Torturing Undead

And unless anyone else desired to join the Fae on her little adventure to Eiphraem's city once more, she would soon enough get to work. Her third rift in such a short period of time, it was needless to say even she felt a little tired at this point.

But once more couldn't hurt! So with her staff held out, reality itself would implode before her. Within seconds a rift would tear open, purple crackling lightning adorning it.

And should everyone follow the Fae inside quick enough, they would soon enough find themselves on the other side of it- Namely the city in question!

"Just down south by the beach, mm~"
(Nyphadora)




Jungle

 The jungle is a symphony of sounds; the birds, the insects, the rush of a river in the distance.



The purple-haired woman dangles her legs off of the cliff, kicking far above the trap knight's head, far out of the danger zone. She leans against the ledger in her arms as the fight draws to a close, tilting her head to speak to Zenkichi.
(Naline Wvelven)

Zenkichi can't help but feel astounded at what he had just saw. Partly because he could actually keep up with it! Before, such battles were completely out of his depth. But... he could see the move. Get into the head of those fighting.

It felt good to not feel completely out of his depth for once.
(Zenkichi Wvelven)

Addison whispers something.

Watching the display silently, Noda's eyes were on the fight from start to finish, expression unchanged - and at its conclusion, he bowed his head down, eyes closing.

I could not follow any of that at all.
(Noda)

The battle was but a blur for Heinrich. He saw wisps of green and red, and his blade felt the cold shell of Engine.

CRUNCH!

The Robotic skeleton hit the dirt, and the Oscuri undead was covered in green glowing energy as he leaped atop the thrall, throwing his sword aside onto the sand as he curled his bronze gauntlet into a fist, driving it right into Engine's core. Viscious digits curled and scraped and crushed at wiring and plate. Electric shocks pulsed between the two as the cloak of robe and armor tremebled for the first time in his undead existence.

"FOUL, SICKENED CREATURE!" he roared, echoing through the town with a growling roar as reika energy spat from his helmet.

His fist clenched within the chest, and tore a chunk from Engine's chest, leaving a gaping, shattered cavity on his chest.



(Heinrich Vogt)

Naline watches as the battle goes down, looking back at Zenkichi before looking down at her ledger.

"Are we involved?" the young woman asks, before looking back up at the scene. She had a feeling they might be, based on what was said.
(Naline Wvelven)


Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Nah."

Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Not unless Iosefka or someone cool jumps in."

Iosefka exclaims, "... Good to hear I'm the exception to cool!"

Zenkichi Wvelven says, "No - you're like"

Zenkichi Wvelven says, "..."

Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Whatever. You're cool."

Addison says, "Smoove."

Naline Wvelven says, "I cannot stress enough that I am legally and societally bound to follow you into deadly battle."
Here comes the blacksmith! Her Codex is tucked beneath her arm, eyes wide and smile on her face as the fight concludes. It reeked of death. Probably expected, all things considered. The beaches were torched, aglow with wisps of plasma and dripping with noxious, acrid fluids that mixed with what sand was left. She stepped carefully, but assuredly.

"Sn-- Lord Eiphraem says he does not care about ideological differences and altercations!" She'd chirp. "And you can beat up and bust each other's bones and all that all you want! But you are not to kill while under the shadow of Barad-Dur! Uh. I mean unless you do something really stupid...!" Her voice trails off as uncertainty creeps into it. "Or specifically... Um... Not killing your kinsmen, at least..." She then pauses to think about it.

...

...

...

"... Not like I would stop you anyhow!"
(Iosefka)

The young woman looks down at Iosefka.

"If you'd like, I can speak with him to get a more solid set of rules and regulations going," Naline offers. It seems something about what Iosefka says rubs the young woman the wrong way-- but it wasn't the part that should have rubbed her wrong.

"Please, let me do this. When people are confused, things like this can happen."
(Naline Wvelven)

Well, this turned into a shitshow. Noda gets comfortable up on the ledge, legs folded. Whatever was happening here...it probably wouldn't hurt to pay attention.
(Noda)


Naline Wvelven says, "It would bother me endlessly if I didn't take care of it."
The Archon stepped into rift created by the Fae, soon finding himself teleported to the southern reaches of the Agartha; his brows furrowed, expecting a greeting party of potential combat and nothing less than that. After all, the full extent of attackers was not entirely known to Zaruma, and he could expect anything.

Although, to see Tinkerer on the ground down at the beach? That didn't summon a pleasant reaction from him. His expression had become a mix of frustration and anger alike - to see his men assaulted for no particular benefit of his own, or a reason unknown to him? That wouldn't be easy to talk oneself out of.

In his floating approach, the Archon seemed like a threat drawing closer. Quiet, like the wind itself. Inspiring, like the embodiment of Tempest that he is. Foreboding, like the gathering gale or approaching hurricane.

The Lord of Aetherius arrived.

