AN: Apologies for being a day late. This month seems to be a fibro-flare up month. Probably doesn't help that I am incapable of writing a chapter under 4k these days :'D Anyway, hope you'll enjoy read!

Chapter 5:

Lynus spoke easily with Remedy and Simon, the two medics openly asking non-intrusive questions about the private clinic he owned and worked at in Lagaard. They also appeared quite interested in learning more about the search and rescues that Lynus and the others had conducted countless times.

Zircon and Lindis were in particular quite interested. Apparently, they didn't really have such a thing in Etria. It was the guards' duty to find the missing. Though, they themselves would help on occasion, they agree that it would make more sense for a guild to be the one to conduct such missions.

Lynus didn't have the best memories of Etria, so it was nice speaking to those who had lived and worked in the city for years.

Remedy and Simon were two people that Lynus saw himself speaking with on both friendly and professional terms. Remedy was a bit of a prattler, asking a lot of questions and being genuinely interested in the answers. Simon, too, was rather inquisitive, though not as much as Remedy was. Remedy was friendly and outgoing, while Simon was more reserved and patient.

Lindis and Zircon seemed nice enough, too. Though both were a little on the quite side. They both appear to be the hands-on type of explorers. Preferring to be on the front line and in the midst of the chaos, rather than on the sidelines. However, it was clear from their auras that they were quite protective of the medics.

Zadkiel felt a little…awkward. Not that he was an awkward person. He felt rather…left out, was probably more accurate. There was no one he was particular close to that accompanied him. So, he was alone, as it were. Axel likely noticed that, too. That explained why he was quite vocal about Zadkiel hanging out with them.

Honestly, Axel liked to tease Lynus about adopting other explorers when he was just as likely to take vulnerable explorers under his wing himself.

It was around lunchtime when Lynus felt Axel's aura quickly approaching. No doubt looking for him. It had been an hour or so when he left with Gerald, after all.

"Sorry, just let me interrupt this conversation for a bit," Lynus said as he walked over to the door leading to the halls. "My husband is looking for me."

There were a few puzzled looks from the others, no doubt pondering how or why Lynus knew Axel was searching for him. He would have to explain to them all later his ability to see and sense auras of others. For the time being, though, he had better tell Axel where he was.

"Axel, this way!"

He immediately felt Axel's aura draw closer and a few seconds later he appeared around a corner. A small smile on Axel's lips indicated that he wasn't worried about the length of time he had been gone.

"There you are," Axel said simply as he walked straight up to Lynus, who of which promptly took him by the arm and pulled him into the room.

"Sorry. I got lost in conversation," Lynus said simply before he motioned with a slight tilt of his head toward those he had been speaking with.

The subtle motion prompted Axel looked over at them, too, and did a small double-take as his gaze landed on Zircon. Upon realising that he was standing next to Remedy, a small smile of amusement appeared on his lips. He didn't say anything, well not verbally at least, as he slipped an arm around Lynus' waist and pulled him toward him.

Zircon also looked remarkably similar to what Axel did two years ago. Though, he wasn't quite as tall and he didn't appear to have the same smooth confident walk that Axel possessed. Look-wise, however, they were very similar. If Axel was two years younger, they would look like twins, honestly.

Supposed the same could be said about Lynus and Remedy.

"This is Axel, my husband," Lynus introduced as he rested a hand against Axel's chest, easily nestling against his side. "Axel, this is Zircon, Simon, and Lindis."

"Hey, how you doing?" Axel greeted in return as he reached out to shake their hands.

Lindis instinctively reached out to shake Axel's hand first, Simon and Remedy following. As Axel shook Zircon's hand, he tilted his head to the side questioningly.

"Landsknecht?"

There was an unexpected sense of shyness in Zircon's aura as he nodded his head. "Yeah."

Axel realised his hand and let his arm drop casually to his side. "Sword or axe?"

Lynus was able to note that Zircon was slowly beginning to relax. He wondered if he was somehow put off by Axel's impressive aura of strength and confidence.

"I can use both," Zircon answered. "But prefer sword."

"Yeah, same here. Though I prefer axe. Gets the point across real quick," Axel chatted idly before he turned his attention to the others in the room. "Is it just the five of you or are there others?"

