Thom - Alliances

[09:42:11] Both Nashandra and the Spriteling turned 'human' were off the weakened Sunflower village. Consumption locked tight and 'sealed' for the excursion, the trip would not last more than a few hours. Thom would benefit from rifts on his side, as his trip was to be far more perilous. Especially with his recently injury.

As they would reach the still blooming village, the homunculus would be quick to spot her lover. After all, he did use instant transportation, it'd be no surprise that he'd beat them there.

"Thom ..."

With a quick gait, she'd trot over to the redhead and wrap her arms around his being. The lack of a left arm was certainly off putting, as it made his frame feel thinner than it actually was. A small smooch on his cheek would have her giggle before resuming what was important.

"Heh ... This is Miss Batkem. The entity within Mister Quazla, the source of power of this village. Without her, there's no sunflower."
(Nashandra)
[09:46:27] There was an unsettling feeling within her, just as when Quazla had stepped into Nostvale's throneroom. Yet, she was now on her own, independent. A human being. She followed after Nashandra, her bedsheet of a robe draped about her. Hands were placed before his chest, clasped together as she silently prayed. She could feel the depravity around her second half, around the man who had sworn to slay her late psuedo father and friend.

The duo finally arrived, green eyes watching as Nashandra tenderly embraced the now one armed occultist. Truly, it seemed they were partners, for better or for worse. Despite what may have happened, Batkem offered a gentle smile to Thom and a light bow of her head, white locks swaying.

"Hello, my child. It is as she says," the woman says in her clear, motherly voice, one that doesn't seem to fit her countenance.
(Batkem)
[09:50:43] Anger, bloodlust.

Such things coule be felt around the Takashi as they at on the sunflower itself, golden hues glancing outwards towards the village. Sure, the villagers might have felt his light depravity, or noticed the sack that was on his back, baring anti-magic runes, and anti-depravity runes and sealed up tight. They however would likely know based on the cackling hellstorm overhead that the red haired man was not to be messed with.

Thom would have kept his eat up until the arrival of two light haired women. His right arm grabbed the sack which seemedto shake a little bit as he descended, teleporting to the ground where he was quickly hugged and had a smooch placed upon his cheek. His singular arm wrapped around the Silver haired woman, pulling her close as he glanced towards the other ahead of them.

"... Batkem." The singular word being his acknowlegement. Perhaps his former dispoition towards Quazla didn't make him the friendliest towards anyone in this village.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[09:55:50] A couple of blinks. She would remain in Thom's singular embrace, though tilted her being in order to be abl to face both parties. There was a cleary, omnipresent tension going on here, one absolutely divorced of the depravity brought by Nashandra. These two were likely not meant to be the best of friends, especially since Batkem's powers were the cause of Thom's ire.

"... We're here as friends. We all want this place to stay alive, and envision a world where humanity is uplifted, unlike Sansevaria."

Batkem wasn't exactly brought up to day with Nashandra's ideals concerning the world, humanity and the ecosystem. Chances were that she would reject it as a Krausite, but for now they did work toward a common goal.

"Fascinating, isn't it? The depraved and wicked being the ones to wish the prosperity of the Sunflower. You must be suspicious of these intentions, Miss Batkem."

Silver eyes narrowed toward the spriteling. Body still pressed against Thom's as the air of the somewhat pure village filled her nostrils.
(Nashandra)
[10:00:57] In this woman's presence, as a true entity, the enormous sunflower seemed to shine brighter than before, to stand taller. The two depraved would feel a subtle tugging on their being, certainly more influential on Nashandra herself, even maybe painful. It was not a conscious action, but an effect of the magic which constantly cleansed this land.

The many animals and insects of Sunflower Village seemed to instinctively understand who Batkem was, evident in the single, red-winged butterfly which landed upon her right shoulder. She gave once more a brief nod of her head. "I will not lie, Nashandra. While I bear gratitude for chosing to defend this place, my progidy, Andriel herself warned her followers never to trust the words of the unfinished yokai. You may not belong to such creatures, but their taint is still born, the mar of the depraved."


(Batkem)
[10:04:22] "..."

The red haired man remained silent, nearly holding Nashandra in their semi-akward hug as a result of missing one arm. Thom held her close and said nothing, merely squinting in a judgemental manner towards the spirtling ahead of them.

"What is your relation to Quazla Mabon?"

These would be the only words stated by Thom M. Takashi at this time.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[10:09:29] Evidently trust would be a challenging prospect. Though the entity's reasoning did raise a few questions. Notably, the association of the depraved and the Yokai. All Yokai were depraved, yes, however occultism was their mark, and their drive brought them to depravity. A better association would be the fallen angels.