Sheer overwhelming presence of Occult could be felt miles away, especially whenever the Archon was fuelled with emotion, and to feel him approach this close? It was an unforgettable experience.

To some, it may become last.

Echoing through the air, his voice rang in the ears of many, prodding and threatening to invade the minds of lesser magi to compel and sway to his will.

Yet, despite such presence that inspires awe, despite the expression that spelled problems, he spoke in a calm voice - perhaps only further adding to his ambience.

"What is the meaning of this..?"
(Zaruma)

And the battle rages all around Cogs. Chaos and confusion reins supreme amidst the carnage. He fights the best he can, with everything he can. Plasma rages and whips out in wild burst against fellow blade and bone as he fights alongside his master and his many creations.

Yet in the end, it is for naught. It is as his strength and efficiency become clear that at last the two raging undead warriors descend upon his fragile metal frame. During the brief lulls between the sharp fluctuations of his experimental engine it comes down to nothing but metal and bone that defends him from their strikes. He, like the rest of Tinkerer's creations, is eventually cut down. A hard hitting and skilled blow of Heinrich's fist sends the machine flying into the sand.

There's a sickening screech as his components are torn free and pulled into the air like some kind of sick trophy. Oil and plasma drip and ignite and spew from within as he stutters and twists upon the ground.Heinrich's hands he pries free crucial works of runecrafting that tie the machine's engine to its skull, and once human ribs within break.

Project Engine has not however been completely demolished. There's a brief flicker of light to his eyes as he jerks to the side, rolling through the sand and away from the vicious aftermath of the fight. One eye goes dark and its voice comes out as nothing more than a dull crackle. "Hate..." Even traces of his ribs can be seen within it all.

His mouth chatters now without purpose and meaning as he staggers backwards into the crowd. Agonized clicking and whirling come from within his stalled engine as he slowly backpedals. Something else breaks within Cogs then. The light of the runes that manage his control circuits flickers, and then they dull. Not only his is mind impaired, but so are the runes that grant Tinkerer control. The light fades from their counterparts on Tinkerer's glove.

All at once Cogs goes rushing forwards with mindless abandon. Fluid and fire drip from the open wound in his chest as the damaged circuits in his limbs crackle. He would dive forwards and in between Tinkerer and Peacekeeper, his arms spread to take whatever blow that might be delivered next towards his master.
(Project Engine)

Considering how little she knew about the current state of things, it was evident that Juliette had only followed for the fun of it, rather than any personal interest on the situation.

She stands next to the Archon, unintimidated by his presence, with a hand resting on the hilt of her blade and her eyes focused entirely on the bunch of hooded hoodlums before her.

Poor fashion choices, if you asked her.

But in either case, while not as imposing as Zaruma's own aura, the oscuri's presence was quite clear, both her rieka, and the faerie-imbued air around her.

She remained silent, smirking at the scene, seemingly unaffected by what was actually going on.

But something about her made it very clear that Juliette was paying utmost attention.
(Juliette Harrengate)

Adara quickly follows Nyphadora through the rift, her first time going through one, well... lets say the sandwich that Adara was munching on when she stepped in, is now missing and the digested portion is close to returning to the surface. Her legs shook and she began to stumble as they began to move again. Adara decided instead of walking like she very rarely did, she rose off the ground with a hard beat of her wings. While Adara did not directly use her wings but instead her fire magic in order to fly, now was a time she needed their assistance due to the disorientation.


Upon hearing Nyphadora's words, Adara quickly rushed to the beach along with her lord and some companions, fighting off blurred vision along the way. Once she arrived, she was able to make out a figure, one she knew from home...

Tinkerer.


Although Adara's magics licked her fingertips, flame and lightning fusing together and dancing around one another, thirsting for battle, the desire to defend her people. She knew her place, ever the loyal soldier to Zaruma. She remained idly floating by as Juliette and Zaruma took the lead. Adara watched carefully, listening to each of their words. Normally when something like this happened, another fight broke out, or harsh words wer said, and while she may not be able to fight all that well due to her injuries, her mouth still worked perfectly. Times like these, Adara used to learn how a leader should properly act.
(Adara Fiamma)

Addison coughs, rather noncommitally. He settles himself carefully into the corner of the rocks and sand, crossing his legs and watching in fascination. Such an odd... machine?
(Addison)

Nyphadora might have been the reason 'authorities' had arrived, but she still had no real intentions of joining in. It wasn't her job after all; she had done her part. It was up to the 'leader' to discipline his 'subjects'.

"Mm." But it would seem they have arrived just a tad too late; Tinkerer was already on the ground! But then again, that was why the Fae had waited so long until she went to get the others. Some more drama couldn't hurt, after all! And what better way to get drama than this?

