Xerves: Attack on Viridian

The beast roared for the heavens, pained to such agonizing degree that he fell into a spell of paralysis through discomfort alone. The lessers were eradicated entirely, and he had fallen to the grounds in defeat for what could be assumed to be the last time.

There was nothing left but ashes and bone, with him being at the center of this makeshift Yokai graveyard. Ana took closed in, sealing in her victory and educating Xerves in a relationship he'd learn with the ground...
One that grew ever-the-more, intimate.

Though, to his surprise, he was not dead yet...
Death was something he dodged quite commonly up until now, but only because he had never been in a scenario where he was truly on the brink. The sting of a blade's entry pierced through his right shoulder, leaving the beast to cringe and writhe in agony. However, rather than experience a killing blow, the heat of the pyromancer's capability boiled through the veins, effectively overheating his bodily system, and clouding consciousness into a blank darkness.

...Defeat, once again, had bested him...
However, as it was in the previous encounters, it was not permanent, it was never permanent... It was an endless cycle that left him generating perpetual fury...
Hours passed, and he would recover from the scorched soils, taking his journeys south where he would eventually pass into the Trystle caverns to recover. Hours evolved into days, and his trek adopted an exodus of even more Yokai, persistent on achieving his bloodied goal.

Departure from the shrouding darkness that was the Trystle Caverns left Xerves surrounded with a new entourage:
Megai and Terra swarmed at his feet as they always did, possessing the atmosphere with their cacophonous chatter, numbering in the dozens. A new exodus, herded new members of lesser class- Including the young Agafan, spawn picked up to join the hunt in the Southern Prarries of Nostvale territory.
(Xerves)

The beast roared for the heavens, pained to such agonizing degree that he fell into a spell of paralysis through discomfort alone. The lessers were eradicated entirely, and he had fallen to the grounds in defeat for what could be assumed to be the last time.

There was nothing left but ashes and bone, with him being at the center of this makeshift Yokai graveyard. Ana took closed in, sealing in her victory and educating Xerves in a relationship he'd learn with the ground...
One that grew ever-the-more, intimate.

Though, to his surprise, he was not dead yet...
Death was something he dodged quite commonly up until now, but only because he had never been in a scenario where he was truly on the brink. The sting of a blade's entry pierced through his right shoulder, leaving the beast to cringe and writhe in agony. However, rather than experience a killing blow, the heat of the pyromancer's capability boiled through the veins, effectively overheating his bodily system, and clouding consciousness into a blank darkness.

...Defeat, once again, had bested him...
However, as it was in the previous encounters, it was not permanent, it was never permanent... It was an endless cycle that left him generating perpetual fury...
Hours passed, and he would recover from the scorched soils, taking his journeys south where he would eventually pass into the Trystle caverns to recover. Hours evolved into days, and his trek adopted an exodus of even more Yokai, persistent on achieving his bloodied goal.

Departure from the shrouding darkness that was the Trystle Caverns left Xerves surrounded with a new entourage:
Megai and Terra swarmed at his feet as they always did, possessing the atmosphere with their cacophonous chatter, numbering in the dozens. A new exodus, herded new members of lesser class- Including the young Agafan, spawn picked up to join the hunt in the Southern Prarries of Nostvale territory.
(Xerves)

The journey brought fruition to the angry Gigai's search-- Before him and his followers was none other than an expansive campsite; Flags poised from its center and outlying border were clearly recognizeably as none other than Viridian property.

It was a small outpost, nothing like a full on military position mean't for observing an enemy. It was moreoff mean't to oversee merchantry trade passing through from the Trystle caverns, and given the decimated display and nigh ruin it was safe to assume that this camp in particular was used back during the times of the Old Empire.

Five small wooden structures, and a single tower that stood a solid thirty feet, doubled that of the Gigai fiend that preyed upon the inhabitants. The small camp provided a sparse populace, likely no more than four dozen, and when compared to the pack's current numbers, slightly less than doubled their numbers.

The visage of the beast contorted to reveal a twisted grin, appeased at the find--
Nothing to big nor sturdy for their numbers, and a grande find for such opportunistic hunters. The gurgle of his gullet signified pending hostilities; A step further summoned the final quake of the earth in his wake, falling still with a single arm rising to point for the relatively distanced site.

"Lesser kindred-- The enemy sits in wait on the close horizon. They go oblivious to our presence..." He started, tone dropping for the next succession of words, providing a far more grave sense to the scene in play.
"Let them learn, with educating teeth and claw. FEAST, Children, Siblings and Spawn of Darkness." He exclaimed through the telepathic channel, relinquishing a mighty roar from his parting maws.

