The First Trinity

Inspiration music for Ausra and Reeve.

“If someone saves you, you owe them. But you don’t owe them everything.” -Ausra

Title: Sacrifice

Artists: Jeff Williams, Casey Lee Williams

Inspiration music for Reeve.

Morality, law, virtue, righteousness; these are all illusions, constructs of an abstract force we call "order." Freeing oneself from such arbitrary limitations is the only way true power can be realized.

Title: The Hot Wind Blowing

Artist: Jamie Christopherson

“There you are.”

It wasn’t the greeting Marty was hoping to hear as he took a seat across from his mystery guest at the glassy black table in the interrogation room. It wasn’t patronizing or sarcastic. Just the opposite: the remark came as casually and politely as someone inquiring about the weather. Indeed, the woman sitting across from him seemed utterly unfazed by her surroundings, as though there were something healthy and normal about a late-night meeting to discuss a murder mystery. The chief detective quickly and quietly took her measure. She looked young — twenties, probably, or maybe early thirties. Thin, but fit, with very well-toned arms. Also very red: red shirt, red hair, red jeans, what looked like half of a red skirt covering them on one side; he couldn’t see her shoes under the table but he guessed they were probably red too. The shirt was sleeveless and buttoned down the middle, and her hair hung straight down to her neck, just low enough to graze her shoulders when her head moved. The one anomaly in the color scheme was her eyes: they were a light shade of green, like springtime grass. She smelled clean, and recently so, as though she’d come straight here after bathing. Probably not the case. Then again, it would’ve been about as strange as anything else about her.

Before Marty could get sidetracked thinking about his new guest in bathing attire, the reinforced steel door of the interrogation room closed loudly behind him, and he could just barely hear Kent lock it from the other side. Too late to back down now, he thought to himself. May as well see what this is about.

“I was beginning to think you were just going to leave me here,” she continued, half-amused.

Marty just sat there silently, somewhat mystified by his guest. In light of his analysis, he suddenly became aware that he looked somewhat unorthodox for his station. While he was at least somewhat well-dressed, sporting his usual black coat, matching pants, and collared white shirt, he seemed almost reluctantly so, as though he were doing it purely because it was protocol. Which, in reality, it was, and he was, but there was no reason anyone else had to know that. His wiry frame rested in his chair in a lazy posture born from years of watching television on the couch, sitting at a computer chair, and taking calls at his desk. There was no belt across his midsection, no tie hanging from his neck, and absolutely no question he smelled less pleasant than his new guest, though in his defense he was suffering from a serious dearth of free time. The detective’s hat he wore was, like the rest of his entourage, as dark a shade of onyx as fabric could be made to be, and always askew despite his constant fidgeting to straighten it, though it did a passable job of concealing the uncombed mess of black hair beneath it.

“I thought about it,” Martin offered jovially in answer, instantly and decisively dismissing any concerns about appearance. It was far too late in the evening to stand on something so superficial, he figured. He leaned forward and tried to sound more serious. It was…difficult. “I’ll be honest here. You just sort of came in here, unannounced, past curfew, with no regard for our protocols or...anything. You could at least try and start on the right foot, and tell me who you are instead of acting like you’re some MVP guest at a Cruxian house party.” He pushed the brim of his hat up a bit for a clearer view, shooting the girl an inquisitive look. “I was told you wanted to see me about the recent disappearances. If that’s the case, I’d reeeeeally appreciate it if you’d get to whatever information you have, and soon. Ordinarily I’d be more excited, but I’m running on the last of my coffee here, and this whole thing’s been a nonstop pain in the ass besides.”

“Fair enough.” The woman leaned across the table, folding her arms on its surface for support despite the undoubtedly cold metal. “My name is Aria. I work for a...” Her lips pressed together for a moment as she tried to find the right word. “...private organization, that investigates strange occurrences.” Apparently unsure if Martin had made the connection himself, she added, “Like the ones Vanguard’s been experiencing lately. I came here to offer to help.”

A long, awkward pause followed before Martin finally replied. “You’re...not from here, are you?”

“I grew up in Crux,” the woman called Aria admitted, uncrossing her arms and easing back somewhat.

“Ahh. Suddenly that first minute makes a lot more sense…” Martin exhaled quietly. Crux produced an admirable number of smart people, he thought, but their intelligence always seemed to come at the expense of tact. “Well. Chief Detective Martin Ericson. Nice to meet you,” he returned politely, doffing his hat. “Now, since you’ve come all this way, Ms. Aria.” He spread his arms in a lazy gesture of invitation. “Please, tell me your pitch that’s so important it can’t wait ‘til a normal time of day.”

