"Our developing story this evening. The ward 4 police precinct was the victim of a brutal attack. 26 officers dead in what has been described as a massacre of unparalleld proportions."
"Police are yet to make a comment on this event. But a source from inside the station has informed us that; a singular entity known as the Reaper is responsible for the killings. It is unknown if this entity is human or a being from beyond the gates, please stay tuned for updates as we get them." The newswoman finished, moving onto the next story.
"You will most certainly make the coming months an interesting affair, Eren Heart. For better or worse." Baelor spoke from behind his curvaceous desk; an office that overlooked the ward and its many streets. Lights of the city cast long into the distance.
"Yeah, it was time that they paid for their crimes."
"Indeed. And the police will strike back. They must. The Reaper has been allowed to run free for far too long." The elf finished, looking up to the night sky; it was dark with no stars, a moon hidden by clouds that threatened a downpour.
"It will snow soon." Eren said.
"Yes, and thanks to you. The Silvermane will spend its winter comfortably." The elven lord and his guild had seen far too many cold winters without heat.
"Why did you call me? It's 7:00 Emi wants me to watch Battle Idol with her. I know it wasn't just to tell me thanks." Eren was quick and to the point; a night of rest was needed after the night prior.
Baelor gave his commissures a lift, a small grin grew on his face. As the elf looked at his friend, or rather a being who was close to a friend.
"I would like you to accompany to an auction."
"Auction? What kind of auction?" Eren asked with confusion.
"The black-market kind, a dark auction of items both from earth and the gate. Items that can shape the destiny of many guilds. It has been many nights since I last attended one of these events. With recent events now settled. I would be glad to attend and perhaps... Procure something useful."
"You want me to come with you? Why don't you take Minami or Mr. Jiro?" Eren asked with surprise. He didn't expect to be invited to an auction of all things. He was more of a fighter than an administrator.
"Minami and Mr. Jiro; whilst they have accompanied me in the past. They are indisposed. An opportunity to experience this event and see what the world outside our small corner would be of great benefit."
"Fine. But I don't want to talk at all. You can handle all the talking."
"Of course. I would not expect someone of your disposition to enjoy such a social event. Now. Put these on."
Eren was handed a deep marron cloak; a shroud of fabric that was much higher quality than the black cloak the Reaper wore. A silver lions mask to hide the face; an elaborate design that was clearly expensive. This elf and his symbolisms.
The two ventured out into the cold night.
***
Gate info:
Location: Eosar, Gate 3.
Opening time: Once every 7 days for 7 days.
Danger level: D++
Special conditions: N/A
Owners: N/A
Last clear: N/A
Rewards: Anything and everything
Gate closing time: 04: 18: 12: 58
---
Eosar; a giant sprawling metropolis of fantasy and fiction brought to life. The home of millions and the central hub for trade amongst gates. Gate 3 led to one of the many trading ports of the city. A place of opportunity, danger, and trade.
It was moulded similarly to that of a Victorian era London, mansions of grand architecture lined the main streets; shops with every product under the sun filled the side alleys and markets. It was uncanny though. Each building and person that walked these streets was a being of myth. Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, Dragonkin, Orcs, stone golems, and more. Each had their own unique flair, yet they coexisted in an urban society. Their clothes ranged from simple tunics to extravagant outfits.
Eren and Baelor walked through the busy streets of gate 3. Arriving at one the many mansions that lined the roads. A great fence of wrought iron guarded it. A garden lay behind; an open area of green, a fountain stood in the centre, and stone paths led to the front entrance of the manor. It was a beautiful display of wealth, something Eren could not possibly imagine on earth.
"EHHH. Is that master Baelor? The great prince of prosperity and the head of the fabled Silvermane." Words came from the mouth of a small green man. No higher than 4'8". His nose was large and hooked like a crow, great big warts sat atop his pointed ears and a fine suit to perfect the weird little man. A Goblin.
"Hello Mr. Silas. It has been far too long. I trust the family business is still running smoothly." Baelor greeted the Goblin with warm welcome.
"Oh, yes. Running fine like a finely tuned clock. However, without your inordinate bids; things have been a little tame." The words were dripping with sarcasm. But in a tone that was friendly and not malicious.
"I apologies for my lack of attendance. However, I aim to make up for it this night."
"Indeed. I hope to see you at the 'high auction' later. We have 'special' merchandise that likely you have an inclination to." The goblin's beady eyes looked over to Eren.
"Ah, your lovely assistant makes her return. Please do make yourself comfortable. I hope you enjoy this event as much as I enjoy having you here my lovely." With a tip of an imaginary hat, Silas went back to greeting the many others at the door.
'Fuck I feel dirty.' Silas clearly mistook Eren for Minami, receiving an uncomfortable chill from the goblin's gaze. He owes women everywhere some sympathy; if that is how they feel when creeps make their remarks.
The pair entered the main lobby; a wide, spacious area decorated with gold trim pillars and red velvet carpeting that ran down the centre of the room. The chandelier above, hung with many crystals, glimmered in the light, and a grand staircase led up to the second floor where the auction hall awaited.