The sound-off drew attention from those within the campsite, forcing them into a state of panic. Men rushed from building to building, attempting to snap into action, but such short notice left them incapable of preparing in time. These were not members of such organization that would harbor spies and scouts to their leisure, for they -WERE- the scouts of the Viridian, aimed to detect threats before they made it to the main village.

Whilst the majority of men and women scattered for armor and weaponry, the ample few already prepared armed themselves with bows and arrows; One even stood ready, blade in hand, standing firm for the charging arrival of Xerves' entourage.

"CHARGE!"
(Xerves)

Well that escalated quickly didn't?

But, the dumb puppy that was Agafan couldn't care less or even think about that. The yokai instead, doing it's usual thing bared its fangs and claws, it's muscles tensing as mana pumped through it's being, giving a soft, low growl before it charged alongside Xerves's hoard.

With a berserklike charge it collided with the first person that got ready, knocking him to the ground and started clawing at him as the man fruitlessly tried defending agains the yokai, but it's mana induced strength was too much for him and he was soon overpowered! His sword was knocked aside and the man was left with his barehands that pretty much couldn't hold the yokai at bear.

The yokai sank it's fangs into his throat and tugged ripping it open with a shower of blood, coating itself in the lifeform of it's victim and began to chew, ripping his flesh now and then for more substenence.


(Agafan)

The Tera had simply been wandering the Trystle, a veritable sheath of gore surrounding its person. It had decided the best way to evolve into its new form would be to simply devour all in its path. Animals, Yokai, and even a stray Human had all fallen to its ravenous hunger and vicious claws. An animalistic mindset had overtaken the beast as it so greedily sought the form of the Giga, a stronger, better form. Instict took over.

It could feel a tug on its being, something else trying to command it. Another Yokai, but one it recognized. A Giga, a pack that it had joined. It rushed in that direction, confident it would bring more to feast upon, or perhaps some other method of evolution that it wasn't aware of. Mindlessly it exited the caves, coming across the grasslands, so lucious and green. The foliage crumpled underfoot as it sought out the source of the call, finally finding it.

A Yokai charge, attacking an outpost of the Viridian! Battle, but more specifically... A feast of such delicious meat. A Yokai would give the creature knowledge and mana, but that of a human was a sheer delicacy because of its rarity. An entire outpost of the beings? It roared out from behind the group and charged forward, heavy hooves pounding the dirt in its haste.

Into the camp it charged, an arrow flicking off its plated scales. The source was discovered, a wide-eyed girl of no more than twenty. The Tera leaped towards her, claws sinking through leather and mail, digging deep into the precious flesh beneath. It raked and bit, tore and savaged, spraying sanguine liquid across the battlefield. Again it roared its dominance, before finding a new foe to repeat the process over again...
(Nak'Rat)

The battle had only begun, the initial forces falling victim to the Yokai horde;
Blood rained true to the soils, tainting the facade of a once tattered campsite into a drenched ruin of Sanguine pools- The bodies that remained, human cadavers were pinned down by ravenous lessers.
Though, as more waves of Viridian forces pushed back in retaliation, heavy fire took shape, in the form of a barrage of arrows and javelins.

The weapons were taken to the largest entity of the field, literally raking his claws through the rooftops of their structures. It stormed with a heavy stygian presence, occultic energy deteriorated at the wooden material that sustained the foundation of such establishments. Ebony blood sprayed from its form in reverence to the piercing strikes upon his physique.

The splinters of damaged holds rained down unto the dying, integrity of structures were brought into question and the screams of hysteria filled the air.
A row of attacking humans took grasp unto their javelins, jousting towards weapons for the beast- Taunting it with their jabs, failing to discourage further advancement.
A sweeping claw launched a list of them into the air, their pained shouts conjoined as they soared for distant soils.

"Leave no humans to see another day! Consume -ALL- human fi-"
A long lance struck true to the center of his chest, impact alone leaving him to stumble backwards. It was not alone, for dozens more rocketed through the air for further his stumble, until he'd fall to the grounds! He was... Vanquished?! The lessers under his will were forced to scatter, decimated with waves of warriors of stronger calibur!

It seemed the small outpost was but an extension to a full-on shipyard in the distance, complete with a larger armada of Viridian ready for strikes like this.
(Xerves)

In the distance, far south of Nostvale's walls was an outpost under siege!
An old and dated outpost, still in ruin since the battles of the Old Empire--

The chatter of beasts about the small campsite was complemented with the sea of sapphire and crimson crowding the building sides. Though, the structures numbered no more than five, with the exception of a thirty foot tower, it sustained well against the Yokai attack. The bodies of men and women under the Viridian flag prevailed well...

To one exception...
Though many Yokai suffered defeat, a single one proved victorious in his succession of conflict.
Armored men were shown their way through the skies, their screams halting only with their return to the earth awaiting below.
The snapping of bones beneath his heavy pronged toes sounded off for the horizon, and a mighty roar for the heavens.