This would surely spice up life a bit. A little giggle escapes her, eyes lingering on Juliette and Zaruma alike, more interested in their actions- Mainly because of their temper and strength alike!
(Nyphadora)

Naline leans forward once more, observing the machine. It was far more complex than she imagined. Then again, she supposed it had better be, to be acting like that. She had no idea of the workings of technology, but she should probably ask, if something like that were possible.
(Naline Wvelven)

Nerzan nods to Drako, unsure of what was going on here.
(Nerzan)


Iosefka exclaims, "... Oh! It's the authorities!"
You have 3 hours left until your next check. You currently do not qualify for an RPP reward in the upcoming check.


 Tinkerer, from the moment Peacekeeper engaged, tried to flee. The undead were used as a screen, and he'd tried his best to weave away from the two undead that pursued him. There was no other way to classify the fight than as a brutalization.

 They didn't even come close to pushing them off, at most managing a collective force to send the lesser of the two creature's tumbling. Tinkerer's face hit the sand and rock, blood and poison oozing across the sand. He tries to drag himself away, but it's no use. Terror wracks him.

 The pain Peacemaker inflicted was familiar. Defeat wasn't an unfamiliar taste, but the looming threat of death was a different story. Toxin and acid melted through his skin, and the swipes of the undead's blade made relatively quick work of him. A pained scream escapes him.

 Both fear and loathing were made stronger by the presence of the Demonic parasite buried in his spinal cord, feeding off of theemotion and Mana to feed it's own hunger. He tried, weakly, to drag himself back and away - towards the water.

 That was when the realization of just what Peacemaker was doing clicked. Inflicted agony became more acute, and the skin of his gut is cleanly burned with the toxins Peacekeeper applied. The skin bubbles and pops in a horrific and grotesque display of Peacemakers' capacity. There's a brief, fitful attempt to crawl back and away - towards the water.

 Anything to neutralize that acid. It was worse than when his face was immolated and burned through - worse than when Shanka'd tortured him years ago. It might've been the terror that made the sensation so acute, as both his mind and the symbiote'd demanded that any and every attempt at survival be taken.

 For some reason, Tinkerer couldn't decide if he hated the undead who mutilated him or the people who sat and watched more. Shaky aspirations follow, as if strugglingas the flesh is melted to the muscle and organs.

(Tinkerer)

Busily, Addison stands and begins chopping at a few trees, noisily. How rude. Or irreverent, perhaps.
(Addison)

Isaiah watches from the cliffside. Knowing nothing of what was going on, he simply watches idly, rubbing his eyes after a long, good nights sleep.
(Isaiah Dawn)

There comes a click from within his legs. His engine continues to sputter and whirl away, exposed by the damage to his robes. It clanks and clinks slowly to an almost halt, and then his arms fall downwards.

"This unit..." His voice stalls for a moment, his eyes flickering. "I live to serve, I serve to live. This unit awaits orders, Master Tinkerer." Individuality once again returns to the machine. He barely notices the presence of the undead they fought, and those who wounded him. He would slowly jerk to the side, going to grasp Tinkerer as best he could with his damaged and half-limb limbs.

He is by no means strong, but his goal is simple. With what little power there is to his optical circuits he can see that his master desires the water. So with that in mind he begins to drag him forwards and towards the salt water, seeking to at least bring him close enough to partly cleanse the horrific wound on his stomach.
(Project Engine)

Great. Greeeeat. They duke it out, and the Nagual just crosses their arms over their chest, staring hard and unamusedly at the entire scenario in progress. A clash of forces, lots of magic, lots of mess. A slow grimace forms, and it stays, as never does the intensity of their bout taper away. Once victors are determined by grievous injury inflicted that clearly leaves one party incapable of continuing.

They step forward and closer to the gray than is free of magical remnant and debris, slowly, quietly, crackling unstable, uncomfortable magics, the snap of lightning not very loud, or sharp, or powerful.

It goes so far as to lash out, to snap, specifically damn near at the tip of the nose of Peacekeeper.

" I'm. This is done. It's. "

There was going to be a lot more action to made, but. Suddenly there's an uber, and. Tez feels a lot less like they want to really insert themselves aggressively like they previously had the impulse to.

So they delete a huge paragraph of action and ranting and step back honestly because I am tired.
(Tezoxochel)

"Hi Lord Zaruma!"

The Neries turns her attention immediately to the Archon with a small wave.

"I'm Iosefka, a Blacksmith, I work for Lord Eiphraem, uhh, currently working with Tinkerer on a project... Ummm. Probably acting authority here, with Eiphraem away..." Her smile doesn't falter but her steam certainly does, taking a slight step back and bowing her head slightly.

"This was all just a uh. Just a clash of how an undead OUGHT to be, if you catch my meaning! Things got heated and dangerous, but I don't think anyone was planning on KILLING each other! Probably! I hope you can find mercy in your judgment, but uhhh, I'm checked out of this altercation now!"

And that was HER contribution!
(Iosefka)

The Neries was mostly disregarded, and she was spared naught but a small glance from Zaruma. Clearly, the Archon was pre-occupied, and he paid little to no attention to her.

