The Task Gauntlet

[20:08] A time magi was never late nor was he early.

But Revan was no time magi.

Another one of the things he didn't pick up from their father, yet marching to bridge where the two had set the site for their fated dual Revan would be quick to square up to Theria's Overlord.

"Valero, never have we gotten along, and never have we seen eye to eye. Ever since we were pulled from our mother's womb, we have been at one another's throats.. Though I bare the burden for that.. Yet what you know of our mother's death is another lie from our father.. I've tried to tell you this, but you were either too drugged up to want to listen, or we couldn't get Hades to hear."

A deep sigh would be heard from the stoic Fireblooded that stood opposite the redhead, the man that was once his brother. Though he knew all of this was too late, sides had been cast and every person now rooted in their beliefs.

"Dun killed our mother, and her name was Kaeda if you ever cared. So if you wondered how I could poison our father, it was with that thought in mind, though poetic justice doesn't quite satisfy the same as just fighting him outright. I thought beating Dun would be my final test.. But no, it's always been you, hasn't it, little brother?"

Revan had always tried to be the best older brother he could, but just like his father, Revan was cruel and unforgiving in his youth, having a heavy hand in making Valero the monster who he was. The Apotychia simply chalked it up as another failure of his, but he hoped he could set it right here, even if it was in the worst way.

"So, Valero, I'm here to show you once and for all that I was right all along. You may have thought I got soft as I grew slower than you, but my power is greater than yours now, and I will show you I am the strongest of our blood."
(Revan orn Apotychia)
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[20:14] Dun would merely nod his head as he offered a bitter chuckle, coughing up a bit of black bile into his sleeve at that. His hollow sockets, lit by etheric orbs of flame, would fall upon Revan for a moment before he shrugged.

"She would have held you back."
(Dun Task)
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[20:16] Standing across the bridge from Revan's arrival is Hades, dressed for a funeral. The inhabitant of the casket was to be determined still.

A foot rises up to press against a large rock on the edge of the cliff as Revan speaks, and the true eldest sibling of the Task triplets cannot help but showcase his immense irritation.

A rhetoric draped in misconceptions and lies. A twisted family tree that would likely never be unraveled due to the implications of it all. Decades has passed since they were children running through Theria's snow-covered streets, and in all that time, the fact of the matter had never truly been revealed.

"Kaeda is irreleveant." He speaks in a droll tone as the railgun from his back is pulled from its placed and rested over his shoulder.

"Don't try to make this about her. It's about you. Always feeling inferior no matter what you achieved.

Your guild. The family you could've had. The wealth you could have accumulated. You gave it all up because you wanted to measure your dick against Valero's, right?" His tongue clicks against his teeth a few times, and he shoots daggers to the masked man across the bridge.

"This is that. A final measuring competition. Give the traitor what he wants, Valero."
(Hades Task)
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[20:19] Everything was Revan's fault. Everything had always been his brother's fault. The 'monster' he had become was in no small part due to his older brother.

Yet, his brother seemed to be rambling on, and on about something. The real cause of their mother's death? It seems like she hadn't killed herself, and instead was murdered by their father. Yet, Valero remained entirely un-phased.

He was here for a battle, nothing more, nothing less. The true news of their mother's death would be dealt with afterwards... Provided he was the victor in their battle.

"If your attempt was to rattle me before the battle with that news. You failed. Just like you've always done. You're a failure as a Task. You're a failure as a brother, but soon... You'll be dead."

A hand would slowly reach towards the hilt of his ill-mannered revolution, as his body began to ignite with violet mana.

"Do you remember what I said to you the last time we fought?" Valero clears his throat, as his sword-spear would be aimed towards the former Task.

"I can never be all that you want from me, and I am broken, I will fail you constantly."

The violet mana began to violently pulse around him, as the suffocating presence of his occult magic seemed to only grow.

"Those words never fit me. They fit you. You're the failure. You're the broken one, and on this day I'm going to prove it." His father, and brother were behind him watching. He couldn't lose here. "There's nothing more for me to say to sub-human scum like you."

"So prepare to meet Ryujin."
(Valero Task)
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[20:29] {Won Dangerous RPB against Valero Task}
[20:29] ** Revan orn Apotychia has inflicted an injury upon Valero Task. ("Permanent Injury", "Permanent Injury", "Permanent", "Severity: MODERATE (-10 Vit)") **
[20:42] Urist quietly loosens his axe in it's sling.
(Urist Silverbane)
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[21:01] A golden glance would be cast towards Hades as he says not to make this about their mother, but truly it was simply a piece of information he wanted them to have should he fall. Even if it was a small fact now, it was one that had weighed heavy on his mind throughout the years and ultimately lead him to turn against his own family.

Yet he would fire his gun in the air and the two would be on one another like rabid dogs. Just like when they were kids, though speeds and intensity dialed up to ten. Valero would swing his sword and arcs of occult would erupt from his blade as the Fireblooded would do his best to duck and weave through.

Yet no defense was perfect, and they each would trade blows with one another, thundering fist strikes and the crack or sword edge against armor. Vines that had taken root on his armor would lash out and strike as if they were extra limbs, being cut and drained of life as Valero would consume all mana around them.

