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"Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Property: Capitalism 101." |
Years of living on the run had done little to dull the sharpness of the two plotting individuals who stood among the crowd and acted and behaved like a casual couple amid the bustling town of Fiore. Years of seclusion on the cube followed by the hit and run tactics and moving among the shadows and yet it all paled to comparison of being able to move among the day, bask in the light that was taken away from them during their days as terrorist under the eyes of the council. These individuals were the deadly team of Naazariya known as the Nature's Wrath Incarnate and Raido Nakano, more commonly know as Sub-Zero The infamous Devil Slayer.
"I gotta say I had my doubt about this whole Hell's Core trip for the mission but I gotta say this has actually worked out for the better, I aint gotta be couped up on that damn flying island all day everyday. Aint nothing like some fresh air and some damn breathing room". Sub-Zero said looking over himself, his new look a farcry from his old one, his skin tanned and dark while his hair was boosting a new silver/white color. Having taken a trip to Hell's Core he was given a new look to reform and remake his body he took on the look of former Nine Demon Gates Member Tempesta, a fallen member. Though taken for mission purposes walking around casually this image grew on him.
"I agree, I dislike that place it is bleak and boring. As usual it aint no fun to be had up there I feel cramped and disconnected from mother nature". Naaza said taking a deep breath of fresh air, inhaling deeply as she instantly felt connected to the weather around her. it was happy, calm and at peace.
"Now that we got a chance to enjoy this beautiful ass day lets go back over the notes over our mission, now if I remember we are suppose to do make a list and check it twice of the dark and light guilds of the area and see who has been naughty and who has been nice". Raido said pivoting his head in every direction, his eyes sweeping over the part of the city they occupied.
Coming from the opposite direction was a young mage of Northern Light by the name of Aojiro. Despite her young age, she had already developed a reputation as Young Devil's Bane, and had already been responsible for the decimation of a minor guild that threatened her own. As of now though, the only thing on her mind was the recently completed mission, one that had been worthy of it's S-Class designation. Of course, she was now legally allowed to accept such missions, though she had completed them illegally in the past. However, those who knew of her blossoming abilities knew better than to question her motivations. But for the moment at least, Aojiro was satisfied with a job well done, as well as a rather comfortable reward that would mean she could vacation for a while.
"I wonder what I'll pick up for my brother," she thought aloud while wandering through the various shops in the sprawling city. Aojiro had made a habit of buying something at the end of her missions for her younger brother, with it becoming something he looked forward to. After all, he was the only blood family she had left, a fact that Aojiro remembered every single day.
Hmm which guild do we start with then? Its hundreds of guilds in fiore and we need to seek out and learn who is the strongest among the light and dark guilds. Naaza said with a concerned look on her face as she could tell this would take a while. She had little patience for long drawn out missions much less ones that required a subtle approach. She wanted some action not be stuck doing a checklist.
"Seems Tartaros doesn't fully trust us yet comes with the perks of being a Hybrid and a Devil Slayer, its a hot commodity these days". Raido said always laughing about the situation at hand. Raido tended to look at the brighter side of the situation. Seeing as that he had nowhere to go. "Well that aside lets look at the guilds we do know and then work our way around to the ones we don't know. I can pull some info using Super Archive, but I know you too well. You wanna hunt and get in the field am I right. Raido said cutting his eyes at Naaza who at the word hunt seemed to get interested. Lets make it interesting place a little bet one the table
Turning to raido Naaza's green eyes met with his and seeing the smile in his she already knew what he had in mind. "You know Raido, you always know just what to say to me to get my blood running, you really wanna play this game here, now? I am the better hunter, but if you wanna do it like that game on". Naaza said flinging her long fiery red hair into the wind as she noticedput her great senses to the test to sense out the magic power of mages. "You just get that archive of yours ready im getting all the points today". Naaza being that she used Curse power could smell the magic off mages, the higher the stronger their smell. This would allow her to seek out mages to follow, find and document.
Aojiro continued to file her way through the crowd, looking for a shop that would catch her eye. "I forgot how big the city is," Aojiro thought as she spied a few shops of noteworthiness. As expected of one on such a mission,she peeked inside, finding various items that she knew her little brother would enjoy. Thanks to the pay being exceptionally large, Aojiro was able to buy him a few things, as opposed to the usual one or two. Satisfied with what she had found, Aojiro paid for the goods and left the store with them in hand. With that complete, she decided some lunch would be in order. Fortunately for her, several restaurants happened to be nearby, a fact that excited her greatly. It was making her way to the them that she spotted some people who clearly weren't locals. While normally she would have ignored them, seeing as she wasn't a local to the city either, something about the two felt off.
At first Aojiro couldn't put her finger on it, but then she zoomed in on the couple, the female particularly conspicuous with her fiery red hair and green eyes. "Who are they?" she thought, as she noticed the crowd moving around them, oblivious to any difference. It was at that point she recognized what was off, and part of it made her blood boil, as Aojiro's Devil Slayer abilities noted the two for what they are; Demons. While the vengeful part of her wanted to go in guns blazing, Aojiro's rational side warned her to hold off, noting that there was too great of a chance for collateral with all the people, as well as the two having not attempted anything. Yet. "It's better not to make a scene anyways," Aojiro said, consciously keeping her magic manifestation as low as possible. She cautiously approached the two, knowing that it could be an opportunity to find the demon(s) responsible for the death of almost her entire family.
