[16:29] Finding himself at risk of being taken down by the very smoke that was meant to be used as a defense mechanism due to not having a proper mask, Vincenzo -bolts- from the area, instead using his now red, blood drenched scarf as a way to filter some of the smoke.


In his haste, however... He finds himself at a dead end- The planning room of the syndicate.

"Come on, there has to be an exit somewhere, where is it?!-" Before he could continue with his search, he was interrupted by one of the knights that charged in.

Oh, this is not going to end well..
(Vincenzo Dillinger)

[16:34] Erika chased after the Syndicate member, fully determined to impart on them the pain the Order had suffered; though, given their lax measures on membership, she wondered silently if they'd even miss the one she was pursuing. There was only one way to find out, wasn't there? As Vincenzo found himself at a dead end, Erika stared, though no surprise registered on her features.

"... Another from the City Watch," She grumbled, that stare hardening. "Do you really hate people who wish to protect Esshar that badly that you'd betray your home?" She asked. That holy glow of exorcist energies radiated from Erika, but something else lingered within that dead end planning room as well.

Vincenzo was about to find out first hand why it was a horrible, no good, rotten idea to make Erika mad. Shadows always lurked somewhere, especially from someone whose light shined so brightly. Tendrils coiled up from the shadows of the multiple shelves, and from the cavern walls themselves. A low groan could be heard, as Erika's mastery of those that went bump in the night manifested.

"Either surrender quietly, or I'll make you come with me."
(Erika cos Salis)

[16:41] Frustration, desperation, that is what Vincenzo was feeling right now. The very place that was supposed to be the syndicate's hideout, is now being overrun by men and women clad in metal, ready to distribute their version of ''justice''.

"Betraying my home? … Heh. How can I betray a place that has done nothing for me?"

Spoken with cold emotions, his red eyes glare at the woman, his anger rising...

He knew he was rotten.

He knew he was just another boy from the slums, who chances are would just be forgotten once this is all over... Even if fighting is going to mean the end of him?

At the very least, he isn't going to go down without a fight!
Walking closer towards Erika... The shadows may listen to her call, but he has his own tricks.

From one person, he ''splits'' into two, two Vincenzos splitting apart from the same spot, slowly walking around Erika in an attempt to surround her.

No words would be exchanged. This is going to be an all out brawl, plain and simple.
(Vincenzo Dillinger)

[16:43] Even as the clone of Vincenzo aimed to walk around her, in an attempt to surround her, Erika's lips tugged upwards into a small smile.

"Cute. But mine is real."

From behind him, one of those incredibly real shadows morphed into something more humanoid, an exact copy of Erika herself. All at once, both the clone and Erika herself leapt into the fray.
(Erika cos Salis)

[16:51] Feeling how close the fight is, barely managing get even a single moment to breath, he dashes backward, away from Erika.

"... Eh, eh... You know what? I'm giving it all I got!"

Quickly reaching for a bottle underneath his cape, he'll take it off from his belt and uncork it, drinking from the potion post haste.

Is... Is his legs are off the ground now?

"...This is my first time using this potion. Lets see how it goes!"
(Vincenzo Dillinger)

[16:52] The noble stared blankly, as he opted to uncork that potion and drink it down. Erika fished down a bottle from her own jacket, doing the same. She floated a bit above the ground and shook her head. There were no words spared his way this time - she had to focus, after all.
(Erika cos Salis)

[17:26] The Spirits were not in Iris' favour. She threw violent splashes of blood and water, lashing out at her opponent, but the younger woman could just not be caught, evading many of her attacks. Blindness assailed her, she lost momentary control of her movements, all of it adding up to it being very difficult to land hits on Holly. Not impossible -her miasma was semi-effective, and she did land a few whips in the melee- but very difficult nonetheless, so the loss was inevitable and understood.

Iris began to prepare herself, even as the coughs of the spores' effect wracked through her lung. Vines wrapped painfully around her legs, binding her in place, and she knew what she must do. The woman was Rhoynish and proud, and the People of Rhoynur were not slaves. She would not give them the satisfaction of making her walk their mockery of a justice system to her public death.

