Ikkaku - Tragedies and Sins (CoI) (5/20)

[00:01] The sound of construction can be heard as the masked man tends to the building of the tower. Sky blue eyes focus upon it, arcane power putting brick by brick the entire of the thing into place. There is a quiet humming until something breaks their concentration, turning to look towards Saturno. A gloved hand gives the blue haired man a wave until he's close enough to speak.

Saturno's love confession draws a blush from Ikkaku tender features, the a mild gasp breathing past their lips. "S-saturno-san"

"Why are you leaving?.."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[00:19] With the construction noises as his backdrop, Saturno would have something that'd suffocate the ever-bothering ringing in his ear. His look would be emotionless. Such a cold, calculating gaze would be uncharacteristic from him. Regardless, the purple hues would firmly fixate themselves on Ikkaku's light blue telescopes.

"I'm done here. I won't raise my kid in a state of siege. The raid earlier this week was a consequence of your reckless actions and policies." He stopped briefly and nearly stuttered when Amyas popped up in his line of thinking. "You people are too caught up in textbook and inhumane, script-like definitions of taboo. It's sending us onto certain doom. I won't follow you there, friend."

Still standing perfectly still, the occultist allowed the hammering noises to fill in the blank of words between himself and the Regent. Was he done?

Saturno awaited a response.
(Saturno Petramurum)
[00:25] The arcane movement came to a slow, as the sky blue eyes looked towards Saturno. No expression could be picked out among their body language except for the slight balling of gloved hands. For a moment they said nothing.. Then just gave a nod.

"Then go. I do not know where you intend to raise a kid, Agartha is not a place that has had peace on it long term. You could sail for the homelands if you wish, now that we do have ports. I will not pin you here if that is what you truly feel.

Actions have consequences, and if you want to leave and stop believing, then I won't stop you. But chaos, necromancy, rift.. These things hurt the world and can not be allowed to florish. I will continue to work against them, until I am gone or they are.

And when you hear of 'certain doom' being stopped and the fall of Aetherius.. I'll be right here for you to apologize to for your lack of faith."

The stones continued to build the watch tower, stack by stack.
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[00:50] Shaking his head at a slowed down pace, the blue-haired farmer held back the impulse of giggling awkwardly. It was exactly what he would've expected him to say... nearly word-by-word. He'd exhale.

"I'd very much like to debate with you politically, but I doubt I'm patient enough to work around what you have to say tenderly. I've heard those words about a hundred times since you started your campaign, but I've only seen ours die or leave the place because either they were against the terms and the means, or feared for their lives.

I had whole-hearted faith in ex-Regent Huzi's conversational approach, but due to antiquated 'macro cult-based' traditions it seemed too crazy for Ardent's guilty pleasure-like love for Sheng's imperialist model to adapt to the palette and coexist."

Not even touching upon the subject of restoring commercial relations with Sheng, Saturno squinted looking somewhat disgusted, as he acknowledged belief in his very own words like he rarely ever had before.

"Occult magic is not -that- much better than whatchu' mentioned. Even the initial drafts for your regime's policies regarding it were marginally more strict regarding it. To the point of contradicting your very own election, I'd argue. The backlash wasn't pretty, and it didn't go through in the end.

But tell me, how long will it be until it's flipped on it's head and occult magi are chased down like dogs?"

He took a deep breath and gazed at the watchtower. The Black Leviathan was now under Ardent too. How frustrating, there was nowhere to feel welcome anymore.

"-These things hurt the world- just like we hurt it by colonizing Agartha and syphooning it's resources to a suicidal degree. Take the dryad, Zyanya, as an example. How many times has she attempted to start reserves and keep an eye out for the world in the most literal sense possible? How many times have we listened...?

How come we condemn the Gehennan's practicing sacrifices, but then push forward kill-on-sight policies fueled by Krausite taboo paraphernalia; send our men to raid Crafthold and watch them die in the retaliation tactic?

