Rocket Knights: The ancient ruins

[metalbyakko]

Sparkster couldn't still believe what Namid said. Did she really wanted to charm these to guys to spit out more information? No she shouldn't be doing this. Even thought they needed to get information, they still had dignity. Also even if Sparks didn't wanted to admit it. It had personal reasons why he didn't wanted her to do it. He knew they promised each other to divide the job from their private life, but now he realised it wasn't so easy. Still he couldn't let himself distract from it, now the other knights needed him as their leader. He was the one, who makes the decisions and decided what to do next. Slowly Sparkster calmed down, realising his overreaction. Maybe it was one of Namid's little jokes. Yes, maybe that was it! She was just joking like in the castle, at least Sparks hoped so. He took a deep breath and was ready to continue. Until Kaji mentioned that Namid's idea, going out with the to workers to see if the knights get more informations from them, actually didn't sounded that bad. "W..w..what?" stuttered Sparks in disbelief. From all people, Sparks didn't expect it to hear it from Kaji. Did the young knight even knew it was joke? Or was Sparks wrong and it wasn't a joke? "Wait..no..she can't I mean..." Sparkster stuttered again, but then he had an idea "...well Kaji, we don't know if these guys really have more information. We shouldn't use tactics like this if we aren't sure if we can get something from them."

At this point Armor began laughing, he couldn't believe it. Namid playing her prank, Kaji falling for it and the best of all Sparkster's reactions. Sure the armadillo knew about the relationship between the two. He also wouldn't like it if Priscilla would do the same with him. Still it was funny seeing Sparks in this situation, his twichting tail, his high pitched noise, it was hilarious. "Say Shorty, don't you think you overdid it?" Armor asked the female oppossum "I think you broke him this time." stated Armor, who still watched Sparkster twitching with his tail. Vincent came back and that snapped Sparkster out of his state. The oppossum looked up to the lion and cleared his throat "Greetings Vincent, it's good that you're also back. I hope you were able to get some informations, but please tell me later about it." Sparkster went in front of the other knights and shouted with a loud voice "Listen up guys, it's going to be dark and we should end our investigations for today. Let's head all back and discuss what we should do next. Follow me!"

Sparks went back with the others to the town. They headed off to a tavern called 'The Merry Mug' and Sparks explained to the others, while the group entered "Travis told me we could stay here. He reserved some rooms for us. Even one for our meetings." The tavern was full with guests. It was warm in there and the smell of beer and warm meals was in the air. The people were sitting at the tables and chattering. With a lot of caution, Sparkster went to the bar, he had to be careful not stepping on someones feet. Armor followed him, pushing the people around him away. Accidently he tripped against some oppossum with a tablett with mugs full of beer. The oppossum fell to the ground, spilled the beer. "WHO WAS THAT? I'M GONNA TO TEAR HIM APART!" shouted the opossum guy upset. Armor just glared at him and answered "ME! SO YOU STILL WANNA COME?" seeing the huge guy, the opossum just grinned and looked away. He didn't wanted to mess around with someone like that. Sparks talked to the innkeeper, a burly middleaged oppossum with grey fur and a white head, "Sorry we're the rocket knights. Travis sended us and..." before Sparks could more, the innkeeper pointed at a door in one corner of the room. Immediatly Sparks understood what this meant, leading the knights into the room.

It was a big room with a round table in it and a chair for every knight. Sparks set down and then asked Armor to stand before the door, so that no one could come in without their permission. "Okay everyone, please sit down. We have some things to discuss." he commanded and waited for everyone. Sparks took off his goggles and put his sword aside. "Okay guys, we got information about strange shadows,a big guy who guards an area, we found a journal in one of the storehouses and in another storehouse we found this," Sparkster showed to the others a strange octagonal metal plate with a hole in the middle "Honestly, I don't know what it could be." After taking a good look at the plate, Armor stated "Looks like some part of a machine. Still it really looks strange." Sparks just nodded and scratched his head "The worst thing of all are the people, who got lost in the ruins. So guys, I wanna hear some suggestion how to tackle all these problems. Any ideas?" Sparkster looked to Vincent and added "Oh also Vincent, please tell us what you heard from Nigel Whemble. Maybe it's something we could need."

[KokoaMinto]

The dark furred woman was surprised by the suggestion Kaji Firestone made. Playing her bodyguard so nothing happens while dating two guys at the same time just for gathering further information? It was quite sweet in some way, but on the other hand it really was just a joke on her end. Of course she knew he only meant it in a good way, but it could be kind of dangerous for the both of them. The reaction of Sparkster was getting even worse due to it as well.

"That's very concerning of you, Kaji, but I fear that Sparkster is right. It would be a little bit risky if I would try to get the info I want by going undercover and unarmed, and if you would get injured badly by them it would be my responsibility to stay up for it. Your first big mission shouldn't be filled with a trip into the hospital."

She grinned a little bit when Armor started to drill up the entire situation even more. At least he knew what was going on and felt very amused by it.

