Asper's Introduction

Far removed from the rumors of the Empire's return, Vangorsa lay hibernating in the midst of a terrible winter. An early and unseasonably cold winter. Leaving his warm home in the mountains, the chill air made Asper realize that his situation apparently could keep getting worse. The hidden school had shielded its students from the outside world and the weather, so the state of both came as a shock. The grass was dead and the few trees he found were bare. The whole continent seemed dead. Maybe the whole world. As he made his way south and west along the mountains, his thoughts were not on the cold or the dreary landscape, but on Master GoGo. If he had been kidnapped, wouldn't there have been signs of struggle? Wouldn't there have been signs of his departure regardless of whether it was willful or not? Still, he remained confident that he would uncover something. He wouldn't fail.

To the south, as his first day of travel wore on, he could see the ancient ruins. They went on for miles, remnants of a culture long gone when the empire came through. He had heard that in the last years, before the death of the first emperor, that the empire had taken great interest in a number of archeological sites. The southern ruins had been one of them, although the sheer size and number of ruins had proven too much for the dwindling manpower possessed by the empire and they had given up without ever unconvering anything that they could truly use. No technology, no fantastic artifacts, no writings or records. These weren't the ruins of the technologically advanced ancients, and very little was ever discovered about the people who had once lived there. All that was years before, before Asper was even born. Even the great empire had faded away, losing its weakened hold on the continent, while the ruins remained, an enigma untouched by time.

He had heard it was easy to get lost in the ruins, unless you were a master of traveling by the sun or stars. The thoughts came to him as he watched a dark-cloaked figure carefully weaving its way through stone columns and crumbling structures. For a brief moment he was sure it was Master GoGo, but then it was gone. Without another thought, he set off in pursuit of the shadowy explorer. The figure proved to be wily quarry, but Asper followed, all of his senses on the alert. The chase went on, the figure moved with incredible speed and Asper realized that he could not keep the pace up forever. It could have been as little as a half-hour, but it seemed like much more, when he realized that if he didn't catch up now, he would not be able to at all. He put all his energy into one last push and the figure seemed to speed up as well. Still he was only feet away when it vanished around a roofless structure. He rounded it to find not one, but at least ten cloaked figures gathered around a fire. They were talking and laughing, but a tall one standing behind them silenced them with a shout. A few more with bows ran up from behind, panting. The tall one approached, pulling his red-fur hood back to reveal a broad face with wide features that made him seem amiable, if somewhat dim.

"Hey there friend. You mind telling us what you're doing here? And how you got by all the sentries?"

Asper's mind was taken aback by all the figures before him, and that shock took a moment to set in even before he realized they were speaking to him. Sentries? Asper thought. Wasn't it they who were running from me? "Sir, I do not wish to disturb your camp. I am looking for someone, and I followed what I mistaken for him here. I did not see any sentries, nor anyone else for that matter. But I am not here to bother you, and now, unless you have further questions for me, I need to be on my way." Asper looked them up and down, trying to recognize anything about them that might clue him on on who they were (hint hint...).

The man was looking at Asper suspiciously, but he grins broadly, saying in his heavy accent, "Well, you were looking for someone, now you've found a whole lot of someones. Hasn't he, men?" The camp seems strangly hushed, as the rest of the group huddle in their fur cloaks. Asper recognized the cloaks as a local make and the fur as indigenous, but he was sure the group was anything but local. Trying desperately to figure out just what he was dealing with, Asper detected the clink of mail. At least some of these were armored.

The man motions to the bowmen, who back away and stand at the camp's perimeter. He takes Asper aside, saying quietly, "Look, you've got to be about the best @#$%& thief ever... or the luckiest. If you didn't *see* the sentries, then the way you came is safe. Even if they saw you. If you can lead us out of here, we can make it worth your while." Asper can clearly see the desperation in his eyes.

Asper knows when his choices are limited, but he knew now that his newfound 'friends' were at an even greater loss. For now, at least, Asper wasn't worried about a rather nasty gang attack. However, since it appears that these sentries have this large expedition quite 'frightened perhaps?', Asper had to wonder what they were and what they were guarding.

"If you guys could get in, why would you need me to get you out? What exactly are these 'sentries' you seemed so worried about? What is it they are guarding? I followed someone in here, and whoever they were, they led me to you. Is that happened to you as well?" Asper waited patiently for an answer, all the while looking around for any kind of visual clues that could tell him anything about the campsite.

The man looks at Asper through narrowed eyes, but behind them was something. Maybe anger, maybe fear. "Look, friend," he began in a harder tone, "you're not exactly in any position to negotiate. I told my men I'd get them out. And I will." He stops, looks around, then leans in close again, making sure no one hears. His voice is friendly again. "All right. I'll trade my information for yours. If you're looking to loot, you're decades too late. We found nothing, just these $#%& ruins, stripped if there was ever anything here. The Empire used to rule Vangorsa, and they were especially interested in these ruins. I don't know what they ever found, but they left behind a bunch of their machines and nuthin' else. They don't need pilots or anything, but there aren't enough of them to cover the sheer size of this place. So they placed sentries. There's lots of those. They have little guns, most of them don't work anymore. But most of them still see, and when they do, the big mechs come. Those cannons will cut down dozens of men in seconds. I've only lost a few, so far, but we triggered sentries within 30 feet of this camp on all sides. Every couple of hours we move a ways, sneak between some that we've spotted, and build a new fire. They'll figure out where we were and a big one or two will come in and stomp around." He looks out into the ruins. "They have a larger perimeter worked out, I sent the best scout and she said it's perfect. I told her to check again and she didn't come back. The scouts we've avoided, but it gets closer every time." It is clear that the soldiers have responded to some schedule or signal, as they have gathered together and appear ready to move out. Even roughly ten bowmen have returned, standing a small distance from the others. "Now, you see, we have to go now. If you triggered any of the sentries, and I'm not saying you did, but it only takes a few minutes before they start moving there. It can't be a big gap, which means that they'll have it closed soon. Now, lead the way."

Asper thought carefully about the humor of this situation. Here they were, a bunch of thieves, who not only didn't get the loot, but got caught as well. It appears crime truly doesn't pay well. There's no reason to save a bunch of criminals, but, it is possible they know their way around the area, and could be of some use to my travels. Saving their hides will make us friends, and its good to have friends in certain places.

"I'm not one to make promises I can't promise to keep, so I don't. If you follow me, and do as I say, then I should be able to lead you out of this area. But we need to hurry. Get your things together, get torch wood ready, put your weapons away, and get prepared to move out. We'll discuss payment after this is through."

The men were already moving out, following their leader. "Come on, fella, we're ready to go. You run, we'll keep up. If we find any sentries, I have something that seems to help." He pulls a large, wicked axe from inside his cloak, revealing heavy, black armor underneath. He hefts the axe with one hand, extending the other, "Where are my manners. Name's Quinn. Don't think I caught yours."

"You didn't catch my name because I didn't give it to you. And we have no time for pleasentries now. Let's just get out of here."

Asper turns around and takes the same way he came in, scouring the area for any possible activity. Just in case things get rough, a slight portion of his attention is held by his sword, which, should 'trouble' arise, he would need.

Quinn dropped his hand, muttering, "rude guy." These thieves were a touchy sort. One minute he's all over his reward, the next he doesn't even want to be around the people who'd give it to him.

As Asper turned, walking the way he came, the cloaked men followed him. He began retracing his steps, having little trouble despite the sameness of the ruins. After a few minutes, Quinn called to him, "Hey, uh, guy. Hold on." The man moved forward, looking around. "This is a crossroad. Probably a sentry station here." He walks into the ruins to Asper's left. Right after the man disappeared a metallic orb popped up from the general area, humming quietly. Immediately following it was the man's axe. An electric buzz and mild boom came from the floating ball as it sailed into Asper's path, crashing into the ground. Through its gaping wound, he could see complicated internal components. Smoke began to pour through the hole.

Quinn stepped up, reviewing his handiwork. "Wasn't triggered. You are good. Let's keep moving."

Time passed, the group moved on. Asper caught on to the characteristics of the 'crossroad' areas and imagined he could almost see the ancient roads, although they were long gone, destroyed by time, debris, and geological change. Two others had sentries, each seeming functional but untriggered. Soon Asper came to a place that made him uneasy. He stopped, trying to figure out what was bothering him. Something was out of place.

"What's going on?" asked Quinn, his men arrayed behind him, looking warily into the ruins around them.

