In the shadows of the night/When you face the darkness/Call the power of the light/Let your heart be fearless
Never give it up never give it up, if you're strong enough, get the power!
Huntik, keep the faith and you'll survive/Huntik, is the seeker you're inside
Shout it out and make it loud, Everybody huntik go!
There's a secret lost in time/There's an ancient story/One for all and all for one/Fighting for the glory
Never give it up never give it up, if you're strong enough, get the power!
Huntik, keep the faith and you'll survive/Huntik, is the seeker you're inside
Shout it out and make it loud, Everybody huntik go!
Ohh Yeahhhh... Everybody
Huntik!
On their way back to Venice, Lok and Sophie have spent their time together, bonds growing stronger even as events move apace. In the United States, Dante and Grier have struck a bargain with permission, allowing Klaus to work under the Organization under parole, with him saying goodbye to Zhalia. At the same time, work has proceeded with Medusa - evidence of Blood Spiral tampering is still uncertain, but a new problem has arisen; an incoming encounter with the Legendary Titan of Fate, Arc.
"Resolve"
Episode 83
New York, USA
Hours ago
"I wish I didn't have to leave, Harrison."
"You'll be fine without me, Den, but I know the feeling."
They could hear all that, but she and Dante had turned away from the brotherly goodbyes; Zhalia looked at Dante, feeling mixed. Of course she approved of Den's semi-breakthrough with Medusa, and glad he's around his brother like old times, but having a vision of Arc, the last Titan on Earth or Huntik that she wanted to see again... that had definitely soured things.
And she knows that's not just her opinion either: Dante looked at her with similar flickers in his expression, trying not to go back to a worse mood- but no matter what, he'd keep moving onward a bit at a time.
And she'd do the same.
"So you know the plan?" Dante asked, trying to be light.
Zhalia made a sound, nodding. "Yeah" she answered, arms somewhat crossed. "Me, Cherit, and Den fly back to Venice, sleeping part of the way back, and meet up with Lok and Sophie. We'll immediately talk a little about any official missions we might take regarding Arc... then those two will sleep, while we stay up and try to get back into rhythm in Venice."
Dante's lip curved a bit, which was a good sign.
"And then... well, we'll probably go to Arc's safehouse and see what happens" she finished, fainter. "We'll look out for more Blood Spiral influences, but whether there are any or not, I can't say I'm looking forward to this."
He stepped forward in an instant, drawing her into a hug- even with the knowledge that Den and Harrison might be watching, she didn't mind. Zhalia eased against his body, resting her head on his shoulder... his grip was stronger than normal, belaying what he felt inside.
"Nor am I, Zhalia" Dante whispered to her, slowly pulling back. "If it were me, nothing short of an emergency would get me anywhere near Arc again. And perhaps not even then."
She slowly reached out, hesitated slightly, then touched his cheek briefly before resting her hand on his shoulder. "You'd still do your best" Zhalia assured, that getting a small smile from him. "And Dante, even though I'm not looking forward to this... it will go differently this time."
Dante glanced over at Den, then back at her. "I know, Zhalia" he breathed, before slowly leaning forward - despite some heat in her cheeks, she returned the favor. Afterward, they were more-or-less back to normal, she in particular shouldering her pack (which contained Cherit-in-hiding) while he adjusted his coat- it also seemed Den and Harrison were done with their bro-hug.
"Next time for sure, I'll test myself against Hermos, Den" Harrison promised-
-Den chuckled. "I look forward to it, Harrison. Take care."
"Take care."
Zhalia stepped forward. "I assume you're ready then" she snarked easily, even as Den nodded - "Now, we should get up before we make the pilot wait any longer... or our 'luggage' for that matter."
Her pack moved in response, to her little smirk.
There were goodbyes and waves of course, and Dante even winked at her, which Zhalia playfully rolled her eyes to- honestly. A minute later, the door was closed behind them, and they found their seats during the pre-flight checkup... Cherit flew out with a sigh, stretching his wings and whatnot.
"Finally, I can show myself again" he said.
"Sorry that you couldn't, Cherit" Den said, sympathetic. "And sorry that we probably won't be up much, since we gotta sleep. But I've got my music player here somewhere, so you can at least listen to some tunes and pass the time."
"I think I'd like that, Den."
