Chapter CCCVI: Before Sloman’s There Were Two ~Multehx

Kenzo slapped his "face" with a metal hand. He muttered some archaic phrases that pretty much emphasized what he felt towards the young mage's (Who's ya daddy for that one, I ask!) instincts. For common courtesy’s sake, none of the others even paid this heed. Scilas shook his head in frustration as he turned to look at the wizard.

"Well, these two are friends of ours. They were part of our greater group. You probably don't recognize them as they weren't with the original group on Zolott I am told."

The assassin turned, nodding his head at the Yoshi. "This fellow here...I don't quite recall his name myself. Had something to do with...thunderstorms as I recall."

"Rainy," the Yoshi interjected, "The name's Rainstorm, but you can call me Rainy."

Scilas nodded. "Yes, quite, that's it." Scilas then nodded in the direction of the shades-wearing robot. "That would be Ray-Noh, the pirate's helper."

Ray fumed at this. "HELPER?!" he bellowed, "PARTNER is more like it! I'm no flunkie for hire!!"

D'Nel smirked. "Well, you are a bit of a sidekick-"

The young man didn't have time to dodge as the metallic fist cleaned his clock and soundly dropped him.

Ray growled in his artificial throat as he cracked the metallic joints in his fingers. Scilas blinked in surprise for the decimatingly precise blow. He then cleared his throat and turned his head to look at the scarf wearing mercenary. "That would be my dear friend, the mercenary, Jaded."

Jaded gave no nod or any indication that he had heard. He was instead staring at the blazing building. The fire reflected in his eyes as it danced about wildly. His eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you quite sure everybody's out?" he asked of Redaz without even directing the question really.

Redaz scratched his chin in thought. "I told everyone to get out if they were wise, so I'd think so."

The mercenary closed his eyes for a brief moment as he concentrated on something. Then, in an instant, they snapped back open. He glared deeply, gritting his teeth slightly behind the cover of the scarf. "I beg to differ. Admirable zeal, but think a bit more next time." He turned his head quickly to Scilas. "You think you're up for it?"

Scilas smirked and moved his fingers to limber them up. Jaded looked back to the blaze as he continued. "So, what're we looking at in layout?"

"Two floors, six rooms to a floor, and the tavern."

"Right. You're faster, you take second floor, I'll cover the rest."

On an unspoken signal the two took off for the burning Blood Rose Inn as fast as they humanly could. Jaded deftly reared back his leg and kicked the stubborn front door off its hinges. Scilas leapt over his leg and rushed into the interior. Jaded dashed into the inferno as well. Minutes passed as the group watched. The only sound was that of the fire eating away at the building.

After a time, Ray leaned over to Redaz and murmured, "Well, I'll give you this, kid. When you're bored, you certainly know how to make a situation interesting."

He was cut off by a loud noise from the direction of the building and turned to see what it was. Moments after the noise resounded the doorway to the inn abruptly caved in upon itself.

Kenzo frowned in concern. Dang it guys, I'm positive you can do this, just...don't mess up; you won't get a second chance...