Were there no heros for the non-magi that fought so valiantly?
Javelins lodged into his chestal region were promptly tugged out, failing to pierce deep enough to inflict damning wounds. They were tossed away, akin to toothpicks to a fifteen foot tall monstrosity that was: Xerves. To his command, dozens of Terra, Megai and lesser Yokai kindred-- All of which indulging themselves to the victims of his waged war.

A single man was caught in his meaty grasp, weilded high above the site for all within to bare witness; A voice boomed through a publicized telepathic channel from the very creature, unto all whom were forced to hear it.
"Today, humans will learn the pain, Yokai kind were forced through for so long...
I am the Revolution of Yokai
I am the Harbinger of Darkness
I am Xerves, and today, you will become a part of me!
The head of the captive man, concealed by clutching fingers casted forth a horrendous cry-- A sanguine illumination emanated from betwixt the Yokai's fingers, Occultism siphoned the very lifeforce of the man within his grasp, reducing his physicality to a mere shriveled husk in Viridian armor.

Hysteria unfolded for this small outpost, as men struggled to retaliate and send couriers for Nostvale in the distance, but as fate unfolded, hope of the neglected establishment grew distant...
(Xerves)

To Cato, this had been yet another average day. He'd awoken, brushed his teeth and canines, gargled mouthwash, flossed and gotten ready for the day. Nothing had changed at all-- he still remained in Danarium for a majority of his time, opting to remain in the inn there with what riches he had saved than return to Frostvale. Why he chose to remain in a foreign encampment rather than the one he grew up in he didn't know, but it wasn't of any major concern. Even now as he walked across the sand, he found himself struck with a strange desire to return home.
It wasn't as if he'd follow through with it, however. He chose not to.

Running his right hand across the helm of dragonsbone that covered his head, he thought back to the moment he'd decided to place it on. How foolish he'd been, thinking the power would be worth it. How foolish he'd been to even think he'd be able to maintain control against the tens of hundreds of souls that had been trapped within. Still, he maintained consciousness. He fought against the voices that asked for him to slay any and everyone in his path, taking a slow approach to his next destination.
For days, weeks, months and years now he'd been forced to live this way.

He maintained a certain distance from everyone he'd known previously, not wanting to hurt them. That's how he'd lived his life, and that's how he'd do so for the next ten, twenty, fifty years until the day he died and he'd be sucked into the helm to do battle with the hundreds of souls he'd taken in. It was no one's fault but his own, but even now he wished someone could save him from his fate. Who was he to wish for that? Who was he to think he could be saved at all? Chuckling, he stepped against the grass and continued on his journey, passing by Nostvale.
On that note... were his comrades doing well?

He hadn't seen his kin in months if not years-- he wasn't one to keep track at all. He could say he missed them, but solitude had become commonplace to him overtime. Even now as he passed by his place of previous refuge he felt no remorse in not seeing them. In this way he was protecting them, wasn't he--
He looked up, sniffing the air.

"... Iraiga?" he mumbled to himself.

The Helm of Terrors trembled-- it could almost taste the blood and death as though the dragon it'd used to be had a mind of its own. He'd heard a voice in his mind mayhaps miles away. It's tone was akin to one he'd heard years prior, the tone of a friend. Cato's footfalls became hurried and his strides became ever longer, his soles stamping hard against the cool grass. He cared not for anything or anyone else as a smile only grew upon his features-- would he finally be able to meet his friend again? Would he be able to hold a conversation once more?
Fate... was cruel.

Stopping hundreds of feet away after minutes of running, Cato could only stare at the carnage-- the destruction. The scene wasn't one he could say he wasn't used to, but all in all he found himself shaking his head lightly at the sight of the massive Yokai in the distance. An army of them-- dead bodies littered the ground both human and yokai alike-- seemed to be attacking, though Cato found no solace in this. This larger Yokai was not Iraiga. This one was not his friend, not at all.

He thought nothing of humans or anyone else, but for the moment he came to an understanding-- the line between what was right and what was wrong. Though the helm could aim to steal his ability to think at times in battle, it couldn't steal what pride and morals he had.

From his right sleeve appeared daggers, multiple appearing in his right hand as in his left he held a katana, the sheathe left upon his back. His form seemed to grow in size as though an aura overtook him-- he flickered. He wasted no time, his slit-like eyes reflecting his emotion and actions as he'd dash across the field, closing the distance between he and foe. This wasn't Iraiga, so he wouldn't care how many yokai he'd cut through. As things were, Cato was hungry anyway...