Den continued to dig around, until a thought struck him. "Wait a minute. Hey, Zhalia?"
"Hmm?" she quirked.
"Before at the airport, I heard you say you sent something like 'I already sent it'" Den remembered, Cherit on his shoulder now. "What was that about?"
"Aye, I'm curious too" Cherit added. "Could you tell us?"
Zhalia chuckled a little. "I could, and I will" she snarked, before easing a bit. "I mailed one of my Titans to your brother, Den, one that I don't need anymore."
Considerable surprise from both her audience members: "Which one is that, Zhalia?" Cherit asked, before Den could open his mouth.
"The one I received during my extended time infiltrating our current enemy."
Den's brow furrowed a bit as he digested that. "...ookay, I get who you mean, but you didn't have to make it into a slight riddle, Zhalia" he said, eyebrow raised, but still otherwise surprised. "So you gave Harlekin to Harrison? I didn't expect that."
"Nor did I, Den."
Well, she'd certainly thought about it recently, given that she's been changing herself yet again - and for her part, Zhalia simply didn't want to associate herself with this Titan anymore. Harlekin was fine enough on his own, and the darker aspect itself wasn't that big of a deal, but in a way, he represented her link to her infiltration of the Blood Spirals... and her guilt for what she'd gone through before.
Now she's leaving that behind as well, at least within reason.
Casterwill Townhouse
Venice, Italy
Nearly midnight
"Think they'll get back soon?"
Beside him, Sophie leaned against the wall, both of them resting after a sparring session. "It depends upon the weather, but most likely" she confirmed, which made him smile a bit. "I for one can't wait, because it seemed they had a fair bit to talk to us about."
Lok knew that might merely be about Medusa, but he's still prepared in case it's more serious than just her.
"Well, hopefully it's soon" he breathed, bending and stretching his legs, which were still feeling the effects of his personal training.
Honestly, if you were to look at the long-term, his stunt in Huntik - nuking a Nullifier with the power of two Powerbonded Legendary Titans, after a battle's worth of energy usage - had really taken it out of him. He'd been weak for weeks afterward, much of which he'd recovered back home being around his family, but every now and then his body seemed to 'remember' that, briefly giving out on him. Sophie worried for him, and had hesitantly wondered if like with Nexual, the energy had drained into his life-force once the energy reserves were gone... Lok hated to admit it, but it's probably true. He just hoped it wasn't too much or anything, because he still wanted to live a long-ish life, preferably with Sophie and everything- though, it still dwelled upon his mind that Sophie had used Soulburn twice, so s's probably in the same boat...
He shook his head hard; he can't get caught up in this, especially since for the most part the end should still be far, far away.
"You okay, Lok?"
"Yeah" Lok breathed, looking at Sophie, who's hand was on his shoulder. "I'm okay; just lost in thought."
She went 'Mmh', before stepping closer, tracing a finger across his cheek - getting where this was going (and liking it), Lok leaned into the kiss. "I think I just noticed something" he breathed, when they pulled back - Sophie tilted her head. "When you plan something, even in the moment, you're like yourself... but when surprised, good or bad, that's when you tend to be embarrassed and/or shocked."
"It took you that long to figure it out?"
"Hehe no, I think I had it figured out way before, and it's more like I couldn't put it into words until now. But I like that quirk, Sophie."
A little playful smirk before Sophie kissed him again, which he enjoyed; Lok pulled her closer for a bit.
Luckily though, they were relatively apart by the time they were next 'interrupted'-
"My Lady" Santiago called, halfway down the stairs. "Den, Zhalia, and Cherit have returned."
-and they weren't particularly surprised about said interruption. "Come on, Lok" Sophie offered, verbally and with her actual hand, which he took. "If we're gonna hear anything before we sleep, it's gonna have to be now."
"I know, I know" Lok breathed; gonna have to finish this session tomorrow, probably.
After all, he still has to figure out the nuances of Forcefuse, among other things. Adding the energy of a Legendary Titan to another as he'd done was great, but they're still trying to figure out the exact energy usage...
Did it instantly return the Titan 'added' without energy loss, or does it counted as being invoked?
A bunch of things Sophie is equally interested to find out, though admittedly progress is slow since it always takes a lot out of him...
...
