Hounds

[20:40] It did not matter if a grown man took it upon himself to hit them for valid anger. It didn't because he'll get what he deserves in due time. For now? It was a waste of time to express how they felt outwardly.

"Shut up."

They heard a rustle, though. Somewhere but they aren't fast to draw their bow with aching arms and a bruised pride.

"Did you hear that...?"
(Jianyu Xi)
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[20:43] A chortle escaped his mouth at the remark of Jianyu. The Shengese before him was always fond of telling him to close his mouth, and it didn't seem to bother the young Durages at all. It was Jianyu's way of expressing their friendship, and Cless wouldn't have it any other way. That was who they were, and he has already accepted that.

"Mhm! You're my good friend, Jianyu!"

With that, the shattering of branches, a rustle heard not far from where they were. Cless wasn't one to deem anything hostile, especially right away, so he merely awaited for whatever it was to approach before reaching any conclusion.

"Yep! Prolly a Lupin!"
(Cless Durages)
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[20:44] Why was it that these two seemed to be stark contrasts to one another? He's busied himself with sticking pigs in the meanwhile so that he can have a little busy session on his own.

Yet, when it comes to Jianyu speaking about hearing something? He doesn't seem to be say a single thing, yet. .

His back tenses if only for a moment. That is, until Cless mentions it being a Lupin. He eases back into relaxation.
(Avlainn)
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[20:47] A black shadow flows from the forest, surrounding the party in an ebony mist. It is a physical darkness that tugs at their hearts, an unavoidable searching of what they fear the most.

Jianyu would recognize this sensation. What they hold most, what binds them as a human and drives their instinct being read by a predator. Blaidd is not quite revealed to them, but the shadow that has fallen during this morning?

It is the unmistakable presence of a dark entity, one so bathed in the evils of this world that it casts a shadow on life itself.
(Blaidd)
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[20:53] "A Lupin?"

Those were more north but, perhaps a stupid one wandered from the herd. Jianyu didn't quite relax. Hues went to the trees then away at the grass.

Leaves ruffle as the wind blows and they rest their eyes, not quite noticing the ebony mist until their eyes open.

"What the..."

Flashing invasively came of the faceless man who left them. They hear it over and over again, words meant for someone years ahead spoken to a child. Weakness followed thusly by helfire that could pierce the very skin.

Breath quickened as their grip on their bow tightened.

Serve, serve, serve.

"Who's there...?" Digits draw the bowstring back. "Who's there?! Make this stop!" The pieces don't connect just yet.

Departure, no- Abandonment comes in tenfold. Faces of those known and hated appear then leave. A reality and feeling Jianyu refused to accept or acknowledge.

"I SAID STOP. STOP IT."

Sparks fly at random and at the mist.
(Jianyu Xi)
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[20:55] Shadow flows from the depths, almost playing a requiem. An onyx mist starts to materialize, drawing a path, flowing amongst it before encompassing the trio's entirety. From Cless' perspective, it was an elegant performance, one worthy of applause almost. An exuberant demeanor still remains, not knowing what the cause of this mist was, nor was it did.

Deep down within the heart of Cless, he feared girls, girls his own age to be more precise. What frightened him the most to lose, out of anything and everything? Losing his mother. Losing any of his siblings. Losing ANYONE within Nysea, or losing anyone who he had met. Even regular pedestrians that roamed the marketplace daily, he feared losing. For it was what he sought to protect, and what the pure of heart child wanted to protect for as long as plausible.

This eerie feeling that the young Durages had felt was one unlike any other, one egregious and even more repugnant than others. When his head turned, silver optics met Jianyu who had been entering a frenzy of some sort, one where they unleashed a bombardment at the mist.

"Jianyu, you alright? It's just black mist, Buddy! It ain't nothin' to fear! So plea-- Whoa! Jianyu, that one almost hit me!"

He couldn't tell that this was much more serious than he thought.
(Cless Durages)
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[20:55] A misty fog settles in, rolling from the trees like some sort of ominous notion. It tickles his nose, and he feels the need to cover his features with some sort of cloth or something. Poison, was it poison?

Suddenly, all traces of his calm are gone and the young boy is on his feet with his hands clutching at the hilt of his blade. While he cannot see directly, he can feel it.

This prodding, like eyes watching from afar. He'd been those eyes, he knows what it feels like. And he hates the sensation all around.

Yet internally, he knows that at any point it could all come to an end. His life, the lives of the people he has come to know, has come to speak to. And through it all he does not want that out come.

Hasn't this been a different path? A better path? No longer a beggar, no longer a thief or a pickpocket? But a Cadet? To have it all taken away from him would just be. . .

Avlainn shakes hishead from side to side. Jianyu's screaming. It calls his mind to pause. "Stop, we're right here." Right next to them. So. .