Might as well kill the lot of them and feast on their flesh and bones.
(Cato)

Britton after being told that Nivis was now extending it's patrol to the outstretches of Nostvale. After the events in which Athena done. The young warrior would patrol and stay near Nostvale for a few months to get to know the town, and it's surrounding areas.

A solid warrior and aspiring leader knows all terrains and areas that are under the reign of the curent queen or king. Or high inquisitor or whatever the name shall be given to those that are in charge.

Britton while on patrol heard screamings and shoutings. Some would normally run from the danger. But having spoken an oath to defend those in need, it was his duty to run toward that of the screams of those in need. He wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't put his life on the line and protect.

Britton was astonished at the sight that layed out before him. Death is only a glimpse of the scene, horrific and vulgarity were the other thirds that made the scene whole. It was a sight that the young wolf had hoped to never see. He began to sprint toward the outpost that likely held some the young healer could fix. As he ran towards the outpost his vision became tunneled.

The thought of helping those in need was the only thing upon his conciouss. Occasioanly he glanced around but was unable to really notice the cause. His hands and body surrounded with a healing aura as he was taught. The Vigoratus of the once proud Draco Nivis was flipping his thoughts from his readings, how to heal bite, sword and other wounds alike.

He was trained by Robinia Gorgwain and was no novice to say the least when it came to the healing arts. However his will and his mental capabilities to be in such a shrouded scene would be the training and fear he'd have to overcome this day.
(Britton Stien)

 The Revenant... It had noticed a fight nearby, between many, and yokai. It drifted near, a tail swaying lazily, ear twitching. A quiet being, trying to think, realize. Something which was sought, and it needed to find solutions.

It was lonelier than ever, taking brief reprieves of nothing. More than often, in its endless spare time. It would just stare up into the sky, mostly during the nights, comparring with the moon. And their similarities.

But another scream startled it back to reality, and it shook its head, trudging near, waitting, on the sidelines, silently. It... Would wait, until magi arrived to combat the yokai, before it made any moves. Anything less, would be wasteful, the spirit had decided.

And magi always came to sort out such big problems.
(Ookami Revenant)

The integrity of the small holds were put to the test, dust clouded into the air as a monstrious foot crashed into the western side, the rooftop caved in reverence to the lost wall and a risen left arm dived into the roof, crushing those still suiting up inside and spilling fog throughout the immediate scene. He was shrouded alongside many others in the destruction of the site, couriers that attempted to make distance via horseback were intercepted by charging Terras and Megai....
Until a lone hero seemingly appeared on the horizon: Cato, taking aggressive intent against the Yokai horde that struck upon the outpost. A Megai pounced forth for a man upon equestrian transportation, stumbling the horse and sweeping the man off for the soils below where he'd be pinned down. A hand was risen above his fallen form, sharpened claws pointed down with expectation to pierce through the center of his chest: A kill-shot should it carry through...

Though, something else caught its ear, an encroaching entity from the sound of it, leaving it to turn to this valiant soul. With Cato in its sights, it unveiled a screech that resonated for the mesas, failing to echo on the account of the cacophonous hysteria already in motion. It switched targets, already charging forth for the Ookami.

Xerves, on the otherhand was far more busy tearing through the small buildings, passing by the base of the outpost tower--
A dramatized swipe of the right arm shattered a supporting beam, leaving the remnants to shower down on the suffering below. The tower began to peel over, the churn of wood filled the air and archers up top feared for the lives in the form of rampant screaming.

The Gigai's roar sounded off with triumph, conquering the best of Viridian forces over a small territory. Though, it was nothing in comparison to the larger bases in the distance that would challenge greater Yokai numbers. This was a feeble station, one of which, he could overwhelm with numbers and his own brutality to lead.

"Feed me more!"
More humans were clutched into his unforgiving hands, forced through the same siphoning technique, consumed into his own circuit to build him towards the pinnicle of his stage--
He was attempting to egg on a transformation whilst indulging himself on the vast numbers of victims.
(Xerves)

The fleet-footed male didn't slow down for a moment, his right arm crossed over his chest. He closed the distance as quickly as possible, throwing out from his tight grip a multitude of daggers that aimed to pierce into the flesh of the yokai that'd previously aimed to tear into the horseback rider. If they'd made contact, Cato would waste little time in his assault, kissaki-- the tip of his blade-- meeting the grass before he'd rush forth akin to a blur in a burst of speed.
His blade'd lift up from the ground, aiming to cut the yokai in twain-- he held nothing back in his assault, his muscles stretched and expanded to their peak.

He'd taken on hordes of yokai before whether it be of the Lesser, Mega or Terra class. He'd been able to fight Giga-classed Yokai as well while sustaining injury, so he was under the assumption this would be of no consequence. As long as he remained light on his feet and allowed himself breathing room, he'd be able to fight evenly against these beasts. Thus, he held nothing back. As things were his katana wasn't a strong blade meant for cutting through opponents-- it suffered from wear and tear if used for too long.
Thus, he'd alternate between katana and claws.