Something WAS out of place, and it seemed to be Asper. Or rather, maybe he was IN place. After all, he got here by following a mysterious cloaked figure, only to find a group of, dare he think, helpless thieves, and the figure itself nowhere in sight. To add to the conundrum, he enters unscathed by any 'sentries', and as of now, still isn't triggering them. Something was amiss. The question is, Do I want to stay and try my luck? These men around me sure don't. I do want to help get them out, but they have already searched the ruins. They may know the area very well, enough to find something that may be hiding. Even if they couldn't find anything, chances are I might. Should I press my luck, and their's as well?

"Men, stop for a moment. I need to scan the area."

Examining his surroundings, Asper becomes aware that something has been through here. Something big. And it didn't seem to have regard for the structure around it. Could it be one of those machines? Surely the sentries would try their best to PROTECT the ruins rather than, well, ruin them. If it was, it must have just passed through. There should be time before another comes by, and since I'm on a lucky streak, let's see how far it can spread. If it wasn't a machine, it was an animal, one none of them, nor myself, are keen of meeting. But I won't be sure til I get a closer look.

Asper raises his hand to halt the men. "Wait here. Don't move, it may be your last. I think there's a trap nearby, one larger than even your axe can handle, Quinn. Just wait a moment, till I'm sure that it's safe to continue."

Asper approached the area slowly. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary for the ruins, but he could distinctly see disturbances thanks to his clear memory. To his left, a free standing wall had clearly been clipped causing the edge to crumble away. A pile of rubble ahead of him had been displaced. He suddenly felt as if he were following the trail of some lumbering beast. A feeling of apprehension came over him, when a whirring sound came from the area ahead. A metallic orb emerged from the ruins, hovered, then zoomed in on him. A red light blinked like some sort of eye as it floated just above Asper's eye level. A glance behind shows Quinn and his men already diverging from Asper's path, filing out into unexplored territory.

Despite the slight alterations to the environs, the place seemed quiet to Asper. Then, of course, thinking too soon, the quiet joy ended. The strange floating ball appeared seemingly out of nowhere, and really got Asper off guard. His only help was running, leaving him to decide what to do. A smooth metallic ball? A sentry that tracks foreign objects in the vicinity? It acts as though it can see me. I wonder.....

Asper thought quickly and carefully about the future. He only had one chance. He pulled out his sword and held its blade in between the 'eyes' of the sphere and himself. He hoped this would work, cause if it didn't....

The strange orb hovered before the drawn sword. With a clang, an arrow snapped harmlessly off of its metal hide. "C'mon, man," shouted a young bowman from the shadows. "Don't try to be some kind of hero." The ball remained in place, ominously quiet.

Not being sure of what to do, Asper stared at the orb, trying to make some sense of it. From behind, an arrow was let loose, striking the guard and falling harmlessly away. Some words were shouted to him, but Asper only retorted with silence. These objects intrigued him, and there seemed to be something special about them He couldn't figure out. He stood there, with his sword intercepting the red portion of the object ready to see just what the machine would do.

Asper stood his ground; there was a moment of complete silence. Then, more quickly than he could even draw breath, a flash of bright light traveled from sentry to blade and from blade to hand. Sparks flew and he gasped from surprise and pain, dropping the sword and taking a half-step back. His ears ringing, he could see the orb move quickly, re-orienting on his new position.

OUCH OUCH OUCH OUCH OUCH OUCH OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!! Asper thought, well, responded mentally anyway, as thinking wasn't easy right now. Ears ringing, Asper had to act, as the little orb he thought he could understand really was just a mean machine. Asper also liked his sword, seeing how it was his only weapon. His head was slowly clearing from pain, and Asper's only hope was to attack the blasted blasting thing. So...

Asper lunged forward, grabbing his sword with tingling fingers and slapped the floating sphere, producing a terrible clang.

A powerful current ran through Asper's chest as the Sentry targeted his exposed neck.

Taking another shock from the orb, Asper resolved to a better plan, killing the darn thing. He raised his sword in hopes of getting another good slap at it.

Asper swung again with a downward arc, striking the sentry and causing it to wobble in mid air.

At the same time, he felt the short-lived but sharp pain of its attack.

Seeing the machine wobble gave Asper hope. He raised his sword and attacked it again.

Asper struck the machine again, putting all his strength behind the blow. The blade bit into it near its blinking eye, drawing a shower of sparks and a few metallic components.

The sentry made a strange buzzing noise, sparks still falling from the hole torn in its exterior. It neither moved nor attacked.

Not satisfied with the sentry yet, Asper gives it another good whack, hoping this time to knock it out of the sky, and onto the ground.

Asper's blade flashed again, rending the orb and sending it to the ground, smashed and smoldering. He stood over his metallic foe triumphantly for only a split second when he was tackled to to the ground. A thunderous blast sounded in his ears. He was dragged to his feet roughly and shoved in the direction the others had gone. He had only a glimpse of some other mechanical monstrosity, some sort of large steel body on spindly metallic legs. With jerking, unnatural steps it rose, aiming its cannons at... him! He threw himself into the ruins, shocked and fascinated by the machine but still feeling the painful effects of the last one he had encountered.

Ahead of him a fire burned, another bonfire set by the soldiers. He dashed past it, hearing his benefactor panting behind him. As Asper looked back to see Quinn, the man grabbed him and turned him about... "Keep moving, we don't have much of a chance now." He runs past the fire, looking behind him as the mech crashes through ruin after its targets.

Apparently, tempting Fate wasn't the smartest idea Asper ever had. A large mech now had him and his companions on the run. Injured still from his last encounter with the robotic nightmare, Asper decided running away to live another day was a better idea. However, knowing that they were now running the wrong way, away from the exit and back into the ruins, Asper's first thought was to find a safe, QUICK, way around the creature and return to going the appropriate direction, hopefully taking the band with him.

Asper debated doubling back. "C'mon, c'mon," shouted Quinn already outdistancing Asper at an alarming rate. For a bulky man, he moved like a rabbit, loping at a rapid but easy pace. Asper dodged aside, the heavy clumps of the metal feet coming dangerously close. A searing blast caused a pillar near him to explode, showering him with ancient stone. The mech smashed through a standing wall to his immediate left and Asper found himself on the ground. Staring up at the giant machine, he was able to look closely at the massive cannons being leveled at him.

A massive object suddenly collided with the mech, sending it hurtling through the air to crash somewhere outside Asper's range of vision. He found himself staring up at a great oblong shape from which a rope ladder fell, almost on top of him. It wobbled and swayed in midair, buffeting him with air from three great rotors. He was looking at some sort of... flying ship. He felt a hand grab him and lift, could see Quinn standing over him. "The Swoop," he said, grinning. "Timely rescue, no?"

He helped Asper onto the ladder and followed him up, when another blast rocked the ship. Hanging precariously from the ladder, the two were swung around as the ship began listing and then took off, rapidly flying over the ruins. "GO!" yelled Quinn, one arm entangled in the rope ladder.

Holding on for dear life, Asper pulled himself slowly (due to his current health and that he was hanging over the ground) up to the top of the ladder, finding himself on some sort of flying machine. Quinn had rescued him from becoming mech-dinner.

"Allow me to ask a question." Asper said, catching some much needed breath. "If you had a flying device this entire time, how exactly were you trapped in the ruins?" Then, with a large, exhausted huff, Asper slumped down. Although still young, this kind of activity was a bit out of his league, as he was built for knowledge, not intense physical activity. It wasn't he couldn't do it, it's just that he needed a break. Though his head hung mostly down (his neck was kinda tired too, especially after being zapped so many times) he gave some effort to look up and around him, to examine the machine. The last thing he put any effort into was re-sheathing his sword, then calmy closing his eyes, awaiting Quinn's answer.

Asper made his way onto the deck of the airship, feeling very tired. Quinn began running around the deck, calling out orders. He looked over the side of the ship and cursed. "Hey, get him below deck and tend to his injuries," he yells to a man emerging from below deck. He conferred with another man at the helm while others bustled around. As Asper approached, the soldier Quinn had called to tend his injuries intercepted him. He smiled and waved Asper below deck.

Quinn caught him as he was being herded to the entryway. "I don't know how to read you, stranger. Really brave, or really stupid. Really good, or really lucky." He grinned, "Are you asking why we didn't fly her into that mess? For the same reason that I'm going to get it when we get back. The ship drew too much fire and..." he looks sheepish. "I thought we could sneak in with a small group and have less trouble." He slaps Asper's shoulder as the medic directs below deck.

Below, the medic salves Asper's burns and smirks at him. "You really should watch those monsters. They cook ya' on the inside." Asper was tossed slightly a few times as the ship seemed to make some erratic movements. "Now take it easy..." said the medic, finishing his work. "That's about the best I can do. Maybe a healer can take a look at ya' when we get home." He motioned towards a bunk.

