Shards of Twilight [Closed]

[Otaku-sama]

Paradox was shocked to see that his display was not enough to satisfy the brutish knight. Paradox had no time to move aside from the strike and his staff just barely managed to stop the great sword. Paradox cringed from the strike and jumped backwards enough to get out of the range of the knight.

 

"X, Y, Z! Defend!" Paradox shouted, summoning his orbs once again. They took control of his rapiers on his back and with suprising speed crossed themselves in front of Paradox, ready to recieve a strike.

[Guest Ixigo]

"Now we're talking." Valerian grinned, resuming his stance. He hardly seemed fazed at Paradox' skill at defending himself, though he had expected him to use his power directly for that. "But it's pointless if all you do is defend!" He leapt forward, thrusting his sword in front of him like a spear, aiming below the blades that Paradox had crossed before him. Curiously, Valerian seemed to be handling his giant sword with speed and ease even clad in full armor despite his generally nondescript physique.

 

On the other side of the room, Alicia watched impassively, while Niobe's face had darkened. Falric had half-drawn his sword from his sheath, as if he expected to have to use it soon. Indeed, this couldn't be called 'training' or 'testing'. Valerian was obviously going for the kill with each attack and apparently, he expected the opponent to do the same.

[Otaku-sama]

Paradox jumped backwards to avoid getting disembowled by the massive sword. It seemed to him that the knight was not tesing him, but trying to spill blood, who it came from didn't seem to matter.

 

"I don't understand! Killing me will accomplish nothing!" Paradox pleaded with the knight's sense of reason. Paradox jumped back more, his swords following. One of them abandoned a sword and took a shield off the wall, now blocking Paradox's lower body while the two other swords slashed at the knight's wrists in an attempt to disarm him.

[The Warden]

Deus smiled warmly and bowed again. 'Such a gracious honour is truly the blessings of the saintess herself. I gladly offer myself to such a grand position and find it a true delight. However, I will add that I am perfectly of how my powers can work in the depraved arts. For example, I could in fact have one of your guards give birth to a three metre long snake from his mouth if I tried hard enough, but such depravity is unnecessary at this current. May the saintess bless your day' he replied with another bow and left the tent via the velvet curtain. He walked to the side of the tent and returned to his knees and continuing to pray, hardly being put off by the sounds around him..

 

OOC: Just so you guys know, this is what Deus pictures the Saintess as and therefore what she'll look like if she is used as an illusion. Smexy no?

[spoiler=The Saintess]

 

[Guest Ixigo]

Valerian danced backwards, avoiding the attacks - immediately, he sought an opening to the left, once again closing in on Paradox.

 

"You idiot!" He said gleefully while stepping forward. "Kill you? I am preparing you! If you go into battle with that attitude of yours, that's where you'll die! And on the battlefield" he parried one of the swords with his own, while avoiding the other "your death may mean the death of many! I'll have you taste true combat, and if it takes your life, then so be it." His tone had now changed into a growl, as he burst forward - this time the attack came from below, a thrust aimed to sever the robe-clad figure's feet -

 

"Enough!"

 

Everyone froze. Niobe had risen from her seat, and she was glowering at Valerian - or at least she seemed to be, even though she could not see. Under her gaze, the Knight withdrew his weapon, slowly backtracking his steps until he once again was a fair distance away from Paradox.

 

"The time will come that we will have to fight." Niobe continued evenly - but hints of anger were still evident in her tone. "But if we turn ourselves into animals for that, we will only suffer for it." She then turned towards Paradox.

 

"Do not fear. No harm will befall you by the hand of any man or woman sworn to Avalon. This, I swear." It'd take a keen perceptiveness to notice that slight grimace, that tiny faltering of her voice near the end. Traitors were abundant in this world.

 

"Valerian, you will apologize for this." She demanded. The Knight, who had in the meantime regained his composure, seemed more bemused than flustered, but he bowed his head to Paradox nonetheless.

 

"My apologies. I did not mean any harm." He said, though his eyes glittered mischievously. Niobe pursed her lips. It was clear that, despite his position, Valerian often was the source of trouble within the ranks.

[Saiba Aisu]

Cyndane smiled briefly, both because she liked the idea of forcing some of her more useless and impudent guards into thinking they were vomiting serpents, and also because something had finally gone right today—the Leader would be extremely pleased once she informed him of Deus and his ability, which could very well prove instrumental in turning the tides entirely in their favor. Her black eyes flashed in a satisfied, catlike manner as she watched the priest cross the space and duck back under the curtain. Finally, she was on the right track.

