Saulot vs Hirano & Lach

[10:09:04] It was a long trip home after having visited Nostvale. Living out in the wilderness wasn't easy, although he was used to it, which is something that his appearance could make as rather fooling - the young magi was dressed in a well-made clothing and he was wearing a neat red mantle, one that suggested he's far from being a simple peasant when the matters were shifting to wealth. But what's he doing here then, anyway?

Carrying a bag underneath the aforementioned mantle that hung on his shoulder, he brought the bag of supplies with himself whilst on his way home. At least today he wouldn't have to hunt for food, he had plenty as it is already.

But to be honest? Wychwood was a refreshing place to him in comparison to Nostvale. The city was crowded, dusty, noisy, sometimes even disgusting with some traits it's possessed, but the forest mostly was a center of solace, of quiet, of peace - though not always, not by a long shot.

He was headed towards the lake in the middle of a forest, it was one of the favorite places of his. Considering the beauty that surrounded it, such preferrence was self-explanatory.
(Saulot Vykos)
[10:13:20] Lach Amphomora: [ pre - typing ]
[10:15:02] The Wychwood had seen better days, a darker and far less lively locale than in the past. With Loranthis firmly under the heel of the forces of darkness yet, the Yokai of the forest multiplied and dominated the region unchecked-- few could make a good living here now.

At least, not without a death wish.

It happens that Saulot stands out like a sore thumb to an outsider roaming his way through the woodland in search of something, a loyal retinue of skeletal minions and an omnipresent Occultism emanating from his person.

At his back, a transparent shape takes the form of a wing that isn't quite yet solid-- a work in progress of advanced magic he had yet to master. Nonetheless, his approach is anything but stealthy...

Just about any Magi would sense him coming, an upright gait as he walks with what appears a permanently crossed expression upon his face and a called out demand to the red-mantled young man.

"Stop right there." It's a firm order given. "Explain who you are and why you're here. No loyalist of the Alliance would be lurking this place..."

(Ramia Hirano)
[10:20:09] Its' form arose from the shallow depths of the lake in the middle of the forest. Water gushed through holes on a rather long snake like body, and for a moment it appeared almost translucent in texture. The faceless skeleton of a head glanced down at its form for a moment.

Evolution was strange in many ways, and it was still trying to stabalize and gain a deeper foundation in its' understanding of both itself and its' acquired magic.

The approach of an entity swathed in occultic energies caught its attention. It moved to shore, and once aground slithered through the forest. Saturating the land in its' wake. The occultic energy was not necessarily the same density as a kaor or some of its brethern, it would be hard for a human to emit something similar but nonethless.

As it approached it spotted the figure in question, Ramia Hirano. . .and Saulot Vykos. It could sense the touch of the occult on both but one was much more deeply steeped than the other.

"Curious. . . .many humanoid forms this deep in the woods. . " its voice rang out in telepathic waves, calm like the tide brushing against a shoreline.
(Lach Amphomora)
[10:27:50] This day was promising to be good. At last he had a chance for re-supply and could laze around for just a bit, taking a break from those that pursued him in attempts to end his bloodline once and for all.

That vibe... he knew it all too well.

He stopped in his tracks, even before Ramia actually spoke, even his ear barely flinched as if trying to catch the source of a sound for some footsteps. Uncertain of a source, he looked around; coincidently, his sight caught a glimpse of Ramia the moment he spoke. His eyelids narrowed, being familiar more than he'd like with such encounters.

Hooo boy. And he just wanted to have a good day. Suppose that was too much to ask for.

Luckily, Saulot knew how to act. He knew how to get out of trouble when it was coming to such encounters; you simply needed to butter them up, act nice, polite, and try to not appear hostile. It wouldn't be a necessary fight in his eyes, especially not while he's stuck with a bag of provision. Heck, he wished he could've stashed it back at his place if the situation was about to go down - least he wouldn't worry about losing it and would know it's home safely.

Turning himself to Ramia, he bowed his head in a nod to acknowledge his presence and words, soon speaking:

"I bid my greetings. I'm but a traveler, using the trees and the shadow of each leaf as refuge and home. I ally with no one, and I'm on my own completely."

There was a certain pleasant eloquence to his voice, alongside with a stance he chose to pick while speaking. Certainly, the young noble knew manners and how to appear nice - but even that could be not enough to stave off the trouble. After all, there's been cases when it didn't work at all, not even close.

