Ikkaku - Eirphrem round 2 (CoI) (6/7)

[19:09] {NARRATION} Eiphraem vs Ikkaku
Zaruma + Ashton vs Mordred + Hermes
Akio vs Ishmael
Rayan vs Randy
Ka'vas vs Kagero
Arie Hon vs Pasis
Loherant vs Setzer

Cap 1-2
[19:16] They were coming. He knew they were. Walking around the prisons, the town, the sound of the Archon's hordes came ever closer. There was a slight pause from the Regent. Were they ready?..

There was no time like the present.

The Angelic blessings alight around Ikkaku as they exited the keep and took to the sky, flying above and heading towards the battlefield. The guards would have started the defense upon the narrow roads and soon flickers of small weakened spirits appeared to give aid. A deafening sound could be heard, an attempt to throw off and disorient those around.

"THOSE WHO MARCH AND FIGHT FOR ZARUMA AND TRAGEDY CAN NOT BE ALLOWED NEAR THE INNOCENT."

Blood rained down upon the soilders, rotting skin and causing for quite a few to fall into the snow. Meanwhile the Regent moved, taking their staff and using telekinetic power to throw them into walls. The blows were damaging; Melting flesh there, a crushed limb due to a snowslide here. It would prevent them from fighting in the future.

The staff is planted downwards into the snow before sky blue eyes fell upon a creature. There is a hiss before the Regent darted towards them across the grounds, something they had lost to once but..

Perhaps not again.

"EIPHRAEM!"

Blood shot towards them, an attempt to draw their attention and draw them away from the rest of the army..

"I'm surprised. I didn't think that raiding would be your ideal. That you were more peaceful then the others.. I honestly thought.. you were some sort of exception to the rule.

A shame.."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[19:26] Some would think the snow would heavily impede the serpent.

Quite the opposite- Surrounded with the hard water, Eiphraem's scales slide over glistening, packed tundra. His breath elicits soft, warm puffs from the air, but his flesh quivers, adapting to white fluff all about him. He blends in quite marvelously, really.

The demon's blade is blunted with water to the edges, clinging against the warding of the tyrium blade. He seems to be located near Yi Xun and Randy, keeping to the vanguard behind them; one Jianghuren seems to be in the grip of his freed, left hand, about to be tossed or swung; The one handed fighting style of the demon allowing him to use his brute strength-

thwip

Like a knife singing through the air, the demon's earfins flick- And in a blur, he vanishes, dropping his previous right there upon the snows to move away in a metallic flash. Scarlet strikes the spot where he once was, staining the snow.

He FLINCHES when Ikkaku comes close, slamming his staff down- BACKING away from the man formerly in his grip.


"... Ikkaku." The reply might be almost lost amidst the din of the battle, the beast's earfins flapping backwards.

Teeth bite into his lower lip. The demon's golden eyes flicker into the low light. This is what he had hoped for-

Hadn't he?

"You attacked my territory. I serve my Lady, and if those who are mine are present- I WILL be by them. The death of your city was- Was never the point." His voice strengthens, as he tries to raise it- The water drops off the edge of his blade, and Fool's Cold absorbs every glint of the snow. "You should-" Gulp. "Surrender." His voice is thick. "If you do so-"

"Those innocents you claim to so value will live. Just as it did before. The attacks will cease. The fighting will cease." He's backing off slightly- Something against his chest is buzzing lightly, waves of telepathic energy.

Every emanation from it seems to make the demon's gaze flick about, nervously.

"You know this, don't you? Do you believe, that by continuing to fight, you are doing anything but increasing the casualties?"

"There is no shame in surrender."
(Eiphraem Kang)
[19:31] A glow of blue surrounds Ikkaku as the Regent moved towards the Demon. They had lost the battle last time, but they stood, confident as ever as there is a shake of the Regent's head.

"I told you to evacuate innocents and that I would burn the towers of Gaiar Aetherius, freed them from the control of Zaruma and Tragedy. Tragedy slaughtered Elizabeth in your city. By protecting those towers you were raising her up like a god, as something to protect.