 

Still, she amended, it never pays to grow overconfident. She turned to Baltimer, her Captain of the Guard, and summoned him with a imperious gesture. He hurried forward at once, sturdy and reserved, and eager to fulfill her commands. "Baltimer," she said, resting her pale face delicately on her hand in a superbly languid and disdainful pose. "From now on, permit none of the recruits to demonstrate their... abilities until otherwise instructed by me."

 

Baltimer nodded and moved his gloved hand to the hilt of his sword, which dangled downwards in its scabbard. Cyndane nodded, her intimation clear—if any of the recruits attempted to use their abilities without her permission, they were to be killed immediately, no questions asked.

 

While the Leader would indeed be furious if she was forced to cut down a few possible recruits, she supposed he would be even more livid if she were killed. With such reassuring thoughts running through her mind, Cyndane settled herself gracefully upon the thronelike seat once more and rearranged her silvery skirts, her dark-eyed gaze trained upon Baltimer's back as she sent him to fetch the next recruit, a man named Roland Sanlaine.

[Tempest Dahlia]

Alright, let me finish this damn app.

 

Username-820reborn

Name- Elisabeth Soleigami

Age-28

Gender- Female

Appearence - 5'5. 140 lb. Regular figure. Black hair, neatly combed down her back with curls at the end. Ruby red eyes. Fair complexion. An elegant, black bell-dress with the back exposed, and black heels.

Faction- Amythyst Order

Powers/abilities- The ability to manipulate wind is her main power. She can cause winds to harshly blow from seemingly nowhere, and this in turn can boost a person's momentum when they jump, collide objects/people against walls, basically anything real wind does. However, this wind has it's drawbacks: Just like ordinary wind, she cannot inflict physical damage to an object unless they hit something. Also, she can only use strong winds a limited number of times before she must recharge. These winds do not blow in a random direction: Although she can command the direction, the wind blows for a set amount of time in that direction, and she cannot change the direction until the wind stops blowing.

She can also summon Enchantments (EX- Small pumpkins, rose petals, small things like that).These enchantments are what give her wind magic it's real power. She can summon these enchantments to slice or collide with her opponent. However, these enchantments remain dormant, floating in the air until a wind picks up.

Equipment- A small black cat that follows her, it has no real importance though.

Personality- She's usually manipulative, using her beauty to get what she wants. She is also cruel and malicious. She believes many people to be beneath her but she does care for her cat.

 

 

I'll have to PM the bio though, i'm stressd for time right now but the app should be done today.

[Umbra]

"Roland Sanlaine?" Roland raised his head at the mentioning of his name. Only seconds before the guardsman cast aside the velvet draping and entered the room, he opened his eyes and dismissed the glowing lights. He would have to attend to the child later, when he had the time. The guard had a stern yet administrative look in his face, and mentally Roland put him above the others, higher in the ranks and closer to the Dark Lady. Roland looked forward to meeting lady Cyndane, this mysterious woman directly answering to the founder of the Amethyst Order. Much like the boy, she could prove a powerful ally. All that was needed was manipulation. He smiled at the guard. "Yes?"

The guard grunted at him, and in this barely audible sound Roland registered hostility. This man was both an ally and an enemy, all depending on his actions.

"The lady has summoned you. You best answer her call."

Again the hostility, much more obvious than before. Roland simply nodded, and rose from his seat. Before he had time to react - fast! - the guard had charged at him and grabbed him by the collar.

"Listen, if you value your life. I don't know what you can do, or how you do it, but if you even make the slightest attempt of using it without the lady's say-so, you won't live to tell. Do you understand, Sanlaine?"

Roland gulped, and nodded.

"I understand, captain. Unless she requests it, I will refrain from using my power."

The guard let go of him, and followed him into the audience chamber.

 

In a few moments, Roland took in the atmosphere of the chamber. A few armed men, no doubt recruits or otherwise low-ranked members, stood at one side of the room, chatting about something Roland couldn't quite make out - he heard "tiger" several times, and decided it was irrelevant. The Lady herself, a stunning composition of beauty and danger, neatly seated in a chair fit for a count - and, given the nature of the Order, possibly made for one - but even she seemed aroused. He noticed that the priest was missing, and came to a conclusion. Something had happened during the priest's audience with lady Cyndane, possibly related to a tiger. Without a word, Roland went down on one knee before Cyndane's seat.

"Lady Cyndane of the Amethyst Order, I am Roland of the Sanlaine house, and the last of my family. I wish only for the Order to prosper, and have come here to provide my services... As humble as they are."

