Qua Patet Orbis (Open)

[Altair Eleison]

((OOC: Open to whoever! Just make sure you follow the setting, when Erza-san posts it!))

Common sense dictates that you can't fight against the system. Those higher than you, stay higher and you can't fight them, because they'll crush you. Common sense, or human nature...or both. People fear those above them. They don't fight back because of that fear. And that fear controls them, allowing them to not do anything when they are being pushed around by a person of superior status.

What exactly can a person do, when they are pushed around by the system? What would you do, if you couldn't fight back or wouldn't? Nothing, probably. That's what most humans do. There are several who will fight back, but it's not enough to make anything happen. That's where I come in. I was told, by my father, that I was destined to do great things. Truly great things.

And you know what? He was right. For you see, I am now on my way to do what most people won't. Of course, the two girls I'm friends with, know nothing of this. They are too innocent, and of the fairer sex, to know the cold-blooded things I'm about to do.

You see, in our home village, there is a certain man, in a certain part of town, who charged large taxes on the five poorest villagers, in our neck of the woods, actually. The taxes, were so much, in fact, that they were now unable to buy food for the entire family. The parents were starving, just to take care of their children. Soon, they wouldn't even be there to do that...

So, now, I'm heading to that certain man, in that certain part of town, to get their money back peacefully. If that can't be handled, then well, I'll let my cold steel blade do the deal making for me...

[Corina Lucifer]

The system was created to establish order. Order was established to ensure the utmost efficiency. Utmost efficiency is necessary to maintain justice and righteousness. For without efficiency, without order, the hand of justice will be slowed. The weak cannot be protected, the strong cannot move to shield them, the needy cannot be assisted, the generous cannot effectively give... Not to mention, the wicked cannot be punished.

There is a stark contrast between extrajudicial killings and a fully ruled execution. And that is a just, lawful application. The evidence is presented, and by the court of law, the wicked are found guilty. There is objectivity in a judicial execution. That it can be done with a truly clear conscience of the masses themselves. Following your 'gut' is by no means objective, no means fair or right. Even if the scoundrel is the most wicked man in the world, he needs to go through a proper prosecution.

But that is another matter entirely. As to myself, my quest for a guild that will accept me despite my glaring - pun not intended - physical flaw continues. As of now, this kindly well to do gentleman - I could tell from the scent of the soap he used, and the texture of the fabric he wore - was leading me to a certain part of town, to a certain lord. This certain lord's name escapes me, but that doesn't really quite matter. If my guide is correct, then this certain lord might have connections to a large number of guilds. One of these, in turn, might be open to accepting me.

And this time, I will make sure to put on my best speech. Rhetoric. The art of persuasive talking. There is no doubt that once I am done with this lord, I shall have open before me the door to great opportunities, opportunities to uphold the family honour, to make my contribution to the greater good of the world. That, is my goal. That, is my destiny. And that destiny, I shall pursue without fail, no matter the odds of success, no matter the obstacles that get in my way, I shall slice through them with this true blade.

So do I swear on my honour as a child of the House Lucifer.

[Raem Kichishima]

Many people, who actually knows how many, wonder exactly what it is that actually gets them through The Day. The monotony of The Day. Ah, The Day. That ever encompassing, all knowing, sorely feeling concept. What is The Day? Why, it's quite simple, actually. The Day isn't even it's full name. It's full name is The Day In The Life.

Who's life is entirely up to you.

But let me clarify. The Day, The Day In The Life, who's ever it may be, always, or almost always anyway, follows a pattern. Not a pattern, a rut, if you will. People go along, day after day, year after year, minute after minute, life after life, doing what ever it is that immediately concerns them and theirs. That man walking past you is on his way to somewhere so that he can do something so that he can get something and then go back to where ever it was he was going from much later on before 24 hours are up, whereby he can then do something else when he gets there.

Make sense? Yes? No? Here, let's get a more prudent example.

The man with the sword and girlishly long hair is about to demand that his own personal sense and opinion of justice be served, either with peaceful offering or bloody retribution.

The girl with blond hair being escorted is seeking a guild so that she can also impose her own brand of justice on those whom are, in her opinion, deserving of it.

Now, the question is, why? Why serve their justice out at the edge of a blade to those whom they think deserve such a fate? Why does lady Justice seem to demand such bloody sacrifice for appeasement? Indeed, why is it that if the murderer, psychopath, genocide-conductor, spews the word "Justice" from his mouth, his actions are suddenly justified? How many murders, killings, of brave men, brothers, fathers, newly-indited husbands; just exactly how many have died so that Justice, in all her regal, lawful, omnipotent glory, could be served?

...Well, why ask me? I don't have a clue. And certainly neither does the boy walking down the street dressed in heavy clothing and a wizard's hat.

In fact, about this boy. This boy, who's name is Raem Kichishima, is perhaps the most hypocritical person you'll ever meet. Hypocrisy is one of the most colorful traits of human nature, after all.

But anyway, this boy, Raem Kichishima, the hypocrite, is part of a dark guild known as Crimson Lotus. A guild that also disperses it's own brand of "justice" throughout the continent of Fiore.

No, no. Don't try to catch a peek at his face. You won't see it. The shawl and the hat do their job so well all you'll see at the best of times is a large black orb with eyes looking back at you. Oh, but what intelligent eyes they are.

Any who, so this boy, walking down the street, contemplating the meaning of the word "justice" and exactly how many different brands of it there were out there, just innocently walking down the street, suddenly found himself crossing paths with those certain two people, who were also concerned about dispensing their own brands of justice.

The boy with the long hair and the sword, and the girl with the blond hair, also with the sword.

And here was Raem. Alone, sword-less, completely cloaked, and without a clue as to what opinion he had on Justice, of any brand.

My, he was thirsty...

[Erza Scarlet]

(OOC: So much to the idea of forming teams within guilds and making missions...)

"Those ungrateful bastards. I am allowing them to farm on my land and what are they doing? Calling some people to help them. Help them out!? What are they thinking? Everything I do here is perfectly legal. This is my town and I am JUSTICE! Haaaaah.. I know.. they want to get rid of me .. they want to get their hands on my land. Hahahaha. But not with me. Not so easy my friends."

Lord Cervias van Geldeintreiber Duck was a wealthy man. He had inheritated great wealth from his late father and decided to increase the number of treasures. Indeed had the family never seen as much money in its hands, than ever before. He had not complained about those people who were robbing the resources from his land, but now had they gone too far. Their complains had been annoying, but by summoning the help of guilds had they openly gone against him and the law.