I will not surrender. I will fight until people know true freedom; Freedom from under the rule of Tragedy and Zaruma. They attacked the people of Ardent before I ever fought and they would continue to attack even if I were to perish. Innocents would die, and continue to die, only with one less defender.

I will never surrender to them. And I have one question for you, Eiphraem.

Will you continue to fight for their cause?"

The staff is pointed towards the Archon but.. There is not astrike yet. Instead the sky blue eyes merely watch and wait for a response.
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[19:44] Silence, for a moment.

Separated from the battle, it was raging without either of them involved for a moment. There is a gray-ash pallor to the creature's cheeks, his nerves singing. He could hear the clash of the battle. coward a hiss from the back of his skull.

The device buzzes again. He- Slithers backwards, but his eyes remain locked. The snow forms a barrier, trying to subtly block off view of the battle. He was sliding back further, and further.

"Freedom to be slaughtered. Geese told me of what would happen. My death was saught out by Kayn and her long before- It didn't begin with that woman, you and I both know that."

"My Lady has been here and cradled my malfunctioning form since before your parents stepped foot on this shore. What right do you have to tell her of 'freedom'? What right do you have, to- To think that you are the one bringing anything but death?" His left index finger, clawed and twisted, points to the mask adorning Ikkaku's face.

It's shaking slightly.

"You do not even pretend otherwise! What sort of awful JEST do you represent? Using your body and black magics as weapons, cladding yourself in raiments of death. I remember what you did to my realm. I remember who you sent me to purge me. How many came after me for my life." His tail lashes to and fro.

"It's war. Geese was- Trying to stop it. He had a wonderful ideal, and you CRUSHED it. You would take the lives of all whom are mine, and see them 'freed' from their mortal coil."

"How can you not SEE this?"
(Eiphraem Kang)
[19:51] The battle rages all around but the Regent didn't look worried. In fact there were sounds of cheer from some of the soilders as Ikkaku would grow closer and closer to the Archon, crossing upon the snow. Sky blue eyes stared towards Eiphraem.

"Freedom to save the world. The Divine War is coming. Nothing that the Archons do here matters in that scope, but shards will be needed sent home to Sheng to prepare for what is to come. That can not happen with Tragedy and Zaruma reigning over Agartha and bringing their own flavor of death.

What right do I think I have to think I bring anything other then death? Every moment has its meaning. This one does too. I am a Soilder Eiphraem. I am someone who fights to bring out an outcome, who fights for a future. And so are you.

Geese allowed chaos, necromancy, and the death of our people. Chaos harms the life stream. When the divine war comes, all undead will turn and kill their friends. And deaths can not be forgiven. This is war, but it is war before something much worse.. That is what I see.

Eirphaem; I offer you a choice; Leave now or draw your blade. I will strike if you do not retreat."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[20:02] Canna wandered around the settlement of Tongy when she heard it, the sound of battle. It was far to the south of Tongy and Canna wanted to go investigate, to see if anyone needed help, but she remained in Tongy to keep her people safe. Her heart sank as her friends are nowhere to be found, not Amane, not Ikkaku, Shu is at least sleeping which is good, she was safe. Canna decided to try something she had never done, offer a prayer to one she trusts.

Emperor.. please watch over your warriors, help us to fight off this demon army, help us restore light to these lands. Though the times are dark, I trust in you, I put my love to you. I was once a lost soul roaming the realm but I have since found a home within your people, and I've accepted you in my heart and in my mind. Please do your best to protect Amane and Ikkaku. They work so hard in your name, I know they are tired and trying to do better every day, much like Shu and myself for all of your people, all for you. We do it for your love Emperor, so that we may make you proud, just as you make us proud. Thank you for all you have already given us. I know with you watching over us, we will be safe. I would give anything to restore these lands in your name. To ensure your people are safe, to see your light shine upon their smiling faces. I love you Emperor. Please bring my family back home. Any thing you need me to do, anything you need me to get for you, I will do it. Without a second thought, I will do it for you, just as I know you would for your people.

