Thom - Gorandis reading

[07:49:58] Weakness was the fault of the person at hand- One could never truly blame others for their weakness, only use it as motivation to continue to grow.

It was what Dumuzid had done. It was what Conquest was still amidst doing- She was by no means an almighty being just yet... But with time, she surely would become one. At the very least, that was the goal! But first, she required the forces to ensure her survival until the time came. To ensure their survival until they could conquer the world.

"If he accepts, you can help him if you want- It seems there was an issue with a certain Quazla... But alas, I digress. It is his issue to solve, it is his fault for apparently losing a spar with the man."

A shrug; the spoils went to the victor, it was a surprise Thom had not died to Quazla given the rumours of the man. Quazla the merciful they called him- Someone with that title could only be bad in one way or another.
(Conquest)
[07:59:21] "Of course, I wouldn't want to impede on his progress towards relieving himself of such a thing. Anyways, My queen do you anything that I could obtain to aid my in building a stronger foundation with my 'elite force'? It would make things progress a lot faster and easier if you'd so kindly lend me your aid."

Dio's weakness 'was' because of his own doing, if he'd never retired from his work in the first place he would have been strong enough to best almost anyone..However that was far from the case now, such matters shouldn't even be thought of. It was now up to him to not only retrieve his lost power, but transcend it..

In truth, Dio didn't not look at these powerful beings as people to surpass in power. His sight was fixated on the infinate skies above. His destiny was too ascend above and through that, he would have the right to craft the very surface of the world to his liking. These seemingly almighty beings were like a solar eclipse, blocking him from the light of power...
(Dio Lucilfer)
[08:06:11] The pages of a notebook turned, the sound of wind brushing against the parchment papers perhaps heard. Golden hues stared at the words that marked each page, reading what he deemed important from it.. Then moving on to the next. Finally however, the orange haired man would look up from his novel, walking out towards Loranthis on the roof of the white tower.

Lighting did not cackle around him, but there was still.. A strength to his form. A confidence perhaps? If rumor was to be believed after a fight with Quazla he had been somewhat injured, yet if such was the case.. He didn't seem worried. It was the same sort of confidence he had before the fight.

"Greetings Conquest." The man said, closing Gorandis' journal and peering over the edge of the white tower towards where Dio had been. "And greetings Dio. How are you both?"
(Thom M. Takashi)
[08:15:34] Head would tilt ever so slightly...

He wanted something to help himself along? Something to bolster his foundations with... Well it was not like the Queen had something she wanted to part ways with just yet; the book was required for other matters and the rest was... Unusable for a man of Dio's talents. He was not a die-hard Occultist after all.

But there was one thing that he could use, supposedly- A ring was strapped around the neck of the Red Queen. For all to see, it was but a ring deprived of its former glory.

"The Ring of Lord Dumuzid the Imperfect, it has long since been cleansed however... I am sure you could, somehow, revive the Demonbane and restore it to its former glory. I must warn you though, the power it posses towards the element of lightning is rather terrifying." At least when wielded by Dumuzid.

As she spoke, the ring was thrown down for the man to catch- "It ought to do the trick, no?"

Eyes would slither over to Thom... "Speak of the devil and he shall arrive; Lucifer here offers to aid you with your apparent recovery from Quazla... Which I would like an explanation on?"

"Why exactly would you fight such a man on your own?"
(Conquest)
[08:22:24] Behind every great man there was a woman. Like a creeping shadow, Nashandra wasn't far behind Thom. Her investment was coming to fruition, and the world was shaken once more. At his side, she'd give the young ginger a gently tap on his bicep as they would be nearing the edge of the crumbled, white tower.

"A fluke that shall not occur twice. However his condition is nothing to be alarmed about. It seems the druid is ... Losing his touch."

Behind the hood she employed to conceal her identity, the homunculus grinned. Having witnessed the sarradian's loss of his spriteling was quick the amusing phenomenon to behold. He asked for it.

Nonetheless, her gaze toward Thom would have a form of dominating force attempt to impose himself. He would definitely feel Nashandra's dissapproval of such risky initiatives.

"I'll be taking care of Thom. If Mister Dio wishes to help, he is welcome."

Her monotone voice remained as flat as ever. She seemed more focused on Thom than anyone else in the area.
(Nashandra)
[08:30:04] A ring that the imperfect Lord himself once used?! This was quite the surprise, being bequethed such an item.. Upon catching the ring, Dio would analyze it thoroughly before putting it on his right ring finger so that it would never get leave his reach..

As they talked about Thom, he arrived and greeted the queen and Dio with upmost mannerism.. "Greetings, Thom as they have said I have my helping hand to you..I shall be ready for whatever quest you have for me." He'd say this towards the two, Nashandra and Thom, before turning his attention back towards the queen.

"Thank you my queen, I shall restore it back to it's former glory or perhaps grant it more power than before..Who knows.." He'd shrug before bowing to his dear Queen..It appeared that his business with the 'council' was finished. "I shall return to my castle and continue the organization of my Elite Force...Of course, you are all welcomed to stop by anytime..Though until next time, I bid you all farewell.."

