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| The Final March | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 29 2017, 04:25 PM (8,001 Views) | |
| HellAvatar | Jul 24 2017, 10:47 PM Post #106 |
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Mad Scientist / Head of Intel Division
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[Hoshido] [Forgotten Forest] Hiko nodded affirmatively to Celest at his comment. "Thank you. I have witnessed your efforts against that lumbering form before, and your aid shall certainly be of key importance against whatever may lurk within that shrine now. You will understand what I mean when you see it, Celest-san. It feels... Most vile." Hiko took the last drag from his tea cup and set it down carefully upon the ground. "This is not the time to mince words. The threats there are very real, however phantasmal they might appear, and coming to this venture is dangerous. I am not sure how bad off that shrine really is, for I have not come close enough to truly investigate. However, I know that something truly dark resides within... And once again, you will see what I mean if you come with me and when we get there." He looked at each of the trio in turn, as if sizing them up, and finally asked. "Are you sure this is something you wish to do?" |
![]() Now becomes the the past in an instant — and everyone will eventually die! Destiny triumphs over human knowledge and goes mad! That is the way of things! I spit upon this frail, crazed, world! I spit upon the Second Law of Thermodynamics! ~ Desty Nova, Karmatron Theory Let them Label me! Let them swear and curse at me as I tug humanity like a bucking bull into the darkness of the unknown, revealing its secrets to the sane and driving them MAD! In ages long past, I shall be looked upon as a tyrant and a savior! As a savant and as a fool! My work shall advance humanity long past its time, throw it into the unknown future and force it to grow strong or FALL! Years from now, when I will inevitably be removed, my work shall continue to progress, because these things cannot be denied! Governments will publicly criticize my work, but privately conduct research that advances it! I shall imprint myself into the annals of history, among the stars that shine as brightly as Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Dmitri Mendeleev, Nikola Tesla, and countless others! My work will shine as brightly as any star, and I AM ITS CREATOR!!! ~ Desty Nova, Morality
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| GoldenSama | Jul 25 2017, 09:59 PM Post #107 |
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The Crazy One
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[Aurelia: Many Years Ago] “I'm rarely wrong about people.” Rin replied smoothly, as she watched Gallic. He was potentially exactly the sort of person she had been waiting for. She had big plans, but she needed someone who could actually pull them off. She was far from convinced that Gallic was that person, but she was curious to find out. “You will have many chances for great things, Gallic. What you make of those chances... now that will truly be interesting to see.” [Hoshido] [Forbidden Forest] “Ohhh, now this is exciting!” Tamamo was watching Hiko with intrigue in her eyes. These three were interesting... a pair of swordsmen willing to embark on a dangerous journey, and a mage whose magic felt... unusual. It was enough to make her happy she stuck around this area. Musashi gave a nod to Hiko. “... If this shrine is as corrupted as you say, then someone has to do something. If not the problem will only grow, and eventually it will threaten that little village – and I can't abide that.” [Nohr] [Hospital] Caitlin watched silently as Rue went to work, and she was surprised to see the familiar soft golden light. It looked just like their father's handiwork – and that amazed her. While Caitlin had also inherited the same powers, she had never gotten the hang of them. Seeing Rue pull it off so well was amazing. “Geez... Rue... I didn't realize you got so talented! You could be dad!” [Road] “If you would take my sister from me... I will tear off your head and feed it to my Minerva!” Camilla shouted it, and she raised her axe – and as she did, the skies turned dark and thunder started to rain down! Lightning hit the ground at several places – it missed the cart, but it was smashing into the ground in FRONT of the car – and the ground started to rip apart, causing the horse to buck up, and suddenly the lines snapped and the cart went flipping! It slammed into the ground. Garnet shouted, falling onto her side. [Castle] “Enough!” Xander slammed his foot into the floor. His sword was glowing red, but he did not attack. “Had you come to me with these concerns in the beginning, perhaps there would be something to discuss... but instead you abandoned your duty and your nation. Now you return as a Paladin, and you are in no place to judge! You have turned your back on what you were, on WHO you were – so who are you to judge us now?” |
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| The Vidit of Light | Jul 26 2017, 03:11 PM Post #108 |
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I'll bite your legs off!
