Wow … I forgot to post xD Here’s chapters TWO and THREE. The DATE beside the titles is basically when I wrote it.

Chapter Two: Calm Before the Storm (Monday, July 17, 2006)

In a personal office far into Lifestream’s Headquarters, a female thief-classed bandit sat cross-legged on her chair; staring at the pile of papers on her desk. Her office had a single, brown sofa, the walls were light blue, an aquarium was set up next to a tiny window, and a file cabinet filled with papers regarding Lifestream was seated next to the door. The office was considerably small, but it accommodated her well.

The bandit’s hair was a dark brown and was pressed flat by the brown sonata in which she wore. Her entire outfit was red for she wore the top and bottom of the Red Moon set, Red-Hearted Earrings, Red Moon Gloves, and Red Goni Shoes. Her weapons; her Maple Wagner and Panlid, were set under her desk.

With a sigh, the bandit got up off her chair and went to the window. She unlatched the window’s safety bar and opened the window. A cool breeze blew softly inward from the window and a scent as sweet as cinnamon wafted into the room. She took off her brown sonata and allowed her Edgy hair to feel the breeze. The bandit blinked twice and turned her head; staring at the aquarium that served as shelter for two blue angelfish. Her hazel eyes were full of boredom and yet blank at the same time.

“Where is Guild Master Alex … he’s taking an awfully long time to return to Headquarters. Ah, and I’m done all the paperwork too. Perhaps he’s still up on the cliff admiring the stars and forgetting the time that flows endlessly with or without him,” the bandit sighed and went to her office door; her red napoleon shifting lightly on her back.

Placing the brown sonata back on her head and tucking some of her hair snugly under the sonata, she opened the door and went out of her office and into the lounge. In the lounge, she spotted a female magician talking to five other people; a Hunter, Crossbowman, another Magician, Warrior, and Bandit. At the sound of her Red Goni shoes clicking on the tiled floor, all six of them turned their hands and stood up.

“Vice-Master Haruki, good evening!” the female magician nodded to her.
“Hello Captain Panthakasai, good evening to you too,” Haruki nodded back to Panthakasai who was wearing a Red Kitten Circlet, Metal Silver Earrings, Brown Requierre, Black Napoleon, Dark Lorin, and Brown Lapiz Sandals.

Haruki nodded to each of the other five; Hunter-classed Captain Gary who wore a Red Tai, Dark Polyfeather Hat, Dark Garner, Green Gore Boots, Black Justice Cape, and Holy Crossrings; Crossbowman-classed Third Rank Member Cameron who wore a Dark Distinction, Blue Sauna Robe, Blue Rubber Boots, a Work Glove, and an Old Raggedy Cape; Magician-classed Third Rank member Michael who wore a Dark Anakamoon, Blue Infintium Circlet, Pink Flower Earrings, Blue Arten, and Blue Goldrunners; Spearman-classed Third Rank member Kyle who wore the Dark Orientician set, Red Oriental helm, Holy Crossrings, Blood Camel Boots, and Dark Clench; and last but not least – the bandit-classed Captain Quan who wore the Red China top and bottom, Brown Sonata, Dark Cleave, Icarus Cape, and Red Goni shoes.

“Have any of you seen Guild Master Alex at all today during the last twenty-four hours?” Haruki asked inquiringly. All six of them shook their heads. Haruki bit her lower lip, unable to think of where Alex might truly be.

In another room, a door suddenly made a loud thud sound and the sound of two sets of shuffling feet could be heard. Haruki, the third rank members, and captains turned their heads towards the door in the lounge. It swung open and Alex and a strange crossbow woman girl bounded through.

“Guild Master Alex, what took you so long?” Haruki tilted her head slightly and looked inquiringly at Alex.
“Sorry … I got caught up in a strange … encounter,” Alex said sheepishly. Panthakasai and Kyle laughed. Alex sighed and his face brightened up.
“Oh, almost forgot. Please welcome Mazekii, the newest addition to Guild Lifestream!” Alex introduced, ushering Mazekii to walk forward a few centimeters.

Mazekii smiled and bowed.

“Nice to meet you all,” Mazekii beamed. She stood straight once more and smiled brightly.
“Nice to meet you too, Mazekii, and welcome to Guild Lifestream” everyone said in unison.
“Now that that’s over … time to get some rest. It’s getting late, no?” Quan looked around the room. Everyone agreed appreciatively.

As Haruki turned around, Alex grabbed her left wrist gently. Haruki’s left eye turned sharply at whoever had grasped her wrist. She breathed slowly as she turned around and acknowledged that it was Alex.

