer quickly. Now!
She pointed her kopis at him, keep the point aimed right between his eyes. And stood there waiting for his answer.

[Faust]

Roy bent down to pick up his sword, and when he looked up there was another sword pointed in his face. Strange, he didn't recall dropping a sword, and he'd probably remember if he owned a floating one. It took him a second or two to realize that someone was holding the sword.

"Whoa, whoa wait a second." Roy held up his hands in an unarmed gesture. "It's okay, I'm a... a..." His mind went blank. He was a what? A trader? A farmer? A superhero? Come on, Roy, say something! "A minstrel!" He paused, "Wait, that's not right. Anyways, I heard the scream and came to check. Wait, that's a silly thing to say if you're the reason she was screaming. You're...not the reason she was screaming... are you?"

[Kashew]

The woman cocked an eyebrow at the man, A minstrel? I really do doubt that but he doesn't seem to be the attacker either. She sheathed her kopis then pulled him up to his feet.
I really doubt a woman would scream in fear of a Major Arcana, unless it's L~ but that's another story. I am Maria Vi Cutting, Number 7 The Chariot. I'd like to know who you are and what you are doing here? Understand if you give contradiction to yourself, I have the right to hold you countable for the incident that has happened right. Choose your words wisely.
And with that Maria stood there, arms crossed, watching him intently to see if what he would says is true.

[Faust]

"And may I say, madam, you certainly know how to make a gentleman feel less on edge," Roy said with a sarcastic old-world charm. Being arrested for whatever happened tonight was certainly an incentive for telling the truth, not to mention a source of constant nervousness. But how much of the truth should he tell? Maybe just the things relating to the very recent past.

"My name's Roy Onell, currently from Twilight Town. Formerly... well, that doesn't really matter at this moment in time. I was taking a walk through the streets, when I heard the scream. I know I wouldn't have been able to do anything should I encounter the criminal, but sadly, I cannot resist the urge to be the hero. So, I ran here. I saw you, thought you were the attacker, and hid."

He rubbed the back of his head. "I guess we missed our chance to catch the criminal. Sorry, I shouldn't have been acting so suspicious. If there was some way to make it up... other than being collared for the crime itself. 'Cause I didn't do it. I swear on my honor as a man and everything."

[Kashew]

Twilight Town? Never heard, must be a Remain town. Well that doesn't matter right now. Maria uncrossed her arm, then took in a bit of the night air into her lungs. For sure this wasn't going to be an easy Assignment, maybe Mr. Onell could be some use to her. After all he did offer his service to redeem himself.
Taking this into consideration, I will believe you for now. I do have to get back to the woman, as of right now, you will be my assistance for this Assignment. I will brief you on what is happening as it seems you may not know anything about this.
For sure this was going to take a lot out of her, so she took a deep breath as she turned around to walk back to the scene of the crime.
From what my Superiors have told, a few weeks ago a ship came into port under reasons being that members of it's crew have disappeared and have later been found dead. They request for resupplyment of both sea-worthy men and rations; however following their docking, deckhands at the Oliwreath Shipyard have also like the crew have disappeared later to be found dead. As the case, the deckhands have been afraid to even step anywhere near the shipyard in fear that they will die also. Up to this point most the bodies as I've said have been found within the shipyard, but it seems that now whatever is causing this is begining to spread into town. People have been afraid to leave their home at night, and it beginning to show. That is all the information as of right now, but we will need to get more to know whats really happening.
When she finished briefing Mr. Onell, they had just reached the body, and for Maria, there was Gram just sitting there twiddling his thumb waiting for her to come back.
Hey about time you got back, any luck with our mysterious death?
He looked behind Maria to see Roy behind, and gave a puzzled look to Maria.
Please tell me, this isn't the source of the problem.
Under her breath No, this Roy Onell. He will be assiting us on this Assignment.
Oh... okay. Well nothing happened while you were gone. Though there was a kind-of growling sound, but it left as soon as you two came.
Maria bent down to grab her necklace again, she tied it back around her neck then like a groom carrying his bride, Maria lifted the woman up and turned to face.
You wouldn't by any chance be staying somewhere would you? We going to need to set up a bed for this woman to lay down on.
Well this truely is an interesting situation. I mean really, didn't you setup reservations before we left?
Maria blushed a little, and gave Gram a sideways glare. Hopefully Mr. Onell didn't notice any of her actions, that would make her look weird.

[Faust]

Roy picked up his sword and hastily put it away, following the young lady wordlessly. He heard the story with a mixture of sympathy and regret. If he had only known about this sooner, he'd have opened the red case in his room sooner. This most certainly wasn't a job for Roy Onell.

He was so preoccupied with his inner thoughts that he didn't notice Maria's strange behavior,and even if he had he would probably be relieved to see he wasn't the only one acting strange tonight. He snapped out of his reverie when he felt eyes on him.. "Staying somewhere? Uh, yeah. There's a little inn just a couple blocks from here. I know the way from here. This way."