No, that would not do at all. Very minute twitches of her hands began to roil her blood inside her. It was a painful experience, but a necessary one. She could feel it rushing through her, slowly charging with mana as the rest of the fights died down. Continuing the manipulation, her eyes sought out Raven, fixing themselves where his own would be. She mouthed three words, unseen to the rest, and then resolve hardened on her face.

"My people are not slaves. We make our own fate."

The swirling in her blood reached its boiling point, and Iris thought, for just a moment, she could see them, family surrounding her. Her father, her mother, her brother. Dozens more, ancestors all, the symbol of Clan Arsali marking their flesh in at least one spot. They knew she must do, and they would be waiting for her.

"BREAK THE CHAINS!"

Iris practically exploded, blood roaring out from her pores in every direction as she released the pressure she had been building, exsanguinating herself with such force that it spattered across the far wall. Holly herself would likely be drenched. For a single moment, she remained upright.

And then her eyes drifted closed, and Iris, last of her Clan, collapsed bonelessly to the ground, skin grey.

Dead.
(Iris Arsali)

[17:26] Jasper says, "..."
[17:26] Jasper whispers something.
[17:26] The Knights had invaded their opponent's hideout for quite some time. Grella ran around with her aura on, dashing across the whole hideout with her Meteor in search for survivors and a few ones that were not fighting, their bout was quick and everything happpened within a few seconds.

This was her chance for redemption, Grella's eyes would after some time fall over a hodded individual that was in the distance, maybe one that have recently arived on the chaotic battlefield that the hideout of the Syndicate have become. The Knight would approach the man, taking out her Master Staff out of her back already getting prepared to fight.

Yet that could still be changed. Her Cosmici aura instinctively shines stronger upon the sight of Evil, even if she was currently walking the wrong path and still not understanding very well how her Cosmic Nature should truly function, her Cosmic Essence still preached for her safety and powers.

She stood with her eyes fallen over him, tightening her grip on the Staff she held, looking at a possibly future foe.

"...It is over. This place is going down. You may end this all alive if you choose to give up and come with us. You are filthy criminals, indeed. But not unredeemable." Her weapon was pointed at him.

"Stop this revolution, you're only but killing innocent people and bringing harm wth your terrorist acts, promoting Chaos. I can't believe you can defend such an ideology being a sane person... Please listen to my call and surrender yourself." That was her warning.
(Grella)

[17:29] The cavern is a death trap, now. A thick green mist had swept around the winding paths of the rocky stone, filling each nook and cranny with the suffocating gas. With Andras and Zachary clearing the way of any Ratlings that might be between them and their escape, he makes his way across the dirt with sure steps and a quick pace, taking in his surroundings. It seems the First Light had gotten the better of the Syndicate, as he makes small notes while heading towards the narrow tunnel that'd secure their freedom from this wretched place.

"...Almost," he whispers.

It wasn't long -- the group was determined to rescue one of their own, but they had left her in such a broken state.

His holy magic did well to mend the wounds in her heart and soften the illusionary blow that once plagued her mind, but more work was needed, still. Time, patience, and comfort. Elijah dearly hoped she wouldn't be broken the same way as he was when he lost something precious.

For now, however, it was survival. A nearby explosion of blood and guts has him wince out, gritting his teeth - no, death is the coward's retreat. Life, life, life. The word repeats in his mind as he channels his magic and conjures a shield of light, expelling it out to nearby knights, warding them from the harm of the poisonous gas.

"Everyone... Our mission is complete! Head out!"
(Elijah Soleis)

[17:32] Andras could be seen returning with Elijah and Asphira, rushing back into the fray as the Knight lead the charge. His weaponry laid waste to enemies that attempted to halt their progress, while Elijah carried the cadet they had came here for. His expression was grim, but it became apparent that the situation was being resolved in a swift manner, as expected. It was time for them to retreat, however, as the poisonous gas was becoming more of a threat than they initially realized. Heavy foot-falls slam upon the terrain as crystalline spikes rupture upward, skewering wayward Syndicate lackeys as his cold gaze turned toward Holly.

"HOLLY!!" He calls out, perhaps barely catching a glimpse of the Rhyonish woman's attempt at suicide. It was likely too late to be prevented, but he would hope that Holly was at least prepared. There was no time to try to do anything about that situation, but the reality that the woman had just committed suicide over being taken in truly hits home.