He felt the presence of Yokai. But would he attack two magi? Probably not, thus he paid no mind to his presence, yet.
(Saulot Vykos)
[10:33:48] An emerald gaze behind thick spectacles narrows upon the youth, no move made to apprehend or worse as of it-- perhaps his manners were working to appease Ramia, whom aside from his obvious oddity in the form of horns growing from his skull would appear every bit a member of the nobility as well.

He was an elite.

Just as much might be ascertained by his show of magical power, not yet manifest at its maximum output but nonetheless formidable... moreso for certain than the other signature approaching, a rare Aquarius Yokai. The male's grip upon the artifact staff Ayperox tightens, but otherwise...

The Yokai is not deemed a reason for immediate violence.

Its telepathy brushes upon his mind rather less unpleasantly than it would for most, for the fact of his ancestry and immense Occultism.

"Really?" He's audibly accusing in Saulot's direction. "Then you don't know of the band of rebels in these parts? Tell me everything you know, 'traveler." But a glance to the Yokai, with a thin smile. "...Am I disturbing your meal, Yokai? As long as you're not foolish enough to attack me, I will be on my way soon enough."

(Ramia Hirano)
[10:35:31] Saulot Vykos: (u still there lach or i can proceed with post?)
[10:43:12] Belittled

The word crossed is mine when it gazed at Saulot for a moment, and yet despite its irritation it did not immediately move to attack as it had in the past. Humans often came in vast numbers, and despite anything they both had hints of the occult on them. Though Saulots was perhaps pale in comparison to the other.

Its' faceless head moved as if glancing at the skulls behind Ramia briefly, the guardsmen of sorts.

"Such an interesting. . .aura. . .this one is appeased by your words. . .sssssssh." The telepathic voice continued to have those rather strange soothing tonalities.

It was at the word rebel that its interest piqued,

"The other would only serve to whet this ones appetite." it states, that would be the furthest notation it had taken of Saulot thus far. It was not opposed to simply attacking, yet it was still in a delicate stage of its evolution. Its' mastery over its' element was not solidified as of yet.

"This one hears the words rebel. . .is this some fragmented group here composed of humans?" it queried. It needed information, and there were often two ways of getting such. Subtefurge or coersion through violence. It had simply chosen the former. . .for now.
(Lach Amphomora)
[10:52:35] Great... so now he was dealing with magi who held a very high opinion of himself. Was it 'himself', though? Saulot couldn't immediately tell between the voice and confusing appearance, which was the primary reason why he never addressed the person with titles such as 'sir' or 'miss', or anything that had distinguishes between male and female. What's with feminine men, anyway?

"Rebels?" - Saulot took a moment to think. Were there actually any rebels? Oh! Perhaps Ramia was talking about those that were assaulting Loranthis.

"If you speak about Ookami that attempted to siege Loranthis, then indeed, there are rather strange and aggressive Ookami passing by, sometimes claiming Wychwood to be their own."

Seems like Hirano was trying to throw Saulot under the bus when it was coming to dealing with Yokai, just like Saulot was trying to throw the Ookami under the bus here. It wasn't a surprise to hear such from Hirano, of course he'd do such a thing - although to say that it's underestimating Saulot to assume he cannot defend himself is to say nothing. He preffered to hide his magical power behind the veil, however, instead of showing it off as a constant vibe that would otherwise stream from him.

Saulot spared a glance at Yokai whom was spectating. Trying to wait until Hirano waits, huh? Clever of him, but at the same time it's a large doubt that Hirano would do anything about Yokai if it attacked Saulot - perhaps this full of himself magi would actually attack Saulot instead, for some of the reasons.
(Saulot Vykos)
[10:56:51] Ramia is restrained for the moment, though the constant miasma of depraved mana surrounding him would likely do little to reduce the tension of the scene-- it was wasteful, perhaps, but the technique he was developing required such excess.

It had the favourable effect of warning away weaker Yokai as well.

"Humans." He clarifies with a short shake of his head to Saulot. "At least, primarily... they use horses and advanced magical weaponry, sometimes known as 'Rifles'... I came here looking for their hideout, so if you're holding back on me..."

He tilts his chin upwards slightly, a sharp glare upon the other humanoid present. The Hirano didn't need to speak it, the threat implied by the silence and sum or other intimidating factors about him.