"Oh, there's a couple more," Remedy was the one to answer. "My brother and his partner, as well as their sons. And there's Austin."

"We apologise for keeping Lynus so long," Simon suddenly said with a half-smile on his lips.

"It's fine. I know how you medics are." There was a teasing tone to Axel's voice. But his expression smoothed out as he wrapped an arm around Lynus' shoulders, holding him closer. "But I do need to steal him back for a few hours."

Lynus half turned in his hold so he could look up at him. "Something wrong?"

"Nah. Hamza just wants us to meet with Maginia's Guildmaster," Axel explained in a relaxed manner. "We'll need register with this city now, after all. And I think he wants to speak to us about our previous search and rescue experience."

Lynus nodded his head. "Ah, that would make sense."

"We were just speaking to Lynus about your experiences," Remedy piped up, his interest in the search and rescue aspect of exploration returning swiftly. "We've also wondered how much work you're likely to encounter once we reach Lemuria. Since, you know, it's an entire island that needs to be explored."

Axel turned his attention to Remedy and nodded his head. "Yeah, I've been wondering about that, too." He sighed a little in exasperation. "Labyrinths were bad enough, but to search for missing explorers and guards with an entire island to get themselves into trouble with is going to be a whole different pain in the neck."

Lindis suddenly took a half step forward. "You'll have our support if the need calls for it."

Slightly surprised, Axel turned to regard Lindis and offered him a smile. "Hey, appreciate it," he replied in earnest.

"Hopefully, the other guilds Villard intends to request help from will also be willing to aid us," Lynus added.

Speaking of the others, Lynus' mind drifted toward his own guildmates. Perhaps he would be best for him to warn the Remedy and Zircon of their striking likeness. If Lynus had noticed the similarities, then someone else was likely to notice, too.

"Oh, before I forget, I best warn you, especially you two," Lynus said as he turned his attention on both Remedy and Zircon.

Remedy looked mildly worried. "Warn?"

"It's just…you look strikingly similar to what I did about two years ago," Lynus explained with a smile. "And Zircon is very similar to Axel. Someone is bound to point that out. Multiple people, actually. They don't mean any harm, so I hope you don't take any offense."

Axel chuckled at the bewildered expressions on Remedy's and Zircon's face before he shook his head. "Well, we better get going." He unexpectedly paused and looked over Zircon's shoulder. "Zadkiel?"

The blue-haired hero, who had been silent throughout the entire exchange, suddenly stiffened, his aura bristling a little with nervousness and surprise. "Ah, yeah?"

"Know where the Explorers Guild is?"

Zadkiel nodded his head. "Yeah, I do."

"Then you're our tour guide," Axel said, leaving little to no room for argument, and ushered Lynus toward the door. "Let's go."

"O-ok!" Zadkiel stuttered as he scrambled to follow them out.

"Oh, right," Remedy said as he leaned against the door frame to call out to them. "If you see a guy with the eyepatch, that's Jemella. He's my brother's partner."

Lynus paused in his steps and turned around. "Ah. In that case, if you happen to come across a ronin with the bandages; that's Shiki. Gerald's husband. He's a dad-dad, if you know what I mean? He has the habit of adopting vulnerable people. Or just anyone, really."

Remedy blinked in confusion. "I'll, ah, keep that in mind?"

"Catch you later," Axel said as he slipped his arm around Lynus' waist again. "Take the lead, Zadkiel."

"A-ah, sure," Zadkiel said as he moved to the front of them. A little awkward in his movements, and yet Lynus was easily able to sense a bit of happiness from him, too.

Lynus laughed softly into his hand before he turned his head toward Axel. "Where's Azure?"

"He's with Magnus and Shen," Axel answered. "The beast companions are feeling a little edgy and they're hoping to settle them down."

"I see," Lynus murmured as a frown tugged at his lips. "I hope they don't get too frightened when we take flight."

Axel nodded his head, a frown also taking place on his lips. "It's going to be an experience, that's for sure. Zadkiel, just how unnerving is it when Maginia takes flight?"