Aria relaxed a little in her seat, the tension from their initial introductions seemingly defused for now. “Well…” The enigmatic woman thoughtfully tapped a finger against the table. “The truth is, this is my first time being assigned to Vanguard in quite some time. I’ve never been terribly familiar with the city-”

“I can tell,” Martin murmured to himself.

His guest apparently caught his sarcastic aside, because she stopped speaking and stared at him. This Aria character was good at reading people, Martin noticed; it wasn’t until he was good and uncomfortable that she resumed, and he got the distinct impression she had paused for exactly that reason. “So I thought I’d come to the enforcers and try to make a deal.”

“I’m all for it, but I’m still waiting to hear what the deal is,” Martin reminded helpfully.

Aria fixed him with another flat stare. “The deal is you get me up to speed on what’s been happening, and I’ll help from there.”

The chief detective considered the proposition for several moments. “And you couldn’t have just left that on a note?” he said at last.

The woman across from him remained unamused. “I assumed the Vanguard Enforcers preferred in-person meetings,” she said dully. “Next time I’ll put a sticky note on your door.”

“I’m fond of phones, myself,” Martin countered teasingly. “But hey, if the great techno-city of Crux is still stuck relaying messages via sticky notes-”

“My organization’s not based in Crux,” Aria interrupted.

Marty blinked a few times. “But you said-”

She cut him off again. “I said I’m from Crux.”

“Oh.” The chief detective rubbed his eyes. The late night was beginning to get the better of him, it seemed. “Right. I’m with you now.” He shook his head once, vigorously, to try and clear it. “So...you want access to all we’ve got on this case, and in return you can maybe help solve it,” Martin pondered aloud, as much to himself as the woman across from him. “But why exactly should I trust you? And what guarantee do I have that your help will actually be...you know. Useful?” He gave her a look that made his skepticism clear, in case his words hadn’t made it clear enough.

Battle music for Valrys.

"After a thousand years and countless battles won, the one foe she could never defeat was herself." -Gravij

Title: Mirror Mirror

Artists: Jeff Williams, Casey Lee Williams

On the roof of the enigmatic Vanguard Tower...

Aria: (Vanguard looks so incredible from up here... Hard to believe this place was ever the center of a war.)

Elaine: Aria?

Aria: Huh- Verys?

Elaine: What're you doing up here?

Aria: I was going to ask you the same question.

Elaine: I come up here sometimes when I'm on break. The view always puts me at ease.

Aria: I was just thinking that myself. It...reminds me of home.

Aria: Why don't you come sit with me?

Elaine: Sure!

Elaine: It was quite the buzz around here, hearing you and all the other Guardians were coming to the city.

Aria: I can imagine. Did you get the chance to meet any of them?

Elaine: No... Things have been really busy since...

Aria: ...since Vincent disappeared?

Elaine: Yeah.

Aria: I know...I want to hope he's still alive, but...

Elaine: ...but what?

Aria: ...Izal has...decided to choose a new Lightning Vanguard.

Elaine: ...oh...

Aria: Ah...I'm sorry, Verys.

Elaine: No, it's...it's okay.

Elaine: I just...don't know who could do something like that. Or what.

Aria: I don't know either, to be honest... It worries me a little.

Elaine: ...

Aria: I'm sorry, I...didn't mean to ruin your break dwelling on recent happenings.

Elaine: It's alright! Besides, that's what you're here for, isn't it?

Aria: Yes, though I wish it were otherwise. Still, the situation comes with a few bonuses on the side.

Aria: Getting to see you again among them.

Elaine: You can say that again. You never visit any more!

Aria: I'm busy! Being a Guardian isn't easy, you know. Especially in Eridax.

Aria: Sure, they throw some fun parties, but then there's all the people who want me to mediate their honor duels, or tell me we're not being tough enough on the athrises, or *something.*

Elaine: Hah! You think *you've* got it hard. I've been running around so much I'm going to need new shoes.

Aria: Always a place to go in the wings, huh?

Elaine: Yup. We're all business, all the time.

Aria: Except for right now.

Elaine: Except for right now.

Elaine: Hahah, I guess we're both slacking a little aren't we?

Aria: We are. But that's okay sometimes.

Elaine: The times where nobody finds out?

Aria: Hey, hard work buys you the right to take it slow every now and then.

Elaine: Spoken like a true Crux girl.

Aria: You're one to talk.