(Ramia Hirano)
[11:05:23] The yokai could sense the constant stream of miasma from the Hirano and despite the humanoid appearance for all intents and purposes such blatant display of power left an impression of sorts with the creature.

Mind you it still disliked humans, but it was not so idiotic enough to not understand and recognize the law of the jungle. Strength was everything, power begets respect and fear. Things it craved, yet it needed to completely understand itself and after it grew those would come naturally.

Though the information Ramia stated filled it with interest. Humans riding horses, and using. . .advanced magical weaponry suh as rifles? It was not sure what a rifle was and deigned to ask such a question.

Though it quickly learned that the ookami had attempted to attack Loranthis, and most likely failed. It wondered if the white haired feral ookami was a by-product of this rebel group.

Ramia was now glaring at Saulot, and it only recognized this facial motion from its earlier encounters.

"This one thinks they are holding back perhaps. . . shhhh." it stated. It liked this. . .this idea of plugging things into place in order to sow seeds of chaos. Was this the fundamentals of manipulation? What a pleasurable feeling!

(Lach Amphomora)
[11:13:04] The infamous Depravity... sure, he could feel this, but he had felt even far worse streams of it, and from people that had proven themselves even far more powerful than the person before him. He bathed in it among those that had horrendous streams of Depravity about them, one that could almost snuff out any life from the common man. This left a mark, but Saulot stood with a look of complete calmth upon his face, unaffected.

"I know not about any human rebels. I'll take the liberty to assume that you speak of those that had attacked a town and targetted some Oscuri. Yes, I heard about them, the word went around, but I've never seen any personally."

And that was indeed the case. Oddly, Saulot had been getting offers to join various factions, at least from those that had ever witnessed his actual power, but all were turned down. He held no interest in such, instead sticking to himself and his own business.

But the stance that Hirano held...?

Quite honestly, it was even amusing to Saulot. He was read a lot of stories and tales about the villains as a child, and if anything, this stance resembled exactly that to him. Despite all of his attempts to stay calm and expressionless during talk, a small, barely visible smirk curved upon his lips and he commented:

"Nice jawline."

Well, I mean, Saulot was a young man, and Ramia had feminine looks about him... sort of. But deep inside he had a feeling such remark wouldn't be really appreciated by the magi infront of him.
(Saulot Vykos)
[11:17:20] Long-term use of Occultism by any but its natural masters had its inherent dangers, depravity but one of many likely results if one deemed it a negative. It also tended to spawn a greater propensity for darker emotions...

And Paranoia.

It would not be the first nor the last time that Ramia is baselessly, unreasonably suspicious of another-- an excess of time walking these dying woods in bored silence drivin him as well to find something where there probably was nothing after all.

Saulot doesn't help himself at all with his comment.

"You're right..." He mutters darkly in response to the Yokai, a lingering glare upon Saulot. "So you do know of them. I might be convinced that there's nothing more... but no wild man would appear and speak as you do. You're some kind of criminal, aren't you?"

He was almost eager to decide that was the case, the flickering ember of shadowflame within the jewel of his staff flaring up stronger as ne Ramia steps closer-- deliberate and gradual, but with obvous ill-intent.

(Ramia Hirano)
[11:25:52] The yokai paused for a moment, it seemed Ramia was on edge. . .this was expected. None but its demonic brethern could contain the power of the occult without eventually being driven mad.

Perhaps yokai were naturally all mad, an existential question it could ponder later. For now it was simply enjoying the progression of what was occuring. Ramia seemed agitated and Saulot seemed comfortable if not confident in his power to roam these woodlands . .solely based on the fact perhaps that the elemental had not crushed him where he stood. Or perhaps he was strong and capable of defending himself. Something it found much harder to believe. . .humans often overestimated themselves in many regards.

Its' telepathic voice was now centered solely on the Hirano, it was like the murmers that one heard when they placed a sea-shell near their ear. Whispers ------

"Indeed this one can tell. . .this one sees you are steeped in the magic of darkness. . .this one is familiar. . .and can sense some stringent pieces of this on the others ones' flesh. Perhaps there should be a more ---- 'direct' line of questioning. sssssssshhh .