"I didn't overdo it, big fella." Namid slowly started "His jealousy is just boiling up so much that his tail is doing the talking. And he doesn't seem broken as well; I can't see any cracks in his armor."

The little chat was interrupted when Vincent finally made his way back to the group. Seemed like everyone was gathered for real this time, and it was even more relieving to hear that they will retreat for the day to share their current progress.

They reached the tavern 'The Merry Mug'... how fitting; the smell of beer stood more in the air than the food that was served... but other than that it looked pretty nice and comfortable. It all kind of vanished when the Knights made their way through the heavy guest storm that was present. While Armor nearly got into a fight Namid felt how people were watching them... they probably never saw a group of Knights of different races working together. True; it wasn't that common.

"You shouldn't try to pick up a fight immediately, big fella; otherwise we'll get thrown out because of bad behavior. Do you want to risk the Knights good reputation?" Namid warned Armor with a raised eyebrow. It wasn't within her interest searching for a new place to stay for the time they need to investigate the ruins.

Sparkster went on to the next topic once everyone entered the meeting room and took a seat. Having Armor as doorman looked funny in the eyes of Namid, but no one would dare to pick up a fight with a big well trained armadillo like him.

"I can't tell much about this strange metal plate you two found, but maybe Armor is right and it's some part of machinery. Nonetheless we don't know what will await us once we're entering the lower level of the ruins where most people went missing." The female opossum said while she crossed her arms slowly "To me it feels like that the lower areas of the ruins are built like a labyrinth. It would explain why people never came back, and I doubt that thieves would get spared from this sort of problem, either. We might be skilled enough to tackle the labyrinth, but we're just 5 people, and it's not easy to split up into a balanced group."

Namid stood silent for a bit and waited for their leader to end his short conversation with Vincent "I'd say we take this little metal plate with us. Maybe it can come in handy once we continue our investigation within the ruins. We can't do much about the missing people for now, but who knows? Maybe we get lucky and get our answers deep within the ruins."

[Kohakuchan19]

Kaji had not realized the gravity of what he had purposed, at least as far as the Captain was concerned. However; it was really hard for Kaji not to notice Sparkster's reaction, and him trying to explain why it was a terrible idea. Namid then told Kaji that Sparkster was right and that the risk was too high. Kaji simply nodded in agreement, but then looked to Armor who was laughing his tail off.

"What exactly are you going on about Armor?" Kaji asked, still oblivious of Namid's prank.

In the end, Kaji simply dismissed it and followed his comrades to the 'the Marry Mug. The place seemed charming enough, but it was overly crowded as everyone in the group had to weave the way through the massive gathering of people, who simply came to enjoy a pint or two. Kaji himself wasn't one for drinking, although a fine wine wouldn't be so bad once in a while. Kaji was suddenly shoved forward shortly after a waiter had tripped on Armor's tail. The waiter seemed rather upset, having dropped several pints of beer. Kaji looked back to say something, but Armor had already put the waiter in his place. After, Sparkster directed everyone to follow him to the other room. There, Armor had been asked to be the doorman, and everyone else sat to talk about their findings. Kaji was rather intrigued by the strange plate. Once Sparkster asked for everyone's input, Kaji waited for his turn to speak.

"Personally.. I believe it should be a priority to investigate whatever Bigwig is calling all the shots here... We can't get any info we need until he or she is dealt with. With that out of the way, the other researchers may be more willing to give us more information."

Kaji looked back at the plate. "Perhaps we should clean that thing up, and see if Armor cant figure out what to do with it?"

[billysparkz]

"But of course." Vincent said to Sparkster gladly. "It wasn't easy."

After hearing Sparkster said they have to call it a night Vincent followed the group to where going to stay for time. As they entered the bar. Vincent was relaxed by the sights of the bar. It felt warm and cozy. As they walking to an empty table he heard Armor accidently knocking over a beer mug and a it's drinker yelling at them with Armor yelling back. Vincent quickly and saw the opossum just looking away. Afterwards he saw Sparkster talking with the innkeeper. After the innkeeper lead into a private room Vincent sat down with the others. After sitting Sparkster showed the group a strange metal plate Vincent gave his opinion.

"It definitely came from the ruins." Vincent said pondering. "Look at it's engravements."

And with that, Vincent had nothing else to say about the plate. After hearing Sparkster ask hm for any information from Nigel Whemple Vincent responded.

"Yes, here. This recording has the anwsers to the questions I asked him." Vincent said handing the recorder over to Sparkster. "Also, I found out that Earnsworth was missing for two years."

[metalbyakko]

Sparks listened quietly what his companions had to say. Vincent's records were also a big help, since they do contain some valuable informations. Sure first it looked like the things didn't had anything in common, but Sparks could already see a thin red line. He didn't wanted to spill out what he thought, since he wasn't sure and it was useless for the knights at the moment. Even the missing J.Earnsworth was an important clue. Now everything that was left was the plate. Sparks looked at Armor and nodded. The armadillo took the plate and examined it, he made sure not to miss one detail.

