Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician07/21/2018
The crowd roared and thronged as Anja stepped onto the sandy Arena floor. It had been a while since she had gone pit fighting, but she wasn't nervous at all. In fact she was excited. After years of hunting little animals like deer she wanted something that fought back. Plus, she could earn a bit of cash on the side, so this was almost perfect.

She pulled the jaw of her wolf cloak over her head like a hood and hefted a serrated spear in her left hand. Sheathed behind her back was a short Damascus Steel katana, in case she needed it as well.  Although she would probably have to get the cloak washed after this, since Alina liked to cuddle it against it when she slept.

I hope Alina's doing alright. I think I left her with enough apples-

Anja's worrying about Alina was interrupted by a second barrage of cheering, but this time they weren't for her. Anja flipped her spear as she eyed her opponent.
#AlmostHeaven07/21/2018
They were for the man across the way. He was a tower of a person, standing strong in his Thrandian legionnaire armor with a leather buckler and a wooden blade. He'd only given the name 'Champion' when he signed up for the arena fights, and despite his armaments, he'd gone undefeated thus far.
After the cheering, other fighters were sent out of Anja's gate as her allies.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician07/21/2018
"Champion huh."

Anja brought her right shoulder back and pointed her spear at her opponent, faking an overconfident smirk.

"When I'm done with you, the only thing you'll be a champion of is being my training dummy!"

She spoke just loud enough for the crowd to hear, trying to rile them up even more. But her mind raced cautiously. His arms were probably long enough to match her spear's reach, so she couldn't bully him from a distance. She crouched low and angled her spear upwards.

"Don't make this too boring for me!"(edited)
#AlmostHeaven07/21/2018
The man laughed, spreading his arms out. It was like he was right next to her laughing with how loud he was.
His voice boomed, easily heard across the arena and perhaps beyond, "The words from my mouth, girl. You stand before the greatest warrior in the Gods' domains."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician07/21/2018
Anja rolled her eyes and rested the spear behind her back.

"The greatest warrior of the gods? More humiliation for you when you're defeated by a mere girl."

Her spear sung as she swung it in a figure 8, ending her taunt in an attack pose.

"But enough talk, let'st see if your bark is as painful as your bite-"

She dashed forward, her spear pointed right at the champion's neck.
July 22, 2018
#AlmostHeaven07/22/2018
The Champion laughed again, just once this time, "We shall see who humiliates who."
He stepped aside deftly, waiting until she had put her force into the strike. Within the same motion he'd raise his buckler to block one of the other fighter's strikes as well, curling his arm with the swing and letting the momentum take the younger man to the ground.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician07/22/2018
Anja took advantage of his focus and swiped at him with her spear again, gauging his reaction. Everyone had a fighting personality, and the trick was to exploit that personality. Some were too aggressive with attacks, others couldn't keep balance when missing. Anja just had to find out what made this man crack.

"It's not nice to pay attention to others when a girl is trying to get your attention~"

As soon as she swiped she jumped back, watching out for a counter attack.
#AlmostHeaven07/22/2018
The spear cracked flat against his arm as he brought his trainer's blade down on the fallen man's shoulder, effectively disabling him. The spear swipe didn't seem to very well hinder him.
In fact, when the allied spearman jabbed at him, he not only stepped back out of the way but grabbed the weapon and pulled it away. He now held a spear in the hand on his buckler side.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician07/22/2018
Wish I had an axe handy

Anja pulled her spear back and held a defensive position, eyeing her opponent warily. She motioned to the other fighters to hold off their attacks. Let this "Champion" come to them.(edited)
#AlmostHeaven07/22/2018
"Cowards? Who let those in to the fights!" He addressed the crowds, "If they keep sending me cowards, next I'll have to fight the pitmasters themselves!"
With another series of laughs, he threw the spear like a javelin, blunt first, back at its owner.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician07/22/2018
"Tch"