[Naimo]

Hyena had taken her hands off Cerce and had been sat in her hyena position when Nioble had spoken to her. She said nothing, but just grinned even wider, though there was a glint of hatred and embarassment, a clue suggesting sanity and a forever burning fire, when Nioble had spoken to her. Like her expression when she had sat on her throne again, the glint had gone, and her teeth had parted slightly, as if she was about to laugh. She gave a silent cackle at the sight of Alicia looking at her during this humourless situation. She followed Cerce and Ashley out of the tent and into the arena, walking with her hind legs, her palms outstretched so as to give herself more balance, whatever part of metal that showed through her dirtied claws gleaming in the sunlight as they entered the Ring of Templars. She ignored the knights' stares, and stood with her legs apart, like a giraffe sprawling out to lower its neck and drink water. She was no longer grinning; instead she was pouting, which was her 'normal' look.

[Guest Ixigo]

As soon as they reached the ring, Rafael stood still for a second, his back facing them, before turning around. He looked into their eyes - first locking his gaze to Cerce's, then to Ashley's, and finally to the wild girl's. He shook his head slightly after he was done with each, then without a word walked into the makeshift arena, then turned to them again.

 

"This will be neither easy nor pleasant" he addressed them, "but I will have you see. See the world you've thrown your lives into." Apparently considering further explanation redundant, he placed his hand on the shoulderpads of his black armor. With swift, practiced motions, he removed them, plunging his sword into the ground, then took off his armguards and finally the breastplate, letting the pieces drop to the ground.

 

His upper body, now in plain sight, was full of the muscles one would develop if he was carrying a shield and sword clad in full armor half his life - but they would probably go unnoticed now. There were scars, many scars. Too many. Almost every bit of exposed skin was covered in some sort of closed wound, some recent, some old, some not even properly healed yet - some that would never heal. It was as if he had been cut to pieces and stitched back together. There were slash wounds, burn marks, scars from whip lashes, even pieces where it was clear something had been driven into the body. Even the most cruel of torturers would certainly be put to shame by the amount of pain the Knight must have experienced from all these wounds and still staying alive. Again, Rafael took a moment to examine the new recruits.

 

"Come at me." He said simply. "Attack me with all you have. Do not hold back for fear of killing me. In fact, it'd be better if you could kill me, for that would mean you wield sufficient power to accomplish such a goal." Standing there at ease, he seemed to literally be inviting them to strike him down.

[Saiba Aisu]

Cerce frowned at the half-clad, muscular Lord Knight, inviting them to attack him. "You can't be serious," he managed at last, tightening his grip on his staff slightly. His green eyes hardened at the sight of so many scars and marks of ill-use that were present upon Rafael's body—although they were certainly impressive, they evoked a sense of compassion in him rather than awe. Compassion and a terrible sense of regret.

 

I can only imagine the tortures he must have suffered in his service of High Lady Niobe, Cerce thought with a pang, wishing he had the skills to clear away every scar and blemish. "Sorry, Rafael," he said aloud flatly, eying the other man evenly. "But I'm not about to dedicate my skills to harming you, much less killing you." The dark-haired young man ran a hand through his bangs, taking a deep breath and thinking how all too easy it would be to hurt Rafael badly, or kill him, using his powers.

 

"I respect you tremendously for your commitment to the Crusade of Avalon," he continued, "but I cannot turn my abilities against an ally, even if it's you." The green-clad man sighed and crossed his arms, but he stood resolute, determined not to fight if he could help it.

 

===

 

OoC: Dahlia, your character seems absolutely lovely. Her personality and appearance are totally spot-on, and I'm sure the bio (whenever you PM it) will be just as good. However, we already have a character that manipulates Air (Cerce). Since one of the rules of the RP states that no two characters can have the same power, you'll have to come up with something else. Although I'm sorry, I don't think this should be overly difficult for you - you seem quite capable, and wind-manipulation never really suited her anyways.

[Enma Kozato]

as i said i would here is my revised application

USER NAME:Chase The Vampire Lord

 

NAME:Zane Kuro

 

AGE:16

 

GENDER:Male

 

APPEARANCE:

 

- HEIGHT:5'10

 

- WEIGHT:120

 

- FIGURE:Regular.

 

- HAIR COLOR:Brown.

 

- HAIR STYLE:Un-neat but not spiky or sticking up. Not very long.

 

- EYE COLOR:Blue.

 

- COMPLEXION:Pale.

 

- CLOTHING:A tattered robe and, old sandals.

 

 

FACTION / POSITION:Avalon/Recruit

 

POWERS / ABILITIES:Able to move nearby water and, quikly change its temperature.

 

STANDARD EQUIPMENT:Some form of water container always kept full and, just in case, a dagger.