Viewing the scenery briefly, Zaruma could immediately notice the injury that Tinkerer sustained, and the fact that the droid went to assist his master; that was settled, then.

But- his eyes immediately went towards Heinrich. Much like smiting him on spot, the pillar of hurricane crashed down upon undead, seeking to restrain him in place through sheer crushing force of the winds that have fallen upon his shoulders.

The Lord was displeased. His feet were set on the sand, and he walked closer to the undead - a pair of crimson hues stared into his soul, and as much as he was no longer living, it almost felt like the Archon could devour him here and now, consuming the very essence that undead still had lingering in him.

Depending on what he says, he may be doomed.

"Ah... I remember letting you go, once. Perhaps a mistake, after all."

"Do tell me. What is it in your mind that tells you that you could attack my men like that?"

"You, a lackey of Tarquin?"
(Zaruma)


Iosefka exclaims, "Hhaaaa.... Great...!"

Iosefka exclaims, "My work here is doooone...!"

Tezoxochel says, "... Good. Let's. Well."
Tezoxochel whispers something.

Naline simply notes some things down in her ledger again, looking back over at Zenkichi occasionally before looking back down at the encounter. Things got heated, but that was what happened when you fought to fight. You tended to get hurt.
(Naline Wvelven)

A little wave is given to Iosefka, and as Zaruma darts forth, the oscuri takes his previous spot.

"Just let him handle it, yes?"

The tip of her blade is placed against the sand, and she rests her hands on the pommel, with her chin on top, idle.

"I wouldn't really say this is much of a delicate situation, either. Just... A small problem he can definitely deal with."

Her tone sounded rather bored, though, and a glance was given to Zaruma and his pinning victim, almost longingly.
(Juliette Harrengate)

Iosefka whispers something.

Adara moves over to Juliette's side
(Adara Fiamma)


Naline Wvelven says, "It seems like things are over."
Noda's eyes focus on the back of Zaruma's head, narrowed and still. The power the Archon gave off was evident, but...Then his gaze cut down to the two hosts observing. The balance of power was pretty clear. Things weren't quite as ordered and lawful as they were back home....
(Noda)

Iosefka whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Tezoxochel whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.


Tezoxochel says, "OH."
The Oscuri stomped towards the wounded undead mechnation, and the verdant glow in his helmet begant to flicker and fade. Deep, hitched ane echoing breathes left his bronze maw. He fell to one knee, groaning as his vision came back to him, and then-

"Hrk!-" His body was seized as Zaruma pinned him with occultic gales.

"A-ah yes, oh dear." He said, groaning in the hurricane as red eyes gazed into nothing.

"It appears that your necromancer found himself above Lord Azrael in terms of ability to break us from the curse of death, mhm. It made me none too happy, and the old reika circuits started firing, you know how it is, haha."

The Skeleton grunted, bowing his head.

"I am no lackey of that man. I am his slave. I only serve Azrael, Demon Lord. Make no mistake."
(Heinrich Vogt)


Tinkerer wheezes. His hands rest on the ruined remains of his stomach, damaged beyond repair. The salt water managed to neutralize a small deal of the damage he'd been inflicted when Peacemaker'd pinned him and saturated him with that flesh-eating acid.

Obligatory retching and vomiting follows. His crawling and Engine's aid saved him from what was likely lethal organ damage, but there was no doubt how bad it was. Another few moments and he would have died. When he tried to push his creation's hand away, it was faint.

He was kept conscious by force of will and uncanny durability. An unconscionable anger still burbled somewhere beneath the skin, but he'd had an unexpected savior. Prior, his opinion of Zaruma wasn't necessarily too high; he hadn't been present to witness anything impressive.

This changed that. Even if he were indirectly responsible for this situation, he still saved his life. An appreciative, agonized look was shot the man's way. At least he knew he wouldn't die now.

There was no doubt in his mind that he would've been murdered if it weren't for the sudden intervention, and that was clear on his face. He looked like a wounded animal facing down the barrel of a gun in a certain classic child's movie, only to be saved by a child. In this case, he was not a pig named Babe, but a very unfortunate Accursed.

(Tinkerer)

The movements are slow and mechanical. Cogs does what he can: he bears little medical experience and he has no healing magic at his disposal. Long and metallic fingers pry away at diseased and rotting flesh while with another hand he begins to burn what wounds closed he can. It's slow, it's agonizing, and it's painful. Yet it's still far less painful than what the poison and acid would be doing otherwise.

With another hand he goes to wash the wound with slow and methodical movements, his eyes empty and flickering. He pauses, eerie life coming to his eyes now as he eyes Heinrich. "This unit requests that the undead responsible be delivered into its custody." He speaks slowly and steadily, his engine whirling and clicking within his chest.

