Accidental Discovery

Soaring peacefully at high altitudes, nearing the clouds above a dot fluttered about with a lack of trajectory. Blindly taking flight overhead, he came to a sudden halt- Something caught his attention alike before. It was far different than the ruins of Alteros… So much…. Noise. It pinched at his eardrums, forcing them to ring with an unpleasurable sting. It was below… People, Life… So much different from the corpses that littered the lands of a once-strong kingdom. He winced behind his bone-white mask, it’s shaping molded from a dried skull. Upon focusing himself to the lands below, he could make out several general spots of interest, all of which littered Tilandre with dots and weak aspects of dimension- Magi, hidden throughout the general populus.

Hidden to all, but him…
The husks in his skull idled their gaze upon two in particular in this instance far below. “...To see…. What could not be seen.” The words escaped his lips in a serpentine whisper, gurgling in an animalistic growl as he spoke. He descended slowly, only foot by foot as the seconds passed- Still thousands of feet in the air. As he closed in on the ground below, a hazy shadow fuzzed around his form, branching off into buoyant tendrils that swayed with such grace.

The energies of the cosmos above were siphoned into his being, feeding the flames of his manifested darkness into an obese version of itself, elongated the tentacles to give birth to a ‘Dark Star’ amongst the magi below. Visually comparable to shards of glass, manifested flakes of light fluttered from his being to disintegrate into the air around him. Soon enough, the air grew heavy, gravity itself bending to his approach and drenched with the cold embrace such darkness had to offer.

“...Well…” His voice croaked into a hissing hiss. He was hardly over a dozen feet above them now, and with such little time between distances. “...There aren’t as many magus as I originally expected…” His voice seemed charged with static, crackling with a radio-effect that mirrored Yokai communication methods. A gust of wind carted for those below, barraging them with urgency towards his presence; With a sudden burst of speed, he carried the air with him for his entrance…

Pits of darkness shown where his eyes used to be, void of flesh, void of expression, all behind a dead mask.

(Xal)
Nowa's expression softens a bit in response to Asura's introduction, and she says "Now-wa...." She stutters a bit upon feeling said air growing heavier, and turns her attention to Xal, now with a faint frown on her face. Her eyes slowly roam up and down the man's form. She's very familiar with the occult, though, so she doesn't really react much for the most part. Her cloak blows to and fro for the moment. She lifts an eyebrpow slightly.
(Nowa Akida)
Asura's gaze furrowed together, the large bundle upon his sword of course present. He shifted his attention towards Xal as he felt a stifling presence falling downwards..yet it wouldn't last long, a bright and radiant aura surrounding him to stave off the depravity.

He seemed unaffected, his holy powers not quite like magic if anyone cared to sense it. Though his expression hardened quite a bit, rolling his neck a few times.

Obviously this guy wasn't too friendly right? The tarp and bandages hidden amongst his weapon suddenly unfurled, revealing an oddly dulled down weapon, though the composition of its metal was certainly daunting. Shining black with heavy portions of silver and white, he rested it upon the top of his shoulder.

"And why the grand entrance, friend?"
(Asura Verenthorn)
Raric exited out of Byson after a word with one of the guards, the black cloak covering his body hiding his presence made it easy to get around Byson especially with the Queen and King busy. Walking down the bridge back towards Tilandre Raric came to a bush, kneeling down to the bush he removed his cloak and hood hiding it, switching it for a red cloak and a small weapon he kept inside his cloak. Raric rose back to his feet back in his normal attire only to let the depravity flow around his body, making his way back into Tilandre only to feel a familiar but change presence, turning his eyes down to the small group only to see a man flying in.. odd.

Raric made his way towards the group not bothering to hide his presence, he turned his gaze to each individuals face one after another taking a long glimpse as if they became scared into his mind. None of these people seemed important to Raric but the familiar presence intrigued him to come and find out who they were, coming into view he turned his eyes around them once more before he spoke in his cold tone. ''Hmm.. what the gathering we have here.'' Dark essence flowing within the cloak only to let off a sickening feeling when being around him, he kept his eyes on Xal for now as he is the one the presence was coming from. Beaten and blind it was clear he must of been through a lot to get into such conditions, but Raric did not care for how he looked only to who he was and why he was familiar.

