In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
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Post by Isabelle Erebus on Apr 25, 2020 12:33:08 GMT -5
It was odd. To be honest, Belle hadn't expected her return to ever warrant something like this. She had been staying in Sosshi ever since she had returned to civilization. And to be honest, she had never expected the sort of welcome she had gotten. One that included re-meeting one of her oldest friends. Her mind may be shattered, but some say it takes a good home to mend a torn soul. And while Belle's was more than just torn, it certainly felt... warm? To say the least. Then again, who knows what all would be the lasting repercussions based on that re-encounter. What with how the two were now, it was like they could just feed off of each other.
And yet, she had still managed to take up residence in the area. Or at least, set up a temporary one. What had surprised her the most though, was when she received a letter from someone in green mantis. Which was odd. With Belle's return, she had already started setting up contact with her old ties, so it wasn't like she was completely oblivious to who this 'mysterious letter sender' was. It was Artemis, and Belle had apparently been asked to arrange a meeting.
And so that's why Belle found herself inside one of the somewhat nicer restaurants, sipping on a glass of a finer wine than she had had in quite some time. Her spirit ever present, resting on the floor at her feet. Not because she didn't allow it to roam around, in fact, she would fight anyone that dared try to tell her otherwise.
But as she was sitting around, sipping on what was her third glass of whatever this good stuff was, she just hoped this Artemis understood who exactly was footing the bill for this meeting.
Artemis had heard whispers from the grapevine. Of course, she was not one to keep her ears open, but this one was just too hot for her to just ignore. As a Green Mantis squad member, Artemis herself was privy to the secret notes passed around by local thugs, and even those in the upper echelon of the criminal rings, if only just. She had made her connections, and made sure to keep them as tightly wound as possible. Nobody would dare question her, at least, nobody within the Green Mantis squad. Of course, she knew that the rest of the Green Mantis members also had their connections, though it was mostly the higher ranking members. The lower ranked ones were more grunt than anything, recruited to be the muscle of the Green Mantis, a police force that policed the petty thieves and kept the small time criminals in line. Reformed criminals policing criminals, the irony of it all.
Isabelle Erebus.
Artemis knew the name. Of course, how could she not know. Her senior in terms of illusion magic, the woman was quite famous for her ability to use illusory tactics that turned friends on their friends. While Artemis herself used illusions for the sake of expediting her attacks, making it more deadly, vicious and merciless, Isabelle Erebus’ style was more sly in its approach. It had earned her honours when she had been with the Silver Eagles, and was what made her quite famous.
Now, she was a free agent. Or so it seemed.
The criminal underworld rejoiced in the so-called retirement of a fearsome mage. It always had, especially since it meant that there was one less strong mage to deal with. Their celebrations always ended up in Artemis’ ears, and most of the time, she was deaf to it. But this one. Well, this one just was something she could not pass up.
An invitation was sent, and the woman responded in kind.
The restaurant that Artemis found herself in was a mildly pricey one, though Artemis knew she could handle the costs. The Somerset fortune was at her disposal after all. Indeed, she wanted to woo the woman. At least, that was the plan.
“Isabelle Erebus.” Artemis greeted the woman who seemed to have enjoyed herself to some drinks already. Legendary in her fame, the woman in front of her looked like a seasoned warrior ready to spring up for battle, though the civilian facade masked it somewhat. “I am pleased you accepted my invitation.” She sat down now across from the woman, face expressionless as she studied her guest. “I was surprised you had accepted quite easily, if I were being honest.” It was true, Artemis had been ready for a rejection.
Quickly ordering her own drink, a glass of spring water as per usual, Artemis turned back to her guest. “I was wondering if you have an inkling as to why I invited you?” She asked, piqued if the woman knew her intentions. Maybe it was expected? Maybe she had had more invitations than just Artemis’? Truthfully, she did not know. What she did know, however, was that recruiting this woman to the Green Mantis would be a boon to the squad, and quite possibly, to the Clover Kingdom. With a name like hers on the roster, the criminal underworld that the Green Mantis were tasked to keep an eye out would dare not toe the line for fear of the consequences.
