Knight Of Baron

Knight Of Baron
Date of Scene:	30 October 2012
Location:	Manhattan - Central Park
Synopsis:	A Black Knight of Baron comes to... offer Mercade a job? Another dark knight observes the exchange and encounters some difficulties of his own.
Cast of Characters:	Will Sherman, Riku, Mercade Alexander, Kaydin

---

Kaydin has posed:
It was midafternoon, and the Twilight detective agency would have received a call requesting that one Mercade Alexander was to meet a client in the park. What was perhaps not known was who the client was, for the voice on the phone would say he would approach Mercade. And So Kaydin waited in the shadows for the man to come.

Mercade Alexander has posed:
Mercade smelled a trap.

But the first thing about dealing with a trap is knowing it's there. The client didn't identify themselves. At least they requested a public area. Mercade enters the park, hands in his pockets as he looks around, wondering who the 'client' is... And where they would be coming from.

Kaydin has posed:
"I am impressed. You came despite the circumstances. I thought it screamed trap yet here you are."

Kaydin walks from the shadows, whats left of his helmet on his head, half his face easily seen from the massive breaks in the helmet. The Chain on the pommel of his sword rattles as he approaches, metal armor clanking with each step as he approached the detective, sword is sheathed but hand is resting on the hilt as he watches the man intensely with blue green eyes.

Mercade Alexander has posed:
Huh. Baronese Dark Knight. "You're the guy who stepped out of my shadow the other time." Mercade mentions. "So what's the deal? Are you here to hire me, or something else?" He glances down at the hand on the pommel.

Kaydin has posed:
"I am also the guy who serves the man you shot at repeatedly. He is very unhappy right now." He says as he chuckles. "I dont know if you will take the job, because what I ask will involve you risking your life without any aid from me." He says calmly as he watches the man.

Mercade Alexander has posed:
"Riiiiiiiiiiiiight." Mercade says, sighing. "I'm not sure if you're trying to get me to believe you or not. Conflicting signals much? Still, I'll hear you out." Mercade gestures to Kaydin. "Go ahead, lay it on me."

Kaydin has posed:
"Once Baron was a fair and just kingdom. We wished to gain power only to protect our borders. Recent years however, our king has become...Darker. He wished to conquer nations for the special elemental crystals of power, under the belief with these crystals we would be ultimately able to resist any evil. While I am loyal to my home and am trained to use the darkness, I do not approve of the killing of innocents for power. And this was before the merging. I want to know what happened, what caused the king to change. To question him directly or those close to him is construed as treason and is against the oath I have taken as a dark knight." Kaydin says and gestures to Mercade.

"You however, are a stranger. True you are a threat but I believe you only attackd our forces because the heartless was attacking the innocent." He says calmly.

Mercade Alexander has posed:
Mercade listens to the story, and nods. "This lines up with a lot of things I've been hearing. A lot of disturbing rumors are coming out of Baron, and it's becoming a problem."

He sighs, leaning against a lamp post. "I'm looking into Baron right now when I can as it is. The threats from your... master... has caused significant worry from the people of Manhattan. We're not going to stand for the threats of your army. That's why we were there on Dias Plains. Not just to stop the Heartless, but to see what your forces were like. We're not going to let you guys conquer us or anyone else."

Kaydin has posed:
"I see. I want to know what happened to our nation, and with my position and the oath I swore, I cannot investigate without breaking the oath I swore." Kaydin says calmly as he looks away, looking about. "How many of your allies do you have surrounding us? I am willing to wager that you are not alone." He says calmly.

Mercade Alexander has posed:
"Enough to have made it inconvenient for you if you tried to kill me." Mercade replies. "I didn't survive this long by being an idiot." He pauses, possibly thinking back. "... Mostly." Stop laughing, Will. "Anyway. I understand your position. I'm already doing that anyway so I really have nothing to lose by accepting your request. Do you have any information that might come in handy?"

Kaydin has posed:
"Cecil Harvey was a Dark Knight who questioned the king and refused to kill the summoners and was branded a traitor. The king had brought him from the middle of the wilds as a babe and saw to it that he was trained and raised properly. I find it odd that the king would casually banish this man after so much effort to keep him alive and trained." Kaydin says as he takes his helmet off revealing his 17 year old face. "I think finding him may answer a few things. Thing is We lost track of him before the merger came. For all we know he could have been consumed by these heartless." He says softly as he would look back around. "I have no intention to try and kill you unless you attacked me first." He says calmly. "You however, I am not sure of your intentions. So forgive me if I seem aggressive."

