"Well perhaps we can find someone to stay with? I-It's worth a chance!" Vertigo piped up, trying to reassure him. Roy only seemed slightly annoyed really. He was pretty hungry and the hotel wouldn't let him eat before he left since he technically wasn't a guest anymore. He had a plan though. 

Making his way to an alley, Roy looked around before summoning Vertigo. His eyes shifted to the same dark green they had previously when he used her. Taking off his bag he put her inside of it. Enough to hide the blade, but within access in case he had to fight. "Um what are you doing, Nightmare?" Vertigo inquired.

"Gettin something for breakfast." Roy had made his way to a less tourist filled section of the city. Specifically,he had gone to find a local bakery. He knew it was early enough that a few bakers may be getting rid of excess or expired products. He intended to cash in on that. He made his way to the closest bakery and went in. The smell of fresh pastries and bread were something Roy enjoyed quite a bit. This particular shop seemed to specialize in more earthy ingredients judging by the smell. Mostly wheat from what he was getting. He was keen on the things around as well. Judging by photos, the owners were an older couple. A French woman and a Dames Blanche. Both seem quite happy in all the photos along the wall. They have a Guivre child it seems. Adopted no doubt. Local papers giving them very good reviews. Roy had enough information to get some bread without money he wagered. Now he just hoped his gamble with Vertigo's abilities worked out. 

Approaching the counter, Roy could hear someone in the back. Not wanting to waste too much time he knocked on the counter to get whoever was there to come to the front. 

"One moment!" A bold voice came from the back, much to Roy's surprise. Seems he'd be dealing with the son and not the mothers. And it also seemed his gamble with Vertigo was right. If he was connected to everything living, he should be able to understand and communicate with anything living too. And considering he didn't hear French, Roy was much more comfortable proceeding.

After another minute or two, the son came to the front. In his humanoid form, he was a taller man, easily the same height as Roy. If not taller by a few inches. Strong shoulders, and thick arms showing he got plenty of work done around the place. Given his demeanor, he was older. Easily in his 40s by now. He seemed plenty full of life though. A big smile on his face as he approached Roy's position. "Hello there, sir. How can I help you?" His tone was very even and smooth. Voice like gravel though to Roy's ears.

"Good morning. Hope I didn't catch ya at a bad time." Roy leaned on the counter a bit, relaxing as conversation started.

"Oh no, just gathering a few things. Are you new to Paris? Never seen a monster like you. No offense."

"None taken,mate. I'm a Nightmare, just got in from America. You can call me Roy."

The baker let out a loud laugh, his eyes lighting up as Roy spoke. "You're American? I couldn't even tell! Your French is immaculate. Where'd you learn it?"

"Trade secret, mate." Roy smirked a bit, letting his eyes cast just a slight glow before continuing. "Ya got a name? I gave ya mine after all."

"Ah! My apologies, you can call me Jacques. I'm the current owner of this fine place." 

"That right? Judging by the photos I was quick to assume the ladies in them owned the place."

"Aha! Those are my lovely mothers. The previous owners. Though you wouldn't know if you came in the afternoon. Even at their age they'll be here baking." Jacques looked very proud as his parents were brought up into the conversation.

"Shame. Seem like nice ladies. Would've been a corker of a time." Roy adjusted a bit, keeping his bag on. "This ain't a bad chat though."

"Glad to hear! Now I assume you're here for some bread. If you just give me a moment I can start a fresh batch. Just have to toss the stale things." 

"Actually, if ya don't mind, ya think I can take the stale stuff off your hands? If I'm being honest, cash is a bit short for me right now."

"Hmmm I feel for you, but I couldn't possibly give you stale bread. It simply isn't what my mother would want."

"Then what would they want,mate?"

"Well if you can't buy bread, you'd have to earn it in some way."

Roy's ears perked up at the sound of that. Now this was a much better prospect than stale bread. "How about this then? I bake it myself. And I treat ya to breakfast."

Jacques looked surprised, setting his hands on his hips. "You bake? If I knew any better I'd think you were hitting on me."

Roy chuckled a bit. "Mate, you're built like a brick shit house. Anyone would crack onto ya. I'm just looking for an excuse to cook in an actual kitchen."