WC: 578
Last Edit: Apr 25, 2020 19:44:20 GMT -5 by Deleted
Post by Isabelle Erebus on Apr 26, 2020 4:46:29 GMT -5
One of the first things Belle did upon her fateful return, was go get herself some good booze. However, after that night of partying and debauchery, it was back to work for her. Re-establishing her old connections, and with that of course, came word spreading quickly.
If any squad could call themselves close to Green Mantis in terms of how they go about, it would be the Azure Deer, the clan where Belle got her start. It's a squad that was known for their information gathering, and as such, you have to squeeze into the cracks, filling in gaps any way possible. So working with rogues was no small fetch for Belle. But when you start putting your fingers back into the game, those sitting around the table are going to notice. So when she came back, even when it was just to get her old contacts to start coming back, word spread quickly. Sure, her own contacts came back, but they also came with the information her return to society was known. Not that she cared. Not at first at least, until the letter came, making itself all too apparent that both sides of the coin had been made aware of her re-emergence. ANd of course, it was a green mantis member who had come out of the woodworks first, well, besides Rosa at least, but that was a meeting more on happenstance, and honestly luck, than anything else.
However, she had never really held any ill feelings towards any of the squads, having never had any real issues with any. And it wasn't like she was one to shy away from a bad name or three. So when she had her contacts reach out to find out about this Artemis, she found out that she too, was an illusionist. Not one as strong as herself of course, but then again, she hadn't earned the moniker of the 'Mistress of Deception' for nothing. She had devoted her magic entirely to this craft. And what a craft it had turned out to be.
Belle had written into her letter that she should approach her anyways, that she would know, even if Belle's mana signature might not show off as her. Belle always kept her mana signature low, it helped you when walking around so people wouldn't freak out that someone was exerting such a huge mana force. When you sit at intermediate she found, people aren't as likely to mess with you one way or the other. You're just plain, average, and in the middle. However, Belle was aware of the woman long before she made her way into the restaurant. Not needing to look up when she walked in, she could tell she was making her way over. Not everyone around had a mana presence as large as hers, so it was pretty easy to tell.
"Artemis" she would reply, looking up from her glass long enough to have their eyes meet. Isabelle already rosy cheeked, and yet, there was still something of a cold, hardened expression there. It was the atmosphere. In any other situation Belle would be ready to lip lock the next person that fancied it, but it was business time. Fun could be had after. As Belle would motion to the spot across from her, she figured it was was only appropriate that they sit for this chat. She didn't know too much about what was going to be discussed, and her interest was peaked.
As Artemis would say that she was surprised she was accepted so easily, that would cause Belle to look up once again. Their gazes meeting, and even with her rosy cheeks, Belle's was still somewhat calm and cool. For someone that isn't good at holding her drinks, she was doing a fairly good job. Then again, it could be the small amount of healing she was doing on herself to keep herself sober for now that was doing it. "Surprised? Why should I be surprised? I figured once I put my fingers back out there and announced my presence back to the world that something would happen. When someone goes missing for three months and suddenly reappears in the boondocks, things tend to get shaken." She would say rather coolly, finishing off her cup and motioning for a refill. "I was more surprised it was you who reached out first. As opposed to a different squad." She would say while waiting for the refill, one that would be coming quickly along with the girls water, she would then ask if she had an idea why she was invited out, to which Belle would shrug. "I could have asked, but I figure what the hell. Nothings... fun. Anymore. Not if you already know the game before it gets played." She would say with a bit of a knowing grin. Belle's past as an AD member meant that they both knew the other didn't always stay 100% true to the law. Sometimes, a blind eye would get turned towards certain individuals that fell under your care. And while Belle's may have been afraid when she disappeared, with Belle back in the game, they were as ready to go as ever. Both sides had a lot of catching up to do.
"So tell me. What exactly brings you out here today?" She would say as she would use a finger to trace the rim of her glass, watching it spin before looking up at the other girl.