“I need to talk to … alone. There’s a disturbance within the Guard of the Twelve Guilds,” Alex whispered. Haruki’s left eyebrow rose as she nodded and then proceeded to follow Alex to her office. Once inside her office, Haruki pulled up a chair for Alex.

“What do you mean by The Guard of the Twelve Guilds? I do not believe I am familiar with that term,” Haruki stated.
“The Guard of the Twelve Guilds … We’ve all been there before, but not for five years and it is a distant memory to us all. The Guard of the Twelve Guilds is the central hall where all Twelve Guild Masters and Vice-Masters meet to have their meetings. Since there has been nothing but peace and harmony for the last five years; no one had to assemble there to discuss Guild matters. It seems, however, that something is astir. Up on that hill with that single bark tree, the Guild Messenger Bird came with a message. It was addressed to me and to whomever it may concern. Haruki, you need to come with me tomorrow to the Guard of the Twelve Guilds. For all I know, it could end up becoming a war if the conflict goes too far. I don’t think I can handle the screeching and screaming by myself in there. I’ve also got to ask you about … Captain Yama,” Alex explained the situation as Haruki listened intently.

“Ah yes … the central hall. That place was pretty intricately designed on the outside and even more astounding on the inside. So, there’s a problem and the meeting is tomorrow … I’ll leave a note for the other guild members telling them we’ll be out for a bit then. As for Captain Yama … what is wrong with him? He’s been a valuable help to us as he is our only Priest. He has helped us quite a bit since the creation of Lifestream. Is there a grudge between you two or something?” Haruki went straight to the point with her comments and questions.

Alex remained silent for a few minutes as Haruki’s soft and gentle eyes looked at Alex. Alex looked around the room, very deep in thought. Alex opened his mouth and then closed it again, unable to find the words to explain to Haruki what he wanted to say. At last, he looked towards Haruki and decided to speak out truthfully.

“I’ve become very disturbed by Captain Yama’s recent … actions. It seems that he may be doing something behind our back and we fail to notice. When he first joined us, he never tried to sneak up on us all of a sudden or do something without thinking. Nowadays, I find that he does the opposite of what he use to do. Not only that, but I am starting to lose trust within him. I fear that if the conflict between the guilds does range all the way to war; he will not be with us, but instead against us,” Alex explained. Haruki stayed quiet, brooding over those facts.
“Let’s wait until we have more information about the problems at hand. I’ll get to work on the letter to leave behind for the other members of Lifestream. You just worry about getting some rest,” Haruki said, ending the conversation.
“I’m leaving it up to you,” Alex said as he left the office, closing the door silently.

Haruki pulled open her desk drawer and pulled out a piece of white, blank paper. She picked up her blue pen and wrote, in black ink, the message to the other guild members. After she wrote the letter, she quickly and silently placed the letter in the lounge on the table next too the two sofas that were set facing opposite of each other. Then she ran lightly up the stairs to her office and went inside, locking the room and pulling out her make-shift bed. Then she set her alarm clock and dozed off to sleep.

– – – – – –

Before dawn the next morning, Alex and Haruki left the guild headquarters and headed to The Guard of the Twelve Guilds. They passed the hill where Alex had been the night before and continued down the road. On the way, they saw fenced up pastures where cows and horses were basking in the glory of the sun. Farmers were tending to their crops and some were making breakfast to start the day. Most of the world was fast asleep, however.

Haruki felt slightly agitated and casted “Haste” to make Alex’s and her movements faster and swifter. About an hour after they began their walk, they arrived at the colossal building known as The Guard of the Twelve Guilds. The building shined under the sunlight and the silver archways made their entrance seem even grander. The building was curved in an oval, almost circle shape much like the Coliseum. Side by side, Alex and Haruki ventured on through the open, grand doors of The Guard of the Twelve Guilds. The walls inside were golden with six long flags going down the walls on each side – each with different symbols to specify the twelve different guilds; Imperials, Fateless, Twilight, Outlawz, Oblivion, Shouken, Vulture, Brillo, Illusion, Mecredi, Ryodan, and Lifestream.

The ceiling of the building was raised extremely high and not even the assassin-classed thieves with their Flash Jump could reach the very top. On the ceiling, intricate designs were engraved deeply into the thick golden ceiling and stained-glass windows about twelve meters in height were next to each of the twelve banners with their individual symbols. Alex and Haruki proceeded into the central hall where a round counter was seated in the middle of the room. Two extra rings with chairs behind them circled the counter. The first ring was for the guild Vice-Masters, the second for the Guild Masters. The counter and rings were split into twelve sections; each with the symbols of the different guilds etched deeply into the ebony wood that they were made of.

