Expanding the family.

[Eternal Mage, Aether.]

The streets that were once sleek new tarmac are now greyed by the bleaching of the sun. The road is a monochrome patchwork, each one lined with a shiny boarder of tar. Despite these fixes, there are still cracks and the potholes grow larger with each passing year. The trees that were once fine saplings with soft spring foliage are now gnarled embittered trees growing tall but without strength, competing unnaturally against the towering apartment blocks they were planted too close to. 
 
 
Their bark is mossy from the perennial dampness and incessant rain, except a few weeks of reprieve in the summer months. The sidewalk for the most part, is still smooth concrete, albeit scattered with litter and the debris of the moulting trees. Trams wires strung from sea-green posts dangle at a two-storey height, beyond the daily regard of the pedestrians who walk heads-down to their destinations. At intervals are the street-lamps, once painted in glossy green, now dappled with grey chips of undercoat. 
 
 
“Getting dark.” Since the outbreak, I've been looking for people to save or help. Everyone is acting quite mad. I'm not sure what to do or how to solve everything. However, I am doing what I can do. Regardless where you look, there's either smoke, or shouting somewhere. I've been hiding in shadows and just plain out of sight.

[Lexos]

This is horrible: that was the first thought in his mind as he moved through the town. With the dilapidated streets, the dying trees, and the constant, faintly-lingering sounds and smells of panic, Onibas looked like the scene of an apocalypse story, after the fact.

Artichoke himself was slowly making his way through the streets, looking for any signs of life. There was probably no huge chance of an ambush somewhere this open, but the way his steps practically echoed in the silence made the hairs on the back of his neck stand straight. "I didn't know Onibas would be like this." He said, more to fill the silence than anything else. "I guess they'll have a lot of rebuilding to do when this thing passes." A thin beige scarf, courtesy of a cautious shop owner in Bosco, was wrapped around his neck. When he had only heard rumours about the disease he'd kept it close to his face, but with information about the disease and the way it was spread- skin-to-skin contact- getting clearer as he got closer to South Fiore, he'd pulled it down, and now it hung loosely around his neck.

It was as he finished his sentence that he swore he heard a voice. Finally, someone in the area who could be of some help. Artie bent his head to look around, but to the boy's confusion, all he saw was more empty street. That was… strange. He supposed whoever it was could be hiding, or maybe he just hadn't heard anything at all. Artie's eyes flicked to the trees in the area. They were near-dead, but a couple were just alive enough for his purpose. Tugging his scarf further away from his face, he walked over to to one and began asking it questions.

"Was there someone here? What were they doing?" The Birch's answer was faint and disjointed, but he could make it out. A man, armoured, with blue hair, hiding to his left, crouched in the shadows. Shadows? It struck Artie as an odd thing to do. There was nothing to steal here, and everyone else had probably fled. Sure enough, though, when he swivelled around to the corner mentioned, there stood a blue-haired man. He didn't look sick, thankfully enough.

Artie took a few steps toward him, keeping a safe distance away. Whoever this was was hiding from something, and though he wasn't too worried about whoever this was randomly grabbing him just yet, he didn't want to contract any diseases, either. "Hi there," He said, raising one hand in an open gesture. "Are you waiting out this disease?"

[Deion Ryder]

Dreary. One would not expect a city to appear like such, much less feel empty and dead. One could place many negative descriptions upon Onibas with the current shape it was in, all could be correct if one stretched their imagination. Every so often, one may hear a faint shout or plea for help. Every so often, one hears the loud intent that, someone needs help. It wasn't just the people that required help. Barren trees, bent and gnarled in their growth with no fruit or seeds to bare. Smoke was billowing into the sky, never a good sign. Could it be from a fire, one would only need to imagine with the current state of affairs.

He shook his head. Deion pulled up his scarf to cover his mouth and nose, doing his best to block out any smoke intake to protect his lungs in that regard. He had heard rumors that something had been plaguing the southern lands of Fiore, but the truth of the matter always seemed darker. Much more so when ones' eyes laid themselves upon it. He could only shake his head as he walked forth, keeping his gaze off of what is, not wanting to imagine what as. What may come to be. A real shame, perhaps they will recover. One can hope this doesn't spread all across Fiore, he thought, weighing the damage done to Onibas as, one could only imagine what would happen if it spread across Fiore.

