Cross-ing the Line (Part II)

(Mallory)

What does a Guild Leader do?

That is a very good question, that three years ago Mallory could provide a very generic answer to. She would say things like, "a guild leader sets the emotional and spiritual direction and pace at which the guild would go." Then she would add in more details about being selective with their recruitment standards, and overall setting a solid foundation that everyone could depend on.

In her time, Mallory had seen many guilds rise and fall in BiPrism, many fell due to infighting, which was why Mallory was selective in her approach to recruitment. She had leaders, but the number one thing she wanted was second in commands that could fill-in the position of leader as needed, but didn't like being in the position as leader. Her mentality was that this made it so the number two in control would logically not want to take over her position, and therefore be less likely to cause trouble. This meant that the traits she sought in a number two were summarized by filling out three major characteristics. They had to be introverted, exceptional in some way, and focused.

This lesson on qualities that her ideal number twos would have was reinforced after she first allowed her children into the Midnight Hunters, only for them to try to steal her power from within her guild. Needless to say, the attempts were ultimately squashed early, where Mallory forced her children out to form their own guilds and empires, but the lesson had been learned. After that, Mallory made it a policy to only allow her children and grandchildren nesting rights to her guild.

Nesting rights were completely made up, but ultimately came down to the fact that you could go out into the world and come to her guild's territory for a time to rest and recover. But then once a certain amount of recouperation time had passed, you would be forced to leave the nest once more and fly away on your own. While this caused some friction between her and her family it had never started a true fire.

In fact, of everyone of her family who joined BiPrism, the only true family member who was allowed to be part of the guild was Redding Spiritlight, the dynamo granddaughter who made it so their guild could have a positive impact on the real world. Only after her death and subsequent loss of funding to the BiPrism channel did Mallory get to truly see just how important Redding was to the family as a whole.

In hindsight, she might have been able to avoid the immediate impact to BiPrism's earnings had she had a more open policy of family joining the Midnight Hunters. Then again, her guild would not be nearly as stable and prosperous as it currently is, had her family joined. Even now Redding had to earn her way in the guild, which was great as she was currently the only member of her elite team who was actually helping with their current Guild Quest of trying to gain ratings. What was Redding doing? Simple, she was playing the pipe organs. Yes, steampunk and pipe organs are a thing, and apparently Redding had been working on getting the city done up with a centralized pipe organ that could be used to play music.

Mallory had always known that one of Redding's passions was music, and the idea of getting pipe organs set up, the closest thing to a central radio station was a task that everyone apparently supported. Penelope assisted with creating specialized parts, while Cass would use her Enchantment class time to create individual components that were used as sound amplifiers and recharging stones to power and aide in the creation of such a device. One that had been tested a few times, but was currently being used now to help provide ambient background noise to this impromptu cluster of a Guild Quest that looked important.

Guild Master Quest Received: Your Guild (Midnight Hunters) Needs Ratings: Your guild has members and participants who will compete in the upcoming Regional Qualifying rounds in order to ultimately compete in the Planetary Positioning games. Part of this process is drumming up ratings that can be quantified. Prove your Guild's worth by drumming up the most ratings during this time, while you introduce not only the strengths of your guild, but who will be representing your Guild in the upcoming competitions. Current Step: Introducing Key Guild Figures. Time to meet (5:23:51…). Rewards: Experience, Guild Positioning, Match Insight, variable.

Redding was the perfect example of the type of competent secondary leader that Mallory had sought to cultivate within the Midnight Hunters, smart, driven, will take on personal tasks that ultimately improve the Guild, but will never challenge leadership. By her current count, Mallory had been blessed to have many such leaders. Cass was probably the best and arguably the worst at times, best for what she offered, worst in the number of times she would need to go back behind her and help clean up messes caused by her exuberance.

Over time Mallory had grown to have a sort of sixth sense when it comes to things that Cass was interacting with. How could she tell that Cass was interacting with things behind the scenes? Simple, crazy activities happened, and most of the time the only logical reason why certain events would occur at all was due to her intervention.