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Nohr [Road] As the cart tipped over, Didymus was poured from it with an "OOF!" He quickly regained his composure, rising to his feet-the shield of light had begun to fade, but he quickly took a look around, seeing Garnet on her side, the horses whinnying but still present. He rushed to Garnet's side, looking around to also see Aiden's status. "Is everyone alright?" he asked, giving silent thanks that he still had his wits about him. "We need to gather the horses...riding bareback isn't my preference, but...we don't NEED the cart to make our getaway!" he said. Still, Camilla and her flying mount were a problem...he didn't know if this would work, but maybe it could help, at least... ...he raised his sword, muttering another prayer for aid, as the suddenly dark skies were pierced by a beam of very very bright golden light-that shot down towards Camilla, Didymus, at least, hoping to see his opponent and her mount temporarily blinded! The loss of the cart was disappointing, perhaps, but they weren't stuck... [Castle] When Xander declared "Enough", Beatrix ceased her attack, and Steiner simply continued watching. Cecil took a deep breath as Xander spoke, and his expression hinted at the sadness he felt as he delivered his reply. "Today was not the first time you had told me that we are in no position to question the actions of your parents, my prince." he said. "Can you honestly tell me you would have regarded my concerns as legitimate, that they would have made any difference, if I had openly voiced them to you?" he asked. "The dark powers we call upon-dark even by the standards of a nation that EMBRACES magic-and the dark deeds we were constantly ordered to carry out-the very NATURE of our service indicated the country's attitudes-would my questioning it have made ANY difference, or would I simply have been removed from my post?" Still, as Xander spoke of him judging them, his expression saddened even more. "Judge you? No, my prince, no, I am presenting my case, but I am not trying to judge you, and even if I were, I too partook in all that I now decry...but I'm trying to HELP you!" he called. "I have not struck OFFENSIVELY this entire fight, merely to defend myself. I have not come as a kidnapper to steal away your sister, but rather have come at her behest. I am not trying to condemn our kingdom...I'm trying to SAVE it!" He had stepped back to the door now... |
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(Insert witty/moving/inspiring phrase here) This is my car: ![]() Gas mileage is pretty bad, but traffic jams aren't a problem. | |
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| Crystal Rose | Jul 26 2017, 05:05 PM Post #109 |
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GRAPPLING HOOK!
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[Hospital] Rue's cheeks went a bit red when Caitlin complimented her, the works meaning more than her older sister could ever know. Both girls were very close in age, and thus very close, even though Caitlin could drive her crazy sometimes. “Geez... Rue... I didn't realize you got so talented! You could be dad!” The girl looked down embarrassed. "I don't know if i'm that good, not yet at least" "The young woman is right, you're amazing miss." the doctor stated, not looking at the group. Instead he was taking the ill man's vitals. "His blood pressure is down and his breathing is more even. We'll have to monitor him overnight but it looks like you've done a good job. Will you be in town tommorow" Rue nodded with a smile "I can stop by before I hire my coach home. Until then...Gotta find somewhere to stay for the night" |
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| AGodofIrony | Jul 26 2017, 07:07 PM Post #110 |
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I can't see what you're imagining
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-Nohr- Road Aiden fell as well, oofing as she hit the ground, a small orb crashing from her pocket, breaking now as it shattered against the ground. Her mother had given her that orb... she said if she needed help, really needed it, to break it, and help would arrive... She wasn't sure if she could do much... if they didn't escape soon, they wouldn't be able to get Garnet out of here, and their mission would be a failure... “Never despair daughter, for He watches over us all, even those who do not believe.” Aiden couldn't quite believe her ears, looking up at armored man, sword and shield in hand, fire beginning to spread around him. He had shocking white hair and piercing red eyes, standing before Aiden, not far from the shattered orb. “Your mother's magic is quite potent,” Zadkiel said, looking towards his daughter and smiling. “This Princess of Nohr will not be an easy victory, but I will make sure you all get to safety.” Because darn it I want Zadkiel to do some stuff. ![]() Hospital Liam waited out in the living, probably knowing where people could stay... or being able to make camp. Whichever. Train Blake smiled as Samara appeared, nodding towards her. “We're among family and friends... you can come out more often if you'd like, you know...” He liked having Samara out and about. Though some people gave him odd looks and it was always -Hoshido- Town “So!” Moniker said, finishing her ramen now and looking satisfied. “You wanted to learn about magic or something?” Forbidden Forest “I'm not gonna sit around if there's evil,” Celest said simply. “If I can stop it, I will. So even if it's just a little help, I'll do what I can. When do we want to head there?” -Galdwin- Castle “We protect our own kind against evil,” Gallic said simply. “While your religion is free to preach in Aurelia, we don't need the... other things your Order provides.” His voice seemed a little... chillier there, perhaps picked up from his wife and Queen. Though it warmed up on his next sentence. “However your Order is free to coordinate with my own agents in Aurelia if they ever wish to lend a hand, as I would hope would happen the other way around were say if they were pursuing some criminal across the border that got into Galdwin.” Streets “...I do,” Elysia answered Nanami, nodding. “It's... interesting seeing new places, and hearing new songs. Sometimes they're the same music, just different words, which are usually pretty interesting when the words make them wildly different. I don't... agree with The Order on many things, but their religion has a lot of interesting music, very... passionate.” -Aurelia: Many Years Ago- Gallic had worked for the king for a few years now, protecting him from assassination attempts and occasionally fighting those the King ordered. For Gallic, it often felt that he was still a slave, just in a gilded cage instead one that didn't lie. He would have almost considered it worse, if it wasn't for the Princess. They had met off and on, in secret, since their first meeting. Eventually he opened up more towards her, and she the same. But this latest order... he needed to see her. Did the King suspect? Did he know? Gallic moved carefully through the castle, having used their methods to set up a meeting with the princess, and waited now in the largely unused storage room, boxes filled with rusting items and cobwebs... |