Raising his thick finger, did he summon the captain of the guards, hired to protect him and his wealth. He also had already sent an envoy for additional man and the manor of the lord had turned into a fortress. He did not like wasting money, yet was his life on the line and he could not make anymore money, after he had already died. Death was unpleasant. He had no time to die.

"Yes my lord?" "Tighten the guards. I do not want to see anyone... and I also want a list of all the people who were involved in this coup' afterwards."

The man in light armor, bowed and then left the room to join the dozens of guards outside in their attempt to keep their boss save from harm.

[0/4, to break through the front gate or stop Altair]

[Altair Eleison]

I felt the presence of a second person following me. I kept my brisk pace up, but glanced back behind me to see...

A girl. One probably not older than myself, and with blond hair and blue eyes. Attractive definitely, but that didn't really matter. I turned back, focusing on my current task at hand, hoping this wasn't someone who was going to interfere. That girl did have a weapon, a saber, from the looks of it. I really hope she didn't want to fight me, because I don't want to fight a girl.

But if she hindered my plan...

Then, as we were walking, we passed a young man who was fully covered, head to toe, except for his face. And I don't know what it was, but the moment we walked past I felt his eyes following us. Well, me at least. It's not like the blond and I were working together here, or anything.

"Ah, Altair. It's good to see you..." A voice spoke from behind a giant clay gourd. I quickly maneuvered to the side, avoiding the person.

"I'm not exactly sure how you could see me, around that." I blinked, looking over at the woman who was carrying it in both arms. "Why did you buy such a thing, Katia?"

"Oh, it's a gift for my daughter. She's getting married soon you know? I figured it would look nice inside the house they are going to live in." Katia smiled up at me. "Why don't you settle down and find a nice girl? You know Anna isn't much older than you, after all."

"I would if I could, but I like being able to travel around doing stuff, though..." I said, looking off to the side awkwardly.

"What about Caterina? Or even Raine? You seem very close with them." I facepalmed, as this conversation went this way.

"They are colleagues. We're part of the same guild, you know! It's not like I'm with either of them." I said, firmly, as I sighed.

"Oh, well, that's shame. But you three should be enjoying this youth! It won't last for long! Why I remember..." Katia started to rant about her childhood.

"That sounds great..." I bowed, looking down at the floor, rubbing the back of my head. "...but I'm in a hurry. I really must go. You be careful going home, Katia!" I turned and started to walk away, about to run, to make up the lost time, when I heard a large crash behind me. Sighing, I turned around to see...

[1/4]

[Corina Lucifer]

"Yeah, it's a full moon out tonight. No clouds or anything. Why'd you as-"

My guide had tripped. How did I know? I heard the sound of his foot catching against something. I could not for the life of me understand how he could have tripped on something he saw. Ah, but therein comes the understanding of the interesting truth, that those who are still blessed with the gift of sight, have a tendency to take it for granted. I poked the ground ahead of me with my cane and found that the offending item was a rather large rock. Yes, those with sight indeed took their blessing for granted.

I squatted and shook the man's shoulder. "Excuse me? Good sir? Are you all right?"

No answer. I removed one gauntlet and began to feel around his head, whereupon, I discovered a liquid on one side, his temple. I brought the finger that had found it up to my nose. It was fresh, but there was no mistaking the faint odour of blood. As one who faces such dangers as those that would spill blood on a regular basis, this is hardly something that would cause me to panic.

I lifted my disabled guide up and supported him with a shoulder. Sometimes, it pays to be more diminutive than most. It makes the centre of gravity closer to the earth, allowing one such as myself to support taller people who for some reason or another, cannot support themselves. I called out to the people around me - there were at least three, judging from the conversation I overheard, and the third, silent figure who merely continued to move. "If any of you would please be so kind as to lend me some assistance. This man, my guide, is injured and requires immediate medical attention. If you could lead me to the lord's manor, where the medical staff would be able to treat him?"

I did recall hearing from my guide earlier that the town doctor was on the other side of the town. Not that I was searching for him directly, or even enquiring, but it came from him more as a comment about how it would be difficult to give me proper treatment should I trip. Perhaps life really is filled with ironies? In light of the situation, then, it would certainly be far more prudent to bring this man into the lord's manor, which, from the direction we were headed, is very likely much closer than the town doctor, anyway.

Only a truly kind heart would be able to put other things ahead of his own interests and be of help to a needy, injured person. Do not look at me that way. I already explained that the town doctor is too far away, and that the lord's medical staff would certainly more than suffice. It is but a convenient coincidence that the nearest medical personnel happen to be residing at my destination. Had I known otherwise, then I would have immediately turned on a heel and marched the long path to the town doctor's residence.

"If it were up to me, I would not burden you with so much, and merely ask for directions, but I myself am rather visually impaired, and cannot find my way without one to lead me down the right path."

[1/4]

[Raem Kichishima]

So this creepy, hypocritical boy named Raem was just walking down the street, minding his own business. He didn't care about the boy with the sword, nor about the blind girl who was being led to somewhere or other. Nope. Not at all. Anyway, why should he? He had other places to go, other places to be, other things to do. Important things. So why should he even care about the two? There isn't any reason at all.

Well...except for the most important one. This being that Raem, despite being a member of a dark guild, is a something of a sad-sorry wuss.

Alright, alright. Not a wuss. In fact, not a wuss at all. If this Rp starts going in that general direction, you might see how much of a not-wuss he actually is.

But most people, especially those usually associated with dark guilds, would label him as such. In fact, being only at rank-B since he joined, even other mages would think that.

But that's just the brilliance of the deception, isn't it?

So, yes, the boy with the sword did not just imagine Raem's eyes inquiring about him. In fact, they were inquiring about him most out of everyone else they were inquiring about. For those of you unfamiliar with it, it's called suspicion. But why, you say?

I think that I've stated it before, but Raem is a most intelligent boy. In fact, most of his dealings in the dark guild he has joined often do with intelligence. Usually gathering it. And Raem has gathered quite alot.

The thing you have to learn when placed in dangerous situations is this absolute, golden, numero uno rule. That is to be able to sense them before they happen. Now this just happens to be a skill that Raem has perfected to almost an art.

Most people wouldn't realize it. In fact, he was sure no one around him at this very moment realized it. But the fact of the matter was he did. He could tell just by breathing the air, by absorbing the scene with his ever-so-intelligent eyes, he just knew that someone, perhaps multiple people, were going to get hurt or possibly even die.

And he could see it just by glancing at this boy with the sword.

