Vampires

[00:26] Haji nods he hasn't done much today, so this would be good.

"We can practice some more; I haven't done much and we could probably both use it. Let's go to the academy then!"
(Haji La'Heba)
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[00:29] Ambre nods, getting up from the cliffside.

"Yeah, practice would be good!" she says, as she turns around, suddenly spotting someone standing directly behind her.

"Aah--" she yells, stepping back, almost falling off the cliffside before she catches her balance. She stares at the stranger for a moment, before saying, "...Hello..?"
(Ambre)
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[00:31] With the suggestion by her enforcer: The Fist of the Family, none other than seventeen time reigning champion of Esshar's Wrestling Rondo, holder of twelve gold medals, NIFFTY (Last Name Censored), the Matron lingers behind the razuka, quietly approaching the pair of children.


"Hello, you two. Lovely evening, isn't it? Whatever would you be speaking about? Mind if we join you for a moment?"
(Illythia pyr Docro)
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[00:32] "Hi, helloo!"

She'd have popped out the back, her ratty features on full display now.. Big, radar dish ears, a long and rope-like tail.. All your favourite bits of a razuka.

What she does? She plops herself at one side of the youngsters.

.. Her tail seems to reach up and around Ambre, a light push and gesture to face off the cliff in the same way. "Ain't you both jus' the sweetist' lookin' pair, eh?" A bump of the hip done at her side, looking over to Illythia with a wide smile.

Yes, what Illythia said, she boxes.
(Niffty)
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[00:37] Haji looks back and forth between the pair; He wasn't sure where they appeared from. He was more confused about that rather than what they wanted from the pair.

"I don't uh, I mean sure we're just talking and catching fish nothing serious."

He looks at Ambre for a moment, unsure at how the girl would react. Haji held his fishing pole over his shoulder; the boy was done fishing at the moment.
(Haji La'Heba)
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[00:38] Ambre looks over to Haji, the slightest bit of discomfort in her eyes after having two strangers just sort of appear out of the woods and strike casual conversation with the two of them. Something about these two just seems to rub her the wrong way...

It seems she was given no choice but to face towards the cliffside, as she puts her arms out to steady her balance.

"...Um... we were just... discussing our schoolwork." she says, definitely omitting some details. She doesn't seem to trust these two in the slightest, but she won't say so aloud — she'd hate to make them upset, after all.
(Ambre)
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[00:42] Pensiveness. A natural reaction when one is in the presence of a predator.

"Good instincts." A whispered word. A compliment. One not truly meant to be heard, a reflexive, almost instinctual reaction that forces itself from the lips.

Her hand wanders, travelling northward to find its place upon Ambre's shoulder, at first it could seem to be an attempt to soothe -- to ease her through the barrier of touch, but then the grip tightens somewhat. Though not nearly enough to be painful -- Uncomfortable? Induce a feeling of uneasiness? Certainly.

"Ah, school. That's quite well enough, but, you do realize you're on our land, do you not? Have you paid your taxes yet?"
(Illythia pyr Docro)
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[00:43] "Oh.."

Catching fish and discussing schoolwork, really interesting.. - As for Niffty? She's close, too close, near on shoulder to shoulder with Haji, that short and smiley presence everlasting.

That tail? It's curling up around the young boy's ankle, keeping him just as close..

"Ye'h.. Private property n'all, y'think s'free?" Pursed lips while squeaking it, all to turn back into a grin.
(Niffty)
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[00:49] Haji looks between them; he was getting an immense feeling about this so much that he wanted Ambre around. So he looks between Niffty and Illythia again.

"I'll pay the tax; it doesn't matter what it is, but can you let Ambre go? I'm trying to be reasonable, is all, and I don't want anything to stress her heart out.

I agree to whatever it is you want, so could you please grant me this one request? I'm begging you both."

Haji huffs things didn't seem so bad, but Haji was willing to pay whatever it was.
(Haji La'Heba)
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[00:49] She could feel something was up, but the moment she heard the words 'good instincts' emerge from Illythia's lips, her fears were all but confirmed. She tried to take a step away, but she's quickly met by a hand upon her shoulder.

An audible wimper comes from her, making her distress all too clear.

"T-Taxes?"

As much as Ambre likes joking about not knowing what taxes are, she knows all too well what this is — a shakedown!

"I-- We-- we didn't know! We're new to these lands, and..." her attempt at an excuse was unlikely to work, but it was worth a try at least!

She looks over to Haji, a look of fear stuck on her face.
(Ambre)
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[00:57] A tilt forward attempts to cast the gaze towards Haji, a small little 'tut tut.' thrown towards the boy. "No no, it is far better for you bothto play. Avoids any unnecessary harm, that way."

