A Peaceful Protest

It was a beautiful day in the city of Crocus; birds were singing, the sun was shining, and there were cries of protest echoing down the street. Okay, perhaps one of those things wasn't quite like the other. Pygmy Rabbit, a guild of people who valued peace above all else, were rallying on the front lawn of General Edmund Anderson's house in protest. "He's a warmonger and a murderer!" The Guildmaster of Pygmy Rabbit, Arya Artis heard echoing from one of the mages standing in front of the manor, and she slid her fingers into her hair with a sigh. She wasn't even fully certain what they were protesting, they never exactly made it clear. Protesting was something they did occasionally, for team building reasons, but Arya wasn't exactly certain how effective it was. Hell, General Anderson might not even here them from his high horse; okay, maaaybe Arya held some resentment towards the man, but that wasn't why they were targeting him with their protest. He was just a small component that made up the Fiore military, which apparently was too "active" or something. Either way, it wasn't like Edmund would actually do anything about their rag-tag group of protesters; he'd just ignore them all day and the entire thing would be a pointless formality. Still, it was a guild tradition the First Master had started, and who was she to disrespect his wishes? The blonde sighed and sat on one of the benches near the lawn. "I'm getting too old for this." She complained, despite only being nineteen years of age- two years of guild leadership tended to sour the point of view of an individual.

"Geez... a guy can't sleep around here..."

Takashi could be seen in a tree lounging on a branch. He dropped down behind his Guild Master and began stretching and yawning.

"Ya know... you should really do something about your Piggy Bunnies..."

Takashi said mid yawn as he scratched his head. Sure he was in the guild but for whatever reason he didn't claim it just yet. He'd been here half a year and yet in a way everyone was still a stranger to him. Granted he never bothered to engage in conversation with anyone other than Arya. And Hiroko a few times.

He hopped over the bench and landed sitting down next to Arya.

"What are they going on about this time?" He asked, his eyes half open.

If there was one thing Takashi could say about the guild, is that it was often pretty busy.

"Oh if you have any jobs for me this week... I'm taking a personal vacation. So maybe Hiroko can take em"

Takashi grinned to himself as it seemed every week he was taking a "personal vacation".

Maria wasn't certain what she actually was doing here. They said they were all going to protest against a general of the army or something. There were plenty of people standing around, and Maria wasn't really sure whether they were all members of the Pygmy bunny guild. She could see the child that guided her tot this guild and the girl that placed the guild mark on her body, but other than that she didn't really know anyone around here. And she only met those two once each.

Nonetheless here she was, standing in that blasted sun. As soon as she arrived on the spot she found a small spot under a tree to hide from the sunshine that was getting all the more irritating the more she was in it. That she was able to walk in it didn't seem remove that half of her still didn't like it. For now she should watch whatever was going on, maybe she would act on it later. But for now, there wasn't much for her to do. If this guy was really so bad, then why don't we all go in to bust his ass and call it a day. Didn't really meant we had to kill him, letting one experience pain was very easy with just illusions.

There were moments, in his otherwise honest, coherent, and blindly loyal to the government life, when Edmund Anderson, general of the Royal Army of Fiore, genuinely questioned his life choices. Of course, his faith in the importance of concepts like order, law, and justice, as well as his undying belief that he, and nobody else, was the most qualified person to ensure the survival of such values in those complex times, were usually enough to make him abandon such negative thinking, and dive right back in his work with even greater enthusiasm. But lately there was this group of individuals, that apparently had made their goal in life to exasperate him, to wish he had just become a librarian like his mother wanted.

Their name was Pygmy Rabbit, and they were much, MUCH more annoying than the rodent that gave the name to their guild. Never in his life had Anderson ever seen such a half-assed excuse for a pacifist group: they protested for the sake of protesting, they praised abstract concepts like "peace" and "love", without knowing anything about the sacrifices, the difficult decisions required to conquer the latter and preserve the former. Heck, most of them probably didn't even know why they were protesting at all, or why they were doing so in front of his mansion, of all places. Although in fairness, the general himself often wondered about that last point himself.