Raric sniffed only to smell the scent of rotting flesh arose from Xal, it was clear he has been near some undead and the only place that could've been was Alteros, more questions just poured into Raric mind as he brung his arms up and crossed them across his chest.
(Raric Malpercius)
The occultist's gaze slowly shifted over the likes of the two magi. His entrance, and presence apparently drew forth more than their attention, as noted by the few Saffron Avis that stared upon the blind wonder. A weak groan gurgled from behind his mask, the pits scanned through the many other civilians, guards, and magus alike to see…. Nothing.

All that came across his gaze, was the potency of their mana circuit in the shape of blue blobs for the most part, idling about in wait for what he had in store. From where he levitated, he could see nothing along the horizon, however, there were indeed people there, he -KNEW- there were people there. He could hear them walking about, some of which attempting to get a better look through the gawking crowds. Few children as well formed individuality in their calls out to their parents and loved ones at the sighting of this rogue magus that reeked of the undead. “...Ants… Mere insects beneath the foot of a god…” He judged towards the many people and guards.

Finally, a voice broke off from one of the closer embodiments of mana. -THIS- one in particular, felt different. Unlike the many other affinities, it felt… Warm? No, it tingled at him. It was quite sickening, even aching to even be close- He disliked the feeling. Wincing in on his position from behind the skull-mask, the essence seemed to conflict with his own, and thus a probable explanation was finally obtained.

“...An Exorcist…” The words crackled with little movement of his lips, aided with the occultism he casted constantly. He could bare sight of his siluette in a light blue tint, setting him apart from the rest.

"...My arrival is grande in itself, consider yourself 'blessed' in my presence... Cursed Exorcist..." Silence hung in the scene, allowing him to hold his gaze upon the remainder, before settling it upon the only one casting forth his aura.
(Xal)
Raric watched as Xal seemed to look around only to turn to his position, he was clearly unable to see but he had some sort of way to know where people were, Raric was not blind himself so he did not know what he did to find them or just followed their voices. Raric kept his arms crossed across his chest as the dark essence flowed inside his cloak, bits of black mist seeping out at the bottom as he kept an eye on Xal before he spoke.

''Blessed with your presence.. you are clearly 'blind' to whom you are speaking to, reach in deeper and grab at my presence so you may know who you are exchanging words with.'' Raric turned his gaze around to the others in the area, white haired girl and a black haired boy, they did not seem important or interesting to Raric anyway. The presence of the cursed arm slowly crept up to Xal only to make the sensation deeper, the presence of Kudlak Malpercius himself was felt only making it blatant who he was or could be.
(Raric Malpercius)
Aaaaaaand, at long last, finally the ship docked at Tilandre's port, and with a simple nod, along with a bow, Lissabeth jumped off the ship, landing on the pier's wooden planks safely. Stretching out her arms with a smile printed on her face, the young woman casually strolled by the marketplace in time to witness something she began to envy, to crave, even. Many desires that fueled Lissabeth's rage. "What's going on, here... Who's that?" She asked herself, hushing her tone slightly.

Slow-paced steps brought her closer to the crowd, moving them aside to make way to the front 'Seats': What she would be staring at was a creepy masked man who could fly, and held the same powers as her, explaining that tingle of familiarity she felt with the man. Her gaze was shifted over to Asura, taking note of his glow, bringing slight discomfort to her. Yet, she'd wait there, seeing what would develop from this scene.

("Might be a good distraction-even if I'm short on time. I can't wait...")
(Lissabeth Akida-Jinseer)
From the Tilandrean keep arrived a known figure. A young lady bearing white locks, blue eyes, as well as a simple white dress walked into the marketplace of the village, small wicker basket in hand, alongside a purse of crowns in the other. The young lady was likely here shopping for groceries, or other things of the sorts, considering what she'd brought with her. It's also noteworthy that she appeared to be short for her age.

Wandering aimlessly throughout the marketplace, the lady eventually stopped before the group that had gathered there, curiosity instantly piqued by the sight of auras flaring in the distance. What was going on? Basket now rested on one of the nearby crates, Katya approached the group that was conversing, worried about a possible fight for now.

"Hey there, is there a problem here...?" The woman asked, arms folded. Her eyes quickly trailed from one member of the group to another in rapid succession, quickly analyzing all of them. "Manifesting multiple magical auras in the middle of the marketplace isn't something that should be done on a whim.."

