HELLO and welcome to 'A Place to Call Home'
Thanks to everyone who submitted an OC (credits are on the list on the first page) and you guys all submitted so quickly I got this up within less than a week! AMAZING!
Hope you like this chapter, and I hope I've captured the essence of each character in this chapter, I haven't loaded EVERYTHING about the character into a paragraph, just briefly who they are, personally, it's kinda awkward when you have this massive chunk of paragraph about everything that someone is wearing or whatever XD. You'll get to know more about them in later chapters! (maybe some weren't described or seen as much as others… sorry T.T) (:
('Risers' is the nickname the guild has e.g Fairy Tail are 'Fairies'.)
P.S- no one's magic is really explained in this chapter, there's plenty of time for that later :D
FAMILY – RISING WILLOWS
A small girl ran around the guild, her curly white pigtails flying behind her. She seemed to be at the age of maybe seven or eight, but although the 'baby sister' of the guild, she was actually twelve. A white tiger with gold eyes ran alongside her, purring slightly as the black ribbons from the girl's hair brushed against her fur.
"Maisie…" someone called tiredly, dragging his feet to 'catch up' to her.
The girl sent him a watery look, her eyes flashing different shades of blue as his eyes snapped open from hypnosis.
"Okay. I'll play tiggy with you." He said almost robotically, but inside, he was mentally sighing.
The guild was actually quite peaceful, almost everyone was at the guild and they all lounged around, doing their own thing.
Iris stood in the corner, crossing her arms around her rather embarrassingly large chest. She seemed a little closed off as usual, being her shy self. The soft layers of her silver skirt rippled as she shifted her position. Her eyes flicked toward the doors as they slowly creaked open, although no one else had heard, as they were immersed in their activities. She softly blew up wards, blowing her bangs out of her face.
"Master!" someone called out, three sets of footsteps walked in. A white haired girl was revealed her hair tied up artistically to frame her face and her usual dark yellow scarf was wrapped around her neck, billowing in the wind. Next to her, stood a man, warm purple eyes peered through at the guild members. His arms were crossed over his black vest, one bandaged forearm supporting the other. Both members walked into the centre of the guild, a smile of accomplishment pasted to their face… though… since when did you ever not see the pair smiling?
The guild went into a hushed silence as they all looked on curiously. Over at the side of the guild, a teal haired man smirked, his brotherly instincts kicking in.
The door to Imogen's office flung open and the said girl walked out, her small legs taking small steps. She stood there in all her glory. Light green hair and cerulean eyes. She was the founder – the first Guild Master of Rising Willows– and nobody had ever suspected, that this master, was only fifteen. Until they met her.
"Ren, Kyo, welcome back. You called?" she asked, her childish voice was laced with seriousness.
"Another. We found her were you said we would. She's a brave one." The older boy – Kyo gracefully stepped aside. Despite his feminine appearance, he was no man to mess with. She was all tattered and bruised, but what caught the master's eye most, was the haunted look in her eyes.
Imogen took a step forward, and the girl's eyes softened. She felt calm, secure, like she could trust this place. She looked around the guild curiously, taking it its homey appearance before setting her sights back on the small girl in front of her. Taking a deep breath, Imogen's eyes flashed gold for mere seconds before fading away to their natural colour.
She was 'checking her out' she realised. She could feel her magic presence, but it was faint, unlike other people she'd met before. She let out a breath as she spoke.
"I'm Imogen, an insight mage. Also the master of Rising Willows. I see everything and anything." She stuck out her hand, her face wearing a broad grin of delight, "Welcome home, Uriel. I'm your new sister."
"H-how did you know my name?" the girl stuttered, suddenly cowering behind Kyo, at which Ren's face drooped into a frown.
"Remember… everything and anything." Imogen winked and tapped her nose, "So, I'm guessing charcoal black on the inside of your wrist?"