"Now I know you like your desert before the dinner and you would rather ignore the fine details but before be begin the hunt we gotta know the jungle first". Raido said walking over to a map kiosk stand selling free maps. Grabbing one and walking back Raido placed it on one of the open tables and unfolded the map to show its full contents. Placing his hand forward and holding it up in front of Naaza a series of Holographic screens flicked to life right in front of her green gazing eyes. These screens held a different section of the map before all combining on the one main screen. "I've had some time to improve my Archive magic to Super Archive and really dig into the magic and learn it". Raido said allowing the screen to hover in the space between them on the rugged table surface. Raido spun it and moves his fingers on the holographic screen and the area on the map went from the country down to the very area they were resting in. Their location popped up on the screen as two yellow dots.
"Naturally it would be impossible for us to hunt and find every mage and their guild both light and dark.. unless you wanna be here all day which we both know you don't, so I found a way to make our game moreeeee progressive. Think of this as a cheat code in our favor. Now watch this. Real Time Link!!" Raido said as he ran his left finger over the screen and images began to highlight over the small screen of the nearby mages picking up their mages sources and highlighting them with a red dot on the map which due to the large crowd of people were scattered everywhere. "This spell is basically one filled with information that allows me to search for mages across any area I desire, so long as I have a map or system of cartography to work with. I can find almost anyone, except those who have learned how to mask themselves from my search". Raido said as the red dots of mages moved across the screen and dimly beeped as they did.
"Looks like someone has been doing their homework all that time cramped on the dumbass flying island". Naaza said as she looked over Raido's new form. The whole dark skin and white hair thing kind of fit him sort of. The scar was gone the mysterious outfits was gone and here he was using the image of their former fallen senior member Tempesta. He still managed to keep the sort of dressed up look mirroring the outfit Tempesta wore but with his own touches. he even hid his Devil Slayer tattoos and black marks to avoid detection. "Great work Snowball you keep helping me like this and I may just have a use in keeping you around me. Naaza said making light of Raido's signature style and their friendship which started fundamentally odd.
"Flattery will get you no where with me you know, see unlike you I prefer to let everyone else work harder, while I just work smarter. Same amount of work done with less stress". Raido said leaning back in his chair as he folded his arms above his head. "Now all we have to do is use this map to find out which dots go where and scout out the guilds they go to, make the report then... Naaza game time". Raido said playing greatly on his words knowing every single thing to say to get her riled up.
"You talkin my language now, oh and don't think this gets you out of that date you owe me on a certain dragon I need to hunt because I did NOT forget Devil Slayer oh no. Your ass is mine when this mission is over and we will go hunting for him, no excuses no if ands or buts about it Hybrid. Got it?" Naaza said tossing her hair from her face her eyes dead on Raido's who seemed to raise his eyebrow from how assertive Naaza decided she was going to be on this situation.
"You know it makes me feel all tingly when you take control like that". Raido said as he folded the map back up into its original configuration and moving it to the side. "We'll cross that bridge later but for now lets finish off the work and we can deal with your flying lizard problem later". Raido assured her for the time otherwise he would hear it again later.
As Aojiro walked closer she began to pick up bits and pieces of what the demonic couple was saying. She was close enough to note that when the male brought out a screen that seemed to be the result of a magic. Aojiro gazed at it lightly while stopping, believing her current location to be more than sufficient for eavesdropping. However, what bothered her was the screens themselves, which from her angle displayed dots of some sort. "Is that Archive?" she guessed in her mind, "Why is a demon using magic? I thought they only operated with curses...." Such a thought proved very troubling to her considering that she had done her research on curses, with the assumption that all demons relied on this.
Yet an exception stood several feet away from her, a thought that made her quite uncomfortable, as she contemplated the consequences of such a discovery. As a precaution, she lowered her magic reserves even further, in attempt to better blend in with the local citizens. What bothered her in particular was the nature of their conversation, which mentioned something about those red dots being mages. While it sounded like they meant to follow them, Aojiro wasn't sure, but for now, she knew immediately returning to the guild was not an option, seeing as these demons didn't look like the normal humdrum types she had dealt with in the past. No these looked like Etherious, meaning it would simply not do to lead them back to her guildmates. Secrecy about their was a priority when it came to her guild anyways.
However, Aojiro was at a crossroads, as she considered whether or not to approach them and try to converse, or to blend back into the crowd. Both options had their risks and benefits, with the main benefit being a potential clue that would lead her to the Etherious she sought to destroy. Either way, Aojiro would have to find a place to stay in town for the night.
And that my red headed friend is how you turn a frown upside down. Raido said as he spun the screen before it vanished and settled down on his wrist. What's even cooler is what else this can do. These a spell which allows you to link with a person and with my old telepathy spell I picked up from my old Archive magic we can eavesdrop into a person mind and I can take the info I need and extract it onto these magical databases". Raido said willing to give Naaza a demonstration.
"Well are you gonna show me or not don't just sit there looking at me get to showing me the goods I wanna see what you talking about, we don't have all day as you so kindly keep reminding me of". Naaza said tapping her nails on the table moving her hand to get Raido's plan into action.