These people were maniacs. Potential martyrs with nothing lose, and it appears to briefly cause his cold gaze to flicker into uncertainty. Was what they truly believed in warranting their deaths? Or was their under-boss capable of brainwashing these pitiable fools into believing they were fighting to make a difference? It was difficult to say, but he'd aim to continue on his way out. If Holly faltered, he'd likely aim to assist her on the way, but he felt confident that she was level-headed enough to handle herself.

"MOVE!"
(Andras)

[17:32] "...Break the--?!"

Holly rose her arms in defense of what she'd assumed to be an attack of sorts... Blood forcibly spattered across the entirety of her body, painting the blonde in a dripping ruby red.

She squints and shuddered, aiming to wipe her eyes and take note of what just happened...

She'd... exploded?

"...What--" She looks to her now-bloodied hands, then to the corpse - over to Elijah.

She didn't really know how to react to this. Was she to just... leave Iris there?

There's far too much blood...
(Holly Hargrave)

[17:33] Chaos. The multitudes of battles were absolute chaos, and the battle against Nerin alongside Raven left him unable to focus on anything else going on around them. So when they were blasted back, he already knew it was time to flee.

Their two metal arms were absolutely wrecked, bones sticking through them vividly while blood ran down their chest. It was something to be fixed for later, but now? He couldn't continue fighting, in the least.

At a speed only possible by the acquisition of times favour, they dove through the cavern, running away from the child alongside Raven.

But the first thing he had seen as they entered, was exactly when Iris exploded their own body. Gore, blood, it went every direction. Their voice reverbing throughout the entirety of the cavern.

With a bit moment of reprieve allowed, their hand took hold of a sizeable blade that had been sheathed upon their back.

"BREAK THE CHAINS!" In one movement he slashed theDuran Heirloom through the air, a bidding farewell to a fallen underboss.

There was no time however, no possibility of them staying around and finishing this...It would be death, and why choose death when one had so much time to deal with the true problems?

Instead they fled from the cave, their headquarters breached.
(Ygor)

[17:35] His mind raced. Their initial loss against Niren left both Ygor and Raven free of major injury. Enough of a diversion was made from the combination of their attacks to get them inside.

It was there, that he saw Iris's last words to him. Her position at the mercy of another; unable to fight back as she did what she told him he would do. He should've expected it; this was the only way out for someone like her.

Someone that he cared about.

It wasn't helping, either, that a rage potion was coursing through his veins. There was a loud, guttural scream coming from Raven; from the quietest of the Syndicate Enforcers. He was covered already in blood; soaked even further by her own.

There was nothing for him here now. No emotion left in the blood magi but a burning hate. They were already leaving; all he could do was fire a massive volley of scarlet darts against those who's leaving.

It would only be after they had all escaped would the true horror of this action reverberate.
(Raven)

[17:36] Erika thought her day couldn't get quite much worse, with her damaged kidney and her nausea controlling her every step. But she was wrong. Right as she thought the worst was over, Iris exploded herself in a fit of bloody mess.

The blonde stared, exhausted, before she tipped over unconscious from the sight of death, yet again. The doctor who was not afraid to go elbow deep into someone's abdominal cavity was consistently presented with death as her only true weakness and again and again, she fainted at the sight of it.

Erika's body hit the dirt with a low thump, and she laid there, bloody.
(Erika cos Salis)

[17:37] Jasper could see that there was blood everywhere, and Jasper was ready to bathe directly in it entirely. However -- that was when Jasper saw Erika hit the ground. Something about it snapped him out of whatever angered trance he was in with little memory of what happened here and go to help with the assist.

Literally pushing her on to his back entirely and utilizing his own holy prowess to guard both of them from the poisonus gas and knives that were here and there. However, that was when Jasper turned and saw that Ashpira was alive!

Even better.
(Jasper)

[17:38] Agnimazud had actually been slumbering peacefully in one of the hideout's side rooms, out of the way and with no reason to have been investigated during all the chaos. Well, imagine the terrorist's surprise when he steps out of the room to an entire brigade of do-gooders making a right mess of the rest of the hideout and storming off with the prisoner that was captured just recently. Not to mention, so soon after he returned from combat sustaining another injury to add to his collection!

