The Magecraft Chronicles III Story Thread

[Mizagium]

Valendis groaned. “Again with the Celestials. You know, Kazan, I’m really starting to get sick of hearing about them.”

Hired hands. That was all well and good, but a Celestial had sent them across -

“Ramses, you’re dismissed,” he said abruptly. The grinning skull whirled on him, affronted. Valendis uttered the dismissal cant, forcing the spirit back to it’s realm. Haymitch was frees from his earthy prison rather unceremoniously: the ground up and spat him out, so he landed on his ass.

“How did you track us across worlds, anyway?” He leaned against a tree, feeling tired. Although he was reasonably certain he could conjure another spirit in time to thwart any of their attempts to kill him, he was more certain of the fact that they were going to act far more cautiously, now.

“I really don’t want to kill either of you, right now. So just – let’s hear your story and then we’ll figure out what we’re gonna do.”

As an afterthought, he summoned a small wind spirit, Oculus. Essentially a disembodied eye, Valendis asked the little creature to fly around and survey the area. As it had no mouth, it just flittered about excitedly, then zoomed off.

[Sariel of Tevet]

Eleazar looked a bit confused about the interaction between Dorian, Al, and apparently Izaak. The wind whipped around the group, and as it whistled, he could swear he heard a faint whisper. Almost as if the wind were faintly saying "subteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeext". He merely shrugged and placed his hand on Dorian's shoulder.

"You know, he can still be punished AND have a second chance. I'm a necromancer after all. Why not just...kill him and then I'll raise him for us? Win win. Everyone's happy. I could a few more spare parts for my collection anyway. "

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Yeah, you know, Celestials. Scary. Talk to themselves a lot. All knowing, kind of annoying. Those guys."

Alex sat down and tossed her knife up into the air and watched it plummet back to the ground and stick in. She saw Haymitch fall on his ass a few feet away and rubbed her brow in frustration.

That kid is going to be the death of me.

"Anyway, just at my local bar. Doing my whole mercenary routine, when this cult leader shows with her little puppets. They seem to have quite the little crowd growing so I decide to join up. Next thing you know, her number two would start giving out assignments and orders to us. Not as dumb as he looks. Calls himself Keiran. He's managed to make himself useful for gods know how long. That's a trick we'd all like to learn that's for sure. "

Ursine seemed to look more at ease now, but you can definitely tell he was on edge still. He doesn't like to have stalemates. He's a win or die trying sort of brute.

"So, whatever, notsodumb starts calling us out one day telling everyone "The Arbiter has a special assignment. Don't be late to the meeting." She pantomimed his demeanor and used a bit of a grouchy voice.

"I show up and she starts handing out some mission to kill a Celestial. I volunteered myself, then volunteered these two, and she popped open some portal and told us where to find you.OH!"

Alex picked up her knife and brandished it to the group before slamming the point down between her fingers on the other hand and into the ground.

"I also thing I nailed a guy to a table with a knife? I think? Pretty sure that happened. But, who's to say?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Yeah...that was a close one alright." Roluo rubbed his scalp with the tip of his staff. "I still worry about where Suri is though. It's not like her to be last anywhere. I guess we will find her when she lands."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An Orioth barreled down the road, swaying back and forth and clumsily shoving travelers and those on horseback into nearby ditches. Suri and Faust were on its back, with one of her blood whips fastened tightly around its throat to steer.

"You know, we don't have these types of things in Ossen that's for sure. I'm not even sure you're actually supposed to be riding these things."

This became quite apparent as she mowed over a wooden street sign that said "Tintalla 2 miles". They soon approached an airfield, in hopes that the main group would already be there waiting for them. Just at the top of her view, Suri could see a large and official looking airship in the process of landing.

"Oh look!" She shouted and stood up on top of the oriath. "That's probably them!" Suri fell back into her driving seat and kicked the sides of the beast as hard as she could. They sped toward the airfield and took out the gate at the first checkpoint. A ways to the left, she could make out what seemed to be a makeshift ramp..or..rather...something that could be used as one, unfortunately.

"Welp, ready to find out if that's our friends landing?" She turned to look at Faust, who presumably did not share her enthusiasm.

The trio hit the ramp and flew through the air, floating right across the large windows of the airship bridge.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lulifur began to bark and tug at Roluo's pants leg, and used his nose to point to the window. He looked up and saw an giant wolf flying through the air, and Suri hanging over it like a maniac and waving. Roluo tapped Kasser on the shoulder to get his attention.

"Found her. "

[Myrdraxxis]

Nathaniel didn’t look at either Suri or Faust. He was too busy massaging the bridge of his nose to stem the headache that was forming with surprising speed. It was becoming a familiar feeling. Like an old friend paying a visit yet again. “Someone go get them.” He said.

“Well that’s nearly everyone.” Ishabel giggled, standing beside the mage hunter. “And we got Faust back!”

That was true. Having his most stalwart subordinate back took a weight off of Nathaniel that he hadn't been aware was there. “Yes, thank the gods for that.” Nathaniel actually smiled as he said that, an expression that Ishabel didn’t often see on her young commander. The boy was always so serious and responsible. Honestly, at times the scryer wondered if he put too much pressure on himself. He had been worried about everyone, Ishabel knew. She knew hard hard he worked to keep his soldiers alive on their missions, nd how much it tore him up when someone didn’t come back. In many ways, he wasn’t suited to the violent life of a mage hunter for that. It was also one of the things that Ishabel liked about her commander. She rested a hand on his shoulder.

“Wanna go greet them?” Nathaniel paused, then nodded.

“I do, actually.”

The two left the bridge, winding their way past the crew members until they found the hatching leading out onto the foredeck. There they found several sailors already tending to the duo of Suri and Faust, though making efforts not to get too close to their new er, mount. “Faust!” Ishabel cried. That was all the warning that the stern sergeant got before Ishabel suddenly swept him into a hug.

“Gerroff!” Faust grumbled, as he tried- unsuccessfully, to pry the mage from him. His eyes drifted to Nathaniel and he snapped to attention, despite Ishabel. “Sir!” Nathaniel looked him over, then in turn looked to Suri. He sighed and a small smile played at his lips.

“Welcome back, you two.”

