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Post by Ravenshadow on Apr 5, 2024 21:21:35 GMT -5
( I was too lazy to go back and edit my last post, so I just added on. Hope that’s ok :3 )
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Post by endingfairy on Apr 5, 2024 22:12:39 GMT -5
( That's absolutely okay~
And sorry if I misinterpreted Ada's answer, Dewbranch! Sorachi thought she was agreeing with Ryu! )
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Post by endingfairy on Apr 5, 2024 22:18:07 GMT -5
|| Sorachi Kišo || Pheltronan Caverns / Dew -- Sorachi's whole body was tense, taut as a bowstring ready to be released. He was ready to go even though a part of him still despaired at the direction he should take. The young onmyōji is barely even that. They were just lucky to stumble upon his aptitude for it- but the only demon he's ever had to face was his best friend, and on some (likely foolish) level he never expects Ryuzaki to be capable of actually killing him. But here and now...he could die. They could all die and although he can't say he's lived the best life, he still doesn't want to lose it. Even so, he stolidly refrains from looking back the way they'd come. As if he can ask it, and the glimpse of freedom, for another way out. But the only way out is through. ' The only way out...' Ryuzaki exhales harshly and turns to face the pair, golden eyes burning. It's only been a few seconds since Sorachi spoke but he feels the time move slowly as if they were trying to separate it from natto beans. " You are- I will lead the way. Let's hurry." He's striding toward the left tunnel with purpose and Sorachi moves to follow him but slows when a voice pipes up behind them. He winces; he'd no doubt displayed a severe lack of manners just now. His worldview must still be so narrow...but that has to change if he's going to join Felblanc. And create a team that doesn't solely involve himself and the Oni. For so long it had been just them against the world... " None of your business." Ryu snaps, voice echoing behind him as he disappears around a slanted corner. Sorachi bites his cheek and drops his hunched shoulders, seeking to make amends as he tries to soften the worried set of his features. " I'm sorry about that Miss Hendrix. Please, come with us and I'll tell you." It would certainly help. Both to settle their nerves and remind them why they're there. ><><>< || Amalareiks Arlind || Pheltronan Caverns / Ravenshadow @dewbranch -- The cambion's attention remained on the deathly still demon as he ducked into the larger cavern that her falling body revealed. Not long after they'd entered, the rest of the tunnels behind them fully collapsed. The way they'd come was blocked off, they'll have to find another route back to the more populated section of Pheltronan. Ah, yet another facet to add to his steadily lengthening report...This section's structure should have withstood the gorgon's thrashing. He'd sensed cracks in the foundations earlier but now he has cause to believe that their origins are suspect... Amalareiks grins when Zinna makes an effort to keep up their charade, casually placing himself between her and the downed gorgon. Ah, right. He's meant to be playing a part~ " Hello, Person With Whom I Have No Affiliation~ You may call me Rex. It's been a pleasure~" And because his timing is phenomenal, the gorgon chooses that exact moment to make her move. The last syllable is hardly out of his mouth before the demon lurches to life to simultaneously seize Onyx and slam him into the far wall with a lightning-quick lash of her tail. Rex crosses his arms and directs the cloak of his aura into them but the force still winds him. For the second time that day, his body forms a crater in the rock walls. Through the ringing in his ears, he can hear a sibilant, " Why?! Why should I release you!? Would you have let me go free? You would have killed me! Without a second thought! Like I'm no more than an animal!" The gorgon's voice breaks on the word, and she viciously shakes the cambion in her grasp. " Look at me! Look me in the eyes and tell me you would have let me live if our positions were reversed!" Amalareiks drops from the wall with a harsh exhale, turning his head to spit violet blood onto the uneven ground. He had been watching the would-be Azure to see how she would respond but it looks like he'll have to get serious now. " Haah, well. They did pretty well with what they had~" He adjusts the fall of his cloak and raises gloved hands, calling on the weapons that are strapped to his hips. They glide into place as he starts toward the gorgon. First a trot, and then a sprint. She turns her fiery orange gaze toward him but he's honing In on her captive, both chakrams spinning toward her scaled wrists. The gorgon moves Onyx into the path of the blades but Rex adjusts their trajectory just in time, sliding outstretched fingers to the side so that they just miss her neck. He doesn't need assisstance on this, but he calls out to Zinna anyway. " Focus on freeing her!" |
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Post by endingfairy on Apr 5, 2024 22:24:52 GMT -5
( In case there was confusion- This is Sorachi. Zhilan has pink hair. This is Ryu. And Rex actually has greenish hair! They're like half a rainbow lol )
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Post by Ravenshadow on Apr 6, 2024 11:04:32 GMT -5
Onyx POV | endingfairy Dew
The gorgon was off the ground now and Onyx felt the claws tighten around her midriff. Her leather wings suddenly burst into pain as the gorgon tore through them to get to the other side. Barely conscious from the pain, she could hear the she-demon screeching at her. Good lord. I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD. But then she said something about looking her in the eyes... Oh no. You're not gonna get me that easy! There ain't no way that I'm getting turned into a statue on my first day. And the least I can do is prevent the others from the same fate.
