Dark clouds pour across the horizon, a harsh storm coming in as the sun starts to set, and gray turns to black. A long road stretches into a small port town along the Yanaze, where people hurriedly make their way to their homes and other assorted destinations. The approaching storm causes the wind to pick up and off in the distance, it seems a ship races the storm back to harbor.

 

Horizon, as always, makes his arrival to the town on foot along a merchant's trail, draped in yellow robes and walking with his spear improvised as a walking stick. His long hair tucked down the collar of his shirt to keep if from whipping in the wind, he makes his way towards the town.

         Moving along at a slow pace, the injured Quicksilver Dreamer continues moving along the road, just getting into tow. His left arm has bandages that can be seen beneath his strange gauntlets and he seems to favor his right leg, wincing with each step of his left. His extremely long silver scarf is wrapped about him and still reaches down to his feet. At his side is a small creature made of a rubbery green-gold substance. Its eyes and mouth are just indents and a pink and white polka dot jester hat sits on his head. It is appears to be practicing its jokes like a performer about to go on stage.

 

A lone man on horseback rides into town, wind whipping through his long golden hair, as the light of dusk reflects off of his skin. Dressed from head to toe in Burnt umber, his long coat floats behind him as the wind whips it around. Burn umber Fedora tipped down against the wind to keep it on, he pulls hard into town, and comes to a stop, searching for a sign of an in.

 

A small group of merchants seem to make their way along the road quickly into town, a few banter about local inns and taverns. The closest being the Oldroad Inn, set conveniently about 5 minutes from the entrances to town.

 

Dreamer doesn't seem to notice the people, his injuries likely dulling his senses. He stumbles around, seeing the nearby inn and moves inside slowly. His little friend hides outside, slipping into a place between the buildings.

          Horizon grimaces at the storm coming over the horizon, "Damned weather. I had hoped to get another few miles before settling down to rest. Oh well, It's been a while since I slept in a bed rather than the ground." Seeing the small inn located away from the center of town, he makes his way into the building, hoping this one wont try to gouge the life from his wallet.

After a few moments moving at a slow pace down the open road, the Golden man spots the sign for the Inn. Wind whipping through his hair, he hops off of his horse, and walks it to a small stables located along the side of the Inn. A few words with the stableman, and he hands the reigns over, and move quickly to the Inn itself. Walking through the entrance he sees a large establishment, slowly getting packed as people hurry to take shelter.

 

"Come In! Come In!" a comely young woman calls to the assorted merchants, and travellers pushing in. The harsh roar of a slowly growing crowd sounds like an almost abrasive flood of sound. Towards the back of the long hall a few sheets of paper and wood seperate the kitchens from the dining hall of the Inn. Long stairs visably lead upwards to the many levels holding a large number of rooms. Each level with an open view of the ground floor below it, where numerous tables filled are lined in rows for the dining patrons.

 

Dreamer limps to a nearby seat at a table, sighing in relief as he is off of his feet for now. He hands the woman some money and says quietly, "This should cover me for food and a room for the night, ma'am." He doesn't start eating yet though, concentrating instead on catching his breath. The lack of excitement and passion makes it harder for him to truly relax, but perhaps it is better considering his injuries.

 

"Well this is a rather prosperous establishment, isn't it?" Tossing a koku to the woman, whom he assumes is in charge of such things, he asks her for a private room for the night, and enough food and ale to keep him busy until he is ready to sleep. Seating himself at one of the busier tables, he tries to engage some of the other travelers in conversation while waiting for his food.

 

The golden man walks up to the young woman, who seems to become more flustered as people approach here one after the other. "I need a room for the night" he says as his turn comes up "And a hot meal. " The young woman nods to him, and after jotting a note down to him, points to the main hall "Have a seat, and someone will be over to serve you."

          Pulling off his Fedora, the golden man sits down next to a Dreamer. "Evening." he says with a nod. Pulling his burnt umber coat off, he folds it and lays it down next to him, his sword and scabbard angled to the side, off his hip.