Eventually ending up beside the group, Katya rests on a nearby crate, still observing the unfolding situation with mild curiosity. Remaining quiet, her eyes were turned towards them, not straying away for even a moment.
(Katya Eldor)
Asura's gaze narrowed upon staring up at the masked figure, removing his jacket as a blackened cape and signature armor was evident. Along with it? His signature helmet, looking rather intimidating as his blackened and somewhat worn down cape billowing in the wind.

While this man seemed to think highly of himself, Asura's gaze seemed to glower with the radiant expression of one whose patience was being tested. With the massive blade resting upon his shoulder, he extended a simple hand forward, patiently if anything as he spoke in a clear-cut tone.

But paused before he got the first word off, slowly lowering a hand as he noticed the crown upon Katya's head...she reminded him of Marin for some reason, his eyes narrowing a bit.

"Mi'lady, this man here seems to be looking for trouble, given the granduer entrance he tried to attempt." Asura stated politely, his voice radiating with barotone and a metallic ring to it due to his helmet (Think something along the lines of Ichigo in a vaizard mask).

Procuring his weapon indefinitely, he'd simply plant it before him, only using one hand to do so as his right hand's fingers curled up around the worn down pommel. It was a wonder how he even hurt his enemies with such a dulled blade, his eyes narrowed.

"I suggest you pick your words carefully, Occultist. You wreak of evil, some of which is straying a bit too far, even for one such as yourself. I normally tolerate anyone and everyone, but even I have my limits if you appear too far gone."
(Asura Verenthorn)
Nowa's eyes roll over to Asura's aura when it makes itself apparent, though she avoids eye contact. Her faint frown remains, and she groans quietly. Her own aura begins slowly seeping up out of her flesh in the form of tiny, crimson strips of electricity that race across her form. Firstly to protect her from Asura's aura, and secondly because she might have to flee.
(Nowa Akida)
The words… They struck him with familiarity… The same name he was called before they mercilessly beat him senseless in Frostvale without further explanation. They were the same words he remembered as he woke from the darkness of death, into the emptiness of life… The same words that the Glacium used when he escaped from their grasp- The torment brought forth nightmares. Such nightmares that haunted him even to this day… It was such people who use such a terminology to call unto him, that he considered evil. Considering the difference between himself and this entity, this man before him was the ultimate of evils.

“Me?... Too far gone?” His voice crackled with occultistic intensity, and his aura oozed of induced depravity. “It is the people such as yourself, that label themselves… ‘Heros’.” Suddenly, his words seemed much like the many others that shared his fate.
“Those who would judge merely on origin, those are the sort that prove nothing better than villains. Murderous… Fools…” He didn’t take the time to acknowledge Raric at the time being, the Exorcist seemed of far greater importance, not to mention he still lacked mastery over such sensing capability.

Suddenly, the world around the two went black, leaving nothing but himself and the silhouette before him- Asura. “...In a land where you hold the power of gods, you deem others unfit to share the world you possess, damning them all to the same fate out of fear of what they’re capable of…” A long sigh escaped his lips, his head slowly cringed off to the side to glare at Asura through his hollowed eye-pits.

In time, the lonesome standoff began to fade. The number of closing magus began to cloud up his vision with an overwhelming blur of blue… But there was something else. Something far more cold… Deprived… Depraved? He couldn’t tell right away, but it felt far more homely than the rest. One in particular came from a voice that proved oddly familiar- Faintly familiar, however distant in it’s own right. The presence bothered him, harassing him with a flicker of images that scattered through his mind… A man in a Seraphic Manteau, with purple hair… Why was he coming to mind? He attempted to shake it off, for every moment he had, was to be prepared for what Asura could possibly condone to
(Xal)
Raric watched Xal closely, he was annoyed that he was ignored as he spoke with the man across from them, who dared to ignore someone who made themselves present for a reason? only to annoy them of course as Raric thought to himself. Suddenly the dark sickening feeling crawled up Raric body only to push itself onto Xal as he ignored the presence trying to shake it off, the presence of Nameless and the cursed arm only got heavier as the oculist aura shot out around Raric.