Mercade Alexander has posed:
"You guys have a reputation." Mercade says. "The Black Knights are said to be heartless killers and monsters. It's good to see that's an exaggeration." He shrugs. "That is a useful tip though. Cecil Harvey, you say... I'll keep an eye out for him. As for me..."

Mercade shrugs again. Maybe Will's getting to him. "All I want to do is protect people and keep this world safe."

Kaydin has posed:
"I cant speak for my fellows, but I became a dark knight because I grew up weak and powerless. I sought to gain power to keep those who were like me safe. Even if that power is darkness and hate, I intend to use it to protect that which I hold dear." He says calmly before Kaydin looks about him once more. "This all started when the king began to entrust a man named Golbez. Golbez is the one who seems to be doing the commanding. He is also the one who the sorcerors you saw on the plains answer to, the one who attacked your homeless friend, the one with a red cloak, the woman who attacked the gargoyle, all answer to Golbez."

Will Sherman has posed:
Mercade is a big boy, Will does not travel with him everywhere, but Mercade knows that Will left the TDA once he got better.

To say that Will was weakened was an understatement...the Fiend took him down a few pegs. Will wasn't daunted...he knew what it was...to an extent. It was powerful, possibly way more than himself, and he had to do what was necissary to stop it. Will needed time to heal, and he took it, but once he was restored, he was gone to reflect on some things.

Central Park was one of those places, plenty to eat (If you knew how to ask), plenty to see (Muggings), to do (stopping muggings) and people to meet (punching muggers).

However, from a nearby bush, from where Kaydin made his subtle presence (RE: screaming darkness) known, and his intentions known. Will poked his head out of the Bush he was trying to catch a nap in, and stares at the Knight.

"Listen to what you are saying man? Darkness and hate to protect people? You can't use those things to protect people...you use those things to hurt people."

Kaydin has posed:
"All forms of power corrupts. Darkness is no different. As long as one doesnt lose themselves to the darkness, it can be used. Several Dark knights have sacrificed themselves for the greater good despite wielding incredibly dark powers. A fire can kill and it can keep one warm." Kaydin says calmly as he waits now.

Mercade Alexander has posed:
Mercade frowns. "Maybe."

He looks around at the park. "It's all about what you do with it. But I'll pass on drinking from the fire hose, thanks." He gresutrs to the knight. "So, anything else yuou need?" He asks.

Riku has posed:
Central park is a great place to be because the leaves haven't finished changing and falling away. So-- pleasant scenery, calm surroundings and in places you can sit in the trees and NOT be seen from the air.

Dee could complain all he wanted. Riku needed a few minutes to himself to pore over his notes and think. All he's ended up doing was spent an uncomfortable hour up in this tree staring at the picture of him, Sora and Kairi. He's far enough away that the conversation is somewhat inconsequential to him as other people doing other things, it's only when he starts paying attention that he realizes he can distuinguish familiarity in some of the words and phrases.

Riku does not expect the TDA, but much like the spanish inquisition, they are not something to be expected. "Oh no." he closes his eyes tightly, but if he wills himself away Dee WILL notice and come after him again. Maybe if he is very still, they won't see here up here. Somehow, he isn't very hopeful.

Will Sherman has posed:
"...Fire can be controled, but it always yerns for more. The stronger the fire, the stronger it's power and the stronger it's desire for more...and to burn recklessly." Will says, narrowing his eyes.

"Humans are creatures of passion, they always have been and always will be...but passion works both ways, and any power that is based on feelings...is dangerous." Will says finally, and then shrugs.

"It is not the power your weild that is the problem...it is your desire to use them, without thinking of the consiquences."

Riku has posed:
Riku hears something moving around in the trees just before it impacts. He was sitting precariously, one leg drawn up and one stretched out as he leaned against the tree.

The journal was sitting in his lap. This is a precarious position for reflexes. He's still deciding what to do about it, flee or attack when Deidra's clawed foot lands on him and on the open journal in his lap and knocks Riku over the side, flailing and grabbing for balance.

He descends quickly several levels, journal falling out of his hands to land with a thump somewhere nearby. The teenager just barely prevents himself from breaking his wrists or legs on the way down with a few last minute grabs, but striking the ground still knocks the wind out of him. There was also a sound. The tearing of paper.

