The Coming of Shadows

[Flarecobra]

<Ah, great. It just had to rain.> Kazi thought to herself, feeling a couple of raindrops on her outstreached hand. <Thankfully, I know of a way of travel that doesn't let me get wet.> she added as she faded into the shadows, and in about three minutes, had traveled the mile from her small home in the woods to the port town of Macio. Leaving the shadows, and pulling a dark blue robe around her to keep herself dry, she made her way into town, then passing by the local tavern, she hears music, and decides to check it out.

[Kuffie]

Coyoto emerges "I'm tired of those Drunkards I wish something would happen in this hellhole village!"

[Ganurath]

Inside the local tavern, Rithen was enjoying art in a simpler form. He had just come into Macio to make some change putting on a show with his magic. It was then he found out they liked playing the fiddle at the tavern. His quick, passionate playing and leap onto the table quickly got people's attention, and he was able to get a free drink easy. He spotted some fool complaining as he came in, and he turned toward him.
"You wish something would happen? When there is a party happening right in front of you? Learn to enjoy life, and have a drink for my next song."
With that, Rithen set down his ale, picked up the borrowed fiddle, and began to play another tabletop tune.

[batgirl]

Jun was sitting in the tavern and having a drink, basically enjoying the company of others, however inebriated they may be. One man was playing a tune on the fiddle that was quite catchy and she bobbed her head to the tune.

[Astral Harmony]

Location: Gelti Empire, Middle Class Zones, Hazenburg District

(Clitonna leaned against the wall of the Dragon's Brew Tavern, playing her flute, her eyes closed off to the world and her focus primarily on the music. Ashgand was with her, leaning on the wall across the way. It was a small, open area where four alleys met, and was usually clean and clear of unsavory folk, especially since it was the place designated by Ashgand as where the Shock Falchions met every day at around this time.)
Ashgand: So, uhhh...you ever going to tell me about that flute and what song you're playing?
(Clitonna stops playing and slowly lowers the flute.)
Clitonna: I play it so the others know how to get here.
Ashgand: Really? And when were you guys going to let me know about this?
Clitonna: You and I know how to get to this place by heart, sir. The others like Fugurd and Ferra might have a little trouble finding this place.
Ashgand: Eh.
(Clitonna shook her head and began playing again.)
Ashgand: So what's the song?
(Clitonna keeps playing, oblivious to her surroundings for the time being...until someone enters the area from the alley next to Clitonna.)
Ashgand: Hey, it's Lilemi.
(Clitonna stops playing and puts away the flute.)
Lilemi: Hi, you two. Did I ruin something good?
Ashgand: No. Then you'd be early. In this case, you're late. What took you so long and where're the others?
Lilemi: My apologies, sir, but Commanding Officer Chalmers flagged us down as we were coming here. Said we're being transferred as an extension of the DPF for the time being.
Ashgand: What the...? The Domestic Police Forces? What part of Article 2, Subsections 4 and 5 does the CO have trouble understanding?
Lilemi: That law code that prohibits the military from being tasked by the DPF and civilians without approval by the Commanding Officer in charge? All it requires is the CO's approval, right?
Ashgand: That depends. If it means that the military units transferred will be tasked to perform militaristic duty, assassinations or invasions or security in other words, then it requires the Emperor's personal approval and signature.
Lilemi: Chalmers says they got it.
Ashgand: Ugh. Do we know who'll be handing us our orders?
Lilemi: That douchebag DPF Chief over in the Harpsman District, Chief Oaks.
Ashgand: Oh, for Amon's sake. I wonder how much time we'll waste listening to him flirt with you girls before he hands us an actual mission?
Clitonna: No way of knowing, really. Well, I can stomach a little of his god-awful pick up lines as long as he doesn't touch me.
Ashgand: And if he does?
Clitonna: Then I'm going to use my mace to tenderize his meat.
(Lilemi shuddered. Ashgand nodded approval.)
Ashgand: Let's go see the CO to find out where exactly to report and when. Plus, I do want to see if there's a contract with the Emperor's signature on it for real.
Clitonna: This blows. The skirmishes could escalate into full blown war any day now and we get pushed aside to go do what the DPF can't do in this city.
Lilemi: It's safer work, though.
Clitonna: I don't want safer work. I just want to make sure that I'm really earning the paycheck that I'm making.
Ashgand: Well said. I always work hard for my paycheck.
Clitonna: Well, sitting on our asses here won't accomplish much so let's go see Chalmers.
Ashgand: Yeah, let's get moving.
(The trio of Shock Falchion members make sure their gear is all packed up and Clitonna and Ashgand follow Lilemi from the rendevous area to the CO's office, nearly a ten-minute walk away.)

[red storm]

Tanaya growled "Great, rain. I hate rain." She had just arived in Macio when the rain started. She looked around for a place to hide from the rain, when she suddenly noticed a tavern. <ah great, shelter. And a warm drink to boot!> she thought.
As she entered the tavern, she could hear a catching tune. She headed towards an empty chair and ordered a drink, meanwhile listening to the tune. She noticed a person next to her, also fasinated by the tune. "you like it?" she aked her.

[Astral Harmony]

Location: Gelti Empire Capital City, Middle Class Zones, Hazenburg District

(Clitonna, Ashgand, and Lilemi arrive at the CO's public office close to the Hazenburg Gate that leads to the Upper Class Zones.)
Clitonna: I heard the office was next to the tavern but was moved here so that the snobby nobles from the Upper Class Zones didn't have to walk through a lot of middle class filth to reach the office. And now that the office is so easy for them to get to, they still don't come here. They just pay some DPF guy to send their query or whatever to the CO.
Ashgand: Yeah, but nobles are stupid that way. They don't know what they're doing. They're just concerned with having fun doing it.
(Lilemi sighs as the three enter the office and stand at attention before Commanding Officer Chalmers' desk. They salute with the sharpness of well-trained soldiers and the bearing the Shock Falchions have always carried.)
Ashgand: Sir, Shock Falchions Squadron Leader Ashgand Tratston, Soldier Clitonna O'Thanash, and Soldier Lilemi Helnisbloom, reporting as ordered, sir.
(Chalmers chuckles.)
Chalmers: You know you don't have to do that, Ashgand. Please, sit down, all of you. Besides, business to me is far more important than silly things like formalities and ceremonies.
Ashgand: Yes, sir. Clittona. Lilemi. Take your seats.
(Chalmers leans back in his chair as Ashgand and the two girls sit down in an orderly fashion. Chalmers sighs.)
Chalmers: Well, I guess I should commend you on keeping the squad as tight as you have, but don't overexert them as their squad leader.
Ashgand: Yes, sir.
Chalmers: Now, I would like your personal opinion. How do you feel about this reassignment to the DPF? Please, your personal opinions are also appreciated, Clitonna and Lilemi.
Ashgand: I would really, really like to see that contract, sir.
(Chalmers doesn't say a word and pulls out the sheet of paper, passing it then to Ashgand. Ashgand takes it with a nod and reads it.)
Chalmers: And you two girls?
Clitonna: I'd like to know exactly what I'll be seeing as far as pay is concerned. My paycheck is just about the only thing keeping the landlord from kicking my family out of our house.
Chalmers: There should be quite an increase in your pay, Clitonna.
Clitonna: For being transferred to do odd jobs for the DPF? How is that possible?
Chalmers: The fact of the matter is that the contract that Ashgand has is merely a formality.
(Ashgand stops reading and looks up.)
Ashgand: So it's void? It's fake?
Chalmers: Yes, it is both of these but we're pretending like it's real.
Ashgand: Well, then. This doesn't do me much good.
(Ashgand returns the contract to Chalmers.)
Lilemi: I'm afraid I don't understand. If we're not really fulfilling the orders in that contract, then what exactly are we doing?
Chalmers: I haven't been divulged that information.
Ashgand: Is it...above your security clearance?
Chalmers: That's what I assume. He has told me that he doesn't know himself so it may even be above his security clearance, too.
Clitonna: I assume you're talking about the Harpsman District DPF Chief, Chief Oaks. Of course your security clearance would be higher than his. What does the real guy behind all of this want with us?
Chalmers: Whoever this person is, he or she or maybe they want you to report to Chief Oaks's office in the Harpsman District at first sunlight. That's all I was asked to say. As you know, I don't usually concern myself with questioning orders when it's someone of more power than myself telling me these are the orders of the Emperor.
Ashgand: Isn't that how all Commanding Officers act?
Chalmers: Yes, it is, or at least it should be that way. I never really bother with how the other CO's act these days. It's easy enough to just monitor my Shock Falchions and I don't like making this job harder than it already isn't.
(The four of them share a good laugh.)
Clittona: What an obscure order, though. We don't know who to meet. We don't know what we'll be ordered to do. We don't know who will be the target of Shock Falchion wrath. Just be in that office at first sunlight?
Chalmers: I'm sorry, Clitonna, but it's all I know.
(Clitonna sighs and shakes her head in mock defeat.)
Clitonna: I'm not blaming you, sir. I just wish I had a grasp of the situation so I'd know how to prepare for it.
Ashgand: If we don't, then that means they have all the preparations made for us, so I don't think we'll need to worry about that.
Lilemi: I'm pretty nervous.
Ashgand: Yeah, well we got some time to talk about it. Sir, do you know where the others are?
Chalmers: Grant and Ferra said they'll be at the Dragon's Brew Tavern, waiting for you, Ashgand. As for Fugurd, he said he'd be locked up in his library.
Ashgand: Figures, but at least they're pretty close. I'll talk with Fugurd later, then.
(Ashgand rises. Clitonna and Lilemi quickly stand up.)
Ashgand: By your leave, sir.
Chalmers: Good luck out there, whatever they'll have you do in the Emperor's name. You're dismissed, Shock Falchions.
(Ashgand, Clitonna, and Lilemi render patented salutes, turn on their heels, and leave the CO's office.)
Clitonna: Well, let's go head over to the Dragon's Brew Tavern and see Grant and Ferra.
Ashgand: Yep.
(The three soldiers start walking to the Dragon's Brew Tavern, the rendevous point for the Shock Falchions in the area behind the tavern.)

[Flarecobra]

Taking a seat over in the courner, and pulling down her hood, revealing her dark-purple hair. The bartender, reconizing her gave a quick nod, reached down, and brought over a special drink for her. "Thanks." She said.

[batgirl]

Jun turned to the woman, "yes i's quite catchy, but some of the other people here don't seem to think so." She motioned to a group of men brooding in the corner. "It looks like they could use a stronger drink."

[Astral Harmony]

Location: Gelti Empire Capital City, Middle Class Zones, Hazenburg District, Shock Falchions Rendevous

(It was a surprise to find Fugurd at the Rendevous when Clitonna, Lilemi, and Ashgand arrived there with Grant and Ferra in tow, and also a welcome surprise that he seemed to know what was going on. The group took up there usual positions, what might be considered loitering positions, and gave Fugurd their full attention.)
Fugurd: "Tell me, do any of you know about Ebony Twilight?"
Ashgand: "The sword?"
Clitonna: "Doesn't Ashgand's mercenary group, the Scourging Bladesworn, hang around the same area as that sword? I remember from my days being stationed near that area and hearing the story from Ashgand's friend, Brandt."
Ashgand: "That's right. It's that very same sword, hidden in the Bejeweled Depths."
Fugurd: "Yes, that is correct. With the war crawling ever closer to becoming a bloody reality, the empire would like to see the battlefield graced with the wielder of Ebony Twilight sooner if not later."
Clitonna: "That's suspicious. And illogical. Wait, why does this concern us at all? Do they want us to try drawing the blade? It's a piece of a giant jewel, isn't it?"
Ashgand: "That's true. Just what is this all about, Fugurd?"
Fugurd: "Women are a mysterious creature."
(He quickly holds up his right hand to stop the three girls from saying something.)
Fugurd: "Please, forgive me. I did not mean it in a bad way. All women, young or old, human or vampiric, black or white, are vessels to great power. Very few women are aware of this power that they hold within them. Much less than that are able to tap into it. But if such a woman were able to exist, I bet that Ebony Twilight, that blade ever picky of its master, would yield to the prayers of that chosen maiden and answer her call, becoming her weapon."
Clitonna: "... ... ..."
Ferra: "... ... ..."
Lilemi: "... ... ..."
Fugurd: "Hmmm?
Clitonna: "That has to be one of the dumbest pieces of melodrama I have ever heard in my life...and possibly all the lives I lived before this one."
(Lilemi and Ferra burst out laughing. Fugurd sighs.)
Ashgand: "It's...really hard to swallow."
Fugurd: "Regardless, I've kept my eye on such matters, and they will ask that Clitonna, Ferra, and Lilemi try to take up Ebony Twilight by venturing into the Bejeweled Depths."
Clitonna: "It sound ridiculous...and dangerous."
Grant: "And just the girls? Hell no. I'm not letting them, especially Clitonna, go down without me backing them up at least."
Fugurd: "Certainly. We are free to venture into the caverns with them. If that were not possible, they would have only requested this of you three girls and we guys would not have heard a thing."
Clitonna: "The Bejeweled Depths would take a week, getting there and back. We'd probably spend at least one day over there, too. I'd like to go see Brandt again."
Ashgand: "Oh, you like him, don't you?"
Clitonna: "Maybe, but I clearly got my sights set on someone else for the time being."
Lilemi: "... ... ..."
Ferra: "Clittie's in love? Who's the lucky bastard? C'mon, tell us!"
Clitonna: "I most certainly will not tell you, and stop calling me that name! It's disgusting!"
(Nearly the whole party, excluding the personality-less Fugurd, have a good laugh and decide to meet back at the Rendevous very early the next day.)

[Kuffie]

Coyoto enjoyed hearing the music as if it calmed him down he drank the rest of his beer and went off in search of drakes, Vampires anything

[Flarecobra]

After another two songs, Kazi noticed that the three guys a couple tables down were starting to get a little roudy, and every now and then taking glances at the few women in the tavern, including herself. <Great. Drunk, and now they've decided to go skirt-chasing. So long as they don't come near me.>

[Astral Harmony]

Gelti Empire Capital City, Middle Class Zones, Hazenburg District, Dragon's Brew Tavern

OOC: I can't advance to the next day until the GM says, right?