"Well..." he began after a long while and told the others about the results "Okay since the people here mostly dig out old machines, it is sure this little thing is from the ruins. The problem is I can't read the engraving. I can just assume it's some kind of ancient language or something like that. Even if I could read it, it would probably just say to which machine it belongs or what this part is called. Either the machine, to which this little thing belongs, needs the plate or this is just a spare part. Maybe there are more than one machine, which could use this. However..." Armor tapped with his finge on the hole in the middle of the plate "...something is missing. This hole doesn't look like it's just a decoration. Something has to be put in. Now that I think about it, maybe on the plate is also written what we need for the hole. It doesn't look like a screw is missing, the hole doesn't look like it is made for one. Also the material looks strange. It looks like they melted different kinds of metals into a new one. Maybe because this mixture is good for certain tasks. It's hard to tell what kind of material it is, with the naked eye. I would assume it could be copper, because the color is similiar. As long as we don't find the rest or someone, who knows more about it, we won't know how to use it." With these words, Armor put the plate back to the table.

Sparkster stood up and told his companions "Okay I think we all know we all know what to do. Tomorrow we're going inside of the ruins. I'm sure we will find the answers why people vanish. Something tells me that there is more to them. It's just...I can't put my finger on it..." The leader of the knights looked around and asked "If someone has some other ideas and suggestions or ideas, then please speak. I'm open for every alternative." After hearing what everyone said, Sparks clapped in his hands and said "Okay since it's late and we have a lot of exploring to do tomorrow, let's call it quits for today. I know Travis booked some rooms before hand. You just have to go to the innkeeper and ask him for the key." Armor opened the door and told the others "Well I think I go to my room and change into something else." "Do it if you need to. I just wanted to ask everyone, if you want to sit down at the bar and drink, eat or chat a little bit. It's not that often we all meet and do something like that." Sparks suggested. Armor nodded and went out of the room.
He asked the innkeeper for the key and the innkeeper explained the rooms for the knights were upstairs. Armor entered his room. It was a simple room. It had one bed, a cupboard, a desk and a chest for storing. After packing everything away and changing into casual clothes, the armadillo sat down and looked out of the window.

[KokoaMinto]

Again the young woman with the dark brown fur stood silent for the rest of the conversation. Why should she bug in when Kaji and Vincent had something to say? It would be pretty impolite to interrupt them with their speeches, and Sparkster wanted to hear at least something out of the mouths of every one of the team.

The blond haired opossum was seemingly lost in his thoughts about the little plate he and Armor found; it didn't help when everyone watched the giant armadillo playing around with it and talking about his thoughts and examination about it. He might be right and there's something important missing, but they couldn't be too sure about it as long as they weren't able to set a foot into the ruins.

Speaking of the ruins; it was about time that their leader said something about it. The next day might get very interesting for each member of the group; it will be the first time entering this big place, after all. She just hoped that no one tries to explore further areas just to be a "show-off", how should they prove that they are skilled and experienced Knights of the Kingdom of Zephyrus otherwise? It wasn't like she had no faith or trust in Armor, Kaji, Vincent or even Sparkster, but on the other hand it's always tempting to think further than others.

It was no use to think about everything now, though.

Namid yawned silently and covered her mouth with one of her hands while doing so. Kind of relieving that they take a rest for the day; the heat alone made her pretty tired.

She stood up after Armor left the room to get the key from the innkeeper and being able to change his clothes. She might as well should go and do the same, but there was something else she needed to do first, and it had higher priority for her.

Sparkster was still standing next to the table and looked a bit lost in his own thoughts. It was kind of rare seeing him thinking this hard about something, but it was their off-time now; his brain should try to calm down for today as well. Maybe it was the little plate they found? Maybe it was the missing person J. Earnsworth he thought about? Maybe it was still the little shock that two men were trying to date her? Maybe it was everything at once; she couldn't really tell.

"Sparks?" Namid asked carefully after she was approaching him, it wasn't her intention to scare him out of his thoughts after all. Her head turned to the right and looked at Kaji and Vincent for a brief moment, but it didn't matter for her if they were hearing their chat now or not, their attendance wasn't a big deal.

A slight sigh came out of her once she was facing the blond haired male again "Listen... I know we said that we want to separate our private life with our work, but it's not as easy as we both thought it is." there was a short pause before she continued "I hope you weren't taking it serious when I said that I would date these two guys just to get more information. You know I wouldn't do this to you. I would never date someone else or cheat on you. My pranks on you might be over the top at times, but... I hope that you won't lose your trust within me and my words."

Of course this alone wouldn't ease his worries about it immediately, but she was sure that he will calm down once he snapped out of this little shocking event. His reactions may be funny, but she knew when she overdid it.

Just slowly she raised both of her hands and placed them on his cheeks. Her thumbs were stroking them softly before she gave him a passionate kiss on his mouth. If she learned one thing within their relationship it was to show affection; it was the best way to get him out of the state of losing his temper or the fear of losing her through another man.