He slashed, cut and stabbed, his right hand and arm transmuting into that of a dragon's. His nails became claws-- they elongated as green scales took over his limb, his slit-like eyes narrowing even further as he stared outward with green irises. Overall as things were now it was kill or be killed. Would Xerxes notice his brethren fall one by one? If so, Cato would be prepared for combat against an even higher class of yokai.
"Come!" he taunted loudly, a brutish smile on his lips.

His helm was coated in blood, the dragonsbone humming.
(Cato)

Britton looked to his right and spotted a warrior nearest to where he was running, obviously this warrior wasn't upon the intent of healing those in need instead going straight for the main problem or source.

Britton charged over to where the man that the young warrior was able to narrowly save. Panting a bit as the run was quite far. His focus wasn't upon his lack breath but instead upon the mans injuries. He assessed where the wounds upon the poor victim was. Having a solid knowledge of the wounds. Not really all life threatening due to Brittons ability to heal him right away upon the spot, however if left to fester, sepsis would likely set in from the wounds.

Britton clapped his hands together seperating them, while both glowed blueish white. A healing holy aura around his palms would take away pain and at the same time sooth the wounds closed. He mixed a tad bit of his holy flame to burn the wounds shut. But didn't add to much Holy flame aura to his healing aura, as Britton didn't want to cause further injury to the victim.

Looking up toward Cato as the warrior beckoned the main problem to come forth. Looking toward multiple Yokai within the Gigai's legion. He was only able to see about 15 or so. Knowing that he was fully capable of defeating them in single combat he's never faced more then 5 foes at once.

Having finished healing the wounds he smiled upon the man and stood up as his holy aura filled the area he was standing. Thinking about what strategical move to partake upon next. Britton thought it best to analyze the situation and his role would for now be a mop up type. Fixing those as was his purpose that could be healed or fixed. Attacking only if needed.
(Britton Stien)

 It would smile. An individual was there... Cutting through yokai better than the nonmagi. It would draw in towards the fighting. It had decided. Yokai were already present. And the Revenant knew what it would do. As it drew near, its eyes were drawn to the holy magi nearby. And its tail waved eagerly.

Magi, in plural. Darkness, would cut into darkness, slashing at a nearby yokai. "Greetings." It offerred. "I'll help you two, if you two help me after, what is said?" A simple enough request. Its head was turned, lurking under the hood.

"And be quick with your responses! After all, what I ask for, you'll easily regain."
(Ookami Revenant)

Britton Stien: <*Britton looked toward the fellow ookami. It was a fair deal given the circumstances. He nodded in agreance toward the fellow Ookami.*>

Ookami Revenant: Must be both.

Cato: <*Cato opted to not respond-- not that he would've in any case. He ignored Britton and Ookami, continuing on with his own battle.*>

Ookami Revenant: It'll still be mine theen...

The Revenant would turn, hearring at least part of what it wanted. Its own aura of darkness erupting gleefully. Mana bursting readily into the area, a sudden burst of other yokai formming. Its tail kept waving eagerly, as yokai tore at each other instinctively and its head situated on the large one. It rubbed its hands gleefully, as more of that dark magic bellowed from it. Going to cut down Xerves's remainning numbers. A slash, a cut... Energy stolen, taken.

After all, yokai did best, when feeding on one another, so... He'd let those he summonned enjoy their temporary reexistence. "Faaantastic." It said quietly. The moon would do battle with the void.
(Ookami Revenant)

The horde was under attack by a greater threat, one that Xerves failed to realize immediately. Though, with time, the destruction birthed sight to something anew. Whilst some warriors took flight, taken by surprise by charging Megai and Terra that refused to let them escape, few charged in to intercept the malicious forces. It was a force that superceded any of the non-magus thus far. A small group of humanoids that defied Xerves' imposed fear unto the humanity he's come to terrorize.

Sanguine beads set their glare unto a strong few, accompanied with Yokai he didn't entirely recognized. A falsely necromancing summoner of sorts spawned them from the very essence of darkness, back to the reality that was- Here and now. Though, he was not alone- Though he harbinged an aura of the Occult practice, standing before an Exorcist healing a victim in the background, there was but another-- A valiant soul cutting down at his numbers in a charge in his direction, heading straight for the outpost's center where Xerves feasted.

"Heroes?"
He queried an audience he figured would fail to oblige with an answer, pivoting from the dying conflict for the conundrum in-brew. With less Yokai at his disposal, his siege on this outpost would not last much longer. He had to take action on this! He had to avenge the fallen- He felt obligated to pursue all chance of absolute victory-- And with these magi standing before him, he found such possibility squandered.