Mercade Alexander has posed:
The Black Knight is dealt with. Mercade turns towards his associate,s preparing to say something to them, when...

Deidra lands right on Riku. He stares for a moment, and charges forward to try to catch the teen as he falls, but he is too late. Riku hits the ground, and Mercade winces at the sound. "DAMMIT DEIDRA!" He calls up into the tree. "WATCH WHERE YOU'RE LANDING!" He kneels next to Riku, picking up the journal and handing it back to him. "Hey Riku, are you okay?"

Will Sherman has posed:
Will looks over at Riku as he falls out of the trees...

"Is that Dee up there? Heck of a place to land.." he considers, and then back towards Riku.

"You okay? Seriously man, Trees seem to hate you."

Kaydin has posed:
"My desire is to protect and use it." Kaydin says as he approaches the group with the creature, looking to Deidra with little reaction before looking to Riku with a nod. "Figure the puzzle out?" He asks curiously, watching him calmly.

Riku has posed:
RIku looks dazed for a few moments, still wheezing for breath as heshrugs Mercade off wordlessly, grabbing the journal out of his hands with a look of poorly concealed panic. He struggles to his kness, flipping it open to the first couple of pages.

The picture is partially ruined and a little worse for wear, as are some of the other pages. Having an entire gargoyle land on it probably wouldn't have been a problem straight on, but at an angle, and with Riku falling out of the tree with it still in one hand-- well. Lateral stress and claws don't work well together.

Will Sherman will probably not be the only one to feel the sudden spike in energy levels as Riku looks down silently at the picture. He closes the journal, slowly pushing himself to his feet. "It's okay Mercade." he says softly. "We didn't see eachother until the last moment." he shakes his head slowly as if to clear it. "Not yet Kaydin.. I'm still working on it. Soon though. I think.. soon."

Mercade Alexander has posed:
Mercade Alexander pointedly did not look at the journal, so he's not sure what was supposed to be in it anyway. "All right, well... If everything's okay..." He pauses, looking at Riku carefully. "You sure you didn't break anything? No concussions? You don't seem to have any broken bones... You're a tough kid."

Kaydin has posed:
Kaydin approaches and looks to the Gargoyle. "Intriguing. Monsters normally dont have much intelligence and those that do are aggressive and hateful of humans. Lately however I have found monsters which act more like people." He says calmly before turning to Riku. "If you need anything from me, just ask." He says to the teen.

Riku has posed:
Riku puts the journal away in his pocket. He closes one fist very slowly and opens it very slowly, all the tension seeming to run out of him. "Yeah. I was lucky." he looks at Kaydin, but barely acknowledges him. He doesn't look at Deidra right now. He stares down at his feet for awhile until he's sure the anger has been contained. It beats against the walls, but didn't escape during that moment of surprise and so has lost the chance. "Sorry about well-- dropping into your conversation." he doesn't smile, but this would be the place where he would.

Mercade Alexander has posed:
"It's all right, man. Central Park's our portal location, so we're always bound to have people coming in and out." He pauses, and sighs, scratching the back of his head. "God, I'm talking about this stuff now like it's always been like this. That's messed up." He glances over to Kaydin then, arching an eyebrow. "You know him?" He asks simply.

Kaydin has posed:
"We met once in Traverse town. I was exploring the area." Kaydin says to Mercade. "I offered to spar with him, give him something to practice his sword skills on." Kaydin says calmly as he would look to Mercade. "On my world magic and such were normal. The only thing which surprises me is how technologically superior worlds are compared to Baron."

Riku has posed:
"I could use that right now, actually." Riku grumbles under his breath, then shakes his head to clear it. "It is a little strange, isn't it? How we can get used to some things but not others." he walks over to lean against a tree nearby with a sigh. "Are you... okay Deidra?" he almost chokes on the words but gets them out while mostly keeping a calm voice. "It sounded like you took quite a spill."

Mercade Alexander has posed:
Mercade looks back to Riku, tilting his head slightly, he frowns slightly, but doesn't say anything. He addresses Kaydin, while watching Riku. "Really, Kaydin... Well, I've always found areas like Baron pretty amazing myself. It's interesting to see how fascinating we can find things that are unfamiliar to us. Like the big yellow super chicken-ostriches. Those things, man..."

Kaydin has posed:
"Chocobos. I believe there is some places that are willing to sell you one to raise for yourself, and keep so you may have a mount in areas where transportation is difficult." Kaydin says as he would look to Riku. "Well as I said, if you seek me out I will help you Riku. IF you both will excuse me now, I believe I stayed far enough away, I need to report back to Baron. I hope the next time we meet, it wont be fighting against each other." He says before leaving.