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| GoldenSama | Jul 26 2017, 07:50 PM Post #111 |
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The Crazy One
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[Nohr] [Hospital] “Now that's impressive...” Graham whistled. He had always been intrigued by the bits of Caitlin's healing power he saw, and the stories he'd heard about Rue and their father – but actually seeing it was something else. “I know a place we can stay!” Caitlin announced to Rue. “You and Liam should come with me and Graham.” [Road] Down the road, slinking behind one of the tall trees that lined the winding mountain roads, a man stood clutching a staff, clad in gorgeous sapphire robes. Melord was the royal mage, the most trusted adviser of the monarchs – and probably the greatest mage in Nohr, from his reputation. Yet as he watched the struggles of those in the cart, his face twisted and for a moment his normally handsome face was replaced by something twisted and cruel. He brought a small blade from his waistband and sliced across his palm, turning it over and letting drops of his blood fall to the ground. Where the blood touched the dirt, it immediately blackened and the soil dried up and died – and then something began to stir. “... Oh Garnet, had you just been more compliant... but no one can endanger what I have planned...” Melord smirked, and then he vanished from where he stood. … As Zadkiel appeared, Garnet gasped – surprised to see someone else, but at this point she was willing to take all the help she could get. She paused – briefly considering turning to her own abilities, but she did not think it wise. There was no telling how the Paladins would react to something like that... And then suddenly the ground was shaking – and then something emerged – several somethings! Lumbering and green, nearly eight feet tall – bodies of muscle, hands covered in stone gloves and faces hidden away by iron masks – The Faceless had come! There were nearby eight of the massive beasts, all letting out terrible roars as they pounded the ground and their own chests. Camilla's wyvern had bucked as it was blinded, but when she spotted the Faceless she stopped – she knew what that meant. “... Oh Garnet! Maybe once Melord's creations have dealt with them, you'll come to your senses!” The great wings of the wyvern beat against the sky, as Camilla turned and let her beast fly up. She did not leave the battlefield, but withdrew, staying far above the others and watching... [Castle] Xander paused, watching Cecil quietly and mulling over what he had to say. He could not deny some of his claims, although he could not forget the anger in his heart from Cecil's abandonment of Nohr. “You are as tricky a liar as I expect from any Paladin, Cecil.” The door at the back of the room had opened, and the man who strode in – flanked by heavy knights – was glaring at Cecil. Tall, clad in black plate-mail with a regal cape and carrying a massive axe. The black iron crown on his head gleaming in the light. King Garon's eyes narrowed. “... Xander, I am disappointed that you would even allow this traitor to speak, much less actually consider his words. He is our enemy now. I owe none of you an explanation for my actions – but I will humor you, Cecil, if only because of what you WERE.” Garon smirked. “Yes, I ordered you to slaughter those who would question my rule. Those who would question the rights of Nohr. This nation has SUFFERED, Cecil, and if we are to claim the glory that we DESERVE, then we must be willing to do whatever is necessary.” His eyes narrowed. “You know as well as I do how this nation was founded. WE settled on the plentiful lands, and we were chased away by the greedy Hoshidian people. Our lands were stolen from us and we were cast out into this dark land.” His eyes moved to Cid, and anger flooded his voice. “It is very easy for men of Galdwin to talk of the dangers of magic when they live in plentiful lands, where the sun shines and the crops grow on their own, where there are many animals to hunt and cattle to raise – BUT THAT IS NOT NOHR! We have no plentiful soil, we have no fertile fields or cattle! It is very easy to speak of the evils of magic when you can do without it – but without magic, my people would starve! My people would wither and die in pain and my nation would crumble!” Garon slammed his axe down onto the ground. “... I will allow no more blathering of hypocrites who cast stones from their ivory towers, or traitors who dare to question the King who sacrificed so much for YOU!” And suddenly Garon moved – for a man of his age and size, wearing heavy armor – he moved FAST. His body blurred and he was across the room in a split second and his heavy axe came down at Cid – who only barely managed to bring up his glowing sword to block it. A massive shower of sparks flew off as the axe slammed down against the sword. Cid gritted his teeth, his entire body straining against the heft of Garon's strike. “... Cecil! We must go!” Cid called, and he closed his eyes and began to whisper. Garon's strike was pushing against him – but then a flash of lightning burst in through the window and struck the ground between Cid and Garon, throwing the king back and bathing the room in a sharp blast! Cid stumbled but did not fall, turning and sprinting for the destroyed door to the outside. He felt something deep inside him – like a voice telling him that he must run. He felt it a warning, and he would obey. [Galdwin] [Streets] Taichi smiled. “I always liked to see other places. Cultures, religions, music, art, philosophy, alchemy, science – it's all so fascinating! One nation could never think of it all on their own.” Nanami could only sigh. While her brother loved to embrace the world and see what it had to offer in every way, she lacked the same luxuries. She was the one being groomed to take the throne – the responsibilities had all fallen on her, while Taichi was... free. [Aurelia: Many Years Ago] “You know, we really need a better meeting spot than this dusty old room.” Rin appeared out of the wall, as if it were a door – but it was solid brick. In the years since she had met Gallic, her studies of the arcane arts had continued – in gusto. She had become much stronger, although even Gallic had never seen the true heights of her abilities. She walked over and leaned against one of the large boxes, her crimson eyes watching him. “What has you so... lively to set up a meeting now?” |