The nomadic opossum finished the kiss after a while and looked directly into Sparkster's eyes "There's absolutely no one who could win my heart. No one except... you. You want to know why? Because I love you, and there's no one that could make me as happy as you do. I just can't help it; it's attractive for me seeing you getting jealous... maybe it's because you never have a reason to be jealous in the first place."

With that said she was letting go of his cheeks and went to the door "I won't join you guys for this evening, I'm very tired and I dislike the smell of beer. It's just too strong for me; my sensitive nose can't take it. Good night, everyone. See you all tomorrow." She bowed politely before she was heading to the innkeeper to grab the key for her room.

She followed the instructions of the innkeeper and went up the stairs. Once inside her room that had a bed, a cupboard, a desk and a chest next to the bed she gave another yawn from herself. It was normal that all guest rooms are looking identical, but that was her smallest problem; all she cared for was to get out of her armor and call it a day.

Carefully she removed the parts of her armor and stored them into the chest. After that was done she searched for the minty green night dress she packed for their journey and a brush. She sat down on her bed, got rid of her hair accessories first and placed them on the little desk before she was putting on the night dress and brushing her hair. She wasn't too tired, but she was tired enough to retreat to her room and taking care of some private stuff; like taming her hair...

[Kohakuchan19]

Kaji had listened to the conversation betwixt his fellow knights. The matter about the plate-like device was of the most interest so far, but Kaji was disappointed that even Armor couldn't say much about it. Only that it appeared to be a part, and that it was missing a part of it's own. Kaji seemed to ponder, but his attention was brought to his captain, Sparkster, who seemed far more troubled than the rest of them. Kaji didn't seem to understand why, it was only the beginning of their investigation, so it couldn't have been a surprise to him to not have any answers.

Kaji approached his captain. "Sir Sparkster... Is something wrong?"

It would seem that Kaji was not the only one who was concerned, as Kaji watched Namid approach as well and began to tell Sparkster her feelings, and giving him reassurance about their relationship. One that Kaji had not realized they had until only just now. He then watched as Namid gave Sparkster a passionate kiss, not in disgust, but was still fairly surprised.

"A. A Joke..!?" Kaji thought. "So that whole bit about the dates.. No wonder Sparkster wouldn't have it.. He was protecting Namid as his lover.. not just a teammate.."

Kaji backed away. "I'm sorry.. If I had known, I wouldn't have even suggested going through with it." Kaji seemed a bit down, and ashamed of himself. He had done it again it seems. "I-if you'll excuse me.."

Without another word, Kaji walked out of the meeting room and made his way to the bar where he could think on his actions, and the mission. He was unable to get any substantial information, or at least, not anything that the others didn't already know themselves. The only thing he knew ahead was that there was a potential mob boss in the area pulling strings. The bar tender approached the young man and spoke to him. He was a big and burly Opossum with fur was of as grey as ash, and his hair of his beard was a deep red. He wore a casual black suit and monocle as well.

"Hello there Lad. What seems to be troubling you?" the bar tender asked in a gruff, but sincere tone.
"I don't really want to talk about it." Kaji answered.
"Ah.. I see, it's a personal matter then. You're one of those Rocket Knights aren't ye?" The bar tender asked. "Ye must be a Young Blood. Aye I can tell just by look'n at yer baby cheeks lad."
"Pfft..." Kaji scoffed, unamused by the bar tender's comment. "That obvious, is it...?"
"Ye don't even so must as have a scar on you lad." The Bar Tender continued. "But don't worry, you'll earn the respect you deserve in due time."

Kaji looked at the bar tender, it was clear to him, that he wasn't simply making fun of him.

"Thanks." Kaji grinned slightly.
"Good to see ye warming up to me a bit lad." Said the bar keep. "The name is Brahn, what be yer's lad?"
"Sir Kaji Firestone, but you can just call me Kaji." Kaji asked. "Titles don't really interest me all that much."
"Ha!" Brahn couldn't help but laugh outloud. "A Knight who doesn't like being adressed by title? I like ye lad. Kaji it is!"
"heh.. Well.. I guess since I'm already here, do you carry any kind of wine here?"
"Sure do! Just cause we're a work'n town, doesn't mean we can't appreciate a good vineyard vintage. What's yer poison today?"
"Hmm.." Kaji thought. "I'm thinking a merlot this time."
"Hmm.. Lets see here..." The Brahn looks up at his shelf, but sees none. He thinks a bit and then realizes something. "Ah! wait here a moment lad, I'll check me cellar. I know we have a bottle somewhere."
Brahn left the room, leaving Kaji to his thoughts.

"He seems nice." Kaji thought. "but I'd be willing to bet that no one would want to mess with that guy either. I'm above average height and he's still taller than me. broader too.."

Sometime later, Brahn returned with a bottle, and readied a glass for Kaji before pouring the wine.

"Here ye are lad. We just got this shipment just this morning. Still cold even." Brahn said as he presented Kaji with the wineglass of merlot.

Kaji sniffed the wine and swirled the glass before giving it a sip and letting the flavor sit on his tongue. He then looked to Brahn with a grin. "I know this Merlot. It's a family favorite back home, Thank you for taking the time to find it."