He hardly had chance to orient himself before the radiance of cosmic magic shines in his eyes, and with it, Grella herself. He stands right where he is, figuring that the white-haired woman would have something to say--something befitting of one who considers themselves righteous and on the 'good' side of morality. Still, he knew where the encounter would end regardless of whatever words were exchanged, so his hands already parted his cloak, his left reaching out with what'd become a signature weapon for him. It was a dagger, fully scarlet in color, and with daemonic magic manifested around its blade in the form of violet sparks.

"You know, it's bold of you to assume I'm sane with the type of magic I use. But, that's the optimist in you lot, I guess! Still, I think I'll have to pass on accompanying you, regardless of your looks. It'd take more than a pretty woman to make me abandon my cause."

Agnimazud shifts his feet apart and hunches over, but he wasn't still for any longer. Immediately, the Drakanite accelerates into a blindingly fast initial assault into the Cosmic mage. His infernal dagger swipes at the woman's waist, and being close enough, the Drakanite's glowing, lime-green eyes can be seen fixated entirely on Grella. The serpentine slitted iris are eerily frozen in place, as if no one else was in the much too crowded hideout except the two of them.
(Agnimazud Ishwaratu)

[17:39] Surrounded by spikes of blood.

It isn't easy to combat two agents at once this way- and even now, with the myriad injuries scattered across his body, he knew that there's an attempt to get him trapped within the cascade of chaos that was the raid upon their hideout. Gathering his final strength, the bone-blades lashed out in all directions in a whirlpool, the created exoskeleton suddenly mending to adapt to situations present.

Almost like a living weapon.

This, however, only further expends his mana; his jaw was drooped downward, his breath heavy and rigid, and all he could think of would be getting out of here. Perhaps, he hasn't delivered a powerful blow to Syndicate by capturing anyone.. but at least he was able to hold on his own.

"Come on.. just a little more.."

Inhale, exhale. An attempt to stabilize the bleeding that was produced from his body, to keep his mind clear amidst the thrumming of his heart and mind alike- his eyes closed and re-opened again, and with the second wind, he made a dash for it.

Towards the exit, the moment he heard the call.

His mind resolute, focused on making it out of here. After all, he was fairly aware that staying here would be death.. and it wasn't time for him. Not like this.
(Nerin)

[17:40] The more they moved from her relatively silent room, the more she realized that everything had become hectic. People were shouting, blood was being spilled, and tension was rising to what felt like an all time high. In her current state though, Asphira struggled to focus on anything. She remains limp in Elijah's grasp and keeps her eyes shut through it all.

It was hard enough to open them again as is, but she didn't want to open them to bear witness to more misery. Her right arm was still in a considerable amount of pain and the metal collar around her neck weighed heavily on her as a reminder of the burden she'd been.
(Asphira)

[17:40] Well then.

At least he was here, this time! But as people found their matches. The poison- well, he was getting used to it, at least. He hoped anyways. He wasn't feeling anything bad for now. But as people broke off to fight and some off to rescue the captured Cadet, he found himself guarding...well, nothing?

But people were returning! Some members of the Syndicate were retreating, others, captured.

One of those exploded. Huh, that was ne-

Hold up.

Iris Exploded.

The sudden action was only forwarned by a shout of their creed. Break the Chains? What chains, even? The metaphorical ones that they thought their people to be in?!

He however, could not ponder the question further as he saw the blood fly everywhere, his eyes widening in disgust and bile quickly building up in his throat. He'd force it down his throat however, especially when he saw that Erika had fallen and was not getting up.

Holy shit- he'd rush to help her if noone else had done so. She had been hurt heavily too, from her fight wasn't she?
(Duran Novak)

[17:40] Once again, it appears that while Vincenzo has somehow managed to scrape by with the luxury of winning his fight- Only for the side he was fighting with to still fail in the end, as is cleared by Elijah's own words.

The first light order's mission is nearing completion, and now? Thanks to not being prepared for the attack, not even being given a mask in time to hide his own face, his identity and relations to the syndicate has been revealed.