"We do want your blood, after all. Anemia isn't fun for anybody -- except me."

Her touch is gentle, yet firm -- soft, yet insistent. It guides and coaxes her mark this way and that, eventually attempting to make the girl face the Matron properly. Scarlet irids peer through the flesh and into the depths of the soul. They glow, pulsing dully with light -- so relaxing, how easy it would be to simply lose yourself to them.

Nothing too nefarious. Yet.

"Ah...A teraphim, are you not? The Headmaster and...Enna, are creating you, are they not? From whence do you hail, little one?"
(Illythia pyr Docro)
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[00:58] "Dowh..- No'h.. Don'cha worry 'bout noffin'."

It's almost as if Haji's being pulled away from the girl, that tail's hold on his leg seems to .. Motivate him in another direction with the conversation, Niffty along with it. "My friend over there s'real good at relievin' stress, works real miracles."

To further such, a small arm tucks itself around the young man's, something of a powerful muscle tensed to take him where she wants to do.

Just off to the side here.

"Y'mind tellin' me a bit 'bout yerself..? Maybe we can work summit' out, jus' a liddl' drink t'gether."
(Niffty)
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[01:02] Haji shook his head; if that's what they wanted, then it was probably best to be only him.

"If you want blood, then I suggest you both take mines. Teraphim blood isn't anything special, and you'd be missing out on something better."

Haji looks at both of them again.

"I have lifeblood given to me by the angel Vidrio, and no other beings on Esshar possess this blood. So I'll let you both take blood from me; I'm asking if you'd please leave her out of this?

I don't care how much of my blood you take, but please just let her go. Why does it matter who blood it is? I have enough to supply you both.."

Haji sighed; it didn't seem like his offer was getting him anywhere at the moment; perhaps they'd reconsider.
(Haji La'Heba)
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[01:05] Ambre — despite any resistance she gives — is turned to face Illythia. Looking into the woman's eyes, it becomes very apparent to her who exactly these strangers are.

Vampires.

She quickly reaches into her pocket and retrieves a modest-sized coin purse — at least, to Ambre it seems like a lot — hardly holding much more than a thousand coins.

"P-Please, leave us be! I-- We don't want any trouble!" she says, her voice shaking.

She then turns to Haji as he makes a show of his 'magic blood', as Ambre knows it to be.

"Wh-What are you doing?!" she whispers to him.

She then turns back to Illythia. "Please, please don't take our blood — I don't even have much, look at me!" she motions to herself, being rather short and having a thin frame. "Plus, our blood probably doesn't even taste good! M-Mine's full of crystals, and his is made of water!" she exclaims, in a last-ditch effort to try and persuade the creatures of the night to not drink their blood.
(Ambre)
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[01:10] So much to say.. And so desperately too. - Sadly, his offer just seems to turn the razuka all too sour.

She goes as far as to nudge the young man away, out of her restrictive holds. "Dowh.. That jus' ain't gonna cut it, pup.." Adjusting her tie, standing between and his little girlfriend now.

More of a ratty wall between Illythia's supposed catch and the boy.

"See now y'jus' put me off..- Maybe yer friend should pay the lot." Eyeing back at the matron Docro.. Then back at the boy. "I like that better, don'cha think?" Her head tilts.. Though there's some hushed words now.
(Niffty)
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[01:14] "Please. It's nothing so terrible, I assure you. Some even find our bites to be immensely enjoyable -- and seek them out. Whatever you've been told about us is, most assuredly, quite wrong."

The usual protestant moans follow when a nightstalker comes to claim their due. So every use to it as she grown over the years.

Heels swivel their owner almost effortlessly to face the blooming teen, spare hand coming to meet the offered purse -- and pushing it down, and away. The tribute denied.

"Relax, young one. You must needs simply close your eyes -- and enjoy yourself. Definitely preferable to the alternative of you screaming your lungs off."

Her shadow shifts, mingling with her aides -- Niffty's, unspoken words exchanged as lips part to bare fangs and -- should they find no resistance, take their first taste of Teraphim blood.
(Illythia pyr Docro)
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[01:17] And that's where the line was crossed. He stood in front of Niffty, his body now bursting in a raging flame. He had enough of these games, and they continued toying with him.

If they were going to be like this, then he didn't have any other choice. He was going to have to fight them even if it wouldn't end well for him.

'I said...."

Haji's marks began glowing over his body.

"I said...."

He builds up enough flames; he felt as though he was about to erupt at this very moment.

"I SAID NO!"

