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| No More Waiting...; War arrives in Carthan | |
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| Topic Started: Dec 12 2008, 01:33 AM (278 Views) | |
 Amara Mandragoran
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Dec 12 2008, 01:33 AM Post #1 |
Commander & House High Seat
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No word had come from Terra in weeks and even that correspondence said they knew nothing about the party that had ventured to Karash. The Guild Captains had all gone save for Ryia, head of the Water Order. Gentle giant, Bjorn, mirthful "uncle" Gawyn... her Papa Lasher... and still there was no word. Those few who had remained behind under Amara's charge had begun to fear the worst. Amara had begun to fear the worst. If there was anyone she would have believed capable of beating back an army of the undead, it would be the Captains and King Vance of Terra. Every available and fully trained member of the Guild had lent their strength and talent to the fight. If they had failed... A chill breeze blew up from the harbor toward the feet of the statues of Kinara and William that she sat beneath. Amara shuddered from the chill and it was not only the wind. What chance for Carthan if the Guild had failed... all that remained were half trained Recruits and Amara to lead them. Me? What can I do? I'm as young as they are, younger than most! They keep looking to me like I have answers but I only want to run to Papa and let him tell me I'm being an emotional woman, then quietly tell me it will all be alright. I wish Shyla was here... She would be able to do the right thing, say the right thing... A strange noise in the distance broke her train of desperate thought. It had started quietly enough, like a low rumble of thunder but there was no hint of rain in the air. Now it was rising to a roar. It sounded like... an army! Amara's face broke out into a triumphant grin and she began running through the streets towards the North Road. They were coming home at last! Someone screamed to the west and Amara skidded to a halt, the exuberant grin on her face disappearing in a flash. More screams followed and the city's alarms bells began ringing. No... How can they be coming from the west? If Terra has fallen to the north and they've flooded Nyston... Amara turned down the nearest street and began heading toward the sounds. Her wrists flicked and her fans spread wide, ready to cut down any enemy in her way. "Guild to me! Guild to me! The city is under attack! We fight at the Old Road!" Adrenaline coursed through her like a flooded river and her feet moved faster than they ever had before. The training of Haundai that Maon gave her inhuman speed as she dove between citizens running in terror going the opposite direction. As she rounded a final bend in the curving streets that were Kalimshere's defense system, Amara saw the horror they ran from. Not vampires... zombies, thousands, tens of thousands, and they were taking the city by sheer force. "To the Old Road! We fight for the city!" |
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| Bella Tremaine | Dec 12 2008, 08:03 PM Post #2 |
 
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Bella Donna Tremiane was on odd sight to see when she walked down the streets of Kalimshere. A beautiful woman with long golden hair and an odd assortment of jewelry. An amber hair comb stuck into the back of her hair, a plain silver necklace with a shield medallion dangling from her neck, several rings, none of which matched and a black bracelet made of obsidian. Any noble who didn't know her would have assumed her so low on fashion sense as to be a dullard but almost every noble in the capital of Carthan knew of her, most had been patrons of hers at one time or another. For she was an Council Mage, an Enchantress and a Terran noble woman all rolled into one feisty package. She had been troubled of late. She hadn't heard from her mother in almost a month, she had asked that her mother send her regular letters so she wouldn't worry what with the troubles in the world but word seemed to have stopped coming from the north. She had taken a walk to clear her mind before she started the days work, The Lady Brentworth's enchanted scent box wasn't going to enchant it self after all, when she heard the screams. At first she wasn't to concerned, but then the screams increased in volume and then she heard the shouted word "Zombie". Wonder who the devil had been fool enough to animate a zombie she stalked towards the screams, fully intending to give some fool a piece of her mind. As she neared the source of the cacophony she heard another shout, this one filled with command despite having the high pitched sound of a female voice. Dread struck her, what if Terra had been overrun? What if this was an army come to level Kalimshare? Her right hand reached up to her necklace, touching it in a specific way she activated the protective magic locked inside the silver shield. Her pace quickened until she arrived at the source of the rallying commands. She vaguely recognized the young woman as Amara Mandragoran. "I may not be Guild but I am a Council Mage. How may I be of assistance?" |
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 Kazuya
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Dec 13 2008, 12:25 AM Post #3 |
Council Elemental
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((I'm just going to post with both Kazuya and Imizael from here)) Kazuya wasn't teaching at the moment. He was sitting on the balcony of his room, looking up at the sky, his mind not filled with any particular thought. He was simply enjoying the moment of silence and solitude. He would have a class to teach soon, but that wasn't on his mind. His lesson plan wasn't on his mind. Nothing...was on his mind. Just the song of the wind. The soft breeze, the gentle zephyr, the-- Suddenly, something disturbed the wind. It wasn't so much sudden as it was unexpected and it wasn't so much unexpected as it was somehow ignorable until now. No, not ignorable; hidden. Kazuya realized that he was holding onto the balustrade with a white-knuckled grip. He didn't know that "it" was exactly, but whatever it was was bad. And heading from the west. Kazuya pushed off of the banister and fell for a short distance before spreading his limbs out and pausing in the air. He pulled his arms and legs in, pushing upward and was soon flying through the air, unknowingly heading towards Amara's position. "Hey! Mister Kazuya!" Kazuya looked around for the person who called out to him and raised both eyebrows when he saw the winged Imizael trying hard to catch up with him. With a nudge of his head, a gust of wind blew the girl towards him so that they were now flying side by side. "Imizael. Shouldn't you be in class?" he asked. "I was, but Senka sensed something...strange. He insisted that we come investigate," replied Imizael, sounding curious and excited at the prospect of something out of the ordinary of happening. Before Kazuya could reply, he finally seen what it was that had caused such a disturbance in the wind and cursed himself for not seeing it sooner. Kazuya muttered and oath before he started to descend towards the ground. With a surprised cry, Imizael followed, not having seen the huge force of undead that was intent on the destruction of Kalimshere. Kazuya landed near Amara and Bella and walked towards Amara with a certain energy in his step that was usually absent. Imizael followed behind the slightly shorter male, feeling nervous. "We need to hold them off long enough for Kalimshere to evacuate," he replied, hearing Bella's question. "The Guild and the Council will work in tandem to attempt to stay this threat long enough for the citizens to get to safety," he said, looking square at Bella; while Shyla was abroad, Kazuya was left as de facto leader of the Council. As Amara was current commander of the Guild, he was current commander of the Council. He turned to face his young companion, "Imizael, it is your job to return to the Council Chambers and alert the teachers there to evacuate the chambers and to aid in the city's defense. After that, do the same thing with the Guild," as Kazuya spoke, he whipped out Manmocker, causing a stir in the wind. "But Mister Kazuya, Senka and I can help fight!" Stated Imizael, stomping a foot. The shadowy imp-like creature hovered near Shiori's shoulder... "No. Aid in getting others to safety. Do the task that I've given you first," and that, as far as Kazuya, was the end of that conversation. He looked at Amara and smiled. "Milady, allow me to thin their ranks for you." Without further ado, Kazuya stepped forward and waved his fan, launching a sudden squall and a flurry of magical wind blades that sliced into the zombie horde...of course it was barely a dent in their ranks. Imizael stepped back and, with a reluctant look at Kazuya and Amara, the girl took to the air, intending on giving the Council Kazuya's orders. Edited by Kazuya, Dec 13 2008, 12:53 AM.