Every section had the names of the Guild Master and Vice-Master. Alex and Haruki proceeded to their section and sat down. They were the first ones to be at the Guard of the Twelve Guilds. What was to happen next?

Chapter Three: Waging War (Tuesday, July 18, 2006)

One by one, both the Guild Master and Vice-Masters of each guild slowly walked in. Slowly, they all began to sit in their designated areas. Standing in their designated area, Alex and Haruki nodded to everyone who walked in; acknowledging and welcoming them.

Guild Imperials // Master: Rio, Crusader // Vice-Master: Shino, Sniper
Guild Fateless // Master: Kenny, Hunter // Vice-Master: Kitty, Hunter
Guild Twilight // Master: Ayame, Ice Magician // Vice-Master: Yuki, Knight
Guild Outlawz // Master: Ayumu, Hermit // Vice-Master: Hikari, Priest
Guild Oblivion // Master: Liger, Ranger // Vice-Master: Sakura, Dragon Knight
Guild Shouken // Master: Tori, Chief Bandit //Vice-Master: Sasami, Fire Magician
Guild Vulture // Master: Reiko, Spearman // Vice-Master: Kazuo, Fighter
Guild Brillo // Master: Izumi, Page // Vice-Master: Isamu, Page
Guild Illusion // Master: Hiei, Assassin // Vice-Master: Roid, Cleric
Guild Mecredi // Master: Fujita, Chief Bandit // Vice-Master: Emi, Knight
Guild Ryodan // Master: Akina, Crusader // Vice-Master: Yusei, Ranger
Guild Lifestream // Master: Alex, Dragon Knight // Vice-Master: Haruki, Bandit

Each Guild Master and Vice-Master had extravagant clothing; ranging from the simple fighter-classed armor to the sophisticated priest-classed silks. A roll was called and all twenty-four of them seated themselves comfortably in their seats. The Guild Administrators, Kaishou, an unknown-classed Guardian of The Guard of the Twelve Guilds, walked into the room and cleared his throat.

“I welcome all Guild Masters and Vice-Masters to this discussion in the matters of the Twelve Guilds. It seems there has been conflict between two un-allied guilds and should this problem progress further – a war will erupt. This is the matter to be discussed today. Let the quarrel begin,” Kaishou smiled and then left the room, beaming at himself.

– – – – – –

“Kaishou, I’m still at a loss. I know I shouldn’t be here, but tell me. Which two un-allied guilds had this ‘conflict’?” Captain Yama approached Kaishou as he strode down the hall.
“I thought you were content to learn slowly and satisfied with being within a strong guild like Lifestream. You will have to wait until your Guild Master and Vice-Master tells you. I cannot and will not tell you,” Kaishou replied. Kaishou walked away as Yama scoffed.

– – – – – –

“So … which two guilds, exactly, had this conflict to begin with and why does this matter concern us?” Vice-Master Kazuo of Guild Vulture asked, his voice echoing in the hollow, black-walled, light-enchanted room.
“My god, what rude behavior you have Vice-Master Kazuo. You should know better than to speak first,” Master Tori of Guild Shouken spoke up.
“Let us forget of his rude behavior, shall we Guild Master Tori? I agree with Vice-Master Kazuo; why does this involve us if it is between two un-allied guilds? If it involved all of us, then perhaps I could understand why we must have a meeting as grand as this,” Guild Master Akina of Guild Ryodan replied curtly, standing up.
“Get straight to the point, please. I have more important matters to deter my attention on. The two un-allied conflicting guilds speak up now and let us get this over and done with!” Guild Master Hiei of Guild Illusion screeched, silencing everyone in the room.

Guild Brillo’s Master Izumi left his seat and stood up – everyone’s attention on him. A few seconds later, Guild Outlawz’s Master Ayumu rose from his seat.

So … it was Guild Brillo and Outlawz that was having the conflict. Huh, those two guilds were never on good terms since the very beginning. Guild Master Ayumu has been trying to repair their bad guild relationship. I wonder what Guild Master Izumi did to set a conflict astir, Alex thought about the relation between Guild Brillo and Guild Outlawz.

“Just a few days ago Guild Brillo, led by Guild Master Izumi, summoned all of his guild members and marched to the entrance of my guild, the Outlawz, and demanded a battle to see which guild was the better,” Ayumu explained. Izumi slapped his left hand on the counter and shook his head.
“WRONG! Guild Master Ayumu requested for us to go to guild headquarters’ entrance and declare a battle!” Izumi cried.
“Do not make such claims when you know as well as I do that your claim is false Izumi!” Ayumu screamed back.

