Seneca of the Nightmare 2

[21:45] The young man brought a hand high into the air, waving to those of the village with good cheer and a pleasant smile upon his features!

"Salutations my good fellows! My compatriots and I seek a youth who has become lost within the woods. A lad of the name Magnus would any of you know of such a figure!?"

As he spoke he'd bring his hand back down, glasping it neatly behind his back. Violet hues scanning the crowd looking perhaps for any sign of recognition within the dastardly plaza dweller's eyes.
(Seneca)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:45] Two blue irises peer upwards at the colossal being akin to a strutting peacock. Her mouth opens in a perfect 'O' shape, two needle-like canines on full display. "aaaahh."
(Sienne)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:45] Lavinia Walters whispers something.
[21:45] Lavinia Walters says, "Oh yeah, Magnus, he's worth a lot dead."
[21:46] Diogenis looks at Seneca make the inquiry. Keeping a calm composed posture. he crosses his arms and nods in agreement.

"Indeed. We are looking for a Magnus. Have any of you fine people seen him?"

Inquired in a calm tone to hopefully aid the group's inquiry into actually being answered.
(Diogenis Prokopis)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:46] Seneca asks, "Hath the youth done something to gain one of wealth's ire?"
[21:46] Senev疝 merely remains observant for the time being, his head tilting in observation. He's pondering.. what exactly this could lead to, if anything at all?

"Mmm."

"Think they'd care to give him up for this?"
(Senev疝)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:46] Diogenis Prokopis says, "Oh,Money is on his head? Somebody must be mad."
[21:47] Seneca shifted there gaze to Lavinia! A shift towards them as they'd been the one's to answer so readily.
(Seneca)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:47] Lavinia Walters says, "The bourge- errr, Bourgeoge- AHHH! The BOURGEOISIE of the land hates him, yes."
[21:47] Lavinia Walters says, "I learned that word the other day. M'hm."
[21:47] Diogenis Prokopis asks, "Bourgeoisie?"
[21:47] Diogenis Prokopis asks, "What?"
[21:48] Cleo would remain silent, preferring to let Seneca and Diogenis do the talking for the now. He wasn't quite sure exactly what their trio had walked into, but it left him with an uneasy feeling.
(Cleo)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:48] Ekh'lauq asks, "...Are those more Osronan's...?"
[21:48] Lucia V. Fenrir says, "Hey, Haseo. Again."
[21:48] Ekh'lauq offers a flare towards the trio.
(Ekh'lauq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:48] Diogenis Prokopis says, "No no no. Just wanderers."
[21:48] Lucia V. Fenrir says, "Prob'ly. T'lilac haired dude is."
[21:48] Seneca offered a warm smile in return, his head tilting low for but a moment.
(Seneca)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:49] Ekh'lauq asks, "...Lilac?"
[21:49] Haseo says, "Hey-hey."
[21:49] Seneca says, "I hail from Hessalia to the north my good Lord."
[21:49] Haseo whispers something.
[21:50] Lucia V. Fenrir whispers something.
[21:50] Placing his hands into his pocket. Diogenis stays silent whistling.

"Well guys. Guess MAGNUS isn't here. Time to go search elsewhere to fill our pockets."

He winks at Seneca and Cleo. They had to leave like now it seemed. A therian had already ratted him out.
(Diogenis Prokopis)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:50] Minerva Elinora says, "...."
[21:50] Haseo whispers something.
[21:50] Diogenis Prokopis whispers: Play along please.
[21:51] Diogenis Prokopis whispers: Theria seemingly knows everything about me as of late.
[21:51] Lucia V. Fenrir whispers something.
[21:51] It is within its state of indifference that its slit hues trace over towards Sienna's person, then back towards Ekh'lauq. To many whom had known the serpent, there was little which explained the presence of those whom were either latched onto his person, or cradled within the vicious grip that'd soon enough stir its unconscious captive from her slumber.

Releasing Minerva, the unconscious holy magi would find herself thudding into the earth, dirt and grass at least making for a somewhat 'soft' landing before it addressed the situation proper.

"It stares upon the fragility of many with reserved opinion. And Ss- Seneval, that is a good question. One that it does not know, but.. It certainly could not hurt this one to try." Its eyes come to a close. For the brief moment it focuses, Minerva would hear an ever familiar cacophony ring within the depths of her conscious.

Once quiet hisses adorned by the resounding chattering of itsaccursed arm bombards her senses, the touch of occult only pressing against the then subdued holy to bring forth not but a brief moment of excruciating pain from within her being.

"The worse case scenario? Hmn.. There is none which thiss- Serpent considers."
(Versail)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:51] Versail says, "At least, not for it."
[21:52] "Mm.."

There's something about this holy magi that seems.. incredibly weak and frail, to say the least- if only because he feels as if there's no peculiar worth for this one. But to digress.. there was still time left, was there not?

"I suppose you could offer this one."

"Although, Versail.. unless you're feeling like being extra generous to Tonashi, I would advise to demand something in return - should this carry through."

"I'm certain Tonashi could spare some supplies or other resources in return for this captive."
(Senev疝)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:56] Seneca's gaze seemed to sweep evenly about the village, taking note of the myriad stalls and houses. It wasn't so different than the other villages he'd been in of course that opinion didn't hold up to the inhabitants.

So, were these demons? Surely they were, one could see the odd skin-tones, the monstrous horns that curled like a crown from atop there, well, crowns. His gaze looked to what appeared to be a captive.

Though for now he seemed to remain quiet!
(Seneca)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:56] Lavinia Walters says, "Ekh'lauq, you got this, m'hm? Gonna just be, over there."
[21:57] Lavinia Walters whispers something.
[21:57] Lemuria Augustus whispers something.
[21:57] Lemuria Augustus whispers something.
[21:57] Metztli says, "Hello Miss."
[21:57] Lemuria Augustus says, "Hello."
[21:57] Lavinia prompts a swirl of occultic mana to form around her hand. It'd conjure into a small, tulip-like black flower she'd offer to the teacher.
(Lavinia Walters)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[21:58] Lavinia Walters says, "A thank you fer the wisdom, 'n' I hope y'recover."
[21:59] Lemuria took the flower, offering Lavinia a warm smile.

"Once more, thank you. I appreciate the care."
(Lemuria Augustus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:00] The young female would have a Occultic grip damage her physical stature... The pain welling from inside of her arm would become immaculate. The pain residing from her body would amplify swiftly throughout her arm.

"Ghhrhg!"

She grunted Angrily. Unfortunately this was the outcome that was given to her..
(Minerva Elinora)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:01] The disgsted gaze of the demon never falters. A fist, easily the size of one of the two girl's heads can be seen crunching inwards into a fist, one with black claws that looked as if they could rend through stone with ease. No, there were no more interest in the affairs of Versail with his prey, as the golden gaze of the King of Nightmares would drag itself towards the trio.

Their gaze falls upon one in particular; a boy, with violet hair. The demon is forced to crane its neck downwards in order to gain a true visual of the trio, said gaze... Far from friendly.

No. Nothing about the beast came across as friendly. What stood before them had two horns that jut from their skull easily a foot in length, adorned with a crown of flesh and small bones, that held human and beastlike teeth as gemstones. Central to such, were a single cat's eyeball, that turns and stares into the very soul of the boy.

Whispers. Tens, hundreds and thousands of men, women andchildren; only to have the cries of a thousand more beasts join in on such an ecstasy of horror. No, all their cries were the same; shrieks and whines of terror and agony, as if the voices of all were being slowly torn apart and put together again, only for the process to repeat. The very air itself had gone cold and stale with horror.

"You."

Their gaze remains on the young violet haired one, and them alone; as if their company didn't even exist. Yet.

"...Speak, child."