“I…” Onyx coughed from the squeezing. “-I would still kill you. If you were too busy wallowing in your own self pity to notice, I TRIED TO PUT YOU OUT OF YOUR GODDAMN MISERY.” Fury was welling up in Onyx now. Who in the hell did this creature think she was? Another hard squeeze happened and Onyx felt something crack, followed by a sear of red hot pain. “And now you have the audacity to debate my life while you hold me at the brink! My answer,” she winced, “-stays the same. But next time, I wouldn’t pity you and I would let you die twitching on the floor in pain. In fact, I would feel no remorse and sit and watch you suffer and die; with pleasure.”
Blades went whooshing past her ear as the gorgon swung around and tried to use Onyx as a freaking shield! But this was her chance while the gorgon was distracted with the knives around her. Grabbing a rope of darkness, she pulled it to the demon and wrapped it around the eyes like a blindfold. "She's blinded!" She yelled weakly but somehow she knew that her shout probably couldn't be heard through all the noise.
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Post by Dew on Apr 7, 2024 16:58:21 GMT -5
| Zinna Heartbrook | Pheltronan Caverns (endingfairy , Ravenshadow )
Zinna rolled her eyes at Rex's obvious fake introduction, She opened her mouth to answer, but at that time the Gorgon decided to grab Onyx, and knock Rex into the cavern wall behind them. He was lucky he had his aura skills to stop him from getting too severely hurt. Zinna turned around, staring at Onyx as she kicked desperately at the gorgon. She drew her sword, but she wasn't sure if she would be able to get close enough to the gorgon without her eyes open without getting grabbed, and/or killed.
What are they doing releasing a gorgon in the cave? Aren't they worried someone is going to get killed? Again that day, she cursed under her breath. It seemed to be becoming a habit. Rex sent his blades in the gorgon's direction, but the gorgon grabbed Onyx and put her in the way, and Rex had to quickly change the direction of his blades so it wouldn't kill the cambion.
"Focus on freeing her!" Rex yelled, and Zinna finally closed her eyes, raising her sword, but she wasn't sure what she was going to do with it. Zinna moved to the side of the cavern, putting her hand against the rough rock. She used her ears to pinpoint the location of the gorgon, the angry hissing coming slightly to her right. "Onyx, make a lot of noise so we-I know where you are" Zinna instructed, remembering that even with his eyes closed, Rex could locate Onyx's aura, so he wouldn't need to worry about accidentally killing the young cambion.
| Ada Hendrix | Pheltronan Caverns (@/endingfairy)
Ada followed the brisk pace that Ryuzaki set, and even though they might be around the same age, the two other boys were faster than her. She still managed to keep pace with them, maybe just falling behind slightly. As Ryuzaki turned the corner, Sorachi dropped back to match her pace.
"I'm sorry about that Miss Hendrix. Please, come with us and I'll tell you." Sorachi said. "Oh no, its okay. I don't need to know. And please, call me Ada" She said, opening and closing her palms. Even though she did want to know, Ada didn't want to invade on their privacy. It wasn't like she knew them that well, or even what they could do. I should probably ask, but I don't want to sound intrusive... "What can you do?" Ada blurted, pursing her lips afterwards. I really hope that didn't sound rude.
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Post by Ravenshadow on Apr 7, 2024 18:30:53 GMT -5
Onyx | Dew endingfairyFaintly through the chaos Onyx heard Zinna yell. “Make noise so I know where you are!” Onyx’s chest heaved with pain and she was pretty sure the gorgon had cracked one of her ribs, but she started kicking the wall with her hooves which made a distinctive clacking noise. “Over here! I covered the gorgon’s eyes so she can’t turn you to st-“ she was cut off by another squeeze by the gorgon. Good lord. She’s gonna kill me!Another flash of pain rippled through her and she let out a cry of pain. Alright. That’s enough you b***h. Squeeze me again I dare you. The next time the demon tried to squash her, she bit down hard on the scales and she felt her fangs break skin and sour blood filled her mouth. Yuck. I like sour but this tastes like pickles and iron. The demon dropped her with a scream of rage and Onyx fell to the floor and started dragging herself away. “I’m,” her breath was ragged but she saw Zinna pretty close to her, “-over here. I bit the damned thing and she let me go.” |
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Post by endingfairy on Apr 7, 2024 22:22:06 GMT -5
|| Sorachi Kišo || Pheltronan Caverns / Dew --
The stale air grows colder as they walk. Sorachi's skin prickles, fine hairs raising as if they're walking into a storm. He wraps his arms around himself with a worried glance toward Ryuzaki's broad back but the cambion doesn't seem to be reacting. Not outwardly, at least. The white-knuckled grip on the strap of his bag tightens further.