Raric turned his eyes onto Katya for a second and kept a long glance, trying to look calm he did not want to threaten anyone else in the area around him, but the aura shot out around his body as it reached out above him to only clash with Xal aura. Raric did not speak a word as he kept his eyes on Xal as he floated above them in the air, he was clearly ready to subdue the other oculist if need be but not having a weapon drawn in his hand.
(Raric Malpercius)
"Looking for trouble...? We're in the middle of a marketplace full of guards.. aside from that, it wouldn't be a bright idea to.. cause trouble with so many magi here.." She'd note, removing her staff from her back, allowing it to rest on the crate beside her, as if she'd be readying herself for trouble, despite appearing quite casual for the moment.

"... And despite manners towards me, I think you should be careful as well.." She'd remark at Asura, folding her arms again. "Magic isn't good or evil by nature, it's how you use it. And Tilandre has opened its gates to those in need, especially after what the Queen of Danarium, Ambriel Melym has done. I'd like things to be peaceful during your stay in Tilandre. That.. goes for all of you. If you wish to fight someone and solve your issues in such a manner, it's legal to challenge them to a "Gentleman's Duel", but you'd likely want to do that away from the marketplace, and all the people that might be wandering around in it..."

A vague holy presence could be felt around the young lady, hinting towards magical power as well, in spite of no aura currently being manifested by her. That, added to her lack of fear regarding the situation at hand was quite peculiar.

Still keeping herself composed, Katya wasn't giving off any hints of her usual behaviour infront of everyone, her face expressionless for now. A quick glance was also given in Raric's direction, something having piqued her interest for a moment. Aside from that, a feint smile also formed. The last time she'd seen the boy, he was in agony. It was quite a relief to see that was no longer the case.

"Anyways.. I'm Katya Eldor, I'm.. erm...". Scratching the nape of her neck for a moment, she didn't seem too used to the title, not very fond of mentioning it for some reason. "I'm the Queen of Tilandre, is there any way I can help you...?" She asked, staring at the group. Still quite young and inexperienced for the role, her actions started to betray her personality. Quickly pointing towards the nearby vacant houses, the young girl smiled feintly.

"If you're here as a result of the laws implemented in Danarium, or.. you're just seeking shelter and food, the village openly welcomes you. Neither religion is discriminated. It doesn't matter if you worship Kraus, or Azrael.. or whoever else.. and no races are discriminated against either.". Letting out a quiet chuckle, she pulled back against the crate and closed her eyes, trying to compose herself again.
(Katya Eldor)
Asura seemed to simply remain as he were, though his aura ceased as he noticed how the others seemed to be fond of using their occultists powers. Not wanting to cause them pain, he exhaled slowly as great, blackened wings erupted from his back in a somewhat dramatic display.

"I am no hero. I'm simply a man that has chosen to exile himself for heinous crimes he comitted, and to make things right once more by seeking to redeem myself. I have plenty of friends who use questionable magic, but I have NEVER condemned for it. I am not a pretenious bastard, and I do not judge others when I can..I am not perfect, but neither will I sit by and allow someone who allows themselves to bathe in hatred, loathing and other sins for their own pleasure."

Asura's blade lifted, pointing towards the Occultist man as his helmet leaked copious amounts of thick mist, surrounding his massive frame slowly. It dredged downwards, pooling around his feet as horns emanated from loosened slots upon his helmet, a demonic glow featured in his eyes.

"It isn't too late to repent for your sins, and to redeem yourself either. I will not force you to see it my way, but upon the path you walk, you will leave bodies in your wake, and I will not allow you to harm others further."
(Asura Verenthorn)
Katya's presence was being noted from more than one person: Curious, Lissabeth herself did look in that direction, finding white locks of hair, along with a white dress, which could've only been worn by the Queen. The young woman shivered, feeling far more intimidated-and attracted by such a form. Making her way over-actually walking between Xal and Asura, She merely stepped in front of the crates where Katya was, not giving out a single word. As she did so, her right hand rose to her face, engulfed in dark power, pressed against the woman's features as it turned white, leaving holes for her eyes to see through.

Her breathing now sounded creepy, creepily echoing for those in immediate vicinity to hear, arms folded over her chest, watching the three-ready to intervene if needed, only to safeguard the white-haired Eldor girl.