I just can't agree with these things, Ikkaku. I have no faith in Ardent's current state of affairs, and I have reason to."
(Saturno Petramurum)
[00:59] There is a shake of Ikkaku's head.

"Ever since I started my campaign? What about Paladin? Or Ravan? Or Elizabeth? Or all the other members of Ardent who died under Geese, who were slaughtered by Zaruma and Tragedy? You say that you've only seen our's die since I started, but you neglect the deaths that happened before.

I don't agree with Geese's approach. Working with Demons that kill our people is corrupt. Pardoning Necromancers and allowing it to be taught is corrupt. Not cleansing sin mages is corrupt. All these things physically hurt the world around us. It is why there is so much suffering in the parts of the world that allow them.

And you are wrong. Occultic magic does not hurt the world around me, and please show me where in my drafts it mentioned occultists. Hint; It didn't. I said nothing about occultist, I am an occultist. People use words that a person doesn't even say."

There is a shake of Ikkaku's head, turning back to the watch tower that was being built.

"And you are wrong. Colonizing Agartha does not hurt the life stream. We should grow more plants. But it does not hurt fate and destiny.

And we disban sacrifice because we do not need to kill people without trial. And what kill on sight policies? Oscuri are banned and to be imprisoned. Extremists are banned and to be imprisoned. Accursed are to be captured and imprisoned. explain to me where I said 'kill things'.

You can't agree with what I never said."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[01:08]
{LOAD GAME}

[01:15] Saturno attempts to cut Amoxtli off.
(Saturno Petramurum)
[01:15] sees if he can catch her as well.
(Kayn Erudon)
[01:19] Kayn spotted someone else moving along the trail and narrowed his eyes.



Wasting not a second, he'd lob a massive fireball towards the man to cut off his path before sliding up behind him.

"Well well well..what do we have here? Another traveler from Crafthold eh? Honestly, you chose a terrible night to go out for a stroll.."
(Kayn Erudon)
[01:20] Pausing to watch the man approach him, Zoldak had no idea what was going on.

"Pardon me? I was just on my way to a tavern in the western plains... Do I know you?"
(Zoldak)
[01:20] Saturno took a deep breath, Ikkaku didn't seem to be quoting himself any longer. He'd instead be cueing in a looser way of coming across. The hellstorm magi didn't hesitate on his response.

"Paladin? Paladin walked into Gaiar Aetherius during war and was victim to the natural flow of things when one is being carried out. Which is exactly what you're advocating for at this very moment.

Ravan? What about Ravan? Not much is public about his death.

Elizabeth Sharp. Elizabeth died during your regime. Not much later, you acted on it as a reason and opened up a vortex of senseless aggression that only set Ardent back more military and pummeled it down socially. Morale is six feet under."

Chin up, he spoke with confidence:

"I never claimed people wouldn't die under Geese's regime. I clearly addressed the fact that you're acting in favour of them dying by walking into war with all of Agartha willingly.

Occultism is known to take a massive toll on one's mind. In nearly all scenarios, practitioners end up losing their sanity by the time they're out of their twenties. They're not an unrelated cause of chaos magic and sins. After all-..."

Speak of the devil. Amoxtli, the sin of gluttony. Saturno sighed heavily and threw a concerned look at Ikkaku. Their conversation would've had to wait.

The stinging buzz in his head would not leave the blue-haired magi alone. Where would he stand?
(Saturno Petramurum)
[01:22] Kayn shook his head.

"No, you don't. But..You're going to become real familiar with the inside of a prison cell real soon." he stated, an aura of fire swirling around his body.