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 Shyla Tadros
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Dec 15 2008, 06:33 PM Post #4 |
 
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(((Post for the Grand Master!))) Someone decidedly wicked slithered through the ranks of the undead. Nyston was once again reborn in this evil death. Centurians held their spears, soldiers their swords, there were zombies on undead horses and they all followed his lead. There was a shrill laugh that pealed through Kalimshere as the undead attacked. Screams from unsuspecting citizens as they died became a music to the evil one's ears. "Oh, now for my revenge to the tune of your sweet terrified cries!" The black figure moved through the undead ranks, sending them this way and that, to attack, to attack and to confuse the people. They would all die this night and it would be by his hand! "Oh the irony! Oh the sweet sweet taste of revenge!" His voice was higher, more demonic than it had been in his life. Now, risen again from the confines of the after life he was the plague that would wipe them all out. He turned and let his empty grey eyes survey the beautiful statues of Kinara De'Nakashta and William Mandragoran. "A pity that she died." He chuckled. "Shyla there, too? Oh, they should take that down, they should take that down. Such a woman as she would never give in to the dark sleep. Noooo, no, she brought me back with her too!" The evil man scurried through the streets, killing anyone that got in his path. Soon he found himself at the doorstep of his once great home. Then it had been dark, falling to pieces and felt like a home, now it looked like a great palace, allive and full of color. Typical of a woman's touch. He sneered. "I don't like what she's done with my place." He laughed a deep shrill laugh then turned his attention to the company that was grouping and about to attack the Zombies. "ATTACK THEM MY SOLDIERS!" The undead lunged forward, moaning as they drew closer to the two women and the young man. But...the evil one stopped in his tracks, his grey eyes widened and he stared at one of the women. She couldn't have been more than twenty years old, her hair was dark...but there was no mistaking her face, her body. There she was again, always haunting him through immortality. "I thought once the Shiranai had killed you, you'd have stayed dead!" He drew a sword from his belt and hobbled to meet Amara. With a growl in his throat he spoke to her. "I think I will kill you know instead of watching you suffer through my torture. Know this, young one, I killed your grandmother, I laid plans to kill your mother, and now I will kill you with my own two hands. No one will have you, except me." Edited by Shyla Tadros, Dec 15 2008, 07:35 PM.
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Kazuya
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Dec 17 2008, 12:39 AM Post #5 |
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Council Elemental
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The wind screamed and writhed with the presence of one everyone thought long dead. Kazuya knew the presence, even if he had the fortune of rarely being in it. As the horde of undead charged at them, Kazuya ran forward, dancing in-between metal and fist, bone and flesh. He leaped into the air, spun, and threw Manmocker. The fan was a black disc of destruction, slicing through rusted armor, decaying flesh, and blackened bone all with the same ease. As Kazuya landed, the fan returned to its master. Kazuya stood and gave a graceful sweep of his fan. The wind squalled and whipped, pushing back the horde briefly. The air gensai moved in front of Amara, arm held out, partially to protect her and partially to keep her from engaging the recently un-deceased Grand Master. "If it is her that you want, it is me that you will have to go through," spoke Kazuya, before giving his trademark smirk, "However I must warn you, I won't make it easy." The truth was, Kazuya was rather frightened. Necromancy at this level was no easy feat, by far. Not to mention the Grand Master, in life, was quite powerful. In death? Kazuya wasn't even sure he stood much of a chance, not that he was going to make mention of that. "Run, now." he said to Amara, knowing that running away wasn't exactly in Amara's nature. "This is not your fight, nor your sin to bear. This was a problem that should have been taken care of long before your time. See to the safe evacuation of the citizens, please..." Kazuya wouldn't forgive himself if anything happened to Amara while he had some say in the matter. He could only hope that she wouldn't argue with him... ((Sorry for posting out of turn ^^; )) |
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| Bella Tremaine | Dec 17 2008, 01:50 AM Post #6 |
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She was surprised when Kazuya landed besides her and Amara, Light she didn't like surprises though. She kept her composure though, if Kazuya wasn't higher in rank then her and if they weren't facing down a horde of zombies she would have snapped the man's head off. As it was though there was no time. She just gave him a tight nod as she watched the oncoming horde, his words fading away as she began to go over her enchanted items on her at the moment. She hadn't really been expecting to come into a battle so she didn't have her more powerful enchantments with her. Her right hand began to move over her left hand finger rings, her eyes quickly darting back to Amara. Her hand then went to her obsidian bracelet, it had a fairly powerful enchantment on it and she was loath to part with it...but...Amara was more important in the grand scheme of things then her. She had to do something though, something to give her time to explain it. As Kazuya attacked she too tugged one of her rings off her middle finger and held it to her mouth, bringing her magic to bear she breathed on the stone softly, the ruby beginning to smolder and with a very unlady like motion she tossed it at the onrushing tide of nightmares. The enchantment on that ring wasn't her strongest, again, she hadn't been expecting a full scale battle, but it would slow a few of the zombies down. As the ring reached the first row of zombies it burst into flame, the flame spread along the first line of zombies, engulfing the first row. It would have been a rather impressive display...if the undead idiots hadn't continued on their march. She ignored the undead Grand Master though, she needed to give her bracelet to Amara. "Lady Amara! Please, take this bracelet, if it comes to it, you must take your hand and place it like so-" She said indicating the three places where one must put their fingers in order to activate it. "-you then must visualize the place you want to be and it will take you there. I beg you, take it." She said, holding the bracelet out to the young noblewoman. |
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Amara Mandragoran
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Dec 27 2008, 01:35 PM Post #7 |
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Commander & House High Seat