][

“This was his second chance.” Magnus said, looking back down at Al, who had taking to glaring hatefully at him. “And you have a fundamental misunderstanding of his situation, but…” But he didn’t really want to kill Aldryan. It was naïve of him, but he didn’t Aldryan had been one of his first “cases”. Serioc one of the first worlds he’d visited after mastering his powers. Seeing it all crumble now was something Magnus didn’t like.

“He’s someone else’s thrall, Eleazar.” He answered the necromancer, breaking away from his thoughts. “He’s already dead. A death knight of a supremely powerful necromancer. One that can, apparently, influence its minions after its death.”

And that carried its own implications. Magnus hadn’t stuck around long enough to follow up on the Lich King’s demise. He’d been too busy establishing Altinor. In retrospect, such a powerful death mage, and one of the Frist blood at that, wouldn’t have been held back by something like death. ’Is Eldrin still around somewhere?’

It was a problem for another time. There was enough on their plate already, he decided. And deciding that, he also decided Aldryan’s fate. “Very well then. Maybe some day,” He was talking to Aldryan now, whose eyes were widening as he realized what was happening, “you will realize and be thankful for the chances you have been given. “

It was a simple spell. Complicated in theory, but to execute, not so much. When he was younger it had taken Magnus and a team of mages two days to apply it. But now…

He tapped Aldryan in the middle of the forehead with his staff. Aldryan jerked in response as the skin began to glow a soft blue. He jerked in place for a moment and then ceased, slumping to the dirt unconscious. “It’s done.” Magnus said, turning to the others. “Now, I think its about time we continued on our mission.” He scooped Aldryan up and strode past the trio of mages, towards the waiting airship beyond.

[Damien]

As Magnus carried Al's limp but still living(?) body towards the ship, Izaak found himself standing closer to Dorian than he'd realized. He quickly glanced over to his friend only to find that Dorian was already looking at him. Caught in the act, the illusionist turned away quickly, blushing.

Izaak broke the oddly-comfortable silence. "We should probably head to the ship," he said quietly.

"Probably a good idea," Dorian replied, nudging Izaak with his elbow and smiling.

The two turned and walked, heading back to the waiting transport, staying close, hands brushing against each other with every step. Dorian, to Izaak's great surprise, grabbed the elementalist's hand with his, lacing his own fingers between those of his companion. Izaak blushed profusely, crimson settling across his face. But then he smiled, closing his fingers around those of Dorian, their hands fitting together like they were meant to be that way.

When they got within eyesight of the others of their group, Izaak slowly tugged his hand away, not really sure about how his teammates would react to the sight. His hand immediately felt cold, missing the warmth of Dorian's. Dorian, however, looked over at Izaak, seeing the uncertainty of it all on his face. He gestured for Izaak to follow him, leading him to an isolated part of the ship, inviting him to sit next to him.

"So," said Dorian, "is this..." he gestured around with his hands at everything and nothing, "...not something you want?"

"It's...it's not that," Izaak started, almost whispering, sitting next to Dorian. "I just...the team...I don't..."

"Do you really care what they think?"

Izaak thought about it for a long moment. He honestly decided he did not, but another thing about all this came to mind. "Not really, but still. We literally just met not that long ago. How can we possibly be sure about this?"

"To be honest," Dorian said, smirking, voice barely above a whisper, "I've kind of had my eye on you ever since I stowed away on the ship. There's just something about you. I don't know what, but I like it. I like you...and I was kind of hoping," he turned away a bit, blushing hard, "that maybe you liked me, too?"

Izaak rolled his eyes, but with a smile plastered on his face, there could be no doubt that he meant no offense by it. "Even in spite of your terrible puns, your awful jokes, and your constant teasing..." he paused, but he didn't need to. He knew exactly how he felt despite the little time he'd known the man. "...yes, Dorian, I do...maybe even a bit more than just 'like'. Let's just see where it goes."

He leaned into Dorian, resting his head against the illusionist's shoulder and lacing their fingers together, hand in hand. A perfect fit, he thought, smiling. For the first time since his journey to find the Mage began, he felt truly happy. Protected. Safe.

Dorian couldn't help but beam, his heart fluttering but his mind at ease. Everything just felt...right. He let out a contented sigh.

There they stayed, enjoying the quiet and waiting for the ship to begin its journey.

-----

Having followed Vynalion and the one called Arrick to meet with the Emperor, Zahiir couldn't help but notice his kinsman (for lack of a better term) litterinthe streets. He had known that there were likely to be Hellans here in Vaer, and that they wouldn't be treated as equals, but he had no idea how bad it truly was.

Until now.

His heart ached for his people here, seeing just how low down his kind had been cast. It had been a good things that both he and Arrick had decided to veil his appearance. At least this way, he wouldn't be treated as less than because he wasn't human. As they reached the entrance of the building where they'd petition the Emperor, Zahiir stopped.

"I think I will just stay out here, if there are no objections," he said.

"Of course not, Zahiir," said Vynalion, turning to face the illusion-veiled Hellan. "Would you like some company?"

"No, thank you," he responded as he turned to walk away. He stopped, and said back over his shoulder, "...the offer is appreciated..."

"It's no trouble!" Vynalion responded, somewhat surprise by the phrase of gratitude. "We'll be here if you need anything." He turned back, also noticing the shade just as Arrick did. Being the amicable man that he is, he decided he'd speak with the shade, some pleasant small talk to pass the time. He didn't know anything about shade culture and wasn't able to learn anything from Sorin before he...well, Vyn didn't much want to think about what had happened to him. He was still unsure what truly happened to the shadowmancer.

Pushing that train of thought to the side for the moment, he walked towards the shade, a friendly smile on his face.

"Well met, friend!" he said, his voice jovial as usual. "I am Vynalion Harper. My friend and I are here to speak with the Emperor, as I assume you are?"

-----

Zahiir left the cleric and Seeker to their role of speaking with the Emperor, walking back the way they'd come. He could start anywhere with his chosen task. There were plenty of Hellans, even in this small area, that he could speak with, learn of their plight, and, maybe, try to help if he could.

He spotted a mother and her three children off to one side. She was trying to feed them, but the portions of the bread and fruit that she had to give were infuriatingly small. He decided to start with her.

As he approached, he reached into his pack, pulling out more bread and dried meats. "Here," he said, "take these. It may not be much, but tonight, at least, you and your children will eat a little better." He knelt down next to the woman and her children, extending the food to her with a sincere smile on his face.

