darkSpyro

"Some legendary 'guardian' you are!" criticized Latnok, directed at Neo. "All I'm hearing from you is that you're stubborn and refuse to adapt. Using living things to enforce your will, regardless of how they feel about it... Pah! You're exactly the sort of thing we protect mankind from! If this troll isn't willing to do the job, and you're not willing to change your mind, then whatever this threat is must not be that important. I don't even know why we-"
"That's quite enough, Latnok," Sere interrupted sternly. "Though, to be fair, he does raise a good point. Regardless of your intentions, this is conscription, and conscripts in general are less effective than non-conscripts. Now, if the troll changes her mind, that is one thing. I cannot, however, condone forcing others to sacrifice everything for something they do not believe in." With this, the oscillating brightness and darkness on Grimbane began to speed up and intensity.

Angora was about to interrupt Latnok when Sere went ahead and did it. Nevertheless, she finally thought she had an answer to Neo's question.
"Oh wait a minute. I think I know why I saved his life... it was because of you!" she said, pointing at Latnok.
"You wanted to kill him and collect his part for your own sick collection! Well, I wasn't going to allow you to fulfill such disgusting wish!" Angora declared, being very open about her hatred for Latnok. Why does nobody else in the group has commented anything about it? He was wearing body parts of their own species and nobody seemed to mind.

"What collection?" Latnok asked. "I don't possess any 'collection' except the gear I wear. Let me break this down for you, since you seem to be too stupid to understand - no body part, no bounty collection, because no one will just take your word for it that you killed something. I have no need for anything after that, except what I can possibly use as a weapon. The only concern I have is becoming as deadly as I possibly can to put my enemies six feet under - I'm not some vain noble, I don't even have a place to host these so-called 'trophies' that I seem to have tons of." Sere remained silent.

Though he couldn't pinpoint why, Latnok felt a resonation between him and the legendary guardian, as they looked in each other's eyes. "Hmm... very well. I can feel your determination. I don't quite think this troll has the intestinal fortitude to handle the duty, but maybe she will prove me wrong," he said, audibly feeling much more settled than before. "It'd be the first time I'd see a troll do anything good." As he said this, Sere awaited further comments from the others before he would announce his final decision.

Angora tried to dismiss Latnok's insult, believing that a murderer like him can never understand her point.
"Well, isn't what you're wearing collections of some sort? And do you really need to prove your dastard actions? Typical of human. Needing to see to believe." Angora pointed out calmly, believing that most of Latnok's enemies tried to kill him out of provocation rather than pure malice like he claimed.

"What I wear is purely functional," Latnok said, with none of the malice in his voice that there was previously. "If you kill something and can use what you've found, why not? I would be wearing metal armor if it suited me, but it doesn't. As for proving things - if I didn't prove anything, I didn't get paid. I don't like carrying around useless tongues or whatnot any more than the next guy does." Though Latnok's actions themselves were always functional, he failed to mention that the reason he pursued them was due to the satisfaction he got from killing those he considered subhumans, which led to his temporary separation from the Ardent Guardians

"Well, then," Sere began, speaking assertively and firmly to get everyone's attention, "If the matter is settled, then here is what we will do in order to assist. I will send Latnok with you, considering that he has already been briefed on the matter and has some familiarity with the group already. Regardless of the first impression you may have gotten from him, I have full faith in his ability to keep his allies alive - or his enemies less alive. In addition, he will ensure that all of you may receive any equipment you may need, or have our hexsmiths repair or otherwise look at equipment that may need it. In addition, you will all be welcome to use this base as a staging ground. This is provided, of course, that you wish for our assistance." Sere stood by, waiting to see the response. Should this all work out, perhaps it may even be the foundation of future alliances between us and other races...

Angora was about to continue her discussion with Latnok when both Sere and Shade interrupted.
"Oh look, dark and gloomy has returned." she muttered in a whisper upon Shade's arrival, not very happy to see him. Nevertheless, better his presence than Latnok's, which is why she turned to Sere next.
"Alright then, I will go to this absurd quest if it'll get all of you to leave me alone... but only if that... thing doesn't come." she said bitterly, pointing at Latnok, not even wanting to call it a he. Angora didn't believed from the beginning that Latnok hunted to protect humanity, and him confessing that he got paid just confirmed that he wasn't doing anything out of the kindness of his heart.

Upon seeing Shade, Latnok grabbed and raised his bow, but Sere gestured for him to lower it and he obeyed.