"Haha! Well you would be earning it if you made it yourself. And you do have me curious about your baking. Consider it a deal then." The older monster gestured for Roy to follow him to the kitchen. The Nightmare obliged.

For a good hour or two, Roy baked and cooked with Jacques. The two chatted as they cooked, mostly trading cooking tips. By the end, Roy had kept his end of the deal by making breakfast with some of the bread they made. Something simple, just some scrambled eggs on a baguette, but undeniably delicious. The two exchanged goodbyes after eating. Jacques had customers coming in and Roy had to get back to sword hunting. The morning had confused Vertigo slightly as she watched it. Roy had claimed to be more of an introvert. Not much of a people person. Yet he so easily talked to Jacques.

"H-how is it you don't like the presents of others yet talk to them so easily?" She decided to be more straightforward about what she was thinking.

"Hm? Yeah bein' around people isn't my bowl rice or anything. Doesn't mean I don't know how to talk to people though." Roy shrugged a bit, continuing onward towards his destination. Vertigo let his answer sink into her mind a bit. 

Eventually, Roy found his way to one of many entrances to the catacombs of France. Mostly a tourist attraction now, there were still plenty of areas people weren't allowed in. Roy knew whatever sword was down there had to be in one of the many prohibited zones. 

"Oi, Vertigo. Caliber back yet? Need him for some light." 

"Um no not yet.. He's still looking into something for you. You should be fine to still summon him though."

"What is he even doing? Been quiet since we got here." Roy summoned the sword of souls, focusing his power into the blade. Slowly it roared to life, glowing ethereally. Normally he'd have a flashlight but his wasn't going to be bright enough for this. 

Heading down into the darkness of the catacombs, Roy held up Caliber as a makeshift lantern. The light exposing the walls and ceiling covered in skeletal remains. Human and monster alike. Even for Roy it was enough to warrant a slight shudder. However, the Nightmare pressed on. 

Wandering through the catacombs, Roy became less put off by them and more annoyed. His plan was to venture down and follow the presence of the sword to find it. But as he walked it became increasingly clear that wasn't working. There was no doubt whichever sword was down there was in fact down there. But no matter where he walked to, the intensity of the presence never shifted. Roy figured it must be some way to prevent those more magically inclined from finding it. Something Roy very much wasn't.

"This place is a damn maze. Had to have been here for at least two hours at this point." Roy slumped against a wall, taking a break from using Caliber for another time. He had increased the time he could have the blades active by a bit since his initial training on the plane. But breaks were still needed for the moment.

"Sorry I cannot help in a more meaningful way…We each have our own precautions, though I hate to admit I-I don't recognize this." Vertigo was doing her best to keep Roy not only motivated but on track. Though she didn't find herself the best at it. Roy seemed not to mind it though. He really only cared about getting that sword.

Until one of his ears twitched. Roy hopped up, demeanor completely different now. He heard something in the darkness. Stone rubbing together. Quickly at that. Whatever it was, it was coming towards him. Darting his head to the right, he squinted his eyes to peer into the dark. Even in the darkness, he could see a bit. A golem was barreling towards him quickly. Which really confused Roy. Golems form on mountain sides, why was one here? No time to think about it at that moment though. The golem had closed the gap very quickly and took a very hard swing at Roy. Roy quickly hopped back to avoid the blow, tossing his bag to the side as he did. The golem took a wide, reckless swing at him which Roy dropped to the ground to avoid. Landing on his back, Roy pushed himself off the ground and kicked the rock monster with both legs. The force of which broke the rock apart with ease.

That added to Roy's confusion. He's fought golems before. He had memories of very broken ribs the last time he fought one. Yet this one went down like nothing. Neither of his swords were out, so added strength wasn't a factor. Something wasn't right. Crouching to inspect the rubble, Roy found something that put things into perspective. Or well he found nothing rather.

"No core? Freshly made then... So I ain't alone." Roy tossed the rubble to the side, huffing as he quickly rose back to his feet. Golems usually have cores that form after birth. They hold water and nutrients to help them function. The lack of one meant this was an artificial golem. Made by a human.

The same noise from earlier was coming towards him. Much louder now, and an unsynchronized mess. Meaning multiple. Who was making this many artificial golems? Even being created so quickly and being so fragile, they were dangerous. Especially if he was hearing so many. He needed to find the summoner to cut the supply.