As Asper sat back, nearly passing out from pain and exhaustion, a woman materialized out of the shadows. She was clad all in black, wearing a simple belt with sharp-looking metal tools or weapons in it, the likes of which Asper had not seen before. She looked him over, then coldly spoke, "Who are you? More importantly, who sent you?"

Though still injured, and a bit exhausted (although the medic had helped) Asper was quite unnerved by the mysterious woman's appearence and interrogation. "Who am I? What business is that of yours? And as for being sent, no one but my own will sent me here. Oh, and might I add that maybe black, though slimming, isn't your color. Try fuschia, it will get you noticed." Asper retorted coldly, with only a slight hint of sarcasm. Slinking in shadows, wearing all black, she wan't the kind who liked being seen, suggesting she was adept in the criminal arts. He wondered if she was a part of this motley crew, or if she was a stranger just like him...

Asper could tell she was pleased at his reaction. She advanced on him. "I don't believe you. You'll tell me who you are. After all, I just saved your life." She smiled for him, the expression completely at odds with her words. "I could make you tell me. And I will, if you don't cooperate. Not everyone is so kind-hearted as Quinn. I al--" She was cut off by the arrival of several staggering soldiers followed by the medic. She backed away and then ran back up the stairs.

Asper watched as the medic went over numerous burns and cared for a dozen men who filed in a few at a time. Few of them seemed to be as injured as he was. As he began to nod off in spite of wanting to stay alert, Quinn returned. "All right, fella', now would probably be the best time for introductions. Like I said, the name's Quinn. We managed to pull the guys out of the ruins after they scattered. We owe you one, since you got us close enough to the outer limits to get airlifted out. Course, it's probably even, since you were airlifted out, too. But I said I'd reward you, and I will. So who are you, and what do you want?"

"My name is Asper. And as I have said before, to you in the ruins, and to the lovely young woman who just tried to threaten me, no one sent me anywhere. I am on my own accord, on my own journey of my own purpose. I thank you for saving my life, but as you said, I believe we are even on the life saving part. As for a reward, all I want is information, as it makes my travels a bit easier. For example, you could give me the run-down on why anyone would risk their necks agains those creatures in the ruins. Must be soemthing awefully nice down there. And seeing as how this is a nice piece of equipment itself, something tells me you have powerful friends or are fairly well-to-do yourself. Either way, you wouldn't be down there for money per se, but something else. Now, I am aware your business is no business of mine, however, I am looking for someone. And it is my belief he may have been headed that way into the ruins, which is how I came about being there. So tell me, why would anyone go into those ruins?" Asper tried to remain calm in his speech, and did so, despite still being hurt. As for the remark on the woman, something told him judging by her quick exit that she didn't want to be found, at least near Asper, and the remark may give that attention to Quinn. Asper waited, in silence and stillness, for Quinn's reply.

At first Quinn scowled as Asper related his story, but he cheered at the questions. "You already have your answer. Knowledge, man!" He sat down on the bunk. "Let me see if I can do the tale justice. You look like you might be a little young to remember the Empire in its prime. But you've probably heard the stories of the great war. Now that was a long time before any of this."

With a far away look, he begins speaking. "Once, the world was a place of magic. It is said that everyone possessed the power. But through time, some grew weaker and some grew stronger. Those that lost their magic were jealous and they built machines to overcome their loss. Technology was born. Magic and Technology grew in power and scope, each side seeking to eclipse the other. And then they went to war. They nearly destroyed everything. Finally, magic was victorious. The Council of Mages was formed, and they decreed that technology would be outlawed and magic would only be given to members of the Council and wise rulers. They ushered in a golden age."

"You may have heard the myths before," said Quinn, returning to the present. Then, with urgency, "They aren't just stories! We find evidence of it every day." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "The First Emperor found the key. He knew where the machines were buried. He dug them up and he used them... for conquest. Just like in the legends. Somewhere along the line, though, something went wrong. There aren't any great Mage Kings coming to save us. We have to do it ourselves, but we're playing catch up until we find out what the Emperor knows." Turning his head, he stops. The woman had returned.

"More bedtime stories, Quinn? Why don't you tell him the one about the noble Light Warriors?" Quinn advanced on her, taking her by the shoulder and making her wince. He led her back up the stairs, saying nothing.

The medic made his way to Asper's bunk, checking the bedding. "No love lost between those two, eh?"

"It would appear that she likes surprise entrances. SO you went into those ruins for knowledge, ehh? And what did you learn?" Suddenly, memories of Mom's old stories about magic and magical beings returned. The Light Warriors? Why did that sound familar?

"Light Warriors. That rings a familar bell. An old legend, I think, about heroes who came to save the world in its darkest hour... But I can't remember what they did. That was a legend, a myth, just like faries and sprites. These things are actually true?" One more thought came into Asper's mind. One he never would have even considered until his hand brushed his vest as he moved to sit up. "Are there any legends about Guardians?"

The medic shrugs... "I didn't go, I was here. We just sat and waited. But not everyone believes those stories. Quinn does, and he should know. He can read those old picture words." He quickly bundles up some bandages and supplies. "I was only a kid when those Light Warriors showed up. They sure killed the old emperor, but it doesn't looks like it did more than just put the Empire off for a while. If you really want to talk legends, you should talk to Quinn. He's the resident expert." The man gathered up his things and made his way to the door. "I'll be back to check on all of you soon," he called. Asper was left in the room with a few of the more injured soldiers that the medic had tended. The rest had filed out while Asper was talking. Several were lying down, staring at the ceiling or sleeping already. Two were engaged in a quiet conversation, but seemed to cast glances at Asper from time to time.

Well, thought Asper to himself, there's no use sitting around a medic's ward. It would probably be best and find Quinn, so as to find out where I am and where this machine is taking me. I can ask him a few more questions as well, and maybe get some much needed answers. Again, his hand brushed over his vest and the embroidery. He wondered who it was he saw running into the ruins, and if they are still alive now. It seems that the men, however, as well as Quinn and that woman, all have something to say that they just aren't saying. He started his ascent up the stairs, to look about the ship, and find Quinn.

Clouds darted by as Asper stood on the deck. Deckhands were still running around, busily working to keep the ship afloat. Managing to get one's attention, Asper learned that Quinn had retired to the captain's cabin. Intent on finding answers, he knocked on the door. "What is it?" came the sullen reply. Identifying himself, Asper was allowed in. "It's been almost ten minutes," began Quinn, sorting through some maps and papers on a high shelf, "Miss my company that much?" 7-16

"That woman mentioned something about the Light Warriors. I remember that story, somewhat, from my childhood. And you didn't like the fact she mentioned it, as you hurriedly pushed her out. It also seems to me you are the resident expert on lores and legends. I am also a seeker of knowledge. Tell me, in your stories, have you ever heard anyting about Guardians, or," Asper pointed to his vest, "seen this insignia?" Asper took a deep breath shortly after his final words came out. He had said that so fast, even he was unnerved. Not with the speed of childness or naivety, but with, what felt like, cold interrogation. This man had answers, and Asper wanted them. Sometimes being cold and solid like ice is safer than being warm dousable like fire.

Quinn shook his head. "Hey, you've got me all wrong... if you want to hear about Light Warriors, I'll tell you about them. I just don't want her around." He looked at Asper's insignia. "There's lots about Dragons... Mostly they say the dragons left the world because of what the ancients did. And half the ancients were guardians of something. Why?"

"What did the ancients do? From what I understand of dragons, they are fierce, powerful, almost god-like beasts. Who could do what to get rid of them? And what of the Light Warriors? And who is she? The first time she and I talked, I got the distinct impression she was threatening me. And what were the ancients Guardians of? Earth? Fire? Water? Truth? Light? Shadow? Chaos? Air? Treasures? Forests? Why would their culture need so many Guardians? I know I may seem pushy, but I need answers, because there are things not adding up here."

Quinn sat down in the chair behind a desk. He motioned to a chair in front of it. He absently tweaked at the torn map that covered most of the desk. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. "Uh... what are you asking me?" He tried to latch onto something he'd heard. "Stasha was threatening you. She does that. If you'd met her first, she would probably have killed you. She thinks everyone is a spy. I try to read people, she just kills them." He looked at Asper. "What are you... sixteen? You're just a kid." He suddenly becomes concerned, "What's not adding up?"