[Mizagium]

Marion did eventually tire of hanging around with everyone else and set out to meander through the streets of Helgras. She’d been in cities, before, but not like this. All the cities elsewhere were old, dating back to the time of Megolin and Hyddick, or even older. But that was her job: she was a dungeoneer. Professional ruin explorer and part-time tour guide to young couples who want to have an adventure.

Speaking of…she was trying not to harp on them, but if she was being completely honest, she didn’t trust them on their own. They weren’t complete idiots or anything, but they were a little…naive? Maybe that was it. Telan and Jolie had both come from the same small farming village in western Vaer. Nice in that lovey-dovey kinda way. They wanted an adventure, but not a life of it. A taste. So she’d taken on the beginner package, a tour of a well-mapped tomb of some acient king or another.

Obviously things hadn’t gone according to plan, but at least they were alive.

Vendors hawked good at her, which seemed at odds with the technological advancements happening around them. Motorized vehicles crowded with horse-drawn carriages, although the deeper she tread, the more the ratio skewed in favor of the motorcars.

She lost her way quickly, which was unusual for a beast-person – even a half-beast – and she found herself near the Old Gates some time after Arrick had passed through. The last thing she had expected to see was a heavily-armored Shade warrior loitering about.

Unable to resist, she approached the warrior.

“Long way from Nostia, eh? Or is there a costume contest in town?”

-

[Sariel of Tevet]

Suri snapped to attention, but ended up falling off of her new Orioth mount. She dusted herself off and got back up.

"Sorry for the uh...entertainment. Can I keep him?"

Roluo was making his way off the ship with his undead puppy in tow.

"You sure about that, Suri? Lulifur might get jealous."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eleazar had used up most of the energy in their serpent abomination on the way here, so he haphazardly used the end of his staff to pick apart the usable parts and conjured himself an undead horse. He trotted up to where Dorian and Izaak were having a moment. Eleazar turned himself around on his steed in order to face the two mages, and began to take the tips of his index fingers and smoosh them together repeatedly and making kissy faces at them. He laughed to himself and moved up ahead to meet up with Magnus.

"So, Death Knights, huh? In all my years I never thought I'd see one. What did you do to him anyway?"

[Myrdraxxis]

Magnus strode past Eleazar, inclining his head in greeting to the man as he did so. “For now? His mind is simply dormant. Magis is the only thing keeping him alive and I have simply disrupted the flow until I have time to reapply the illusions on his mind.” He sighed. “Should have just put the damn thing out of its misery.” There was weariness in his voice as he spoke and then shook his head. “Well, I guess I’ll put him in the brig for now. We still have a couple of wayward companions to find by my reckoning.”

“Sir, allow me.” Kasser appeared, having recovered somewhat from his…ordeal. Magnus shrugged and handed the body over. “Lord Sorien will want to speak with you.”

“Ah, I suppose so.” Magnus, freed of his burden, found the young mage hunter across the deck busy barking out orders to the crew. They were getting things underway again, finally. The Sorien scion noticed Magnus approaching and a little bit of the weight seemed to lift off of his shoulders. “Quite the hassle, huh?”

“It’s certainly been something.” Nathaniel agreed, staring out over the crew. Ishabel was still hassling Faust while the rest the bemused retinue looked on.

“I think this is the first time I’ve actually seen you smile, kid.”

“’I’m not smiling.” Nathaniel objected. “Just frowning less.”

“Hah!” Magnus laughed, clapping the young man on the shoulder. “And jokes too! We’ll make a proper Sorien out of you yet.” A question seemed to form in Nathaniel’s eyes but he let it go unasked. Magnus didn’t press the issue. “Well, we still have a couple of crew to find. I sent out feelers but at this range who knows what they would find?”

“More than you were expecting, I’d imagine.” Hecate’s voice made Magnus stumble. He spun around to find a softly glowing orb hovering off of the deck. Magnus and Nathaniel both blinked. “Hope you don’t mind, Magnus. I found one you rlittle scouting spirits and traced it back.”

“Er, not at all, miss Hecate.” Magnus said. Gods, even that small orb was radiating smugness. “I take it you’re close by.”

“Close enough.” Came the response. There was a pause. “We have several prisoners here as well. Apparently Ahriman is more proactive than I thought and sent assassins after us.”

“Across space and time. Well, you Celestials don’t do anything by half that’s for sure.” Magnus mused. “We’ll be ready for them.”

“I’ll let the captain know. We can head to you immediately.” Nathaniel spoke up.

][

The hellan woman stared at the food in Zahiir’s hand then up at the disguised man with naked suspicion written on her face. It was the squirming of the child in her arms that finally prompted her to accept it. “Emperor bless you.” She said quietly. The food was scarcely in her hands before the three kids fell upon it. The woman watched them for a moment, weary smile in place as she looked back at Zahiir. “You don’t seem from these parts stranger. Most city folks here don’t talk with us much. Least not those who dress like you.” She looked him up and down. “What brings you to Helgras?”

The interaction had drawn the gazes of others in the small street. Several other hellans watching from their own stoops. Before Zahiir could answer, another hellan approached. The man was scowling. “Nadrya, you should be careful about talking with humans.” He scowled at Zahiir. “Remember what happened last time.”

][

The shade looked momentarily caught off guard-possibly, it was hard to tell what with the full plate armor, but recovered quickly. He looked from Vynalion to Marion and bowed at the waist. “I am Atrian of House Remwald, Great House Kvoth. Knight Errant of the Umbral Knights.” He rattled off the name with practiced ease. From his place across the way, Arrick snorted quietly. Shades certainly did love their formalities and standing on ceremony. He had yet to meet one that didn’t take inordinate pride in their own name. “To answer your questions,” He started with Marion, “I am from the Darkened Isles my lady. Nostia’s wastes are not as welcoming to my kind as they would appear. I came here to appeal to the Emperor for aid.” He paused. “Again.” Though his helmeted face betrayed nothing, the frustration in the shade’s voice was clear. “I have been rebuffed twice now, despite our land’s dire needs.” He hesitated for a moment, then pressed on. “If I may be so bold, you both look like capable adventurers.” He appraised both Vyn and Marion. “I fear my pleas to Vaer will go unanswered and every day I waste here my people suffer.” He bowed again. “I am desperate now. The Great Houses have fallen, beset by beings I can barely comprehend. These invaders, these Celestials have brought my land under their thumb. Is there any way you can help me get aid to the Darkened Isles?”

