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Post by Sprow on Oct 4, 2014 19:41:52 GMT -5
As Lance came to a halt, he couldn't help but gape up toward the large Heartless. This was really going to be the end, wasn't it? As that thought crossed his mind, Lance did what any kid would in his situation. He threw the keyblade at the Heartless, which easily fell short because the weapon was too heavy to throw far. It was the only thing that came to mind before the kid resorted to diving to the ground and covering his head with his arms and crouching in a fetal position.
Just when it really looked like the end, something happened. There was a loud noise as if something had crashed into something. Lance remained crouched, not daring to move. When he found that he wasn't being attacked, Lance slowly removed his hands from his head to peer out. As he did so, what he saw made his eyes widen. If things couldn't get any worse, there was now a large robotic dragon thing attacking the Heartless. Whether it was because the creature was in the robotic dragon's way or not, Lance didn't know. He also didn't know if this dragon thing was friendly. All the kid could do was look on as the robotic dragon fought with the massive Heartless.
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Post by Archer Zero on Oct 6, 2014 13:10:04 GMT -5
Matthias knew that Lance was most likely cowering in fear. Good. At least he won't be a reckless idiot now. The fear of death often woke up novice warriors to the harsh realities of conflict and of war. For many, that fear would break them and turn them away from the path. But for very few others... they become much stronger because of it. Matthias himself knew that fear. The fear of pain, of dying. But he used those to his advantage. That fear became an instinctual sensor for him, letting him know if he was getting in too far over his head, if he was being too reckless. He could still override it if he wished it, but they still proved invaluable.
He stood with his back to Lance, facing the Darkside who was struggling to get up. Without turning towards Lance or moving his mouth, Matthias's voice spoke out from the dragon: "Lance, get out of here. NOW!" With a growl, he pounced and grabbed the Darkside by the throat - easy to do as this form still has opposable thumbs. Activating his booster rockets, he lifted both of them up into the air. He scanned the area for the least densely populated location, and found a deserted area not too far away. With that, he jetted himself toward that area, and as he got close to the ground, he viciously slammed the Darkside into the ground while he himself flipped and landed on the ground. This Darkside probably wouldn't last long under his assault. He needed to keep it up.
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Post by Sprow on Oct 6, 2014 21:55:28 GMT -5
Lance was cowering out of fear. He was a kid that was used to feeling invulnerable. Now that he had met a giant Heartless set on trying to kill him, the tough shell he normally put on every day was diminished. Lance was reduced to a fetal position, covering himself to the best of his abilities as he braced for what looked to be the end. Then, the attack never came and there was a commotion. When he had recovered, he found himself looking at some kind of robotic dragon that was attacking the Heartless. Who summoned that thing? Was it a friend or foe? Or did it have nothing to do with him and it was entirely coincidental?
There was that voice again. No doubt, from that foreigner again. The problem was, when he looked around, Lance couldn't spot him anywhere. Just where was he? Lance was almost certain that it had come from in front of him but that couldn't be right. If that were true, the voice would be coming from that metallic dragon. No, he had to be somewhere else shouting at him. Regardless, Lance didn't need telling thrice. He had already been told twice, counting now, and he wasn't about to see what would happen if he survived long enough to hear it three times.
With a brief glance at the two combating titans, Lance turned and ran from the area. Just enough where he was out of the general area to hear something go into the air. Turning to glance over, Lance saw the robotic dragon take the Heartless somewhere. A loud thundering BOOM told him that they had collided with the ground somewhere. It looked like Lance was safe for now.
"Whew! Close one!"
As for the Darkside, it was about ready to be finished off. After such an unexpected beating it took, there was no way it could go on for much longer as it struggled back to its feet.
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Post by Archer Zero on Oct 8, 2014 16:36:03 GMT -5
As the Darkside stumbled up, Matthias could tell that it was severely weakened and most likely wasn't going to last very long. It was time to finish this. Matthias stood on his hind legs - the legs powerful enough allow him to do so - and the blade on his right forearm extended. With that, he rushed forward and made a powerful slash at the Darkside. The momentum he gained from charging as well as the weight of his body and the sharpness of the blade nearly caused the Darkside to be cleaved in two. But it was enough. It was too weary and battered to put up a significant defense. Sliced nearly in half, it fell and quickly began dissolving back into darkness.
