[Minor Quest: Wharf-fare

[Defend the wharf from total annihilation 1/1

[Reward: 3000XP, 25GP per person, 4*Knight Chest]

Dawn and the others are already outside along with our militia, Lady Anne, and her guards. Lady Anne explains that the Mermadins have amassed a larger force than has been seen in a while and are attacking the wharf.

"And by large, I also mean those big fuckin rock Crabs that we hate so much," she says, rubbing her temples in annoyance.

"Conner, give the Lady your Thunderstruck. You and the other soldiers will guard the vardo and move it out of the city. Gods, I hate it when they do this," Victoria commands and the young Machina obeys. "I don't mean to step out of line, Dawn, but I've fought the Mermadins with Lady Anne before and I know what they aim to do."

Dawn nods in understanding, "And that is…?"

"Mayhem," Lady Anne says catching the weapon and admiring its design and stats, "Remarkable. How much do you want for a couple dozen of them?"

Dawn chokes on air when she hears the proposal and we all look to her, "Sor-Sorry. What?"

Lady Anne motions for us to follow her as she continues to try to strike a deal and lead us to the battle, "I take it you're the crafter, Lady Dawn. Says as much in the fine print of the description. What? I run a merchant town, Appraisal is a necessary Skill. Later perhaps, after the battle."

We're on high alert as we make our way to the street in case we see any signs of battle before we get to the piers. Dawn suggests a plan and we all agree to it.

After equipping Whisper Ear Cuffs to Kona, Dawn, Victoria, and Lady Anne, we split into four groups. The broom riders, Kona and Elsbeth, relay street names and encounter warnings while providing air support. Victoria and I form the right side of the trident shaped formation and we run down any opposition in our way. I slip my storage ring into one of my new pockets and make sure my Bolt Master and Hedge Mage Rings are on.

The Mermadins fight ferociously, like bipedal barracudas. Their blue and silver scales glimmer like a full body suit of sequins. Their builds are humanoid apart from long slender tails ending in an appropriate fishy fin positioned right above their tail bones. They have gills on the lower half of their necks and webbed hands and feet. Early on, we face mainly Mermadin Scouts of both genders, so their relatively weak attacks and lack of numbers don’t bother us.

Eventually, however, Victoria points out that the larger, more ferocious Warrior types covered in short spines are the females while the leaner, magically inclined ones are the males. "Clear the back line and circle back," Vic commands and I obey.

The casters rely on glowing, coral-tipped staves and long chants so teleporting among them and turning them into sushi isn't much of a chore. Before I can turn to help her, Vic announces, "Four."

"You only gave me three casters to deal with, that's not fair," I complain wryly.

"Then you should've been quicker," she motions with her head to keep moving after we scoop up the loot. Kona gives Vic directions in her ear and she steers us through winding streets. We make it in time to save a family of six from a gang of Warriors and we send the civilians scurrying in the direction we came from. The squadron of seven Warriors fight as a well trained unit, using shields and two pronged spears with terrifying efficiency.

But, they are no match for my angel of the battlefield and myself. Their shields, made of some sea creature's rough shell, shatter like porcelain and their scaly armor cannot defend well enough against magic or magical items.

Victoria wields different weapons as her needs suit her, sometimes a new one with every swing. As we finish off the last of them and sweep up any remaining loot, I ask her if she had a Feat or something that helped her use so many weapons.

She just smiles, points a thumb for us to keep moving, and says, "Maybe. Or maybe I just like having so many toys to play with for once."

She's brimming with light as we engage another squad. At first it's only metaphorical, but as we cut through darker alleys I can see a feint glow, as if she's hiding a candle inside of her chest and the light is too weak to fully shine through.

Our arrival at the wharf signals the end of my apparent daydream. Upon the many piers battles are being fought to a stalemate between Higo's soldiers and the Mermadins. Three figures as large as the remaining moored ships divide their attention between attacking those same ships and assisting their aquatic bethren in attacking any and all land dwelling life. Elsbeth drops in with Victoria and me. Kona joins Dawn's group who show up seconds after us. Lady Anne and her squad do not stop, running past us toward the closest giant, rocky Crab.

>Scan[1977/1977HP, 244/244MP, 90/SP

[The carapace of this immense creature is as tough as iron and it defends well against most forms of physical attacks. For the most part, they are raised and trained by the Mermadins to be living siege weapons.]

[+Bubble Blast, Claw Slam, Claw Grab, Bite, Body Slam, +Water Funnel]

If I can learn anything off of one of that list I hope it's the Water Funnel Ability, though I've come to realise that Analyze doesn't show many if any of the passive Abilities like Alpha Wolf's Pride and Fresh Water Breathing.