A final bow was given by Dio flashed out of sight in a flash of lightning..
(Dio Lucilfer)
[08:37:45] For around a month Thom had only rarely left Gorandis' quarters. One could assume that after the battle with Quazla, and his apparently injury that Thom had simply been reading the notes. But yet.. Now that he was out here it was almost as if he had never been hurt at all. Strange.

"Simple. I challenged Quazla to a honor duel. I thought the man was honorable, and I always desire to fight others. I challeneged Maria the same way back in Cinderfall. Unfortuantely it appears that the druid's power was slightly over expectation.. Though not too much.

He attempted to steal from my circuits. To reder me non-magi. For a while it was quite.. The experince. But as my college reassures, my recovery is going fine." A grin spread across Thom's face. "Though I will welcome all help from others who desire to assist."

A glance was made to Nashandra, though the man seemed not to speak her name. "Thank you."
(Thom M. Takashi)

_____________________________________________________________

[15:32:28] And so, after 'incinerating' the 'zombie' forces down the north prairies...... Finally, Khaslob had reached Loranthis territory.

That was littered with damage, with overgrown weeds, many Yokai, craters, darkness... and a sense of emptiness. But it knew Loranthis wasn't empty. As Corin had told it... It was where Thom was. And the Khaslob had flown for months - or a single - frantically trying to reach here, amidst all the obstacles in the way......

It finally did. And it flew, closer and closer, to the moderately damaged great tower that was the White Tower. Spotting, of course, figures down below, and above. A single one who was standing, ginger as he was, and the closer the Mimic got, the more of his features got to become processed by its false eyes. A staff that was very familiar, jacket, clothing, attire... and of course, that face that he wore, and the hellstorm sparks coursing throughout himself it was...

It was Thom. And Khaslob, was now floating beside him to his right - but six feet was a good enough distance. Thom was... changing. The 'crown' he wore, Yokai-like horns... the fact that he was here, standing on the tower while the rest were below it... The Mimic could only think of the worst outcome possible, that the man it loved, actually did join, the dark side......

"-THOM-!" It called out, a brief shouting. And it was frowning.
(Khaslob)
[15:38:27] Cackle cackle.

Dark lighting echoed around the red haired man as their golden hues glanced through a book. Parchment papers moved from side to side of the novel, memorizing as much as he could. The infromation, the words, the symbols.. All of these would be important to him later on, of this Thom was sure. However, it would be when one of the Neberian leather gloves moved, turning the page ever so slightly that he would hear his name called.

A frown began to form on his face, attention drawn away from page. The corner would be dog eared by the man as slowly he glanced up from what he was reading. There, floating in the air.. Was Khaslob.

"... What are you doing here?" Inquired the man, eyes narrowing his eyes slightly towards the mimic.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[17:08:54] "Thom..." It was so, so sad. "-Plee's-!..."

That its long time friend could, just break that relationship in a minute, could come here, abandon everything in his life that's been done for twenty whole years, And the Khaslob, even until now, couldn't understand just why he did it. Corin said that he was being poisoned by Occultism but..... how could it help with that? It didn't really have a plan either on what it should do, but...

It knew it had to try, try and talk Thom out of it. Out from this horrible place. It wanted its old friend back... and it'd do anything in the world to get that. The dark clouds above, threatening to pour... were synonymous to how grim the Thom was, how the scene was and would be. It -had-... to do something about it. As a friend - it had to help its friend.

Who was both a danger to himself, and everyone that was around him. "-Ple'es- don' help evil pe'ple here.. Ple'es come back.."
(Khaslob)
[17:15:44] While Khaslob seemed to be quite sad the look on Thom's face could be described in one word; annoyance. It wasn't so much anger towards Khaslob for coming here was it? No, it was more then that.. The man seemed to have hit an interesting portion of the novel, but he couldn't continue.

The dark clouds were something he hadn't noticed. It appeared that even if Khaslob were to leave now he would have to go inside of the white tower to continue reading. The golden eyes stared at the mimic because of this as some sort of angered judgement.

"Khaslob. Go home. Loranthis isn't a place for.. People who are not hardened against the world's woes. You were my friend once so I will let you leave peacefully, but you should not follow me. Many people should stay away from me."

Anger still lingered from their last encounter, of the time that the mimic had lied to him. This much was reflected in his voice.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[17:25:07] ".. Thom.."

Thom didn't look too pleased to see Khaslob, and the Mimic could understand why. They weren't in good terms ever since that day...... but still. It was encouraged, prompted and convinced by Corin. That it was literally the only one who could do it - who could get Thom back. It already came this far, too.

".. Ai'm -not- goin' back!..." It shook its head when Thom tried to order it to go back home. "... -Not- withou' -yeu- Thom!" It couldn't leave - it had to get Thom back. It just had to, somehow convince him, somehow make him realise what he was doing, what he might end up doing to other people......

"Yeo'r gonn' -hurt- yo'self.. an' maybe -others-, too!.." It levitated forward, slowly, gradually, towards the way of the Thom. ".. -Plee's- Thom.. Is.. not good to b' wit' Lora'nis who -hu't- an' -kill- lots!.."
(Khaslob)
[17:30:14] "..."

It really kind of sucked that Loranthis seemed to be a bit of a ruin. For a few seconds he thought about calling some guards to aprhend the mimic, to force him to go home but that simply couldn't happen given the fact that there were either very little or none.