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| HellAvatar | Jul 26 2017, 07:53 PM Post #112 |
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Mad Scientist / Head of Intel Division
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[Hoshido] [Forbidden Forest] Hiko's smile widened slightly as he heard the three individuals he suddenly found himself spontaneously drinking tea with affirm their assent to follow him and clean out the shrine. It was almost a surreal experience, to sit here and suddenly be a part of a group that was planning on doing something so dangerous. He had half a mind to tell them that perhaps it would still be best if they had found some practicing Onmyoji, but... He somehow felt very sure of their success. Celest's magic, Musashi's swordsmanship, and now the mysterious Tamamo... This was indeed going to be an interesting ride. Slowly, Hiko unfolded from his sitting position, flowing smoothly to stand from their impromptu picnic. "Then it is best that we leave immediately. We do not wish to enter the shrine at night, when the realms of the youkai are at their strongest. If there are any preparations you must make, please do so now. I do hope that you have ways to be able to deal with the spiritual, Musashi-san, for our enemies are not sure to be corporeal and willing to play by our rules." |
![]() Now becomes the the past in an instant — and everyone will eventually die! Destiny triumphs over human knowledge and goes mad! That is the way of things! I spit upon this frail, crazed, world! I spit upon the Second Law of Thermodynamics! ~ Desty Nova, Karmatron Theory Let them Label me! Let them swear and curse at me as I tug humanity like a bucking bull into the darkness of the unknown, revealing its secrets to the sane and driving them MAD! In ages long past, I shall be looked upon as a tyrant and a savior! As a savant and as a fool! My work shall advance humanity long past its time, throw it into the unknown future and force it to grow strong or FALL! Years from now, when I will inevitably be removed, my work shall continue to progress, because these things cannot be denied! Governments will publicly criticize my work, but privately conduct research that advances it! I shall imprint myself into the annals of history, among the stars that shine as brightly as Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Dmitri Mendeleev, Nikola Tesla, and countless others! My work will shine as brightly as any star, and I AM ITS CREATOR!!! ~ Desty Nova, Morality
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| The Vidit of Light | Jul 26 2017, 09:30 PM Post #113 |
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I'll bite your legs off!
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Nohr [Road] Didymus was glad to see Camillia pull away-it was clear she was simply observing, but if nothing else she'd been persuaded to keep her distance for the time being, and he couldn't quite tell if the beast she rode was blinded or not-or for that matter if SHE was-but either way, for the moment, they were pulling back. He noticed Zadkiel suddenly at their side, and he was unsure of how he could have appeared so quickly-he suspected some manner of "magic", though he wasn't sure if it was the type of "magic" some people were born with, or the type of magic that was conjured forth by those without any such abilities-and now certainly wasn't the time to try to decipher it. Then he felt something else-something wicked approaching, and sure enough, they manifested-these hulking beasts, animated by sorcery. His overcloak cast aside, he stood as a Paladin opening, regarding the dangers around them. He had faced terrors before, and he certainly WANTED to destroy these things...but every moment they delayed so close to the castle, or even in or near the city, increased their odds of being found that much further. "We need to go!" he called. Proper greetings could be exchanged with Zadkiel later. "We still have two perfectly good horses here. We need to grab them, get on their backs, and get out! Lady Garnet, Aiden...I don't know how good either of you are with horses, but if you could grab them, calm them, get on them, we'll hold these things off till then, and we can escape via horseback!" He regarded the faceless creatures, moving himself to stand between them and the horses (and the ladies). His sword glowing, he ran at the nearest one, bringing his sword up and attempting to drive the blessed blade into it! These weren't people, they were bestial monsters animated by sorcery. He didn't need to use nonlethal fighting or otherwise pull his proverbial punches. [Castle] To hear Garon address him as such, and relay the beleagured history of their people tore at Cecil's heart-but he had long since accepted that this moment would one day come, and steeled himself against it best he could. They could have, he was sure, been debating this for a while-but battle was not the time for such a thing, especially as he Garon threw himself at Cid who struggled to repel him. At the bolt of lightning that bought them some time, Cecil, already near the door, nodded at Cid's instruction, and without another word, slipped through the door and began running down the hallway, breathing heavily and carrying a heart equally so. Galdwin Richard raised an eyebrow. "The Order's various chapters serve by the leave of the rightful liege lords of the lands they operate in." he said. "The Order does not belong to Galdwin, as closely as I associate with the head of its Galdwinian chapter." he added with a quick glance Percival's way. "And since HE'S going to be too modest, or crafty, or polite, to say it, I would recommend you not spurn the aid of the Order in stamping out...otherworldly terrors." Richard added. "They have grown quite...practiced...at it, over the ages." For his part, Percival spoke up. "We have always been exorcists, healers, preachers, and in times of great need, soldiers against terrors such as the Black March. We respect the laws of the lands we operate in chapters in, and, as has been pointed out, always by leave of the liege lord of the realm. If you find the Order's presence or activities undesirable, you may dismiss them from your lands, though I am not the man to speak to regarding the Aurelian Chapter." he stated simply. Richard's expression seemed to lighten a bit at that, as well. "But in any case, it's good to know that our neighbors are easing up on things a bit-that perhaps the somewhat chaotic days of its past are coming to an end." |