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Amara's fans moved like liquid death in her hands. They sliced through rotting limbs and bodies, removing groaning heads from decrepit shoulders and spraying her arms and face with their stinking black ichor. The undead fell in heaps before her, but still they pressed on into the city. She was not enough alone. Then Kazuya was beside her, sweet, darling Kazuya. Together the swath they cut grew wider as Manmocker and Amara's twin fans whirled in a dance more graceful than any at a ball. Still the army pressed on but the alarm bells rang now and she could see the youthful but determined faces of the Guild recruits beating their way into the ranks. A smile of grim determination grew on Amara's own young face. They would find the Kalimsheri not the type to go quietly into that dark night. It was in their blood to fight and they would, tooth and nail, until the very last. A nauseating feeling swept over Amara like a wave and a voice dripping with malignant insanity assailed her ears. Grandmother? Mother? Green eyes narrowed to slits, focused on the pure evil before her. "You! Come if you think you can match me oh, Grand Master." She sneered at his title. He was dead and he was nothing now, just a walking corpse. "You died by my mother's hand and my grandparents were avenged. The Shiranai, greatest army the world has seen, broke its teeth on Kalimshere and my parents' deaths were avenged when the conquerors fell. Your words are a poison that I have no inclination to swallow. You can utter your whispers of half truths and empty threats but know that I have the strength of those who came before me and I AM NOT AFRAID OF YOU!" Amara lept forward with a wordless growl only to be stopped by Kazuya. Amara snarled at the Air Gensai in frustration and half raised a fan to move past him but his words stopped her. Run? RUN?!? She opened her mouth to throw defiance in his face. She would not run when her home was threatened by him! He had tormented her family for generations and she would not allow his filth to corrupt again! The city had finally found peace under Alliandre and- Amara's mouth snapped shut and she looked worriedly to the palace. The Queen, the Daughter Heir, it was the Guild's first and most important duty to protect them. She would not break the Code her mother had resurrected on his behalf. The Council enchantress who was with them threw a ring and fire exploded into the ranks and Amara swung her gaze to the blond woman as she spoke. She watched carefully as the woman showed her how to activate the enchantment on the bracelet and nodded. "I thank you, mage. I must see to a duty stronger than my family's revenge." Green eyes flicked momentarily to Kazuya's beautiful lithe frame as he continued his deadly waltz. "Let no harm come to him." She drove the point home with an intense gaze before placing her fingers as the mage had instructed, picturing the palace's throne room, and disappeared. |
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| Dusk | Jan 4 2009, 05:23 PM Post #8 |
Ambassador
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Dusk turned his dark eyes down to the streets. He'd been sitting in his room at the Old Skull Inn. He'd also been planning his speach for the Queen when he was admitted to see her. There was much he needed to tell her, on Maximo's behalf. Semhar was in danger, Semhar was in league with the Vampiric hordes, Semhar kept slaves. He lifted a hand to his eyes and rubbed at them. He'd traveled far but now there was something foul on the wind. Something out of place in this great city of freedom, the stench of overthrow. He looked down to the streets and saw the undead spill forth like a disease upon the civilians. There was only three that stood against them and one...one with long beautiful black hair and fans that moved with the breath of death. Dusk stood up from his chair, kicked out the wooden pane of his window and jumped to the street, his staff in hand. If there was to be a fight, then he would join and he would do his best to help protect the city that he desperately needed to protect him in return. The soft loose white clothing stood out against his cocoa skin. His dark eyes watched the undead move and suddenly his body found the rythmn of battle. He was beside the young beauty in moments, his staff spinning and smiting any that dared come near her. He knew who she was, if not by name then by face. He'd seen her face before, it was the same, if not softer than that of her mother's, her eyes remenecent of her father's. He danced. Such an attack on this sleeping giant of Kalimshere was a risky move, but when his ears lead him to the Grand Master's visage he knew that this battle was not theirs. Victory here would prove impossible. Up against such a mage one needed a mage to match him, and from what he'd gleaned from the inhabitants of the Old Skull, Shyla Tadros was in the North. He watched as Kazuya threw himself into battle more feverishly than he'd been before. To see such an old foe without your So'jihn to defend you, much be terrifying. Dusk mentally commended the air gensai for his courage. Yet another woman from the councilite threw herself into the fray. Perhaps they did not fight for themselves and the school but for the children that hid behind its walls. Dusk struck out at another zombie. What a fine way to start his mission. He came to Kalimshere to be free and found it enslaved. "Is there nowhere safe, anymore?" He turned his head as the daughter of Kinara De'Nakashta and William Mandragoran began to run, holding a charm. It was right for her companions to want to save her but to what point and purpose would she leave the fray...it only took his mind a moment to think on it. Alliandre...she was left unprotected. He slammed his staff into yet another undead man, watching as the body stiffened and fell to the ground as he kicked the head off the end of his weapon, then he ran after the young beauty. He would help her save the Queen and in doing so, would cement relations with the royal family and himself, therefore securing help for Maximo and Semhar. "Amara, wait!" he reached out and caught a whisp of the soft fabric of her skirt and then vanished with her. In moments they tumbled into the throne room of the Kailmsheri castle. A frightened girl child hid behind the throne and a protective Queen stood up, as if to sheild her. Dusk let his staff drop and held up his hands as if to signal peace. "Please, your majesty. I come in peace to offer my aid to you and yours. I will help you escape in safety." His voice was rich, deep and almost musical as it echoed off the tall walls and ceiling of throne room. "I am your humble servant, majesty." |
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Amara Mandragoran
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Jan 7 2009, 12:05 AM Post #9 |
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Commander & House High Seat