With that, Matthias erupted into flames once more, which shrank until they vanished, revealing him to be back in his human form once more. He looked around. He had avoided collateral damage where he could, and there were no undue casualties. Good. At least the situation had been tended to. He then looked back. He wondered about Lance. Did he actually listen and get away safely? Was he injured? Or did he get himself killed? Either of those scenarios was all too likely, given how reckless he was. He might as well check on him. He doubted his conscience would leave him alone if he didn't do so.
His rockets firing again, he flew back the short distance to where he had supposedly left Lance, and began scanning for signs. Nope, he wasn't here - dead or alive. "Lance?" he called out, waiting for a response. Maybe he was still nearby. If he had any common sense, though, he probably wouldn't. But if there was one thing that boy lacked, it was common sense. He realized that even in the short time they've known each other.
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Post by Sprow on Oct 11, 2014 19:38:23 GMT -5
Lance remained put, wondering what the two gigantic combatants were doing. Had that dragon thing killed the Heartless? He had no idea that the metallic dragon was Matthias. From where he was standing, he could hear a brief commotion. The loud rumbling sounded as if the two were interlocked for the briefest of moments...then it stopped. Lance tilted his head with curiosity. What fear he had originally gripped at his heart a little but a larger part of him wanted to see what was happening and if that giant Heartless was dead. Even if it were, was that thing that attacked it worse? That was a curious question.
Of course, since Lance had run, he had gotten away to some distance but was on the brink of returning when things went quiet. Maybe the two had somehow killed each other? Yes, he was considering heading over toward the area. It wasn't until, in the distance, he heard his name being called. Lance furrowed a brow. Just where the hell had that guy gone during that fight? Lance hadn't seen him anywhere and yet he had called out to Lance. Now, he was calling out to him again. It didn't make any sense to him. Lance, confusedly, headed toward the source.
As Lance came out, he spotted Matthias hovering in the air. "How the heck are you doing that?" he called out to Matthias, announcing his arrival.
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Post by Archer Zero on Oct 15, 2014 15:40:32 GMT -5
How the heck are you doing that?
Well, that answered his question. He looked down to see Lance staring confusedly up at him. Well, at least he was alright. Even though the little idiot nearly got himself killed. He landed gently and replied, "I have my methods." There was no need to tell him he was a cyborg. There was no reason to. All Lance probably knew about him was that he was an extremely good fighter, and that's all he needed to know. There was little reason to tell Lance his secrets. And if he questioned it, he would probably just chalk it up to magic. Considering the things people have done with magic, it definitely wasn't a far-fetched explanation. And it was partly true too.
He wondered if he should lecture him about running when he was told, but he decided against it. The burnt hand teaches best, and any further talking on the subject might cause him to ignore the lesson altogether. He had the fear of death to teach him that little lesson, and so he had little reason to bother him about it. HE just hoped he actually learned... With that, he said, "Well, glad to see you're not dead, all things considered. Now, good day." With that, he turned to walk away.
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Post by Sprow on Oct 15, 2014 23:55:51 GMT -5
Lance rose a brow, looking at Matthias skeptically as he merely told Lance that he had his methods. "Oookay, fine...keep your secrets." Lance honestly thought it would be cool to learn to fly or something.
There was an awkward silence, Lance looked back at Matthias, not sure what to say. Instead, he gave him a questioning look in return. Then, finally, after what looked to be Matthias sizing Lance up, he spoke. He had said it was good to see that Lance wasn't dead and bid him farewell, turning to leave.
"You're...strange..." Lance called out to him. Gradually, something else more powerful started to form. After all, Lance had a keyblade and he was inexperienced. The Heartless could sense that. An easy target meant an easy strong heart for them.
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Post by Archer Zero on Oct 23, 2014 13:02:15 GMT -5
Oookay, fine...keep your secrets.
