D'noxa

[13:09] {NARRATION} Tasked with seeking out those who have lived long and held power, the teen embarks into the deep forests surrounding the Tribes of Moxtli. The deeper his trek took him within, the more wild the world around him began to feel.. This was after all, part of what those who resided within wished to protect.

Following the rumored words of a few friendly locals, it's said the Spirit has been seen hunting the very same woods he found himself in. Though hunting what exactly..? They weren't too sure, but for the former Shaman to take such note, it must be something intresting indeed.

He would soon begin to take note of a strange trail, where plants had began to wither and rot.. and even a few small animals could be seen lying and rotting in the wake of-- what exacly..? He couldn't be sure, but the taint of foul magic became quickly apparent.

There were no signs of the Spirit he sought, but there was clearly some measure of a trail to follow before him.
[13:16] It was unlike any travel he had up to this point. While most of the others he'd interviewed and questioned were found residing within their own cities this one had recently passed beyond the veil of physicality, leaving but a trail of rumors and whispers across the beautiful woods of Moxtli. The search for the Shaman begun with a simple difficult travel deeper into the forests only for the world around him to shift.

Damanged.

Plants desecrated before the use of darker arts leaving no critter behind in its dangerous spread. A slight frown settled upon Seifer's features and a hand moved up to re-adjust the glasses sitting on his nose.

With the path towards this spiritual entity he sought meeting a dead-end the young student was left with nothing more than this horrifying reality to follow after.

Perhaps he would find answers there.

And so, Seifer began following the untold destruction, taking note of the sickening scent in the air, doing his best to endure its touch.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[13:26] {NARRATION} The further along the trail he went, the more and more it would seem like he was following something not of this world. Ichorous black blood smeared across trees and rocks, wood and stone alike melting or burning beneath it. Whatever it was, had clearly been injured already. Perhaps it was running from something..?

Growing stronger yet, he could practicaly feel his gooseflesh prickle at the depraved sensation growing within the air. The trees and other fauna finally breaking into a small valley between two large hills.. Resting at it's bottom..? A foul creature indeed.

A Nethradin, perhaps from the Shadowmire, limping down the passage perhaps in hopes the cover would allow it to hide and escape. Though it's pursuer could not be seen, it didn't seem to want to stop.. but a stiff breeze suddenly sweeps through, the Nethradin's head snapping around as the scents of a Human reached it's nostrils.

"..Yes.." It croaks, this boy could be his salvation..! "These creatures and plants aren't enough.. it's chasing me.." He needed to feed, to drain the life essence from something larger to mend it's wounds. The thing was desperate, it knew it would die anyway if it failed. "Sacrifice yourself to me.. and it will be painless.." It promised, but it wasn't certain it was telling the truth.

Gathering the last of it's strength, it begins leaping through the shadows of the trees, advancing on either it's one chance at salvation or a much faster death than being hunted down like a beast. Either was preferred over the prolonged alternative.
[13:31] The sight of a monster of all things bringing wanton destruction was not something he had expected, though it fit his greater purpose directly. Seifer's lips parted as he spoke towards the devious beast, intent on finding a compromise before things were too late.

"We don't need to fight eachother. If you have an issue I'm sure I can help you with it in some sort of fashion. I—"

Too many words. Too little time. He had been warned that some of these monsters would hardly listen to reason. Warned and warned again about it. His right hand rose up, grasping onto the rat-themed sword he wielded only to bring it down towards the leaping creature.

Seifer may have been nice but he wouldn't back off from a battle when it came right to him.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[13:42] {Won Restrained RPB against Xythrix}
[13:45] Precise, intentional strokes are what leads the young student to claim victory upon the monster. As the Nethradin laid on the ground Seifer's blade found itself pointed right at its neck, threatening a deadly fate should it make any sudden motion. The blue-haired one finally took the time to speak.

".. Now, then. Why're you attacking me? What has made you this way? If there's an issue I'm certain we can work on resolving it." He said, his left hand reaching up to adjust his glasses.

"I'd rather not have to end your life."
(Seifer Gardios)
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[13:51] {NARRATION} It fought with intense ferocity, but to a large extent? It was plainly obvious that the Nethradin's wounds were the only thing keeping it from tearing the teenager apart, but it was enough for Seifer to ensure his victory. The blade finding itself at the throat of the Nethradin, his words hardly seemed to phase the thing that was still squirming beneath the weapon. "..It's going to kill me.. Eat me.." It mumbled, more of that acidic blood sizzling the grass and dirt around it.