How, you ask? Well, if you asked Raem such a question, he would tell you that it isn't too hard. The way the boy moved was the key. Most people have a kind of walk they use for any certain mood. A walk to the grocery store, a walk to see a bad chick flick with your wife, a walk for when your going nowhere in particular, and, of course, the "holy-shit-I'm-late!" walk.

The walk that the boy was using right now was the "purposeful" walk. Very distinctive from the "I've got to get some frozen dinner for tonight" walk or the "I'm late to pick up my kids from soccer practice" walk. No, no. This was the "I've got something to do and I'll be damned if I don't do it and do it right!" walk. It's usually those kinds of walks that people have when they've suddenly discovered, or re-discovered, their life's purpose and they set out to accomplish it immediately.

The bottom line was that Raem could tell that this boy, who was about his age, was dangerous. Just who he was dangerous for was another question entirely.

So what do you think? Intelligent, yes? Hooo, you should see him when he's on the job!

Now, what was he going to do about it? Why, follow the boy, of course. But in the most inconspicuous manners possible. Keeping the box tight, but not too tight. Let some people get in front of you. When he stops to chat, duck into a store. Make it look like you both just happened to be going in the same general direction.

And Raem was good at that. After all, his trade demanded it.

And then he turned around. What was that? A cry for help? A plea from the blind girl?

Uh oh. It looked like trouble. But then, he didn't really have time for-

Oh...wait, I'm mistaken. Of course he goes and helps. After all, it's not like he wasn't tailing anybody at the time, right? No, no. Just drop whatever it was you were doing and help a random stranger. We've got all the time in the world-

Oh...don't give me that look you creepy, pointy-hat wearing, bleeding heart. Fine, whatever. Lolly-gag all you want. That boy's still going to reach his target before you can do anything about it.

Huh...the thing you have to learn about Raem is that, at the best of times, he can have more heart in him than a Rocky movie.

Raem, without saying a word to the blind girl, bent down and examined the wound her guide had. It was a cut to the temple, but it wasn't too bad. From the look at the scene around him, Raem realized he must've tripped on that rock.

Reaching into his pocket, he drew out a sizable brown handkerchief. Expertly, he folded it twice and placed it on the wound as a makeshift gauze pad. Then, and you're going to love this...no really, you're going to love it.

Seriously...

Then he removed his shawl to reveal...here it comes...

Another shawl!

Yes, he is that paranoid.

Ow! Did you just throw that rock! Jeez...

Anyway. Taking the first shawl, he wrapped it around the guide's head good and tight to ensure that pressure was put on the cut and the handkerchief-gauze pad didn't fall off.

First aid is one of the things a traveler must know in order to survive. You can't always depend on others to help you out.

Speaking of someone who has to depend on others. Raem turned to the girl. She was pretty good looking for someone who couldn't see. Really not bad at all.

Slinging the guide's arm around his shoulder and supporting his body like a sergeant in the army who was helping a wounded solider to safety, he took the blind girl's bare hand in his heavily gloved one and gave it a tug to signify in what direction they were going.

The bareness of the girl's hand felt like it was burning it's way through his glove. But the fabric held. As long as he didn't have to touch her with any part of his skin, he was still alright.

Working out that the only doctor was on the opposite side of town, the lord's house was the only real place to go for medical attention.

And yes, Raem wasn't actually so weak that he couldn't escort a blind girl and her guide to the lord of this town's house. In fact, (but being a mage, this is a given,) he was actually quite strong himself. And it helps that he can transform his left shoulder blade into another hand using his Serial Nos ability to help support the man.

So there he was. Carrying an unconscious man on one shoulder and leading a blind girl with his opposite hand with an arm made of darkness sprouting out of his back. A strange a sight as anyone would ever see, but, well, Raem was like that.

It's just him being him. No real reason for alarm.

[1/4]

[Altair Eleison]

Typical. Just typical. The world truly was against me, at that moment. Or so it seemed.

First, the woman who lived near our guild, was nearly run over by me. She was one of the people who had been targeted by the lord, but her husband had quickly stopped that. For now, at least. This lord would come back and they were definitely a target. Their act of defiance wouldn't be tolerated, by the selfish bastard, who tried to break the people of the village (economically and emotionally).

Of course, even though I thought this, I wouldn't dare let anyone know what I was doing. Even though it was for the greater good, it definitely wasn't liked by people. Murder, that is. Murderers were instantly pushed to the side as scum. I can't help that I do this. It was all that could be done, sometimes... The needs of the many, outweighed the life of a few, in my humblest opinion. If I had to kill three civilians, to free one-hundred, I would do it albeit reluctantly...

Now, if it came to killing Raine and Caterina, I'd turn my own blade on myself. I would refuse to let them die, especially by my hands!

Second, getting back to my initial point, this girl, who was obviously blind, had lost her guide. Now the sound, of the crash, was greatly exemplified, compared to what I had originally thought. No, I originally thought that Katia had been bumped into, and the vase had fallen. But instead this guide had tripped and fallen on a rock. Now, what exactly was he carrying that made the sound of a vase breaking? A quick examination of his person, made it fit.

"Oh, a clay gourd." I found myself saying out loud, albeit, unintentionally. As the boy, with the shawl, helped him up, I couldn't help but look at the pieces, of the shattered gourd. Walking past them, as the blond-haired girl and the cloaked boy, started to lead him towards the lord's house. Leaning down, I picked up a shard of the gourd, and felt liquid on it.

Sniffing it, then cautiously taking a lick of it, I narrowed my eyes, tossing the shard to the ground, as I stood up, pointing at the man. "What kind of guide are you, drinking alcohol while leading a blind girl in an unfamiliar town!? No wonder you fell, your senses are dulled by the stench of gin! Who would commission you as guide?"

A hiccup admitted itself from his lips, as it curved into a smirk, pushing off the boy, and grabbing the blond-haired girl, around the neck, a concealed stiletto appearing in his left hand, being held to her throat. "I was told to find a certain young man, with a certain length of hair, and a certain color." He smirked, staring me down. He kept his hold on the girl, as I reached down to the hilt of my katana. I glared, as he seemed to tighten his grip on her. My hands were practically tied.

"And it looks like I found him, isn't that right, vigilante Altair!?"

And in this situation, it was best to feign ignorance. "Me? A vigilante? I think you're strongly mistaken my friend." I brought my hand up, an index finger extended, a small smile coming to my face. "My name isn't Altair. It's..." Now, I quickly ran my name through my head trying to find a nice ambigrambic way to a name, instead of making up one. When that didn't work, I had to come up with one really quick. Like seconds quickly. Back when I started the words.