He came to a stop. Rather abruptly he might make note of, if Deion had anyone to complain to. He looked ahead, A blue-haired individual was crouched. That was all Deion was able to discern of the shape in the shadows at the very least. The lad who approached Blue, he didn't seem to belong. At least to Onibas and the ongoing suffering that they were all currently attending. Regardless, Deion felt he should approach or at least, not seem like he's staring in such a rude manner. He found a thick tree to lean against, and watched the two figures to see what exactly might come to pass between them.

[Eternal Mage, Aether.]

I am as powerless to stop this virus as I am to calm the bitter wind that whistles through the deserted streets. The looped warning from the radio still plays in my head, yet in reality the city stretches before me like a hushed prayer. This virus that spreads easier than malicious gossip has everyone cowering in their homes. This plague, natural or magic-engineered, has a high percent kill rate. By rights it shouldn't spread like it does, through history these naturally efficient bugs burn out their victims too fast; they simply die before they can pass it on. Not this time apparently. This teflon coated, dehydration resistant, temperature immune package of death travels on the wind as effectively as springtime pollen.

I thought by hiding where I am that may be a good idea if anyone passes by. However, I soon find it futile to do as not one, but two people have found me. If Riley was around, we would be building hopping. I do not have the power of flight or anything like that. So I am stuck to hoofing it out on foot. I'm caught by two people, and both looked to be around the same age. If I had to make a guess, they're between 16-19 years old.

Obviously, I do not know if they're friendly or enemy. It's impossible for me to know if either has the virus as well; seeing how pointless for me to stay hidden with them finding me. I come out of my hiding spot, but on guard. I am sure I can get away before they can touch or catch me if it comes down to it. I swallow whatever spit in my mouth and muster up some courage. “Greetings there, are you two infected? Friend of foe?”

[Lexos]

From where he was standing, Artie just barely caught the armoured man's nervous gulp. He couldn't really blame him, he guessed. Just a week in somewhere this infested would probably send Buddha to the brink of paranoia.

“Greetings there, are you two infected? Friend of foe?” 

Artichoke tilted his head. He had a formal way of speaking, and the boy's casual and slightly lilted tone probably made them sound like they came from different eras, not different countries. "I'm a friend, I guess!" He replied lightly, before he processed the second part of the sentence. Two? Turning around, Artie caught sight of the new arrival. There was a lot to take in, what with the scarf, earrings and bandages. But what Artie's eyes were immediately drawn to were his- one red, one grey- and Artie wondered briefly if they were magic, or contacts, or if he was just born with strangely coloured eyes, like himself. It was kind of shallow, but he felt a kind of affinity for this new person. It wasn't everyday he met someone with eyes as strange as his own.

Lowering his hand and stepping back so he was talking to both of them, Artie continued. "My name's Artichoke. And I hope I'm not infected." He tilted his head and laughed airily, to show how sure he was about the fact. "I came all the way from Bosco, see?" He hefted his backpack, still heavy despite only being half-filled with supplies. "You two are the first people I've met here. Did things really get that bad, that quickly?"

[Deion Ryder]

Friend or foe, he thought, wondering if he would be able to get away with making the same inquiry. He pulled his scarf down, taking a breath. The air wasn't very fresh but, he needed it. He studied the both of them taking less time on the blue-haired guy. He was much more interested in the one who was looking him over. "Heh.", he let out the noise as he wondered if their eyes had met. He stifled his laughter, making note that it was such a typical thing someone would think about love at first sit. Certainly not the case here, too bad, he thought as he waved with his bandaged arm to the both of them.

He gave a smile and folded his arms together, pushing off from the tree and walking closer to them. "Pleasure to meet you.", he said with a bow. "Deion Ryder, freelance mage at your service. I came to gather information on what has been plaguing the southern lands and deliver information to the others so they might be better prepared for an outbreak.", he said to them. "I'm most certainly not infected, though I also lack the information I've come to gather on the symptoms of this, is it appropriate to refer to it as a disease?", he said, speaking flatly and rather monotone.

"I am friend however, I have little interest in fighting anyone. Any information either of you could provide me with would be appreciated. In return I would gladly assist you with anything you might need while we are in each others company.", he said to them as he knelled down to take a closer look at the tree, wondering if its state was due to the disease affecting the south.

