*Joji approaches the manor, dressed to the nines with the invitation in hand* "I'm a bit nervous. I've never been to something like this." "Don't worry about a thing. Just do as I say and we'll be fine." came a voice from inside his jacket. *He gives the doorman his letter and enters*

"A Masquerade party?" Those were the only words that left her mouth as she looked at the invitation. It seemed interesting and if it had a much greed centered within it as she would find at the high class parties of her old dynasty then she wouldn't have many problems finding negativity to feed upon. Might even be able to find a client to contract. She would go in a new red kimono wearing a cat mask that only showed her mouth. She would smile at the door man, and give her name. Hoping that who ever was near would escort her to the party.

A young man in a gray robe would be standing along the oath a little away from the house. There would be an invitation in his hand but he didn't seem to excited. "A letter addresses to me, odd considering I don't remember doing anything to deserve an invitation. Something odd must be going on here. Hookworm, sense anything strange. Maybe another despairisite. These seems like something another despairisite user or the boss might set up."

I guess this is the place. Raiden said to himself looking at his letter. He wasn't wearing his usually attire, as similar as it may be, he was wearing a suit, just minus the blazer. He walked up the stairs to greet the man, and handed his invite. This is going to be fun!

The doorman accepts Joji's invitation with a smile, opening the door for him to enter, beyond which lies a grand enrance, splitting off into several side passages and hallways, surely a maze to navigate. Fortunately there's already a servant waiting to lead the first few guests onwards Similarly, the man grins at Aina, waving her on in to the waiting servant as well "Glad to see you got the whole message miss Aina, don't worry, you won't be disappointed." With two people at the ready, the second servant leads Aina and Joji down the hallway, taking a left, then a right turn before passing two more halls and ending up at a large pair of doors to their right he opens the doors to show Aina and Joji to the main hall, a massive space with a large open space in the center occupied by a few dozen pairs, their dresses range from business suits to casual wear, and every last one of them is wearing some sort of mask, from bright and gaudy pinks to dark and simple blacks, with tables of finger foods lined up against the sides of the hall for any passerby to take As Rhys comes up to the door, the serant glances down at his clothing, the man chuckles to himself before accepting Rhys's invitation and waving him inward "Do be more careful in the future, it would be a shame to ruin the suit so soon." As before, a servant would be waiting to lead Raiden and Rhys to the same central area as Aina and Joji, turning right, then left, and ending up on the other side of the room. With the immediate guests taken care of, the doorman begins fidgeting a little, apparently growing somewhat impatient before he finally notices Mara "Excuse me ma'am, are you lost? Or do you have an invitation?" As for Quintus, Hookworm would sense an abundance of despair permeating the area, making it difficult to point out any individuals for the moment, it gets more intense the closer to the mansion it is, likely confirming his suspicions

Quintus would almost step back in shock from what he felt.The concentration of despair in the mansion was immense. He could tell Hookworm was growing hungry just being near it. "Strange, didn't know they were catering to our kind too. You think the boss is behind this? If not then, what exactly is causing all this despair. This isn't normal just as I though. Hookworm, I think we should be a little careful about this. Who knows, maybe this could be profitable." Quintus would veer off the oath and try to circle around the mansion. He'd be looking for another entrance or at least an area around the mansion where he wouldn't be being watched.

Rhys barely pays attention to all the twists and turns taken in his hurried attempts to smooth out his sleeves. The commentary of the servant caused a sort of self awareness to fall upon him. Enough of it to push Rhys into fixing out the minuscule errors of his clothing. As he tugs out the creases of his collar he fails to notice the people in front of him. Leading to a collision with one of the few dozen pairs. Frantically looking up he blurts out an apology. I am so sorry! I wasn't really looking where I was going an all. He then tries to carefully inch away from the situation.

She slips out a invitation letter from her trench coat and waves it around with her glittery hands unable to stop fidigiting with it. “My apologizes this should be the invitation for entry I like to keep this stuff close tight.” She proceeds to hand over her invite if the doorman wishes to verify this letter and she slips on her own mask one that is worned and rusted over in parts it’s clearly a mask of a long and rough history probably best not to question if she ripped of another or welded the freakish piece herself.

Aina would feel the sea of despair spread out around her. She would take a deep breath of it as if it had a fragrance. "Despair? And quite a lot of it. Reminds me a little of Shizuoka. Was this what she was talking about?" she would mumble to herself. Despair in particular had an almost intoxicating effect on her and considering the density it was a bit difficult to keep her exposure. Instead she would begin to feed as she moved to talk among the numerous groups. Hoping to better understand this situation and maybe find a potential client in the process. She would walk to a group, introduce herself, and listen to the gossip that passed around.

Woah this place is even bigger inside! Raiden thought to himself as he looked around. As he finally entered the central area, he was astonished at design of everything. With that, Raiden decides to greet the other guests, as I would be rude to just stand around and do nothing. He turns to Rhys, the person who went in with him. Only for him to run into a pair of the dozen. Well now... Let's go talk to the people at the food table!

"Ooooh, fancy." says Joji as he admires the architecture of the room, having never been to any formal events prior to this. "I wonder how long this place has been here." "Stop admiring the wallpaper and look around you" squeaks a tiny, feminine voice from his jacket. "Everyone is wearing a mask except you. Here, I'll help." *A black liquid substance slides onto his face, taking the form of a formal mask with a long, pointy beak.* "Ooh, nice. Lets see whats over at the food table."

Quintus begins circling around the mansion, to find something strange to say the least. When he goes arund to the building's side, he finds all the lights off, as if half the place is unoccupied. Though there aren't any outside-leading doors, he does find a half-open window on the second floor. Or he could continue circling around in hopes of finding something better. Rhys bumps into a rather tall, grey-haired man wearing a business suit and a simple black mask, crow feathers decorating the ends of it dancing with a somewhat shorter woman wearing a long red dress with a mask to match. The man stumbles a little, looking back over to Rhys. Though his initial expression is annoyed, the man grins when he sees the boy, and bows before stepping away from his partner Crow Mask: "I see you missed the memo on the masks. Don't worry about it, in fact its probably a good thing you found me. If you'd like we could find a spare before the main event starts." The doorman accepts Mara's invitation, looking over it with a smile before opening the door for her as well Doorman:"Ah yes, I do believe you're the last one then.... Wait...." The man looks over his list again, carefully marking down it before coming to a conclusion with a sigh Doorman: Nevermind that, allow me to escort you myself, if a "Quintus Geminus" does show up I'm sure he can wait a few moments just fine. with that, the man would wave for Mara to follow him to the central room with all of the others. Most of the small groups Aina finds herself among would be almost completely silent, dancing along as though simply going through the moment, what few do say anything would merely be talking about how it was such a lovely ball and other such minor comments. One man in particular, a man of average-height wearing a pure white mask ending in long white feathers would glance her out the corner of his eye and begin to smile, before going on with his partner Swan Mask: "I'm glad to see so many esteemed guests have arrived already, its sure to be a night to remember." Raiden and Joji both check out one of the larger food tables up front, which has mini sandwiches, which follow a basic formula of one meat, ham chicken or turkey, with lettuce and one other vegetable, peppers tomatoes or pickles, and one condiment. In addition, there are several plates of shrimp arranged in a circle around marinara sauce, and it seems they were quick enough for relatively little to have been eaten yet, giving them a wide array of options

The crow mask is pretty appealing with it's intricate design and feathers. Rhys studies them a bit noting the individual feather as he moves closer to the man. Yeah sure if you really don't mind. He lightly shakes his head in agreement attempting to not look too interested. He doesn't want to embarrass himself more then he already has.