Artemis held herself from immediately going into her spiel about the Green Mantis. Of course, the squad’s own reputation was not something Artemis could be proud of. Probably the squad that had the worst reputation of all the Magic Knights squads combined. Truly, from an outsider’s perspective, the Green Mantis was known only as the dumping grounds of common thugs, pickpockets, troublesome nobility, and finally those who have been reformed. Commoners and nobility alike were welcomed into the Magic Squad, and funnily enough, there was little discrimination within the squad itself historically. Those who were of nobility were troublemakers in the first place, so they were only fueled to be even more troublesome by their commoner peers. At the same time, the commoners who got into the squad were more open to the nobility that joined, since most of them were unlike the stuck up ones that tended to deviate towards Golden Dawn, Silver Eagles, and the Crimson Lion. Of course, times have changed. Some of the nobility were more open now as well with working alongside commoners. But Artemis and the rest of the population knew that the prejudices were still there. Still underneath the niceties that the nobles seem to be showing off. Bad blood never really disappeared after all.
She listened to the woman, mulling her words over as her own drink was set in front of her. Artemis got some looks, especially since they were at a nice restaurant, and she had only ordered spring water. Old habits never change. Spring water was soothing for Artemis. Refreshing her body more than any type of water. Her affinity with the element made it so she was more sensitive to the water she ingested, and spring water was just leaps and bounds more fresh than the rest. She would pay any of the onlookers no mind, and took a sip of her drink. “Let me cut to the chase.” Artemis was never one to sweet talk. She hated those who really did not show their intentions fully, hiding behind half-truths and sly smiles. Being blunt, being truthful, and most importantly, being honest was Artemis’ more charming trait. As charming as one can get when faced with a cold and callous person like Artemis. “I have been recently informed that you were a free agent, as it were.” Magic Knights were rarely free agents. In fact, for the most part, Magic Knights were tied to their squad. However, something must have happened to this woman. Traumatic, perhaps? Maybe even heart breaking. Artemis was not privy to those types of information, sadly. While a senior member within the squad, her resources were still not in the same league as her Vice Captain nor her Captain.
“Dilly dallying was never my thing.” Artemis continued. Her eyes never left the woman, constantly watching her reaction. If the woman was half the rumours that circulated around her, then she was more than a match for Artemis, eclipsing her prowess by leaps, though Artemis knew she was catching up. But truly, Artemis was not expecting trouble at all. Not in this place. Not in front of all these people. Especially, not in a place that was smack in the middle of the Clover Kingdom. “I asked to meet for one simple reason: to ask you to consider joining the Green Mantises.” There, now it was out in the open, like dirty laundry that had just been washed and hung to dry. Artemis supposed there was no taking it back now.
Truly, the offer was something that was not out of the left field. Artemis was sure that the woman would have been offered by another squad to their roster sooner rather than later. With her proficiency with illusions, the Azure Deer would have been the squad that would most likely love to recruit her. Though from what she had heard, the woman had a history within the squad itself, so she might not want to go back. Of course, there was the Silver Eagles squad. They were her former Magic Knight squad, which meant that they would probably love to get her back into their fold. A very formidable mage like Isabelle Erebus was not something you would want to let go of your grasp easily. There were also the Golden Dawn, Crimson Lions, and heaven forbid the Black Bulls, who were actively recruiting as well as far as she knew. Compared to the other squads, the Green Mantis had little to offer, and Artemis knew it. Especially right now, under the thumb of their current squad Captain: Barron Castle.
“Of course, the Green Mantises are not known for anything good. Our reputation is the lowest among the Magic Knights squads. Our Magic Knights are often seen as thrash, the lay-offs of the other squads, a dumping ground of the great but seedy.” Artemis continued, without so much as blinking an eye. “I would understand your hesitation, especially since you most likely will receive offers from other squads as well. Magic Squads that are more than likely better suited to someone of your caliber and talent.” Honesty was the best policy, after all.
“But I would at least like for you to consider. The Green Mantises are undergoing change. Fairly soon, I hope to spearhead some of these changes. Our role as a squad was once misunderstood, but I hope to bring it to light.” Artemis spoke her thoughts, better now than ever. “I will not stand idly by as our squad gets trampled by those who see themselves as better. Not anymore.”