"A happy customer is all the thanks I need Lad. Enjoy!" Brahn then went to tend to other customers at the bar.

Kaji slowly enjoyed his wine and left a tip for brahn under his glass before leaving to retire for the night. He approached the innkeep who directed gave him the keys and directions to his room. After climbing the stairs and reaching his room, he unlocked the door and started to get settled in, by storing his things in the trunk and removing his armor to change into something comfortable for the night. Kaji sat on the bed and looked out the window as he thought about what transpired in the meeting room, as well as what the researcher from before had told him before lying down and tried to get some sleep... But his eyes couldn't stay shut, too much was on his mind.

"Dammit..." Kaji muttered to himself. He thought the wine would've made it easier to sleep, but not tonight it seemed. a thought came to his mind. "I wonder of Armor is still up..?"

Kaji got up out from his bed, and left his room, locking the door behind him, and made his way down the hall until he found Armor's room and knocked on the door.

"Hey Armor...?" *knock*knock* "Armor are you up...?"

[billysparkz]

After hearing what Sparkster had said Vincent responded.

"Understood commander." Vinccent said. "I am going get something to eat. I have not eaten much today."

But before he left he saw Namid kiss Sparkster. Vincent could do nothing other than smile. "Hmm... I should've known." He thought to himself as he left the room. Vincent headed off to the bar looking for an empty table and found a seat. As he sat he was approached by a waitress.

"What would you like to eat sir?" The waitress asked handing him a menu.

"Hmm... I think I'll have the steak, with some fine wine and Ceaser Salad." Vincent said, handing the waitress back the menu.

"Okay, it will be a while." The waitress said smiling.

Vincent then remembered that he needed to get the key for his room.

"Take your time." Vincent said politely. "I have something to take care of."

"Okay then." The waitress said as she walked off.

Vincent then got up from his seat and headed to where the innkeeper was. He asked for his keys and was given them and directions to his room. As he headed back to his table, he saw the waitress with his meal. He sat back down to thank her.

"Thank you." Vincent said politely.

As the waitress walked way Vincent began to eat his meal. It tasted good and the salad was perfect. Not too little, not too much dressing. Vincent enjoyed his wine as well. It was a great meal for him and he enjoyed it.

[metalbyakko]

Armor was still sitting on the bed, how long has it been since he sleept in a bed in an unfamiliar room? During their missions on the outside of the Capital, the knights had to camp most of the time if no town was nearby. Also how long was it, since they had a mission like that? The armadillo couldn't remember it, but he thought it was around the time when his son was born. So it has been a while. Armor wore boots, black trousers with a pair of suspenders and a white shirt. His knight armor was still fine and his rocket pack was also intact, so he there wasn't a need to check anything. He didn't even used his equipment that much. Since he wasn't tired yet, he decided to go down to the bar. Eat something, order something to drink and maybe having fun with the other guests. Suddenly someone knocked on the door, it was Kaji. The armadillo was genuinely surprised, since Kaji barely talked to Armor. "Hey Kaji," greeted Armor the young knight with a smile, but couldn't hide his surprise. After scratching his head Armor explained "Well actually I wanted to go down to the others and eat and drink something. Maybe even doing other stuff." It seems something was on Kaji's mind. He did looked troubled, at least for Armor. "Well listen, if you're still bothered about the thing with Sho...I mean Namid, back at the castle?" Armor asked worried. He knew Namid and sometimes she could show her fangs, but she wasn't that rough...except when maybe someone makes her mad. Something told Armor that couldn't be it. "Well If something is bothering you, then spit it out. I don't mind listening," Armor told Kaji with a smile, hoping it would at least ease him up.

Sparkster waited for the others, watching the other customers. He noticed Vincent sitting alone on a table. Naturally Sparkster approached Vincent, pointed at a chair next to the lion and asked "Do you mind?" and sat down. After looking around, the commander of the knights noticed that Vincent and him were the only knights here "You know, I thought the others would be much more eager to come down and relax. Well maybe they were more tired as I thought." The waitress came and asked for Sparkster's order. The knights just ordered a jug of beer and different kinds of sandwiches. Afte the waitress went to get his order, Sparks turned to Vincent. "Hey we didn't had the chance to speak, did we?" the male opossum began with a cheerfull voice talking to his fellow knight "How is your wife and is everything alright back in your home? I hope you know you can ask anytime for help." Sparkster looked around smiling. After what Namid told him in their conference room, he felt like a burden fell from his shoulders. He wouldn't admit it, but he was jealous, even if it was just a little bit. Well that's what he said to himself, it was clear it wasn't just a little bit. Now he wanted to concentrate on other things. Since it was decided to continue the work tomorrow, he had some free time. He could later think about the mysterious figures...or the people who vanished...or the mysterious plate. Sparkster was again thinking about their mission. "Tell me Vincent, what do you think, about everything here? Do you also have a strange feeling?" Sparkster asked in a very serious voice. He looked with a pensive facial expression at the table. Snapping out of his thoughts he shook his head and said to Vincent "Oh I'm sorry, we said we will continue with our chase later." While he was laughing about his own mistake, the waitress came with his order. After taking a sip, Sparkster again asked Vincent something "Hey do you stay here with me for a while, maybe the others will also come. It would be nice doing something together and by that I don't mean our duties as knights."