It seemed the yokai was truly learning now the art of chicanery. To egg the Hirano on. ---- How delicious would it be if the Hiranos' paranoia pushed him to the point of forcing his hand, could such a monster mingle amongst humans for long?

It swayed in the background silently for the time being.
(Lach Amphomora)
[11:36:06] Seems like it was getting heated here. Saulot was a decent person and truly wished no one harm for little reason, but he wasn't a fool either to wait until he's cornered like this; although, he came to realisation that perhaps he could be just a tad too late.

He took notice of Ramia's odd behaviour, of his lip movement which followed with no sound to it... a mutter. He was speaking to someone else, but who? Natural deduction had led him to believing that Yokai is in this; Saulot had encounters with them before, and was more than aware of what powers they possessed, going as far to even witness the power of Kaor Lords.

It was getting out of control, and the more time passed, the less Saulot would feel that this can go without a fight - it's either he deals with Yokai, and hopefully Hirano does not defend it, or he'll get attacked eventually. The man before him could not handle the maddening Occult, unlike Saulot, who possessed a much stronger psyche to resist it's dark temptation for destruction... at least most of the time.

Truth be told, he grew irritated of Yokai's intervention here. It was staying for far too long, and the mutter was the last drop in this cup. He wanted to unleash his power against the Yokai, to teach him a lesson how to dwelve into business of others... but he knew that succumbing to the lure of destruction led to a much darker path.

"I am no wild man. I am a child of a fallen human lord whom owned his land, now hiding against the traitors that beseech my doom. That is why I'm here."

He never liked to reveal such information about himself, but perhaps that would convince Hirano - or at least give him another food for thought and stave off the disaster, enough to give Saulot time to make the ultimate decision, whether or not to attack Yokai.

But he spared a glance towards Yokai. He flashed his left clenched fist from underneath the mantle towards Yokai; it had the barely visible spark course through it, enough to give it a suggestion on what might happen if this all continues. The gaze he was giving to Yokai was stern, with narrowed eyelids, the one that clearly spoke 'Leave', but without any word to back it up.

Now whether it would comprehend the message or not is another story, but cornering Saulot was one of the things to agitate him like this, intimately connected to his past of losing own family.
(Saulot Vykos)
[11:38:40] Lach Amphomora: [[ pre-type ]]
[11:42:56] Further encouragement is hardly necessary for Ramia's inclination toward suspicion, the Yokai itself having yet to earn his ire as but a local onlooker-- none of his business, as long as it didn't force its way into being a problem.

He could tolerate Yokai that gave the proper respect.

On his approach, the Hirano would pause a moment at the explanation with a doubtful furrowing of his brow in response... at once it seemed he wasn't lying, but on the other hand...

"You don't appear very old."

He makes the observation audible, the region being under the control of inhuman forces for quite a while now.

"I severely doubt your story. Maybe I should kill you just to be sure..."

After all, Saulot was just a stray wasn't he? Not a citizen of the established Alliance of which he formed a loose part.

(Ramia Hirano)
[11:42:56] Ramia Hirano: (damn /
[11:42:56] fixed itallic
(Ramia Hirano)
[11:46:20] "Those that live on the fringes of society, whom are 'outcasts' are usually feral, and the best at subterfuge. . ." the yokai said its voice ringing loud enough for all to hear.

This was a side comment made in reference to Saulots opinions. It was aware of the paranoia using the occultic powers brought forth in humans. Yet it was also aware of what it meant to live a groveling existance. Any person claiming to hide amongst 'traitors' would be a person to be wary of.

Saulot had been foolish enough to speak of such a thing, and in turn the yokai would use his very own words to throw the sparks into the pile of woods that fed the on edge Hirano.

Though the moment Saulot looked towards the yokai and told it to leave with his actions? If it had a face the elemental would have begun to laugh, after a rather ugly expression was made. Yet it was faceless and thus a mental barrage assaulted the words of those present

"You jest. . .you are a pretender. . .and yet have the gall to tell this one to leave? Shshshshshsh"

It shook its head,

"You act with bravado but stand there formulating stories to make yourself seem bigger no? The child of a fallen 'lord?' What lord was that the lord of shit?" this last telepathic message was sent privately to Saulot egging him on as well.

The elemental was hardly scared or fearful. . .it had met humans such as this before, they were problematic but beyond that simple.