In fact, right now Mallory was almost certain that Cass was about to do something, as things had been going fairly smooth up until this point. It started great, everyone scrambled to get started with the six hour anticipation build up quest getting thrown at them. Fortunately, her team was capable of adjusting everything as needed. Redding went to the pipe organ and began playing various upbeat songs that she had apparently memorized from her lifetime in the real world.

Dun-dah-dunda-da-dun-da.

Catchy music was playing in the background, as every citizen of World's End came out to watch the spectacle. By now hundreds of people had already begun lining up the main streets of the city. One that led from the Midnight Hunter's main guild hall main office, where everyone could apply to join the guild. From there, you would follow the road down past all the various shops, stalls, and vendors to the Mage's Guild Hall that was fully completed. From there the road continued to the living building that served as an aviary for wild and exotic flying books. From there you would see the warehouse district, circle around and then you followed the road to the Spiritlight Valhalla College grounds. Going around the three magical classrooms, the large training field, and constantly expanding structures. A place that just radiated magical intent and energy.

From there, you would see the ever-expanding network of land that was being created constantly by displaced citizens of wars where future expansion sites were being made and voted on constantly. Right now, that area mainly serves as an open park and gardening area, but it would ultimately be swallowed up by the growing needs of the guild. Even with the mass exodus of people from BiPrism itself, their lands, the lands of World's End, they kept growing and improving. Seeing it now, Mallory realized that this was the true power of the Midnight Hunters, quality over quantity, completion over intent, competency over flare. These were the core values that Mallory had stressed, and without a doubt these were the values that all her top professionals followed.

By far and away her best idea was promoting Cass to be her own boss. Originally, she was little more than a bare branch left to brave the elements. The change that Mallory had expected happened organically, as people were inevitably drawn into her gravitational pull. She took people that didn't really fit in anywhere and made them feel not just whole, but accepted. Mentally she labelled Dr. Spiritlight's branch as her R&D team, but they were so much more. They were all innovators, and Cass was perfect with all of them. If they worked, she worked with them, otherwise she would move on and leave them all behind. That was her way, and rather than getting discouraged, everyone followed, especially after seeing the results.

This was why Mallory had developed patience. Or at least she thought she developed a level of patience, but times like this, her patience was pushed to the test.

"And now, we will begin by highlighting our Guild's leaders of industry…"

Silence.

This was the cue needed for someone to come. Anyone would help, from Gwen who would no doubt pose as King De'Arcaneri to Jhonny who would come as Princess Octavia who held dual hats with her role with the Deolorians and as the Mage's Guild leader, but no one came.

Fortunately, Redding was there to add some music to fill the ever-consuming silence that threatened to end their Guild Quest before it started.

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Dun-dah-dunda-da-dun-da.

Poof.

Then as if summoned by the sound of the all too familiar beat, Jhonny appeared. Or at least Jhonny in the guise of Princess Octavia appeared.

Relief.

Seeing the form of Princess Octavia, Mallory let out a sigh as she knew Jhonny could handle this part. While he couldn't be counted on casting any spells, or really doing anything that proved he deserved the status as the Mage's Guild leader, he was important for continuity. Also, the fewer people who knew about the ability to change avatars, the better. If anyone knew just how many of the top Deolarian representatives were able to be puppeted, there would likely be a riot from the Deolarian faction. Which was why these types of events where even Deolarian spirits were gathering to watch was important, as it showed unity between the two groups. And yes, despite what Cass might think there is a distinct difference between the living and the dead.

"Now presenting Princess Octavia!" Mallory began, then aided by the number of titles that appeared next to her, Mallory kept reading, "The Princess of Deolar! Graduate of Arcanarus University, and our valued Mage's Guild Leader here at World's End."

The more Mallory read, the more a sense of unease grew, it was subtle, but something was clearly off. Then as if forced to truly look at the Princess, Mallory saw it, the slightest shimmering and refraction of light off the delicate pale skin of the Deolarian avatar. For a moment, it looked like Mallory was staring at the glistening scales of a fish that had somehow jumped free of the water and was being hit just right by afternoon sunlight on a majestic pond. This was the mental image that filled Mallory's mind and almost let her rest comfortably for a moment, until she realized what exactly it all meant.

"Wait," Mallory blurted out.

Abrupt silence.