         Dreamer smiles at the newcomer happily, replying, "Good evening to you as well. Looks like it might be a rough one tonight." He seems to relax a bit more then looks up, feeling the presence of something wyld like, but unable to tell where it comes from. He merely looks around for anyone who might look fae-like.

         Horizon pulls the long ponytail of his blue hair from his shirt collar, scratching his back where it had irritated it. Downing the rest of the mug he was nursing, he leaves the table he was sitting at to lean against a wall with a few others, looking for anything that might be worthwile.

 

          "Looks like it, I'm lucky to have made it here before the storm him." the golden man says as he drains a mug of ale. "Though I'd be caught out on the road for sure." Turning to Dreamer, he holds out a hand, "I'm Longinus by the way."

 

          A Low rumble fills the air, and the high wail of the coming storm starts to blare as it hits the town. Rain comes down in a downpour, and the wind throws the doors wide. The wind swept rain hits a number of people still standing in the entrance, as the last dregs of people file in. A couple of men come forward to help the young woman as she makes a concerted effort to force the doors shut against the storm. After a few moments, the noise dies down, and a long board is placed into some inset hooks, bracing the door against opening

 

Dreamer looks at the door in surprise, then looks back to Longinus. "Oh my name is-" Suddenly, he remembers that he is wanted for various things in the Hundred Kingdoms. "Um, Arkenson. It is nice to meet you Longinus. Are you from around here at all?" He takes a sip of some hot soup that is set in front of him. He still looks around, trying to figure out who is giving off that wyld sensation.

 

Seeing the bandaged man talking with another at one of the tables, Horizon moves to seat himself next to him. "My name is Son of a Saffron Horizon, and it looks like you have quite a story to tell. What does the other guy look like, eh?"

 

A young male of about 16 to 18 years of age. He has strange gauntlets that give off a rainbow type reflection in bright light. He is wearing a green tunic and pants made of wool. Around his neck is an extremely long silver scarf that looks as if it could have been made for a giant. The scarf sparkles, seeming to glitter under any light that strikes it's surface. He seems to have a strange aura about him which you can't put your finger on. His short, messy silver hair looks like he cut it himself and his eyes are a strange blue-silver.

 

Setting his ale down, he looks up at Horizon, and laughs slightly. As a waitress sets a plate of food down in front of him, he thanks her, and turns back to hear Dreamers reply. "I'm interested to hear this one too. if you don't mind entertaining us with the story."

         Dreamer looks at both of them helplessly, realizing how stupid this is going to make him sound. "Well... Alright, but it is kinda... unorthodox..." He sips some soup and says, "I was in the the Bordermarches farther East and I found this building made of marble that seemed to be a pocket of stability. Well, inside were these three rubbery creatures the size of a child and I kinda got into a fight with them." He looks around, feeling stupid for a bit. "They could shoot beams of energy and stuff, but I beat them up and got the heck out of there."

 

Horizon laughs as Dreamer finishes his story, "From what I have heard, everything in the Wyld is unorthodox. At least you made it out, which is more than many others can say. I've seen some strange things where I come from , but luckily none of them tried to kill me."

          Longinus laughs at Quicksilver's comment "Energy beams are never easy to deal with, so I think I'd agree with unorthodox. Though you have to be careful running around out there, never know what you'll run into."

 

          As the three of you converse, the sounds of the storm seem to pick up, and a sudden banging can be herd coming from the front door. "Please, let us in, We have an injured man! Please!" a mans screams can barely be heard over the torrential storm.

 

Dreamer looks at the door with a curious glance. "Did... you two just hear someone?" He gets up, limping slightly to removes the board to let whoever is outside in. "Better give me a hand though, I have a feeling this door could blast me so hard, I will be digging my teeth out of it if it hits me!"

         "I did, I think he said something about injured." Getting to his feet, Horizon follows Dreamer to the door, "If you can get the board, I'll brace his door."

With a sigh Longinus gets up, and throws his coat back on. "Hold on, I'll help." Making his way towards the front door. Stepping forward to brace the door opposite Horizon, he gives a nod to Dreamer as he and Horizon press forward to relieve the pressure from the wind, so Dreamer can lift the bar.