"It-it's no trouble. Just...the reason we came here." He fights to keep his voice even. "Ryu wants to help people. Ah- despite how he...seems." The Oni rarely manages a decent first introduction. He'd insulted Sorachi on their first meeting and then nearly killed someone on their second. When the witch suggests a more casual method of address Sorachi's eyes widen slightly. "Ah, of course." Ada-san, then. "So..." He speaks into the relative silence. "May I ask why you chose Felblanc?" But his words coincide with hers, another question that causes her to look slightly distressed. His smile is almost wry. He can sympathize with that. Even trying to couch his words to be as careful and polite as possible, he still often feels as if he's just blurting them out.
Sorachi turns his gaze ahead of them, feeling his face warm as he tries to sort out how to explain his abilities. He...isn't fond of talking about himself and his skills aren't very impressive. "I am an onmyōji in training. Ah, um...I can cast spells through chants, ofuda, and hand seals. You saw my ofuda earlier- it is a slip of paper upon which I inscribe a spell. There is a wide variety of ways to use them...but at present I can only use those in regard to purification, sealing, and the creation of shikigami." That may be an unfamiliar term- "Oh, a shikigami is like a familiar. I am not strong enough to create my own, so I use Ryu." He colors, "He volunteers! I don't just...order him around." Sorachi laughs weakly. "I'm sure you can imagine that ordering him around is quite difficult."
"And you- I heard that you're a healer? That's a wonderful ability! My purification can only heal magical injuries and ailments- thank you for joining us!" He smiles brightly and dips his head toward her. "We're in your care, Miss Ada! How-"
He doesn't get to finish, because the tunnel finally opens up into another cavern and even though his eyes had been on the witch, Sorachi immediately knows that something is wrong. He can both smell and taste blood. It's so thick in the air.
His body stiffens even as his legs move forward without his really willing them to do so. Ryuzaki has come to a halt but is so tense that he's vibrating with the effort it takes to remain still. Slowly, dread pooling in his blessedly empty gut, Sorachi creeps up beside him and stares into a scene from a horror movie.
Five bodies, not all of them intact, are strewn about the crimson-soaked ground like scattered toys. The cavern dips in the center, causing all of the blood to drain over the pebbled ground and into the bottom like some macabre goblet. The glowing rocks set high in the walls are flickering wildly, washing everything in sickly shades of green. Sorachi presses a shaking hand to his mouth, fighting not to retch.
He wants to turn away- some animal part of him demanding that he run- but then a weak cough seizes all of his panic like a vice. Sorachi's wild eyes search the...bloodbath until he finds a body that is struggling to drag itself forward. He's never...treated anyone in such a horrific state but he stumbles toward them all the same, ignoring Ryuzaki's sharp call of his name. The young onmyōji falls to his knees in a puddle of blood, lifting shaking hands to turn the person over when movement in his periphery causes him to flinch and look up.
He'd been so stricken by the sight that he didn't even notice the- other- facets that are wrong with the scene until one of them moves.
It's a deer. A stag, to be exact. And it's just...standing there. Nose to the ground as it snuffles around a torn arm as if looking for something to graze on. Sorachi just stares for a moment, sluggish mind attempting to puzzle out why this is not right- but then it lifts its head and turns its black gaze on him and the eyes are set in its face. Forward facing. Like a predator. ><><><
|| Amalareiks Arlind || Pheltronan Caverns / Ravenshadow --
Hm, he didn't know what he was expecting, but that was the exact worse response she could have given. In this sitaution, in any case. At least now he has something more to grade her on~ If she makes it out alive, that is. And she will. Onyx is a li'l fighter, and despite her injuries from being repeatedly targeted, she still has the presence of mind to think of others and work as a team. She'd make a fine addition to Felblanc~ Pity she'll likely be placed in Basilisk.
Amalareiks considers this as he weaves around the gorgon's lightning-fast strikes. There are a few glancing blows (he allows for brief contact in order to sap her energy) and moves into a forward roll that takes him away from another sweep of her tail. He comes up skidding, wincing at the wear put on his perfectly tailored pants. His opponent is wisely not making any efforts to bring her upper body close to him and seems to be using Onyx as a hostage. At least up until-
"What makes you think you have any right to kill me?! You think they'll care about you? You think those humans will accept you if you kill enough of your kind?! Pathetic! Let me put you out of your misery!" Another squeeze as she brings the cambion up to her mouth. Yikes. She's big enough to bite her in half- but Onyx manages to bite clean through her scales and is dropped reflexively. Rex doesn't have time to catch her- he'd been using his chakrams as mid-air stepping stones to reach the demon's face before she could be eaten- brows arching with amusement as she drops somewhere behind him. Ah, well. She'll be fine~
Even with eyes covered, the gorgon's aim is true. She near smacks him out of the air but he flips over her claws and spins into a roundhouse on her temple. Her entire upper body swings right and he follows up with another kick from the opposite steel-covered heel to drop her completely. She screams in pain and anger as she falls; gravity takes him with her. Rex summons his chakrams and brings them down with a sweep of his arm, sending the blades spinning into her throat and clean through her neck, cutting off a choked scream that fast becomes a gurgle. The asps on her head snap at him weakly as her head rolls away, and he lands lightly on her chest.