All the while, Cogs continues to tend to Tinkerer's wounds. Perhaps he might recover from the agonizing and permanent damage that this battle had left here today.
(Project Engine)


Juliette Harrengate says, "Mm. I kind of like that undead guy, actually."

Juliette Harrengate says, "Faithful, at least."

Nyphadora says, "If his Master is the issue, I can take over."

Project Engine says, "This unit would /very/ much like that undead delivered into his custody. It is not the issue of master, it is the issue of his own choice and deeds."
Naline very cautiously joins the group, after Zenkichi.
(Naline Wvelven)

"Cease. I'm -- ... as stable as I'll get."

Tinkerer grimaces. A hand lingers over that gaping and fetid cavity that his lower stomach had been melted into. There was no restraining the anger in his voice, even it was particularly misdirected.

He aims to raise to an seawater-soaked knee, struggling to maintain the balance. Every movement jostles dead skin and saltwater, which manages to make the wound sting even more harshly. The hand upon the machine-man's arm pushes more forcibly.

At least he's functional and momentarily not dying. The organs and muscles themselves seem functional and relatively unharmed, though that's not really an upside when you're missing a good five or seven pounds in biomass.

(Tinkerer)

Xeke Remira whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Dezrik whispers something.

Dezrik whispers something.

Listening to his explanation, unfortunately to Heinrich, this did not change the Archon's opinion on whether the undead are guilty or not.

"So you decided to injure one of my greatest researchers for ideals that are important only to you."

"I could almost respect that- except, it brings neither benefit nor any sort of gain. Fact remains a fact, you just played a role in injuring Tinkerer... for that, you'll be punished."

The crimson hues flared up, and Zaruma's hands reached out to grasp onto undead's skull. Shifting him just a bit closer to ensure that their eyes connect, the Archon focused his whole power on a single target.

On Heinrich's mind.

Undead are less susceptible to physical harm, and Archon knew that very well. But to psychic torture, however? They were only a human... a feeble mind that could be easily broken.

- - -

The visions flooded Heinrich's mind,ones that promised nothing good - the world did not matter anymore, as everything blacked out and ceased to exist. He was in the world of hurt, in Zaruma's world.

And in that world, he was a subject of losing his prowess as Oscuri; his rieka were blackened, no longer functional, and the whispers lingered his mind.

"Traitor. Foolish slave. Worthless."
"Thrown away. Trashed. Returned to suffering."
"Burn. Scream."

Adding to that, he was tormented by experience of falling apart, of withering due to having no connection of a necromancer... and there was no escape. He could writhe, he could try to break free, but it didn't work.

It was all in his mind...

But it was too real to ignore.

- - -

The Archon spoke out amidst such action, nearing the end of it, too.

"Tinkerer is to be the new necromancer for this undead, whether he wants it or not."

"That's going to be second punishment."

(Zaruma)

The Archon wasn't very amused by the undead's action, but nonetheless, he spoke out as Heinrich made a run for it.

"Detain him. Now--"

His gaze shifted towards Peacekeeper instead, and Zaruma spoke out with a clear evidence of annoyance in his voice. But he knew one thing - this undead was more of a challenge than Heinrich, and certainly, should he put up any resistance, the Archon would have at least mild fun with it.

"What necromancer do you serve? Speak."
(Zaruma)

Naline watches the chasers go, simply staying put. She still didn't know what was going on, opting instead to continue observation rather than make a choice that the Head would disapprove of.
(Naline Wvelven)


Aziza Maru says, "Jeez, look at all these people."
Aziza Maru whispers something.

Peacekeeper's gaze slides to Zaruma, who clearly is in control of this situation. His face is expressionless as always. Who knew?

The rumble is calm and even. Emotionless and hollow.

"I do not serve a necromancer. I am sustained by one.

My will is my own. My name is Peacekeeper."

He raises a hand and waves it Zaruma's way. Slowly. Mechanically.

"I still suppose you would rather know the identity."
(Peacekeeper)

Heinrich Vogt has rolled 4 or over: they may escape capture attempts (unless otherwise specified)!

Zenkichi seems more or less apathetic to the going on's now. Iosefka wasn't getting involved - and by extension Zenkichi didn't feel too attached to the situation. ...Feelings were weird, man! Grumbling to herself, she just starts stomping off - not wanting to stay here any longer.

"Come on, Naline. We've got Ninja Clan stuff to do..."
(Zenkichi Wvelven)


Juliette Harrengate says, "Ninj- ..."

Juliette Harrengate says, "Pfft..."
Juliette is not very subtle about her mocking.
(Juliette Harrengate)

Rhion had been insensate to the blatant happenings going on at the shore for some time, having been preoccupied with setting up the farm yet further. He couldn't mill about and away from the commotion for long, though. That niggling curiosity pried at him until the chef forced himself along to the shoreline, leaving his footprints to beat upon an already battered path.