Don't mind if i do! He said as he grabbed the shrimp. Then he noticed someone else walking to the table. He decided to greet him. "Hello." Raiden said to the boy looking like he was dressed to the nines, stretching out his arm for an handshake.

Joji would survey the snack options, before spotting the shrimp platter. Before he could choose a shrimp, he noticed another guest greet him and hold out his hand. "And hello to you." said Joji. But before he could return the gesture, a hand made of the same black substance as his mask emerged from the fabric of his jacket and stole the handshake. Joji looked down and gasped. "Aby? What are you doing?" He redirects his attention to Raiden. "I'm terribly sorry. There was only one invite and she just had to come with me."

Quintus's window leads into a small bedroom, its difficult to make much out inside due to the lack of light, but he can tell there's a bad without any major lumps in it to indicate a person, as well as a small desk just in front of the window which he would have to climb over to get into the room, a closed wardrobe, and finally its door on the opposite side of the room leading into the hallway. The door is shut at the moment, but a sliver of light can be seen through the crack at the bottom of the door The man with a crow mask smiles back at Rhys, briefly turning to apologize to his companion Crow mask: Sorry to cut this so short, I can't very well leave the kid hanging. I'm sure you can understand. We'll be back in a few moments. His dance partner almost absentmindedly nods, which seems to satisfy the man as he takes the chance to gesture Rhys to follow him back out the door Rhys entered, taking an immediate left as the pair would walk on Crow Mask: There we go, it was getting a bit crowded there to begin with. The pair pass by another servant, dressed identically to the last, and go a few doors down to a stairway leading to the second floor, while they pass Crow Mask tries keeping up some semblance of conversation Crow Mask: You haven't been out here before, have you? The city actually looks quite peaceful from all the way out here, far better than the chaos you'd find at the center. Oh, but where are my manners. Tell me, what is it that brings you here anyways? And not just the invitation, you could always turn that down. More like, what made you interested in coming, simply for a new experience? Mara glances around, taking a good note at the massive hall with pillars spread around near the sides both to give off a feeling of grandeur and of course to support the building as well, there doesn't seem to be much decorating the place, all things considered. Its relatively bare, and perhaps a bit too spacious. Mara might also notice that all the vents are near the ceiling a good fourty feet up, rather than coming from the ground, for whatever that's worth. I'll leave Joji and Raiden to catch up for a bit, at the very least I have little to add for them

"Well now that's about the strangest thing I seen all day. But not in my life! Hello there... A.. Aby!" Raiden smirked. "My name is Raiden Genesis, Lighting Magi-" Raiden cut himself off before he go too loud. Don't need unwanted eyes in just the first 10 minutes... "So... what brings you two here?" I wonder if it's the same as me...

Rhys has to force his legs a bit to keep up with the crow masked man as they move through a seemingly convoluted path. All the hallways and stairs become confusing for Rhys to keep track of so he instead grabs a tiny portion of the man's clothing. Staring upward at the man's mask once he begins to speak to him. I don't go out that often so all of this is new to me. Sort of the truth sort of a lie depending on how people classified trips in daydreams. Suppressing an unconscious yawn at the thought, Rhys continues with his response. I'm here to make a permanent memory for my stories. Needed something different and this fancy party fit the description. Why are you so curious anyway?

OOC: I have to leave for now, but I will return

Glancing over Rhyse and the masked man as they left the room she would take a little distance from the groups and stand at the food table looking over the food. Trying to feel for anything else unusual beyond the obvious despair clinging in the air. She would then turn to one of the wait staff. "Can you bring me a glass of Chateau Lafite" she would ask with a smile Afterwards she would look around the room, not at the architecture but at all the exits, windows, doors, cracks, or anyplace she could use to her advantage if worse came to worse.

Quintus creeps through the room, keeping careful watch over the room around him, he quietly makes his way to the door, and seeks some information on the other side. Hookworm is unable to sense any blood nearby, aside from Quintus's own of course, instead its simply met with that same overwhelming feeling of despair, which almost seeks to drown out anything else. However, he can hear deliberate footsteps on the other side, slowly growing closer. The crow-masked man smiles, allowing Rhys to grab the hem of his clothes as they proceed up the stairs and into another hallway Crow Mask: "Is that really the first question you have? I was merely interested in you is all. You say you almost never go out, and why would that be? Simply disinterested, or is there something more?" Before long, the man would finally stop at a door, opening it to reveal a mostly empty bedroom, this one containing the same kind of bed, wardrobe, and desk by the window as the room Quintus entered, but a few of the walls have posters on them of another masked character, one with short blonde hair typically in some kind of running or falling pose. the man turns on a light and gestures for Rhys to enter Crow Mask: "And here we are, there are a few spares hanging in the wardrobe." Aina wouldn't be able to sense much of anything beyond the despair, especially considering her presence in the middle of it, looking around the room she sees only two doors, the main ones she entered through and another pair opposite it. With its central location the room naturally wouldn't have any windows, though it might be strange that the doors are solid wood, and none of the walls seem cracked or lacking in the slightest. As for the staff, the man briefly turns to look at Aina, a sense of emptiness in his eyes, before walking on towards the left exit, from which Aina entered, without saying a word. I have nothing for Mara or Raiden in this post, save for curiosity abouy Joji's whereabouts

Well, whatever the case may be with Joji Raiden decides to introduce himself, only until he realized that he was not wearing a mask. Crap I thought i put it on! Raiden covered his face with one arm and went to one of the staff to ask where is the bathroom.

Stranger danger ya know. I don't trust that easy. Arriving at the foot of the bedroom Rhys passes the crow masked man. Giving his new surroundings the faintest of glances his lack of interest shows once he makes a beeline to the wardrobe. He came for the costume and wasn't really interested in much else to begin with. I don't really like putting in the effort for outside when there isn't much to see. It's all same old same old so I prefer my own dreams instead.

Fortunately for Quintus the wardrobe is entirely empty, as though no one had been using the room for a while, which makes sense considering how the lights were off as well. The footsteps continue past, not opening the door and slowly fading as it continues on its way. Mara wouldn't notice much in particular regarding the staff, they all seem rather tired, walking through the area wordlessly and providing for some refreshments. Mara is able to find a small plate of wines, though it seems rather cheap for a party, it does the job well enough. Of course it would be somewhat hard to see with your arm covering your face, but fortunately there are enough servants around for Raiden to be able to find one in a short time. The servant stands there, blankly looking at Raiden, before simply continuing on his way almost as though he hadn't even heard Raiden. Around this time, the man in a swan mask would step up, ringing out on their small wine glass to catch the attention of the partygoers Swan Mask: "I hope you've enjoyed your stay so far, after all this is a celebration. Though I understand I offered little in terms of explanation, first I'd like to ask a few special guests to step forward. Don't be shy, Raiden, Mara...." The man tilts his head, as though listening closely to something, only to shake his head Swan Mask: "I was hoping a few more special guests would be here, but life goes on as they say." Rhys opens the wardrobe to find a few sets of suits, a single pair of white gloves hanging up, and a pair of masks, both feathered like the black one his companion was wearing, one colored blue and another red. The masked man remains by the door, and closes his eyes. Crow Mask: "Not much of a point going out is there? Not how the world is now. And its not really getting better either. Unfortunate, in many ways, just how painful the world is. In the end there's not too much to be done about it.