"What is your grandest desire?"
(Ekh'lauq)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[22:06] Shivering. Diogenis looks at Ekh'lauq with a face of worry,One that presets a rush of adrenaline leading into the flight or fight response every mammal has. Why he was chosen to be questioned was unknown to him. Looking directly into the cat's eyeball with his own lilac gaze. Diogenis begins to sweat every so slightly.

A gulp is had before he awkwardly smiles. Opening his mouth slowly still not fully understanding the situation he was in.

"I want to save everyone. It's why I train so hard everyday."

What the hell? He was going to speak about his mother. However the pressure from being stared down as such made him spill the cheesy dream he held unto. His breathing ramps up as he looks to Cleo and Seneca quickly.

What did this thing want?
(Diogenis Prokopis)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:07] His attempt to wake the downed magi didn't seem to provide the blatant results desired, though Seneval's presence warrants it makes another prod at her conscious. At least, before he takes a step back and allows for Seneval to question her.
(Versail)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:07] Haseo whispers something.
[22:08] Lucia V. Fenrir whispers something.
[22:08] Lemuria turned towards Metzli, a warm smile still on her face. Someone speaking in such a formal tone immediately caught her interest, as it was something that she herself did.

However...

Recent events made her consider some of the things that Metzli just stated. Namely...

"I do not intend on operating in the shadows for much longer. Should you still want to make that pact despite this, I will be willing."
(Lemuria Augustus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:08] Sienne wraps full-bodied tresses around her face to serve as a boundary between the blood and the serpent's clothing. Rather than he, she would be stained in crimson.
(Sienne)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:09] Haseo whispers something.
[22:11] Sienne whispers something.
[22:11] Versail whispers something.
[22:12] The woman would remain silent. And despite the finger stab, she would remain silent throughout the whole interaction. She was slowly awakened by the males piercing poke. As blood would swiftly be emitted around the few..

A fear would slowly become gathered around them. Dragged from the unknown... Traces of dirt and ash would remain on the females clothing..And now remains of her blood would trail around her stature around her armor.

She would remain silent. Glaring daggers at the demons that was in front of her. She would not utter a word towards any of the beings that were around her. And she would make that much extremely clear. She would remove her face from the finger and lower her head in silence.
(Minerva Elinora)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:12] Sienne whispers something.
[22:13] 'Aha, I'm in danger!'

Such was the thoughts that coursed through the young man's thoughts as she watched the behemoth stride towards them. What a fearsome sight they where!

Though, he was left out of there main focuse. A blessing! But, the youth beside him was not so lucky and that perhaps brought concern to him. His heart going out to the youth who was surely not prepared to deal with such a beast.

Though, of course. Was he any different? Not so, only maintaining decorum through a surety of purpose. His was the dream granted in the fervent dreams of those cursed with that great plague upon mankind.

Faith in the divine.
(Seneca)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:16] It were slow; yet it were as if the very light had begun to escape the clearing. They can see the sun moving, much faster than it normally would, so that the moon would rise in pursuit, painting the sky a deep crimson, tangerine and violet; so that shadows could crawl their way outwards like swarms of spiders. The very wind had screeched to a halt, the feeling of cold breeze being replaced with a cold sting of ice, that stung all the more if one were a holy magic. The stench of occult only grew, as a veil of shadows would begin to cloak the demon's form. Only a wide, fang-ridden grin stare down at them which cuts through the absolute blackness.

"...Protect them... From who?"

The whispers would chant, as if a thousand pairs of claws had begun writhing their way up his ankles, as if to force their way up his body so that they could invade his very ears. 'From who?' 'From who?' were the only thing that the voices now recite, in tones of sobbing, whining... anger, confusion. Frustration. Sorrow.

There were no other noise now. Only that which the Ascended would permit. These were illusions of a calibre unseen by Osrona, only presenting themselves now. It were a nightmare that had become reality.
(Ekh'lauq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:17] "Strange. Would it not benefit one to remain cognizant?" He murmurs, slit hues gazing upon none other than Minerva. Its patience was certainly not tested by such a strong front, though in kind did its curiosity seem to pique as Seneval hoped to question her now conscious being.

"It would ss- Save you plenty of pain, Sienne."

Once more, the serpent draws upon the occult, its corrupted energies pinpointed upon a single a claw. The once slow flicker of the corrupted flame which he wields is set forth upon Minerva, if only to induce pain within the core of her very being, and in kind any sort of noise.

Whether it be coherent or not was up to the Elionra, though the serpent certainly did expect the latter.

"Perhaps."
(Versail)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:17] A smile reminded and Lemuria assumably agreed with the handshake and it was preformed The bat simply nodded. It was here that the Demon would speak yet another statement to the Witch. "Then you would need an ally you could call on, yes? I hear these pacts allow Demons and Witches to summon one another..." Or maybe it was only one way. Whatever the case was, the Bat was fully aware of the bond that would be established.

"I wish to rid the world of the Magics of Light. In doing show I must not always dwell form the shadows. But I only hunt in my True form. So that my Humanoid form is not ever exposed by spies." The demon gave a tilt of their head. As they waited to see what Lemuria's reaction was.
(Metztli)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:20] "Hm."

There's an evident stare that he gives towards the woman, but.. he doesn't seem to touch her anymore once she awakens. Instead, his head tilts while he keeps on inspecting her, and.. where some demons may intimidate the humans before them, where some may intend to murder them, to ravage their bodies?

Quite often, Senev疝 sought two things..
Entertainment or to sate his curiosity.

"Always so scared."

"Always so... avoiding." It is something that Senev疝 could not understand. Yet.. there's only a smile- a smile that hasn't appeared on his features for a while, strangely enough.

"What is your name?" Although, he imagines that the woman would not answer anything at all. Instead..

"I aim to talk to you. That is something your kind is capable of.. even if you happen to detest mine, yes?"

"If you do not desire to speak at all, there's only so much I can do. But, ah.. perhaps I'd have to leave you to someone who's less into talking, and more into killing.."

A glance is given off to Ekh'lauq. Maybe with his intimidating presence, he was specifically using him as the 'reference' that could very well kill her.

"So." He looms slightly over the woman, but.. his movement betrays no hostility. If anything, it doesn't look like he's trying to hurt her.

"Tell me?"
(Senev疝)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:21] Yet another aspect of this demon that caught her interest. Between that and the formalized speech, it left Lemuria to wonder if they were destined to meet.

"Then I suppose we share a goal. A contract between the two of us would be most appropriate, then! You and I are going to get along swimmingly, it seems!"

She was, perhaps unsurprisingly, actually somewhat excited to meet someone like this.
(Lemuria Augustus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:23] Giving Lemuria a nod, it seemed she wa sin agreement. Good. Having someone to pact with granted the Demon a level of security they had not elsewhere. "Wonderful. I found a witch to pact with... We can do that while I wait on Tonashi. I need him to make me armor. And potions." unaware of Lemuria's own artificing abilities.
(Metztli)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:24] Lemuria Augustus says, "I can make armor, too."
[22:24] Metztli exclaims, "Oh. Wnderful. I am in need of a mythril set!"
[22:25] Lemuria Augustus asks, "Do you possess the materials?"
[22:26] Metztli says, "Unfortunately I've not an idea where to find Mythril."
[22:26] Lemuria Augustus says, "Neither do I. I am running low."
[22:27] Metztli says, "Unfortunate."
[22:27] Metztli says, "...I do have this however if it's ever useful."
[22:28] Metztli says, "That too."
[22:28] Lemuria Augustus says, "Thank you."
[22:30] Lemuria Augustus asks, "Do you wish to make the pact right now?"
[22:30] Suddenly the every so stalwart blue sky began to shift colors as the moon forced itself unto center stage. His bare chest began to feel a sharp sting as did the rest of his limbs as if he was in Theria once more. Diogenis moved his head around in shock. Suddenly the figure IN front of him began to darken.