"Yokai ... The only entities that fit your description are the Malpercian-types. I am no such thing. Perhaps you may associate me to Azrael's ilk, but even then, the circumstances in which depravity comes to be is far too open-ended an broad. A depraved being, reaching such peaks, do no become anything like a Yokai or a fallen angel. But an uncontrollable monstrosity."

A hand would gently caress her lover's back as he seemed to be much firmer and aggressive toward the spirit. Evidently, association with Quazla brought quite the anger in the redhead.

"... Look. I am similar to what you are, in the end. A being born not out of Kraus' intended means, but from human intervention. Depravity was utilized in my conception. But I nonetheless remain far more similar to you than I do with Yokai, Oscuri or even humans."
(Nashandra)
[10:15:28] This was troubling. The man sworn to slaying her host was now questioning her relationship to him. She would answer honestly, but.. what was their relationship? Batkem tilted her head down, hands clasped together at her chest in thought. "I was the voice of mercy and compassion, the faith in Kraus, the voice attempting to sway the Child of Hajara from sin and death," she says ultimately, head still bowed.

"Forgive me if my analogy was flawed, Nashandra. I merely wish to know why you would seek to defend this place of cleansing, a hamlet where the lifestream's wounds are healed by merely stepping upon the soil."

Tension seemed to be high, despite Batkem's gentle disposition.
(Batkem)
[10:18:52] "..."

Still silent. The red haired man once more does to speak, merely glaring daggers towards Batkem. All that one needs to hear from this rp to understand how Thom was at this moment is one word.

Edgy.

He commented not on the anologies, nor on what Batkem responded to his question with. The cackling of hellstorm above seemed only to increase in frequency as he stood.

"He tried to render me non-magi. Where do you stand on that?"
(Thom M. Takashi)
[10:25:42] The influences of the village were quite ... Distracting, as they tugged on her depraved being. At leasts he could regulate it to an extent, though she'd still remain quite the vile existence.

"Sansevaria seeks to end humanity and restore the world's natural beauty. You seek to preserve humanity and purge its evils. I, however."

Her thumb rose to press down on her index finger, prompting a crack. Her silver eyes narrowed toward Batkem.

"I seek to uplift humanity. Make it like us, the beings that have transcended their limits. And the best means to change humanity, is to change its environment."

Snuggling closer to her lover, she'd would make hersemf comfortable before pursuing.

"The Sunflower's attunement to the lifestream, to the ecosystem. It provides a means to radically change the world, without completely destroying its inhabitants."
(Nashandra)
[10:31:40] Slowly, her head tilted up, dark green eyes locking with Thom's own as she offers a light smile. "In the attempt to play god, a forbidden ritual was performed. To the sins of wrath, gluttony, greed, and pride did he fall through such a magic, one which the cursed of Sareen too possess. Such an act was frowned upon," Batkem says, hands still at her chest.

And then did her gaze drift to Nashandra. These words she spoke troubled her deeply. Humans were perfect as they were, Kraus's greatest creation. Yet.. changing their environment was what she sought as well. Not to force an evolution of sorts, but to simply make the world a peaceful place.

"Miss Nashandra, what is this environment you envision? What do you see must be changed in man?"
(Batkem)
[10:35:05] Yada yada silence, yada yada edgy.

Thom snuggled back against Nashandra, perhaps making himself slightly less edgy but at the same time his gaze still rested on the woman. "You say he used a forbidden ritual and that he attempted to play god. You say that he fell to sins, and that it was frowned upon. But you never say how you personally feel about what I am asking you about.

It bothers me."

With that stated the red haired man once more returns to his silence, letting Nashandra take control of the conversation.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[10:45:20] Uh-oh, seems like Thom and Batkem could be undergoing a certain amount of tensions. This wasn't good. Her hand gripped his remaining shoulder, while giving him a concerned glance. A subtle shake of her head would indicate a desire to avoid too much escalation.

"... What do I envision? What must be changed? I'll answer to latter first."

She'd employ gestures to compliment her words, as it was time to expose her train of thought. It was a risky play, as such ideals could easily be shot down, and cause unfixable situations.

"Humanity's greatest strength, its treasure I cherish the most, is what differs it from the angels and Gods. Kraus' most intelligent piece of work. Free will. Loathed or loved. Very rarely an in-between. But this free-will ... Constantly put into peril by ideologies. Oppressive ones. Born out of vile, collectivist initiatives and misguided faith."

Ire was strong in her words, as the humanity in Nashandra flourished.