Matthias didn't respond. Lance didn't need to know that how he flew wasn't a result of magic - well, it was more of a mix between technology and magic which was even more complicated but that was beside the point - or anything. It wasn't achievable by him right now and there was not much he could do about it even if he did explain it. Better to just keep quiet than fuel his insatiable curiosity. Still, the gift of flight was something that has helped Matthias plenty of times in the past, and will undoubtedly save him again in the future. Which was about to be very soon, as a matter of fact...
You're...strange...
Again, he didn't respond or care too much. By many people's standards, he was indeed odd, but he wasn't normal in any sense either. A cyborg dragon now a supreme commander of a futuristic army straight from a sci-fi world? No matter how one phrased it, there was nothing ordinary about that. And besides, Matthias had seen and known far stranger - and crueler - sights during his lifetime. Still, it didn't matter.
Then all of a sudden, warning signs began popping up before his eyes as his sensors went haywire.
WARNING NEXUS OF DARKNESS IMMINENT
He checked the sensors. Darkness was gathering at a rapid rate and all coalescing into one point. He scowled as he summoned back his energy cannon. "Lance, leave this area! NOW!" he barked out.
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Post by Sprow on Oct 23, 2014 21:19:10 GMT -5
Lance couldn't help but look at Matthias in confusion. Despite what things he had said, the older male wasn't even responding. He didn't react to things like the other adults had done. Instead of getting insulted and turning on Lance, he resumed walking away. Lance was half tempted to follow after him to pester him some more just to see how long it took for Matthias to get annoyed with him.
What also had set this guy apart from the other adults was that he had returned to see if Lance were alright. People here only cared about themselves and their own safety. None would have bothered to see if Lance were alright. In a way, it confused Lance because he wasn't used to be checked on or looked after in that regard since no one originally cared. Why did this guy care? Lance was just a punk kid. He shouldn't matter the slightest to this stranger.
Then, suddenly, without warning, the stranger was yelling at him again as he summoned some sort of weapon. How it materialized was beyond Lance. He didn't know what Matthias was and where he had seen that cyborg dragon, Lance didn't see Matthias turn into it or turn back to his original form to have known that it had been Matthias all along. What was going on? Was something else coming? Lance didn't know but he had learned his lesson from the first two times that he should actually listen this time around.
"Not again!" Lance stated before turning to run. As he did so, what Matthias had been sensing had taken form abruptly in Lance's path. This time, it was something far more serious than a Darkside and that was saying something.
A massive cloud of darkness appeared and took form before Lance could even get away in time. Where it wasn't as tall as a Darkside could be, this thing was much more difficult than a Darkside. It was large, and rather thick muscled, as it stood on four legs. It casually took a step forth to survey Lance and Matthias before it. There was a prominent horn upon its forehead as it blinked down at them for a short moment. Then, it let out a massive roar before charging toward them. As it did so, the ground shook violently. There were shockwaves on the ground where its feet made contact with it. If anyone were unfortunate to be close enough, they would actually feel pain from it since it was like some kind of tiny explosion.
As it charged toward them, it became clear that its target was Lance. Having noticed a keyblader, the Heartless was eager to snatch his heart. It should have been obvious by now that Lance was their target from the beginning since he was a keyblade wielder. If Lance continued to stay here, there would be far more threats that would come here because the kid wasn't traveling from the world to other worlds. A keyblader had to move around a lot and know how to fight. If they didn't, they were at risk dying a young age much sooner.
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Post by Archer Zero on Oct 27, 2014 4:46:41 GMT -5
While Matthias was thankful Lance listened to him this time, it seemed like his escape was cut off. The Behemoth formed right in front of Lance and before they knew it, it was charging at them. Matthias barely managed to activate his rockets and flying at Lance, grabbing him and flying out of the way in time. It was obvious - the heartless were after Lance because of his keyblade, and there was no way Matthias could keep him safe forever. Just these last few encounters alone, he was having a challenge.
Matthias flew a fair distance away from the Behemoth, but he didn't consider flying away entirely - it could still chase after them, and it might cause more damage to the area. Indeed, it was already charging for them, smashing through buildings to do so. Landing and letting go of Lance, he said, "Head to one of the safer districts, the more populated ones." He turned to face the rampaging Behemoth. "I'll find you when I'm done. I evidently can't leave you alone easily." With that, he erupted into flames again which rapidly expanded again, dispelling to reveal his dragon form. Matthias had studied up and fought Behemoths before. He knew what to do.