Haji stood there in a purple flame starting at the rat; he didn't make any movements yet. Though he stood his ground against her.
(Haji La'Heba)
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[01:17] * You have been awarded 3 Roleplay Points! *
[01:20] Ambre's eyes close shut, as tears begin to stream from her eyes. Sobs are heard coming from her, as she begins to cry out, "Please don't turn us into human cattle!" The words come out instinctively — it seems like she's heard one too many scary bedtime stories as a kid...

Her sobs echo through the night, as she begins to lose all hope...

...When she finally decides to push back!

She shoves away Illythia with all her might — as little as it may be — hoping to take her off guard. With her eyes still shut tight, she begins running through the practice she's done so many times before.

A connection is established to her patron star, and an aura of vibrant cosmic magic forms about her, possibly momentarily blinding her assailant due to the sudden change in brightness.

"Leave us alone! I-- I already paid you!" she cries out, as if this time it'll work any better than it had the first half a dozen times.
(Ambre)
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[01:24] It took Illythia's subtle, pirate orders for the rat to up and make a salute.

"Aye-aye." A true Pirat.

So that's when she becomes a wall, a powerful standing force between the Sarridian and his friend.. There'd be no getting in the way there, not while Niffty stood.

Her coat drops back, sleeves slowly rolled up to reveal the above average in muscular arms.. Then came that vampiric presence, a heavy feeling that gives those fronting it the trigger .. Fight or Flight, you're being hunted.

"Step 'way from them.. Ain't nobody gotta get 'urt, boy. - S'noffin'.."

She didn't front him unless he crossed the line.
(Niffty)
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[01:28] The Matron is, surprisingly, able to be pushed away! With a hint of reluctance, mind you. The newborn star blazing before her turns the enhanced senses that come with undeath into a momentary drawback. A slight tinge of pain as scarlet irids adjust.

With both of their respective meals falling through, the vampire simply sighs. It's heavy, heaved and languid, clearly meant for more to convey a message, than anything else; So theatrical is its nature.

Her expression seems almost overly acted, annoyed and dismissive, arms retreat to beneath Unto The Morrow and recede from vision.

"Why must my meals always resist? This is bad for both of us, you know. Now I have to hurt you, and my meal is lessened. for the effort."

A phantom arm -- purely illusionary -- extends from nowhere, draping over the face as the head reals back in an effort to further display her displeasure.

"Fine, then. I will acquiesce If this dance is what you so crave I would be remiss as Queen to refuse."

The woman takes a step forward but -- it's not quite her nay, it seems as if another leg extends from her form, stepping out from the Matriarch's body and assuming itself into existence. It's blurred, somewhat less real, but as it continues with each step forward, more and more of it exits her shadow -- and 'pops' into reality.

Its features slowly becoming more defined.

"'Fetch.'"

With that command, it rushes forward, arms outstretched, every movement janky -- jumpy, jerky. Uncanny.
(Illythia pyr Docro)
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[01:31] Haji was annoyed with them; why are they bothering children? He continued looking at her with growing hate in his eyes.

"You got what you wanted now; leave us alone. Don't you have something else better to do? I'm not scared of you, so leave--"

Welp, there was no more talking; if Niffy was going to stand in the way of Haji reaching Ambre, then he didn't have much choice at the moment.

"I guess I have to move you myself."

He attempted to push past the rat, but it would likely break out into a scuffle. He had to have faith in himself; if he didn't, who will.

"Ambre, I'm coming!"

He has to fight a raid boss by himself, and that wouldn't end well for him.
(Haji La'Heba)
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[01:35] {Lost Restrained RPB against Niffty}
[01:39] Ambre is surprised that just shoving the vampire actually worked! Or, perhaps it was the sudden brightness from her cosmic magic...

Either way, it seemed to her like she had an actual chance of getting out of this! Such naivety had no chance of lasting the night, however, as this vampire was no doubt more powerful than her.

But that wouldn't stop her from defending herself! With the power of the North Star flowing into her, there was no way she'd give in — the fate of herself and Haji was in her hands!

Yet, such passion was laced with an equal amount of fear, as the vampire's terrifying presence shook her to her very core.
(Ambre)
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[01:40] '' Ambre, I'm coming! ''

It's just then where the razuka opens her arms out.. Despite the burning and boiling of his purply flames, the rat held him in nice and tight..

Real close, enough to spin him, holding his arms crossed over his front and peeping a head over his shoulder, resting her chin there.

What he's forced to do is watch, that struggle between the Queen Docro and his poor friend Ambre.

"S'it, you'll get there 'ventually.." He's quite literally powerless in her grasp.. He could burn all he likes, it would only garner a tight and painful squeeze from the razuka.
(Niffty)
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[01:43] The Vampire herself, opts to simply stand back, and let the work of her shadow do the work for her. Why bother exhausting oneself? A distraction, versus real, wizened opponents -- but to a young, green novice with scant few years of age on them?