He led the way to a ratty little building near the water. Idly, he wondered what all he left out on the bed. Not a certain red case, he hoped. The contents of that might be a little awkward to explain...

[Kashew]

It was good thing that Mr. Onell was staying somewhere, Maria being quiet moved silently behind Mr. Onell. Gram on the other hand was just flowing effortlessly in circles around the two checking to make sure they wouldn't be attacked.
So far it looks like whatever attacked this woman won't be coming anytime soon. But you know I find this guy very interesting.
What do you mean by that Gram?
Well I'm just saying, is that he does seem to be from around here. Like he's from a different world.
A different world? No... that can't be possible. At this point the matter of Mr. Onell being a minstrel seem more reasonable than coming from a different world. Maria may have to talk to him about this theory at different time, right now the matter was that they needed to complete the Assignment first.
As they reached the little building, the sign hanging from it said, "The Sea Urchin", interesting title for a ratty little building. When they stepped into the "main lobby" the caretaker seem to have woken from a slumber, rubbing the sleep from his eyes he looked at his customers.
Ah, Mr. Onell it's so good to see you again. While you were gone I had one of the maids clean and tidy the room up. I see you made some nice catches there. I'll be sure to put a sign up so you're not disturbed.
Maria was disturb by what this man had just said, "catches" he made it seem like she was a prositute or something. Woman still in hand she walked up to the caretaker giving him a glare, and made her point clear.
I really don't care who you are, but I will give you my name so that the next time you decide to call someone a "catch" you'll think twice. I am Maria Vi Cutting, member of The Guard, and Number 7 in the Major Arcana. I will be requesting that you give better respect to people the next time you talk to them.
The man was flabbergasp, without even realizing he just insulted a Major Arcana. Then quickly trying to redeem himself.
Oh I am so sorry, please forgive me I don't know what I was thinking. If there's anyway to ask for your forgiveness I'll do it. Name it and it's done.
Alright... I will need a doctor for this woman, and I will be excepting that no one unless they know me, is to disturb us until said otherwise. Is that clear?
Y-yes Ma'am!
And with that he ran straight out into the night to go fetch the local doctor. Maria turned to Roy, and said
Well lead the way.

[Faust]

"Whoa." Roy smirked. "Guess you've got some clout around here, huh? This Major Arcana must be an important title." He laughed, then dropped the smile and nervously said "This way, Ma'am."

His room was hardly the Ritz, but for his tastes and needs, it was fine. Small and spartan, it only had a bed, a table, a chair and a small closet. The bed was covered with clothing taken out of a giant suitcase. Roy began picking things up. "Sorry about the mess, but if I knew about what was gonna happen tonight..." He picked up a pair of underpants, looked up, and promptly hid them behind his back. "Eh, heh heh heh..."

Putting the now loaded suitcase on the floor, he picked up a small red case and put it on the table. "There. Let's go ahead and put the young lady on the bed. She's gonna be all right, right?"

[Kashew]

When they reached, Mr. Onell tidied it up a little bit, "There. Let's go ahead and put the young lady on the bed. She's gonna be all right, right?"
Maria placed her gently on the bed, then taking her hand she placed it against the woman's forehead. Nothing seems abnormal, so far that is. She removed her hand, and turned around to face Mr. Onell. She carefully place herself on the edge of the bed and gave a sigh.
Well it seem like she isn't getting any fever, and the good thing, is that she's still breathing. But we can't be for sure if she really is alright until the doctor comes.
For a moment there was a still silence in the room. Gram floating by the window, moved silently towards Maria and whispered in her ear.
You know, you two could be mistaken as a couple if you keep this silent up.
Maria blushed like crazy, and without warning just started a conversation.
I'm pretty sure, you're still curious about the Major Arcana. I'll tell you as much as I can say about them, not like we're a couple, crap! Ignore that! Oh god this is embarrassing, why did you have to say that Gram?!
Because I would like to think of this as pay back for the smoke. That's all.
Maria took a breath to calm herself, then took another breath.
I belong to a group call "The Guard", our sacred duty is to hold the peace here and all over Moriga. The Major Arcana, is consider the elites of The Guard. In total there are 22 member in the Major Arcana. As you already know I'm number 7. Anyways because The Guard keeps the peace we're what you say "heros". I just think what we really are just people doing what is for the greater good of Moriga. We don't what has happened before happen again. So what of you Mr. Onell, what do think of us?

[Faust]

"Heroes, huh?" Roy said, tactfully sounding interested to cover up his own distraction. What was that she had said about being a couple? Maybe it was just a tradition on this planet to divulge information to significant others. So, did that mean that information was hidden from people, even if it was common knowledge? Focus, Onell! She just asked you something.