"...Dusk. I am just a villager." I glanced behind me, to see that Katia had been gone a while, giving me my freedom of NOT getting caught. "I do wish you'd release her though. Especially since you have the wrong person, and she is visually impaired."

If my mission was going to be hindered, better be to save a damsel in distress, rather than anything else. "If not, I fear I may have to take her back by force, my good man." All of this was said disdainfully and sarcastically. I hated people, who used violence to try and force people to submit. They tried to use the status quo to their favor. But, to be fair, I was also using the status quo to MY favor.

"How dumb do you think I am? I know my target! You can't make deals. I kill her or you come with me."

...it worked better, when you have all the cards...

I sighed. "Alright, you have me." I shrugged, palms out, as I walked towards him. "I'll go peacefully, if you let go of this girl, alright?" Of course I didn't plan to go peacefully, but if he would let the blind girl go, then it was easier to take him down...

[2/4]

[Corina Lucifer]

"That's better. Come now, deary. We'll settle this at the lord's manor." The man began to move, apparently resuming his original course. I complied, not out of any willingness, but of compulsion. My guide turned agitator was quite less than sober, I imagine. Should I refuse to go and act as dead weight, either I would taste cold steel, or the defiant act would make the walk cumbersome, outright impossible, actually. The likelihood of us tripping was in that case very high.

Control of the situation was a very important matter to people such as myself. It is an embodiment of order. Though the entire situation might not be entirely controlled by you, making wise use of the choices available provides you with every possible opportunity to do so. If I follow for now, I at least do everything in my power to ensure that the blade stays where it is. Say I do resist. There are only two possibilities, both of which are detrimental. Either he kills me as he has been threatening, or we stumble, and from that point on, order knows where that weapon might end up.

But that is only a short interim, to allow me to gather more information on the situation, and then plan accordingly. The next step has already been decided. "Scoundrel!" A wise man once said, 'All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing'. And as a knight, it is my sworn duty to prevent evil from reigning victorious above righteousness. Granted, this man might not necessarily be evil, as he is, after all, under the influence, but even in such cases, one must be careful.

"What wickedness do you wish to perpetuate in this way? Using such detestable means to reveal a suspect vigilante is an act most vile!" The second phase of the plan involves a gauge of his cognitive ability. It is evident that the man is intoxicated. But just how, is another story entirely. Depending on how he answers this rebuke, I will be able to tell whether negotiation is still a plausible method of settling this issue or not.

"Eh? Wassat now? You know, sweetie, you're not exactly in any position to be talking to me about that. What's a man gotta do to make a bit of jewels these days, eh?" His answer was still somewhat vague, and did little aside from stirring my blood from his name-calling. I could not quite tell how negotiable he was, but it was at least certain that he was not taking me seriously. I heard the knife flip. Apparently, he was toying with it. Another sign of his level of insobriety. It would seem that he was doing so to threaten me, despite the fact that I could not see that he was brandishing his little weapon.

But, would you not say that he might also be threatening the other two people nearby who could help? It was inconclusive. This would require an intermediate step to be taken. A more assertive, imperative declaration that appeals to his more basic senses as a human, rather than the higher ideals and reasoning. "Such insolence. You would turn a dagger on an emissary of law and order? When the lord learns of this, I assure you that the only payment you shall be receiving for such a mad scheme is corporeal punishment!"

This threat is the final test. My future actions will be set in stone, based on how he answers a call to authority and physical pain. If he relents, then it shall be well with him, well for all four of us. If he remains obstinate, then I shall have to carry out the alternative, more active set of the possible choices that have been pre-established by my training. Surely, if a man does not submit to such powers as the threat of retribution, then he cannot possibly be in his right mind. In this particular case, at least. Otherwise, the man is foolish beyond comprehension.

"Yap, yap, yap. The lord won't know of this. What makes you think I'll tell him, what?"

There is a great difference between mere anger, and righteous fury. Anger is a despicable vice that goes appeases to the basest of human desires, to appease the self. Selfish desire to attain what it wants, through the fastest and easiest means necessary, that means being force. Anger chooses no victim, but instead lashes out at anything or anybody that it perceives to getting in the way of itself and gratification. It leads its host into a rage that is unreasonable, defiant of all sense and laws. That is anger. A crime most dire that angry thoughts against your brother are worthy of death, according to the most stringent of faiths.

Righteous fury, on the other hand, is an element of justice and order made manifest by its nature. Righteous fury is a controlled, reasoned, and directed mechanism that seeks the eradication of immorality and corruption in the most efficient way possible. It does not strike down people indiscriminately. In fact, it is not so much against a person as it is against his crimes. Righteous fury is a reasonable force, one that is willing to forgive those who repent, on the condition that they can reasonably prove that they have truly changed their ways.

"This is my final warning, knave." No human is perfect. Be it man or woman, knight or pleb, lord or servant. And at the frustration brought about by my disability to negotiate, I admit, that I was angry. How I had wished to smite this drunken cad. "Unhand me, or face the consequences of this utter drunken stupidity." Ever the gallant one, it seems. Already, I confess my anger, and yet I am still willing to give one last chance to reason. Such, is the virtue that has been ingrained within me all these years.

"Look, I've had it about up to here with you and your blabbering, wench! Why don't I just kill you here and now, huh?"

I could sense him draw his arm back to stab me. At this distance, it would be child's play for one such as myself to pinpoint the exact location and movements of his arm. As I stared blankly ahead like always, my right hand shot up to intercept his oncoming wrist. "Then you are a drunken barbarian, intoxicated beyond all reason. As is my duty to protect peace and justice, there is only one way to deal with you and your ilk." I tightened my grip around his wrist, gauntlet-dressed hands applying enough force to give him a slow, painful time. The man's voice was shaky, but it did not take too long until he was into a full-blown scream. I heard the knife fall to the ground.

What just took place was a simple enough measure. As knights in charge of defending law and order, we are trained to deal with all sorts of threats. Even those that emanate from the people themselves. In times such as these, it is not uncommon for the people to rebel even against fair and just lords, as a result of ignorance and paranoia. Since the true enemy lies within these concepts of misinformation and irrational fear, and not within the people themselves, it would be impossible to justify lethal force against them in any manner.

The innate problem with the matter, is that even though the raging populace is technically innocent, this does not make them any less susceptible to committing mistaken crimes against their benefactors. In fact, this innocence, which they are well aware of, makes them even more likely to rise up against a lord whom they perceive to be foul and unjust. Violence will ensue at this point. But what is a protector of both order and innocence to do when the two have become so inconveniently opposed?