Why doesn't he feel as calm as he wants them to feel?
(Avlainn)
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[21:03] The shadow of the wolf stalks across the ground, his physical form hidden in the diratic sea that his magic creates. His body was physically compressed within the shadow; the malleable form of the demon watching as their fears and doubts are put on display.

Most of these people are children, especially the one who he had previously encountered in the caves. A new test would occur today; a feast on their mana circuity would be a waste of his time.

No, he would have them fight each other.

Each person being poked and prodded by his umbralmancy would receive in their vision a shadow that is molded to their great fears.

A swooping dragon for Jianyu, burning the countryside in it's advance.

A gilluotine, who's blade lay waiting for Avlainn's head.

A pack of wild college-age females, who would absolutely BULLY poor Cless when they came into contact.

Much closer to the party of children, but still in the shadowy sea. Were one able to break past these shadows, he'd be spotted easily.
(Blaidd)
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[21:10] Uninvited came Vartuul, a creature they hated more than anything. But still, they had only heard of its ferociousness in tales.

Helfire came over them but why would they ever think of being in its fire and not piercing through its scales with their arrows?

Jianyu paused, the firing of bolts less random and soon ceasing as the two try to calm them down. They stare, brows knitting as a moment of familiarity surfaces.

"A dog is here."

The child placed themself in front of the two, gaze through the growing stench of night mist in the air. Digits remained on their bowstring.

"Shut up and stay back..."

Shaking hands tugged at the bowstring, the grass at their feet began to wilt and wane.

"I'm not... afraid of you." They announced in a soft voice.

"COME OUT, DEMON. YOUR MASTER IS HERE."
(Jianyu Xi)
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[21:10] Fear works in odd ways for someone like him. He isn't able to merely overcome it, he couldn't claim that he had that ability. It eluded him, and that is why he wore his fears rather candidly. Away from the light, where only the festering beings of darkness could hope to dig deep and witness.

There weren't many. He had not been raised with the ability to have just such a large amount, but what did remain was vast; like an ocean, and as deep as one as well.

To say that he could see what was, would be a lie, but what could be and what will be, if something isn't done seems appropriate. His back tenses, the blade in his hand tightly wound around in a circle, just once. Threateningly.

If someone wanted his head? They'd be fighting for it. And he'd much rather cut the throats of the executioners than let them have their way.
(Avlainn)
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[21:13] Nothing. Soon, the presence of both Jianyu and Avlainn disappeared. It was as if he was in a completely 'different realm' at this point, one where regular world rules didn't apply. Everything around him was intangible, and as he curiously looked around, searching for his friends and allies, he came across one of his worst nightmares, no, his WORST nightmare.

Girls his own age. Flocks of ten to twelve year olds swarmed around him, pointing index fingers at him, insulting him. It wasn't just that he feared from them, but he deemed them to be scary individuals. Due to his slightly excessive weight, he felt as if girls his own age shouldn't approach him, nor care for him.

Both hands lift up, grabbing the side of his head. Hands forced over his ears, the young Durages had wanted their unkind words to cease, and them to leave themselves. What was this? Cless wasn't here, at all. They had been on grass, so why did this feel different, why did this feel unreal?

"T-that's enough..."

It had been confirmed at this point that these were hallucinations. Both hands clap together, digits from both hand betwixt one another, formulating a prayer. Once said prayer to High Angel Maltziel, his Star Anos, and his father, Lloyd Durages, had been complete, arcane started to materialize around him.

The lucid essence shroud that enveloped the youth's form started to change its own hue. Translucent mana imbuing with the prowess bequeathed to him by his star, stardust soon coming in to contact with the boy. Heat radiated from his body, and slowly but surely, those who were around him vanished. What was ahead? None other than a common Dog.

"That's not a Demon, that's a Puppy! C'mere, Puppy!"

With that, the asinine Durages approached the demon, aura surrounding him dissipated. Both appendages lifted up, asking for an embrace from the dog before him.
(Cless Durages)
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[21:18] As each of the shadowy illusions are dispersed, the vital information that came with it is recorded in the mind of Blaidd. When faced with something so otherworldly as their worst fears, the human instinct is to deny it. Such a denial would lead to the shadows snapping, returning into the diratic sea of darkness that slowly rose into the form of a massive wolf demon.

His eyes of pure white and scarlet scan them all down. It is in this moment that Cless manages to get a pretty solid hug on Blaidd, if only for a few seconds. He'd find that he's holding nothing but a sickly-smelling darkness as Blaidd shifts behind all of them.

"When faced with what you fear the most, you dig deeper into that heart to find hope. Hope that it isn't real, that your fears are nothing but hallucinations. I am sorry to disappoint, then."