Asper sat down before Quinn, closed his eyes, and slowly took a deep breath. Then he reopened them, playng in his mind all the things that weren't making sense. What his Master had told him about being a Guardian, what his vest insignia meant, the mysterious figure leading him into the ruins, the lack of sentries on the way in, why he couldn't remember the Light Warrior Story despite his memory, why the men seem to speak of him in hushed voices, why a strange group of adventurers even bothered coming down into an empty, guarded ruin, why the ancients would even need many guardians, why great dragons were supposedly sent to extinction, and how he himself was any part of it at all. "Parts of it add up, in certain limits. I really don't put much stock into the idea that our lives are pre-destined..." On the other side of his mind, Asper asked himself why he didn't believe it. Wouldn't this whole event prove it? "...but from my point of view, it seems to be a possible answer." A possible answer? he thought. This is the ONLY possible answer. "Regardless of what you may think or believe, or what Stasha thinks or believes, I am not a spy, but rather someone pulled into an odd position. I need you to tell me about the ancients and thier Guardians, and what the symbol on my chest might mean." What was Asper doing? Going off his original journey to figure out some ancient puzzle? No, he thought. The Master knew something he hadn't told me, and left me only this to figure it out. If what he said is ture, and I believe it is, then all of what happened may be part of an eloborate scheme concocted by him as a joke, or worse, by someone else as a sick game. Either way, it would be in my, and perhaps everyone else's, best interest to learn as much about my brand new scenario before too much more passes me by. Maybe there is a reason I ran into these people. They may be my best shot at finding out. Asper, still looking at Quinn, leaned slightly forward in his chair.

"I don't know what's going on, and that may be my worst problem as of now. I need to know about those Guardians."

Quinn smiled and took on a lecturing tone. "All right, that would be after the war." He leaned in closer, "You need to remember, some of this is just guesswork... there is a grand book, a collection of history that holds all this information. It was somehow preserved over thousands of years. It was sealed in the heart of empire, but in the early days we had spies deep within. They copied out a small part of the information it contained and got it to us. We could never get the book itself, and it got harder and harder to access it. Now we don't even know where it is." He leaned back again, lecturing once more. "The word guardian is a pretty rough translation. It is used to refer to any of the members of the Council of Nine... you know, the mages council, the ones who ended the war? It's used to refer to leaders who rose after the war and led their people in putting the council's plans in action. And four of the Council were chosen Guardians of the Elements... like you said. Where we're missing the information is the Light Warriors. Every culture seems to have its own version of the story. Like the leader is always a warrior of the storyteller's race." He laughed. "They've been passing the story from generation to generation, some write it down, some don't. But they're called Guardians of Light a lot." Quinn sighed. "That's about all I can remember... care to share anything yourself? How did you know about the Elements? What's all this about? You some sort of Relic Hunter, too?"

Asper took a moment to think about what Quinn had said. There were nine so called Guardians. Four were of the elements. That left five. Weren't there four Light Warriors as well? And they were called the Guardians of Light. Those four, plus the four elemental Guardians, made eight. There was still one Guardian missing. COuld that one be truth?

"You said four of the Guardians were of the elements. What about the other five? And who is we? Who have you been working with to have spies in the empire?"

"That's a good question. In a way, there is no name. We're a collection of people who recognized the Empire for what it was. But some of us, myself included, were knights serving the bearer of the Shadow Band. So you could call us Shadow Knights. Now we have agents all over the world. We're determined to prevent another war."

Asper paused a moment to give Quinn time to think, (or answer, if he prefers) and then asked one last question.

"Do you think it's still possible to find the book?"

"We've been trying. I think it's still possible... the Emperor probably keeps it under his pillow at night. He's too smart to have let it out of his sight."

"Why would the emperor need to hide that book so badly? Surely the knowledge contained therein would..." Asper stopped in mid sentence. He knew why the Emperor hid the book. "Because the knowledge contained therein would give clues to the ancients relics and powers of the past. That's why he scoured the ruins. He wants those powers for himself. And so long as he has the book, he holds the only key to finding out about our past."

Asper leaned back in his chair. That book held the key to his questions, and, in the wrong hands, it could be the key to the unmaking of the world. Depsite what others say, Asper believed in those old stories. Even when he said he didn't, he always did.

"Why were you at the ruins? And, what are your plans now?"

"You know, you remind me of myself when I was your age... all questions and curiosity. 'Course, I was just an ignorant fool from the backwoods... and nothin's changed, really." Quinn winked. He yawned, "Like I said, we really wanted to find something... anything. The Empire had been all over that place for decades, then Emperor Vans dies and they pull out. Nothing for twenty years." He smirked. "What I think is that daddy didn't share the trick to controlling those mechs with junior before he died." He looked at his desk, evidently troubled. "It was my mistake. It was arrogant to think that I could find something everyone else had missed. I just felt it... but it cost some good men their lives." He attempted to smile, but his voice remained bitter. "Now I have to face judgement for my actions. With what you know, I don't think you'll just be let go, but I don't think you'll be executed either. I'll try to make a case for you. Some of us like to keep curious folks around."

Asper stood up, quite quickly and violently from his chair at the mention of execution. "Execution? Arrest? I'm not about to be arrested. I haven't done anything criminal. I didn't even know who you were until now. How could they arrest me? On what grounds?"

Startled, Quinn also stood quickly, putting his hands out. "Woah, wait, take it easy! Look at it this way. Stasha was grilling some of the men. She'll say you're a spy. She'll say you showed up out of nowhere, jumped at the chance to follow us. She'll say you're dressed funny for this time of year and you ask a lot of questions. I'll say that a native wouldn't notice the cold. You heard about treasure and wanted to make a name for yourself, but didn't know anyone with the sense to warn you away. The rest is meaningless. The High Lord will decide what to do. He'll probably want to keep you around and make sure you don't do anything to betray us. Just having contact with us gives you information that the empire would want. Whether you're a spy or not, out there they'll find you, find out what you know, and then they won't need you anymore. So don't get so excited... you're safer here than anywhere else."

"What's Stasha got to do with this? And how is this so safe if SHE'S here too? Where is this flying thing taking me?"

"She and I are... of equal rank. But I have more influence among the soldiers... I had her confined to quarters. We're going to our base of operations. Why don't you try to get some rest? You look like you could use it."

"Assuming I go to sleep, will I wake up in shackles? You seem like a nice guy, but I've got things to do. And the empire, in all its glory, is nothing I want to be messing with now. Just drop me off at the nearest town and let me be on my way. I'm sure with your influnce the men won't 'remember' me, will they? And as for your, um, equal rank with Stasha, that verbal pause gives away a hidden message. I don't know what your business with her is, and it's none of mine, but I also don't want it interfering with my duties. You said you wanted to reward me, right? Here's your chance. You don't want trouble, and neither do I."

"Trouble and I are old friends. If you're not interested in staying, you're not interested. Anytime you want to jump ship, feel free." Quinn went back to rifling through papers on his shelf.

Asper didn't take too kindly to that last remark, discovering that Quinn wasn't about to help this situation any. He knew jumping ship was only a viable option if he wanted to end EVERYTHING, and that wasn't his intention. That left him with the option of leaving his freedom in the hands of Quinn, something he was not comfortable doing. He knew taking the ship would be impossible, and he lacked the techincal knowledge to control it himself. Stasha would do no better to help, aside from tossing him off the ship, or killing him outright, and Asper didn't want to risk a dog fight with her. THe men were loyal to Quinn, and that meant no other source of help was on the ship. His best and only hope lied with Quinn. THis made him feel very uneasy. However, seeing as how Quinn had said that they were flying to a base of sorts, Asper assumed it would be a good distance from the empire or its immediate sphere of influence, making it reasonably easy to contiue his journey on foot once he landed. THis also meant trusting Quinn in that what he said was true. Since Quinn had saved his life, Asper was inclined to believe him, seeing as how he would have no use for Asper in any form. However, this did not make him feel any better about the scenario. And Asper had no gut instinct on what to do.

"Once we arrive on where we are going, what are you going to do with me?" Came the only response Asper could think of at the moment.

"Ya' know," said Quinn, looking up from his work, "we're not like the Empire. No secret police are going to kill you in your sleep. Nobody's gonna put you in shackles. We wouldn't even skulk around like this if we had the kind of forces we needed to openly fight them. But this is a military operation. If you want to go free, you need to follow procedure. The High Lord will decide your case. He's very perceptive. If you're a spy, it won't go well for you. Until that time, you're my honored guest. We'll land on the island soon, so just relax."

