Rift 3

[16:20] Aurora Cruor says, "I don't feel like I'd like to sit down, aunt Magdalen. I have things to settle with Rindou - and I would like to get to it."
[16:20] Lea Elisheva says, "You already know why she's here, mom."
[16:21] Magdalen Metzli says, "Could that wait a bit, dear? I'd at least like to finish this conversation with Rindou... Before something else awful happens."
[16:21] Aurora Cruor says, "Hm, hm. If Lea agrees to stick by your side while I beat the sin until they can't stop bleeding. Sure."
[16:22] Aurora Cruor says, "I can give you time."
[16:22] Lea Elisheva says, "No. I'm not letting you hurt her."
[16:24] Magdalen looks to Rindou and Lea quietly, she'll ask Rindou;

"Is this something you'd want to do alone, or do you wish for Lea's help, dear?"

A gentle, gold-lined hand comes to give a soft shoulder-squeeze the way of the Lea. She'll ask Aurora, now;

"Just for the sake of knowing, dear... May I ask what leads you to... Oppose Rindou so vicariously? I apologize for not spending a lot of time with you and really getting to know you enough to be able to answer that unaided."
(Magdalen Metzli)
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[16:28] Rindou wanted to get out of this mess before it grew to big - before Aurora could find her. Alas it wasn't possible. The angel-blooded managed to spot her before she could escape and hide, leaving Rindou forced to confront someone she definitely did not like. When the question was asked it became obvious that pride would not be her hubris.

"Why would I want to fight someone who's done nothing but chase me around to hurt me all on my own? I'd rather if she was completely gone. Forever."
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[16:35] Aurora seems dumbfounded, almost unsure of how her aunt wouldn't be able to answer that question herself. It was true that they haven't spent a lot of time together - but there was no denying who Rindou was, was there?

A selfish person.

One full of hate.

And one who Aurora loathed.

Was any other reason even necessary?

"I want to hurt her-- no, I want to kill her, for everything she's put me through. Just in these last couple of months. I thought of killing her before too, of course... But deep down, a part of me knew that I wouldn't do it. If not for her, then for Lea," the demi-angel gestured at her cousin now, pale blue eyes narrowing some.

"Now, though? Now I intend to offer no mercy. Not even if Lea stands in my way. I was lied to by my own family. Not once, and not twice. But more. Possibly more than I'll ever know. I've been forced to sign a contract with the devil himself - just so Lea can give her little friend a bit more time. ..Isn't that lovely? Having to kill someone and have half of the world turn on you?"

A deep breath is drawn.

"I will kill her because she took Lea away from you, the way he took Lailah, Magdalen. I will kill her because she took my cousin away from me, because there was no one else who'd spare a look at her. And I will kill her - for more than anything else - for the fact she wanted to take away my uncle away, as well. The only person to stay in my life without leaving. Not once."

It was more than what she could say about her parents.

Although Hel's flames were long gone, the temperature in the room is rising... Slowly but surely. The magic flowing from the core of the woman is intense - and it's only a miracle she hasn't lunged at the Sin already.
(Aurora Cruor)
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[16:47] Lea wouldn't let this happen. She couldn't let this happen. Not after the promise... not after what happened with Reito. Lea invested so much, she gave up so much. And for what? Rindou to die here? Not to mention, Lea promised Rindou that she'd stick up for her, and Aurora promised Lea that she wouldn't hurt Rindou. How could she make such a promise and fully intend to break it?! For her own good? No. Nononononono. That's the exact kind of logic people used to try to collar her, to keep her chained! And...

Everyone betrays.

...

It should go without saying that her train of thought isn't exactly logical right now. Her sense of right and wrong had already been scrambled over the past few years, and with what happened to Reito, she didn't even have much of a standard for what being a good person actually meant. The closest person was her mother... who was a very good beacon, mind! It's just- Magdalen's light was wrapped around Lea to keep her safe, whereas Reito's, Calael's, and everyone's as something to look upon; something to strive for. And now, without that... she was lost.

"I don't appreciate people sticking up for me in ways I don't want, Aurora."