Just as they had fought before, he would grab everything around him to lash out against the brawler, and always Revan would be thrashed. Yet now it seemed like he would deliberately feed his own mana to his brother as his occult shroud would grow and grow.

Yet Revan's own reserves had grown quite bountiful as he learned how to commune with the natural forces around him to kindle his cyan flame instead. Two different forms of the similar idea, pulling from around them to bolster their strength. Yet where Valero took, Revan would offer mana back, and he would be gifted back with more.

Yet perhaps it was at Valero's most confident, when Revan had stoked his flame the highest that his sword would come crashing down- but instead it found itself in the wood of the bridge, the arm that held it still gripped tightly as it dangled to the side.

"I'm sorry for failing you.. Brother.."

Continuing to redirect the occulists Mana, Revan would pivot on pegleg, placing a palm against Valero's chest as a burst of mana would erupt from Valero's back, leaving a clean hole where his heart would be.
(Revan orn Apotychia)
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[21:01] The outcome was one that he was ready for, but not willing to accept.

He had watched his siblings grow outwards in different linear directions while his own path was jagged and crooked. From playful boys in Theria's city to monsters in their own right, corrupted by their idealogies.

Himself included.

It was the only reason why he allowed it to go on for so long. Revan's apparent betrayal. Valero search for power and something deeper within it. Out of the three, Hades almost seemed.. normal.

But as the sight of the Black Knight falling victim to the Apotychia becomes apparent, any and every sense of normality is thrown out of the window. Those holes in his personality and mental that he had so carefully plugged with various outlets and false hobbies are opened up once again, and with the opening of his wounds come the breaking of the very mask on his face.

Glass shatters, despite there being none present. The overbearing presence of the Occult becomes all to prominent in the region, rotting the snow-covered trees and adding a violet hue to the frost over the mountainside.

"Well done, Revan!" In a sour and sickly tone as he moves forward, aura of blue and white flaring out around him. Where his brothers spent time becoming stronger physically, Hades had dedicated himself to the study of the powers that be. "But it would be horrible of us to reside in the same city after an event like this. Pretending that we can all get along after your pride and inability to let go brought about the death of our precious Valero."

A hand moves to grip at one side of his face as a corrosive fit of energy magic pours from his left eye, tears streaming freely from the right. Burning the socket itself and eroding the eyeball within. Finally. After what felt like an eternity of biding his time and letting all of that malicious, spiteful, hateful energy rumble about in his core, the shadowmancer had lost it.

A violet portal is torn wide open, a small flurry of snow spewing from its other side.

"Come on, come on! I'm tired of being left out."

Hades leaps through the rift and arrives just a few feet from Revan, steeped in mind and body in the vengeful aura of the occult.

"Don't bitch out on me now! DOUBLE OR NOTHING?!"

He wasn't giving the man a choice. If Valero was to die this day, then another would die with him. Golden windows showcasing other timelines where Valero had won. Where Hades and Revan had been the two clashing originally, as fate intended.

If there was one thing that was for certain - Valero Task was too good for this realm. And Hades would either kill until Fate itself understood this concept, or until he was slain over the white snow.
(Hades Task)
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[21:02] Dun Task says, "A two for one special then."
[21:02] Dun Task says, "Ynydis, kill anyone who intervenes."
[21:04] Ynydis Queen says, "Alright..."
[21:05] Urist Silverbane asks, "Y'dinnae happen T'have a medic hereabouts D'yeh?"
[21:10] Urist would rest his axe on his shoulder. The miner long having accepted that these honor duels were simply part of life in Theria. You couldn't spend nearly as much time in the mountain cities bars as Urist had done without seeing people drawing swords over lovers, wealth, or insults.

Still, that didn't mean he particularly cared for the result. And the miner was more than willing to interfere to allow Hades to make his own challenge. The Dwarf's soul having been reveling at his return to proper mountains, he had already reached out his spirit to meld with the stone beneath their feet.

And so those stone-chip eyes of his watched on impassively as he observed waiting for when he might need to act.
(Urist Silverbane)
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[21:11] You shall not interrupt; you shall not stop this tempest of anger that has been brewing. This is not your fight. This is a fact of life that the Tasks must handle amongst their own!
[21:16] Revan had finally fulfilled his Task. His 'promise' to his brother. A duel to the death. That was the condition. And while she felt slight concern for her son in law, his hands being the ones who would bring the death of Valero, the brother whom had disowned him, it only grew. It grew steadily. The tension was rising as the next challenger stepped up.

Hades Task.

And this is where rules must kick in. And the one who would enact them, was Orca.

"You've done well, my son." she said, slowly stepping up to the two siblings to put an end to this. To leave this wretched place her home had become. But not before hearing Dun's words.

Ynydis?

"Dun.. You really are a fool. It was you all along who brought upon the death of her mother. It has become quite a habit of yours, hadn't it?"
The Drakanite would turn around, her amber huesagitated. With anger, but not with bloodlust just yet.

"Ynydis. The invasion of Theria. When Mihalis came and killed your mother. It was his plan all along. The man who is responsible for your parent's death is trying to give you orders."