 

PERSONALITY:Usually happy and hard to anger. Very intellectual. May act with certain emotions to see your reaction. In his mind he usually documents everybodies actions, speech, reactions etc. so he can predict how you will react in the future so he can use it to his advantage.

 

BIOGRAPHY:Zane was originally just a teen with a regular life. He hid his mental abilities as to appear normal. Zane was always an orphan and lived in hard conditions. He really hated his boring life. Although the day the incedent happened he dissappeared. apparently he hurt himself while he was looking for something, and fell into unconciousness. when he awoke he had his powers and a case of amnesia. he knew who he was but not about his past. when he saw what had become of the world he realized this as a chance to finally be able to make a difference so he joined Avalon.

[Saiba Aisu]

OoC: Chase, I appreciate the effort made to revise your character suitably for the RP. However, you're still missing the point and not adhering to the character sheet - I mean, you have nothing about the Ethereal Twilight in your bio! Also, your grammar and spelling are way off. Also, since the Avalon Recruitment section is over, you'll need to PM your character to either Ixigo or myself for acceptance, since we'll need to construct a scenario where he could be introduced. Finally, I would suggest you change his power. We already have an Air-manipulator (Cerce) and an Ice-manipulator (Jack), and that's quite enough elemental users for the entire story. See what you can do. For the time being, character not accepted.

 

===

 

Cyndane eyed the kneeling Roland dispassionately; despite her best efforts to consider him otherwise, the young man was... not unattractive, with flashing green eyes and an intense, hunted face with sharp angles. Unlike Abel, who had been a mere boy, or Deus, who stood poised at the edge of old age, this was someone closer to her own age... This was a man.

 

"You may rise, Roland of House Sanlaine," she said at last, proffering her gloved hand to him regally, which he took and pressed close to his mouth, although his lips never touched it—Cyndane's smile grew as she realized this last, for it meant that she was actually dealing with a descendant of some noble family, not some foolish impersonator seeking to appear more powerful than he truly was. Her dark eyes lingered upon his face slightly, then she pulled her hand away and placed it once more on the armrest of her thronelike seat.

 

"You introduce yourself quite modestly for one of such obvious prestige," she observed, tilting her pale face slightly higher, its curtains of silvery blonde hair flowing on either side, making her words both a statement and a question. There was something about this man that made her feel alive; every nerve in her body seemed electric, eager to answer the unspoken challenge of his hawk-like gaze. "As to whether your talents are humble or not, I think I will be the judge of that."

 

Lurking behind Cyndane's seat, Baltimer slid his sword half-out of its sheath slowly, his normally calm face cold as he watched the other man, alert for even the slighest signs of mischief or disobedience. She shot him a brief warning glance, then directed her attention back to Roland. "Show me," she said, her black eyes shining. "Show me your power."

[encapturer]

Ashley stared at all the scars that Rafael. She wondered how much he had to endure all his life. And then, there was this insane test that he was giving to herself, and the two other recruits with them. She glanced to the side to look at the soldiers behind Rafael, hoping to get some hint of what was going on. While she could not determine the expressions on their faces, the fact that they have not moved from their positions yet comforted her a little.

 

"Tell me one thing." Ashley said as she was unwrapping her scarf from her waist, speaking up on her own for the first time since met Rafael. "You seem intent on having us fight as if to kill you, but can normal weapons even do that to you?" It was a sincere question. She wasn't afraid that she might kill him by accident; she was fairly certain that Rafael was more skilled than she was. She just wanted to know.

 

"A simple yes or no is fine." Ashley's scarf was now held in her right hand at her waist, wrapped in a ball. She shifted her left foot back, and positioned her left hand next to her right. Her two hands were touching as if her scarf was actually a bladed weapon. Ashley was ready to attack, regardless of Rafael's response.

[Otaku-sama]

Paradox was relieved that the knight's superior intervened. The orbs still occupied the weapons, seeming to think that this was only an intermission in the fight. The knight apologized and Paradox responded:

 

"Oh no, I must apologize to you. I have done something to earn your anger and I apologize to any transgressions I may have done to you," Paradox apologized while giving a humble bow.

 

"Return!" Paradox commanded his orbs, which reluctantly left their weapons and returned to the spheres.

 

"Now, where are my friends that were just here before? Did they go somewhere else?"

[Guest Ixigo]

Though Niobe seemed to approve, Valerian brushed over Paradox' politeness quickly. "Oh, they're around." He said. "If you think you had a rough ride, wait until you see what Rafael does with them." He laughed.

 

"Rafael has taken them to the Ring of Templars, the training grounds for Avalon's soldiers." Niobe explained. "If you'd like to, you can join them - or you can withdraw to your quarters. A tent has been set up for you in the inner ring. Simply ask the captain here, and he will direct you to wherever you wish to go." She motioned at Falric, who once again had withdrawn to his corner. He stepped forward. Though his stance was casual, his eyes were wary.