Approaching his group - or at least the people he knew, he headed up Tezoxochel's rear, tapping Iosefka on the shoulder. "I'm missing a whole lot again, it seems, my friend. I imagine it's too complicated to explain in one breath? To be sure, I've been disconnected from events for far too long, but..."

A cursory glance over at the hordes of people clustered onto the sands. Groups here, groups there, foes breathing fire and pain at one another. "It doesn't seem like Snuncle would approve."
(Rhion)

"Servitude, sustenance. It matters little. In the end, your necromancer is of great influence in your life, no matter how you look at it."

The Archon paused, his arms crossed in lack of amusement; perhaps the fact that he unleashed psychic doom upon Heinrich earlier allowed him to unwind, but regardless, there was distinct tension in this scenery.

"Speak their identity, undead."
(Zaruma)


Zenkichi Wvelven asks, "Who's sensible chuckle was that?"

Aziza Maru says, "Damn it, they're just fighting and stuff. I was hoping this would be a sexy beach party, with booze and some kind of inflated pig skin to throw around."

Juliette Harrengate says, "Mine."

Juliette Harrengate asks, "Do you have an issue, sweetie?"
After seeing that Adara would handle the undead to his left he would set his gaze to the other one with the blade. Wondering what would be done next preparing himself in case he needed to assist but knowing the Archon was most likely to handle it himself.

Yet his weapon and his mana continued to surge with occultism at the read for any necessary strike to be issued if need be.
(Dezrik)


Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Good to see I have another adoring fan! Thanks for the support."
Naline nods once again, following after Zenkichi if he was going to be walking away.

"Yes, Shinobi God," she repeats, sure to use the title she was asked to. This would almost certainly be directly and succinctly audible. This would only add to the fire-- A sensible chuckle was nothing she hadn't heard directed at the Wvelven before. It was her place to keep the records for her House, not to get involved in their conflicts. All rules had to be followed.

Even the dumb ones. She says it with a straight face, not even a hint of joking.
(Naline Wvelven)

Zenkichi says that entirely seriously and without a hint of irony or snark.
(Zenkichi Wvelven)


Juliette Harrengate says, "Of course, ninjas need fans, otherwise they would go unnoticed."

Zenkichi Wvelven says, "Yeah! I DO need fans."
Xeke Remira whispers something.


Naline Wvelven says, "I suggest again that you start charging for autographs."
The Neries looks back to spot Rhion, raising her brow and letting out a small nervous chuckle. She looks back to Zaruma and then back to Rhion.

And then again. Just to make sure Rhion caught on.

"I don't particularly think that Snuncle Eiphraem's approval matters in this situation, Rhi!"
(Iosefka)

Zellim whispers something.


Juliette Harrengate says, "And we all know that ninjas need to go noticed, otherwise they can't work."
Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

"Very well."

Peacekeeper stares Zaruma's way for a few heartbeats, though he's unable to count them.

"Lady Rilla Brubeck. Her influence upon me has been to give free will. To treat me as human; because I am. Is that why you wished to know? To shed insight upon my actions?"

The voice escapes from his chest cavity, though his body remains entirely motionless.
(Peacekeeper)

With Zaruma's word resounding in her ear, Adara's flames roared to their full brilliance. Never before had Zaruma ordered her to demolish someone and as such she held nothing back.

As Adara roared after Heinrich, she sent a massive fireball spiraling straight from her maw towards him. Upon seeing a massive explosion, Adara knew her fireball had made contact.

Unfortunately, due to the high level of sand and grass in the area, a large plume of debris was also sent into the air, obscuring everyone's vision, and while Adara could follow normally based on scent, the burnt... everything masked Heinrich's trail. For a few moments, Adara was left blind, unable to see or smell her opponent.

This obviously gave the fleeing thing time to escape and after everything settled, Adara couldn't find him anywhere. A large pit formed in her stomach and a knot in her throat... the first task Zaruma had truly given her, especially in a time of need... she had failed...
(Adara Fiamma)


Juliette Harrengate says, "Oh, wait. Wait."

Juliette Harrengate asks, "Rilla's undead?"

Juliette Harrengate asks, "You're -that- peacekeeper?"
Xeke Remira whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Peacekeeper heavily considers waggling a finger Juliette's way, before deciding it is perhaps not the time.
(Peacekeeper)


Peacekeeper says, "Yes, that Peacekeeper. Hello."

Juliette Harrengate says, "Huhm. Impressive."
Adara headed back with her head hung low, not sad... not angry, no... she was utterly livid with her failure.
(Adara Fiamma)

Xeke Remira whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Rhion just kinda stares confusedly at Iosefka. Despite any sharpness he might have exhibited prior, he looked mighty dumb here. Luckily, reading wasn't as powerful as feeling in this situation, and he felt the Neries's nervous laughter strongly enough to shut the hell up, pass her a nod, and just stand at her side instead.

"I guess it doesn't matter. Mind explaining it to me later, then?"
(Rhion)

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.