Slightly later
Den struggled to contain a yawn; he still hadn't fully woken up and his head's fuzzy because he'd slept off-hours, but he's getting there - it helped that Zhalia had similar 'issues', but he almost envied Cherit not requiring sleep. Den then sipped a bit of coffee, which helped but he can't say he's fond of the beverage... but whatever works if it helps.
"Well, you guys look dead-eyed."
Zhalia barely reacted. "We slept a few hours on the flight" she answered, almost offhanded as she sipped her coffee. "So forgive us if we're not exactly awake here, Sophie."
Cherit settled on a chair's armrest, folding his wings. "At least you two got to sleep through things; I had to entertain myself the entire way" he added, though with some amusement. "It wasn't exactly boring, but it was strained."
"Either way, we don't have much time" Lok breathed as he looked at Sophie, who shrugged as she they sat down, near each other but not too close. "You said there was something to talk about, Den?"
Den took in a breath, the fresh oxygen stimulating him more. "There's actually two parts" he said, rubbing at his temple. "The first is that with some help from Harrison and Cherit, I've managed a breakthrough with Medusa. She's still semi-wild, willful, stubborn, but actually sorta-listens to me on occasion now."
Because he was looking down at that moment, he didn't see Lok and Sophie look at each other: a mix of smiles and pride. "I knew you could do it, Den" Lok said, even as Sophie crossed her arms in approval, smirking a bit. "After all, you handled yourself against Hermos; Medusa had to cave sooner or later."
Den privately thought he'd be lucky if it's that easy, but let Lok praise him; with his next news, they needed such a moment.
He glanced at Zhalia and Cherit - she shifted, knowing what's next, and Cherit soon sat up from where he'd settled, also ready.
Sophie's statement echoed his first thought, somewhat: "She hasn't exactly caved in by Den's description, but clearly he hasn't stopped trying" she said mildly, to a sound from Lok- meanwhile, she looked over. "What about you, Zhalia? How was-?"
"I'll tell you" Zhalia answered, letting out a breath. "But tomorrow, when we actually have time and we're all awake."
"I tend to agree with that" Cherit said, a little concerned. "She wouldn't tell us the details just yet, and I imagine when she does, it'll only be once."
They all exchanged looks, knowing, concerned and sympathetic - they knew Zhalia cared for Klaus, but it hadn't been easy for her to visit him. Den identified with that very well, as with his brother back now, he was reluctant to think back to Harrison's stint with the Blood Spirals now that it's over.
It's not an exact similarity, but he still felt for her.
"Alright" Sophie conceded, before looking at him. "So what's this second thing, Den?"
Den sighed, remembering Zhalia, Dante, and Cherit's reactions of worry. "During my breakthrough I got a few visions, like sometimes happens with Titans" he said quickly, to get it over with. "Most were blurry but a few were clear... and one involved The Legendary Titan of Fate, Arc."
The reaction was about as expected: Sophie's breath hitched as she did an instinctive motion, hands touching the sides of her head, distressed. Lok mostly just tensed, but his closed eyes and clenched teeth definitely spoke of trouble- clearly it's something he'd rather forget. Across from him, Zhalia also had her eyes closed, brow furrowed and lips pursued - Den still didn't know the specifics, but he suspected he'd find out soon. Cherit kept twiddling with his claws, not exactly troubled like the others, but clearly he wasn't looking forward to another experience either.
"I know I'm out of it" Den added, with some dislike. "I've heard the basic details about this Titan, but what don't I know?"
"...a lot, Den" Sophie breathed; it worried him that her voice quavered, though briefly.
Quietly, Zhalia stood up and went over to the monitor, turning it on - within moments, Dante's image showed up. While they reacted to this, neither Zhalia nor Dante showed any such surprise, simply looking at each other for a moment - "If we're going to tackle the issue of Arc, it could become a mission" Zhalia merely said to them. "And for that, Dante would need to give permission."
"And if I might impose, I'd rather hear this process" Dante spoke, a bit heavy. "I also have experience with Arc."
No one spoke for a bit, even as Zhalia returned to her seat.
Lok finally shifted. "Arc is-" he started, before grunting. "Arc is a dangerous Legendary Titan, Den, just like Araknos. Only instead of trying to control us, she torments people with visions designed to break them."