Roy was quick to summon Vertigo. She'd be the best for more precision tracking of a living being. His ability to see in the dark was more limited now but he could use her to follow their life signature. He could see the golems fine enough to fight them. On queue, the artificial golems finally showed up. Roy wasted no time, as they approached he cut them down with express ease. As he dealt with them, he used Vertigo to start sensing the life signatures of everything in the catacombs. Isolating the tourists, there was only one other signature besides his own. A few chambers away. That had to be his person.

In a burst of speed, Roy started making his way towards the chamber that life signature was in. However, expecting it to be a cakewalk would be a mistake. As he ran the ground shifted and shuddered, eventually a column of stone shot out towards his head. Roy narrowly avoided it crashing into his skull, only to have more golems surround him. Cutting one to pieces, he was struck in the back by another, sending him to the floor. Before the Nightmare could retaliate, he was grabbed by the leg and dragged across the floor before being flung through the column of rock. Groaning, Roy quickly rolled back to avoid a subsequent attack from a different golem. Huffing, he quickly slashed Vertigo across the ground forcing some of the underground plant life to surge upwards. The roots burst forth, ensnaring the golems and crushing them before returning below. Roy was doing his best to avoid unnecessary damage to the catacombs but whoever was attacking him didn't seem to care. So he didn't need to either.

"My I seem to have missed a great deal." A familiar voice echoed in Roy's head.

"Fuckin finally. The hell have you been doing Caliber?" Roy grumbled, as he cleaved through more golems.

"Apologies. I was finding out the location of our opposition. Though this is certainly a new one."

"A new one? Some other ratbag is on me right now then." Roy figured that the host of the Sins had found his position. Sent these golems to stop him. That seemed not to be the case now. 

"Indeed. I'll brief you on what I know later. Focus your energy into securing your safety."

Roy simply nodded before breaking through the crowd of golums he was fighting. Jumping high, he clung to the ceiling to avoid any further detection. By this point, he had formulated what he was up against. A human more than likely with a very good conduit. Roy wasn't as knowledgeable on conduits or human magic as he was with monsters. However even with his more limited knowledge he knew a human would need a very strong conduit to handle the magical energy of these spells. It could be enchanted. Taking a deep breath, he began crawling on the ceiling towards the life signature. His claws going through the bones of the catacombs with ease. 

Finally he reached the chamber the person was in. Even with his poor night vision, Roy could make out a bit of the person. They were standing on what looked like a massive warhammer, back resting on the handle. They seemed more than relaxed, even confident with their current situation. He had caught them off guard. Roy took the situation to his advantage, silencing the area with his natural abilities. He intended to make sure they had no opportunity to retaliate. Quickly, the Nightmare launched from the ceiling and tried to grab the person. Only for them to effortlessly dodge him. They moved far quicker than Roy expected. In a flawless string of movement they got off their hammer, picked it up and created a fair bit of distance from Roy. They were in a much more battle ready stance. Hammer to their side, feet spread in a solid position. Roy returned sound to the area, keeping Vertigo at the ready as well.

"Alright ya ratbag, who are ya? You got business with me?" Roy began to walk to the side a bit. The other person followed suit in the opposite direction. Sizing each other up, the two were clearly showing some level of respect to the other's skill. "Heh. Just seeing where you're at, Nightmare. Gotta say I'm not too impressed so far. Those golems I sent should have never touched you." The person's voice was light and somewhat playful. Not hostile, though their body spoke a different tune still. 

"Not my fuckin fault you started messing with the ground."

"Excuses, excuses. Still I'll give you some credit for sneaking up on me. Luckily your little jump made just enough seismic waves to reach me." That explained how they could see. Roy was a bit put off by that though. Humans shouldn't have a seismic sense. Even with magic. Maybe they weren't human?

"Either way, we're not done. You better impress me, or I might just knock your head off!" With a burst of speed, the figure blitzed Roy. He only had enough time to block the first hammer swing as it sent him flying across the chamber. Before he could get his bearings, the ground shifted and morphed to swallow him into the earth. Almost like a giant hungry maw. Thinking fast, he tapped Vertigo against the closest surface and summoned a vine. It wrapped around him, flinging him out of the way of the very active ground.