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(Insert witty/moving/inspiring phrase here) This is my car: ![]() Gas mileage is pretty bad, but traffic jams aren't a problem. | |
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| AGodofIrony | Jul 26 2017, 10:14 PM Post #114 |
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I can't see what you're imagining
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-Hoshido- Forlorn Forest Celest finished his own tea, nodding towards Hiko. “Right... I can go whenever we're ready.” He glanced upwards, studying the clouds. “Hopefully it won't rain...” -Nohr- Road Zadkiel took a deep breath, his own holy fire flowing around him, channeling into his sword. “You heard him, get the horses and go with the Princess,” Zadkiel said to a stunned looking Aiden. She nodded, hurrying forward and grabbing some reins, pulling the horse over to Garnet to help her. “Can you ride well?” Aiden asked her. Zadkiel took a breath breath, marching forward now and slashing his sword, sending a wave of flames down towards the closest Faceless. “You will yield to the holy flames!” Zadkiel yelled. -Galdwin- Streets “Definitely!” Kyran said, grinning. “I'm going around with my sis here to see and learn about all the new inventions! I really wanna see an airship first hand...” Elysia sighed, shaking her head. “Those chances seem really low, Kyran...” Not like they met a couple royals who could have come in one or something. Castle “The Order does not have a monopoly on destroying such terrors though, nor on healers or preachers. There are other gods people believe in,” Gallic said, smiling softly. “If we need their help, we will ask for it, but if I am to be perfectly honest, outside of The March, which I already stated I believe we must all band together against, I don't see that happening. “You are free to preach, but I don't see the religion gaining too much traction in Aurelia,” Gallic added. -Aurelia: Many Years Ago- Gallic paused for a moment, looking at the Princess and feeling a sense of calmness he hadn't felt since... ever. “I think... it may be because of our... liveliness,” Gallic answered, producing a set of orders. “Your father is sending me and twenty armed men up into the mountains, to deal with a bandit problem. His personal bodyguard... out to deal with bandits...” Gallic frowned, “I have to leave tomorrow. I can't stop it without making a scene and having more men on me. I believe your father is going to try and have me killed.” |
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| GoldenSama | Jul 26 2017, 11:42 PM Post #115 |
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The Crazy One
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[Hoshido] [Forbidden Forest] Musashi smiled over at Hiko as he stood up and returned the small bowl that had once contained the rice wine. He placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, and that smile grew a bit more. “You don't have to worry about me, Hiko-san. I have a few tricks up my sleeve.” Although he hoped not to have to reveal many of them. Musashi did not know these three well at all, and as much as he enjoyed showing off... he knew it could be dangerous to show what he was carrying. Tamamo said nothing, simply standing up and making the bowl float back to Hiko. She looked positively giddy – this was the sort of thing she hadn't done in a long time, and these three men were interesting enough she wanted to test them. |
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| HellAvatar | Jul 27 2017, 12:20 AM Post #116 |
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Mad Scientist / Head of Intel Division
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[Hoshido] [Forbidden Forest] As everyone finished their tea, Hiko quickly put away all of the drinking utensils and implements he pulled form his wooden pack, quickly rinsing them with water drawn from a small waterskin he kept in the same box. A quick cleaning later and with all his things packed, Hiko hefted the pack over his shoulders, adjusted the swords that were hanging at his waist on the left, and beckoned the trio to follow. "It shall be an hour's time until we reach our destination. I would advise to stay on your guard, lest we run into something less than desirable unprepared." And so speaking, he turned towards the depths of the woods and walked, a measured pace that was more akin to gliding soundlessly across the ground than walking, causing little to no disturbance of the ground as he passed. At times, he was absolutely inaudible, only the rustling of cloth or the brief rustle of leaves giving him away. -------[SCENE BREAK]-------- The Forgotten Forest was an old, integrated and inter-weaved part of Hoshido's rich, spiritual history. Of all the places in the land, aside from the great bamboo forest of the Shirugi prefecture and the great mountain that stood tall as the silent watcher and guardian of the Imperial City, the Forbidden Forest or the "Kinmori" in the local dialect was perhaps the third greatest spiritually active place in the whole of Hoshido. It was said that several shrines were said to have been lost within the forest over time as men built places of worship within the woods, only for the shrines and other structures to mysteriously disappear and never again be seen, even by priests who have sworn they worshiped at its altars. As such, the woods have often been titled a great many names, such as the "Great Forest of the Lost", and "The Spirit's Labyrinth". Over time, it has become commonly accepted among practitioners of the esoteric and spiritual arts that humanity somehow offended the spirits of the Forest, and travel through the woods was publicly