As the Behemoth crashed through the last building and was within eyeshot, Matthias charged forward. He could not easily use its center of gravity against it, as it was stout and and four-legged, unlike the humanoid Darkside. However, in exchange, he could easily use its momentum and its horn - its weak point - to his advantage. With a swift movement of his long limbs, he rapidly grabbed the horn with one claw and under its foreleg with the other. Pushing the horn down while leveraging up under the foreleg, he used its momentum to flip it over and send it crashing hard to the ground, belly-up. Keeping his claw on its horn to pin it down, he extended the blade of his other claw and slashed its throat.
He needed to deal with this quickly.
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Post by Sprow on Oct 27, 2014 21:22:36 GMT -5
Lance gaped at the massive thing and turned to run. As he did so, he turned right into Matthias just as the other had managed to activate his rockets and jump toward him. As he did so, he grabbed onto Lance and the pair of them were airborne. Lance couldn't help but let out a surprised yelp as they narrowly dodged the charging Behemoth. Matthias flew them to a bit of distance from the giant Heartless. Which, unfortunately, was still charging and had changed its course once it realized it had missed them only to charge in their direction again. As it went, it trampled through buildings. It didn't care what was in its way so long as it got to them.
When Matthias had set him down, Lance heard Matthias telling him to head toward one of the more safer districts which was one of the more populated ones. After saying that, Matthias told Lance that he would find him later. What did he mean by all that? Lance didn't have time to ask before a fire erupted around Matthias, making the youth leap back in alarm. Lance skittered away from the open flames before turning and running. Had Matthias just perished? He didn't seem like he had been in pain.
Whatever the case, Lance ran as fast as he could with his back turned toward the combatants. He was in the First District but he needed to go where there were more people. The more people, the less likely there would be Heartless. He wasn't sure why but the area near the café seemed to be the safest. So, it was there that Lance had run and he wound up where he had been last. Lance, only then, took time to stop and breathe before turning toward where the commotion was taking place in the distance. Were things going to be alright or was this the end? Only time will tell.
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Post by Archer Zero on Oct 28, 2014 15:05:11 GMT -5
The Behemoth struggled with all its might, but it was not designed to fight belly-up, especially with Matthias keeping it pinned by the horn. Quite honestly, the Behemoth had more raw power than Matthias thanks to its build, but Matthias's structure allowed him to use human-like martial arts that allowed him to pin it down and deal with it like the beast it was. It fought to get Matthias off, but to no avail as Matthias kept slashing it again and again. Finally, to deal the finishing blow, he opened his maw and blew another stream of fire point-blank right at its head. Completely helpless, it melted and dissolved other the withering heat.
Another inferno later, Matthias had once more transformed back into his human self. He was somewhat more familiar fighting in his dragon from than he was in his human form, truth be told. He originally was a dragon, with the form and power that implies, and the dragon form he had now was the perfect fusion between his past dragon form and his cyborg body which he was by now intimately familiar with. He didn't use it often, though - no point showing any observers all the cards in his hand, and besides, it was useless in tight quarters. The fact they were fighting outside made it convenient for him.
Earlier, as he had grabbed Lance out of the way, he had placed a tracker on him so he could easily find him. As such, he pulled up his coordinates with his AI (which displayed on his vision), and made his way over to the cafe, looking none the worse for wear. "At least you weren't waylaid by yet more heartless," he commented drily as he approached.
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Post by Sprow on Oct 29, 2014 21:41:17 GMT -5
Of course, Lance had no idea that there was a tracking device on his person. If he had known, he'd still likely play or mess around with it simply because he had no idea what a tracking device was. So, there was Lance, seated at a table in the far corner of the café. No one bothered him and if anyone knew them, they paid him no mind. They simply just ignored the boy. Some did give him a passing glance but that was it. No one bothered to ask if the kid needed help or where his parents were or why he looked like he did.