[KokoaMinto]

It was no use.

No matter what Namid tried, she just couldn't find the right position to sleep in.

How was it possible? She was tired the entire time and now it was impossible to get the sleep she wanted? This turned out as a very bad joke...

Both of her ears flickered. Did someone walked around on the floor? She got out of her bed and eavesdropped on her door; it was just Armor and Kaji that held a conversation. Thank god... wait, what? Weren't they supposed to meet up with Sparkster so they can enjoy the rest of the evening before going to bed?

"Seems like it never works out the way you want it to, darling..." She thought to herself as she took a few steps back from the door. At least Vincent seemed to give her boyfriend some company, and now that she wasn't able to sleep... why wasting time in the bed?

Her way leads back to the chest where she stored her armor and took out her boots. The night dress was long enough to cover them, and if someone should try something funny... they're in for a 'nice' treatment. It would take some more time if she would think of dressing up entirely again, so screw that thought: Night dress it is!

The door was opened in a slow manner so Kaji and Armor wouldn't freak out.

"Hey, you two!" She greeted them after she closed the door behind her, holding her key tightly in her left hand "Don't you want to give Sparkster and Vincent some company? We won't have the chance to relax as friends every evening after all."

She took a few steps and was ready to follow the stairs back down, but she gave both of them a warning glare "If you two won't be joining us in about 10 Minutes then I'll come back and kick you two down the stairs..." With that said she went down and looked around until she found Sparkster and Vincent; eating, drinking and chilling in a quieter corner with not so many people surrounding them.

A loud sigh came out of her: Beer. What was so great about this stuff? Its taste was awful! Also the manners of most men went totally downhill...

"You're more Mifune than I thought." The female opossum said with a sharp tongue as she approached the table. She interrupted Sparkster's attempt of eating one of the ordered sandwiches by getting in the way of him and the table; on purpose of course. It wasn't of her interest if it was rude in the eyes of others.

She sat down next to him and stood silent for quite a while, not knowing what the two of them were talking about before she decided to return to the group.

Something that bothered her the most was the fact that the blond haired opossum was still dirty in his face. It was a wonder that no one told him to take a bath first before ordering something to eat... but maybe it was a 'guys’ thing', they saw it different than females, and they didn't know she would return.

The female opossum took a sandwich as well while her eyes were focused on Sparkster "...You're greedy. Eating so many sandwiches yourself... You'll get fat in no-time, and the beer won't make it any better." Her left hand was waving around with the sandwich in its grasp. It all sounded serious, but she was just joking with him like she always did.

She took a bite from her sandwich and looked to Vincent "Say, Vincent, how's your wife? Armor and you are pretty lucky. Armor's about to marry Priscilla: As soon as she gave birth to their second child. How is married life for you? Do you want to have some children as well? I mean... We all won't get any younger and having a successor surely will be the biggest fortune you can get in your life."

[Kohakuchan19]

Kaji looked up to the yellow Armadillo, who seemed to be pondering about what Kaji might have been thinking about.

"Well.. it's.. um..." Kaji was interrupted when Namid came out of her room and greeted them, followed by questions about why they weren't downstairs and even made playful threats about kicking them down the stairs if they weren't down there in about 10 minutes. "Y-yes mam!" Kaji stuttered as he watched Namid walk down the stairs.

As Kaji watch he realized how lovely she looked in her dress. It was simple, but elegant. Kaji could almost be seen blushing, until he caught himself and shook it off.

"Um.. Yeah, why don't we just talk about it downstairs?" Kaji laughed nervously, but realized that it really should be something kept private. "... Did you know that Namid and the captain were a couple...?" Kaji gulped. "It's just... I don't know... I feel kind of foolish for even thinking about it, let alone talk about it.."

Kaji's hands clinched up a bit. "I think I've begun to develop feelings for her... but after seeing Namid kiss him earlier.. It's pretty obvious to me now that stand a chance."

Kaji sighed, slightly relieved to get things off of his chest. "Lets.. just head down stairs before Namid comes back up to kick our tails."

with that Kaji started to walk down the stair and took a seat at the table across from Sparkster and Namid.

"Hey guys.. hmm..?" A waitress walks over to him and asks what he'd like to eat and drink. "Oh um.. hmm... I guess the salmon sounds pretty good. I'll have it with a side salad and some greenbean please."

while Kaji waited for his meal, he looked to the others.

"Sorry about before Captain..." said Kaji. "If I hadn't been so blind about the relationship you two had, I... I understand now why you were upset... I was foolish.." After hearing what Sparkster and Namid had to say, he looked over to Vincent. "So, sir Vincent.. I've yet the chance to know you on a personal level.. but you clearly have a calm and friendly demeanor. How are things where you come from?"