WC: 929 TWC: 1507
Last Edit: Apr 26, 2020 12:18:39 GMT -5 by Deleted
Post by Isabelle Erebus on Apr 26, 2020 16:47:50 GMT -5
Well, it seemed like the woman was about as tact in her choice of drink as she was in her manner of speech. Plain. Because she had only just arrived and she was already going to cut straight to the chase. Literally, her own words. Which well, Belle of course didn't care, she was more worried about other things, like this new glass of wine being placed down in front of her. Making sure her cheeks stayed a nice consistent rosy for now, instead of swaying too far one way or the other, at least for now. She didn't run off to the forsaken region to become a drunk, merely to.... let loose, a little bit or so to say.
As she had said she would cut to the chase, Belle would look up at her, allowing their eyes to meet. As Artemis would ask about how Belle was a free agent, or well, informing her, of that status. "Free agent? Is that what they're calling me now? Word really didn't get out about anything huh?" She would mull a bit, speaking out loud but not overly loudly. Enough so that Artemis would hear, and comment if she wanted, but not so loud as to get others to want to listen in on their conversation. Not that between the two of them they couldn't butt people out of it if they wanted, but still.
As she would continue, adding in that she wasn't one to sit around and wait, Belle would look up, figuring that the punch line had to be coming soon. And sure enough it did, as she would make a simple statement to Belle, a request almost. To have Belle consider joining the Green Mantises. And that. That would peak her interest, as she would take a piece of bread out of the basket and pass it over to the spirit, who would start eating it, she would then look back over to the girl. And although she was about to speak, it seemed like the girl herself wasn't done yet. And so, she would allow the girl to finish her little recruitment speech first.
And of course, she first started off with the bad things. Pointing out about their low reputation, how the magic knights there are seen as low or greedy. The 'seedy' squad so to speak. And how that alone might be enough to try to sway her away. To be honest, Belle didn't know if the other squads even knew of her return to civilization. Well, the black bulls did obviously with her being in Sosshi and having already remet Rosa, but besides that, the only other squad that was probably aware were the Azure Deer. To be honest, Belle hadn't even been privy to the information that went on with the Shattering, since she never did put in to be the Vice Captain of Silver Eagles. How weak she was then. Too afraid of the harsh criticisms should she have done a bad job.
Eyeing the girl as she would continue speaking, she just kept putting down the green mantis even further. Pointing out that the Green Mantis were undergoing change, and that change was coming soon. This girl was going to cause them. "So, I take it you need my help then in removing that problem then? Baron, was it?" She would say, trying to remember the guys name for who was in charge of Green Mantis. Saying was since well, from the way this sounded he might not be in charge for too much longer. And to Belle, getting rid of Baron was just one of the first steps in bringing about that squad to change. And of course, the quickest way to make something like that happen would be the immediate removal. 'You should have gone for the head' as they say.
Not one to miss a beat, Belle would instantly continue. "Tell me. In this new reformed Green Mantis then. What would you see me doing? Rising to the top as it's leader? Staying among the lower rungs as I had previously? Always the strongest member, but no more than a member? Would I be protected when I demolished a house to kill a mob boss, but his children were inside?" She would say, continuing to mull, before taking a sip of wine. "Tell me more about this vision you have for the new Green Mantis. One without Baron at the helm." She would finish with.
Artemis would watched the woman in front of her feed a piece of the bread to her spirit. To be honest, she had only heard whispers about this particular fact about the woman. Whispers of a minor spirit being a companion of the illusion mage. Artemis had not seen one in person, and truth be told, she was very curious about the little being that held so much potential yet looked rather cute. Of course Artemis herself would like to have one in the future, if she was lucky that is. However, at the very moment, she had other things to do. Especially since Artemis was talking to a potential recruit, someone who could actually help bring about the one hundred and eighty degree turn around for the Green Mantises. While Artemis was very sure that the current crop of recruited were well trained, and had a lot of untapped potential within them, it fails in comparison to what the Green Mantises had to gain if they were able to recruit Isabelle Erebus. Of course, Artemis herself did not have to power as of yet, but that was the key word after all: yet. It will definitely change, and Artemis was going to make sure of it.