Orca's expression darkened even further, noticeably so. This was not only an insolence on his son's behalf, or his family who had come to watch over this duel. This was an insolence to Rinn herself.

"Now.. Ynydis. Do you wish to find your own path? Start here." The Drakanite declared, turning her back to the siblings and looking down at the Queen's offspring. Sword not drawn. For it wasn't needed. Not for her.
(Orca Hellaxis)
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[21:17] Dun Task says, "How shocking that a lesbian lies, almost like snow falling during winter."
[21:17] Dun Task says, "I loved Rinn more than anything. SHUT UP."
[21:17] Urist Silverbane says, "Tha's goin' in th'scroll that is."
[21:18] Artemis Task says, "--"
[21:18] Urist actually pulls out a scroll of parchment and writes it down.
(Urist Silverbane)
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[21:18] Orca Hellaxis says, "I suppose you loved their mother too then. It truly has become a habit, hasn't it? You told me you were proud of your sons because they each went their own way. And that hasn't changed, Dun."
[21:18] Dun Task says, "Oh I couldn't have given less of a damn about Kaida."
[21:18] Dun Task says, "She was useless, and wanted to make my sons useless. But Rinn was my daughter, and you stain her memory with the filth and bile that leaves your depraved, degenerate mouth."
[21:19] Artemis arrives, crunching through snow to see- and hear- and absolute clusterfuck. Her ears can't seem to decide if they want to be lifted and alert, or lay flat against her skull.

She is completely, utterly gobsmacked. There's a lot in this very small area to process.
(Artemis Task)
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[21:20] Orca Hellaxis says, "I did not know you could feel something like that too. Love, that is. We both know you are the greatest liar of them all.. But you won't fool anyone this time, Dun."
[21:21] Raeliana stood there; never once had she taken her eyes off the battle and yet the near conclusion does have her wince, a low frown on her lips.

It's only as Orca steps up, to try and convince Yndis to stay out of it does the High Priestess speak.

"You should stand down." She said now. She had not involved herself in matters within the past, but here and now? No. "This is between the Task family... Not you." She said. It wasn't overly cold, just spoken matter of factly.

"Get back amongst the rabble."
(Raeliana)
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[21:21] A bloody battle between the two Task. Watching as fist drove into each others guts and that amazing drill was pulled and swiped cleaving through the vines that came in Valero's way.

She never liked this the duels to the death it was painful to see as in the end she just wanted people to make up in their own ways. Pachua who was one of her own best friends died to the hands of the man before her eyes. Mental frustration blooms throughout her mind and yet with that the death of Valero was there a booming wave of energy that sent a hole straight through his body as he met his end.

Another one.

And so Hades steps out to challenge Revan right there and then. He was no coward as he steps out onto the snowy fields now tainted bloody red. Today was going to be one of those days it seemed. Lightly she steps forward only once hearing the words of Dun.

Eyes beaming toward Orca who was there she tilts her head to the side ever so slightly seeing her moving out onto the fields as well.

Starburn at her side as she strides along as well the woman wasn't going to let anyone interrupt this.

Deep down inside herself she wanted to see this happen herself.. these two fight it out wanting to see if Hades could truly do it. For Pachua maybe.. it felt right... But at the same time she was unsure.

"I can't allow you to interrupt this Orca..."

The blade blooms with Astral cosmic energies leaking from the blade. There was going to be more than just two fights going on here right here and now. A sadden visage was most definitely visible on Ynydis. It was her family that mattered most and Revan.

She could only hope that the rest of the crowd remained where they were so that others didn't have to step in she didn't want to deal with more than one person at this very moment which would be very troublesome in her eyes. To get the job done it's what she needed to do.

He was responsible? She came to pause for a moment almost hesitating..

"The last time we spoke about Mihalis you never told me that till now... why hold supposable truth in now?"

She still moves forward.

"I'm sorry... I can't allow you to do this."

She made herself clear.

Dun loved Rinn till the very end and she knew that very well. There was no way that was the truth.. she refused to believe it.
(Ynydis Queen)
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[21:21] Urist Silverbane asks, "... Y'do realize Dun's 'ad Mihalis on a feckin' kill list f'years aye?"
[21:22] Dun was actually dribbling bile from rage at the sentiment.
(Dun Task)
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[21:24] Valero's body would crumple before him, and while he was thankful for his life, a part of him still cared for his blood. Looking at the lifeless body of the redhead that he had held such high expectations of, it felt as if his heart was gripped. Yet Revan couldn't grieve for a moment as the other occultists would stir to action.

Such was their strength, to turn negative emotions to power, so Revan would have to steel himself as it seemed he was not done fighting yet. Hades would congratulate him, immediately wanting to double up the ante.

"Mmh, I was hoping to talk with you after this.. But I suspected we would have to fight eventually.. Better here and now than putting it off. I hope you have Father's gauntlet, as well. I haven't forgotten about it, and I intend to finish it."