Den wanted to say it can't be that bad, but immediately knew it's better left unsaid- not just tempting fate, but obviously untrue by their reactions alone.
"Like how?" he asked, feeling his fingers tighten around his mug's handle.
In progression:
"I saw myself as a Blood Spiral soldier, back to my old ways and powerless to escape it" Zhalia breathed, gaze somewhere beyond them - "I saw myself as leader of my family, helpless to save them all, and with all this power that I had no idea what to do with" Sophie said, but her voice no longer trembled; instead she had a burning hate - "I saw my death, and everyone mourning me" Dante eventually answered, eyes closed, unnaturally quiet again.
"And these visions all came true, in a certain way" Lok breathed. "Just not the way we expected."
Den felt a small chill go down his back, that what they described was that accurate: Zhalia had become a Blood Spiral soldier, if infiltrated and not gone back to her 'old ways'; Sophie had become leader of her family, but managed to more-or-less make things work by the end; Dante did die... and came back with a lot of help, yet still. It didn't escape him that these events weren't fully set-in-stone, since the specific details could change from how they seem, but he looked at Lok, questioning-
-who seemed to anticipate his question.
"My own nightmare was just that; a nightmare" Lok breathed, though unsure. "I saw a whole bunch of Harlekins, which even Cherit became- brr, I still hate those things, just like spiders. Dad - actually, Demigorgan posing as him - helped me before it became any worse, but still it played on a general fear of everything betraying me, which the Betrayer made sure to twist when Demigorgan revealed himself."
Den felt so much, all of it mixed together but also with a growing anger, which quickly overtook the other stuff. He initially thought Lok had gotten off easily, but also knew it's only due to the Betrayer's influence, so he could get out and use the Willblade on the Spiral Mark. Even as Den thought this, his brow furrowed when he registered that Lok really didn't like Harlekin Titans... slowly, he looked at Zhalia, who while still troubled saw his gaze. He remembered his surprise that Zhalia had so casually given Harlekin to Harrision via mail, wondering why before he'd eventually arrived at a sisterly reason- just like him, Zhalia was fond of Harrison.
Now he saw there was potentially another reason... jDen curved his lip, just a bit.
Due to the situation, she didn't return the favor, but it was appreciated.
"It was horrible!" Cherit continued, referring to Lok's nightmare. "I was part of it too, and I didn't like the forced transformation anymore than Lok did."
"Suffice to say no one did, Cherit" Dante said, with an obvious effort to keep himself 'fine'. "Arc however, seemed to enjoy it."
At that, Den's grip on the cup handle went numb and his fingers were turning white, but he barely noticed.
"She's a bully" he quietly summed up.
...
The moment Den made his statement, Sophie knew this had become personal, even though he'd never encountered Arc. Without looking, she touched Lok's fingertips and he grasped her hand back, sharing her roiling emotions to an extent.
"What exactly did you see, Den?" she asked with an effort - he, Zhalia, Cherit, and Dante probably already knew, but they had to know as well.
Den's inwardly-dark gaze didn't change much, but he answered well enough. "What I could make out?" he said, breathing heavier. "Only a few glimpses. Arc inside my head, doing I don't-know-what. All of us inside a room without Dante, with what I assume is Arc's ring. An image of me and Zhalia, both touching that same ring..."
The already-troubled mood soured even more, and Lok's hand tightened on hers.
"That's not good" Lok breathed, "Without proper protection, Arc can send anyone into an illusion and try to break them with dreams. In mine, any Titans I invoked turned into those Harlekin, Cherit included... except for Pendragon, who Arc couldn't seem to affect."
"If Arc can't affect Legendary Titans, then we have somewhat of an advantage this time" Zhalia grimly added.
"That's true" Sophie acknowledged, putting her other hand on top of Lok's now. "But it won't make things any less dangerous."
On the viewscreen, Dante stirred. "No it won't, Sophie" he breathed, as grim as Zhalia. "But the question remains: will you guys go see Arc? You still have the choice not to, of course, especially since we sealed her with the intention of never again going near her."
"Well I'm going, if only for one reason" Den said immediately, his eyes low-key burning. "Maybe Arc sees the future, and maybe the future she sees comes true in some form. I really don't care right now; I just want to get whatever's going on about the Blood Spirals, and then go from there. If there was any other way to get such information, I'd take it, but thus far we have nothing else. Right, Dante?"