"Now Naaza I know you like to get down to the point and all but damn don't be fresh like that we are out in public". Raido said clearly taking her comments out of place. "I mean your a good looking chick to be 400 years old and all but baby you gotta take me to dinner first. Raido said finishing of his joke". Naaza only staring at his ignorance as if they two had not lived together for over several years now. Human Sarcasm still escaped her and thus this did not process well with her.
"Anyway before I show you that we will do it once we know what guilds are here, we follow a mage keep a safe distance and once we know what guild they are loyal to we sync, link and take the info and process it. Nothing more nothing less". Raido said as he stood up fixing his collared shirt. His face felt weird without having his shades on but in order to play the role and truly be a new Sub-Zero he needed to leave it all behind.
"I can tell you miss those shades of yours. trust me in your new look you look wayyyy better without it Im liking this image on you. I mean its a shame you still wield that awful Devil Slayer shit and not a curse but meh beggers can't be choosers". Naaza said shrugging her shoulders. She cared little for magic much less curses but of all magic she disliked it was Devil and Demon slayer magic, that shit actually hurt her.
Despite being at a safe eavesdropping distance, Aojiro dilemma was furthered, particular when she heard the word Devil Slayer thrown about. "He's a Devil Slayer???" Aojiro pondered in surprise. It felt like one curveball after another was thrown at her by that guy and his origins. She then reached the most likely conclusion, that the man himself used to be human. It was the only plausible way to explain his ability to wield magic and his devil slaying abilities. "Why would they let a devil slayer into their ranks though?" Aojiro thought as she began to melt back into the crowd. It was clear that she had heard enough of their plans to realize they were most likely a threat, and wouldn't take kindly to the fact that a Devil Slayer was eavesdropping on them.
As she strolled backwards into the the thick of the crowd, Aojiro wondered about where she would stay for the night, and what she would do with the information gained. While her guild didn't have a vested interest in the Magic Council (being an independent after all), the knowledge she had acquired was of a type that should be brought to their attention. Part of her hesitated though as she took one last look at the two demons. It was clear if any would give her a likely lead on the one responsible it was them. However, if the man's Archive was a potent as it was claimed to be, Aojiro was certain it was, she might give away more information then she gained from such a conversation. Lowering her magic reserves down to civilian levels might not be enough of a cover to ask a few questions and duck out.
However, she wanted to know so badly the name or a clue about the Etherious that took out her capable mage parents and the rest of her family. Aojiro's decisive disposition wavered as she turned around once more to the couple. Mentally evaluating that her magic levels were consistent with a typical civilian, Aojiro began walking towards them once more, clearing her mind of any clutter or fuzz until it was perfectly empty, remiss of any information that could be easily extorted. Calm as the ocean on a lazy summer day, she stopped a few feet before them. "Hi, my name is Iro, I take it your new around here?" Aojiro asked while introducing herself to the two. All she could hope was that lady luck was on her side.
Raido was just about to finish his train of thought when the female that approached him and Naaza started to introduce herself from literally nowhere. She mistook the two for tourist and while she couldn't be more right she couldn't be more mistaken. "I take it you aren't new around here and happen to know your way around". Raido said eyeing the female to check whether or not she could fit the criteria they were looking for. Her body temperature seemed to be about normal so no indication of fire or overly powerful heat based magic. She didn't seem like a mage but then again you can't put nothing past no one.
"We actually got mixed up looking for a place to stay the night around here and far as I can tell everything nearly looks the same, my woman here said she knew where the inn was so I believed her. My wife here has a poor sense of direction, poor thing couldn't find a way out of a box even if she had the directions". Raido said giving off a slight chuckle. His joke earned him a deep glare from Naaza who cut her eyes to say something but held her tongue for the moment. Remaining silent she said nothing but looked at the female through her green glowing eyes and said nothing. This banter seemed to be in the direction of small talk something Naaza did not engage in at all.
Aojiro grinned when she heard Raido's joke. It didn't surprise her that they were looking for a place to stay as well. "No indeed," Aojiro responded to Raido's initial question, "I visit this town regularly because of family being nearby. My parents always drilled into em that it was necessary to visit as many family members as possible, and to try to do so as often as one could. One could say my parents were very family-oriented," She felt the heat of Naaza's stare, but continued to ignore it. "But if you're looking for a place to stay, there's a nice hotel near the edge of downtown that I stay at often," at this Aojiro's voice became unintentionally wistful, thinking of trips with her family and the places they would stay. She did miss them terribly after all. "I could take you to the place if you would like," Aojiro added while thinking.
"Best news shit ive heard all day. See that someone who actually knows where they are going around here". Raido said shifting his eyes to the red haired Etherious who simply raised her eyebrow to Raido's subliminal insults. Her lips may have been buttoned to silence but it was written on her face like a manuscript, one more, just one more smart remark was all it took. She remained silent saying nor addressing neither Raido nor the new female.
"Count us in you can take us and show us or just point it out far as I see it your doing us a favor and that's always solid in my book.. You have to excuse my wife she's well, not the most friendly of people some days. Between me and you I think its that time of the month, you know how woman get during that time. You guys hate everything from men, chocolate, sunlight, puppies just about everything. Heh-heh-heh, Lets get this game of follow the leader going then shall we, you lead we follow". Raido said allowing Iro to step forward and take forth her mantle.
