Board Thread:Role Plays/@comment-25389303-20161009134004/@comment-25389303-20161201222209

"Ah...you're finished? Good timing, we're almost there." Diaboli pointed into the distance, past rolling hills of green forest to where a large, tall structure stood - black against the horizon. Surrounding it, the green faded to grey, indicating where nature had not yet reclaimed the land that had been briefly built upon by Vale's failed attempt at expansion in the area.

Diaboli took the vial of concentrated Darkening and transferred it to a syringe, which he pocketed for safe keeping without revealing its purpose, before rising from his seat and returning to the main cargo area where Blanc, Mizuki and Tragoedia were residing.

"Alright, listen up," Diaboli commanded, speaking loudly and clearly to eliminate any possibility of being misheard. "Smiler's waiting for us at that tower ahead of us - no doubt with quite the force backing him. It's also likely that he'll use some of our Cavalier units as well. However, all of us will get out of this just fine, as long as you obey my instructions without hesitation or objection.

"Blanc," he began, causing her to jump slightly - her previous decisive and outgoing attitude having largely disappeared since Diaboli's return, with her instead regressing back to her usual shy and withdrawn self. "You'll be staying here with the ship. Keep circling the tower at a distance, and if things begin to look a little dicy, be prepared to pick us up at a moment's notice.

Blanc nodded, but looked slightly put out after realising she would not be taking part in the action.

"Mizuki," Diaboli continued, "while I deal with Smiler, I need you to make sure nobody intervenes. Use that Dust Sculpting Semblance of yours whenever necessary."

"Wait! How did you know...?" Mizuki began, but Diaboli cut her off mid-sentence.

"Nobel," Diaboli addressed the doctor, "I'm entrusting you with the task of making sure Smiler's cronies don't overwhelm us. They'll be tough, but there's only so much one can do when suffering from rapid explosions. Since I know you don't like close-combat, I'm having Trago act as your bodyguard - if anybody or anything gets too close, you can count on him to rip 'em to shreds before they reach you."

Finally, he turned and addressed the entire crew. "When I give the signal, I want everybody to return to the ship immediately - no dragging your feet! Believe me, you don't want to be left behind. Now, any questions?"