There was something about the smell of the salty sea that enticed the half-dragon. Maybe if he hadn’t grown up on the wrong side of the regulation he would have grown up to be a real dandy of the sea. He sometimes could envision himself standing on top of the crows nest calling down certain incoming islands to the wheel-master below. He would rise through the ranks, fighting off dangers, killing pirates, and soon be the head of the ship. But dreams were for fools, and Vaudeux believed that he was no fool. He was glad that dreams were private and that he hadn’t met someone obtrusive enough to pry into said dreams. The familiar salty breeze brought him to the Palanen Ocean that afternoon. He was traveling from Lomedor, the aftermath of a confrontation fresh in his mind, and his woolen pockets heavy from stolen gold.

Jupiter walked slowly across the gravel, kicking up dust adolescently, along the way towards the nearest dock. His footfalls echoed across the hollow wood as he made his way to the end of the plank. The breeze from the abyss picked up sending the chill across the lands catching him by the exposed portions of his skin. The thief first stuffed his hands in his pockets, but the attempt to warm his limbs proved unsuccessful when the gold prevented his fingers from reaching any father than halfway submerged. Next he pulled his dark cloak loosely around his body and stood at the end of the dock, staring out across the waters. Soon it would become dark, so the sun was preparing to set casting a warm glow that intruded across the dark waters. For a moment his legs grew tired of standing and he set himself up for a seat.

He bent down carefully and adjusted his cloak around his arms and turtle necking his head, while his legs below him dangled freely above the waters under the dock. This area wasn’t like the beach he had visited months ago, for ships were interfering the waters surface. They carried crewmen and traveling merchants alike, but mostly they bore the uniform-clad sailors that protected the sea. The very sailors Vaud repetitiously day-dreamed about. He sighed just as a commotion a few docks away caused his attention to adjust in that direction. Whatever was happening it was with a new ship that had ported and the inhabitants on the dock prior to entry.

It had been such a very long time since Alba Meria, the Chaos Phoenix, had travelled to the Palanen Ocean but on this day for some reason the Phoenix felt as thought he was being drawn towards the Ocean. As if there was something or someone there that Alba had to see but as of yet he knew not what that thing was. Alba had taken his Plasma Dragon in order to get to the Ocean quickly, the large dragons wings beating into the air around him and soon landing near a small port. The Phoenix then got off his Dragon and wrapped his Cloak of Disorder around his tighter to protect from the chilling winds of this day.

Alba not only had his cloak but also under this was his Bloodshed Armour and on the wrists of the Phoenix was his silver bangles of strength. Three other pieces of Jewellery were also on the body of Alba. One was his Vampire tooth earring that made the teeth of Alba now appear as sharp fangs while the other two items lay on the left hand of the Phoenix. On his middle finger was a Flame Dance Ring, a powerful ring that gave Alba the power to wield fire as a weapon while the only ring was in his ring finger; yes it was the Wedding Band of Alba and the symbol of his marriage to the fallen angel known as Aaris.

Soon the Phoenix took his mighty black and blood red scythe into his right hand. This weapon was a reforged weapon of the Dark Blade; a blade that some had said Raku himself had given to the mortals of Arda. A smirk slowly spread along the lips of the Phoenix and he then set off for the docks. He could see the outline of a figure seemingly sitting on the dock but as of yet Alba did not have a single clue on who this figure exactly was. After all not even Alba Meria knew every single being within Arda, that would have just been impossible, but for some reason he felt that this being before him was the reason Alba had felt the need to come here.

There was a strange and yet energy giving off by this man that Alba rather liked, maybe this being could be of some use to the Brotherhood of Chaos at point, it would be rather interesting to find that out really. Alba then took in a breath of air still not saying even a single word but he set of towards the docks drawing in closer for this man.

Within a few moments Alba was standing behind the man and he began to part his dark lips to finally speak, the words from the Phoenix being, “And here was me thinking it was a dark relic I could feel the power of here. But alas it was you! My name is Alba Meria the Chaos Phoenix! And you?” Alba then smirked towards the figure of the man before him as he waited on the mans reply.