However, the sight of the mer-person army and giant crustaceans is nothing compared to the tiny figure at the far end of the wharf wielding a white, leather bound book and staff, casting spells behind an army of skeletons. The sound I intend to make when I yell my lungs out is "Dez," but I'm sure it's only some monosyllabic gutteral cry by the time it passes my lips.

I squeeze every bit of air out of my lungs and those within earshot pause to see what could possibly cut through the cacophony of battle. I point a clawed finger at him, but he cocks his head and squints his eyes, trying to discern my identity from such a distance. I watch him shrug his shoulders and continue blasting, of all things, a squad of Mermadin.

I turn my head to everyone else and the conflict in their eyes is clear as they gaze around the threats new and old. Victoria places a hand on my chest and stares into my eyes. Our silent arguement ends when she looks over at Dawn. All of us turn to her and I don't envy her position in the slightest.

Without anymore hesitation and with total resolve she gives us the order to battle the Mermadins first and foremost.

"Only if the opportunity presents itself…" she seethes through gritted teeth, "Kill the bastard."

We don't make a single sound as she lays out her plan. Instead of us splitting up again to help out each Crab-laden group and risk drawing out the battle longer than it needs to be, we are to concentrate all of our efforts on one Crab at a time and its nearest Mermadins.

Of course, that also means we'll be attacking the closest one to landfall and furthest away from Dez and his group. Another glance and I can see the hobo who passed me by at the Rest Area. He's shredding a guitar as well as the bodies of Mermadins close by which tells me he's obviously some kind Bard, and a powerful one by the size of his bloody circle.

The first craggy crustacean is littered with barnacles and perching Mermadins firing spells and arrows into the throng. Very few retaliate against them due to the height disadvantage coupled with the rocky claws the crab uses to defend with. The only good thing about them is they they're not the oversized pair you'd want to see on a dinner plate, but the thinner kind meant for tearing and feeding itself, which it does when a soldier is unlucky enough to be within reach.

As the mage killer, my task is obvious and we launch ourselves into the fray. This time I am not alone. As a Stalker, a magic based Assassin, Rachel is also apt at dealing with the ranged attackers and the two of us make short work of the soldiers hiding among the crevices. Multiple blows from the Thunderstrucks send vibrations throughout the creature below our feet and it bubbles and sputters in pain.

We get a Whisper from Dawn that the Crab has a partial weakness to Lightning damage. After the last of our targets fall, Rachel and I turn our attention to the Crab who is now indiscriminately blasting exploding bubbles across the battlefield. I change my mind about the Bubble Spell as I Electrify my hands and slash at the beast below my feet using the Armor ignoring Echo Strike. Rachel joins me with a couple Shocking Touch charged slashes of her short swords.

It takes a while since the creature's HP is exceptionally large for a non-boss, but the Crab finally slumps into the water and the waves shift the boats about. The piers are sturdy enough to not be affected in the slightest. Rachel can't carry me to the next Crab when she stores the loot bag and sprouts her wings, but Kona lets me hang from the Broom.

"Hold on tight, big guy," Kona says, gripping the handle of the broom in preparation for some aerial maneuvering, "we've got incoming fire."

The ride is nauseating as she twists and dodges each Spell and arrow, her Arcane Shields can only take so much punishment. I can tell my weight is enough for her to struggle through the whole ordeal. After slaying one of their big guns, we had marked ourselves as high priority targets and they can all see where we're aiming to go.

A magical circle the size of a car appears between us and our next Crab and water rushes into the shape of a thin, tall funnel. It reminds me of the Air Elemental's Spell in the desert. The towering water spout makes its way towards us and I can see Kona struggle against the whipping wind. The crashing sound of racing waters makes it hard to communicate with my pilot, but I have to try.

"I'm gonna let go," I scream at the top of my lungs.

"Why?" Kona does a double take down at me, but on the third look she understands. We’re dangerously close to getting sucked into the churning water.

We chance getting a little closer and before the pull becomes too great, I teleport twice into the eye of the waterspout. I land on the dry lake bed, watching the wind and water whip around furiously. It moves at a walking pace and I try to stay in the center. Three Warriors leap through the wall of water and attack without any further provocation.

Their spears remind me of the Dual Needles and, knowing their capability to pierce Armor, I avoid them at all costs. They keep a tight triangle shape around me and leave no gap for me to exploit. I catch sight of the walls moving in closer and the little distraction costs me a gash on my side.

[Mermadin Warrior slashes you for 114 damage!]

"Gah! You dirty little fish fu--" I was right about the similarities in the spears, brushing the spot on my armor above my wound with my forearm and finding no hole. I catch a spear thrust from the one who stabbed me and send a Shocking Touch through it.