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The throne room that Amara had imagined visualized before her. The heart of the castle, at the heart of the city, which was the heart of all Carthan. And the woman before, Queen Alliandre Trakand, the heart of its people. Little Ashling peered nervously from behind her mother's skirts. The deep sound of a man's voice beside her made her eyes widen with alarm and her fans moved almost of their own accord. The silk of her dress ripped itself free of his grasp as she spun between him and the royal family. His quick action kept her razor thin blades away from his throat. Amara cleared her throat softly and lowered her offensive position... a bit. Had he wanted to harm her or either of the others he would have been better off keeping his staff. As it was, Amara was not completely convinced of his benign nature, but she was enough of a diplomat to listen. She would just not be putting her weapons down yet... not for a long time yet. "You claim to serve our Queen but your tongue is not Kalimsheri, not even Carthian. Who are you stranger? Where do you hail from and what is your purpose? And, more importantly, where is it that you claim safety lies?" Amara's voice was cool, but not harsh. She did her best to keep the cool court mask on the features of her face. When she turned to face the man she realized just how stunning he was. Dark skin like the softest sand on the Kalimsheri beaches and eyes as deep a brown as the sweetest chocolate. She ignored the way his voice made her pulse quicken and furiously pushed away the thought of his hands on her skirts... and how she would not mind them returning there. She had a mission here, save the Queen and Heir. That was the Guild's purpose and she would not allow it to be under her command that they failed. |
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| Bella Tremaine | Jan 24 2009, 02:27 AM Post #10 |
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Bella Donna had little enough time to be proud that her bracelet had worked. The man who had come barreling out of no where and then caught a hold of Amara's clothing as she disappeared was a shock. The bracelet wasn't meant to transport two people! She started to shout but before she could the undead horde advanced yet again. Growling her displeasure she set about doing her best in this fight, her displeased mumblings accompanying her like a battle cry as she activated two of her favorite enchantments. The first, was to work in concert with her necklace, it would protect her from physical and magical attacks for a time. The second was a brooch on her dress, once she unclasped it it would transform into a magical dagger, she doubted that it would last her long. She knew what she needed, she needed some of her constructs, true they were still in the developmental phase but....what better way to test them? "Kazuya! We should fall back! We need to rally the city and prepare ourselves!" She shouted to the other mage, she for one was not going to die with out giving a proper fight. |
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| Luella | Feb 1 2009, 11:53 PM Post #11 |
Legacy Air Lieutenant
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It wasn't long before the news reached Luella at the aviary. Like a startling breeze, it blasted out from no where and quickly made it's way across the city and into the forest. The birds had been unusually quiet and still, their feathers tightly around one another as they all huddled together underneath the massive dome of white marble. It made her curious at first and slowly it begun to rub down on her nerves. Animals always knew when things weren't right and if these little darlings were frightened into silence, she didn't like what that meant. As the breeze hit the dome, they all took flight, startling the breath out of Luella so quick that she grabbed onto a nearby tree to steady herself and watch the spectacle. "By the Goddess!" She yelled, covering her eyes from all the dust and feathers. When the last pair of wings was gone she heard the alarms beating from the heart of the city in time to the blood pumping through her veins. She could smell the stench of rotted flesh in the sharp breeze and the panic that was steadily growing in the rumbling of the ground. She didn't have much time! With an agility she hadn't practiced in years, Luella jumped the staircase to the top of the roof within seconds, surveying the city as far as her blue eyes could see. She immediately looked to the north and then swept her eyes westward until her eyes landed on an army. With fleeting hope she wished it might be them, Captains Bjorn, Gawyn and Lasher, but it couldn't be! That army was far too large and...ominous...people wouldn't be screaming and running. "Oh goddess protect and guide us for we have no idea what we're about to face." She whispered her prayer as she vaulted over the roof and onto the building below. I have a ways to go and I would bet anything Amara is already in the thick of it! Legs, don't fail me now. For the first time in 10 years, Luella took off at top speed through the winding streets of Kalimshere and across dozens of rooftops without rest. She held her sword tightly in her grasp as the fresh incoming wave of zombie breath stopped her in her tracks. Thoroughly disgusted and glad she always brought a spare sash, she tied it around her mouth and nose. She was dressed just like she always had back in the days. Luella was just sorry her white clothes were going to get messed up with zombie brains. She couldn't see Amara or the others but she wasn't waiting for them, from her vantage point this soulless army was just attacking at random, there was no battle formations or plans. The Kalimsheri might have a chance against such great numbers if they could only use a little strategy. She could see the enemy pouring into the city streets like a disease tears into the veins of a healthy victim. Cutting to the left of the main battle, Luella went head on with the closest zombie cluster. The moaning of dead soldiers making her nose scrunch in disgust as she proceeded to sever their heads from shoulders. Soon there was overwhelmingly too many to fight at once and being neat wasn't the point. She thought she had been alone in her fight but from the corner of her eyes she could see other guild members fighting too and strengthened her resolve. She had to fight until she couldn't fight anymore, but there had to be a more efficient way to kill more than just one at a time! Think Luella! Before you run out of energy to even run!! |
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| Dusk | Feb 12 2009, 12:32 AM Post #12 |
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Ambassador