"It'd be wise to just come along silently unless you want to lose a body-part also, just friendly advice."
(Kayn Erudon)
[01:23] Zoldak says, "Listen, I'm just a merchant. I do business in Ardent all the time."
[01:23] Zoldak says, "I was on my way to see if Tsing Tao needed any more ore."
[01:23] Zoldak says, "I'm not looking for any trouble."
[01:23] Kayn Erudon says, "<Is this.....RESISTANCE?>"
[01:24] Zoldak asks, "...Simple reasoning?"
[01:25] Kayn Erudon says, "Ah well..Under normal circumstances I'd just let you go."
[01:25] Kayn Erudon says, "BUT."
[01:25] Kayn Erudon says, "There's something that only you may be able to do for me.."
[01:25] Zoldak says, "Of course, I'd be happy to assist, ah, depending on the request."
[01:25] "Paladin went into Gaiar to attempt to save a child, that is what happened. Get your stories right. Ravan was killed, it happened in Little Mane by Zaruma, I've been told such. And I wasn't elected when Elizabeth died, that happened after. You seem to be unaware of exactly what has been happening.

If you would rather hold hands and befriend the murderers of them, fine, but I can not let that happen. Punishiment must come to those who do crimes, to those that hurt others." The masked man simply stated, their gaze suddenly turning towards a new arrival. Quickly they would move towards the woman, a growing sense of benevolence in the air.

"Amoxtli. Have you cleansed yourself of sin yet?" Even if she tried to run the blood in her veins would turn to ice for a brief moment, allowing Ikkaku to catch up.

"And occultism does take a massive toll, but a user does not have to fall.."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[01:26] Kayn Erudon says, "Simply put, your comrades in Crafthold attacked my home today and took a friend of mine prisoner.."
[01:26] Kayn Erudon says, "I'm going to need him back, one way or the other."
[01:30] Oh, no. Amoxtli had been storming through the plains, figure crouched and steps silences as she held the two-handed weapon in her hands, shaking from the force she put on it. Two things were blatantly clear: One, Amoxtli was very, very pissed off. Two, it was very likely she was on the hunt.

However, at the sound of construction, she attempted to turn back. A chill prompted her to turn around, levelling the weapon at Ikkaku's form with two simple words, laced with anger and terror.

"Fuck. Off."
(Amoxtli)
[01:31] Saturno Petramurum says, "...Amoxtli, it doesn't have to be this way."
[01:31] Amoxtli says, "He already blinded me, I ain't lettin' 'im finish me off."
[01:31] Saturno Petramurum asks, "He... did?"
[01:31] Amoxtli says, "Yes."
[01:31] Ikkaku Ukitake says, "We've fought before previously.. <currently is looking towards someone besides Amoxtli>"
[01:31] Saturno Petramurum says, "..."
[01:32] Saturno Petramurum says, "Lady Tragedy. Good evenin'."
[01:33] Cynthia throws a pokeball at tragedy.
(Cynthia E. Marlow)
[01:34] He looks away from the man as he sensed something in the distance..something coming in their direction. He turned around and as he squinted he'd notice small pointed horns atop a figure's head. Immediately his eyes widened and he'd dash towards them, using a combination of fire and wind magic to accelerate towards the woman.

Indeed, it was Tragedy.

Fireballs were lobbed before the delicate looking creature and he'd slide before her, an aura of darkened flames already surrounding him.

"Wow..To think that the woman herself would grace us with her presence.." he began, holding up a ball of fire in his palm.

"Tragedy..Come with me."
(Kayn Erudon)
[01:36] "Ehhh."

There she was, floating over to hang out in her new favourite tavern, when she was accosted by a powerful looking man. He certainly seemed to know her. Those crimson eyes looked upon him, narrowed for a second before she spoke.

".. who are you."

Gaze flicking over to Saturno, then taking in the entire scene, the woman pursed her lips.

"Are you people accusting my crafter companions. You already took her sight with your wretched magic. Picked a side, did you, Leviathan?"
(Tragedy)
[01:39] The sky blue eyes for a moment stared towards Amoxtli, a golden glowing beginning to come from the Regent before a shiver rand down their spine. Their gaze moved instead towards someone else, someone far more terrifying then the sin. A blue glow begins to radiate from Ikkaku as they moved towards the woman.

"You.."

They had never seen her before but the posters, and such made it quite clear who was in front of them. Spirits formed Ikkaku's side as their would be a slightly panicked exhale.

"Are Tragedy..

You killed Elizabeth..