"Are you going to bid on anything?" Eren asked, curious as to what the elf was after.
"Yes, I would like to make as big an investment as possible. We need to get into the high auction. That is where the real treasures lie."
"The fuck do we need to invest?" He didn't want to know what kind of shady shit was being sold here. Yet curiosity and the fact the elf was willing to spend the Silvermane's bottomless coffers on whatever it was, made Eren ask.
"You will have to wait and see. Come. I would like to mingle with some I haven't seen in many moons."
All cloaked in their own disguises and masks. Some brightly coloured red, others deep black. Masks of various animalia and heroes of myth. The crowd was of all kinds of people. Mostly humans, some elves, some dwarves even some cowlike people.
Like following around his mother in the supermarket; They moved from group to group, Baelor catching up with old acquaintances, his silver tongue always leaving them laughing or nodding in agreement.
Just as annoying as that time in the supermarket. Eren was bored, out of place and wanting to leave. The elf on the other hand, was in his element. Speaking and moving with a grace that was expected of a man of his stature.
Hours passed and still no sign of an auction. Eren was ready to leave. Grumpy and tired after standing around for hours. He wanted to do anything but wait here and be a social butterfly like Baelor.
"Well look who it is." A piercing voice called out through the hall, drawing Baelor's attention. It belonged to a golden cloak, mask of a golden tiger.
"This is Masa Tashima. Acting Vice-president of the Golden tigers." Baelor whispered into the human's ear.
"My sons say that a human vice I revel in, petty rivalries with humans. A fun venture nonetheless."
"I heard that you lot made a comeback." Masa stood before them, slightly craning his neck upwards to meet the elf's masked gaze. With an aura that demanded respect, yet with the slight height difference between them, he never got it.
"Indeed, we have. The Silvermane is now back on its rightful path." Baelor gave a small bow, a show of false humility to a lesser man. This was not lost on Masa.
"Tch. You really think it will last. The world doesn't need a guild like yours anymore. We've already surpassed anything you could ever hope to be."
"That's outstanding master tiger; do keep your knowledge. For I assure you, the guilds and individuals that surround you now. They would surely pay great amounts of wealth for even a fragment of the knowledge I poses." It was meant to sound polite, however the elf's tone had a hidden barb. A retort to Masa's thinly veiled attempt at insulting Baelor.
The vice-president was taken aback, behind the golden tiger mask was a snarl of anger. Clearly, Baelor was a much harder target to antagonise than most of those around them.
"Come on. We have some auctions to bid on." Masa turned away, a smaller one in golden cloaks stood hidden behind Masa's form. They seemed drawn to Eren's appearance.
*Stare*
'Another creep.' Eren thought as the small figure held its gaze on Eren a little too long.
"Come on." Masa ordered his smaller subordinate. "Next time we meet master lion. You and I will settle this." Masa and the little tiger vanished into the mass.
"Who was that?" Eren questioned.
"Masa Tashima, the acting vice president of the Golden Tigers. The man who believes himself to be the next in line to lead the guild." The elf spoke with no fondness to the man.
"No not him. The one next to him. They kept looking at me." Eren pressed, not interested in the politics of Baelor's rivals.
"I am unfamiliar with that second individual. A mystery that will un cloak itself in due time."
"Attention esteemed guests!" A voice rang out, drawing everyone's attention to the stage. A small goblin in a black suit stood before a mic, the same one at the front.
"Thank you all for coming. We will now begin. Please make your way into the auction hall. We have some truly wonderful items on sale this evening. We hope you enjoy." Silas bowed and the crowd of masked figures moved to the hall.
The auction was as magnificent as the foyer. Rows of plush seats all sat towards a stage with a podium and mic. It was grandiose, yet simple. Golden accents continued to be the theme of this building. Each wall, ceiling and floor were decorated to perfection.
Pairs all began to fill the seating that could fit near 800 people. Yet, pairs were isolated from each other; a strategic bubble that kept others at a distance and allowed the individuals to focus on the auction at hand.
"This way." Baelor guided Eren to the near back. Masa and his company were already seated and waiting. The lions took up seats next door. The head Lion rubbing shoulders with the lead tiger.
"Oi, what are you doing?!" Masa whispered, clearly angry that Baelor had decided to take the seat right next to the vice-president.
"I have come to settle this." Baelor sat down, mocking the man's previous words.
Clearly flustered beneath his mask. "No... I didn't mean- You know what I meant." The tiger was not enjoying the elf's presence.
"Relax master Tiger, we are all friends here. Let us enjoy the auction and perhaps make some coin on the side."
Masa just sat back with a huff. Turning to face the stage and waiting on the auction to start. However, the smaller of the tigers was once again looking at Eren.
*Stare*
'Why did he have to sit so close?'
'What is it with the shorty staring at me?' He thought, looking back at them.
*Stare* *Stare*
"Where's the toilet? I need to piss." Eren whispered to the elf next to him.
"Down the hall, take a left and then the first door on your right. Hurry now, it will start soon." Eren nodded, making to stand; only for the smaller tiger to stand as well.
