Chaos broke out in the church of Lady Lake, with Hellions and Malevolence surging up after the Princess Knight of Lady Lake, Alisha, gave a speech about the significance of the festival. Brown and Pink eyes watched on, holding onto her Umbrella in case any thing tried to make a move on her. However, before much more intensity could happen in the church, a bright light shone from the sword in the stone, as a young man with brown hair and green eyes removed said sword. The Shepherd's Sword?! So... He's the new Shepherd?

In a flash the Shepherd went to work on the Hellions and soon enough through the power of purification, he vanquished the Malevolence. There was a lighter air around the entire church, and a few children were smiling now. In a flash however, the new Shepard collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily. Before she could move to try and protect the new Shepard, Alisha was already there, picking up the man up and yelling instructions to the other Knights in the Church. Her old job as a bodyguard for one of the wealthier, and shadier, citizens of Lady Lake made her reflexes a lot faster than the average humans, but even she couldn't keep up with the Princess Knight and her speed. She would have to bide her time before she could show herself to the Shepherd.

Soon enough the knights had moved everyone out of the church, causing her to wander around town for a bit. A few slight-of-hand tricks, and a soft-serve ice-cream cone later, the Pink and Brown eyed woman made her way to her nearby hide out. She had a genuine smile on her face as she devoured her ice-cream cone. Ice cream was always her favorite, unfortunately she could hardly find her favorite flavor. Neapolitan. The main reason why it was her favorite? She was named after it. Neopolitan, or Neo for short, from her unusual appearance. The left side of her hair was brown, and the right side was pink, her left eye was pink, and her right was brown. Toss in her skin tone and it's nearly identical to the ice cream.

Neo would just relax until the Shepherd would awaken. From the experience she's had with her previous shady employer, Roman Torchwick, she got used to the aura of Malevolence, enough to the point that she could feel the whole town, especially the underground waterways, was full of Malevolence, and hopefully the Shepherd would be able to help. Not to mention that if Neo could get the Shepherd to allow her to help him, she would feel a lot better about her previous immoral activities. Neo didn't really like working for Roman, especially with all the illicit activities he goes through, but it gave her enough money to live comfortably.

Neo shook her head from the thoughts of her past. Once she gets the Shepherd to listen to her, she can leave her past behind her. Maybe... Maybe even find a way to make it up to her old seraph friend, Coco. With a smile and a final bite of her ice-cream, Neo closed her eyes and waited for the Shepherd to awaken.

It took three days before the Shepherd awoke from his slumber, but fortunately for Neo, she was quite patient. As she was wandering the streets, she saw a flash of white in the corner of her eyes. With a glance, to the right, she saw him. The Shepherd was walking away from the inn. Now was her chance! As she approached him from the side, Neo heard him talking.

"So Mikleo, where do you think Liliah is taking us?" What? Is he talking to himself? Shortly after, he spoke again. "I dunno either. I mean, we haven't been in Lady Lake long. I don't believe we are going towards the wealthy district, that was near the church right?" Again, after a few seconds, the Shepherd began talking again. "I thought so. Towards the waterfall maybe? Wait, what do you mean someone could hear me?" The Shepherd looked confused for a moment before turning his head towards Neo, who was walking closer to him.

"Oh! Hello there, I'm Sorey. Is there anything I can help you with?" For a moment, Neo was very confused as to why the Shepherd, Sorey he said his name was, was talking to himself, but quickly got into focus and started signing to him. Sorey tilted his head for a second and frowned softly.

"I'm sorry, but I don't understand. Can you not speak?" Neo shook her head. "Oh! I'm terribly sorry, that must have been very rude of me!" Neo's eyes widened and tried to calm down Sorey. "Um… let's see… are you lost?" A shake of her head. "So you were looking for me?" She noticed Sorey's hand move to his holstered sword. Neo gulped, knowing she had to proceed carefully. She gave Sorey a nod.

"I see. What did you want?" Neo noticed his voice get a little colder. I can understand his defensiveness. I mean, he is THE Shepherd. Some people may have already tried to assault him. Neo had thought about the potential error of him not knowing sign-language, but didn't blame him the in the slightest. Not that many people in Lady Lake bothered with making time for learning new languages. She pulled out a piece of paper that she had written on earlier, and handed it to him.

Hello Shepherd!

It is an honor to be in your presence. Would it be possible for me to accompany you on your journey? I am a very capable bodyguard, and have fought your enemies, the Hellions before! I could be a very valuable asset on your quest. I won't require payment of any kind! What do you say?

-Neo

Once Sorey was finished reading the paper, he glanced behind him slightly before turning to Neo. "I'm not sure. I'd have to check with my other companions. Would you mind waiting at the Inn?" Neo smiled and nodded. "Great! I'll be back soon okay?" And with that he hurried off towards the direction of the Aqueduct. With hope in her heart, she made her way to the inn.

Please say I can join!