A golden glance would be cast to Orca as she stepped forward telling him to step down, a quick shake of his head given. "I'm sorry, but Garljin watches me now, I have been challenged and I will not avoid it. So.. Square up, brother."
(Revan orn Apotychia)
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[21:30] {Won Dangerous RPB against Hades Task}
[21:30] ** Revan orn Apotychia has inflicted an injury upon Hades Task. ("Permanent Injury", "Permanent Injury", "Permanent", "Severity: MODERATE (-10 Vit)") **
[21:30] Orca Hellaxis says, "...One too many."
[21:36] David watched as the two brothers dueled, a clash of siblings doomed to end in death. This was all so much in so little time. He'd witnessed the death of Pachua and now, watched at Valero's lifeless body drop in the snow. His eyes could not be taken away from the gruesome scene. Clenching his fist, not in anger, but holding in his empathy for what he believed was a wretched person. He couldn't shake the thought of Valero just been a broken soul that needed a nudge in the right direction.

Watching as the crowd grew and suspense thickened, he could only sit by an watch as things unfolded. His eyes were fixed on the events and nothing else, he wouldn't know who'd come to join the crowd.

"What a broken family this is." he'd think to himself as his eyes grew heavy from exhaustion as he ran so many scenarios of how this could possibly end.

Another of the family pushing his weight around attempted to join the fight and again, all David could do is watch as the fight began to conclude. He didn't want to see more death. He hoped no one else needed to die but he knew this wouldn't be the last time he'd witness death in this world.
(David Kaneko)
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[21:40] Ironic.

All throughout their lives Valero had always bested his brother. Time, after time he was the victor. Yet when it matters most, Valero had failed. This wasn't the first time this had occurred.

Whenever it mattered the most.

He had failed.

He had missed his opportunity to say how he truly felt to the first woman he had ever loved, Nephis. He had failed in telling Astrid how he felt too. Valero had failed to keep most of his friend group all around. One by one they began to disappear.

This was his time to join them was it not?

But he wouldn't be going alone.

No, the one constant in his life, his best friend, his partner in crime, and... By all the gods out there, there wasn't a word to properly describe his bond with Hades.

Even in death the brothers Task would be together.

Yet, mere moments before Revan would strike the finishing blow upon him. A brief moment where one might've expected words, or anything of the sorts. Nothing is said.

The Overlord remains silent in defeat.

Even as a energy magic tore into his body, leaving a gaping wound in his body, he felt nothing. Where he once saw light, all he could truly see was darkness now, as he slipped away into nothingness.

Yet, there was a single hand guiding him towards the afterlife. A hand that belonged to a familiar face from his youth. The one man who had disappeared years ago, leaving a whole in ever member of the Culdesace.

Pascal was waiting for him.

"I can't believe it." If the specter could have shed tears he would have. "I missed you so fucking much, bro."
(Fin.)
(Valero Task)
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[21:41] {Item} You picked up Dun's Heart. Dropped by Valero Task..
[21:41] {Item} You picked up Groovy Shirt. Dropped by Valero Task..
[21:41] {Item} You picked up Corrupted Core. Dropped by Valero Task..
[21:41] {Item} You picked up Barnsburg Mecha Steel x4. Dropped by Valero Task.
[21:41] {Item} You picked up Gravewalker Arm Cannon. Dropped by Valero Task..
[21:41] {Item} You picked up Be On The Lookout.. Dropped by Valero Task..
[21:41] {Item} You picked up To The Leader Of Theria.. Dropped by Valero Task..
[21:41] {Item} You picked up Ring Of Power. Dropped by Valero Task..
[21:41] {Item} You picked up Black Cat Egg. Dropped by Valero Task..
[21:41] {Item} You picked up Sunglsses. Dropped by Valero Task..
[21:41] {Item} You picked up Eyepatch. Dropped by Valero Task..
[21:49] As the duel went on, the ever observant Urist would watch. His soul joined with the stone of the mountain, allowing him an impassivity that most lacked. In fact it was hard to tell if he was even breathing at times, or at least it would be were it not for the voluminous beard.

"Th'funny thin' S'this S'all jus' a repeat act."

Though despite his words, the Dwarf's face didn't shift from it's stony distaste. He might say it's funny, but he certainly didn't seem to think so.
(Urist Silverbane)
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[21:57] This match would go off with a gunshot just like the last, yet this time Hades would point his gun at Revan rather than the air. Quickly slamming his palm into the ground, a large oak would grow to guard him. Energy, darkness, raw occult, all of it would rip and rend into tree.

Eventually dashing out, the brawler would have to be erratic with his movements at Hades would point the railgun at him. Having witness the entire making of it, he knew how the Task would be able to augment the timing of his shots. The son who had studied Dun's techniques closes would fall back on the skill his father had taught him, seeing through The Gentle, Killing Fist of Id.

The Apotychia would be able to bob and weave through the rays that would decay anything they touched, and just as the Fireblooded would dive into striking range of his favored brother, Hades would set the gun to full auto.

Unleashing a volley of round point blank, Revan would have no other defense that to expel all of his mana out from him, his own cyan fire catching the bullets to bend in mid air as they riddled the marksman's own body.

Like Urist said, a repeat act.

Even in victory, Revan's face would be sullen with grief, looking over the bodies of his two brothers he once swore to protect more than anything in the world. His own nightmare that was forced upon him by Dani would now become a reality, and he was his own monster.