Riku has posed:
Riku starts to correct 'Chocobos' but Kaydin already gets there first. He stares at the dark knight's back until they have vanished from sight, then glances back to Mercade. "Talked to Reize and Avira and I have to ask you this question." he pauses, then continues. "A.. giant.. chicken robot?"

Mercade Alexander has posed:
"Chocobos." Mercade pauses.

"Chocobos?" He thinks some more.

"Chocobos." Mercade nods to himself, crossing his arms definitively. He seems absorbed into this thing. The question comes from Riku, and he sort of twitches slightly. "Yeeeeeeeees. The giant chicken robot. Cluck that thing, man."

Riku has posed:
Riku is now the one staring at Mercade as if he has slipped a cog. "I see. So-- I'm guessing mass hysteria is out? I'd say concussion but I think Reize hoarded all of that to himself." he hears a fluttering of wings and an annoyed squawk from not too far away. A minute or two later Riku glances sidelong up and to the left and sighs again. "Hello Dee." the raven squawks at him but the teenager just stares straight ahead as if not listening in the slightest.

Mercade Alexander has posed:
"Oh no, it was real. Half chickem, half car, all mean. I have no idea what demented mind thought of that." Mercade folds his arms. "It was collecting... something... from a heart in the depths of Halloween Town. That's what was missing on that keychain, by the way.

Riku has posed:
Riku shakes his head. "Right." he snorts again, crossing his arms as he looks down at the ground. "A giant.. chickencar." he says that in the same way that Mercade just said 'chocobos'. Dee flutters down to a lower branch, rumbling that frustrated avian lawnmower noise at Riku. "Did you ever find that lady from the pictures? The one from the coliseum?"

Mercade Alexander has posed:
Riku's question causes Mercade to perk up. "As a matter of fact, I did. Sort of." He explains, gesticulating. "She's named Jasmine. Apparently, she's been hanging around Balamb Garden lately. I'm going to go there soon to check up on it. If she's been there, someone's bound to have looked for her."

Riku has posed:
Riku nods, uncrossing his arms and thumping a fist lightly into the tree behind him. "Good. That's some progress then. More than I've been getting. Still turning down blind alleys with the keyblade stff. I think Will's right. If there is only one of them, then I'm probably chasing some seriously half baked theories."

Thump. He doesn't seem to be aware that he's doing it a little harder each time. "Oh-- right." he looks to Deidra. "He's a---" he smiles faintly. "Reize Seatlan. The mighty desert adventurer and leader of the Shard Seekers. He's an adventurer who pretty much leaps without bothering to look most of the time. He's--" Thump. Riku gives a short grin. "He's painfully aware now how much someone with a box of itching powder can inconvinience him when he's wrapped up like a mummy."

Mercade Alexander has posed:
"There's only one way to find out." Mercade taps the side of his eyes. "We just keep looking. We'll find evidence that points one way orthe other eventually." He listensto Riku's explanation of Reize, and laughs. "That's Reize, all right. As far as Balamb Garden... Check the files, Deidra, when you get back."

Riku has posed:
"Yes. He's-- trouble bait for sure." Thwack. Diablo squawks at Riku again. THWACK. Riku snaps. "Alright already. Just-- give me a minute." Riku rubs his hand, which has started to bruise a little from striking the tree. He nods at Mercade.

"I know you will. You'll-- you'll figure something out." he smiles thinly, the expression ticking as Diablo makes his way down to Riku and huddles down on his shoulder with another soft caw.

"I've got to get going. I..I promised Reize I'd help him and the others get some munny together for their group. Not doing any of that standing here." he smiles very dryly at Deidra, the expression only ticking very slightly as he inclines his head towards her. "Deidra."

Mercade Alexander has posed:
Mercade waves. "Sup Dee!" He laughs. "See you later, Riku. Good luck on the fundraising, all right?" He blinks at Riku's expression again, but says nothing, as he makes his farewells. "Let's go, Deidra. We've got to get back to the Agency."

Riku has posed:
"Yeah. Goodbye Mercade." Riku says it quieter than he intends, waving as he turns away. He pauses for a moment, starting to look back which results in Dee trying to take a nip out of his ear and squawking again. Riku mutters something under his breath, shaking his head as he walks away.