You are pretty grim for some older wizened guy. Shutting the closet door behind him Rhys takes to putting on the first suit he laid hands on. After he puts on the single pair of gloves in a methodical manner. Finishing his slow dress up ritual with a carefully placed blue feathered mask over his face. Honestly he feels like a little boy putting on dad's clothing, but after all the help given to him he can't exactly back out now. So with a deep breath he opens the closet door once again and hopes his outfit is good enough for the occasion. His eyes focus in on anything but crow mask in case the results are bad. Thought it was the job of you adults to tell kiddos like me about the wonders of life.

Mara was feeling rather refreshended by the drink. Thank the gods for this was rather slow and not to eventful but to be fair her being rather closed about the whole ordeal ordeal just makes it more stale for herself. And here she thought something unexpec- “Wait the swan mask just called me of all people?” She mumbled this to herself and then gave a shifty stare at the caller. Seems rather odd but then again her being here already defined oddity. Luckily it sounds another person is being called up but why let down your guard? Mara slowly edges toward the Swan Mask with concern but not overbearing.

Ah! Raiden crossed his arms. How rude! Just then the man in the swan mask said his speech. Special guests? Like the sound of that! Raiden said himself while walking to Swan Mask. "Shy is the last thing you should call me," Raiden with grin. He then turn towards the crowd. With a bow and said, "It's an honor to be here." Though Raiden still didn't know exactly why.

Quintus cracks open the door, revealing a largely empty hallway, with a fair blue wallpaper and plain yellow flooring, he can see a man dressed much like the doorman up front well down the hallway, presumably the source of the footsteps he heard earlier. The man yawns before opening the second of three doors to the left and walking in. Crow Mask faintly chuckles to himself, shaking his head as he lingers in the doorway Crow Mask: If anything its our duty to prepare you for the facts of life, no amount of positivity is going to change anything. Really its better off to be aware of and accept such facts. Once you acknowledge how useless it is to struggle, there's a certain peace that follows. Rhys might notice the man's shadow shrinking behind him, growing closer to the man's feet and Rhys past him in spite of the man's lack of motion Crow Mask: But I think I've talked enough on this, what do you think? The man in a swan mask grins, giving their glass to a nearby servant before waving the person onwards, the crowd begins to part giving Raiden Mara and Swan Mask some more space Swan Mask: "I'm glad to see you were able to make it, Raiden, performer, magician, there're still plenty of tricks up your sleeves I'm sure, but its enough to get you an invite at least. As for you Mara, you usually remain more on your own, but for whatever reason you were acknowledged too, I'll admit I didn't ask for details. Not that it matters much at this point." A faint *clank*ing sound can be heard coming from the only two doorways as a faint black fog begins drifting down from the vents Swan Mask: "You've been chosen to join us in saving this world from the misery that plagues it. Consider yourselves lucky, hopefully this whole mess will be over in moments and everyone can go home."

Raiden looked around him. Smoke? No more like a fog... Raiden looked at Swan Mask. "What's going on here? What's with the fog!?" Raiden glaced over at Mara. Is she part of this? Hmm... Probably not... But should keep my guard up...

“That response makes it sounds like i’m a incovinece but fair enough. Most people just need me to be the gal with a mind for mechanics and contraptions anyway...” She lets out a sigh and joins in on listening to the swan mask’s words and then makes a brief comment. “Jeez judging by your words sounds like we’ll be here for more then a few moments...and that were wrapped up in something gritty to say the least.”

Yeah you said enough to effectively creep me out adult guy. Like sure life may suck, but you make it sound like it's actively trying to choke me. Rhys studies the man after his particularly unsettling speech and notices and oddity right underneath him. The man's shadow appears to be moving without any movement from the man himself. Rhys may not have been the best in science, but even he knew weird shadow when he saw it. The increasing weirdness gives him reason enough to slowly back into the closet. His hand probing the clothing behind him in case crow mask ups the ante of creepy.

Quintus walks through the hall, careful to make sure there's no one else around with him, Quintus cracks open the door the man went through to find a maintenance room, its a rather plain room that's utterly undecorated and has a smaller air conditioning unit inside, presumably one used to link up to a larger one either in the basement or outside. The man in question is kneeling beside the unit, one hand on the unit. The man speaks up Doorman: "You don't have to hide Hookworm. After all, we're practically friends already," Hookworm would find themselves hanging on the man's every word, as though drawing sustenance from the sound of his voice, it would initially find itself trying to do as the man says, but of course Quintus would be able to resist it fairly easily. Swan Mask, sighs, raising his arms out to the side as he shakes his head, before nodding his head to some of the guests who continue drifting through their dance as though completely unaware of the world around them Swan Mask: That's the kind of thing they said Mara, but please be more reasonable than that. The man glances over at Raiden, remaining perfectly open and still as he continues Swan Mask: "As I was saying, every one of this world's conflicts boil down to one thing. A person's desire to raise their own life or status beyond that which the world allows them, resulting in pain for both them and those they lash out at around them. My companions and I seek to change this, bringing the world a sense of acceptance, and with it peace. Unfortunately people like you two are going to pose a bit of a problem for that, so we simply baited out as many as we could." The fog would finally descend to the floor, bringing with it a feeling of exhaustion and peace, making the air somewhat harder to breath, though it doesn't seem to bother Swan Mask much Rhys finds the suits from earlier, as well as a few empty clothes hangers, but nothing else of note in the closet. The man finally steps out of the doorway, closing the door behind him as he steps closer to Rhys Crow Mask: "Now, its not all THAT bad, the main issue is simply a desire to struggle which results in nothing more than pain for both the resistee and those around them. In other words, were people to merely accept their situation, the world would work much easier. Lets take you for example, right now you're probably panicking, that's why you're desperately reaching behind you for something in case it came to a fight. Fortunately I'm not looking for that, I'm simply asking you to understand and accept this fact. After all, just how much have you found that fulfilled, satisfied you anyways?"

Quintus would be suprised by having Hookworm addressed rather than him. It seemed he was right to be suspicious from the beginning but the question still remained wether or not this was something to be wary of or if it was something that could be used to their advantage. He'd walk into the room without hesitation seeing as it didn't matter wether he his or not anymore. "You know about Hookworm then? Who exactly are you? Even I can feel the despair lingering in the air and what do you mean by friends already?"

