Against All Odds, We Have To Save The World (Candira & HeartOfTheDarkness)

It's a world where technology and magic coexist. Beasts such as unicorns and centaurs roam the woods along with deer and bears. Dragons have been extinct for generations, but their legends are told throughout history. Humans aren't the only dominant species, elves and dwarves take up a good amount of the population as well. While the majority of the world is at peace, there's still wars and battle among the races, and humans are the worst about it. And although the world is a decent place to live, a dark future will befall the citizens of this world, unless a particular duo can stop it.

"So why the hell do I have to go do this bullshit mission?" Alex Meyers wouldn't stop arguing with his commanding officer, trying to get out of the new mission he was assigned to. There didn't seem to be anything wrong with the mission itself. All he really had to do was to escort someone around the world while that person took care of some business. And the person he was escorting was a woman, so that's always a plus, especially for a soldier. The only problem was that the woman was a mage, and Alex had a strong distrust of mages. "You know what happened the last time a mage was involved, so why am I going?"

"Dammit Alex, I know what happened, and I'm sorry for the loses, but she requested you. To be specific, she wanted one of our best, all of our other top soldiers are in active duty at this time. You're all we've got." His general was almost pleading to him, trying to get Alex to understand how important this job was without giving him too much information. "How's about this? If you take care of this job, not only will I put in a recommendation for you to go to the next rank, I'll give you an extended leave for vacation, all expenses paid for." Bribing was all he could really do to combat Alex's stubbornness.

Letting out a loud groan, Alex went back to packing his things. "Fine, but I promise to take full advantage of all expenses paid. Maybe I'll try that paradise resort that Johnson went to last summer. He says they have an elven masseuse that'll make you feel like you're in heaven, and the women there are gorgeous." While he didn't like the mission, he couldn't say no to a free vacation. After saluting to his commanding officer, he finished up with packing clothes and supplies. There wasn't much to really pack. Mostly the small stuff. His katana, two handguns, extra ammunition, money, a couple changes of clothes, cleaning supplies, and a camping kit for if they sleep outdoors.

Once he was packed up, he said his goodbyes to his comrades and his CO, and left to take a cap to the meeting point of his client. All Alex could hope for is for a relatively quick mission, and get this over with so that he doesn't have to spend too much time with the mage woman.

Mia Ellis was a popular new professor and assistant to the headmaster of a prominent magical academy. She was chosen for this particular mission because the headmaster trusted her completely. Not to mention, her capabilities were impressive and she showed the potential for even greater capabilities. Not to mention, her tarot reading and divining skills would come in handy on the trip. Despite her talents, the mission was meant to be low-key. Secret, even. Not even the officer assigned to her would be fully knowledgeable. But then, all he needed to do was watch over her and protect her in her travels. It would be fairly time-consuming, but if nothing went wrong, they would have what they needed in a few short weeks--enough time to head off the cult.

But that was assuming the mission wasn't compromised in any way. If word got out, they would be in a load of trouble. It was for that reason, the headmaster told her to masquerade as a good-will ambassador for the school. Someone who was looking for recruits. Either way, her goal was to blend in in public and look the part of an ambassador at the schools. It was why her long red hair was braided, hanging over her shoulder. Her bangs were swept to the side, two crystal pendant earrings hung from her ears. Her makeup was light, and she wore a black camisole and purple jacket that hugged her in just the right way. She wore tight bluejeans and a pair of purple ankle boots. She carried a small suitcase and a black purse slung over her shoulder.

The redhead smiled patiently as she waited in the lobby of a hotel near the airport. She sat at a table, playing with her tarot cards, doing a reading while she waited. She wondered what her "partner" would be like. But as she began her reading, she became troubled with the signs. "Hmmm..."

When the cab pulled up at the hotel, Alex paid the driver and got out. Lugging his things with him, he entered the building and stood in the middle of the lobby. This place was massive, and it was crowded with people. How the hell was he suppose to find this mage? Alright, if I was a mage, where would I be? The library? Dammit, if only I knew what she looked like. He thought to himself, searching the crowds for someone that could possibly fit the bill.