Seeing that Raido offered her the lead, Iro took it, snickering at Raido's aside. "I don't think you should say that, your wife looks ready to drop you off a cliff or punch you through a wall," Iro responded as she led through the throng of people. The city itself continued to be full of people despite the sun closing in on the horizon. If anything, the number of people increased as the weather cooled, which made sense considering the warm day. "If you don't mind me asking, what brings you to the city?" Iro asked as the crowds began to thin. The hotel began to rise in the distance as they continued to make the journey. Despite her best efforts, Iro's stomach began to rumble in the mist of their short trek, something which caused her to blush slightly. However, she continued walking while making sure she didn't lose the demon couple. Part of her wondered when she would ask them about the Etherious, though she figured now was too early.
"Well I am a talent recruiting agent you could say. I scout talent for a team in Neo Arcadia/Sports. Last season we got our asses handed to us and had a back record and with most other recruiters recruiting from all corners of Neo Arcadia we decided to search outside of the country. We need some fresh faces and stars on the team someone we can really invest in as the face of the franchise you know, someone who can be built to become a true star. Course because these are mage sports we can't just choose anybody they got to have that look in their eyes, that fire to be the best that hunger to want to win and let nothing stand between them. Most importantly how to lead and work on a team of equally hungry mages and earn a shot at the Championship games." Raido said speaking with a passion and desire himself as if this were true. His ability to play and make spins off words was naturally impeccable and his charisma damn near leaked from his pores like sweat did after a day's jog.
"I couldn't care less about his sports ventures so long as we get to travel once I heard he got an expense trip paid to visit this country, well my interest in sports suddenly grew. I have an eye for travel but my directions can be a bit.. terrible. Naaza said breaking her silence for the first time since Iro arrived. She didn't make much eye contact with anyone nor did she speak any further. Taking a handful of her crimson hair and pulling it back over her eyes.
With the hotel coming into view Raido slowed his pace as did Naaza, as they peered over the horizon. With the hotel in view they no longer needed her guidance. "I gotta admit this game of follow the leader has been fun but I guess this is where we get off since that building seems to be a hotel, at least what they look like back home". Raido said as he actually stopped his slowed pace to a complete halt. "I wish I had some money to break you off for all you kindness but im using the teams money so I gotta be frugal with what I spend. And here they said the parents weren't teaching these kids nothing these days when right here we gotta one raised right and was kind enough to look out for us". Raido said looking over at Naaza as his silver white hair danced in the gentle breeze that washed over his bronze skin and Naaza's red overflowing hair. Loking
Aojiro pondered while Raido delivered his speech about the sports teams and the guild Neo Arcadia. Despite the guild not existing on the Ishgar continent, she had heard of it in a sense, recalling that it possessed quite a few powerful mages. "I wonder if that's the origins of the magic user...." Iro thought, remembering his ability to use both Archive and Devil Slayer Magic. "I guess this is your stop indeed," Iro said aloud as the hotel rose above them. It remained as impressive as she remembered it, something that interested her slightly. Her stomach growled again, though she ignored it once more, thinking about the sunset. When the idea of parents was mentioned again, Iro saddened slightly, thinking about her own deceased family. "I wish I could see them again," Iro stated wistfully, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. It was clear to all involved that her parents were no longer of this world, a fact that Iro lamented daily.
Before walking past her Raido noticed the change of her facial expression to one of sorrow and saddness. The sudden drop of her mood and ending tone of her voice had gone from glad to gloomy in second. "Was it something I said?" Raido looked at Iro and Naaza and back and forth. "Honestly You have no sense of sympathy you mentioned something about her parents treating and raising her well and it obviously upset her. Naaza said baring her fangs as Raido and pointed out the obvious. The one time he wished Naaza's hatred for small talk would have kicked in and she kept quiet she didnt. She didn't understand Human sarcasm, not enough to understand where raido was going with this.
Raido figured this in the change of her expression when he saw her face, this did not mean he cared nor did he want to stay and talk about it, he didn't want the mood to be killed talking about death on a nice ass day. "Well, this is a fucked up world we live in and sadly bad shit happens to good people who don't deserve it. Seeing how you turned out your parents would be proud of the the child they brought into the world. You are a living reminder of the gift they left behind and they good they represented Raido said going along with the act to try and smooth it over, he had an idea spring into his head but he kept it among himself for now.
"Well me and my mouth certainly killed the mood of what was a happy day and a nice smile. hey, my bad about the whole mentioning the parents thing and conjuring up any old memories". Wasn't my intent." Raido said as he made his way past the girl toward the hotel. Naaza once again said nothing but this time did not take her eyes off the female as she walked passed behind Raido slowly
Iro nodded at the second portion of Raido's statement, before listening to the end of the Raido's tertiary statement. "It's fine, you couldn't have known," Iro sighed as she thought about the last time she saw her parents before coming home and making that gruesome discovery. Only her youngest brother remained, huddled in a corner where he had been hidden. Aojiro didn't know how much he had witnessed, but from his uncontrollable shaking, she knew that he had seen more than enough. Iro sighed once more, her desire to rush back and reunite with her little brother growing.