As the noise from the people outside grew louder, distracting him from his work, the general sighed, and reached for a bell on his table: he usually didn't mind it when people exercised their freedom of speech, and was against any form of oppression... But that day he had a particularly big load of paperwork to take care of, so he was in a bad mood. He therefore rang the bell, and waited for his secret weapon to show up. If those hippies wanted to paint him as some sort of fascist, then he would give them a good reason for doing so.


You called?

Asked a familiar voice. The general watched as the slender figure marched in, and demonstrated a perfect military salute, complete with heels knocking against each other. He also noticed how the person's... Uh... Prominent assets bounced suavely, as a side effect of the salute: that did nothing to improve his mood, in fact it made it even worse.

You know, you really should consider wearing the standard uniform... Your current attire really makes it hard for me to send you on missions with this or that unit, I am worried that the soldiers wouldn't be able to focus, with you around...

Did you call me to lecture me about my get up? Wouldn't that qualify as abusing your position, General?

The evident sarcasm of the line, and of the word "general" in particular, sternly contrasted with the perfectly formal, military tone in which it had been spoken.

Geez, you are a handful as usual... Look, those hippies from that rabbit guild are at it again, can you do something about it? WITHOUT roasting anyone?

He quickly added, remembering just whom he was talking to.

The girl who was standing in front of him answered by saluting again: this time, however, the hand she used to salute was engulfed in flames. A sinister smile was painted on her lips, and there was a dangerous liht in her eyes, whose pupils were shrinking to the point of looking like those of a snake.


I'll see what I can do, dad.

Said Claire Anderson, the Fire Dragon Slayer. Then she marched out of the room, down the stairs, and into the garden.

Note:

Blinking, the guildmaster smiled as the young musician approached, her eyes proud. Tracey reminded Arya of herself, in a simpler time. In a time without corruption or evil. "Of course that's okay!" She replied with a smile, hand patting the seat next to her. As the young Pygmy Rabbit member mentioned someone, Arya's head snapped to attention, thinking General Edmund had finally decided to pay attention to them. Instead, she followed Tracey's vision and was surprised to see a woman in black in the garden. Despite having camped outside this particular general's house many times, she had never seen the honestly startling woman in her life. "I... I actually don't know who that is." She admitted, her eyes still frozen on the white-haired woman. "But you sure can bet I'm gonna find out." She finished, lifting herself out of her seat and moving confidently towards the garden. She was too intrigued to let this go; by her information, Anderson had no family, which only made this more interesting. Perhaps she could prod the woman for some vital intel on the general.

It seemed the Guild Master was deep in thought, she totally was giving him the cold shoulder.

Geez... must be serious... she didn't even scold me or anything

Before he could speak he heard the voice of a soft spoken woman, he turned his head a bit and noticed the young woman. Hearts immediately formed in his eyes, as was usual for Takashi pretty much anytime he saw a woman.

"Well helloooooo! Haven't seen you around before! Whatcha got in the case huh? Huh? Huh?"

As she sat down he looked her up and down, wondering why she was so far away from him, then followed her pointed finger and noticed a woman in the gardens. And the heart eyes reappeared.

Today must be my lucky day! This entire places is crawling with hotties!

Arya then stood up and began to make her way in the direction of the woman. Takashi wanted to stay and talk to the new girl but he also wanted to meet this mysterious woman. He looked at the girl with the case then back at the direction of the woman conflicted he then tapped his chin.

"Hey new girl... we should probably follow suit. Ya never know Arya might need backup ahaha"

He laughed nervously hoping he was doing a good job of hiding his ulterior motive and that the girl would Join him, as he stood up and started walking after Arya.[/i]

More and more people started to gather around the mansion and nothing was really happening. Maybe she should return to the guild and take a look at the request board. There probably weren't going to be many people right now, so now would be a good time to take a look at it without drawing too much attention. Just when she was thinking this a girl left the house and walked into the garden. Was that girl the general they were protesting against, or was she the maid or something? Well one way to find out.