Amalareiks exhales in a sigh, returning his chakrams to his hips and hopping off. He'd done well with conservation; his aura is bright enough for the aftermath. But first he finds the gorgon's face to close her eyes- his looking off to the side- before retrieving a small dagger from the belt at his waist. He throws it so that it sinks into the rock by her nose. The cambion spares another moment to acknowledge the loss of her life- another notch on his belt. More red in his legder. She seemed genuine but with other lives at stake, he wasn't at liberty to parley. When he steps back the dagger's exorcism spell goes into effect, 'purifying' her body. "Be at peace." As much as can be found in hell.
At the very least, Amalareiks won't let them plunder her for parts. Not this one, at least.
Moment of silence over, he turns back to the matter at hand.
"Looks like there's been a change of plans." Mostly delivered under his breath. He'd intended to support the pair in killing the gorgon before heading on his merry way, but Onyx is too injured for that. He supposes he could leave her with Zinna, this is technically below his purview...but the least he could do is guide them closer to the entrance, where they'd have more people to watch their backs. And...the mirror in his breast pocket has been rattling for fifteen minutes now- he's needed elsewhere.
Amalareiks slips it out as he walks toward them, Ymir's frazzled visage appearing in the foggy glass. "Where are you?! We have an infestation of-" Her voice is tinny but it carries.
"I'll be there." He arches his brows and tilts his head, indicating that he's in mixed company.
"Fine." She huffs. "Hurry it up. We don't have time for you to make new friends!"
"I am your superior." He teases in a false affronted tone. "I can have a damn tea party right here and now if I so desire~"
Ymir predictably snarls something that may be a general curse on his ancestors before violently ending the spell. That or she was too distracted to continue it. He heard the distinct sound of combat in the background. Still smiling, Rex returns the mirror to the pocket underneath his cloak and comes to kneel before Onyx. Zinna has regrouped as well, and he gives her an approving nod. A gorgon may not have been the best matchup for her, but she displayed the traits Felblanc worked to foster in its students. Duty and camaraderie among them. Rex hasn't had much opportunity to get to know the Amber student, she always seemed a bit stiff when interacting with him- but he knows that her passion just runs deep. She'd make an excellent Hound in another year or two~
"Thank you for looking after her, Zinna." The charade is up~ It usually ends when a student is in danger of dying or requires medical attention. The Entrance Exam speech isn't an exaggeration, but Felblanc as a rule works to (secretly) keep unnecessary deaths to a minimum, hence flooding the caverns with more experienced students and covert Cicerone. Today just appears to be the exception to the rule...
Rex tugs off his gloves with his teeth and folds them over a knee, turning to Onyx.
"I can take away the pain and help you heal faster, but I need to make physical contact with your skin to do so." It's not quite a question but he tilts his head to indicate that he's waiting for permission. |
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Post by endingfairy on Apr 7, 2024 22:23:05 GMT -5
( Sorry they're so long! I'm trying to provide necessary information and move things forward ^^" )
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Post by Ravenshadow on Apr 8, 2024 8:59:01 GMT -5
(No actually I have tons of fun reading through them, it’s like reading a new chapter of a good book lol <3)
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Post by Ravenshadow on Apr 8, 2024 9:32:20 GMT -5
Onyx | endingfairy "Good god. I swear if that thing comes to life one more time, I'm going to have to saute up the remains with mushrooms and feed it to a hellhound!" Onyx watched as the older student killed the gorgon and then 'purified' it by preforming an exrocism. I suppose if I get out of these caves I'll be doing that as well. But I'll need a blade that can actually cut through demon flesh.She had heard him introduce himself to Zinna as 'Rex' earlier. And when he was about to come over to say something, a mirror started rattling and he had to take it out and talk into it. When he was done with the conversation, he came over to Onyx and knelled knelt down next to her. Instinctively she scooted away, her tail and wings dragging on the floor next to her as she moved so that there was a solid three feet of distance between them. Her eyes remained their usual stony expression though when you looked hard enough there was a small glint of fear deep inside. "Look, I'm sure you're just trying to help, to which I'm grateful. But I have a different way of healing, and magic that usually has to do with light or life doesn't do very much for me. Let me put a protective layer on so it doesn't damage me more, ok?" Yeah, like light and life magic will melt my skin like ice cream on a hot day if I don't have a layer of dark underneath. She hoped that he would let her demonstrate first before insisting on healing her. Taking her hand, she took a handful of shadows and felt the familiar cooling touch of them against her skin. Her chest heaved a sigh of relief as she dropped them on top of the broken and painful parts and watched as it seeped into them. Already she could feel the bones mending and the pain fading but she nodded at Rex. "My magic usually takes up to half a week to heal me, so if you have something that will make it heal faster go ahead." |
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Post by Dew on Apr 8, 2024 19:52:57 GMT -5
| Zinna Heartbrook | Pheltronan Caverns (endingfairy,Ravenshadow)
Zinna heard the thump! as Onyx managed to get out of the gorgon's grip, and made her way over to the younger cambion. Zinna grabbed Onyx's wrist, feeling (and smelling) the sticky scent of blood on Onyx's skin. Her grip was tight, and Zinna breathes came out in short gasps. This was way above my grade level. Zinna was lucky she had come out unscachted so far, and that the gorgon hadn't found her very interesting. A few moments later, Rex had managed to finish off the gorgon. Hopefully for real this time.