 

          As the doors press open against the storm, five men move hurriedly inside, two of them carrying a sixth that's laid across a stretcher. "Quick, we need a doctor, Please, he's hurt!" a man in the lead tells the young woman who comes up to him. All of the five men standing show various signs of injuries and bruises, cuts and abrasions, though the man on the stretcher seems the most serious. A compress is tied around his stomach, where a bloodied shirt is bundled to his gut.

 

Dreamer looks down at the injured man and moves away, letting someone else who might know how to treat the injured person. Looking to one of the less hurt men, he asks, "What happened out there?"

 

With the door braced shut behind him, Horizon rushes to the group "Were you attacked?" he asks. "Your injuries don't much look like storm-blown brush scratches." Looking down at the injured man, he turns to the matron, "Is there a surgeon in town? I believe this man might need help."

 

Longinus leans forward and runs a hand over the injured mans face and lips. "When did this happen, and how long ago was this man injured?" he asks, a shrewd look on his face.

 

          The lead of the men seems to take the questioning as something to focus on. Turning to Quicksilver and Horizon he nods to them " No, this wasn't just some brush scratches caused by debris." A shiver passed through him, not seeming to be caused by the cold. "We were attacked by abominations on a small islet out on the River. Twisted ghosts, and demons..." he seems close to hysteria now "They tore through my men like death itself." a gargled laugh escaping him "The storm, they were in the storm!"

One of the men turns to Longinus, "Maybe an hour or so. We placed a compress to try and stop the bleeding, but...he needs a doctor."

 

"I think this man may be more than simply sick, though I'm not really educated in those arts." Going back to his seat, he picks his spear from where he let it lie while these events took place. Returning to the side of the men he asks them, "Did these, demons on the wind, follow you back here."

 

         Dreamer merely looks at Saffron curiously, but is too hurt to really offer much in terms off aid without... giving himself away. He looks sadly at the injured man, but does little to help.

 

Hearing the sailors comment, Longinus walks to the door, and goes to pour salt along the entrance. Noticing the pooling of water from the storm he grumbles, "Fuck, this might take a while then."

 

          Moving quickly the owner of the Inn makes his way towards the group. A short, dumpy, middle-aged balding man, he has a serious look on his face. "Mei ying, quickly, clear out the two rooms on the second level for these men." he addresses the young woman who's been watching the door all day. Turning to a larger man "Shiro, Go get a doctor quickly." pointing towards the door. The group of men move with their injured colleague up the stairs, and into a room as directed by Mei Ying.

 

         Looking a bit confused, Dreamer sighs as he begins to help in anyway he can.

 

         Shrugging as the man leaves the inn to brave the storm for a doctor, Horizon obtains a canister of salt from the kitchen area, and tries to help Longinus as he spreads salt in front of the entrances.

 

Looking at Horizon as he returns with the salt, Longinus lets out a sigh. "I don't think that's practical right at the moment. Might want to start with along the walls, and spread it thin. We'll do the doors after the other two get back with the doctor." looking up towards the higher levels, he grumbles. "Something isn't right about the injured man...Did you see his lips?"

 

Dreamer begins mopping up all the water that has tracked in, keeping his wits about him as he does so. He sighs again, "Well, it can't be any worse than Nexus I suppose." He continues getting the water mopped and a plug for the door ready for after the doctor arrives.

 

          "I don't know, I've known some drugs to do that, though with the tale's they're telling I don't know what to think." Trying to keep the salt in a tight line around the edge of the room, Horizon circles it with the canister.

 

 

          Longinus shakes his head. "I don't know. It reminds me of the effects of Ghost Flower Tea...But that stuff's rare, and expensive to boot. And he'd be needing to drink a lot of it, for quite a while. I think considering their story, it can't be coincidence. When we're done here, I think I'll check in with the doctor." occasionally taking out a small knife, he carves a symbol into the wall as he goes.

 

Dreamer by now has forgotten about everything else, humming a strange tune in his head as he continues to clean. He doesn't quite remember why he started cleaning, if he even realizes that he is cleaning. He seems to have lost himself in his little song and just moves along with it.