[Damien]

Zahiir turned to the hellan man that had come up. "It seems that you've had issues with humans in the past," he said, letting his hellan accent come out full force. He thought for a moment, deciding whether to reveal himself as a hellan to the two. Deciding it would likely ease their minds at least somewhat that they were talking to a fellow hellan, Zahiir waved his hand in front of his face from top to bottom, revealing his true self.

"I assure you, I mean you no harm," he said, leaving the illusion over his face dispelled for a few moments. "As you can see, I am like you. I am with a group of humans that I feel can be trusted, and we're here to petition the Emperor's aid with a...delicate matter, suffice it to say." He reversed the action to replace the veil of illusion disguising him. "Another matter, which I would say is just as delicate, is a cause that I have been championing for a long time: bringing peace between humans and our people's tribes of the desert. I believe so adamantly in this that I was exiled from my tribe for it, but I still believe it to be the best option.

"The group I travel with was attacked by what is turning into a veritable army of hellan rebels beyond the city, and they were being led by someone they call the Red Queen. I admit that I came to you," he said to the woman, "with the ulterior motive of trying to gather information, but I will also admit that I could not stand to watch as you and your children sat eating meager pieces of bread and fruit in pieces so small that it infuriated me.

"All I want is to find a way to stop this rebellion before it becomes a massacre of our people. Vaer has the power to wipe out all the rebels and then some, and that is something I cannot abide, nor can I abide the poverty our people face here in the city," he said turning to the man, irritation and anger lacing his voice. "It is a part of the peace and equality I wish between the humans and our people.

He dug into his pack and produced a coin pouch. "Here. Take these coins. It's all I have, but I want you to use it to buy food, supplies, medicine, anything our people here need. All I ask in return is any information you have that could lead me to something to end this rebellion before they bring the wrath of Vaer upon them and wipe them out." As he spoke, he handed the hellan man the pouch, which contained twenty gold pieces, and watched as both the man's and woman's eyes went wide with shock when they realized how much they had been given. "Please, any information at all would be much appreciated."

-----

Vynalion cast a glance at Arrick. "Celestials, you say?" he said, emphasizing the word to be sure that Arrick heard. "My friend, we are here to petition aid for a similar matter, I believe." He began walking towards Arrick, motioning for Atrian to follow.

"Arrick, this gentleman is Atrian of House Remwald, Great House Kvoth, Knight Errant of the Umrbral Knights, and he is here to petition the Emperor for aid in the Darkened Isles in regards to a matter involving what sounds like Celestial invasion and conquering. I figure, since we are here for similar reasons, maybe we should band together. It certainly wouldn't hurt to have as many allies as we can get when dealing with the Celestial threat, and while I've never personally known a Shade myself, I know...knew a man that learned their magic from them, and I must say that the power they wield is awe-inspiring." He turned to Atrian, "now did I get your situation and your titles right? From what I understand, they are very important in Shade culture, and I don't wish to offend."

[Mizagium]

Marion crossed her arms and made a groaning sound as she cast a pleading look to the heavens. She regretted her life choices, really. The thought hadn't occurred to her until relatively recently. Although she was fairly gung-ho to others, she really really did not want to have to go facing off against damn Celestials.

Celestials! The crazy powerful otherworldy being who featured in so many myths and legends. They were going to face off against that! Of course, they did have Seekers on their side…

Still.

But she'd committed. And, truthfully, she recognized the danger. Many people, if given the opportunity would also recognize the danger, but very few were stupid enough to want to do anything about it. Marion considered herself a fairly intelligent person – or had, anyway. Intelligent people don't pick fights against Celestials. Well, if she was stupid, then so be it!

“Let's just take him with us,” she said, a little snappier than she had intended. “The guards can't very well send him away if he's with us – with you, eh, Arrick?”

[Myrdraxxis]

Before anything else could happen, Zahiir was grabbed roughly by the shoulder and yanked further into the alleyway. “Camlin!” The woman hellan chided as the man-Camlin, roughly shouldered his way around Zahiir so his back was to the alley entrance. Camlin ignored her and glared around suspiciously for a moment. Then he turned his gaze to Zahiir. More specifically, at the gold, then at the other hellan’s face. “Blood and Sands!” He swore, “Are you an idiot?”

“Camlin,” The woman interjected again, stepping away from her curious children and frowning at Camlin. “There’s no need for-“

“Bloody native, coming in here and flashing all that gold about and using magic? You want the whole damn neighborhood to know, Nadrya?” Camlin demanded. Nadrya said nothing in return, but sighed and took the gold from Zahiir.

“Thank you, kinsman.” She said softly, tucking the gold away. “I’ll make sure this is used well.”

Camlin exhaled and scratched his ragged blond hair. “Look, that’s all nice stuff you were spouting there, but in this city? You’re just as likely to get knifed in the back as get help that way.” He explained. “Most folks around here don’t give a damn about the Tribes. More concerned with living day to day. And more concerned with Mage Hunters sweeping the streets in search of rogue mages.” He gave Zahiir a meaningful look. “Just…watch yourself.” The other hellan glanced around again and leaned closer. “I don’t rightly think that Helgras is in any danger, but it’s true that the army has been moving away from Cebrus lately. Word is that there’s some weird shit happening up north. If you’re right then…

“Look, I don’t know what sort of answer you’re expecting but the Vaerian army is the only real power on this continent. For a while now though, they’ve been using mercenary companies to supplement their forces. Spread too thin across the West. Your best bet would be to ask some of those groups. They’re constantly coming and going from Cebrus and will have a better grasp of the situation.”

“Idrian is from the Steel Company isn’t he? He just got back into town two days ago.” Nadrya spoke up. “He’s staying at a hotel a few streets away. He recruits from the lower income areas around here.” She gave Zahiir directions to the inn- The Sand Pit, then departed with her children. Camlin left not long after, with parting words:

“Good luck, outsider. Try not to get killed down there.”

][

“Well that certainly is a mouthful.” Arrick raised an eyebrow as Vynalion introduced the shade, Atrian. Atrian chuckled, a soft sound that seemed to echo within the confines of his armor.