She pointed her finger at her, the tip of it glowing as Uriel felt a tingle. Looking down at her left wrist, her found her new guild mark there, charcoal black… just to match her hair. Perfect.
"Risers. You know what to do. Ren, the company called and they need you for a photo shoot. Kyo, make sure you guys are safe. I'm also looking forward to your next chapter of your story." The two that had just arrived nodded and bid farewell once again. They had their job to do, and now the guild had theirs. To welcome and accept.
Everyone started cheering for the girl. Uriel looked uncomfortable for moments, not sure how to take in all the attention… but a smile broke out onto her lips and her face contorted into an uncontrollable, cheesy grin.
"I-it's good to be home?" she said, asking it as more of a question. Fortunately, her words only caused the guild to cheer even louder. For once in her life, she got something that she'd always been dreaming of; acceptance.
Imogen finally managed to finish off the paper work… it wasn't an easy task, due to the fact the guild had just opened mere months ago. Leaving her office, she was welcomed with the sight of a wild guild, partying and welcoming Uriel. She was a great addition to their small family.
Seirei stood on the bar table, smiling happily and singing as entertainment, her dark navy blue eyes wide and buzzing with excitement.
People were dancing around on tables to her singing, laughing and slopping singing along with her, whereas others were more refined, and sat around in small groups, chattering and stealing each-others food.
Imogen smiled as she walked towards the kitchen, the guild was new, and quite small, so they had yet to find a bar maid.
Hopping onto a stool to reach up and grab a drink, she heard a small rustle. She sighed.
"Jun, you know you can't hide from me, even with your invisibility. And how many times have I told you to stop eating all the seafood supplies we have?" Imogen rolled her eyes.
Sheepish albino red eyes peeked out from the shadows as a soft glow flashed then faded to see the man. His 'deer in headlights' look disappeared as a cheeky grin was replaced.
"Nice underwear." He chuckled peeking under the pale blue dress Imogen wore with a gold bow.
"H-hey!" she held her dress down and jumped off the stool, "Get out!" she flushed, embarrassed.
"No matter what, you're still a kid." He ruffled her hair.
"Shut up Jun!"
"I mean, look at those breasts..." he bent down so he was eye level with her chest area.
"Jun…" she said angrily, she was shaking furiously and was fighting back the urge to scream and possibly shatter all the windows of the guild.
"Hmm?" he mumbled, still looking for any traits of puberty.
"YOU PERVERT!" she yelled as her arm struck out and he was blasted into the guild hall, his light grey hair whipping around his face as he flew straight into…
"Ow, ow, ow..." Seirei tried to lift herself out from underneath the pale skinned boy, she hit him in the chest, "Would you get off me!? You fat pig!"
Iris came over and pulled Jun off Seirei, helping her up and dusting her off.
"You okay?" she mumbled shyly.
"Yeah!" the pumped up girl spoke, as her voice suddenly rose and she pulled out a gun with a demonic grin on her face, "JUN!"
The boy's eyes widened and he ran away quickly, sneaking quick looks as Seirei's bouncing curves. While not looking ahead, he crashed into someone he really shouldn't have.
"WHAT THE HELL?!" a deep voice yelled, striking green eyes flashing.
"WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM? HUH? KangaRoux?" Jun stood up and clenched his fists.
"WANT ME TO BEAT YOU INTO A PULP April?" Roux held back a wince at his 'nickname'.
"I THINK THAT'S MY LINE YOU'RE STEALING." By now, the guild were cheering 'fight, fight, fight' while Uriel looked on incredulously at the scene unfolding before her.
"AT LEAST I'M NOT AN ANIMAL!" Jun continued.
"I'M NOT THE ONE WITH A CALENDAR MONTH FOR HIS NAME." Roux sneered back.
The two clenched each-others shirts, Jun grabbing his rival's forest green button up, and Roux's hand reached up to snake around the collar of Jun's navy blue zip up.