(Clitonna sat down with Lilemi, Grant, and Ferra inside the Dragon's Brew Tavern.)
Clitonna: "Ebony Twilight, a masterworks sword amongst masterworks swords."
Lilemi: "It's just a really nice sword, right? What's particularly special about it?"
Grant: "I heard that the sword augments the spirit of the wielder, allowing her to unleash remarkable powers and command the dead."
Ferra: "But how much of it is true legend and how much of it is myth?"
Clitonna: "We won't ever know that unless some chick can earn the sword."
Grant: "Earn. What an interesting way to say that."
(Clitonna, Grant, and Lilemi took some gulps from their collective alcoholic beverages. Ferra, being underage, had some of her tea. Ferra preferred tea, anyways.)
Clitonna: "Hey, Grant? Mind if I crash at your place tonight? I don't want to see my family tonight. Just lookin' at 'em brings my mood down which is as low as it gets now anyways."
Grant: "No sweat, Clitonna. Harriet thinks of you like a sister, anyways."
Clitonna: "Really? She's a mother of two, though."
Grant: "Well, I guess we'll have to find a good man for you, then."
Clitonna: "Eh, I'm thinking about one."
Lilemi: "... ... ..."
Ferra: "You say you are, but you never tell us who he his."
Clitonna: "Yeah, like I'll ever tell you that I like my squad lea...oh, shit."
Grant: "Hah ha ha!"
Ferra: "Ohmigod, you like Ashgand?! Hee hee hee hee!"
Clitonna: "Gee, say it a bit louder, will ya? I'm sure Ashgand can hear you all the way at his house in the Upper Class Zones if you just extend the vowels in this name."
Ferra: "Oh, chill the hell out, Clittie. I'll keep your secret."
Clitonna: "For the sake of not finding my mace in your face, will you stop calling me that name?"
Ferra: "All right, then just allow me to say this. He's not for you."
Lilemi: ?
Clitonna: "What makes you say that?"
Ferra: "You don't spend a lot of time in the Upper Class Zones, do ya? Ashgand's a whore magnet."
Clitonna: "Well, he is handsome. I would be surprised if he didn't attract other ladies."
Ferra: "But this guy doesn't push them away like other Prince Charmings."
Clitonna: "Well...I uhhh..."
Ferra: "No, it can't be like that. What, you think he's just going to quit his parties up in the Upper Class Zones? For you? You may be a tough bitch when it comes to kicking ass but I think you're a little too confident when it comes to calling Ash away from the whores to only be in your drawers."
Clitonna: "Why're you talking like Grant? Anyways, I know you're right about all that, but..."
Ferra: "Like Grant said, don't sweat it, Clitonna. There's someone else within the Shock Falchions who'd be more than willing to return your affections."
Clitonna: "Hunh? Fugurd?"
Ferra: "Hee hee! Nope!"
Clitonna: "But Grant is married and you said Ashgand who just cheat on me if we ever got together."
Ferra: "I never said the person was male."
(Clitonna hesitated for several seconds, then slowly turned her head to face Lilemi. Lilemi was shaking a bit.)
Clitonna: "Calm down, Lilemi."
Lilemi: "Hunh?"
Clitonna: "I said 'calm down.'"
(Lilemi slowly stopped shaking.)
Clitonna: "This is just bizarre, and...I need some time to think about it, okay? I don't really know what to think right now, all right?"
Lilemi: "Yeah...y-yes."
Clitonna: "Now, I'm not exactly denying it. In fact, I did sort of feel how you felt, but I need some time to...roll things over in my head. Just give me a while."
Lilemi: "Sure. Take all the time you may ever need, Clitonna."
Grant: "That's love right there."
Clitonna: "It's bizarre as hell, tho'."
Ferra: "No one ever said love had to be normal to be true."
Clitonna: "That's right. C'mon, let's get us some more drinks. The day has still not given its control over to night and I think I'll need some more good stuff in my system."
Grant: "Amen to that, and ol' Grant'll keep you safe and get you all home tonight."
Ferra: "I won't be drunk."
Grant: "You'll still need protection."
Ferra: "I'm a fuckin' Shock Falchion soldier. You'd hafta be a damn fool to mess with me."
Grant: "Yeah, but still..."
(Clitonna and Lilemi simply stared at each other.)
Clitonna: "... ... ..."
Lilemi: "... ... ..."

[Flarecobra]

(OOC) Well, I did say it was night....

Much to Kazi's chagrin, the trio did get up and make their way to her, and proceeded to hit on her. (Rather badly, I might add.) "Please, go away and leave me alone." and at that point, it started to get ugly, as one of the guys grabbed her wrist and said "Come on, you know you want one of..." what he was about to say was cut off by Kazi slamming the guy's arm into the edge of the table, causing him to let go of her. "You little bitch, Now you're going to get it." And with that, they drew weapons and advanced on her. <Oh great.> she thought.

[Kuffie]

Coyoto noticed this and drew his sword and pointed it to the drunkards " Leave the lady alone!" then one of them with a knife tried to stab him not knowing that he was wearing arour "wha-what the?" the one said as the drunkard was looking at it with awe Coyoto used the time to slash at the wrist Direct hit the now one handed man fell to the floor he other two were now coming after him " Look little man... I don't apperciate that!"
<I'm doomed > as the two others advanced <Just great>

[MC43]

(OOC: I hope this is come one, come all. I hope it is)

Rain...

It always had to rain whenever he went out for a walk. It didn't matter what mood he was in, rain always brought him down. It could have been anything else, especially a snow storm, but he hadn't seen one in ages. "Damn rain..." He brought up his hood tighter around his head.

That's when his beady little light blue eyes found his comman hang out spot. The local tavern where people liked to get drunk and just hang around to have some fun. He shrugged, "Why the hell not? It's been one hell of a day anyway. Maybe alcohol will make me feel better..." Even though he knew full well it was just going to give him a hangover the next day. "Stupid rain..."

Rhu walked up to the doors and pushed them aside, taking in everything that was going on. Drunks trying to get lucky with some girl, not getting much luck, in fact, one of them looked like he was in pain. The other two with weapons in hand. Rhu shrugged, for some reason he didn't care. Normally he would fume over something like that, but today was different. The only reason why he was still in today was the fact that he couldn't sleep. Taking a spot on the bar that was far away from the rest of the world, he raised a hand, "Barkeep... Barkeep!?" He looked around for a man with a towel, but none showed. Dropping his head on the table with a loud thud, he sighed to himself. "Wow... this day is just not looking up for me..."

[batgirl]

Jun looked over and saw a fight brewing. <Oooh looks like fun to watch.> She then noticed someone new walk in to the bar looking for the barkeep. She turned to him, "here." She hopped over the bar and poured the man some ale. "Just leave your pay on the table," she said as she handed him the mug.

[Ganurath]

Rithen immediately set down his borrowed fiddle and lashed out between the drunks and their assailents, thin whips of fire flailing from his fingertips, preventing further combat. "We're all trying to enjoy ourselves here, folks. Now it's clear the young lady doesn't want to be hastled, but I doubt it's legal to be severing body parts. I suggest you two get your friend to a healer while the rest of us mellow out."

[Astral Harmony]

Location: Gelti Empire Capital City, Middle Class Zones, Hazenburg District, Streets of Hazenburg District

(Clitonna and Grant wave goodbye to Lilemi as she entered her house.)
Clitonna: "Remember, be at Chief Oaks' office before sunrise."
Lilemi: "Of course, I know what to do! Take care, you two."
Grant: "Don't worry, I'll make sure Clitonna is safe tonight."
Lilemi: (blushes) "Ah..."
Clitonna: "S-see you tomorrow."
(Clitonna and Grant turned and started walking away. Lilemi stayed in the doorway, watching Clitonna and they left.)
Grant: "You're not...mad at me, are you?"
Clitonna: "How could I be mad at you, Grant?"
Grant: "You took that little love revelation well."
Clitonna: "Can I tell you something? Friend to friend?"
Grant: "Sure thing. What is it?"
(Clitonna took out her flute and looked at it appraisingly.)
Clitonna: "In the years that I've spent living, good times have always been so fleeting. When I learned how to play this damn thing, my father's father, who made this and other woodwind instruments as a business hobby, wanted it returned to him because he said it was his masterpiece. My father asked me to give it back but it was a gift they gave to me way back when they wanted me to learn how to play. I finally mastered the flute and now they wanted to take away my accomplishment away as though it didn't mean shit to them."
Grant: "That's awful."
Clitonna: "We were all so happy when my brother, Rhadditz, joined the army. Those good times were so short-lived, too. It hadn't even been a week after his second victory in the skirmishes and he's suddenly brought home, barely clinging to life from the horrible wound in his head. Money was tight and all my parents could think about was what a horrible burden me and my brother were to them. I didn't have a job and with his debilitating injury, my brother wasn't earning any money. We were only worthy of being in the family when we were able to make money for them. They may have raised me but they have no right to treat me the way they did."
Grant: "... ... ..."
Clitonna: "I thought that there had to be love there somewhere. I simply hoped that there was a God, but the next thing you know, I'm the one shouldering so much blame. At least my brother did something while he could, and the next thing you know, I'm a soldier, nearly every single coin I make going to get my family out of the hole of debt that father placed us into in the first place."
Grant: "The gambling, right?"
(Clitonna simply nodded.)
Clitonna: "I...want to have a long-term happiness. I know...like I've always known that I can't get it from someone like Ashgand. So...I ask you..."
(Clitonna stops and Grant looks at her.)
Clitonna: "Even if she's a woman like me, I think I can tell that her love for me is genuine, and she's been through some tough shit like I have. Me and her...could I have the happiness I'm seeking now if I accept her like I probably should?"
Grant: "Why're you asking me?"
Clitonna: "Because you're my best friend, Grant."
Grant: "That's sweet of you to say that, but...I mean, why don't you ask her?"
Clitonna: "Yeah, sure. I'll just go up to Lilemi and ask her if she can make me happy."
Grant: "Yes, I know what you're saying, but I'm tellin' you that it's that simple. All you have to do is ask. It took me a while to propose to Harriet. Damn, I was so nervous when I did but when she accepted me, I wish I had done it sooner just to see that smile earlier in my life. Clitonna, you and Harriet have given me a lot of joy and hope even when shit was hard for me. Now I want to see you become as happy as I am now, if not happier. I think that Lilemi just might be able to bring you the happiness you say you're searching for. So, now that you have your answer, I ask you...Clitonna, why don't you just ask her if she can be the reason for your smiles from now on?"
Clitonna: "I see your point. I'll think about it, too, and if I consider it long enough, then I'll make a decision to ask her."
Grant: "Good girl. Now come on. Harriet's dinner will get cold if we don't move our asses."
Clitonna: "Oh, that's right! Harriet's cooking is good, hot or cold, but I prefer it nice and hot."
Grant: "And hearty. I'll need a lot of food to get my ass up before sunrise."
Clitonna: "Don't worry, old timer. I'll make sure you're sharp-eyed and shiny-headed, heh heh heh!"
Grant: "Why, you li'l...!"
(Grant grabs for Clitonna as she runs ahead of him, smiling.)
Clitonna: "C'mon, ya old fart! First one there gets the bigger portion!"
Grant: "Oh, you KNOW you shouldn't've gone there!"
(Clitonna and Grant, laughing, began a spirited race for Grant's house.)

[Flarecobra]

(OOC) Did you sign-up there MC?

They didn't liston, and advanced on the group, rather obvilious to the obvious threat.Just then, one of them collapsed, blood splitting out from between his fingers as he clutched his slashed legs, the achillies tendon cut. Kazi was right behind him, and she wispered to him "Your blood's nasty, by the way."

[Kuffie]

Coyoto looks at her with surprise "y-your a vampire I thought so," he turns around "thanks you two" and leaves

[Ganurath]

Rithen shakes his head in dismay and begins to shape the flames into a burning effigy of a female, from head to breasts. Such a distraction easily preoccupies the remaining drunk, and draws him out the door in a stumbling chase before the effigy vanishes and the fool collapses outside. Rithen looks toward the crowd, which is starring at him funny. "I guess this means the party is over then?"

[Kuffie]

Coyoto hears the mob < dammit why do I want to help so much today> " LOOK!" he yelled "Why waste your time with her I'm half vampire!" the mob turns to him < oh great> " I let him sleep at the in!" one man said " I sold him some food" another said " CHARGE," they all yelled one with a club nailed him right in the head and blacked out....

[Astral Harmony]

Location: Gelti Empire Capital City, Middle Class Zones, Hazenburg District, Grant's Household

[Grant smiled broadly as he entered his house full of good smells and revitalizing comforts.]
Grant: "Hey, honey, I'm home, and I brought a guest with me."
Harriet: "Welcome home, honey. Is it Clitonna?"
Grant: "Heh, yeah."
Shana / Mareen: "Aunt Clitonna!"
[The little girls, Grant and Harriet's two daughters, rush up to Clitonna and latch onto her legs.]
Clitonna: "Whoa, be careful, you li'l rascals. I'm glad I had my mace covered."
Harriet: "Welcome back, Clitonna."
Clitonna: "Hi, sis. Got enough food for one more stomach?"
Harriet: "Of course. All you hafta do is convince Grant that he only has three stomachs to make room for yourself."
Grant: "Aww, that's messed up."
[Clitonna and Harriet laugh.]
Mareen: "Hee hee! Daddy's funny."
Shana: "Aunt Clitonna! Will you play with us?"
Clitonna: "How could I ever refuse such an honor? C'mon, lead me to the fun."
[Mareen and Shana cheer and lead Clitonna away. Grant was smiling.]
Grant: "She looks so happy when she's with them."
Harriet: "It's not a fake smile, either. I think Clitonna's ready for motherhood."
Grant: "I'm sure that having a kid of her own is much different than being with someone else's kids."
Harriet: "Aww, don't ruin her good mood. Anyways, dinner should be done in roughly ten minutes."
[Grant kisses Harriet.]
Grant: "Isn't it always that way when I get back?"
Harriet: "Yeah, but then again, women are magical. Clitonna and the girls are magical, too."
Grant: "Magical enough to draw up the Ebony Twilight sword?"
Harriet: "Honey?"
[Grant sits down at the table.]
Grant: "The Shock Falchions are going on an extended campaign to see if we can obtain the fabled Ebony Twilight sword. The sword and the place at where it rests is on Gelti Empire property, but we'll have to cross the border into the Free Alliance Zones for about a day's walk of the trip. It's likely, though not entirely possible, that we'll have to push back the border guards for the Free Alliance."
Harriet: "Just promise me that you'll be very careful and watch over Clitonna, okay?"
Grant: "Of course, honey. I won't be dying anytime soon. Too many girls will cry over me."
Harriet: "Yeah, a whole lot."
Grant: "Oh, come on, baby. I've been a soldier for eight years now. Ain't nothin' happened to me then. Ain't nothin' gonna happen to me now. I promise you."
Harriet: "Don't worry, my love. I believe you."
Grant: "Honey, the..."
Harriet: "Hunh?"
Grant: "The pot is boiling over."
Harriet: "Oh, shit! Damnit, I got lost in the moment!"
[Grant laughs uproariously. Clitonna and the two daughters peer around the corner and join in the laughter as Harriet frantically hurries about the kitchen, making all the wrongs right.]
Harriet: "Clitonna, stop laughin' at me and stirr this!"
Clitonna: "Ha ha ha! Yes, ma'am!"
[Clitonna smiles sweetly as she helps Harriet finish cooking dinner.]
Grant: "Clitonna...she wants to be a mother like Harriet...not a mother like her own...Lilemi, it looks like you got some shoes to fill."
Harriet: "Okay, dear, it's done. Remove the pot."
Clitonna: "Got it!"

[Flarecobra]

(OOC) She didn't say it loud enough for the others to hear there Kuffie. Plus she's kinda hiding that fact that she is a Vampire, for obviois reasons.

[Kuffie]

lol whoops nevermind the last post by me he just goes to the inn

[Ganurath]

OOC: Let's just edit up the posts. And can we get a disscussion thread going for this sort of thing?

[Ryu Kurai]

Kirrass walked calmly through the mob, Holding his cloak close to himself. A few people ran into him, all of them men. One of them had a sheathed sword with an emblem of a sword through a dragon's head on the sheath. He hissed audibly, which caused the guy to turn on his heel, scanning the crowd. "Who hissed? Where's the damn reptile?!" He shouted angrily, unsheathing his sword. It was ice blue, obviously magically enchanted for taking on red dragons.

