Act II : From the AshesAfter finding "The One", an unassuming mage by the name of Justin Blake, Giles Riley helped protect Justin and convert two would-be assassins to the cause of an ancient order, now rebuilt as The Cleansing White Hand.
Unfortunately, the fledgling magical group has much working against it, not the least of which is the Black Hand, who's minions decimated the old order, murdered Justin Blake's mother, and almost killed Justin himself. The Black Hand has it's claws into everything from law enforcment to corporate finance and presents a seemingly insurmountable foe to all but the most determined to stopping their reign of terror.
But before they can topple the Black Hand, a number of smaller hurdles must be faced by the The Cleansing White Hand. As the four members meet in the group's main hall in their hidden complex, Giles Riley explains what first needs to be done:Justin,
Koe,
Ichigo, and
Giles[ Spoiler ]
Giles steps to the center of the room, giving a respectful bow to the other three, his long hair pulled back neatly and beard trimmed close. Through the dim light, the others can see the man's grey coming through his hair and beard as he speaks.
"You all realize already, that I compiled a list of concerns for our new order here, and I am sure you all have taken a look at it. It is my opinion, and I hope our Master agrees, that it is time we did something about some of these concerns." The man pauses and addresses Justin. "First of all, we will be needing the services of a conjurer, who can renew and maintain our elemental guards in this place. Also, we will need a larger membership if should carry the fight to the Black Hand in the future. I believe that the Master and I should seek help from the Alabaster Maiden, and also keep an eye out for ways we can loosen the Black Hand's grip on that place. These three tasks, I believe can be completed as one." As the man finishes, he turns to face dignified Koe. "Koe," He begins, "Crimson, the leader of the Red Rovers go-gang, who provide outside security for us has informed me of a message from someone calling himself Malexzhigeir. He wishes to speak with someone who can speak for the Master. He says that his aims are not dissimilar to our own, and he has an opportunity for us to establish a financial base for our organization. Master Blake has deemed that you would be the most appropriate person to send, as you are skilled in the art of tradition and honor, and truely represent that which our group represents. He has requested to meet at the Space Needle restaurant tonight at 8." Not waiting for an answer, Giles turns finally to Ichigo. "There is an opportunity for war, for you sir." Taking a long look at Ichigo's missing left arm, Giles continues. "The Red Rovers are locked in a war, and the battlefield is the Everett docks. Their enemies, the First Nations gang is slowly making inroads on them and while they help protect this place, they don't have the power to stand on their own. You, my friend, are needed to help turn the tide of our friends' war. Though a great commander you may be, this will still be quite a challenge. Crimson has requested you to come to their safehouse in the Everett dock district." Giles, passes a piece of paper with an address scrawled on it to Ichigo's good hand. "You are to relieve the lieutenant in charge there and take over operations yourself."
With his part said, Giles gives up the floor to any comments and questions.