Right now, Lance wondered how things were going. That Heartless had been shorter than the Darkside but something felt stronger about it. It certainly moved faster than the Darkside. It might not have been able to call forth friends but it certainly looked capable on its own.
Just as he was wondering more on the subject, there was a voice. The voice made him give a bit of a start. As Lance jumped out of his seat and looked over toward it, he found Matthias. "Geez! Give a heads up before sneaking up on somebody like that!" Lance retorted. Only then did he register what Matthias said.
"No, I didn't...but that was weird! I've never seen any that big or encountered that many!"
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Post by Archer Zero on Nov 3, 2014 22:41:31 GMT -5
Geez! Give a heads up before sneaking up on somebody like that!
Matthias didn't say a word. He hadn't been concealing his presence whatsoever, nor was he trying to move that stealthily. It would seem Lance's awareness of his surroundings was rather poor - about the level of the average person. Although for most people that level would be fine, if Lance remained like this, he would easily get ambushed and killed. There was an idea he had been pondering as he came over... he wondered if he would accept his proposition.
No, I didn't...but that was weird! I've never seen any that big or encountered that many!
He frowned as he considered. If they already came for Lance in such large numbers and in such force, there was already no turning back. If this continued, Lance would most likely be dead before the end of the week. But still, it was odd - why would so many heartless and of that power go for a fledgling keyblade wielder? He would attract heartless, sure, but definitely not of that scale as an untrained novice - if that. This would need further studying and observation. But for now, he needed to get Lance somewhere safe. And more importantly - make sure he would know how to keep himself safe.
"Indeed, and they'll keep coming for you until you fall to them," he said, his voice calm and emotionless. "However, there are ways to fight them off, and even defeat them. You are untrained right now, and most likely will die to them easily. However, I offer you a chance to become stronger - to learn in the ways of a warrior so that you can protect yourself... and those you deem dear when you find them." Matthias normally wouldn't do this, but he couldn't leave this boy in good conscience alone. He would die without any training. Perhaps it was just a tiny step in his redemption... but it was still something.
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Post by Sprow on Nov 3, 2014 23:58:28 GMT -5
Lance furrowed a brow at Matthias as the other just seemed to stand there. It was getting a little awkward for the youth, to say the least. He started to rub the back of his head, unsure of what else to say or do. Right now, he wasn't up to acting like his usual self after that experience. So, for now, he wasn't quite as mouthy. It looked like Matthias was lost in thought. So, all Lance could do was sit and wait to see what Matthias would say or do. Maybe he'll turn on his heels and leave the area again? Maybe this was where they'd separate, never to encounter one another again?
After Lance had made that comment about the Heartless, then, Matthias stated that they would keep coming after Lance until he fell at their hands. The way the elder guy had said it made it a bit chilling. Then, Matthias mentioned that there were ways to fight the Heartless off and defeat them. According to him, Lance wasn't trained and would die easily because of it.
Then, out of the blue, Matthias offered Lance a chance to become stronger and protect himself and others he may come to care about. Lance furrowed a brow at him questioningly. He couldn't believe what he was hearing but he knew he was, for certain, hearing this.
"You...will do that?" Lance inquired. It was obvious that Lance had never been offered anything and that he was surprised anyone would actually offer him such a thing. "How?"
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Post by Archer Zero on Nov 4, 2014 16:05:35 GMT -5
Honestly, this wasn't something Matthias offered regularly. He did it on occasion, but not often, otherwise he'd be taking people to train all the time. However, he had done so for Lance mainly because of one reason: The heartless that came to him out of nowhere. They would seek him out and destroy him. And in doing so would harm anyone in the vicinity, causing massive collateral damage. There was no way Lance could be prepared to bear that burden. And he also had a keyblade, which would prove to be invaluable to the Void army and their ongoing battles. And last of all... he felt some sort of connection to this boy. He couldn't explain very well what it was, though.
You...will do that? How?
Well, no sense in hiding it from him. "I'm the supreme commander of an army, Lance," he replied. He didn't speak this line with any pride or arrogance or any emotion. He was stating it like it was just a fact he read off a textbook. "I oversee hundreds of thousands of troops, won many battles, and lost many battles too. You would be taken in by them to be trained in the art of war, and I would oversee your training personally. There's no small amount of potential in you, Lance, but it will take quite a bit of refining to bring it out. Of course, I'm not forcing you to do join. You are free to choose as you see fit."