His thoughts had drifted into another vivid imagination fueled fantasy as his eyes drifted across the waters under his feet. Across the docks Vaud leapt into the air striking down an invader that had boarded his captain’s ship. The man was engulfed by his shimmering blade then, as Jupiter retracted the weapon and his victims blood was irreversibly attached to his weapon. He flicked his blade back in a counter-clockwise motion, blood flicking off and splattering on the deck below, as he reached up to stab yet another invader attempting to assassinate the expert swordsman… The thief shook himself out of his daze and examined his boot for a moment, here his dagger laid hidden, and he examined the old grip and worn blade. How he wished he could have the nice swords he had envisioned in his mind. Then he frowned down at the blade and replaced it in his holster. Spitting harshly in the water he hated how he pitied himself, trying to live up to his boyish dreams when his boyhood was long past. The water rippled where he emitted the saliva, for a moment he watched the wrinkles spread and become less condensed.

Suddenly something in the back of his mind prickled causing him to look up from the waters and out into the pink sky above him. Deep within the clouds he spotted a familiar form and had to blink twice to get a better look. If he hadn’t known better he would have thought he was seeing himself flying through the clouds, but this beast had some sort of rider guiding it through the air. The half-dragon watched while bundling himself up in his cloak and before he knew it the apparition disappeared within the clouds. Its not everyday you see a dragon rider, Vaud thought to himself, staring into the fluffy precipitation where the beast had disappeared. For a moment he sighed and looked back over to the docks where the commotion had subsided and now the dockhands and ship-riders were cooperating.

A few more moments of observing he suddenly heard a set of heavy footfalls issuing on the hollow dock wood behind him. He turned his head ever slightly to hear the nature of the prints. They weren’t fast as to be attacking, and they weren’t slow as to be attempting to sneak. There was some sort of clinking of material as the being headed his way, but he didn’t turn to face the arrival but waited for them to speak. His words were true, and somewhat flattering to his nature, yet the Wyrm wasn’t buying it. It could sense an alternative motive, perhaps one of recruitment for something, but without the eyes the sense wasn’t positive. The new arrival stated his name and it was time for the half-dragon to rise from his spot. The muscular body rose a few inches under the younger acquaintance, but he stood erect, shoulders back, and demanded his own.

The man named Alba was studded with an array of magnificent jewels and various artifacts. Jupiter was able to tell by just looking at these status symbols that this character was one of importance and one of power. An attractive array of gems sparkled on each finger that gripped a threatening object, like one would see the grim reaper wield right before taking the next soul to the underworld. The thief tried his best to keep his expression neutral despite his feelings of intimidation, the actor in him was his best mask. Chaos Phoenix rang in his head, an interesting and strange title. Even if he felt as if he kept some type of power by keeping his name, the visitor was kind enough to share his with him so he would do the same. Besides it wouldn’t be wise to deny the powerful being from his request.

“It is Vaudeux Jupiter,” Answered the thief with some sort of rough accent keen on holding out S’s, Z’s, and doe’s. With curious eyes traveling over to the dragon parked somewhere behind it’s owner in the distance he turned back to him, his voice cool, “I don’t know of any dark relic, but how can I be of service?”

Alba watched on as the man before him began to rise up to his feet slowly and turning to face the Phoenix. He was only a few inches smaller than Alba, who was in fact a bit taller than people of his age usually were. For a moment the Phoenix curled his lips into a smirk seeing the figure before him. It was very clear this man had power, but to what level Alba did not exactly know to be truthful although the one thing the Phoenix could feel in this man was that he had another form. It was something Alba had grown use to since more than half of the demons he had killed over his life would transform mid battle. Then against even when they were to transform Alba was still able to rip them apart with ease.

This was mainly because when the demons changed their form Alba would cast his Draconic Strength spell onto himself thus granting him the physical power of a dragon yet in the form of a man. This was always effective, but even it this was not used Alba still had hit Phoenix strength within him that was always enhanced thanks to the silver bangles of strength he wore upon his wrists.

Breaking free from his thoughts the Phoenix listened as the man before him spoke. His voice sounded rather strange to Alba, as did the mans name but hey there were many different kinds of people in the world of Arda and it seemed Alba has now run into one he had never met before. It was then the man asked the key question to Alba, that question being how could he be of service. Everything was moving along smoothly so far, but if this being was to try and strike Alba then the Phoenix would fight back and make sure this Vaudeux Jupiter never forgot the name of the Chaos Phoenix of Arda.