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You claim to serve our Queen but your tongue is not Kalimsheri, not even Carthian. Who are you stranger? Where do you hail from and what is your purpose? And, more importantly, where is it that you claim safety lies?" Amara's voice turned his head towards her and he gave her a bow as well. "Forgive me. Things have been set into motion so quickly that I forgot to introduce myself. I am Dusk. I hail from Semhar, my purpose in Kalimshere was to come and plead with your great soverign to help Maximo Lino in Semhar against the Vampire regime we have uncovered in our own city. But as I arrived here I see that you have your own set of problems. Now my purpose is to help you to the best of my ability, die for you if I must so that the friendship that your Guild formed with Maximo will be strengthened. And, to answer your question, Gnard is the only safe place left." His dark eyes drank in the young woman's form. She was lovely and had the same bright eyes as her mother, but not the same vivid hue. "You're quick tounge reminds me so much of your father." He gave a soft, but swift smile then fell again to his knees before Alliandre. "Majesty, by the name of the Great Maximo Lino, a friend of yours for years now, I pledge that I will follow you from the city, escort you to the docks and help you flee the city. It is being over run by a zombie army with the reborn Grand Master at its head." He gave a glance to the small child that hid behind her mother. "This is no place for you or your daughter, my Queen. We must abandon the castle." |
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| Ryhane | Mar 23 2009, 12:55 AM Post #13 |
Seer & Fortune Teller
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The Twins skidded into the throne room, sweat breaking out on their foreheads from the swiftness of their running. Ryhane fell to her knees uttering the confirmation of the city's fall then rested her head on the cool marble floor. "Lady. We must hurry. They are not far behind my sister and I." She leaned up and lifted her arms out towards the great Sovereign. From behind Alliandre Ashling peeked out her head, upon seeing Rowan and Ryhane she ran from behind her mother, her brilliant black hair, so like her fathers, fanning out behind her as she dashed and fell into the strong arms of the Gnardian Seer. Ryhane clasped her arms around the Daughter Heir tightly cooing and rocking her with care. Rowan was close at her back, petting the child's hair maternally and keeping her sister upright with the soft pressure of her own body. They had laid eyes on Ashling only once before, when she'd been a baby, but the trust that children had in the twins was legendary and it was no surprise to either sister how the child ran to them. "We will protect you, child. Hush, hush, fear not. Rowan and Ryhane are here." Ryhane tucked the child's head under her chin then turned her unmatched eyes at the Queen. "If you want to stay for your people, then I understand. But for the sake of her father, I must take the child away. Please, come with us. Let go your thoughts of staying for your people and flee now. There is not time as I have said, as we all have said. Lady, you must root yourself out of your terror and make a decision. We leave now." Ryhane stood with the three year old in her arms, she held the heir effortlessly and carefully. She bowed to the Queen. "Forgive me later for not giving you the chance to give me leave." She looked at Rowan, a knowing glance between them. It was understood that if the mother did not follow that they would save the baby. They'd been too late for the Council, Ashling would at least live to tell the tale of this night. She was too important for the future. As they looked at one another Ryhane gave her sister a slight nod and then took off at a dead run through the throne room into the corridors, the Daughter Heir clutching tightly to her shoulders. "We will take the back passage down the docks!" Ryhane voice called to Rowan, who remained at her heels. They plunged down a dark stair case, the sound of the bare feet smacking against stone echoed off the rock walls. Soon they were running down a corridor that showed the night sky and the water beyond it. As Gnardians they feared water and it was only at the end of the tunnel and out onto the docks that they came up short and huddled together with the child. "My senses tell me to run away and head for the forest, but my will tells me we must cross the wooden bridge over the water to the ship and face our fears. We have to save Ashling, sister." Ryhane shook and reached out for her twin. They held hands. "Water's depth, Rowan." They edged their way along the dock until they came to a ship, already manned with the Queens elite guard. They shakily climbed aboard handing the child between them until they were safely, but scarily in the middle of the ship's deck. Ryhane held the daughter heir and her sister. "Rowan...its time we return home." |
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| Shalinda Undire | Mar 26 2009, 11:01 AM Post #14 |
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Stumbling every few paces, the Semhar woman finally made it to the palace, dodging the oncoming undead every so often. She had already used up far too much power than she meant to, and it was only by sheer willpower that she remained standing and steady. Hoping that she would find Andarin and other survivors inside, Shalinda began calling out, "Hello? Is there anyone present here? Where are you?" The door behind her thudded with the zombies' attempts to break the door down, but judging by the size of it, that door would take some time (or a very strong assault) to break it down. Hearing voices ahead, the woman jogged toward the source, using what little light shone from her staff to clear the way. But just as she rounded the corner, Shalinda gasped at the point of a sword aimed in her direction. Raising her hands, she tried to catch her breath before speaking. "I am not of the enemy. I am from Semhar...here from the goddess Aurora. Would one of darkness carry such light?" With her head, she gestured toward the stone in her staff, which still glowed faintly. "I wish to lend my aid as well to defend what is left of the city...I know I have the ability to do that much." Shalinda glanced at all the faces in the room, hoping to recognize Andarin's while waiting on the reactions of the others present. |
| The Goddess is my shield; let her Light banish the darkness! | |
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| Andarin Llane | Mar 26 2009, 07:19 PM Post #15 |
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Wandering Mercenary
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Andarin waited in that room for what seemed like ages, finally a guard came through the doorway he himself had entered earlier. "Sit down lad." The guard addressed Andarin in a cold tone that seemed to say he wasn't welcome here, or that he wasn't trusted. Whatever it was Andarin didn't like it but held his tongue as the guard took a seat opposite of him. "Here's what we know about you boy, nothing! You went straight to a guard with a report of two suspicious individuals who we haven't seen yet. Now I'm not sure exactly what to make of this. On the one hand you could be telling the truth and someone could be running around in the castle, on the other hand you could be lying and just waiting for a chance to strike at the gates and open them for the Zombies that are attacking outside. So tell me your story and maybe I won't have you executed." The tone of this mans voice and his accusations nearly made Andarin fly out of his seat. A traitor? Me? Why you're nothing more than a gate watcher! What right do you have to question me like this?! After taking a