And then the woman asked her what Artemis had intended for her. A side decoration? A follower? The person to take down Barron Castle? What had Artemis intended for Isabelle Erebus? Of course, Artemis knew this was an inevitable question. There were rumours that the former Silver Eagles could have made Vice Captain if she had wanted to. The post had been vacant, and she had been most likely the best candidate if she had decided to take it for herself. But, she did not. Rumours floated around as to why, and truthfully, Artemis never trusted rumours that only speculated. While she dealt in the shadows of the criminal organizations, taking intel and acting upon them, something that cannot be proven should never be taken at face value. What did Isabelle Erebus want then? Was she finally looking for a leadership role within the Magic Knights? Artemis shook her head. She would be frank with the woman, and make sure she knew what would be happening in the next few months. If she was to recruit Isabelle, then it was best to be honest up front.
“To your first question,” Artemis started, playing with the rim of the glass she had been provided, “yes, that is what they are calling you. At least, to those that gave me the information.” The woman did not need to know where she gets her information from just yet. Maybe one day. “Being a part of a Magic Knight squad had once defined you, and I suppose people expect you to join another one.” She shrugged at that. It was just an expectation, though Artemis knew of Magic Knights who had quit and never came back. That was something that was not unusual at all. Stress, family matters, or even injuries made Magic Knights into retirees.
“To your second question, no.” Artemis’ face became even more serious, if that was possible. “Captain Barron Castle will be my responsibility. It will be done with precision, with carefully laid out steps that has already begun.” If she was to instigate the change, then she will need to take the reigns and charge. Artemis knew that having other people do her dirty work did not lead to anything good. “I never let anybody else do my dirty work. This is my burden to bear.” Nobody else needed to dirty their hands with this plan, if she were to fail, then she was to fail alone. Artemis will not let anyone else take the fall for her. “Everything needs to be done as legal as possible, and pieces are already moving as we speak.” Her bid for Vice Captaincy should be announced sometime next month, if all went according to plan. Once there, it won’t be long until Barron Castle was ousted from his position. Artemis was going to make certain of it.
“As for you position, it could be whatever you deem yourself fit to do.” She shrugged. “As I said, Barron is mine to handle. This recruitment is myself wanting to bolster the Green Mantises as a Magic Knights squad, to revive it from its pitiful ashes. Whatever you do as a Green Mantis must still adhere to the law, of course.” She paused. “As long as it is not illegal, the Green Mantises has always turned a blind eye. Part of our duties is to deal with the criminal elements of the Clover Kingdom, and sometimes being vicious is the name of the game.” Though at this, Artemis’ eye sharpened. “I’m sure the Vice Captain position will be up for grabs once I deal with Barron. Also, I’m sure you can get away with what you said if you had reasonable justification. The Green Mantises are notoriously...extreme in their methods. We have to be, after all, because of our specific duties as watchers of the criminal underworld.”
The ball was now on Isabelle Erebus’ court.
WC: 858 TWC: 2365
Last Edit: Apr 26, 2020 23:07:45 GMT -5 by Deleted
Post by Isabelle Erebus on May 1, 2020 2:28:04 GMT -5
Once Belle had finally stopped making her own comments, she would sit back and relax, taking another sip of her wine glass as she would finally allow the other girl to start getting in a word edgewise. As she had been talking she had been looking to this girl to see what her reactions were, and other than the interest that she showed when Belle fed her spirit (something that she didn't really need to do since spirits don't need to eat, or well, hers doesn't he just likes the taste from what she can tell). But other than that, she had almost seemed like her curiosity was piqued, but beyond that it was almost more... understanding? It seemed to Belle. Like she was curious, but also calm and collected. It was almost unsettling, if it weren't for the fact that judging on her mana signature, Belle was definitely the one in charge here.
As she would start answering, starting with her first question, she would say that yes, people are calling her a free agent. And that being in a magic knight squad had defined her. Which honestly made her grip her glass a little harder. She didn't want to be defined by her magic knight squad. She wanted... ok she didn't know what she wanted. She thought she knew, but she just wanted... justice? Might be the best way to phrase it. But in whatever form it took. She knew now that the ends justified the means. Belle had only been back in civilization for a short period of time, and yet, people were already starting to vie for her. Was there no escape for it? Once a knight always a knight? Or till death do you part so it seemed. Letting out a sigh that held her tension, she would take another sip as Artemis would move onto her second question.