He slowly nodded.
"Right, then that's that for me. And if it means fighting against a bully who's tormented my friends, then I'd have words with her."
Zhalia stood up then. "Not alone, Den" she stated, determined; he glanced at her. "I have a personal interest in making sure this goes well" she continued, to which Den nodded.
Sophie looked at Lok, who was just as surprised; he beat her to the punch though. "Why, Zhalia?" Lok asked, even as they stood up. "What's eating you?"
"I believe I know" Dante said, looking at Zhalia, who eyes-only returned the scrutiny. "Or at least suspect."
Zhalia's lip curved slightly, un-surprised. "Just let me tell them" she breathed, Dante inclining his head as she let out a breath.
"Before we faced Arc a second time, and before your time here Den, I felt that I'd failed the team by letting Kiel ambush us instead of on-the-spot infiltrating a guard, as I initially tried to" Zhalia explained. "I felt like I wasn't useful, that I'd lost my edge, that I was losing my place. Arc... exacerbated things with her vision to me."
"And that's why you infiltrated the Blood Spirals when you did" Sophie realized, before grunting; Arc had played all of them, but that was going too far! "I knew you were shaken, but I didn't know just how much. If I had, I probably would've talked some sense into you, because you leaving didn't make any sense."
Her words, while expected, slightly lightened the mood of everyone; even now she and Zhalia had a 'push each other' type of relationship. Lok moved his fingers in their grip, fully agreeing; Cherit was smiling a little; Den's darker gaze seemed to ease a bit, while similar happened with Dante; Zhalia, of course, just raised an eyebrow at her comment.
"Well now it does, Sophie" Zhalia continued, slightly lighter. "If that hadn't happened, I might have stayed and gotten over it. Emphasis on 'might'."
Dante made a sound. "And were I not equally affected, perhaps I would've made sure of that" he admitted, his image flickering once but it passed. "As it was, I deeply understood what Zhalia was going through, and it wasn't just because we knew each other so well."
"I can imagine" Cherit added, concerned, before he moved to Den's shoulders. "I have the same understanding about Den at this moment; he's personally offended by Arc, so even without Medusa's vision he'd have some 'words' with her anyway."
Den barely reacted, but didn't refute this - he slowly reached up, and Cherit touched his hand with both claws.
Sophie glanced at Lok, who slowly shrugged, but she got back to the point. "So it seems you two are agreed" she said, referring to Zhalia and Den. "Well, if you're determined, we'll back you up any way we can. I'm just concerned about if you're prepared for this."
"Not tonight, but later tomorrow we will be" Den breathed, faint - Zhalia slowly nodded. "Arc will try to break us down, yet nothing will stop me. If she doesn't cooperate, we'll make her."
Several moments passed.
"Admirable resolve, Den, and it seems we're all agreed" Dante spoke, a little more like his old self. "Lok?"
Letting go of her hand, Lok moved away to get his Holotome- Sophie was glad it didn't take too long.
"Mission: Rendezvous with Arc. Discover new visions of the future, and report back to the Foundation" he spoke, an appropriate card materializing, which he took. "There, that should be simple enough."
"Seekers, we have a mission."
Everyone looked at Dante, who's voice had spoken, but they realized Dante himself had only just opened his mouth- they all looked back at Cherit even quicker, who was grinning.
"Cherit, did you just steal my line?" Dante asked, considerably more mild.
"Yes, quite" he proudly admitted, with his normal voice now. "I thought we needed an ice-breaker, as it's called, so I said what I thought you would, Dante."
They didn't quite laugh, but some chuckles were given, as were a few curved lips, head shakes, and other such moments. It was agreed that they'd needed it, but the timing could use a little work... honestly Cherit...
Kerry, Ireland
Around the same time; dusk
Cathy shivered a bit, pulling her coat tighter; it's always really chilly at night, especially for this season, and tonight seemed especially so. Yet at the same time, it's almost like something else entirely, for it persisted even when the wind wasn't blowing...
She had a bad feeling about this - it didn't seem like anything major, but even still.
"Either I'm becoming paranoid, or these are Seeker instincts" she thought, mouth twisting. "That book Den gave me before, it said something like that- that sometimes they could see enemies approaching from behind, without being turned in their direction."