 

"Just say the word, m'lord, and I'll show you around." He said. Though Paradox had never stated a noble title, Falric seemed to have developed a great deal of cautious respect for him - though that probably extended to most people with supernatural abilities.

 

=====

 

Rafael shook his head slowly. They were all like that, at first.

 

"I am serious." He stated. "And there will be a time when who you thought was your dearest ally turns out to be your mortal enemy, and in a fraction of a second, you have to decide between taking his life, and losing yours, and the lives of all the people you hold dear." Without pause, he walked over to a weapons rack next to the arena's wall, picking up a halberd with a large, flat edge.

 

"They can kill me." He addressed Ashley's question, his words a sigh. "It's just difficult." Without elaboration, he positioned himself in front of the three recruits.

 

"Now come." He commanded. Immediately, the air turned thick and stifling. It would feel like a heavy red mist that clouded judgment and reason, filling those affected with an insatiable thirst for blood. Under its effect, holding back from attacking its epicenter, which was Rafael itself, was all but impossible.

 

=====

 

OoC: Rafael's special ability allows him to induce bloodlust centered on himself. Those affected have their thoughts twisted into attacking Rafael with all their fury. This ability is not exactly targeted individually, rather, it affects a group of people - so Rafael can choose to use it only on his enemies, for example. The ability grows massively in efficiency if the target feels hostility towards Rafael. It will cloud the subjects' thoughts, making it difficult to concentrate and use their skills intelligently, thus making them more predictable and straightforward. This skill is often used defensively in order for Rafael to direct all attacks against himself, protecting his allies. However, its glaring weakness is that a target who is prepared for it can resist it relatively easily. On the other hand, without prior knowledge, it is almost impossible to avoid its influence.

 

Long story short, all three of you are now feeling strongly compelled to attack Rafael without holding back, putting all your effort into trying to kill him.

[Saiba Aisu]

Cerce caught his breath and swayed on the spot, trying to draw breath while Rafael watched impassively. He cursed in an uncharacteristically loud voice, unsure as to exactly what the Knight had done—the very Air seemed clogged and heavy with the scent of blood. A scorching flame seemed to rush through his body, and with a gasp of horror, he found himself reaching deep inside his mind, searching for the searing, howling wind that was his power. A curtain of red descended over his eyes, and his heart seemed to beat a steady tattoo, his ears roaring like a stormy sea. For the same breathless moment as always, he floundered briefly, desperate that he would never find it. Then he connected, and a burning tide of power flooded into him, bringing a fiery and alarming smile to his face.

 

Under his touch, the dry morning breeze felt liquid, pliable, eager to fulfill his violent desires. As always when manipulating Air, a hot flush of joy swept through Cerce's body, every nerve charged with intoxicating power and intent. Although he would have normally reveled briefly in it before tucking it away, this time he let the power flow through him, drinking it in and struggling to channel greater amounts of Air than he had ever done so before. Through Cerce's green eyes, the Air surrounding them shimmered like quicksilver, moving in spiraling eddies of varying speed and strength, caressing the ground, the walls, and even the humans with gentle fingers, just begging to be manipulated.

 

But something was wrong, and he registered it only dimly in his mind as he prepared the weave that would scythe forwards and kill Rafael instantly. Wait! he screamed to himself, struggling to assume control of his body. I don't want to kill him! But the cool Air which normally shone like silver now seemed tinged with red, hungry for blood, and the steady drums of bloodlust beat relentlessly at his ears. With a tremendous effort and an angry snarl, he twirled his staff like a baton and swung it, as if throwing something invisible at the other man. A thick, blunt, arching tendril of Air sped forwards, curving gracefully as it flew towards the motionless Rafael's head—although he was struggling not to kill the Knight, a solid club of Air would certainly deal more than enough damage to knock him unconscious.

[Naimo]

Hyena's lips split into another wide grin, her eyes even wider than before. Clear strands of saliva was appearing over her teeth and lips, and as she drooled, she imagined Rafael as an overgrown carcass. Suddenly she got about her usual defensive fighting style; nature was calling, who was she to object? Hyena made a break for it, running exactly like an animal would. Despite being underweight, her muscles were shimmering with strength, her figure beautifully arched during those times when neither front nor hind legs were on the ground. She ran front legs, hind legs, front legs, like a machine beating out a constant rhythm. As she ran, mud flew off her, leaving a trail of no elegance. Her now mud-free claws shone so brilliantly in the sun they were like a bloody star, bringing death alone. She reached Rafael and pounced, using every ounce of strength in the muscles of her hind legs, her claws out, ready to rip into the flesh and cling on.