[billysparkz]

Vincent was enjoying his meal when he saw Sparkster approach. After Sparkster asked if Vincent didn't mind if Sparkster took a seat at the table vincent responded.

"Of course not." Vincent siadd smiling. "I'd like to talk to an old friend."

He listened to Sparkster talk about the other knights. He continued eating his meal while while listening to what Sparkster was saying. When Sparkster finished talking, The waitress returned to take Sparkster's order. After Sparkster finished his order he asked Vincent about how his life was doing back at Draxon. Vincent responded.

"My wife is doing fine." Vincent replied happily. "We have married for some time now. Everything is fine back home."

Vincent could tell a little jeliousy in Sparkster. However he didn't say anything about it, knowing full well that it lead to negative feedback. Sparkster then asked Vincent about his feelings about the investigation. Vincent replied with honesty.

"With all due respect..." Vincent stopped himself for a moment then continued. "The only thing mysterious is the disappearences. That is all I am uneased about."

After Sparkster apologized and joked about his ramblings Vincent cracked a smile. He always knew that Sparkster always had a good sense of humor. Then Namid appeared and sat down with the group. After hearing Namid ask about his wife Vincent replied.

"Thank you for the nice compliment." Vincent responded politley. "It's going fine. And Hilde is doing great. We have been thinking about having children for a while."

Afterwards Kaji appeared as well. After he gave his order to the waitress Kaji began to apologize. Vincent listened to Kaji apologizing to Sparkster a Namid. After he finished his apology, Kaji asked Vincent how it was going. Vincent politley responded.

"Things have been going quite well." Vincent replied. "Married, wil soon have a child, and reuniting with old friends."

[metalbyakko]

Namid came out of her room and tried to command Kaji and Armor with one of her glares. It didn't intimidate the big armadillo, he was used to it and Namid couldn't harm him that much. So he just waved to here and told her with a happy voice "Okay Shorty, see you later!" He turned back to Kaji and listened to the problem of his young fellow knight. Listening to Kaji about his problem made Armor much more serious. The big armadillo crossed his arms and closed his eyes. "Hhmmm...." he began and thought about a good advice he could say to Kaji. "I hope you do really know how big your problem is. You should had realised that Namid and Sparks are a couple since a long time. Not sure about Sparks, but if someone would have a crush on my Priscilla, I would crush his bones." Slowly he opened one eye, looking at Kaji and continued "You should be really thankfull, that Sparks and Namid try to seperate their private love life from their work. As you saw it doesn't always work, but at least you can be sure that Sparks won't hold it against you if he finds out that you have a crush on his girlfriend as long as he works. Although in his free time, he will act different and no one can hold it against him." Armor put one of his massive hands on Kaji's shoulder and gave him a friendly suggestion "You know maybe you just have a crush, because you heard that she thinks you're cute. Maybe it would be healthy for you to do other stuff instead of just working. You know like searching for a cute mate." The two of them went the stairs down.

Sparks was sitting and chatting with Vincent. Everything seemed to be fine with the lion and his life. It was always good to hear news like these. Especielly that Vincent was now happily married. Vincent had Hilde, Armor had Priscilla and Sparks himself had Namid, although they weren't married. It was nice to know that everyone found someone. Sparkster nodded when Vincent mentioned that he was also worried about the disappearences. "Yes that also worries me, let's just hope we won't be too late to help them," answered the leader of the knights and took another sip from his beer. Speaking of someone, Namid joined the little chat and she wore just a simple night dress, she still looked gorgeous in Spark's eyes. Since the thing with the double date was no matter anymore, he could relax while looking at his girlfriend. Who made some jokes again, but this time the male opossum knew she was just joking. She snatched away one of his sandwiches and Sparkster had a sinister smile "Well you are the one to talk..." he began and rubbed her belly with one of his hands "If you snatch always away my sandwiches, you're the one who will become chubby," then he sticked his tongue at her and added "Although then I would have much more to love, isn't it so?"