Either way, Cathy remained sitting on that bench for a few minutes, still feeling uneasy- tonight had been going great while she rested from today's studying, until this feeling came along. Beside her, the lamplight flickered once but was otherwise fine... yeah, like that's not ominous, she felt ruefully; even if it is a coincidence, what she's experienced now leaned toward it not being one.
Mmh-
Wait... someone's behind her!
-with a strangled yell, Cathy stood up and spun around.
"Woah, stand down! I come in peace!"
She'd been halfway to using a spell before she registered it's Scarlet... several seconds passed before she slumped, breath heavier. "Oh, thank goodness" Cathy breathed to herself, holding a hand to her heart. "It's just you. I thought you might've been a Blood Spiral or something."
Scarlet herself was a bit sheepish, but otherwise took this in stride as she lowered her arms. "Well luckily, it is just me" she said, a bit slower. "Are you okay, Cathy? You seem jumpy."
Cathy slowly made a sound, a lot of images popping up. "Ever since all those battles... *shudder*, well I have been" she breathed, lowering her hands. "For the most part I'm fine, but if I'm surprised or get a bad feeling, it threatens to come back."
The other woman slowly came closer, touching her shoulder with a hand. "I'd heard you were having some difficulty, but not like that" Scarlet breathed, concerned. "Would you like to talk, Cathy?"
Mmh- just the offer made memories pop up from months ago, where she and Lok had been with their family. For her part, most of that had been dealing with raw feelings, particularly the difficulty of battles after-the-fact... there hadn't been much talk about how she'd feel afterward, after her initial getting-back-to-normal phase...
Well, now might work, she guessed.
"A little."
Nodding, Scarlet indicated the bench, where they both sat down.
Several seconds passed. "At first, I was just weighed down by everything, so the thought of getting back into things? No thanks" Cathy breathed, glancing at the ground. "And even if I did choose to be a Seeker again, what then? Being with my brother's team would probably just throw me into more crazy events... and unlike Lok, I'm not exactly a whiz when it comes to puzzles, deciphering, or stuff like that."
"Forgive me for saying this, Cathy" Scarlet said, half-turning. "But it sounds like you think that's all there is to it, regarding Seeker jobs I mean."
Sheepish, she held her hands up. "It's not like I know all the nuances of what you guys do."
A good-natured smile, and the other woman chuckled. "Well, I can certainly tell you that that's not the case" Scarlet assured, crossing one leg. "Being a Seeker doesn't mean you only fight against enemies, be they human or Titans, or sitting in studies all day deciphering trinkets. Our lifestyle is more of an adventure, literally and figuratively."
Adventure... just like going through Huntik; she'd been too pre-occupied at the time for the full measure, but she'd be remembering that place for as long as she lived. Sure, the random nature of the place meant they'd seen some Earth-like locales, but the sky, colors, and it's inhabitants all made it feel like an alien world... which it basically was, if a dimensional version.
No wonder stinker's head was always in the clouds, hehe.
"But adventures can still be dangerous" Cathy said, looking at Scarlet. "There's always a lot of threats."
"Woah now, I wouldn't say that" the redhead, but a bit mild. "Sure, I won't deny that there's a wee bit of excitement sometimes (Cathy was sheepish), but 'lot' is a big stretch, Cathy. For the most part, we adventurers just deal with traps and the like, which can be dealt with Titans and reflexes. Having rivals who interfere with us is what made it so dangerous."
Like the Blood Spirals, and the Organization (formerly) - she agreed; if not for the former, her experience in Huntik would've been much better. Not just finding dad, but the wonder of an alien dimension, without all the harrowing battles that followed... and that thing that tried to break in too.
"Well, I'm still not sure..."
Scarlet placed a hand on her shoulder again. "Then about this offer?" she asked, much to her surprise. "Cathy, me and two sweet lads are soon to go on a little expedition, finding some more Titans for the Foundation. We're well-researching the place, it's history, and any potential traps, so we should know most anything that could threaten us. There, you can come along and see another side of being an adventurer."
Cathy let out a breath. "You mean that... I'd just have to watch?" she asked slowly.
A good-natured smile. "If you'd like" she acknowledged. "Of course, any help you might want to offer, I'm sure the lads would appreciate too. But it's up to you, lass."