What was wrong with her?
(Lissabeth Akida-Jinseer)
As peaceful as Katya proved to be, her words went in one ear, and out the other. Xal was not paying the slightest of attention, her and the essence that built behind him with a homely sense of energy felt rather of the nuisance at the moment. Still hardly over a dozen feet above the crowding, he began to falter his attention to the sidelines to a new arrival. Oddly enough, it was just like the one behind him, and similiar to his own… Another occultist, here? But why here…
Of course, his attention was beckoned by the urging boom of power difference. It felt like a gust of wind whistling into his eye sockets, turning his ‘gaze’ upon Asura for the outlining of what his half-shift form. The transformation was so sudden, and the power it granted brought the occultist to a rather distasteful conclusion. An attack inbound? All attempts of communication were squandered in the moment.

“...So, you offer peace, yet prepare for battle? You are just as deceitful as the Glacium, you care only for blood drawn, and in which-”
His arms across his body, legs curling in as well to an airborne fetal position. A filled the air, and the ground below tremored eversoslightly…

Shardlets of cosmic energy freely flowing from his form inverted in their path of travel, quickly sucking into his aura, consumed to bulken it’s presence. The air around them gusted for the occultist with the boom of bass. To those with remote sensing capability, the energies that once flowed freely from his form began to condense, manifesting with continuous growth siphoned from an alienated source. Such thunderous boom evolved into an incrementing blair of synth searing at the ears of those close enough with a distinct degree with tremolo. A coat of darkness painted his body, a blend of cosmic energy and occultism had taken shape in a mold…

His arms stretched out, legs kicked out, body fully pressed forth- A shockwave emanated from his form, engulfing all within proximity for meters to come. A thick clouding miasma cuffed at the ground, swallowing at all it could within its reach in the form of a wave. It’s contact barraged through crowds of nearby civility, and magi alike, complemented with the crackle of it’s combustion.

Silence ensued only for a brief moment, to bring sight to… Cosmic dust? It radiated of a weak occultistic charge, loitered in the air, and caused no true damage. In fact, it was absolutely harmless… As for the reason in such violent eruption, it proved unclear. In reality, it was a failed explosive wave attempt meant to eradicate droves of people at once, however proved to be far more beneficial than Xal originally expected.

The dust could be inhaled, consumed, touched and swayed- Affected by any if not all elements, but only proved to do one thing…. Mark. To everyone else, it appeared as though pollen flown with extreme excess in the air, perhaps even inducing sneezing to some, but to Xal, this ‘pollen’ lightened up the darkness that blindness cursed him with with an overall blue glow.
People whom loitered within such a presence were now highlighted and outlined in his field of vision… He could finally see… The Unseen. As for course of action for the others, it was entirely up to them and how they interpretted the accidental technique...
(Xal)

(To sum up what happens next, one intense stare-off, one final warning, and the deescalation of the situation)

The pollen dissipated, settling upon the grounds and people alike to give him a feel for everything around him. The presence that nagged on prior suddenly intensified, even burning a hole in his cosmic webbing, and leaving a trail of holy magic. It was most certainly unsettling for how imposing it was, and as much as his urge for battle would usually bring him charging, sudden awareness of the power difference swayed him to a new decision. Rather than descend, he began to give rise- His would-be opponent seemed to give in to the Queen’s demands, leaving Xal unscaved for yet another day.

Battling a single Drakanite would most definitely quench the thirst that withered at his soul, but several powerful magus at once was far more than he could chew. He left his webbing to settle upon the grounds, it’s potency slowly dying from the scene. Such a failure to exterminate many entities brought birth to a discovery that would revolutionize the way he made his entrances from this day forth. With his defeat, came a victory…

“Perhaps…. Next time… Exorcist…” The static behind his voice gave in to white noise, tickling at the ears of those whom bothered loitered too close. The powder induced minor itching to those in proximity, but nothing major. Auras, spells, or simple overwhelming presences dealt with the excess dust beautifully, cleansing Xal’s capability to scan the scene on a later date.

The masked entity turned away, heading south-west- Towards the sea oddly enough, picking up speed in an aerial curve for the clouds above. The sound of wind soaring against his figure cawed at those below, bellowing them with weak breeze… Had all gone as he intended, he expected to make a full-on retreat.

(Xal)