Reaching unto his blade. His hand rests on its hilt. Ready to sheathe it from his side. A wide array of teeth meet him asking another question.

"Things like whatever the hell this is! Things that threaten our very reality as we know it. Whatever presents itself I will strike down."

Suddenly his ears are bombarded by the same question over and over again. Vibrating from every limb to his very ear drum. A face of exhaustion plasters itself to Diogenis androgynus features. From all the tones shifting to the repeating of the question. It was starting to break down Diogenis. Forcing anger into his mind. The only emotion he rather give into then fear from being helpless in such a situation.

Shaking he keeps his hand above his blade which was tied to the side of his hip,resting on his ragged utility belt. Suddenly he couldn't even hear his own breathing. His thought's were soon being drowned out as well. He had to strike. Seneca had just gave him encouraging words not even moment's ago.

Slowly moving his blade out. Diogenis continues to shake. Barely able to ponder a plan on how to defeat this horror. Gritting his teeth all while he was taunted by the inhuman nature of this realm.

Reaching the halfway point. His blade refuses to leave his sheathe. At this point he was simply holding unto it. Fighting his urge to run away. Despite his senses being violated. However how much longer he could keep this up was looking rather grim. Yet Diogenis tried to stay steadfast and loyal to his heart.
(Diogenis Prokopis)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:30] Cleo didn't have to suffer through a nightmare in a long time. A shame that he was immediately pulled into one. His intention to keep stoic and calm was quickly cast aside as the world around him began to warp. A sudden chill wrapped itself around him, causing him to almost clatter his teeth in response. Tugging to his coat, he'd look up to see the typically blue, everyday sky coated in a veil of crimson, simply oozing with darkness and anything unholy that lurked in the shadows.

His heart pounded with a never-experienced vigor from the terror of it all. Could this...demon? - It'd have to be, what else could do something like this? - really have the ability to distort the world to such a state? Fear bogged Cleo's mind, preventing an answer as the question repeated itself over and over in his head. His eyes widen as his jaw drops, and his legs suddenly feel like giving out.

Yet, for whatever reason, he managed to keep standing, turning his head to his two companions and back to where the demon stood, only to be confronted with a sinister, unworldly grin. Was this death taunting them in their eyes? Again, Cleo lacked an answer, and he eventually stopped questioning it.
(Cleo)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:31] Metztli says, "If you have the time. If not. I've a hunt to attend to."
[22:32] Lemuria Augustus says, "Follow me, then."
[22:36] This wasn't something he'd expected! No, it was something much worse that seemed to swarm within the world as it was twisted into a hideous reflection of what it could be. Shifting from the shining light of the Day to the darkness of Night.

The sky ablaze in a crimson curse that seemed to taint the world itself in dreary desperation. It was something that most would have shattered at the sight. Though, when most were non-magi such a boast was less impressive.

Worse still than the stinging pain of ice that seemed to whip at his flesh. Was that fang-ridden grin that gazed down upon them. This wasn't the time for one to be weak of heart nor for them to misjudge there own hearts.

'...Protect them... From who?'

It was a question, easily answered by those who possessed the stoutness of will or those simply to fervent in there won beliefs to be cowed. Though, the foolish and insane fell into both categories.

Thus the youngman would do what he felt right. Namely, attempt in his wisdom to forgo the world imposed about him. HIs eyes closed and he took a breath, Words escaping his lips as he did so.

"Evil is the bane of our world. That is what one must protect it from. Be it evil sprung from man or from gods." There was a soft breath as she sought to push away the suffocating air about him.

This reality wasn't the one forged by Kraus and he sought no desire to entertain it. Fighting to maintain himself in composure within the world around him. Bearing the sensory flickers that lashed against his form as he sought to maintain himself.
(Seneca)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:37] The Illusions are well knit in nature... Can Seneca break free of them?
(Ekh'lauq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:38] The woman was certainly not convinced by the demonic figures attempt to play nice with them. She didn't believe in the attempts to make peace or even pretend to create the end for her. Her hues would constantly look around. Seeing many around her.

The seething anger for their kind. Beings that would only come to life to make the lives of Osronan's as equally as painfull and adverse to the next. She knew that deep down the sudden request to actually submit to these creatures...

It wasn't something that she had a choice to. With even her name being revealed she would be a target to assaults' much more often than before. Irritating to admit as well. However..... It was a much better fate than death.

The hues of a busy demonic entity would antagonize enemies to her. Her hues returning back towards the male before her. Her teeth gritting as she would glare at the Seneval before her. And utter her name with absolute reluctance.

"Minerva Elinora."

She said with vitriol and reluctance under her breath.
(Minerva Elinora)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:38] CAN I!
(Seneca)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:44] "Ah."

To that end, he seems to be terribly amused by the gritting expression that she displays.. for if anything, he thinks that she found herself already lost in this endeavour, but.. is it even any point to just kill her right away?

"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Senev疝."

Surely these niceties are there for a reason, but.. it remains to be something that she could have to find out on her own.

"How'd you end up captured, exactly? What was your purpose of roaming about, or what did you hope to accomplish?"

"Or.. is there nothing at all, and you just happened to be on the wrong place and wrong time?"
(Senev疝)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:46] The illusions were truly nightmares, a seed planted within their own minds that fears had begun to entertain; even within that of Seneca's own mind. Her grandest of attempts didn't alter so much as one of the gray clouds, which rest static and unmoving in the dark sky. No, the demon stares onwards at the two, before twisting backwards, turning their back to the child. They could have found it difficult to lunge forward at the demon, if they tried; though it were not impossible; similar to as if their very feet had frozen themselves to the ground below.

"...And what happens... When your reality doesn't belong to you? But instead, at the very moment thine own feet graced the grass upon Esshar, had become thine own reality?"

"What if that world is not your own... But that the evil's and sins of this world, are what drive it forward? That as one's blood may touch one's blade, the grass grows greener...?"

"...No. There are no god's in your world."

As the demon twists its corrupted form back to the trio, a pair of gleaming tangerine eyes stare at them once more. Those within the clearing had since disappeared, and the sky had grown a noticeable shade darker; all within the blink of an eye.

"...Two of you will leave here. You will choose one to remain in this reality, with me. To become a part of me. You will decide; not I. Failure to do so, will lead to my consumption of all three of you."

"Choose wisely; or perhaps you will fight, and turn but an appetizer, into a collation?"

There were a count of interest within the demon's eyes, which now acknowledge all three present.
(Ekh'lauq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:47] A noise resembling a whine and a quivering hum quietly sounds in her throat. Multiple factors contributed to her discomfort; the gaseous miasma suffocating her senses in partiality, constant chatter doused in conflict circulating around the square, her own limpid processes flowing like melted water from what was once an icy disposition.

"To be aware of this, Versail..." She trails and sinks closer to his back in an effort to draw a hint of comfort from the motion.
(Sienne)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:48] The illusions were truly nightmares, a seed planted within their own minds that fears had begun to entertain; even within that of Seneca's own mind. Her grandest of attempts didn't alter so much as one of the gray clouds, which rest static and unmoving in the dark sky. No, the demon stares onwards at the two, before twisting backwards, turning their back to the child. They could have found it difficult to lunge forward at the demon, if they tried; though it were not impossible; similar to as if their very feet had frozen themselves to the ground below.

"...And what happens... When your reality doesn't belong to you? But instead, at the very moment thine own feet graced the grass upon Esshar, had become thine own reality?"

"What if that world is not your own... But that the evil's and sins of this world, are what drive it forward? That as one's blood may touch one's blade, the grass grows greener...?"

"...No. There are no god's in your world."

"There is only thineself; such shall be proven."