The air grows tenser it does become more difficult to breath but Mara tries to regulate breathing. While it’s acknowledge that this situation is far worse the gritty Mara see,s not as fazed as she should be perhaps this was a side of not being fully awake to her surround or such? Sometimes these mood swing seem to not occur as fast as they should. “Ah so you baited us here to cut us out. Go figure not normal for some person to call me to anything grand unless something ”deadly” is involved, reminds me of a certain robotic fellow one of the experiments of the good doctor what was his name....Model 04-“ While realizing that yes this was a rather alarming situation that she baited herself into, it seems her sidetracked nature seems to elate any seriousness being taken out of this it sure makes her troublesome to cooperate with and get her back on track.

"So what you're saying is that everyone should have the same rank in this world, so no one can get any more jealous or hate towards another person?" Raiden turned to Mara, "Can you believe this guy?" Raiden spoke to Swan Mask again. "People's desire to change and grow shouldn't be restricted. The fact is that's-" Raiden started to cough. Why is it getting harder to breathe? "What did you do?" Why is no one noticing? Raiden turned to Mara, "Can you see the fog, or I'm I going crazy?"

Rhys pulls out a hanger and brandishes it in front of himself for protection. I haven't ever really been satisfied but what does it matter. That is why we humans have dreams old guy. To satisfy when the world just can't. He steps closer jabbing the hanger in the air as a sort of warning sign. Now step back before I actually use this thing.

The doorman remains kneeling by the air conditioning, making some effort to focus as he answers Quintus's questions, a grin slowly creeping around the edge of his face Doorman: "Me? I'm just someone trying to make the world a better place, in my own way. Your own friend there, Hookworm, is... Similar to me, in part. Hookworm is a creature formed of Despair, and I, a small part of the same thing. We're already so similar, it only makes sense to work together, don't you agree?" Swan Mask chuckles, entirely unaffected by the fog themselves, he narrows his eyes, apparently enjoying the situation as he wags his finger in the air, smiling all the while Swan Mask: Now now, I'm no Communist. People are born into different situations with different potentials. I only wish for people to acknowledge this potential, their fated placement in the world, rather than struggling fruitlessly, tormenting themselves and others in the process. The man flicks the end of his hair and slowly walks closer to Raiden and Mara. At this time, his shadow begins to move, expanding towards the pair Swan Mask: On that note, please hold still for a moment, it won't take long, and resisting will only make it hurt more. The fog continues coming from the upper vents, and with it a sort of weight. The air would seem to become heavy, making it much more difficult to move, breath, or even think clearly Crow Mask tilts his head a little, looking at the wirey clotheshanger in Rhys's hand, only to shake his head solemnly Crow Mask: And tell me, are those dreams ever enough for you either? Don't you find yourself wishing to be part of something greater even still? There's no point in endlessly seeking a gratification that doesn't exist. Crow Mask's own shadow begins extending past him, ignoring the light in the middle of the ceiling and advancing towards Rhys, widening as it goes. In a few seconds it would cover the area directly in front of the wardrobe, and continue extending

The dark fog did make her lose her concentration for a bit she coughed and was snapped into reality though mostlly unpleased. “Bah....Air is quite bitter sorry I got off track you were talking about some coming doom or commie plan or something swan man? Eh I already had my fair share of realization and conversations so....sorry this thick fog is a wheezer I can barley form logical statements give me a moment before you act hold on.” She took a few steps and turned around as she let out a few coughs and heavy breathing she was going a little haywired in this sitatuion and quite misguided to what consequence comes next.

Quintus would question the man's intentions. He seemed to be being vague, though he was unsure if it was on purpose or because he was distracted. "Working together? Depends, what would I get out of it? You could say I'm working to make the world a better place too. But ironically to make the world a better place I need to fill it with despair first. If you're partially made of despair then maybe we aren't so different. Though I must ask, whoever or whatever you are, do you intend to kill for your goal?"

Raiden coughed again. He never was any good with smoke. However, Raiden still looked at the man. The doors are all locked, but there has to be another way... Raiden was flustered with anger, he had to step away. He jumped back at the sight of the shadow. Like I'm going to do what you say "I'm sorry but I can't agree with you. When you're born in the dirt, all you have left to do is grow! People on top make the road to happiness, while the bottom takes it. And what just let that all change? Destroy the foundation of millions years of joining together?" This time Raiden was angry. "What would you know about being at the bottom!"

The old crow guy eerily sounds like the constant ache in Rhys' head which is enough to send some shivers. That and the guy's shadow was getting too close for comfort. Even if he usually subscribed to the kinds of things the guy was saying it was that slight tinge of coercion that was bothersome. Scratch that it was getting on his nerves that he was being left with no real choice out of this. He could tell that it was either he came willingly or the crow guy would come after him. Which kind of pissed him off. Your getting really annoying crow mask oldie. I thought you would be one of those chill adults but instead your too dramatic for my taste. With a grimace Rhys throws his wiry clothes hanger at the guy. He then tries to leap toward the man using his toss as a distraction. He doubted he would actually be able to pull off an action stunt like this but it was a hell of a lot better then doing nothing. His internal spite also called for some reciprocal harm.

The other partygoers drift away from the three, giving Raiden and Mara more space to try getting away from Swan Mask. A few of them collapse towards the edge of the room, but they don't seem to be very panicked or even surprised about it, more like they had simply accepted the events happening around them. However, the servants slowly close in, moving to stand in Raiden and Mara's way as they continue silently staring at the two. As for Swan Mask, he grins and keeps walking towards Raiden and Mara, glad to attempt backing the pair into the servants Swan Mask: "Except that road of yours doesn't lead to happiness does it? Its never enough for people, no matter how high they climb or how rich they get, its never enough to make them happy. Instead, they flounder around working themselves half to death in search of some dream that'll never come true. Its better to simply accept your position in life and maintain, rather than struggle to improve." The Doorman sighs, he can't really move from the spot at this moment, but he maintains his grin as the man's monotonous voice drones on Doorman: "Then it sounds like our goals are one and the same. Once the world is filled with Despair conflict will naturally fall off as people accept their roles rather than struggling and competing for the same things. Personally, I would consider it a failure if we killed even a single person in the process, but I cannot speak for everyone working with me. I'm afraid that's the only answer I can provide." Crow Mask is somewhat slow to react, he raises his arm a second after the hanger hits him, knocking it upwards in a somewhat humorous display. Crow Mask would try to grab Rhys's arm when he comes closer, while the man's shadow looms tall behind Rhys Crow Mask: "Please don't struggle, you'll only make things worse in the end. Just accept the inevitable, and there will be much less suffering for everyone."

Rhys lets out a little yelp once his arm is grabbed and glares at his captor. Okay so the leap of faith bit didn't work but no matter he still had one ace up his sleeve. With a hopefully manly screech he pulls himself forward even with the man's arm pinning him a bit. Suffer this! Ignoring the pain emanating from his held arm he finishes his charge with an open mouth and tries to clamp it on crow guy's other arm.

Quintus could tell the man is clearly busy. He'd rather not keep bugging him but he has one last question. "One last thing, who's in charge here and can you tell me where to find them? You seem busy so I'll just bring any questions I have left to them."