[Eternal Mage, Aether.]

The two teens both claims to be friendly, but I have no reason to believe either one of them. I've just met them and right now, this city is in out break state. The one with the plant name seems to be from out of town. From the two teens, he seems to be the least suspicious of the two. He's showing more skin on his body than recommended in this outbreak.

Could he be infected? If he's from out of town, it would explain about his naivety, but so he may be infected. He doesn't appear to be showing any symptoms of being sick. Then there's the other teen who is wrapped up. He appears to be more aware of what's going on or maybe he naturally dresses like that? Judging from appearance alone, he's the most suspicious of the two.

“My name is Aether of the noble Hikari family. This virus has spread all over south Fiore. If you get their blood, or even touch someone then you'll be infected. Of course, there's raiders everywhere. Most of the raiders are people who have given up on life and all repercussions. So they're lashing out at everyone. Letting your guard down in this town is almost certain death. While my actions may appear to be rude, but I am only trying to protect myself.”

[Lexos]

The person who'd introduced himself as Deion Ryder, freelance mage, seemed calm, almost happy. It was nice to see, and it definitely helped diffuse some of the infectious anxiety. Artichoke felt his shoulders slinking into a relaxed position as he nodded at Deion's introduction. He really did seem like a nice person. And he was a mage, besides- mage? Artichoke felt himself leaning forward, ever slightly. If he was a mage, maybe he knew about Fairy Tail? He would have to ask him about it, when the topic had changed.

Aether, from an important-sounding but unknown-to-Artie family, on the other hand, seemed tense as possible, even as Deion gave his introduction. He talked about life and death so gravely Artie would have sworn there was something behind them right then. It was giving Artie a strange dissonance. It was hard to believe two people in the same area seemed so different.

Certain death?

"…I didn't know raiders were that much of a problem. You two are the first people I've met here." He knitted his eyebrows, suddenly finding that his feet looked interesting. Then he looked back to the two others. "So, um- what about you? Where are your friends and families?" It seemed like it could be a touchy subject, but he was too curious not to ask. If they were stranded somewhere, or worse- taken by the disease- then, well… Artie would feel bad not offering help, especially when they had been so generous in offering theirs. Well, Deion had, but Aether just seemed antsy, which was a given in the situation, and his advice about raiders was certain to come in handy.

His eyes trailed off to a tree, again. He had an idea. Perking up, suddenly, Archie began, his tone picking up. "It sounds kind of weird-" Or maybe it didn't, because they were in a land of magic, "-but I can talk to plants. I don't know how much help it would be, but-" He shrugged, "-if there are any raiders or sick people, or anything related to the disease, hanging about recently, I could find out?"

[Deion Ryder]

Deion looked at Aether. It was certainly raising questions as to why someone of nobility would land themselves here, where the lands are thick with the retched disease. He at least, seemed to have some practical advise for them to follow. Avoid the blood, so its transmission primarily happens through the exchange of bodily fluids, at least blood. Making contact is also the other way, so its not airborne? Then they could certainly just quarantine the sickly until a cure is found, he thought as he shook his head without a smile on his face. Simply a black face, little to read in terms of expressions. He was too deep in thought as his arms slid to his side and his eyes stared off. Raiders? Sounds like they're simply taking advantage of the situation. They're doing more harm than good, that should be put to a stop but I'd rather get this information so I can relay it to other regions, he thought.

"You aren't rude. More practical and informative if anything. This is not the place to play around with answers and statements, as if we're trying to answer riddles.", he said, staring towards Aether. He couldn't say that he was aware of just how noble that family was, or even if they existed. "Though for them to have such an abandonment for life and so willing to begin causing more strife, one could certainly imagine that their removal, regardless of method would help improve the situation?", he asked Aether, before turning to address Artie.

He gave a smile and reached back to scratch his head, laughing about it. "I don't actually have a family, they sort of died on me. I've been alone since then, but I've managed. Most of the friends I've made, probably people who run motels and such.", he said, returning to normal. "Nice people of course. But enough about that, its not so much of an interesting subject.", he said, before narrowing his eyes into a bit of an angry glare, aimed more so at Artie. "Or acceptable.", he muttered, more defensive and unwilling than with angry intent.