Stating that Barron was going to be her responsibility. And that she had already started moving in that direction, and that, would cause Belle to crack a grin. Because well, the two of them certainly had different ideas on what exactly was about to happen, because her grin would soon be replaced with a frown, as she would say it was going to be done as legally as possible. Hardly seemed like the Green Mantis Way so to speak. But then again, she had never been in that squad, had they really turned over a new leaf in the past few months? Were they going to end up on the right right side of the law now, instead of the wrong right side of the law? Her frown still on her face as she would lightly shake her head. But, it would eventually go away as the girl would start talking about her final point, which was Belle's position in the squad.
And well, it seemed like her position that the girl had planned, wasn't actually planned. More that it was that she just wanted Belle to do what she thought she should do. However, it would sour a bit when she said she had to still adhere to the law, that's exactly why she had left the knights originally. But, well, she would let out a sigh. Finally finishing listening to her speech, Belle would respond, though, she figured that her reactions alone had given the girl all the answers she needed for the first two, so really, it was only the last part she needed to address.
"Well, first off, no offense, but I think if and when I choose to break the law, I would find it hard anyone to prove that it was me anyways." She would say rather coldly, and bluntly. Though, there was real validity to her words. However, she would say that once she wanted to deal with Barron, that the Vice Captain position would be open. However, she did at least leave open the possibility of Belle getting away with it. Her spirit jumping up into her lap, as she would start stroking it's head, she would continue. "As for Barron, while I can't say I hold any sway one or the other, I think we both know it's time for the new blood to kick in. Much like the other squads. A ... cleanse? Is the right word I believe? I'm excited to see what you have in store." She would say with a bit of a vicious smile. Adding in that "You know. Before, I had always been too scared to go for the vice captain position. Hearing the whispers around me. But now... I get to share those with everyone. I'm excited to see what you do. Maybe I will just go for Vice Captain, who knows, maybe I wouldn't even stop there." She would say with a nonchalant shrug, reaching out and grabbing for another piece of bread, putting it into the paws of her spirit. "Who knows what the future may hold. But if I'm known as a free agent then I guess tell me. Why would I pick GM. We both know I probably have my pick of the litter at this point. Hell, if I were going back to be a magic knight I'm sure Yuurei or even Willow would take me back." She would say, before looking up from her spirit and eyeing the girl across from her.
Artemis would take a moment before responding. She supposed this was it for the negotiations. At least, this was the final round where she needed to finally convince the woman into joining the Green Mantises. If she were being truthful, then no, the Green Mantises were probably the worst squad she could choose the join in terms of just standing. Their notoriety was something that a lot of the populace seem to like to fantasize about, creating stories that made the Green Mantises into the monsters that hid under their beds. Protectors on one side, but vicious murders during the dark of the night. Artemis was certain that there were books out there, children’s literature and maybe even duly ones that talked of the Green Mantises as the bad guys. And truly, Artemis could not blame them. The Green Mantises had long been looked down upon because of its less than great management. It’s members, yes, were vicious. Some were former criminals, others were delinquents, but truly, most of the members of the Green Mantis were just commoners with the prowess needed to become a Magic Knight, but were rejected by the other squads. Even then, however, the rumours still circulated. It was not as if Artemis had not tried to stem it, but it was all for nought. At the end of the day, Artemis looked towards the root of the problem, the man that, in her eyes, been mismanaging the squad altogether. Truly, she could not stand it anymore, and it was a month ago when she finally vowed to do something about it.
Methodical, however, is the name of the game. Everything she had been planning was still in motion. Nothing was set in stone, even though Artemis knew that the first step was going to happen soon. Very soon. The current crop of Magic Knights recruited by the Captain had been very promising. With them, she made sure to build relationships with. Artemis genuinely wanted her comrades to be strong, which is why she pushed them. Yet, Artemis knew that it might not be enough. At the end of the day, Artemis knew she was going to have to look somewhere else to bolster the power of the squad. While promising, the recruits will need to be trained, and given experience, something that took time. No, if Artemis was to revive the Green Mantis, she needed to do it with hell fire, not relying on embers. Mages that were unattached, especially those that have a significant pull publicly, were Artemis’ best bet. Even then, she knew that Isabelle Erebus would only be one person. At the end of the day, she would like to have more Green Mantises that had talent.
Artemis made the decision then.
