Christmas Cheer

[05:20:54] Treking through the swamps of Gehenna and traveling through the mountain path, Wen would bring Xuan to the place where Chiaki had told her Sachiko had been staying at.

Although she did find it odd that Sachiko of all people would build a shrine or home of any kind in Gehenna, she didn't have any other real proof saying other wise. So, to check in on things again at a later time, due to Xuan's request, she'd find her way back to the home and spot the woman in question.

"Xuan I think I saw her over by the Cliffside down a little bit. Lets check it out real quick before we do anything else."

Feeling unsure about purposely meeting her old friend these days, her heart would pick up a beat or two out of nervousness. Yet when she drew closer, her blood would run cold and the beating would feel as if it'd stop.

Clenching her fist, her body would seem as if it froze in place, out in the open, behind both Sachiko and...a figure which resembled Gorou.

"No...she wouldn't have...she is the head of our shrine! Even if she did love him, she of all people wouldn't stoop THAT low..."

A look of dread and confusion on her face, she'd seem as if her body had turned to stone. Blinking a few times, she'd feel nothing but stunned.
(Wen Gao)
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[05:28:32] The presence of guests is not missed, the Izhuran turning to face them with a patient, if unnerving smile and a firm grip upon his staff-- the very one Wen Gao had forged for him in the past, in fact. It would be immediately obvious that was no perfect revival.

Absent the usual aura of an undead, supplanting it is an omnipresent, bitter chill that Sachiko appeared to endure in standing so close; his missing eye had been replaced, two functional orbs that ought be grey softly glowing the same blue that gently shone through his thin chest covering.

Evidently, none of his armour nor his crescent pendant had been recovered.

"There is no end to visitors, is there?" He sounds every bit the way he had done in life, his gaze passing over Xuan Hao to settle upon the smaller blacksmith. "...So? I cannot say I had not been expecting either of you-- what is your intention?"

He as much as challenged them to oppose him, standing there openly in such a twisted mockery of life.

(Gorou Sasaki)
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[05:33:52] Visitors had been expected.

Jianghu ones, even. Sachiko had known it was coming, that they couldn't remain where they were without someone figuring it out. But... perhaps she'd hoped it wouldn't be the two that she'd named earlier- the ones she'd most feared.

But to say she was afraid wasn't right. At the footsteps that grew closer, at the distant voices that she recognized deep in her heart, Sachiko was not afraid to face them.

Despite what she'd done.

Gorou turned first- and Sachiko hesitated before she joined him, standing next to him. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she looked at them, but she let the icy chill of Gorou's aura wash over her, to keep her face still- emotionless.

It lasted about a moment.

The nine-tailed fox was unable to speak or move- unable to do much else but to slowly reach for Gorou's hand, holding it tightly in her's like she might never let go of it. And despite the emotions ravaging her thundering heart, she met both Wen and Hao's eyes with her own.

Her expression was pained, agonized- but there was no guilt within her gaze.

She was not ashamed, and she was not afraid as she stood next to the revived corpse of Gorou Sasaki.
(Sachiko Sasaki)
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[05:43:45] Only uncertainty passed through his mind as he followed Wen's guide. The information sounding awry, yet eyes saw more truth than words hard to offer.

A chill passed down Hao's spine as he saw the two individuals, one seeming all the familiar, the other a closer inspection; the closer he moved the more he felt a cold sweat developing, complimented by the chill of death, undead.

An old comrade - one he thought of as friend. His mind struck, wincing as his fingers press against his temples; a dream, a nightmare? He tried put it off, his mind continued to press, striking itself.

His lips drop down, his gaze shifting to the side as his callous facade continued to shatter. No guilt, his teeth gritted down, he continued wincing as the his brain continued dividing itself.

"You-" His lips shut instantly, eyes shifting slowly towards Gorou, trying to reminisce for mere second. "This-" He winced again, his fingers pressing deeper against his head.

Only two options persisted within his mind.

His eyes fell down, unable to look at the two. Crestfallen features drift across the grass. "Just- why..."
(Xuan Hao)
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[05:54:00] Disgusted.

There were many thoughts in her mind about what she sees before her, but that is the most prominent feeling she can make out.

Clenching her fist tighter, her body would feel cold to the touch for a moment, but it'd start to slowly change as her mind started putting things together.

Glaring at the two, she didn't hide the malice, the wretched churning in her stomach, and the clear anger she felt about this situation.

Body warming the air around her, a faint orange crack formed on her flesh. Taking a deep breath, her eyes would lock onto Sachiko. "What the heck were you thinking? You're not going against everything you were raised to believe, but also going against giving Gorou dignity in death..."

"Look at what has become of him...this isn't Gorou! That is a monster with his memories!"

Clenching her jaw, tears would form in hereyes. Wen had a love-hate relationship with Gorou, but they would never have wished this upon him or any of the people she had lost. This was too cruel and disrespectful to her.

Pointing her clenched fist at the pair, she didn't wish to be the one see this. Wen had hurt Sachiko enough to never want to get involved in their life, but here she was again.

"Step away from that thing."
(Wen Gao)
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[05:56:22] LOOC - Wen Gao: (now* not, not)
[06:04:11] With no imminent violence forthcoming, Xuan Hao's reaction is on the verge of earning a more gently worded response when the Kitsune's hostile outburst raised tensions. The icy revenant's lips form a scowl of displeasure, bright-blue eyes narrowing upon Wen Gao in particular.

"I assure you, I am Gorou Sasaki." He speaks firmly, brow furrowing as he voices his own piece on the matter. "Unchained by any Necromancer. Nor, any longer, by duty-- to a people that gave me none of the 'dignity' you suggest."

Anger rises in his voice, the cold strengthening as the abnormal physiology is yet fully capable of emotion.

"I have been informed. Traitors took power just as we were on the verge of total victory, betraying all us and rendering every sacrifice utterly meaningless."

He pauses, but a moment to lower his tone.

"...This lifeis my own, and Sachiko's. I no longer need choose between love and duty."

(Gorou Sasaki)
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[06:14:33] Of the two reactions, Xuan Hao's hurt more.

Her hand remained curled around his, despite the chill- frost coated her palm, her fingertips, but she didn't let go. She couldn't calm the frantic beating of her heart nor could she calm the sudden raging fire that burst in her chest, unable to keep herself calm.

Whatever despair was gone from her face, replaced by a righteous fury.

Whatever doubt Wen's words might have struck in her was immediately gone, thanks to Gorou's own response. Her heart twist further- her hand squeezing his.

"The only monster here is you, Wen Gao," she replied, her tone fire compared to Gorou's cold, "Look at him! He's perfect. The taint of Valmasian necromancy is absent. I--"

She breathed in unsteadily, like she couldn't take in enough air- and her gaze shot over to Hao, the first hints of guilt glittering in the depths of her eyes.

"--I did it. I used a spire shard."

Her gaze burned with something else entirely as it snapped back to Wen's, her teeth grit into a snarl.

"You said you would trade your life for his, didn't you Wen...? Well... do it. Here's your final chance to make me happy," her words were breathless, a fire burning in her eyes as she kept them on Wen.

And for all things considered... she seemed better than she'd been. The nine-tailed fox was no longer a shell of her former self, more lively than she'd been seen in months.
(Sachiko Sasaki)
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[06:30:13]
{LOAD GAME}

[06:30:40] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Was just about to ask)
[06:30:43] "Traitors..." His head sinks further, find it difficult to deny, from now he felt betrayed by many or...

As Wen spoke, his eyes slowly shift towards her, his lips pursing, still he tries to collect himself; his mind not wishing to believe. "It..." Nor could he deny her words.

His heart sinks within his chest, threatening to collapse, his agitation swelling with each passing word.

His mouth parts, shutting instantly as he continues hearing the insanity. He saw not an inch of perfection to his former comrade; only the opposite.

And to know the spire shard. "That- That wasn't the one I-" His eyes widen, panic taking his face as his features contort; difficult to hide hide his attempt at denial. "Not that one?" He takes a step back.

The weight of his mind and world piling down, informing that this was - "My fault..?" A hard swallow trails down his throat. Remaining frantic,grasping at straws. "You didn't betray that trust..?" His features fell back to the grass, hoping his thoughts were incorrect.

Hoping to not know further betrayal. He remains divided.
(Xuan Hao)
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[06:32:53] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Pulling up log, one sec)
[06:44:11] "Sachi, take a good hard look at him!"

While her fist was clenched tighter by the second, a small drip of orange, molten rock dripped to the ground.

"Perfect is FAR from what that is! Take a step away from it and tell me that it looks exactly like the man you loved. Tell me that isn't an abomination!"

Hearing Xuan fall down behind her, they'd reach for the scoff of his armor and yank him to his feet, showing her back for a moment to the two she was shouting at.

Holding Xuan's face close to her own, they'd thrust their arm back at them, pointing to Gorou.

"That thing is even more of a monster than a normal undead if it has a Spire Shard within it! You can feel how wrong it is in this air. Almost as if all the warmth of life was drained from this area around him and being sucked into his body to try and correct this wrong!"

Letting go of Xuan, her glare returned to Sachiko alone. "I loved you and would have given my life if you had asked for it again before...I saw this. All that is, is a doll you made to replace the real Gorou who died in Galeford. You don't think I wish to see him again? You don't think I want to see you act like your old self?"

"I relied too much on you in the past when I was hurting...and now you're doing EXACTLY what I did back then, but worse seeing how you brought him from the cycle and back into the body of the one you loved! Not only that, but you turned his remains into an abomination!"

"Look into those eyes! Look at his chest without anything covering it...tell me he is Gorou as he was..."
(Wen Gao)
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[06:52:50] "ENOUGH." He practically shouts as Wen's ramblings prove too agitating to endure. Gorou takes a solitary step forward in doing so, his hand parting from Sachiko's as to make a deliberate gesture. He jabs his forefinger firmly upon Wen Gao, first.

"Your words are as meaningless as your continued life. If you don't silence yourself, then I will be forced to do it for you." His arm falls gradually back to his side, briefly forming a rest as he glares upon the small Kitsune.

He musters what restraint he could yet, even as the bitter cold that gripped his form willed him otherwise as his gaze drifts toward Xuan; now a squint, the Izhuran's words are forced more level.

"...You, on the other hand, are free to speak. Ask away, then leave in peace. If you neither will accept us... then we both know what must be done, old friend."

(Gorou Sasaki)
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[06:53:08] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (fist* it's late..
[07:00:40] Wen's words did nothing but make the fur on her tails bristle, a low snarl dark in her throat. It didn't reach her heart, thawed though it was- and she had been about to interrupt the other kitsune herself before Gorou spoke, to put a stop to it.

...though he pulled his hand out of her grasp to do so, and she suddenly felt empty.

Her hand twitched at the empty air in front of them before it settled at her side, but she took a step forward as well- deliberate.

"I don't care for the words of a whore," she spoke flatly, not deigning to respond further- if it was because she truly didn't care or because Gorou no longer wanted to hear Wen talk, even Sachiko herself couldn't fully decide.

Either way- she let her gaze settle instead on Hao.

And an icy cold gripped her heart, a numb pain that she'd tried to dull herself to. Her teeth grit as she settled herself and her heart, reaching once more for Gorou's hand as it dropped to his side. She needed it- she needed to feel him, to know that what she'd done was right.

"You wanted to make me happy," her voice cracked on the words, her breathing frantic, "This is it, Hao! This is it... this is the only thing...."

She had to breathe in again- a shuddering breath that left her close to tears, barely restrained.

"Please leave. Just leave us, Hao!"
(Sachiko Sasaki)
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[07:10:37] Not one moment to rest.

Wen forced him to gaze at the sight of a corpse. No matter how he wished to look away, his gaze was fixed. Remorse suffusing the longer the his blue eyes stared at the ghostly shimmer of Gorou's own blue gaze.

He looks towards Wen reluctantly, wincing further as his mind was starting to conclude - only one choice.

His feet plant firmly against the grass, his lungs desperately gasp for air. A broken heart residing within his chest; his desires fading.

Wearily, he looks towards Gorou. You be hunted, you know that correct? There wouldn't be any moment for rest." His teeth grit. "And your body... Remaining that way." His head shook. "No- Is this honestly happiness..? The disgraces... I don't deny how our colony continues to however-"

He looks towards Sachiko, pondering a single thought. "Happiness..?" His face twists, he fixes himself towards Gorou once more. "Duty or love... Which would I chose?"
(Xuan Hao)
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[07:13:35] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Debating if I want to rp this round or let you three post again so Xuan can decide how he wishes to act.)
[07:13:50] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((up to you, though it's fairly late
[07:14:01] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (we could transition to white text until an action is taken
[07:14:17] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Yeah...tbh, I kind of want to put this off till we're all good to rp it again)
[07:14:28] LOOC - Wen Gao: (You can white it out for a bit if you want)
[07:14:36] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((i'd rather not postpone....
[07:14:39] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((white works
[07:14:54] Wen Gao exclaims, "This isn't happiness, this is desperation tied with clinging to the past!"
[07:15:16] Wen Gao says, "She defiled Gorou's body with a shard and who knows what else."
[07:15:26] Sachiko Sasaki says, "Desperate is fucking every woman you see because I don't return your disgusting affections."
[07:15:30] Sachiko Sasaki says, "This- this isn't like that. Not at all."
[07:15:56] Wen Gao says, "I didn't fuck -every woman- I saw. And I certainly didn't do it because of you."
[07:16:20] Gorou Sasaki says, "...I am well aware of what all this will entail, Xuan Hao."
[07:16:29] Gorou Sasaki says, "Yet I chose to remain anyway."
[07:16:44] Wen Gao says, "This is sick and disgusting."
[07:16:54] Sachiko Sasaki says, "You have no room to talk. Shut the fuck up, Wen Gao."
[07:17:00] Xuan Hao asks, "In death- before this... What were your feelings?"
[07:17:10] Wen Gao says, "Sachiko, I'm sorry, but go fuck yourself."
[07:17:20] Gorou Sasaki asks, "Before everything...?"
[07:17:43] Xuan Hao says, "At the void, the end... Afterlife."
[07:18:17] Gorou Sasaki says, "...I cannot remember. There certainly was no bliss in passing."
[07:18:41] Wen Gao says, "My feelings ruined everything we had friendship wise...this...<shakes head>"
[07:18:52] Xuan Hao asks, "Would you have honestly desired this?"
[07:19:26] Gorou Sasaki asks, "This is my only choice. If I were a pawn at the feet of some Necromancer...?"
[07:19:32] Gorou Sasaki says, "Then no. This-- is different."
[07:19:44] Wen Gao says, "This is worse..."
[07:19:50] Gorou Sasaki asks, "How could it possibly be!?"
[07:20:02] Wen Gao exclaims, "Look at yourself and the area around you!"
[07:20:09] Sachiko Sasaki says, "It's better! He's unbound, he's not tainted...."
[07:20:16] Gorou Sasaki says, "A temporary problem."
[07:20:35] Wen Gao says, "He is tainted by your obsession with him! This chilled aura about him is a new form of taint you created."
[07:21:13] Xuan Hao asks, "Then last... Your feelings at death?"
[07:21:50] Gorou 's brow furrowed, a silence as his stare grows more intense.
(Gorou Sasaki)
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[07:22:01] Gorou Sasaki says, "...Regret for what could have been."
[07:22:08] Father Krausmas exclaims, "HO HO HO! MERRY KRAUSMAS!"
[07:22:09] Father Krausmas exclaims, "HO HO HO!"
[07:22:11] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((please stop
[07:22:15] Gorou Sasaki says, "What the f-"
[07:22:24] Wen Gao says, "..."
[07:22:40] {Item} You picked up Cocoa Pudding..
[07:22:44] {Item} You picked up Cocoa Pudding..
[07:22:46] {Item} You picked up Cocoa Pudding..
[07:22:48] Xuan eyes close.
(Xuan Hao)
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[07:22:59] LOOC - Wen Gao: (What a way to go)
[07:23:23] {Item} You picked up Santa Hat.Dropped by Father Krausmas. .
[07:23:46] Xuan Hao asks, "Ignoring that... What did you wish for Sachiko at that moment?"
[07:24:05] Gorou Sasaki says, "I was not given the opportunity to think at length, Xuan Hao."
[07:24:22] Xuan Hao asks, "Then now that you have- what would you have?"
[07:25:11] Gorou Sasaki says, "...I wish her happiness."
[07:34:16] To hear the words without his own thoughts- paused brought to his mind, his weary eyes remained closed as he feels his head clearing.

How assailed by the feelings that struck him; betrayal sinking into his mind, feeling the sense of nothingness except the answer.

No longer divided, his eyes open, remorse etched. "Then I can't." His eyes drift to Sachiko. "I can't believe this to be happiness, only an illusion of it. I failed... The both of you..." He takes a deep breath.

"I'm certain Nagi would feel the same." His left hand grasps his scabbard, stretching it forth, a new weapon he crafted; izhuran in design. "This was a blade I thought of for friendship so I don't lose myself." Eyes slowly examine the dark scabbard. "I know the answer." His right hand hovers over the hilt of the weapon.

"Old friend," His voice drifts low, listless and tired. "I don't have the luxury of thoughts between love and duty now. I only have the choice of regret, of accepting hatred. Death even..." He shakes for a moment.

"Then hate me, but the illusions must end. I'll accept both of your hatred... To now and to my grave."

His eyes close. "I was only given the ability to destroy and ruin... Then I'll do so now."
(Xuan Hao)
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[07:46:51] Taking her staff from her back, she'd firmly hold it in hand as the orange cracks on her skin became more visible and the heat would intensify.

There were a few things she wouldn't stand for and Necromancy of any kind, especially on people she considered friends, was appalling no matter the reason.

She wished to not harm Sachiko...but that likely wasn't going to be do-able knowing how strongly everyone felt about everything going on. The result of this...despite the happy holiday this was supposed to be, was going to be filled with sorrow on both sides most likely.

"Nagi would agree we are doing the right thing, Xuan. This isn't healthy, it isn't sane, it isn't right in the slightest. This by every definition is against what we stand for...
(Wen Gao)
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[07:46:57] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Game locked up for a bit there)









[07:53:57] Negotiations had failed.

The ex-Warden knew better than anyone the motivations of his former comrades and had not been holding out much hope. Even so, Gorou Sasaki was not about to go silently into the night; he was not quite as prepared as he could be, but his resolve is firm as his newly blue eyes gleam more intense as his staff is held two-handed within a bone-white grip.

"So be it." He speaks firm, a cold anger rising as he lifts his self-imposed restraints.

His chill grows all the more dreadful, as Occultism not shied away from as the living man had tried to do is made manifest-- terrible tendrils of shadow writhing viciously as an ill-wind picks up about him. His intentions were utterly deadly.

An answer to those of Hao and Wen both.

"Even if you are my people." He half-growls. "You will both perish, to ensure our future."

(Gorou Sasaki)
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[07:54:00] LOOC - Wen Gao: (You need 9 hats for your tails)
[07:55:44] Xuan Hao assumes the Ifrit stance!
[07:56:08] LOOC - Wen Gao: (brb)
[07:56:18] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (oh)
[07:56:24] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (i have to relog)
[07:56:35] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (passive bugs)
[07:57:07] Xuan Hao assumes the Ifrit stance!
[07:59:22] It was not an illusion.

Sachiko knew it wasn't- she could feel it in her heart, deep in her soul. She felt more alive than she had in months, and it didn't feel fake. She felt so alive she was bursting with it, with the fire that burned from inside of her.

But they would never be able to understand that.

Her tails flared behind her, a golden flame spinning around her in tendrils of light, glittering from the stars. She drew her spear and braced it in front of her, her shoulders heaving as her wine-red eyes burned from within.

"I will not let anyone take him from me again. Not even you," her voice was steel, resolute and as strong as the fire that burned the air around her.

She was stronger than she'd ever been- and she would fight.
(Sachiko Sasaki)
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[07:59:33] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((so...
[07:59:41] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((what sort of rolls do you guys want
[07:59:59] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (idk)
[08:00:01] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (I guess Deadly is the only thing that makes sense, unless you want an extended story.
[08:00:14] Wen Gao joined the party!
[08:00:15] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((i'd prefer dangerous so kill rps can last longer than one post
[08:00:21] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((...if that happens
[08:00:32] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (yeah dangerous)
[08:00:53] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((so... dangerous, roll of 3?
[08:01:05] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (that's war settings
[08:01:08] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (sounds okay to me...
[08:01:10] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (alright)
[08:01:45] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Fine with me)
[08:01:59] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((ok who wants to send the rpb
[08:02:12] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (i guess i will)
[08:02:30] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (3 rounds right?)
[08:02:37] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (sounds good
[08:02:38] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((yeah
[08:02:40] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Yeah, 3 since its late)
[08:03:24] Xuan Hao assumes the Ifrit stance!
[08:04:20] {combat} Gorou Sasaki has been defeated by Xuan Hao! They're unable to continue fighting.
[08:04:49] {combat} Sachiko Sasaki has been defeated by Xuan Hao! They're unable to continue fighting.
[08:04:51] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (well that was a shitty laggy mess, she ran off into the cave...
[08:04:58] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((yeah
[08:04:59] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((can we redo
[08:05:00] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (yeah...)
[08:05:05] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((i'm going to block off the cave
[08:05:08] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (alright)
[08:05:13] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (let me...)
[08:05:16] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (kill this bush...)
[08:05:22] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((actually can we verb in the cave
[08:05:29] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (you'd have to use campfires
[08:05:29] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (omg...)
[08:05:34] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((there's more space...
[08:06:04] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (someone light the fires
[08:06:05] {combat} You have recieved 240 EXP from a party members kill.
[08:06:25] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((i don't have wood
[08:06:29] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (spawn it
[08:06:36] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Can you edit a wood you spawn in?)
[08:07:00] {combat} You killed a Babline! (+300 EXP)
[08:07:06] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (...fuck it I'll go cut
[08:07:29] chop
(Gorou Sasaki)
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[08:07:44] Wood
(Wen Gao)
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[08:07:56] Wen Gao used Cocoa Pudding
[08:07:57] {Item} You picked up Wood.Dropped by Wen Gao. .
[08:09:35] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (wait)
[08:09:37] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (i messed up
[08:09:39] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (hit cancel
[08:10:23] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (we can move a bit down)
[08:10:45] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (no more
[08:11:00] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (if it lags again we just deal I guess...
[08:11:05] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((yeah...
[08:11:13] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Yeah, no doors this time)
[08:12:00] {combat} Xuan Hao has been defeated by Gorou Sasaki! They're unable to continue fighting.
[08:12:12] {combat} Wen Gao has been defeated by Sachiko Sasaki! They're unable to continue fighting.
[08:12:48] Xuan Hao assumes the Ifrit stance!
[08:12:51] LOOC - Wen Gao: (All good?)
[08:12:58] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (yeah it was laggy but
[08:13:02] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((breathes
[08:13:08] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Cant really do much about it D:)
[08:13:49] {combat} Gorou Sasaki has been defeated by Xuan Hao! They're unable to continue fighting.
[08:14:10] {combat} Sachiko Sasaki has been defeated by Wen Gao! They're unable to continue fighting.
[08:14:16] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((fuuuck this lag
[08:14:31] LOOC - Wen Gao: (How many times did that fire wave hit on the wall?)
[08:16:10] {combat} Gorou Sasaki has been defeated by Xuan Hao! They're unable to continue fighting.
[08:16:10] {combat} Xuan Hao has been defeated by Gorou Sasaki! They're unable to continue fighting.
[08:17:52] {combat} Wen Gao has been defeated by Sachiko Sasaki! They're unable to continue fighting.
[08:17:59] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Misclicked...)
[08:18:01] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Oh well)
[08:18:02] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((oh my god
[08:18:05] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (get us all up pls
[08:18:13] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((let my hand stop shaking...
[08:18:28] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Ugh, that barrier killed me I hate it so much)
[08:18:50] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (sachi's got both injuries
[08:18:50] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Welp, sorry Xuan)
[08:19:01] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((damn... okay...
[08:19:25] ** Sachiko Sasaki has inflicted an injury upon Wen Gao. ("Sunburn", "A burn scar in the shape of a sunburst.", "Permanent", "Severity: MODERATE (-20 Vit)") **
[08:19:39] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Will be amazed if you dont kill us)
[08:19:40] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((should we take this bak outside
[08:19:46] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Doesnt matter much)
[08:19:49] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (we should unless we say it went here...
[08:19:55] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((let's go back out
[08:20:34] LOOC - Sachiko Sasaki: ((i guess i should post
[08:21:06] LOOC - Xuan Hao: (okay)
[08:22:37] LOOC - Gorou Sasaki: (I suppose I should prewrite
[08:23:21] LOOC - Wen Gao: (Asking so I can just drop my stuff, I deded?)
[08:26:38] {Item} You drop Ezmaran Permit (C/D/L) [Ho26WUVSbQ].
[08:26:40] {Item} You drop Wen Gao's Liscense To Kill.
[08:28:43] It was a fierce battle between magi- violent and deadly, with both sides refusing to hold back.

Sachiko had seen all partipants involved, but only in spars... this felt like a whole different level.

She felt like she was on a whole different level.

Golden flames burst from her like an inferno, sight set first on Hao- but she soon lost them in the frenzy of magic and fire. She would trust him- she would trust Gorou, she would let him fight Xuan Hao and she would let him win.

So that set her true target on Wen Gao.

They had never sparred- Wen had, once, offered such a thing... but Sachiko had never taken her up on it, for weak reasons that she never would have denied now. She was no longer that person who needed training... she was no longer weak.

Both kitsune, their magicks were similar- but while Sachiko pulled from the stars and from whatever golden light burned within her, Wen pulled from the earth and magma. It was more intense than anything Sachiko had ever faced before, but... she wasn't afraid. She met Wen Gao's flames head on with her overpowering fire, glittering golden with starlight.

With a final twist of her spear, she sent flames forward, crashing Wen Gao to the ground- but not for long.

Sachiko darted forward and grabbed the woman by her neck- sharp nails digging in, fire coating her palm and coating the other kitsune's neck in a similar fashion to how she had tried to kill her before.

"You were never my friend," her words were spit harshly, squeezing on the woman's windpipe, "You never wanted my happiness. You only wanted to use me for your own."

She paused- as though waiting for the woman to choke out her last words.
(Sachiko Sasaki)
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[08:38:32] Two Magi fighting one another tended to be chaotic enough. Twice that of considerable calibre had gathered, the chaotic melee that ensued a chaos of destructive magic and the swift blade of Xuan Hao. The undead set his focus upon the more deadly of the opposition, the swordsman.

It did not go so well.

His chill form did not move quite as he wished, numerous near-misses as a blade's edge lacerates his unliving form all over without managing a decisive blow. At every point, he would be thwarted by hastily conjured barriers and deflection of tendril and vicious, Omni-directional magic of ice and raw Occultism.

In the end, the ex-Warden is rescued by his unlikely ally.

Under the weight of many wounds that refused to bleed in excess, he falls on a knee-- just as his opponent's strength also appears to fail him. It fell to their respective partners, whom despite a close battle as well turned out a result of the Nine-tailed Fox's victory.

So it had been decided.

As Sachiko moved in for the kill, the Occultist found strength-- struggling to lift himself to a more upright posture, a loosened grip upon his staff tightening as the gaze of an undoubtedly inhuman creature meets with that of mortal man once more.

His pale lips curl, into a faint smirk.

"...You put up a worthy fight as ever, Xuan Hao." He commends him, putting on airs as his own magical aura had grown far weaker. Even so, a lazy tendril begin to reform from his back and wriggle through the air toward the blue-haired male.

"But you have lost. If you were more than a blade that brings ruin, as you say, I might allow you life." His gaze narrows, the Occult-infused water trailing its way to slowly slip its way about his neck. "...but you are not. I know that you would continue to pursue us no matter what happens. Speak your peace, former comrade-- I allow you only that, before you live on only in my strength."

(Gorou Sasaki)
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[08:54:55] The third, and last.

For the times fought the last he had with Gorou, the end met with failure as his blue blade, flames, nothing struck with enough force. His devotion, conviction? A spec before the two?

A blade of flame scorches his flesh, leaving a sun marked scar imprinted. He winces, finding himself stumbling, a foul moment to take harrowing strikes.

His body left bloodied as he takes fierce occultic winds and shards of ice cutting through flesh with ease. He's sent down, his body unable to hold itself, he winces in pain, his mind left with bafflement to his failures.

His gaze is lost, and low, unable to move as the tendril lazed its way towards his neck. He could think nothing of but how he failed in his duty. The tendril before his neck, allowed a final moment to speak peace?

"That's right... I lost..." He looks up to the night, his bounds grasping at him, not allowing any rebellion. "The happinessI sought for others. I failed it... And met judgement for my actions."

For all that he'd done, he was judged.

"Your conviction to this... I couldn't overcome it." His eyes slowly drift closed. If this is happiness that fate decided... So be it, I cannot argue. I cannot retort." His palms linger open, giving up completely as he lies on the ground to face fate.

"You win... I give up... Protect her, make her happy. I never had a right to object... and this is the consequence.. I'm a broken weapon now..."
(Xuan Hao)
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[08:57:25] Many emotions were being felt throughout this chaotic mess of a fight between old friends. However, the emotions that wasn't felt was the one they all sought after but never achieved.

Happiness and joy.

Tears forming in her eyes as they fought, flames were being thrown in every direction by practically everyone. Crushing rock, hissing water, clanging of blade of metals, and the screams of grief and anger.

These mountain tops were filled with such raw emotions and it was weighing heavily on the kitsunes who were going after each other in the end.