Anja let the spear fly at her ally and dashed forward again, this time aiming for his throat. If he wasn't going to attack her until the other fighters were down then she'd have to take advantage of the time she had.(edited)
July 30, 2018
#AlmostHeaven07/30/2018
Another well timed thwack knocked the head aside, harmlessly glancing his shoulder pauldron. Now stood this 'Champion', the woman before him, and but one of Anja's allies.
With a laugh, he pressed forward with his blade sliding against the spear shaft, wedging it farther out to the side.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician07/30/2018
Anja let the spear go, letting it fly away from her hand. Now empty handed, she twirled around his off-hand, and upon completing the turn she drew her katana and aimed for his arm. However, consumed in her zeal Anja failed to block her right side, leaving it right open for a retaliation.
#AlmostHeaven07/30/2018
He blocked and pushed back with the buckler, shoving her onto her back foot. Thankfully, her remaining ally was able to block for her, catching the follow up with his own blade.
July 31, 2018
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician07/31/2018
Anja growled and flicked her sword impatiently. It annoyed her when opponents simply stalled without pressing advantages. What was the point? She could just pummel a mannequin if she wanted something that didn't fight back.

"Circle round him and wait for my opening!"

She shouted a command to her last ally and lunged at her opponent to distract him, trying to keep his focus on her.
August 1, 2018
#AlmostHeaven08/01/2018
Her strike landed true, piercing into his side. This still had seemingly no affect on him, unfortunately. With a smirk and sneer he struck her wrist with his buckler, and knocked his wooden pommel to her forehead.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
Anja ducked to the side as the pommel came down, but wasn't fast enough. It smashed into her right shoulder and she cried out, in pain. Something was definitely broken there.

Alright now I'm really mad.

She tossed the sword into her left hand and cracked her neck. If the arms weren't working, then she'd aim for where it really hurt.

Right in the berries(edited)
August 2, 2018
#AlmostHeaven08/02/2018
He took the opportunity to kick her other ankle with the heel of his boot, kicking across the way to also intercept with the back of his leg.
"What an angry little thing," He chuckled, pushing her back and onto her ass. He drew out the sword, and tossed it over his back. Despite there being blood around the wound, the sword came away clean. It was like his blood was being kept in by some spell perhaps..
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/02/2018
Anja grunted as she hit the floor, her right arm hanging uselessly by her side. She glared at her opponent's arm, which seemed to have some sort of sealing property. A spell perhaps?

"How much you pay your mage to keep you from bleeding out?"

Anja flipped to her feet and stared him in the eye. She shifted her claok to cover her right arm, while also hiding the fact that she was standing right above her spear.

"Must be nice, being able to take hits without getting hurt, says something about you when you need to cheat to beat up a women."

Anja kept her eyes locked on the Champion, but looked for her last ally in the corner of her vision. Whatever he was doing she would need his help to get her out of this.
#AlmostHeaven08/02/2018
"I am protected by the God of War and Glory, no mage or shaman. Even if I desired it, I'd not be able to shun his blessings," The man laughed, "Make no mistake, wounds cause pain. My endurance is just greater than yours. My strength is of a thousand men, and my endurance that of a mountain."
"If you think facing a superior opponent is worth whining over, you are unfit to fight, and should go marry a soldier that is fit."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/02/2018
Anja wanted to smack herself. So he really was someone blessed by a god. She must have looked like a fool.

"You're right, I should stop whining."

She hooked her toe under the shaft of the spear and flipped it into her hand. Before he could react she lunged forward with it, aiming for the shoulder.
#AlmostHeaven08/02/2018
"At least your first instinct wasn't to refute my claims and repeat your own. Good on you for accomplishing that much," He laughed, sliding the spear off his buckler. He stepped forward, jabbing in with his blade.
In the meantime, the other guy swung his sword like a bat against the champion's bat.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/02/2018
Anja flicked her wrist and brought the shaft of her spear right against his sword, both blocking the attack and disengaging her spear from his buckler at the same time. With only 1 hand she couldn't really do much, besides weave and dance while hoping for an opportunity strike.