As the demon twists its corrupted form back to the trio, a pair of gleaming tangerine eyes stare at them once more. Those within the clearing had since disappeared, and the sky had grown a noticeable shade darker; all within the blink of an eye.

"...Two of you will leave here. You will choose one to remain in this reality, with me. To become a part of me. You will decide; not I. Failure to do so, will lead to my consumption of all three of you."

"Choose wisely; or perhaps you will fight, and turn but an appetizer, into a collation?"

There were a count of interest within the demon's eyes, which now acknowledge all three present.

(Ekh'lauq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:50] Sienne whispers something.
[22:54] Sienne whispers something.
[22:54] Sienne whispers something.
[22:54] Sienne whispers something.
[22:55] Sienne whispers something.
[22:55] Self-hate was something Diogenis always felt for himself. Disgusted due to his heritage being the son of a literal lady of the night. Hating himself that he could not provide for her forcing her to lose her innocence night after night just to put food on the table.

He would do whatever it takes to make sure that feeling went away. He would do whatever it takes to save every one from anything that could crush the very soul within them as his has been.

He refused to be a burden to fate itself. If he wanted to save everyone he would begin with Cleo and Seneca. Even with the rampant fear running through his mind as the sky darkened he had to act.

Finding that last glimmer of courage in his heart. He pulls out his sword. As a thin veil of mana swirled around him.

"I cant see you two but run! If he wants dinner I'll give it to him but not without a fight! For you see I will become the bone of my blade!"

Unsheathing his weapon he points it at the demon shivering. Bitting his lip in fear while breathing heavily.

"The choice is made! I may be in your reality demon. This Kraus guy Seneca mentioned may not be here guiding me but I'll tell you what is. My urge to make people like you fear people like me!"

Forcing a smirk out. Diogenis is consumed by utter terror only chasing after a speck of light in this situation devoid of it.
(Diogenis Prokopis)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:55] "Hmn, fair enough." It seemed the serpent didn't think too deeply of such a decision. Some desired to escape the ebb and flow of cruelty which thrived upon Esshar, while others indulged in it fully. The demon itself was impartial as to how they desired, and such was likely why it seemed to be so proficient when it came to humoring another's want.

His gaze does narrow, in observation of the two ahead however.
(Versail)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[22:55] Versail whispers something.
[22:55] Versail whispers something.
[22:59] The young woman would completely understand the motives for the males questioning. Whether or not it had truly mattered was up for debate within her position. She would look towards the male and provide a small exhale.

"Captured by the occultic entity behind me. I started to walk around before he caught me."

She would utter. This was what he wanted. To interrogate her, for her to lower her guard and spill information, for her to believe that this entity was there for her. Or to protect her. She wouldn't fall for it. Or the Niceties around her.

The young woman would keep the interaction short, and sweet. Giving the answers that were asked upfront. She would not walk towards her self in a pitfall. And she would make sure to be extra careful around the interactions between the two.

Though she would continue to have a look around the area. Keeping not of the people that were around her at the time. She wouldn't allow the memory of the people to escape her. For now however, in reality all she could do was just wait.


(Minerva Elinora)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:00] This is fascinating. In the middle of Moonfall, three unfamiliar faces are seemingly tormented by the force that is Ekh'lauq. A living nightmare, she felt through the magical power composing flowing around in his actions. He delivers an ultimatum to the three, and Shallina begins humming to a new tone. That of anticipation. Her sound seems to follow that general tone, recognizable like any expression, or body language. It is sound, like how music might express something. A flash of steel from Diogenis only adds to it.

Shallina moves and sits on one of the merchants stands without even asking, observing all of them in action.
(Shallina)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:02] Lucia gives Minerva a small wave as the collared woman looks over her.
(Lucia V. Fenrir)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:03] Extending a finger, the Bat applies a noseboop to Shallina.
(Metztli)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:04] "Hm, hm.."

As much as he listens in to her, he doesn't seem that.. terribly intrigued, and the more that she seems to be trying to reel back this interaction, the less interested he becomes- if anything, it's rather clear that Senev疝 becomes terribly, terribly bored..

"You know.."

"You'd probably be better off if you were at least any fun to talk to, but I'll let you be." A single glance is given to Versail, before he speaks out.

"She's yours, I suppose. I don't really have anything else to talk to her about."

Instead, he turns elsewhere, with but a single glance given to the scenery with Ekh'lauq.
(Senev疝)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:06] "It figured she would not talk much. It iss- Usually the stronger ones that make for interesting conversation. Hmn� If only it ran into that other knight sooner."

A quiet breath flows beyond pursed lips, though it seems for now the serpent had little else to say in regard to its captive.
(Versail)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:07] Minerva Elinora says, "S0 now he is tether to it."
[23:07] Senev疝 merely makes for a shrug.

"I guess it's because the strong ones have stories to tell - and things to lose. They often try to either talk themselves out or at least leave good last words."

"This one? She has... nothing."
(Senev疝)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:07] Shallina glances at Metztli and nods to her, before directing her gaze back to the scene ahead, aiming to draw the bat's attention there aswell.
(Shallina)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:08] Metztli shifts their glance to whatever Ekh'lauq was doing.
(Metztli)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:09] Versail says, "Hmmn, perhaps she will gain something along the way."
[23:10] Versail says, "For now, it will find some place quiet within Moonfall, and allow for her to stay within. Hopefully none will see it fit to consume thiss- Holy being."
[23:10] Oh jeez, oh fuck.

It wasn't working, that much was clear from the start. Whatever will the young man thought was his wn to defy the great demon surely wasn't strong enough. Which was a terrible thing in and of itself.

How could he seek to change the world if he could not even change a nightmare? It was really the kind of thing that broke a man. Luckily, Seneca wasn't just any man. There teeth grit painfully as they felt that terrible, terrible, weight upon there shoulders.

What could they do when the reality they claimed to own was not there own? Well, there was but one thing they could do. It was to share it and share it they would be willing. Yet, with whom was it to be shared this great demon who sought to girnd the wills of not only himself but the youth beside him.

But there was something, something about the demons words which didn't quite ring normal in there ears. If they were by themselves than why would this demon wish to have one stay with them forever?

Perhaps it was ignorance of demonkind. Having no ability to truly understand how a demon consumed others for power. When the malice was gone from one such as this one. What could a good person believe but the last option.

That the demon was lonely.

Such a terrible fate for them to think about. Was that why the illusion had showcased so many eyes watching? They could hear the sounds of one of there compatriots nearby. It was loud and clear, truly the thing that would send straighten anyone's spine and keep them going!

It was that which gave Seneca the courage to do what they did next. "Kraus is always hear, with us. That is why, young Dio. If you would calm your anger and think for but a time."

As they spoke they'd shivver softly the cold was something fierce as it coursed through there body. "They said that should resistance be met then it would become all who suffered not just one."

It was for that reason they'd shift there gaze to the demon. Though, perhaps not the gaze itself as they couldn't see but they turned there face towards them. "If you are lonely than I shall remain to accompany thee."

As they spoke they shifted there stance, lowering themselves upon the ground. "I am not suicidal nor insane, should my blade need wielded against thee I will. Though, if my young compatriots could be... Left be. I shall abstain from such."

The blade of course shined upon there back and they'd no fear of joining Dio. "After all, becoming the bone of my blade is a pretty cool catchphrase. Someone like that should be given a chance to grow."
(Seneca)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:12] Minerva Elinora says, "....."
[23:14] Metztli whispers something.
[23:15] Shallina adapts to the will of Seneca, and begins humming to resolve.
(Shallina)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:15] Shallina whispers something.
[23:16] The developing scene jogs Cleo back to a memory. There, he's joining the Flame-Keepers as a new recruit. Compared to the rest of the guild, his skills weighed hardly even a pebble, and was ranked as 'Pygmy'. The rank's one job? Do not fight demons; he would die.