Sliding across the floor, Roy bore his teeth ever so slightly. He wasn't going to die this early into his journey. Rushing at the person, he cleaved through their attempts to slow him down with pillars of rock. The two clashed weapons as he swung down, pushing against each other to attempt to gain an advantage. Roy tried to headbutt his opponent but they pushed away as he tried. Not letting them breathe, Roy started to swing Vertigo with devastating strength. The person was more than capable of parrying each hit from his sword with their hammer however. They're movements had an almost dancer-like energy to it. The hammer they wielded spun effortlessly between their hands, the momentum adding more power to their swings. This allowed them to keep up with Roy's strength even with the amp he was getting from Vertigo. The two were in a deadlock. 

Annoyed, Roy planted his feet and let loose a giant wild swing with a roar. This finally broke through their guard.They seemed pleasantly surprised by the sudden burst of strength. Using the momentum of the swing, Roy spun his body and delivered a violent kick to their stomach sending them tumbling back. Not letting up, he plunged Vertigo into the ground causing many underground roots to spring forth. The assailant managed to avoid most of the roots, but was eventually grabbed by a few. The roots wrapped and twisted around their body until finally they were restrained. Approaching slowly, Roy kept his guard up. The other person was chuckling softly as he approached. 

"Something funny, galah?"

"Oh yeah! Haven't taken a hit like that in ages. Ooooh I just know you are stronger than a Goliath even without that sword. And the plants! Yes, this is what I wanted!" They seemed genuinely excited to be captured. Like they still had things under control. Roy found that incredibly odd, his expression becoming more concerned.

"You're a bit of a freak, huh?" He exclaimed before uddering Caliber's name to summon him. 

"Saying the name to summon…Still needs work then." The person's voice became a bit lower, almost disappointed. Then they immediately flipped back to their more playful nature. "Says the guy who wrapped up a lady. Besides…"

Suddenly Roy felt something shift in the air. A sudden shift of the temperature. Up until this point the catacombs had been fairly cool, but this was a steady increase. Roy's attention snapped back to the woman in the vines. She was chuckling.

"I'm not finished with you yet, Bunny!" Right as she finished the roots holding her burst into a brilliant crimson flame. Roy shielded his eyes from the light of the flames. 

"Eyes on the prize,Bunny! Impress me more." The flames spiraled and collected at the tip of the woman's weapon. Rushing forward, she swung at Roy's side. Blocking it at the last moment, the flames dissipated. Roy was in shock at the sight. Her hammer had changed into a halberd, still glowing red hot from the flames that had engulfed it. 

The soft glow of the last lingering flames allowed Roy to get a better look at the woman. She had curly black hair that seemed to be ablaze at the tips. A red leotard, black jeans and matching black jacket seemed to make up the bulk of her outfit. And she had a very big grin on their face, seemingly enjoying the moment. Roy could sense in his head that he recognized this person but he couldn't think from where. 

It seemed the mystery person was done waiting for him to act however. She pulled back her weapon, twirling the other end to try and hit Roy's chin. Swaying back, he threw out a few quick slashes in retaliation. Only for them to be blocked, and for him to take a hellish blow to his stomach. Slumping over a bit from the harsh blow, his opponent swung down the head of the halberd that was once again covered in flame. Blocking, Roy used his free hand to grab her arm. Pulling her in fast, Roy slammed his head viciously into her chin as he rose back up. She was clearly feeling it as she backed up a bit.

Pressing his advantage, Roy tried to disarm them. His blade smacking hers as he tried to do it in their daze. But she didn't relent, flame bellowing from beneath him. Roy quickly hopped back, as Caliber glowed in his hand. He quickly raised the blade above his head and brought it back down just as fast. A streak of light was sent flying towards the woman. She had finally recovered from that headbutt, and split the beam in two with her halberd.

The battle quickly swung back in their favor, as she spawned a wall of fire behind Roy forcing him forward.The two engaged in a final flurry of slashes and parries. Blow for blow the two were a match but this person had much more finesse and skill with their weapon. Roy was still relatively new to fighting with a sword, and this wasn't something he was ready for. A swift stab gazed at his cheek as he dodged it. Roy took the chance to try and swing at her, but the woman was a step ahead. Pulling her weapon back, Roy was struck hard in the back of the head. His vision blurred from the hit, and soon after he was struck in the chest falling to his back. Dazed, Roy had no way to retaliate as she set her hammer on his chest. She had switched back to it after feinting a stab.