Surrender to arrest."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[01:40] It was no surprise that she didn't know who he was, after all Kayn didn't make it a point to befriend Demons or anyone else from Crafthold or Aetherius really.

"I am Kayn Erudon. Ex sin of Wrath, master Occultist and Commander of the Fourfold army." he'd state simply, glancing back to the others as she questioned them. He knew little of how the Drakanite lost her sight, nor did he care for her really --a much bigger prize was floating before him.

Chuckling as Ikkaku approached her, he could already tell how this was going to go down.

"Well...So much for just speaking with her.."
(Kayn Erudon)
[01:42] Cynthia throws a masterball at tragedy.
(Cynthia E. Marlow)
[01:50] Things had become incredibly tense. Tragedy's question surely stirred up major doubt in the masked man. The stinging buzz would now grow sharper than ever.

Picked a side, did you, Leviathan?.> Her distorted voice would echo in the back of his skull with an unnerving, metallic, ringing quality to it. Giving up to the feeling, Saturno looked down.

"No. I haven't. The Black Leviathan's chosen to side with Ardent, however." He replied in a raspy, velvet-like timber. "I'm not a fan of the choice, therefore I'm leaving it."

Taking a deep breath and shifting his gaze back and forth between the blindfolded drakanite, the ex-sin of wrath and the Regent, the purple hues again settled on the Archon. He replied carelessly, trying to figure out where he stood on the matter.

"The tavern's been hogged. A shame."
(Saturno Petramurum)
[01:53] "A wise choice."

Landing gently on the grass, she looked over apathetically towards Ikkaku, who radiated so much arcane might. The womans lip curled instintively. How had all these people cropped up, after Caprise and Solem were killed? Like cockroaches, they refused to disappear.

"She threatened to kill all of demon kind, so I defended myself. I don't particularly have any regrets about the situation. But let's not pretend you could even catch me if I chose to leave. Amoxtli. Can you fight?"

Cocky as ever, she was bold enough to just weigh her chances before even deciding whether or not she should engage. As if everything was in her court.

Why wouldn't it be?
(Tragedy)
[01:55] Pulling a brass disc with a chain attached from his pocket, Zoldak pops open one of its sides with a flick of the wrist. On the inside is a white surface, covered in symbols. He nervously closes it and puts it away.

"W-well, looks like I'm going to be late for my meeting. Things just got a lot more complicated. I was really hoping we could have a civil discussion and be on our way... Ah... I suppose I'll be standing with you Lady Tragedy. Maybe I can block a hit or two with my body, I guess..."
(Zoldak)
[01:56] "--I can. But.. not all of 'em. Saturno I can take individually, but the other two overpower me, yah."

Amoxtli spoke rapidly, trying her best to keep her words concise. Ikkaku she had lost to twice; Kayn… she didn't want to know. Saturno? It'd been years, and she as confident in her potential victory. Still, she kept backing away, gun leveled in Ikkaku's direction only to be occasionally pointed at Saturno.

Fear.
(Amoxtli)
[01:57] Tragedy says, "Well. The two of us should be enough. Presuming your blindfold isn't crippling you."
[01:57] Tragedy says, "... plus Zoldak."
[01:57] Amoxtli says, "..I can hear movements."
[01:58] Zoldak says, "I want to say I won't let you down, but, you know."
[01:58] Tragedy says, "Please say your prayers to Kraus before the battle, not during or after."
[01:58] Cynthia E. Marlow says, "I just want to clarify right now, I'm not here to fight."
[01:58] Ikkaku Ukitake asks, "Cynthia, are you not going to assist?"
[02:00] Cynthia E. Marlow says, "Against Tragedy? I'm sorry but considering even my dad wasn't one to want to fight her and he was rash idiot."
[02:00] Saturno squinted at Amoxtli. "I am not your enemy."
(Saturno Petramurum)
[02:00] Kayn Erudon says, "...You have us with you.."
[02:00] Amoxtli says, "If yah side with Ardent, folk who've tried ta' kill me time 'nd time again, yah are."
[02:00] Saturno Petramurum says, "Haven't you heard? I don't answer to Ardent's military."
[02:01] Tragedy says, "Saturno is just trying to live his life. He need not be involved."
[02:02] Cynthia E. Marlow says, "I'm going to be honest, I'm pretty much just here because I have a house in Black Leviathan territory which I like to spend time at on occasion."
[02:02] Kayn Erudon says, "Okay, and Tragedy is in front of us now."
[02:03] The benevolent energy around Ikkaku would grow stronger as a trio of small spirits arrived at their side. Around them the sound died, even the wind would be lost as the blue eyes stared towards the murderer of Elizabeth. The glowing blue light would grow more intense as Ikkaku let out a small exhale.