[Umbra]

"As you wish, milady." Just as planned, his carefully selected words had interested lady Cyndane. He rose to his feet, and scouted the room for a good target. One of the guardsmen would have to do. That, however, would have to be saved for later.

"We are told in the holy scriptures of the past that the Lord created the heavens and the earth." He could see that Cyndane somewhat losing interest, which was reasonable enough in itself. "When the Lord looked upon the world, he saw that it was void and dark. What did he do, milady? He gave it light."

As the final word escaped his lips, he created two orbs of shining light. The two orbs, no larger than a human eye, drifted out from beneath Cyndane's throne and started to circle around her. He saw the guard that has escorted him reach for his sword.

"Have no fear, captain. This light is harmless to the fair lady."

The captain grunted at him, but relaxed. Roland focused on lady Cyndane again, and dismissed the smaller lights.

"Now, I'm sure you're thinking along the lines of 'Well, good for you, but I don't see how we can use that little light.', lady Cyndane." The lady nodded, but barely. "As such, I will show you." Now, it was time. Time to make Cyndane consider him worthy - maybe not an equal, but worthy to join the Order. He looked back at the guardsman he had decided on earlier, one of the tiger-speakers. "You, over there, with the brown eyes and dark hair." The guardsman froze, and looked at him.

"Me, you of house Sanlaine?"

Roland nodded.

"Get over here. I wouldn't want the lady to come to any harm, however temporary it may be. I suspect that neither would you." As he finished the sentence, something clicked in his mind. "I'm more of a gentleman than the priest." In an instant, the room froze. Roland could tell he had hit spot-on. The guard nodded, and walked up to him. Roland decided to go all-out: he would push himself to the edge and manifest all six lights.

"The light gives us warmth, when we sit around a fireplace in the winter. The light gives us vision, when we borrow it on torches. The light feeds us, when we rest in the sun. That is my power, milady, that is what I control." On the final word, he let loose something he called The Beacon, for an obvious reason. Without warning, the guardsman's eyes radiated an immense light casting long beams on the walls in front of him. The guard threw himself to the ground, screaming in agony and desperately clawing away at his eyes.

"It burns make it stop make it-"

Roland dismissed the orbs and the guard collapsed in a pile on the ground. At a moment's notice, the others dashed up to their fallen comrade, and eyed Sanlaine with hatred.

"At ease, guards. He will need a few hours' rest, and then he'll be as fine as ever. Had I kept it a moment longer, he would have become blind for the rest of his life." He turned back at Cyndane, who said nothing but seemed satisfied.

"Now, lady Cyndane, you have seen what I can do. You have seen the extent of my power. Do you deem me, Roland of house Sanlaine... worthy?"

[encapturer]

Ashley noted that Rafael was going to not be unarmed, but was going to use a halberd. In the end, she tied her scarf around her right arm, and unsheathed her dagger. Ashley tended to fare better in battle against a polearm wielding opponent while using her own.

 

She nodded at Rafael as he answered her question; now she was able to fight without holding back. At least that's what she thought; she still merely wanted to 'defeat' Rafael, not 'kill' him. Ashley saw the onlookers get restless out of the corner of her eye, as soon as positioned himself in front of her.

 

Ashley began to feel uneasy, as soon as Rafael urged the three to attack. It was as if that this person in front of her was a horrific monster, and needed to die. She couldn't even see whether of not the spectators thought of Rafael; the only thing in her eyes right now is the opponent in front of her.

 

Taking a step back, Ashley decided that she would decide this in one blow. Go for the kill. She placed her right hand holding the dagger in front of her and took off running. About halfway to Rafael, the dagger became enveloped in a dark mist, dissapearing from sight. The mist quickly elongated inself into a long line, before dissapating and revealing that Ashley was now holding a long spear in her hand. She now held the spear with both hands, while she closed in to stab Rafael in the chest, not even caring that the wild girl was approaching in much the same way.

[Otaku-sama]

"I guess I will go see how my friends are doing, hopefully better than me. I bid you farewell for now," Paradox said, giving a bow, then leaving the tent. His guide showed him to the arena, where he saw the two he met in the tent and another he has not. He climbed up on to the arena seats to get a better view. He saw that they were up against a single foe, who didn't even wear armour and wielded a halberd. The air in the arena started to turn red and Paradox noticed that his friends became restless, then suddenly charged.

 

"I wonder why every male knight in the camp has a deathwish..."