He'll never be able to walk as a free man again. Not in Osrona, not even in Sudsbury…

… Heh, even he can't help but wonder, if the roles would have been reversed, had he born a noble instead of a commoner.

However, any thoughts about would-be futures are cut short, as a very sudden revealation dawns upon him:

Iris is making the ultimate form of self sacrifice, willing to give out her own body, her own blood, against her captor and towards whoever might be standing too close.

Itwas a sight of pure shock, of gore, of terror and horror.

The perfect distraction for an attempted escape.
Using his own doppleganger as cover from the blood, he'll attempt to use the chance Iris has given him in order to make a run for his life out of the cave, and hopefully following whoever else that is from the syndicate that was running away as well.
(Vincenzo Dillinger)

[17:42] He would descend in speed to be behind the rest of his comrades. His eyes and expression were crazed before and regardless of the carnage. The mission was complete, for the first light that is. With Asphira in the Knight's care, Zachary felt the need to add insult to injury.

Pitiful Knaves! Can't take a single raid?!

His hands radiated a brilliant blue and amassed incredible energy. Bursts of energy would be swung into the walls and ceilings alike. Into their precious belongings and demolition their headquarters!

Ruination.

The caverns shook and bellowed under its weight. Boulders and stalactite alike rained down to disrupt the path behind them in attempt to maim, injure and trap the Syndicate in their own demise.

"Look at them scurry like rats in their uncovered nest!" He'd mock the crime organization as a whole. It was a scornful sight.

Further they ascended and he remained at the tail end of the group shooting back massive blasts of energy. This Knight was on his own path of annihilation and it would not be sated until they reached the surface.


(Zachary Retinea)

[17:43] Raven whispers something.
[17:44] Raven whispers something.
[17:44] Iris Arsali says, "Goodbye, my friends."
[17:47] The staggering Mink makers her way out of one of the caverns alongside a ratling. She had made it in time to see a large gathering of the Order's dogs, all rushing their way out of the caves and with aSphira on their back. She swears under her breath, and then...

BREAK THE CHAINS!

And then liquid strikes her with such force that she staggers back just a step. "W-what?" She asks, looking to the space that Iris had stood, unsure of what had just occurred. She raises an arm weakly, and unable to finely control her blood in any meaningful way with her injuries, she instead sprays a series of bubbles from her finger tips, expelling them after the retreating nights.

"Stay close to me" She tells the Ratling as she uses her staff to help maneuver closer and closer to the spot Iris had offed herself at, closing in on a stunned Raven and whatever he had endured. The first words from her mouth, "What is this?"
(Mink Fox)

[17:49] The fight would break out as soon as she noticed that their goal was already accomplished. Grella wielded her staff masterfully as the Occultist, her eyes widdened as she could feel the madness and the hatred radiating from his attacks.

Never before the Cosmic Magi stood against such evil, and she had fought some of the Syndicalists before, that was na experience she was yet to discover, until finally standing in front of one. As soon as his darkish nature spells came across her way, her Golden Shroud radiates Strong, that was the first time, indeed, that she fount herself facing TRUE evil.

The magic that comes from the Dark and the putrid, being wielded by one of her foes. If everything that happened to her and her allies before did not confirm that this one was evil, this was the ultimate reveal.

A Tidal Wave, enchanted by Cosmic energy as now she was being driven by Symbolic Magic and her will to cleanse that evil was cast, water overflowing with Cosmic Radiation was thrown at the Drakanite, throwing him away.

Her eyes were shacking, not out of fear, but it was literally a feeling that even looked like this Syndicalist was one that took something precious from her, when in fact, it was just his Nature... That she as a worshipper of the Stars can just feel nauseated.

She closes her eyes and walks calmly at him after throwing him away, yet her calmness was not reflected by her Shroud, that sparkling light shows her true hatred for their Evil.

"I see. Indeed, i feel the Occult in you. I swear that once i believed that your group could be right in one or two things, but now i am sure i have a good reason to wipe you out of Esshar. I regret offering you redemption before. You're a Star's case."

...She kept walking towards him, for the continuation of the battle.
(Grella)

[17:53] Roar.