“I do not doubt your prowess. After all, you are not the premier sensory and illusory mage within the Clover Kingdom for nothing.” Artemis would concedes to that, “but caution is still useful, especially now a days.” Trouble brewed after the events that occurred within the Witches’ Forest, and Artemis knew that the whole Clover Kingdom, especially the Magic Knight squads were on high alert. “With the death of a few high profile mages recently, mages who deal in the shadows must be wary of their every step.”
Artemis’ eyes then sharpened, this specific topic was more important to her. “While I am glad that this cleanse, renewal even, has got you interested. I will be forthcoming by saying that it will be something that the current Captain will not take lightly. It is still early in its stages, and I hope to see it’s fruition.” Artemis turned her attention away from the woman now, and glanced at the people milling about. “In terms of going for Vice Captaincy, I would welcome it. A woman with your talent deserves no less.” Artemis then turned her attention back, her eyes catching Isabelle’s with a hardened gaze, “however, if you decide to go for the Captaincy position, then I hope you know that I will be there waiting.” Of course, Artemis knew at this point that she was no match for the woman in question. “I might not be as strong, nor as experienced in combat, but I will be there none the less.” She said it with all the conviction she had, and then some. Her eyes then softened a little, still serious in nature, “However, I would rather work with you than against you.”
“And yes, you are most certainly right. Magic Squads will certainly start trying to recruit you. Azure Deers have been reforming their roster, from what I have heard. Yuurei Krane has also been doing the same for the Silver Eagles. And truly, Zaven Blake's Golden Dawn would have you regardless.” Artemis was blunt. She had nothing to hide after all. The woman knew her worth, and the Green Mantis was at the lowest point in the current food chain. “The Green Mantises can only offer you two things that the other squads cannot.” Artemis would start, leaning back now with and speaking with a less heated tone, “First, we can offer what no other squad can, and that is notoriety. The Green Mantises has never had to show a facade of being the good guys. We do what we do, and we do it our way. This is more than what the other Magic Squads can offer, especially those in the upper rungs of the ladder that have to always show their very best in everything.” Artemis paused for a moment, letting it sink in, before continuing. “Second, the Green Mantises will be on the rise. Times are changing, and I will not permit my squad to be at the bottom rung; not on my watch. Join us, no, join me, and we can both see a squad once scorned rise up from the depths. I think it’s more exciting than joining an already established squad, especially someone with your caliber.”
Artemis would stand up then, not waiting for a reply. She did not expect one, after all. The woman will need some time to think, and Artemis had done her best. While the Green Mantis truly had nothing to offer save the two points she gave, Artemis knew that her squad was not something to be scoffed at as well. The current Captain, Barron “Hannibal” Castle, did not rise up to reach his position without prowess and skill. The previous Vice Captain, as well, was a powerhouse. Their squad was not least known because of their lack of power. Truly, the only thing that stood against Green Mantis and the fame that the other squads receive is the fact that the squad does not discriminate against one’s history, and were one of the most likely squads that commoners would join up. Of course, the other squads were now more open to recruitment. The Golden Dawn had mages that were of common birth, even more so the Silver Eagles. However, they suffer no consequences because of their stalwart reputation. The Green Mantises cannot compete, at least, not at the moment, and Artemis knew that best.
“The Magic Knights Exam will be happening soon. I hope to see you wearing the cloak soon. Even if it’s not the Green Mantis, the Magic Knights at least would have regained a legendary mage.” Artemis earnestly added before turning away. She held her hand up for the maître d’, “send the bill of that table to the Somerset Household.”
There was no knowing what the woman would decide to do. Artemis was hopeful, but only just. At the end of the day, Isabelle Erebus was right on point. She would have quite the picking of Squads if she chose to. The Crimson Lions were hungry for more members, the Golden Dawn had been recruiting talented mages across the Clover Kingdom, and Artemis knew the kind of pull that the Silver Eagles had over the woman, especially since it had been her previous squad. The Coral Peacocks had a better reputation than the Mantises, while the Azure Deers would most likely fit the woman’s skill set. Even the Black Bulls were seen as a better choice. Only the Purple Orcas would immediately be a disqualification for Isabelle, because of its keen eye for defensive mages. Truly, Artemis would only be able to cross her fingers and hope for the best.