[Guest Ixigo]

Whistling to a happy tune, the one you'd usually hear in a tavern or inn, Victor Vance, blacksmith extraordinaire, made his way across New Antioch's shadowy alleyways. It was dangerous to traverse the darker parts of a city in times like these, even in the middle of the day, without caution, but Victor was confident. He had secured most of his belongings in an ingenious, foolproof manner that guaranteed they would never be stolen, and was now looking for the entry to the so-called Amethyst Order's headquarters. Seriously, Amethyst Order? What kind of utter moron would come up with a name like that for a secretive dark organization resting within the bowels of a corrupt metropolis?

 

Shoving that aside, the blacksmith finally located the place he had been told to visit. It was a nondescript abandoned warehouse in the middle of the slums. Conveniently enough, noone was around. But as he waited, Victor would bet someone from this "order" would, also conveniently, pop up sooner or later.

 

Then again, who would know how exactly badly-named evil organizations would welcome their guests?

 

=====

 

OoC: Leaving the rest to you.

 

=====

 

GM post

Characters involved: Otaku-sama, Saiba Aisu, Magnet, encapturer

NPC(s): Rafael

 

As unmoving as a statue, Rafael watched Avalon's three newest acquisitions as they charged at him. Noone was able to resist the maddening effect his power had the first time - though the wind-boy seemed to have held back somewhat, judging by the look on his face. The other two were going all-out, charging with their weapons - a pair of claws worn like a gauntlet, and a dagger turned into a spear. He braced himself.

 

Perhaps not unexpectedly, the pulse of air reached him faster than the other two attacks. He had gathered enough from Valerian to move, even though he couldn't see - so he took the attack on the chest. A bone-cracking impact pushed him a few feet away, though he stood his ground. He cringed from the sharp jolt of pain, but had no time to react. The monkey girl's claws slashed at him, carving two giant red lines across his chest. If he hadn't been pushed back from the air attack, they might have been enough to sever his body clean in half. But again, he barely had a second to acknowledge the strike, as the tip of the other woman's spear dug into his flesh, stabbing him right through the chest just below the heart. He grunted, blood coming out of his mouth. A generous quantity of the crimson liquid was also being flowing his wounds. But he still stood, hunched, gritting his teeth - from injuries that would have killed a normal person in seconds.

 

Suddenly his hand moved, faster than a human should be able to. A quick motion to grab Hyena's left wrist, then - again, with supernatural speed - whirled the halberd he was holding around like a quarterstaff, bringing it forward horizontally before making an unusual attack with it - the broad side of the spearhead was aimed at Hyena's chest, while the bottom end was thrust towards Ashley's stomach - both with outstanding force and precision.

 

Falric watched the whole incident carefully. "Don't worry about 'im." He said to Paradox, who seemed to be doubting Rafael's sanity as he pitted himself against three enemies at once. Indeed, it seemed his words had basis, as Rafael, despite the fact that he received two seemingly mortal injuries and an invisible blow, was launching a fierce counterattack.

 

=====

 

OoC: About Rafael's abilities: As he said, he's extremely difficult to kill. Wounds to the body will not kill him, unless they completely destroy him. They can incapacitate him, either physically by cutting off limbs, or by pain - though the latter is almost impossible, because he has an insane ability to withstand pain. He also possesses superhuman strength, speed and stamina. The reason for those features is not power gained from the Ethereal Twilight, such as his bloodlust-causing effect. I will explain what caused him to be like this later. For now, he is attacking you with non-lethal strikes with his halberd as described. Magnet, I'm leaving it up to you whether Hyena got grabbed or not. Also, Otaku-sama: the air didn't actually turn red. It was a figure of speech =/.

[Naimo]

Hyena just grinned at Rafael's attempt to grab her. She bent over, showing off her flexibility, missing his attempt. All of a sudden, it felt as if something had awakened her in her mind. She suddenly dashed away from them, yet her grin and wide eyes never changed. She didn't dash too far, just enough so she could pounce again if she had wanted to. It looked like an odd move, yet there was reason behind it. Without warning, she suddenly said, "Me, Hyena, attack you?" A short cackle sounded, then it was followed by a repeat of the phrase, before a longer laugh happened. "Oh how funny! Me, Hyena, attack you?"

 

It couldn't have been a more humourless situation, yet Hyena was laughing at the idea of her going on the offensive. She continued to laugh, her lips and teeth parting wider and wider, her eyes rolling bigger as she continued to keep up her laughter, barely stopping for air. Inside several homes, cracks were appearing on the pottery; dogs near to the Templar was winging at the irritation their ears were suffering. Yet nothing seemed able to stop the ever-laughing Hyena, who's laughter grew and grew in pitch. She fell onto her side, unable to stop herself from cracking up, her eyes shrinking in size until they were merely slits, her head facing the sky, her mouth wide open.