"Those who do not wish to engage, leave now. Innocents will not be harmed. If you wish to raise your staff or blade and capture Tragedy, fight by my side now. If you wish to fight by Tragedy's side? Let us hope your aim is sharp.

Kayn. We are engaging. Now."

A whip of blood would fly forth towards the Archon, striking towards her.

"Surrender to arrest."

[[Ikkaku is aggressing]]
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[02:03] Cynthia E. Marlow says, "And last time I checked she was more than confident enough to take on an entire tavern of magi."
[02:04] Saturno Petramurum says, "Not the guy to talk about allegiances, but I'm fairly sure being with the fourfold AND the Leviathan is enough of a reason."
[02:06] Zoldak says, "Well, if it's just these two engaging, I suppose I'll just have to sit out as well."
[02:11] No further words were needed. The moment he saw Ikkaku engaging in combat he was ready. A gleaming white aura shone around his form and malevolent winds swirled around him as well.

The pressure he emitted was immense and it'd only increase as he grabbed his staff to rush towards the duo from Crafthold.

"Well, I was hoping to drag her off to fight alone, but I suppose this'll be a team effort now."

The aura of flames around him only exerted more heat by the second, so much so that it'd be nearly unbearable to the average person to stand close to him in this moment. The man was serious now, as this fight determines a lot of things moving forward into the future.

"For Elizabeth.."
(Kayn Erudon)
[02:12] At the word 'engaging,' Amoxtli's wings formed behind her. Hues of green and golden form in sharp featherings as wind kicked in around her.

Silence as she mained the gun at Ikkaku, the weapon charging up as she prepared to fire the initial volley. Eiphraem's words came back to her; thus, her focus went to less the sounds and more the air, relaying on something she was connected to in order to detect movement.

"Aight. I'll try ta' 'elp."
(Amoxtli)
[02:12] "Don't you think... this is a lonely place to die."

Her hand swept outwards in an instant, darkness flashing around her. It carved out the grass like a heavenly drill, shattering the dirt below her as she brought forth her power.

Shadows spun around her, hungry for battle.

How strong was Amoxtli? She certainly had an appetite for battle, and other things- but she was injured.

"No matter. Disappear."
(Tragedy)
[02:12] Tragedy whispers something.
[02:12] Tragedy whispers something.
[02:12] Amoxtli whispers something.
[02:13] Kayn Erudon whispers: [kite for your life..]
[02:20] Tragedy says, "keep kiting girl"
[02:20] ** Amoxtli has inflicted an injury upon Ikkaku Ukitake. ("Permanent Injury", "Permanent Injury", "Permanent", "Severity: MODERATE (-20 Vit)") **
[02:23]
{LOAD GAME}

[02:24] Nothing to worry about.

Was Amoxtli particularly strong? Well, no... and she seemed to be bad at targetting the correct person at the correct time. But she pulled through in the end.

Against the two most powerful magi of Ardent, Tragedy was hard pressed to compete. In an instant they were both on the brink of defeat, and she was stunned, unable to continue... there came Amoxtli. Saving the day.

Rising back to her feet, the Archon groaned and rubbed her head before looking over, extending her hand outwards to obliterate them in an instant if they decided not to flee.

"... how trite."