Pieces were everywhere; blood soaked the entirety of the cave and dripped from the walls. After his yell, Raven went dead silent. He stumbled to what little remained of her corpse; his eyes hidden behind the corvid mask.

There is a shake in the cavern itself; the blood that had been spilling was moving. Gathering towards Raven, flowing slowly, then fast. A swirling storm of gore that centered around the still-standing blood magi.

Where his mask once cracked before from his fight with Ravan did another crack appear. A singular rhoynish-gold eye that was being rapidly consumed by blood. Sclera, Iris; He couldn't see a single thing out of it.

His cloak was carrying far too much blood now; it pooled and moved like ferrofluid near metal. Dull spikes of gore erupting and returning into his clothes.

There's a slow approach to one of the severed arms that carries her gold armring. It's detached, and his of silver is removed and thrown to the wayside.

After that? He just vanishes.
(Raven)

[18:01] So many injuries sustained in such a short duration from one another...

It proved to make this battle a far harder trial than it would have been otherwise. His body was scalded almost all over, and on top of that, he'd lost the use of his right arm--and not long after his left finally fully healed, too... luck certainly abandoned him as of late. It seemed his opponent was proficient in not just Cosmic magic, but water, too. Her ability as a mage was put on full display by her weaving the two together to modestly enhance the efficiency her spells would have otherwise.

Crashing waves of water, twined with the magic of the stars, battered his body. The shift in temperature from the water against his burns beneath his cloak caused him to howl out in pain whenever the liquid bludgeoned his body. Still--even in this severely wounded state, his durability remained evident. The Drakanite both hardened his scales for periods of time using his magic, while also calling upon the magic granted by daemons to veil himself in a black barrier, which weeds offensive magic striking against it out, rendering only what remained to bring harm's way to its wielder.

It wasn't enough, though.

He was able to struggle, but he wasn't able to ever gain momentum in the battle that indicated a swing toward his victory. At best, he was able to use his Occultic magic to visualize Grella's life force, and draw from it directly, causing wounds that he himself suffered to appear on her body, while those very wounds started to rejuvenate in turn. He was backed in to a corner, sustaining himself solely on the merit that it was his 'specialty' to do so. He was panting, fatigued clearly at the same time, but still?

He grinned beneath that mask. "As if I would have ever taken your 'redemption', woman. It's nothing more than a farce masquerading itself as justice. Your laws, your society, they are justa façade. An unfortunately effective illusion that has shepherded too many people into believing in it as the one truth--that society could not function otherwise. However, it's only a matter of time before that illusion is vanquished by our hand. Regardless of the losses suffered here today."

The words were exchanged while Agnimazud continues fighting. Getting a second wind of sorts, he springs himself directly into his opponent with his blade primed and poised to rip and tear chunks of flesh and fabric wherever it could manage to scrape or graze. Once he was close enough for his face to be discerned through the shadow cast by his hood, that gaze had still never left Grella's person.
(Agnimazud Ishwaratu)

[18:16] She could notice how the Drakan was injured, the Teenager however, would only take advantages on his sufferings, as many times before it was done to her. Grella was a master at fighting while injured, and while this is not the best of things to be proud of, she can be proud that she knows when and how it hurts the most.

If that wasn't the only fact, the Occultist would feel his skin burning frmo every time her burning light touches it, as if a star already dragging him to burn on it, he had a previous kiss of how a Star's core would be, how it burns, and how it is to pay for your sins.

All that combined with waves that made his fighting much worse, yet, his Darkish energy wasn't defenseless, Grella was harmed by the devilish magic this man wielded, if not for the Armor she wore and for the fact that she was prepared to fight, she would have lost it.

It was a surprise raid from the Order of Light, obviously they were not prepared... Grella on the other hand, had prepare and the will to burn the Occult out of the Country, out of Eternia, heatly lighten as a Golden flame in her heart that was bound a star that granted her the possibility to do so.

And driven by the pure instinct to wipe out Evil, Grella was guided by the hand of the Cosmos, as she should be. Not worrying about anything but her goal, casting magic was never as easy as simply thinking on doing so, all the complex process that envolved the Mana Systems were simply skipped by her mind, as those were charged for two wills.

An advanced form of Symbolic Magic, so to speak. As her's and her Star Zephyr's will are acting simply as one.