Kirrass let out a long hiss, moving stealthily through the crowd around the slayer. "Where is it?" He yelled again, brandishing his sword with anger. Kirrass drew his knife and moved up behind him. "I know where he isss." He said menacingly. The slayer turned around and slashed simultaneously. Kirrass parried the blow with his knife and lashed out with his tail, hitting someone in the crowd who quickly screamed and ran away from the figure in the black cloak. He lashed out again, this time striking the slayer across the right thigh with a diagonal slash. He wnced and tried to stab Kirrass. Kirrass jumped backwards, falling into several people, and moved with his tail to his stinger at his belt. The slayer moved in with an overhead slash, wihich Kirrass rolled away from on the crowd, lashing out with his stinger and striking the slayer in the arm. He let out a scream of agony and rage, then grabbed Kirrass' tail with his free hand. Kirrass was jerked back like a dog on a leash and collapsed as the slayer freed his arm and raised his blade to cut off the Drake's tail. Kirrass rolled to his feet and rushed forwards with his knife, He and the slayer screaming almost simultaneously. Kirrass jerked his knife out of the slayer's collarbone, then slashed his across the face with his claws. He dropped his knife and pulled out his greatsword, Raising it with astonishing speed and cleaving the slayer in two unevenly as he attempted to crawl away.

Kirrass let out a hiss of pain as the stinging in his tail was suddenly brought to attention. He picked up his tail's tip and his stinger from the ground, Placing his stinger in its usual place along with his tail. He picked up his knife ignoring people's stares, and ripped a piece of his cloak off and wrapped it around his tail stub to stop the bleeding. "What the bloody hell are you looking at?" He said menacingly into the crowd, greatsword still held in one hand. "Ssshow me where the nearest healer'ssss at or you'll end up like him!" He said, pointing to the dragon slayer's corpse.

[Flarecobra]

(OOC) That's what I changed the sign-ups for. I don't like makingup new threads when I can change ones that are already open.



Kazi turned, and acted like she was wiping off her dagger, then checking for any chips, but she really just licked off some of the blood. When she heard the other guy comment that he was half-Vampire, she whipped around, looking shocked.

[Ganurath]

Rithen glances from the woman to the half-vampire, then toward the crowd. Things have settled down, apparently they were too busy soaking in the events to hear the outburst. Rithen reaches to pick up one of the bodies. "You two mind giving me a hand?"

[Kuffie]

"Sure," Coyoto said after helping coyoto went east to his home town of Ojaan " those two seemed a little strange meh its probablly nothing," when he reached his destination he had seen something horrible a drake was was destroying hut after hut Coyoto took out his katana and a charged " All thisssssss town musssst burn!" The drake said a he whiped up some fire in his hand ( er claws). " Stop fiend!" as a man in the crowd appered to stop and chase toward the drake and punched in the gut the drake smiled "foolissssssss human I will die to no human!" Coyoto came as the drake was grappelling the man Coyoto jumped in to action and swang at the beast decapitation !

[batgirl]

Jun turned to the man she had just poured a drink for, "never a dull moment right?" She downed the rest of her drink and ordered another.

[MC43]

His eyes looked at his bartender for a second, then they returned back to the drink in his hand, the froth bubbling over the edge of the glass. He thought that a drink might have helped him, but all of a sudden, he had no urge to drink, it seeming like a waste of time and money. He pushed it away from him and layed his hands flat on the bar. "Yeah... I guess so." His voice was low, and barely audible.

[Ryu Kurai]

Three people jumped out of the crowd simultaneously and pointed in the direction of a healer's, almost simultanoeusly. "Thank you very much." Kirrass said, in a low, growling voice. He walked through the crowd, still hefting his greatsword over one shoulder. Several people ducked out of the blade's path. The adrenaline rush of the fight was wearing off. His severed tail was exploding with pain. He winced, closing one eye and finally sheathing his sword. He got in front of the healing house without a sound besides footsteps when he shouted out in a mixture of despiration and pain "Ssssomebody get out here and help me, dammit!" He fell to one knee, his greatsword going out past his cloak on his back. A young boy dressed in healing garb came out. "What can I help you wiiii- Oh shit!" He shouted, finally seeing Kirrass and the trail of blood coming fro the bar his tail had left. "Senior! Senior!" He shouted, rushing back into the house. "No, wait!" Kirrass said in dismay, but it was too late. He gave in to temptation and fell belly down on the ground. The ground was fairly warm, not that that helped his constant pain, though. He felt himself being picked up by someone. He turned his head towards the person. He saw it was a moderately old man, with medium length white hair and glassses. The man made eye contact with him. He lifted a rag in one hand and placed it over Kirrass' mouth and nostrils. "Mrrph?" The drake said in dismay. "Swet dreams, my scaly friend." Said the old man. Kirrass felt himself going unconcious...

He sat up with a start. His tail was still searing with pain. He lifted it up, with some difficulty. He noticed that his crude bandage had been removed, replaced with a white bandage. He felt a strong desire to go back to sleep, his legs felt unrealistically heavy. He fell on his back and fell asleep again.

He was awakened some time later by the doctor. "We're going to take you into surgery now, to re-attatch that tail of yours."
"Hnn...That'sss good..." Kirrass responded. He was still half-asleep, so he didn't know what was going on. He was walked through several corridors until the came to rest at a table with a tray of surgical tools beside it. "Just lie down on this bed. We'll have to put you to sleep again"
"Huh?"
Kirrass only had time to mutter before he was smothered with cloth again.

He sat up with a start, a second later it seemed. His tail still stung. He lifted it up. He let out a relieved sigh. His tail tip was all there, the only difference was that it was a light grey now, unlike the rest of his scales. He swished it around in the air a bit, testing how well it worked. "Hmm, Not too ssshabby. I guesss I'll have to reasssesss my opinion of humanssss." He looked around. He was dressed in nothing but an apron used for patients. He saw his clothing on the floor, his weapons next to them. He also saw a note, written quickly by the doctor no doubt. It read:

Drake,
Don't worry about paying us, we took a few gold pieces from your pouch. I hope that you have found us satisfactory and will continue to visit our houses for healing aid in the future. Please tell me if your tail has problems, functionality or otherwise. Thank you!

-Dr. Mesin

He placed the paper down on the ground and got dressed, His sword, dagger and stinger going to their respective places. He checked his pouch and placed a few more gold on the floor next to the note. He found his way out of the building with some difficulty, a night sky greeting him. He walked back to the bar, keeping his hood up this time. He walked up to the bar and placed two gold pieces on it. "Missster bartender, your recomendationssss?"

[Astral Harmony]

Location: Gelti Empire Capital City, Middle Class Zones, Hazenburg District, Grant's House

[Clitonna stood there, playing her flute softly so as not to wake the others. But apparently, she was still playing too loud, because as Clitonna ended her song, someone spoke up.]
Harriet: "That was very beautiful, Clitonna."
Clitonna: "Hunh? Oh, sorry, sis. I didn't mean to wake you."
Harriet: "Ten years, it's been, and you're still the same girl I remember. Playing your flute. Calling me your sister. Still as pretty as ever. And even though you had emotional issues to fight through, you never let a day pass that your smile didn't grace. I wish I was as strong as you are now. Maybe then I'd be a soldier, too."
Clitonna: "There are many kinds of strength, Harriet. There is the strength which Grant and I have, which makes us fighters. Strength on the battlefield. And then there's your strength. The strength of a mother, capable of treating her children fairly and impartially and always worrying about them when they're not with you."
Harriet: "... ... ..."
Clitonna: "I can't really say which strength is more powerful. The strength of a warrior or the strength of a mother. I can't pinpoint which is better because while I've been a warrior, I've never been a mother."
Harriet: "I'm the same way. I have the strength of a mother, but I've never lifted a weapon to defend my nation or my Emperor on the battlefield."
Clitonna: "That's why I call you 'sis.'"
Harriet: "Hmm?"
Clitonna: "I realized...at an early point in life, that you and me were very much alike. To me, you were many times closer and more important to me than my mother who wishes she never bore me, or my father who detests me because he's too foolish to blame his own father for being the reason the O'Thanash Family is in debt. I was also close to my brother, but with the state that he's in, it's like he's suddenly gone away, to some place where I can't even see him."
Harriet: "Clitonna."
[Clitonna slowly turns towards Harriet and the two hold each other tightly. Harriet knew what this meant. Clitonna needed another pick-me-up.]
Clitonna: "If I'm as blessed as I think I am every single day, then why does my heart ache when I really run it all through my head? If a girl as pretty as me was meant to be a doting mother like you are, then why do I only feel at home when I'm on the battlefield, taking lives in the name of Emperor and country?"
Harriet: "Clitonna..."
[Harriet pushes Clitonna away enough so that Clitonna is staring Harriet directly in her eyes.]
Harriet: "Clitonna, remember when I told you that we were all living in a book that contained everyone's stories?"
Clitonna: "Yes."
Harriet: "A story doesn't end until the person passes on. You know what that means, right?"
Clitonna: "My story isn't finished. And as long as it isn't finished, there's always the possibility of a happy ending, right? The ending I've always wanted."
[Clitonna suddenly sees an image of Lilemi in her mind. She thinks about it for a bit and decided that she only needed to think about it more.]
Harriet: "Yes, but until the day you find what you're looking for...what you're really looking for, you've got to persevere. That's the strength that really binds us, sis. It's the strength of legend."
Clitonna: "You're right. You're always right. Is that what you call 'mother's intuition?'"
Harriet: "Not so much. If you wanted that power, you'd hafta bang Grant upside his head with a newspaper almost every morning so he isn't late for work."
[Clitonna and Harriet both laugh.]
Harriet: "I've raised your spirits again, haven't I?"
Clitonna: "Yep. You're a real life-saver, sis. Now c'mon. I hear Grant say over and over that he's never slept anywhere but in his bed and only during the times that you're laying with him. Me and him've got an early start tomorrow so I don't want him up late."
Harriet: "Yeah, yeah. I better get to my soldierly duty then, too, shouldn't I?"
[Clitonna and Harriet chuckle and Harriet leads Clitonna back inside.]

[Flarecobra]

Kazi sheathed her dagger, and started to head on back out into the rainy night, but bumped into someone who was just entering. Looking up, she saw that the person she ran into was a Drake. <This just isn't my night.> she thought. "Um, sorry about that. I didn't mean to." She said, knowing about how tempremtal, and powerful, Drakes are.

[Kuffie]

Coyoto notuced that his sword was cracked because of drakes hard scales "DAMMIT!" he yelled "sorry sir....Coyoto....your Coyoto the mercanary the half vam-" Coyoto grabbed him by the neck "shut up about my heiritage!"
<though I told that woman and that guy that> "o-ok you know that sword was forged by harusame right?" the men said "yes and the sword was a gift to my grampa!"" and its called the marusume because that was my grand fathers name but... the old timer who forged this would be dead!" He yelled "not true! Harusame is still alive and he is only 167 for a human thats alot thought!" the man replied "to old to fix it!" "nope he acts like a 60 year old he is that healthy!" the man said. the man took him to a hut inside was a forge and a old man. "you look lke the hero Marusume when he was 19" the old man said "but...you look a little human for the grandchild of a great vampire warrior.." he added "Look old man I need the Marusume fixed!" "It will take me about a day maybe only 5 hours depends how fast you get me a vampire fang-" "easy here I'll give you one of my old ones!" he interupted "no it must be a pure vampire's!" he said "unless you have two of your old ones!" the old man said "how about four!" coyoto handed him a pouch with four old fangs in it within 5 hours the marusume was restored

[Astral Harmony]

OOC: Is it okay if I venture ahead in the timespan? That plot twist and adventure I had planned for Clitonna is a looooong ways away.

[Flarecobra]

(OOC) Or we could also say that what's going on with you is a little bit in the past, but whichever works for you.

[Astral Harmony]

OOC: That works out. I can really shorten the story before Clitonna's adventure really gets underway. I'll edit this post to briefen up the rest of the story before the plot twist. That way, Clitonna doesn't stay separated from where you all're during the whole RPG.

EDIT: From Fantasizing Soldier to Fugitive Swordfighter

After a general briefing at the DPF Chief's office in the Harpsman District, the team of six set out. Clitonna, Lilemi, or Ferra. Three girls who never saw the Ebony Twilight sword, much less touched it, were required by imperial decree to try and draw the sword from where it lay. The trip to the Scourging Bladesworn camp was uneventful, but after that, nothing was ever the same. All three girls tried to retrieve the sword, but in the end, Clitonna was the one the sword had chosen as its new master, and there were mixed feelings all around about Clitonna and the new power that she wielded. This uneasiness followed them home, where they arrived back at Gelti Empire Capital City during nightfall. While waiting to recieve an audience to annouce Clitonna's success at earning the trust of the blade, she mysteriously vanished. When news of the murders of Roberto, Jessabella, and Rhadditz O'Thanash - the father, mother, and brother of Clitonna - hit the streets, the Shock Falchions went immediately to work. While they had been ordered to capture Clitonna, they instead decided to help her flee the city until the excitement died down. When Lilemi found her at the Rendevous area for the Shock Falchions, the team got together and formulated the plan. All of the Shock Falchions, including Commanding Officer Chalmers, helped Clitonna escape the city, but she didn't escape alone. Lilemi was allowed to go along with her, and somehow Grant managed to convince his wife, Harriet, to let him go to Clitonna's aid as well. Clitonna believes that she was possessed by her negative emotions, increased by the power of the Ebony Twilight sword, and that's what made her slaughter her family. Fabricating a story that Clitonna must have slain both Lilemi and Grant in addition to her own family, the Shock Falchions were put on the search to find their bodies. This order extended to much of the rest of the military that wasn't called to the front lines or that weren't assigned to guarding the city. This allowed Lilemi and Grant even more time to help get Clitonna farther away from the Gelti Empire, and closer to the Non-Commital Zones where they could lay in hiding. On a night, as the trio of excitement-struck deserters neared the imposed border that separated the Gelti Empire from the Non-Commital Zones, they sit down for the next camp.

Location: Alkadian Fields Southeast, some 30 miles away from the border separating the Gelti Empire and Non-Commital Zones.

[Clitonna stood resolute on a slightly higher hill, watching around her for signs of Gelti Imperial soldiers searching for her or perhaps even Free Alliance forces. They weren't that far from that border, either.]
Lilemi: "Clitonna."
[Clitonna turned around to see Lilemi. Over the period of two and a half weeks since they left on that accursed mission, Clitonna's feelings for Lilemi had built up a lot more. It was a honor having a friend as close as Lilemi was. Grant was even better still, but...]
Clitonna: "Oh, is it time for the switch of night watch already?"
Lilemi: "Not exactly. You got about a half hour left."
Clitonna: "Ah, I see."
[Lilemi walked up to stand next to Clitonna and looked out.]
Clitonna: "If Ashgand's memory serves us well, we'll hit the border later in the afternoon hours."
Lilemi: "Yeah..."
[Clitonna and Lilemi stood silent for a moment.]
Clitonna: "Lilemi, I'm torn."
Lilemi: "Hmm?"
Clitonna: "First, I should let you know that you have a much bigger place in my heart, ever since we set out on that stupid mission."
Lilemi: "Clitonna..."
Clitonna: "But, on the other hand, I feel like I'm cursing you. When they start to figure out that Grant and your bodies aren't in the city and begin to put together the pieces of the puzzle, you'll be branded a criminal, too. A deserter of the Imperial Shock Falchions."
Lilemi: "Don't worry about it, Clitonna."
Clitonna: "How can you say that?"
Lilemi: "Look, you know me, Clitonna. You know me like Ferra knows me. You know me like Grant knows me. You know me like Ashgand knows me. And you definitely know me more than Fugurd knows me. I may have done some of this because of you, but it's not only that."
Clitonna: "... ... ..."
Lilemi: "Too many lives flow down the same path that I have taken, and I wanted very much...so much to see a different path for me to walk. Clitonna, your new dilemma is my new path. And the more I think about it, the more happy I am that this path exists and I pray now, more than ever, that I have the strength to persist down this path."
Clitonna: "Hmmm. I understand."
[Lilemi turned to Clitonna and took Clitonna's hands in her own.]
Lilemi: "So please, Clitonna, don't ever think me wrong for doing this. This is what I want just as much as..."
Clitonna: "...What I want for you."
[Lilemi suddenly drops Clitonna's hands and turns away, blushing.]
Clitonna: "Aww, don't be like that now. I know that's how you think. I've thought a lot about it and I decided that...well, if at some point we can find a place to settle on our own, then I'll never want for anything else...ah, at least not for a while."
Lilemi: "Do you really mean that?"
Clitonna: "Why not? I've got nothing better to do with my life."
Lilemi: "Don't say it because of that."
Clitonna: "I know, I know. I'm sorry. Just give me some more time, okay? I need to think about it more."
Lilemi: "Like I told you before. Take all the time you think you may ever need."
Clitonna: "Thanks. By the way, I'm worried about Grant. How's he holding up without his wife?"
Lilemi: "Apparently pretty well. It must be my good cooking. Oh, yes. About that cooking."
Clitonna: "It'll be lukewarm when I get down there, eh?"
Lilemi: "I'm sorry. Grant was so persistent."
Clitonna: "It's all right. Thank you."
[Lilemi looks onward into the night as Clitonna slings the Ebony Twilight sword over her right shoulder and whistles as she walks back to the makeshift camp.]
Lilemi: "Clitonna..."