Only then did Mallory realize her words were spoken out loud, and Redding hearing the words stopped the music as she thought Mallory needed a moment to say or do something. It was the worst possible timing, as Mallory had nothing to go off of. Nothing came to mind as her mind finally realized why everything looked so odd about Jhonny. Mainly because her mind now realized the truth, that the shimmering effect that she had seen on Princess Octavia's body wasn't the glow of glistening scales, but rather the glow of light reflecting off of pixie dust. Mallory knew the look well as it covered everything, and showed everywhere that her beloved pixies would go. Yes, all of the pixies left these tell-tale trails of magical glitter everywhere. Normally it was minor, but in cases like the Princess it was excessive. More than a hug could give meaning that this being before her was not Jhonny, but rather Cass? Or a version of Cass?

As if reading her mind, Princess Octavia turned to face Mallory and then proceeded to stick her tongue out in a goofy face. Which all but proved two things, first this was not Cass, but one of Cass's Simulacrums. It also noted that for whatever reason Jhonny had been replaced, but why?

KaBOOM!

Apparently to draw attention away from Mallory who was now having a near nervous breakdown as she tried to understand what was happening, Cass, or rather Cass's Simulacrum began casting large and elaborate magical spells that were the equivalent of magical fireworks. Bright, pretty, and covered the world in falling pixie dust.

But again, Mallory wondered where Jhonny was, only to then be informed a second later in the form of a Guild Leader's completed quest.

Hidden Guild Leader Quest Completed: Your Guild has successfully Created a new Guild Type currently exclusive to the Midnight Hunters of BiPrism. Your Guild is the first to offer access to the vaunted Mojo Guild, where professionally trained Qi fighters and Qi users will be able to grow, learn, and explore the various aspects of Qi. Rewards: Experience, Guild Title, Guild Badge, variable.

New Guild Title Gained: Qi Masters: The Midnight Hunters Guild is the first Guild to be recognized as being able to teach others the use and development of Qi and Qi based powers. Effect: All Qi cultivation, Qi related skills, and Qi abilities are 25% easier to learn and advance in.

New Guild Badge: Qi Dojo Masters (10,000): The Midnight Hunters Guild is the first Guild to create a new Guild Hall type for the world of BiPrism.

From that box, Mallory pivoted to see Jhonny's Guild tab that showed he was currently in the process of filling out different aspects of his Mojo Guild. How Jhonny of all people got selected to be the Guild Master for this revolutionary Guild type was beyond Mallory, at first. Only after a second of thought did she realize that somehow Cass had pawned this important ability off onto Jhonny. Which both explained why the Simulacrum was here in Jhonny's place, and why both Cass and Jhonny were not present. Cass was out causing trouble, and Jhonny was the one currently working double time to fix the problems created by Cass.

"Ohh?"

At the notification, a murmur broke out in the crowd as everyone saw and felt the effects of the impressive Guild Title hitting them almost immediately. Even Mallory could feel the rate at which physical energy was being drawn to her, making her feel extremely powerful.

Flashy Flash!

A bright burst of magic erupted a moment later, and suddenly Gwen appeared. Or at least the person wearing King Galuminous De'Arcaneri's avatar appeared. Seeing the person before her, Mallory paused for a moment, trying to see if this too was a Simulacrum.

Hand grasp.

Fortunately, all of Mallory's fears and concerns were dissuaded a moment later when Gwen came over and gently squeezed Mallory's hand.

Tingling.

At that, the all familiar comfort of Gwen's natural presence washed over Mallory, allowing her to relax as at least the show was finally getting back on track.

Cheers!

Seeing their interaction and the relief that Mallory now exuding thanks to something as simple as a gentle squeeze from Gwen, playing the role of King Galuminous De'Arcaneri, the crowd of gathered Deolarians erupted with raucous applause as it was clear that they truly had feelings for one another and that this was not just a political marriage of convenience. Of course, it was only convenient as Mallory got to choose who ultimately played the role of her husband, but that was neither here nor there.

"King Galuminous De'Arcaneri!"

More applause.

Mallory did not know what to say next as the script was all off kilter now. By now she should be onto the upcoming participants, but suddenly had to stop as she realized the last few major selections of Jhonny's new Guild were being made.