Sere's tone changed to be rather gruff. "One thing I absolutely not tolerate is you denigrating my men. Latnok has performed his services effectively as a Guardian, and I have full confidence in his abilities and his loyalty - he currently wears the rank of Executioner among us, which is only granted to our men who have proven themselves capable warriors, leaders, and decision-makers. If you have an issue with how he conducts business, and choose to put your feelings over the good of the many, then any further cooperation between us is is pointless. Therefore, there is no further discussion to be had. You are dismissed." With this statement, Grimbane's oscillation once again intensified.

At this indication, Sere turned towards Shade. "Your name is Shade, am I correct? Grab a part of the Tree of Vitality. I will channel its power into you, and even your worst wounds will rapidly heal." As if it had a mind of its own, a branch from the tree lowered to be within Shade's reach, like reaching out a hand to someone who has fallen.

"Now as for the matter," Sere continued. "Our cooperation needs to be founded on mutual trust. Once I receive that trust from those involved, there will be no issue."

As Shade touched the branch, Sere reached out to the tree with his arm. A faint glowing could be seen, from the trunk of the tree and it's exposed roots to the branch Shade was touching, and with it, powerful healing magic.

"This tree is a central part of this base," Sere said. "With it, we can train much harder and longer than many of our enemies, with the full confidence that any wounds we sustain in the process can be taken care of. It produces wood for our most powerful wooden weapons and equipment. And, should we ever need to, it can grant us great strength and security as we defend this base."

Angora didn't replied to Sere when he scolded her for her comment. Nevertheless, she made sure her body language indicated that she was staying with her condition. She didn't like Latnok, and there was no way she would let him come along and risk a betrayal. He hunted creatures like her and the group, so why trust him?

Afterwards, Sere returned his gaze to Orion. "It is done - however, my condition remains. If you do not trust any of my men, who have been granted their rank either by myself or a Guardian who was my superior before they passed, then you insult me, and them by extension. I had hoped that this cooperation would be the start of something new - however, when even the most 'virtuous' troll refuses to cooperate with others because she puts her own personal feelings over the many, I have no reason to believe that trolls are any more than the experiences we have had with them so far, and have nothing to show otherwise. Out Guardians have made a lifetime of sacrifice - never to know any companionship except that of other Guardians; forever scarred by the ritual all Hunters and above undergo; and no Guardian has ever died a peaceful death. We simply will never see eye-to-eye with anyone unwilling to sacrifice their own pride, of all things. I will not compromise on the matter, and if you will not either, then you may leave." Sere's voice showed a strong hint of anger and frustration - highly uncharacteristic of him.

Sere then turned towards Latnok. "After you retrieve the supplies you need from either or both armories, you are to meet up with one of my Adjudicators for your next task."
"As you wish, Godfather," Latnok answered.

Angora was getting very furious on how everybody seemed to ignore her opinion. She wasn't going to travel with someone whose living was made killing creatures like her.
"Isn't anyone listening to me? I'm small, not invisible! Didn't you hear the guy earlier? He kills to get paid! Where's the honor in that? And how can I know he won't turn on us? Although you probably don't care. He's not the only one wearing creature parts..." Angora said slyly to Sere, just noticing how his attire probably contained parts as well, probably dragons. Despite Angora having her heart in the right place, she was incredibly stubborn and bitter, and always rubbed others the wrong way.

"If humans wearing clothing of those they have killed distresses you, then you will never find peace with most humand," Sere said. "And if you do not trust one of us wearing the rank I have granted him now, despite him not wearing the rank before, then there is no convincing you. You will not come into our house, which we have kindly and respectfully let you enter, and brazenly insult me with your words and actions." With that, the earth once again rumbled and the door slowly began opening, and the sound of approaching footsteps could be heard outside. "My men will escort you out. I wish you the best of luck."

"Thank the gods," Latnok said, feeling free to speak now that Angora was being dismissed and Sere had lost any desire for cooperation. "I'd rather be on the next hunting party killing idiot trolls than have to keep one, anyway. Thinking one could ever be reasoned with... Hah!" He pulled his axe out of its belt and began twirling it around by the handle subconsciously. "Let's see what the Adjudicators have for me today!"

"Now, if you don't mind, I must be attending our next Ascension soon," Sere announced.