[Mad Jack the Pirate]

Location: outside port of Capital City.

a large black barge slowly sailed through the night's waters. maybe it was the ominous slowness of it's advance, or it's color, or the jagged, sinister appearance, but the ship exuded a deep foreboding, an aura of wickedness.


and with good reason.

not only was it carrying a load of cursed metal, but it was crewed with the damned and held passenger to the wretched - Vampires.

the ship was a cargo ship from the cursed island out deep in the sea, Asgard - surrounded by mountains, the bowl-shaped valley was cloaked in mist and clouds. in it's mines was located Cursed mythril, a metal stronger than almost all.

Lording over this land was the greatest Being aboard the ship, Vandrok.

right now, he was in the seconday hold, addressing a group fo 20 Vampires.

"Ah," he said, extending his arms out to his sides. wearing dark, loose clothes, he had an imposing image with his long silver hair.

"The best, the brightest, and the brutal . . . those words define you. you, my greatest pupils - the Black Dragons, terroristic experts. you know your jobs well."

he lowered his arms and strode before the Vampires, talking as he walked.

"your mission is simple. ten of you will leave this ship when we dock, and spread out into the city. the other ten, when we reach the Free Nations capital, will deploy into their capital. beyond that, your missions are simple - cause havoc in the name of their enemies."

he continued pacing, pausing for a moment, then continuing.

"you are to continue so until the Free Nations and Gelti Empire begin fighting in earnest. when they have continued doing so until they are husks of their former selves, we may use the mana Cannon to remove their remains and put the pieces back together."

He stopped and turned.

"However, the Mana Cannon, as you may know, is not complete. therefore, until it has finished construction, you must not be seen. if the mana Cannon isn't ready, we can't withstand an attack form even one of these superpowers, and if you are found out, they will cease squabbling long enough to wipe us out. you have your disguise spells. use them."

a muted thump was heard.

"well, it seems we have arrived." he clapped his hands together. "Go. don't let the dock hands see you while they unload our other cargo."

with that, half of the commandos exited. Vandrok returned to his room.

Ah, he tought, this should be a fun show to watch.

[Astral Harmony]

Location: Alkadian Fields Southeast, some 30 miles away from the border separating the Gelti Empire and Non-Commital Zones.

Lilemi: "Clitonna! Grant! Get your asses up NOW!!"
Clitonna: "What the?!"
Grant: "Lilemi?"
[Lilemi races down the hill where she was keeping a watch over the area. Suddenly, a sparkle flew at her from behind.]
Clitonna: "Lilemi, dodge!"
[Lilemi dove to the side just as the sparkle revealed itself. The shining reflection off of an arrowhead. Clitonna then recognized the attackers. Gelti Imperial Soldiers.]
Grant: "Clitonna!"
Clitonna: "I'm ready!"
[Lilemi stood up and fled back some distance until Clitonna and Grant joined her. The three turned and faced the enemy squad.]
Squadron Captain: "Ex-Shock Falchion Clitonna O'Thanash, you are hereby ordered by the Emperor to turn yourself in for the judgment of the murders of Roberto, Jessabella, and Rhadditz O'Thanash and for deserting the Imperial military. Ex-Shock Falchions Grant Phillipson and Lilemi Helnisbloom, you are hereby ordered by the Emperor to turn yourselves in for the judgment of assisting a convicted criminal and for deserting the Imperial military. Surrender now or we shall be force to use lethal force against you."
Grant: "I think I speak for us 'Ex-Shock Falchions' as you call us when I say 'fuck you and the speedy horses that got you here to stop us before we crossed the border!'"
Clitonna: "Grant, should we have told them that we planned to cross the border?"
Grant: "Probably not, but with an ambush like this, there's nothing more obvious than what we intend to do here."
Squadron Captain: "If that is your responce, criminals, then face the wrath of the Emperor!"
[The squad of soldiers drew their swords and charged the trio.]
Clitonna: "And if that's how you think you'll possibly defeat us, then face the wrath of real soldiers!"
[Clitonna, Grant, and Lilemi drew their weapons and situated themselves, with Clitonna and Grant in the front and Lilemi in the rear.]
Grant: "Do you think you got enough practice in how to use both that mace and Ebony Twilight at the same time?"
Clitonna: "Sure, like this."
[Clitonna was quick to act, throwing the mace in a wild arc. The targeted soldier took to long to think, and wound up as a prone corpse, his face ripped to shreds when the spiked mace nailed him. Grant rushed up next to Clitonna and joined the fray. Lilemi sighted her crossbow.]
Clitonna: "Force Thrust!"
[Clitonna shoulder-charged one of the soldiers, knocking him nearly nine yards away. One of the soldiers, armed with a spear, readied to stab Clitonna in the back. Grant shouted at her as his Javelin burried itself into another soldier's spinal column.]
Grant: "Clitonna, watch out!"
Clitonna: "Eh?"
[An arrow pierced the man in the side of the head. Dropping the spear, he stood there for a second and then crashed to the grass. Clitonna turned back to see Lilemi blow a kiss. Clitonna smiled. Grant bashed another guy in his stomach, and then his chin with the backside of his Javelin, and the Squadron Captain dropped from an arrow in his chest.]
Clitonna: "Any of them left alive?"
[Grant slammed the Javelin home in the fallen man's chest, crushing his ribcage.]
Grant: "Not anymore."
[Clitonna walked up to Lilemi.]
Clitonna: "Thanks for saving my ass."
Lilemi: "It's a duty I'll happily do for the one I love."
Clitonna: "Y-yeah..."
Grant: "All right, ladies. No kissing and relaxing until we reach the border. Are we ready to move?"
Lilemi: "I can go if Clitonna can."
Clitonna: "That means that I better go so that Lilemi will go."
Grant: "It's just like Ferra said. You two are made for each other."
[Clitonna and Lilemi looked at each other and both started smiling.]
Grant: "I'll lead us to the border. Harriet's expecting me to be able to get you out of here, anyways."
Clitonna: "Thanks, Grant. Let's get going, Lilemi."
Lilemi: "Of course!"
Grant: "Non-Commital Zones, here we come!"

Meanwhile...

Location: Gelti Empire Capital City, Middle Class Zones, Hazenburg District, CO Chalmer's Office

Ashgand: "What're you saying? Those're our friends out there."
Chalmers: "I'm sorry, Ashgand, but an order is an order. If we refuse, they'll suspect us of being criminals, too. You've been ordered by the Emperor to take out Clitonna, Lilemi, and Grant."
Ashgand: "..."
Ferra: "Damnit."
Fugurd: "I have the Emperor to thank for all that I have now. I will do as I am ordered."
[Fugurd didn't even wait for a responce and left immediately.]
Ferra: "Ashgand, what do we do?"
Ashgand: "I shouldn't even be worrying about this. Clitonna and Grant are two of the best damn soldiers I've ever seen in the Gelti Imperial Forces, and Clitonna has Ebony Twilight. I don't care if I die. I just want to see Clitonna be happy."
Ferra: "I figured you would feel that way. So you knew, hunh?"
Ashgand: "I have a lot of sordid little habits and I simply wouldn't have been right for Clitonna. I thought she really realized that but it was when Clitonna was told about how Lilemi feels about her that I understood that it wasn't exactly the case. I don't care about death, but Clitonna shouldn't have to suffer the way she must be now."
Ferra: "Ashgand..."
Ashgand: "I have some thinking to do tonight, Ferra, and I'd like you to help me sort my mind out."
Ferra: "Of course, Ashgand. Actually, I've been waiting for the day you'd finally ask me over to your house."
Ashgand: "Re...really?"
[Ferry merely nodded.]
Chalmers: "Could you two stop acting like I'm not here and get down to business? Do as you wish, but the Emperor expects you to battle Clitonna's party before she gets across the border."
Ferra: "We'll need some fast horses."
Ashgand: "I'll make arrangements. It'll only be me and Ferra here."
Chalmers: "Well, then. That's a load off of my mind, then."
Ashgand: "We'll be leaving now, sir."
Chalmers: "Yeah, yeah. Have fun and all that nonsense."
[Ashgand and Ferra render a salute and leave the office. Just as the sound of their feet vanish into the night, a robed woman emerges from the shadows of the dimly lit office.]
Chalmers: "Don't they realize what's at stake?"
Robed Woman: "It doesn't matter. The Shock Falchions, both the soldiers and deserters, can go do whatever, but that sword simply can't be taken away. Besides, nobody really liked the O'Thanash Family anyways. I wouldn't have even asked the Emperor to put out that order to capture them if it wasn't for Clitonna having Ebony Twilight."
Chalmers: "I don't want to see any Shock Falchions fatalities, milady Chocolate."
Chocolate: "As you wish, but I still think you're a fool."
Chalmers: "I've been a CO for over a decade. I know exactly how it feels to be a plaything."
Chocolate: "Well, you know how it goes. When a plaything grows that old, it's often prone to being broken."
Chalmers: "Just what is Errrrgh!"
[Chalmers suddenly lost his voice...and his life as Chocolate's rapier found its way into his skull.]
Chocolate: "Silly old man, posturing like the pathetic CO that he was and calling it 'self-righteousness.' Now I need to get to the Emperor and make my report and request..."

[Ryu Kurai]

Kirrass felt something run into his chest. Something moderately soft. He looked up to find himself face-to-face with a human female. She drew back a bit, some anxiety in her voice as she apologised. "Don't worry about it. It'ssss no big deal." He responded, having a slightly better opinion about humans from the doctor. The bartender simply stood there, seemingly in stasis polishing a glass, until Kirrass finally noticed him. "Oh, yeah, give me ssssomething cheap, will ya? Ssssomething cheap and sssstrong." He said, turning his attention back to the woman in front of him. He picked her up with ease by the upper arms, then sat her down on a stool next to him. "Sssso, can you tell me what...ssss..." He hissed softly, trying to think of something to say. What should he say to a human? What would be fitting? "...What'ssss your name?" He tried in a lackadaisical tone.

[Flarecobra]

"Um, sorry, but we're kind of starting to clean up. As you can see." The Bartender said, indacating the two fallen, bleeding drunks. Kazi, meanwhile, was still nervious. "Um, I'm Kazi." She said.

[Ryu Kurai]

Kirrass made an exasperated sigh. "Fine. Could you get me a cheap sssshot then, for double the money?" He then turns to Kazi. "Sssso then, Kassssi, um, should I give my name?" He thought out loud. The second he realized he had done this, he quickly said. "It'ssss Kirrasssss."

[Kuffie]

Coyoto watched a well dressed man walk toward him "Are you Coyoto?"he began "yes," Coyoto replied "I want you to kill this women," the noble said "wait a women?" Coyoto interupted "yes we believe shes with the empire!" he said"And apperently you were protecting her" "I protect no one the women helped her self I just made myself look like a fool!" Coyoto yelled "well I have ways to make you do as I wish" the noble told him" Wouldn't it be awful if harusume died," he said with a smile "don't I'll do it," coyoto said <Fool I have no intention to kill her>

[Flarecobra]

With a bit of a sigh, the Bartender went and got the Drake's drink. In the slightly better light, Kazi's slightly pailer skin tone was a bit apperent, as is the little bit of blood on the top of her upper lip.

[Ryu Kurai]

Kirrass, noticed that the girl had a bit of blood on her upper lip, and was looking a bit pale. He p[aid the bartender double what the drink had cost and downed it. "You look like you're ssssick or ssssomething. Are you OK?" He asks with concern, not that it would carry over to the common language: He still sounds emotionless in it.

[batgirl]

Jun was still at her place at the bar. The fight had interested her for a bit, now she was bored again. She saw the vampire girl walk back in with a Drake. "Wierd, Drake's don't usually hang out around humans that much, although that girl is far from human."

[MC43]

It was a shame that the girl had left him to his beer, which had lost most of its foam by now, and was getting warm, not to mention flat. He sighed and threw some change on the table for the drink. He however only dropped two coins, well short of what the drink was going to cost. "Today is just not my day." He sighed and sat back down, waiting for his order to do dishes or clean tables, whatever he would have to do to clean up the mess he was in.

[batgirl]

Jun had noticed that the man she had been talking to was short on money. He looked rather despaired, probably not wanting to wash dishes for the night. Jun dropped the remaining coins for his drink on the counter. "Don't worry about it, no one wants dishes back there, you don't know what's been on them." The man gave her a puzzled look. "You'll just owe me now is all," she extended her hand to him, "I'm Jun."

[Astral Harmony]

Location: Alkadian Fields South, 20 miles from the border between Gelti Empire and Non-Commital Zones

Clitonna: "Well, I certainly didn't expect this."
Lilemi: "We'll be okay, right?"
Grant: "I only see them. Perhaps they came here alone?"
[Clitonna, Lilemi, and Grant stood at the base of a series of cliffs, their weapons drawn when they saw none other than Ashgand and Ferra at the top of the same cliffs, also ready to do battle.]
Ashgand: "Clitonna, I think you need further training."
Clitonna: "Did you come all this way just to give me a lesson? I'm flattered, but where's your brain? You could have lead the enemies right to me."
Woman's Voice: "Yes, he did."
Grant: "Who's there?!"
[A woman, dressed in a black, functional dressed, slowly stepped into view, along the middle of the cliffs, carrying a long saber.]
Chocolate: "He was very cautious, though. If I didn't have the abilities of a Vampire, I am certain that I would have been found."
Ashgand: "Who're you? I didn't give anyone authority to join me in battle."
Chocolate: "Since when do I need the permission of a traitor to get involved in a fight like this?"
Ashgand: "What're you talking about?"
Chocolate: "Poor CO Chalmers, too altruistic for his own good. It was a shame that I had to deal with such a kind soul, but it had to be done. There is to be no forgiveness for betraying the Gelti Empire."
Ferra: "You killed CO Chalmers?! You pale-skinned BITCH!!"
Man's Voice: "Hey, I resemble some of that remark."
Grant: "Is that...?!"
[Fugurd stepped out, gothically dressed as ever, his spell book open in his right hand.]
Chocolate: "Fugurd, what are you doing here? You need not get yourself involved in this battle, though I do welcome your assistance."
Fugurd: "Clitonna, the lives of the Shock Falchions is of less import to the Emperor than the return of the Ebony Twilight."
Clitonna: "Clearly."
Chocolate: "What's the meaning of this, Fugurd?"
Fugurd: "Poor, deluded sister. There are indicators of my actions. You remember when I handpicked all the members of the Shock Falchions myself? How about when I worked extra hard to keep Clitonna on the team? There's a great power within that girl. You can see it clearly by the sword that she carries."
Chocolate: "I don't understand."
Fugurd: "Someone is watching Clitonna very closely. While the Emperor would simply see Clitonna's head promptly separated from her shoulders, the watcher would rather see Clitonna's destiny fulfilled."
Chocolate: "So you won't let me simply take her, will you?"
Grant: "Fugurd, what the hell is going on?"
Fugurd: "I'll explain it all later, friend. First off, we need to drive Chocolate away."
Ferra: "She's already gone."
Lilemi: "CLITONNA!!"
Ashgand: "Hmm?"
[Lilemi kneeled down by Clitonna's prone body, on the verge of desperate tears. Leeping down whole cliffs, Ashgand dropped close to her body, Grant, Ferra, and Fugurd close behind.]
Lilemi: "Damnit, Clitonna, please wake up! What's wrong with her, Fugurd?!"
Fugurd: "A vampiric sleep spell."
Ferra: "Is that it?"
Fugurd: "Let's get Clitonna to the Non-Commital Zones. I can take care of her there. Ashgand. Ferra. What will you two do now?"
Ashgand: "We're branded as traitors just like they are and just like you will be very soon."
Fugurd: "I don't mind. Grant, can you carry her?"
Grant: "Sure thing. She's not a lightweight like Ferra but she's definitely easy to carry."
Fugurd: "Excellent. Ashgand. Ferra. Lead the way. Lilemi and I'll bring up the rear."
Ashgand: "Sounds good. All right, you heard the man. We're going to the Non-Commital Zones."