Asper, not wanting to carry on the conversation further, because it didn't seem to be helping him any, and becuase it might irritate his only chance, that being Quinn, he decided not to press the issue further...for now. However, he did believe it was a good idea to learn a bit more about his scenario, and he thought that a little background would be nice. He relaxed his very tense body, and sat again in the in front of Quinn.

"Very well, I will do my best to relax. However, you must agree with me that this isn't the easiest thing to handle. Tell me about the High Lord, and your organization. I know these questions would make me appear to be the spy everyone thinks I am, but I know that I am no spy, and am confident that your High Lord will see it that way as well. I just want to know morw about what is about to take place. This is all very new, and I'm not much one for surprises."

Quinn pursed his lips. He gathered an armful of disorganized papers and moved to his desk, dumping them on it. Distracted, he begins, "There's not much that I can say. He is a very secretive man. He hates the Empire. He took control of the Knights by besting the Black Knight himself." He stops what he was doing and looks up. "Th-- that's all I can tell you."

Asper sensed that Quinn was holding something back. He wasn't sure if it reflected Quinn's feelings for the high lord, or something he had been reading, or the fact that Asper was asking so many questions. But he was sure that Quinn would be no more of any help to him or his questions, so he thought to leave him in peace for a change. "Well then, I suppose I should rest then before we land. Should I return to the medic bay, or where would you like me to go?"

Already entranced by his reading, Quinn looked up once more. Briefly confused, he finally said, "Yeah, just find yourself a bunk. You'll have a few hours... it'll do you some good."

Leaving the captain's cabin, Asper found himself back on the deck of the mighty ship. Looking around, he saw a short, wild-haired man at the helm of the ship. He was dressed strangely and wearing goggles. When he saw Asper, he began waving frantically at him. Curious, he approached.

"WAS THAT GREAT OR WHAT?" yelled the man, very close to Asper's ear. The attentions of all men on deck are immediately drawn to Asper and the man. He checks himself, continuing, still far too loud, "What did you think when that metal beast went flying? What was it like from down there?"

Slightly distracted from the wild man's appearence, Asper raised his head to him and responded in a quieter voice. "Why are you shouting?" Asper didn't wait for much of a response, and started walking away. He smiled to himself. If he replies, thought Asper, then I will turn around to continue the conversation. If not, I'll just keep on walking.

"WHO'S YELLING?" yelled the man. "Hey, where ya' going?" He ran to catch Asper. "Really, what was it like? Did you see me ram that metal menace? Wasn't that something?!"

Asper looked the man up and down. "Yes it was. Thank you for your good work. We are landing soon, right? I am going to get some rest before we land. I need my strength and wits about me. Tell me, do you by chance have a map of this area? Maybe you could show me a bit of how the world looks from up here."

"WELL, I DON'T have a MAP!" he exclaims proudly. "BUT back that way," he points towards the rear of the boat, "is Vangorsa! That's where we were. Ahead, this way," he points in the direction of travel," is Alys and Mid." He stops... "Well, that's really all that's close. Maybe QUINN can show you some more, he probably has one. I don't need it! I have it all up here!" He points to his head.

Not really knowledgable on his current destination, Asper figured it was somewhat useless to try to return to his original plan of movement. At this point in time, he completely decided to just go with the flow of things. Thanking the man for his efforts, Asper returns to the medic bay, looking for a bunk.

Asper went to sleep in a free bunk where the medic had been tending injuries. Almost immediately upon closing his eyes, he felt as if something had changed. He stood, realizing that the airship seemed very still. He could still hear the thrumming of blades on air, distant from where he was within the ship.

Shaking off sleep, he climbed the stairs that led up onto the deck. There was even more activity going on than before. To his left, a gigantic ship, much larger than the one he currently occupied, was lashed alongside The Swoop. Or maybe The Swoop was lashed alongside it. A well dressed man was supervising the movement of crates from the deck near Asper to the other ship.

Not quite understanding the scenario playing out before him, Asper tried to make sense of it. It seemed as though, on the side, Quinn and Stasha were making some money doing cargo trading. The only question left was whether the cargo was legal or not. Deciding not to deal with it, as it was none of his buisness, Asper returned to the medic bay. "You there!" the man called to Asper's back. "Where do you think you're going? This is no time for recreation... get back to work." Men were coming off of the other ship in pairs and picking up the last of the crates.

Asper stopped in his tracks, and slowly turned to face the man. He stared at him, and calmly spoke. "I do not work here and have nothing to do with this." With that, Asper turned back to the medic bay and resumed his path to slumber.

The man's face reddened... "You work here when I tell you to work here, crewman!" he exclaimed. A knight emerged from below and saw the red-faced man. He quickly turned to leave and ran into another knight. "You two!" screeched the well-dressed man, "seize that insubordinate!" The knights looked uneasily from the man to Asper. The second shrugged and they walked up to Asper. "Easy buddy," said the first. The other walked around behind. Both appeared ready for trouble.

Asper didn't like this. Two on one were bad odds. He really had nothing to do with this. Asper looked at the front knight. "I'm sure Quinn would not agree with this. I saved his life, and I'm sure he wouldn't repay me this way. Ask him if you don't believe me." Asper stared straight into the knight's eyes. "I don't know you or the alleged foreman, or the one behind me. And none of you know me. Leave me be, and allow me to return to the medic bay, where I am resting from my injuries."

The knight behind Asper came up on his left, leaving him with a man on either side. "Just take it easy," said the rightmost soothingly. "No one's going to hurt you." The second chimed in, "Just going to take you someplace where you can sleep it off." They saluted the man.

Asper wasn't defeated. However, rather than risk a head-on confrontation, Asper silently complied with the men. He couldn't fight them here, and either they thought he was crazy and were following orders, or believed him, and were taking him to the medic bay. Either way, he was out-manned. Unsure of what to do for now, Asper complied with the knights, hoping that the outcome would be favorable.

The knights began to usher Asper below deck, but the man protested. "No, come with me." He directed some of his workers to remove the last of the crates. "I'll see to him personally. Come along now."

The man led them over to his airship and down below deck. They passed through a long corridor, the knights exchanging uncertain glances. They turned once, then again, occasionally hearing signs of occupancy from doors they passed. More stairs. Another corridor. The lighting was dim in this part of the ship. The man opened a door and allowed Asper and his captors to enter before him. A large man was sitting at a desk facing the right wall of the room. There were two doors with small windows in the wall, one on either side of him and two identical doors in the opposite wall behind him.

"The brig," said the man with pride. He waved his finger at Asper. "Get used to it, you'll be here a long, long time. Discipline is not easily learned for the likes of you." There was movement, throwing Asper and the two knights slightly off-balance. "It looks like we're under way," chuckled the man, "You two will be part of my complement. Lock him up and then you will come with me. I'll show you to the registrar." The first knight glowered at Asper as he led him to a door and pushed it open. He shoved Asper in, watching the haughty man out of the corner of his eye. The other knight grabbed the handle, shutting the door. He looked at Asper through the window as he jiggled the handle. "Yup, locked tight," he said cheerily, winking slightly at Asper.

The man ushered his two new knights through the door. He turned to the keeper. "Do get his name, rank, and number. And I will want to see him lashed later." Then he exited.

The man at the desk looked up, glanced around the room, then went back to his paperwork.

Touching the handle, Asper found that it turned easily.

Asper looked about the room, the cell, the desk, the whole thing. He could only guess that the slight shaking he felt earlier meant he was flying on this new ship. His captor was certainly loud and proud, and by the sound of the puinishment Asper was to recieve, won 'respect' through fear. Obviously, Asper's prime and principle concerns were on escaping. To do that, he would need to know his current obstacle, the man behind the desk.

As Asper looks out the window of the cell, the man at the desk stands. He looks at Asper, then makes his way to the door leading out into the ship. He opens the door slightly and peeks out into the hall.

Asper examines the man closely. Not wanting to disturb him, he waits for the man to take another action, giving Asper some clue as to what his intentions are.

Looking closely, the man appears to be clad in a jacket that is somewhat too small. He puts his finger to his lips in a shushing gesture, then exits the room.

Taking a quick look around the room one last time, Asper turns the cell handle and lets himself out. He was glad to see all of his things were still with him, like his sword. How foolish it had been to take a prisoner and let them keep their weapon. Taking quiet, slow steps, Asper sneaked around to the side of the door. He turned his head slightly, to see beyond the door into the hall.

The large man was already sneaking up the stairs at the end of the corridor, or at least attempting to sneak. Asper only saw him for a few seconds before he disappeared from sight.