She jumped off her chair, staring her cousin directly in her eyes. Her look was not one of malice- not yet.

"And I don't appreciate other people getting the blame for things I took upon myself."

Wait... did Lea just allow herself to take the blame? Normally she deflected it...

Maybe it was because it was for the sake of someone else.

Maybe she was just a born martyr.

"And you brought this upon yourself too, Aurora. You weren't forced to do anything. Now stop this, or we'll stop you. I'm not letting you break a promise, even if you sold yourself for the chance to."
(Lea Elisheva)
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[16:57] The white-feathered mother gently stands up from her chair, taking in all sides... And she'll walk over towards the pair, opting to stand between the group, both hands placing themselves on Aurora's shoulders.

There's that same soft, sad smile, given to her, as she focuses entirely on the niece.

"I see it that way too, dear. That Rindou took my Lea away from me. That, bit-by-bit she got her to agree to more and more things that go against the loving, brave, strong person she is. Visiting this mountain, making the contract...

But she's done this to herself. I want to understand why, and see if I could change my mind, and that's why I'm trying to talk with Rindou for a bit.

If you do attack now, I am not able to raise my sword against my own daughter, so if you want to continue this, I don't think I'll be able to fight alongside you, as much as I can empathize with how you feel."

There's a small sigh, looking to the two behind her.

"The irony here is this is partially based on a fear of loss. Lots and lots of fear. Lea's afraid of losing Rindou because she sees her as one of the only few that stays in her life without leaving her, and you're afraid of losing Lea entirely, and losing my brother.

I don't think this is a good idea, dear. If they best you I'd try to intervene on your behalf, but I've never in my life been a fighter, and I won't be able to prevent you from being hurt. I can send you away now, though.

I love you, my niece, and I don't want you to get hurt."

Despite the tension in the room, Magdalen is calm and cool. Her normal stubborn self.
(Magdalen Metzli)
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[17:07] "I am glad you are of sound mind, auntie. And... No. I wouldn't expect you to fight for me. Just as I wouldn't expect my own mom to fight for Lea. Not if something like this ever happened. I know what it means to be a mother - and I know what it means to have a person in your life that you won't ever be able to hurt."

A glance is offered towards Lea.

She might have been Magdalen's person, but the odds for her to be Aurora's too were slim. Especially after the words the two had exchanged.

"I hope you know she doesn't think of you that way, Magdalen. And I hope she knows that Rindou doesn't think of her that way either."

A smirk develops across her lips, spreading slowly but surely - until there's no denying that it was there.

The corrupt magic stored within Aurora's floating crystal ball begins to leak, and it takes form as sparkles begin to fill the room with her essence and mana.

"..And for you, my dearest cousin, I offer only these words."

A creature with skin that is dark as night, and eyes that almost resemble those of their uncle - Isaac Shimasu - or worse... A vampire, strikes.

It attempts to throw Rindou straight into Aurora, who'd been waiting for the right moment to charge.

"You will get your turn."
(Aurora Cruor)
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[17:16] The Angel-blooded mother can't help but blink once at the given knowledge that 'she doesn't think of you that way'. Does she mean Lea, or Rindou? Surely Lea, based on context... But is she trying to assert that Lea doesn't care for her in the same way she cares for Lea?

The white-feathered looks to Lea softly - before that corrupt magic takes form and Magdalen knows to dive out of the way! A burst of overlapping gold-veined marble longswords protrude from the stone floor to form a defensive barrier, gold-white floating sigils and wards layering them.

If she's able, she'd take Lea into this protective zone of hers. Gently hugging her, as both bear witness to what is about to occur. She'll speak something quietly, Lea hearing.
(Magdalen Metzli)
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[17:18] You will get your turn.

A shiver was sent up her spine, especially in the presence of that... creature... that Aurora summoned. That fear was starting to creep in again. That horrible, wretched fear...

Was she going to lose Rindou here, too?

And, if Rindou did die, would Lea be bet-...

No. She pushed away the very thought. Lea made a promise to help Rindou. She couldn't break promises. She absolutely wouldn't. But for now, she had to leave it between the two of them.