Iosefka exclaims, "Yyyyeah! Ssssure!"
Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Xeke Remira whispers something.

With nothing else available to the machine to do, he goes at last to tend to Tinkerer in any way that he can. While he cannot tend to his master's wounds, he can at least support him and help prop him up should the need arise.

More than anything else, though, Cogs serves as a crude and damaged guard for the wounded Tinkerer. It's far from perfect, but it's enough for now. He goes to slowly tend to his own damage, as best he can. He uses the ruins of his garb to bandage and seal off what broken circuits he can, as well as to hide the faint traces of exposed bone.

Peacekeeper? The name was ironic. All he had done was cause chaos and havoc. Cogs only felt this unnatural rage of his grow.
(Project Engine)

Dezrik whispers something.

Adara Fiamma whispers something.

Iosefka gives a thumbs up over to Tinkerer? Was he OK?
(Iosefka)

Xeke Remira whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Rhion whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Rhion whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Dezrik whispers something.

Rhion whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Almost like a ticking bomb that was set off, Zaruma immediately frowned at the mention of Rilla's name. An undead that was connected to betrayer, the woman that deceived him and never carried through with the plans?

No, that didn't leave a good impression at all.

The Archon approached closer, his presence making itself clearer with every step he makes; it was evident that this spelled only trouble to the undead.

"What makes you think, that you, a servant or companion of this treacherous woman--"

"That you could have the right to injure my men at this petty idea of yours?"

A pair of crimson hues stared upon him, and depending on what he'd answer, much could depend on it. Heinrich made his exit, perhaps, but--

Peacekeeper was still here, with matters to resolve too. He may not be that lucky.
(Zaruma)

Adara Fiamma whispers something.

Dezrik whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Addison EYES ANTA.
(Addison)

Adara Fiamma whispers something.

Tezoxochel whispers something.

Adara Fiamma whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Iosefka scoots around and gives a wide berth around Zaruma and PK, to go check up on Tinkerer.
(Iosefka)

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Adara Fiamma whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Dezrik looks towards Project to see hes in bad shape but still tending to his master. At least he could still do that. Yet his broken state still made him enraged
(Dezrik)

Adara Fiamma whispers something.


Tinkerer's stomach is partially melted. He's vaguely aware of his surroundings, but he hasn't spoken past the demand for Engine to unhand him. When Iosefka nears, he shoots her a glare. It's weak, but the animosity is obvious none the less.

His rifle is used like a crutch for the time being, barely able to support his weight. The pain of movement elicited grunts, groans, and sharp noises.
(Tinkerer)

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Juliette Harrengate whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Adara Fiamma whispers something.

Tinkerer whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Etsuko whispers something.

Iosefka leaves.
(Iosefka)


Adara Fiamma says, "wasdwasdaaaaaaaaaaaaa"
Peacekeeper remains entirely motionless as Zaruma speaks, whether from some kind of fear or from his normal mannerisms. His eyes remain upon the Archon alone.

"Ah. I had no idea he was under your protection, Archon. My deepest apologies. He made no effort to voice it; I had no way to know."

A slow nod, as his chin nearly touches his spine, before raising it back up.

"Your man was mistaken. He thought that his undead were toys, when they were people. Someone would have killed him for that one day. It might have been someone else; it might even have been one of his undead. Such a weak necromancer would certainly get overthrown.

That lesson will save his life."
(Peacekeeper)

Iosefka waves at Tinkerer!
(Iosefka)

Iosefka whispers something.

Anta whispers something.

Tezoxochel whispers something.

Tezoxochel whispers something.

Tezoxochel whispers something.

Etsuko whispers something.

Anta whispers something.

Aziza Maru whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

Tezoxochel whispers something.

Tezoxochel whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.


Tinkerer blankly peers at Peacekeeper. It's clear that there was a great deal of animosity present; unlike the undead's tone, his words were laced with anger and venom. When he spoke, it was between choked gasps - holding his guts in.

"It's funny that how 'I will kill you' becomes--... what, a lesson? I told you. I tried to run. You pursued me. We both know that if it weren't for these people, you would've killed me."

"You claim Humanity is wonderful, but all you do is display it's worst traits. You're a liar and a murderer."

(Tinkerer)


Peacekeeper says, "And yet... I said nothing of the sort."

Peacekeeper says, "I said you do not DESERVE death."

Peacekeeper says, "There are witnesses. They may speak the truth."

Tinkerer asks, "The same witnesses who were party to the attempt on my life? Who sat and watched?"

Tinkerer says, "Funny."

Iosefka exclaims, "Just following orders!"
Iosefka gives a smart salute and smile!
(Iosefka)

Tezoxochel awkwardly glances elsewhere. Away from Tinkerer, back at Iosefka. I mean. Yeah...
(Tezoxochel)

Tezoxochel whispers something.