“Quite so. You introduced me well, human. No reason to worry. I am far past the point of social graces anyway.” The shade shrugged, something Arrick would think required a good deal of effort given the heavy plate mail he was wearing. Shades were...weird. He knew a few, a couple were even Seekers, but Arrick still had a hard time figuring them out.

“No kidding.” Arrick muttered, frowning. If the Shade’s story was true, then things were worse than he’d thought. Which meant he really needed to speak to the Emperor. It would spell disaster for Vaer if the Celestials were allowed another foothold in the western continent. He glanced at Marion and Vyn, then nodded. “He can come with us, alright. Darius really needs to hear this.” Atrian breathed a loud sigh of relief.

“My thanks, all of you.”

Arrick decided that being polite was now officially a waste of time and marched up to the guard standing by the chamber door. He drew curious looks from other petitioners but ignored them, instead staring right at the guard. “Need to get through, man.”

“Izzat right?” The man drawled, not moving. “Well pardon me, I wasn’t aware someone so damned important had just wandered up to the palace-“

“Yeah, no, I’m not doing this.” Arrick grabbed the front of guard’s uniform which prompted a surprised grunt, which quickly became a startled yelp as Arrick picked him up with the one hand and lifted the guard to one side.

“You-you can’t-“

Which was when the door opened and an adjutant stepped out. “Arrick Sorien? The Emperor will see you now.” Arrick flashed the guard a grin and walked past before the man could sputter any more. Atrian followed wordlessly. The Imperial Palace had changed many times over the course of its history, and had undergone several redesigns. One of the more recent ones was to make the throne room more accessible from the front gate, where one only had to pass through a small hallway to reach it from the entrance. The Emperor only used it to see petitioners these days, his actual office buried deeper in the massive building behind many more layers of security.

The throne room itself was as grandiose as Arrick remembered it. Tall gilded pillars supported the high arching ceiling and large stain-glass windows lined the walls, each depicting a scene of Vaerian emperors past. At the end of the room was Emperor Dareon II, who watched silently as they approached. The man had certainly changed from the youthful prince Arrick remembered. Ruling suited the man, not that Arrick would ever admit it to him.

“Arrick Sorien.” Dareon said as Arrick dropped to one knee in a respectful bow. Atrian did the same, though he remained kneeled whereas Arrick rose a moment later. “It has been a long time, old friend.” A small smile cracked its way across the man’s stony visage. Arrick grinned.

“You’ve gotten even grayer, Lukas. You’ll be a proper old man before too long.”

“Hah! I do my best every day to make sure that will never come to pass. So tell me, what brings you to Helgras?” Lukas Dareon leaned forward in his throne. “You’ve certainly brought some interesting characters along with you this time.”

“Nothing good, I’m afraid.” Arrick’s tone turned somber. “You’re aware of the Celestial situation in Arcia and Nostia already, but they’ve launched an offensive in the south.”

“Cebrus.” The Emperor sighed. “Always problems with that place.”

“Indeed. The hellan tribes have been uniting under a Red Queen lately, into a unified army.”

“Yes, my spies reported as much.”

“Well, that Queen is a Dark Seeker being guided by a Celestial.” Arrick replied. The room was silent. “Also, she’s been using blood magic to enhance their abilities.”

Dareon hissed out a breath and began rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Of course.” He muttered. “We take our gaze away from the hellans for a mere moment and now this…” Arrick chose not to comment on that. “I have been mobilizing my troops to the north. The situation has only grown worse in Nostia. Tribes of necromancers are launching assaults on our border forts and we’ve had reports of Celestials leading them. A war on two fronts is not what we need.”

“If I may, your Highness,” Atrian took that moment to interject. Dareon eyed him but waved a hand for him to continue. Atrian introduced himself and launched into his plea. “The Darkened Isles are under siege. I cannot say when it first began, but Celestials have seized control of nearly all of the Great Houses. The nobles are under their sway and their knights follow. Only a few of us remain.” Dareon’s eyes widened. “My fellow Knights and I have been fighting constantly for weeks now, to keep the last remaining reaches of our homeland free.”

“How did this happen? The Great Houses are isolationist, but surely we would have been given word before things became this bad?” Dareon asked.

“That I do not know.” Atrian shook his head. “These Celestials…are unlike anything I have ever seen. Mere words seem to twist the mind, and we have been forced to slay our own countrymen to survive.”

“Vaer can’t have the Celestials pressing an attack on three fronts, Lukas.” Arrick said. “Something needs to be done. Are there any forces you can pull away from the northern border?”

“Not nearly enough.” Dareon sighed again, sinking back into his chair. “Our navy usually garrison’s the western coast.” Possibly due to the recent tensions between Vaer and Mykonos, but Arrick doubted that their country would risk hostilities with the recent global threats. “We can’t allow the Isles to fall. The Celestials could strike out at either continent using it as a staging ground.” The emperor mused.

“I have gathered the Seekers already, and if need be can send a team to the Isles I can.” Arrick said.

“I would have you lead that team, if possible, Arrick.” The emperor replied. “I can spare only one ship and its crew, to assist you, but I have faith in you. Would your Seekers be able to aid in holding the border?”

“Yes, for now. I still think we need more troops to the south.” Arrick said. Lukas nodded.

“Aye, I’ll see what can be arranged. For now, I will have the preparations made. I can have a team ready to assist you by tomorrow morning.”

“Thanks, Lukas.” Arrick grinned again, albeit weakly this time.

“Don’t thank me, Arrick.” Lukas Dareon shook his head. “Sending you off on this task brings me no pleasure.”

“Hell, I probably would have found my way into in anyway.”

“True.” Lukas chuckled. “Good luck, Arrick. Good luck to all of you.”

When Arrick and the group left the palace, it was with heavy thoughts, but a clear path. Arrick was wearing a frown the whole time, and didn’t speak until the palace was no longer in sight. “Well, I guess we’ll find the others and get ready. Didn’t expect to be going to the Darkened Isles of all places, but I can work with that. You can get us to your people when we arrive, yes?” He asked Atrian.

“Just so.” Atrian nodded. “The Umbral Knights make our base of operations in one of the outermost islands. Small and out of the way. No one will notice our approach.”

“Good. If I know Lukas Dareon he’ll find us a good support team. Thoughts?” He asked Vyn and Marion.