She did not respond to anything Aurora said; she merely stood there, watching with that same look of fear clearly evident on her face.

Nothing good would come from this. Nothing good ever came when Lea was afraid she was going to lose someone.
(Lea Elisheva)
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[17:20] Rindou had a bit of trouble following everything happening. Whether it was an impeding sense of doom that had gotten over her or the fulfilling of her contract that left her not-so-stable wasn't too obvious or certain to her. Before she could quite catch onto what was happening the woman felt a push behind her a back, one that brought her closer to Aurora - practically leaping at her—

.. and off the tower they were thrown. Was it instinct? Anger? Fury? Who knows, but by the time they landed they were in a much more suitable spot to fight in. The dark-haired woman breathed heavily, right hand moving up to clutch at her chest. It hurt.

"Why..?

Why won't you leave me alone?! Why won't you let me be happy for a moment?! I was ready to let Lea go back if she wanted— She doesn't deserve to be in a mess like this one, not over me! Why do you think you can do whatever you want?! I didn't want your help for that deal- I never asked you to take it!"

Wisps of green energy began shifting, changing around the swordswoman, gathering within her grasp and forming into a blade. She couldn't keep her eyes off Aurora. She couldn't help but want to be allowed those things, that life, this... power and strength.

She wanted it all, but couldn't have it.

"Just leave me alone!" She yelled out, engaging forth.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[17:21] You learned the spell Formation of Crystals.
[17:23] Lea Elisheva says, "...Rindou..."
[17:25] ** Aurora Cruor has inflicted an injury upon Rindou Sakamoto. ("Temporary Injury", "Temporary Injury", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (4 days)") **
[17:40] Of course, it's to no surprise that Aurora overpowers the Sin in battle.

She was better.

She was stronger.

She was herself, without ever having to shift or change, without ever having to steal or take by force.

The blasts of her cosmic mana are relentless, as is the pursuit of the very clone she births into life throughout the battle - time and time again. Misleading, lying, betraying - it does all that's necessary to led the Sakamoto as prey in the huntress' game. Aurora wasn't one who enjoyed beating around the bush, but in this case?

She wanted to enjoy herself. She did want to relish and savor the sweet taste of vengeance. The Cruor wanted to stare into the eyes of the Sin and see nothing but fear.

..It's 'thanks' to Sors' influence that Aurora ever learned just how enjoyable this was. How tempting it was to play with people before finally deciding to rid of them.

"There's no escaping me, Rindou. Can't you see?" Aurora gestures for the clone, who strikes the woman just before allowing her blade to phase through it-- without ever managing to wound it. "You've always had to rely on those lies, on the power of others... On Reito's protection, and now Lea's. How... Sad. To live in this world but never grow to be your own person, and stand by your own merits. Not even that contract. Even then, you couldn't have done it yourself."

Make them your obsession.

She hears it in her mind, the voice of someone with more experience than they were willing to admit.

"And now, you will finally be put to rest. Your soul will reach the stars because I wanted it to. Because even then, it is my decision."

From the very same essence and magic spewing from Aurora's weapon-- a comet begins to form. It grows bigger and wider. It glows brighter than any of the others she'd conjured during their short scuffle.

The worst part of it is?

It's Rindou's very own magic that threatens to end her life, as Aurora doesn't launch this attack - but the familiar born of the Sakamoto's nightmares pushes her towards it.

And it's only then that the woman is finally allowed a grace period, where she's given the chance to escape her death. Should she even desire to avoid this fate.
(Aurora Cruor)
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[17:55] It was horrible. Terrifying. Humiliating. Each and every blunt blow she took was one that wasn't quite real, yet felt like it was. Those rough strikes came through her mind and affected her body, making the Sakamoto fall more and more to a force only visible to herself as time went on. To the rest of the world it would look like she was... bowing to Aurora, like she couldn't withstand her presence alone. She felt it in the depths of her mind— that heat, that binding, unbreakable hold upon her body.

It was as if she was fighting against the echo of herself, the memory of a better tomorrow, a superior self. She hated it. It only taunted her, it only made it worse. Rindou's body was bloody from her wounds, and wet from the snow melting around her.