Yet, he had people depending on him, work to be done.

Revan would then look to the crowd that had amassed, and his father that witness it all.

"So old man, are you going to die with your boots on?"
(Revan orn Apotychia)
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[22:06] For Valero. For the Task legacy.

Even with a win already on Revan's plate, Hades would not take it easy on his brother. The battle begins with storm of occultic-chronomanced fury crashing against the nature magi's summoned constructs. Waves of energy and shadowmany also feed into the mix, peeling away at Revan's armor and soul.

But in return, the might of the unarmed warrior seemed to be more than enough to contend and overpower at various points. They had all grown into fine warriors - but Revan was the strongest. That much was certain. Rather, it becomes certain once Hades prepared an arrogant taunt during one of their heated exchanges.

And it is not until the arrogance is knocked out of Hades' mouth that he realizes just how awful this timeline had been.

Thane. Spencer. Bea. Nyssa. Ulyssa. Nephele. The little kid that wanted to become an ultra butler to the Task family.

All futures that had been swallowed by the insatiable vacuum within the occultist's heart. People he cared for immensely, but ultimately led to... nothing. No notable accomplishments. No lasting innovations.

The Culdesac failed, and it was entirely his fault.

Every waking day he set out to accomplish something bigger than mankind. That transcended emotions and the 'trivial' occurences that man went through. But in that pursuit, Hades Task forgot what it meant to actually be, well, human.

A vine strikes across his chest, shredding through what remained of the skin-tight armor on his frame. A wince follows, but louder than the internal scream in his head is the playful laughter of a familiar voice.

With one eye swollen shut due to the blood pouring from it, he looks across the snowy battlefield to see one of the few that reminded him how to feel. How to care. The image is plain as day.

[reference: https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/711325956736024647/712875463336525934/ab6cd5bddb5dcf8c6aff08c0f7933da3.png]

"Pascal. So you were watching all along, huh?" There were very few that he loved as much as the cage-hat wearing mystery man. Not even Sirona compared.. and she carried his child to term. A bloodied smile forms across the riftmancer's face as he leaps back into battle, clashing with Revan once again to no avail.

"You were right, weren't ya? A guy can't just pursue the mysteries of man without a backup plan for when it reaches out to consume him, Revan. Maybe y'weren't so dumb after all--" And then comes the barrage of his own bullets, repelled by the energy magic that Revan had mastered.

Littering Hades' body full of holes large enough to see through.

A trembling hand reaches into his pocket and a lone cigarette is brought up to his lips somehow, bent and broken already. Shit, Hades didn't even smoke.

But he takes a few defiant steps forward regardless, understanding that win or lose, this was still a time to shine. Just like Dun had wanted them all to.

With his eyes looking up to the snowy clouds above, he spurts out a stream of blood from his mouth and utters a few final words.

"Just like you wanted, huh Pops? Kehah-"

And he stumbles forward, final footsteps placing him near the slain frame of Valero.

"Bang."
(Fin.)
(Hades Task)
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[22:09] Dun would calmly tug upon his pipe as a finger traced over the black veins that adorned his neck. The snuffing out of Hades and Valero's lifeforce was directly apparent to the Task, and each was a wound upon his already ravaged heart that he would not come back from.

Yet another extra bit of suffering to add with his dinner plate.

Valero, his frenetic chaos incarnate. Hades, his wit. His sons. His precious sons...

The last words of his sons, the twin snakes, wracked through him with visible agony, the blackened veins that adorned his body bulging idly with irritation.

Yet, he seemed to only stand quietly for a time as the two perished, Task blood staining the ground in a pool that left the scent of crimson ichor heavy in the air. His head felt woozy, swimming for a moment as he took a long, deep breathe before steeling his heart once more.

He could survive a bit longer. Just a bit.

"I already planned to long before any of this. But not as you expect, I suppose. The fight has left me, all that remains is a resolve to finish what I started."

The elder would nod slowly, coughing up a bit of black bile into his sleeve.

"You will have your corpse soon enough, I offer no contest to your claim Revan orn Task. Even now, after all this, I will still give my life for Theria's growth."

Dun appeared to sound cold, resolved. As if the light had left him at last, leaving only a ravaged man with the shadow of Azrael upon him.
(Dun Task)
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[22:12] Raeliana was silent, watching not only Valero's own life be extinguished in the quest to prove who was right and who wasn't... But Hades as well.

The High Priestess felt the ground under her two feet shift and move, and yet she did not collapse. Despite her words earlier to those who asked -- Who do you prefer to win? -- she had consistently answered that she did not care, for a Dragon did not concern itself with the lives of mortal men...

Yet this?

To watch it happen in front of her leaves her with a vile distaste at the back of her throat, bile rising before she shakes her head.

"There shall be no further death today." She said, eyes thinning to mere slits as her gaze settled upon Revan. "You have taken enough; it's as he says you shall have a body soon enough. Don't get greedy." She said, her form moving between Dun and Revan at last.