 

"Me, Hyena - " she cried between breaths. "Attack you?" before resuming her mad laughter. The more she laughed, the more dogs began to winge, and the wider the cracks became. By now, even people were starting to kneel down, unable to bear the sonic soundwaves Hyena was sending out through her mad laughter. Nothing seemed able to stop her now; she was on her back like an upside down dog trying to get rid of fleas, flapping her hands and feet flimsily, her eyes suddenly open again and watching the world through an upside down view.

[Saiba Aisu]

GM Post

Characters involved: Umbra

NPC(s): Cyndane

 

Cyndane's face assumed an ugly look as she watched the men lift her guard, Eridan, to his feet. At her side, Baltimer growled angrily. The man's eyes were colored a harsh red shade, and tears were leaking out of them as his comrades carried him away. She was impressed with Roland's ability—while not exactly conventional, the power to create illumination and blind opponents was quite useful. She thought wistfully of all the times she would have appreciated a small bauble of light while carrying out espionage or assassination missions, but that was quite beside the point.

 

"I said you could demonstrate your powers, Roland of House Sanlaine," she hissed quietly, her gloved hands clutching the armrests of her chairs convulsively, her black eyes livid and snapping with hatred. "I did not say you were free to molest my guards." She stood, trembling, and in a flash of silvery moment, one of her many daggers appeared at her hand. Despite her anger, her grip was steady as she pointed it at him.

 

"No one commands my guards," she continued in a terrifyingly soft tone, completely at odds with her expression. "No one dares harm them but me." Across the hallway, the men carrying Eridan paused in disbelief, and even the afflicted man muffled his sobs in shock. "They may be a passel of fools, but they are my passel of fools," she continued, tightening her grip on her dagger until her knuckles were visible through the material. At her side, Baltimer growled an affirmative. "Touch them again," Cyndane said softly, "and I will slit your worthless throat myself. The Amethyst Order has no tolerance for those who disregard authority."

 

Then her anger had quite passed, and she had sunken back gracefully to her seat. "You'd better pray that Eridan's eyesight returns, Roland," she mused, storing her dagger away and playing with a strand of her silvery hair. Her black gaze hardened suddenly. "In the meantime, you will suffer ten lashes for each hour his infirmity persists." Cyndane felt, once more, the need to break him. Did this man honestly think he could defy her so easily?

 

"You are dismissed," she ordered, gesturing away from him. One of her men scurried away, no doubt to fetch the whip.

Baltimer leaned close to her. "That was well-handled, my Lady," he said in an approving tone. Cyndane nodded slowly, suddenly tired; despite her best efforts to convince herself otherwise, she had a feeling that Roland Sanlaine was not a man who would break easily under physical punishment.

 

===

 

Cerce's eyes widened in disbelief as he watched Rafael avoid the curving mallet of air aimed at his head; how had he known how to evade it? With an angry flush and a swipe of his staff, he redirected the tendril slightly and slammed it into the other man's chest with a sickening crack. A vicious smile curved Cerce's lips as he imagined how many bones the attack might have broken or fractured. His struggles to stop attacking Rafael were growing weaker, eclipsed by his growing desire to kill the Knight.

 

Channeling more amounts of Air, he watched as Ashley and the wild girl, Hyena, swiped violently at Rafael, both of them inflicting terrible wounds. The Knight countered incredibly quickly, bringing the end of his weapon up to Ashley's stomach and lunging for Hyena's wrist. With an animalistic laugh, she sprang back flexibly, and proceeded to release shrieks of amusement which raised the hairs on Cerce's arms and the back of his neck. Her screams of laughter growing more intense, Cerce's control of Air slipped briefly as his eardrums roared in protest; around them, the stone walls of the Ring of Templars groaned at the impact of the sonic waves. He quickly wove a gag of Air around his ears, muffling the effects of the girl's sonic howls to some extent.

 

Turning back to Rafael, he spun his staff underhand and brandished it from side to side, his features locked in a fierce snarl as he sent three arching, razor-sharp waves of Air scything towards the other man, intent on tearing his body into shreds. The deadly blades of Air spiraled with an evil grace, gouging out chunks of the soft earth as they advanced.

[galesonic]

Jack walked into the camp and noticed the people walking about. He headed towards the blacksmith shop, possibly to find directions. He noticed a sign saying 'Blacksmith is out'. He scowled at the sign and walked to the town center and sat on a stump. He was thinking of who exactly he should ask that does know of the whereabouts of the Avalon camp. "Great. I'm at a loss. Probably gonna have to look for it myself...again." he said with his head down.