"You're on." The two snarled at the same time, aiming their fists at each other.
"STOP!" a voice screamed, if not ear splitting. A body suddenly appeared between the two, "No fighting. Aren't we family?" The new member yelled, looking up with big, blazing blue eyes and a small frown. Her black cloak drifted down from mid-flight to rest on her back again.
Whispers erupted around the guild. "How did she do that?" "I don't know, you ask." "But Master gave orders to bring her here, so she must be worthy." "Just ask anyway." "No way, you." "Jeez. Fine."
"Hey, kid –"
"It's Uriel." Her eyes flashed.
"Whatever." Keylian was a man who had trouble choosing his words. His charcoal vest remained unzipped and his white pants pooled slightly at his ankles due to its bagginess. "What magic do ya have?"
"Umm… uh, it's athletic magic." She said, sounding unsure of herself. Her head pounded slightly, making her wince a little.
Roux's eyes glared, causing Uriel to flinch, "But that's lost magic."
The charcoal haired girl shuffled away, opening her mouth to say something, but was cut off when the guild doors opened again.
"I, the Queen of Lighting Storms, am home!" a girl burst through the door, her dark brown curls and royal blue feathered earring bouncing along with her movement. There was a friendly smile on her face which grew wider when she spotted someone.
"Welcome home, Florence." Antonio stepped forward scratching his cheek shyly. The boy had broad shoulders and noticeable muscles showing through his plain red t-shirt, although not the biggest.
"Ugh… the love birds have been reunited." Jun rolled his eyes in a joking manner.
"At least I have someone. Pervert." Florence retorted, walking past him and bashing him in the forehead with a well-aimed fist. Jun's hair frizzed up from the electric currents Florence sent and let's just say, he looked pretty frazzled. From behind, Antonio followed Florence and glared at Jun, who smiled back cheekily in return.
That cheeky smile was wiped off his face when a fully black and silver clothed figure leapt forward and kicked him in the face. Everyone looked over to see Vlad, the quiet one of the guild.
"Yes... Pervert." He hissed quietly. His wolf ears twitched and his cat tail wavered behind him, swishing away any oncoming bugs.
"Hey." Jun frowned, only to get punched in the face again.
"I can't even begin to count how many times you've been hit or punched in the last two minutes. Stop being a pervert, it's not good." A strong, powerful aura arrived into the conversation. A man, cloaked in almost all green looked up from a small book. He was seated in a chair a few meters away, but the suggestive title of the book said otherwise about what he'd said to Jun.
A fist was aimed his way, and he went to dodge it with ease, only to find that his book was taken away from the safety of his hands.
Vlad scanned the first line quickly, his face glowing red and his purple right eye and baby-blue left remained unblinking as his slowly, agonisingly tore up the erotic book Zhaylt had been reading, all the while muttering 'pervert' over and over quietly.
Let just say, Zhaylt wasn't happy. It took him ten days to find that book. Ten. Days.
There was a bright glow and a sword suddenly appeared in his hand and he looked up furiously, his one blue eye - that remained uncovered by his mask - glowing in anger.
Everyone peered at the two standing there. Who would win? The Necromancer? Or the Nature Dragon Slayer? It was pretty much going to be a battle of Death vs. Life. This was something interesting you wouldn't see everyday.
Sadly, to the guilds anticipating dismay, all the magic energy disappeared when Imogen walked out and neutralised it all. A stern look on her face changed their thoughts as they all walked towards her, knowing something important was going on.
"No fighting in my guild. It's new. The paintwork is new, the walls are new, the tables and chairs are new. EV-ER-Y-THING is new." She glared, sending shivers down a few members' spines, "Anyway. Tomb. The dark guild. They're planning something. It's only a matter of time. It's sudden, I know, but they're a dark guild, so it's no surprise."
"Another vision?" Keylian asked, chugging down the rest of his sake.