Maybe she wouldn't stay the night after all. Iro met the Naaza's stare calmly, though some of her gloom from a few minutes ago remained. "That reminds me though, do you happen to know of a certain demon? I've been trying to track him down for a while, because he witnessed the person who was responsible for the death of my family leaving the house. I was hoping that maybe I could find him so I know what happened to them," Iro said, her gaze hopeful while worried that demons would dismiss her coldly, considering such affairs of hers minute. She wanted to put the mystery of her family's death to rest as soon as possible while apprehending the person responsible.
Up until the mention of demons from the girls mouth this conversation seemed to be pretty casual. However humans don't just out seeking demons to fight them, oh no. Back before he found out he was a hybrid Raido himself hunted a very specific group of demons and went out of his way to learn Devil Slayer Magic. The girl that stood behind him was among three things in his mind now. However, it all connected to one path in his mind that this woman was a mage. No normal human would go seeking demons. The class of mage was a different story, she either had some powerful magic, used one of those weapons that possesses magic to slay demons. Or she too was a Devil Slayer. That or she was that damn stupid and wished to cash in her death certificate early.
Turning around completely he looked at Naaza who made eye contact with him as a small smiles crept on her lips, shrugging all the while. "Call me crazy but that's odd question to ask a sports agent don't you think? What makes you think I know anything about demons that could possibly be fruitful for you". Raido said as he slowly took one step forward. That question of hers went wayyy left field which means she may have discovered their identities, if not his then Naaza's at least. She was walking around transformed but her form was a humanoid style transformation, Hell Raido wished she used it more often. There was only a handful of ways the woman could know, and Raido waited for her answer before he narrowed them down.
"You're right. It would be an odd question, if you were in fact a sports agent," Iro responded, dropping the act that she had presented before of the naive yet knowledge girl. Part of her wished that she phrased the question better, but at this point to avoid incriminating her status as a mage, and more importantly a slayer. However, she could tell from a single glance that the man she was facing possessed a high level of intelligence and cunning, so Aojiro had no doubt he would have reached the conclusion on his own. "I'll admit, you had me stumped for a while. Even though your "wife"'s demonic/Etherious existence was easy to discern, you on the other hand possessed mixed signals. My guess is you're a hybrid of some sort," Iro stated in a bored manner, "If anything, I feel you would know a tremendous amount of information actually, not that you would be willing to share it of course,"
Despite knowing they could held suspicions of her being a mage, Aojiro purposely kept her magic levels at that of civilian. She felt there was no reason to inform them of her power level, as she didn't feel like fighting an Etherious and a hybrid. Iro noted that Raido took a step forward, while keeping track of escape routes in case things became ugly. Put simply, it was in her best interest to leave these two lone, even though Aojiro felt that she could at least. hold her own for a while against these two.
"Sharing is caring they say and while I don't care for your situation I do understand it and I am not against giving you this information, its the very same reason I learned Devil Slayer magic, of course finding out I was a hybrid was a package deal." Raido said not getting more serious about the situation then he would normally. To figure them out like this must have meant she was experienced with her style of magic. Which elements she employed would need to be discovered later.
Naaza said nothing her actions said everything, she was more or less relaxed despite the revelation in front of them. Her calmness was years of experience and traveling with a Devil Slayer, however she did not drop her guard, Naaza was like the nature of her abilities, calm when needed but thrived on destruction, especially on human populated land. She hated them for their encroaching moves against nature anyway. Her lack of speech made it clear that whichever Raido chose she was ready to ride. The options were always, be calm and move smart or raise hell till heaven falls. Naaza was always raise hell, it was her nature as the calamity. The deal pitching was Raido's thing he was good with his words and dangerously clever.
However nothing in life is free so with this there is a cost and condition. I see no reason for a fight to happen nor the benefit of one, we fight things get broken and destroyed innocent people get hurt or killed and no one wants to deal with the cleanup right?" Raido said looking directly at her. Knowing the numerical advantage was in their favor plus the environment. If a fight broke out she would be forced to fight and protect not only herself but this town too.
"You help us and provide us with the information we seek and are looking for and then we will do the same for you, all you gotta do is give s a good, crisp, description of what we want and what you want and the deal is done. Nothing more, nothing less". Raido said knowing the situations leaned to their favor as much as it did hers. Raido of course had ulterior motives but these motives lined with both parties getting what they wanted.
"Ball's in your court, question is which do you choose". raido said holding both his hands out and moving them up and down giving her the chance to weight her options. Both of which played Raido and Naaza could benefit from only one of which she could.
Aojiro pondered Raido's tentative proposition while thinking about what was at stake. She knew a fight wouldn't be opportune, considering the large scale town they were in the midst. The chance for collateral was too high, if not guaranteed. She didn't know the exact nature of Naaza's abilities, but if she was like fellow Etherious from the past, they definitely leaned towards annihilation. It was in the best interest of both parties to talk it out, as she knew they didn't want to draw attention to themselves.
"Granted, both of us have much to gain from this conversation, but why should I help you? After all I doubt your kind are the forgiving type after your guild was destroyed by some "upstarts" who had already destroyed the other two-thirds of that alliance. Unless of course you plan to dedicate your life to service and helping those that are less fortunate," Aojiro stated, scanning their faces for emotion.
Finding none, she continued, "Didn't think so. As for what I'm looking for, it's information on the whereabouts of a certain Etherious responsible for the death of my entire family. Nothing more, nothing less. And what information do you inquire for?" Aojiro shifted her weight to a more comfortable position while awaiting their answer.