discouraged. Roads were abandoned, possible construction plans forgotten, and whatever was previously lost in the woods remained lost and untouched. Thus it became "Forbidden Forest", and many began to avoid it at all costs, often taking travel routes weeks longer simply to avoid being near them. Some roads still passed through the forests, but they were rarely used, and only by those who were desperate or willing to appease whatever spirit they came across. This status was further exasperated by continuous spiritual activity within the boundaries of the forest. Ghost lights threatened to lure passing travelers away from roads, people often vanished when passing a bit too close, and it was said that you could sometimes hear strange noises from deep within the forest. By Emperor's decree, no practicing Onmyoji, no priest and no man would be protected by the empire if they wished to travel through those woods. It wasn't an express forbiddance... But no one dared to argue against imperial suggestion, and only illicit and unsupervised travel happened within the Forbidden Forest. Even bandits and thugs that preyed on passing travelers avoided that forest like the plague. So it was beyond belief that four travelers were now wandering through it, moving deeper and deeper into the woods, as though heeding some form of call. And the further they traveled into the forest, the more eerie it seemed. Trees grew taller, obscuring light until it was barely visible and they were moving through perpetual gloom of near-nighttime, even though it was still daytime outside. Sounds of the forest became rarer, infrequent and startlingly abrupt. There was no wind blowing through the trees, no rustling of leaves except the footsteps of the travelers, no sound by the infrequent caw of a crow or some other strange, distorted sound. And the further they went, the more oppressive the feeling that something was very wrong was becoming. And then, the light filtering through the trees began to take on a red hue. At first, it was a very subtle shift, like a sun coming down from high up to set on the horizon as the sky reddened during dusk. But the sun should have still been very high in the air when this began, and the red light filtering through the leaves became progressively more crimson until it was hard to ignore. When everything began to look red and even the bark and leaves of the trees looked as though they were covered in a sheen of blood, that's when a distant red light began to shine through the trees as Hiko continued to lead on his companions. And as the red light drew closer, the trees became more twisted, charred-looking, and began to lose the majority of their leaves, turning into twisted, gnarled shapes that looked more like a scene from an old, decrepit graveyard. More and more light revealed itself until some parts of the sky broke through, revealing a scarlet-red sky with a deep-red, bloody-looking orb that looked darker than the surrounding sky itself. It was the sun, or whatever the sun was in this place at this time, and it was certainly far from natural. And the feeling of oppression grew heavier and heavier until the group found themselves upon stone steps without any warning. There was no sound now at all. Not even a single call of a crow, not a single rustle. It was a horrifying silence, mixed with an oppressive feeling that this place just didn't BELONG at all. And this is where Hiko paused, looking up the steps at a damaged, ruined-looking shrine up several flights of stairs, surrounded by a darkened, black-vine-overgrown walls. Its roof was broken, damaged in places and looked as though it had been patched in some places while having burn holes in others. The whole roof sat askew to one side, one wall of the shrine most likely a ruin underneath the skewed structure. And over the shrine, black and hazy wisps of SOMETHING kept swirling in random patterns, like ghost lights distorting the sky above. And Hiko's smile was almost gone now. "... This is it. Tokohotsu Shrine, built twenty seven years ago by one of the emperor's most trusted Onmyodo masters, Sahashi Jinnai. Twenty four years ago, he had vanished along with all of the miko and several apprentices, never to be seen again. And I have a strange suspicion that it is here that he ended up never returning from." Edited by HellAvatar, Jul 27 2017, 12:25 AM.
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![]() Now becomes the the past in an instant — and everyone will eventually die! Destiny triumphs over human knowledge and goes mad! That is the way of things! I spit upon this frail, crazed, world! I spit upon the Second Law of Thermodynamics! ~ Desty Nova, Karmatron Theory Let them Label me! Let them swear and curse at me as I tug humanity like a bucking bull into the darkness of the unknown, revealing its secrets to the sane and driving them MAD! In ages long past, I shall be looked upon as a tyrant and a savior! As a savant and as a fool! My work shall advance humanity long past its time, throw it into the unknown future and force it to grow strong or FALL! Years from now, when I will inevitably be removed, my work shall continue to progress, because these things cannot be denied! Governments will publicly criticize my work, but privately conduct research that advances it! I shall imprint myself into the annals of history, among the stars that shine as brightly as Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Dmitri Mendeleev, Nikola Tesla, and countless others! My work will shine as brightly as any star, and I AM ITS CREATOR!!! ~ Desty Nova, Morality
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| GoldenSama | Jul 28 2017, 04:31 PM Post #117 |
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The Crazy One