"That's my job."
(Raeliana)
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[22:16] Lilith would only watch the multiple fights, gritting her teeth as she would offer no comment to anything that was made. Seeing Revan have to go on this honour duel, first killing Valero, then killing Hades. It was really a mind blower for her. She's seen Revan grow from his teen self into a proud and strong adult.

She would be terrified of course, on the edge of her seat when watching the fights happen. Though, she would be happy as she saw her husband win, yet she would continue to feel a sort of guilt rise up from seeing the brothers die. Seeing them fall one by one, only imagining what Revan was feeling during this time.

Did it really have to end this way?

Though, she knew about the nuances around the Task family. Being constantly told by Revan what they were doing, what immoral things they did. Ever since Valero first blasted Revan with Occult energy, and ever since they did the Axolotl mission for Hades. She never would have thought to see them die in front of her... Not like this.

Because Revan did talk about his brothers well... He told her about the constant things they would do together. Telling her of his insecurities of being a terrible brother. Yet, she would help him through it as best as she can.

Yet it still lead to this

"There... Really is too much pain in this world..."
(Lilith Hellaxis)
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[22:16] Watching all this happen, Urist would finally let out a laugh, the bouncing tones deep and utterly without Mirth.

"I would ask yeh Revan, wha' exactly was Y'plan? Did Y'nae realize Y'father was dyin' Perhaps Y'havenae realized he's incredibly old?"

Those grey eyes boring into Revan. "Wha' was Y'goal N'all O'this? Wha' was Th'point?"
(Urist Silverbane)
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[22:19] It had only felt right to come see the outcome. Either way, it was the death of family. Or once family.

It wasn't shared blood she watched stain the ground, but nonetheless she watches the corpses of her family fall to the snow. One. After the other.

Artemis prided herself on poise, on bearing, on a carefully crafted surface that was kept refined and dignified. It has no footing here upon the icy shelf. It crumbles and breaks like the face of a melting glacier.

She might not have shared the same bond the Task brothers had for each other, but, damnit that was her family. They and the icy city of Theria were all she's known for so much of her life.

Vultures already go picking over corpses like carrion, the irony lost on the Hyene in this moment of shock and desperation. Her father's words only compound it.

"No...NO! You can't just roll over like this He just...He just murdered them!" she howls, still stepping forward across fresh snow.

"You're going to give in!? Just like that!?"
(Artemis Task)
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[22:22] Dun would merely shake his head to Artemis, hollowed.
(Dun Task)
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[22:22] Dun Task says, "It's done."
[22:22] Raeliana says, "... He's right, Artemis..."
[22:22] Artemis Task asks, "...You too, Raeliana?"
[22:22] Artemis Task asks, "You too?"
[22:22] Raeliana says, ".... I -"
[22:22] Orca Hellaxis says, "He is.. This time. Do not interfere."
[22:22] Raeliana says, "A dragon does not concern itself with the lives of mortal men."
[22:22] Artemis Task says, "..."
[22:23] David's eyes did not waver, he needed to watch the scenes unfold. He needed to grow as a man and see what was next for the Fireblood. His gaze was steady and his expression laid blank. He thought of how empty his life had always been and how removed from reality he was roaming between lands and swinging through the forest between civilization. Now, however, he was more involved than ever, seeing so much death and such a broken family slay each other.

As another body fell before Revan he didn't waver, even as the ground felt as if it were moving under his feet, he didn't waver. He didn't expect their deaths to have such an impact on him but they did. His mind was racing, and his eyes looked tired.

Raeliana's words shook him back into the scene as his mind had escaped his body in thoughts. I'm glad the bloodshed ends here. as his hand covered his mouth in awe of everything that happened.

David gaze finallyshifted back towards Revan, "It's finally done." his words almost seemed muttered and he didn't expect Revan to hear them but they escaped his mouth anyway. The unsettling scene had finally come to a close and he'd hoped he wouldn't need to go through this again.

With this being done, he'd hoped a new age for Theria, an age of prosperity would come about but that is yet to be seen at this point.
(David Kaneko)
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[22:23] Artemis Task says, "Don't feed me that crock."
[22:34] Hades words would echo in his mind, always had Revan tried to advise some caution to his brother's pursuits. Yet still he would get swept away in it all and lose himself, and now he would share the same fate as Valero.

Though he had turned and challenged Dun, he truthfully wanted it to end, the carnage, the bloodshed, the killing. However, it couldn't truly end until the man that started it all was dead. Ever since birth, they were pit to compete against one another, everything was a test of strength meant to pit them against each other.

Well finally the bandaged boy that was often left beaten was the last one standing. Though his father would deny his challenge, there would be no fight if no fire was present in both fighters.

Though it was with earning his name back he would squint his eyes. He was exiled to Myllenoris under a new name, now that what was taken from him was given back, he suddenly didn't know how to feelabout it. Though Raeliana would step forward and insist that there had been enough killing, to which he would nod, agreeing. Though it was with Urist's question that he would find some life within him to speak.

"What I plan to do? I plan to lead Theria, the Fireblooded will continue to grow and flourish, and we will reopen the factory to begin production immediately. I have some other projects in mind, but I will need to speak to some people."