"No... You're not heroes. You're just scum, taking your place before me to corrupt this world alongside your fellow scoundrels!"You sort and your murderous ilk, humans, attempting to justify their Sins-- All of their bloodlusty voices reduced to mere screams in my presence. I am the true hero of this world, and -I- will see that Revolution unfolds. You may be the first to bare witness to the transformation of mankind throughout Valmasia."

The underlings that remained focused on the Viridian forces to keep them from badgering their overlording Gigai whilst he approached the other interlopers to the scene. Each and every step from his lumbering form quaked the earth, boasting his size, heading directly for Cato with mild caution heeded for the Occultist that branded his aura.
"You want to spray blood?" He questioned, barring teeth--
The Yokai's form shuddered, evidently out of amounting irritation, a prelude to a combustion of fury erupting through a telepathic channel betwixt their numbers.

"WELL THEN, COME FORTH AND TAKE YOUR PLACES!" With that, the mighty beast took full charge from the damaged center of the campsite, heading straight for Cato, unless another intercepted his pace.
(Xerves)

Cato breathed out hard, sweat rolling down his features. He had stamina that was for sure, but lasting for minutes on end without rest against such a large horde wax taxing-- he wouldn't be able to maintain such a position for much longer. Despite his aim to maintain distance they closed in on him in every instance, though he found allies in the yokai summoned by Ookami-- they were able to dampen a majority of the fire coming in Cato's direction.
As things were, he had to focus on someone else entirely.

Taking note of Xerves position then, Cato stabbed his katana into the dirt and spread apart his arms, scales overtaking the both of them. An aura overtook the entirety of his form as he shifted on the spot, maintaining a partial-shift rather than a half or even a full. He hadn't come into complete mastery over his abilities no matter how close he was, so he couldn't say for sure that he'd be able to take on Xerves... however, Cato had spent time around Iraiga. That accounted for something.

However, in the moments to come, Cato found his life flash before his very eyes.
His birth.
His abandonment.
His adoption.
His love.
His loss.

Nothing.

Darkness passed over his vision as the helm seemed to take him over, his green irises taking on a crimson red. His katana was pulled from the dirt as he rushed for Xerves, his body a blur-- his muscles bulged and his speed increased to its maximum as he pushed himself past the limits of his very body, his jump in the next moment coming as a surprise. He didn't seem to fight like a human anymore-- no, his movements seemed akin to a dragon's.
With one slashing motion, Cato aimed--

To cleave Xerves in twain, aiming for one of the most vulnerable parts of a body according to anatomy--
The neck.
(Cato)

Britton still stood in the back of all the action as was his role as a support healing holy magi. His job was to only tend ot the wounds of those that needed him.

It woudln't be wise to prepare a full fledged attack for fear it would affect the young warrior Cato. He's never seen these warriors before this day, and would not want ot be the cause of any undue death aside from their enemy. Even then he didn't want such a strong or tainted life to get a second chance. It was an alpha's nature to look after the pack, but if somone was tainted in their vision as toward a particular group or race. In this case the Yokai saw them as heroes that only killed their own.

Sadly that wasn't the case atleast for this wolf. Brittons suspicious grew of the other Ookami summoning those which would aid in the joint cuase this day. But Did not speak as he hasn't spoken for multiple years after taking his vow. He would not waste words upon this day. Fight or not, he would not grace them with his knowledge nor, the soft orchestra oriented wisdom he's gained from his silence.

Taking off his sword incase he would have to defend himself on this field however, was a smart move. He gripped the hilt of his sword and held it on his left side within his left hand. His forarm muscles occasionly would flex as his fingers mindfully would reposition upon the hilt. The tip of the sword layed within the dirt as he awaited a challenger, if no challenger would arise he would spend this battle healing his fellow allies. Wether it be Charging warrior or the summoning Ookami.

Depending on the certainty of the fight he would take further action to defend either party however, that would remain to be seen depending upon the choices eithe rparty would take. He would rather not see unearned blood spilt this day, but really didn't have a choice. His tail flurried with thought as his mind began racing throughout the different scenarios.
(Britton Stien)

The Revenant saw the fight coming henceforth, its gaze drawn along Cato's attack. It wouldn't stop it, just move alongside to aid in the fight. Its blade was drawn calmly, and then held under its chin. Its feet slid out from under it. ANd it landed on its now free hands. Claws dug into the earth. Speed, and traction. The creature in green was ready to go in for the fight.

It seemed to quietly ripple with mana, as pieces of mana surged through, freely. Some sort of frightful mana was readying to release. The dark energies about it slowly bubbled. Its eyes glanced to the Viridian. Pray that it wouldn't become disliked for this display of dark magic.