"Mmh. If I may ask, who are these two?"
Scarlet laughed a little. "From what details I've heard, you should at least know of them: Montehue and Tersly."
Cathy jolted, remembering; back in Huntik, after Sophie bonded to one of those Legendary Titans, they'd been attacked by the Blood Spirals. However, those two had came across them, helping make sure the rest of them could get away, while dad helped them battle the Blood Spirals - her mixed feelings from back then hadn't been easy to deal with, having just found dad and afraid of losing him again.
And moreover, she'd never gotten to thank them.
"I'll-I'll need to think about it, Scarlet" she breathed, knowing that much. "I need to make sure I know what I'm getting myself into."
Scarlet nodded. "Of course; take your time" she said easily. "The boys and I aren't set to go on this mission just yet, but we will in a few days, possibly a bit more."
Cathy slowly nodded, then was about to stand up until Scarlet pulled out a slip of paper and a pen. "Here, Cathy" the redhead said, giving it to her after finishing; she slowly took it. "If you decide yes, come to this address. At least one of us should be there, no matter when you come over."
"Thanks."
At the same time, she was revising her opinion of Scarlet a little, mostly from before she'd been let in on all this Seeker business. Scarlet was nice, very friendly, particularly to guys - including her brother and Dante - but she'd always seemed a bit too pure. Now though, after having learned that she's a Seeker, albeit one who primarily fought with powers but few Titans, Cathy knew that's not the case anymore. And good thing too, as Scarlet's a great friend to their family - even if she hadn't known about the Seeker angle at first, that remained true, though she could also be quite motherly.
"Yet at the same time, Scarlet doesn't exactly give off an older sister vibe" Cathy thought, smiling a bit. "But even if she did, she'd probably have nothing on Zhalia."
Sutos Island
"You seem to keep your prisoners well-treated, Grier."
He glanced at Klaus, who was observing the cells - by the older man's request, he'd wanted to see every location, including this place. "Of course; harsh conditions won't improve their dispositions" Grier mused. "Being well-treated might not improve them, but they're a start while we attempt to show them the errors of their ways."
"Mmh." Klaus himself lingered a bit, perhaps knowing that one toe out of line, and he'd probably end up in here too. Grier let him think, knowing he's getting used to the transition and his new lot in life - it wouldn't be like in the old Organization, but he's certainly been in the Foundation's prison long enough to adjust to Zhalia's new place with them.
"Very well; let us continue."
Nodding, Grier continued onward... but as 'luck' would have it...
"Well, well, if it isn't the old twisted man."
Grier didn't stop walking, though after a few seconds, he paused and half-turned with some exasperation- Klaus had turned to see the occupant addressing him. The old man's brow furrowed as he beheld Wilder, still in his cage after being personally dethroned... Grier also saw some element of knowledge in Klaus' expression, and thought Dante must have told him some tales of the Organization, under this man's rule.
"He's actually let you back in" Wilder spat, but amused - even in prison, he had some supply of gel to style his hair. "What a fool Grier still is. He talks and talks of a new Organization, one that doesn't resort to dirty or dark tricks, and then he brings you along. I don't know how he got you out of prison, but it doesn't matter, as you can start guiding us back to the greatness that we all once had."
Klaus' eyebrow rose a fraction, before shrugging. "Perhaps, Wilder" he said carefully, before half-turning. "Or perhaps it needs redefining, as there are many kinds of greatness."
Sitting on the sidelines, Grier knew immediately that wouldn't go over well with Wilder - as predicted, it didn't, particularly when Klaus started walking again. They moved on in silence as Wilder called to them: "There is only one kind of greatness: power! Grier may still have it, but mark my words he'll lose it, and then I'll be there to make the Organization great again! Just you watch, as I'll be the greatest...!"
Distance and inner-door closing finally cut off the sound of his voice; Grier just grunted.
"Verbose, isn't he?"
"I would say more obsessed" Klaus said carefully. "I can understand how he took command of the Organization, considering that charisma front, but from what I've heard, he had to do some fast talking just to keep the Suits confident in his abilities."
"Yeah, he claims himself a master Seeker" Grier said, exasperated. "When he applies himself, his skills could qualify... but he doesn't most of the time. He takes the easy ways out, doesn't personally fight for what he believes in, and what he does believe in is for his own personal gain rather than for the Organization."