She made her way towards the first row. Once she was there another woman was going up front. This woman looked really great! Maria wondered who she was. Was she some kind of leader of the guild? If that was the case, Maria wondered why she didn't join earlier. Then she remembered that she only recently arrived in this city and couldn't have joined earlier than she got here. She wanted to get closer, but she couldn't do that without drawing the attention of probably all the people gathered around here.

For now she decided she would stay on standby. If the situation grew dire in there she wouldn't wait a moment before jumping into the fray to defend the people of her guild. Luckily the majority of the noise lowered a bit once the woman got out, they all wanted to hear what she had to say, of course. If they wouldn't they wouldn't be here. Sadly there were still some noisemakers nearby.

"Shut up! W-e.. We Want to hear what she has to say right?" She first shouted a little to hard, she just wanted to hear what was going on up there. This silenced the majority of the masses so they at least could hear what's going on if they talked loud enough. Maybe she should try to sneak closer with her magic once attention had died down from her shout earlier.

Once in the garden, Claire spotted the people who were protesting, and marched straight towards them. It looked like the entire guild was there, but she wasn't worried: in these cases, making a big entrance was all that mattered. And Claire LOOOOVED to make big entrances.

Hey, are you the people from that rabbit guild? What do you think you are doing, on General Anderson's lawn?

She didn't wait for an answer: it was time for her favorite part.

This is a private property, and I highly doubt that this initiative of yours was regularly authorized. I must therefore ask you to leave immediately: if you don't...

She smiled, and her smile wasn't of the gentle, accommodating kind, but rather of the terrifying, predatory kind. Her pupils shrank until they looked like those of a reptile, a bloody red glow in her irises. Her left hand, and then her entire arm, was entirely engulfed in flames, which blazed up as she rose her hand to point at the group.

... I will have no choice but to obey the order that was given to me!

She nearly screamed, a crazed expression on her face.
Of course, the order in question was to avoid hurting anyone and to solve the situation peacefully. And of course, Claire indeed wouldn't have had no choice but to obey it. However, the Pygmy Rabbit people couldn't know that: she thus had figured that, by wording her speech in a way that could sound threatening, she could scare them into leaving. It was essentially a bluff: now it was up to those hippies to call it.

Blinking in surprise at the appearance of flames over the female's left arm, the guildmaster of Pygmy Rabbit was startled only for a moment, until her eyes flashed with comprehension. A small snicker passing over her face, she held her arm out to Tracey, who had panicked and prepared for battle. 'Not that I blame her. I'll give this girl one thing," she thought, her eyes looking the girl over again. 'She's incredibly intimidating.' Still, Arya was not about to be pushed around, not by the military. "You realize this is a peaceful protest, right? No one here has drawn any weapon of any kind, well, aside from you." She nodded to the arm now engulfed in flame. She turned around to look at the protesters on the lawn, being intentionally dramatic for the fun of it. "What do you suppose would happen if someone from the military were to attack the citizens of Crocus without any real provocation, Takashi?" She asked the man whom flanked her, her small stature incredibly obvious next to him and this envoy of General Anderson. Arya had studied the law of Crocus over the years, and there was a reason this was called a peaceful protest. While Arya personally found the cause a little contrived, that doesn't mean anyone from the military had the right to push them around with force.

"Tracey eh? Heh nice name. I'm Takashi" He would say with a grin as they began to follow their Guild Master.

He looked around at all the protesters, shaking his head.

Geez... all these people... making such a fuss... He thought to himself.

That's when the woman's arm engulfed in flames. Takashi studied the woman, a fire mage great. He could see many of the protesters tense up at the sight of said magic.