Zinna had long noticed that Rex didn't seem to be 'acting' his part, and their skill level, plus having blades that could kill the gorgon, meant that unless Onyx hadn't been paying attention, she probably knew that they were here to protect the students taking the exam. She wouldn't bring it up till the combion asked though. Zinna was not going to give herself up like that.
Rex had a quick conversation with whoever he was talking to in the his mirror, then turned and offered to heal Onyx. The cambion was unsure, expressing her power of darkness, and how light and life didn't really work on her. Zinna looked down and her hands, thinking of her own power. Well, it seems me and Onyx are very different. "Hm. It seems the two of us are very different, eh?" She half-joked, although it didn't seem the time.
| Ada Hendrix | Pheltronan Caverns (@/endingfairy)
Ada smiled at Sorachi's friendliness, finding him easy to talk to. Usually she just stayed silent when she stumbled into others, maybe giving them a shy smile or a quick "Sorry!" as she scurried away. "May I ask why you chose Felblanc?" Sorachi asked, at the same time Ada had asked what he could do. Ada pondered over this question as he told her about his magic. "That seems interesting!" Ada commented. Why did she chose to go to Felblanc? Well, I guess I got tired of my little town, and wanted to help others more than just healing small cuts at the clinic. As Sorachi was about to go on, the thick smell of blood swamped them as the trio entered the cave.
I have never seen anything like this before. It made her want to be sick, and her eyes watered. Ada suddenly went pale, glancing around the cave around them. Why couldn't we have gone through another cave? She swayed slightly, but managed to stay upright. Most of the bodies in the cave were dead, but one gave a sudden jerk, showing that whoever it was - was alive. Sorachi rushed forward, and she winces as the blood socks into Sorachi's pants. Ada stayed behind Ryuzaki, not sure if she would even be able to take another step. But what if that person needs me? Ada took a tentative step forward, but stopped dead as she saw the stag.
It was staring down at Sorachi, a hungry gleam in its eyes. Ada took a step back. The words she wanted to say stopped in her throat. She wanted to scream, she wanted to tell Sorachi to run, that this was not a good thing. Ada wanted to run herself, but she stood there, paralyzed with fear. And I'm defenceless. I have nothing to fight it with. She should have brought a dagger or knife or something. The only thing she had brought with her, was a vial, not too small, filled with water. If she needed it. Honestly, she had thought she hadn't had needed it. Ha! I thought this would be a type of written exam. "What-what do we do?" Ada said, barely a whisper. She didn't even know if Sorachi would have heard her. Instinctively, Ada started to rub her wrists again, a bead of sweat starting to drip down the back of her neck.
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Post by endingfairy on Apr 9, 2024 20:19:27 GMT -5
( I'll try to write later tonight! )
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Post by Ravenshadow on Apr 9, 2024 21:38:53 GMT -5
Onyx | Dew endingfairyShe gave a small chuckle at Zinna’s quip, but inside she shivered a bit. ‘Yeah, you don’t even have to be particularly strong with solar magic to wipe me out with ease.’ “I uh… I guess so.” While she attempted to give a weak smile, Onyx could tell that she hadn’t really hidden her fear well. To try to distract her she asked quickly, “What does working with solar magic feel like? At least for me, working with darkness has a specific feeling. It’s like pulling on massive strings and dipping your hands into pools of icy water. When I’m in a bright place, or somewhere where these isn’t many shadows, I feel empty like there’s a giant void where my magic could be. But in a place like this,” she gestured around at the dark and cool surroundings, “-I feel strong and my magic is more powerful. Nighttime is the best.” Her eyes closed as she thought of the many nights she had spend sitting up in a tree staring at the stars or moon, and feeling the comforting pull of the dark. But almost as soon as she did, they shot open again. ‘Can’t let yourself drift like that. They may seem nice, but you can’t let your guard down.’ “I hate the sun and really anything bright although bright people I can tolerate better. I’m probably going to be useless at exorcisms because I have no power in light. But I suppose that just means I’ll have to train harder in combat skills.” |
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Post by endingfairy on Apr 11, 2024 1:17:27 GMT -5
|| Sorachi Kišo || Pheltronan Caverns / Dew -- For several terrifying moments, Sorachi was frozen with fear. It wasn't the first time. He'd been helpless when Ryuzaki's eyes had first turrned predatory. He was easily shoved off the slide when Tanaka intimidated him into leaving the playground. He couldn't even defend his little sister when the other girls were making her cry. It seems his entire life was characterized by freezing when it mattered most. Being utterly useless- a small figure in the corner of your eye that was easily dismissed. Look at him directly and you render him immobile.