Raiden looked forward, taking notice of the servants. I don't want to do anything reckless "Y'know you talk a lot about being content where we are. But the fact is that if people never left where they were, then we would still be stuck on the Stone Age. The fact of the matter is that you're just like the people you hate. Not content with the world around you, you decide to change things, make everyone see something that's isn't there. A fact that makes you just as human as me." Raiden said.

Mara had to clear up her mind and cough to cause some sembience of focus and words to flow through her brain. She looked around and saw as the staff closed in and the swan mask clearly talk makes it more evident how deep they have taken the bait. Well it seems she could only buy more time to formulate anything to even help herself or more so the other poor dude alongside her. “Right...But you know that idea of yours sounds just as much a dream as any other. Life isn’t rewarding and dreams don’t always come true seems to come true but yet we are forced anyway to struggle it is the way to try and avoid such fate and be content where we are, it’s the most abused thing I heard...well almost. Regardless only you ante your followers will find hallowness in this path you chose but who am I to judge right?”

Crow Mask jumps a little as Rhys bites him, letting go of Rhys's arm and reflexively throwing the kid off to the side and into the desk by the window, muttering under his breath the whole time Crow Mask: "Annoying brat, this is exactly what I was talking about. Now we're both hurt just because you won't accept the truth. But fine, have it your way." Crow Mask's shadow once again moves to come between both Rhys and the man, before rushing forwards. The shadow would try to catch up to Rhys before he can get up, and begin by attempting to his legs, then continue onwards up their body. The Doorman sighs, closing his eyes for a few moments before coming up with his answer Doorman: "Otake Katsumoto is the man organizing this particular event, he's in one of the rooms on the north side of this floor, wearing a mask with crow feathers. Overall I would be considered the one in charge, or rather I'm speaking for them." The man in a swan mask grins, raising his arms to the side and shrugging his shoulders, shaking his head as he takes a few steps forward Swan Mask: "Suit yourselves. To be honest, I don't buy into that stuff too much either. I don't think this or anything else will ever work. But that whole speech is part of the job, in a way." Swan Mask grins as his shadow lunges forwards, peeling off the ground and rising up before attempting to spread and cover both Raiden and Mara, with a total of 6 servants spreading out to finish boxing the pair in Swan Mask: "Personally, I just love the feeling of superiority I get. The feeling of crushing the hopes and dreams of annoying peasants like you. So please, struggle all you like. Soon enough you'll be just like the other empty husks around here."

Rhys hits the desk with an audible thud and immediately feels pain blossoming at the back of his head. His vision is slightly weird after impact showing him blurry unfocused images. That however is not his greatest concern as a strong ache races up his back. Go to hell prick. He rasps out as the shadow gets him by the legs. He tries to kick it off but any attempts come out a little feeble. His back refusing to cooperate leaves him open to the rapid movement of the shadow. Stop this.

"Speaking for them? I don't quite understand but I guess despairisites don't quite have the same bond with one another as you do with your associates. Guess I should let my boss know about this too. I feel maybe we could all work together. Anyway, I'll be out of your hair now." Quintus would exit the room, unsure of exactly how to proceed. He supposed it would be best to meet Otake and see what he had to say. The situation seemed odd but he also saw potential to be used here. He knew that for now be best to collect information for the boss which ment he had to stay out of too much trouble. With that in mind he'd begin walking with the north side of the floor as his destination.

Raiden pushed his circuits into his joints and grabbed Mara, and dashed to the sideways opening it had. At least your honest... Raiden stood up and look at everyone in the room with a grin. "Time for my performance!" Raiden with circuits around him. Can't make anything grand... Raiden cursed himself for leaving his wand behind. Around him other hims started to appear, made out of circuits. "Let's even out this field, shall we." Each was blue, so not really him, as they all charged forward to the servants matching 6 for 6 as the real one turned to Swan Mask. Don't know how long they last... Around Raiden the circuits grew to cover the shadows, trying to get rid as best he could.

The shadow rises up and the it looked like the darkness pit of hell was ready to swallow her whole. Well darn she won’t go down without a struggle but it would be rather nice if they could just avoid this all together....oh wait maybe she can guy some time. After having Raiden drag her around she started to speak more so directed to the swan man. “You know I would have like to avoid this whole vore event this week but clearly not. Welp here goes nothing I defiantly don’t want you doing all the work.” Mara tapped her rusted mask and it started flickering a bit but more importantly she was reaching within her trench coat and had her own little deviant creation armed and ready at her side a old hook and chain contraption which she started to swing around anticipating and planning her next move to help hold out. “Yep...they never tell you these things in the description but worth a shot to hold out.”

The man in the Crow Mask closes his eyes and shakes his head, raising one arm a bit as he sighs Crow Mask: "This is exactly what I warned you about. Your little struggle attempt didn't change anything, but now you're hurt for the effort." The shadow would rapidly cover Rhys, not even responding to his attempts to kick it off Crow Mask: "Now please come to your senses, you're in no place to act anymore, this has gone on far enough." In a moment, the shadow would completely engulf him, leaving him unable to see much of anything. The darkness seems to be settling, attempting to cover his mind in a vague fog of acceptance, slowly encroaching upon his very will itself. Quintus continues on the floor, heading towards the north. He passes by a few doors, most of which were closed and none of which had any light on the other side, a few closets, spare bedrooms, even a pair of entertainment rooms in the same hall. Soon enough he'd come to a point where the building turns to the right, giving him another, similar hall to explore. Here too, most of the doors are closed, but he can see a light coming out from under the door of one almost halfway down the hall Raiden finds his circuits reacting more... Slowly than normal, as though the fog did something to jam their function. As they advance on the servants, the servants themselves twist and reshape into shadowy humanoids, with glowing blue orbs where their eyes should be. They don't seem to pay any particular attention to the fakes, though they manage to block off 4 of the servants, the fact Raiden and Mara ran to the side means the two creatures on the side they fled to would be able to follow them, completely ignoring and outpacing the slower than usual circuits. Swan Mask meanwhile, chuckles to himself as the pair dodges his admittedly quite slow shadow. He grins and slowly continues walking towards them, clearly enjoying his leisurely stroll Swan Mask: "Go on, keep running. It'll drag this out longer. More time for me to enjoy it." Raiden and Mara would find their heads starting to feel a little light, due to the difficulty of breathing, considering how quickly the other partygoers collapsed, it likely wouldn't be too long before they fell unconscious as well

Quintus would knock on the door gently about 3 times before speaking up. "Anyone there? Heard I could meet the one hosting the event if I came here." He wasn't sure how good of an idea it was to be so direct but he'd rather try to be passive with his approach for now. He was likely to get more information if he tried to act in a more friendly manner.

While feeling slightly light headed Mars tries to shake it off. Perhaps finding anyway to even just filter out the fog or bring in oxygen should be a first priority move and this she decides to gets bit of help in this by turning to Raiden. “Yeah we arn’t gonna last long with this fog...we need to make a opening to filter this stuff out perhaps a explosion or just blunt force on some wall? Any ideas?” She swing her chain and hook around it scrapped the floor and rattle as she kept her defensive posture up.