Almost immediately the new girl Tracey stepped up pulling out her violin, it took everything in Takashi's power not to burst out laughing, though if anyone were looking at his face they'd see he was having a hard time doing so.

She's... gonna play music... at a time like this?

He then heard Arya's words...

"What do you suppose would happen if someone from the military were to attack the citizens of Crocus without any real provocation, Takashi?"

Great... now he had to day something or risk getting scolded by Arya. He shivered at the thought, she could give some harsh lectures.

Takashi put his hands in his pockets and cleared his throat.

"Well... as members of Pygmy Rabbit... it's our duty to protect the citizens of Crocus from any and all threats and ensure peace among them. That includes against fire fisted hot women. ..er I mean...

He then turned his attention to the woman who seemed to be trying the intimidation route. Clearing his throat again he quickly spoke once more

"Listen lady, these people have every right to gather and protest as long as they do so peacefully which in my eyes they are... however you wanna go about this... just know... as long the three of us are standing here... your flames won't even get the chance to warm any of these people up."

He glanced over at Arya for a moment looking for a sign he said the right things. He then watched what the woman would do next, he seriously hoped she was bluffing because actually engaging with this woman would be more work than Takashi wanted.

With the statement of the top-heavy woman sounded very aggressive, Maria could imagine the crowd wasn't going to like it. Maria herself also had to hold in not to attack, but as long as she the others didn't attack, she was not going to be part of that. Not because she didn't want to fight, but because she didn't want to draw attention to herself unnecessarily. Little did Maria knew that the reason the entire guild hadn't start fighting yet was probably because the guildmaster wanted to solve this peacefully. Maria herself had no love for the laws of this of this city nor this land. Nor did she find it a bad idea to beat some sense into the woman in the garden, but she couldn't do that when there were so many people watching. Now she began to wonder what that woman's blood would taste. The other two girls did look more tasty, but she doubted it if there were any guild policies for feeding on guildmates.

Then again Maria doubted she could just waltz in this place. Well it wasn't like there weren't a million other people in the city she could gain some from. It would just have to do. Still this sun was a pain to be in. She didn't really like to stand inside it. Well maybe it was time to speed up the process a bit. But how? She couldn't really do anything to affect it without it turning ugly from here. Her illusion would probably just make the situation worse. Still she was ready to distract, or attack anyone from her position in front of the masses just a few meters away from were the conversation was going on.

Tch, so much for using my brain...

Grunted Claire, lowering her arm. The flames vanished as she closed her eyes: when she opened them again, they were back to normal.

As mentioned, if you refuse to leave, I'll have no choice but to obey the order dad gave me. Which means, I'll have to peacefully discuss the reasons of your protest with you people, and reach an agreement without roasting anyone...

She scratched the back of her head in confusion. Her terrifying smile had given place to a meek, sheepish one.

But the fact is, I am much better at using my fists than my brain. I figured I'd imply that my orders were to brun you, so that you'd get scared and go away... Good work seeing through my bluff, I guess.

Somewhere in his office, General Anderson, who was watching the scene from a window, facepalmed loudly.

Well, I guess it can't be helped, it's not like I can disobey dad's order... Still, you people are a courageous bunch: my flames aren't of the kind you see every day, and yet you all stood your ground. This girl here was even planning to take me on by... Playing her violin at me? Hey, bravery is totally up my alley, I guess I can like this much in you...

Realizing what she had said she blushed, turning her head away: the threatening monster from moments before seemed light years distant now.

N-not like as in, LIKE like... That came out wrong...

She straightened up.

A-anyway, who's the boss here? I frankly wouldn't mind taking on you people, you looked like total whimps at first, but now I kinda respect you... Sadly, my orders state otherwise, so I have to ask: can you please explain to me the reason of your protest? If the old man pissed you off, I can totally sympathize with that...