deep breath Andarin related his story since entering Carthan. "After we entered the city we found it in all this chaos, after following the two figures all the way into the castle I figured the guards could handle the situation better than I could. I don't know what happened to my companion after I lost sight of her" I pray that she was able to get away from all this chaos All of a sudden both Andarin and the guard got up, the guard gave him a look as if to say don't move. Andarin looked as best as he could out the door of the room and saw another guard pointing a sword at Shalinda. What is she doing here? "Sir, this is my companion that I told you about" "She claims to be a Sehmarian sir. A servant of their goddess Aurora." "Lower your sword soldier" Turning to Shalinda he gave a respectful bow, "I'm glad your here milady, we could use all the help that we can get in this situation." Turning again to Andarin "Alright lad, your free to go" Then he came closer to Andarin "If I find out you are in league with these Zombies and their leader i'll personally run my sword through you. Regardless of what you've done in the past." Once more turning to the other guard he told him to get Andarin's axe from the armory. Andarin turned to Shalinda "Thanks, I think without your testimony I would of been headed to the chopping block when this is over." It was the first time he got a look at Shalinda since she'd come to his aid, she looked a little bit tired, but he knew if she was too weak to fight then the stone in her staff wouldn't be glowing. Even so he couldn't help but worry that she would be ok. |
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Amara Mandragoran
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Mar 27 2009, 06:59 PM Post #16 |
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Commander & House High Seat
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((A post in three parts for Alliandre, Amara and Rowan  ))Alliandre held up a hand to forestall any more words from the young Mandragoran heir. Amara had been well versed in diplomacy for most of her life, but that did not always stop her mother's temper and sharp tongue from making the occasional appearance. "Be still, Amara, I know his face. He was sent here years ago by the Semhari leader, Maximo Lino. He had some dealings with your parents. Lino has long been a friend of Carthan and we consider it an honor to be a friend in return. As you mentioned though, Master Dusk, we have troubles of our own." She looked behind her at Ashling and worry crinkled her forehead. "If we must leave the city, then we must. I know the Grand Master would have no qualms about destroying the royal line that saw the end of his reign... all of it. I must keep my child safe. Amara, take Dusk with you and send word through out the city that we are evacuating to the boats. You have the guild's ear and they will be the best able to help the citizens. Our destination must be Gnard if it is the only safe haven left in the world... Light help us." Amara did not bother to hide the surprise she felt and discovering this man had known her parents. He did not look so old as that! But she bowed her head in ascent at the Queen's words. "Of course, your majesty." Working with this Dusk would be... interesting. As she made ready to leave, the Ek'vaeti sisters entered the throne room in a rush. The dark skinned Gnardians made a fervent plea and young Ashling ran to them as a bee to honey. Amara smiled. She remembered the bare few times she had seen the sisters in her younger years. They had that effect on all children, herself included. Very suddenly and with no warning, the twins were sprinting away from the throne room, the Daughter Heir in hand. Alliandre cried out after them, all royal decorum broken as her daughter was swept away on quick silver bare feet. She flung herself after the trio to be stopped by Amara's arm. "Do not worry, Majesty. They mean your daughter no harm, if anything they are doing everything they can to protect her." Amara removed the bracelet that the Enchantress had given her earlier. "Here, take this, my queen and think of Ashling. It will take you to wherever she is all you must do is place your fingers here, here and here." She demonstrated briefly. "I will gather what I can of the Guild and we will see that all that are able make it to the boats. Your people will be safe, go see to your child." Alliandre nodded fervently, worry for her child outweighing the worry for her people and city. She put the bracelet on, pressed the correct switches and was abruptly gone. "So that's what it looks like..." Amara muttered to herself. She turned to face Dusk, an unreadable expression on her face. "Come with me, we need to get as many people out of the city as we can. If you knew my parents, then I will take it for granted that you at least heard stories of the dark age Carthan spent under the Grand Master's rule. I, for one, will not let the people suffer that again." In one fluid movement she had turned away from him and was making her way to the door, confident that he would follow. Rowan's feet beat against the cool marble of the palace floor in time with her sisters. The young daughter of the Queen and her consort clung to Rhyane as they made their way toward their greatest fear... Water... They had crossed its great depths to arrive here in Kalimshere and they had found freedom. Now they must return to their homeland by the same route and this time they would save more than themselves. Images of the children housed inside the Council's walls pulled at her heart. The darkness that exuded from the Grand Master's past was laying a cloud over the city so dark that Rowan was amazed that no one else seemed to see it. She reached out a hand comfortingly to Rhyane's shoulder and patted Ashling lightly on the head with the other. The dock seemed to sway beneath them as they made their way across it. The water wanted to reach up and drown them in its black depth. The planks of the ship deck were rough beneath her feet and it rocked in a queasy manner. She sat down hard with her twin and the child between them, breathing deeply to calm her nerves. "Yes, its time we went home, sister. The desert will keep us safe." She smiled reassuringly down at the child. "All of us child." Queen Alliandre was suddenly standing on the ship's deck in front of them, wide-eyed and frightened. When she saw Ashling, she through herself down to cradle the toddler in her arms. Her voice cooed softly as she ran her fingers through the child's hair. She spared only one glance for the Ek'Vaeti sisters. A glance that both thanked and admonished in the same instant. Around them, the soldiers and sailors were making hasty formalities to the Queen. "Men, we sail for Gnard as soon as this ship has its fill of passengers. Carthan has fallen." |
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| Dusk | Apr 12 2009, 10:53 PM Post #17 |
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Ambassador