'Again... It's happening again.'
All of that 'training'...but he's still the same on the inside, isn't he?
His fingers are cramping with how hard he's clutching the ruined tatters of the witch's bloody shirt. His folded legs are cold and numb. Sapphire eyes wide and blurring with tears as he stares into the fathomless black gaze of that...thing. It did this. He knows it. Somehow. Slowly, lopsided, his brain trundles along a track of logic. Even staring death in the face, it flips through the mental compendium of demon knowledge that he's been supplied with and comes up empty. There is nothing he knows of that matches its description. It's going to kill him and he doesn't-
With the pounding of his heart and rasp of his labored breath so loud in his ears, Sorachi hadn't realized how quiet it's been until Miss Ada speaks. The deer...creature takes this as its cue to move toward him. It moves awkwardly and painfully. Stumbling on knobby too-long legs with an unsettling sway to its bloody neck. Under the flickering of the greenish lights, he finally notes the dark blood that coats its face and formerly white throat. Horror bids he doesn't look away, but behind it, almost in his periphery, he sees Ryuzaki moving. The seconds had stretched like hours but the cambion hadn't been idle. More deer had trundled out of the shadows and were ambling toward him, his friend shifting to the side of the cave to draw their attention. When the first deer gets within five feet of Sorachi however, Ryu comes flying past with a falcon kick to the head that sends it into the far wall with a crash.
"What in the hells are they?!"
"I do-don't k-know!" Sorachi finally takes a breath, head snapping up and away to see that the Oni is holding Ada under his arm like a football. He must have scooped her up so as not to leave her alone.
He deposits her at Sorachi's side, fangs bared in a silent snarl as he drops to a knee before them, breathing hard. Even without seeing his face, the onmyōji knows that the bloodshed and promise of violence must be getting to him. If...if only he could unstick his bloody hands- he could create a sutra or a talisman or something- but he also needs to help the girl dying in his arms- her breathing's getting fainter and her bloodshot eyes are rolling...
The not-deer Ryu had assaulted should have been pulverized (Sora has seen what his kicks do to trees) but it merely peels itself away from the stone wall and rights itself, utterly unharmed and unfazed. Slowly, awkwardly, the others move toward them. They walk as if they're still unused to their bodies. Antlered heads flop as if they're too heavy for their necks but no matter which way they bend, their cold empty eyes remain unerringly fixed on the trio.
Suddenly, a shattered hand grips his. Lank blonde hair sways as the witch forces her head upward and meets Sorachi's terrified gaze. "A-as yourrr sssenior....I-I or-derr y-ou t'run. L-lea-me..."
"Not a chance!" Ryuzaki snaps, staggering to his feet and planting them. They're close to the edge of the basin, and he draws a line in blood with the toe of his boot. "You're no senior of mine so I don't have to listen to you. Try again after I bring you back alive. Sora!"
His spine practically creaks with how stiff it's become. "Y-yes?!"
"You have water in your bag, don't you? Give it to Hendrix. We need that witch healed enough to move her. And don't move from behind me, understand? They're not getting pa-"
He's cut off with a wet grunt of pain. The sequence of events had happened so quickly Sorachi could barely keep up. The thermos of water had barely exchanged hands when the first not-deer was suddenly. In front of them. One moment it was ambling over the pebbled floor and the next its jagged antlers were embedded in Ryuzaki's chest. They didn't pierce all the way through but he was stuck enough that it could lift him like a trophy. And that it did- until his legs scissored around its neck and he brought it down with a twist. Ryu snaps its neck and rolls away, returning to his place behind the crimson line with a muttered swear when it just scrambles back up on its hooves.
"Ha! Hahaha! I can do this all day! I absolutely can! But you two hurry up back there anyway! I'm getting hungry!"
Ryuzaki threw his head back with his laugh, not sounding pained in the least despite the black liquid oozing from punctures in his chest and dripping down his chin. His head snaps down, golden eyes aglow as he knuckles away the blood trailing from his bright smile. "Come on, then~! All together now and you might be able to do more than tickle me!"
'Just one 'tickled' your lungs just fine!' Sorachi prays that the not-deer don't actually understand them. But it's with a renewed sense of purpose that he turns to Miss Ada, carefully laying the head of the weakly protesting witch in his lap. "Is that enough water? She's lost a l-leg and was gored pretty badly...if you can stop the bleeding in her...abdomen. I'll see what I can do for her leg."
The witch looks to be older and taller than they are. He doesn't know how they'll carry her out of here without Ryu's help- but. 'One problem at a time.'