Ironically, his brow tightened not in response to the demon, but to Diogenis. Picking a fight on his own while being the weaker of the three? He knew the lad was dense, but this was astonishing.

Or maybe that was just his excuse for wishing he could be that brave. From a logistical standpoint, Diogenis staying behind while Cleo and Seneca fled as fast they could was a sound plan. Overtime, they'd grow in number and strength before having the opportunity to rescue him, assuming he'd still live after today at least. The plan was a sound. A sound plan. A plan so sound that Cleo would bite his lips in conflicted agony even considering it. Whether by instinct or in response to the pure spiral of emotions enveloping within him, droplets of blood began to circle around Cleo, spiking erratically in tune with the fear smashing down on the lad.

What was Champloo saying the other day? About being a man? He must've been referring to something like this. His heart pounding, Cleo would turn to Seneca and Diogenis, glancing between the pair rapidly. He'd take Seneca and leave. It was a sound plan.

He hated the plan. His face contorts in agony at the mere prospect of leaving a friend behind, but what else could he do? He was just a cowardly kid who didn't know any better.

In his hesitation, Seneca would give his response. Cleo in turn would bite his lip harder, drawing blood. Everyone must be stupid, then, to ignore such a sound plan.

He'd move to Diogenis' side, motioning his hands towards his staff to wield it.

"Hah...If this is it, I guess I don't mind too much."
(Cleo)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:16] Metztli whispers something.
[23:17] Shallina starts laughing.
(Shallina)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:20] Metztli only grins as Shallina giggles.
(Metztli)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:22] Seneca grinned a bit wider, it was beyond him why someone would do such.
(Seneca)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:28] "...Then all three of you desire your demise. So valiant. So bold... Yet for what, do you waste your lives for?"

"Perhaps it is for those, whom remain in the safe walls of Osrona. Who do not present themselves to bring you to safety, even in the face of certain death."

"You humans... You foolish humans. You grow like weeds, only to wither at the front of the cold. You are replaced by your offspring, and the cycle does ever repeat; never changing... Yet all the more disturbing, is that you find solitude in such a life. One that achieves nothing in life, and achieves nothing in death..."

"I will put you out of this miserable existence. I shall play the role of your 'god', and be a harbinger of mercy to your souls. No; not even three weeds bound together at the roots can survive the cold, if only delay the inevitable."

The demon takes a step back, if only to brush their coat from their shoulders. Before them, stood now a hulking form that seemed even taller than before. The occult oozes from their form like a dense sweat, that dissolves into the air almost immediatley. Even to those who weren't holy magi, the sheer presence were nauseating, as if the slightest of movements could cause their stomachs to turn, and vomit then and there.

The crown, which had rested upon the demons head, would writhe into a sort of serpent, that would enter the demon's ear with no recoil from the ascended. Instead, they only grin, as tendrils equally as long writhe from the beasts back. Something were notable about said tendrils, in that they were no shadow nor illusion...

But an entity of their very own. Something that weren't demon or human. Something between the premise of life and death. Something... Eldritch, in nature, that defied what were true and false in their very reality. It were as if they look to the mortals before them with no eyes, smiling with no mouth. Singing a sweet cacophony of sobs, screams and cries of agony with no voice. All said sounds, residing within their very minds.

"I will kill you all slowly. Tear you apart equally, so that you may witness the downfall of one another in your very last moments. I shall leave you on the verge of death, so that you may look to one another and question; 'was it worth it?'; so that you can question 'what was my life worth?' if nothing more than a meal for something far greater. All so that where my own words did not make sense, thine actions shall."

"There is no god to protect you from me. There is nothing, if only the blood that shall pour this day."

"You are mine, not yourselves."

A hand reaches out, eager to grab whomever it should first.
(Ekh'lauq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[23:29] Sajid says, "..."
[23:29] Sajid whispers something.
[23:36] "You two! I said get away! Run please! Im pleading for the both of you to just listen to my words!"

Feeling a renewed hope invigorate him from Seneca's words about Kraus. Feeling a blossoming focus soothe the anger that was leaking into his mind.Diogenis reaches for the hand. Despite the ABHORRED emotions being implanted into his head. Even with the Demon shifting forms and literal vomit coming out of his mouth,Diogenis begins to take a very novice ifrit stance.

A lack of air from the puke. His own thought's being bombarded by a horror slum youth education could not describe. All of the odds were stacked against him. Yet a smile accompanied with sweat emerged.

Reaching for the hand with his free limb. Diogenis refuses to let anybody be lost to this situation. Because he will save EVERYONE.
(Diogenis Prokopis)
[23:38] {Item} You drop Mythril Blade.
[23:38] {Item} You picked up Mythril Blade. Dropped by Seneca. .
[23:39] Seneca whispers: Did I mention we're fucked?
[23:40] Seneca whispers: omit)
[23:40] Cleo whispers: No, but go on. I wasn't aware.
[23:40] Cleo whispers: (omit
[23:42] Seneca whispers: Well you're in a demon slaying guild so you're like double fucked.
[23:42] Seneca whispers: omit
[23:44] Cleo whispers: Well you're the femboy of the lake so that makes you at least triple fucked logistically
[23:44] Cleo whispers: (omit
[23:45] Seneca whispers: Oh jeez, oh fuck.
[23:47] Diogenis were the first of the three. His friends no longer stood at his side. Infact, it almost seemed as if the entire population of Esshar had disappeared; only the prey and the predator in this nightmare. Those gleaming crimson eyes never took themselves away from the boy, glaring into his very soul with a look of hunger.

Fighting Ekh'lauq were like fighting no other... It had become a battle against Diogenis' self, in this dream of illusions. Shadows had constructed a wall surrounding the boy that creep inwards like a tiger stalking a deer, slow, yet inevitable, as if the shadows could pounce at any given second. So much as touching the demon had become impossible, the boy's blade going through the demon when it had met its form.

Ekh'lauq did not run in their bout. They simply pace forward with no given look of fear, only amusement crossing their visage.

"You can cry. Perhaps... If you cry loud enough; cry for your mother, I shall let you free of this nightmare. I could let you return to your Osronan wall's, where you can be safe another day... Where you can feel the warmth of the sun, laugh, and smile on even more. You simply have to cry for me."

The demon paces forward, and at one of the boy's attacks, a hand would snap upwards, as to grab their face. There were no recoil in the demon, as if the boys head had been stuck in space entirely, leaving his feet dangling as the demon's hand raises up.

"I want to hear it. Now."

A swing of the demons arm would leave the boy flipping through the air, if only to crash into the ground that seemed... Far harder, and far colder than normal.
(Ekh'lauq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



[00:07] The Nightmare, in all its truth; had only just begun.

The boy's very voice began to be taken from him as whispers would rise again. The ascended no longer so much as took a step, simply raising its hand, a small discoloration upon reality being held within its hand. Diogenis could feel himself growing weak, so weak, that so much as even holding his sword would become one of the most laborious tasks of his very life, as if its weight doubled over by the second.

"Another nightmare...?"

The demon's head cants, looking at the boy with a soft smile.

"I am Ekh'lauq. King of Nightmares, the horror of Atrellya. I am the very epitome of what you mortals define as fear."

"When another nightmare compares to my own... It will be the nightmares of all, as this world crumbles in upon itself. As those whom you love most slip from your grasp, and all die slow, agonizing deaths; and there will be no god to save you."

The shadows pounce a final time, as if the boy had fallen asleep... Yet within such a sleep, he'd find himself surrounded by utter blackness. Blacker than that of even the night sky. What surrounded the boy were unnatural, something beyond that of the mortal realm; as if he had taken a step into the deepest cairn of Atrellya. The floor were colder than ice, yet the air were a boiling hot, that threatened to choke the very breath from Diogenis.