The Captain Something is amiss, thought Asper. Why would the two knights let me free, and this man lead me out? Is this a trap? Possibly. The foreman seems an unlikable fellow, maybe they had other plans for him already, plans I walked into. Both sounded plausible to him, but Asper still wasn't sure. The only way out, it seemed, was up, so that's what Asper decided was best. However, to insure his chances in fighting the good fight, or in fighting to save his life, he felt it best to keep his sword in hand, as he slowly snuck down the hallway. Staying near the wall, Asper cranes his neck a bit to see or hear anything coming from above the stairs.

Asper made his way up the stairs. Around the corner ahead of him, he could hear an exclamation of surprise, then nothing. He gripped his sword tightly and peeked around the corner, ready for anything.

The large man was there, hunched over a prone figure. It was one of the knights, the taller one. The man pulled the knight's sword and stood with it. Waving it casually, he continued down the hallway.

Slowly lagging behind the other man, Asper made his way up to the body. Watching his front and back, Asper quickly checked the body over.

Asper crouched over the stricken knight. Pressure marks from large fingers were still very visible on the man's neck. It looked like the man wasn't breathing, but it was hard to tell from just leaning over him.

Not certain if the downed knight were still on the mortal coil, Asper decided to pull back, and stand tall once more. He carefully stepped over the knight, moving towards his intended direction of the other indidvidual. He watches his foot work carefully, as well as any possible signs of the knight's recovery.

Asper made his way past the severely injured man. If he was still alive, he would definitely need medical attention soon, that much was sure.

At the final turn that led into the main corridor where Asper entered the ship, a man lay slumped against the wall. He was obviously not a knight and a quick look was enough to determine that the man was still breathing. The sounds of scuffling could be heard ahead, and Asper knew he was close behind the man from the brig.

Gripping his sword tightly, Asper slowly made his way around the bend toward the man from the brig. He wasn't sure what to expect, but he was certain battle would be a part of it.

There was already one prone figure on the ground ahead, and not fifteen feet from Asper's position the man was tossing another victim aside. He turned and looked at Asper, his angry expression twisting into one of confusion. He stood there, not moving a muscle.

Unsure of what to make of the scenario, and feeling that the other individual was having the same thought, Asper stood there silently as well. Using his eyesight, he watched the man very carefully, prepared to act at a moment's notice.

The man watched Asper for an uncomfortable few seconds, then turned around and walked up the corridor.

Asper followed the man, keeping a close eye on his actions, and keeping always at least 15 feet behind him. Asper still had his sword at readiness.

The man kept looking back, distracted by Asper's pursuit. They were nearing the stairs that led up to the deck. A horrible grinding sound reached Asper's ears. The man heard it too, and peeked into an open door on his left. He only paused for a moment, then continued walking. He reached the stairs.

Asper contiued to follow the man, trying to ignore the grinding sound. He assumed it was the engine room, seeing as how something has to keep this ship afloat. He continues to trail the man up the staris, remeaining quiet and prepared.

At the top of the stairs, Asper could see the man milling around on the deck. He looked around, then ran across the deck for a door opposite Asper's location. He opened the door and went in.

Watching the other man, Asper cautiously moved to the deck. He listened for any sounds and took a moment to absorb his surroundings visually.

The wind whistled by Asper at the top of the staircase. A confused deck hand wandered into his line of sight, approaching the door where the large man had just left the deck. Asper could make out the sounds of blades cutting air from above him. All the sounds felt subdued to him, as if waiting for something.

Still holding his sword, staying as alert and cautious as possible, Asper moved quietly towards the other door, and the deck hand in front. He took each step slowly, occasionally checking around him for other people, movements, or sounds. He kept his distance from the deck hand, to see if he would see and react to Asper.

The deck hand looked at Asper and started to speak, but seeing the drawn sword, he thought better of it. He put his hands up and backed away. Above, more people were working on a higher level deck. All told, there might have been a dozen workers, some in helmets with face shields. None seemed to have noticed anything out of the ordinary. The deck hand retreated twenty feet or so and stood watching as Asper reached the door. It sounded like something heavy crashed inside.

Asper had to think fast. He wasn't certain how many people were on his side (whichever side that was) or how many reinforcements could show up, or even what's happening. Reacting to the scene, and making a quick decision, Asper stepped into the room and closed the door behind himself, switching his sword into his left hand for a moment, then giving it back to his right. Watching the scene laid before him, Asper wasn't sure what to do or say. So he just watched, preparing himself for any potential surprises. The knight injured needed attention, but Asper knew no way to help him. He wasn't sure of what to make of the paper-throwing knight, only that he didn't completely believe him to be an enemy. As for the two in the back, they must be working to gether, and it was he who got Asper into this whole mess in the first place. Checking the corners of the room, and taking a quick look around, Asper took note of the total number of people in the room (should any be hidden amongst corners) as well as all entryways into the room.

The large man turned and grinned wickedly at Asper. "Hey, brother, come to share in my revenge?" The cornered men cowered, looking from the large man to Asper. "I don't know how you two knaves escaped, but my bodyguards will be here any moment to finish you off. You give yourselves up now and maybe you won't be executed," shrieked the old man. The knight staggered to his feet and leveled his sword at his big opponent. "This guy is bad news," he said, his back to Asper. "We can't just let him kill the captain, no matter what our personal feelings are."

Asper stares at the deckhand while opening the door. AS the doorknob turns, (sounds like a soap opera) Asper gives quick glances between the interior and the deck hand, until his attention slowly shifts to the inside and much less to the deckhand. Asper opened the door while the deckhand inched away from the obvious trouble. When he could see inside the room, he saw papers all over the floor and two overturned tables on either side of the entryway. A man wearing spectacles was running out a door on the left side of the room. Towards the back, behind a heavy desk cowered two other men, one being the man who had just had Asper imprisoned. The man Asper had been following was throwing papers and waving his sword menacingly as he strode around the room. The other knight, the one who had left Asper's cell unlocked, was backing away from the bigger man, clutching a bleeding wound.

Asper looked the larger knight over and eyed the captain. "I don't suppose," started Asper to the larger man, "you know how to pilot this ship or have a destination?" He looked over to the captain again, angry, but thoughtfully. "Violence solves nothing right now. Killing the captain would only aggravate the situation. I have no doubt you want off this ship or have a great thirst for revenge, but this isn't the right way to enact it." Asper slowly walked toward the injured knight, clutching his sword in hand, holding it in front, not pointing to anybody, but to the room in general.

The big man growled and strode over to a shelf against the wall. He pulled it over, dumping the books that had been on it all over the floor. He kicked one of them and looked at Asper. He sneered. "You're just like them. You can't tell me what to do." He advanced on the cowering captain, throwing over the last upright table.

The knight tried to stand, but settled into a crouch. "Too dizzy," he muttered as Asper drew near.

Asper looked down at the crouched knight. "Your captain better be worth this. If he tries anything against me again, he'll be next." He whispered to the fallen warrior. Asper then advanced toward the rouge knight. "If it's a fight you want, I doubt that he can give it to you." Asper calls as he rushes toward the knight's back. "I, however, can!" He yells as he swings his sword in attack fashion.

The knight muttered to himself, "He's not... and he's not my captain..."

per took advantage of the lull to strike. He whipped the shining blade up and buried it in the large man's chest.

The man bellowed and body checked Asper while grabbing for his throat with a free hand. Asper backed up a step and ducked the reaching hand.

Reacting to the kinght's failed attack, Asper once again swings his blade, hoping to deal some potentially disabling damage to the man's arm.

Asper fell back on his heel, swinging at the man before him. The attack was unbalanced, but it still took the man full in the chest.

The large prisoner snarled and swung his blade at Asper, the clumsy attack falling short.

The knight painfully stood and leaned back against the wall while the cornered men continued to cower.

Taking advantage of the man's awkward counter, Asper slashed him across the extended arm.

The knight steeled himself for his attack.

Bellowing in rage, Asper's foe swung mightily with his free fist. Asper ducked quickly, evading the attack easily.

Seeing the murderous rage in the man's eyes and watching his powerful but poorly timed attacks, Asper anticipated the man's next futile attempt. He feinted, then swung his blade hard under the man's weak defense.

The man stiffened, falling back off the blade and staring at Asper. He collapsed to the ground, crumpling over on himself.

Quinn appeared next to Asper, regarding the large man. "You just can't seem to stay out or trouble, can you?" He crouched down, checking the man's neck. "Somebody get that man to the medic," he said, waving in the direction of the injured knight. A knight came forward, taking his comrade by the arm and leading him away. "Still alive," muttered Quinn. "I guess we tend him and lock him up again." He stood. "C'mon Asper, you don't look like you're doing so well yourself." He looked over to the two men who had been cowering in the corner. They were regaining their composure and dusting themselves off. Quinn turned to Asper. "Oh, yeah. Welcome aboard The Brigand."