Albas’ smirk grew larger as the mans speech stopped it was then that the Phoenix sent out his own reply to the question asked of him, “How can you be of service you ask? I am not sure if you have ever heard of me, as I myself have never heard of you before. I am the guild master of a group known as the Brotherhood of Chaos and I’m looked for new members.” He then stopped for a moment in order for Jupiter to catch up on what was being said before continuing on to say. “You could say I am asking you exactly how chaotic you can be. Along with if you would like to join the Brotherhood of Chaos or not.” There was then another pause in the pattern of speech before Alba finished what he wanted to say with the words, “If I was you I would pick your answer wisely my friend.” All that was left for now was to wait on the figure to reply that the information Alba had given him.

Of course the Phoenix was ready to defend himself if need be as his death grip around the pole section of his scythe remained in tack. The reply given by this man would in turn decide if there would be more conversation, or indeed a small battle at hand.

His remark was merely a polite non-offending reply aiming to discover the motive of the new arrival. Yet, it was effective. Alba’s answer melted like butter off of his tongue and melted into Jupiter’s ears. He took the new information given to him in and waited for the speech to end. It was not his style to interrupt as it was not his style to be rude. This way he was able to intake all the information given in one moment, but what usually ended up happening was the Wrym would stick to one piece of information and keep pressing on it until Jupiter would have to investigate the matter himself. Then there it was again, the chaos title again. This particular remark had stuck in the back in his mind since the beginning of their introductions and it had once again popped up in the conversation.

Despite other words being said the particular comment did its burning duty and, after Meria completed his dialogue the first words that came out was, “What is this, Chaos and Chaos Phoenix anyways?” Of course in the matter of manners one was taught never to answer a question with another question. Yet, how else was one supposed to find out about anything without doing so? There was already some static between the strangers for some reason and Jupiter could sense it. Perhaps because they were both foreign to each others objections that they didn’t know whether either male would go off on the other. But, the half-dragon was smarter than he appeared. The demeanor of the man standing before him was one of power and strength, and if one was smart they wouldn’t mess around with such men unless they had some bite behind their bark. The only way he would be able to have a chance right now would be to transform, but Vaud was the type to try and escape without a scratch before transforming. Unless he had a task to complete.

He stayed where he was on the edge of the dock from where he had stood. The only movement behind him was the waves slowly crashing against the pillars holding the dock below them, and his cloak whipping against the calf of his leg from the bitter wind. The dockhands one area over had left as soon as the Chaos Pheonix’s dragon had arrived, consequently out of fear and ignorance. From his spot he examined the dragon, a fine specimen that seemed obedient enough, and was the only paying attention to itself across the way. Quickly, Vaudeux looked back to his visitor brows hard in anticipation, for an answer.

As Alba spoke to the man before him it became clear that this halfling was one to listen fully before saying anything himself. Already the Phoenix liked this about him, and after he had finished talking Alba heard the man say, “What is this, Chaos and Chaos Phoenix anyways?” Hearing this made Alba slowly raise an eyebrow in the direction of this man. Did he really not know what Chaos was? This seemed very strange, as the Phoenix was sure it was a chaotic energy that dwelled with this creature before the Phoenix. Taking a moment to think of an answer to what this man had just said to him Alba was finding it rather difficult to gather together the most simple words so that when he spoke it would be so clear of what Chaos was that even a child would understand.

The words soon began to come to Alba and soon the Phoenix parted his lips once more before saying to the half dragon before him, “Well lets try and make this simple. Arda has many God and Guardians within it. The main Gods of evil are Raku God of Darkness, and Ita, the Goddess of Chaos. It is Ita that I serve, and thus serve the power of Chaos, the power of causing pain and destruction within in. While a Chaos Phoenix is em… me. A demon with the power of the Phoenix within them, meaning once I am killed I have the power to rise from the depths of Hell and continue on my rampage. Do you now understand?” Once finishing his words he noticed that the man had been looking over towards the dragon of Alba.

With a sly smirk Alba also looked back towards the form of his mighty plasma dragon, other than the Cerberus that Alba owned this dragon would his favourite mount and served perfectly for air battles. It was then that the Phoenix returned his gaze back to this half dragon waiting on his reply.