But then he clapped his hands and smiled again. "Oi, you can talk to plants? Amazing!", he said, jumping up and down as he shouted it to Artie. "That would certainly be a start, I'm interested in learning as much as possible about this disease.", he said as he sat down watching Artie, waiting to see if he would speak to any plants.

[Eternal Mage, Aether.]

The longer that I watch the two of them, the more I realize how young they are. They want information and have a helping hand? I let my guard down a little and give a sigh of relief. Since the outbreak, I've had too many chances to sit down and talk to anyone outside one person. My daughter ran out of town, but not that I blame her with the virus. "You can talk to plants? Do they complain about zombies a lot," I joked. I look behind and see a ruin house. Right now, it looks like a bulldozer had torn it down and throw-in fire over it. "Let's talk more inside and get out of the open."

My left eye glows with magic runes surrounding it. The ruin house begins to restore itself and breath life once again. If I restore the outside to far, then it will stick out and we may get attacked by raiders. I walk to the door and enter inside the house. Once inside, it looks like nothing happened to the world, and everything is fine. In the state that is left by whoever used to live here. There're pictures on the wall from who ever lived here, eggshell color paint on the walls and hardwood floor. I walk into what used to be the kitchen. Everything is in working order, including the fridge and coffee maker. "This house should be a good safe haven for now." I begin to make coffee and grab a small cup as I sit it on the counter. "Your plant talking skill might be handy. Never know what they can tell or not tell you."

I glance over to Deon if he follows me inside. "Not everyone who is infected is a raider so it's impossible to tell the difference. It's a delicate and sensitive situation. Me and a friend are making shelters for anyone infected and not raiding others. We'll be providing comfort and security until a cure is found." I hope one is found soon because the longer this outbreak last the worse the situation is going to get.

[Lexos]

Artie found himself agreeing with Deion's sentiment. The teen nodded, happy for the forthright direction of the conversation, as the scarf-wearing mage continued.

"Though for them to have such an abandonment for life and so willing to begin causing more strife, one could certainly imagine that their removal, regardless of method would help improve the situation?" Artichoke jerked his head toward the mage, an alarmed look crossing his face. Was he implying they… kill the raiders? The thought of harming desperate people gave the boy a slight chill. They were citizens like the rest, weren't they? He clutched at his pack's strap, but nodded at Deion's mention of friends and family all the same. "Or acceptable." The following change in mood was enough to send Artichoke reeling. A touchy subject? He made a mental note to avoid the topic.

Then, in the time it took him to blink, Deion was smiling again. In fact, both he and Aether seemed receptive to Artichoke's 'quirk'. Growing up, talking to plants had been such a normal part of his life and community that it still felt strange when people showed surprise that he could- but he didn't mind the change in tone. He was glad his ability could come in handy; it would give him some opportunity to give back. The town had been pretty kind to him, after all.

"Let's talk more inside and get out of the open." Artichoke nodded his head once, and then stopped. As good as 'inside' sounded right about now- he was starting to worry about the calluses on his feet- there was no inside in South Fiore, and probably wasn't for miles.

Then, like a scene from a movie, the ruins of an old house a few feet from the group began to move. One brick after another stacked on top of each other, carried by invisible builders. Artichoke turned to Aether, whose eye was glowing with what he assumed was a powerful magic rune. So the mages on this side of the earth were this skilled? Artichoke was really beginning to feel like he was in another dimension. That power has to be pretty helpful in the restoration effort. Unless it's a one off thing? Artichoke followed Aether inside, in awe at the surroundings. It was a movie scene, brought to life. Eyes darting from the coffee machine to the fridge, Artie tried to work out the situation. Sliding his pack off his shoulder and onto the bizarrely new counter, he moved quickly across the room and pulled open the fridge to find it filled with food- and not the type that lasted over time. This couldn't be simple restoration magic.

"Hey, I'm glad I can be useful." He said, turning back to Aether, and, possibly, Deion. Then, the conversation moved back to the topic of raiders. Right, the meat of the conversation; Artie felt his excitement moving to the back of his mind. A more somber look crossed his face as his eyes jumped between the two people in the room/shifted to Aether, arms back at his side. "Should we really be abandoning the raiders?" He asked, letting his eyes rest on whoever was in the room. "It seems like a desperate situation here, if what you said before is true. If there were somewhere reliable for them to sleep and eat, then the raiding could have a huge dent put in it. It would help this place a lot." He held one arm out, gesturing at Aether with eagerness in his eyes. "I bet this power of yours could help a lot. What is it?"