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Dusk nodded to the young woman. Light, she reminded him of her mother. There was the look, the set determination that her father never had... Dusk followed at her heels, quickly. He knew she would make for the Guild stronghold and try and save as many of her people as she could, not to mention as many of the city's people she came across. He smiled at her back as they ran along the roof tops, tumbling and sliding. William had been a great man in Dusk's opinion. He'd been a joker to be sure, but Dusk believed that there was power in good nature and William had had his fill of good nature. Kinara had the power of presence and determination. Dusk let himself chuckle lightly as he remembered that the only thing that William had ever been determined about was Kinara and convincing her to love him as much as he obviously loved her. As he looked at Amara he knew she was proof that William had won that battle. They finally came to a pause, the undead had over taken the city, they were everywhere. The city was barren, those who could get out of the city had left long ago. The sun was beginning to rise, shedding its light over the city and the groans of the Grand Master's evil army. Dusk lifted his hand and rested is gently on Amara's shoulder. "Don't worry, Amara. We'll save the people." |
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Kazuya
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Apr 18 2009, 07:48 AM Post #18 |
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Council Elemental
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((I've been gone FOREVER and I'm eternally sorry...can I still participate in the battle with the Grand Master?)) |
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Amara Mandragoran
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Apr 18 2009, 01:29 PM Post #19 |
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Commander & House High Seat
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((Of course you can darling! The city is falling, but its going to be a fight to the end and then we're all off to Gnard for awesomeness! Amara will come for Kazuya eventually I would think. XD ))
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 Aurora Htaeh
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Apr 18 2009, 02:02 PM Post #20 |
Water Order Captain
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Aureilla was busy trying to evacuate the wounded, elderly and small children before the emanate attack from the vampires. Yet to her surprise, it wasn't the vampire horde sweeping through the city of Kalimshere like a wave of death but zombies! She would have much rather preferred blood suckers to mindless rotting corpses. Word soon reached her that they were now evacuating the entire city to the ships and on route to Gnard. 'Light help us.' she thought. But there was no time to dwell on emotions, it was her job to tend to those who could not help themselves and see that they reach the ships safely. Aureilla moved fast, loading as many weak, injured and old citizens she could into a large cart then instructed one of the younger more able bodies to head for the docks, she would secure their route and keep them safe as best she could. "We must reach the docks as quick as possible, there is no time to waste. Take these people through some of the back streets and side roads, I will gather whatever stragglers I can and remain at your rear. These men here will remain at your front and side to ensure additional protection." The six other guild members that were with her took up positions at the front of the cart, gathering any citizens they find along the way and keeping everyone safe. Aureilla stayed at the back as she said, searching homes, shops and any places she could think of that small children could hide. Any people that she found were told to follow the others to the docks, those that were old or slow were lifted into the cart. With her staff clutched within one hand, Aureilla began fighting off what zombies she could that were coming up the road. She would strike them hard against the heads or thrust her weapon into their chest to try and knock their heads off or remove their hearts. Zombie blood splattered across her tight fitting corset top, sending her into a fit of rage. "That was brand new!!" She moved even quicker through the wave of zombies sweeping through the city, keeping as many as possible from moving past her and getting near the citizens. It didn't take long for her to realize that she was fighting a losing battle but the people had to be protected, they had to be kept safe. Whirling her staff around her, she struck off another head as her eyes looked around for anything that could be useful to her. Her eyes landed upon a unstable roof that appeared on the verge of collapse, with all her might, she used her staff to hurl herself through the air, landing just on the other side of the building. With a double handed grip on her staff, she hit the beam holding the building up. The building shifted forward and the roof collapsed in on a large pack of zombies, and blocked those behind it from coming through.... Though she knew that it would not hold them off for long but it would give the people more time to escape. Gathering more citizens along the road, she and the others arrived at the docks and boarded the ships. Her eyes scanned the passengers for Amara, the girl was not there. Aureilla left the ship, she was not about to set sail without knowing that Amara was safe or that there were still citizens that could be saved. "Light, give me strength." Staff ready in hand, she made her way back into the city. There could be no rest for her until the young girl she had grown up with and viewed as a close friend was safe aboard a vessel. |
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Kazuya
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Apr 18 2009, 04:44 PM Post #21 |
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Council Elemental
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A roar rang out amongst the cries of terror and panic. A tanned figure ripped through the undead hoard, barely visible as naught more than a blur. Even if he was part of the intelligence division of the guild, Tai had the spirit of a fighter than that came through in the dire hour. He and a few students from the Guild and the Council Chambers were leading civilians from the inner city towards the docks. Tai flipped through the air and pounced on top of one of the last zombie warriors that currently impeded their progress. With a satisfying snap, its neck was broken and it embraced its final death with a groan. Tai stepped back from the corpse, panting. He looked back at the others and nodded; the students, from all four portions of the Guild, waved the civilians forward. Two younger ones sprinted forward to scout ahead for the safest path. Tai went to move but fell to a knee with a groan. A water trainee, seeing this, approached him. "Big brother, you arm..." she said. Even though she was only a trainee, it could take a blind person to miss how his left arm hung at an odd angle. The tiger man growled softly. Even though he had a fighting spirit, Tai was rather delicate in build and endurance. "Just set it...I should be fine..." he