[Flarecobra]

"Um, no, I'm fine. Why do you ask?" Kazi said.

[Ryu Kurai]

"Um, well, you look a little pale and you have ssssome blood...erm, never mind." Kirrass says, then getting tired of speaking in the basic language and flipping into a long stream of draconic. *"Heh, how could I be so lucky? I'm actually talking to a human! Too bad it looks like she's gonna die soon."* He then looks at her again. "Well, I sssshould get going. I do have to find a place to sssspend the night, you know." He says, turning around and tail knocking the empty glass off of the bar. He turns around quickly, lookign around. He then focuses on Kazi. "Hey, are you OK? I heard some glassss break." He says.

[Kuffie]

As Coyoto headed Back west he noticed that it was mid-night (by looking at the moon) <just great I'll soon become weak better hurry > as he did he saw two bandits attacking a man < well I'll see the marusume's powers> he pulled the sword out the sword went from a shining black to a pale white he swong at the biggest one he looked lke he had the blood drained from him the sword went to a pale red the second ran away Coyoto entered the tavern < there she is !> " umm excuse me," he asked "I have some questions I need answered," he said to the pale woman

[Astral Harmony]

Location: Ruins of a Shack, Non-Commital Zones

Lilemi's Voice: "Onna! Clll...na! Clitonna! C'mon, wake up, please!"
Clitonna: "Mmm...hunh?"
Lilemi's Voice: "Yes, you're awake! I'm so glad!"
Clitonna: "Agh, get off me! My arm's asleep, that hurts!"
Lilemi's Voice: "B-b-but...!"
Grant's Voice: "Let Clitonna wake up some, Lilemi. Then you can snuggle."
Clitonna: "Snuggle?"
[Clitonna wakes to find herself in a bed that hasn't been taken care off for some time but is still miraculously functional. Lilemi slips out of the bed from next to her. Grant is shoving what appears to be an old bookshelf to the side to support the unstable roof. Ferra is sleeping in a chair. What exactly is going on?]
Clitonna: "What exactly is going on?"
Lilemi: "That woman..."
Grant: "Her name's Chocolate."
Lilemi: "Yeah, well she placed a sleeping spell on you, but Fugurd fixed you up."
Clitonna: "Fugurd?"
Grant: "Yep. The whole gang's here, Clitonna. Ashgand is out, keeping an eye out for Geltis who'd sneak across the border. Fugurd is right outside."
Clitonna: "Remind me to thank him...as well as all of you, for sticking with me."
Grant: "Aw, you don't need to do that. We all got our reasons for going against orders...and duty...and paychecks..."
Lilemi: "Grant!"
Grant: "I'm just kidding! But you know, I do have a point. It's obvious that we aren't going to earning anymore cash."
Ashgand: "That shouldn't be a problem. I brought a considerable supply of ready cash in case something like this would happen."
[Ashgand walks over to Ferra and wakes her up...the Clitonna's surprise, by kissing her. Ferra awakens and kisses Ashgand ever more, then stands up.]
Ferra: "Time for my shift? Oh, Clitonna's awake!"
Ashgand: "You can talk to her later, Ferra. Go take care of the watch for me."
Ferra: "You got it, sir."
[As Ferra leaves, Ashgand turns to look at Clitonna, and sees her expression.]
Ashgand: "Which looks rather humorous, I might add."
Clitonna: "Hunh?"
Ashgand: "Oh, sorry. I was just thinking out loud. Yeah, Ferra got me. I wasn't myself that night, I..."
Clitonna: "I don't mind, Ashgand. Just as long as you make her happy like someone is making me happy."
Lilemi: "Oh, Clitonna."
Clitonna: "Let it go for a bit, Lilemi. My arm's still sort of asleep. What's our plan, Ashgand?"
Ashgand: "I don't really know. Without the governing of either the Free Alliance or the Gelti Empire, the Non-Commital Zones can prove to be rather lawless. We could make our worth hunting the local criminals. In light of that, I've been hearing about a rather disturbed tavern that's just recently come across some bizarre and perhaps unsavory folks. If they're not too bad, we might be able to get some help for us. Money can be traded for safety."
Clitonna: "So we go to this tavern and meet the locals, and maybe we can find safety from the Gelti Empire?"
Ashgand: "I know it doesn't sound reliable..."
Clitonna: "It's fine, Ashgand. I know you're doing your best. We can't exactly ask for the easiest route."
Ashgand: "Thank you for understanding."
Grant: "Well, we got a functional house for now. This will keep that damn roof up."
Ashgand: "Good. Thank you, Grant. Clitonna. Lilemi. Get some rest. We depart for that tavern tomorrow."

OOC: All you guys are at a tavern in the Non-Commital Zones, yes? I think I'm gonna have my characters meet yours.

[Mad Jack the Pirate]

OOC: well, with the exception of maybe one of the Vampire terrorist ops crew I sent out, none of Mine are, but I can remedy that

[Flarecobra]

(OOC) Kazi's not drinking anything. Plus that fight was done and over with a while ago there Kuffie.

[Kuffie]

ooc: uuumm he just wants some answers to some questions

[Flarecobra]

(OOC) I wasn't talking about that. I ment that a: No-one has had their blood drained, plus I don't think they've been killed. Just rather cut up.

[Kuffie]

ooc but the sword is made of four vampire fangs

[MC43]

Rhu looked at the appearing gold coins, then at the reason why they just appeared like magic. Apparently the magic's name was Jun, and it was in the form of a female.

He outstretched his arm, a gloved hand appearing from under the dark robe, "I guess you may call me Rhu. I feel bad, I'm not even going to drink this. I thought I wanted it, but apparently I don't." He dropped his head. "Funny thing is, I don't know at all what I want."

[Astral Harmony]

Clitonna and the rest of the Shock Falchions made their way into the nearby town, all of them lost in some level of thought. "So, have you learned anything about the power of that sword, Clitonna?" Ashgand asked, running his fingers through his hair. Clitonna sighed. "Not particular, no." She said. "It's just really well made as far as I can understand."

Ferra was talking with Grant, Fugurd was reading in his book, and Lilemi was watching Clitonna closely. Clitonna felt that the Shock Falchions now acted like less of a special military force and more like a bunch of fugitives. It wasn't entirely an enjoyable observance, but not altogether unnecessary.

"I'm sorry, everyone." Clitonna said, frowning. Ferra suddenly got in Clitonna's way, frustrated. "If there's anything you need to apologize for, it's because you keep apologizing." Ferra explained. "We didn't do this all for you, but for us as well. This decision that we made...that all of us made has set our futures on a path that I think we wanted more than just staying as a small branch of the Emperor's so-called justified wrath."

Suddenly, some heads turned. Ashgand clenched his teeth slightly. "Ferra, I don't think revealing that we're Gelti Imperial soldiers was such a good idea." Ferra shrugged, not really feeling guilty about it. "It was going to happen like this sooner or later, anyways." The Shock Falchions were about to be caught up in a local fight.

[Flarecobra]

(OOC) No, no, I'm not talking about the sword Kuffie.

[EDIT] (OOC) Let's just go on.

"Well, I was planning on heading back home. It is getting late after all." Kazi said, then turned to the drake and said "If you're looking for a place to stay for the night, you can come with me if you'd like to."

[Kuffie]

ooc: kay
[edit]ooc sorry
"umm miss...." he said as she walked by"no?" he walked out of tavern <I need to know if shes with the empire maybe I'll follow her heheheheeehehehe the only way I know how>he suddenly blended into the shadows and followed the woman and drake walk into a forest <well my spell only lasts 45 more minutes I thinkso I should stay here> he stopped waited for them to get out of an ears lengh and went back to his old self <there maybe she'll come back tommarow>

[Astral Harmony]

Location: Shock Falchions Cabin, Non-Commital Zones

Clitonna: "Did they find us already?!"
Ashgand: "Damnit! We don't have anything that can put out these flames!"
[The scrap in the village was rather uneventful. After beating down the attackers, the Shock Falchions retreated back to their cabin, only to find it set ablaze.]
Chocolate: "You can run but you most certainly cannot hide, Shock Falchions."
Ferra: "There!"
[Chocolate stood at the top of a small hill, her weapon out and directed at the Shock Falchions.]
Clitonna: "Fugurd and Grant stayed behind to clean up the mess we left back at the village, but I'll bet we can still take her."
Chocolate: "Ever confident of victory, aren't you, Clitonna? You know, I learned something from the last battle but I never really got to apply it. The best way to fight a Shock Falchion is with a Shock Falchion. Come on out, my slave."
[He stepped out from behind a large tree on the hill. His weapon gleamed of silver and his eyes had taken on an inhuman glow. Still, there was no mistaking him.]
Clitonna: "Grant!"
Grant: "... ... ..."
Ashgand: "Grant? What the hell're you doing up there?!"
Grant: "... ... ..."
Chocolate: "Awww, is this reunion not as nice as the one before crossing the border? That's just a shame, and after all the trouble I went for the suspense."
Ferra: "What's that pale-skinned bitch talking about?"
Chocolate: "Well, if you must know, I made a deal with Grant. The Emperor has placed his wife and daughters under arrest, in their own home. With his will drained, taking control of him was really easy, and once I gave him his Silver Javelin, doing away with the problematic Fugurd was a cinch."
Clitonna: "My God! How could you do this to them?!"
Chocolate: "That's what I like to hear from you, Clitonna! The Emperor might not like me getting you all riled up, but I want to experience the power of the Ebony Twilight with my body. Grant?"
Grant: "... ... ..."
[Grant reared back and aimed his Javelin at Lilemi.]
Clitonna: "NO!!"
[Clitonna dove for Lilemi as Grant let the Javelin fly, and Clitonna's eyes opened wide with a new kind of pain as she slammed into the ground. She slowly got on her hands and knees and turned around just to see...Grant's Silver Javelin, still soaked in Fugurd's blood, now burried in Ashgand's chest. Clitonna didn't even heard Ferra scream. All she could see what Ferra's mouth contort in anguish as she feel before Ashgand's body.]
Chocolate: "Another one down. I'm sure to make a killing in money from all these killings of the Shock Falchions. Wouldn't you agree, Clitonna?"
Clitonna: "... ... ..."
Lilemi: "Clitonna?"
[Clitonna walked over to Ferra, then turned to Lilemi, her tone totally monotonous.]
Clitonna: "Lilemi, please remove Ferra from the battlefield. I shall handle this."
Lilemi: "What're you saying?"
Clitonna: "Please do as I ask, and leave this to me."
Lilemi: "I...I understand."
[Lilemi hurried over to Ferra, sobbing over Ashgand's prone body, the javelin sticking five feet from a horrible chest wound caked in blood.]
Lilemi: "Ferra, we should evacuate. Clitonna's going to take care of this for us."
Ferra: "... ... ..."
[For some reason, Lilemi was surprised to see Ferra obey her, standing up and leaning on her, Ferra's sobbing almost unbearable.]
Lilemi: "Clitonna? Promise me you won't die."
Clitonna: "... ... ..."
Lilemi: "I'll be waiting for you near the shack. Good luck."
[Lilemi evacuated Ferra from the battlefield.]
Chocolate: "I can feel the anger raging within you, Clitonna. You want to obliterate me from the face of the world, don't you? Well, I'll allow you your chance, but first, I'd rather you still suffer a little more. Grant, keep her from reaching me."
Grant: "... ... ..."
[Grant stood in between Clitonna and Chocolate, taking out his old Javelin and assuming his combat stance. Clitonna looked up at Chocolate, her eyes ablaze with blue fire and the Ebony Twilight sword glowing with the anticipation of the kills.]
Chocolate: "Show me your power, Clitonna!"
Clitonna: "You're dead, bitch."

[Flarecobra]

(OOC) Damn, now I'm going to have to think up of a diffrent situation for Kazi there AB.....

[Ryu Kurai]

Kirrass nodded. "Yessss, I think that'd be fine." He stood up, ready to leave.

[Flarecobra]

Kazi got up and started off down the path. However, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being followed. "Say, have you ever been a bodyguard?" She asked Kirrass.

[Astral Harmony]

OOC: You should've PM'd me about what you wanted to have done, Flarecobra. It's your RP so don't hesitate to tell me that you'd rather have something happen this way or that way.

(Will edit this post later to input the role-playing part.)

The fight with Grant was far too short for there to be a buildup of tension. Clitonna and Grant walked towards each other. Grant got close enough to ready his combat stance. Clitonna did not stop. Two cuts. One vertical and one horizontal. Grant was divided neatly and brutally into four. He did not scream. He simply perished without acceptance or rejection. Clitonna did not stop. She did not even slow down. The Ebony Twilight anticipated more kills. It glowed with hunger. Clitonna's eyes were ablaze with the desire of vengeance. Chocolate grinned and readied her saber.

Chocolate: "It's not even you in control anymore, is it, Clitonna? It's some demon...some devil answering your prayers, isn't it? Things are in your way, aren't they, Clitonna? Your father. Your mother. Your brother Rhadditz, the only blood relative who actually cherished you without reserve and without condition, and your best friend Grant, who went so far as to make sacrifices just so you wouldn't be sad, and you cut them all down like they were wheat before your scythe, didn't you?!
Clitonna: "... ... ..."
Chocolate: "Tell me, Clitonna. How does it make you feel?"
Clitonna: "... ... ..."
Chocolate: "Tell me now, Clitonna. How does it make you feel?!"
Clitonna: "You..."
Chocolate: "C'mon! Let me hear your howl!"
Clitonna: "YOU SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH!!!"

No more words were exchanged as Clitonna and Chocolate clashed the Ebony Twilight and saber against each other. Clitonna's blows were absolutely devastating, and Chocolate was swift and agile, especially for a Vampire, allowing her the movement to dodge Clitonna's swings...except.

Chocolate: "YiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiaaaaAAAAGH!!!"

Chocolate back off suddenly, her left arm neatly sheered from the shoulder bone. Clitonna rushed her, but Chocolate's senses were sharper. Chocolate darted back, quick enough to teleport. Clitonna stopped, her blade still caked in the blood of Grant and Chocolate. She knew...the sword knew...that they weren't set to catch her, yet. Besides, this game was getting really fun. Clitonna's grin was that of a horrible monster, and Chocolate's jaw quivered with fear, tears sharply squeezed from her eyes. Her sword arm, still clutching the saber, barely covered the clean wound.