Zadkiel glanced over his shoulder at Axel before he faced forward again, tapping his chin thought. "Well, it's the lifting off from the ground that's the hardest part, honestly. There's a lot going on. Shaking, trembling, and noises of the engines. Once we're airborne, it's not as bad. Well, until we hit turbulence. It's usually advised to stay indoors while in flight."

The frown on Axel's face deepened. "Definitely going to be an experienced," he muttered. "There's going to be some rattled nerves. Even though we've got experience with the Heavenly Keep."

Lynus nodded his head. He was a little worried, honestly. He was sure his guildmates would be able to handle it, due to said experience with Heavenly Keep and Forbidden Forest. But there were a few of their crew who didn't have as much labyrinth experience.

Lynus was most worried about little Ghali and Azure. Every one of his guild had spent time in the shaking, trembling halls of Heavenly Keep during severe weather. They had some expectations. Ghali and Azure didn't. Oh, he should put Derek to that list, too. Though there was the high possibility that he would be comforting Rubell more than worrying about himself. Perhaps even Hrothgar and Gage.

"We better make sure we return home before take-off," Lynus said as he calculated in his head how many possible members would need a calming tonic or tea.

They fell into a comfortable silence as they walked through the streets of Maginia. There were quite a few wandering the streets as well. Many appear to be explorers, many others seem to be simple, hard-working locals.

A sudden and sharp spike of spiritual pain and suffering caused Lynus to immediately stop dead in his tracks, unwittingly pulling himself out of Axel's hold as he whipped around to look behind him. Even though the throngs of day-goers are milling about, his gazed through the people to single out a young explorer with very light-blue hair, carrying a large scythe on his shoulder.

He could only see the back of the young man, but he could see the sullen posture he possessed. Shoulders sagging forward in a hunched form, his chest sunken, his skin a pale colour. Sadness and pain rolled through his aura like waves. He tried to keep himself as small as possible, purposely ensuring that he didn't bump into anyone. Didn't want to bring attention to himself. He slipped through the people silently. Slinking away. Hiding himself away.

Even as he left Lynus' line of sight, he could still feel him.

He…

He made Lynus' chest hurt.

Lynus automatically felt the urge to go to him, to find him, and…to help him somehow. His aura was just so…sad. Yet, he knew he couldn't just run up to a stranger in the street and expect him to welcome his attention.

He would just…have to keep an eye out for him. Somehow.

"What's wrong?" Axel asked with concern in his voice as he pulled him toward him again.

Lynus continued to look in the direction the young man disappeared in. "It's…nothing," he sighed and turned back to Axel. "Just…sensed something."

Axel looked at him, his concern still palpable, before he flickered his gaze in the direction Lynus had reacted in. He searched the crowds himself before he turned his attention back to Lynus. "Who?"

"I don't know," Lynus admitted. "But…I'll be able to sense him again. Let's go. We mustn't keep Hamza waiting."

Axel wasn't all that convinced, but nodded his head nevertheless. He kept a warm arm around Lynus' shoulders as they began their journey through Maginia. And once more, they fell into silence; Axel keeping an eye out on the crowds around them, while Lynus tried to reign in his sensitivities.

After a few more minutes, Zadkiel was the one to pull them to a stop and pointed to his right. "This is the Explorers Guild."

He indicated toward a multi-storied building made from masonry and steel. A strong fortress structure, rather fitting to be the Explorers Guild, honestly.

"Ah, good," Axel said as they walked toward the entrance, were streams of other explorers could be seen filing in and out.

However, Zadkiel didn't join them. Instead, he stayed back, that awkward loneliness in his aura once again. "So, ah…"

"What you standing there for?" Axel called over his shoulder. "Let's go in."

"Ah, ok," Zadkiel uttered once more as he jogged to catch up to the two of them, and walk with them into the Explorers Guild.

The interior of the guild hall was rather vastly furnished. There were a few chairs and tables, along with numerous bookcases. Otherwise, it was rather large and empty. It was likely to become more "homely" once more explorers venture within Maginia and more solo explorers gather to the Explorers Guild in hopes of joining another guild.

It was easy for them to locate Hamza. He stood with two others in front of a neatly organised desk.