Elaine: I didn't say I wasn't!

Aria: ...

Elaine: ...

Aria: I miss those days sometimes.

Elaine: Me too.

Aria: Remember when my mom would take us out to Zenith for the weekend?

Elaine: I don't care what anybody says, they make the *best* ice cream there.

Aria: Is that place still in business?

Elaine: I hope so. I'm gonna go up there next time I have vacation time.

Aria: And when's that?

Elaine: Probably never, at this rate. But a girl can dream.

Aria: A girl can *definitely* dream.

Elaine: Oh, and the beaches there were so amazing...

Aria: You're making me want to go back.

Elaine: I'm making *myself* want to go back...

Aria: Well...maybe once this whole thing dies down, we'll take our vacation together.

Elaine: Do Guardians *get* vacations?

Aria: Depends who you ask.

Elaine: I'm asking you!

Aria: I don't see why not.

Aria: Besides, I run off all the time to go do Flame Warden stuff. Nobody has to know I'm relaxing.

Elaine: Don't people ask?

Aria: Well, yes. But I'm their Guardian.

Elaine: So what do you tell them?

Elaine: "I was fulfilling my important, gods-given duty of visiting my old weekend retreat to do some sunbathing." Something like that?

Aria: Smartass.

Elaine: ...

Aria: ...

Aria: I should probably get going. Val and the others will want to see me, now that I'm here.

Elaine: Right...

Elaine: ...Aria?

Aria: What?

Elaine: Stay safe, okay?

Aria: I will. But you have to do the same, alright?

Elaine: I'll try. But I'm counting on you to rescue me if I get in trouble.

Aria: I hope it doesn't come to that. I haven't had to rescue you since...not since we first met, I think.

Elaine: I've been pretty good at keeping myself out of trouble. Unlike *some* people.

Aria: No comment.

Aria: ...see you around, Verys.

Elaine: See you later Aria!

Battle music for Dominick and Ausra.

It is inevitable that those who refuse to back down come to blows with one another.

Title: A Stranger I Remain

Artist: Jamie Christopherson

Inspiration music for The Shadow's War - Lingering Sorrow.

No matter how hard the struggle or how righteous the cause, fate has little sympathy for those left standing at the end.

Title: Lion's Arch Lament

Artists: Maclaine Diemer, Jeremy Soule

Inspiration music for The Shadow's War - Final Guardian.

When the shadows draw near, when the clouds have obscured all light,

Look for the storm's flash, and listen for the thunder's roar.

For in the hour of greatest need, in the time of greatest plight,

Lightning's blade will split the sky, and banish the shadows forevermore.

-Anonymous, "Lightning Vanguard"

Title: Twisted Marionette Battle, Part 2

Artist: Maclaine Diemer

Inspiration music for The Shadow's War - Eridax United.

A leader is one who can convince others that their differences are not obstacles.

Title: The Saga of the Norn

Artist: Jeremy Soule

Inspiration music for The Shadow's War - Lux Invaded.

Scholars say they came without warning, surging across the divide to darken the land of eternal light. Those who were there, though, knew the truth: they had ignored their neighbors' plight, and the time had come to pay the price for their indifference.

Title: The Charr Triumphant

Artist: Jeremy Soule

Inspiration music for The Shadow's War - Necessary Measures.

Desperation is a powerful force. When even the gods have turned their backs on you, what choice is there but to fight for survival?

Title: Battle on the Breachmaker

Artist: Leif Chappelle

At the scene of a brutal mass killing in Vanguard's District No. 2...

Enforcer Investigator: Chief detective. Good to see you.

Martin: Another one, huh? What've we got so far?

Enforcer Investigator: Worst one yet. A dozen enforcers this time, plus a couple of the warehouse workers. Few more reported missing.

Aria: That many...

Martin: How recent? Do we know?

Enforcer Investigator: We got the call an hour ago. I'd say whatever happened here was two, maybe three hours before that.

Martin: Why didn't we hear about this earlier?

Enforcer Investigator: Can't say sir. Could be the squad died before they could call for help.

Martin: (A dozen enforcers, dead before they could sound the alarm? I don't buy it...)

Martin: We'll take a look. Close off this whole area, make sure nobody gets in unless it gets run past me first.

Enforcer Investigator: Yes sir. But, if I may ask... Who's she?

Aria: I'm Aria.

Martin: She's with me. Investigative consultant.

Enforcer Investigator: ...alright. Well, I'll leave you to it. Good luck sir.

Martin: Later. And thanks.

Martin: So what've we got here...