A tear fell from Canna's cheek as she released a long breath, she had stared directly at the sky, her eyes shut as she offered this prayer. She was scared, and worried, but she was trying her best. She had faith that the emperor would not let his loved ones and his people fall.

Canna slowly lowers her head, returning her gaze to the pathway of Tongy.
(Canna)
[20:16] "My-" Pupils dialate.

"You know NOTHING of 'the undead'. Yet another case where 'all life' is not equal, then?" The demon's voice HARDENS for a moment, his grip on the old tyrium sword intensifying- Knuckles showing through in all their pallor against the oversized, misproprotioned nonsense. "There is no divine war. Your petty realms, ruled by human hands, will squabble, infight, and fall."

"That fallen angel will never breathe again. You need nothing from Agartha. Begone from these shores." A bit of blood, from whomever he had previously bit, percolates and cakes on his chin, crumbled bits falling as he hisses, frowning.

"What-" His tongue darts over his lips. "You speak of isn't freedom. That is your demand, your goal. It brooks no 'freedom'. It's an outcome you will enforce, and will kill, crusade, and execute to reach. And have butchered in the pursuit of, haven't you? It is why you wear that mask, Ikkaku. Playing at the visage of that which you supposedly hate. What death did Geese allow? A criminal's, who was intent on murder? Trading for another life, bartering peace with me? For saving my l--"

The blade IS out, but like an indecisive cat, it hovers before him. His earfins flick under another buzz...

"Lady Tragedy is more than you can conceive. She is my Lady. I serve her, and she protects me. From myself. From without. From within. She may not always be correct- But my loyalty is not quavering."

"And of you? Who on Agartha are you loyal to? Are you thinking of anyone? I am."

"I am thinking of all the people who have reached out to me. They're mine. My people. No matter where they go, they return, serving, speaking, playing with me. Amoxtli. Iosefi. My companion. You would never understand whatCrafthold is- You wouldn't know what it is like. Is there anyone- Not a cause, but a whom, that you fight for? I have so many. The faces of the masses are irrelevant unto me."

"You only fight for the most bitter and disgusting of unguents- Some apotheosis with those distant continents, of some angelic will. Abandon them."

"Sheng holds no dominion over Agartha. Not of my realm, not over my people. You are nobody of the right to deny them life, nor my sovereignty. But I will show you the truth my words. Try to glean what wisdom you may from it. If you surrender- You will at least confront your own hypocrisy."

... Acknowledged, my Lady. I will disengage. A buzz of telepathy, transmitted through the device.

It's a bit TOO audible.

"That which yields, is not always weak."

"I pray you consider the same, before it is too late."

Ikkaku might have gained some very interesting knowledge, at the least. The serpent's silver scales and sea-foam skin dissipate into the night air and snow, headed for the rendevoux.
(Eiphraem Kang)
[20:22] There is a shake of the Regent's head. "No. I know much of the undead. I've heard of the killings they do, the turnings they cause among people. You call these things petty and the divine war false. You are short sighted Archon. The Fallen Angel will return and the spire shards will be needed to prevent it."

The blood spirals around their feet as they take steps closer to the Archon. "This mask is a memory. And motivation; Anyone can wear a mask and anyone can be like me; A hero who prevents innocents from being hurt, or a soilder who does what they need to. Tragedy will fall.

And as long as you protect her, you will fall too."

It appeared that Eiprhrem was ordered to retreat, however the wings would flare, lifting Ikkaku up as they flew close, sounds aiming to disorient the Archon.

"I would have let you leave if you had no master..

But it is clear you will only condone what Tragedy does.

Fall, Eiphraem. I can not let you escape if you will only further the goals of the murderers and unjust."

Ikkaku aimed to cut off the path of retreat.
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[20:30] Teeth grit.

Vibrations and noise DO make the creature's vision swim, when amplified by sound magic. Alight, his breath catches- "You didn't pay attention when I introduced myself then, did you--"

Ah, ah, oh-

He was being flown at. His breath catches, and adrenaline SCREAMS underneath his skin.