A logical and ingenious countermeasure was developed in response. Much like how a father would strike his child in order to discipline him well, so too would the knights, to protect order from destruction, and the innocent from their ignorance, discipline the people. It would be painful, but oh, so very fleeting. Temporary. And in the long run, best used when the people will refuse to listen to reason and objectivity. Ranks of knights may gather with raised shields to deflate rioting crowds, perhaps in some serious cases, with clubs. A father disciplines his child because he loves him. To prevent him from doing some greater wrong when he reaches manhood. Discipline, however, must be done in moderation. Excess leads to disturbed growth, and rebellion. The tighter the collar, the angrier the dog.

By no means did I intend to hurt this man. Too much, anyway. After all, he is under the influence. All of his restraints have been torn down, and his mind is running wild. Still, I find his ideas of using such cowardly means to have a vigilante reveal himself unbecoming of any man worth his salt. This is the kind of action that is worth at least, a slap on the wrist. With a well-practised manoeuvre, I flung my assailant over my shoulder, and down to the ground. He cried out more in pain than surprise, what with his arm having been dislocated in the act, and all. "Assaulting a blind person is foul. Assaulting a blind woman, is reprehensible. Assaulting a blind woman of knightly standing, a protector of peace and righteousness, is an affront to all that is moral and lawful, my good sir."

Ah, that that sarcasm in the way I addressed him sounded as sweet as the nectar of orange flowers. I must contain myself before I go too far. "Fear not, for your actions are excusable to intoxication, which is however, in itself, something that is not recommended for when you are guiding a person." He could only grunt as I continued my lecture. "You may find your own way to the town doctor, my good sir. He will no doubt, be able to remedy your... condition." I picked up the fallen blade and slid it into a spare sheath as I stood.

"Now then," I turned to either of the two other people, footsteps of the scurrying drunk pattering behind me, "Perhaps either of you would be so kind as to guide me to the lord's manor? I seek his guidance in search of a guild that I may offer my services to." In the back of my mind, I filed away the guide's apparent accusation that one of these men was suspect of being a vigilante. That fact... could turn out to be important later on.

[2/4]

[Raem Kichishima]

Well, the following events were certainly unexpected.

Raem could tell that the man had been drinking before. His breath signified it well enough when he was supporting him so graciously. That he would turn traitor was something of a surprise. Though he was pushed aside like a rag doll, a little bit to the right, and at an obtuse angle, this was because he was caught off guard.

And usually that's quite a feat. But when Raem is caught off guard, it's never for long.

Instead of falling back too far, he was able to recover himself by taking a step back with his left foot and catching the ground before he lost balance. Recovery of the body: complete. Now, of the mind. When faced with a sudden situation, be sure to re-cap everything you missed as fast as you can. In the time it usually takes regular people to blink three times, Raem had already assessed the new situation and thought of several ways to rectify it.

One...two...three...and done.

The guide of the blind girl had taken said blind girl hostage. The weapon is a stiletto and is pointed about 3 and 1/2 inches from the blind girl's side. At the angle where the blade is positioned, the stiletto would pass through the ribs and puncture the girl's right lung, a fatal wound.

The guide was drunk off his ass. He was about 5'9 and wearing casual civilian clothing. His legs were about 2 spaces apart, and a bit wobbly. His torso and arms were fairly well-built. Five o'clock shadow on his face. He stood next to a lamppost.

The girl was about...5'1? 5'2? Well, we didn't say Raem was infallible, did we? She wore a civilian dress and, judging from it, was very attractive figure wise or at least a bit on the slim side. She stood back to chest against the guide, being held there in the traditional hostage manner.

The vigilante was about Raem's size, thin, but well-built, with long hair. A well-to-do man, by the looks of it. His hands were getting twitchy waiting for an opening to create a counter maneuver and save the girl.

There were about five or six pedestrians watching, three about six paces from the vigilante, two from the window of the shop nearby, and one from the chimney.

And Raem himself stood at a 45 degree angle from the guide, directly in his blind spot. He had made sure to make his movements as silent as they could possibly be. Again, another trait Raem has perfected to an art. Another skill his trade demanded.

So the plan was this. Raem would quickly use his magic to create a large hand and, before the guide could react, grab the hand that held the stiletto and throw him back against the nearby lamppost. The guide wouldn't see it coming because Raem was at his blind spot, and his reaction time was dull from the alcohol he had ingested. He would not be able to react in time to stop the attack. The bad guy would be unconscious, the girl would be saved, everyone could get on with their miserable lives, etc.

It was either that, or, if the guy was really persistent, Raem could slash his tendons with his concealed knife. Either way, he was going to go down.

But then, even before Raem could put his plan into action, it seemed the situation was already handled. Apparently the blind girl actually did know how to defend herself.

It was kind of odd, actually. Not the fact that she knew how to defend herself. Being blind, I suppose she would have to know how to take care of herself. But that she actually knew how to fight like that. It took an incredible sense of speed and timing to intercept a strike so close to your body, let alone intercept it without any wounds what so ever. Both of these you primarily requiered sight for. How did she do it?

It was a puzzling aspect. Raem had gotten a bit lost in contemplating it to answer the girl's question. Still without a word, he took her by the same hand and tugged in the general direction they were going to go, as if nothing spectacular had really happened.

He eyed the bystanders who had watched, the mother, the shop goers, the chimney sweep. But most of all, he eyed the vigilante.

He knew the boy was trouble. Chances were he wasn't done seeing him just yet. And judging by the guide's earlier words, they were both heading to the same place.

Three people. A vigilante, a blind girl, and a cloaked figure. The same destination, different goals.

Well this should be interesting, shouldn't it?

[2/4]

[Altair Eleison]

To say I was shocked, was an understatement. Not only had this girl, this blind girl, and I can't emphasis that enough, broke free of his grasp, but to avoid a knife strike, without any of her senses, to help her. Or so it seemed. How could I tell how she had gotten it? And once he released her, and was disarmed, he turned heel and ran towards the lord's manor.

The hell you will! I leaned over, picking up the rock he had tripped over, and weighed it in my hands, tossing it up a couple of times. "I don't think so!" Rearing back, I tossed the rock, with all my strength, at the man, just barely missing the girl, this fact evident with how her bangs moved, as the breeze of the rock passed it. The sound of rock on bone, and then torso on ground, told me the drunkard was taken care of.