Asper, straightening himself from the battle, turned towards the man responsible for all of this. He stared at him with cold eyes. "I don't know who you think you are, but you kidnapped me and threw me into a brig. Then, you nearly got yourself killed. Today doesn't seem to be your day for smart decisions, does it?" Asper pointed his blade towards him. "However, I am not like my opponent. That is the only reason why I haven't decided to dig this into you as well." Asper pointed the blade back towards the floor, and turned back to Quinn. "Please point me in a direction of a washroom, so that I might clean my blade. And thank you. At least someone here has the decency of telling me where I am."

Quinn started to laugh, but controlled himself. "Captain Span, I see you've met Asper. Asper, that man thinks he's the captain of this vessel, and he is. This is our flagship. And Captain, how long ago was it that you had that storeroom made into a brig? And you've already had a jailbreak? That will not look good in my report." The captain paled and shut his mouth. "A washroom?" Quinn laughed. "You are an odd one... Here, come with me." He led Asper out onto the deck.

"The brig, eh? The brig? I guess it's just as well. I need to keep an eye on you. Sometime your luck has to run out. Here, you take this room. It's near mine. That room at the end of the hall has... facilities. I think that's what you're looking for. It's going to be a couple days before we reach our destination. I think you might want to check out the library, too. I'll show you where that is later." He stood thoughtfully.

Following Quinn to the new sleeping quarters, Asper took stock of the area around him, taking note of the new settings and the location of the washroom. He stepped inside and stood over the sink, washing water over his blade and cleaning the blood away. Once it was shiny and clean again, Asper took a moment to dry it and re-sheath it. He splashed a small amount of clean water onto his face and took a deep breath to relax from the previous activities. It was the first time he killed a person. In all his life, he never once took a human one, and since he didn't really hunt, the most he killed had been insects and such. He tried to recall the battle as vivdly as possible, adding the emotional depth with it. Then, twisting his memories slightly, he imagined Colin's face on his attacker. Suddenly, the fight became more dramatic. It felt better, more relieving of stress. Soon he twisted the entire battle, delivering blow after blow to his rival, slashing and slicing him until he got tired using the sword and took to striking him with his bare hands. He pummeled Colin over and over and over again, until there was nothing left but a large decaying mess. Then, the visualized corpse began to fade away, returning Asper to the true memory of the dead man laying before him. Soon, Asper wasn't even sure if he DID kill him. He could have been breathing when he left him, he hadn't checked. But it felt like it did. The moment after the final strike, Asper felt certain of it. That feeling, not of satisfaction, or sadness, left him feeling both hollow and fulfilled. And the more he thought of Colin, the more the feeling grew. The hollowness grew from his task uncompleted, the fulfillment from the image of Colin's bloody body. Wiping off the rest of the water from his face and brow, Asper returned to his new quarters, seeing that Quinn had not yet left. He himself was not yet tired, after his body had been given a healthy dosage of adrealine from the past activities. "Where's this library you speak of?"

"Of course. We have a pretty thorough collection of records on board. You never know when you'll need it." Quinn led the way. Asper noted the location of the library, centralized within the ship. It was a smaller room than he had expected, cramped. "If you need any help, let me know. Some of these are mine." He acted like he had something more to say, but watched Asper's response instead.

"I want to find this symbol," Asper immediately responds, cutting Quinn's last word. He points to his vest, revealing the two dragons stitched within. "...and about the Guardians. I assuming this place is organized somehow, correct? Or do I have to search book after book?" He only hinted at sarcasm in his last remark, leaving him to sound mostly monotone and dry. He thought about the whole structure of Quinn's group. They should be lucky to have gotten as far as they have in this world. Although, he remebered living on the street too, and how the will to survive often supercedes the knowledge of how to. Even still, the Master would never have let his school be so poorly run as this. Order, structure, system; these things were all but extinct onboard. Even Quinn, who showed the highest mental capacity so far, had his things scattered and strewn about his office. Maybe, thought Asper, just maybe it could be lifestyle. After all, look at how much they have to keep. Look at all they own. He looked back to his pack, a slight sigh creeping over his lips. It is easier to keep order when there is so little to keep. Would I be as bad as them? NO! Asper yelled inside his head. Structure, order, pattern; it was these things that gave him his power. Without them, he would never be able to do what he does. He would always have such structure, because he NEEDED it. Without it, all he knew, all he could ever do, all of his capabilities would become dormant, tossed about in a sea of Chaos. He felt better. He knew himself again. However, he was still just standing there, waiting for Quinn's responses.

Quinn blinked. "Well, we do try to keep some order here. It's mostly organized by time. By time periods. Then we keep them separated by what they're about. The information about Guardians will be here, the period right after the war. The top shelf is reserved for actual records, notes and analysis on the lower shelves." He looked at Asper's vest. "Dragons are not really my area. Do they represent real dragons, or something else? We have some sketchy work on ancient dragons and mythology from before the war..."

"It sounds intriguing enough." Replied Asper, cutting Quinn off. He looked for a place to sit down. "Show me all the books on dragons, mythological or other wise," Asper quickly breathed out as he reached for the area Guardians might be in. "...while I help myself to these. Don't worry, I won't take them out of the room. I just need some peace and quiet to go over them. Tell me, are any of these books in other languages, and are there any translators aboard?"

"I completely forgot... Captain Span compiles these... they're primarily in Salisian. Of course, everything I wrote will be the same. It looks like you will need some help." Quinn went to the last shelf in the room and looked it over. "So where do we start?"

"We start with the books pertaining to the Guardians."

Asper found that he could indeed read Salisian, although he hadn't for many years. It was the language the empire had brought with it and he had learned to read and speak it as a child. He didn't share the knowledge with Quinn, and only read the books when Quinn was elsewhere. When Quinn was available, he was able to look things up more quickly than Asper could himself, and he did his best to explain and clarify the readings.

Asper spent a great deal of his time the first few days going through those writings that were supposed to be direct copy from the great history book held somewhere within the empire. The readings made very little sense to him, seeming to be nothing more than odd references to places and things and hundreds of names. Of course, there were references to guardians scattered throughout. They seemed to refer to specific individuals among the names listed. Asper hoped the further analysis might shed some light on his reading.

Asper's further reading confirmed many of his suspicions. The information at hand was primarily a record of a largescale relocation and colonization project. The record's author or authors had divided the world into geographical locations and cataloged the placement of colonies into their ideal chosen environments. The purpose was simply to keep the new colonies separate from each other. Each population had a number of designated guardians to perform some function. The function, however, was a source of contention between reviewing scholars. Some thought they were the physical protectors of their peoples, others thought they were specially groomed leaders, and others still believed that they were agents placed to draw their assigned colonies away from their warlike ways through virtue. The one thing that all agree with is that the role of the guardians among the people was deliberately left out of the records or even censored.

Asper could find nothing directly referring to a Guardian of Truth. He did not stray from the task at hand, but he also did not pass up gleaning some of the scientific knowledge that had been pieced together. He could almost feel the electrical pulses he had been subject to as he read about energy conduction. He learned some things about mechanical, biological, and magical systems. Though incomplete, the information was very detailed and methodical.

"You've been hitting that central shelf pretty hard," remarked Quinn, emerging from his resting place. "I couldn't tell you how many times I've been through all of that. It's funny..." He shook his head. "I just came to say that we're going to be landing soon. I want you to come with me. When we find the High Lord, you'll have your name cleared, and then we can all go home."

"Very well, Just allow me to clean up this place." Asper put some of the books back, trying his best to reorganize the books back to the way they were. Taking what he learned from the books, Asper felt confident about his search. he complied with Quinn, and followed him out of the room.

The airship had landed on a new continent. It was Spring here, and Asper was pleased with the warmth of the sun and the green of the field. A great number of soldiers and deckhands were already offship and busily doing whatever jobs had been assigned to them, setting up some sort of camp.

Quinn led Asper and some knights away from the group. He smiled at them reassuringly. "Is everyone ready?" He cleared his throat. "Just to fill everyone in, we're going to look for Brand. We think he's trying to rally our forces here, but the ship that was going to serve as their rendezvous point was attacked by the Empire. We're going to try to get some mounts at the moogle village near here. That's our first stop. Once we have some transportation, we'll worry about actually tracking him down."

Asper took in his new surroundings eagerly. The newly assembled group was walking away from a misty mountain range. The mountains looked almost serene when compared to the severe, dark ranges of his homeland. Only the hardiest of vegetation survived in Vangorsa, while here all kinds were thriving in the field where they walked. He felt as if he had traveled to another world.