"No. You're going to go back to Nostvale, or Cinderfall, or Sunflower, or somewhere. I don't care. I'm not going with you and you are going to leave. And stop shouting my name." The man said in an irate manner, curling his hand into a fist and leaning on it. While he was still angry at Khaslob, the time had also given him a bit to cool off and not instantly attack.

"I'm not going to hurt myself. I'm going to hurt others, yeah, but not myself." The red haired man would simply state. "Stay away from me or you're going to get hit with fire. So stay over there."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[17:37:04] It frowned even more.

The Khaslob wasn't doing so good in pushing Thom towards the right way. To the left, rather, it made the man angrier, more pushy, less stable... and it hurt. It hurt it a whole lot. To hear him tell it, that it should stop calling for him, by his name, that it had to just go away, anywhere. He didn't care... didn't care of it.

".. Hurt.. others- -No- Thom -no-!" It, exclaimed. And of course, refusing Thom's orders, it still was gradually nudging itself to float forward. "Why do yeu.. want to -hurt- pe'ple Thom??..." The Thom from a decade ago, compared to now... "Yeu said yeu -wanted- to b' a -hero- Thom!..."

Was so, so different. It hurt to think.
(Khaslob)
[17:37:55] Khaslob: <*;_;*>
[17:43:02] 'You said you wanted to be a hero Thom'. Those words echoed in the red head's mind, thoughts of long ago surfacing. The thoughts of when he wanted to help people, protect people.. And very quickly they were crushed by how fast his honor had been smeared by Liara, how fast they all turned on him when he challenged her to a duel for Fire Keeper.

"You're right. A long time ago I wanted to be a hero." The red haired man said, a giant wave of flames leaping from his hands nad moving towards the mimic, hopefully driving off the blone haired boy. It wasn't meant to main him this time, to burn his flest or anything, no merely to swat him down like an annoying bug.

"But heroes watch their familes forced into covens and do nothing. If reacting, if stopping what I care about from being changed, from being broken into mindless shambles is an evil act, then I would rather prefer being monster, and burning down the home of heroes to the ground.

Leave now Khaslob. This is your final warning."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[17:49:52] It never thought to see the day that Thom send an attack. Non-hostile, but still a magical attack...

The Khaslob saw the man cast a wave of fire towards its direction, and quickly did it attempt to propel itself towards the left. While managing to dodge the majority of the wave, a portion of it was struck - its right arm. And that didn't set it aflame or anything, wasn't powerful... but. Definitely it felt the heat, and the mild to moderate, stinging-buzzing ache that came with it, on its false mimicked skin.

"B.. But -why-?? -Thom-!.." It exclaimed. ".. -Why- do yeu want to -hurt- pe'ple? Why 'ere in Lore'nis?.. -Why-?..." Warning not heeled, because clearly...... Khaslob was determined, to get Thom back. It wasn't leaving.
(Khaslob)
[17:54:08] "Alright, guess you're going to the dungeons." The red haired man was simply annoyed at this point, and didn't care for anwsering questions. Standing upwards from their perch atop the wall, Thom would draw his hand back towards the glaive. In an instant he would be drawn, standing now in the middle of the platform.

"I'm not going to anwser your questions. And you're not going to go home. So I'm going to strike you with my magic, then force you to go to the dungeons for a while. Once you get out then maybe you'll know better. But for now?

I'm tired. And you won't shoo."

Red lighting cackled around him as the golden eyes focused on the mimic.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[18:12:03] ".. -Dungeons-??" Thom was seeking to send it to the dungeons of the Loranthis. Which it -might- be able to escape unless it was made of glass but that was not the main point right now, fluff.

Thom drew forth his glave-staff, definitely glaring to the way of the Khaslob. From the sound of him saying that he would have to put it into the dungeons, a fight was going to break out. But... it couldn't believe it. Believe, that Thom would hurt it. There were verbal fights, but never had it once in its nearly three decades of life, had it fought against Thom in a battle before.

It knew it wouldn't dare to hurt him much, but would the same stand for the man himself?... It really, really hoped so. Not for its own safety - but for what little of the old Thom. That still was inside his mind, his soul... that it wanted to draw out. Who it wanted to save...... It even started to sob.

"P-Plees Thom.. -don'-!.. Ai don' wann' to fight...!..." Even if it knew, that no matter how hard it tried, it couldn't budge Thom, couldn't change his mind. But it was beyond sad. This was once the boy who cared for its safety, how hurt it was, thanked it for using its Mimic form to put out accidental fires ten years ago......

It didn't want to believe it - and it wouldn't fight back much at all. Wouldn't go so hard on the Thom, even if the opposite held strong for the man. It'd rather take all the blame, all the pain than to bare the thought of striking, of hurting Thom...

Even if it costed it its life.
(Khaslob)
[18:13:45] {combat} Khaslob has been defeated by Thom M. Takashi! They're unable to continue fighting.
[18:17:10] Vivian had returned from the borders of Brighthold leading in to the forests, where she finished her talk with Dante. Even if the boy was fairly annoying, it was better than having nothing else to do at the very least. So now she continued her way on back into Loranthis. The young Ragnarok member went to the usual spot where most of the forces laid, that being the White Tower.