After about fifteen minutes, he gave up. There were a few people that could've been the girl, but he couldn't tell for sure. An older woman using levitation magic to drink her coffee. A teenage bookworm using magic to trip a prettier girl from across the room. And a redhead looking at a bunch of cards. He considered going to the redhead and asking her to read his future so that he could maybe get a clue on who this chick was.

Finally tired of the headache, he decided to head to the bar. If she really needed him, she could go find him there. She should've seen him by now, the way he scoured the lobby searching for her.

Her predictions took the majority of her attention, so she missed the man who was to be her protector until he took off for the bar. She looked up in time to see him leaving the lobby. She knew it was him--her intuition told her so. If that hadn't been enough, her earring was a divining pendant. She took it off and it pointed in his direction. Smiling, she replaced the earring and collected her cards. She slipped them back into a tin case and put it back in her purse. Mia shouldered her purse and then found the man at the bar.

Curious to know just how sharp his intuition was, she sat down beside him and ordered an iced green tea. Smiling at the bartender, she watched as he prepared her drink, adding a few things for flavor. After the first sip, she turned her attention to the soldier next to her. So this was her escort? Well, he certainly looked capable. Not exactly low-key, but there was only so much he could do about that. And he wasn't terribly out of place. Mia smiled. "Excuse me, sir. I noticed earlier that there was some tension clouding your aura. Is everything alright?" her voice was rich and calm, just the kind of voice that set people at ease. It also seemed to give her a more mysterious, wise quality.

Not sure if he'd have to be put to work as soon as they met up, he just got himself a beer, knowing that it wouldn't kill him to have a tiny bit of alcohol in his system. He noticed the girl sit beside him, wondering if she was the mage. Upon a second glance, he noticed that she was the girl that was reading cards earlier, it had to have been her. But if he simply started talking to her about the mission, without knowing if it was really her, it could compromise the whole thing. So he continued to drink he beer, wondering how this would play out.

Finally, she spoke. Aura? What the hell was she talking about? And especially out of nowhere. It had to be her. "I was wondering when you'd show up ma'am. I guess I should've asked what you looked like when I was given this job." He chuckled to himself, not really bothering to look over at the girl beside him, just looking down at his drink. "Well, at least you're here. I would've gotten pissed if you never showed up. And I guess I'm lucky too. I was expecting an older woman, considering I was told that you were skilled. Turns out you're pretty cute." As much as he doesn't care for mages, the fact that she was definitely attractive was at least worth something in his book.

Mia was a little surprised that he caught on so quickly. His instincts were pretty sharp, but then, he'd been looking for her. If he'd had to guess without knowing he was meeting a female client, she doubted it would have taken him such a short time. But then, it wasn't really a fair observation. Her eyebrow raised at his manners. Didn't even spare more than a glance. "Aww, well you're no fun," she teased, chuckling a little. He should have asked, but then, his superiors might have made an oversight as well. All in her favor. "I didn't mean to make you wait, but I was doing a reading and got a little distracted. I assure you, though, I never miss my appointments." She smiled and then took another sip of her tea. His comment about her being cute should probably have insulted her somehow, but it merely earned him another quirked eyebrow. Well, she wasn't one to ignore a compliment.

"Thanks, I think. I guess I'm pretty lucky too, handsome," she said with a wink. She took another sip of her tea and looked around the room as she spoke. "Do I get a name? Or should I start coming up with nicknames for you?"

Alex looked over at his client, a little surprised that she found him handsome. Then again, she could just be messing with him. He reached out his hand, waiting for her to shake it. "I'm Alex Meyers. I guess we'll be working together for a little while." He took another sip of his beer with his other hand. Maybe this won't be as bad as he expected after all.

Since an accident he had a few years ago, Alex kept his distance from most mages, not finding them trustworthy. Maybe now was time to give it another shot, it's been about four years. While he might not be able to trust her, he could at least enjoy her company, as long as didn't pester him on the little things. She did look like she had a bit more class than he did, so hopefully she won't rub it in his face.

He seemed a little taken aback at her comment and wondered if he got compliments like this often, or if he hadn't expected it. She certainly hadn't been expecting his compliments. Oh well, it wasn't the time to dwell on things like that right now. When he offered his hand, he took it, shaking his hand with a firm but delicate grip. "Mia Ellis. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Meyers." It was best to not call attention to his profession, and she wasn't really sure what rank he was since he wasn't in uniform.