[Elemental Weakness! You deal 204 Lightning Damage!]

[Mermadin Warrior is Paralyzed for 3 seconds!]

More than enough time to Shock another in a similar fashion, Roundhouse the third back into the water, and stab the Paralyzed two through their chests with my claws. By the time the third reappears, I easily tend to her with my full attention. I gather all the loot in time for the big flush of the collapsing spout. Not knowing the salinity of the lake, I let the water spin me around before I try out the Minor Survival Craft's Head Bubble. It works perfectly and at the very least I don't have to worry about drowning. After breaking through the surface it only takes a moment before Kona swings around to pick me up.

"How was your swim?"

"Cold," I say as I grab onto the Broom and she whisks me back into the battle.

All of the Mermadin that would have been stationed atop the Crab are already dead by the time Kona drops me off, but Rachel is making little headway with the Crab itself (1424/1977HP). I double fist a vial of Stamina and Mana Potion and clink glasses with Rachel and Kona before chugging both. We resume hammering at the Crab until it succumbs to the damage. I collect the mid air loot sack before grabbing the Broom and taking off once more.

The Mermadin reposition themselves near the final Crab, shields and spears forming a mighty phalanx, stopping Lady Anne's troops from advancing. The extra wide pier, used to the weight of cargo and many more people, has enough space for twenty to stand side by side. The leaders stand in front of their troops, Victoria just behind Lady Anne. Kona drops me off next to Vic and I hand her one of the Mermadin spears. Her grin is brilliant and I can tell how eager she is to use it. I pass her two more and she places them into storage.

"Alright, my scaly friends," Lady Anne says, wiping off the flat surface of the Thunderstruck, "Today there shall be no quarter, no prisoners. However, if you flee, we shall not give chase."

Vic nudges me and does a poor job of whispering, "Because she can't swim." I try to stifle my giggle, but I'm sure she still hears us.

The Mermadin leader, a higher level, female Warrior marked with an elaborate headdress, ornate spear, larger shield, and reddish scales scowls at us before joining the line behind her. The shields behind her open and close around her like a giant clam, spears poking out in steady rows. The Seamount Crab readies its claws menacingly and I realise that I've forgotten something very important. I quickly look behind us and search for a particular scent trail.

In the distance, I can see Dez, the hobo, and the remainder of his battalion standing at the farthest pier. He's watching is with great interest and, unless I'm very much mistaken, the hobo is munching on a head of lettuce. I jerk toward their direction, but once again Victoria stops me with a touch.

"I've already told Lady Anne about them." As she spoke those words, a contingent of soldiers blocks off Dez's route off the pier. "Right now we need you here."

She's right. I don't want her to be right, but she is. Dawn joins us on the front line and I can see her straining to keep her eyes on the enemies before her. "Ardy. How are your points?"

"Full and ready to drain. What do you propose?"

"Same as before. You and Rachel clear out their ranged. She's high up in the air and will join you when I give the signal. Serenity, Richter, and Kona will AoE the soldiers, before the charge."

Without looking over at me, she gives my backside a smack, "Save some juice for after. Kona will air lift you over to Dez the moment you kill the Crab."

"You got it."

Lady Anne signals the charge and our footsteps are like rolling thunder on the wooden planks, heralded by actual lightning from Serenety's Lightning Storm, Kona's Arcane Explosion, and a similar fire Spell that I've never seen Richter use before.

I can't stop to ask as I Blink Step twice past the phalanx and Critical Stab an archer a split second before she can loose an arrow, firing it into the head of a nearby Mage. Rachel drops from the heavens like the predatory bird she is, bursting another Mage like a water balloon filled with viscera.

I snort a short laugh through my nose when I hear a girly, "Blegh," from her and then the singing of her blades. I stick to my Electrified claws so my MP can refill for the second part of Dawn's plan.

Her voice in my ear is loud and on the verge of losing control, "Stick to the plan, everyone. I repeat. Stick to the plan."

I glance down at the pier after killing the last Mage and everything seems to be going well. So, why would she make that whisper? This is only the third time we've done this bit and there hasn't been any variation to it except…

On impulse, I look over to the side and her warning becomes all too clear to me. The dozen or so guards meant to contain Dez and the hobo have been forced to switch sides. Well, their skeletons did anyway. I have a moment of hesistation, but Dawn whispers me specifically, "We're almost done down here, Ardy, and Lady Anne sent more troops to slow him down. Finish the Crab."

I grit my teeth and use up all of my SP to Echo Strike the Crab to death, but my head goes light and my vision starts to go white and starry. Rachel catches me and shakes me out of my stupor before the Crab's giant corpse evaporates. It's a tad late and my feet drop out from under me. Once again, I'm in the water and Kona fishes me out.