Ignorant as he was about the array of beings around Arda, the things Alba had described reminded him of his childhood. His father was a brutal being that liked causing pain and suffering, perhaps the people around his village would have called him chaotic if he had ever went into town without his father. Vaud thought about the matter for a minute. Maybe he had inherited something from his father besides his hair color. Maybe he had inherited his chaotic tendencies without knowing it.

“I see,” Replied the thief after Alba’s sermon was delivered. Before now he had never known about the God’s of Arda, and now came the enlightening. The whole meaning of chaotic took on a whole new meaning. He pictured a humongous beast thrashing about in a dark manor, planning schemes and ordering armies to go out and do its bidding. The idea of worshiping such a creature seemed strange to him. Nevertheless he might as well find out as much as he could from the knowledgeable being in front of him. “So what’s the deal with your organization anyways?”

Right now he couldn’t fathom what was being done in the group or what they were doing for that matter. Not to mention how him joining would benefit the group, that is unless they were after sheer numbers. He wondered what serving a God was like and what benefit would come from serving such a powerful being. Vaud looked back to Alba in front of him with a look of curiosity etched across his face.

I was clear not only by what Vaud said but by his actual expression that he was a curious being to say the least. The Phoenix smiled a little seeing this and taking in what the man was saying to him. First he asked about chaos, and now he wanted to know what the Brotherhood of Chaos did. Everything seemed to be going rather well for the moment and Alba was of course glad of that fact.

Slowly the Phoenix let some air pass out of his lungs before he took another deep breath and said, “Well my Brotherhood is of course a guild that follows the Goddess of Chaos no matter what. We aim to cause destruction and terror within Arda and make our name known, as well as help every member within the guild to gain amazing power. As you know I am the leader of the Guild, but there are others of importance as well, one is the guild mistress who in turn is also my Wife. I have Elite section in the guild that will grow as more members join, the leader of this Elite section so far being a vampire fallen angel by the name of Tilorn. We have many members so far but someone of your quality would be more than welcome. I can feel the power within you, and my Dragon seems to think you have what it takes also since he was the one that brought me here after all.” Alba then continued to look towards the Vaud waiting on the man to reply to what the Phoenix has said.

Vaud had his choices set out before him. He could either join the Brotherhood of Chaos or not, of course if he did not join then Alba would not know exactly what would happen next. He guessed that he would just have to cross that bridge when he came to it. The Phoenix still waited on the reply of the man and as he was doing so he heard the sounds of his dragon behind him catch something to eat and tear into its body with great force from its jaws. Hearing, yet not seeing this, Alba let out another small laugh before returning his gaze once more to Vaud.

Vaudeux was glad to see that the constant questions he issued wasn’t annoying the man, whom was most likely a very busy person. Yet, he seemed as if he had time to spare for him, making Jupiter feel somewhat important. The next explanation was a very interesting piece of work. His mind picked out various sentence that stood out and caught his interest immediately. The line that stood out the most was when he mentioned the fact that they “make their names known,” the obvious amount of notoriety was always a confidence booster. Then he mentioned a wife which caused the thief’s brows to raise from surprise. It didn’t seem like one of his stature could be married, but perhaps that’s what came with the title of the Chaos Phoenix.

Instantly his eyes traveled down to the mans fingers which were still on his scythe. There in the middle was, what he said, an impressive wedding band. This made him nod in approval as Alba continued to explain. Suddenly the Elite section caught his attention. That was sure to spread your name around the lands, weather it was bad notoriety or not it was still recognition. Of course if one did join they couldn’t expect to just be placed in such a high position, it took work, just like life did. With a past like his, he knew how to work his way up, and through hard work at that. From behind his rider the dragon was snacking on some type of mammal that Vaud was too busy listening to catch what it was, but he looked over just in time to see some flesh pass through the beast’s teeth.

Maybe Alba was being truthful when he said that the dragon had lead him to his position. All dragon’s have some type of connection. Jupiter had sensed it since he spotted it in the clouds. He believed that his other form was similar to this full bred creature and that was the main cause of the connection. For a moment Vaudeux looked sly then smirked,
“So, what if I don’t want to join this brotherhood?” Before he weighed the consequences. After the whole explanation of chaos he didn’t think that Alba was exactly the type to take rejection, but this was just a test. There was no way he was going to hang around with a bunch of hot-heads sharpening their knifes while they were already in someone’s back.