She let his hand go and tilted her head, sensing that the tension from before had lessened a bit, but was still lingering. Was it just the job? Or was something else making him nervous? Was it possible that he was part of the cult? She would need to be careful with how much she divulged to him...

"Why don't we finish our drinks and then head out? No time like the present, so they say." She smiled again and went back to sipping her tea. Yes, she would need to be very careful. Her readings had told her there would be many complications with this particular mission. However, her instincts told her that they wouldn't stem from her partner. Still, his unease bothered her. Maybe it was just that he had his guard up, but that seemed unlikely.

"Sure thing, we can discuss what the mission is when we're in a less populated area." He got the feeling that this wasn't just some escort mission. It was like there was a lot more to it than just that. "By the way, just call me Alex. If I'm your escort, I'm assuming you'll want it to look like we know each other, right Mia?" She had a pretty name that rolled off the tongue, maybe he just liked saying it.

Alex finished off his drink and went ahead and paid for both of their drinks. Leaning back in his chair, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. It was strange, he got this feeling shortly after he began talking with Mia. At the moment, all he could just do was to shake it off, pretend that it's nothing. But he had to make sure to keep that in mind, to look into it if that feeling doesn't go away and to confront Mia about it. If they were being watched, then this would definitely prove that this was more than just an escort mission.

"As you wish, Alex," she said with a smile. It was nice to refer to each other on a first name business. His name suited his job, but she wondered if it would suit his personality as well. Defender of the people, indeed. "It would probably be best to look like we're friends, or at least acquaintances. We'll be taking my rental car to the airport," she said, finishing off her tea. She thanked him for paying for her drinks and picked up her suitcase and purse and pulled out her keys. "Tell me, have you ever been to the coast?"

She could sense that others were watching them, but since she wasn't sure why, she told herself that it wasn't important. Better to remain calm than to panic for no reason and draw attention. "You still seem a bit on edge. Something making you nervous?" she asked as they walked through the lobby to the door. It was unmistakable--people were definitely watching them now.

"That depends, do you mean for work, or for leisure? Because I went to a base there a couple of years ago for a training camp. It's nice there." Alex tried to act like nothing was going on, trying to fool whoever was watching them. After getting into Mia's car, he got serious. "Since we're alone, you might as well tell me what this mission is about. I doubt those people watching us were your fans. I had the feeling they wanted to kill us."

After being in the military for a while, it wasn't hard to figure out if someone wanted to hurt you. It was a familiar feeling, like being back on the battlefield, and the enemy was ready to pounce like a predator.

Well the paranoia (founded or unfounded) was a good explanation for the tension and appeared to be genuine, but she didn't completely trust him. "The mission is very simple, really. It's an escort mission. You simply need to make sure that I'm not horribly maimed or injured, or otherwise killed as I go to each destination. I know exactly who the enemy is, but, unfortunately, I have no idea where they are or what they look like," she said with a frown. She needed to do something to keep her calm and to prove that she could trust him. But what could she do, really?

"I need you to be honest with me," she said, driving toward the airport. "I need to know that I can trust you, Alex. The nature of my mission depends on a certain level of secrecy, and so does my security. The less you know, unfortunately, the better off it would seem we both are. I want to tell you exactly what you're getting into, but first I need to know just where your loyalties lie." She frowned and glanced at him as she drove them along the busy streets to the airport. "Will you let me test you? It will be a relatively painless process," she said, her face not betraying anything at all.

Alex let out a deep sigh. He wasn't exactly pleased with how much secrecy there was to this mission, and that she needed him to prove that she can trust him. It probably meant that he would have to trust her too. Just what was really going on in this mission, it wasn't like they would have to save the world, right?

"Alright, what do you need me to do? Give you my life's story? Tell you my deep dark secrets?" He looked out the window as she continued driving, just watching as the crowds of people go by. What the hell was he getting into? A thought popped into his head, making him wonder if it was how she planned to test him. "Wait, are you going to read my mind? Because I have a strict no mindreading rule. I've got stuff in my head that's private."