Clitonna: "Simply dismembering someone, piece by piece, is far too merciful for you. That mercy I showed to Grant, but never will you know that mercy, vampire. You may flee beyond the world, but I will STILL find you. You may escape me but you shall NEVER escape my wrath."
Chocolate: "My ultimate goal isn't escape, dear Clitonna...Ebony Twilight...whichever I'm talking to. True merging of maiden and blade is my goal. I, unfortunately, though chosen by the blade just as you are, was sorely unable to achieve that level of synchronization. However, I would not be totally disappointed if I were to simply witness this merging. Clitonna, you have showed me something I achieved in the distant past. I, too, murdered friends and people I loved with that sword. You're showing progress I was unable to advance to so quickly. You make me curious, if I may be able to lay it to you in the common vernacular. I would like to see how you develop, so I'm going to leave you to calm down and learn from this experience. Also, I did tell you that I wanted to witness your power. You'll get your chance, Clitonna. I promise on my honor, if you can believe that I do have honor that you will get your chance to exact all the vengeance you want. Until that destined date, fare thee well, Shock Falchion."

Slinging the saber over her right shoulder, Chocolate was gone in an instant.

Lilemi: "Clitonna! Clitonna!"

Lilemi rushed up to Clitonna in the building rainstorm. Clitonna stood there, the sword clenched in her hands, tears falling from her reddened cheeks, and her body slowly weakening as reality took over. Clitonna dropped like a ton of brick. Lilemi turned to where Ferra was hiding.

Lilemi: "Ferra! Help me get her inside! This is horrible..."

Ferra slowly emerged from behind the still ignited cabin, helped Lilemi get Clitonna up, and began to move her back to the village.

[Flarecobra]

(OOC) Don't worry. I've got a back-up ready to go.

[Astral Harmony]

OOC: Make sure you PM me if you need to play along, but not too soon. Clitonna needs to wind up at an inn in that village as well as there being enough time for Lilemi and Ferra to bury the bodies of Ashgand, Grant, and Fugurd. After that, I'll set up SlayTechs and magic for the three girls and then it becomes Final Fantasy X-2 in The Coming of Shadows.

[Flarecobra]

(OOC) Well, Kazi doesn't live in town so.....

[Astral Harmony]

OOC: Phew, I was wondering when someone was gonna post here. For a second, I thought we lost this one. Hit me up with a PM if you have any ideas of where the story'll go or if you want my team and yours to meet and how you want it done. Otherwise...I'll probably have my group seek revenge in the Gelti Empire. It might mean joining the Free Alliance but I dunno quite yet.

Clitonna woke up in a comfortable bed, then shot out of it just to look at herself in the mirror. Nothing was out of place except that she wasn't wearing her usual armor. She frowned as the memories of last night slowly began to invade her senses. The death of Fugurd by being speared with Grant's Silver Javelin. The death of Ashgand by the very same means. The death of Grant by being sliced into four horrid chunks by Clitonna's own hand. The most horrifying aspect was that Clitonna couldn't find any remorse...any regret...any need to pray for their souls or even the desire to slit her own throat for what she had done. All too quickly, she had come to terms with what she did, and picked up the Ebony Twilight sword and her armor, carefully polished and laid out. She dressed herself, sheathed the sword, and ventured downstairs where Lilemi was manning the bar.

Clitonna: "This is a self-service inn?"
Lilemi: "Clitonna!"

Lilemi literally flowed from behind the bar into Clitonna, nearly knocking her over. Clitonna hesitated and then slowly wrapped her arms around Lilemi.

Lilemi: "Oh, God! You're alive! You're really alive!"
Clitonna: "Of course I'm alive, Lilemi. Grant wouldn't have hurt me even if he was possessed."

Lilemi stayed in Clitonna's embrace for a little while longer and then separated from her.

Lilemi: "Are you hungry or thirsty? I can prepare something really quickly for you."
Clitonna: "Yes, that'd be perfect."
Lilemi: "Yes."

Lilemi went back behind the bar and began to make a hot drink for Clitonna.

Clitonna: "This is just too weird."
Lilemi: "What is it?"
Clitonna: "I'm only a little surprised that I'm acting normally, but when it's you acting normally, I...well, I just dunno what to think."
Lilemi: "It's because I don't know what to think. Honestly, all I can think about is how relieved I am that you're still with us."
Clitonna: "Thanks, Lilemi. How's Ferra taking it?"
Lilemi: "Not good, but better than I had hoped. She seemed a little out of it, too."
Clitonna: "I can imagine why. After all, I loved Ashgand before, too."
Lilemi: "... ... ..."
Clitonna: "Sorry, Lilemi. I just had to say that."
Lilemi: "It's all right, but...what do we do now?"
Clitonna: "With Ashgand's intellect, we had some kind of plan. With Grant's friendship, I was motivated to keep going. With Fugurd's strength, I believed that we'd be okay. Now they're gone. All dead."
Lilemi: "Yes, but we shouldn't give up hope."
Ferra: "Yeah, the Gelti Empire needs to pay for what's it done to us."

Clitonna and Lilemi looked at Ferra who just stepped in.

Lilemi: "Ferra."
Clitonna: "Ferra, are you all right? If you need to strike me, don't worry. I won't defend myself."
Ferra: "Why would I attack you? None of this is your fault. Chocolate's the one who has to answer to me."
Clitonna: "Yes...she has a lot to answer for."
Ferra: "I went to go check on the graves of the guys. I had a good cry but I'm all right now. Besides, we've got more important matters."
Clitonna: "Matters like what?"
Lilemi: "Grant's family. Ferra and I talked about it. If Chocolate wasn't lying, then Grant's family is incarcerated in the Imperial prison."
Clitonna: "That's right. Shit."
Ferra: "We have to find some way to get them out of there."
Clitonna: "Hell, we need to get them out of the Gelti Empire, period. They're family members of a 'traitor.'"
Lilemi: "Clitonna!"
Clitonna: "I'm sorry, but it's the situation. It's not good, but I don't think we have time to go sugarcoating stuff."
Ferra: "She has a point, Lilemi, but I highly doubt even three badass girls like us can somehow cross the border, break into the prison at the Capital City, and escape with a defenseless woman and two little girls all the way to the Free Alliance borders."
Lilemi: "Why the Free Alliance borders?"
Clitonna: "It's closer than taking them all the way to the Non-Commital Zones here, but Ferra makes a point. Lilemi, I don't want to sound rude, but did we get all the money from our three departed friends?"
Lilemi: "Yes, I did. It's to save Grant's family, so I think they won't mind."
Ferra: "We want to hire mercenaries or something?"
Clitonna: "Yes. I want to start in and around this place, and if we fail miserably here, let's go for some fighters of the Scourging Bladesworn mercenary forces. Ashgand was a good man, and I'm sure they'll charge us little to do a mission like this, regardless of the risk."

[Ryu Kurai]

Kirrass shook his head. "Bodyguard? No. Are you hiring me?" He said, wondering what a human would need to guard against, besides other humans, drakes, and...Oh.

[Flarecobra]

"Well, For some reason I'm getting the feeling that we're being followed, and I'm not that much of a fighter." Kazi said.

[Ryu Kurai]

Kirrass shrugged. "Ssssure, I'll do it. All that I asssk issss enough money for food and a place to ssssleep, and I'll be fine." He discreetly slid his tail into the empty part of his stinger.

[Astral Harmony]

Clitonna, Lilemi, and Ferra were on the road again, having left the village with no luck. It wasn't that there weren't any fighters among the populace, but that after seeing what the girls were dealing with, and knowing what Clitonna was capable of, they just chickened out. Now the three girls were content with walking towards the border.

Lilemi: "No luck. Maybe we can find allies in the Gelti Empire?"
Ferra: "Perhaps. The Border Guard can't stop us from breaking into the nation...especially with this."
Clitonna had a copy of the paper that Ferra was referring to.
Clitonna: "And I always thought I'd be on the front lines when the war started."
It was a paper documenting the state of unrest between the Free Alliance and the Gelti Empire. Looks like things have finally gotten started. Clitonna was wondering when she'd see a paper telling her this.
Ferra: "Defenses will be weaker at the capital city..."
Clitonna: "But it will still be too strong when it's just us girls."
Lilemi: "Can we get stronger in any way?"
Clitonna: "Yeah. Actually, I've got a plan."
Lilemi and Ferra stopped and looked at Clitonna. Clitonna stopped and looked at them.
Clitonna: "What?"
Ferra: "Out with it."
Lilemi: "Yes, let's hear it."
Clitonna: "We're going to be using the war to our advantage by forcing the capital city to devote more of its military to protecting the borders and villages. We're going to have to slaughter a lot of Geltis."
Ferra: "I've got no problem with that."
Lilemi: "It's for Grant's family, after all."
Clitonna: "With what we're wearing now, nobody who doesn't know us will be able to tell with we're Gelti or Free Alliance. We're now mysterious warriors who will help the Free Alliance open holes in Gelti's defense."
Ferra: "It's a good strategy. I give it a 6."
Lilemi: "That doesn't sound very good."
Ferra: "Without good intel on the situation, my grade for it will never reach 8, so it's better than it sounds."
Clitonna: "When the Free Alliance breaks through the borders, the village and cities will have to devote their armies to stopping the incoming Alliance forces. We help them advance until the capital city weakens itself in order to stop the invasion."
Ferra: "So this is why we're going in the dangerous direction. I get it all now."
Clitonna: "I can take and dish out blows with the best of them. Ferra, sweep in and pick off the wounded and dominate the slow. Lilemi, you're long range support. We understand our roles, right, girls?"
Lilemi: "I'm ready!"
Ferra: "For Grant's family!"
Clitonna: "Excellent. We should be hitting the warzone soon. Let's get ready, girls."

[Flarecobra]

"Ok, if you want, you could stay at my place. It's not that far. And I guess I'd better tell you something. I'm not exactly what you think I am. See, I'm a va....." her words were cut off when a crossbow bolt suddenly struck her in the back. Turning around, she saw the third guy from the bar, and his his hands was a crossbow aimed at her.

"You bitch! You paralyzed by brother! Now you're going to get it!" he said, and let off another bolt, this time it struck her in the chest. She just looked at it, and said "Regular bolts? You've gotta be kidding." She said, then closed her eyes, then a second later, a black flame appeared in her hand. "DARKFIRE!" she said, as the flames spread out and engulfed the guy. A couple of seconds later they dissapated, and the guy collaped on the ground. He was still alive, but quite burned. Kazi walked up to him, knelt by him, and said "Just so you know, I can be quite dangerious when pushed. Just remember that." He looked at her, gave a quick nod showing that he understood, then slowly got up and limped off. She walked back over to Kirrass and said "Man I hate having to do that." while pulling out the bolts that were stuck in her.

[Ryu Kurai]

Kirrass' jaw dropped a bit, but it looked more like an icy grin to the casual onlooker. "Hmm. You know, you're assss toughly built assss a drake. What are you, anyway?" He said, more interested in how this human woman took a crossbow bolt to the back and the chest, threw a magic spell at her attacker, and lived, only complaining about having to take time out of her day to lay somebody out.

[Flarecobra]

"Well, that was what I was about to say. I'm a Vampire." Kazi said. "Course don't get me wrong, I'm not like most of the others. I was forced into this. Hell, we're probably the same age."

[Kuffie]

Coyoto waited awhile and faded to the shadows once more <I must know I must> he watched as what looked like a man ( though a little burned ) limp a short distance and collapsted Coyoto was amazed <what the hell?> a while after he caught up to them Coyoto was right behind them all of a sudden the worst happened the spell wore off it made quite a loud noise <oh man its not my day> as he hoped the two didn't hear him

[Kuffie]

Coyoto readied his sword and look at what he thought was the threat ( the drake) <if I have to I'll cut right thriugh his neck>he noticed there was sun light dripping through the trees <maybe not>he felt his sword growing alittle heavier so he put his left hand

[Ryu Kurai]

Kirrass made a soft exhalation softly to himself. "A vampire, eh? Well, that certainly explainssss why you were able to take a crosssssbow bolt or two in the chesssst and back without dying." He said, placing his stinger back in his belt. He wasn't scared. He figured that if she wanted to drain him, she could have already. "If you're sssso powerful, why do you need a bodyguard, though?".

[Flarecobra]

"Like I said, I'm not a fighter, and for a 300-year-old Vampire, technically I should be more adapt at fighting then I am. See, Vampires get most of their power from the blood of those that they drain. I only drink enough to let me live, so I'm a bit on the weak side." Kazi said, sounding a bit ashamed. "Of course, it does help hide the fact that I am what I am."

[batgirl]

Jun was tiring of the bar, so she went outside for some air. She saw a Drake and the strange girl from before talking. She found a nice tree and swung onto the highest branch to watch the sun rise.

OOC: I'm not really sure what's supposed to happen now, so let me know where I should go.

[Flarecobra]

(OOC) It's close to midnight, Kazi and Kirrass are walking through the woods to Kazi's place, and Kuffie's tailing them, but the camaflague he was using just failed. That's what's going on in this storyline. I don't know about AB's one though.

[Astral Harmony]

OOC: Sorry, but I haven't been able to access Nuklear Power for several weeks. I dunno why I couldn't, but the site just wouldn't come up. I'll catch up right after checking a few other things. Thanks.

EDIT
Clitonna pushed away some additional brush so Lilemi and Ferra could see.
Ferra: "You're right, Clitonna. They're goddamn morons."
Clitonna: "I told you, didn't I?"
Ferra: "Yeah, but I didn't want to believe it."
Lilemi: "Are they really going to attack the Gelti fort like that?"
Clitonna: "They look serious, so..."
Ferra: "Yeah, they look serious, all right. Seriously stupid. They're going to walk right into the hails of arrows I'm sure those archers will fling to them."
Clitonna, Lilemi, and Ferra were investigating what looked like would soon become an engagement of the Free Alliance and the Gelti Empire. The Geltis had constructed a small fortress...actually, a three-sided wall with "windows" meant for launching arrows. All of the seven windows had archers ready to shoot. There was also a Knight Captain and three standard Soldiers. The Free Alliance folk were assembling just out of the range of the Archers maximum aiming distance. Where the problem lay was that between the fort and the FA forces was a series of steep cliffs that went from the FA army all the way up to the Gelti fortified wall. This would slow the Free Alliance down, allowing the Archers more time to pick off soldier after soldier. There were two small doorways through which you could enter the fort without circling all the way around the wall, but two of the soldiers had the doorways guarded, forming a defensive barrier that archers can shoot through to strike out more of their enemies. As far as the tactics looked, the FA would lose three times as much people as the Geltis would by the time the FA managed to kill everyone. Not good numbers for the three girls, but they had the advantage of surprise. They were near the fort, and were ready to flank the soldiers and archers at a moment's notice.
Clitonna: "The commanding officer for those FA soldiers must either be desperate or totally out of his mind. We've got to put a dent in the number of casualties they'll sustain by invading this fort."
Ferra: "Do you hear that?"
The sound of a bugle reverberated through the air.
Clitonna: "They're going to charge the fort now! Let's go!"
Ferra: "Lilemi, keep those Soldiers off of us while we beat down the Archers! Let's do it!"
Lilemi: "Good luck, girls!"
Lilemi stood up and pulled out her new Crossbow, a Heavy Ballista, while Clitonna drew her Ebony Twilight sword and Ferra whipped out her Tonfas and rushed to the fort.
Clitonna: "Stop the FA casualties, Shock Falchions!"
Knight Captain: "What the? Surprise attack from our right flank! Soldiers, stop those bitches! Archers, focus on those Free Alliance!"
FA Soldier: "Who're those girls?"
FA Lieutenant: "I think...they're helping us! Thank God! This sounded like a suicide mission but we might be okay! Emerald Phoenix Battalion, CHAAAAARGE!!!"