A potent burst of occult shadow fuels a flare of black fire. He was a void of light, besides that of his eyes and a few red markings on his fur.

"I am very, very real, Little Children."

He would not make the first move. It would be up to them should they wish to combat the nightmare by themselves.
(Blaidd)
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[21:23] Cless got a lock on Blaidd temporarily, and the embrace was a solid, loving one. Unparalleled warmth radiated from the youth, even when he came in to contact with someone as depraved as Blaidd was. A demon in every essence, in every way, shape, and form, yet Cless couldn't accept that fact, especially when he was able to hug it without it retaliating.

Degeneracy oozed from Blaidd's every follicle, but Cless almost ignored it at this point. It didn't instill fear in him, but he felt uncomfortable. A shrug of his shoulders, it was safe to assume that it didn't emit from the Puppy itself, but from something else entirely. The chubby youth turns around, attempting to follow the movements of occultist canine, turning around as he seen him appear behind them all.

"Hope is real, Talkin' Puppy! Wotcher, I'm Cless Durages! A pleasure to meet you!"

Even in this scenario, in this predicament, he gave a formal greeting. There was no reason for hostility from Cless, at least not for now.
(Cless Durages)
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[21:26] Fear rooted for many differently. Fear turned into anger for Jianyu. It wouldn't hold them back but in a way, it did. One negative feeling to the other, all rooting from the same cause.

It's a demon trying to prod at fear.

Lucky for him, the venom tongued child felt a fear like no other in every waking moment.

Someone will find out and he'll kill me.

Hearts beat and bring to and fro that which is vital and sustaining. Or, Cless says it's something one should fight with. A heart had no place on any battlefield for it is weak and would only get hurt.

By that logic, a heart had no place anywhere and should simply be locked up. No one can hurt what they can't reach and none would ever hold their heart or have it.

No one.

Perhaps that is a bigger fear, bigger than a dragon.

Letting others in.

The mist settled for them and icy hues peer at the bringer. A demon who will soon bend over and give itself. Teeth grit at the sight of the Hel Hound.

"Don't touch it, Cless!"

ZAP.

A bolt of lightning flies towards Cless and not the demon in attempt to ward the boy away from it. Jianyu turned, following it with their body and eyes, bowstring drawn once more.

"Don't be a dummy, dummy. Don't touch it!" The child peered at Blaidd.

"And don't touch either of them..."
(Jianyu Xi)
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[21:26] * You have been awarded 2 Roleplay Points! *
[21:31] What had been a fog of illusory magic, was now the fading presence of something different. Entirely. And, what comes upon him? Behind him? Is the fact of it all, the creator of such things.

When faced with what you fear most? Digging to find hope, but such isn't real? Words that seem to cause him to turn and stumble, backwards as much as he can and as fast as he can.

He should take a swing, should have taken a swing towards the demon dog the moment he got the chance but he wasn't in the right state of mind and couldn't.

His jaw trembles. "Demons."
Weren't the spoken about? Wasn't this one? Bringing nightmares and other things like it?
(Avlainn)
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[21:37] The wolf stays still, his massive height and size towering over the gathering of children. Unable to form the sort of facial expressions that would be recognizable by humans, he simply muses aloud.

"Why do you fear me, Children of Man? Is it the human desire to fear what is unknown, or are you so struck by awe and my power that you have been rendered speechless?"

He does not pounce, even as the others prepare for combat. There was another experiment to conduct.

"You, who all have the aptitude to rise higher than your mortal compatriots, choose to hunt bringers of knowledge and understanding. Have your teachers been drowned in the same fear that grips your hearts, even now?"

Not all wars are won with magic and might. But through speachcraft, and charisma.

"The gift that I bring is that of understanding. Of casting off the shackles you have now, and freeing your mind. To let your fear of the darkness die, like a fire snuffed out."

"Will you listen to my sermon, Little Children?"
(Blaidd)
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[21:43] "Wotcher! You said a lot of big words, and I have no clue what any of them mean! I'm just Cless Durages, not a 'sermon', weird Puppy! This Puppy is weird, but you guys are calling it a demon. It has no reason to lie, so I'll ask it if it's a Demon!"

A smile and nod given towards his two friends, silver optics scrutinizing the wolf that was before them. There were no visible signs of fright, and it was clear that Blaidd's experiments had no effect on someone as stupid as Cless was. A dorky thumbs up given to both of his friends, once again questioning the wolf before him.

"Anyways! You're not a Demon, right?"

The question was now asked. How would the wolf demon before him reply? Would he admit to being one or not?
(Cless Durages)
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[21:50] He just sits there as Avlainn makes a retreat and they stand at attention.

The demon ran his mouth and didn't listen to a word they said now and at their first encounter. In due time he'll come to know.