I wish I could be blessed by some god too.
August 3, 2018
#AlmostHeaven08/03/2018
He turned to the last ally, then with a second of thought rushed at them with his buckler arm raised and his sword pointed forward. The other fighter slashed down from the side opposite his buckler, but was easily knocked aside. The buckler crashed against his chest, knocking the air out of him and sending him to the ground.
Giving a shake, the Champion stood straight.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/03/2018
Anja took the chance to plunge the spear into the Champion's back, clenching her teeth from the pain in her shoulder. It probably wouldn't even faze him, but everything felt hopeless to her. But she wouldn't go down without a fight, she had to finish the fight, win or lose.
August 14, 2018
#AlmostHeaven08/14/2018
The spear caught, scraping against his side again. It seemed to be repelled away from him, like a magnet.
"You at least don't give up easy. Now if only you had the skill to back it up!"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/14/2018
More like the strength to overcome your healing

Anja rolled to his side, picking up her sword from the ground, ignoring the pain in her shoulder. She circled the Gladiator slowly, reassessing him for the second time. There had to be some way to defeat him normally, otherwise she might as well concede.

Make no mistake, wounds cause pain

Anja smiled. Inflicting pain was not something she didn't mind doing either.

She stowed her spear and took out a flask of liquor. She quickly took a swig before dousing her sword with some as well. Feeling the alcohol numb the pain she scraped the speartip against the hilt of the sword, lighting it on fire.

"Tell me, does your blessing protect you from fire?"

Holding both the sword and the flask she douses the spear in flames and liquor with what was left and twirled them.

"Because if it does then I'm going to be sad."

And once again, Anja lunged forward towards a fruitless task.(edited)
#AlmostHeaven08/14/2018
"Ha. You'd better curl up and start crying now then, little girl," He laughed.
When she lunged forward, he stepped aside and swept his leg against hers, "Losing at a game, so you default to cruelty. Pathetic."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/14/2018
Anja jumped over the leg and pressed her attack.

"Cruelty? If I can't even damage you on the surface then I have no other choice? You said so yourself, you still feel pain."

Anja turned on her left foot and ducked under the buckler to strike.

"Unless you would be willing to tell me how to defeat you, I'm not going to just quit. Believe me, I don't like this solution either but a solution is a solution."
#AlmostHeaven08/14/2018
"Transcend unto my level," He smirked. Unfortunately, she ducked under his arm and right into his rising knee to send her backwards again, with a kick to ensure the fall.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/14/2018
Anja managed to nick his torso, but couldn't do much else once his knee slammed into her stomach. Her hands let go of both weapons as she flew backwards. The impact knocked the breath out of her, stunning her for a few seconds.

Ugh...

Her vision swam as she tried to pick herself off the ground. The pain in her shoulder returned, and it hurt every time she took a breath, probably a rib broken as well. She opened her mouth to speak, but only managed a blood filled cough.
#AlmostHeaven08/14/2018
"Stay down. You'll die if you keep fighting," He pressed the flat of his wooden sword to her other shoulder.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/14/2018
Anja crumpled to her knees, but still kept her balance.

“Death...”

Death wasn’t worth it. She shakily raised her uninjured hand in the air, signaling her concession.

“Someday...I’ll find my strength....”

Even though black spots were swimming across her vision she still refused to
#AlmostHeaven08/14/2018
After the declaration of victory, and adequate showboating, the man offered a hand, "Come, Helen shall mend your ails."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/14/2018
Anja nodded and accepted his arm.

“You didn’t need that blessing to defeat me didn’t you?”

Now that she thought about it that was probably why he entered to arena with just a buckler and a wooden sword.
#AlmostHeaven08/14/2018
"Probably not, no. But it did let me be a lot more reckless," He laughed.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/14/2018
Anja coughed again, but was otherwise silent.
#AlmostHeaven08/14/2018
He walked her to the pit's exit, past the other fighters that were being assisted by their comrades. There waiting was a pair of healers, as denoted by the staves they clutched.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/14/2018
Anja contemplated asking for a drink, but decided that receiving healing was already good enough. She nodded at the 2 healers and collapsed onto a nearby chair.

“I’ll be in your care.”
August 15, 2018
#AlmostHeaven08/15/2018
"This is Helen and this is Eris. They are clerics in this legion," the Champion nodded, laughing.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/15/2018
"Anja."
#AlmostHeaven08/15/2018
"I am Titus the Legion, of Thrandia."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/15/2018
Anja's eyebrows raise, and she manages a small nod.