said. The girl looked pale but nodded. She grasped his arm and, with a sudden jerk, popped the arm back into place. Tai clenched his teeth to not make a sound. "Thanks..." he said, opening his eyes and managing a grin. He nodded at an elderly woman who stumbled. "Stay with her. Help here..." with a cautious glance at Tai, the girl ran over to the old woman and took her arm to guide her forward. Tai stood and rotated his arm. Imizael landed in front of him, her shadowy blob of a demon hovering over her shoulder. "Uncle Tai. The scouts say that we have a clear path to the docks but that it won't last long..." Tai wasn't her biological uncle, but he was so friendly and often helping her out...not to mention her was friends with her parents. She gave the tiger man a meaningful look. Tai only nodded. "Good. Give them air support; warn them if the hoard starts moving on their position," Tai watched as the last civilians ran down the road, his eyes sad; they had started off with more. He moved to follow the survivors, but paused when he realized that Imizael wasn't moving. She was staring at Tai. "Uncle Tai...Mister Kazuya is still back there. What if he needs our help?" she asked, eyes wide. Tai closed his eyes briefly before shaking his head. "Kazuya...he's a tough guy. He knows what he's doing." "But...!!" Something crashed through the building that Imizael was standing near. Tai grabbed the girl and leaped back. Zombies... Senka, the shadow demon that always followed Imizael shifted into a rapier. Tai whipped out his blade, slicing through two of the creatures. "Damn it...run!!" shouted Tai. Imizael slashed through a zombie before taking to the air. Senka shifted shape once more, becoming a bow. Imizael swooped low, kicking two of the zombies down. She knelt and scrapped the ground, magic dancing around her fingers, shifting some of the dirt into...arrows. She fired her first arrow at a zombie, hitting its neck. Tai ran past her and she took to the air once more, the two fighting their way to the docks.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kazuya glanced over at Bella as he danced away from a blade that sought to taste his flesh and blood. He swung his fan, whipping up a wind that smashed the creature and others like it. "There will be no falling back for me..." He narrowed his eyes as he inhaled deeply, filling his lungs to capacity. He fused the air in his body with magic. He opened his mouth and let out a large concentrated blast of air. The attack destroyed a contingent of zombies and a building that was unfortunate enough to stand behind them. The building collapsed and the dust and debris was knocked back with a stiff wind. Kazuya turned to face the Grand Master and smirked. "Bella...you escape. Gather survivors...head towards the dock. I can hear them...they're evacuating." Kazuya didn't wait for an answer. He spun, gathering the wind around himself until he created a mini-whirlwind. The whirlwind launched itself at the Grand Master, knocking away any opposition that dared to enter its path... |
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Shyla Tadros
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Jun 8 2009, 03:49 PM Post #22 |
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The Grand Master watched with quick, evil eyes, all that transpired around him. Amara was gone, someone a man with her. The anger the dark man felt surged and he lifted his hand black light erupting from his palm, and killed several of his own zombies. He cursed in a tongue that was evil itself, then turned his eyes on Kazuya, the only one standing before him. "How brave you are, little whirlwind. No doubt this determination to save what you have already loss is some misplaced belief in Shyla Tadros." A wicked smile was visible beneath the dark hood of the Grand Master. "Such loyalty when she shows you none. Where is your precious So'jihn, Kazuya?" The whirlwind that Kaze and thrown, tore through the undead, sending them back to their graves, but it did little more than tickle the edges of the Grand Master's cloak. "You think to stand and fight. Such a noble idea. But now you will be mine and I will destroy the Council and destroy you as well, to rebuild you both in my image." He chuckled and slashed his hand through the air in a violent cast of a spell. The evil magic flashed with electricity in the air, the dark symbols emboldened against the space between Kaze and the Grand Master then, slowly it descended upon the Council's only protector, cutting and binding him into immobility until finally nestling into the soft inner reaches of his mind where he would fight it and eventually lose, not only him self but his total control. ((Tai, do with this as you will. I couldn't remember if you wanted to get captured or not. So i captured you, hehe, and you can get free and escape or you can be a puppet for awhile, dunno, up to you. How do you feel about an evil Kaze for a time? Either way, hope to see you post soon. LOVE YOU!))) |
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Kazuya
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Jun 27 2009, 09:21 PM Post #23 |
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Council Elemental
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Green-blue eyes narrowed; the attack did little against the Grand Master. Not that Kazuya was surprised. The undead were torn asunder, but their master was left untouched. Kazuya knew that he wasn't fighting a losing battle; he wasn't even fighting at all. He was not on the Grand Master's level, yet he couldn't just stand by and do nothing as the Council fell. He was sure that Amara was safe, as was the Queen and the others, however he would but them as much time as he could. "Misplaced belief..." he echoed, before he smirked. "My precious So'jihn is somewhere and that is all that matters, you fool. She has defeated you once, and she shall do a more complete job this time around. If I were you, I'd enjoy the feel of the breeze while you still have the time." Kazuya pulled his fan back, ready to whip up another attack, knowing that it was a futile attempt. He never got the chance to attack, however. The Grand Master's magic bridged the distance between the two and immediately Kazuya felt the vile magic grab his very essence. The wind suddenly stopped; there was an eerie stillness to the air. Kazuya tried to lash out with his magic, but it suddenly felt bound. He dropped his precious fan and hugged his body as he fell to his knees. 'I'm so sorry, Shyla...I've....' Thought stopped. Emotion stopped. Everything seemed to stop for Kazuya. He was trapped within his mind. Conceptually, it was like being in a dark sphere...he touched it and felt pain. Not a physical pain, but a mental one, one that subdued him. Outwardly, Kazuya picked up his fan and slowly stood. At first glance, there was nothing unusual with his features; he seemed to be the same youthful air gensai. Yet his eyes, usually lively as the earth in spring were dulled painfully, almost corpse-like. He walked over to the Grand Master...and bowed before the man. |
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7:01 AM Nov 8