[Kuffie]

Coyoto was starting to rethink his strategy < maybe I should back up a bit>he jumped backwards then Lunged toward Kazi ( he learned her name when he was spying on them " I'M SORRY KAZI!!!!" he yelled

[Astral Harmony]

She certainly didn't look like a commanding officer, but then again, when you thought about Ashgand, everyone else just seems like they're better off being grunts under his command. She was very beautiful and listened carefully to Ferra yelling for roughly a minute, until Clitonna stepped in.

Clitonna: "Ferra, that's enough."
Ferra: "Huh? But I'm still not done talking about how boneheaded her strategy was!"
Clitonna: "Please, Ferra? Would you just leave her to me?"
Ferra: "Eh...yeah, sure. I'll go hang with Lilemi."
Ferra left, leaving Clitonna and the woman as the only two people in the tent.
Clitonna: "Don't let Ferra bother you so much. She's very gruff, but her heart is in the right place. You seem like you held up well against her tirade."
Samantha: "She's right, though. It was a real mess on my part."
Clitonna: "I don't think so. I definitely think what you did was more out of desperation, and not of bad strategy. Can you tell me why you tried to take over the fort that way, though?"
Samantha: "It's Grephen and Lufice."
Clitonna: "Excuse me?"
Samantha: "The commanding officers of the divisions to my west and east, respectively."
Clitonna: "What do they have to do with any of this?"
Samantha: "They're going ahead of schedule just to spite me because I'm a newly appointed commanding officer."
Clitonna: "Oh, geez."
Samantha: "You don't believe me?"
Clitonna: "Girl, I totally know what you're going through. Bunch of sanctimonious pricks pushing it all onto the newbie. I took a lot of shit like that when I was in the military academy at Gelti."
Samantha: "You were a soldier for the Gelti Empire?"
Clitonna: "All three of us were, but don't worry. We aren't imperial soldiers anymore. Damnit..."
Samantha: "What is it?"
Clitonna: "Mention of those bastards just gets my goat! Well, tell you what! We three are going to help your forces!"
Ferra: "WHAT?!!"
Ferra rushed back into the tent, followed by Lilemi.
Ferra: "I thought we were going to sweep across the border, mopping up imperials?"
Clitonna: "We were, but this really pisses me off. Samantha, if you'll have us, I wanna help you push farther into the Gelti Empire than those jerk offs next to you ever could."
Samantha: "Are you sure you want to? It's really just a personal fight between us three."
Clitonna: "I don't care. I hate egotistical pricks like that! We're going to make you the spearhead for the invasion!"
Samantha: "Well...thanks, I guess. Well, since you're going to help me, I think I might be able to help you."
Ferra: "How will you do that?"
Samantha: "You have a swordfighter, a martial artist, and an archer. If you add a sorceress, you'd have quite a formidable squad going for you, even though it's not in itself a complete squad."
Lilemi: "Do you know any sorceresses that we could use?"
Samantha placed her left hand upon her chest without saying a word.
Clitonna: "You? Are you sure about this? Not that I'm complaining, but you're a commanding officer. Are you sure you want to put yourself in danger?"
Samantha: "It wouldn't be appropriate to not assist the people who are assisting me in such a bold crusade, so I think it's only the least I can do by lending my hand to your own strike force."
Clitonna: "All right, then. Welcome aboard. My name is Clitonna O'Thanash."
Ferra: "I'm Ferra Dymantyne."
Lilemi: "And I am Lilemi Helnisbloom."
Samantha stood up and nodded, smiling.
Samantha: "I'm Samantha Seltselt. Ummm, don't make fun of my last name, please?"
Clitonna: "No problem, as long as you don't screw up."

[Flarecobra]

Kazi had a confused look on her face. "Wha? Who are you, and how do you know my name?" she asked.

[Kuffie]

He stopped in mid lunge "I've been Spying On you since a noblemen hired me to kill you For Apperntlly being with the Empire," he replied his face made an appologenic gester "look all I want to know is if your with them and I shall leave you alone,"

[Astral Harmony]

Clitonna, Ferra, Lilemi, and Samantha were walking with the rest of the Emerald Phoenix Battalion, to which Samantha had announced the other three girls as members. They stayed separate of the battalion so they could talk in private.

Samantha: "We should be coming up on the next target early tonight."
Clitonna: "If I remember correctly, it's one of the outposts protecting the village of Charlesland."
Samantha: "Yes. If all goes according to plan, Lufice and Grephen would move along, flank, and clear out the other outposts, leaving us with the village defenders."
Ferra: "Sounds fairly standard, but do their battalions have enough units?"
Samantha: "No."
Ferra: "Wha?"
Samantha: "The initial strategy is to coerce the villagers into helping us out with supplies and makeshift soldiers."
Lilemi: "You mean they want you to force the people in Charlesland to help Lufice and Grephen take over the other outposts?"
Samantha: "That's their strategy."
Clitonna: "It can't happen like that."
Ferra: "What, they suddenly expect innocent civilians to take up pitchforks and go stab their fellow countrymen? These guys could be friends and family and they want to pit the villagers against their own defenders?"
Lilemi: "Isn't that against war law, anyways?"
Clitonna: "That's right. It is."
Samantha: "Then can we rely on Lufice and Grephen to take on all the outposts without help from the villagers?"
Clitonna: "Without help from the villagers...yes. But only if we help."
Samantha: "So the Emerald Phoenix Battalion will help take out the outposts, instead?"
Clitonna: "How confident do you feel in me?"
Samantha: "I don't understand the question, sorry."
Clitonna: "My abilities to fight and lead."
Samantha: "I have a lot of faith in your abilities."
Clitonna: "Great. Then here's the deal. When he hit the village, we'll need to split up the EP Battalion. One half will assist Lufice and the other half will assist Grephen. You can't be in two places at once, so I'm wondering if you'll allow me to take one of the halves while you command the other with Ferra."
Ferra: "Me?"
Clitonna: "Yes. You know how military tactics work and so does Samantha. Your minds together are just as good as mine and Lilemi's together."
Lilemi: "I'm going with you, Clitonna?"
Clitonna: "Yes. I'd like to talk with you about some things later that evening if possible."
Samantha: "Hmmm. It's a good idea. That is, if Ferra accepts."
Ferra: "Of course I accept. You think I'd let you command even half a battalion alone with what was about to happen last time?"
Samantha: "If I might be able to defend myself, I am a decent enough tactician. It was just a very desperate time."
Ferra: "It would've had to have been with tactics like those, if you can even call that tactics."
Samantha chuckles nervously.
Ferra: "Don't worry. I guess you did have a little potential, what with the formation you were using."
Clitonna: "So we're agreed, then. When we reach Charlesland, we split up the battalion. I wanna meet you all after we take the first outpost so we can discuss who goes where with which troops."
Samantha: "Understood."
Samantha takes Ferra aside a little distance.
Samantha: "She really knows her stuff."
Ferra: "She has to. She's now the squadron leader of the remnants of the Shock Falchions. Unless she's killed, she's in command, and she has a lot of responsibility."
Samantha: "I heard the story. How horrible that must have been."
Ferra: "Yeah, but it's going to make ripping that bitch's face off that much more pleasureable."

[Flarecobra]

"What? I'm not!" Kazi said, a little offended at his remark.

[Kuffie]

"Whatever," he said turned around and started walking back out of the woods an hour or two later he got lost "GREAT Just great I'm lost!" he Yelled out loud he pulled his sword out of the sheath and hacked away at two trees. hes started a fire and then saw what looked to be a cabin or house of some sort "Feh Most likely that woman's house!" all of sudden rain fell from the sky "DAMN!" he yelled at the sky he tried to find shelter but to no avail.

[Astral Harmony]

Samantha: "How do you people come up with this stuff?"
Ferra shrugs.
Ferra: "It's a gift."
Samantha: "A pretty sadistic gift, I must say. But what really shocks me is that Lilemi thought it up."
Clitonna: "And everybody always doubted her."
In normal instances, the tower outpost would have been knocked down by normal ballista arrows, until Lilemi randomly came up with the idea to apply explosive powder to the arrows, set the wooden arrowheads on fire, and launch them at the outpost where they would most likely detonate upon crashing into the tower.
Samantha: "It just doesn't seem like her to thing up something so violent."
Ferra: "Yeah. And all this time, I thought it was just Clitonna and me who had that dark mindset. Think about it, girls. Lilemi thinks up exploding ballista arrows. If you had even a shred of a conscience, you would not even mention such an idea to other people. Lilemi, however, not only let us in on it, but we're having these things made for the raid on Charlesland."
Clitonna: "I think this is the day she's become a real Shock Falchion."
Ferra: "That's true. I always thought that she was more of just a regular troop assigned to us by mistake, and now she comes up with this stuff."
Samantha: "Will this work?"
Clitonna: "Lilemi may be new at the concept of killing dozens with destructive force, but she's definitely got a good head on her shoulders. She told me it will work and I have complete and absolute faith in her."
Lilemi: "Awww."
The three girls turned to see Lilemi standing there, smiling at Clitonna. It made Clitonna blush a bit.
Clitonna: "Oh, Lilemi. How goes the construction of those Bang Arrows?"
Lilemi: "We have at least enough for the operation I have planned."
Ferra: "You planned an operation?!"
Clitonna: "She's a thinker, that girl."
Lilemi: "Check this out."
Lilemi leads the other girls to the top of the hill they used to gaze at the outpost tower.
Lilemi: "The first Bang Arrow will hit the guard post at the top of the tower. We'll muster a squadron of EP Battalion boys within viewing range...ummm...this far."
Samantha: "Won't that put them in the range of the archers?"
Clitonna: "Not with the guard post at the top of the tower in flames."
Lilemi: "Once they see the squadron set up, they'll go to ground to charge us. That's when...hmmm...this point here and that point there will be struck with Bang Arrows. Then the squad will be fortified with other units, including Clitonna, Samantha, and Ferra, and will attack the remnants of the force. If you can't kill them with strikes, you should be close enough at all times to knock them into the fire."
Ferra: "This is fuckin' brutal."
Clitonna: "But damningly effective."
Samantha: "With a strategy like that, I'm having trouble forseeing any kind of casualties...ah, on our side, I mean...but the Gelti Empire..."
Lilemi: "So it's a good strategy?"
Clitonna: "It's almost perfect, Lilemi. I couldn't've thought up such a good strategy as this."
Lilemi smiled sweetly.
Ferra: "Damn, girl. I didn't know you had this kind of planning in you."
Samantha: "Well, I suppose she wouldn't have become a Shock Falchion just because she's pretty."
Clitonna: "The only real flaw I see is if the Bang Arrows don't blow."
Lilemi: "I arranged it so that the Bang Arrows hit their target locations very hard, allowing the flames to definitely reach the powder pockets."
Clitonna: "Then it's all set."
Samantha: "All right. I'll signal Lufice and Grephen. Then the attacks can begin."

[Kuffie]

he pulled out his sword <well Can't really sleep might as well train> He started attacking the trees after about 2 more hours he stopped < All the training made me tired> he sheathed the sword and fell asleep under a tree

[Ryu Kurai]

Kirrass growled. "I don't like that guy, he sssmellsss of blood. Drake'sss blood." He released his grip on his knife. "Ssshall we go then?" He asked, waiting for Kazi to move so he could follow behind, where it seemed the majority of her attackers were coming from.

[Flarecobra]

"Not to mention that there's something about his eyes...." Kazi said, shivering slightly. After a few more minutes they came across a stone building. "Well, there's home sweet home. Not much of a view, I'm afraid, but it keeps me safe and dry."

[Ryu Kurai]

Kirrass sat down next to the front door with a thud. "Well, I'll keep guard out here. Exactly how many people are after you anyway?" He said, tail swaying a bit due to the sound of the crickets chirping.

[Kuffie]

In his sub consious Coyoto had nightmares of his past


In his nightmare:

Young Coyoto(6): Mommie why do all the villagers throw rocks at us?
Mother:....
Y C: Why
Mother: Because of your father
Y C: whats so bad about daddy?
( His mother Hugs him and starts crying)
(Violent bangs on the door)
Villagers: Open the Door or we will burn down your house!
(Coyoto's eyes go blood red he breaks down the door and bites a man holding a pitchfork and goes down the mob and goes into town)
Back to the real world

"Ahhhhh!" he yelled in the middle of the night he got up he felt something wrong <Somethings not right here.....but what> he looked around he heard loud stomping he saw torch light <a mob?> he thought half asleep

"Is that one!" Coyoto heard

"Who knows Fire!" another yelled bolts hit dozens of trees


<Dammit> he started losing control...too late he was controlled by blodlust he charges toward the small force drew his blade and swiped at each man with ease after 3 died they surrenderd he didn't care he killed 17 other men and drank the remaining blood that was not on the ground minutes later he woke up (spritauly) < what have I done these look like some people from marcio...wonderful.. I wonder why they came? oh well no use worrying now>

[Astral Harmony]

Even with her original estimate of how the battle would progress due to the use of the Bang Arrows, Clitonna was still shocked beyond measure at how effective Lilemi's tactics were. The explosive power of the Bang Arrows and Lilemi's forethought massacred the enemy and left the Emerald Phoenix Battalion without any serious troubles aside from avoiding the flames. Enemies had been slain by swords and arrows and spear thrusts. They were the fortunate ones. Only too many more has been taken by the flames and burned into blackened husks. Samantha was conferring with some messengers from the other two battalions.

Samantha: "They don't like what we did."
Ferra: "What's wrong with what we did?"
Samantha: "They wanted us to use stealth to take over the outpost. Our noisy and bright tactics alerted every outpost and the village."
Clitonna: "Oh, good god! What the hell did they expect? You can't take over an outpost like that silently. The planning phaze alone would take days of observation."
Lilemi: "How do things look?"
Clitonna: "Well, from what reports we got, the outposts on the other side of the city have sent their forces into the city itself. The outposts on the sides are mounting a three pronged offensive to stop us from going any farther, or at least that's what I assuming from their movements."
Samantha: "Can we use the outpost towers to some defensive measure?"
Lilemi: "I think so, but not as effectively as we could if we didn't blow the lookout chamber on the top to hell."
Samantha: "So the enemy will be able to get closer."
Clitonna: "Basically, it'll be like the fort you tried to invade, except that we're the defenders with the tactical advantage and they are the ones with superior numbers."
Samantha: "Can we win?"
Clitonna: "Sure, if we do our best."
Samantha: "Lilemi, I've leaving you in charge of the archer squadrons, since you're probably going to be positioned up there, anyways."
Lilemi: "All right."
Samantha: "Clitonna. Ferra. I imagine you'll both want to be on the front lines, and we'd welcome you there."
Clitonna: "Of course."
Samantha: "I'll stick with the magic users behind the front lines and provide support. Any idea when we expect them to come."
Clitonna: "Either now or tomorrow night, and I don't think they're organized enough for tonight. Any attack right now would be not very organized and more or less just plain reckless."
Samantha: "Right, then. I'll relay your message to rest for the night and prepare for the defensive as early as tomorrow afternoon."
Clitonna: "Thanks."

[Flarecobra]

"I don't know. It's just....." Kazi said, then the wind changed, and she started to smell a scent that she was very flimilor with. "Blood....I smell blood." She said, staring off in the direction the wind was coming from, then started off in that direction.

A couple minutes later, she came across what appeared to be a couple of bandits, though they were rather horrably murdered.