A visceral threat all its own.

"Do let me know when you would like to give up. It's better for the both of us that way."

That same phantom limb offers a dismissive gesture towards the young elven lass, but the doppelganger demands her attention in full, its movements disconnected from reality, it seemed to skip frames and seconds alike with its movements.

Trees and grass alike ar marred with scratches and begin to wilt beneath its presence, aggressive, jagged talons swipe at the air in desperation for their prey.
(Illythia pyr Docro)
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[01:49] Haji literally couldn't do any; Niffty drilled him into nothing; what a paste, not in a literal sense. As a result, his body was damaged, and his magic had minimal effect on Niffty.

It was useless; his flames died down, and the flame inside of him slowly began burning out. First, it was an ant, and now it was vampires, and Haji couldn't do anything but watch.

Is this what it would be like? Would he remain powerless like this forever? He just watched as his friend was getting an attack.

He couldn't even find the right words to say; he didn't have anything at all to say. Haji didn't believe in his flame anymore; all his work felt like it was washed away.

There was just a moment of despair that overtook him, and he was powerless to do anything about it.
(Haji La'Heba)
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[01:53] The longer she held him, the easier it got to have him.. While there's always temptations for a bite or nack, this child wasn't the one.

Why..?

It was his little words to them early, admitting something rather key.

So those powerful muscles keep him in place, head over the shoulder with bare whispers in his ear.
(Niffty)
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[01:53] Niffty whispers to Haji La'Heba: I don' wan'cha off n' givin' up now .. S'jus' the start fer you, boy.
[01:55] An unfortunate mismatch, such would be clear from the out set of such a clash. The nearby flora are sundered beneath little save the presence of such an unholy mockery of life. The greenery giving way to gray and brown as it rots.

To Ambre's credit, she puts up a valiant effort in the face of such overly-stacked odds, even if it was simply naught save a reflection. It moves possessed of an obviously preternatural swiftness, bounding forward in bidding of its Mistress.

The power of Stars and heart push it back. Starburns sear and singe flesh, the doubly-faux skin blackens and chars beneath the hateful wrath of a Star seeking to undo what should not be.

Truly, such radiance is to be admired, but the monstrosity pushes through, even as chunks of molten rock pierce its form, leaving wretched, jagged holes in its body which falls off and melts back into darkness.

But still it pushes on.

Now missing limb and large pieces of itself, its movements slowed and haggard nearly to immobility, hopping towards its prey with one leg. Until finally -- all the might within the heart charged by Ambre's patron star, bids it end.

Victory?

Not quite. The moment the Teraphim's eyes permit it to leave the field of view, it's upon her, limbs held within a grapple and unharmed.

It was just an illusion, after all.

She's bound, helpless. Forced to watch on as the real Illythia lazily drifts forward, fangs find shoulder and drink.

"Delicious. Run along, now. And refuse me no more -- or I will be far more aggressive in the future."

With that, the clone simply melts away, seeping into the earth as a mass of black tar.
(Illythia pyr Docro)
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[02:00] Niffty whispers to Haji La'Heba: Iff'n y'blood wasn't all toxic.. I'da taken na' bite myself.
[02:04] Haji La'Heba whispers: I don't know what you mean..
[02:08] Niffty whispers to Haji La'Heba: Rotten, boy. - Yer blood is rotten.
[02:09] Ambre draws as much power from the cosmos as she can, completely disregarding the warning she received about drawing too much mana from the stars.

As she unleashes blast after blast of cosmic magic, she can feel the excess mana searing her circuits — and yet she pushes herself further regardless, paying no heed to whatever bodily harm may arise from this overextension of power.

As piece after piece is blasted away from the clone, a faint hope arises in her heart; at this rate it seems she might actually have the power to win! She generates an oversized ball of cosmic energy and launches it forth at the duplicate. After the dust clears, the duplicate is nowhere to be seen! She'd defeated it!

Unfortunately, looks are not to be trusted when you're facing off against an illusionist — the clone grabs ahold of her in her now weakened state, the overuse of her mana circuits ridding her of all ability to fight back against it.

She had been tricked.

Her eyes fade from a brilliant gold to a deep blue, signifying that her casting was done visually — a detail that is only noticed now that she's face-to-face with her assailant. Her hairs stand on end as the vampire draws close, soon to sink her fangs into her neck...

Her screams permeate the silence of the night, potentially alerting any nearby heroes that may want to rescue her...

She collapses to the floor, one hand placed on the wound upon her neck. She seems to lack the strength to stand on her own, all energy drained from her body.
(Ambre)
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