A smirk appeared on the face of Raido who enjoyed a verbal warfare such as this so he felt inclined to play along. "My guilds business is their own, Some of the surviving members have a beef with that guild not the two of us. We joined for reasons of our own, besides you think a guild like that is gonna trust a hybrid AND a Devil Slayer". Raido said adding more truth to conversation, but not his motives just yet. "I haven't completely earned the stimulus package of their trust all the way yet". Sub-Zero chuckled at them constantly reminding him of that.
"The best place to hide something is in plain sight my dear and im 50/50 here on this. The information I need also benefits you because it concerns dealing with and getting rid of the strongest dark guilds, demon or human regardless of their race makes no difference so in a sense yes part of that plan does concern helping the "less fortunate". "Just imagine a place where a girl like you doesn't have to live with the pain of having her family destroyed by demons or dark mages. Right now you hold the power to make that happen for that little girl, all you gotta do is provide me with information concerning all the dark and legal guilds in our area." Sub-Zero said with calmly as he folded his arms and waited for her next response.
"Interesting indeed," Aojiro thought aloud, "Thing is, if I gave info on the dark guilds, I doubt you would go there just to see how one is doing on such day. Isn't recruiting your guild's forte?" The beginnings of a smirk formed on Aojiro's face as she began enjoying the battle of wit that was the conversation, it reminded her a bit of chess. Yes, her prediction was correct, this man was sharp indeed. At that moment Aojiro was glad her guild was unaligned, as it allowed her to entertain information that spilled from both sides of the coin. It made all of those covert missions worthwhile, as the guildmaster sought information about potential rivals. "Alright, I'll spill what I know at the moment," Aojiro stated, holding up her hands in peace while smirking. "So what information do you desire? Is it the number of guilds in each category? Specific standouts both in guilds and individuals from those guilds?"
Raido noticed she mentioned something for the second time which actually made him take note of something. The female in front of them knew exactly what guild they were from, she mentioned it early on and to play along Raido casually agreed. Her mentioning it twice only confirmed that his theory was right on the money. "Nope, we just need to know where they are". Sub-Zero said speaking with his hands. He knew the woman before him was no fool and more than likely was going to leave her guild of of the equation, but whether she did or didn't the plan was already concocted for any outcome concerning her.
"The rest you can just leave up to us". Raido said as the more he talked to the female the more he realized this wasn't just her helping them get to where they were trying to go. She recognized them from the start. Something that was becoming more and more clear to him. She intended to get this information from him from the start. People just dont casually ask questions about demons not in the world he lives in. Which led to Raido wondering to how much she saw and how long did she notice them. The game of cat and mouse was getting rather interesting from one standpoint. However, she had far more to lose out on in the grand scheme of things.
Aojiro hesitated slightly while gathering the locations within her mind. She knew this was a very dangerous game she was playing, with quite a bit at stake, especially considering the two people she was discussing matters with. She knew that a demon guild wouldn't trust a hybrid and devil slayer implicitly, so she believed Raido in this regard. However, Aojiro wondered if her guildmaster would condone such actions, despite their status as a independent guild prevented them from being under the council's thumb, as such punishments could not be doled out to them. However, Aojiro knew that despite Crime Sorciere's best efforts, quite a few dark guilds remained. In particular, she didn't think that Raido would freely give such information on a fellow Etherious/demon even if there was valuable information in return. No, he most likely had an ulterior plan that he most likely would set in motion.
"Cunning indeed," Aojiro thought, knowing that a person with Archive could do quite a lot with only a location. "Locations...." Aojiro pondered languidly, "that seems fair, since I'm in essence asking for the same in return. Hmm....let us see. Most of the prominent guilds you seek on both sides of the coin lie within Fiore, the country we are currently situated in. The strongest of the region lie within the east portions and southern reaches of our humble abode, due to frequent contact with the other countries that make up Ishgar. You already know of Fairy Tail and its allies I assume. Same goes for the ah...darker side of things in terms of general geographical location, though some are situated in the northwestern region, seeking to grow in strength through relative isolation," Aojiro's mind remained empty and her voice devoid of emotion while noting a feeling of walking on eggshells.
Going over the info in his mind he made sure to remember each location, he didn't dare showcase the archive directly in front of her, she had already seen him using it once as well. Her statements made that much pretty clear. This woman is bold, most people would keep that information to themselves and not wanna be found out. By boldness alone She would have been killed we been anyone else. Raido muttered in his thoughts as he entertained that idea. Though in a dark guild that had a hand in some "morally questionable" acts some having been conducted by him, there were somethings even he did not do. Just because he was in a dark guild didn't mean he had to getting crazy. He did thins his way and this woman before him was more useful alive than dead.
"I feel like there is a thank you in order here somewhere, now where did I leave my manners". Sub-Zero dug around in his pockets carrying out his humor. "Well now that just leaves me with one guild, call me greedy but when I get info I like my dessert for my dinner, so Iro where's your guild in all this. I'm not stupid enough to just assume your guild is among those mentioned but im not arrogant or blinded enough to think that would just hand that over from the kindness of your heart. Unless of course you plan to actually help us in something that will be very beneficial to the how did you put it.. less fortunate in terms of information," Sub-Zero stated, scanning her face for emotion or guilt, her poker face made it clear otherwise. "Didn't think so". Sub-Zero finished flipping and turning her own sentence inside out and then returning her question
"Information is what you seek as well but I don't wanna leave here thinking I left out and you were being stingy with some goodies, don't worry I am many things but a man of my word is one of them so you will have your info. The quality of the info on the other hands depends on just how much you give me". Sub-zero said slightly tilting the conversation to ensure her words were clear and concise. Demons over the years had proven to be pretty tricky but humans weren't angels either, they could be equally as elusive given the right incentive.