Down the hall and to the left. First right. Eren found the bathrooms. A match to the entire mansion. Gold and red colours dominated the room. One side had a row of urinals, the other a line of fully furnished stalls.
The reaper went straight for the urinals.
*Stare*
The smaller tiger had followed him. Taking up a spot next to him. Ignoring the social rules of male bathroom etiquette; standing right beside the man, when there was ample space elsewhere.
'What is wrong with this guy? Wait, is he?' A thought crossed Eren's mind.
*Stare*
The tiger staring intently down on Eren's crotch; or that was at least the feeling Eren got. It was an intense and uncomfortable stare. The reaper began to sweat under the gaze.
"Um... Could you-"
The tiger seemed taken aback by Eren's words. Quickly scurrying away from the man's presence; out of the washroom and into the hall.
"This place is filled with creeps." Eren finished, returning to the auction hall, and sitting down next to the elf once more.
***
"Welcome, once again to the 'Black Auction'. I hope we are ready to begin. First up on the auction list; we have an ability shard. 'Meteor of sins.' Starting bid is 6,000 credits." Silas announced to the crowd.
"6,000" One called out.
"8,000" Another called.
"9,500" Another called.
"Going once, twice; Sold to master hawk." A man in a green cloak and hawk mask stood, bowed, and took their prize.
"Next on auction: a pair of gauntlets forged from steel from the dwarven mountains of the north. They contain the rune 'Blessing of fire.' Starting bid at 8000." Silas called once more.
"8,500." Masa called.
"8,500, going once, going twice-"
"10,000" Baelor countered, a silence over the room as his words rang out. His words were a reminder to everyone in the room. The prince was back.
"Sold. To master Silvermane." Silas announced, Baelor stood and bowed to the room. Turning to face Masa, who was fuming at the counter.
"Next we have..."
Silas continued for some time, selling items and abilities from all over the world. Many people bid and won, each taking their leave with their newfound prizes.
Yet the bitter battle between brazen lion and golden tiger remained a one-sided affair. Every item the golden tigers wanted; promptly taken by the silver lion.
Earning the ire of Masa, who had gained nothing thus far. Meanwhile, the smaller tiger was still very much intrigued with Eren's form. Much to the reapers dismay, it was an uncomfortable situation.
An hour passed. The auction was down to its last items.
"Y-you w-won't win." Masa was nearly crying behind the mask. It was like a school kid that just had their lunch money taken.
"Oh, come now master Tiger. Perhaps if you bid faster, I would have no time to respond. This is all in good fun."
"Let me have something! I have nothing! You're taking everything. The gauntlets, the artifacts, the abilities. ALL OF IT!" Masa was fuming; each breath became more and more erratic.
"Baelor. Let him have something." Eren leaned in and spoke. Taking pity on the man, even though Eren had no clue what was even going on.
"Very well. Master tiger you may have the next item. Without my bidding." Baelor gave up. He was clearly enjoying toying with Masa; however, all fun must come to an end.
"Really?" The vice president seemed to calm down at the thought of finally winning an item.
"Here we are at our final item. This is a special one, the ability crystal 'Armory of soulless steel.' The starting bid is 50,000 credits."
"50,000!" Masa shouted. He was the only one to bid. It's price clearly too high for most.
However, the ring pulsated on Eren's finger. It wanted this ability shard; it's greed could be felt throughout the man's whole body.
"Baelor. I'll buy it. Take it from my pay check."
"50,001!" Eren bid, much to the annoyance of the crowd and Silas. An amateur move that would have earned scorn if not for the fact that this was the prince of prosperity who was the master.
"Hey. You said you wouldn't bid."
"Anymore bids?" Silas called out.
"And I didn't. However, I never mentioned my companion." The elf smirked, watching Masa's mask nearly snap at the hinges from the amount of strain from the tiger's anger.
"You can't do this. You're just being an arsehole now!" Masa was nearly ready to jump on top of Baelor and beat the man.
"Going once."
"I'll show you the might of the golden tigers."
"Going twice."
"I'm going to bring your entire guild down. You will not get this ability-"
"Sold. To the junior of the Silvermane."
In all his frustration and boasting. The poor fool forgot to bid higher. Masa's body froze at the realization. "N-no, I bid 100,000!" The vice-president cried. But it was too late. The auction was already over.
"You own worst enemy was your temper." Baelor spoke as the two lions rose to collect their winnings.
"I-I'm not leaving. This isn't fair!" Masa protested loudly; only for the little tiger to pull at their master's sleeve.
"Let it go. There is nothing we can do." A woman's voice came from the smaller of the Golden tigers; it was a voice filled with worry and annoyance at her master's antics.
"No! I-I want something! I must have something!" Masa was throwing a tantrum, crying tears of embarrassment and anger.
"A pleasure master lion." The small girl bowed. "However, that high auction. Will bring nothing but pain. I am warning you. Leave before it starts."
The girl left without another word. Dragging the crying man along with her. Leaving behind a confused pair of lions. What did she mean?