Though high above as it may be, she can hear the sounds of a battle raging up and above, and it does add curiosity to the young child's mind. With a thoughtful hum, she began to make her way on to higher ground to see just what the commotion was about.
(Vivian)
[18:18:01] Through the fight Thom didn't even seem to want to do this even. The fire and lighting would strike the mimic, but it wouldn't have the omph that it would have if Thom wanted to seriously injure them. In fact, between attacks one might even notice that he was attempting to shoo the mimic, once more telling it "Go on. Leave."

The blonde haired man seemed not to want to fight. But at the same time it appeared that they were unwilling to make their exit. The fact that this happened at all seemed to bother Thom far more then Khaslob's earlier questions.

"Will you just leave?"

A cracking of his knuckles could be heard, the red haired man stepping away from the knocked down mimic before their gaze once more hovered on them. "You can leave. Right now. Fly away. Go. Shoo. Go home Khaslob."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[18:37:39] The Thom wasn't doing so much, the Khaslob knew - he could do way more damage, hurt it way more than this...

Not saying that it did not hurt, though. The Mimic definitely felt scorched, burnt and stung by lightning and firey shots, as evident by how its flight was not smooth but like that of a dying fly! It felt aching, burning pain when waves upon waves of fire were launched and struck it, not to mention.

".. T-Thom!.."

The fist of Thom, charged with reddish lightning, striking upon it right upon the left cheek, face in such a way that left a lightly darkened patch of amazingly burnt false skin, turned reddish and throbbing. It hurt... but it knew it wasn't cranked up to the max.

"N... -NO-!..."

The same went for the Mimic in that it... didn't put too much mana and effort into its fires, flamethrowers, and whips consisting of its own 'genetic' make-up, its black ooze that was toned to being -barely- acidic and burning. Significantly more toned down in comparison to Thom - it just didn't want to hurt him much... was only in self-defense.

"I-I-I -WON'- leave!.." It wasn't physical pain - that was making the Mimic beginning to have tears accumilate around its false eyes, rolling down its form, technically losing that of its internal liquids... but out of emotion. "-THOM-!.."

It didn't help the Khaslob, in that all it was ever thinking throughout the round of the battle - was Thom. The more it thought of how Thom was in the past, the more tears that it produced. It remembered, sharing all the fond memories it had with the old Thom. It wanted them back... It wanted the old Thom back, so badly... Sob.

"-R-REMEMBER- when w-we.. p-p-played... '-EYE SEE-'??..." In fact, it was actually growing hysterical.. "I-I-I see.. wit' m-my li'l eyes.. s-s-someone who a-ai -LOVE-..!!.."
(Khaslob)
[18:37:39] Khaslob: <*I see instead of I spy, intentional*>
[18:38:30] Khaslob: <*not really, hng. omit and replace see with spy*>
[18:39:21] {combat} Khaslob has been defeated by Thom M. Takashi! They're unable to continue fighting.
[18:43:37] "Uuuuuuuuuuuugh."

Thom sighed, once more taking down Khaslob. If there was one think that Thom didn't want more of it was love confessions. He seemingly had a lot of those but it wouldn't stop the lighting and the fire from hitting the mimic. Finally the last blow would come, and the blonde haired boy would be knocked off his feet. Thom quickly teleported over, grabing Khaslob's leg and dragging the mimic over to the side of the tower.

"Oh, right, I spy. I spy, with my little eye, someone who needs to GO AWAY!!!" The red haired man woudl call out. Finally they came to the edge of their current platform.. The second story of the building. Thom looked below, noticing a few bushes and so would throw the mimic down to them, mumbling a few times.

"Just go home already. Geez, I can't even enjoy a book in this town." With all of that said however, the red haired man would teleport away from the edge of the tower. Knowing that Khaslob could fly he would enter the white tower and shut the door behind him.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[18:57:16] It didn't even had the will to keep on trying to 'fight' against this Thom anymore..

The Khaslob barely if at all retalliated this round. It let the Thom knock it down to the cold, hard ground, let bolts and volts strike its vulnerable form, embers that lit its clothing on fire for just some time. All the burns, shocks, physical-magical pain that it endured... just wasn't as strong, as what it felt inside.

When it was finally felled, finally unable to fly, unable to physically handle it all anymore, it was grabbed by its false leg, dragged, not so painlessly dragged across the rough, stone floor of the White Tower by the Thom, while hearing... the words that would break its already fragile and fake heart.

How Thom didn't even feel a single bit of remorse, or anything at all when Khaslob made mention of a little game that it played with him in his early childhood days, and -its- own early years. He spied... someone who needed to go away. Followed after by Thom throwing the Khaslob downwards from the tower, down into the bushes below, crashing downwards into them, snapping branches, tearing leaves... everything.

That represented how it felt inside, how the Thom made fun of the game that they played and loved. How he was now, not heartless, not feelingless... but...... Completely, he abandoned it, he'd like to forget about it. And without even a goodbye, he didn't storm, but only -calmly- walked into the White Tower, and shut the door.

And by fate anc coincidence..... Finally did the dark clouds above give away, sending rain droplets, pouring down to the area. Spreading coldness for sure......
(Khaslob)

____________________________________________________________________


[07:25:39] Weakness.. It strained upon him. The Yokai could feel it within aching muscles and displacing flesh. Starvation and tiredness. It generated upon him without respite. From the forest, he wandered, sluggish. Stumbling with each step he took. Hunger..and a lack of yokai to devour.