SPOILER: Click to show

Eternal Mage, Aether. Deion Ryder

[Deion Ryder]

Deion watched Aether, strange as he was, work his magic. Deion was certainly impressed, though he grew distrustful towards this man. He had constructed, or more aptly put, rebuilt a house. The outside not so much, or at least it seemed. Deion wondered why he didn't complete the restoration, until his gaze drifted around the area. Much like Artie, it would probably stick out and be a target. Though, anyone who had witnessed the act would likely target them anyway. Well, serves a purpose. The extent of his magic however, I desire to gather this understanding. Sooner or later, he thought as launched up into the air and onto his feet with a thud and followed Aether into the building.

The interior was in a much better condition. Deion had wondered, he did not place any assumptions on magic he did not understand. He glanced towards Aether, nonchalantly smiling with his eyes closed. It was a bright smile and seemed genuine, at least until he spoke. "I'm sure that leaving the raiders to their own devices is perfectly fine, solving that problem completely. But couldn't you simply, remove the problem at its source. You know, at the root of it all. Its very simple to kill or detain. Easier to kill of course." The smile plastered on his face didn't seem to evaporate as he spoke, accompanied by arm motions signalling chopping and a neck slice. It certainly seemed like he was trying to drive a point across. "Waiting around and accepting how things are, that's fine. But these people don't simply need shelters, they also need supplies. Which those who are raiding would certainly have. A corpse can't really complain either.", he said with a joyous laugh, tilting his head to the side and pulling the scarf up over his eyes. "Of course, for a cure to be developed someone would have to study this disease first!"

He pulled the scarf back down, revealing a more natural smile with his eyes open. "In times like this, everyone can play a role.", he said, giving a shitty grin of cheer to Artie. "I think its great you can communicate with plants.", he said. "I also thinks its great that this weird guy can create buildings out of old buildings, and completely restore their insides.", he said with a sarcastic tone as he glared with a shitty frown and wide, angry eyes towards Aether.

[Eternal Mage, Aether.]

I increase the time on the coffee maker to make my damn coffee faster. The one thing I am happy about my magic is the fact I don't have to wait around a whole lot. Ice not melting to fast enough then speed up time. Need to go for a quick run, but don't want it to take all damn day? I just speed up time! Simply put, my magic has a lot of utility, and I love it!

I move my coffee mug next to the coffee maker. My coffee mug is a standard white mug with one of those funny texts onto it which reads “Sorry I'm not always a dick Just kidding, yes I am.” The air has the sweet aroma smell of the coffee. I take a good whiff of the smell as I pour it into the coffee. I pour come sugar and cream into the mug as I then mix it up.

“Not everyone who is infected is a raider and some that are raiders just need a little kindness in their lives to realize how silly and stupid they are. Both me and my friend are going to do just that.” I finally take a small sip of my coffee and burn my tongue a little. I place it down to the kitchen table as I take my own seat. “Both of us are very capable mages, but she's stronger than me. She's one of the ten Saint wizards, and she loves this town. Even if this town has gone to hell, she's out there doing her best and her part. I'm there to support her and at some point, I'm going to restore the town with my magic.”

Arti is a bit curious about my magic, and he seems to be very impress of it. I guess that a bit of a confident booster for me. I don't get to use it or show much of it. I wasn't even trying to impress anyone with restoring this house. “You see, I'm an eternal mage. My magic is the power of time itself, so I can restore, freeze, flash forward, or whatever with time. I can make myself younger by a few years or even increase my age.”

Deon has a morbid method of solving the problem, and that's to kill them. This does not make me flinch. It's something that once upon time, I would say and the crowd I was with would say. It's not illogical to come up with that idea and there are people in town who trying that method. “That will only create more problems later and an endless cycle of hate. Only through love and kindness will stop that.”

[Lexos]

Deion's smile seemed contagious. Artichoke was glad that someone had an idea of how to deal with the raiders.

"I'm sure that leaving the raiders to their own devices is perfectly fine, solving that problem completely."

