"Thank you for coming today, I know how hard it is to take time out of your exciting lives to sit and chat..."
Explorer and researcher Maka Albarn looked away from the speaker to gaze around the room. She received an invitation after her exploration in Hong Kong; the founder of a world-wide company, The Black Blood, was inviting anyone who sought out adventure to a gathering. The invitation said it was a formal event that will be severing a free three course meal. The founder will also announce the findings of a magical scythe, one that the company was willing to pay over seven billion dollars. It also stated that if the founder of the scythe revives this reward, he or she would also own stock in The Black Blood company.
It was an offer Maka couldn't refuse. As she saw the faces of any famous explorers, researchers, and just plain thrill-seekers. The room she found herself in a darkened room with white cloth tables with small candles. A stage with a single pedestal faced all the tables. Classy waiters and waitresses cleared the table of the dishes they were served. She sat in a short black dress with strapped heels, wearing jewelry given to her by her mother. It was simple but classy.
"I am Noah, a business partner to the man who truly called you out here."
It wasn't until her eyes crossed a familiar pair, that she felt her stomach jump.
"Please, allow me to say an introduction."
Evans. Soul Evans. The man that always manages to capture her treasure before her very eyes; sometimes off the pedestal, sometimes out of own hands! She would always have to chase him and forcibly rip it out his hands! She chose to ignore the fact that he was always there to help her in a pinch. Plus, He did always give her the treasure back after his little games. And while it's true she had adventure with him a couple times... she swears nothing happened! Nothing! Her beating face and increasing heat might say differently.
She sneered at the smirk he sent her way, ignoring the way she felt his eyes trail up and down her body. Whipping her attention back to the stage, she tried to calm her heart. Why was he even here? This 'isn't his scene'. The few times she went undercover with him, he hated this sort of thing. (which was a shame because he looked edible in a suit, even though he looks scrumptious in that skin-tight shirt he always wears). Her fingers touched the necklace she chose to wear, it held a rare jewel found by none other than Evans himself. It was elegantly carved and given to her as an apology after a particularly heated argument. So what if she was reckless? If he's a so-called thrill seeker he should welcome danger! Not get angry!
"May I introduce to you, Asura Kishin, of the Black Blood trading company." The man, Noah stepped out of the way to allow a sickly pale man take the podium. His black hair was white in odd places, almost as odd as his deep wine eyes.
"Thank you all for coming today, I'll cut right to the chase." his voice made her uneasy, "The location of the scythe and both rewards that follow."
He had everyone's attention now, grinning under the spotlight as the listeners leaned forward a bit. Maka herself, scooted to the edge of her seat. Her eyes glanced at Soul, not at all shocked to see him lazily swirling his glass of red wine. His eyes, however, where focused and intrigued.
"Normally, I would merely give you the location and have you all give a mad dash to it, but I've decided to make this much more interesting."
Shocked murmurs filled the room as Asura straightened at held up his palms.
"I prepose a race! One that will not only lead to great fortune but the honorable title of being the best explorer known throughout the world!"
A choirs broke out, everyone shared their options both good and bad. Maka, however, felt determination and pride.
"I will win that prize! I will surpass my parents and be crowned the best throughout the world!"
This time, Maka sent Soul a taunting grin which was returned with a playful eye roll.
"The rules are simple," Noah approached the stage with a brief case. The man flipped it open to reveal what looked liked a ring, along with a piece of paper.
"Those who want to participate will revive a ring, you must have this on if you trade in the treasure. Attached is a riddle that will lead you to your first clue."
People nodded, taking the rings from waiters and waitresses. Maka inspected the ring. It was a simple silver ring with the carving of the words 'Race Participant' next to the company's logo: three sideways eyes. Maka flipped open the attached paper and scanned it over.
"The clues will take you to twelve different places around the world. Each clue is heavily guarded. Each area having one less clue than the last."
Maka meet souls eyes once more, determination flared up her emerald eyes.
"You may start whenever you see fit,"
Soul blinked before returning his infamous smirk, red eyes sparking in that dangerous way thy they do.
"I wish you the best of luck in The Race."