The man in dark armour standing with Hamza appeared to be as strong as the building itself. Almost foreboding in appearance, and yet his aura told a different tale. A master leader and protector, regal and dedicated. Hardened by his experiences, but still open-minded.

As did the other man, the one with the eye-patch and wild dark-grey hair. Tall and muscular, his scars on full display.

Hamza spoke easily with the two other men, his posture and aura relaxed. He even seemed to share a laugh or two with them as Lynus, Axel, and Zadkiel approached.

"There you are," Hamza greeted when they reached him.

Axel nodded his head in return. "Hey, been waiting long?"

"Not long at all," Hamza returned before he turned slightly toward the two other men with him. He motioned toward the tall man with piercing gold eyes and a terrible scar upon his forehead. "However, I have been waiting to introduce you to Mueller, Guildmaster of Maginia."

He then motioned toward the man with the eyepatch. "And guest guildmaster, Jemella."

The two guildmasters nodded their heads in recognition as Hamza continued the introductions.

"And these two are, of course, Axel and Lynus," Hamza finished before a small, slightly mischievous grin appeared on his lips. "Though you may know them from their nicknames."

"Don't you dare," Lynus warned. Though, it was hardly threatening as Hamza simply laughed.

"Pleasure to finally meet members of the Guardians," Mueller said with professional politeness. "Heard many a tale about you."

"Yeah, same here," Jemella added.

"Ah, you're Jemella," Lynus responded with a smile. "Remedy has told me about you."

Jemella folded his arms across his chest, a half smile on his lips. "Lies and slander."

Lynus laughed and shook his head. "No no, nice things, I promise. But it's nice to meet the both of you."

"They're the field leaders, I suppose one could say," Hamza went on to explain. "Axel and Lynus are experts at search and rescue."

Axel angled a hip out and rested his hand there as he looked pointedly upon Hamza. "As far as we're concern Hamza is the guild leader."

Hamza raised an eyebrow. "Just so you can leave the paperwork to me?"

"Obviously," Axel replied with a roll of his eyes.

Hamza shook his head, a small smile on his lips. "Moving on. As I have stated previously, Axel and Lynus are the leading experts on search and rescue. And Lynus, himself, is the leading medical researcher of High Lagaard. Though still quite young, they have more than enough experience to be veterans of their fields."

"It eases my mind knowing that we have capable explorers here in Maginia," Mueller stated, honest in both his voice and aura. "While I do hope that your expertise won't be needed once we reach Lemuria, it is reassuring nevertheless."

Jemella nodded his head idly. "I'm sure once word gets out that Maginia has hired a veteran search and rescue guild, other explorers and guilds will accompany Maginia on their expedition." He suddenly paused and held his chin. "Though, I hope it doesn't lead to them being lazy and reckless, and leaving all the hard work to you."

Axel shrugged. "We've got plenty of experience on that, too."

Lynus idly trailed his fingers through the small braid he had in his hair, one hanging near his left ear. "I get the feeling that it's going to be tougher this time round. Not only are we venturing into unmarked territory, but it's an entire island we need to have vast knowledge of."

Mueller shifted his stance slightly and nodded his head. "We've considered that, too. The Maginian guards will try to prevent explorers from roaming too far within the island, but as we all know, explorers will do whatever they wish. The guards will also concentrate on the low-level risks so your guild won't be inundated with missions and quests."

"Yes, working closely with the guards will make things easier for both of us," Hamza promptly agreed.

"We mustn't discount the other explorers and guilds that Villard has sent invitations to," Lynus added.

Again, Hamza nodded his head in agreement. "Ah, yes, indeed."

Jemella turned his attention toward Lynus. "Since you've already met Remedy, I hazard a guess that you've met the others?"

"Yeah. Lindis has already offered his help," Axel answered.

Jemella nodded his head at that, satisfaction in his aura. "Thought so."

"I have a suggestion for your guild, if you don't mind," Mueller suddenly stated. "Perhaps it would be best for all those that Villard has requested assistance from to be housed under one guild name?"

Both Lynus and Axel were surprised by the suggestion.

"Well, that would make things easier," Axel admitted, but frowned nevertheless. "Although…"

Lynus nodded his head in understanding as he looked at Axel for a moment before returning his attention back to Mueller. "Hm. Will it be all right with the others? They're likely fond of their own guild names, yes?"

"I can't speak for those who aren't here, but Remedy doesn't really have a guild name. As long as he gets to throw himself into untold chaos in the labyrinths, he'd be happy with any guild name," Jemella explained, without a hint of humour in his voice.

Lynus blinked at the spike of seriousness and concern in Jemella's aura when he mentioned Remedy. "A-ah, I see…"

It seemed that Remedy had the unfortunate habit of getting himself into trouble? Lynus had better keep an eye on him, then.

"Guardians is a fitting name," Mueller continued. "It is who you are and what your guild stands for, correct? What better name for a guild who wishes to help and serve others, watching over the vulnerable and capable alike?"

Axel folded his arms across his chest as he considered the suggestion. "Hn. We're bias toward the name, obviously." He then lowered his arms and a half smile on his lips. "But…Yeah, all right. Guardians will be the name for those who are here because of Villard."

"Ah, good!" Mueller indeed appeared happy that they agreed. "We'll work on the paperwork right away."

"My expertise, apparently," Hamza joked. But he smiled nonetheless and followed Mueller to his work desk, where the official finalisation of their life in Maginia can begin.

Axel turned around, away from the work desk, instead turning his attention to Zadkiel, who had once again stayed in the background, seemingly excluded from everything. "I don't suppose you have a guild, Zadkiel?"

Once more, Zadkiel stiffened when someone gave him their attention. "Well, no…"

Axel smiled and motioned over to the desk. "Well, you do now."

Zadkiel's eyes widened and he dumbly pointed to himself. "Wh-what? I can be a Guardian?"

Axel laughed and gave him a friendly smile. "Hey, didn't I just say that anyone who Villard invites to help will be a Guardian now? That includes you."

Having overheard the conversation, Hamza turned to give the blue-haired hero his attention, too. "Well, then, shall we get your registered?"

"Y-yes!" Zadkiel stuttered, though still eagerly, and jogged over to the desk to sign the necessary papers.

Lynus laughed softly before he leaned against Axel and tilted his head back to look up at him. "And you make fun of me," he teased.

Axel wrapped his arms around. "Quiet, you."

Lynus laughed again before he brightened at a certain realisation. "Wait, I know. Why don't you take Zadkiel under your wing and offer him some veteran experience? He could…do with a protective big brother type, I believe."

Axel glanced over at Zadkiel. "Really now?"

And maybe he could make friends with Azure.

"Of course, I didn't need to suggest it, did I?" Lynus teased again before he smiled warmly and rested comfortably in Axel's arms. "In any case; this should be fun. I look forward to meeting the others that Villard plans on inviting."

He hoped they were as interesting as those they've already met.

… … … … …

Waves of the ocean lash at the jagged rocks far below as he walked toward the edge of the cliff. Behind him, the light of the observatory where he lived with his guild and others who are lost and astray, did little to diminish the bright moon and stars high above his head.

The wind was calm, that night. Surprisingly so. The stars silent as they twinkled within the silky blackness of night.

The crescent moon, however, spoke to him. A new beginning. The arrival. Not a arrival, the arrival.

Could that mean…?

"Oracle?"

Oracle tilted his head away from the sky above to look over his shoulder. Kardos, an orange-haired gladiator, moved to stand beside him, a curious look on his face. "Hm?"

"Are you worried?" Kardos asked simply.

Oracle turned his attention back to the stars and moon. "About what this Villard person wishes to ask from us?" he reiterated before he shook his head. "No."

Kardos shifted next to him before his hand reached out to take his. "Are the stars telling you something?"

"I believe so," Oracle said as he interlocked his fingers within Kardos, using his other hand to reach toward the sky. "Someone is to enter our lives that will be able to help us. Help those who are vulnerable. They will be a powerful ally. A kind one. There is little to worry about."

Kardos glanced toward the stars, also. "Is Lemuria in our future, then?"

"Hm," Oracle hummed lightly as he lowered his hand. "I look forward to meeting that person. Whoever they are."