[Mizagium]

Marion ran a hand through her thick hair. She seized a handful and gave it a prolonged tug. “I may not look like it,” she said to no one in particular. “But I’m a big fan of stealth. Comes with the dungeoneering territory, ya know? Can’t go busting through ruins and ancient traps willy-nilly. It takes finesse.” She tugged her hair some more.

“I mean, what, are we going to fight Celestials with armies? Can we do that? I mean, I get the whole Seeker thing, more or less, but you’re talking about these stupid-strong entities like their an infestation of particularly tenacious weasels. But then, maybe you know better than I.”

Unsure exactly where she was going exactly, she paced. “They can warp minds, so – I mean, if you’re asking me, I don’t think straight up fighting is the way to go.” She relinquished her hair and tapped her lips. “How extensive is their magic? What’s the viability of a stealth operation? Or do Seekers need to go mano-a-mano with the Celestials?”

She found herself unable to meet anyone’s eye. “It just seems to me that running right at them is suicidal.”

-

[Monika]

♫Welcome to the Mega-Mart, Mega-Mart♫
♫If you shop here, you're mega-smart, mega-smart♫
♫All we stock here has mega-heart, mega-heart♫
♫So, welcome to the Mega-Mart!♫

The moment Lenore opened the doors to the store, she was assaulted by a cheery, upbeat tune coming from...somewhere. The first floor looked to go on for miles in any direction, but no matter how far she walked - forward, backward, left, right - the tune never grew any louder, nor any softer. She looked around, attempting to identify the source of the music, but it seemed to come from everywhere at once, relentlessly attacking her from all sides.

"Oh...Oh dear," she muttered. "I'm just going to...not dally too much in here. I'll make this really quick."

Really quick.

She said it to herself repeatedly, a sort of mental reassurance that things would be okay - a mantra to keep her grounded lest she become forever lost in the vast expanse of commerce. Her survey of the area revealed a peculiarity: the ceiling was made entirely of glass, giving her a clear view of the floor above. Did her eyes deceive her, or did the store seem to stretch infinitely upward with no end in sight?

Worriedly, Lenore rushed over to a far wall, upon which was mounted a color coded map of the building. No, mounted wasn't the right word. The map was the wall, occupying an entire section of the building. It was large, to be sure, but it was simple enough to read. The place seemed to be logically parsed by function. Food, toiletries, sports, games, tools, appliances, jewelry. There were myriad sections listed on the map, each given a special, differentiating color.

It looked like a rainbow. And it was just the first floor.

Lenore felt a pit in her stomach. Doubt tugged at the corner of her mind. Would she be able to find what she was looking for?

Welcome to the Mega-Mart. The words echoed in her head, and only then did she realize the kind of situation she had gotten herself into.

She took a deep breath. "Relax, Lenore," she said. "It's just a store. You've just got to find the right section, go there, and buy what you need. Doesn't look like it'll be on this floor, so we'll just go to the next one."

Referring back to the map, she saw a star-shaped symbol. 'You are here', according to the legend. In that case, stairs to the next floor were just a few dozen yards to her left or right. A handful of steps and she'd be a bit closer to completing this part of her journey. Simple enough. She walked the appropriate distance to the left, found the staircase, and ascended to the next floor.

---

A few minutes of climbing later, Lenore found herself on the second floor.

Welcome to the Mega-Mart.

The music hadn't gotten any louder, or any softer.

"All right, then. Floor number two. What have we got here?" Lenore thought aloud, scanning the floor as best she could, hoping to find the section she was looking for. The room seemed to go on for miles in every direction, and she wasn't able to get a sense of the entire place while looking from one spot. For a brief moment she thought to chance a random direction and see where it took her. She could get a much better feel for the store layout if she walked around for a little bit.

So she did.

A couple steps here, a couple steps there. A yard or two in one direction, a few meters in another. Lenore walked and walked and walked, but she never seemed to get anywhere. Or maybe she had already been everywhere and was just retracing her steps. If that had been the case, though, then surely she would have already found what she was looking for. She stopped and looked around again. Her gaze eventually fell upon the far wall.

"A map!" she said. "That's a much better idea than haphazardly walking about. Let's see..."

The map was massive, a behemoth of a diagram detailing the entirety of the floor, but it seemed easy enough to read. The building was laid out logically into different sectors. Food. Toiletries. Sports. Games. Tools. Appliances. Jewelry. The map depicted dozens of these sections, each one given a unique color to distinguish it from the rest.

It looked like a rainbow. And it was just the first floor.

No.

This was the second floor.

Lenore paused. "Hmm...I don't think I'm getting anywhere like this. It would be a lot easier if I had someone to assist in the search. Maybe I could summon Sylphie to help out. It's grunt work for a Wind elemental, but I don't think she'd mind too much." Lenore recalled the pixie's chipper attitude from when Valendis summoned her. Sylphie was good-natured and excited to help. She wouldn't mind at all.

Lenore closed her eyes. She had left her staff...somewhere, but the pixie was a Novice Tier elemental, easy enough to summon without it. The familiar cant rushed to her lips.

"Incola Mundus Spiritus-"

Wait. What am I doing? she thought. This is a Vaerian shopping center. If I start summoning here, who knows how much trouble I could get into?

She shook her head, and the incantation left her mind. With a heavy sigh, she said, "I'll just...I'll just go to the next floor. What I'm looking for doesn't seem to be on this one, anyway..."

Looking back at the map, Lenore found her current location marked by a diamond symbol. 'You are here', the legend read.

She stepped back from the map. Hadn't that been a star-shaped symbol before?

"No, no...That was on the previous floor," she told herself. "But it doesn't matter. The map says the stairs should be behind me on both the left and right. Enough dawdling. Let's go."

---

A few minutes of climbing later, Lenore found herself on the fourth floor.

Welcome to the Mega-Mart.

The music had neither gotten any louder nor any softer.

"So, what do we have on this floor?" Lenore peered around the room for a bit. The place seemed to extend for miles in every direction. There was no way she would be able to get her bearings like this. Perhaps if she walked around a little she'd be able to get a better feel for the layout of the building.

No. That's silly.

What she needed was a better vantage point, somewhere she could see the entire room at once.

"Yes, that would be a much better idea," she said. "It would be grunt work for someone of her caliber, but maybe I should summon Kazetama to help me search the place."

Or Iblis to burn it down.