Eyes go wide. Pupils dialate. He had his order. The demon's flesh EXPLODES into a spray of water and humidity, and mercury intermingles as it becomes a frigid screen of cloudcover at the top of the frigid mountains. The air is AFLUSH with nothing but silver, glittering radiantly, prismatically, and ENTIRELY unhelpfully as the demon SPEEDS through the snow, sliding and lashing easily along it as though he were swimming in the water.

"Hypocrite!" His voice calls from one side- "Your oath is as good as a gambler's coin-" His own voice flips through his gills-

He SLIDES for the mountain's edge, attempting to skirt downwards, before Ikkaku's wings can reach like a mythril knife sleekly cutting through the air.
(Eiphraem Kang)
[20:33] Sky blue eyes stared towards the Archon as suddenly.. It exploded. The Regent of Tongyishan blinked a couple of times as it vanished into mid air. There is a pause from Ikkaku, sky blue eyes blinking a couple of times before.. Finally exhaling.

"I told you that you would be able to leave if you wouldn't draw your blade. Did you not grip it with the intent to fight?.."

There is a pause. The Regent closes their eyes. The laylines of the world are focused on, a gentle attempt to reach out to where Eiphraem might have been going. If successful a telekinetic wall would have been built to block it off.. But the creature was likely far too fast, escaping the senses of the Regent.

Gotta try though.
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[20:43] Ah.

AH.


AAAAAH--

The demon's blade whips around. Eiphraem's breath catches as he SLAMS into a telekinetic barrier. Slowed down, the demon is forced to put the black metal to the invisible wall- Hacking through the psionic forces with a sudden, violent frenzy, his tail thrashing as his blood begins to pound.

"My sword was ALREADY DRAWN-"

The shimmering curtain of mercury CONGEALS around him.

"OFF- OFF- OFF-OFF-OFF-OFF-"

Trying to shriek with the full, eerie echoing force between his gills and the raging, violent panic of his mind in telepathy. the demon's size IMMEDIATELY assumes it's full power. Ikkaku's very presence seems to evoke primal fear in the demon, coming after him. His golden eyes swivel, smashing blindly, swinging and dipping-

Fool's Cold cuts through the air, and it would SWIFTLY strike towards Ikkaku the moment the man came at him.
(Eiphraem Kang)
[20:46] OFF- -Eiphraem Kang.
(Mordred)
[20:53] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPBWNJxJxiY

The last time that Eiphraem and Ikkaku had battled, the Regent had lost, and the poisons stung against their armor. But this time however? The Regent held themselves above on the Angelic wings, a blue glow surrounding their body. Wounds healed faster with the belief of protecting people. Blood spun across the ground, connecting with the scales of the Archon. Telekinetic force would throw the Archon into walls of stone.

"EIIIIIIIIIPHRAEEEEEEEM!"

A miasma of blood spun around Ikkaku's feet, eventually connecting, but then that unnatural stamina comes to the poison user; For a moment it seems as if the battle can't stop.. But the blue glow around them flares brighter.

A limit can be felt, and where a limit was..

The sound disorients, throwing Eiphraem backwards into the snow. More then before.. They managed to connect.

A limit started to be broken.

"I will not allow Archons to thrive and murder. Your Lady will fall. Zaruma will fall. I will not allow their murders of innocents to continue..

And you will lose too."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[21:01] "No-" His clawed hand reaches out futily, trying to dart to the side-

Too slow.

His massive, twitching form, more like a kaor than any archon SLAMS against the rock, tumbling pieces and ratcheting earth upheaving around him. Gel underneath his skin flows over his wounds, as he squirms and flies free of the rock dizzied by the onset of sound-

"MY LADY-?! PEACEKEEPER-- H-hhhh-!" He shrieks for people who aren't there, as his bulk SLAMS into the rolling slopes of the mountains. His eyes dart to and fro. The beast's voice is infected with desperation- Terror. Where was that resolve now?

A snake was a snake.