"Can't let it.. catch me.." Being at the teenager's mercy wouldn't save it's life, and so it made a final attempt at his essence. It's chance to survive. It appeared no detailed questions were going to be answered by the corrupt being, only the vaguest of basic responses.

Lunging, it attempts to strip his weapon and turn it upon him.
[13:54] "What is?

I'm sure I can he—"

His words were cut short as the monster attempted to bring him down once more, leading to Seifer meeting the Nethradin's lunge with Usurper's tip, lodging it right upon and through the monster's throat to end the attempts on his life.

Mercy had been offered and refused; to know where the limit stands was part of this path he walked.

A small sigh does escape Seifer's lips. After all he would have prefered if he didn't have to claim a life - as cursed as it may be. He readjusted his glasses, looking around for any sort of hint on what was pursuing this being.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[14:01] {NARRATION} About the time his blade pierced the creatures throat, Seifer could feel a pair of eyes settle upon him. It was enough to make his spine tingle, surely. As the last bit of 'life' drained out of the Nethradin.

He would turn to find just what had been hunting the creature, a massive wolf of white fur. It's entire being faintly translucent as faint wisps of blue trail from it's every movement. It was without a single doubt, the Spirit of D'noxa Aba. Her voice echoing into his mind, golden gaze set directly upon his own once he had turned fully.

"That one was my prey." She states simply, her tone carrying the faintest touches of distaste at the loss of her quarry. "Why did you take it..? Though a better question, outsider, why do you lurk within the forests of the Moxtli?" She had surely seen why he had been forced to kill it, but seemed to ask the question nonetheless.
[14:03] He felt the gaze bearing down upon his back, upon his person. It struck him down to his very core and left him with no other choice but to turn around, meeting the wolf. The spirit.

The person he sought, in fact.

A few swipes of his blade in the air cleaned off the blood as the young one spoke him, manifesting thoughts and recalling what happened.

"It attacked me. I had no choice but to strike it down; it would not listen to reason either." He explained, walking a few steps closer.

"Are you... D'noxa? I came here seeking her. I have a few questions I'd like to ask her."

He could only hope that the wolf wouldn't still seek a prey of her own.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[14:07] {NARRATION} The Wolf of course was plainly aware of all of what happened, but hearing a person explain their own tale could offer insights as to who they trul were. He told the truth, so far at least. His question met with the smallest nod of a canine head, more words pushing into his thoughts. "I am she, yes."

Stepping forward, she begins to slowly walk in circles around Seifer. "What questions do you have?" She inquires, perhaps offering a bit of hope for a simple ask and be told moment.. until she spoke again. "Then explain to me why I should answer those questions." She after all, owed him nothing. Her tone was demanding, the voice of the woman who had held the Tribes together for many decades.
[14:14] None of the people he'd questioned thus far had offered such a rebuttal. Why should they provide him with answers? They all had been nice enough to simple answer his questions, but now? Seifer was met with a question that needed further evaluation.

.. At least that would be the case if he was speaking to a living being. A spirit, however, would need nothing more than the truth.

"I seek to mend the wounds living beings have brought upon our world. Tears in space, greedy and selfish use of the dark arts, as well as other vile, unnatural magics at play have brought to life places like the Shadowmire. Like the Dreadwoods. Without anyone to mend Esshar it will inevitably be overtaken by the abuse dealt upon it. Cracks in reality allow for Nethradin to escape. That... cannot be allowed.

To that end, the Academy's Headmaster has sent me on a journey to find answers of my own. To ask questions of those who hold power, those who could do something to aid our world should they have the means, method, and motivation to do so. It's in hopes of finding my own path that I sought to learn from every sides of our world."

Eyes followed the wolf as it circled him, withholding his first question for now until the spirit would be keen on answering it.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[14:22] {NARRATION} For many years she had worked to do similar, worked to keep Saekanis from returning to the shores of Esshar.. Worked to preserve the wilds against the forces of Barsburg, she understood his plight, understood what he wanted. Yet there was still an area in which she held her doubts.