(Lach Amphomora)
[11:47:12] Lach Amphomora: [[ in reference to Saulots story* not opinions excuse the typo * ]
[11:47:12] Saulot Vykos: (just to clarify, is hirano gonna intervene in fight? attacking yokai)
[11:47:12] Saulot Vykos: (cause if not im gonna send him rpb invite)
[11:47:12] Saulot Vykos: (but if yes, well then its 1v2)
[11:48:03] Ramia Hirano: (You're attacking it now?
[11:48:03] Ramia Hirano: (it can /flee if it wants
[11:48:03] Saulot Vykos: (yea due to its comments + according to my last post)
[11:48:03] Ramia Hirano: (I won't interfere.
[11:48:03] Saulot Vykos: (alright)
[11:48:03] Saulot Vykos: (wait... how do you invite on rpb,again)
[11:48:54] Ramia Hirano: (well if they don't want to try fleeing
[11:48:54] Ramia Hirano: (the cog... target them
[11:48:54] Lach Amphomora: [[ I did it ]]
[11:48:54] Saulot Vykos: (yea)
[11:48:54] Lach Amphomora: [[ future refernce target the person ]
[11:48:54] Lach Amphomora: [[ then hit the clock looking button for settings ]
[11:48:54] Saulot Vykos: (OH)
[11:48:54] Saulot Vykos: (i see now, ty)
[11:49:45] Lach Amphomora: [[ I did three rounds by default ]]
[11:52:19] No more he would stand for Yokai's presence and such comments. It became clear for him - it's either step or be stepped upon now.

And it dared to mock him, everything that he had suffered through, and his family? After trying to corner him by manipulating Hirano into attacking Saulot? That was unacceptable; the Occultic surge flowed in his mind, provoking him to attack the Yokai in a fit of rage. It was like a flip-switch here, at last having pushed Saulot to the edge.

But Saulot spoke absolutely no word; sparks immediately flew off his fingers, and he zapped closer to the Yokai with immediate showcase of flames and lightning at it's direction. Saulot was attacking it in fury, a clear intent to silence the demonic creature.

No longer it's whispers shall crawl anyone's skull.
(Saulot Vykos)
[11:53:10] Ramia Hirano: (feel free to start writing
[11:57:26] He wouldn't be given the opportunity to commit to a murder or not, for the two others present would suddenly be at one another's throats. An amused smirk crosses his lips as the other supposed noble manifests Occultism.

Of course, it was only natural to be so inclined out here.

Ramia Hirano was quite content to stand back and watch, absolutely no obligation to lend support to either of them-- and entirely confident that, if need be, neither even together could stand against his magic.

"Just what are you trying to prove...?" He mutters with a quiet sigh.

He wasn't going to inferfere, at least for now.

(Ramia Hirano)
[11:57:26] There it was, in truth the yokai was attempting to do a multitude of things, both to egg the younger and apparantly weaker one on to battle. Even if it was merely watching it was an oppurtunity to learn, and if it was partaking. . .it was an oppurtunity to stabilize its' foundation!

"Come use that power you seem to be hiding. . 'shshshshsh." The yokai, its body shook as if it was laughing? It was well aware of the occultic presence within Saulot.

It would be detrimental for him to use the power in excess, as even with a strong willpower it would eventually drive him mad. No matter the outcome the yokai seemed to be angling towards gaining something.

A stabilization and marking of its own powers, or perhaps to draw another human deeper into the occult. As sparks flew and zapped towards him a tendril waved casually, and the waters of the nearby lake erupted! ----- water met flame and lightning and steam burst through the air as it attacked viciously!
(Lach Amphomora)
[11:59:08] {combat} Lach Amphomora has been defeated by Saulot Vykos! They're unable to continue fighting.
[12:01:42] Lach Amphomora: [[ small pre-type ]
[12:05:07] But Saulot's might was overpowering against Yokai. Attacking in a fit of rage, he blasted it with lightning and flames, a natural enemy of the water; each discharge was nothing but pure pain against Yokai. The naturally calm noble had lost himself in the battle, diving into nothing short of frenzy - he wished to see it suffer for all of the mocking it had done.

It was almost maddening how silent it was... Saulot spoke no word. It was like he turned feral just for now; forcing the Yokai to give in, the demonic body was thrashed around due to sheer power of lightning and fire. It seemed to try and put up the fight, but the quick dashes of llightning had allowed Saulot to escape most of the time, only allowing the most feeble of attacks to reach him. Despite that, he kept attacking it, again and again - there was no stop to it.

