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Description
Within every life, we arrive at a crossroads. We come to a point where we are thrust into the world...thankfully, many are afforded a safety net. So that, should life prove too difficult for a spell, we have people to rely on and help see us through. Of course, there are those of us who aren't so lucky. We have those people, but...for whatever reason, that safety net is more like a den of lions, waiting for fresh prey. So, at this crossroad, I stand. I have to make it through this world on my own, by any means necessary. I have no other choice.

"Another pathetic pickpocket stupid enough to get caught...and a pathetic bounty to boot." Zane grinned underneath his mask, as he dragged the unconscious man through the moonlit streets, until coming to a tavern, his entrance stopping all other conversations and interactions in the establishment. Zane looked around, but said nothing as he turned to the bar and threw his quarry on the table with a heave. "That's Lukas Wild. Pickpocket everyone's been crying about, and I also believe their was a bounty of fifty silver coins for his capture."

"Did it again, Kid. Been on a roll, lately. Keep this up...and you may just start to gather yourself some enemies in The Rogues." The Bartender grabbed Lucas and threw him into a small cage, to await the guards, before tossing a bag of coins toward the dark-haired youth.

"Heh, lately it seems we don't get too many of the old heads bringing in any of the small fries anymore. All we see is--," one of the surlier looking patrons was cut off by the entrance of two more members of The Rogues. Terra, a young, tan-skinned girl with dark hair, and a slightly younger, fair-skinned boy, with blond hair named Ty.

"There you are, Z! We've been looking all over for you," the boy said, walking over to Zane. "There's a meeting going on back at The House, and all the active members are supposed to be their..."

"And you're the only one missing," the girl said, looking back out the door. "They sent Ty and I to come and get you, because their already kind of pissed at you."

Zane rolled his eyes. "Fine, fine...lead the way, guys."

III

"So, what's so important they need everyone back at the hideout," Zane asked, while the three made their way through the dark city. "We almost never gather like this."

"Seems the boss has an announcement and, you were apparently someone involved in...whatever it was he wanted to talk about," Terra stated, shaking her hair. "I wonder what he wants, though. You haven't done anything stupid, have you?"

"No, I haven't done anything stupid," Zane replied, snidely.

"Well, maybe he's going to congratulate you and give you some kind of reward? We have been working pretty hard lately," Ty said, with a yawn.

"Well, most of us have," Terra chimed in. "Lately, it seems as though it's just most of the newer guys are bringing in the bounties and we're doing all the work." The dark-haired girl scoffed. "Meanwhile these old bags just sit around and get fat."

"Well, I kind of see where they're coming from and why they'd be like that," Ty muttered.

Zane stopped, turning back towards Ty who was trailing. "You say something," he asked, barely hearing his friend speak.

The youngest Rogue shrugged. "I'm just saying. These guys have all kind of earned the right to relax a little. They've paid their dues."

"The minute you start to become complacent with your position because you think you've done enough to get by in life without having to put in any more effort is the day you may as well call it quits--especially for a Rogue," Zane countered. "Nobody is here to pay dues," he said, using air quotes with the last words. "We're here...well, for lot of reasons...but I seriously doubt anyone would come into this group with the mindset that they only have to do oh so much to get ahead and then I can just coast...ya know, and if that's the way the rest of those guys want to operate..."

"Then let them," Terra chimed in. "No skin off of my nose--but they won't be getting any more of my money if they aren't putting in any effort." The female Rogue sighed. "Sometimes I think we need something big to happen though, if we want to get rid of some of these old farts stinking up the place."

Zane chuckled. "And what did you have in mind, princess?"

Terra shrugged. "I don't know...just...something. Sometimes I think those old guys are going to be the death of us, ya know?"

"Well...let me know when you think of a plan, Princess. Til then, I'll just keep a tight grip on my silver," Zane said as the three made their way into a small, run-down building. "And I suggest you two do the same."

The trio made sure nobody was around before slipping into a hidden staircase in the building. The sound of various voices could be heard, as the group headed deeper and deeper down the dimly lit stairway, until finally they found themselves in the domed chapel-like area where The Rogues made their more grand announcements.