"I don't...I don't know a summon called 'Iblis'...do I?" Lenore paused to consider where she might have heard the name before. She didn't recall learning about it in her childhood during training. Where, then? A book, perhaps? She had been reading a lot from some of Valendis' old summoning tomes as of late, so she had probably just picked it up there.

"Yes," she assured herself. "Must've just gotten it from one of his books. But it doesn't matter. Kazetama would be a better option. She's a wind elemental, so she can fly and get an aerial view of the floor."

Lenore closed her eyes, and the summoning incantation came to the front of her mind.

"Incola Mundus Spiritus, custodite mandata mea-"

Wait.

"Lenore, what are you doing?" she asked herself. "This is a Vaerian shopping center. Are you asking to be captured? Just think of how much trouble you could get into if someone saw you! They probably already think you're weird for muttering to yourself like a raving lunatic. Maybe I should apologize and assure everyone that I'm not crazy. Yes, I'll do that."

So the summoner cleared her throat and announced, "Everyone, I am sorry for disturbing your shopping experience. I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me."

But no one was there.

"Wha...What's going on?"

Where had everyone gone to?

"They all must be upstairs," she said. "This is only the fifth floor, after all. And it is a big store."

Yes. That must be it. Everyone else must be upstairs.

But had she seen anyone on the previous floors?

Lenore's heartbeat quickened and her breathing grew heavier. "The map...I just need to check the map," she said. "Then I can find the section that has what I'm looking for." She took an audible gulp, slowly mulling over the words she had just said. "What...What am I looking for?" she asked.

Welcome to the Mega-Mart.

"I need to focus. I just need time to focus and think about what I'm doing. But it's so hard. Why won't it stop?" She shoved her fingers into her ears, desperate to drown out the music that hadn't stopped playing since she'd arrived.

But the tune didn't grow any softer or any louder.

"It's not here," she said.

What's not here?

"I have to get to the next floor."

On the far wall, Lenore found a large map that seemed to cover the wall in its entirety.

"It's divided into sections," she noted. "Food, toiletries, sports, games, tools, appliances, jewelry. And each one has its own color, too. There are so many sections and so many colors, it's almost like a rainbow."

Or vomited crayons.

A star-shaped symbol sat in the middle of the map - her current location, according to the legend. From there, she was able to determine where the steps were to reach the next level.

---

A few minutes of climbing later, Lenore found herself on the third floor.

...But had she really found herself?

"Or are your more lost than ever?"

A voice called out to her, teasing and playful. It was the only thing she could hear over the music.

Welcome to the Mega-Mart.

It hadn't gotten any louder or any softer.

"Who...Who said that?! Show yourself!" Lenore demanded. She whipped around, readied the summoning chant, and reached for her staff. But it wasn't there. She had left it...somewhere. She half-expected to find a wall verbally taunting her, enticing her with a map and an assortment of colors. To her surprise, however, she found another girl, one who didn't seem to be that much older than she was. The girl was cute, dressed in a gray blazer and dark blue skirt. A long, light brown ponytail soared through the air as she moved, and it seemed almost as if it might fly away were it not for the white bow keeping it tied to her head.

"Oh." Lenore smiled, and then blushed, embarrassed by how she'd reacted. "It's just Monika."

Just Monika. Nothing to be so hung up about. Why did her presence seem so familiar?

The girl offered her own smile in return. "Just me!" she said. "I'm a clerk here at the store. You looked lost, so I thought I might be able to help you find what you were looking for."

That's right, Lenore thought. I did come here looking for something. What was it?

"Ah, yes, I was looking for-"

"Apparel," Monika finished. "You're not from Vaer, so you wanted a robe to help hide some of your more Arcian features, right?"

"Is...is that what I was searching for?" Lenore looked to Monika for reassurance. The clerk's emerald green eyes met her own and seemed to bore into her very soul. "How could you know?"

Monika nodded. "Of course that's what you were looking for. I know because we've been friends since we were children, silly."

That's right. The two had known each other since childhood. Lenore blushed again. How could she have forgotten so easily?

"Yes, a robe. A robe to hide my Arcian features," Lenore repeated. "Do you know where I could find one?"

The clerk smiled sweetly again and leaned in a little bit closer. "You're already in the apparel section, silly. It's right behind you."

"What?" Lenore turned around to see a circular clothing rack, a single black robe suspended there with a hanger. Monika was standing next to it.

"You're in luck!" she said. "Looks like this is our last one!" Never once breaking eye contact, Monika removed the robe from the rack. Lenore found herself instinctively raising her arms so that the store clerk could place the garment onto her body. "And it's a perfect fit, too. Isn't that great?"

"Yes. Very great," Lenore replied, nodding in agreement as she retrieved a small coin purse from her pocket. "How much do I owe you for this?"

"What? Ahahaha, don't be ridiculous." Monika shook her head emphatically, brushing Lenore's hand aside. "We've been friends since childhood, remember? I'm not going to charge you a thing! Just promise you'll come back and spend more time with me, okay?"

"Will that really be all right?"

"Of course! But if it will make you feel better, I can pretend to ring you up and give you a receipt! That way, it will at least look like you paid for it. There's a cash register on the next floor. Come on!"

Without thinking, Lenore grabbed Monika's hand. Squeezing tightly, she and the young store clerk made their way toward a set of stairs at the front of the room.

---

A few minutes of climbing later, Lenore found herself standing in between Marion and Vynalion, a robe around her shoulders and a staff strapped to her back.

"Welcome to the Mega-Mart," she said to Arrick's question.

But she didn't know why.

[Damien]

Zahiir watched as Camlin and Nadrya left him, saddened by the fact that the Hellans here, his kinsman, seem to have given up hope on being treated as equals and with the respect they deserve. I will right this wrong, he thought. I will see this injustice righted.

He left the alleyway with a heavy heart and walked back to the palace. When he arrived he noticed Arrick, Vynalion, and Marion walking out, and accompanying them was a Shade, of all things.

"Thoughts?" he heard Arrick ask of the group.

Marion spoke up first, saying her piece about the situation.

"I can see where you're coming from, my friend," Vynalion responded, "and I believe the seekers do have the upper hand when dealing with these entities. However, I'm unsure what that would mean for the rest of us. All I can say at this point is that I am willing to go with what Arrick and the other Seekers believe is best. They've dealt with Celestials before, so I will defer to their judgement."