"Humanity is at its strongest when it seizes the day for itself. But it always limited by these ... Externalities. Gods, the promise of power from higher, inhuman beings. I seek that humanity evolves. Keeps its free-will, but purges its need for such things. We are born out of the grasp of these Gods. We owe them nothing. And a humanity that owes them nothing, is one bound to thrive."

Nashandra was angry. Angry that she could not be like the others, something that couldn't fit Kraus' vision. Or Azrael's. Or any deity's really. As such, she could only see a world that looked like her. Not one that she ruled. No, free-will was what she coveted, what made people all too interesting.

"As for the environment ... Well, a seed that'll grow into a world capable of housing and generating these new beings, these evolved humans, would be it. It is hard to describe. I am unsure of the exact way it'd look. Would it be depraved? Purely attuned to the lifestream? I do not know. But I know my greyrot can create such a world. The only question is, how it'd be used. Right now, it is a mess of depravity. Foul. But it wasn't always like this."
(Nashandra)
[10:53:00] "It is as I say, Thom. I frowned upon such sinful action, the draining of one's mana," she states in response. While it was through her power that Quazla had drained Thom's mana, it was not a power she was fond of. It was a disgusting power, one that degraded her people. An easy power to grasp onto that only harmed the user in the end, like occultism to humans.

Batkem turned to Nashandra, her clasped hands tightening ever so slightly. "Dear Nashandra, do you not see that this world already exists?" she asks, smiling lightly as she tilted her head. "While you have stated that we were created not of Kraus's will, an abomination, I must differ in my belief. It was Quazla who taught me that in this beautiful world of ours, there is only man and beast. Those who possess free will and are capable of appreciating the beauty of the world, and those who cannot. Despite what I may be, I am Man," Batkem says, bowing her head slightly.

"Already was Man created with the power to thrive without the intervention of gods. But with dieties on our side, the blessed guardians of Kraus, we may be guided. Already do I have a dream for this world, Miss Nashandra."
(Batkem)
[10:58:08] "Hm. Better."

The red haired man seemed not to be as 'bothered' after the white haired woman had began speaking in first person. Though perhaps it also might have been Nashandra's arms on his shoulders, her calming him down as he turned his gaze away from the talk. Sure, he could have interjected with his own beliefs but-

"The world is shit."

Damn it Thom. "I don't care for angels who just sit around and do nothing. I don't care for excuses. Helheim, I'll rip the angels out of Avalon itself and settle this one day."

With such being said Thom merely glanced away from the conversation, seemingly having lost interest.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[11:05:48] At least one flame was quenched, but Thom once again had to go aggressive. However here it would be to help Nashandra's cause over Batkem's. A giggle escaped her lips as her lover clumsily exposed his thoughts.

"I see this world perfectly. An endless cycle. Many have had your ideals, Miss Batkem. All of them have failed to keep a sustained world for humanity to thrive. A Republic was made, one almost oppressive to keep peace. It still failed, and to insane cultists no less. No honorable cause took them down. Maddened DOGS enthralled by some jock of a Moon God."

Belial, a scourge as bad as Azraelism. But at least the Morninglord offered some respite for humanity. The Moon God was nothing but a farce to this world.

"Man has the power to thrive, but is always limited by other factors. I dream of a world where humanity can STAND UP to these Gods. These inhumane beings. Nerebia was destroyed, but at the cost of what? Valmasia took an immense hit, and an Azraelite hit Godhood. We slay an oppressive God, another one sprouts. One can certainly see the effects of such dependency, such blind faith by just anayzing Quazla Mabon."

She took in a deep breath.

"Kraus did a good job in concieving humanity. But, as a teacher to them, he is a bit slow. I seek to accelerate our ascension. For humanity to be like us. No longer at the mercy of Gods and faiths. Where every man's dream is possible. In the current state of things, this is just an illusion."
(Nashandra)
[11:14:20] She, too, gave a light giggle at Thom's words, a hand raised over her lips to stifle laughter. Not due to the exposure of his thoughts, but rather what he said. It was a funny coincidence. But for now, the woman did not speak. She merely allowed both parties to share their words, curt nods provided as important points were made.

First, though, her green eyes set upon the one armed man. "While the angels are the symbols of purity, they are almost incredibly flawed beings. For one to descend to this land now would mean corruption, for depravity spreads like a virus. If they came to us, they would fall, turning into foe, rather than ally," Batkem responds, before her smile returns to tug at her cheeks.

"But it is quite funny that you mention such things, for my dream revolves around similar concepts. My host, Quazla, had dreamed of uniting himself with Yggdrasil to become an avatar of the lifestream. This was.. his pride and greed. Yet, my own goal revolves around a similar subject, yet not so strongly," she says before staring down at the floor for a moment. Would she so readily share her plans for the world with two depraved individuals? It seemed necessary.