Now, before going on, I must explain the current situation, from my perspective. Not only had I just wasted my time, trying to save this girl, who clearly had no need for my assistance, but I had also been ousted as a vigilante. Truly, not many people believed it, but it was out there, and rumors spread quickly. And I couldn't deny it, for two reasons. First, I really was a vigilante. Second, denying makes you look guilty. And the guilty are smitten for showing guilt. If I ignore it, at the moment, and deny it when some random person brings it up, with a more dignified response, then I don't look as guilty. Calculating, yes. Guilty, no.

The other male of the group, which for clarity's sake I will refer to the three of us as, from now on, was a different sort. I could tell, from the way he stood, that he was calculating his own moves, before I had or before the blind girl had broken free. He also appeared to be quite stunned to, though I can't be too sure since I can't see beyond his freaking shawl! His secrecy already annoyed me, for reasons of which I'm quite unsure of. But that was unimportant.

Anyway, there is a phrase to explain my actions here. Quae non prosunt singula multa iuvant, which is Latin for, 'what alone is not useful helps when accumulated.' If you don't catch the relationship, to my actions, not just this moment, but for the last year or so, you clearly don't understand what this philosophical statement means. In layman's terms, the act of removing one bit of poison from a place did nothing. But removing every bit of poison, from every place you find it, does everything. One act doesn't change the world, but a second act does.

...it is a slow and tedious process, to be sure. But if I could help just one group of people, with the killing of one corrupt official, then think of what I could do, when I killed two or three more corrupted bastards? Do you see the potential for change, for the better? It is truly a wondrous thing, hidden in a vile action. Even with such beautiful words and reasoning, murder was murder.

Not that it much mattered. I was already resigned to the fact, I was going to hell. As long as I take a few people with me, I could careless if I go to the deepest, fieriest pits of Satan's kingdom. I'm don't claim to be noble or self-righteous. I just don't want another incident like my father or Raine's father or Caterina's parents, to happen again.

Alas, we bring ourselves, from the digression, to my current situation. This action, since the drunk clearly ousted himself as a member of the Lord's manor, definitely meant my situation was more time sensitive. Now, this wouldn't be so bad, since it was a corrupt lord in a village. ...except for the fact that this is MY home village. Now, the issue is becoming clear. And this girl, this surprisingly strong blind girl, was requesting to see the same lord, to join a guild. That was just perfect. Why not screw myself over more?

Now, I'm presented with two options. First, I could just take her along with me, hope the boy doesn't follow me, finish my business, and hope she's none the wiser. Now, that's despicable for many reasons. Not only would I be putting an innocent girl (though how innocent is she really, with that kind of fighting prowess...) in harm's way and making her an unbeknown accessory to my act of murder, but I would also be using her blindness as an asset for myself. Which is exactly what that unconscious bastard, on the ground some yards away, had done to this girl just minutes ago.

That really left me with the second option. Not much of a choice, in all honesty, since I didn't want to be called a hypocrite. "Look no further, m'lady." I said, smoothly, hoping this quick transition would speed up this process, allowing my task to be completed very soon. "I am a member of a guild. Oracle Phoenix. It's a very small guild, just me and two others, but we're building towards something new. I'm sure you'd fit in, just fine, with the three of us, miss." I smiled, though, no offense meant, it was rather pointless.

"We are a legit, recognized guild, by the council, so your sense of justice shouldn't be an issue. Of course, that's presuming, from your outfit, that you're a knight." Hopefully, she would take the bait. If she did, then I could ask her to wait here and pray to, whatever twisted God threw me into this messed-up scenario, that the other male wouldn't follow...

Of course, I had a sinking suspicion, it would be hard to push off both people, if not just one. Why was I in this mess!?

[3/4]

[Corina Lucifer]

I can consider myself fortunate. Almost immediately after I had asked, assistance came in the form of that unusually quiet fellow who had helped me carry the duplicitous guide earlier on. Even his movements were difficult to make out, from the way he so quietly stepped forth. Almost like that of some stealthy woodland creature. More likely, of the predatory kind. Prey, they tended to evolve for speed and reflex time, rather than stealth and speed. Could I make the notion that this silent man was, similarly, a predatory sort?

Well, that really was none of my concern. In fact, it would be quite rude to think of this helpful man in such a light. Though I would have to remind myself to be careful. Tonight's little scuffle was by no means the first time I had been, well, had, by a person who pretended to assist me and then turned out to have less than noble motives and goals on his mind. Sometimes, things other than my life have been threatened by their vile machinations. You can imagine, reach into the deepest recesses of your bestial humanity, of what might be ticking in the mind of the average man, the urges that drive him to offer help to a visually impaired young lady as myself.

I honestly would not know for myself if I am what they call 'beautiful'. Certainly, I could recall staring in the mirror when I was younger, coming to the conclusion that I was pretty. But to say that I was lovely at this stage, well. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all. Many people say what a 'pretty young thing' I am, and I kindly accept their opinions. But those opinions are theirs. Not that I suffer from any sort of vanity, but perhaps the one aspect of blindness that I have not truly adapted to is my inability to properly visualize a face that I have touched. Most egregious to this problem, is that of my own.

Regardless of that, there have yes, been several times that my blindness has been taken advantage of in that particular area. Crimes of lust that would have befallen me had I not been properly equipped to defend myself and others. Even in that sense, I must consider myself a bit of a sacrificial lioness - better me than some poor girl with no means of protecting herself. At least, if the molestation had been attempted on me, I would be able to smite those knaves and tell them off of their bad habits, before they make the same mistake with one who is not so forgiving as I am.

Yes, I may break a few bones, or dislocate a few joints, but I assure you that there are far more purgatorial retributions out there, particularly from the femme fatales who hail from many a dark guild. That one story I heard from my Father, who had offered to escort a 'ravishing' vixen through a dark wood, and how she had turned on him like a beast of darkness, imprinted an unusual class of archetype in my head. Many women from dark guilds were likely to be dangerous seductresses who preyed on both the truly generous, and the truly lecherous. They make no distinction and take whatever offers itself to them on a silver platter.

However, as I believe in the existence of truly good men, I cannot stop searching. For should I fall into cynicism and assume that humanity is by default, evil, then my purpose will be in vain. In that light, even my own family, a bastion of honour, justice, and righteousness, will one day succumb to wickedness and corruption, turning on the very peasants that it has shielded for so many centuries. It is this very belief in the existence of goodness in humanity, that drives me to continue my search. The family honour is at risk should I fail my task, for it has all these ages indeed staked that honour on finding and serving with these few good men.