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[Hoshido] [Tokohotsu Shrine] Musashi walked calmly as the group of four trekked through the Forbidden Forest. There was always a smile on his face and he occasionally made chit-chat with the others. However, the deeper they went into the forest, the less frequent his jokes and comments became. The more his smile started to feel insincere, and the more his hand would come to rest on the hilt of his blade. Although far from the most spiritually inclined of samurai, Musashi could feel that this place was different. He would have normally expected to feel the presence of several spirits in a forest this deep, but it seemed strangely vacant. The lack of animal sounds and no spiritual presence was disturbing – but far worse was the sense that something WAS here. When they finally reached the shrine, Musashi watched the hazy black wisps floating about, his eyes took in the black vines and the damage to the shrine and he gave a sigh. Up until now, Musashi had worn a simple traveling robe – but he slipped his bag off his shoulder and sat it down. “I think... I'd better get ready.” Musashi sighed, and he slipped off the robe. Beneath he had a simple black long-sleeve shirt and similar pants – some sort of martial training outfit. He quickly stowed his robe into his bag, and then pulled out several pieces of crimson lamellar and a helmet, with the symbol of a black dragon on the front. How it all fit inside such a small pack seemed unusual, but Musashi calmly tied the armor around his person and slipped the helmet over his head. Then with a smile he closed the pack and slipped it back on his shoulder. He did not draw his blade, but placed his palm down on the end of the hilt. There was now a green ring around his ring finger, although at no point had he visibly taken it out of his bag, or slipped it on. As Musashi prepared, Tamamo merely stepped forward, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of the shrine and the devastation. She knelt down, closed her eyes and began to speak – although the words were quiet, hard to understand and in a language that only Hiko had any chance of recognizing. After several moments, Tamamo stood back up – and she was different. There was an aura of magic coming off of her in a way far stronger than before. She went from the normal magical presence expected of a shrine maiden, to something FAR more. [Galdwin] [Streets] One of Taichi's eyebrows rose when Kyran mentioned wanting to see an airship. Slowly he started to smirk – and sensing it, Nanami started to scowl. “Taichi, no-” “We have an airship!” Taichi smiled to Kyran, ignoring his sister's complaint totally. “I'd be happy to show you around!” [Nohr] [Road] “RRRRrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaauuauuuuuurrraaaaagggggghhhhh!” The horrible, inhumane roar of the Faceless cut through the empty landscape. One of them leaped forward and brought down one of its massive fists towards Didymus – but its aim was slightly off and the creature's fist hit the ground instead – although hard enough that the ground shook. Garnet let out a cry as a second of the giant creatures charged at her, moving faster than its enormous, hulking size would have implied. She threw up her hands and there was a flash of light as a translucent barrier appeared, blocking its fist as it came down towards her. A third of the great beasts charged at Zadkiel, roaring loudly and bringing up its stone-covered hand as it swiped wide, very nearly hitting him but managing to miss by a fraction. The sheer air pressure from its massive arm blew like a vicious wind. A fourth of the beasts ran at Aiden, roaring and stomping its feet as it charged! While a fifth and a sixth ran – towards the horses! One of these two was accurate as it swung its massive arm, and it hit the horse with a downward slam right onto its back – and with a sickening crack, the horse's spine was shattered like glass! These creatures had poor aim, but were POWERFUL! [Castle – Road] Cid ran, and as soon as Cecil was out the door as well he raised Durandal towards the skies and shouted out something in latin – and suddenly a bright flash of lightning rained down from the skies and slammed into the castle, and with a great light the broken door collapsed, cutting off their pursuers – for a bit anyway. “We must go! I fear the horrors that have befallen the others!” Cid shouted to Cecil. |
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| AGodofIrony | Jul 28 2017, 08:20 PM Post #118 |
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I can't see what you're imagining
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-Hoshido- Tokohotsu Shrine Celest had never been much of one for gods. He never saw the point in believing in them. Spirits, now... There wasn't a belief there. He just knew they existed, which was something else entirely different. He focused his magic, a few protective spells coming into place as they neared the overgrown shrine, hands up for a few other spells. He would have to be careful about fire spells in this place... a lot of undergrowth, a lot of old, dried wood that would catch fire easily. The sorcerer froze as Tamamo's magical power increased in size, the magic user almost staggering from the sudden increase. “What... what is that?” Celest said quietly, staring at the pink haired girl. -Galdwin- Streets Kyran's eyes lit up, hearing that Taichi had an airship, while Elysia groaned. “Wait...” Kyran then said, frowning. “How do you have an airship? Only like... royalty or super rich people can afford one...” -Nohr- Road The Faceless were a terrifying foe, but Zadkiel held his ground, the wind nearly pushing him back from the missed swing, raising his sword as he gathered his holy fire into the blade. “You will not be victorious this day!” he declared, stabbing his sword at the beast, attempting to send his holy fire burning through it from within! Meanwhile, Aiden saw another one charging at her. She let out a cry, holding her hands up, fire blasting out around her, burning through the ground to meet the Faceless's charge! -Aurelia: Many Years Ago- Gallic paused for a moment, looking at the Princess and feeling a sense of calmness he hadn't felt since... ever. “I think... it may be because of our... liveliness,” Gallic answered, producing a set of orders. “Your father is sending me and twenty armed men up into the mountains, to deal with a bandit problem. His personal bodyguard... out to deal with bandits...” Gallic frowned, “I have to leave tomorrow. I can't stop it without making a scene and having more men on me. I believe your father is going to try and have me killed.” |
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| HellAvatar | Jul 29 2017, 02:15 AM Post #119 |
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Mad Scientist / Head of Intel Division