The question is why.

"Because you're ugly."

Massive and overflowing with occultic energy. Tainted mana that didn't effect him.

"I know everything I need to know. You can't read my mind and tell me what needs to be added."

Minds could not be read, thoughts could not scanned and prodded at. Blaidd would never know what they need, only what they fear.

Connection and bonds.

"I know exactly what you are..."
(Jianyu Xi)
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[21:53] Blaidd can not replicate the facial expressions of humanity nearly as good as these children, but the grin that forms across his face is recognizable to all of them.

"What would your response be, should I say yes?"

This was a genuine inquiry. A question poised to the youth should his suspicions of his true nature be correct. Would his heart guide him to rising his blade in dire vengeance, fighting a battle he could not possibly win?

Would he listen to his stories and lecture, eager to understand the creature that spoke before them? Blaidd had no true desire for them to understand, anyway. But every so often, the wolf is struck by a fae mood.

What would happen if, instead of brining his claws and fangs to the hunt, he brought speech and charisma? Would the result be the same?

Would they listen?

"I eagerly await your own response."

But then, Blaidd's attention snaps to Jianyu's display of occultism. The darkness in their heart; it was so obvious.

His grin grows wider every passing moment.

"I was wrong about you, little Archer. You carry my magic, you not fear the dark places unlike the rest of your kind."

What little occultism is completely overwhelmed by Blaidd no longer restraining himself. Plants around him die, the air grows stagnant and dark, and the very world rejects the presence of the demon.
(Blaidd)
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[21:57] A demon indeed. The miasmic leak, the plants dying and the wildlife around scattering. It is something that does not rest well with his very soul, the changing, the skittering. All of it simply comes about to confirm what he had assumed.

This was a demon.

But, demons could exist in many forms. He merely had believed before that a lot of the people he interacted with had been demons. They were, and their actions proved it. Those who would kill kids for what little score they had. They were demons.

This? Was a demon too, in the literal sense. Blaidd is appraised with an apprehensive stare as he looks at those claws and the fangs that likely could present themselves at any moment. Grins and all.

"We should. . run."

"We need to run."
(Avlainn)
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[22:05] "Hmm... Well, Demons are bad and they hurt people... If you don't hurt anyone or any of us, then there's no reason for me to do anythin' to you, obviously!"

Not long after that, suspicions were almost instantaneously confirmed. There was a diminutive amount of degeneracy that leaked from his body, but those restraints placed on his own occultism had been relinquished. Depravity in every definition materialized in such a short time span, deteriorating almost everything that came in to its contact. Stagnant air, one very putrid to the youth appeared, and everything around him had started to perish.

Was this what occultism looked like? There was still no fear, but there was a reason to respond with something of his own. Cless' form was once again blessed with stardust arcane, having it surround himself. Was this going to be strife, or no? Hopefully, they could avoid any combat, but Cless was ready for anything at this point.

"I'm not here to fight, at all, Mister Doggie! However, if you hurt my friends it's a different story. I'm sorry if Jianyu attacks you or anythin'!"

Would they be let go, or no? Either way, Cless was ready to defend his friends.
(Cless Durages)
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[22:17] "I don't want to hear anything from you. Stop talking."

"Nothing scares me..." It's a lie that makes them draw the orchilacum bowstring back. This was a demon, foul just as when they first encountered it.

Does it wish to dance, to feast? There is nothing to gain in eating growing children. Demons are selfish- Are they? Their knowledge was surface level at best.

"You don't scare me... No..."

Avlainn suggested to run.

"If you're scared then stand behind me. I don't want... to see anyone die." No matter how much they showed themself to be uncaring for the safety of others, it was not a sight they wished to see.

The very thought of Blaidd's teeth sinking into Avlainn, the spillage and spray of blood and terrified screams for help- Grass waned and wilted more at their boots, like a toxinleft them.

"If you're going to talk then stop wasting time."

Jianyu moved closer to the wolf. If he'll attack anyone, then...
(Jianyu Xi)
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[22:24] Blaidd stares down Jianyu, who slowly knocks an arrow intended for him. There is no immediate need to fly into a frenzy, not here.

Not against children who would fail to sate him.

Instead, Blaidd walks towards the bow. Slowly placing his head on the arrowhead, grinning the entire time. What would be absolutely fatal for a human meant nothing to the living nightmare.

"Good. Let that fear grow in you, little Archer. Can you feel the tension in that bowstring? The slow whine of string waiting to be used for it's desired purpose?"

This demon did not fear them at all. It sought to bring darkness, not to be lost in it.

"Let it fly, little Archer. Kill everything that gets in your way, like I am now. Never let someone stop you from what you truly want."

Taunting, waiting for that arrow to fly.