Even if fighting alongside. IT remainned uncertain, as to whether it could trust people as much, with the recent inquisition taking over practically.
(Ookami Revenant)

The beast's charge transcended into a leap for the skies, surprisingly high given its gargantuan size. Its landing induced the earth into a violent tremble, forcing smaller objects and even people briefly into the air. The earth under his mass shattered akin to glass, leaving debris to fire off into the skies-- Though, rather than obey Gravity's demands, they were riveted further for the heavens for a force was conjured within the right fist of such a beast, planted into the earth.

A stygian essence, proficient of the occult art riddled its form, oozing from the pores of smooth muscular flesh. The disturbed rock and ruffled grasses were illuminated at the seems of the scarred earth, vibrant of tangerine. Though, it shimmered with a cold flame, more gelatinous than it was a flickering pyre. Grasses browned, falling limp rather than crisp. The corrupted zone was depressed down the color spectrum and siphoned of raw vitality as the former victims of the outpost were.

However, about the immediate proximity of the beast, the essence compounded, intensifying with the passing moments. It seemingly congealed into a solidifiable essence, growing into a potent portrayal of symbollism. The hatred for mankind was manifested about his form, through shades of lavender and tangerine... However, the raw emotion was as black as ebony, devoid of coloring emotion, inept of pleasure: Destruction fabricated in the form of a mere aura.

Xerves arose from his knelt stance to stand upright before the few, whilst excess Yokai forces shifted their attention unto the two taking up hostilities. Behind them, their commanding leader charged...
Conflict, was to ensue...
(Xerves)

Britton charged into battle his speed was honoring his race as he was easily evading the basic and magical attacks sent his way whenever one would come towards him.

Sticking true to his plan about not attacking and playing a support role as well as keeping his thoughts about the aftermath of the fight, never had it occured to Britton that he would fall nor would his allies fall with his holy aura lighting the way for his allies.

The battle was fierce to say the least. Britton did his best to keep the minor wounds if any that were suffered by his current allies to be non affectual. He felt for the most part.

That would be up to those he fought with however, Brittons mind was clearly elswhere. After he witnessed the maginficent beast descending upon it's fall. Britton used his specatular speed to stand infront of the yokai before a final blow was struck to take the yokai towards the next world. His arms extended to signal the battle was done.

Britton didn't speak just stood there with his eyes fixed from his allies aggressive emotional faces. Brittons face spoke of all his emotions. A creature should not be no matter what it has done, succumbed to anything less then a shot at redemption. He would speak if need be. The value of words might be needed during this day, and this would be a feat for Britton. As the young wolf hasn't spoken to any aside from his former healing teacher Robinia. He would graciously speak to save the life and give a second chance to this confused Yokai, that had only seen in it's visions destruction.

Perhaps all it would take to give it atleast a glimpse of a mind change would be one ass kicking and a chance to learn something else. It hadn't become a third tier on it's own. It needed somone to help it along the way. Perhaps now it needed one more then ever. Britton would gladly atleast pettition to be that guiding light for the yokai. He would have to take it to Frostvale... That would be another battle in itself. But for now this young wolf wanted to atleast give the yokai a shot to mend it's ways.

He awaited the stances of those that would no doubt be a little confused upon his most recent actions from a crushing and no doubt deadly blow.
(Britton Stien)

The Revenant turned, it flickerred slightly, actually... Was it partially see through? It glanced towards Cato, the one that hadn't given it a yes, or no for certain in one way or another. And then began walking. It was... A person could see the plains through the creature, almost as if a poor illusionist... Or a spirit.

"Now then, for that which you two can regenerate." It said. Its hand faded more, as it reached directly for Cato, seemingly to plunge through, into him. But nothing physical would happen, while Britton was preoccupied.

Cato would feel an odd sensation. Their mana circuit being tamperred with. Sapped from. Fed into the spirit, and it actively resolidified before their eyes. Not too much, but enough to leave them tired, rather tired. Asleep on the spot more than likely, sort of tired.

And it would turn to Britton. "And now your due?" Its hand withdrawn, no blood. No physical wounding to Britton. "That was to recover, and now I need the actual payment." It would say beginning to walk over. The battle was ended... The last of the yokai more than likely finished. The spirit's ones would fade, now that it was mostly over. And Xerves's remainning yokai, now having lost their leader, were no longer near as organized, and really rather weakenned.

"After all, I cannot fight wrecklessly. And this was our agreement." It would stop directly in front of Britton, up close. THe lack of a face rather evident under the hood.
(Ookami Revenant)

lasted for mayhaps ten seconds or less-- he wasn't able to keep count. Just as quickly as the helm had taken over his reasoning he'd been knocked unconscious, the back of his head slamming fiercly against the ground. He left in his wake a crater, the dirt beneath him caving in and cracking... Even as the battle ended he couldn't move. No, more than that the souls forced him to remain in place, his entire body locked-- there was simply no key lest his consciousness awaken once more.
Despite this, Ookami'd chosen to steal from him.