The guildmaster was a little surprised at the sudden shift in the woman's attitude, and stepped backwards with a start. The woman who had seemed so intimidating now seemed almost... doglike with her kind obedience and shifting mood. At the mention of a leader, she shook herself from her thoughts, standing up taller. Clearing her throat, she stepped forward once more. "That would be me. The name's Arya, and I'm the guildmaster of Pygmy Rabbit." The short girl announced, her back straight as she spoke the rehearsed line. It was something she had gotten quite good at, in her line of work. "We're here to protest your, um, dad's work. I can understand the need for military in terms of self-defense, but his position as general frequently forces unwanted conflicts with other countries, and lives get lost everyday because of his warmongering." Not to mention her personal vendetta against the man, but that didn't need to come out at this point in time. Though the revelation that he had a fully grown daughter was news to her. 'I swore his daughter was quite young when I last spoke to him. How much has time flown?' She thought to herself, before shaking her head. "Either way, Pygmy Rabbit shall be staying here until your father comes out and has a talk with me face to face. We've been here over seven times and he's refused to do this one thing for me."

OOC:

Takashi would turn his attention to Tracey, she seemed to have a new found confidence when she picked up her violin. He even managed to hear her soft voice stating her magic was strong. Takashi then scratched his head.

Hmm... this new girl is interesting... ugh... all these girls... all the estrogen in the air... hope they don't start a cat fight... though that's something I'd like to see... hmm

That's when Takashi heard Arya's comment about conflicts and lives being lost because of them. For a moment a bit of sadness entered his body remembering the horrific attack on his village years ago. He then shook his head and nodded.

"These people have every right to protest... someone's gotta get the message across to the general... and until he does Pygmy Rabbit isn't going anywhere..."

His fist clenched inside his pockets, his mind still somewhat else where. He knew Arya would try the more peaceful route of handling this and unless this woman made a move he wouldn't though he was fully prepared to help defend the people of Crocus if need be.

IMPORTANT OOC NOTE:

Claire ignored the other people and looked at the blonde girl, tilting her head in curiosity.

You are the master? But... You're small. Although come to think of it, your guild IS named after a cute little animal, so I guess this is how its master should look, right?

She took a moment to consider the people standing in front of her.

So, a small guild master, a girl who fights people by playing her violin at them, and a guy who makes passes at girls he doesn't know (thought I didn't hear that? My sense are sharper than those of the average human, you know). With all due respect, that's not the kind of team I'd put together, if I was planning to oppose the kingdom...

Her expression suddenly got serious

... Because dad's actions are the will of the kingdom: he is the one who is working on boosting Fiore's military strength, but he is not the one who made the decision, the order came directly from the king. You guys do realize that, don't you?

Her eyes widened at the mention of her height, then narrowed in anger. The nostrils on the now angry face flaired, and she rolled up her sleeves, marching towards the fire mage. "Oh, you want to fight, huh? I'll take you on right here, give me everything you've got!" She shouted, her voice hoarse with rage. After a moment, she blinked, looking at her guildmates, and blushed crimson. Straightening her pink sundress, she cleared her throat and looked at the tall girl again. "As for your father, can you honestly say that he would stop any unnecessary fighting if he were to be given full control of the military of Fiore? Focus only on defense? I know this kingdom, and I know it's weaknesses like the back of-" The guildmaster turned away when Tracey dismissed herself, nodding. "Thank you Tracey, that would be great." Turning back to the woman, she clenched her fists, a small blue aura shining around them. This typically happened when the guildmaster got too intertwined her emotions. "Men like your father took everything from me, and this is the only way I can change anything without violence. I don't care if it works. These are the values my guild embodies; Defensive, not passive. Protective, not violent. Saving, not hurting. We humans are too little in the world to be running around killing each other, especially us mages. If Pygmy Rabbit didn't do anything, who would? Your father? Somehow I doubt that." If good thing could be said about Arya in her emotional outbursts, it would her passion, ever shining on the surface. She realized she was essentially insulting this girl's father right to her face, but she didn't care. It had to be said, and that was that.

Takashi would put his hand on Arya's shoulder

"Easy there killer..."