Raiden smirked as he reached into pocket to pull out CPU boxes containing gunpowder. With his left hand Heat came out to make the CPU into a butterfly, making five of them. "Thought you never asked! FlameSwarm!" And threw them at a wall, as the circuits on the ground reformed to make The Great Wall around them. Before that however clearing the air around them with a shockwave CPU. He opened The Great Wall when the explosion stopped and ran threw coughing violently.

After a few moments, the shadow would slowly withdraw itself from Rhys, leaving the feeling behind with him. Though he's still somewhat injured, the pain is dulled somewhat, making him much better at simply ignoring it. In addition, he'd hear a faint voice, though the man in the Crow Mask doesn't open his mouth or say anything ???:"Do you understand now? How much better off everyone could be?" A few seconds later, Quintus would knock on the door, causing the man in the Crow Mask to turn towards the door, the man sighs and shakes his head before he speaks Crow Mask: "You're one of the special guests yes? Quintus, the one with Hookworm correct? You're good to come in." The two shadows that were able to evade Raiden's circuits continue chasing after him and Mara, following fairly closely while Swan Mask takes his sweet time, falling well behind the pair. Raiden manages to blast a hole in the wall, covering the surrounding area in smoke. Though the smoke isn't much easier to breath than the other fog, its burning sensation does at least make it easier to think and focus. The pair would soon burst through the wall as the shadows pursue them Swan Mask: "Well that wasn't very considerate. Not that its my problem anyways. Go ahead, run as much as you'd like. Its not changing anything after all."

No idea what to expect now. Raiden turned to Mara as they ran, "Any bright id-" Raiden left leg have gave out causing him to fall forward. Raiden slowly got up coughing up blood. Too much blood... Raiden felt light headed. "No where to hid, our best bet is to get out of here, although..." Raiden thought back to the guy who ran into the man. He seemed to like them only if he knew where... Raiden turned around to see the servants. Gotta take them down. Raiden took a knee again. It's getting harder to move... Raiden pressed his circuits into his joints, more into his legs as he lunged at one of the servants to strike him in his chin, hopefully knocking him out.

Mara was ready to book it and run the distance but seeing how Raiden stumbled and is more eager to fight before fully fligthing...guess there is no choice. “Gah you make a lass job so difficult you know that? Whatever don’t try to fight the world against yourself.” Mara ran by to Raiden’s side and launched out her hook and chain which was actually rather long yet it’s movement was abnormal moving like a tentacle and striking a few of the servents to incapacitate them before it retracts back to her she just chuckled. “Chalk one more gadget to the arsenal. So i’m guessing you got a plan since you want us to stay here and fight a bit more?”

Quintus would open the door without anymore hesitation to see the crow masked man and Rhys. He was a little confused about the scene before him but would walk in anyway. He'd turn to the crow man and begin speaking. "So you're the one who put this all together, correct? I wanted to talk about potentially organising an arragment with my boss and you or whoever it is you work for. From what I understand you're beings who produce large quantities of despair and the despairites my boss and I use feed on despair. I think we can find a sort of mutual agreement based on that." He'd finally look down to Rhys who he noticed was on the ground and not really getting up. "Are they alright?"

The Man in the Crow mask would glance back at Rhys, looking the kid over for a moment to assess his condition, before looking back at Quintus Crow Mask: "He got himself hurt a bit, but he should be able to get up in a few minutes or so. Its nothing to worry about." Crow Mask sighs, tapping his foot as he closes his eyes Crow Mask: "And what exactly is it you propose? Simply put we can't afford to miss even a single person, if you get what I'm saying. Are you asking to join us? As for Rhys, the pain in his back would begin slowly fading, down to a bearable amount, and just by looking up he'd be able to tell a few new things, first is that the man in the Crow Mask gives off a faint aura around him, something which makes it easy to identify their similarity, as new as it may seem. Second, the new, paler man who came in feels... Somewhat familiar, though in a way that's entirely different from the Masked Man. He can sense something similar inside of Quintus, but not quite pat of him. He can hear the voice again ???: "You should probably get up soon friend. We can't tell everyone if you remain there." Raiden strikes one of the shadowy servants that followed him, only for his limb to sink in as though the creature were made of some kind of sludge, the black thing begins to flow down his limb, aiming to completely immobilize him. Mara strikes the other, her hook passing easily through the creature. Its able to move through the other servant easily, and as it swings around it ends up cutting the creature in half, resulting in both its legs and upper body following independently. It would be significantly slower now, but unlikely to stop. Meanwhile, Swan Mask simply grins, continuing his casual stroll onwards Swan Mask: "Didn't I tell you resisting was useless? You really should have ran. These Shades of ours are quite useful, wouldn't you agree?"

“See the swan dude is right we should totally run I don’t wanna get consumed or whatever from from thouse shades as he called it. And besides he’s unreasonable to converse with anyway so let’s make some distance.” Mara launches her hook out for some distance and creates almost a tether link for use to again make some more distance. She turns to Raiden and offer her other hand to him. “But then again it’s your call just be quick about it though ok.”

Raiden closed his as circuits entered his mind. FOCUS With the hand that was consumed he started to form a mini Sphinx made from Heat. It would burst out of the Shade, charging to the other destroyed Shades. He reached forward to Mara hand. "Let's get outside! This place is probably littered with those things." If they got away, the Sphinx would try to attack Swan Mask, However fruitless it may be.

"If you really want you can habe me join later but why would you focus on your allies rather than those who would reject you. Besides, I'm sure you wouldn't enjoy being stopped by some divine force and if my bosses plan reaches fruition then those forces would no longer be an issue. So allow us to use you as you would use us. As long as the world becomes balanced I don't care what happens to me, I just need to survive long enough to see my own dream brought to liife." Quintus' eyes would show more than just his usual calculating cold glare for once. It almost looked ad though there was genuine passion burning in them but any could tell it was passion formed out of a twisted sense of justice that the young man had.

Aina would simply remain seated as she watched all of this take place in the main hall. Bringing a small sandwich to her small mouth and biting into it as she held held the opposite hand under to catch any crumbs that might fall. "Shizuoka, was this what you wanted to show me?" She would say to no one in particular. Her expression remained unreadable as she gazed at the swan masked man. He was different from that girl. Fundamentally different even if they held the same origin within them. "The fact your ego still persists so strongly even though you are a mere fragment." She would finish her sandwich at her own pace, not too fast but not too slow. Savoring every bite to the fullest before washing it down with some wine she found. Would humans truly accept such peace if given the chance or would humanities selfeshness win out in the end? She would remain seated, waiting to be approached by who ever organized this event to learn why she was invited. Was this Shizuoka's doing?