A different matter entirely, that had presented itself to me in a sudden, unexpected bout of sorts. The second man, that makes three company, I suppose, came up with a rather unexpected offer - that is, right after throwing a rock past me and striking down the drunk. Well, as long as he isn't dead, I have no need to worry. How could I tell? At this distance, I could hear breathing. It was erratic, but yes, the man wasn't dead. More importantly, this second man, was also I believe, the one marked out as a vigilante.

Stopping in my tracks, I turned around to face the source of the voice. "Oracle Phoenix, is it?" I, for one, certainly have not heard of such a guild. Of course, his brief introduction already explained the reason why. It was a small, three-person team. He and two friends, up to building from the ground up, definitely an organization of great potential, if all this was true. I must remind myself, that though I am by nature trusting, I must learn to have discernment. In the same way that a criminal cannot be sentenced without sufficient evidence of his guilt to the crime accused, so too must I not take these offers with insufficient evidence.

"If you are legitimate, recognized by the Council, as you say, then I am sure you will not mind if I double-checked this with the lord?" As far as I was aware, the nobility who ruled did not have direct connections to the guilds, or the Council, for the matter. Ten Holy magi who created and enforced the laws of guilds. However, it is from my personal experiences, that aristocrats had the tendency to possess crucial information regarding the guilds that operated within their lands. This only made sense, that they could coordinate with them in times where such cooperation was needed.

"As you have witnessed earlier, it is not difficult to deceive the blind to a degree. However," I tapped on my breastplate, putting emphasis on the metallic clink that resulted. "The blind are not fools to fall for possible trickery that happens within close succession of a previous little incident. If you have no qualms with my humble request, my good sir of Oracle Phoenix, then I hope it would not be too bothersome if I asked you to join us on our little march to the lord's manor."

[3/4]

[Raem Kichishima]

Alrighty. How to start this one...

Well, I guess you can say that Raem is starting to get the general gist of what's going on right now. He could tell where the situation was currently headed.

It was a shame the girl he was leading didn't have the gift of sight. Sight was so useful. If used correctly, sight was more powerful than any other of the five senses. Sight can be used to determine the deepest, darkest things about people. Sight could be used to deter a dangerous situation or spot openings for escape. If Raem was blind, he probably wouldn't be so successful at his job.

Probably...

Anywho, from his sight, Raem could determine numerous things. For one, the way that rock whizzed by and conked that drunk guy on the head. What did this act say? It merely confirmed Raem's suspicions. That that vigilante really is a dangerous person. That he really is ready to harm someone, or maybe even worse.

How? Most people, people who don't really know, or even really think about what it is to kill someone, wouldn't have chosen to throw a rock. They might have chased after the man, or called the police (Raem could see that that was what some of the bystanders who witnessed the scene were doing), or even just let him go. What was the harm in letting him go, anyway? Whether or not the vigilante's target knew it, they were going to meet face to face. And chances were his target had already heavily fortified himself. He knew someone was coming.

But no. This person, this vigilante, chose to do perhaps the most painful form of punishment possible. He stoned the man.

First off, do you know what it's like to be stoned? I'm not talking about the drugs, of course. Does anyone here have any idea what it's like to be bludgeoned to death with a rock? Do you know what it's like to be beaten with stones from all sides until your head finally cracks open like an egg? Brains and blood spilling out like fresh yoke? Oh, and by the way, you're still not dead after that. Oh no, the last few seconds you can still feel something is spent feeling the pain of more jagged stones being thrown against your body, breaking your arms, legs, ribs...

Most people, those everyday people who don't give a single thought to what it's like to kill someone, who've only seen it in movies and T.V shows, those people don't consciously think about the significance of a stoning. But other people, people who have killed or at least willing to kill, know subconsciously that it's probably the most ancient and cruel way to kill someone. The fact that this vigilante, who's name, if Raem remembered correctly, is Altair, or Dusk, or whatever, the fact that he was even willing to throw that rock and bludgeon someone was evidence enough for him. The ferociousness of the attack itself said pretty much everything.

This Altair the vigilante was a dangerous person. Even though Raem could tell he'd never actually killed someone before, he knew that he was willing to. People just don't kill other people willy-nilly like it's the same as going to the grocery store. "Oh, that's right, I've got to go kill that guy today. Then pass by and pick up the kids from soccer..." No. It doesn't work like that (for the people who aren't complete psychopaths, anyway,) you have to have the resolve, the willingness, to kill someone. You have to fight with yourself because you know it's wrong. That taking a life, no matter what life it is, is wrong. You have to kill yourself first, before you can kill another human being. You have to be dead inside when you do the job. Deader than the person you're going to kill.

Raem, being in a dark guild, knew this for a fact. Not because he worked with killers on a daily basis, but because, on special occasions, he was one.

So this Altair, this vigilante, was willing to kill. That means he was willing to commit moral suicide. A suicide of the soul.

That, above all else, is what made him a dangerous man.

And what of Raem? What's his standpoint on killing? There is only one reason and one reason alone Raem would ever kill someone, and it's the most selfish one out there.

He would only kill someone if the only other option, the only other option, was being killed.

The first, golden rule of a traveler, the one thing every budding vagabond must know, is this:

Never lose your life.

As much as he likes his guild (and that's saying something), he would not kill for them. He would not kill for money, for power, for justice or peace. He would never even consider taking a human life unless all other options are spent.

Unfortunately, it has happened before. Raem, out of all the people in the world, knows what it's like to take a human life, and truly regret it.

It's what makes him human, after all. Those who do not regret, who do not feel sadness or pain, are just monsters, and nothing more.

But enough of that.

Raem, listening in on the entire conversation between the blind girl and Altair, following every word, every syllable, sighed in relief when the blind girl told him they would still be going to the lord's house.

That was good. At least Raem could still make sure she didn't get into more trouble. If Altair or anyone tried anything funny, Raem could quickly throw down with the opposition.

Impatiently, he tugged on the girl's hand again, partly because he didn't want to be around when this Altair the vigilante caused trouble, and partly because the longer he had to hold her hand, the more he felt like it was going to burn through his glove and kill his skin.

Aw...isn't this what you've always dream about doing, Raem? Holding a pretty girl by the hand and leading her through the park? And she's even blond-

...

...Auggghhhhh! AHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!

...Ow...

'At least I can assure that she'll be safe,' he thought, 'until we get inside the lord's manor...then...well...'

[3/4]

[Altair Eleison]

I mentally cursed myself for, of all things, getting two civilians involved in this situation. It was definitely an issue of circumstance and morality. If I had decided to ignore the situation, which would've reflected badly on me and possibly Oracle Phoenix, then this girl might've gotten held prisoner or even worse. And even though she knew out to defend herself, with several people trying to keep her trapped, well, I could only guess how that would bode for her.