Imogen nodded, eyes flashing gold back to cerulean again, "I've already called Ren and Kyo back, and they said they won't be here for maybe another half an hour. But Zhaylt, Vlad. I want research, you'll probably find some in the Higgour Dark Forest. Be back in 24 hours. Good luck." The master looked at the two that were at each-others' throats just seconds ago in turn.
Zhaylt was their best researcher and Vlad was the perfect person to connect with anyone that had been deceased within the forest grounds. Although their teamwork wasn't great, their talents would come in handy.
The two sighed and stood up, glaring at each other.
"Don't get in my way." Zhaylt gave the ladder a hard look.
"Don't get in my way." Vlad said back, equally rivaling Zhaylt's look.
"Wait." she quickly called before they left, "Uriel, go with them, I need you to find a few route through the are without being seen. Oh and... keep an eye one them."
The braided girl smiled and skipped after the two fighting boys.
Sighing, Imogen turned back to the rest of the group, "Antonio, Florence I need you to find Justice Blaze and tell them to come join us for this mission. Don't just tell them. Convince them. I know you two can do it. Keylian and Iris, go with them until you reach the edge of town. We're going to need some medicinal supplies. And Iris" Imogen beckoned her closer and whispered something in her ear, the pulled away from one another with small smiles on their face.
The four stood up and left, making the group smaller – yet again.
"Seirei, we need you to help us spy on Tomb." Imogen called. There was a moment of silence, waiting for her answer. But when there was no reply, everyone looked over at Seirei – who was pretty much hibernating as usual.
Her hair kept getting blown away from her face as she let out soft breaths and the heart printed on her grey t-shirt was rising and falling, as if showing that it was beating.
"Actually… never mind. We'll wake her up later." Imogen nodded and everyone turned back to face her.
The angelic blonde kept sleeping peacefully, seemingly have a nice dream by the way her long eyelashes kept fluttering.
"Roux, keep an eye out for any strange happenings. Jun. Stop flirting… you can't flirt with a sleeping woman." The master sighed inwardly at his antics.
"Master. Sorry we took so long." New but familiar voices spoke.
"Kyo, Ren. How did it go?" Imogen mustered up a smile. Ren seemed to look at her, not replying, nor registering the fact that Imogen had spoken.
"Hmm?" Ren blinked, seeming to snap out of her stupor, "What were you saying?"
"How was the photo shoot?" the master asked again.
"Ah, you'll see it in a few days." Ren nodded, the Lolita Magazine she worked for sent them over to the guild for free. Jun usually being to one to snatch it up and flick through, while Kyo was the one to snatch it back with a look of disdain towards the local pervert.
"Get any writing done?" she now asked Kyo, who nodded.
"Yeah, finally got over my writers block..." he said softly.
There was a small wail. Maisie looked up at them with hopeful multi-shaded blue eyes.
"Maisie… when Seirei wakes up, you two are going to take care of the guild okay?" Imogen pat the wide eyed girl's hair.
She nodded back.
Imogen stood up, "Ren, Kyo. You two are coming with me."
"Where to… exactly?" Kyo asked, the master rarely called on anyone to follow her. In fact, she barely went out, her being more of a tactician rather than a fighter.
"Scarlet Flame. To see Lionel Avalosi. I heard they want revenge. And Flames… don't they always strike back?" Imogen's eyes glowed.
UNTIL NEXT TIME...
HELLO, HELLO OVER HERE! READDDDD THISSSS THINGGGGGG
CREDITS TO Stormhawk99 FOR GRANTING ME PERMISSION TO INCLUDE 'Scarlet Flame' IN MY STORY YOU CAN MAKE AN OC TO JOIN IF YOU WANT (:
Scarlet Flame is one of Stormhawk99's stories, so check out his profile! :D
And I am so nervous posting this, I'm pretty scared of what you guys think and if you guys like it or not... xD
Review and stuffs! Flames are openly accepted!