Although Angora didn't take it too kindly being thrown out, but it was better that than being forced into a place among people she didn't like.
"Heh, if I had known that's all it took, I would've insulted you sooner." Angora said with arrogance before the men escorted her out, avoiding eye contact. She didn't care that they were taller than her, she still maintained her composure and poise. Angora wasn't bloodthirsty like her fellow trolls, and was more patient and intelligent than any of them, not to mention agile, but unfortunately, she was still a troll, and had too much pride like the rest of her species.

"I am silent!" Angora yelled as she exited though the door, believing that now even Orion was against her. She knew how rude and annoying she was being, and she didn't care. None of the, deserved her courtesy or sympathy.
"Alright you sword guardian you. Just tell me what I need to do? Just what is my mission?" she asked after she was outside, wanting to end this task soon so that she could finally be just a midget troll.

Angora sighed heavily to avoid screaming, wanting to calm down before replying.
"I'm not against working with Orion or any of the initial group. I'm even willing to cooperate with that griffin like thing, even though he was rude to me earlier. It's that Latnok beast I won't tolerate. Or didn't you hear him earlier? He said this will be the first time a troll did anything good. He probably thinks I didn't hear him, but I did. I also heard on my way out that he'd rather go hunting for trolls than working with me! Yes, he was still within earshot! Don't you see? Regardless of whatever I do today or tomorrow, trolls will continue being seen as ugly, bloodthirsty monsters that need to be obliterated!" Angora ventilated, her heart reaching an alarming rate. She pulled her head up to avoid tears from streaming. People like Latnok were just one of the million reasons why species like her were never going to be loved or respected.

Angora didn't believe those words to be of a true guardian. She had expected so,etching wiser than that, but she went along with it.
"Even if I do that, I doubt it will change a thing. I really don't have a problem working with that group, but only if that Latnok isn't included. I don't want to be distracted by hating him." Angora expressed, still stubbornly refusing to have the human bounty hunter as a companion.

Latnok brought himself before Orion. "What may I help you with, Galaxy Dragon?" Ironically, despite hunting many of them, dragons were a creature he, as well as almost of the Ardent Guardians, respected - the Guardians owed their ability to transcend normal human power to dragons.

Quote: Spyroconvexity

"Well we need all the help we can get. We need allies." Neo said.

Angora grunted in frustration, realizing that Neo wasn't going to let her have things her way.
"Well fine, as long as he stays out of my sight! Also, this is my armor, and you live in my weapon, so I'm warning you, any sign of him betraying us, I'm going to leave him in worse shape than his wardrobe!" Angora declared sternly, believing that after all it was over, Latnok was going to turn on them and hunt them all. After all, that's what he did for a living.

Latnok nodded. "I have few concerns - they are accomplishing my mission, and making sure my men get out alive. As much as I dislike having to work with stubborn trolls, I will do so under the Godfather's orders, and will do what it takes to avoid compromising the mission he has bestowed on me. I will make one thing clear, though - I will listen to you as far as deciding what needs to be done. Not her, regardless of what the armor might have to say about it. I will contact Godfather Sere now."
"From what I know, the troll might be changing her mind. Be ready, Godfather."
"See? And you didn't think I had any idea what I was doing," Sere responded telepathically. "Sometimes you just need a door in the face to realize the implications of your actions."
'You're a decade short of a century older than I am, forgive me for thinking you might've gone senile, Godfather."

Although Angora was ready to journey with the group, she decided to wait outside.
"I'll have to stay here to wait for the others. I doubt they'll let me enter again." Angora commented, knowing she made quite a scene inside and probably nobody wanted anything to do with her.

Angora sat down at a considerable distance from the door, acting as if she was meditating. She was going to need a lot of patience and composure if she wanted to tolerate Latnok. It was curious how her hatred for Shade so quickly shifted into that human that appeared out of nowhere to finish the dragolet off.

Darkheart and Star had remained silent for quite a while. Darkheart was visibly startled when Star tapped her shoulder and gestured in a way that could only mean one thing: "Let's go." Darkheart knew exactly what the Zorua meant. They had no use against Dark Matter. Darkheart proceeded to walk away from the group, and noticed Angora was sitting outside. Frustration crossed the dragoness' face, but she remained silent and kept walking, intending to go back home. She felt her stomach suddenly feel empty, and decided she'd catch a meal for them on the way.

Sere took note of the pair leaving, but did not interrupt them. As they stepped out, he teleptathed to them "Make sure to not forget your heat protection," referring to the countermeasures extreme heat in several parts of the cave network due to the presence of lava.