"Should have said so earlier."
#AlmostHeaven08/15/2018
"It is rare for one to so easily believe my claims. Often I'm deemed a magus or a monster."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/15/2018
Anja didn't respond. Now that the adrenaline had faded her fatigue had begun to take over.
#AlmostHeaven08/15/2018
At that moment, a big mess of yelling and shouting sounded from the arena.
Titus stood, frowning, "There was no event slotted for after ours."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/15/2018
"Huh..."

Anja rolled her newly healed shoulder. She gave the 2 healers her thanks and slowly got to her feet. She wouldn't be fighting any more today, but she could at least walk home.
August 17, 2018
#AlmostHeaven08/17/2018
As the ruckus grew louder, Titus drew his blade again. But now, its shimmered and cracked. The wood fell away like old, peeling paint, leaving behind a proper gladius of pure and pristine metal.
Bounding from the exit that lead into the pit, a hulking beast appeared with a snarl. It massive wolf, larger than any normal wolf one might expect to find.
"You!" Titus shouted, forming up into a proper fighting stance, "Helen, Eris, you know the formation. Beware, the witch will certainly be along shortly."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/17/2018
"What....how...?"

A direwolf, she was sure of it. The same thing that killed her father. She growled and reached for her sword, realizing that it was still in the arena.

"Give me a weapon to fight with!"

She did her best to hide the fact her legs were shaking. She wouldn't run, not when a direwolf was standing in front of her.

Is this fate?
August 18, 2018
#AlmostHeaven08/18/2018
The wolf snarled at Titus, but mostly trotted around his stance, to Anja.
standing a short distance away, he dropped something from his mouth. Slobbered and at bit chewed, the dirt and sand of the floor billowed at the impact, sticking to what looked like an apple.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/18/2018
“What?”

Anja looked at the direwolf, then at the apple she had been presented with quizzically. What did an apple mean to her, was it a gift?

Alina...

She looked the direwolf in the eyes, searching for the meaning behind the apple. He couldn’t have eaten her right? Alina would have at least put up a fight...

Anja shook her head. She was in no shape to fight the direwolf, she had to make sure Alina was safe first.

“I need to leave the arena to check on someone, good luck with the direwolf.”

And with that she rushed put of the arena, boosted by her newfound energy.
#AlmostHeaven08/18/2018
"Wait! How do you know this beast?" Titus shouted to her.
The wolf itself followed her, uninterested in Titus.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/18/2018
Anja ignored Titus and picked up her sword from the arena floor, flicking the oil and sand off it before sheathing it. Perhaps she’d invite him for a drink later if everything was alright. Noticing the direwolf following her growled,

“Of I find out anything bad happened to Alina I’ll...”

She shook her head and exited the arena. She’d deal with the direwolf later.
#AlmostHeaven08/18/2018
the great wolf rushed forward to block her, standing in her way.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/18/2018
Anja growled at the direwolf and slid to a halt.

“What?”
#AlmostHeaven08/18/2018
It couldn't speak with words, but it was able to wait patiently until they figured what he meant.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/18/2018
Anja's hand trembled over the hilt of her sword, doing her best to ignore her instinct to fight.

"Y-you gave me the apple! You wouldn't give me the apple unless you knew about Alina!"

She tried to reason herself. The direwolf wouldn't have killed Alina, there were so many others to eat. Alina was strong too, she wouldn't stay human when faced with death right?
She whimpered under her breath as she stared the wolf in the eyes.

"Please tell me Alina is alright."(edited)
#AlmostHeaven08/18/2018
The wolf snarled, snorting and shaking it's head about.
Titus emerged, followed by Helen and Eris atop a falicorn.
Pointing his blade at the wolf, he demanded; "Take us to the witch, you beast. I'll have her explain why you're here."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/18/2018
“Wait, How do you know this beast?”

Anja gave Titus an incredulous stare. If he knew it why didn’t he say so earlier. Anja let out her breath and raked her fingers through her dark blue hair. She could feel herself getting old.

“At least you aren’t that hostile.”
She said to the direwolf
#AlmostHeaven08/18/2018
"This beast is paired to another like me. She does not share my restraint, however."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/18/2018
"And why does he have the apple my-...I-..."