[Kuffie]

Coyoto walked in a clearing of the woods he noticed that the man that hired him "Sir Edward," the man said introducing himself Coyoto noticed that he had the Empires Emblem on his shield.

"your with the empire!" he yelled at edward "so you wanted me to kill her for what reason?"

"Not being with the empire my dear boy all vampires that are not with us are against us!" he repilied took ou a large axe and charged toward Coyoto. "join or Die!" he yelled as he finshed the sentence 25 men surounded coyoto

"join you Ha you sent drake into Ojaan!" He dodged Edward's blow and stabbed him in the back with his sword and swiped the sword up through his
head "next" he knew he was screwed he ran past them but two fired bolts right into his back "Aghhhhh!" he Cried in pain blood running down his back he collapsed in a part of the woods

[Astral Harmony]

Clitonna mounted the steps to where Lilemi was posted.
Clitonna: "Hey, Lilemi. Come take a walk with me."
Lilemi: "Hunh? Ah...all right."
The two girls moved away from the outpost and neared a cliff overlooking a rich valley.
Lilemi: "So, is there something you want to talk about?"
Clitonna: "Yes, there is, actually. I've been thinking alot about you since we fled the Gelti Empire."
Lilemi: "... ... ..."
Clitonna: "I don't really know how things could have arranged themselves to where we're rebelling against the empire and I'm left to protect this sword that they want for their own purposes."
Lilemi: "... ... ..."
Clitonna: "And while I consider all the options carefully and thoroughly, I simply can't think of what the future will bring."
Lilemi: "... ... ..."
Clitonna: "But there's one thing I want more than anything else. I want my future to eventually end up happy and peaceful."
Lilemi: "Clitonna..."
Clitonna: "Even when I was down, people like you have helped me get back on my feet and have given me a life that's my own and I treasure that very much. I do. That's why I want to give back but...more importantly, it's not like it's fulfilling some obligation when it's you."
Lilemi: "What are you saying?"
Clitonna: "I dunno. I've never been good at expressing my feelings. That's mainly because I've been forced to keep them burried since childhood, but what I guess I'm trying to say is...I don't know. I suppose I could call it love but...damnit!"
Clitonna whirled around to look at Lilemi, and suddenly finds Lilemi up against her, their lips pressed together. Lilemi's eyes are closed. Clitonna's are wide open, but she slowly closes hers, too. The kiss lasts for the better part of a minute, and then Lilemi slowly leans back. They both look at each other, blinking.
Clitonna: "That was...wow."
Lilemi: "I've been waiting to hear you say that for a very long time. It's seemed like years."
Clitonna: "Has it? I'm sorry for keeping you waiting."
Lilemi: "No! It's alright! It's just perfect when it came from you when you wanted to say it."
Clitonna: "Ah..."
They kept staring at each other. Finally, Clitonna swallowed and shifted herself.
Clitonna: "Oh. My unit will take control of the watch for now. You can go tell the archers to get some rest."
Lilemi: "All right. I...guess I'll be going, then."
Lilemi backed away, still looking at Clitonna, then turned and ran. Clitonna sighed.
Clitonna: "Ferra, you can come out now. Lilemi may not have seen you but I'm a lot more observant."
Ferra: "Aww, man!"
Ferra emerged from some of the bushes, grinning like an idiot.
Clitonna: "Why're you looking at me like that?"
Ferra: "That was really beautiful."
Clitonna: "Oh, come off it. Shouldn't you be asleep?"
Ferra: "I'm a light sleeper and heard you walking up the steps of the outpost tower. I followed you and Lilemi here. I can't believe you finally told her how you feel."
Clitonna: "There's nothing concrete about it, yet. It was just a kiss."
Ferra: "Yeah, yeah, whatever. You two girls were made for each other."
Clitonna: "So you knew Ashgand and me weren't a destined couple? That hurts."
Ferra: "I didn't say it, and of course you knew it was that way even before you two broke up."
Clitonna: "Yeah, I guess you're right. Anyways, go back and get some sleep. I'll go put my guys on shift."
Ferra: "You got it."
Clitonna turned back towards the beautiful valley as Ferra returned to the captured outpost.
Clitonna: "I still think I should have waited until after this war is over before I told her how I really feel. Love is a horrible omen to expose in the tides of battle."

[Kuffie]

Coyoto rised with lust for blood <whats gotten over me? I wasn't like this much... but lately its happening more> he heard so rattleing in a bush he leaped into the bush. it was dead what ever it was, anyway it was dead he drank its blood. "more! need More!"

[Flarecobra]

"Well, well. Look what stumbled across here." A voice said from the darkness, and out stepped three armed, and armored, Dark Elven bladesmen. their serrated blads glisting in the moonlight. "Of course, now that you know that we're here, we can't let you live." The leader said, and started to head to Kazi, who broke into a run. "Kirrass!!" She called out at the top of her voice.

[Astral Harmony]

Blood erupted from the gash as Clitonna's sword danced through the enemy ranks. Then a small stinging pain resonated along her arm and the body of a dead enemy swordsman fell on her back, an arrow stuck in his spine. Clitonna turned her head long enough to see Lilemi wink before continuing the battle. It had been rough going at first, but the tactics and strategic locations employed by the allied forces broke down the enemy quickly. All too soon, it was over. Five outposts had fallen to the Free Alliance as well as the city, filled with horrified civilians.
Clitonna: "You can relax. All of you. We're not going to kill innocents, but we do have a few regulations that we'd like you to follow."
Samantha: "Regulations?"
Veteran Ex-Soldier: "I'm the mayor of this city. We ask for your mercy and will follow these regulations as long as they are not cruel or unusual for my people to follow."
Clitonna: "I don't think they will be. All we ask is that you immediately end any tasks that assist in the war. We won't ask you to begin any tasks that assist us. We would also ask that you do not leave the city unless completely necessary. We'll try to restrict serious combat to outside the city reaches. Other than that, everyone here should be able to go about their regular business here."
Mayor: "Well, then. That sounds very reasonable, actually. I'll go spread the word. If it isn't too much trouble, could you go speak to Sister Maribeth in the cathedral down the street. She's never been one to trust me and may listen to you."
Clitonna: "I shall do so. Thank you."
Lilemi and Ferra soon caught up to Clitonna and Samantha.
Samantha: "Are you sure they'll stick to the regulations?"
Clitonna: "We're not being unfair with them, but even still...anyways, I better go talk to this Sister Maribeth in the cathedral. Make sure the soldiers and yourselves are well rested. I'm sure they'll let you use the inns and taverns here, but don't expect any freebies."
Clitonna actually was good friends with Sister Maribeth, and was excited to meet her again. She hadn't changed a bit, and after letting everyone in the cathedral know that things were safe again, they began some idle chatter, which started off with Clitonna giving out her whole story to Maribeth.

[Ryu Kurai]

Kirrass sat there in the dark for a while, his drake heritage giving him the ability to see far better than the average human. He sighed deeply. It appeared he had involved himself in something a bit bigger than he had planned. A simple guard duty job, now protecting his officant from the government? He let out a low, displeased growl. He didn't like this. He knew people didn't like Vampires, but that was no reason to-

"Kirrass!"

He lifted his head. It was Kazi. He looked around, drawing his knife and his tail reaching for his stinger. Damn! He thought to himself. He had been so lost in thought that he hadn't noticed Kazi had been gone longer to suck whatever it was she wanted dry. Or at least, that was his first thought. "Eh, what the hell do I know about the feeding habitsss of vampiresss?" He said as he ran towards the voice. He ran as fast as he could, until he nearly ran smack into Kazi. He turned his body to the side, in just enough time to notice a Dark elf in armor with a serrated blade rushin after her. The dark elf just barely noticed Kirrass as he stepped in front of him, and swung wildly in surprise. Kirrass stepped back out of the way, his torso staying where the enertia put it, then snapping back to the rest of his body because of his weight. Before the elf had time to react he lashed out with tail stinger and knife at the same time. The elf managed to block the knife, but the stinger took him completely by surprise. It sunk into his arm, causing him to yell in pain and jerk himself off the weapon, something Kirrass hadn't seen before. He stepped back and growled as two more dark elves wearing the same equipment entered the clearing.

Kirrass placed his right hand on his sword, holding his knife out in font of him with his left hand in a defensive position. "Well, well, looksss like I've got a blade here for each of you, eh?" He said as he began to slowly draw his two-handed sword. One of the elves rushed forwards, trying to stab Kirrass in the stomach. Kirrass hit the sword away, the blade just barely grazing his side and leaving a small cut, then kicked the dark elf in the chest, sending his flying backwards, sword still in hand. He quickly sheathed his knife and brought out his greatsword, as the other two dark elves rushed in simultaneously. He lashed out at one with his tail, missing but shaking the attacker, and the elf he had wounded earlier tried to cut Kirrass' head off. Kirrass ducked and immediately shoved his sword into the dark elf's solar plexus, The elf's sharp reflexes the only thing that saved him from being impaled. The other elf scored a slash across Kirrass' arm, Causing Kirrass to whip his sword around and cut partially through the elf's torso and break his sword, realizing for an instant that his tail had also stuck into the elf instinctively. He pulled out both his wepaons, noticing the elf he had knocked down and the one he had stabbed were rushing at different speeds. He stepped backwards, holding his sword one-handed in a defensive stance. What are dark elves doing here? Why do they smell of blood? he wondered as the coppery smell caught his attention.

The first elf came at him with an overhead swing. A highly over-rated move for running at somebody, Kirrass remembered someone saying, as he stepped to the side and delivered his stinger into the elf's shoulder. He then swung around with his momentum and sliced inot the elf's other shoulder, nearly severing the bone. The armor might have done it, Kirrass mentally commented. He removed his tail from his oppnent and danced around a slash from his opponent. He then hefted his enemy on the sword towards the other enemy, causing him to collide with the oncoming dark elf in mid-air. He used up more energy leaping after then, flying with sword in hands at his opponents. His greatsword sunk into his enemy's back deeply, like a dart though a piece of paper, causing a bit more motion in the direction he had been going and a slightly faster trip to the ground. He heard the elf who was crushed by the weight cry out in pain. Apparenlty, his sword hadn't gone through that one, Kirrass noticed. He jerked his sword out, The dark elf's body twitching more than he would have thought for as he threw the body aside. Kirrass nearly winced and turned his head away. So that was why the elf was crying so loudly, Kirrass thought to himself. I've been in a similar boat, but not that bad, come to think of it.

The dark elf was lying on the ground, blood everywhere clutching his left arm- or rather, what remained of it. He had apparenlty been knocked to the side by Kirrass' impact and his arm had been caught under Kirrass' blade. almost directly under it. The arm was severed about five inches from the shoulder; the rest of the arm was lying near him, unmoving with a loose grip. Kirrass reminded himself that although he had not given this attacker a painless death and was therefore no better than a drake hunter, he was still employed to protect someone. He grabbed the dark elf by the collar and hoisted him up, although a bit more gently than he would have usually. He stuck his sword into the ground, next to the other elf's body. "Who isss it that hired you?" Kirrass said, shaking the dark elf a bit. The elf answered with a pained sneer and tried to stab Kirrass with a small knife he had on him with his remainig hand. Kirrass grabbed the dark elf's arm by the wrist and turned it over, using his tail to apply force and put him in an armbar. As he applied pressure, the elf winced in pain. "You can either die of blood losssss here, or I can let you go after cauterizing your wound. It'sss really your choice, pal." He said, over the dark elf's cries of pain.

[Kuffie]

Coyoto sniffed the air "Blood!" he said he ran towards the smell. he stoped in his tracks and watched the drake hold what looked like the remains of a dark elf. he noticed it was still bleeding he leaped out grabed it from the drake and ran into another bush. he threw the now dead dark elf out aof the bush there was no more blood in him Coyoto Jumped out and Awke so to speak "were am I... he felt down at his back , wound was still bleeding then he collapsed.

[Flarecobra]

"I know where they're from." Kazi said, picking up the severed arm. "The insignia here belongs to my old Master's Master. The only vampiric Drake around, and one of the most powerful Vampires in the Empire."

[Ryu Kurai]

Kirass growled and picked up Coyoto by the shirt. "What'sss thisss crazy doing here?" He turned to Kazi. "He attacked you lassst time, didn't he? What do you want me to do with him?" He lifted up a hand and flexed his claws. "I vote for tearing the little pessst apart, but that'sss jussst me."

[Astral Harmony]

Ferra: "Geez, Clitonna. You told me to meet you up here, yet you're the one who's so slow getting here."
Clitonna: "Excuse me for wearing heavy armor."
It hadn't been an eventful time. Maribeth Norminsehm had joined the Emerald Phoenix Battalion. She insisted that Clitonna and everyone else would need her healing support. What they had talked about brought up an idea in Clitonna's mind and she decided to let only Ferra know about it.
Clitonna: "I'm going to be leaving shortly."
Ferra: "Leaving the battalion? Where're you going?"
Clitonna: "To the Gelti Imperial Capital City."
Ferra: "..."
Clitonna: "..."
Ferra: "Okay, I get it."
Clitonna: "Huh?"
Ferra: "The Gelti Empire slaughtered our boys for that sword, and they pursued us for that sword. You're going to go there to exchange that sword for the safety of the imprisoned loved ones, aren't you?"
Clitonna: "You read me like a book."
Ferra: "You're stubborn, you know that?"
Clitonna: "Too much time spent with Ashgand, I think. I want you to head up the Emerald Phoenix Battalion with Samantha and Lilemi, all right? Make steady progress, and don't try to up the advance for my sake. Understood?"
Ferra: "I know what I'm doing, Clitonna. Don't worry about me and just take care of yourself."
Clitonna: "Of course."
Clitonna and Ferra hugged each other tightly. But all too soon, it was time for Clitonna to follow through with her decision.
Clitonna: "I'm going."
Ferra: "Take care. We'll see you soon."

[Flarecobra]

Looking him over, Kazi said, "Leave him be. I don't think he's much of a threat, aside from the fact that he looks blood-starved and is wounded. Now then, let's see if these guys have anything worth noting." Kneeling down and rooting through the corpse's pockets.

OOC: Corpse looting, wwwweeeeeeeeee!

[Astral Harmony]

The two women faced each other. The dismemberment had happened fairly recently, so she didn't have her arm replaced. Only bandaged.
Chocolate: "I've been waiting for you, Clitonna."
Clitonna: "Not just you...right?"
Chocolate: "Does your hate for me still burn so hot, girl?"
Clitonna: "A future, Chocolate. I had a future, and a lot of it has been ruined. But at least you listened to my call."
Chocolate: "Will you really trade in Ebony Twilight for the release of the prisoners?"
Clitonna: "This has to stop somewhere."
Chocolate: "Yes...it does indeed have to stop somewhere. Follow me, then. We'll be going to the capital city, Clitonna. The only Shock Falchions to have actually met the Emperor himself was Ashgand, but today, we have a very special occasion that demands the Emperor's personal attention, even in the midst of this war."
Clitonna: "I will be able to see the Emperor?"
Chocolate: "Most certainly, Clitonna. I can assure you that the sword you have there is the most important interest he has right now. Come. Let us go."
Clitonna: "Yes."

OOC: "We should begin the next thread."

[Flarecobra]

After a minute or two, Kazi came up with a crumpled piece of parchment. "What's this?" she said, then opened it up and read it. "Escobar, remember that you are there to capture slaves. NOT to murder them for sport. Master Rasskss needs them for his plans, after all." Looking at Krassis, she said "I don't like this. And I have the feeling that he's got something to do with whatever's going on. Let's take him back and see if we can't figure this thing out."

OOC: New thread coming up!