After a while, a loud knocking comes from the front door, "It's the doctor!" the sound of a voice comes through the muffled storm. After a few moments, a number of men step forward, and help to open the door, letting the doctor and Shiro back in before closing and baring it once more. "Well, where is the man I've been called out to see in the middle of a storm!" the lithe old doctor demands, "I'm not as young as I used to be, and my old bones are chilled." he says with a shiver. "This way" the owner says "Mei Ying is up stairs helping them."

As the door is barred once more, Horizon tries to mop up the water pooling under the door, then stuffs the crack with rags he scavenged from around the inn, spreading the remaining salt in front of the door, he finishes the circle he's been working on for an hour now. "There," he remarks, "If these are only ghosts, that should keep them out."

Dreamer quickly mops up the water that had gotten tracked in by the doctor and then waits patiently at a table.

 

As he finishes up the last of the carved markings along the wall, Longinus sighs "Well, not the best of my work, but better than nothing". Heading back to the table he rejoins Dreamer and Horizon, "Well, gentlemen, that should probably set us for ghosts...not so much for demons." looking up towards the stairs, he scratches his chin. "I think we should check on that guy. I want to know what the hell is wrong with him. Either of you to care to come along?" he says, picking his Fedora back up off the table where he set it an hour ago, and while placing it lightly onto his head he tosses back the remains of his mug of ale. "Ahhhhh, that hit the spot.

 

"I might as well, I'm as curious as you are." Spear in hand, Horizon walks up the stairs to the second level, wondering at what injured the men.

 

         Dreamer nods a bit, a worried look across his face. "Indeed. I am kind of worried about him. He looked really bad. I hope he makes it through this." He follows the other two.

 

Longinus nods at Dreamer and Horizon, "Well, let's go then." making his way up to the second level, Longinus approaches the room that the injured man had been carried into. The light from inside casting shadows along the opaque paper door separating the room from the hall way. The shadow of an lithe figure, obviously the old doctor, was kneeling off to the side rummaging through something. The five other men in various positions standing around the room, and the striking silhouette of Mei Ling as she made audible ministrations to the injured man, leaning forward to dampen his brown. A gargled gasp comes from inside the room, and the silhouette of Mei ling leans down towards the injured man. As Longinus's hand reaches to open the door, and abrupt and high pitched scream is voiced and cut off, as a horrid spray of blood, splatters across the paper door, and the men inside shout in duress "OH GODS, NO!"

 

Son of a Saffron Horizon swears as the splatter of blood sprays across the paper door, "Finding out exactly what happened to the poor man may have to wait. By the gods, open the door, we have to help them!" Horizon says, as he moves to tear through the door should Longinus dawdle in letting him in.

 

Dreamer sighs and says, "Great, I finally get to rest, and something like this happens." He readies his gauntlets and enters a defensive position.

 

         Instead of waiting for Longinus to open the flimsy portal, Horizon grips his spear tightly, wisps of golden sparks rising from where he squeezes it, and tears through the paper door intent on confronting whatever is beyond it.

 

 

          Longinus steps to the side as Horizon tears the flimsy door apart. Looking inside, he seems to pale slightly, "Oh, no." his hands going to his hips, pulling out a flame piece.

 

          A look of shock and desperation passes across the face of Mei Ying, as her hands grab futilely to stop the massive flow of blood from the gouging wound in her neck. Her skin turns a pale white almost instantly she lets out a sickening gargle. She takes her lasts breath, falling down in front of the injured man. Turning his head towards the three of you, he comes to his feet, a look of crazed hunger passing over his dead eyes. He lets out horrid scream, which seems to permeate the very air, carrying madness in its wake.

 

Screaming in rage at the rising undead creature, Horizon lunges forward with his spear in his hands, sparks of golden light seeming to be parted by the sharp blade as it whistles through the air.

 

Longinus's hand sweeps down and pulls his the Amber set Flame piece from the holster at his belt. Spinning as it comes up, his back leg drops back, and his arm extends outward, the piece aimed and cocked. "Burn in hell" he says coldly, and pulls the trigger. A flash of smoke and fire erupts from the end of the gun like a cloud of death come to consume the dead.