Iosefka whispers something.

"You said he did not deserve death." Cogs at last speaks. His right hand twitches and clanks as that same uncontrollable bout of rage begins to overcome the amalgam of flesh and metal once again. "This unit distinctly recalls you saying he deserves worse, and that you would do your best attempt to deliver worse upon him. If it were not for a timely intervention, Master Tinkerer would've suffered some fate worse than death."

His hand steadies itself as that palpable twitch at last fades. Once again, his engine whirls out of synchrony with his actions. "This unit would kill you if it could. It, however, cannot."
(Project Engine)

The male distanced himself from the large demon after seeing it. Their tainted magic felt far too dreadful to be around and only invited then negatives of the world. The adult didn't need to be around a monstrosity with such capabilities.

Thus, he cautiously inched in towards the magi he knew, only to feel the clashing effects of the holy lightning and tendrils flailing from another magi. The two didn't mix properly at all, and it irked the male when he felt both fighting for control of his spirituality.
(Arthur Paige)

Rhion whispers something.


Iosefka asks, "... I guess we're chopped liver, huh Tez?"

Project Engine says, "You attempt to lie and twist your words for your own benefit. It is a shame this unit is designed to learn, record, and memorize all that it encounters."
Arthur Paige whispers something.


Nyphadora asks, "Hm?"
Philosophy and moral standings.

Perhaps Zaruma expected something else from Peacekeeper, or perhaps he had hoped that the undead could offer a greater reason beyond injuring one of his people, but he was wrong. After all, it seemed like the same reason was present.

"I care little for philosophical views that you hold. Neither religion nor such petty morals make much difference to me."

"There is only one true law - Might is Right. And I'm about to show you just how right I am."

A sudden push towards Peacekeeper's chest with the blow of a Fell Wind. It offered to provide some distance between Zaruma and the undead, after which he spoke out.

"You injured one of my own, and I do not see any good reasoning behind it other than lectures that nobody asked for. And that's all that truly matters to me."

"Draw your weapon."
(Zaruma)

A slight sigh would escape his lips yet despite his confusion in the situation he would look to the archon to see what he would do. Remembering his parting words to Malgannan how he would not get involved in personal spats he would very much like to see how the Archon would take this situation.

Dezrik couldn't say he had much care for Tinkerer knowing he was weak enough to be defeated by a rouge undead was pretty humanizing for the Accursed Necromancer who marveled in his creations yet if he was so much weaker than what he created the Undead was perhaps right in that regard.

It mattered not though what Dezrik was more curious about was the Archons reaction.
(Dezrik)

Philosophy and moral standings.

The two pillars which hold Peacekeeper's humanity together. Perhaps a different undead might not hold so fast to them, but Peacekeeper clings to them more than he clings to anything else.

As the distance is swiftly created, Peacekeeper's body is knocked off balance, and it takes a good deal of clacking and clanking before he regains his stance. As he's ordered to draw his weapon -

he does so. One instant it is in its sheath, and the next he takes a defensive stance. There are hardly any states in-between, only visible in a blur of movement.

"If might makes right, I've already proven myself to your necromancer. If this is the only way to make it up to you, Archon, then I will fight.

Let us enjoy this clash, however short it is."

Noxious fumes begin pouring out of Peacekeeper anew, and the air around him draws them in to form a new sheath around his sword.

"I accept the lesson gladly."
(Peacekeeper)

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Nyphadora says, "I feel bad for him."
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Peacekeeper has sustained an injury in battle...

Peacekeeper has rolled 4 or over: they may escape capture attempts (unless otherwise specified)!

The technique that Archon commonly used was present in this fight as well; the friction itself around him was defied with the wind shroud, and it seemed that Zaruma moved far too fast than he should. Besides, his skin looked transparent, much like if he were an embodiment of wind.

Was that the display of Archon's strength?

For someone so merciless with words, he moved gracefully, much like the wind itself; almost every blow that Peacekeeper dealt to Zaruma was smoothly dodged, and those that have fallen upon Zaruma's visage did not seem to do much damage. He was quite durable as a magi too.

Ultimately, the undead stood no chance. Might was indeed Right, and that much he was shown- the final blow that brought him on his knees, if only for the Archon to grasp upon his head and sap his essence through Occultic prowess.

It left the undead weakened, a shadow of his image in prime, one that pained both physically and mentally. Such wasthe punishment for upsetting the Lord.

"You cling to these morals that mean nothing. And yet--"

He was thrown away with the grip that Archon had over undead's head, landing him somewhere else once the sapping was done.

"When the push comes to shove, they mean little. Do you see it now, undead? Do you see how little these morals mean in the greater picture?"

"They're nothing. All that matters is the real benefit, or the real damage."

"Your actions have brought me naught but damage, and for that, you're punished. Leave, and do not return without my permission, least you wish to face a far more severe punishment next time."
(Zaruma)