Martin: (Lot of blood, and a lot of missing body parts...most of these look like impact wounds. Broken bones, crushed skulls, some *really* enormous holes in the walls...but no traces of what caused it. Plenty of spent casings, but nothing that'd cause this kind of damage... Some kind of new Cruxian melee weapon, maybe? But then why trash a Cruxian storage house? And why in Vanguard?)

Aria: (So many dead... But these wounds- nothing on Arret could've done something like this...)

Aria: What are you thinking?

Martin: Doesn't add up...no gun I've seen could cause impacts like these. And some of these don't even look like impacts; it's like something just...tore them apart.

Aria: The way the bodies are spaced...whatever did this took its time.

Martin: Huh?

Aria: Some of them are near cover, but others are across the room, around corners, in between storage crates... And there's bullet casings all over the floor.

Martin: (She's right, there's way too many spent shells for this to have been a short fight. This girl knows her way around a murder scene.)

Martin: Hm...they had it engaged from multiple angles, but still...

Aria: (An obsidolith could do something like this, but there are no rock shards in the debris, and I don't recall any obsidoliths coming to Arret recently...and there's no way they'd go unnoticed here even if they did. An athris or a nizin wouldn't have the kind of strength to cause this kind of damage...)

Aria: (What could have done this?)

Martin: I seriously hate admitting this...but I'm at a loss here. None of this adds up.

Martin: A dozen enforcers - armed, armored, and fully trained - shouldn't all be in the same place unless something's up. So something must've happened here, they must've called for backup...but then they didn't call for more once they started getting slaughtered?

Martin: And whatever killed them...

Martin: (...can apparently punch through steel, tear people to pieces, has bulletproof skin...oh, and doesn't leave any traces of its presence.)

Martin: ...I don't even know where to start with that part.

Martin: (I can't believe I'm asking this...)

Martin: What's your take on this? As the, uh..."Flame Warden"?

Aria: To be honest...I'm not sure either. Not many creatures on Eridax would have the power to do something like this, let alone the motive, and the ones that do couldn't possibly stay hidden in the city.

Martin: ...meaning...?

Aria: (I don't know *what* it means, but it can't be good...)

Aria: Meaning it must have been something else altogether. Something completely foreign to the entire trinity system.

Martin: Which is...bad, I assume.

Aria: Does anything about this strike you as good?

Martin: (...could've been two dozen instead?)

Martin: Not so much.

Aria: Me neither.

Martin: ...great. So what I do say in the report?

Aria: For now? The truth: twelve enforcers are dead, with no solid leads on who's responsible. It's unfortunate, but...it's all we have.

Martin: (Because that always goes over *so* well...)

Martin: (Damn everything, why is this happening to me?)

Aria: (The other disappearances weren't like this, if what Martin told me was true. Why is there suddenly a trail? And why...why so many people? Is it because I'm here? Because of Dominick's ascension? Something else entirely?)

In Crux, securing your place on the hierarchy is everything. Those seeking to move up the ranks - or to protect their own - often come to Reeve Kavis, a ruthless man who leads an elite private military force known as the Kavis Corps. Reeve has rented out bodyguards, assassins, and saboteurs alike to virtually every company in Crux at some point or another, making him both friend and enemy to all those in power. Despite his shifting allegiances, however, his peerless fighting force and pervasive influence throughout the city has helped maintain a strange kind of balance, and kept even the most cutthroat of players from trying to corner him in one of Crux's dark alleys...so far.

Full name: Gravij

Species: Nizin

Birthplace: Crystal Substrata, Eridax Terrastra

Current residence: Prism, Eridax Terrastra

Age: 244 (Arretan years; 488 Eridaxian years)

Affiliation(s): Five Guardians, Earthen Judges (former)

Position(s): Stone Sentry

Cumulative service length: 146 years (46 years as Guardian)

Height: 2.969 meters (9 feet 6 inches)

Weight: 200 kilograms (440 pounds)

Hair color: None

Eye color: Brown

Family members: Ressa (mother), Setij (father)

Weapon of choice: Hammer

Physical evaluation: Average strength and agility for a nizin, but exceptional pain tolerance and physical endurance. Extensive training with heavy melee weapons, with a specialty in defensive and guarding techniques. Physically compatible with Renov, Astophos.

Psychological evaluation: Extremely patient. Difficult to read, but all information suggests a strong sense of honesty. Fully committed to his duties as Stone Sentry, and to mediating disputes between the other Guardians. Psychologically compatible with Renov, Nimi as a result.