"Ah, finally! Took you long enough, Zane." Arceus, leader of The Rogues grinned, before breaking down in a fit of coughing. "Seems now we can finally begin," he said, after composing himself.

"So, what did you call us here for," Dex, one of the more vocal Rogues called for, as the attending members all chose their spots in the room. "I've got better things to do than sit around and wait for you to finally croak old man," he laughed. A few of his peers joined in with his laughter, while others stayed silent, including Arceus who took the jest in stride.

"Well, it appears as though you've got some of your friends ready for my announcement," the elderly Guild-head spoke, taking a seat on the alter in front of them. "Well, to skip all the pomp of the situation and just come out with it. I am official considering retirement." The content expression on his face as Arceus made his announcement was completely opposite the shocked reactions and frenzied conversations of the gathered guildmates. Though he gave them a few moments to get their excitement out, the leader of The Rogues soon brought them all back to a more orderly fashion before continuing. "There is another part of my announcement, so I want you all to listen up. Along with considering retirement, I will also be considering a successor to the title of Guildhead."

Dex quickly hopped to his feet. "And I would be happy to accept!" he called. Some of the senior members began to applaud at the apparent appointment, but Arceus just laughed.

"I'm sure you would," Arceus said, nodding. "However, it's not going to work quite like that. You see, I've been noticing, for a bit, that a lot of you--especially some of you older members have sort of decided to coast. I can't quite get behind that."

Dex stepped forward to the aged leader. "What are you talking about? If not me--a lifelong member of the guild, then who? You think any of these young punks have the know-how, the ability to lead this guild?"

"Couldn't possibly do a worse job than someone like you can." Terras' voice called from behind a wall of bodies, before she stepped forward, flanked at either side by Ty and Zane. "All you guys have been doing as of late is sitting back...getting fat! It's time you guys all stepped aside and let a new generation lead things around here."

"Tch! You think just because you're Arcs' daughter you get a say in this?" Dex turned to the girl with a smirk on his face.

"No. I think that because Ty, Zane, and some of the younger members have been bringing in more money for the guild than a lot of the older members and it's high time we started trimming the fat around here," Terra announced, before glancing over to her dad. "Heck, if Dad would just listen to me, we probably wouldn't even be having this argument," the dark-haired girl said with a smirk.

Dex was unimpressed by the girls bravado. "Look, Little Girl. This isn't really something that can be left in the hands of children. Besides we've alread--,"

"Paid your dues? Yeah, we get it. Old news," Zane interrupted. "It's that kind of thinking, I believe Terra is talking about. We're not here to pay dues."

"You're right. We're here to take pull ourselves up from the dregs of The Imperial City," Dex stated, crossing his arms. "An orphan like you wouldn't be here if not for guys like me."

Zane growled under his breath, but before he could retort, he was interrupted by Arceus.

"Enough, enough...geez...listen, hun," he began, looking at Terra. "As much as I don't like to listen to Dex, he does have something of a point. Still...maybe there is something about this to consider," the old man said, scratching his chin as he looked over the assembled Rogues.

Dex turned back to say something to Arceus, but found himself cut off by Zane again.

"With all due respect, Arc. It's become more than common to see one of the younger members like myself or your daughter out collecting bounties and...other activities," Zane said. "Granted, we may not be the most experienced, but I think enthusiasm--something that couldn't be learned should, should trump experience."

Dex sighed and rolled his eyes. "You're not really considering these kids as leaders," he asked Arceus, exasperation evident in his voice.

"As I said, I do think they raise a valid point. Lately, I've noticed a decline in activity amongst a lot of you. You seem content to simply stay nearby, playing dominoes and cards, instead of increasing our notoriety and bringing in money, as you once did." Arceus said, before turning to Terra and Zane. "Still, I do feel that simply letting you lead without having had a true test of your abilities would be very irresponsible."

"Alright Dad...so I just need to prove that I can be an effective leader," Terra asked, to which Arceus nodded. The girl turned to Zane, and a small grin crept across her face. She turned back to her dad and spoke. "Alright, Dad. You'll see. I'll show you I can be a great leader!"

