Chapter 96: Reunion
Gresham and Peter approached the boarded up front door of the abandoned building together and knocked on it. The sound from the knocking echoed through the decaying building and reached the ears of those who rested inside.
The living room where five men currently resided was lit up by an electric lamp placed in the center of the room. Most of their bags were located next to it along with their food and drinks. The electric lamp barely illuminated the room enough for one of the five men who waited for Gresham's group to arrive to find his way to the front door.
The stout man who got up from his spot grunted as he fumbled over the bags in the center of the room to answer the door. As he opened the door letting his figure peep through a surprised gasp escaped Gresham's lips.
"Emerson, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be at the Elven Kingdom's capital Wynwood (Wynwood is the correct spelling)" all the tension and worry Gresham felt moments ago was placed in the back of his mind as soon as he saw Emerson's face.
Emerson was just as surprised to see Gresham, without a second thought Emerson's meaty arms opened wide to give Gresham a hug. Which Gresham did hesitate to receive.
"Gresham you little devil I can't believe how much you've grown your even taking on such important missions for the purifiers. I was actually planning on paying you a visit after this was over there's just so, much we have to catch up on".
Gresham was still rubbing the back of his head blushing from all of Emerson's praise when he replied, "I'm just doing what you taught me I've got to protect my family and my community. The purifiers is both so why wouldn't I put the work into improving it".
Emerson grabbed both of Gresham's shoulders the said to Gresham, "your mother Martha would be proud of you".
Peter looked at the moment Gresham and Emerson were having as he checked the area with a look of concern then said, "guys can you do that inside the fewer people that see us the better".
Emerson realizing Gresham's colleague Peter was right he stepped back to let them both through the door and locked it when after they stepped in. As Emerson walked with Gresham and Peter to the living room he told them why he was there.
"When I learned of people claiming to have been able to contact actual gods I left Wynwood to check it out. After I learned it was true I joined a small group of people to help spread word of those gods that man told us about".
"Gods so theirs more than one?"
Emerson fervently agreed, "yes, there are dozens of them each one is strange and peculiar in their own may. Its something truly unique to this world none of us have ever seen before. No matter how much research we did we couldn't find any gods like them on record.
While Gresham trusted Emerson greatly he was still skeptical about what he said "how do you know its not just some trick. Magic could have been used to fool everyone".
"I had your same concerns, but this is different when you learn of what I'm talking about you will see how foolish it is to think such otherworldly beings and creatures could solely be devised by the mind of men".
Gresham and Peter were both Intrigued, almost in unison they asked the same questions "what kinds of gods are they".
Emerson was pleased that they were willing to listen now he only hopes that they can keep an open mind. "I'll let their messenger himself tell you".
As Gresham and Peter walked into the livening room they were greeted by all the other in the room except one. He stayed seated on the floor in the corner with deadpan eyes. The man looked as though he hadn't slept in weeks as he kept a leather book close to his chest.
Quickly Gresham received confirmation that he was the one they came to see. Sparing no time for any extra chatting Gresham made his way to the man on the floor to speak with him.
"Hello, my name is Gresham Stokes I'm one of the people tasked to inspect you Mr... uhh. My apologies, but I was never told your name.
The man seated on the floor turned his whole body towards Gresham to look up at him easier as he replied, "My name is Doran Russell, but that name sounds alien to me so when you speak to me please just call me Howard".
"Alright then Howard I'm going to ask you a few questions, but I'm going to skip all the preliminary questions like where you live and other stuff like that because I'm sure our people figured stuff like that out a long time ago. What I want to know is where did you obtain information on dozens of unheard-of gods before and I want only the truth".
When Gresham finished speaking he pulled out two small bells from his pocket. When the bells clanked together Howard could hear their sound from every direction while the rest of the room remained silent from everyone else. The bells created a hypnotic sound that hypnotized those who heard their chime.
"Now tell me what I want to know". Gresham waited for Howard's reply but was by what Howard said.
"You know that's not going to work on me. If you want to know something just ask I won't lie".
Startled by the mystic items inability to work on Howard Gresham pulled out his gun in one swift motion ready to shoot Howard in the face.
Howard was surprised by the sudden change of events so was everyone else in the room. Before Gresham could pull his trigger he was stopped by Peter.
"Gresham that's enough let go of the gun"
Coming back into reality Gresham noticed what he had done, "sorry guy the mystic item I have called dreamer bells has a side effect where it makes the user a bit rash".
There are many kinds of mystic items in the world some made by men others created from strange coincidences. They could be produced in the middle of a fierce battle, the clashing forces of elements, from the deaths of powerful magi and cultivators. Even failed experiments could produce mystic items with strange effects.
Not all mystic items are useful most mystic items do have side effects. The side effects could be weak or strong and the strength of the item it's self isn't related to the mystic items side effects. The thing that is used to make mystic items is called a characteristic.
The appearance a characteristic takes after forming is influenced by many factors many of them are still unknown. After forming a characteristic it could then be imbued into an item of choice unless it has already randomly fused itself with another nearby item.
Some mystic items are so dangerous that they must be sealed away. Many of the more dangerous mystic items require unique sealing methods to keep the items power from influencing the surrounding area. The sealing method could be very simple like burying an item underground.Just like the incense burner Desmond stole or far more complex methods.
After Gresham's break down Peter took Gresham's gun and took Gresham's place in questioning Howard.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Loyalscum
Loyalscum I want people to feel apart of the story so i encourage you to submit your own mystic item ideas that Desmond's enemies could have or even Desmond himself could potentially possess. I just need a name description of the item, its ability and side effects if you want their to be any that is.
It doesn't matter if item is weak or strong i'll just give it to someone who matches well with it.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone