A new mature man

Glasya's face suddenly contorted into a smile, her throne falling down and leaving her on the floor. Her tail quickly caught up beside her, acting as yet another vector for her to attack. Her aura suddenly flared as her eyes went dark. Not blind - but protecting themselves.

"I must say you are certainly a most potentially delectable meal. I promise to be ever so gentle in tasting you, darling~."

She was rusty of course, but she was confident that things would come into her favor. Besides, it wasn't like she was betting anything she wasn't willing to part with. The agreement was sealed, and so the outcome would decide things.

"I wish you the best of luck, pet!"

Even fighting, she showed a great deal of politeness uncommon in demons. In fact, it was basically unheard of! She was... strange in that sense, though perhaps for good reason.
(Glasya Labolas)
As they ended what was begin placed on the bet, Nochte covered his body again on occult flame, he would use the same arts as the demon would.

Still confident he grabbed his staff, pointing it towards Glasya, he was smiling, his confidence was just up to it, not expecting a loss to this demon, at this time.

"You know, when you're ready, but don't take too long, the one who have ilimited time here is you, I will die one day if I keep waiting."

Pointing the staff towards the creature, three spheres started to form, each containing the properties of one kind of magic Nochte used, time, lightning and occult.

Just standing still, he watched the creature steps, still in his mind the desire to taste the creature flesh, it was simply a stupid desire, but one he was having.
(Nochte)
Atla went to Atl looking for Nochte, he searched the streets and then went to the Arena, there he found Nochte in the center of the arena apparently ready to fight the Yokai that Atla had known earlier, Glasya.

He approached the entrance of the Arena, he wanted to settle his affairs with Nochte and finally take the weight off his back that bothers him so much.

"Wait!" He exclaimed.

"Glasya... let me fight him first, I'll show you some of the Keeper of Knowledge's power in this fight if you let me go first."

He knew of Yokai's interests and used it to his advantage to be able to fight Nochte first, it was simply something Atla had to do.
(Atla-Cuauhtli)
Nochte says, "Your choice Glasya..."
 Glasya turns her head towards Atla. An unexpected interruption.
(Glasya Labolas)
Nochte says, "Against him would take a moment...."
Nochte says, "But I really hate intruders..."
Glasya Labolas says, "It is Nochte's choice. The deal has been arranged. When we fight, the terms are drawn up."
Glasya Labolas says, "It is Nochte's choice. The deal has been arranged. When we fight, the terms are drawn up."
Nochte says, "Atla."
Nochte says, "We are betting here."
Nochte asks, "What do you offer on our fight?"
Glasya brings a hand to cover up her grin at that statement by Nochte. How impressive.
(Glasya Labolas)
Atla-Cuauhtli says, "I offer blood, it's gonna be a fight until someone gets a serious wound."
Nochte asks, "Your blood?"
 Nochte says, "There's not blood from someone..."
Nochte asks, "Decent?"
Atla-Cuauhtli says, "..."
Glasya Labolas says, "It is your choice, Nochte. You may either practice on Atla, but it will perhaps tire you for our battle afterwards."
Nochte says, "Let me handle him... and next I will take you."
 Nochte says, "Gotta give you a upperhand."
Glasya nods her head. She falls back from the arena towards a large brazier to warm herself up. It was perhaps a bit addicting.
(Glasya Labolas)
Ajax asks, "Mm whats going on here Glasya?"
Glasya Labolas says, "Mmmmnnn..."
Glasya Labolas says, "I made a bet with Nochte."
Glasya Labolas says, "Atla interrupted. He apparently really wishes to fight first..."
Glasya Labolas says, "I saw no reason why not to let him tire Nochte out since he agreed~"
Ajax asks, "Mm I see, and what is your bet with Nochte?"
Glasya Labolas says, "If I beat him, I get to take a sample of his mana."
 Glasya Labolas says, "... I'm mostly hungry."
Glasya Labolas says, "Also he takes my orders for a month."
He went to the center of the arena, his discomfort could not wait, everything he learned, his feelings, everything was so close, but Nochte still bothered him in his head, probably the worst person Atla knows, on his journey he refused help the Atla so many times, and yet he came to Atla for help, only to play the new chance in the trash.

The archer took the bow from his back, removed his cape and revealed the rune on his right shoulder again, energy began to flow through his body, the mana from the surroundings began to direct to Atla, being absorbed by the rune on his shoulder, to energy merged with his aura, becoming denser and stronger, but this time it was different, different from the times Nochte had seen.

Even though it was so dense its energy was still malleable and soft as the waves of the sea, the tone of its energy was also different, the turquoise blue resembled the sky itself.

The energy began to form in the form of a wing on his right shoulder, his shoulder began to become denser and stronger, he aimed his bow at Nochte, a small portion of the condensed energy of his Wing began to flow into his hand, forming a condensed and malleable arrow, that was what he had learned, the Mystic, but still he would demonstrate more in his fight.

"It's like I said, the fight is over when one of us gets a serious injury, now come."
(Atla-Cuauhtli)
Raoni sits on the chair and watches what was happening.
(Raoni Vzier)
Glasya taps her fingers against her skull. She wasn't expecting Atla to attempt to maim Nochte of all people. Especially when she was impressed by his skill and thinking. Oh well.
(Glasya Labolas)
It was simply annoying, he interrupted his bet, almost offering nothing only is blood, it wasn't really enough but he would take it, it would be fun for Nochte to put in on where he belonged.

With the same preparations as before, he watched as Atla was getting ready, a malicious smile appeared on the face of Nochte, he was simply excited now, until one get a serious injury?

"Eh... You're trying to prove yourself don't you...? Funny, but boy... you will only get humiliated on this arena, with the others watching."

Raising his staff towards him, Nochte started to concentrate, he just remembered each word that Xomac said to him, draw power from his hatred...

With his eyes closed he started to concentrate, remembering the war, his past, his hearth begin fueled by hate, the death of Saida, the desire for revenge, with those feelings guiding him the occult flame around him started to dance, in an aggressive way.

Opening his eyes again he looked deep in Atla eyes, the boy would be able to feel that in this time, it was a serious fight. He would not hold himself.

With a suddenly movement from his staff, the orbs started flying towards Atla, while his staff looked like it was begin charged.
(Nochte)
{combat} Atla-Cuauhtli has been defeated by Nochte! They're unable to continue fighting.
With the fight conitnuing, Nochte was just watching him, rewinding the wounds, and trying to adapt with his fighting style, ilusion was annoying but he could stand it.

But it wasn't easy to Nochte, not begin able to rewind everything nor dodge all the attacks, he was damaged, as much as his opponent he would say, but his confidence would speak louder.

A strange attitude from him, this time he would not stay quiet, still trying to fill himself with hatred, it wasn't enough, even with Xomac telling him that, it was still to weak.

Taking some distance from him, nochte stayed away, throwing a barrage of lightning at him, orbs flying the cobblestones shaking as they hit him.

"You really dare to challenge me Atla!? All you got...?"

Nochte started laughing loudly as they continued to clash, he was just having pleasure, the desire for his blood started to grow, he wanted to just hurt him...

A while his staf was charging, sparkles of lightning comming from it, as he tried to ready a way to finish it, with a decisive blow.

"Let's... just end it Atla... gave up, you're nothing..."
(Nochte)
A true battle. Such battles took place often. She stood on the utmost edge of the arena, her toes hovering a few inches into the intimate space. She made for a gloomy figure, shrouded in darkness and mystery. Her arms were concealed beneath her cloak, her spear slung over her back, and her gaze settled intently on the warriors before her.

Lacking context, she turned her eyes to the enormous snake. The demon seemed observant, if nothing else, having a penchant for watching and commenting. She hesitated for a moment, not wanting to miss too much of the battle. She was always interested in Nochte, someone she considered a peer.

"What's happening here, just a fight?"

It was a simple question, one that she perhaps knew the answer to already. Her eyes floated back to the warriors now. Their severity played on their expressions. Their body language conveyed more than a thousand words could. It was nothing unique, but she was enraptured nonetheless.
(Zyanya)
Glasya Labolas says, "Mmm... An interruption, too."
Glasya Labolas says, "I was intent on fighting Nochte as per our arrangement and bet... And Atla wished to fight first."
Glasya Labolas says, "Nochte agreed."
Zyanya says, "Hmm, knowledgeable demon."
Zyanya says, "Glad is on our side."
It seemed that this was not enough, it was not yet enough strength, but with every arrow he hit Nochte a little of the weight of his back was disappearing.

"Do not worry, just concentrate and let your mind go empty and relax." Renata was saying telepathically to Atla.

He took a deep breath, closed his eyes and then let the energy flow as it should, his learning of Mystic was just beginning, this time he will try to use ethereal plan in his favor, going to the ethereal plane to teleport for a few seconds was a risky thing already which he had never tried, but it had to be done.

"Your words have stopped reaching me for some time." His gaze reflected a much more mature man.
(Atla-Cuauhtli)
{combat} Atla-Cuauhtli has been defeated by Nochte! They're unable to continue fighting.
Glasya Labolas says, "... I for one like to make as few enemies as possible."
Zyanya says, "Can't blame."
Zyanya says, "Demon have no reason for sides."
Glasya Labolas says, "Mmm. Of course. If all else fails I can walk off into the wilds, fall asleep for a few decades, and most of the people who know me will be dead."

Not easy, not hard Nochte would think while he fought against him, it was simply another experience another fight, he continued to observe him, begin annoyed by his ilusion until he was done charging.

Nochte bleeding, the hit's from the boy bow where not easily to dodge, it was a strange way to fight indeed, but it wasn't enough to stop Nochte, he could rewind a decent part of the damage he was taking.

Seeing as exaustion came around Atla, he wasn't able to keep up against occult and lightning against him.

"I said... give up... why don't you do it...? What a shame..."

Again trying to provoke him, annoy him each time he could, he felt superior to him, like he always was a bad person with Atla.

While they continued, the spell he was charging with staff was almost done, a way to finish Atla, just giving a quick glance towards him, Nochte raised his staff, realeasing a huge burst of lightning on the arena, avoiding the one's watching, knocking Atla away from him.

Following with a huge blast of occult magic towards Atla, finishing him at this moment, Nochte walked towards him, he was tired, bleeding but in a better state than Atla.

"Tell me, how are you going to pay with your blood now..? Tell me, or other than weak, you're a man without a word huh?"
(Nochte)
Atla crossed the physical and ethereal plane a few times during the fight, trying to hit Nochte from unexpected points, but that was consuming him a lot because of Overload in his magic circuit caused by Keeper of Knowledge, maybe that was the reason.

His arrows had power, he could handle them easily now, but he simply could not keep them due to Overload, in the end he was outdone by Nochte, and again, as always, without missing an opportunity, he tried to bother Atla with words.

Panting and with some wounds he was quiet and went to the center of the arena, Nochte's words did not affect him more, although he lost that it served to Atla to take the weight in the back that felt, the corruption never change, the fight allowed to exchange information almost spiritually during their blows.

He took a small cup-like container and then drew runes on it, a small cut on his arm made a little blood trickle down, Atla caused blood to fall into the container, and then heactivated the runes, they manipulated the mana property in the blood of the recipient, causing the amount of blood to increase.

Atla then extended his arm.

"Take it, as I promised."
(Atla-Cuauhtli)
The battle reached the inevitable conclusion. One of them would come face to face with the consequences of war. She watched as a spectator, observing the melee with muted interest. The two of them possessed potential that could be expounded upon for years to come. They were resources--resources that weren't easily replaced.

She took a step into the arena, intruding upon their space. The rules of single combat were clear. It was a sacred ritual within their nation. If they decided to murder one another right before her eyes, there was nothing that she could do for them according to tradition. However, as someone with responsibility for their tribe, she felt she would be amiss if she remained completely silent on the matter.

"Maybe take arm after war," she suggested, her voice loud. It was sonorous, carrying throughout the cramped blood pit. "Can extract debt at another date. One arm warrior no good for us. Let them die in battle."

Her gaze was alive with intensity. She fixed it upon the occultist. Her words were phrased as a suggestion, but they were backed with the immortal currency that was power. For now, she was simply an audience member, but now she had a much larger picture to consider.
(Zyanya)
Annoyed, he was just feeling stupid about taking this fight, getting the blood of a weakling? It wasn't a worth prize, it wasn't anything.

Seeing Atla approaching him, trying to offer him his blood, without thinking or anything, as soon as Atla started speaking he just... threw on the ground the recipient.

"A blood of someone like you ain't worth it, I will get weaker if I drink something like that, someone that came here, took a fight that he knew he wasn't able to win... shame..."

Gazing at the people watching, again he approached Atla, a smile was on his face.

"You offer me only.. a sample of blood? I should take your arm Atla! But.."

He just started to smile more and more, the occult flame around him dancing, as he somethimes looked at the others watching.

"You will do one thing... Just one thing..."

Moving even closer to him, he put one hand on his shoulder, the occultflame moved throught it almost reaching Atla shoulder, stopping a little closer.

"Kneel to me."
(Nochte)
Glasya tries in vain to cover her face with a hand as she grins at that result. A show of humiliation and power. How -absolutely, positively- adorable. She chose good mortals to be good pets.
(Glasya Labolas)
Ajax watched Atla's attempt to retrieve his honor from Nochte, and it had failed. Not only that but Nochte seemed to take pride in making his opponent kneel. The thought of it disgusted Ajax as he let out a deep snarl.

"A warrior never kneels Atla. Even if you are not of Atl. Remember that. A warrior never kneels."
(Ajax)
Ajax watched Atla's attempt to retrieve his honor from Nochte, and it had failed. Not only that but Nochte seemed to take pride in making his opponent kneel. The thought of it disgusted Ajax as he let out a deep snarl.

"A warrior never kneels Atla. Even if you are not of Atl. Remember that. A warrior never kneels."
(Ajax)
Glasya Labolas says, "You know... for someone so self righteous, you really ought to grow some manners..."
Glasya Labolas says, "Interrupting a duel and everything... Hmph."
It was a horrible thing. Kneeling in their nation was the greatest sacrilege. Beneath her hood, the woman looked visibly disgusted. She struggled to keep her derision in her mouth. She took solace in knowing that the defeated was not of their tribe. Anger boiled within her, rising like bile in her stomach.

She shook her head. Immense shame flooded her mind. Not for herself, but for the man that had prostrated himself. She retreated a step, leaving the warrior to the occultist. Any value that she would had once assigned to the invader was gone, and she abandoned any pursuits in righteousness.

"Ah, not good," she said, speaking aloud still. "At least can know that is only up from here. Kneeling is as far down as can get. Will take incredible strength to redeem self, if possible..."

Those were the most encouraging words she could offer. Her defeat was total in nature, an irreversible stain on the threads of fate that bound her to this life. It was terminal, at least in their tribe, but there were other places to seek refuge. She wanted to say more, but Atla was Nocthe's chattel to manage.
(Zyanya)
Nochte just watching him, without saying a world, he tried not to laugh, he tried to hold it, covering his mouth as he saw him humiliating himself like that, ah... he was having so much fun.

"We all bleed... But only one stands."

Crossing his arms, the occult flame calmed as he looked at him, just how pathetic could he be... kneeling.

"You only did bring shame to yourself Atla, only shame..."

Turning his back to him, he moved slowly towards Glasya, it was just done already, nothing to say to someone without a little bit of honour, only one word was left from Nochte to him.

"Pathetic."

Getting close to Glasya, he looked at the creature in the eyes, Nochte was simply pretty tired but would accept the challenge from before.

"Well, it's done would you want to continue...? I should have bet other things other than some blood from him... Maybe making him your pet."

After a brief pause he laughed.

"Nah... you would not want a pet like this one. I'm wrong?"

(Nochte)
He stood up and headed for the chair next to Ajax, he kept a focused and serene look, none of it had hit his heart, maybe another of the things he got on his journey.

He would just recover and continue to train and study, his goals remain the same, but now there was less one stone in the way.
(Atla-Cuauhtli)
Demon's were an odd breed. Their values were so disparate from those that humans held that she was suspicious of them all. They were transparent with their motives, but she assumed that they were more than capable of deceit. She watched the snake closely, trying to solve that riddle that was its personality. Did it frame itself as some superior being, or was it truly amused by mortal affairs?

Whatever the case was, the excitement was coming to an end. The battle had been intense and it had been worth watching, but she was growing bored. War was all but confirmed. Even within the confines of the cramped arena, she could hear the beating of drums and the screaming of her comrades. Soon, they would reach out as an extension of their god's will and strike against the infidels that caused them so much pain.

"Hmm, if fight, be careful," she said, speaking to the occultist. "War is coming, need to be at full power against enemy. One arm or no, will happily drag into battle. No amount of wounds will keep from taking with when its time for attack."

The demon was entitled to her own activities; she was confident that the occultist could take care of himself. She turned her eyes away from him, glancing in the defeated warrior's direction. "Kneeler," she said, speaking to Atla. "Are of this tribe, or no?"
(Zyanya)
Just staying quietly there, hearing what she had to say, but well the creature needed to understand their culture.

"He's exactly it, the lowest a warrior can be."

Giving a quick glance to him and looking back at Glasya, he just was annoyed, why was he still there?

"He really as no pride Glasya, humiliating himself and staying here... what he think he is doing..."

Again as she spoke, he smiled, it wasn't a common smile, he was already planning the future, he knew that this wasn't the ending, he would try again in the future, he was sure of it.