"What do I think?" He gave that some thought before answering. "Well, you'll forgive me for saying, I hope, but if you ask me you don't seem very much like a hero. I mean, a hero is supposed to have a certain... presence, y'know? Like, when you walk into a room, people are supposed to say 'Lookit there. There's Number Seven of the Major Arcana. Things are gonna be all right now.' You... you look like just a regular lady. A regular lady with a sword, mind, but there's nothing there to make the people cheer, the villains cower."

At this point, he seemed to grow blank in expression for a second, then held up his hands disarmingly. "Not that I'd know anything about being a hero or anything. No, I certainly don't know anything about any of that. Eh, heh heh heh... It's just... how I imagine... heroes should... y'know, be like."

[Kashew]

Maria gave a tiny smirk, He truely is an interesting character. Shifting her weight on the bed, she unstrapped both her kopis and claymore and placed them on her right side, parallel to the bed. Then she stretched her arms into the air and gave a reliefing groan.
Mr. Onell, l...
A knock came to the door, stopping Maria in the middle of her sentence. Then a voice came from the other side of the door.
Uh... Miss. Cutting... Ma'am I've brought the doctor like you told me to do.
Maria walked over to the door and opened it, standing in the hallway was the caretaker and by his side was an elderly beastwoman; her hair was tied into a single braid which went from her left shoulder across the front to the other shoulder. Her ears weren't as percky as they would've been when she was younger, but they still moved in twitches taking in everything. Maria stepped off to the side to let the doctor in. The doctor made her way over to the woman on the bed, and began her examination. It seem like a hour had passed, and the only thing being heard was everyones' breath and the doctor's occasstional "yes, yes". Finally the doctor turned around to face the observers, and gave her final verdict.
Her name is Elizabeth Roth, she works at the bakery in the center of town.
......
Yes and...
And?
What her condition? Will she be alright?
Oh... yes, yes... she'll be alright... yes, yes... the only injuries she sustained were a bump on the back of her head, and... claw markings along both of her arms, more close to the shoulder really. Thank heaven that she didn't contract the death.
Is there anyway to know if someone contracts this "death"?
Yes...
And?
And what?
What's the sign for the "death"?
A bite mark on the neck, more like a puncture wound.
So when will she wake up?
Who?
Miss Elizabeth.
Oh, um tomorrow at best... yes, yes.
Maria just stood there, Tomorrow is not good enough, we need to talk to now, she's our only witness! Maria took a deep breath then started walking out the door.
Mr. Onell watch over Miss Elizabeth. I'm going to get some air.
As Maria's figure stepped out of view, the doctor out of the blue said
You two make a lovely couple... reminds me of my younger years... I think I'll have some tea.
I make some right away for you doctor.
Thank you, deary.
And with that they both stepped out leaving Roy Onell with the young woman. Maria's swords fell to the floor as Elizabeth slightly shifted in her sleep. After that it was all quiet.

[Faust]

Roy cleared his throat nervously at the beast-lady's observation. Honestly, was couple a completely different word on this planet? It had to be. Of course, he hadn't had time to ask or launch an argument before she and the innkeeper left, leaving him alone in his room with an injured woman. The silence was so deafening, a pin falling would have sounded like a cannon shot. Of course, when a pair of swords fell to the floor, one can only imagine how loud that sounded, and how high Roy leapt at the sound of it.

Sighing and clutching his racing heart, he moved to the side of the bed and bent down to pick them up. "Quite a mess I've gotten myself into, huh?" He said, more to break the silence than to hear himself talk. "Now, I don't know much about this 'The Death' stuff, but it looks like this isn't your average mugging in an alleyway. Something tells me I could very easily get in over my head. Man, if only I could..."

He put the swords down on the table, and again his eyes went to the little red case. He stopped, looked around, checked to see if the girl was still asleep, and then flipped open the clasp. Inside, there was a bundle of strange, brightly colored clothing. He pulled out what he was looking for; a pair of dark blue gloves with a stripe of red at the base of each. Silently, almost reverently, he slipped them on his hands and held them up to his face, stretching the fingers and making fists. He clenched once, tightly, and they both flashed for a brief moment.

He sighed. "Sorry, Captain. I know how badly you wanna help out right now. Heck, right now I'd probably give a good deal to switch places right now. Still, how would I explain it to Miss Cutting? Oh, if I could only be in two places at once..."

[Kashew]

Maria walked out the from door, and started pacing back in forth. When she came to a barrel she kicked in her frustration. Damn! Why is this happening.
You know, you shouldn't be punching yourself over this. Things like this happen you need to be calm about it.
It's easy for you say, you're dead.
Yeah I may be dead, but I still know what I would do if I was still alive.
Oh really, what would that be?
There was a moment of silence the only thing heard was the ocean in the distance hitting the port.
I would go to a bar and start asking questions there. That... is what I would do, but if you don't want to do it thats fine. Right now, I'll just leave you alone to just think on that.

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In the room, Elizabeth began stirring in her sleep mumbling things.
No... no stay... stay away... c... chi-me...ra.

Hopefully, this information had some meaning to it. Otherwise, it could be passed off as a bad nightmare.