The final flow to break Yokai's any defense. It was a combination of both shadowflames and the lightning burst, akin to conjuring a powerful explosion right at the demon's face. It would force the demon to fly off, perhaps sending him airborne for split seconds even; Saulot was experienced even at Mixed Casting, and used Symbolic Magic to fuel his magic - the source, obviously, was anger.

But he didn't give him any space inbetween to get a rest. Just before he'd even get up, Saulot zapped right at him for another go.
(Saulot Vykos)
[12:08:32] Impossible!

If the yokai had features an extremely ugly expression would have been seen crossing its face briefly. How could it be that even after spending so much time! Years, decades!! So many years bidding time and growing in power it was still weaker than a prebuscent human! It had attained a new form! So why could it not overcome its' foes!

Rage bubbled within the creature, it had been the weakest amongsts its brethern even at the lower scale end of the stage. In evolution was there no hope in it obtaining true power?

It was forced back again and again, lightning being something it could understand but fire? It was above that!

"Vile cretin, its' sad that such humans exist compressing their nature. . . " even as it was being attacked it was still egging Saulot on. It came to the realization that water did not need to be used in broken patterns. . . .it needed to flow and ebb naturally.

Yet even this awareness was formed Saulot was attacking it once more! This detestable thing! Tentacled appendages surged forth and its four arms and body moved in swaying motions as more water was pulled from the surroundings to attack!
(Lach Amphomora)
[12:09:23] {combat} You killed a Mega Yokai Guard! (+1 EXP, +1cr)
[12:09:23] {combat} You killed a Giga Yokai Guard! (+1 EXP, +1cr)
[12:09:23] {combat} You killed a Yokai Guard! (+1 EXP, +1cr)
[12:10:14] {combat} Lach Amphomora has been defeated by Saulot Vykos! They're unable to continue fighting.
[12:11:56] Lach Amphomora: [[ mastery is so far but so near ]
[12:11:56] Ramia Hirano: (water or dark
[12:11:56] Lach Amphomora: [[ water ]]
[12:11:56] Lach Amphomora: [[ didnt want to be an erebrus ]]
[12:12:48] Erie: ((Erbrus! From eve online :o))
[12:21:20] Rage. It had clouded his mind completely. There was nothing on his mind but to inflict as much harm upon Lach as possible; the fight broke out once more after his second attack. It seemed that the Yokai tried to summon others to do his bidding, to do his fight, but they would not stop Saulot.

He razed through them whilst Lach went into mist form lilke knife goes through butter. Scratching at his mantle and armor, he had fought them back with savagely bursts of fire and lightning at repeated occasions - the sheer power was enough to tear them apart from the blast and explosion.

Those that were "lucky" enough to survive the initial blast found themselves caught in the fire, stuck to die a horrible death whilst the lightning only made it worse on them. There was no stop to Saulot, and his minions perished in a way that would at last showcase just how talented this magi could be in comparison to his power as Yokai.

The flames were strong... too strong for Yokai. It had forced him on his back eventually, no matter how many times he fought back and dodged it - the marks of the battle left some holes in Saulot's mantle, and the attacks with sharp water had made scratches across his face with some blood dripping, but due to armor he wears, the attacks at his body left large bruises underneath instead. Regardless, not the type of wounds that would bring him down, unlike those that were inflicted against Yokai.

But the moment Yokai was forced on his back, he immediately zapped right next to him; before he would open his mouth, the Yokai could see a boot dash upon his face, engulfed in electricity.

Ouch.. that'd hurt.

Did he do it once? No. He did it again, and again, and again, and again - those repeated stomps just wouldn't stop for good 20 seconds, going off in a quick succession, and to make it worse he'd empower each with lightning.

"DO. NOT. MOCK. MY. FAMILY."

He put all of his rage into final blast. The lightning went off his fingertips and went upon the Yokai; a horrible zap of lightning and appropriate sound to it had razed the air. If Yokai were the creatures of dark and blunt to some emotions, he could experience the definition of pain right now, clouding any other feeling. It was a torture, one that he wouldn't stop at.