"But you have tried to mold him, I presume?"
He slowly nodded. "Ever since I took command of the Organization, over six months ago. As you can tell, he's a stubborn one - I haven't given up yet, but Hoffman is leaning toward him being a lost cause."
"I see."
...
"So here you go."
Klaus took several minutes looking over his set-aside work-space, noting the desk, numerous bookshelves, and the various equipment strewn around. "Am I confined here, physically or in essence?" he asked, but resigned to know the specifics.
"Neither" Grier said firmly, though not unfriendly. "I'll say it simply, Klaus; you're on parole. You have essentially full freedom, but we'll be on the lookout for any sudden or suspicious activity, including within this room. Your work will continue under some guidelines, and results will change your standing for better or worse."
Closing his eyes, Klaus didn't reply for a bit, but he nodded. "Then if I may, a few adjustments are in order" he said. "Certain equipment moved to optimal positions, things I'll need, and other such things."
"Of course" he said, before motioning to the two Suits who'd accompanied him: "See to his needs."
They saluted. "Yes, sir."
With that, Grier left the room, noting those observing Klaus' body signature via their Teknonomicons outside the room. He did not believe this should be necessary, but better to be safe than sorry, something which Klaus also agreed with - he hadn't been one wit surprised by the measure, nor even insulted.
Nodding to his other suits, he soon left the building itself toward another - the psuedo-headquarters - taking a moment to appreciate the serenity offered by the island... his birthplace had just ended the war less than a year ago, and he intended to make sure it stayed peaceful.
Once he arrived at his office, he opened the door-
-'Eathon' soon happily barked at his arrival, quickly bounding over; chuckling, Grier bent down and affectionately rubbed a hand along the dog's back. Hoffman, who'd otherwise been otherwise the target of his affections, rose from one of the chairs.
"Sir" he greeted, giving a short head nod. "Forgive my intrusion here, but the Guardians of Thor have 'demanded' to talk with you again."
Grier hid his exasperation with an effort; even now, they remain suspicious about the Huntik team's incursion there.
"Thank you" he spoke. "What of the group who've recovered Araknos' ring?"
"They should be arriving any minute now, and they are following orders to handle it with magic only."
"Good."
Truth be told, the curse on Araknos, Tao, and Behemoth was no longer dangerous; it specifically cursed those who disturbed them from their resting place, not those who handled them period. Metz had disturbed Behemoth, the late Simon had disturbed Araknos, and Lok Lambert had disturbed Tao with the Amulet of Will protecting him from the curse. However, his main reason for not letting anyone handle Araknos' ring was the Legendary Titan itself... thanks to Simon's wretchedly-controlling attitude, the Titan had likely molded himself to such desires, as well as his eviler tendencies. To touch his ring now would be to risk the Legendary Titan's influence and mind control, possibly worse - even with spells like Headcage, he was wary of this Titan taking advantage of any weaknesses.
Speaking of Araknos though, he's now aware that he had the means to alter and/or remove, the abilities that Simon had inflicted upon 'Eathon'.
Certainly gonna have to give that some thought later...
"What will be done with Araknos, sir?"
A few seconds passed, with him idly scratching 'Eathon' behind the ears. "For now, he'll be kept in our care" Grier said carefully. "Even if Araknos finds someone he'll accept, he's still dangerous and may attempt to subvert their mind, unless they're constantly on-guard."
Hoffman was about to answer that, until his tome started blinking, where he quickly picked it up. "They've arrived."
He nodded. "See to Araknos, will you. I've other business to take care of."
"Sir."
Aside from responding to the Guardians (yet again), perhaps he'll see if he might coax an update on Curselock from the Foundation/Casterwills, or tackle the various reports that demanded his attention. The latter in particular he wanted to get to as soon as possible, as he had some suspicions about various troubles popping up in the Organization, though thus far they're minor - however, another report seemed to be a lead to another Nexus sight, even if it'll likely just be the 'mirage' that keeps popping up.
It's agreed to be a dimensional side-effect thus, but otherwise they still somewhat stumped by the effect, not just on 'how' but 'why'.
To be continued...
Finally having the team back together, and starting their preparation over what to do about Arc - meanwhile, events move onward for other characters as well, each connected to the overall story
Stay tuned.