Description
Within every life, we arrive at a crossroads. We come to a point where we are thrust into the world...thankfully, many are afforded a safety net. So that, should life prove too difficult for a spell, we have people to rely on and help see us through. Of course, there are those of us who aren't so lucky. We have those people, but...for whatever reason, that safety net is more like a den of lions, waiting for fresh prey. So, at this crossroad, I stand. I have to make it through this world on my own, by any means necessary. I have no other choice.

"Another pathetic pickpocket stupid enough to get caught...and a pathetic bounty to boot." Zane grinned underneath his mask, as he dragged the unconscious man through the moonlit streets, until coming to a tavern, his entrance stopping all other conversations and interactions in the establishment. Zane looked around, but said nothing as he turned to the bar and threw his quarry on the table with a heave. "That's Lukas Wild. Pickpocket everyone's been crying about, and I also believe their was a bounty of fifty silver coins for his capture."

"Did it again, Kid. Been on a roll, lately. Keep this up...and you may just start to gather yourself some enemies in The Rogues." The Bartender grabbed Lucas and threw him into a small cage, to await the guards, before tossing a bag of coins toward the dark-haired youth.

"Heh, lately it seems we don't get too many of the old heads bringing in any of the small fries anymore. All we see is--," one of the surlier looking patrons was cut off by the entrance of two more members of The Rogues. Terra, a young, tan-skinned girl with dark hair, and a slightly younger, fair-skinned boy, with blond hair named Ty.

"There you are, Z! We've been looking all over for you," the boy said, walking over to Zane. "There's a meeting going on back at The House, and all the active members are supposed to be their..."

"And you're the only one missing," the girl said, looking back out the door. "They sent Ty and I to come and get you, because their already kind of pissed at you."

Zane rolled his eyes. "Fine, fine...lead the way, guys."

III

"So, what's so important they need everyone back at the hideout," Zane asked, while the three made their way through the dark city. "We almost never gather like this."

"Seems the boss has an announcement and, you were apparently someone involved in...whatever it was he wanted to talk about," Terra stated, shaking her hair. "I wonder what he wants, though. You haven't done anything stupid, have you?"

"No, I haven't done anything stupid," Zane replied, snidely.

"Well, maybe he's going to congratulate you and give you some kind of reward? We have been working pretty hard lately," Ty said, with a yawn.

"Well, most of us have," Terra chimed in. "Lately, it seems as though it's just most of the newer guys are bringing in the bounties and we're doing all the work." The dark-haired girl scoffed. "Meanwhile these old bags just sit around and get fat."

"Well, I kind of see where they're coming from and why they'd be like that," Ty muttered.

Zane stopped, turning back towards Ty who was trailing. "You say something," he asked, barely hearing his friend speak.

The youngest Rogue shrugged. "I'm just saying. These guys have all kind of earned the right to relax a little. They've paid their dues."

"The minute you start to become complacent with your position because you think you've done enough to get by in life without having to put in any more effort is the day you may as well call it quits--especially for a Rogue," Zane countered. "Nobody is here to pay dues," he said, using air quotes with the last words. "We're here...well, for lot of reasons...but I seriously doubt anyone would come into this group with the mindset that they only have to do oh so much to get ahead and then I can just coast...ya know, and if that's the way the rest of those guys want to operate..."

"Then let them," Terra chimed in. "No skin off of my nose--but they won't be getting any more of my money if they aren't putting in any effort." The female Rogue sighed. "Sometimes I think we need something big to happen though, if we want to get rid of some of these old farts stinking up the place."

Zane chuckled. "And what did you have in mind, princess?"

Terra shrugged. "I don't know...just...something. Sometimes I think those old guys are going to be the death of us, ya know?"

"Well...let me know when you think of a plan, Princess. Til then, I'll just keep a tight grip on my silver," Zane said as the three made their way into a small, run-down building. "And I suggest you two do the same."

The trio made sure nobody was around before slipping into a hidden staircase in the building. The sound of various voices could be heard, as the group headed deeper and deeper down the dimly lit stairway, until finally they found themselves in the domed chapel-like area where The Rogues made their more grand announcements.