A sharp inhale would come from him as he would try to process everything that just happened. Boy there was a lot to do.
(Revan orn Apotychia)
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[22:35] Urist Just shakes his head.
(Urist Silverbane)
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[22:35] Dun would merely nod slowly, living ash at this point. Smouldering only out of resolve to finish his project.
(Dun Task)
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[22:35] Dun Task says, "Yes. We will speak before I die."
[22:36] Revan orn Apotychia says, "Very well then."
[22:38] Orca Hellaxis says, "More than a century, and the most important thing wasn't learned.. Revan, it is time to go."
[22:40] Her jaw tightened, as Artemis voiced her displeasure. She wasn't that surprised by it and she should have expected it. Yet, the High Priestess does eventually turn to the youngest Task, eyeing her.

There's a sadness in her gaze that was typically lacking.

"They're already gone, Artemis. What would you have me do?" She asked, a clawed hand pointing to the solo brother left standing amongst their former trio. "Run against him myself and die for absolutely nothing?" She asked, her head tilting curiously.

"Or I could continue to live and ensure Theria is taken care of."

After all, someone had to - right? Her gaze drifted back to Revan now.

"And what of Barsburg? Do you welcome them with open arms, Revan, or will we fight?"
(Raeliana)
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[22:40] Dun would walk off into the snowdrift like a shambling corpse. He had a job to do.
(Dun Task)
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[22:43] Black eyes had watched it all quietly from the trees. She had remained just out of sight, far enough away not to cause the two brothers she'd grown up with any pain as they faced off in what she figured would be their final fights.

It hurt to lose people she cared for, but Bea hadn't ever been one for sentimentality or much else. She was an odd person for sure.

Through the snow and across the ice and away from the crowd, she approached the helmed, final Task brother. With her hands deep in her pockets she simply asked,

"..the cat.. I saw you pick her up." An upside down frown smirk made it's way onto her face. "Think you can hand her over to me to care for?"

No animosity.
No anger or hate.

Bea wanted the cat so she could keep some piece of that past with her.
(Bea Zhichuan)
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[22:45] Her heart can sink no lower in her ribcage. They are gone. For all their boons and banes, they are gone. Their souls departed, their bodies cold.

Yet she sees no rationale.

"I'd have you all not be damned cowards!" she snarls, in the throes of grief.


"If dragons don't care for mortal men, then why do they need their worship!? Why bother praising them at all? Just so we hope they can bless us with some of their 'divine will'!?" A fat lot of good that 'divine will' has done her here and now.

It is not smart. It is not calm nor is it tactful. Artemis is anything but in this moment.
(Artemis Task)
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[22:52] Standing silent in the fall out of what happened, Revan would listen as words were thrown back and forth, Raeliana talking Artemis down, though her tone causes some worry in the Renamed Task, though it would be something they would have to speak on later.

Instead, his attention would be pulled towards a beastkin he had not seen in well over a decade at least. His brows would furrow behind the helm, wondering what had brought her out of the woodworks.. Though when asked for Valero's black cat? He would simply drop it in her hands by the nape of it's neck.

"Deserves a home with someone that'll care for it."

His attention turning back to Raeliana and Artemis as they argue, Artemis filled with rage and grief, all of it completely justified. Finally he would move, and slowly his boots would fall in the snow until he walked up to adopted Task.

Looking deep into her eyes for a moment he would remain silent, then only if he would find himself fast enough would he pull Artemis in for a hug. She hated him, and he knew it, but she was the only other person in this world that could understand the pain he felt in this moment. Their brothers were dead, and it was all his fault.. And Revan would have to carry that for the rest of his life.

Perhaps with her sharp hearing, she might have heard a faint drip of water against the inside of his helm.
(Revan orn Apotychia)
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[22:52] {Item} You drop Black Cat Egg.
[23:02] There were a lot of places the Razuka could find a light chime to settle his mood upon. Whether it be the distant, rushing tones of the rain or the mellow metronome of the a sewer pipe dripping its last bit of water. Amongst the snow however? It was silent for him.

This wasn't a home for a family.

"... S'like praisin' Asena as a Razuka 'n' expectin' her ta accept ya as her child. They ain't gonna give ya much." Despite, of course, the very real blessings Beastkin and Drakanites alike held. Yet that was it wasn't it? Blessings. No grand hand to guide them along.

Just a reminder that they were considered but never listened to.

The crunch of snow under Revan's feet brings the alchemist's attention solely to them. Whilst the disgraced Task held freedom close he wouldn't allow for a simple embrace. One foot plants itself just before the Hyene to try and halt that path as his rifle is drawn and held at the ready.

Pachua's killer. Like any proper rat who stares upon a far larger cat his gaze narrows. "Fuck off," he'd spit out. This wasn't what family did - They didn't dance amongst crimson spilled from kin. "S'no pity here."
(Stavros)
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[23:03] There's a sigh that forces itself from between parted lips at Artemis' words.

"... I'm not a coward." She answered, blankly. Or perhaps she was? She shook her head in response to her own rhetorical silent question. "Or rather... I see no merit in rushing in." She said, fully turning to the youngest adopted Task, even as Revan moved to embrace her.