"That's all well and good," said Zahiir, finally arriving and walking up next to Vynalion, "but I also prefer things to be done quickly and quietly. That's what my training has taught me, anyhow." He turned to focus on Arrick. "If I may bring up another matter, I managed to speak with some of the Hellans around the area and learned where we might start our investigation into the Red Queen and the Hellan rebellion.

"I was told that we could likely find information from an 'Idrian' staying at The Sand Pit. He's supposedly part of the Steel Company mercenary group, one of many that's been hired on by Vaer to help increase their military numbers. These mercenary groups have allegedly been into the Desert to deal with the Red Queen's forces from time to time, so if he has no information, he might be able to tell us the name of someone who does. I am certain that, if we free my kinsmen from this evil Celestial's power, they will aid us when we make our push against the main forces of the Celestials."

"That would be very helpful indeed," said Vynalion. "Oh! I'm sorry, we've completely forgotten introductions. Zahiir, this is Atrian, a member of the Umbral Knights of the Darkened Isles. Atrian, this is Zahiir, one of the maharib alssahir, or Death Jesters in the Common tongue. He will also be aiding us against the Celestials."

[Myrdraxxis]

“There is no need.” Was all the warning that Nathaniel and Magnus got. A moment later the deck of the ship was lit up as the orb of magic flared. When the light faded, and Magnus was able to blink the spots out of his vision, he saw several new figures standing on the ship. Hecate stood tall, looking rather proud of herself and the awed stares members of the crew were giving her. Magnus sighed, seeing that the others were with her. Along with the aforementioned prisoners, if the new faces were anything to go by.

“Nathaniel, escort these folks to the brig, would you?” He asked the mage hunter. Nathaniel nodded and drew his pistol, looking a bit pleased to be (somewhat) doing his job.

“This way, you lot.” He put on a well-practiced growl. “Faust, Kasser, with me.” Both Vaerians jumped to it, quickly joining their boss as he marched Alex and her compatriots down below. Magnus watched them go before turning back to Hecate.

“Well now that the matter is settled, I can go ahead and get us moving.”

“Moving where exactly?” Hecate asked, raising an eyebrow. Now it was Magnus’ turn to look smug.

“Well, what with everything going on I didn’t get a chance to mention it, but while everyone was off getting lost-“ he pointedly ignored the glares he started getting, “I did a little investigating. Those fun folks that nearly glassed us in Tintala are part of something known as the Hellfire Clan. Something of a radical terrorist cell operating here in Serioc.” He frowned. “They’re fairly new, or at least I hope they are. I had heard no mention of them when I was here last…although with the war going on it would be easy to keep their activities a secret…” Magnus realized Hecate was staring at him and cleared his throat. “Well, regardless, I managed to track down their base. Not all that hard, considering they have a giant magical cannon.”

“Then we have a destination?” Hecate asked.

“Yep. I’ll go let the captain know. We can link up with the other two ships and head out immediately.”

][

Arrick had to admit, Marion had a point. He was used to punching up against the Celestials, having done so for centuries now. To a normal person, a regular adventurer, facing a Celestial was insane. He’d certainly thought so, all those years ago when Solomon had approached him. Fortunately, Vynalion seemed more amenable to the idea. After listening to Zahiir speak his piece and Lenore mumble something about a mega-mart, he addressed them in turn.

“Marion’s right to have worries.” He admitted. “Celestials are tough customers. All of them. But-“ he held up a hand, “That’s not to say they’re invincible. Some of the big players, like Apophis, Tiamat or Ahriman, we won’t have a chance against without help. Help that commander Andermann assured me we would be getting.” He sure hoped that expeditionary force was successful. “Many other Celestials aren’t nearly as powerful or influential. Each Celestial is their own person with their own powers, right? Now, we definitely won’t just be charging into the Darkened Isles. We’ll be dropping- quietly, to the Umbral Knights base at the edge of the Isles.” He nodded to Atrian, who nodded back in agreement. “From there we gather information on who we’re dealing with. Most Celestials would rather fight proxy battles using their followers. We won’t be fighting against them at first. We can figure out who we’re dealing with. Solomon can identify our opponents and we go from there.”

“Arrick and I are in possession of several Celestial relics that will aid us in fighting my kin.[/b]” Solomon spoke up.

“Right.” Arrick agreed. He looked at them each in turn and then said, “This won’t be easy. In fact, Marion’s right. It’s practically suicidal. But if we don’t, then rest assured we will all die anyway. Along with everyone else on Mundus Magica.” His voice was grim as he spoke, eyes narrowing. “These Celestials want their kingdom back, and they aren’t interested in sharing.”

“Agreed.” Atrian spoke up. “Any attempts to parlay were met with violence or domination. My people are under their thrall or killed for opposition. This is not a fight we can shirk from.”

“Okay. That said,” He turned to Zahiir, “I’ve never heard of the Steel Company before, but if they know what’s going on down south, we’ll look them up once we make it back from the Darkened Isles.”

If they made it back from the Darkened Isles. He left that part unsaid.

“Ok then. I guess since Lenore is back from the uh…Mega-Mart-“ Arrick started to speak again, turning to the Arcian girl, when a loud crash and muffled swearing suddenly came from the alley nearby. Heads turned to watch as a short wiry man wearing a faded trench coat came stumbling out.

“Did you guys just say Mega-Mart?” The man asked in a heavy south-Helgras accent. His bloodshot eyes and several-day old scruff did little to improve Arrick’s first impression as the man walked up to them. He looked from Arrick to Lenore with a squinted expression. “Well, did ya?”

“Er, I guess?” Arrick answered. The man’s suspicious scowl morphed into a victorious grin.

“Haha! I knew it! I’ve got you this time you bastard! Thought you could outsmart ol’ Franky, did ya? Well who’s laughing now?” The man was shouting by the time he finished and Arrick wasn’t sure who exactly he was posing the question to.

“Uh, I’m sorry but who are you?” Arrick asked. The man- Franky, he supposed, turned and squinted at him again. He took a step forward, making Arrick take a step back. The guy smelled like old coffee and trash. The man blinked and then seemed to realize something.

“Oh, right. Uh hang on.” He fished around in his coat pocket for something and pulled out a metal badge, heavily stained, dinged up and-was that a fucking Imperial Seal? “Named Franky Canolli, Imperial Mage Hunter. Now, who wants to tell me where they found this Mega-Mart?”