"I don't need your life story. In fact, I can't read minds as much as I might like to. What I wouldn't give for a little telepathy once in awhile," she said wistfully. "No, I need to ask you some questions, and I'll need to know that you're being honest. There's a charm I know that...dissuades people from lying. It doesn't last long, and I only really need a few answers. Nothing overtly personal. Besides, you don't want to lie to me, do you?" she asked, sending him a little worried glance. She was hamming it up a bit, but maybe it would seem less...threatening if she did it this way.

"In return, I'll tell you everything about this mission and I'll even let you ask me some questions. You don't need to like it, or me, for that matter. I just need you to protect me."

Alex let out another sigh. "Fine, fine. I'll take your test." To be honest, with that look she gave him, it was hard to say no. In the past, he's always had a soft spot for pretty girls, which could probably be taken as a weakness. At least, that's what happened to him a few years ago.

"Go ahead and cast whatever charm spell you plan to use. Then I'll answer your questions. I just want to know what this mission is about, I hate not knowing what I'm getting myself into." It wasn't that he hated her, it was more that he disliked her profession, magic. While magic was useful in performing tasks, Alex also thought of magic as a sort of dirty trick, used to manipulate and fool the people around the user. Mia on the other hand, all she had to do was give her that look, and he would reluctantly do whatever she asked.

"Very well, then," she said with a smile. She held a hand to one of her pendant earrings and chanted something in Latin. A feeling of lightness enveloped the car and it would soon become impossible for Alex to tell a lie to her. Though Mia was a bit surprised that he'd agreed so quickly, she couldn't say that she was disappointed. Maybe he was more fun than she'd thought. Or at the very least, not so uncooperative. Perhaps they would be able to work well together after all.

"Very well, Alex. The first question is simple. Have you ever been a member of a cult or secret society?"

"Damn, blind me why don't you?" Alex teased. It was bright, but flash grenades were much brighter, and very loud.

Cult? Secret society? Were these part of the mission? "Um, does church count as a cult. Because I use to go with my parents as a kid, although I only played games on my handheld when the priest talked. I never cared much for religion." While that was the truth, did that make him a bad person that he didn't really believe in a heaven or hell? While he believed in an afterlife, he didn't really care where he ended up, he'd make the best of it when it happened.

"Next question, or do you need to know what game I was playing too?" He asked, sarcastically.

She grinned at his sarcasm. Well, the charm was working, so that meant that he was telling her the truth. "I think I'll save that question for later," she teased, referring to his hand held. "Do you know anything about the secret society known as the Creatoriam?" she asked, watching him out of the corner of her eye. She wanted to be sure that even if he wasn't a part of the group, he had no insider knowledge. If she was to trust him, he had to answer her. If he couldn't, she would have to find someone else to help her, or go it alone. Neither option seemed appealing to her.

"It was Pocket Monsters." He went ahead and answered the question, just for fun. Those memories brought him way back, playing with friends, trading monsters with their handhelds and link cables. Battling monsters, then arguing because someone cheated through glitches. The good old days.

"Creatoriam? That new religion that popped up a few years ago? I hear advertisements all over the place, but I've never really looked into it. Like I said, I don't care much for religion." It did bother him though. What did this religion have to do with their mission? Was there a dark secret behind the ads, like brainwashing people into becoming their legion of servants and soldiers?

"Aww, I remember Pokemon," she said with a wistful fondness. "We'll have to reminisce sometime," she said with a smile.

When his answer came out, she sighed in open relief. "Well, I guess that means I can trust you after all. The members of the Creatoriam aren't really following a religion, so much as a cult. The founder is still alive and well, and he has many strange beliefs. Many dangerous ones as well." She sighed and turned into the lane to return the car to the rental place. "He's not really brainwashing anyone, but the most devout of the Creatoriam's believers are made members of a secret society that polices the cult. It is their mission and goal to follow the orders of the founder."

She paused for a moment, letting that sink in before she continued. "They're not known to be violent, but they are linked to many...accidents. And the worst part is, they could be anywhere and I wouldn't know. I fear that someone has already found out about my mission. I'm traveling to different locations, not as an ambassador as the public has been lead to believe, but as a student. I need to learn several techniques and forms of magic to be able to stop the Creatoriam's plans. They hope to summon and unleash the power of great creatures that have been extinct for years. The mightiest of all those, however, are the dragons."