Aojiro smirked at Raido's attempt of humor, then rolled her eyes in boredom at the mention of her guild. "Don't worry about them, they're the neutral variety, we find such ah...traditional roles too confining," Aojiro stated, her poker face intact. Aojiro's face turned to that of a cold emotionless smirk at the end of Raido's statement, "It seems I asked you only a few minutes prior what information you so desired," she stated dryly.
"I can assure that the Fiore and those regions are the ones that you seek. Obviously Magnolia Town is on your hit list for a particular inhabitant, but the same goes for their ally who resides in a similar town known as Margaret. Beyond that, I'm afraid the rest will be up to you, though considering your intellect, I'm sure you'll manage just fine," Aojiro finished. She let Sub know on purpose that she was aware of the very sharp and cunning mind he possessed, knowing he had drawn several parallels and most likely concocted several plans Aojiro may very well encounter in the future. "I believe your time has come to share," Aojiro stated aloud, her mind as empty as that of the arctic tundra.
"Today's friends are tomorrows enemies, see Its not that I don't trust people, I don't trust their intentions. Intentions can be changed easily with circumstances and that neutral variety becomes a primary enemy. Raido said weighing his hands out for her to get the balance he was breaking down here. Soon ending that aspect of the conversation before turning to the next one. "My turn for some show and tell now, but you haven't shown me any information about this demon yet, so how can I tell you anything?" Whaat no rather which demon do you seek. Is it an Etherious? a demon from one of the books of Zeref, or is this a natural born demon". Sub-zero posed the question of questions. Don't worry ill give you everything worth of what you told me, no holds barred. Sub-Zero folding his arms behind his back. He was still a man of integrity and of his word, one of his true prides in keeping his word.
"Well, the details that I've gathered so far are pretty murky," Aojiro admitted, figuring she would his honesty with some of her own. "However, what I do know is that the demon responsible was in fact an Etherious. The amount of destruction left behind...." Aojiro cringed at the memory of the entire house leveled, with her family's broken bodies strewn in its wake. The only thing that had saved her and her brother was the fact that they weren't home at the time. "I don't know how to describe the level of damage, but it was beyond anything I had seen before," Aojiro said, "It was like someone had created a localized disaster," remembering how months later she noted that the other properties nearby remained unscathed. However, Aojiro knew a Calamity Curse was not the cause of the destruction, which ruled out Tempest, the guy standing in front of her.
The word localized disaster hit the group like a shit ton of bricks, Naaza simply parted her gaze and looked up quickly and around. Sub-Zero himself nearly and nearly cut his eyes at her as if to ask did we not have this conversation of wanton destruction. However Naaza hasn't been to Fiore since before even Raido was born and the girl seemed to be around his age. Beyond that murky wasn't even the word, he nearly had nothing to go on here. "Curses are like magic, they come in many forms and abilities, ill need something more solid than just that. Tell you what, just so you know im being up front with a full house here in my shuffle. Sub-Zero said flicking his wrist out to reveal a new screen in front of them both.
A curious development but he still was a Devil Slayer one less demon of this magnitude and he would sleep easier at night. The holographic screen appeared in front of her and switched her side holding before it a place for a hand to rest. "Now place your hand here and I will set up a real time link between you and me, this link will allow you to send the database images from your mind via information transfer, that way I can see what you saw and visualize the screen from your eyes rather than your words. We'll be here all day with the information you give out". Sub-Zero said expecting a form of hesitation from her, he had good intention with this on both side of the coin, but of course if she was hunting him she wouldn't be concerned with the movements of them. Another everybody wins situation.
Her earlier musings were confirmed with Raido's offer, proving that her hearing and perceptiveness were as sharp as ever. "So he does have Archive," Aojiro thought in her head, "I wonder how advanced his usage is besides the real time link," Aojiro noted Naaza's reaction to her statement about a localized disaster, nor did she miss the hesitation that was Sub-Zero's attempt to cut his eyes at Naaza. She wondered what that was all about, though Aojiro pushed it to the back of her mind for later. "Ok..." Aojiro said finally, while dredging up the memories that had assaulted her earlier. She made sure to leave any other memories buried as deep as possible, particularly those of her guild. Once she had formulated all of the scenes within her mind, Aojiro placed her hand on the portion set aside, reviewing the imagery before her. "Well, here goes," she stated.
The memories flooded her from her mind and into the magical databases like a water form the faucet. Waving his other hand Another 2 holographic screens emerged from thin air . Interfacing with them Raido was swiping his hands and fingers across pressing buttons, examining and detailing what he could see from her mind based on what she shared. The scene of the crime looked like something he had seen before the term localized disaster fit, however this was a bit to isolated for Naaza her work was far more revealing. This was a planned assault on her house.