Then there was this second boy. As cloaked and covered as he was, not to mention quiet, he was definitely a suspicious person, though he had tried to help her, before I ousted the fake guide. Not necessarily a bad person, but he was not very trusting or trustworthy...or both. Definitely someone I needed to look out for, because I didn't know what his quiet, shadow-less figure was going to do. You can't exactly trust people, when they cover their whole body like that.

Outwardly though, these thoughts remained hidden, as I merely shrugged, putting my palms out. "If you insist, I cannot stop you, but I must say, m'lady, that this lord is not very trusting of those of us, who use weapons, and might not let you in, until you drop your weapon. I, on the other hand, have an appointment with him. Just some politics about where we can build our guild hall. I dunno what will happen, to be honest. If you'd feel more comfortable, I can take you straight to our guild headquarters, and introduce you to Caterina and Raine. It's up to you really."

I smiled, looking at the boy too. "What about you, good sir? You seem interested in helping this young woman. Would you like to join the guild too? I do respectfully suggest that you know magic. It is definitely a common thing, these days, but not everyone knows it. Hell, I just learned it a couple of years ago myself." I continued these outward motions, while I walked towards the girl and boy.

Now, this dilemma definitely had several off-shooting issues. None were more glowing than the fact, that the guide, had ousted me as a vigilante. That merely meant, that the lord knew I was coming, and if I didn't finish it right here and now, I could just say good-bye to my freedom, until things were revealed and Raine and Caterina heard about all of this. With a little of the guild funding, Caterina could get me out. Let's face it, money talked, and in my situation, I barely carried 1,000 jewels with me, which wasn't much negotiating power...

I mentally face-palmed, trying desperately to think of a way out of this dilemma. It was going to be very hard, with this blind girl following me, now, but, as disdainful as it was, I could always use her blindness to my advantage. I didn't really want to do such a despicable thing, but for the situation I was in, tempted me to use such a thing. But, unless I was going to be killed, I wouldn't use that. Even then, I would probably hesitate. Using her blindness for my advantage, definitely would be bad...

Alas, before getting a response, I outwardly agreed to travel with them, if she decided to go with me. After all, with three people, the status quo changed, yet again. Now, if that was to my advantage or disadvantage, remained to be seen. All I know, at this moment, is that it had changed. And I really hoped, what they said about hindsight being 20/20, wasn't going to be accurate of the impending scenario...

[4/4]

[Corina Lucifer]

On one hand, the story sounded legitimate. Nobles and landowners were human as well, flawed in the same respects that we are. Of course if you were to analyse the previous statement carefully and compare it with my present standing, to say 'we' is incorrect. I myself am of noble birth and thus, would be lumped in with 'they' who were also human and flawed in the same respects as the rest of the populace. Dragons, those ancient glories who mysteriously disappeared years ago... From what I understand, they were as close to perfect as it got, with the big question on my mind being, why teach somebody a magic that sounds like a method of killing them?

Not to question whatever wisdom they invoked by doing so, of course. A true way to kill dragon is something that I have not heard of, but that is beside the point. Despite the fact that yes, the explanation sounds logical enough, I get the strangest feeling that this man wishes, for some reason, to keep me from seeing the lord. He says that he has an appointment with the lord to engage in bargaining for a suitable guild hall location. He also says that the lord is distrusting of people who keep and bear arms. Once again, the accusation that he is a vigilante comes to mind.

There is something at the back of my mind, clicking. Say we assume that the accusation is wrong, and that he is just as any other law abiding citizen. Why would he be concerned if I surrendered my weapon - if only for a while - to have an audience with the lord? If the lord can be trusted, then why not lower my blade as a sign of good will, proof that I have no intention other than to make my enquiry? The matter of a weapon is a very simple problem, with a simple solution. In fact, as a diplomatic tactic, it would show how trusting one is to disarm in the presence of one she wishes to speak to.

"While I am by nature, inclined to accept your generous offer, the process in the court of law requires evidence. If not actual records, then at least information from an authoritative source." Yes. There should be no problem with leaving my sword at the guard's post, if that is what it takes. I may be left in a vulnerable position, but unless the lord is known for his corruption - something I have not heard of since coming here - then I see no reason why he cannot be trusted. On the other hand, there are other, more insidious aristocrats who create an illusion of purity and fairness, but harbour secret crimes that he keeps well-hidden from the prying eyes of society.

Now consider the possibility that the assumption is in fact correct, and he is indeed, a vigilante. Again, it would not seem so out of place for him to also have an appointment with the lord concerning the placing of his guild hall. Except for one thing: care of that guide who was now out of commission on the ground, I learned that the lord is in fact, out for this same vigilante. Granted, it could be another vigilante who happens to look for him, but what are the chances of that? Moreover, the 'appointment' could also account for something else. Perhaps he intends to drop in unexpected and, at the very least, discuss some... concern... that he has with the lord.

"If you could perhaps, provide me with something like a legalizing document? Preferably sealed by the Council, of course? Then I will gladly proceed to your guild headquarters and wait for you to finish your appointment with the lord before doing anything else." Any officially recognized guild had to have some form of documentation as proof. Sealed by the Council, not so much as how I was seeking the highest possible authority, but due to the fact that it was a seal, and not a mere signature. I would be able to feel it. This was the beauty of the system, such that even the blind would be able to verify the authenticity of one's claims to being a recognized guild.

"But I must also voice my concern over the incident that had occurred earlier." I looked at my silent guide - not that it meant anything outside gesturing that his opinion would be most welcome - as I said this. "You say that you are not the vigilante. I am most curious, however. If this is the case, then what do you know of him? Would you know of what extra-judicial acts has he committed, that the lord now has people after his head? These acts must truly be beyond the bounds of law, for such drastic measures to be taken. Or perhaps, is it because there is something else about this lord that makes him go after one who is essentially a good man?"

A vigilante is, at heart, a good man on the wrong side of the law. He operates outside the boundaries set by the system. While the system, I must admit, is imperfect, and susceptible to abuse by the wrong people, the system is self-rectifying. It has countermeasures in place so that the more upright and righteous executors of its power may find a lawful means to punish those corrupt officials who perform such abuses. A vigilante bypasses these countermeasures and takes the law into his own hands. Sometimes because he knows no better, sometimes because he believes that his way is the more viable one.

To me, a vigilante is a man who has lost his way, a man who needs guidance to see the light. If this man before me is one such person, then it is my duty, my responsibility, to see that he finds his way again.

[4/4]