The only thing that surrounds him now, aside from such darkness... Would be a limitless amount of white dots; eyes, as the forms of thousands would begin to take shape. There were men, women and children alike; in the company of beasts far more terrifying than the form of Ekh'lauq. Yet, as opposed to being hunted.. It were as if they stood in line with another, an odd familiarity shared between those whom stood static, as if they were mere atwork... Yet where they did not breathe or blink, their life was questionable. They stare inwards at the boy, making no movement of their jaws; for those who's jaw remain. The sound of whispers, groans and cries persist onwards.

- - -

The attention of the demon now turns to Seneca, the form of Diogenis unconcious upon the ground, only a few running paces away from him. A hand extends outwards, to him.
(Ekh'lauq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:10] Slowly everything dissipated. Strength left his body. A speech entered his mind. This man said there will be no god to save you. Diogenis was alright with that, giving up his own salvation. Because he would save EVERYONE


Slipping into a slumber. Diogenis lays on the ground unknowing of what happens next.
(Diogenis Prokopis)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:22] The Nightmare progresses on, it's hold taking on to yet another.

The cold grasp of the occult sinks its claws into the flesh of the holy magi, the sweet lull of cries escaping from Azathoth. The demon dances with the holy magi, until it grows bored

Notably, Azathoth grows. The tendrils upon the ascended's back now easily double, if not triple the height of the demon. They lash out, writhing in an ecstasy of agony that aims to tear through Senaca at their approach. The ascended smiles upon every approach of the girl, only for her to be batted away by the tendrils of Azathoth.

The shadow's crawl upon the horizon, as if they fall from the very skies themselves in some sort of thick, viscous fluid... Almost as if the sky itself were bleeding. The shadows creep inwards, stalking the holy magi;

Only for them to pounce.

A shadow lunges outwards, stealing the balance of the man, if only to shove them over with ease. Their blade falls a pace to their side, only for the demon to stare at the man; making a proposal similar to the one it had made before.

"...I want to hear you curse. Curse out that god you so feverently believe in, and perhaps I shall allow you free. I want to hear you speak from the depths of your heart that you understand that there is no god here to help you; no angel, no divine force. There is only predator, and prey."

"Get on your knee's; forsake that god for me, or you shall suffer the same fate as your compatriot."
(Ekh'lauq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:29] So it begins!

Now was the time for the kneeling Seneca to leap into the fray. From that pale skin came the sound of flesh being torn and bones broken. Spike's breaking the skin as the man's bone's elongated into mighty weapons.

From the ground he leaned forwards, his foot sliding behind to push himself into the fray. Now was the test of all that he'd been taught in life. Now was his chance to showcase the power of his resolve.

From the scabbard about his hip, drew the blade of silver. Raising it above the spikes of bone that tore form his body. His skin rapidly hardening into silvery scale's that seemed to glisten in the faint flickers of light that shone through the shadows.

It was a gruesome sight, a draconic gifts intertwined with the self-mutilations' of bone. Granting power to the young warrior as he dashed upon his foe. From deep within the man's throat came a roar, a homage to Dio's owndeclaration.

"I am the bone of my blade!"

Turns out he was just a swell guy though, not a holy magi. Weird huh? So, naturally as the world tore down about him he'd just feel as if the world was out to get them! Which wasn't the most normal of things for them.

In fact it was downright terrifying! Jeez, tell them about fear! Why as their charge was literally stopped by those tendrils of Azathot the great warrior!

Dodged and just started running as fast as they could in circle. Under there breath they vented the frustration they felt at being chased by such fearsome tendrils of darkness. "Oh jeez, oh fuck, oh jeez, oh fuck." Rapidly spilling from there lips as they ran.

They only just managed to stop as the demon spoke, leaning down there bones seemed to just drip off them. Broken chunks having taken a great deal of the lashing. As his hands rested upon knees, deep breaths in and out.

They muttered softly under there breath once more. "Oh, jeez beign asked to get on my knees that's just not very wholesome at all." Before they straightened there back standing tall!

"Aha! You've err'd Devil King! For I do not hold onto my faith for hope of a divine to save me for I know the truth of which Kraus wished of us!" There hand came to there breast, thudding soundly.

"For we of man are divine! It is we who shall change the world for better! You could join us as an equal where you not so set on fulfilling a role set before you by an ancient witch!" She knew some history!? Who would have thought about that?

With there blade resettled they'd literally raise it over there head and chuck it at Ekh! Before following behind with knew blade's of raw bone.

(Seneca)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:31] Seneca exclaims, "You can surrender now!"
[00:40] It were the words of man that fell upon deafened ears, the sounds of whispers and groans escalating as to drown out the man's calls of priestly nature. No; the demon didn't desire to hear any of it.

Bones struck the demon, so much as embedding themselves into the very form of the being. Strikes that, normally, would kill a mortal man... Yet as elongated bones are slowly pulled from the demon's form, there is a horrifyingly empty look paid to the man; but one word escaping its cold, dead lips.

"Azathoth."

It were only a blink, yet the mans world went black. Not in the sense that would be if his eyes were to close, but in that his very surroundings had become nigh but true darkness, unable to be seen. The ground were colder than ice, and the air were enough to cause the mans blood to boil even through. There were nothing here; no men, no beasts. No children, no women... True nothing, as the demons prophecies of a godless era foretell. Should the man try to speak, it were as if his very words fail to even blossom. His lips could move, yet sound did not exist in this nightmare... Not even the maddening cries of the innocent.

---

The demon's gaze would befall the last of the three; one of blond hair. Where the other two rest unconcious upon the ground, the demon's hand extends towards the boy, glaring down upon him with a gaze that drains the very essence from the world about it.

"Submit, child. I want to see you submit; or I shall make you submit."
(Ekh'lauq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:46] Seneca whispers: Rip and Tear.
[00:50] There was a real sense of fatigue as he just kept LODGING HER OWN BONES into the demon. Like, there was really something to be said about the number of stabs.

You could sense there desire to RIP AND TEAR.

Something about it being personal and this being murder but this wasn't a person. Which was probably why so many of the hits actually landed. After all it was easy to go all out against something that wasn't going to die form it.

Then there came some words, really that was to much. Azathoth, for some reason they felt as if that would linger with them for the rest of there life.

Then they felt as if they'd just been dipped into a whole lot of nothing. There was a swirl and then BAM fell upon the ground like a sack of potatoes.


(Seneca)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:53] Sienne whispers something.
[00:54] yawn
(Versail)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:54] yawns faster
(Ekh'lauq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:54] no
(Ekh'lauq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:54] NoOoOoO
(Versail)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:55] If Cleo hadn't known better, he'd have mistaken the thumping in his chest for a drum beat. He had known fear before, but this? It was a whole other level. As both Seneca and Dio fell the sudden realization hit that Cleo was all that was left. If he ran now, he could probably make a clean escape...

But something within him refused to give. Wielding nothing but his plain staff, now rippling with his charged mana, his feet plant into the ground, remaining firm. His eyes turned bloodshot as a surge of blood magic burst forth from his body, wrapping around himself and his staff in a coated aura.

"...Cleo." His voice was soft yet firm, shy in the wake of the nightmare yet resolute in his conviction. "My name is Cleo. Call me by name." His voice grew in volume as his brow tightened; there was no intent for a heroic speech of any sort - he was never the talkative type - but he'd let the words flow out anyway.

"You called this a nightmare, right? That implies its just a mirage. And in every nightmare, eventually, you wake up." The boy would grit his teeth, frowning as he unleashed his mana in its full capacity. Droplets of blood flowed out of his own fingertips and crept along the staff as he stared ahead at the demon.