He could feel it. Agonyu..pain.. an unceasing sensation, as if his very form was straining for surval. Like he was breaking down. Unexplicably the yokai stumbled. Falling to a knee. Blood seemingly flowing from his flesh. Yet no rips or tears seemed to be discernable to one's sight. Should he be glanced at..
(Arisetael)
[07:28:12] Cackle cackle.

The sound of eletrical power could be heard in the air, red sparks moving around a horned male near the front of Loranthis. Once gain the glowing golden hues were imersed in the wordplay of the novel in hand. Almost as if mesmerized by that which it said. Of course, then it became rather difficult to give it a read over.

A loud crashing sound, or maybe not that loud. It was enough to draw the man's attention, light cascading from their eyeballs onto the form of the yokai. "... What up with all that blood."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[07:36:44] Blood continue to flow. Dripping onto the ruined cobblestones of the city. A pained hiss of covetus need slipped from the daemonic creature's maw. A starving whine rending through the air. The lack of mana. The lack of occultic nature subsumed unto his flimsy form utterly hurt...

A plaintive whimper. Clawed finger's scrabbled upon the cobblestone walkway in a futile need. Nails dragging across it wildly in frantic need. Optics oft crimson nature swept about the city.

None..THERE WAS NONE.. NO YOKAi.. NOTHING with FLESH to consume. A agonized noise suffused further from the yokai's mouth. A weat tearing noise emerged from his form. His chest. The flesh upon it..seemingly ripping in twine. A jagged line visible. Stark white against blackened flesh whilst he bled further.

His body..was ripping a part..as more cuts interwove upon his entity. As if his being was becoming redudant. Slipping away..and losing formation due to the lack of occultic flesh that would've been devoured if the yoka had found any.
(Arisetael)
[07:38:27] Nashandra whispers something.
[07:39:18] Conquest: Hm? About what--- And why without him?
[07:39:18] "..."

Thom no, you know thats a bad idea, you know that you shouldn't do-.

Thom glances at his hand begining the creation of an orb of occultic elemental power. The golden hues refocus on the book's words, giving them a few glance overs as he does this action, barely brought off focus by the yokai's whimpering and by its clawed fingers scratching atthe stone.

And flick. The orb of occultic power floats forwards to the ripping appart yokai, stopping right in front of it.

"Shut up so I can read."

Damn it Thom, don't feed the yokai.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[07:41:00] Nashandra: With one problem down, discussing future endeavors is the logical next step.
[07:41:00] Conquest: Then discuss.
[07:42:43] Nashandra: <*Eyebrow raise*> Out in the open?
[07:43:34] Conquest: Why not? Are we not all allies?
[07:43:34] Conquest: Is our goal not the world itself?
[07:44:25] Conquest: Lest, of course, there is someone here you do not trust?
[07:44:25] Nashandra: I trust very few with certain information. We met privately with my other associates for a reason.
[07:45:16] Nashandra: It is very easy to catch wind of our machinations if we are careless with communication.
[07:46:08] Nashandra: It will matter, eventually.
[07:46:08] Sanseveria: <*Adjusts his cowboy hat.*>
[07:46:59] Nashandra: <*Barely even noticed the suave veggie*>
[07:46:59] Conquest: Let us agree to disagree then.
[07:47:50] Nashandra: Do not be fooled however. I am open to integrating more of your trustees. But, it is best to not be careless.
[07:47:50] Nashandra: At least until we've got a few of our coveted artifacts.
[07:49:32] Conquest: Tell me, what artifacts do thou have?
[07:50:24] Nashandra: A few I utilize in a pinch.
[07:51:15] The orb of occultic mana was to little to late. As the yokai stumbled, form falling flat upon the cobblestones. Allowing the generated orb oft occultic make to sail over his very head. A pained noise slipped from his mouth, as his flesh continued to rip. Dissolving into ether. Releasing yokai blood onto the very cobblestones.

Flesh ripped way, dissolving before thine gazes. Naught to be scene. Save for a mist laden vapor. A darkened mist culminating forth unto all views. An amorphous cloud rife with occultism. Akin to a tendril of blackened mist. Didst but the lack of mana reduce the lesser to thine state?!

Nothing more then a trailing mist lacking a true body. An inability to keep its current form due to harnessing the occultism requisite for such, alongside the commonality of yokai evolution that was. Well once enough mana had been stored within the very epic-center of there beings that was. Wat was it? A wispy if twisted manifestated cloud of occult. A cloud of hungering dark. Alas it was so. Akin to a formless wraith.

Even more mindless, then a lesser yokai was at their very birth?
(Arisetael)
[07:51:15] Nashandra: You have something that belongs to my people.
[07:51:15] Nashandra: Two somethings, actually.
[07:52:06] Conquest: So none worthy of mention, is what I gather.
[07:52:06] Nashandra: Not exactly.
[07:52:06] Conquest: Then speak up.
[07:52:57] Nashandra: Why don't you comment on the two I remarked?
[07:52:57] Nashandra: That blade is particularly nostalgic.
[07:52:57] Conquest: Because I could not care less about what is no longer yours.
[07:54:40] Conquest: You wish to operate in the shadows and whilst that might have its merits, it does not appeal to me.
[07:54:40] "..."