Kaji and Armor joined the group, now everyone were there. The mood seems also to be good. Kaji even apologised to Sparks, but the commander just responded with a smile "Oh don't worry about that," and ate another sandwich. Armor sat also down and listened to Vincent, talking about future plans with his wife. The armadillo nodged with his elbow at Vincent and told him proudly "I tell you Vincent you'll love being a father. My little Cansado is a fine sprouse. Looks like his mother, but already sturdy little guy. He even knows how to say mama and papa...although he says it wrong," Armor scretched his head. Vincent was married, so the armadillo could ask him something "Say Vincent, how difficult is it to organize a marriage? Wanna give my armadillo queen a very special one. One she never wants to forget!" Sparkster laughed, put an arm around Namid and said in a very cheerful manner "I know this town is in trouble, but to be honest I'm happy to hear that everyone has at least someone worth fighting for." Armor hit the table with his hand and pointed at Sparks "OH SPARKS, DID YOU KNOW?" "Know what? And please don't shout like that." "Our little Kaji has crush on someone," said the armadillo with a cheeky grin at Kaji. Sparkster was just giggling, he didn't wanted to bother Kaji. Although he was now a little bit curious, since Sparks knew Kaji just as a hard working and aspiring, maybe to aspiring, knight. "Guess who it is! I give you a tip Sparks, she works at the castle," Armor began still with a smug smilie and now Sparks couldn't refuse, but he stated with a small laughter "There are so many woman, who works at the castle. Come one big one, give me a second hint." "It's someone you know very well," told Armor him very slowly. He really enjoyed it. Armor didn't had anything against Kaji, the armadillo just wanted to have some fun. "Is it Mary? Elisabeth, Sherry's maid? Could it be Svetlana that blind servant of our majesty?" Armor shook his head and said "Well...I could tell you, but I guess the others also want to try to take a guess," he looked at Kaji and asked him "Also I think Kaji should try to spit the beans out by himself." The waitress came and Armor ordered something to drink and also a little meal for himself. Again the armadillo looked at Vincent. "Hey Vincent," the strong armadillo spoke to him "how about a friendly armwrestling match?"

[KokoaMinto]

Hearing how Sparkster was using a counter against her joke made the nomadic female opossum laugh for a while. He had a cocky attitude from time to time, and that's what gave him some sort of 'spice' in his often calm personality.

"You know, Sparkster... the reasoning why I'm gaining weight shouldn't be food all alone..." Her voice was very soft when she said those words, but she shook her head shortly after and removed his hand from her belly "Forget what I just said. But you're making me weak when you start to get cheeky~..."

Her tail was moving from the left to the right when she listened patiently to what Vincent had to say about his wife and future plans, something she was... slightly jealous about. Sure she was happy with Sparkster, but after being together with him for such a long time plus seeing others being married and having kids... she felt that something was kind of missing in their relationship. Maybe it was normal and for the best; Sparkster was their leader, and wouldn't have much time taking care of children.

It was surprising for her when Armor and Kaji were showing up as well. Did they take her jabbering serious? Nah, not Armor, he's too smart to know that she wouldn't threat him, but Kaji... yeah, that might work on him!

The chat between Kaji, Armor and Vincent went on for quite a while, literally talking about the same things she was talking with Vincent before. Kaji was apologizing for his blindness around the relationship Sparkster had with Namid, and it was kind of cute that he meant it in honesty. Even better that Sparkster wasn't taking it all too seriously or as some sort of offense.

Her cheeks were turning red when Sparkster wrapped his arm around her shoulders, sounding more than happy for the rest of the evening. It was good that the group was finally hanging out as friends rather than just comrades, in this way everyone was able to forget their mission for some time until the next morning will arrive. That was until the yellow furred armadillo slapped his hand on the table, catching the dark furred opossum in high surprise that she jumped a bit.

The shouting wasn't overheard as well; some other costumers were turning their heads into their directions, but the attention went off faster than expected... sweet Elhorn!

Kaji having a crush on a girl? Someone that works inside the castle? There were too many girls working there! But thinking about it a little bit further... from all girls she could think of Svetlana was the most outstanding. She was blind but still able to work as a loyal servant for the royal family. Thinking about those two being together was kind of adorable. A reliable knight and an independent woman? Just because she was handicapped didn't mean she was less worth than other females.

"I'm pretty sure that he has a crush on Svetlana!" She said in pure excitement "She might be blind but she's very polite! I still wonder how she's able to run around the castle freely without running against anything... It's quite unique and very mysterious."

The little guessing game wasn't lasting very long until Armor challenged Vincent to a arm-wrestling match. "Armor, I hope you don't try to break the bones of Vincent or Kaji or even Sparkster... we have work to do tomorrow, and no one wants to run around with an broken arm." Namid said which was followed by a soft giggle, but she couldn't help herself but to tilt her head in Sparkster's direction; letting it rest on his shoulder-pad while her tail was wrapping itself around his tail.

[Kohakuchan19]

Kaji looked a long the table with his Allies as they all talked. It sounds like everyone had somebody. Armor had Pris, Vincent had his wife, and even had talk of having children with her. and of course, Sparkster and Namid had each other. Kaji was however, much relieved that Sparkster had forgiven him for his mistake in the meeting room. Sparkster truly was a good friend and understanding man.

Kaji went from being calm to flustered as soon as Armor started teasing about the idea of Kaji having a crush. Though he wouldn't say specifically who it was, but it very quickly became a guessing game, and to make things worse, Armor was giving hints.

"A-armor!? What are you thinking!? are you NUTS!?" Kaji shouted at the Armordillo. Kaji tried in vain to hide his embarrassment.

Eventually, the waitress came with Kaji's and Armor's food. There was also a lot of the group guess about one of the servent maids from the castle.. One in particular was an opossum maiden named Svetlana. She was blind but very capable of herself. The thought had never occured to him, but they had a good point. She was very pretty and her independent nature was not to be taken lightly. Kaji was relieved that they came to the wrong conclusion, but still he said nothing about it.