Anja shook her head.

"Whatever just do your thing."

As much as she wanted to be Anja couldn't afford to be  confrontational. She had to keep her head cool.
August 19, 2018
#AlmostHeaven08/19/2018
Following the monster of a wolf, the four of them left the arena, bound towards the slums.
Titus remained on guard the whole way, neglecting to stow his gladius.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/19/2018
"I swear over my dead father if someone dragged Alina to the slums..."
August 25, 2018
#AlmostHeaven08/25/2018
When they reach the slums, the guards give them strange looks but step aside. Moving down and into the Slums proper. The people around gave them space, but they seemed less upset by the wolf than the people of the higher districts.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/25/2018
“Direwolves normal around here?”
#AlmostHeaven08/25/2018
"They're not. I'd wager the woman and her beast have been here for a while, if people are so used to the wolf."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/25/2018
“Tell me about your friend”
#AlmostHeaven08/25/2018
"As I am Gellor's Glory hunter, she is Exicelle's great Hedonist. She's strong, but lacks discipline, and everything is a game to her."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/25/2018
“Must be nice. Being able to frolic without consequences because you’re blessed by a god.”
#AlmostHeaven08/25/2018
"The Gods police one another, through their chosen agents. The long and short is that if you're the strongest chosen, or your counterpart is, then you and your god stand largely unopposed," Titus explained.
"And no. I am not the strongest, by far."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/25/2018
Anja grumbled something about godless worlds and stretched her neck.

“I need a drink.”
#AlmostHeaven08/25/2018
Titus laughed, then shook his head.
"It sounds like we're almost there," Titus straightened his stance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8N7Td5FtYs
YouTube
Christopher Larkin
03 Nightmare Lantern Interlude (Hollow Knight: Gods & Nightmares)

"Helen, Eris, do what you will."
The two woman nodded, the falicorn taking to the sky after a handful of gallops.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/25/2018
Anja mumbled more but didn’t say anything.
#AlmostHeaven08/25/2018
"Just don't piss her off, girly," Titus instructed as they approached a crowd around a building.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/25/2018
"Why can't the gods do something useful like feed the poor?"

Anja ducked her head and followed Titus anyways.

"And stop calling me girly."
#AlmostHeaven08/25/2018
Just as soon as she condemned the godly agents, they'd push through the crowd to see a small woman tossing spice into a big old pot and stirring.
"Well there's your answer. Exicelle's reveler ," Titus scoffed, "And what, should I call you boy?"
As they approached, the small woman simply gave an impossibly wide and toothed smile.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/25/2018
Anja ignored the woman and shouldered her way through the crowd towards the bar. She nodded to the bartended and placed her hip flask on the counter.

"Whiskey"
#AlmostHeaven08/25/2018
The man at the counter shrugged.
Sitting beside her, a woman with hair of a much lighter blue smirked, "So you're Anja then right? I saw you arrive with ol' fluffers."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/25/2018
"I don't remember my name being that popular."

She took a swig from her drink and scratched her head.

"Ol' fluffers?"
August 26, 2018
#AlmostHeaven08/26/2018
"Tro, the big wolf," She explained, "Chesh sent Tro to get you cause we picked up a little scaly thing not that long ago. Gave Tro a scent of her and tracked it to you."
"I was wondering where you picked up something like her. Scalies are usually a lot more informed about the world, and hostile to us for that matter."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/26/2018
Anja scoffed when she explained "Ol' Fluffers" and towned her drink, indicating the barkeep for a second.

"I can hear my father rolling in his grave."

When the woman mentioned what she assumed to be Alina, Anja paused mid drink.

"Thought I told her to keep that hood on."

She swiveled on her stool to watch who she supposed was Cheshire's party.

"Where's the little one now?"

Although it was probably the booze, Anja didn't feel as angry as she would have before. Bringing Alina to a bar in the slums was the last thing she wanted, especially with a direwolf and his owner.
#AlmostHeaven08/26/2018
"Around, probably. Seemed awfully sore that you weren't around, so Cheshire fixed that. Though she almost lost it when she heard Tro found another Chosen. And the Legion to boot."
"But you didn't answer. Where'd you pick up your own pet scaly? I've only seen one that young looking, and that's a special case. And like I said, as a rule, they're usually against humans in general."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/26/2018
Anja checked her flask before stuffing it into her belt.