"Thismessage extends to the two of you, as well. Those who bring you harm should die, right?"

"It's only the human way of thinking."
(Blaidd)
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[22:27] A head tilt, not understanding why Blaidd wished to provoke his friend. There was no reason to exasperate someone who was already hurt, and yet, the Demon before them persisted on this.

This message extends to the two of you, as well. Those who bring you harm should die, right?

Wrong.

"If it's harm to me, I don't mind, but harm to my friends? I dunno, maybe like... I'd do what they did to my friend to them, but first, I'd talk to 'em! There's no reason to use violence right away, Doggie! Also, please stop provoking my friend!"

A nod given towards Blaidd, and a dorky thumbs up following soon after. Hopefully, there was no quarrel to be had here.
(Cless Durages)
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[22:27] "This is insane."

And it was. to fight this thing, or even entertain the idea of it all was just absolute madness. His mind is muddled, fear? Yes of course but more than that he feels concern for the lives of those present. The people that he does not want to die, much like Jianyu.

Yet instead of running they choose to step forward. For what purpose? Are the seeking death at the maw of the monster? Do they think this sacrifice will do them well? Allow them the chance to flee?

He'd rather. .

Avlainn can't make the trembling stop. He can't make his fears subside. But. . he wouldn't be able to run with the knowledge that they'd stay and potentially die. He'd. .

He'd rather stay.

(Avlainn)
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[22:38] Blaidd came closer and made attempts to taunt at them. He wants the arrow to fly, these bolts to pierce him. He begs for it, for them to kill that which harms them.

Lips curl gently into a force smile that shifts into a grin.

"You're right..."

The bow lowers slowly. Rot continues at their feet, it spreads as their heart raced. Grass soon blackens as this slow acting toxin seeped from them.

"I have no business killing demons... My prey fly: Dragons..."

One hand removed from their bow, trembling lightly as it rose. "Will you kill dragons with me, demon? Or will you scare children...?"

Breath slowed as they attempt to calm themself.
(Jianyu Xi)
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[22:45] A cackling laugh echoes from each shadow in the area. Laughing from the notion, the very thought that she would throw it all away just to kill a few dragons.

"If you follow me, then they will drop from the skies like gnats. Their scales will be shredded by your arrows, and their flesh rotting before touching earth. You will stand, victorious, over the corpses of that misbegotten race."

She wanted to kill dragons? Blaidd would allow her to do so. She could swat them from the very skies with the touch of her hands to a tainted bow.

"But what you hold now will simply turn you into a blackened skeleton at the sight. You will be nothing but another corpse at your own level of strength. Wouldn't you want to be greater? To rule over the dragons with fists of dark, cold iron?"

His voice lowers to a sickening, laughing whisper.

"So that they will never harm you again. So they will fear the Archer who brings down the Winged Tyrant."
(Blaidd)
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[22:47] Cless Durages says, "L"
[22:49] "I'm sorry, but I think that's enough, Sir Puppy! You're tryin' to fool my friend in to doing deeds that you want, aren't you? You wanna make it so you can hurt Jianyu in his brainy, by saying you'll help him kill Dragons! I think... Eh, maybe I'm not thinkin' straight. It doesn't sound like you are. Maybe.

Either way, you're a Demon. Sir Aeolus told me Demons are bad!"

A shrug of his shoulders, he didn't know what to do at this point. Cless wasn't as smart as other children, and because of this, he wasn't completely certain that Blaidd was trying to manipulate Jianyu in to doing his own bidding just to 'help' Jianyu 'kill a few dragons'. Was it right to kill anyone? More than likely not, at least that's what Cless thought.
(Cless Durages)
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[22:57] It whispers nothingness into the ears of those who listens. Contemplating your downfalls, preying upon your hopes and your wants, your fears and your horrors. In essence.

A true demon.

He looks upon it as it speaks to Jianyu as such, a way to try and bring them onto the side of evil, of the side that would do nothing but kill, kill and kill. And it may sound oh so sweet to the ears of the listening. But to him?

It all sounds like curses and death. A hint of destruction and a lifetime of agony. All for promises that may or may not be true. He can no longer sit still, can no longer allow his fears to keep him from acting.

Avlainn pulls free his blade from the scabbard.
And rushes with it overhead to try and swing downwards against the beasts chest.

"Get away from them!"
(Avlainn)
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[23:11] Follow a demon? To tread a path of Hel. Inviting words and offers. Knighthood would not help them kill dragons, but a demon? Foul and tainted did not matter, truly.

Jianyu stepped closer as he let out a laugh, a grin. Their bow remained lowered, icy hues peering through the shadows that encompassed the wolf's body.