"Ah, finally! Took you long enough, Zane." Arceus, leader of The Rogues grinned, before breaking down in a fit of coughing. "Seems now we can finally begin," he said, after composing himself.

"So, what did you call us here for," Dex, one of the more vocal Rogues called for, as the attending members all chose their spots in the room. "I've got better things to do than sit around and wait for you to finally croak old man," he laughed. A few of his peers joined in with his laughter, while others stayed silent, including Arceus who took the jest in stride.

"Well, it appears as though you've got some of your friends ready for my announcement," the elderly Guild-head spoke, taking a seat on the alter in front of them. "Well, to skip all the pomp of the situation and just come out with it. I am official considering retirement." The content expression on his face as Arceus made his announcement was completely opposite the shocked reactions and frenzied conversations of the gathered guildmates. Though he gave them a few moments to get their excitement out, the leader of The Rogues soon brought them all back to a more orderly fashion before continuing. "There is another part of my announcement, so I want you all to listen up. Along with considering retirement, I will also be considering a successor to the title of Guildhead."

Dex quickly hopped to his feet. "And I would be happy to accept!" he called. Some of the senior members began to applaud at the apparent appointment, but Arceus just laughed.

"I'm sure you would," Arceus said, nodding. "However, it's not going to work quite like that. You see, I've been noticing, for a bit, that a lot of you--especially some of you older members have sort of decided to coast. I can't quite get behind that."

Dex stepped forward to the aged leader. "What are you talking about? If not me--a lifelong member of the guild, then who? You think any of these young punks have the know-how, the ability to lead this guild?"

"Couldn't possibly do a worse job than someone like you can." Terras' voice called from behind a wall of bodies, before she stepped forward, flanked at either side by Ty and Zane. "All you guys have been doing as of late is sitting back...getting fat! It's time you guys all stepped aside and let a new generation lead things around here."

"Tch! You think just because you're Arcs' daughter you get a say in this?" Dex turned to the girl with a smirk on his face.

"No. I think that because Ty, Zane, and some of the younger members have been bringing in more money for the guild than a lot of the older members and it's high time we started trimming the fat around here," Terra announced, before glancing over to her dad. "Heck, if Dad would just listen to me, we probably wouldn't even be having this argument," the dark-haired girl said with a smirk.

Dex was unimpressed by the girls bravado. "Look, Little Girl. This isn't really something that can be left in the hands of children. Besides we've alread--,"

"Paid your dues? Yeah, we get it. Old news," Zane interrupted. "It's that kind of thinking, I believe Terra is talking about. We're not here to pay dues."

"You're right. We're here to take pull ourselves up from the dregs of The Imperial City," Dex stated, crossing his arms. "An orphan like you wouldn't be here if not for guys like me."

Zane growled under his breath, but before he could retort, he was interrupted by Arceus.

"Enough, enough...geez...listen, hun," he began, looking at Terra. "As much as I don't like to listen to Dex, he does have something of a point. Still...maybe there is something about this to consider," the old man said, scratching his chin as he looked over the assembled Rogues.

Dex turned back to say something to Arceus, but found himself cut off by Zane again.

"With all due respect, Arc. It's become more than common to see one of the younger members like myself or your daughter out collecting bounties and...other activities," Zane said. "Granted, we may not be the most experienced, but I think enthusiasm--something that couldn't be learned should, should trump experience."

Dex sighed and rolled his eyes. "You're not really considering these kids as leaders," he asked Arceus, exasperation evident in his voice.

"As I said, I do think they raise a valid point. Lately, I've noticed a decline in activity amongst a lot of you. You seem content to simply stay nearby, playing dominoes and cards, instead of increasing our notoriety and bringing in money, as you once did." Arceus said, before turning to Terra and Zane. "Still, I do feel that simply letting you lead without having had a true test of your abilities would be very irresponsible."

"Alright Dad...so I just need to prove that I can be an effective leader," Terra asked, to which Arceus nodded. The girl turned to Zane, and a small grin crept across her face. She turned back to her dad and spoke. "Alright, Dad. You'll see. I'll show you I can be a great leader!"