And it seemed it was dead. Or at least, that was what Thom assumed based on how it had hit the floor and seemingly started to dissolve. It didn't even survive long enough to eat the orb of occultism, much less anything else. A slight shrug of the red haired man's shoulders and a sigh, closing the book and turning more towards the keep.

"I'm going inside. I can never seem to read out here.."

It appeared that he.. missed the incorpereal wispy look the yokai had now adopted, believing it to merely be one of many dead.
(Thom M. Takashi)

_________________________________________________________________________

[11:32:16] The Sarab. It was not an often visited location by the red haired man, but today it would be in this desert that he found himself. Far away from Loranthis, and book still in hand the man began to glance over his notes. In Conquest's town he might have been safe from being attacked the majority of the time, yet in the same breath he almost never was able to be alone.

Things stumbled in, they either annoyed the man whenever he tried to read, or they died right in front of him. It was rather difficult for the red haired man to memorize the infromation of Gorandis' notes if everyone was waltzing in on him all the time..

Though he in the desert.. He didn't feel bothered. And likely wouldn't as it was unlikely that annoyances would show up.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[11:40:48] Mazino had a lot of free time on his hands; as expected of someone with eternal life.
He was getting rather tired of sitting still within Loranthis. It was quite boring over there, no one ever passes by. Only faces Mazino gets to see over there are the usual ones; The Ragnarok members.

Hence, Mazino decided to wander around a bit; perhaps make his way all the way to Sunflower and lurk right outside its boundaries. He just might get ahold of someone precious to Quazla, and use that person to lure that goddamn Quazla out of his safezone for once.

Mazino left with haste; quickly running through the Sarab desert whilst ripping through whatever he crossed paths with. Yokai and human alike, they all soon met their demise.

After awhile he came across a very familiar face. It was Thom.
He laid his malevolent, sanguine eyes upon the youngster who was able to defeat Ehren as he slowly approached him, floating merely a few inches above the surface.

Eventually he dissipated his levitation magic and came crashing down onto the sand with a thud, as a single phrase escaped his mouth. "Greetings."

He cracked his neckbones lightly as he trailed his eyes throughout Thom's attire. It was tempting, very tempting. The one who defeated Ehren stands before him; mayhaps Mazino should put his strength to a test, right here and now?
(Mazino)
[11:46:46] "Mazino."

The golden hues that had been looking through the book raised a bit, glancing towards the form of the vampire who had fought in the battle against the wolf pack. As they were both members of Conquest's group didn't that make them allies? Still, thoughts of the war of the Citadel also traveled thorugh the red haired man's eyes as the leather bound book would come to a close.

"How are you? I do believe that this is the first time that we've had the chance to speak one on one. I guess I should make an introduction. Salutations Mazino, I am Thom M. Takashi. Nice to make your aquaintance.

And thank you for helping out in the battle for Loranthis. I am sure the Red queen also said such, but if you weren't there.. Well, my own objective within the city would not be obtained. So thank you."

Vampires were known to be cruel creatures, yet Thom felt as if pleasantries were due. They were on the same side after all in his mind.

"Are you off to something exicting?"
(Thom M. Takashi)
[11:54:27] A sinister smile spread across Mazino's face. At last! A human who seemingly appreciates etiquette just as much as he himself does!

"Ah! The pleasure is mine, Thom. To think that a youngster such as yourself would be so formal. Truly fascinating.
You see, as of late it seemed like the youngsters these day lacked etiquette and it makes me livid." - he would explain, clearly he went through a rather unpleasant encounter.

"Anyhow, let us leave my 'achievements' in the last war aside, they were nothing but small fries. There's simply no way I'd be defeated by the likes of them.
You, however, got to fight Ehren himself. And won at that! Magnificently done, Thom. Kudos." - he would add ontop of his previous statement.

Mazino shook his head briefly as the scent of blood rolled up his nostrils; seems like they bandits around were up to no good, again. Foolish humans.

After a brief moment of silence, Mazino shifted his attention to Thom, yet again.
"Exciting? Well. I was planning on making my way towards Sunflower. I've some unfinished business with a certain someone over there. What about yourself? off to something exciting?"

(Mazino)
[12:01:16] A smile would also spread across the red haired man's face. Thom had always been weak to compliments, though once more he had to make sure to thank Nashandra later on. "I understand the feeling. It was not so long ago that I recall being near other people my age who had a lack of manners. It troubled me greatly, but I am glad that I am no longer in their presence. In fact, I do not believe I will see them again for a very long time."

A slight bow of courtesy would be made before the red haired man looked back to the vampire, giving Mazino the whole of his attention. "Your praise honors me Mazino. Though.. I must say, even if you viewed them as small fries, I do believe that it was your presence as well that won us the war. Without you, Ehren.. We might have been able to chase him off by himself, by those who followed him would be more difficult. Once mroe, I thank you for your presence."

The shaking of Mazino's head was noted.. It caused a curious look to arise upon the red haired man's face, though he asked not about it. "I am currently just reading the notes of Gorandis. One of Dumuzid's former generals. He had.. An art that I've heard of. An art that perhaps only he had. I want it.