"I see." Her voice echoed, her form still circling his own. "For many years I fought to keep the Balance intact, to keep another Black Plague from occuring.. Just as my mother was the Shaman who guided the ritual that appeased the Black Wolf into leaving in the first place." A brief hum, both within his mind and an almost growl-like sound coming from her 'physically'. "I say that to say, I understand."

"Though I also understand just how hard such a path can be." How much blood it would take to make any progress, and even hold onto what you actually complished. "You stand on my territory, and so you will prove to me through combat the measure of your own Spirit." To prove he was serious, he would have to face off with the behemoth of a wolf.

"Worry not.. I've no intentions of killing you, even should you lose." This was just a test, after all. She stops, staring towards him with a potent intensity as she awaits his response to it all. "If you can prove your heart follows your words, then I will answer your questions."
[14:25] Betting on the truth had been the right call this time. After all the spiritual entity had the greatest interest when it came to this world being healed; it would allow D'noxa to live on for much, much longer. Should the Mire spread out to Moxtli's forest it would be devastating to someone like her.

His lips do part in admittance of something.

"I am not one who enjoys to fight much, yet I won't turn down your demand. I am all too aware that a blade's greatest asset is to be drawn at the right time.

I see this opportunity as one worth fighting for."

And with this, his blade is drawn once more..!
(Seifer Gardios)
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[14:30] {NARRATION} There was no other option if he wanted his questions answered, a test of mettle was common in Moxtli. She had demanded them of her own children often as they aged, and how they had both grown into worthy men of their names. "At least you already possess some wisdom." She compliments, water and blood beginning to form and float in the air around her.

This wasn't going to be easy, and there was no guarantee of victory. She had been the one to wound the Nethradin from before, after all.
[14:45] {Won Restrained RPB against D'noxa}
[14:53] {NARRATION} The clash was brutal, it was quickly clear why the Nethradin was afraid. Blood and water lashing out from the wolf as she made her advance. It was was like fighting the tide, but Seifer managed to hold his own.

As promised she restrained herself from using lethal blows, even when such chances presented themselves. Cuts opened upon her spectral hide, one after another. Proving his claws were sharp, he never backed down, proving his resolve was strong. Each and every test he seemed to pass, even when he was knocked down again and again.. even after her claws tore into his side, he rose once more.

Finally after their battle had carried on for quite some time, the Wolf's voice echoes once more. "Stop." Her body dissolving into water to evade any last moment blows, she reforms some feet away with a contemplative hum. She didn't seem concerned at all about the bleeding wounds he now bore, but it appeared he had gotten what he wanted. For now at least. "You've proven yourself sincere in heart, and strong in body. You may ask your questions and I will answer them as best as I am able."

She settles back onto her haunches, peering forward with those glowing golden eyes.
[14:56] ** D'noxa has inflicted an injury upon Seifer Gardios. ("Spectral Claws", "Along his right side a series of claw marks rend his flesh. Clearing originating from some form of large beast, until treated they would bleed heavily and seemingly reluctant to stop doing so. Indicating a bit of hemomancy may be involved, but they would eventually heal if not left to fester.", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (4 days)") **
[14:59] It was always a rush of sorts to face off against an opponent who was strong enough to put up a serious fight. Seifer had stumbled upon such a truth while young enough to respect the art of battle, to train despite a lack of dedication to violence. If only to perfect himself, to be ready for whatever would come.

Bleeding wounds were of little concern to him as mending waters washed over his form constantly, flowing across his wounds to wash them out of the pain. His assault only stopped when the wolf called for it, leaving his last slash to hit nothing but tepid waters, sending them splashing in every which way.

Heavy breaths left his lips as a hand reached up to re-adjust his glasses. A silent nod came with the request with a few added seconds to regain his composure. Right.

The questions.

"How.. would you define power? Should one be considered a powerful person what would it mean in your eyes?"
(Seifer Gardios)
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[15:02] {NARRATION} It was an opinionated question for certain, but it wasn't a hard one to answer. "Power as it is to me..?" She asks, her tone softening so slightly now that their battle had concluded. "Power is a blend of one's strength, but also a blend of how others percieve them."