Her head tilted up, smiling. "Helheim, the realm of what may be described as demons. A single place within the spirit realm, the land of Yggdrasil. Yet within, there are many more realms, full of potential allies who may assist us. My own dream is to attune myself this realm, summoning forth friends from the realms, with the blessing of the lord of spirits himself, Ryujin, until Yggdrasil itself is reached. But first comes Alfheim, the land of the meek. Miniature angels, if you will."
(Batkem)
[11:22:52] "Now we're getting somewhere."

It appeared that for once the anger within Thom would have calmed? How... Odd. "I care not if others talk about gods, or angels, or any of that stuff. I am in agreement with Nashandra that humans are far better, that I want to see how they would adapt and thrive even through the most periolous of situations. Well, unelss they die. In that case I want to see how they die." A corrupt chuckle escaped the red haired man.

"Reguardless, I as well seek access to the spirit realm. And I am in the process of aquiring a means to do such. I care not, nor do I know anything about the realm you seek in particular, but perhaps We shall see about acess to it as well." The arm crossed over the front of his golden armor, a grin across his face.

"But first.. I must see to my own things."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[11:28:00] "Our ideals may converge, Miss Baktem. I do believe we can work together. But do understand, I reject following the angels, to pray for them, and the such. I however also reject the Morninglord's ideals. Utopias are foul. Especially made by Gods. The fact that Kraus abandoned any intervention in this world is what I truly find remarkable."

Before tackling the Nethradin allusions and the such, Nashandra would continue with her train of thought.

"Attuning yourself to the Lifestream will only be a step. It would not fix the issues we face. You are but a single being, Miss Batkem. Though, through such harmony with the lifestream, perhaps purging the Greyrot's depraved nature without killing the beings from it would be possible. Would it not?"

A possibility. It mattered not how depraved the Greyrot was in the end, Nashandra only sought to plant its seeds, and grow a new breed of superior humans, those that compensated their current, self-destructive barriers. It would completely share Valmasia to its core, even Eternia, but it'd be necessary.

"Yes, Thom has been taking interest in these practices. A means to form allies from such odd places, and perhaps even form an army of sorts. You two will certainly get along if you were to discuss this further."
(Nashandra)
[11:34:49] If Thom did not care about her realm, then the realm he was likely interested was Helheim. The Nethradin, genuine demons. Devils, rather, if one were to compare them. The yokai were far more similar to demons. These deals bothered her, but.. Batkem simply nodded.

"Perhaps, Miss Nashandra," the woman eventually says. These kinds of talks bothered her gentle soul. "But only the devils of Helheim will offer assistance to the depraved. To reach through the many realms and to Yggdrasil itself requires true purity." Batkem believed herself to possess this, the only one capable of her dream. At least, in a world this tainted.

"Is this all you need of me? I must return to Cinderfall soon in order to await words with The Father."
(Batkem)
[11:38:14] "Converge indeed." Thom agreed with Nashandra, the grin on his face once more as he fell a bit to silence. While he might have been entirely capable of saying more it appeared that hte conversations were once more going back to gods and the lifestream. The man's apathy returned with it until his name was called again and he would give another nod of agreement.

Batkem seemed to want to wish to return home. Thom would merely give her a nod, stepping a bit away from the converstaion to glance towards the water in a silence. As far as he was concerned.. His part was done.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[11:39:05] Nashandra: Well, I was certainly hoping we'd be on the same page. Our end-goals aren't exactly the same, but at least we both agree to helping humanity.
[11:39:05] Nashandra: However.
[11:39:56] Nashandra: Now that we're here, we'll have to start restoring this village a bit. And commence initiatives to defend it.
[11:39:56] Nashandra: As well as gather allies.
[11:39:56] Batkem: Very well, Miss Nashandra.
[11:39:56] Batkem: I believe I will be acquiring my own allies very soon.
[11:39:56] Nashandra: Will you wish to be figurehead, or shall I assume the direction of these initiative?
[11:40:48] Batkem: For now, your attachment seems to this village seems to be greater than mine.
[11:40:48] Nashandra: No, you are this village, as such that comparision is silly.
[11:40:48] Nashandra: However yes, I am devoted.
[11:41:39] Batkem: Then you shall act as my avatar for the time being.
[11:41:39] Nashandra: I am honoured, then.
[11:41:39] Batkem: I must return to Cinderfall. May His light guide you.
[11:41:39] Nashandra: Take care.
[11:41:39] Thom M. Takashi: ...