And Sunflower? I understand. Personally I also have a problem with one there.. Quazla Mabon, the man who attempted to steal my magic. Though for now I will focus on gaining more power then hutning down the nature magi. If I may ask, who is it that you hunt Mazino?"
(Thom M. Takashi)
[12:09:48] Ah, what a coincidence. The red-haired man, Thom, was also after Quazla.

"That's quite the coincidence. I'm after Quazla myself." - he would say, following up with a brief chuckle.

It seemed like Thom and Mazino had quite a bit in common, how pleasing.
And according to Thom, he already got the chance to engage in combat with that damn Quazla; he must know quite a bit about his abilities, and magical prowess and whatnot. Although Mazino did run into Quazla in the battle for the Citadel, at the time he was nothing to be wary of. However, now, surely he has gotten much more stronger.

"I also got to fight him back in the day, it was a battle for the Citadel. He wasn't much at the time, however he managed to push me back with the help of few others. Ever since I hold grudge against the man." - he would explain whilst forming a fist, followed up by a stomp, which with sheer strength made the whole place quake.

"Thom. This might be a bit insolent of me to ask, however, before we go on with our conversation-.. Would it be too much to ask for a brief spar? It simply very much intrigues me how would I fare against a magi of your caliber." - he would ask, being overly formal and yet hoping that Thom would concur.
If Thom wasn't apart of Ragnarok, obviously Mazino's approach would've been entirely different. He wouldn't even bother asking, he would simply unleash his wrath upon the poor soul.

Anyhow, his sanguine gaze was fixed onto Thom, awaiting for his answer.
(Mazino)
[12:16:38] "I see." Thom seemed to consider for a moment, thinking of any words he might have to assist. "If you are after him I wish you happy hunting. I have heard that the swamp begins to take back his village, that something went terriblely wrong. Not only that but his ritual to remove my magic failed, so my only assumption.. Is that perhaps something happened to him. Maybe not death, but perhaps injury. Just my thought." A slight grin eased itself upon the red haired man's face.

"Ah. Our experinces with him are similar. As is our grudge I imagine. He is a dishonorable, hateable man." Thom would state, hearing Mazino's question soon afterwords, and pulling himself to his feet.

"I will accept your offer for a spar. You are someone that I can respect Mazino, and so I will respect your wishes. And indeed, I wonder of your level of power as well. My assumption is you would have beaten Ehren just as well as I did."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[12:24:19] Mazino cast a nod; "Ah, terrific. It's very much appreciated, Thom" - he would say whilst reaching out for his blade, Ahura as he wrapped his fingers around its hilt slowly, eventually strengthening his grip over it and unsheathing it in one fell swoop.

Shortly afterwards, a sudden burst of depravity was emitted from Mazino's very core. It'd be intense, to the point where it distorted the very atmosphere around Mazino, so intense, that it would be actually visible to the naked eye.
He was not a normal vampire, even among his own kind he was particularly dangerous. Especially his regenerative abilities, they far surpass those of his kin. He can regenerate a whole limb in a matter of seconds.

"Let us begin." - he would announce whilst taking a rather peculiar stance; it would appear to be some sort of a bladestyle, however it's a long lost one. Not something that anyone in Valmasia had ever seen.

He usually does not use this stance due to its destructive power, but; since he's facing someone as skillful as Thom he decided to use it from the very beginning.
It just shows how much Mazino is wary of Thom.

He was ready to duke it out.
(Mazino)
[12:24:19] Mazino assumes the Battlelust stance!
[12:26:52] A slight bow of the red haired man's head would come. "It is no problem Mazino. I aim to please." Thom would say, watching the vampire prepare his weapon. A bronze hand reached backwards, producing a glaive that rested upon their back and red eletrical energy exploded around them. The intensity of the power in the air seemed to rise quite a bit as Thom's eyes closed.

"Indra."

In the air above Thom's head slowly a creature of eletrical power would begin to claw its way into the phyisical world. It's power would compound Thom's own, raising it to even greater heights then the red haired man might have otherwise had. Slowly the golden glowing eyes once more would open, looking towards their vampiric sparring partner.

"Indeed, let us battle. I imagine this will be quite fun!"
(Thom M. Takashi)
[12:28:35] {combat} Mazino has been defeated by Thom M. Takashi! They're unable to continue fighting.
[12:30:17] Mazino assumes the Battlelust stance!
[12:33:42] Just about even.

If Thom had hesitated even a moment longer the vampire would have downed him. It was truly eye opening to the amount of power their ally held. Ice covered the field, though Thom teleported away quickly, forcing the vampire to follow after him. Both of them had imensely powerful attacks. Blood certainly flowed form Thom, but the magi didn't seem to mind at all.

There was a point when Mazino connected, where Thom was on his last legs. Perhaps the shakiness in his stance could be seen even by the vampire but the red haired man masked it. A red firing off of lighting went off in every direction, forcing the vampire to take on the form of mist. They attempted to strike one moment before doing such but.. Thom got lucky. It missed.

When Mazino ran forth he managed to get cuaght in a trail of lighting. Thom quickly turned into a ball of it, striking him a few times, ending the round as he flew back in an attempt to catch his breath.