With every ounce of determination left in his body, Cleo would step forward into the night. "I couldn't care less what happens here; all that matters is me throwing you into the ground."
(Cleo)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[00:56] Maeve Illumir asks, "Ohhhhh~?"
[00:57] He couldn't have come at a better time, it seems. He meant what he said, and what he said? Was that he wouldn't bother himself further by allowing all of this mess to go on.

Yet, there is interest to be had. Courage to be witnessed. And because of that, he shall stand at the vanguard of this situation and spectate, all so that he can come to the most loving of understandings.

He grins, pawing one claw over the other, pressing down upon his position and lazing about. Despite all of this? The Blue Tiger keeps his eyes entirely on Ekh'lauq.
(Seequor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:03] Maeve tilts her head to the side as she observes the Demon running rampant around the place. A grin couldn't help but remain plastered upon her lips - her sights shift towards Versail and Seequor. She'd make her way over towards them, standing beside Versail and the cat.

She idly strokes Seequor's back whilst watching the fight.

"What a fight... An eventful night."
(Maeve Illumir)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:06] Sienne says, ". . ."
[01:06] Sienne scales Versail's back and peers at the unfamiliar faces of the group.
(Sienne)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:07] Frenerid says, "Greetings, Versail."
[01:08] Two lay battered, bloodied and unconcious sprawled upon the ground, occultic burns and sears riddling their bodies. They weredeep within the nightmare of the beast, not even the loudest of sounds able to disturb them now.

There were a particular determination that rest within the blond boy... Something strikingly familiar to the other boy who rest unconcious, yet utterly different. The empty stare of the beast glares at the blond boy, its very crimson stare feeling as if it were tearing open his ribcage as if to view what were inside... To catch a glimpse into his soul. There were a smile; soft, and paternal in nature. One of loving nature upon the demon's visage that were so clearly forced; and yet, so... real, almost as if there were true emotion behind such.

"I want you. To be mine. I can make you something more in this endless cycle of weeds... Something that can leave an eternal scar upon this reality. Something to leave you a legacy that shall not be forgotten; even if none are able to tell such a tale, any further."

"I can make you into a nightmare. One that can strike terror into the minds of the many... All you must do."

"Is submit."

Shadows begin to claw their way inwards, towering overhead higher than even the tallest of towers in Osrona could have. Shadows that touch the very miscolored sky, tainting it into a sickening black.

"Act on your potential, boy. Forget these lies of positivity, gods and mortal tales. I can show you reality; and how to make it your own.

With that, the demon would begin to twist inwards; a sickening sound, as if every bone within their body had spontaneously snapped, and their flesh begins to rend outwards; rotting with the same spontaneous nature. It took only a few seconds, but within a moment, what stood before Cleo were no demon, nor man... But a sickening abomination against reality itself. It took the form of a tiger, yet even by a demon's standard, the mutations and amalgamations to the being made it more creature than demon.

A sickening roar; one of gurgles, screams, and cries of agony from the voices of thousands, all twisted into one, horrific tone. Azathoth.
(Ekh'lauq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:09] Versail says, "Greetings."
[01:09] Frenerid asks, "Been awhile. How's the cold mountains treating you?"
[01:09] Versail says, "It hass- Mostly been in moonfall, though the mountains treat it well all the same."
[01:09] Frenerid says, "Surprising."
[01:10] Versail says, "Is it? This one can stay warm relatively easy.."
[01:10] Frenerid says, "That's expected of you."
[01:10] Her chin rests on Versail's shoulder, piercing blue stare settling on Frenerid's boyish visage. She sniffs.
(Sienne)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:11] Frenerid asks, "Who is your friend?"
[01:12] Versail says, "Ah, it iss- Sienne."
[01:12] Sienne whispers something.
[01:12] Versail whispers something.
[01:12] Sienne says, ". . ."
[01:12] Seneca snored softly, sleeping like a baby. A baby experiencing terrible nightterrors.
(Seneca)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:13] Frenerid peeks towards her with glowing red eyes.
(Frenerid)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:13] Versail asks, "One supposes you have remained near the tower, yess-?"
[01:13] Versail asks, "How does things go there?"
[01:13] Frenerid says, "You would suppose correct.. Things have been..."
[01:14] Sienne sinks away and buries her face into the serpentine man's mane of hair.
(Sienne)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:14] Frenerid says, "...Back and forth."
[01:14] Sienne says, "Mmgh."
[01:14] Frenerid says, "That scythe has been a big problem. recently."
[01:14] Versail asks, "The usual, hmn?"
[01:14] Versail says, "It findss- There are many whom still want it."
[01:15] Versail says, "While I have lost... All interest in it."
[01:15] Frenerid says, "It is an eyesore."
[01:15] Frenerid says, "But I pay no mind to it as it isn't something Lady Veles would wish."
[01:15] Versail says, "It'd have perhaps been less of a problem had I been more forward about taking it."
[01:15] Versail says, "Yet.... Oh well."
[01:15] Versail shrugs...
(Versail)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:15] Versail says, "The hunt hass- Been good, and I remain pleased."
[01:15] Frenerid says, "Likewise."
[01:16] Frenerid says, "Speaking of which, I have to go and hunt right now."
[01:16] Versail says, "Fareweel, Frenerid."
[01:16] Sienne says, "Goodbye."
[01:16] Frenerid says, "Farewell, both of you."
[01:17] Each step Frenerid takes away from the two fills her with overwhelming surges of joy.
(Sienne)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:17] Sienne says, "..."
[01:17] Sienne says, "Mmn-"
[01:21] Sienne whispers something.
[01:21] Cleo fell to his knees, looking towards the ground as he held on tightly to his staff planted into the ground. He paused a moment for breath, inhaling and exhaling rapidly.

As the demon spoke, Cleo could hear the sickening sounds, keeping his head lowered so as to not behold the unholy image. Finally, the roar came:

A dark, disturbing roar that ruptured the very peace of Cleo's own soul. The boy would cry out, cupping his hands over his ears as his face contorted from the horrid agony of that awful roar.

Eventually, Cleo stopped listening to the scream, the combination of cries and shouts and pleas. A fierce anger took him as the veins in his own neck and forehead began to bulge. Grasping his staff, he'd struggle to pick himself back up. The motion itself nearly drained him, and he had to stop for breath once more.

Then, Cleo stared ahead at the horrifying visage before him. The sight was no longer that of a demon's mask of a man, but a true horror; a blight on the gods' own world.

He only scoffed, spitting the blood in his mouth onto the ground.

"For the record," the boy began, "I never believed in gods. I never had a reason to. Until I reached the city, I've spent my whole life just trying to get by; to survive."

Gritting his teeth, he'd raise his staff once more as his mana seeped through his body once more.
"Submit? I couldn't care less. So shut your useless trap and fight me!"
With a roar, Cleo would charge one last time into the bloodbath.
(Cleo)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:21] Sienne whispers something.
[01:22] Versail whispers something.
[01:22] Sienne whispers something.
[01:25] Sienne whispers something.
[01:26] Sienne whispers something.
[01:26] Versail whispers something.
[01:26] Versail whispers something.
[01:26] Sienne whispers something.
[01:31] Sienne tugs on Versail's sleeve whilst coiled around his back.
(Sienne)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:33] Versail asks, "Huh?"
[01:34] Sienne whispers something.
[01:34] Sienne whispers something.
[01:35] Sienne whispers something.
[01:35] Sienne says, "too*"
[01:37] Grendel Beo says, "-... Huh."
[01:37] Versail whispers something.
[01:38] Grendel Beo whispers something.
[01:38] Sienne whispers something.
[01:38] Sienne whispers something.
[01:38] Grendel Beo whispers something.
[01:39] Sienne whispers something.
[01:41] Versail whispers something.
[01:42] Any humanity within the beast had long since been disregarded upon its transformation. The shadow's claw inwards as if they were spiders, slowly beginning to overtake any light that did remain. The air grew hotter and hotter, as if they had been placed within an oven; whilst the ground grew colder and colder, as if colder than ice.