“Fate.”

With a sigh she rolled her neck and got up from her seat.

“Nice chat. Put the drinks in Cheshire’s tab.”
#AlmostHeaven08/26/2018
"It's all free. Stick around and have some more, lady," She insisted, "And, ah, Don't head outside. Looks like its about to get hot."
As if to prove the point, a streak of blaze flashed outside.
"If you're gonna pick a side, pick ours. Cheshire's going to fry his ass again," Babette knelt down besides a puppet dog thing, really just a plank with legs, and grabbed a bow out from the blanket that veiled its underside.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/26/2018
Anja took another swig of her flask and sat back down.

“Silly gods and their silly champions.”

At this point Anja had probably had about a pint worth of whiskey, yet she didn’t seem fazed at all. In fact she seemed almost more controlled than before.

“I’m Anja. The little one is called Alina.”(edited)
#AlmostHeaven08/26/2018
"Babette. But you can call me baby, cutie pie," Babette winked and gave a teasing grin.
"I know her name," Babette grabbed a few arrows, "nicknames are more fun though?"
"Mind helping out? He's probably got both his staffworkers. Fighting them alone isn't great."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/26/2018
Anja chuckled in response to Babette’s wink.

“Sure thing cutie pie.”

Upon mentioning the 2 outside Anja shook her head.

“I couldn’t even slow down Titus and it looks like he’s getting his ass handed to him.”

But regardless, she downed her drink and hefted her sword.
#AlmostHeaven08/26/2018
"Eh, much as I love Chesh, it's not an overpowering win. Especially since we're used to more back up. Keep the bow off me and I'll handle the rider. Until we get them to knock ot off, it's basically a deadlock out there."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/26/2018
"Got it."

She got up and pushed her way outside, somehow not dazed at all from all the drinks she had.

I doubt yelling at them is going to work.
September 4, 2018
#AlmostHeaven09/04/2018
Outside, the small woman was now a vortex, consumed in a cloak of flame so that only her silhouette was scarcely visible within the cone of flame. Flames also licked around Tro, but the wolf was still mostly itself now. Almost as though commanded by the results of each dice roll, the conduit moved like a projection, forming up arms and whipping them out at Titus whenever Cheshire flicked her arm out. Needles of fire formed and whistled through the air, all towards the opposing champion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGhZsiRCvYc
In the face of his monstrous foe, however, Titus failed to waver. Each lash and burst of fire, every roll of the die from Cheshire, not a single blow kept him off his feet. In fact he seemed to even be enjoying himself. A real fight where victory was far from certain. The only thing that seemed to be stopping him from delving into the cloak of fire around Cheshire herself seemed to be Tro's hounding of the man and guarding of his partner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQkajyGKvUU
Far off from the battle proper, sitting side saddled a top her mount, Helen chanted with a staff in hand. Her staff's light shone brightly, ebbing before returning with full force. Before Babette and Anja got too close, however, a burst of three arrows burrow into the ground before them. Eris stood fast, nocking three more. Babette and Anja carried the advantage with their cooperation, though one Titus's trained wards was would certainly be formidable nonetheless.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/04/2018
“OI, CAN WE LIKE, NOT?”

Anja yelled at no one in particular, her arms folded with her sword in one hand. Although one of the priests had 3 arrows pointed at her, she did not show her hesitation.

“You guys going to burn the whole slums down just because you need to settle a some childish spat? We have an arena you know?”

Suddenly her eyes shot up and she leaned back to whisper to Babette.

“Actually if we can drag this fight to the arena we could make quite a bit of cash.”
#AlmostHeaven09/04/2018
"Oh, then stop me," Cheshire cackled in response to the shout. Through the fire, her ear to ear smile was still visible, like another layer to her silhouette.
"Yeah, let's just drag this all through half the city," Babette snickered, launching her own arrow at Helen. An arrow from Eris, however, collided with Babette's, causing the arrows to splinter.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/04/2018
Anja ducked so that the splintered arrow flew over her head. Making sure that Eris and Helen were busy she stiffly walks up to Titus.
#AlmostHeaven09/04/2018
"Hey what the hell! I thought you were gonna help me bitch!" Babette launched another arrow.
Eris now fired two, one to intercept Babette's and another to warn Anja.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/04/2018
"I'm going to help stop this."