"I don't follow you, you fo-"

They're cut off with a sudden unsheathing of a blade. Avlainn drew his weapon and made an advance on Bladd. The scared, shaking Cadet stepped in as tempting whispers made its way to Jianyu.

"Dumb Cadet- I told you to stay back-" But there's no efforts to stop his advancements on the demon.

(Jianyu Xi)
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[23:14] "Lainn, what're you doin'?! He wasn't hurtin' us, now he might hurt you!"

Cless' blade had found itself out of his scabbard as well, still not showing any signs of intent to harm the wolf before them. It was Avlainn who was the first to make any sudden movements, the first to attack. The young Durages didn't know what to do for now, but if a fight would follow suit, then so be it, there was no way to persuade Blaidd otherwise. Or maybe...?

"Pupper, I'm sorry that Lainn is attackin' you! Lainn, stop it! If you hurt him, I'm goin' to have to fight too, Pupper… So please, don't fight, either of you!"
The young Durages attempted to stop Avlainn, but to no avail, as he already arrived in front of the demon before he did.
(Cless Durages)
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[23:26] The idea that he goes into this with the thought to win? Unthinkable. Nothing short of just making some sort of distance between one friend and an enemy has come across his mind. Mentally? He's not preparing himself at all to win this battle.

As a Cadet.
As a friend.
As a young boy, all he can focus on is getting through this until the very end and making sure that the two people who were here with him, watching this thing, conversing with this demon? It was to make sure that they at least got away.

So when he charges forward, blade raised, he's all too willing to come down with a swipe and to try and bring about a swift end. There is nothing pleasurable about making something, even a demon, suffer. Agony is nothing to live in.

He'd bring it a swift end if he could. And he hopes the same could be said in vice versa. Thusly, when he is throttled around with the flaming energies of magic, with the combustable force of fire? explosive as it is?

He does not mope nor does he complain.
He throws himself backwards, sliding, keeping Anastasia's words in mind.
Do not let go of your blade. It brings about a resolution to him as he stomps down, not yet falling.

It wasn't quite over, not yet. But there isn't much left for him. His body is thrown once more, back and forth, and between the experience, sheer power and the speed of the demon? There is no surprise in his mind about his eventual defeat. But he swings his sword, he tries his best. He will give his all because it is all he can give.

Until he's forced back entirely, sliding amid smoke, flames and slashes created out of shadows.

Defeat.
(Avlainn)
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[23:31] The wolf does not see the onslaught brought by one who's magics were fueled by willpower as a threat. He was putting his very heart and soul into his strikes, burning his mana circuitry to attempt a dire offensive. It fails, as each swipe of blade is countered by a black claw of shadow.

He watches his movements, constantly on the backpedal and swapping sides to never truly lose the momentum. The fight would always stay in his favor; he would not allow otherwise.

"Where is your passion? Bring your sword to slay me, little Warrior."

A final raking claw sends him spiraling towards a tree. Not intending on truly using his full strength to injure him. The lesson would not be taught properly; these humans do not grow from defeats as demons do.

"I have seen the end result of those magics, boy. The greatest of your caliber has infused his willpower with the dark inside of him. Do not fear what lingers behind those hatful thoughts."

His gaze is now set on his next opponent. The Archer, the one who was encountered days earlier.

"My offer remains. You will see peeks beyond your peers should you accept my hand, and they may be elevated too."

He would accept any challenge, if only to teach them further about the power of the dark.
(Blaidd)
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[23:41] Drawn blades seek to cut and tear. such is the goal here. Though the reasoning? Is he protecting them? Stupid.

Jianyu couldn't help but watch the dance. Heroism and pure evil. Though it's not a dance and claws sent the boy to a tree. Ground was stood today, however.

They click their tongue, bow coming into their grasp more.

"My offer remains, too. Your people bend to me."

A thick smog trickled out. Grass waned more as though sapped. But poison merely trickled out. Does it begin to set with Blaidd? Will the symptoms present themself?

This dangerous poison, Jianyu Xi's rage.

"I told you to leave them alone..."

The bowstring pulls back.

"No offer is more enticing than my future... Father told me this."

Bolts fly towards the wolf as they launch towards him.
(Jianyu Xi)
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[23:44] {Lost Restrained RPB against Blaidd}
[23:49] Another comes, one who showed potential in following a darker, stronger path. Someone who's vile words manifested as dripping poison, coating their arrows and infecting Blaidd's body.

A nightmare does not bleed, or get poisoned.

There is momentary pause as his vision is brought to nothing but darkness. What sort of mockery is this? That a false darkness be cast on one who was a walking shadow. Instead, a claw grips the young archer, his blind eyes regaining sight.

"This is our second encounter, Little Archer, and you have not learned. You have not understand the meaning of shutting your mouth, you remain a nuisance. There will be no need for you to gain any strength."