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[Hoshido] [Tokohotsu Shrine] Hiko was the only one who didn't do some form of preparation. As Musashi donned his armor, Celest cast a few spells and Tamamo released some form of sealing technique, Hiko just... Focused. He let his ki reach out and feel the area, the corruption making him feel like his skin was crawling, and he felt more than saw the approach of the first of the shrine's now-corrupt defenders. "... You best save your questions for later, Celest-san. We have been noticed, and our watchers are far from friendly." And as he spoke, the doors of the shrine far up the stairs swung open by themselves, revealing... Skeletal forms. Skeletal warriors, walking dead that still wore the armor emblazoned with the imperial insignia, poured out of the gates like a wave steel and bone, bearing weapons ranging from spears to swords and axes. The men of the empire, their bodies empowered by the foul energies emitting from the shrine, charged down the steps, moving surprisingly quickly for being so very dead. And in mere moments, they were upon the group. Hiko let Musashi take the lead before drawing from his waist a wooden sword, and struck out at the first skeletal figure that came to him, dodging to the side to avoid the thrust of the incoming spear and making two swift strikes of wood against bone as the wooden blade struck about the skeleton's head, the force of the blows cracking the bone but not downing the dead man as it swung around again with the spear, targeting him once more... |
![]() Now becomes the the past in an instant — and everyone will eventually die! Destiny triumphs over human knowledge and goes mad! That is the way of things! I spit upon this frail, crazed, world! I spit upon the Second Law of Thermodynamics! ~ Desty Nova, Karmatron Theory Let them Label me! Let them swear and curse at me as I tug humanity like a bucking bull into the darkness of the unknown, revealing its secrets to the sane and driving them MAD! In ages long past, I shall be looked upon as a tyrant and a savior! As a savant and as a fool! My work shall advance humanity long past its time, throw it into the unknown future and force it to grow strong or FALL! Years from now, when I will inevitably be removed, my work shall continue to progress, because these things cannot be denied! Governments will publicly criticize my work, but privately conduct research that advances it! I shall imprint myself into the annals of history, among the stars that shine as brightly as Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Dmitri Mendeleev, Nikola Tesla, and countless others! My work will shine as brightly as any star, and I AM ITS CREATOR!!! ~ Desty Nova, Morality
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| GoldenSama | Jul 29 2017, 02:55 AM Post #120 |
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The Crazy One
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[Hoshido] [Tokohotsu Shrine] Tamamo had a sly smile on her face as she turned to Celest, and there was something on her face, something in her eyes. She was powerful – much more so than she looked, and a sorcerer like Celest could likely tell that even this may not have been her full power. “I am... a powerful sorceress,” Tamamo smiled, turning to Celest. She was not being entirely truthful, although it was not a complete lie either. She did not want to tell them the truth of what she REALLY was – at least not unless she had to. “I don't like to advertise it, but... it seems I will need my magic.” Then the door of the shrine burst open and more than twenty skeletons came charging out. From their armor and weapons, and the insignia on the front, Musashi knew they had been of the Imperial army. Their lives were over, and their bodies had become puppets for some darker purpose. Just the sight of it filled Musashi with sorrow – these were soldiers sworn to his family and now they had ended up like this... In a flash of steel, Musashi drew his blade and dove forward, slashing out with it with surprising speed and grace and bringing the blade down into the shoulder of the nearest skeleton. The sword pressed down and hit hard enough to snap the arm away from the shoulder, it fell and clattered to the ground with a clang. He spun and slashed, hitting the same skeleton again, this time at the left hip and hitting hard enough to send the leg bone tumbling away – causing the thing to fall and crash to the ground. Tamamo crossed her arms, slipping her hands into the sleeves on the opposite arms and then suddenly she thrust her arms out in front of her – throwing ofuda from her sleeves. One of them struck a skeleton, sticking to its chest – and suddenly there was a great burst of flames! The second hit the ground between two other skeletons and there was a blast of energy and large icicles shot from the ground, impaling the skeletal guardians! [Galdwin] [Streets] “That's simple! It's because-” Taichi started exuberantly. “Taichi!” Nanami looked especially unhappy, and this time she moved forward, stepping between her brother and these two girls. Her eyes were narrowed and she stared at him. The siblings were nearly the same height, with Taichi having only an inch over Nanami. “It's fiiiiine!” Taichi groaned. “Nanami, you really should lighten up and live a little!” He pushed past her, and gave a sweeping bow to Elysia and Kyran. “It's because I am Taichi Nomura, prince of Aurelia – and this is my sister, the Princess Nanami!” [Nohr] [Road] The sword pierced through the side of the Faceless and the flames shot out, burning into its rotten fleshy body. It roared in pain and spun around, swinging another wildly sloppy punch at Zadkiel! It seemed that although it was burning, it was still fighting! The flames sprouted up and ignited a second of the great beasts as it charged at Aiden – it roared its inhuman roar, and swung its fist at her! [Aurelia: Many Years Ago] Rin sat quietly as Gallic explained. She frowned. She had tried to be careful, but surely someone would eventually notice the Princess slipping in and out of Gallic's bedroom at hours that left little doubt as to why she was doing it. She sighed, turning away from Gallic and staring at the wall. This complicated matters. “... If there is no way out of it, then you'll simply have to do as your were Ordered. Go with the guards. Watch them. The moment you have a chance, strike – kill them all. Don't allow a single one to survive, and don't get yourself too injured.” She knew that was easier said than done. She knew Gallic was smart, powerful and capable – but her father's bodyguards were the best warriors in Aurelia. Even Gallic would have a hard time with twenty of them... “... You deal with them and by the time your return, my father will have met with a terrible accident.” There was no remorse in her voice. |
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