She ignored the warning shot from Eris and genty poked Titus with her sword, knowing it wouldn't actually do any damage.

"Oi, stop it you're acting like a child."
#AlmostHeaven09/04/2018
He appears to be pretty busy fighting a wolf and a woman made of fire
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/04/2018
"Arghhhhhhh"

Anja smacked him on the side with the flat of her blade and turned to Eris and Helen.

"Can't you stop him? Why are they fighting anyways did they insult each other's parents or something?"
#AlmostHeaven09/04/2018
"Out of the way!" Titus shoved into her with his elbow and shoulder, raising his shield to block another lash of flames. Though the shield did protect from a bit of it, some of the flame wrapped over and around, singeing and scorching both Titus and Anja.
"Ah, your new pet thinks she can stand among titans," Cheshire cackled, "Better stop her before she gets hurt. Don't worry, I'll, eh, wait."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/04/2018
Anja flung her cloak over her self, protecting herself from the rest of the flames. Her eyes burned and she resisted the urge to drop the burning hot cloak, but she managed to come out mostly fine.

"I've survived so far I think I'll gamble for a few extra minutes"

Now that it seemed like one demigod was taking a break Anja turned around and slapped Titus.

"Really? Right now? With all of these people? Can't you act a little more mature? I'm trying to grab a drink and you're picking a fight! We were just in an arena couldn't you bring her there? You could probably even make a bit of cash from that!"
#AlmostHeaven09/04/2018
Cheshire sat on Tro's back, who'd now laid down beside her, watching the conversation.
Titus shook his head, then kicked her away, "Mind your own battles, welp."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/04/2018
Anja sidestepped the kick, surprisingly dexterous considering the amount of alcohol she had consumed.

"Except it's not just you're battle. You're battle is going to end up getting other people killed and you 2 will probably just be back where you started."

Anja sighed and took another swig of her...whatever it was she had completely forgotten.
#AlmostHeaven09/04/2018
"No one's dying here sweetie. Except maybe you, if you keep trying to throw yourself at us," Cheshire laughed, the fire around her swelling, "We just always beat each other to hell first thing when we meet."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/04/2018
Anja gave Babette an exasperated look.

"You got any ideas?"
#AlmostHeaven09/04/2018
"Do what you promised to do?" Babette grumbled as her puppet reared back and the wooden body shielded her from another series of arrows.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/04/2018
"Ugh fine."

Anja ran her hands through her hair frustratedly. Babette was doing a decent job of holding off Eris, but Helen was probably going to remain a problem if she kept healing Titus.

I don't think she's going to stop if I ask her to either.

Sheathing her sword she walks up right to the mount, giving the healer a puzzled stare.

"I know you healed me and all earlier, so this is going to be pretty rude. Don't take it personally."

She crouched, and jumped, aiming to tackle the healer off her horse.
September 10, 2018
#AlmostHeaven09/10/2018
Helen was in the air with a few gallops from her steed.
With a shout, Babette fired into the air, but the dead-eye healer on the ground struck down the singer's arrow with their own.
"Hot stuff! Trust me! We've done this little dance before. Unless you've got range of your own, keep trickshot off me!"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/10/2018
Anja cursed and reached for her spear, which was unfortunately still in the arena. She felt useless, and she hated that feeling, but there was nothing she could do about it. She gave her sword a frustrated swipe and ran off to try and protect Babette.
September 14, 2018
#AlmostHeaven09/14/2018
The opposing archer's quiver seemed bottomless as she continued to fire twin arrows, one at them and the other to intercept Babette's firing. Though, each volley had Eris take another step back.
At the street's center, the two champions repeated their cycle. Titus beat away Tro and made a rush as Cheshire, Cheshire threw him back with a torrent of fire, Titus collected himself just in time to clash with Tro again. Helen's interference was clear when the burns and scorch marks shimmered away each time Titus climbed to his feet.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/14/2018
Anja grabbed the hem of her cloak with one hand and rushed Eris with her sword in the other. Closing the distance would make shooting her a lot harder, and she could possibly knock the bow out of her hand. Worse case scenario she could use her cloak to block a few arrows.
September 17, 2018
#AlmostHeaven09/17/2018
An arrow or two ended up in her arm as she charged, but she was able to chase the archer farther into the alley. Eris soon gave up trying to push back past Anja, shouldering her bow and running off, presumably to wrap back around in some way. Whether or not Anja gave chase, a look over her should would not the fire was gone.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/17/2018
“Shit!”