Raiden's firey Sphinx bursts into the Shade, though it might singe his leg in the process, it manages to burn through the creature, causing it to recoil and give him and Mara a chance to run down the hall. As the Sphinx dives through the hole in the wall they escaped through, both Raiden and Mara would lose sight of it, however its worth noting that no more creatures emerge from the hole to chase them. Soon Raiden and Mara would come across a fork in the hallway, one turning right, in the same direction as the ballroom they left earlier, which Rhys may remember coming from when he entered, and one turning off to their left and the unknown The man in the crow mask sighs and closes his eyes, tapping his foot as he looks down, he thinks for a moment, before starting to talk Crow Mask: There are a pair of individuals making for the front doorway, that would be about opposite this room on the first floor. If you can cut off their primary entrance to enable my... Associate to catch at least one of them, I'll direct you to someone you can see to talk more. As you may have heard our organization is.... Loose. Any deal you make with me would mean very little. On the other hand, she helps keep the group together and is generally respected, if you brought your own "boss" to a meeting with her, you might get something done. That and allowing you to leave here without trouble is the best I can do. Of course, Rhys would see and hear all of this, but whatever the voice was it doesn't decide to speak up, and Crow Mask seems too preoccupied to notice him reawakening. The pain in his back finally subsides, and with it the pleasant, contented feeling fades, not entirely, but down to only a small fraction of its earlier intensity

Quintus would smile before beginning to leave the room. "Understood, restraining is actually my speciality. I'll do what I can to cut off their escape." Quintus would begin moving back towards roughly where the front entrance would be below on the second floor. Regardless of if anyone was in that area watching he would begin concentrating once there. "Yggdrasil Prime: Earthly Roots..." Roots would begin growing below where he was standing and extending downward in an attempt to try and block off the front door. Regardless of if the roots actually succeeded in pinpointing the right location, they would solidify into hard stone as Quin released control of them. He'd begin trying to find a way down to the first floor next, in order to finish the job.

Aina would stand up while straightening the wrinkles in her kimono. She would walk out of the hole that the two created before, careful not to get any dirt on herself, as she began wandering mansion in search of the one behind all of this. If these fragments were ignoring her then it would just allow her to move unhindered.

Raiden took out three CPU boxes, this time the looked more like cameras. He closed them in his hand and threw uo to make doves. He tooked out a monocle and placed it in his eye. One went left and the other right, However the last one went to search for a small exit to get out. If anything i need my wand. After a minute he turned to Mara. "Lets go right, the doves with be a little ahead seeing for any dangers." Raiden smiled "My Greatest Trick!" He started to go right.

Mara glances at both hallways and just groaned a bit. She gets the feeling that either direction seems to lure them into a worse position but quick judgement should be made. "I'll take lucky intuaition and say right we need to stay on the move and quick would you not agree? Regardless either way puts distance between us so make haste." She gestures Raiden to the right but doubts that this will bea saving grace. As a mesure she throws out a whip shot with her Chain to keep the pursuers at bay distance is key in closed spaces like this.

Rhys makes an effort to stand up after hearing all that new information and passively gazes to the crow man. He still doesn't really get what the heck is going on, but he figures if anyone has an idea it certainly would be the guy who attacked him earlier. It helped that he didn't seem to feel much toward the man anymore. What did you do to me? Rhys asks this question with no real hints of malice, curiosity, or anything really.

its a rather large distance for Quintus to cover, so we won't get over there just yet. He passes by a few servants, each with the same empty, inhuman despair he felt from the doorman earlier, but nothing else of note happens yet One of Raiden's doves goes to the left, proceeding with little hindrance for some time, passing by several closed doorways before rounding another corner..... Where it runs face to face with another pair of shades, they don't seem to notice the creature yet, for whatever reason, instead they simply remain frozen in place, waiting for something. The second drone continues a little ways ahead of the pair, scouting out for any potential ambushes, soon the path would split, with one path off to the left leading to the main entrance, which is shut, but doesn't seem guarded, and the other continuing forwards past several other doorways. As Raiden and Mara run through, a large, shadowy arm smashes through the wall beside them, missing Raiden by a few inches and pelting the pair with debris. a few seconds later, the rest of the wall would burst open, with a large, bulbuous creature, formed from the same shadowy substance as the other humanoids, with massive, branchlike arms and a small, squatty head in which rest two blue orbs in place of eyes emerges from the wreckage, merely a few feet behind the pair. They can hear Swan Mask's voice Swan Mask: Look what you made me do. Surely you don't think there's an actual way out, do you? Crow Mask would sigh, finally removing his mask and opening his calm, blue eyes. The man's hair is an ebon much like his mask was, with a mature, almost exhausted frown upon his face Crow Mask: "Well, it wasn't just me. I gave you a portion of the very same peace of despair that was given to me, some time ago, and you accepted it. Now we're both vessels of this despair, servants of sorts with similar abilities here to spread this peace. Though, you likely haven't finished adjusting yet. There's still a fair bit for me to teach after all, though much of it should come naturally in time."

Aina would continue to wander the halls until finally coming upon a staircase. Moving up the stairs to the next floor she would continue her search. "Where exactly is the host of this event? Is it the one that releases the most of this intoxicating aura? I believe its coming from this direction." She would mumble to herself as she followed her senses.

So what you just take me on as a student or something? Rhys barely knew how he changed and could hardly imagine what the process of adjusting would entail. He should have been angry or at least mildly annoyed that the man who had taken advantage of him was now hinting at a possible connection. Yet he couldn't muster up the emotion he should be tapping into. Cocking his head Rhys continues to stare at the man with blank eyes. He had come to a realization thinking on this. I can't feel much of anything now.

"Ahhh!" Raiden would say dodging the debris. "Now that's wasn't very nice." While getting hit by some of it. Those eyes... Raiden straightened out his back and looked at the Shade. He rubbed both his and produced Heat ball and throws at it's face, changing into a kind of needle as it approach it eyes.

Oh great reinforments at the worst time. Mara quickly shook off the impact of the beast and quickly ran to catch up with Raiden. She fired some whip shots at it all while and tried to yell at Raiden for a quick plan "Ok my intutition is not always confident call but I call direction and we go just please don't say go toward the mass army of murky fellows!" She helps Raiden up and moves off into the left path trying her best to control the space before they slip up. "This is really like a mass maze of confusion!"

Hurrying as he is, Quintus would soon arrive at the spot he was looking for, shortly above where the front door should be, his roots forming into earthen spears and piercing the floor beneath him, growing and stabbing through before becoming as hard as stone. Satisfied, Quintus initially searches for a way down, and after a moment, he would be able to find a stairway off to the side, a fair distance away from the front door, once he arrives downstairs, he would open the stairway door to see a hulking mass of shadow taking up much of the hallway some ten or twenty meters ahead, moving towards the entrance. As for Mara and Raiden, Raiden throws a quick blast of heat at the shade, aiming to drive a flaming needle into one of the orbs where its eyes should be. The creature doesn't even react as the needle dives into the orb, beginning to burn it from the inside. Similarly, Mara's lashes misshape and strike its form, only for the creature to move on in spite of any pain it may feel, lumbering towards them rather slowly, or playfully, much like Swan Mask had earlier. The pair duck off to the side, making a break for the front entrance and in the meantime gaining some distance over their slow pursuer. However, when the door is some ten feet away, a series of spear-like roots pierce through the ceiling above, hardening in a loose web around the door. Though there's enough space between them for one person to fit at a time, there is another problem. The door opens inwards, and is thus blocked by the roots enough to be rendered unopenable. Looking around they find a sparcely furnished antechamber, one single room with no other branches leading off, two separate sets of chairs and tables for people to relax around during visits, and no windows to escape through. However, it would at least provide enough space to attempt avoiding the creature after them Crow Mask sighs, briefly bowing to Rhys before straightening himself up and adjusting his tie Crow Mask: To begin with, yes. I'd like to make sure you have the basics down before leaving you on your own. I didn't get that sort of treatment, but my own converter was.... An unpleasant person. Crow Mask grins, his frown finally turning up for a moment as the man nods Crow Mask: That's part of the adjustment, though even when you're finished you won't feel anything as intensely anymore, it'll all become a much more bearable, controllable level. Makes it easier to think and act. Though, as you mentioned earlier, its about time we took our first lesson. Crow Mask heads over to the desk, rummaging around in a few of the upper drawers until he comes across a pen and a piece of stationery, before beginning to write on the paper Crow Mask: Shades are our primary tool, though I don't believe you've seen one's natural form. Try stepping away from the desk, and focusing on that feeling you felt, that helplessness and despair once my own shadow covered you, then try to force it out into a solid form. That is, in essence, a shade. An embodiment of one's despair