"You can be weak and have others afraid of you, and due to such a feeling you have some power over them. The power to make them feel." Perhaps her answer was something expected, or perhaps not, she had no way of knowing. "Though to call a person truly powerful over most..? They would have to possess both, in my eyes." Respected or feared by many, as well as 'strong' in general.

Similar reasons were why she asked for a battle in the first place, after all.
[15:05] Where some claimed it was the ability to control faith, others had claimed it was to be capable of taking what you wanted at any time— some went with the traditional view of mere strength and another had claimed it was the ability to remain true to one's self no matter what.

The Shaman, however, had struck a certain truth. How others percieve you seemed to be like a proper answer in some sort of way. The mystique that came around those people of power Seifer had sought was based upon that very answer, after all.

A small nod was given to the wolf.

"I see... For my second question: With the world being harmed as it is - should you have the power to mend its pain how would you go about doing so?"
(Seifer Gardios)
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[15:09] {NARRATION} His questions appeared thought over and precise, but she wouldn't miss a chance to show someone her wisdom. Not when many desperately needed it. "I have always tried to do that very thing, with the Spirits.. With people. All manner of ways." She didn't think were was a 'right' answer, or a specific one at that.

"For example.. I sealed a child of Saekanis into my own body for many years, he had fallen and become insane. I used my own Spirit to heal him and the wounds he caused over nearly two decades."

"Each problem will require it's own solution, and no single person can handle it all. One must focus upon what they can do, and not what they cannot. Though they should help another struggling should they need it." Fix what you can, and if there is another who can fix an issue that is struggling? Help them. Or in this case, healing the world.
[15:15] Yet another answer which involved unity, cooperation, and an overall sense of duty towards their very realm. It was certainly something that Seifer would keep in mind. It may have been the biggest take out of all these questions he'd asked around. The only person who had cast away that second question was the very culprit of the world's suffering in a massive amount.

Lastly, the young student gathered the courage to ask but one last thing.

"Unity seems to be needed to achieve this kind of healing. This... leads me to my final question:

Why have you made the decision to remain in the physical realm as a spirit?"
(Seifer Gardios)
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[15:19] {NARRATION} That was a rather loaded question, but one she would answer as promised. After all, it may point him towards an even greater understanding. "Too often the very things you speak of that harm the world, they tend to linger when they die.. They clutch at the world with all they have, simply to do it more and more harm."

"Like the Nethradin." So that was why she had been hunting it. "..I gave up my body to linger here as a barrier against those evils." The good seemed to pass on, while the wicked lingered. "To pursue them and offer no rest until they are gone, or I have finished them off for good." Even in death, she would defend those same things she had lived for.

"Does this make sense?"
[15:22] Seifer offers more than a mere nod to her words; a wide smile follows suit and his next words reaffirm the clear emotions upon his countenance.

"I think I was right in seeking you out. Our paths may not be the same one but I believe I've learned quite a lot from you.

Thank you.

Is there anything I can do for you?"

Seeing as she had done quite enough for him. The thought of remaining in this world after one's passing in order to keep away the evil and aid the world was all too close to home.
(Seifer Gardios)
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[15:27] {NARRATION} Their paths were very different, but they marched in similar directions. It was something she could offer her respect for. "Take this." She says, essence gently parting the current of the lifestream to drop a single ruby on the ground between them. "In the event I was truly slain.. A small part of my essence lingers within. Enough to attune someone to the Spirits around them, to hear them speak should they desire to listen."

"May it help you." There was not enough to harm her there, even if it fell into the wrong hands thankfully.. but it would perhaps aid him on his journey. "..And tell my son to remain strong, and hold fast." It was all she had left to say, the wolf once more starting to walk-- this time away.

"I wish you the best on your journey, and may you one day tell another young person how to walk a path like our own." The ironic parting making her laugh slightly before it ever left her 'mouth'. "Spirits protect."

Then she was gone.
[15:27] {Item} You picked up Ruby of the Great Shaman. Dropped by D'noxa..
[15:29] Seifer's gaze was drawn towards the essence that seemed to gently slip away from the world's very fabric in order to be deposited on the ground. He reached down, picking it up only to see the wolf making its way off as he rises back up. A small smile traces itself upon his lips as he clutches upon the gemstone.

He would make sure to make the most out of it.

".. Thank you." He whispered before making his own way off.

He had an assignment to turn in, at last.
(Seifer Gardios)