The shadowy arm flings her to another tree. Knocking the wind out of them without true injury. The disappointment of losing a potential student was wrought on his face.

"Your mercies have run out. Scurry away and cower to the Tyrnat Wyrms, little one. I will kill you long before you attempt to stand against one feebly."

There was one left. One who might see reason, one who wouldn't throw their life away against a demon who did not need to suffer them the existence of fighting the inevitable.

"Your friends have attacked me, of their own volition. I act in response to their aggression. Do you wish to suffer as they have, because you cannot control your urge to die?"
(Blaidd)
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[23:56] No promise of power tugged more at their heart than what their father told them before his departure. Should they be a strong child then it will be fulfilled. They've faced quite a bit and this is their first time.

Jianyu Xi is their name. They're not Jian, adorable. They're Jianyu Xi, a child of the streets of Theria and a hatred for dragonkind. A failure to even speak any oaths of Cadethood.

Toxins fly forth, surrounding their frame as it effects the demons very vision. It'd be harder to land strikes to their flesh. They'll be a nuisance, one to be dreaded when they're older and the truth of their power comes to fruition.

"You'll see. I'll show you. Just wait."

Dragons will fall from the sky. Drakanites will lose their very wings and horns should they wish not to just die. A Rot for the Wyrms. Jianyu won't die until they all suffer.

The Garljing, too.

"You'll regret this--" A swipe of its shadow paw sends them flying into a tree. Rot continued around them. The bark of the tree seemed infected almost as lips curl.

Everyone will see and everyone will regret.
(Jianyu Xi)
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[23:56] One by one, his comrades have fallen. First, it was Avlainn who had been triumphed over by Blaidd, and next was Jianyu. Over and over again, the young Durages had witnessed the defeat of his friends. Even though Avlainn was the first one to attack the Demon, there would be no hesitation to defend his friends, especially because they would do the same for him.

"I'm sorry, Pupper. My friend attacked you out of fear, fear of you taking one of our friends. We can't let you do that, so because of that, I'm goin' to have to make a stand! I don't really want to, and I know you don't really want to... But, we're both not goin' to back down. Again, I'm sorry very much so, Pupper!"

A head turned to his friends, then back to the Demon before him.

"Rule eight. Love, protect and cherish those who you hold dearest to you. At the end of the day, they're all one truly has. That's exactly what I'm goin' to do!"

With his blade still in hand, Cless approached the Demon dog who had been 'harming' his friends almost, defeating both of them. Astral energy manipulated, circulating around his body. Silver optics glare upon his opponent, attempting to keep up with whatever high speed movements he was doing. This was going to be a tough fight, but obviously, he'd give it his all.

"Rule seven. Do not abandon your home. They need you more than you realize. These people are my home. I can't abandon them!"
(Cless Durages)
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[00:13] The Wolf grew bored.

Time and time again, these children rush to their own demise. The restraint that he has now is only due to a desire to expand his influence. That they might learn of the Dark, that they might grow into worthy opponents.

But time and time again, they flounder. They push their might against a living nightmare, and fall short. His weapon does not find purchase in flesh, only in disappearing plumes of smoke. His cosmic light is, again and again, snuffed out by a lingering fog of darkness.

When a claw rakes Cless through the chest, an opportunity is made. Another claw moves to grasp the boy, while the original brings a nail dangerously close to his right eye. It barely makes an incision in the white flesh, darkening it into a black void.

When his experiment is finished, the holds the boy by his head, showing his prize towards the two of them.

"Convince me to let him go. You have both failed me time and time again."

Scarlet and white move to Jianyu, "A coward who will never gain vengeance with such restraint in their heart,"

The eyes switch to Avlainn. "A child who's will barely seeps his blade in fire."

A wild bark, as the demon screams to them.

"SHOW ME SOMETHING WORTH CARING ABOUT IN YOUR PATHETIC, MISBEGOTTEN RACE."
(Blaidd)
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[00:19] One after the other they fall to the side and suffer the consequences, but no more than the one who fought last. With the most fervor, a fervor to defend and make certain. They have suffered at the hands of this creature in the form of a canine.

It is without a doubt the most troubled he has been since the whole fiasco with hiding from the zombie. Or what he believed to have been a zombie. This was more dangerous, more real. More. . obvious.

His heart bangs in his chest at an alarming rate, there is nothing more he can say or do. He's lost, hasn't he? So what is there to push about the situation?

But, if he were to give up just that easy. After one defeat then how good of a Knight could he ever consider himself? It'll be like a sore, peeled back and raw, like flesh that never heals.

A memory, seeping into him like rain water to gutters. Avlainn does not want to think about it so he does not, and he pushes himself back ontohis feet.

"You. . aren't a judge."