 

A loud, blood curdling scream erupts from outside. A pounding rattles the building, and from downstairs you can hear the sound of the front doors erupting open in a harsh cracking. The sound of terrified people erupts like a cacophony from down stairs. People rush frantically towards the stairs, and out through the kitchen, all in an attempt to evacuate the area. Over the din of storm, the ghostly moans of the dead and hungry echoes like the sound of death come to claim one and all.

 

Dreamer sighs again, and looks to the other two. "Well... I was hoping not to have to do this, but oh well." Trickles of silver essence cover his form as he enters his full Raksha form. His ears become long and pointed, his silver hair shimmers like a mirror and ever part of his body becomes more graceful and beautiful. "So, which way do we go?"

 

Cleaning the ichor from his spear tip, Horizon springs into motion trying to rush down into the dining area. As Dreamer changes, Horizon's eyes widen and he scowls, pointing at Dreamer he says "I'll get to you when this is over." While he tries to lever his way through the crowds with the butt of his spear, he calls out, trying to get someone to tell him what is happening.

Longinus grins with a look of Cheshire amusement. Turning towards the figure of Horizon he calls out "Don't attack until I get to you!", turning towards Dreamer he whispers, "I'm going up. You go down, and lure that thing onto the ends of one of those tables." then turning away, he bolts upwards along the stairway.

 

Dreamer nods to Longinus, bolting with what can only be described as impossible dexterity. He moves like the wind, running down the stairs to do as he has been told.

 

A large horned beast pads its way on feat and knuckles, through the main entrance to the Inn. As it steps forward, it lets out another scream, and watches as Dreamer and Horizon make their ways, unlike every other sane individual present, towards it. While rearing up on its legs, this ape like demon starts pounding its chest, and slowly starts forward.

 

Horizon comes flying off the stairway leaping at the approaching demon, bringing his spear down in a reverse grip, he tries to plant it in the floor through the body of the beast.

 

The Blood Ape screams as Horizon's spear rams through its body. As metal pierces the ground behind it, the demon slams Horizon away, and leaps towards the approaching Quicksilver, landing on the end of one of the main dining tables. Moving across the table, it comes to the edge, and lets out another roar. Up above Longinus finishes his ascent up to the 10th floor, and quietly, without a second thought, leaps over the railing. As he makes his silent descent, the Golden man holds his Fedora to his head, long coat whipping around about him.

          The long silent descent ends with a loud, earth shattering crash, as Longinus plunges through sturdy wood, and into the stone slabs below, causing them to erupt in a cloud of dust. The roaring blood ape, suddenly lets out a startled scream as it flips end over end, spiraling as it attempts to right itself...only to land once more back onto Horizon's spear, still jutting out of the ground. The Demon erupts into dust and smoke...but the wind and rain has once again, washed the wards away, and the hungry ghosts begin to howl.

 

Dreamer looks at the remains of what may have been a demon with a shrug. "So, ghosts outside... What to do...?" He looks around to see what the other two have planned.

 

Recovering his spear from the debris of Longinus' entrance, Horizon remarks, "That was... impressive. But I rarely run from anything. Regardless, I'd rather face them outside," looking at the scattered destruction and open doors, " I doubt our carefully laid salt line does us much good at this point."

 

Longinus stares grimly at Horizon, "You don't see them coming through the walls, now do you? While it's not my best work, I had what...an hour? I mean come on." he says as he walks over the splintered remains of the long table. "Give me better tools, and more time, and I'll give whatever you want warded a really *bad* day, thank you very much." he finish rather arrogantly. Reaching down, he reaches down and pulls out a long Daiklaive, and leans it on his shoulder, as he follows Horizon out.

 

Dreamer shakes his head and walks out as well, following just behind the other two. He looks around rather jumpy, not wish to fight if he doesn't have to. He prefers to run.

 

Without wasting time on threats, they don't work well on those too dead to react anyway. Once more, golden fire is parted by the speeding blade if his spear as he speed's foreword to plant his holy weapon in the chest of these enemies of creation.