(Tragedy)
[02:29] Jago says, "Why has god abandon us."
[02:29] Cynthia E. Marlow says, "Well I'll be heading to my house now..."
[02:30] At some point during the battle, Zoldak slinked off into the shadows. The thing standing there the entire time was just a mirror image.
(Zoldak)
[02:34] The world was lost to tunnel vision.

Whirlwinds and other forces competed for control of the field, and Amoxtli struggled to focus. It was clear she was struggling, but with each given second she adapted to the battlefield and the situation. Frankly to say, exposure to new environments slowed the magi who'd taken far too many hits to the head, but as she let her hunger consume her she was able to dig her feet in and move.

First, Kayn. Something was sickening about the man, giving Amoxtli his dead location. It didn't take much for the holy magi to sense his occultic aura, the tainted presence irking her to the bone almost as much as Tragedy's Archon status shook her.

Volley after volley was aimed in his direction, before a particularly violent gunshot lands upon Kayn's shoulder, the holy magic piercing through him in a consuming manner. The injury would heal, and it wouldn't make moving his arm hard; just.. painful. It'd definitely leave a scar.

Finally, Ikkaku was left standing, both of them on the last whims of it all. Amoxtli lungs, getting uncomfortably close as she tossed her gun aside, drew the candy-cane colored knife that was the Candy Pain, and opened her mouth in an unnatural fashion.

Before he knew it, a rather mundane, but pain injury struck him. The glutton's teeth cut through his right knee like a warm knife through puddy, her dragger landing true on his upper right leg and slicing it halfway through, ruining the upper part of his leg as well. A free hand went to grab the remainder of the leg as she regained control of herself, shocked and stunned.

Holy shit. Wait, she had something to be concerned about--

"Lady Tragedy, are yah okay??"
(Amoxtli)
[02:42] It was probably one of the most intense fights the man has been involved with for a while. As soon as their battle began, all chaos broke loose. Tornadoes and typhoons swirled about the battlefield. Fire was spat about and reality itself became distorted as order fought against chaos.

The fight was amazing.

Both Ikkaku and Kayn fought in harmony, using one attack after the other to constantly keep their opponents on their toes. However, as the fight dragged on Tradegy's power began to shine. Even standing close to the woman gave off a sickly vibe and physically hurt the body over time. That, combined with Amoxtli's control over the winds made a good combination.

His cloak was torn off and his armor now had holes in it, exposing his flesh and with one misstep, a hole was shot clean through his shoulder...AGAIN.

Staggering back, he'd look over to Ikkaku who seemed to not be in the best condition as well. The air around the two became thickerand tainted with the occult as he prepared to take off with his ally.

"You win this time.."
(Kayn Erudon)
[02:49] A battle between Order and Chaos was always one of immense power. The benevolence under Ikkaku's control raged against the Archon, threads of the world attempting to provide comfort from their strikes, only to find itself failing. There would be the sound of gritting teeth as blood and sound surged beside dark flame, dark and time raged next to wind and sound.. But in the end..

Order was not enough to win the day. The bright blue light that surrounded Ikkaku's body began to fade, too much focus upon the Archon and not enough upon the gluttony sinner. A lunge was taken which Ikkaku barely had time to react to before feeling a knife cut through their leg. A grunt and a scream escaped the Regent, watching as it was ripped away under Amoxtli's hand..

Blood pooled upon the grasses beneath it for mere seconds.. And then the drops of blood would fly towards Amoxtli, a feeble attempt to take her attention elsewhere. The golden wings spread, lifting the Regent high into the air, panting and keeping too much blood form leaving their body with their magic.

"TRAGEDY.

THIS IS NOT OVER. ONE DAY I WILL DEFEAT YOU AND STOP YOUR CHAOS FROM SPREADING ACROSS THE LAND.. I.."

The golden wings begin to falter, and Ikkaku exhales. Their gaze turned to Kayn, giving a nod. And like that Ikkaku's body dissolves into a mist, fading from view, a mist heading back towards Ardent.
(Ikkaku Ukitake)