"You truly are imensely intimidating Mazino. I am glad that we are on the same side."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[12:38:49] "Ah" - is all Mazino managed to utter before a ridiculous amount of magic blasts were directed towards him.
Some Mazino managed to dodge or repel, some he didnt. He realized that he couldn't stay on the defensive for anylonger, Thom's magic wasn't the kind which you could simply defend against.
Mazino quickly went on the offensive and with managed to hold him back with sheer strength; however, unlike any human MAzino came across before, Thom managed to stay up on his feet despite taking his attacks directly.

Wrath. It surged throughout his body. However, he concealed that. Or at least tried to, as he furrowed his brow, disappointed from the result.

"You flatter me, Thom." - he would say, being well-mannered and all, also rather sportsman-like.
However, in reality he was absolutely livid. Him losing to a human? When'd he stoop so low?! It must be because he was slacking off lately.
Sitting still, doing nothing. His predator-instincts were dull.

Time to get serious.
(Mazino)
[12:39:40] Thom M. Takashi: ((oh dang true
[12:40:32] {combat} Mazino has been defeated by Thom M. Takashi! They're unable to continue fighting.
[12:47:21] The second round however, Thom's instincts kicked in a little more. It appeared that the golden eyed boy had taken the first round to memorize Mazino's fighting style, or somethign akin to that. Using such information Thom would very quickly create a counter style, staying away from the sword blows while also hitting with several of his fire and lighting skills.

Mazino wasn't able to close in on him often, though a few dents were still able to be put into Thom's golden armor. However, it did appear that the red haired man had a definate step up this round. Still, the fact that he was able to fight Mazino.. The fact that he fought someone he had always heard was so strong.

It exicted him. A wide grin came to Thom's face, the love and lust for battle filling him as the lighting and fire collided with Mazino, eventually knocking him away with an arrow of flames. That would be the final strike for this round, knocking Mazino back as Thom barely was able to catch his breath.

"I am glad I can flatter you. Your words flatter me as well. You are truely phenomal."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[12:49:04] Mazino assumes the Battlelust stance!
[12:51:37] Being bested by human, a child of cain cannot fall any lower than this.
Mazino was knocked away yet again, this irritating flame magic-.. was his bane.
Other than that, it was rather hard for Mazino to close in on Thom. While some of his kind excel at speed, Mazino was the kind that had god-like physical strength. All he needs to do is stop Thom in his track and land a proper hit.

Mazino cracked his neckbones lightly as he took on his stance yet again; he made a decision. This time around he'll be using something that he didn't use for quite a while now.

"Let's go."
(Mazino)
[12:52:28] {combat} Mazino has been defeated by Thom M. Takashi! They're unable to continue fighting.
[12:58:27] The final round.

Mazino would have even more trouble then the second. Although the battle started off his way, being approached and Thom even stepping towards a bit of ice and sliding because of it, this time the red haired man would attempt to use arrows to force Mazino back from the get go. Not only that but while Mazino tried something new Thom applied something he did before only more freqently.

It was like a dance. The red hellstorm would take him further and further out of the Vampire's reach, and when Mazino attempted to get close a trail of lighting would be left on the ground, making it quite hazardous to do so. Eventually once more the vampire would be pushed back, though it appeared that Thom as welll would be winded.

The golden hues once more looked up towards the vampire, before nodding at them. "Your power is insane. Got to make sure to avoid your blade at all times. And even then I fear losing. You really are powerful Mazino."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[13:03:34] Mazino chased Thom all over the place; with each swing he cut through the very air, as well as sending shockwaves towards the direction he was swinging. He had that much force. Getting hit by that might as well mean death.

However, he was still incapable of catching up to Thom's speed. How frustrating. He was bested, yet again.

"Ah, you're overestimating me, Thom. You're a very formidable magi. Only a few can manage to pull off what you did here." - he would explain, seemingly not too bitter about his defeat. However deep inside he was going insane, he wanted to leap over at him so bad, and tear him apart limb by limb-... DAMN HUMANS! However, doing that to a fellow member of Ragnarko would be a foolish thing to do.
Mazino simply needs to find a counter-measure against Thom's mobility-.. and sometime he surely will figure something out. He has all the time in the world, after all.

"It seems like I've yet a lot to learn. Eitherway, I suppose we'll be parting ways now unless you've anything on your mind? Otherwise, I'll be on my way."


(Mazino)
[13:08:41] The swings were terriyng. One hit to Thom felt as if it would have been the end, yet for every attack the man seemed to counter, once even the palm of his elemental companion blocking something that would have hit his face otherwise. Despite this Thom managed to overcome, if only just barely.

"I am.. Told I am somewhat powerful. Thank you again Mazino for your complements. You honor me." The red haired man would do a bow out of politeness, perhaps even a submissivness in his attitude. It might appear that although his battle lust was strong, as well as his ability to fight.. He also had a meekness to his personality at times.

"And I suppose so. I wish you luck in your hunt for Quazla. The black gate might be a bit difficult to move through, but there are quite a few unsecured areas.

Fare thee well Mazino. Thank you for the spar."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[13:10:24] Mazino: Farewell, Thom.
[13:10:24] Mazino: It's been a pleasure.
[13:10:24] Mazino: <*Would vanish into thin air!*>
[13:10:24] Thom M. Takashi: Same here. -bows- once more-