"No, no, no, no, I don't lose, I, I have to see Joanne make her potion, I, I- Have to help Peacekeeper, I promised I'd find Zero- I- I can't disappoint-"

He babbles, the demon's sword SWINGING violently, clashing, driving, striking out almost blind- His ears ringing. Hecould barely hear his own mind under the static.

His eyes go to a vial, tumbled out from one of his pockets onto the eastern ridge, barely uncrushed by a tumbling boulder.

He JAMS his sword through the vial in the snow, with a visible puff.

The fumes reach him, and black bile coats the blade...
(Eiphraem Kang)
[21:01] Isaiah Dawn whispers something.
[21:02] ** Ikkaku Ukitake has inflicted an injury upon Eiphraem Kang. ("Temporary Injury", "Temporary Injury", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (4 days)") **
[21:13] The snake swings their blade wildly and that allows the Regent to counter. Blood filled the ground as it ran forth before the very blood in their veins would stop. Sky blue eyes stared directly into Eiphraem's as they moves both hands, placed upon the Archon's torso.

"Your Lady will only bring you misery. Like now.

You lose."

Telekinetic force applies itself directly into Eiphraem's body, aiming to shatter bones and tear flesh. The technique was similar to normal telekinesis only a smaller area. Over time the area may heal but the air leaving Eiphream's lungs en masse would likely remain for quite a while.

The force would knock Eiprheam a bit of a ways away, and soon the Regent would follow, blasts of water and the like but.. Given how the round had started, even with the ichor digging into them they would have the upper hand. Eventually blood rots them, forcing the snake down.

"I've given you your warning, Eiphream. Your fellow Archons burned my city; Killed innocent people. Unless you cast off their flag from Craftholm, and abandon Tragedy?

I am a Solider. I crushed Geese's dream as you said. And I'll crush yours to protect the remaining people. I will never surrender."

The Regent's eyes closed. A telekinetic force gathered in their hand before flying forwards, aiming to send the snake off the cliff into the piles of snow yonder.

"Fly, Eiphraem. And if you survive this?

Run."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[21:24] He's still trying to use the antimagic properties to cleave his way free, to interrupt those spells-

But it's too late.

He's too injured already.

Psionic pressure crushes Eiphraem's ribcage, popping bones within into cracks. The demon's eyes bulge, vomitting messily as his chest lets out a crunch as blood intermingles from the nausea and force, pooling onto the ground before being flung away under the pressure. His hand makes a deathgrip onto the dead adjudicator's blade, his eyelids fluttering as his vision swims.

He screams in agony, cut off only by the disgusting upheval of fluid.

He hears everything, but his mind blindly begs, his eyes water- His hand manages to avert waterspouts, but the burning and snapping of paralysis that claims his limbs simply isn't strong enough in the demon's domain...

Fly?

No. He'd fall.

He tumbles down the mountainside in a morass of stone and cruel cracks, his body crashing in massive form against every rock fact, leaving behind that glittering, misty trail in the night air- The mist is cold, frigid, thick, and flowing, still holding the ebbing sparkles of mercury within them.

Easily dismissed, and no more than a mirage.

Ikkaku would be left with the defect of Gaiar's soft, off-color fuschia blood coating the snow, able to be collected, smeared the way down.
(Eiphraem Kang)
[21:28] The blood left behind by the Archon is stared at for a moment before being uprooted from the snow. An empty vial is produced from Ikkaku's belt and slowly the blood pools into a sphere in the air and slides downwards into the vial. There is a small nod from the Regent as they stow it away onto the belt.

Sky blue eyes glanced off the cliff. Snowstorms likely prevented them from tracking the Archon at this point, so instead the sound would merely be boosted in their voice.

"You are choosing the wrong side, Eiphraem. I hope you realize that today. Leave. Leave Tragedy, Zaruma, leave them. Because when it is all over?

I will still be here. And I will be disappointed if you haven't."

With that the wings once more lift them up and Ikkaku is carried back towards the fields snow and the safety of the fort.

The fights were over.
(Ikkaku Ukitake)