><><><
|| Amalareiks Arlind || Pheltronan Caverns / Ravenshadow --
He remains in place when the other cambion scoots back, hands still held out and palm up, tail flicking behind him idly. It'd make sense for her to be wary after witnessing the gorgon's exorcism, though he wonders if she'd been fortunate enough that this is her first time seeing one. Cambions are usually hunted down when indentified. He watches the display of her elemental ability with interest, sharp eyes trailing over her injuries as the color of her aura changes like paint being diffused into water. "Fortunately, you have me." The cambion lazily gestures at the horns that spiral from his temples. "We're cambions. Incapable of using 'light' or 'life', or magic if we wanted to. I can work with what you already have, whatever that may be-" In a display of his own, Rex extends a hand and waves his fingers, briefly making her aura visible to the pair before him. "-and make it stronger. This of course includes your natural ability to heal, and the potency of your affinity for darkness." His tone remains warm and conversational- he often has cause to explain his ability when meeting new students because they don't expect him to be such a solid support-combatant. Amalareiks was originally placed in Basilisk until he argued his case well enough to make a transfer. Many of the magic-users in Amarok hated him for it and he had to sleep during the day to avoid being vulnerable at night- but it was worth it~
Rex casually moved closer to Onyx as she spoke with Zinna (he really needs to get moving) but he's pleased that Zinna managed to help her relax and open up more. "You saw the dagger I used earlier, yes? Cambions are given exorcism tools to make up for the lack. You're right about needing to work on combat, however~ I trust you haven't tapped out yet?" He smiles at her before catching Zinna's eye, brows arching. He doesn't know how much of his conversation she heard but she's likely clued in to the fact that he can't stay with them. Signifiers and Hounds are ever-roving during Exams like these. They usually don't stay with one student for long. Funny that they commented on the 'odd' pair they make. They'll be keeping each other's company for a while yet~ |
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Post by endingfairy on Apr 11, 2024 1:26:30 GMT -5
( So I was considering making Zinna Ada's temporary teammate along with another of my characters? Or we could do Onyx-Ada/Zinna-New Character and have the boys form their own team with an empty space for a while? they're like stray kittens you adopt together Do Not Separate
I was thinking maybe Zinna's original Cicerone and teammates mysteriously disappeared on a mission (for plot purposes) and because a lot of people died during and after the exam, she's placed on a team with Azures because of space issues. I imagine it's also not uncommon to mix Azures with Ambers because they're not too far apart.
What do you guys think? Because each team needs an Amarok, a Kirin, and a Basilisk. It's RPG rules lol A healer, support, and damage dealer.
Regardless, I'm going to steer Zinna & Onyx toward Ada and the boys and introduce my new character then. )
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Post by endingfairy on Apr 11, 2024 1:28:56 GMT -5
(No actually I have tons of fun reading through them, it’s like reading a new chapter of a good book lol <3) ( Thank you so much!! <3 I'm really happy that you think so! ;a; I also enjoy reading you guys' posts and learning more about your characters! I really like them both~ ) |
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Post by Dew on Apr 11, 2024 16:19:50 GMT -5
| Zinna Heartbrook | Pheltronan Caverns (endingfairy , Ravenshadow )
Zinna thought. She didn't want to demonstrate, because she didn't want to weaken Onyx healing herself. "I guess I it feels warmer" She said. Rex gave her a look, and Zinna knew he had to go soon. She hadn't been called anywhere, and Onyx couldn't be left on her own in her current condition. Zinna herself was lucky she was pretty much unharmed. As of now, all she had was a few scrapes from her battle with the gorgon, plus maybe from the falling rubble. "And I wouldn't really consider it 'solar magic'. I would say it's more fire manipulation" Zinna explained.
Really, she didn't know how long it had been since the exam had started, but since Rex was leaving they would have to get a move on, maybe find another hopeful to be apart of their team of two. Really, all she was focused on was getting out alive. Really, no one is supposed to die. In fact, her exam hadn't been nearly as hard, and there certainly had been no gorgons. "When your done we should keep going" Zinna said. She had heard part of the exchange between Rex and Onyx, but really she had been too caught up in her own thoughts to really worry out it. "Rex where are you going to go? Who needs help?" She asked. Zinna wasn't sure if Onyx knew that the other cambion needed to go, but this made it very clear, it also stated; he has to go so we need to get a move on as well. At least that was what she was saying under her words.
| Ada Hendrix | Pheltronan Caverns (endingfairy)
Ada lets out a yelp as Ryuzaki grabbed her, and carried her over to where Sorachi was kneeling, and he dropped her down next to him. Ryuzaki started yelling out commands, turning to face the stag. Which, at the moment, seemed to me multiplying into millions of stags. Not really millions, but lots. Ada winced as one of the stags but its antlers into Ryuzaki, and Ada fumbled with the thermos for a second. She didn't bother telling them that she had her own, because that wasn't important right now. Ada poured a little bit of the water on her hands, then dumped some on her head. There was still about half left. Usually, she was more careful, but she wanted to make sure she soaked it all up now.