Shortly after, the fire of a torch near Angora's position increased in intensity and brightness, and an illusion of Sere came up beside her. "Are you quite ready yet?" he asked.

"Ugh, I hate sudden magic." Angora whispered to herself, hating mind reading, telekinesis and teleportation. She didn't like to be taken by surprise.
"Ready? I've been ever since you threw me away!" she answered, not changing her rude demeanor. She was very hard to be liked, but no one could really blame if they knew how much racism, predjudge and ridicule she's faced.

Darkheart growled at Sere. "I've got more than enough magic to protect myself from a little lava."
Star suddenly looked terrified and starting desperately fidgeting with his devices. I'm anything BUT heat-resistant!

Sere, noting Darkheart and Star nearby as he spoke to Angora, simply nodded, the helm he wore covering up any reaction that he might have had to anyone present. He then focused his attention towards Angora.
"Excellent. I will have the others rendezvous with you. Latnok will be headed to the main armory, a few caverns away from here, to pick up some new gear - anyone interested in any equipment we may provide, repair, or modify for them is free to follow him. He will provide heat protection for anyone coming with him."

Latnok was present with Sere as he said this. "Are you really going to force me to hold that gods-forsaken spell over a larger area?" Though Latnok was not particularly proficient with air magic, he knew the cooling spell required of all Guardians other than initiates very well. It allowed one to keep the air around them at a cool enough temperature to survive in unbearable environments, though it became more difficult to hold the larger the area and the hotter the temperature.
Sere scratched his chin briefly, as if in thought. "Hmm, what should you do... ah, let's see... Oh, I know. Suck it up."
Latnok and Sere both shared in laughter, if only for a brief moment. "I will make sure all goes well, Godfather," Latnok said as he began heading out.

"Heat? Just where are we going?" Angora asked, but Sere had already left. A troll's skin could withstand the heat and isolate the cold, but even with the useful adaptation, Angora hated extreme temperatures. Nevertheless, it's not like anyone would hear her opinion on the matter, so she knew she would have to tolerate whatever climate she faced. At least being a troll had it's benefits.

Latnok quickly made his way out, meeting up with the rest of the group. After taking a quick look around to survey the group, he simply stated "If you're coming with me and need heat protection, get as close to me as you can." He had no concern over anyone's personal space - it was something he was never really familiar with.

Darkheart's tail whipped in intense frustration when Iceheart grabbed her. She noticed Star trying to speak and remembered the silence spell on him. Releasing it, the Zorua blurted out what they were both thinking. "We'd just be a burden to you on this quest. Our powers are rather pointless against Dark Matter." Star then added a thought of his own. "Sure, I've learned to control it a little through my tech, but..."
Darkheart refused to look the dwarf Kaiju in the eyes, to try to hide her tears.

Latnok suddenly turned to look at Star. "Tech, eh? Why don't you have our hexsmiths take a look at it - see what they can do. The better ones are quite old and experienced, and I'm sure they could improve basic things like the power source at the very least.
"Besides, I don't really know anything about dark matter either, and I have to work with..." He paused for a moment, deciding it best to not antagonize the troll any further, for the sake of the mission. "...with what I can figure out. As long as you can handle yourself, you should be fine. If you ever get scared, you can just hop in my bag," he finished, directing the last comment at Star.

Star looked at Latnok, surprised. "Hexsmiths? What are those?"
Darkheart looked equally confused, but when Latnok brought up Star going into the bag she looked relieved. Good, I won't have to constantly carry him everywhere.

"Hexsmiths are smiths who can incorporate magic into their work," Latnok answered. "Enchantments, recharging, runes, that sort of thing. Of course, our hexsmiths possess the capability of metalsmiths as well. So, are you coming with us? And do you have heat protection?" Latnok expected the dragons to be resistant to extreme heat, but not so much the others.

Meanwhile, Angora was still waiting outside, her patience growing thinner. She wanted to know where she was going, but it didn't mattered. Neo seemed determined to have her complete this journey rather than have anybody else take the responsibility. The only reason she finally accepted this task was to boast to Latnok how she was the chosen one for this mission and show him how a troll, a tiny one no less, was superior than him.

Star was even more confused. "I, uh, don't use magic. I can't. I literally can't. I'm not from a world where magic is commonplace. Some from my world use it, but Psychic powers are more common, hence my being used to Telepathy. My technology is pure science. And no, I don't have heat protection. Half my gadgets are rusted to uselessness or otherwise not working." He didn't bring up the fact that things even his science couldn't explain terrified him.