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Post by Sprow on Nov 4, 2014 22:01:34 GMT -5
Lance was really confused about why this random adult would want to offer him such a thing. Most people just ignored Lance. It was strange that this adult even spent this much time with him as it already was. In a way, Lance seemed to like that he wasn't being ignored anymore and this time, not in such a negative light. The scars on the side of his face was from one encounter the youth will never forget. It was when he first started to cause trouble but because he needed to in order to survive, which was stealing.
When Lance had questioned Matthias how he would train him, it was then that all was revealed. Matthias was a supreme commander of an army. This, of course, had surprised Lance. How the heck did he get himself involved with a Commander?! Matthias oversaw many troops and partook in many battles. He won and lost many battles. Lance couldn't help but gape, blinking back at Matthias in shock.
According to Matthias, Lance would be taken in by these troops and Matthias would be the one to train him. Lance almost couldn't believe what he was hearing again. How could he? He was used to being ignored and hated. Now, here was Matthias, offering to take him into his army and train him, himself. Lance's life looked like it was going to change. Should he take it or stay here? It didn't seem like any sort of trick. Matthias didn't seem like the type to trick anyone but then again, Lance had only just met this guy. Still, he hadn't done anything to cause Lance to wonder if it were a trick. He had, after all, fought that Heartless. Maybe that dragon thing was his? He was a supreme commander. Surely he commanded all sorts of things?
"You mean...ditch this place?" Lance said, glancing toward the District in general. Really, there wasn't anything for him here. So, naturally, he'd take the offer. "Eh, sure, why the heck not? I'll go with you."
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Post by Archer Zero on Nov 8, 2014 18:01:54 GMT -5
You mean...ditch this place? Eh, sure, why the heck not? I'll go with you.
Well, that was an easy decision, but Matthias could see his reasoning. As a street urchin, he had nothing here - nothing to his name, no home, family or anything. If given the chance for a better life - even if it was undoubtedly going to be a hard one - he took the chance without looking back. He didn't even ask to see if he could go back and collect whatever possessions he had - he wanted to leave. And to trust Matthias so bluntly like that... well, Lance's back was to the wall already in regards to his life. He most likely didn't have a choice.
"Very well," he replied. He placed his hand on Lance's shoulder. "Don't move and do not be alarmed," he warned him. After that warning, they were both engulfed in black-red flames that completely concealed their surroundings. It was teleportation magic, one that would allow him to traverse different worlds without the need for a ship. And once they had arrived, Lance's new life - and Matthias's new role as a mentor - would begin.
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Post by Sprow on Nov 9, 2014 15:31:15 GMT -5
Lance saw this as an opportunity to escape the life he once had. As for belongings, he didn't really have any worth keeping. He was very eager to leave. He hated this world, especially since it was a constant reminder how his mother had died and he was left to fend for himself. He was always reminded that he was left to take care of himself. No one ever bothered with him and would ignore him. So, why not make a new life for himself somewhere else? Plus, he was a kid so when offered such things, of course he would take it. He didn't think of how hard it would be. He didn't even stop to consider it could be a trick. Then again, Matthias didn't seem the type to trick him. He had been helping him so Matthias gave him no reason to not trust him.
Then, Matthias reached out and placed a hand on Lance's shoulder. The preteen furrowed a brow as he peered up at the older male skeptically. Just what was he doing? He was instructing Lance to not move and to not be alarmed. Right after he had warned him, Matthias did something unexpected. He set them both on fire! Lance couldn't help but gasp, eyes widening. He couldn't have reacted in time if he wanted to. They were so covered in flames that Lance couldn't see out of them. What was strange is that Lance had expected to feel pain but he didn't feel anything. Just what was this?
It wasn't until they arrived at their destination that Lance realized what Matthias had done. He had teleported them somehow out of their current area. They were now somewhere else. Thus, Lance's life would take a turn and find himself now with the stranger named Matthias.
Fin.
(OOC: Just let me know when we'll start the one with Illusion!)
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