She noticed he was in pain, she noticed, his growls and words. All that just gave her more conviction, it was kind of sadistic in a way, evil even... She was not perfect, of course. While she had the goal to cleanse evil, she wanted to do it violently, suffering was needed.

"It hurts, doesn't it? Once you die, you might experience this in a much more intense manner. Unless you change your ways, maybe if you're not a fallen one yet... Maybe you're not that far on the Occult." Her words contradicted her feelings, she didn't want to give him a chance, he had to be erased...

Why? Because she herself knew he was no initiate. He was Strong, he was skilled with the Occult. Her arms and forehead bleeding were a proof of this, her Mythril enchanted armor almost shattered reinforced it all.

The fight was over once more with a Tidal Wave, radiating with Cosmic influences. And once the fight was done, her frenezy was over, her Shroud got much weaker and not as bright and United with her body as before.

"...Tsk..." She closed her fists, he was defeated, but their battle took way too long... Reinforcements would come sooner or later.

"If i only had more time..." She murmurs to herself, complaining that Elijah had left for some time, and that maybe the Syndicalists would reunite where she was soon enough.

She had to go... And so she did, Agnimazud wouldn't get much more injuries, nor be killed or captured. For she had to leave for her own safety... She knows she can't beat the stronger ones.
(Grella)

[18:36] The first words she spoke prompted a change in Agnimazud--it could be seen when one peered into the abyss that was his hood. It was no longer staring back at Grella, or anything for that matter. His pupils were dilated and trembling every which way.

"Hurts? Oh, yes, yes it does. But judging from the inflection of your voice... you assume this to be a bad thing? Something that I... suffer from? Perhaps you're even reveling in that assumption--my, how very sinful."

At this point, though, their bout was all but decided. His body wouldn't respond the way he wanted it too. His right hand was usually his preferred means of manipulating the arcane, given his left hand was always seen wielding his sinister weapon. It came to that hand to take both duties now, and he certainly wasn't comfortable fighting in such a manner. His movements were slower than he wanted them to be--in his mind, his next move was made, butreality was running on a different flow of time. Actions planned and urged in his consciousness were followed at a delay pace in the real world.

In fact, the fight ended with him trying to conjure another barrier of daemonic energy, only for it to form far too late--one of Grella's powerful tidal waves barreled into him and washed his body along the ground and sent him crashing into the hideout's earthen walls behind him. A sizable crater was left around Agnimazud's body, and for the time being, he was indented in the wall. When dust and rubble clear to reveal the defeated Occultist, his hood has fallen, revealing his face and a wild mane of white hair.

The grin he held through the entire battle was visible with his mask having also torn from his face. He was surprisingly young--he couldn't have even been twenty yet. Still, some telltale signs of the darkness he dabbled in were evident, the dark circles under his eyes, his bloodshot scleras, and of course, the depraved expression carved on his visage.

"But you are mistaken, my dear. It is I that revels... revels in the pain. The--" he pauses, hacking up a collection of blood and spitting it out upon his own robe. The crimson liquid trails from his lips, covering his chin and dripping off of it. With that, comes another involuntary groan in regards to the stinging pain set ablaze from his nerves.

"--The agony. It is the core component of this magic. However, despite my words or your assumptions, I am not mad. The daemons have not claimed my mind yet, nor do I intend for them to so long as I have my own will. I stand by my cause. But you? Oh... you..."

Agni peels himself from the shattered rocks, plopping down on his feet upon the dirt and just barely keeping upright. His knees nearly buckle under the punishment received from the power behind Grella's spells on top of his prior injuries, putting on full display that he's standing by the skin of his teeth.

"That righteous light of yours, spoken behind such a vindictive mouth, that finds joy in the suffering of her opponent. It is more evidence that your views, your faith, the society you defend, it is all a LIE." his voice, usually monotone and uninspired, gathers a surge of power even with the Drakanite on his last legs, that word, 'lie', is bellowed so forcefully it echoes through the hideout, reverberations carried by how hollow the cave is.

"I've no doubt we will cross paths again, and I do so look forward to it. There is plenty I would educate you on with a healthy body..."
(Agnimazud Ishwaratu)