Until a moment approaches in their bout; where everything would simply go silent. There were nothing, true nothing. A particular blackness veils all; except now, within this nightmare, the three can see eachother; if their true bodies rest unconcious upon the Vale's cold hard ground. No, within this nightmare the three had become reunited once more. The endless rows of white eyes would grow closer and closer, though the figures never did move; almost as if the very space were becoming smaller and smaller, forcing the endless rows of corpses that looked as if they were held up by marionette strings to glare onwards. They still did not move, but there were a particular silence; save for such being broken by the demon, who can be seen pacing about the circle that these bodies made around them like a wall.

Ekh'lauq were large. Larger than any demon, man, woman or child that were present. Ignored by the corpses with gleaming pearl eyes, they stare onwards; only the silence broken with the patrolling demon's voice.

"It began with our summoning; the end of this world."

"As Atrellya had it's walls clawed inwards, it was we, the fruits of the end times that answered. It was we, the harbingers of anarchy that arrived upon this continent... And yet even still, your kind fails to understand."

Spontaneously, all the corpses, which had failed to move, took a step forward. They were now visible, their decaying features, missing limbs and organs more than visible; torn to utter shreds, and rotted some more, one could argue. Yet even still, a step is taken towards the group, before they go silent and still once more.

"... Young Cleo. You said that all Nightmares come to an end... You were wrong. Nightmares always remain, always lurk as you make yourself most vulnerable. Your fear... It always persists within you. Even the strongest of Knigts share these nightmares... But my nightmare? No, my Nightmare is different..."

"My Nightmare is real."

One figure would sprint out at remarkable speed, drawing a blade down Cleo's form, almost deep enough to split the boy vertically in two. Perhaps he could have mustered some words, before his body fell to the floor, leaving a puddle of warm ichor that nearly instantly freezes against the cold ground.

"Diogenis... You love your mother, do you not?"

A form would crawl its way before the boy, missing its legs. It's visage were near identical to that of the boy's mother, tears of blood running down its pale cheeks, sobbing. It were too real; almost as if they weren't within some farse of reality anymore, as the cold grip of the being would grab the boys ankle.

"She will be dead, along with anyone... Reunited within my Azathoth; my personal hell. This is no mere dream, dear boy..."

The body of the motherly figure would begin to fall through the floor of Azathoth, its grip too tight to be escaped, as it would slowly pull Diogenis into the ground with it, leaving him drowning in a fluid as thick as blood, though tasting of rotten flesh. His breath is stolen from him, though his mother stares him emptily in the face, sobbing tears of blood as he does so.

The abomination turns its attention to Seneca.

"You believe in gods... Ever so feverently. I need not prove myself in my hell to you."

"You will see it, as I tear everyone you love limb from limb... As I force them to look at you while their life slowly slips from their fingertips. When I finish; no, you shall be begging me to join them. To return here."

"The end is coming; dear fools."

Seneca would be left alone, as the endless swarm of corpses would begin sprinting towards them; screaming in ecstasy as their prying grip would slowly pull counts of flesh from the devout's bones, only to feed on them.

- - -

The blinding light of the sun awakens them; left alone in the woods, far from any civilization. The demon has left them here to rot. Alone.
(Ekh'lauq)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:45] Maeve Illumir says, "<Seequor is fluffier than expected.>"
[01:45] Sienne says, "time to get bodied"
[01:45] Sienne says, "omit"
[01:48] Soft whispers brush against Versail's scaly snake man ear.
(Sienne)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:48] Sienne whispers something.
[01:48] Versail whispers something.
[01:50] Maeve is casually batted to the side with a ferocious swipe of his tail, looking to rise up now. He doesn't really seem to pay attention to the horror of those fiendish children, who seem to be far too young for him to bother to concern himself with.

He isn't interested in hollow victories, things that are not of his own sort. To inspire fear? To strike Nightmares clean into the hearts of the people he goes against? No, that has never even once been his soul's desire.

But it is this, the pursuit of strength, that desire, that thirst in him. The love, the lust. It bleeds him dry each and every time, and he would do it all over again, lose an eye, have his insides churned. Burned from all other sides to wound him.

In the pursuit of that power.

He rises up, finally, after the show is done before lifting a hand. "I'd clap for you, but I'm really not impressed at all."

It had been such an utterly boorish show of skill. Fear. . .

Pathetic.

"But, whatever. The time has come now, and I'm so glad, so thankful that you're here, standing before me. I've been watching out, trying to find you when I could. To get a taste, a bite. I wanted it so bad, needed it so bad. You had me waiting for far too long."

But not any longer.

"Set aside the chew toys and let's battle. I'll taste you right now. King, right? Let me bite that crown right off of your head."
(Seequor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[01:58] Seeing a true nightmare in the form of not being able to save everyone including his dear mother. Somebody he loved so much he even bothered to dye his hair to be much more like her.

Clenching his fist he wakes up. The image of himself drowning in blood and his legless mother still haunting him. However as he checked around himself to see the other too he let's out a sigh of relief.

All of them seemed to be unharmed. A couple of cuts and bruises and maybe some soreness all around but nothing too worrying.


Standing tall in the face of adversity worked. Never giving up to save somebody even if the chances far outweigh somebody else's favor.

"Are you two alright?" Diogenis questions in a soft tired tone. Clearly dazed and exhausted from the bout.
(Diogenis Prokopis)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[02:00] Now this was a pickle, they kept having dreams of illicit things. Nothing pure or wholesome at all. Which was probably why when they woke up they'd just blink.

Looking around as they sat up they brought a hand to smack there face. "Oh jeez that was something else." As they spoke they'd look around to those who'd been tossed out wth them.

"I'm fine! Mostly..."
(Seneca)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[02:01] And suddenly he was thrust back into the world of the living.

Was it a dream? A nightmare? He saw his body cut in half by an unseen darkness, his blood spilling all across the ground beneath him. Yet when he opened his eyes, he did not see the everlasting darkness from the demon Ekh'lauq, but the cold, lonely night sky and the taunting moonlight overhead.

Consciousness gradually crept back to him, and he motioned to return to his feet - only to immediately stumble over, tripping onto the grass again, still out of breath from the - to put it lightly - harrowing encounter.

Cleo was no stranger to loss or defeat, but this time stung different. For someone who spent most of his life just accepting whatever was tossed at him, he felt an inherent rage boiling within him.

With a scoff, he'd lean on his staff for support as he attempted to stand once more, offering Seneca and Diogenis a nod.

"I'm fine...I can stand."
(Cleo)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[02:01] Diogenis Prokopis says, "I'm sorry for getting you two into this mess."
[02:01] Diogenis Prokopis says, "I just wanted to help whom ever this Magnus was..."
[02:01] Cleo asks, "...You mean you didn't even know him?"
[02:01] Seneca exclaims, "Heroism is never a bad thing but stupidity is so, I suggest we depart forthwith!"
[02:02] Cleo says, "...Yeah."
[02:02] Diogenis stands up. Groaning a bit from the pain. Gesturing the two to follow him he nods his head.

"Yes and no. Cleo."


(Diogenis Prokopis)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[02:06] From the pan.. into the fire.

Heavy footfalls can be heard, then the approach of a ghastly, hooded being. That almost seems to reach for their staff as they come upon the gaggle of young bustling teens.

One might expect a battle but there's nothing of the such, instead, Ryohr walks right past them. Footsteps the only herald to their approach. Then comes a weird ripple of magic in the air, but it's so faint it can be thought of as a mere breeze.
(Ryohr)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------