"Only thinking as no use Glasya... And remember what I said? How funny would it be... seeing your pet struggle each time... and falling in despair after each try. That's what's going to happen, slowly he will have no ego, no reason... bit by bit he will be broken."
(Nochte)
Glasya Labolas says, "Hm hm hmmmm..."
Nochte says, "Don't worry Zyanya. I don't plan on getting wounds, or causing one to our ally."
Glasya Labolas says, "I am impressed. Thoroughly impressed."
Glasya Labolas says, "While I do not doubt your skill, I will postpone our fight. I want you at your full power."
Glasya Labolas says, "... And I at mine. That brazier drains the fighting spirit out of me... Goodness I want to curl up around it for hours..."
Glasya Labolas says, "So warm..."
Nochte says, "..."
Nochte says, "You know, you're strange..."
Glasya Labolas says, "Perhaps..."
Nochte says, "But well, let's take a break for now."
Nochte says, "Maybe my opinion is just... "cultural difference""
Glasya Labolas says, "But don't think me mad, either. I don't do things without planning."
Nochte says, "Well, but other than planning we need to know how to improvise."
He realized that the Yokai understood him better, and somehow tried to defend Atla, he had met Yokai briefly before, knew that he was certainly more open-minded despite being a demon.

Atla sat quietly in her chair as she listened to their words.

'Poor Nochte.' He thought

Nochte apparently had not understood anything Glasya had said, but there was nothing Atla could do to change Nochte's mind.
(Atla-Cuauhtli)







Jokor plays his guitar
(Jokor)
Demon's were an odd breed. Their values were so disparate from those that humans held that she was suspicious of them all. They were transparent with their motives, but she assumed that they were more than capable of deceit. She watched the snake closely, trying to solve that riddle that was its personality. Did it frame itself as some superior being, or was it truly amused by mortal affairs?

Whatever the case was, the excitement was coming to an end. The battle had been intense and it had been worth watching, but she was growing bored. War was all but confirmed. Even within the confines of the cramped arena, she could hear the beating of drums and the screaming of her comrades. Soon, they would reach out as an extension of their god's will and strike against the infidels that caused them so much pain.

"Hmm, if fight, be careful," she said, speaking to the occultist. "War is coming, need to be at full power against enemy. One arm or no, will happily drag into battle. No amount of wounds will keep from taking with when its time for attack."

The demon was entitled to her own activities; she was confident that the occultist could take care of himself. She turned her eyes away from him, glancing in the defeated warrior's direction. "Kneeler," she said, speaking to Atla. "Are of this tribe, or no?"
(Zyanya)
Zyanya asks, "Did not hear me, kneeler?"
Zyanya asks, "Are of this tribe, or no?"
Atla-Cuauhtli says, "I'm from Ezmara"
Their northern neighbors were their brothers in most aspects, outside of some minor cultural differences. They were all united in their extreme hatred of the other nations, places that would see their villages turned to ash if only they had the power. Because of their intrinsic kinship, she permitted some compassion to form for the warrior.

"Hmm, what brings here? Exploring? Scouting? Maybe just curious about how life is?"

Her voice was devoid of malice. She spoke as if she was genuinely interested. Her violence had settled in her heart, and she held no hatred for him. She viewed him as more of an inconvenience, a piece of furniture that was annoyingly articulate. Those that kneeled relinquished any and all claims to honor; it had been that way since time immemorial.

"Hope satisfied with visit, maybe face some weaker warriors here so won't go back completely defeated."

With that, she left the kneeler to his peace. Her curiosity was sated. As quickly as she had taken an interest in him, she had lost it. She had the potential to question him further, but the man seemed to be more keen on his silence.
(Zyanya)
Atla turned his face to hear Zyanya, he did not know exactly who she was, but that was not a problem.

"I have friends here, like Ajax for example." He points to the man in the midst of them.

"But this time I just came to settle a personal matter with Nochte, it's okay, I got what I wanted, enough is enough."

He got up from his chair and started walking toward the exit of the arena.

"If you'll excuse me, I need to rest now."
(Atla-Cuauhtli)
 Leaving the kneeler to his rest, she transfixed her gaze on the northern chief that stood in their arena. He spoke candidly of survivors, remnants that had narrowly avoided the impossibly long reach of their villages. She had adequate reason to despise the pale-skinned invaders; the entire continent was in competition, as well as their past transgressions.

The spar had transfigured into talks of war; their target was being refocused. She cared not, as long as she was afforded the opportunity to fight. She stared at the red headed deity that controlled the fate of their tribe; he held dozens, hundreds, of warriors in the palm of his hand, able to place them where they were needed.

This talk was incredibly important to everyone present, along with the simpler warriors that dwelled outside. "Hmm... Hope we attack soon, whoever it is getting the attacking," she said, speaking loud enough to be heard. "Enemies are enemies, will have chance to bring glory to tribe no matter what flag they camp under."

She hoped that her brothers and sisters shared her sentiment. Their way was the way of the blood; they were like swords, tempered in the heat of violence and chaos. She herself was a wild animal, simply waiting for the chance to be released. She had energy and motivation, she just required direction.
(Zyanya)