Cosmic energies coalesced above Aurora's head, ready to strike at Rindou and end her life, to end everything that was there, that would be. She... didn't want that. She didn't want to die. She didn't want to end it all here - dreams, and a need for validation made her want to go through this horrible life just a bit longer. It made her want to survive just a bit more.

She needed to escape. She couldn't move fast enough, forget about that. She needed... to cheat. To be unfair. The world was crumbling, fighting against her - pressuring her to do or die.

Show me how to use these shortcuts.
Every moment tha' ya try ta tear open the lifestream, the lifestream is gon push back ta keep itself closed.

The contract had been fulfilled. If there was any moment to try and utilize what she had gained from it, it would be now. Trembling hands grasped upon her blade. A breath was drawn in. Amber eyes locked with Aurora's own before Rindou made a direct advance towards her - hoping it would prompt her to launch all of that cosmic energy.

... And with that she slashed. With all of her might, she aimed to tear the lifestream apart, to open a shortcut that would lead her away - in literally any direction. She practically stumbled right into the gap, that tear. Fate would send her westwards, her back turned to the angel-blooded and freedom facing her.

It was luck, but that luck was held onto tightly as Rindou attempted to make her escape through her clumsy, unpracticed, not-precise, messy use of Riftmancy.

Hell, the tear she left behind would either close itself right away or unleash unspoken horrors upon the world. Whichever came first.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[17:58] The white-feathered would aim to be there for Lea, during this ordeal. Keeping her close, though if she feels like she need to break free, Magdalen won't stop her!

Still, she'll whisper something to Lea!
(Magdalen Metzli)
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[18:04] Lea, too, watched in fear and terror, although the source of her fear was something else entirely, and the same it was before: Loss. The fear of losing Rindou, the fear of losing someone she had already invested so much into, and the fear of losing someone she actually loved. She didn't want Rindou to die. She didn't want her cousin to take someone else! No, no, just like with Godfrey, she refused to acknowledge that Rindou was at fault- that Aurora might be right.

And when the fight was finally over, she saw that Rindou had vanished, completely, obliterated by Aurora's attempts at turning her against her. Or, well, that's what she thought...

Until she saw the rift. Then, she knew what was done, and knew what to do. For both Rindou's sake and the "sake of the lifestream," Lea waved Rebirth, the phoenix feather being utilized as a power source to sew the wound shut with power that was quite literally divine, leaving the lifestream no worse for the wear, and ensuring that nobody could follow Rindou in. Not that anyone would be stupid enough to, but Lea thought it was possible that someone was.

Saving the lifestream to save a sin magi... certainly not the intended use of Rebirth, and perhaps an insult to the people who forged it, but Lea was neither aware of the implications behind it, nor would she care even if she did know.

She just had to stop more people from leaving her.
(Lea Elisheva)
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[18:19] It's a shame.

Aurora had no intention to allow for Rindou to escape, but there's a hint of surprise visible across her expression as a rift tears open and allows the Sin to escape. The demi-angel herself, who'd been floating in air thanks to the aid of her wings, almost considers to head into it as well...

Until Lea seals it shut.

Rindou is gone.

Aurora lost her. Again. And if anything in the world could upset Aurora, then it was this.

Her gaze is lifted from the rift was towards her cousin, eyeing the staff she held onto - one that the brunette herself was familiar with. It belonged to the Elisheva's father once, and even to Reito, her aunt. ..Was this really the right use for it?

To protect someone as lowly as Rindou?

"See? No reason to shed tears over this, cousin. I told you you will have your turn, and now you finally get to. Isn't it nice?" the woman descends ever so slowly, as a large part of her feathers fade into cosmic dust. She reaches Lea by foot, and not by flight.

"Are you going to apologize? Say you didn't mean to? Pretend you haven't made your choice time and time again? Or is it finally time to be honest, Lea?"

Aurora held no desire to move away, or to allow her cousin to escape easily. At least not yet. From the corner of her gaze, the woman notices her son who's given a soft smile, one that holds no malice or smugness. Not particularly in line with Aurora who was - but she always had a sweet spot for her family.
(Aurora Cruor)