That's when Princess Octavia turned back and gave a quick wink and a smile to Mallory, letting her know that she was about to do something.

Fear.

At that moment, Mallory understood the fear of what it was like to realize that a pixie was about to do something that you had no control over, no awareness of what was going to happen, and all you could do was sit back and watch the inevitable unscripted moment happen and deal with the aftermath as it came.

Fortunately, the time that Mallory had to panic was small, as the pixie playing the role of Princess Octavia acted instantly.

Electric Lights and Music.

Dun-dah-dunda-da-dun-da.

There was a burst of magic that again played the music that Redding had been piping out a moment ago, this time the music was set to flashing lights.

Poof.

At that, a bewildered Jhonny appeared clearly looking off into the distance at something, completely unaware that he had just been Teleported right to the middle of this impromptu Ratings Party.

"Huh?" Jhonny eloquently noted as he finished making his last guild selections and then looked up in surprise to see that he was now surrounded by hundreds of people. His only saving grace was a system message that let the world know what Jhonny had been doing.

World Message: Congratulations to Dojo Guild Master Jhonny Innerflame for being recognized for his Dojo Guild.

Poof.

Then as if by magic, a Giant one foot tall by three-foot-long billboard appeared in Jhonny's hands, displaying the words Midnight Hunter's Dojo Guild. With the sign appearing right in his hands like that Jhonny first looked confused, but then immediately held it up for the world to see.

Cheers!

While no one quite knew what to make of the sudden appearance of the clearly magical Guild Sign or it appearance, everyone was silent for a moment, but ultimately cheered, especially after the pipe music continued to play excitedly.

Dun-dah-dunda-da-dun-da.

Trying to figure out what that sign meant, Mallory checked in her tab for Jhonny to realize that he now had a daily quest to display that Dojo Guild Hall plaque to the world. Apparently, each day that the Dojo plaque would be displayed, the Dojo Guild would receive a 10% bonus to all Qi related training.

Seeing the daily quest for Jhonny and really all Dojo Guild Hall members, Mallory realized that it followed that whole tradition of having pride in your Dojos. Even allowing for the stealing of other Guild Hall Dojo signs to prove that one would appear. From what Mallory could tell that Dojo sign was now soul bound to Jhonny, meaning it would always reappear the next day, even if stolen. The only real detriment to losing the sign was losing that apparent 10% learning bonus to training. Not much in the grand scheme of things.

For a moment everything seemed calm, but then Mallory realized one thing, a key aspect that she couldn't quite get past.

Namely, when she looked at her current Guild quest, and realized that she was still noted as being stuck on the first step.

Current Step: Introducing Key Guild Figures.

At that, Mallory realized that at the very least this step could not be completed until Cass got here, but the only question was, where was she.

Finally, speaking her thoughts out loud she found herself asking, "where is Dr. Spiritlight?"

Mallory's voice cracked slightly as she asked, a sign of fear, which she hoped would go unnoticed by the others. That's when Cass, well the Simulacrum acting as Princess Octavia just turned back smiled and gave another wink, as if in reassurance.

Unfortunately, that wink only sent a shiver of fear down Mallory's spine as she suddenly felt a twinge of fear run down her spine as she did not know what the crazy pixie would do next and that frightened her beyond belief.

Sure enough her fears were not completely unfounded as the next second, Mallory got a quest signifying that she was not just active, but also up to mischief.

New Daily World's End Thieves Guild Quest: Capture the Dojo Guild Hall Sign: This quest goes to all Thieves Guild Members who are registered to World's End, steal the Dojo Guild Hall sign each day to obtain a reward. Rewards: Experience, variable.

Seeing the quest, Mallory realized that Cass was both active, and apparently not quite done yet, as the Simulacrum playing as Princess Octavia chose that moment to draw everyone's attention to her.

Clap clap.

Magical Silence.

There was a pregnant pause that filled the air, as it was clear that Princess Octavia had cast a bubble of silence around everyone that drowned out all sounds, even the music from the pipe organs was suddenly stopped as all everyone could do was stare on and wait to see what would happen next.

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