Takashi had seen Arya mad before but this was a new level. He sighed as sweat rolled down his head.

"Look lady... we're just concerned about the people... and quite frankly you're dad hasn't really been a shining example of a peace keeper... they're all a bit worried even scared."

He watched as the new girl dismissed herself then turned to face the fire mage once more.

"Don't be fooled by us Pygmy Rabbits... we may not look like much... but that in itself is one of our many advantages..."

Takashi patted Arya on the back as he turned to leave

"Well this is turning into a much busier day than I wanted... my nap got disturbed. Yo Arya... I'm gonna go check on our fearless violin warrior over there... holler if ya need me..."

He began to walk after Tracey

"Please don't need me!

He said turning his back to the two women as he waved em off. Surely Arya would be able to resolve this issue or at least the two could come to an understanding of sorts.

He eventually found himself besides Tracey.

"Yo new girl!"

Claire was taken aback by the girl's reaction to her words. She was shocked by how vehemently she reacted. And was annoyed by how two of the hippies left the scene without giving her the chance to reply to their words.

Looks like your army just retreated...

She sarcastically commented, focusing her attention on the guild master in front of her.

In all seriousness tho, listen girl: I dunno what your problem is with dad, you certainly ain't pissed about his role because, well, those aren't words one would use to talk about a guy they only saw in a photo on the newspaper. Whatever pissed you off, it's something he did personally, you have it in for him which hey, is totally fine: when he took his position, he knew he was gonna make enemies. When I punch some thug out, I don't blame him if he comes back with his squad to kick my ass, so yeah, if dad stepped on your toes, I won't blame you for wanting to get back at him...

She quickly glanced at the window that dominated the garden: she knew her father was somewhere behind that windom, and she wondered if he would approve of her words. But regardless, she was going to do what she had always done throughout her entire life: speak her mind.

... But before you do that, lemme ask you a question: do you like the job of the undertaker? Putting together and dressing up corpses, so that their relatives can mourn them publicly, then stuffing them in a coffin and burying them six feet under... Rather disgusting job, ain't that? But the fact of the matter is: somebody's gotta do it, 'cause the alternative is to have rotting corpses at every corner of the street.

She took a deep breath: she wasn't used to saying so many words at once.

Dad's the same. Anyone can see that his job is disgusting, he's the one who teaches young lads to give their lives, so that those fat pigs who are in charge can keep on being in charge. You don't like it, I don't like it, heck I'm sure he doesn't like it deep down. But the fact is, somebody's gotta do it, 'cause the alternative is to have chaos, anarchy, civil wars. And if somebody's gotta do it, might as well be dad, who at least is a honest man, and won't tell the lads that going to war is right. Dunno about you, but I'll take someone who calls war "necessary" over someone who calls war "right" any day of the week. Don't you just hate it, when people go and assume their point of view is right?

She sighed, folding her arms in thought as the taller woman made her explanation of the situation. She had a point, this kind of thing had to be done sometimes, and if Edmund wouldn't do it, who would? Shaking her head, she sighed. "But don't you see? This country uses war as it's default option, and lives are lost everyday in conflicts that could be resolved in diplomacy. I understand your father's role, in fact, I can respect it a little bit, but this is about so much more than just him now. If we of Pygmy Rabbit don't force people to think for themselves through displays like this, the populace loses it's greatest asset: it's voice." She explained, her hair warm on the back of her head from the blazing sun. Like it or not, the General is a symbol for the government, and protesting here is much more likely to have us be heard over protesting on impartial ground. If the fine people of Crocus and Fiore as a whole don't take a stand against unnecessary violence, it's quite possible none of us will live to see the future your father and the king are striving for." She finished her thoughts with a small sigh, looking down at her clenched fist. It was hard to maintain the ideals that Elcombre had sown among the members of the guild. Suddenly, she was thrown from her thoughts by the violinist's preformance, and she stared in shock for a moment as she watched.