Quintus would stare at the mass of shadow, unsure what to make of it. Perhaps it was a trap someone else had triggered within the mansion. Regardless, it seemed unwise to try and proceed ahead with it in the way. For the moment he'd simple stand and watch. "Definetley a strange place. I wonder if this has to do with whatever he had me block off the door for."

"Time for for more explodes! Although I can't break this thing around the door..." He threw his CPUs at the door. "FlameSwarm!" As the gunpowder infused butterflies take at the door, making an explosion similar to that he made at the central area. If it breaks the opening he would turn to Mara. "We should be able to get through here, so ladies first." He says while turning around to see if anything is coming at them.

Great so normal is completely gone for me. Rhys deadpans. Not like he was a feelsy person to begin with, but at least before he had the chance to become one. A slight furrow of his brows is the only sign he is able to place with his thoughts as he takes a step away from the desk. He makes an honest effort to recapture that panic and regret he felt as he was being enveloped. However, he is unable to bring forth the same emotions in his mind since he feels terribly numb right now. It's almost like trying to speak a language he barely tried before. Teach I can't really focus on that stuff.

"Oh piss off just cause I don't have my full arsenal you want to show off to me. You'll be lucky both of us even survive before you even consider trying to dazzle so try another time!" Mara shoves Raiden forward as the try to proceed closer to the entrace but would want to make sure at least Raiden gets ahead and stay safe. At the same time using her hook component of her weapon she digs into the one of the roots and tries to tear it a part off and lob it back down the hallway to buy some more stall time.

Crow Mask finishes writing, folding up the sheet of paper as he breathes out a sigh. Crow Mask: "Fine fine, its not really my problem anyways. I'd suggest resting overnight then, you'll feel somewhat better in the morning. You can use one of my spare bedrooms, if you wish, or wait thirty minutes or so and all the excitement should be over and you can go home. The choice is yours, but whatever you choose things won't quite be the same." Crow Mask sighs, focusing as his own shadow begins to move, taking up an empty space in front of him. Soon, something would begin bubbling, forming out of the darkness. It reaches one arm up, and seems to claw itself out of the ground, forming a humanoid, black as the night with two glowing blue orbs where its eyes should be. Crow Mask hands the paper to it Crow Mask: "Our Special Guest should be leaving pretty soon, deliver this to him, and my side of the bargain will be done." The creature seems to absorb the stationery, before drifting out the doorway into the manor. The shadowy mass would completly ignore Quintus, turning off a side passageway to the front door, and soon disappearing from immediate sight. Though he can't see it any more, he can still feel the residual despair from the creature's passing. Of course, the hall turns off to the right where the entrance was, or continues straight onwards for some time Raiden blasts a hole in the door, damaging the nearby roots in the meantime. Mara is able to latch onto one of these damaged roots, finishing tearing it out to toss it at the monster behind them. Only for the root to sink harmlessly into the shadowy mass, which seems to simply absorb it and keep moving forwards. With the door open enough, the two would be able to escape fairly easily. Once they leave, the shadowy mass would simply dissapate, dissolving into a dark puddle on the floor, which would soon fade away itself

Teachy Crow this technically is your problem since you indoctrinated me to your cult or whatever your group is. Rhys once again deadpans. I'll stay overnight. I can't exactly go back home like this and I don't think I want to either. It would be odd going home after all that has happened to him and Rhys knows it. At least by staying he may eventually glean some info that could help him. Preferably info that could fix his current condition.

Quintus would continue moving towards where he believed the entrance was located. If he was right then it was the direction the shadowy mass was moving in. "Wonder if my roots actually helped. Well, as long as they didn't have anything with fire in it they should be fine. Maybe I should have used Hookworm? That seemed unnesecary though...Too late to think back on it now."

"Well, excu- ahh" he said while getting pushed down, rolling on all the stairs and laying on his back. "Well, that happen." Raiden took off his monocle and smiled. I'm this strong without my wand, I'm on my way to taking that title. Just you wait Sorin! Raiden laughed out loud. He looked at Mara, still on his back. "You gotta tell me how to make those!" He said fixated on the gadgets. I wonder if the message got through... Within the mansion, a dove (the third one) would hopefully find it's target. As it approached Quintus it dropped a note in front of him. If he picked it up, all it would say is: SEE YA SOON

Mara leaps out as quick as possible away from the mansion and sprint even father away before trying to catch her breath for a bit...it was a lucky miracle to say the least of what happen. "Bloody hell...we made it with barley causing a scratch what a luck out...Oh right uh." She let her little hook and whip contraption contract and slip into her trench coat before appraoching Raiden to just check up and converse with him. "I...sorry I thank you for the help back there. I admit I came a little unprepared for that whole thing it was a awful call by me but you really helped out..eh sorry never caught your name but i'm still in your debt. Oh and the gadgets well...there just built from the best scrap and junk I can pilage a Mara's special if you will." She tried to catch her breath again before staring at the mansion. Truley something sinister to behold and perhaps not best to meddle with for now but the threat of the place should be monitered seem like a future problem

Crow Mask shrugs, and heads out the door himself Crow Mask: In that case, I'd suggest you rest up, its been a fairly long night Rhys. and with that, Rhys is left alone to pick a room for himself, his strange days having only just begun Quintus would arrive at the entrance, though his roots did a good job blocking off most of the doorway, there's a hole between them about large enough for people to squeeze through one at a time, with the door beyond badly damaged, its not hard to guess what happened. He would step over a puddle of shadowy substance, all that would be left of the mass from earlier. Once Quintus decides to leave as well, he'd find another shadowy creature waiting for him, without a word the creature would dissolve, its own job done, leaving behind a single, solitary note. The note outlines an address for a nightclub called "Nirvana" in Shinjuku, as well as giving out a single name, Rise Katamine. Raiden and Mara would find absolutely no pursuit, Raiden's message being delivered without issue, still, it feels as though it were merely the beginning of something much more dangerous [Fine]