Welcome to Gaia! ::

A country torn apart through poverty and monsters are ruled by a young child named Emperor Macrinus. Battling against the Revolutionary Army, an uprising band that have assembled to overthrow Prime Minister Brown, whose avarice and greed for power has lead him to take advantage of the child emperor's inexperience.

A countryside woman named Aaliyah sets on a journey to The Capital to make a name and met a seemingly dangerous group of Assassins known as Night Raid.

Jacoby spent his entire life growing up in a small town in constant fear of monsters that lived around them. The entire village was nothing but small town farmers who simply tried to live a peaceful life away from the capital and trade amongst others to survive. The monsters that lived near the village, at first they weren’t a problem. Sure a few livestock went missing time to time and maybe there was an attack once a year if they weren’t being careful. But as Jacoby grew older, the monsters grew stronger and became bolder. And the monsters changed … they weren’t the small to medium sized beasts anymore. Now larger ones had moved in and often terrorized their homes and destroyed crops to get a quick meal. The entire town’s livelihood!

About the age of ten the village chief began having adults and children train amongst themselves. He along with Sapphire and Aaliyah quickly rose to the top warriors in their group of peers.

Now at the age of eighteen, the town was becoming desperate. Slowly their crops were becoming harder to maintain and the rains were scarce in between. The three friends sat down and decided to take action amongst themselves to head to the Capital, a major city far away where they had an army that paid their warriors well. The three agreed to join together and whatever money they got, they’d send most of it back home to their families.

Along the way towards the Capital, Jacoby and Sapphire got separated from Aaliyah when a pack of wild beasts swarmed them. The plan to get to the city never changed and Jacoby only hoped Aaliyah would meet them there in two days’ time.

The day was a beautiful one, clear skies and a light breeze blowing through the streets as citizens bustled about the shops. Leone sat at a small café, sipping gingerly on a steaming cup as she eyed the foot traffic on the main road into the heart of the city. It was easy to spot the newcomers – their faces alit with awe and wonder at the infrastructure. They were not yet privy to the economic depression and back hand deals that corrupted the capitals inner workings. How ignorance was bliss.

It wasn’t long before she spotted a young woman, a smile on her face as she peered at the towering buildings, and a bag fastened on her back, obviously having traveled from afar. Leone slid a few coins on the small table before walking into the throng of people going about their mid-day business. The crowd moved about her in a practiced dance.

It wasn’t long before she was face to face with the newcomer, having seen the poor girl ask as to the whereabouts of recruitment into the army and be shot down. The city folk had little patience with outsiders. She bounced up to the traveler with a smile, “Hey there! I couldn’t help but overhear you’re trying to get into the army. I might be able to help you – but you’re going to have to treat me to lunch first. What do ya’ say?”

"Woo! Nothing beats a pint in the afternoon, am I right?" Leone bellowed, slapping down her empty glass onto the table with a broad smile. The blonde didn't give much time for a response as she popped a chip into her mouth before continuing with the discussion.

"So, I've got a contact in the army. I could put in a good word for you, it might even help jump you straight to captain," she divulged, leaning forward on the table, the picture of ease.

"But it's going to cost you. What have you got in means of money?"

"Wow, a considerable amount you say?" Leone questioned, leaning her chair back on its two hind legs. It teetered almost dangerously before the blonde crossed her boots upon the tabletop. The pub was quiet crowded for the lunch rush, a dull and consistent murmur back dropping their conversation.

"However much you can give - if you're serious about the army, I suggest not sparing any expense." The woman flashed a large winning smile at the new comer before grabbing another pint from a passing tray.

Leone smiled, arms crossed as she took hardy sips of her plucked glass of spirits. She already knew the answer - it had been evident the moment the newcomer had strolled into the city, brimming with hope and wonder. The likes of natives hadn't exhibited such charismatic eagerness since reaching adulthood. The moment the blonde woman was presented with just exactly how much funds her companion had, her chair slammed down loudly as she leaned forward.

"Wowee! Where'd you get all that kid?" she waved her hand dismissively. "Never mind, it doesn't matter. This will get you to captain, for sure!" Leone stood, scooping up the other woman's coin pouch before stowing it securely away in her jacket. "I'm going to meet with my contact, wait right here and I'll be back, okay?" the blonde bounced back, waving her good bye, before she turned and sauntered out of the establishment.

It was a couple of hours later after the blonde had left. The bartender dutifully cleaned the glasses and restocked them as he kept an eye at the woman remaining at the table who patiently sat waiting. After a while he sighed as he leaned against the bar and looked at her. "She's not coming back, ya know?" He said as he glanced at the clock hanging off the wall. It was almost closing time. "Face it kid, you got swindled."

The older man grabbed the towel and threw it over his shoulder. "And you ain't going to find her neither. She's long gone by now." He said with a slight gruff. "Anyways it's time to close up shop. Gonna need to skiddaddle on out of here."

The night was already closing to an end. The stars were shining brightly and the oil lamps lighting the streets flicking a soft orange glow throughout the city. A horse drawn carriage with two guards driving made it's way through the empty streets as everyone else began getting ready for bed. At least ... almost empty.

"Huh? Stop right here!"

The carriage came to a brisk stop near where Aaliyah had decided to crash for the night.

One of the guards turned and looked at the strange woman. "Are we really doing this again, m'lord?" He asked to the man inside.

"You know I can't help it. This is just the way I am." The voice said as the door open and a lean well-dressed gentleman stepped out. He was young, a friendly smile on his face as he came over to where Aaliyah was. He stopped in front of the girl and leaned over, placing his hands on his thighs as he politely grinned down to her. "Excuse me..." he said to get her attention. "Um, if you need some place to rest your head tonight. You're welcome to come home with me." he offered.