Artichoke nodded brightly, eyes gleaming with the prospect of having his idea listened to. Honestly, he was worried for a second that Deion meant to do something bad. "Right!" But Deion's speech quickly turned around to something much more sinister. As if he was talking about going out for ice cream or visiting a bar, the mage shared his opinion on what to do with the raiders, complete with very elaborative hand signals. Artichoke felt the gleam in his eyes turn to something more resembling horrified entirely without his permission. The other teen was speaking about hurting- killing the raiders as easily as if they were rats or roaches.

The sense of shock melted into solid dread as the dark-haired boy continued, making chopping movements with his hands. Then he turned to Artichoke. At this point, Artie was past even bothering hiding the look on his face- eyes, shoulders tensed hands curled tight behind him. "I..." 

Deion smiled- more genuine, maybe? Artichoke didn't know if he knew anymore- and complimented his powers again, before turning his praise back to Aether. He had forgotten about him. In the time that Deion had been talking, it seemed like the mage had brewed himself a cup of coffee. The teen hadn't registered the smell until then.

What he was saying seemed... kind. But his talk of being an eternal mage fell flat behind the growing worry that the older man didn't seem affected by the sudden disturbing bend of the conversation. Maybe he's... pretending? So things don't get awkward? That had to be it... but, Artichoke's eyes fell to the coffee. Sugar and cream.

Sliding his shoulders down, he turned back to Deion. Regardless, Aether's approach might have been the right idea. It wouldn't help if he looked worried or offended, so he steadied his voice and schooled his face into something more taut than anything. "I agree. All for studying a cure..." He said, trailing off into a pause that he hoped implied that he didn't agree with the rest. With no desire to continue with this line of conversation, he poked through his head for another topic. "I didn't know the ten wizard saints had someone here."

He didn't know much about the saints at all, really. There was plenty of talk of them at the bar in Bosco, of course, but most of it was vague enough that all Artichoke got was that they were powerful and, supposedly, good guys. "So is it just the two of you? The effort looks like it could be going better." It was, for the most part, just to fill any silence that might have slipped into the conversation. Artichoke wasn't really sure where to continue, brain still a bit scrambled, and he was sure the sideways glances he kept shooting at the mage didn't help matters.

[Deion Ryder]

"Oi! Did you say a wizard saint is here?", Deion had a slightly shocked look on his face as he contemplated what this meant. "That's... very wonderful.", he added, wondering what exactly that individual's intent here was beyond providing much needed assistance to the city. He then blissfully smiled, as his hands shot up with open palms. "Killing might be wrong. Morbid and dark even, but you can't deny that you can't save everything. If my arm was beyond repair, I would severe it and move on. You should get my point.", he said as he lowered his arms. "Regardless, not everyone and everything is capable of being saved."

So it was some sort of magic that altered time. Aether provided a short list, which gives me an idea of how that magic might work, given what I've already observed, he thought, thinking back on how Aether restored the house and prepared his beverage. Doesn't sound like its very combat oriented when you think about it, sure if it was paired with another type of magic. But then again, anything is possible, he thought as he nodded to himself.

"Doesn't seem like much progress has been made. I doubt they'll get very far without dealing with the raiders first and foremost. Now I'm not suggesting we murder them without a caws, but I'm sure they'd like to see your magic used in their favor Aether.", he said. "After all, it seems to be a very useful tool to have at your disposal and I doubt I'm the only one whose considered such a concept. Now I don't know much about these raiders, but I'm sure with someone like Artie, who sticks out, and myself who isn't from the south, along with you, we all stuck out.", he said, referencing how they all came upon each other.

"Desperate people act without rational thought. That's the state the south is in right now, and they'll grab at any semblance of survival or power they can.", he said before pointing at Aether. "Your magic is powerful, and I'm sure someone would believe it useful if they say, witnessed you using it.", he added. "I'm not saying we're going to slaughter every man, woman and child. I'm saying that, you need to be prepared for such a thing.", he finished as he sat down on the floor, leaning against the wall and smiling to Artie. He thought Artie seemed less enthused than before. I could reach out and hug him, would that be rude? Inappropriate? I don't know, he thought. "Never hurts to be thinking ahead, I wouldn't have come down to the south if I didn't consider such possibilities.", he added. What did that girl from Harujion say? She wanted me to send mages to Magnolia to join Fairy Tail, perhaps either of them are interested, Deion thought as he sighed.