Anja stumbled to a halt, letting the archer run away, receiving 2 large gashes from grazing broad heads for her troubles. Deciding that chasing after her wasn’t worth the effort, she doubles back to Babette.
#AlmostHeaven09/17/2018
Returning the street, the battle appeared to be over already. Titus was on a knee, Helen looked to be trying to heal a wound in her mount's side, and Cheshire sounded to be gloating.
"Thanks," Babette winked, "Normally I'd make my sister do that, but we left her back home. That one's a hell of a shot, ain't she? Should've been one of Hunting's minions."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/17/2018
“You’re welcome baby.”

Anja gave her a tired smile and began bandaging her would with a strip cloth.

“When I’m queen of the world I’ll get myself an army of cute healers.”
September 21, 2018
#AlmostHeaven09/21/2018
"You're worse than our lady Cheshire there if you think that'll happen," Babette rolled her eyes. When they got back across the street, they heard the two god-minions' conversation.
"You'll never win like this, don't care how unkillable you are. And if you can't beat me you'll never beat queenie."
"I'll have to, and soon."
"So what? She's here or something?"
Titus nodded, "During the siege, a cavalier of the invading force carried a spear from Gellor's forge. I'm certain War supplied him."(edited)
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/21/2018
“Oh so I’m not allowed to have cute imaginary healers now?”

Anja smiled and gave Babette a pat on the shoulder. Although she did overhear the conversation between the others she didn’t really understand what was going on. Leaning towards Babette she whispered,

“Whats the deal with this queenie and war giving people spears?”
#AlmostHeaven09/21/2018
Babette shrugged, "I dunno, ask them. They know more than me probably. All I know is that Gellor's chosen have to fight each other."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/21/2018
“Sounds fun.”

Anja replied sarcastically and rolled her neck. Frankly at this point she just wanted to go back and find Alina but something told her talking to the 2 would be important. She sighed, and walked up to the others reluctantly.
#AlmostHeaven09/21/2018
"So she's on the bad guy's side. That's no fun," Cheshire grinned, "Does that mean you're going to join my team?"
"No," Titus affirmed, "Maybe. Not now."
"Booo. You wanna wait and see if she'll kill me first don't you."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/21/2018
Anja walked up and gave Titus a light slap on the shoulder.

“Mind telling me what the deal with you 2 fighting earlier was all about?”
#AlmostHeaven09/21/2018
He slapped her back, almost knocking her on her face.
"Ever since I cheated at dice, he's been trying to get me back," Cheshire cackled, "We don't really hate eachother. Except when we do. But that's not all the time."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/21/2018
“Oh, that’s actually a pretty valid reason to kill each other, should have told me earlier.”

Anja gave a worried smile and rubbed the back of her head.

“So whats the deal with queens and war giving people spears?”
#AlmostHeaven09/21/2018
"War was a queen, before she became War," Titus clarified, "When I came to the city during the assault, one of the invading commanders held a spear that threw lightning, much like other items of Gellor's foundry."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/21/2018
“And can I count on you 2 to protect us mere mortals from invading commanders with lightning spears?”(edited)
#AlmostHeaven09/21/2018
"Eh, just get out of the way, silly," Cheshire grinned.
"Couldn't if we tried. It'll knock you on your ass and hit the person behind you too," Titus shook his head.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/21/2018
Anja shrugged and readjusted her cloak.

“Well it’s getting late for me, and I gotta check on my little one so you two have fun.”

She waved and began heading back in the direction that she came from.
September 23, 2018
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/23/2018
=== RP END ===