And they have no right to judge him.

"Let him go or else."

Or else he'll wish he had. Or it.
Whatever this thing was.
(Avlainn)
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[00:28] No one in this would could be trusted. None. Not a single soul was worthy of even a modicum of secret or even growing close to them. Avlainn, Cless, Eliz. People who tried to scale an impossible wall in the name of 'friendship'.

That required trust and care and it's not what they have.

But when crimson flies from Cless' chest, their own tightened as they laid by the tree. Blood splattered onto the grass and digits twitched.

The Star man killed the Violet man. The Star man killed the Violet man. The Star man-

It rushed in, their first witness of death, or murder.

The weak Fox killed the goo man. The weak Fox killed the goo man. The weak Fox-

Breath quickened, their heart moved far too fast. This boy. They didn't care about him. They refused to care for someone so stupid but why do they move despite the ache in their body.

Jianyu rushed to the demon, bowstring yanked back as they wedged themself between the wolf and Avlainn.

The Wolf would not kill stupid Cless.

"Everything I do is for him... I am no coward... Let me go!" Jianyu screamed back, stepping closer as sparks dance around their finger tips. "Take me and let him go. There is no arguing so shut up Cless."

It is not a move of heroism. Jianyu Xi was the furthest from hero.
(Jianyu Xi)
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[00:28] Jianyu Xi says, "**Let him go"
[00:29] Blaidd asks, "You would trade yourself?"
[00:29] Jianyu Xi asks, "Are you deaf?"
[00:30] Blaidd says, "Speak again and he dies."
[00:30] Blaidd says, "You physically cannot stop me."
[00:30] Jianyu Xi says, ". . ."
[00:33] Defeat. Even though Cless had fought with everything he had, losing was inevitable to a demon as powerful as Blaidd was. Cosmic light was flushed out by the incessant darkness radiating from the abomination before him. A claw starts to lacerate Cless' chest, screams of anguish wanting to come out, but never escaping his lips. He couldn't show weakness, not now.

Flesh ripped apart, blood was falling from his body now. There wasn't much he could do against a ferocious monster like Blaidd. Now, he was being held by the head by the creature who he tried to originally negotiate with, but then it hurt his friends. Was this the price Cless paid? It was one that was worth it nonetheless.

"J-jianyu...R-run... I-it's alright. I-I'm fine... Just hurts...A-a l-l-lot..."

Silver hues slowly started to close, unable to remain open any time longer. Forcing his eyes open was troublesome, but he'd try and stay awake as long as possible. This injury shouldn't be enough to bring him down, at least for now..
(Cless Durages)
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[00:35] Blaidd listens, and looks towards Avlainn who had said he could not judge them.

"You. Choose who I keep. Do not waste my time, or this one dies."

The mercy he had given them in the pursuit of growing their darkness was long spent. The patience with these children had been eclipsed by an overwhelming desire to shut them up. They are not heroes, not even close.

He gave them a chance.

He never will again.
(Blaidd)
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[00:36] Jianyu Xi whispers to Avlainn: Don't be an idiot... He's hurt. I'll be okay...
[00:36] Jianyu Xi whispers to Avlainn: Take him and go already...
[00:36] Jianyu Xi whispers to Avlainn: Don't be a dumb hero.
[00:50] Choose or someone dies isn't an option for him. He doesn't have the ability to make such a decision. To choose one, to sacrifice someone over the other. Not anymore and certainly not since he'd long since come into the moment as a Cadet.

Life had chosen this for him because he had been tired of scrounging around for a coin purse in a spare pocket. He'd been needing to make a change, and how could an eleven year old boy even understand that?

No, it had been Alexander who had put this path upon him. To make him want to at least be a bit better. To earn what he could get instead of taking it. So why, why would he take someones life, when he didn't have the ability to? It wasn't his choice to make.

He won't choose it.

If Jianyu whispers to him that he should be okay with them making such sacrifices on their own merits? He will have to counter-act this point in accordance to living life his own way.

The way that would not choose.

"I won't take anymore of your time."

His eyes close and his blade raises.

"I'll take your life instead."

Blue wisps gather once more as he focuses on the task.

Live or die.
He'd rather do this the only way he knows how.
(Avlainn)
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[00:59] A choice was given and the one to pick was obvious.

"Are you stupid?" Jianyu turned to the Cadet. Their hand rose and struck against his cheek. "Take him and leave. You aren't going to die over something stupid."

It's stupid when they will go willingly. The child didn't seem scared in this moment. They're calm. "Take him before he bleeds out! If you listen to anything I say, listen to that."

"Weak things die... Don't let him die. Don't let yourself die. Let me go with the demon."

If he killed them, ate them, tortured them it didn't matter.

"Go!"
(Jianyu Xi)
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