He lost.

Roy couldn't continue, as he was too drained from how much he had used his swords that day. That strike to his head was just sealing the deal. His body felt heavy and his mind fuzzy. Yet he was no less defiant. His gazed dripping with venom as he stared down his assailant. His teeth on full display as he gritted through the pain. For her part, the woman seemed to be studying him a bit more. Even now in the once again dark catacombs, they were looking for him to impress.

The tension in the dark was instantly cut by a fit of laughter. Stepping back, the mystery person seemed significantly less hostile now. Roy sat up a bit shakily, confused at her outburst.

"Pinned down and you still have fight in your eyes. Gotta say with some more sword training you'll be one dangerous bunny! And some more power from those blades of yours." Excitement oozed from each word they spoke. They even seemed to dance in place a bit.

"You are a confusing dickhead…Who are you supposed to be?" Roy was more than a little annoyed by this point. First attacking him, then complimenting him. This person had issues. 

"Who am I? Oh fuck, got overly excited again. That's my bad. You okay?"

"Okay as I can be, sheila…"

"Well, it's not like it's our first meeting. Buuuut I'm Zonta Myers, the wielder of the elemental staffs!" Swapping back to the halberd, Zonta slammed it into the ground and lit up the area. 

Roy didn't get what she meant though. He didn't know anyone named Zonta, and didn't remember anyone telling him that name. Staring at her, he tried to put together if he recognized her from anywhere. Light brown skin and freckles. The leotard and jeans. It felt familiar to Roy but his mind failed to find anyone he knew… Then it hit him.

"...You sat next to me on the plane? Your outfit looks kinda the same."

"Bingo, bunny! We were on the same plane. Had a feeling you were my partner back then if I'm being honest." She looked so prideful in her deduction, though Roy seemed less enthusiastic about it.

Roy lifted himself off the ground shakily. He was more drained from using the swords than he thought. "If you knew back on the plane, why the hell are you doing all this? And quit it with the nickname. The name is Roy."

"Well, Roy, I wanted to see how good you are at fighting. Gotta say you don't disappoint. Least not too much." She teased, clearly still happy about her win.

"You…are a weird bastard. All this for a quick blue?" Rubbing his eyes, Roy couldn't help but sigh a bit. He always met weird humans. Part of their charm, he guessed.

Zonta couldn't help but laugh at the face the Nightmare made. So agitated. "I'm not that weird. Still sorry for not saying anything to you sooner."

Roy couldn't say he was really mad at the moment. Annoyed? Sure, but angry not so much. He couldn't wrap his head around it but really couldn't pick up any signs of dishonesty or malice from Zonta. If anything she was overwhelmingly friendly for someone who just attacked him. Considering everything, he figured he really didn't need to treat her harshly. 

"Ya got a place to stay?" 

Zonta looked surprised by that. Roy's face had shifted so quickly from aggravation to neutral calm, that it really shocked her. "Huh? Um yeah I have a hotel room. Why?"

"Let's go there then. I needa nap after that. Bloody tired…" Roy lethargically made his way to Zonta, waiting on her to lead them out. He was more exhausted than he thought, barely having the ability to keep his ears up. 

"Whoa bunny. What's with the mood switch? It's like all the fire in you burned out…And why not go to your own hotel?" Zonta spoke in a somewhat disappointed tone, though none the less did start to lead them through towards an exit.

"Clean your ears, leotard. I'm fuckin tired. And I have no hotel. You attacked me so you owe me a bed." Roy minced no words to keep things clear. They were supposed to work together anyway, so sharing a room was more than fine with him.

As they walked, Roy noticed that the catacombs looked almost untouched. Even in the area with the golems, there was nothing in terms of evidence. His gaze shifted to Zonta. She was miles ahead of him in the way she used her weapons and powers. Something to bring up after he got some sleep.

As the two approached an exit, Zonta spun around and smiled at Roy. "Alright, we're almost out. Now I know I owe you a room, but there's one thing I want out of this deal."

"Let's hear it then."

"Lemme pet your ears."

"...No. Ya freak."