Cato found what vitality he'd regained lost, falling into an even deeper stupor, akin to a coma. Completely unable to will himself to move even if he wanted to, Cato lay there unseeing with his blade at his side, unable to do anything for himself, or anyone.
As it were, he was out of commission.
(Cato)

The quake of one's hulking form brought before all, a the descent of a once-great beast. The crash of the earth rumbled beneath his weight, taking rest unto the harden ground, decimated with the mix of Occult, Holy strikes unto it.
The forces he lead against the outpost were outright obliterated in the scuffle, leaving remnants and stragglers to flee. The burning ruins of already worn Imperial ruin were scattered about with remaining Viridian forces, sparse given the prolonged attack that carried out even before the arrival of these three.

The fires were being tend to, bodies were carted out from damaged buildings, and recovery began immediately. In time, a force would depart from the damaged ruin-- Given a few more minutes considering the extent of the damage to investigate the fate of the suddenly 'calmed' beast-- One whom was subdued dozens of meters away.

The once-triumphant roars were now reduced to mere whimpers, battered and weak, forced to rest before the remaining warriors that approached his fallen form. This was a position he had grown to learn, and with the shadows forging themselves into silhuoettes he grew aware of their identities once more-- Especially with closed distance to allow him clear gaze unto the victors.

A spirit in close tow, transparent in image, and an Exorcist in a vibrant gold...
They didn't seem to arm themselves with weapons to dispose of the beast just yet, but fate did not guarantee him any hope of survival just yet. With soldiers nearby on the prowl, soon to arrive and with these lot surrounding his form, a grim future seemed to unfold relatively quickly...
Death was only around the corner...
(Xerves)

The spirits hand faded suddenly diving in, a shock, burnning. It had been described as many things, some as painful, some as.... Just unnatural. But none good. "THen I'll take my pay. Don't reccomend you jolt too much, might not be pleasant, if you tug away, while I'm connected to your circuit, for either of us." It said plainly.

And then... It quietly drainned. It was solid already, but this was more than likely just spare mana, to exist, and possibly do a wreckless fight or two with. Excess... And the spirit enjoyed it. It would try to drain Britton to similar weakness as Cato, unless they did something else.
(Ookami Revenant)

Britton felt a swirling firey sensation within his body as he listened to the summoners words, of not pulling away. As he felt his mana being slowly drained away.

Having no fear as Britton began panting and knew enough was enough. He at that moment with what mana he had to send a message without using words toward his now vanquished ally. He had taken his fill of Mana and Never specified the amount. Britton had his holy aura surround his body now fusing it with his Mana.

It would be wise for the Summoner to Remove his hand or likely lose the feeling and possibly worse.
(Britton Stien)

The Revenant's tail ceased waving, as the feeling of the hand, gripped tighter about a circuit, and it took a step back. A horrendous tug on Britton's circuitas it stepped back, not letting go. Painful in odd ways, beyond most words. "I don't take kindly towards hostilities." It said quietly. A subtle dark aura rising about it.

Perhaps words would have been best. Another batch of yokai would appear. It didn't really care what the Viridian behind it were thinking.

Turnning back on a deal like that, was intolerable to the Revenant.
(Ookami Revenant)

(White text arguing betwixt figures ensue)

The beast was defeated... But far from outright crippled. It could move its arms and legs well enough. Claws bared into the earthen soil and legs slid up to bring further rise to his head, apparently, attemptign to stand once more!
However, rather than simply sprint away, or attempt to make a cheap shot- The Yokai parted its maws for a nigh deafening roar. A roar of such volume that the atmosphere shuddered in its wake, muddied with the close promixity granted. Perception was blurred to a degree, whilst audability was brought to a magnitude of nigh ear popping.

This was not a roar of anger, nor triumph... It was one of desperation: A call!
The once scattered remnants of the attack charged from various directions, seemingly attacking once more, but without a leader to direct them. Their victims were chosen without prejudice and their screeches mere miniature mockery of the gargantuan graymatter that summoned him. With hysteria revived, even if to pathetic degree, Xerves attempted to use it as a diversion.

It made a weak jog, attempting to outright sprint for the east, whilst Yokai scattered about in sparse numbers to further terrorize the Viridian soldier populace. Though it'd prolong conflict by a few minutes to the non-magus nearby, it'd be but a quick fix for the standing spirit and Exorcist. Though, it came off as more of a choice... A choice to pursue the fleeing Yokai, or save the endangered humans left, considering they had left time for it to recover once more.
(Xerves)