Ada winced again as Ryuzaki taunted the stags, then turned to Sorachi who was talking to her. "Yes, it's more than enough. Got it" She said planting her hands on the girls stomach. She closed her eyes, and focused her energy on her hands, and her magic flowed into the wounded girl underneath her. She had never healed a wound this big before, so she had to remember to keep your concentration! The power in her hands faltered for a moment, and she knew that they would be flickering. In her old village, when she had used her magic, her hands had let out a faint yellowish glow.
After a few more seconds of concentrating, Ada pecked open her eyes, sighing with relief as she saw it was mostly healed. But already, she was starting to lose energy. "That-that is all I can do for now. How is the leg going?" She asked. Ada reached for the thermos again, taking a sip this time. Her parched tongue seemed to soak it up, and it took a few gulps to feel normal again. Adas tried to block out the noise of Ryuzaki's fight with the stags, and instead focused herself on Sorachi and the girl instead. "How is that? I can help with the leg if you want"
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Post by endingfairy on Apr 11, 2024 20:55:59 GMT -5
( Dew What do you think about the team situation I mentioned? I don't want to change anything without your opinions! ) |
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Post by Dew on Apr 11, 2024 21:00:00 GMT -5
(for the exam and the cells or just the cells? I'm good with either- just wanted to clarify)
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Post by Dew on Apr 11, 2024 21:10:21 GMT -5
(and endingfairy - no idea if this helps or not but I'm good with any pairing. Although I do agree that Sorachi and Ryuzaki should stay together) |
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Post by endingfairy on Apr 11, 2024 22:31:00 GMT -5
( Oh sorry, I meant the Cells! Okay thanks, I'll see what Ravenshadow thinks! ^^
If they were to split up they'd immediately get lost lol yay trauma bonding!)
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Post by Ravenshadow on Apr 11, 2024 22:52:44 GMT -5
( So I was considering making Zinna Ada's temporary teammate along with another of my characters? Or we could do Onyx-Ada/Zinna-New Character and have the boys form their own team with an empty space for a while? they're like stray kittens you adopt together Do Not SeparateI was thinking maybe Zinna's original Cicerone and teammates mysteriously disappeared on a mission (for plot purposes) and because a lot of people died during and after the exam, she's placed on a team with Azures because of space issues. I imagine it's also not uncommon to mix Azures with Ambers because they're not too far apart. What do you guys think? Because each team needs an Amarok, a Kirin, and a Basilisk. It's RPG rules lol A healer, support, and damage dealer. Regardless, I'm going to steer Zinna & Onyx toward Ada and the boys and introduce my new character then. ) (Sounds good to me!) |
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Post by endingfairy on Apr 11, 2024 23:31:24 GMT -5
( Which one? Onyx being on Ada's team or Sora & Ryu's? To clarify, I was considering:
Ada-Onyx-Amarok + Zinna(?)
or
Onyx-Sora-Ryu
Zinna-Ada-Basilisk )
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Post by Ravenshadow on Apr 12, 2024 9:47:13 GMT -5
( Onyx-Sora-Ryu-Zonna-Ada-Basilisk if i read it correctly )
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Post by endingfairy on Apr 12, 2024 13:22:04 GMT -5
( Okay so Onyx is with the boys then! That'd make sense if she's worried about friendly fire (pun not intended) lol
I'll write after you so I can answer both replies at once! ^^ )
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Post by Ravenshadow on Apr 12, 2024 14:53:16 GMT -5
Onyx | Dew endingfairyOnyx nodded at him. “Ok, thanks for all your help. It was nice meeting you, hopefully I’ll see you around the school sometime.” That was a lie of course, his easy ways and demeanor made her anxious. She could never tell when he was joking or being serious. Her hooves clopped quietly on the ground as she got up, and picked a hallway at random with Zinna following. Eventually she saw a few people walking. Her defenses went up and she grabbed her dagger which had been returned to its sheath. She decided to surprise them first so she could see whether they seemed trustworthy or not. So, she easily melted into the darkness and walked up behind them before deciding that they probably weren’t a threat. “Hey.” She said as she came back into view. While her hand was still on the dagger, they didn’t seem to look too much like a threat. |
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Post by endingfairy on Apr 12, 2024 15:34:20 GMT -5
( Rex was actually going to drop them off near Ada and the boys, but I can fix that in post~ I love that she was lying about seeing Rex again though lol. That's exactly the reaction I was going for when creating his character! He's good at his job but many people don't know what to make of him. My new character will be worse. Lucky Onyx she's not on his team~
Do you mind if I go somewhere different with the end of your post? I'm not sure who Onyx is encountering because Sora & co are currently trapped in a cave? )
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Post by Ravenshadow on Apr 12, 2024 15:41:20 GMT -5
(Sure! I’ll go with whatever u make  ) |
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Post by Ravenshadow on Apr 12, 2024 18:30:45 GMT -5
( I kinda left it open on purpose bc I wanna make sure I have the right people XD )
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)