After a point, the pressure got to her, the fact she was fighting Sachiko, a person she never wished to harm. So...she broke down for a moment and huddled herself up inside of a barrier of molten rock, wishing for this day to end and the chance the nine-tailed would simply leave with Gorou.

Hearing the sound of a spear breaking through, she'd be pierced by the tip and the rock came crumbling down on top of her as holy flames of wrath burned her body. Screaming, in agony, her voice would be cut off when their throat was grasped tightly in a set of claws.

Now staring her ex-friend in the eyes, tears of pain and sorrow streamed down her cheeks as she found it hard to breathe. Reaching for the hands around her throat, they'd weakly try pulling them off.

Body battered, mind collapsing in on her, this was the most miserable day of her life. It wasn't going to be much longer though.

Working up the energy and the ability to speak. Pained, her voice would squeak out.

"If, that is really how you view our time together...I deserve to die...Even if you did, I still cared for you greatly. If I had simply kept my mouth shut all those years ago...none of this would have likely happened...But I was selfish..."

Sniffling in pain, a coughing fit, spitting up some blood came about, but she'd tried to continue speaking.

"P-please...at least let Xuan live...I was a horrible friend, despite trying to be a good one. The only joy I can have in dying...is that you're the one doing it."

"Please smile one last time?"

And those would be the last words she worked out as she'd continue have tears run down her cheeks.
(Wen Gao)
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It was perhaps more cruel than simply getting it done with, to leave a man facing imminent death time to think. Yet, Xuan Hao receives an odd look as he appears quite contented-- or rather resolved. Gorou Sasaki almost hesitates in that moment.

He didn't feel much triumphant for this.

"You did your duty." A small consolation.

Even so, the tendril coiled about his neck thickens and chokes as the Occultist channels his will to murder. To take a man's life, and with it his vitality. It's a slow, drawn out process as the strength of a living body is absorbed, siphoned off to first close the undead's wounded flesh and then more.

Colour begins to come to Gorou's skin over the course of it, the ex-Warden's sight never leaving the eyes of the swordsman as he tears away his essence for his own; as the man's consciousness likely began to fade,he might bear witness to a visage that almost appeared...

Human.

He stood upright once more, the only marks of battle yet being in clothing torn by blade and charred by wayward flame; the harsh chill aura was muted, as Xuan Hao was the one transformed too swiftly into a cold, pallid corpse of a man on the ground.

"...Sleep. Your time watching over those fools is also at an end."

His revitalised hues flash to Sachiko, whom was presumably finishing off Wen Gao.

Two of Jianghu's brightest stars had fallen.

(Gorou Sasaki)

This time, there was no one to save her.

And Sachiko could feel something in her shattering once more as her ears perked- as Gorou struggled to his feet to approach Hao, and she knew exactly what he intended to do. Wen's fingers scratched at Sachiko's hand, but nothing would stop her now.

She had more power than she knew what to do with, and there was no one to tell her to stop.

But... Wen looked at her, and she cried.

Her hand shook, despite her resolve- she added another hand to Wen's neck, her spear dropping to the grass beneath them. Her hands twist but didn't snap, fire licked at Wen's skin but not hot enough to scorch her like Sachiko had onced burned a prisoner.

"We can't," she spoke softly, "I meant what I said. No one will ever take him from me, ever again."

It was stalling, her words- and her wine-red eyes began to well up with tears despite herself. She grit her teeth and angrily tried to will them away, but staring at Wen's face- she could remember when she'd cried on her shoulder, when she'd depended on her, when she'd-

-she couldn't.

She was no longer that girl.

She never would be, again.

Sachiko breathed in a shuddering breath, and- and she smiled. It was a wan, sad smile- a melancholic expression that was tinged with despair as much as a lingering happiness. It wasn't an unfamiliar expression on Sachiko's face- it was something Wen might know quite well.

"I will miss our friendship," her voice was soft, hoarse, barely a whisper, "...Jiuweihu will take care of your soul."

With that, her hands crunched together- they twist and snapped, cracking Wen Gao's neck.

She let the body drop, her arms falling listlessly to her side after the deed was done. And she turned, slightly, to watch- to face Gorou and Hao with that samemelancholic-ridden smile, tears flooding freely from her eyes as she watched it happen, as she watched it fade from him....

"I'm sorry, Hao. I've found happiness, and I'm not letting go."
(Sachiko Sasaki)