"We don't have time for this!"

She passes me a Stamina Potion and I down it as quick as I can, nearly choking on it. The plunge and the Potion put me back in a better state of mind.

"Dez!" I call out, pouring all of my anger and hate into every letter of his name, but he doesn't stop. He doesn't turn. He just continues running past a warehouse until a squadron of soldiers creates a barrier in the narrow space between buildings he is heading for. He slows enough to send a wave of bone and metal crashing into them. They hold enough for our arrival.

"It's over, Dez," I state, as Kona and I land several yards away from him and the hobo at the other end of a street. Next to us is a space of dirt where a building would probably be built, giving us a large enough arena to battle and enough room that he shouldn't be able to wall us off like last time. More troops fill in the alleyways between the surrounding buildings. Although we have them successfully boxed in, we still give them a wide berth. Cornered animals and all.

Through out the whole scenario's setup, Dez and I never look away from each other. As his grin widens, my scowl tightens and heart quickens. His book is already drawn, but not open and he's leaning against the staff I don't remember seeing since the last time I faced him. When the rest of my party arrives, I'm still angrily confused as to why this murderer is still grinning.

Lady Anne is the first to speak, "So you two are the ones who slaughtered my people at Outpost Thirty One and Hidell." He looks at her, still grinning, but eyes wide in suprise. "Yes, well, word travels fast. To me anyway, especially when it has to do with whole sale murder in locations under my influence."

She tosses the Thunderstruck over to me and I store it.

She unsheathes a saber with a red metallic sheen, "Though I'm sure Lady Victoria and her friends have good enough reason to want your head on a pike, they're going to have to get in line behind all of us here in Higo. Those were our friends and family."

Dez doesn't make a sound, but sudden movement from the hobo has everyone readying their weapons. From his pocket, he withdraws a dirty potato and starts taking bites out of it. The gritty, drawn out crunching does nothing to cut the tension.

Dez shakes his head, "Angus, what have I told you about giving those a srub before eating them?"

Angus, the hobo, clutches at his snack with both hands to his chest, protecting it from his companion.

"Anyway, we cannot stay to play for long, we have people waiting for us."

I extend my clawed hands out to him, "Then, by all means, place your life in my hands and I promise it wont be long."

He laughs, not in a duragatory way, but in a genuine kind of way. It takes him a minute to catch his breath, but by then I have taken a few steps toward him.

"You… You meant… Ha ha! That was clever." He holds his staff up and we all go on guard. An arrow from somewhere is loosed prematurely and hits the shield of a skeleton, but they pay it no mind. Dez shrugs his shoulders as if to say, "Accidents happen, don't worry about it," as a slim beam of deep, purple light shoots into the sky.

We look around at each other, at the skeletons, at the sky, waiting to see what the light is for. Inhuman screeching and agonized screaming erupts from the alleys as bodies fly out, blood and guts raining all over the place. Dez looks at it all with utter disgust on his face, "I told you idiots to keep it clean!" From the four alleys cleared of soldiers, lizard like creatures of varying colors and patterns form a perimeter around the skeletons who in turn form a guard around Dez and Angus. A dozen robed and hooded figures run out and divide evenly among the creatures.

A Scan tells me that the creatures are all Level 18 Hatchling Hydras of different elements: two red fire, one blue water, and one green poison. Each is about twelve feet in length. Four stumpy, but muscular legs end in short clawed feet. Each of their three necks writhe out from its bulbous body like boa constrictors tied together in a knot.

The Fire Hydras have short snouts, jagged ridges around their eyes, and scales that jut out like a pinecone. The Water Hydra has a sleek, sharp head and webby fins down its back. Rings of dark and light blue alternate down its necks. The Poison Hydra looks like a nest of hooded vipers, their fangs are the longest and sharpest of the three types of Hydras present.

Dez is using Angus' ragged clothes to wipe blood from his arm, "You morons at the Rose sure know how to make a mess." One of the hooded figures, Mages by their description, reprimands him for hinting at their identities. "Gods, how stupid are you? You crash in here with three headed monsters and you didn't expect them to figure it out?" He slaps the back of Dez's legs, "Why are we even working with these amatuers? Oh. Oh wait…"

He drops his staff, pulling an orb from his pocket, and starts chanting. A female Mage begs him to stop, telling him that it's too early to use it, but he ignores her pleas. A small cyclone gathers all of the skeletons together, bringing them higher and higher into the air. The orb glows white and bursts into powder, joining the wind swept bones. As the wind dies, the bones form the imposing figure of a large Skeletal Hydra.

With an almost teary smile on his face, Dez lovingly places a hand on the creature's heel, "Now, let's see what kind of tricks you can do…"