To anyone else, Mia knew that she would have sounded insane, but she really thought that he might believe her. "I know it's a lot to take in, Alex. I'll give you a minute to think about it, and you can ask me all the questions you like while we're in this car. After that, I can't guarantee that we'll be completely alone.

"It's a guilty pleasure, but I still play those games even now, even though the originals were the best." Alex replied, blushing a little.

It was a lot to take in. A cult, followers could be anywhere, summoning legendary creatures, dragons. What the hell was he getting into? "Wow, that is a lot. So, I'm guessing I'll be protecting you from whatever goes after us, whether it's cult followers or monsters they've sent after us, am I right? Also, when you say great creatures, do you mean the creatures of legend? Rakdos, the riot demon? Alduin, the dragon god? Cho'grat, the demon that devours all? Pius, the lich king? Sorry, I've heard stories of legends from my grandfather when I was a kid, I thought they were cool." It was something he was fascinated when he was growing up. To think that all of those monsters would ever come to life. While it interested him to actually see them, it terrified him to think about the amount of destruction they would cause. "Alright, I think that's all I'd need to ask."

"But one more thing, although you'll find this weird. Can you maybe ask another question, one that I can't answer honestly? I'm curious to know what that pain feels like when you lie." He hoped she wouldn't find him strange, he was just curious. In training, he went through lessons where the instructors used the stun devices on the students to demonstrate how rough they were. Flash bangs, pepper spray, stun guns, paralyzing spells, all sorts of things. He wondered if the pain from her charm spell would cause any pain like that.

"I'm sorry that it's such a difficult mission. It's why I requested the very best. Yes, you will be protecting me from the members of the cult. Yes, if they succeed, the creatures of legend will be free to roam this world. I fear they will look kindly upon it. And it will throw the world into chaos, eventually destroying it. Should I fail to stop them in time, I will need to seal those creatures away again. If I cannot...there is little hope." She sighed and leaned back into the seat. The magical and environmental consequences were staggering, and it would be a difficult mission for her as well.

She took a deep breath and then smiled at him. "Sure. If you really want to try it. Though, it's hard to think of a question that cannot be answered honestly. Hmmm....Let's see. Try to lie. Do you like pretty girls?" she asked with a little grin. If he said no, she would be sure that he'd be lying. Everyone liked pretty girls. The chances of him actually saying it, however, were very slim. The words would be snatched out of his mouth and altered into the truth if he tried to lie.

"Yes..... Dammit, I mean no." Alex felt a small shock in the back of his neck, which slowly spread down his spine, making him spaz out for a moment. It was like a sharp pain, followed by a feeling of numbness. "Dammit, that hurt." His shouts in pain were followed by laughter. "That was still pretty cool." It was nice to enjoy the little things in life.

"What the hell was with that question anyways? I answered it truthfully without even thinking. Do I like pretty girls? Who doesn't? I love pretty girls." He answered proudly, but then quickly turned red, wondering if she'd take that as him flirting with her. Sure, she was pretty, very pretty. But she was the client. It was unprofessional to be hitting on the client, especially when the job involved the fate of the entire world. Although, a little fun wouldn't be so bad, would it?

"Well, it's hard to think of a question that is impossible to answer honestly. So I chose one that was entirely possible. Also, one that wouldn't embarrass you because everyone loves a pretty girl. But it seems like I hit some kind of nerve anyway. I've never quite seen that color red before," she teased, letting him recover. "So, is there anything you want to ask me, Alex? The charm should wear off soon. It doesn't last for very long." She smiled as she pulled into the parking lot of the rental place and found a space to park in near the entrance.

She took the keys from the ignition and turned to make eye contact with him. "It might be your last chance for awhile."

"It's easy, just ask something really personal. Something I wouldn't want to tell just anyone." Alex began to pout, knowing that she embarrassed him. At least she told him what the mission was about, not hiding it from him until it was too late.

"I think I'm fine with asking anything else on the mission. I know what I needed to know." He stepped out of the car after she parked it, and he began going for their luggage. They were suppose to look like they together, so he might as well act like they were friends or lovers. "Friendly chatting is alright, right? I mean, we need to at least pretend we're friends right?" He handed her her bags as he closed the trunk of the rental car, ready to get going.