By now all guild masters and vice-masters were standing except Lifestream’s.

“Did you battle it out in the end or did Guild Brillo step back afterwards?” Guild Master Fujita of Guild Mecredi cried, silencing the quarreling Guild Masters.
“Yes, we did end up battling it out and –,” Izumi attempted to finish his sentence but Ayumu intervened.
“Stop denying the truth Guild Master Izumi!” Ayumu hissed.

The screaming was getting on the nerves of both Alex and Haruki now. They looked at each other and sighed. Slowly, Haruki rose from her seat. No one noticed or even turned their heads.

“Guild Brillo came to our entrance without any notice! They attempted to storm our doors, but our guild held strong. If it wasn’t for Guild Brillo, led by both Guild Master Izumi and Vice-Master Isamu, nothing like this would’ve happened! Why they are denying the truth, I do not know. One thing I know is that perhaps Guild Brillo is saying to declare war upon the guilds!” Vice-Master Hikari of the Outlawz explained.
“Is this true Guild Master Izumi?!” Guild Master Liger of Guild Oblivion questioned. Izumi let out a low growl.
“Why is everyone against Guild Brillo? I did not in any way declare war nor did I storm the entrance of Guild Outlawz!” Izumi retorted angrily.

Haruki gritted her teeth and slammed both of her hands on the counter. Everyone was suddenly silent, their attention on Haruki.

“I’ve had enough of this silly matter. I’m sure most, if not everyone, else here is too. Let us just get this matter resolved! If this is a conflict between Guild Brillo and Guild Outlawz; it should be those two guilds trying to settle this dispute. If two grown-up Guild Masters such as yourselves cannot resolve one simple problem, how has this world gone on the way it has? Guild Master Izumi and Guild Master Ayumu – what exactly do you want to have done if all you two are going to do is quarrel with each other? If you want us to only be your audience, then I think we should just walk out of this room and let you two go at it. Other than that, I will say no more,” Haruki stared at Master Izumi and Ayumu intently.

A low murmur went around the room. After a few minutes, Guild Master Reiko of Guild Vulture tapped the counter.

“I wholly agree with Vice-Master Haruki. This is between you two guilds, not the rest of us and –“Reiko began to talk but Izumi interfered.
“You know what I want? I want an all out war! A war between all twelve guilds! One that will decide which guild is truly the best and most outstanding! If Guild Outlawz doesn’t want to tell the truth, why not have a war to decide the truth?!” Izumi looked at everyone in the room one by one. Isamu, sitting in front of him, put his hands together and lay them on his lap. This was beginning to look ugly.

This time it was Alex’s turn to stand up and say something.

“Guild Master Izumi, what kind of request is that? Why would you want a war? We have had peace and harmony for over five years! Before then, the war we had amongst the guilds was catastrophic! Innocent people were killed because of a war that we, the twelve guilds, started!” Alex shouted.
“It is no use, Guild Master Alex. Guild Master Izumi will see no end until his request is fulfilled. You will get your wish Guild Master Izumi. Let us all prepare for war. This discussion is over,” Guild Master Rio of Guild Imperials commented.
“This choice is not yours alone, Guild Master Rio, but I agree. Let a war break out. We will try to not involve the innocent. It will be guild against guild. Those who are allied don’t necessarily need to remain allies in this war. Let the battle begin a week from today,” Guild Master Kenny of Guild Fateless nodded his head.

Alex and Haruki sighed. Their force was smaller than every other guild.

“I decline,” Guild Master Akina of Guild Ryodan said, her voice echoing in the room. “Guild Lifestream has few members while the rest of us have the maximum thirty members. This will be an undoubtedly huge disadvantage for them. Should another guild proceed to go against Lifestream, they will not survive to see the end versus thirty people!”

Akina, you think like us. I’m so glad you are allied with us, Alex thought appreciatively.

“Guild Lifestream is your allied guild, Guild Master Akina. You and Guild Master Alex figure out what to do. In the meantime, this discussion is over. A week from today the Great War will begin. Whichever guild’s headquarters is less damaged will come out the victor,” Guild Master Hiei of Guild Illusion said. Everyone nodded and the door to the room was opened by Kaishou. Slowly, the Guild Masters and Vice-Masters trailed out of the door.

“Guild Master Alex … I will try my hardest to back you up during this war. We are allied. I cannot bear to think of what would happen to your guild should we not assist. I will see you in a week. Good luck, my friend,” Akina bowed and, with her Vice-Master, left the room.

Alex and Haruki looked at each other. What a troublesome matter to come up after five years of perfect peace and harmony …