Whether or not she fought against that embrace the High Priestess of the Fireblood would speak regardless:

"A woman should be composed but deadly. Quiet, and calculating." She offered it in advice and nothing more, head canting to the side. "There's no use in pitching a fit here and now."
(Raeliana)
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[23:07] Bea held the cat in her arms. Ordinarily she wouldn't have shown any sign of emotion. She hadn't exactly cared for the creature, given she only took care of it to keep it away from Pascal for so long. It had been returned to Valero only when Bea had decided to retire and mainly reside within Theria's laboratory, but such a place grew too cold to be alone forever.

And now Esshar too had grown far, far too cold...

The way the Kitsune woman held the pet exuded some care and love for it, as much as she had withheld from the rest of the Culdesac throughout the years. The tragedy of being the last of anything is that by and by, there'd be none left at all.

Such was the case with their little group of friends.

She did not bid Revan a farewell.

She didn't go find Dun.

A small, "Real heavy, doc.." came from the departing Kitsune.

Bea regret not saying many things she should have said, but most of all she regret not fulfilling those dreams they had all once spoke so often about.

It wouldn't matter.

The next boat off of Esshar took her and the cat far, far away.

And while her past would be laden with this sadness and pain, her future hadn't been written yet. Bea's future was whatever she would make it,
so she'd make it a good one.
(Bea Zhichuan)
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[23:11] On any other day, Artemis would have agreed with Raeliana. Readily, even. They'd have been of one mind on that matter. Deadly, quiet, calculating. These are the things she was taught to be as a Task.

Yet, when one is in the thick of grief 'calm down' is seldom ever the trick to fix hysterics.

The Razuka- the confidant, the trusted, one of the few she could truly say she holds near- gets a hand to his shoulder as he stands in between them. It's given three squeezes in quick succession.

Though Stavros remains partway between them, a physical barrier, she takes one arm to return the embrace.

Or so it seems.

In that instant she does away with restraint. There is an instinct, one borne of rage. Where she might have turn it away, instead she bearhugs it. For all she's worth. The slight against her, not only here in the death of her brothers, but when she'd come to see him in Myllenoris still rings out in her mind.

She came to see him. To speak, to ask. Yet she wasn't greeted as a sister. Artemis had been greeted as a stranger.

The Hyene opens her jaws, looks for an opening between helmet and his suit of armor, and clamps down with her teeth. The Razuka, meanwhile, might just become part of a very unfortunate sandwich.
(Artemis Task)
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[23:16] The Drakanite would let it all happen. The grieving, the consolation- or rather the attempts of doing so, and the sweet attempts of relating with pain.

But there was one thing that struck her cord. The little girl's words. Words of an aspiring assassin. And while Orca didn't mind such in the slightest, things were different when those words were hinted at her family.

With the amber hues widening considerably, a hand would reach for her back, bringing out her sword and letting the tip sink into the ground between Revan and Raeliana. Her son would be able to handle the simple Rakuza. But that girl..

She'd grow up to be a danger.

"Let me teach you something, little one. An assassin doesn't simply point out their targets. There won't be a second Task who'll get poisoned."

"Besides, you have nowhere near of an idea how much resolve it took Revan. To repay his debts, to fulfil his duty. His Task of slaying his own kin. You do not know how it feels to kill a loved one. And if you're still planning to kill him, kneel and make this cleaner."

It seemed as if her gaze was growing more hateful by word. In fact, those words were born from hate. From grief and loss, from finding a family to protect and unyielding will to do so. Whatever the cost.

But, alas, Revan had just become a victim of his rabid sister, the Occultist clearly baffled, not knowing if she should actually step in. And she chose not to, simply pretending this never happened.
(Orca Hellaxis)
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[23:18] Orca Hellaxis says, "I assure you, his pain is far greater than yours."
[23:32] Though Raeliana would pose her ownconcerns to the Task, it was something that could be handled later. For now, he was more concerned about the little family he had left. Her friend would step in his way, pointing his rifle towards him, yet he would only be met with a glare.

"You better hope that shot ki-"

He couldn't quite finish his sentence as he felt the arms wrap around him, the embrace of his sister. He thought that perhaps in the moment they could try to comfort one another, to find some sort of solace in this tragic day.

Yet then he felt her teeth piece his flesh, even through the armor and the helm, Artemis would find just the juicy morsel of neck to sink her fangs into. There would be a short moment he tensed up, but as the blood would spill down his neck, he would relax.

Atonement.

It was not enough to make up for what he had done, but the physical pain he felt would distract him from the emotional loss he was dealing with. Even if she sought to bring harm to him, all he looked for was the simple embrace.

He may have been crestfallen when she first came to visit him in Myllenoris, yet he couldn't in good conscious drag her down with him, not with how he felt in that moment. Yet now he clung to her as she was all he had left to call his sibling. Eventually though he would rip her from him, letting her take a piece of him if she felt the need to take it.

"I'd like to talk at some point, Artemis, but you are free to do as you please."

Reaching for the bandages he was so apt to carry on him, he would bundle them up and press them against the wound.

"That's enough for now.. Let us rest and recover.. It is a new day tomorrow.. Let us make the most of it."
(Revan orn Apotychia)