It drew Raido back to then his now ally Naazarine sister of his ally attacked his home and basically destroyed their family one at a time, but even those were lies, she did nothing to them, her interest was in him. The work here fit her mold of destruction, she was a sick bastard, but the area lacked the leftover marks of curse. All in all He had something to go off but then he didn't. Telling the female this would seem like she got the short end of the deal so Raido had another thing in mind.
"Hmm I see I am sure you have been hunting this Etherious for some time now so if you have any information on any recent investigations you have been doing speak now or hold your piece, I am arriving at a conclusion". Raido said looking over at one of the holographics screens spinning his hand, a globe appeared and began to orbit with weird symbols and a loading bar, the slow spin was a search for the demon. Scanning the area and recent databases for activity such as this. With a little more he was sure he could pinpoint the location of the demon based on the curse.
"Hmm...." Aojiro said, searching through her previous investigations of the Etherious's whereabouts. At that point she remembered where her parents' home had been located, in a town to the west of the city on the coast. She watched as this important piece of information appeared on the screen. "Well, as you can see, they've been largely unsuccessful, with the best lead I had coming from a fellow orphan who showed me a scene reminiscent of my own destroyed home. Like me however, she hadn't been home at the time of its destruction, though her family members had been. All of them were dead as well," Aojiro watched as that memory appeared on the screen, revealing the second scene and the orphan Iro spoke of. "I think she stated most of her family had been apart of the Magic Council, if that helps in the search," Iro added hesitantly.
Now, shit just got interesting. Sub-Zero had been on a fanatic war path of destroying the corrupt members of the Magic Council who used him as a scape goat, and while he only found two of them and glady destroyed them and gathered the pieces of evidence back, that was back in Neo. Fiore Magic council may have well been involved in that debacle at he MBF but he didn't know for sure. On his list of names he hadn't searched them all yet. Other things coming up and haven gotten in the way. This now gave Sub-Zero a more personal interest in this demon and this orphan. The work of this demons sounded much like the way Geneysis operated, attacking homes and destroying the houses and families but always leaving one behind. Sub-Zero and Naaza both destroyed Geneysis, even saved his mother from it, yet with all the information he compiled a series of list and names of those responsible, not all in geneysis were dead there was one man alive, one who would actually stoop this low because quite frankly he had long since lost his damn mind.
"Well that narrows it down to a few demons and Etherious some of them I know the rest I have only heard of or seen. One among this group I too seek to kill, he has some " debts" to pay". Sub-Zero said as the holographic globe stopped rotating before the dots became apparent, their locations tracked. 5 dots blinked red, one of these dots faded in and out more than the rest.
"I see..." Aojiro pondered as she looked at the 5 dots shown, including the one that was more prominent than the rest. "I'm assuming these five are the holdovers from the narrowing down process?" she asked. At that point she zoomed in on the prominent one, noting it's relative proximity to their current location. Something told her the Etherious/demon that corresponded to this particular dot was the one she sought. Call it a hunch, but Aojiro had learned lately that such hunches had served her well. It had led her to this couple after all, which may have given her critical information. "Interesting, so I take it you have a bone to pick with this fellow as well? Well, I'm sorry, he's mine," Iro stated, her voice turning cold at the end. It was the hint of a mentality that would soon take root after "meeting" this demon. "I'd like to thank you for the help, and while I wish I could stay and become further acquainted, it appears I have a demon to meet," Iro stated, memorizing the geographical direction of the dot to her current location.
She removed her hand from the screen, breaking the link. "I do hope you enjoy your stay in town though," Iro said with a note of sincerity, revealing a pleasant disposition rarely shown to others. One could say it would be the last time it would appear however, as her thoughts were directed at her target. She wouldn't settle until he was erased from existence.
Sub-Zero smirked at the remark of the female this conversation had run its course, she misunderstood, She could have him either way His job was made easier and less work was there for him to do. It as a beautiful thing aligning goals with someone else one of the laws of power he read in a book he read. Give people options that come out in your favor whichever one they choose. Her revenge on him was a good outcome for him whether he did or she did it. Always find a way to align your goals and interest with someone else. Raido said in this thoughts with not a chance on his face beyond that smirk.
"He's all yours, I have guilds to map out at the moment so when you meet up with him you kids have fun and be back before the nightfall, oh and remember don't talk to strangers. Sub-Zero said backing up without turning his back. No real reason for the addedd part but he felt like saying it just to see what The female would at the moment. Naaza looked at Iro once more with a low cut smile and simply sauntered off behind Raido. Naaza knew if this girl was so pressed to chase after what was once her old friend it saved her form killing him, she could focus on the silver dragon of pestilence.
"I'll make sure to be back then," Iro countered, enjoying the conversation. "Remember to rest that back of yours though, your age is getting up there. I see you hunched over, and don't forget to have a massage. Oh yeah, and no candy or junk food, I see that beer belly showing," Iro stated before backing up as well. Like Raido she didn't turn her back either, but used her other senses to guide her down the path. That demon didn't know what was coming.
Snickering before Raido actually turned around, "looking forward to it and wouldn't miss it, just make sure you dont become the monsters you actually hunt", otherwise you will find the table turned. Sub-Zero said on a more serious note, he had seen other Demon SLayers slowly morph and had he not taken his tempester form he would have too after using Devil Sync.