Soon they arrived at a strange pavilion, surrounded by fenced pens. "Hold up here," said Quinn, "I'm going to see if I can wrangle us some rides." He went over to an entrance and disappeared. Asper turned and found himself face-to-beak with a great yellow bird leaning over the rail to his pen. "Wark..." said the bird, with obvious disdain.

His homeland, Vangorosa, wasn't very vegetated. As a result, not many animals lived there. Chobocos were included. However, that didn't stop Asper from recognizing the large yellow bird. What it did do was prevent Asper from knowing exactly what to do with it. He had heard about racing and riding them, which is what he assumed their new objective was. He did not know how. He was neither a jockey nor a trainer of these creatures. I am, however, a mimic. He thought. 'What good does all that skill do if not used?' "So, this is our ride, I take it?"

One of the nearby knights heard Asper's comment. "I dunno. Guess we have to wait and see. Never rode a chocobo myself." Some time passed. Asper began to wonder just what was causing such a delay.

"Just what is taking so long?" Asper proclaimed, after what felt like an hour passed. True, it wasn't wise to wait an hour, even if it only felt like it, when the answer was nearby at the camp, but Asper had other things occupying his mind. Re-reading all those books in his head, trying to remember all that was said about this high lord, they kept him thinking. But now that was behind him. He turned from the chocobo to return to the campsite, to find Quinn and figure out why daylight was a-wastin'.

Asper strode into the main building and found Quinn right away. He was arguing in some bizarre language with a short, winged creature. The creature looked like some sort of plush toy for children and Asper wondered if maybe he should look for strings or a puppeteer. He could remember, however, stories of these creatures from his childhood. The tales were dim and fractured, leaving him only with the knowledge that such beings existed, forest-dwelling and fun-loving moogles. He had been too young to really recall more than that. He blinked at the unusual sight before him, the large knight arguing down at the diminutive furball.

"Kupo Kupo Kuuupo!" exclaimed the Knight. He was completely absorbed in his negotiations as the moogle began to hop up and down in agitation and repeating what Quinn had just said.

Asper watched the small creature hop up and down. It was really cool to see two stange exotic creatures in one day. The language seemed strange though. It consisted of one word, said in different pitches and lengths. Asper had no idea what the negotions meant, but he watched the pair closely, taking cue to every sound they made, as it seemed the small moogle would just explode any minute.

Just when it seemed that the man and moogle would resort to fisticuffs, the moogle held up a small hand and left the room. Quinn put his head in his hands. Sighing, he walked over to Asper.

"Things sure have changed. He's going to get his brother. I think I have to talk my way through all eight of them. They want to charge us four times as much for half as many chocobos. Something about contract conflicts. And the birds they have left... I've never seen a sicker, more aged bunch." He quieted as a moogle, looking very much like the first, appeared at the doorway. "Here we go again."

Asper looked over the new moogle suspiciously. There were some superficial differences between the first and this one. This one was shaggier, and just slightly taller. He was wearing an identical vest to the previous moogle's.

Quinn and the moogle began speaking, calmly at first, but civility was cast aside as they both became more and more aggravated with each other. The same scene was played out as before, with the moogle finally holding up his palm and leaving the room.

Quinn shrugged. "Three more to go, I think."

Asper shrugged in response. He had no idea what to do about these creatures, and had no knowledge about them. He just kept his eyes and ears on Quinn and the moogles, hoping to catch something that may be of importance.

A new moogle appeared, wearing a similar vest to the others that Asper had seen, but this one had another moogle in tow. This moogle was dressed in fine clothing and wore spectacles. The first approached Quinn and said "Kupo!" while the second walked up to Asper. Quinn watched the two warily and responded in kind to the lead moogle. The well-dressed moogle watched the exchange for a few passes and then leaned in to Asper.

"So, are you an attorney?"

Although the only visible reaction Asper had was a slight widening of the eyes, his internal mentality took quite a shock. He had no idea moogles could talk. Moreover, he wondered why he would think him an attorney. But Asper regained composure, both physically and mentally, within seconds, and turned to the moogle, leaning just slightly, "No. Are you?"

The moogle pulled a handkerchief from his vest and mopped his brow. "Of course. Kupiro, Moogle-at-Law, at your service." He gave Asper a card, featuring a drawing of a moogle saying "Kupo!" on it. "So you would be an observer, or witness, I take it?" The discussion between Quinn and the other moogle was heating up.

Asper didn't really know how to react to this. He wanted to stand there, dumbfounded, but he knew that would never go over easily. He decided to act quickly, rather than to ponder too long and look stupid. "I'm just watching them." Asper retorted, trying not to appear confused. "You, er, moogles I mean, seem to say 'kupo' alot. What exactly does 'kupo' mean?" Asper clenched his fist when he made the fauz pas of saying you, as opposed to all moogles, but it was quick and wasn't noticable. He instead stood there, waiting for a response from him, trying to look calm but probably looking more perplexed.

"You humans are so... quaint," said Kupiro. Quinn sighed as his moogle left the room. He turned to look at Asper as the moogle attorney continued. "I don't think I understand the question. Could you repeat that?"

Quinn laughed. "Never try to talk language with a moogle. It's a frustrating experience."

"Repeat? Ok. When you talk, you sound like you say 'kupo'. In fact, it seems that beside your names, every word you say is 'kupo'. At least, that's how I hear it." Asper hoped this would do it for the moogle, but he wasn't sure. This is his first real experience in culture clash, and he wasn't dealing with it very well. He hoped the moogle would understand this, and try to work with him, as opposed to against him.

The moogle regarded Asper with consternation. "You're just confusing him," said Quinn. "To you and me, it's just a word... but when he hears it, it means something. He doesn't just hear the word. In a way, I don't think he hears the word at all. I... ah," Quinn trailed off as the next negotiating moogle arrived. "Duty calls."

The moogle raised his fuzzy eyebrows. "What was that all about?"

"Never mind." It was the only thing Asper could think of to say. "Tell me please, why are there so many negotiating moogles? Why not just the one? And what need do we, or you , have for a lawyer?"

The moogle shrugged. "I don't know why you're asking me. It's you humans that bring all the negotiators. I'm just here to make sure that you don't try to break the contract." Kupiro rocked on his heels. Quinn finished talking to the current moogle. He looked at Asper with a fierce look in his eyes.

"What contract?" Asper asked inquisitively.

The moogle gave Asper a quizzical look. "What contract? Why the contract between your human country and moogles. We agreed that we would receive fair human compensations for our efforts at producing the finest of moogle goods, of which chocobo breeding is one of the finest. Part of that agreement includes the increased compensation cost required when supplies reach critical levels." He nodded, satisfied.

All of that made sense to Asper, who acknowledged the little creature's nod with a smile. Despite his personailty, he was such a cute little thing. "Do you think they are trying yto take unfair advantage of your contract? I saw those chocbos myself, and they weren't looking too good in my opinion. I know that doesn't mean much to you perhaps, but at least I thihk I see where he may be coming from."

Before the moogle could answer, Quinn interposed himself between the two. Over his shoulder, he said harshly, "Get lost, shorty." The moogle backed away, then dashed out the door the way he had come. Quinn took a deep breath.

"Looks like we're in the clear. Three out of good stock, three out of bad. The price is a little high." He leaned in close, speaking in a low voice. "They think we're a designation from the Aldersgate Kingdom. Aldersgate basically agreed to pay any price the moogles wanted, so long as the chocobos kept coming." He frowned. "I sure wish I knew what was going on here... this isn't normal behavior. Whatever made the moogles take up human ways and the kingdom throw its money away... I... think we'd better find Brand."

They went outside and gathered the rest of Quinn's party. The moogles led out three gray chocobos, followed by a white one and two yellows. The last yellow was the one Asper had seen in the pen before. The bird glowered at him, as if it knew he had never ridden before and it was angry at being given to the inferior humans. Quinn chose that one.

"Riding a chocobo is easy," he said. "They're very intelligent. These understand common, so stop and go, left and right are supposed to be good enough for verbal commands. Nudge the bird with your knees and give the reins a little tug, like so, and--" The bird fought with Quinn, refusing to turn its head. "You bloody stubborn bird!" he yelled in surprise. The chocobo turned and kicked, throwing Quinn to the ground. As moogles ran up and calmed the animal, Quinn rolled to his feet and brushed himself off. He smirked and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well... You'll figure it out." He cautiously re-mounted. "So, let's move out!"

Asper Continued