Gladly for Yokai, it had flung him away eventually; the excess of lightning upon the area conjured a pushing force, and after undeniable, lengthy surge of blinding pain, he was thrown into lake nearby, away from the two.
(Saulot Vykos)
[12:22:11] Saulot Vykos: (just as reference, those deadly attacks were aimed at ur minions obv, not you)
[12:22:11] Saulot Vykos: (cuz reviewed my own wording and it looked weird)
[12:28:09] The elemental found itself pushed back but Saulot would find that he had taken more damage than in the prior clash! It was learning at a rapid pace, while on one hand it was completely shocked that this human could overwhelm it in power the other portion of its brain was calculating.

Water needed to ebb and flow, control. . . precision. . .all of these elements were paramount and needed to be merged in combat.

Lightning and flames ripped into its' forms and a telepathic scream rent the air. How could it be this weak? Why even after all it had accomplished thus far was it still so horrendously pathethic!

True understanding of water comes from understanding that it can be both gentle, and hard. . .a soft pulsation, or even a blade, or a blunt hammer. The pressurized formation of water could be implemented in order to produce these effects.

Its' minions vanished in agony, screaming as they were ripped asunder. It was still too weak to command anything but lessers, and terras from the sea. Waves of water were knocked aside, and lightning struck its body as it reeled back! Its serpentine form falling to the ground.

Before it could recover it was being kicked in the face. Humiliated over and over again in succession. Yet even as it writhed on the floor and screamed in pain apart of it was observing balefully and calculating pushing its understanding of its element further.

Yet the thoughts were cut short as elecrtic energy zapped through its body. It shrieked, and yet this pain made it realize. It was indeed far too weak. . . perhaps it was right about Saulot, perhaps he was full of nothing but subterfuge and was a spiteful person whose nature was that of someone innately cruel. Perhaps he was wrong.

Might made right

That realization struck a chord with the elemental as its body was flung through the air. Its' form beaten and bedraggled. It landed in the lake as a wave of water blasted into the air in torrents, and it sank beneath its depths.

Might. . .made . . . right.


(Lach Amphomora)
[12:29:00] It was more an entertaining sight than initially expected, the unfortunate Aquarius at a clear disadvantage throughout. The Hirano's attention however was absorbed moreso in Saulot, in particular his technique.

Those flashes of red lightning, with the occasional use of shadowflames...

It was all very familiar to him.

"Bravo." He commends his fellow Occultist, stepping forward once the Yokai had been dealt with to resume their business. His magic flares up dangerously, as if he were preparing to force Saulot to fight once again immediately.

"You very much remind me of a dear friend. Perhaps you are familiar with a man named Thom...?"

It didn't matter if he was, ultimately-- just that much gave Ramia all the more reason to fight him. If only to be more sure of himself...

"Prepare yourself. Or flee, if you prefer..."

(Ramia Hirano)
[12:29:52] Lach Amphomora: [[ thanks for the rp everyone ]]
[12:38:24] Breathing at a rapid pace after seeing the Yokai fly off, his expression was still showing nothing but the spiteful, hateful shade to it. His heart was pumping, and his blood was coursing in veins with a cocktail high on adrenaline; his teeth was barring, much akin to a feral animal that had lost itself to a bloodlust. It's something entirely new that overcame Saulot, the Yokai had managed to trigger him into this state despite his calm demeanor.

But the fight wasn't over yet.

He heard the first word 'Bravo', and immediately turned to it. His eyes were almost bloodshot in display of the blinding rage that fueled his mind; as much as he could certainly use it for a second impending fight, alas, it was slowly backing off after the source of his anger was decimated and flung away - Yokai, that is.

"LEAVE ME BE."

He shouted. This pented up rage, this raw emotion, this feeling of hatred after traumatizing experience of losing his family... it's been there for years, and this situation had released it. But Saulot was freaking out to an extent, in attempts to regain composure and control.

Regardless, he stood his guard. The feral self that would eagerly fight once more was etching on his soul, watching Hirano in desire for more violence, but the clarity of his mind was suggesting that he's falling to temptations of the dark magics - and that was true actually, he did fall. At least for now, until he manages to control himself completely once more.
(Saulot Vykos)
[12:38:24] Saulot Vykos: (his teeth were* barring, oops)
[12:38:24] Ramia Hirano: (1 or 3 rounds
[12:39:15] Saulot Vykos: (shrug, i guess 1 is enough?)
[12:39:15] Ramia Hirano: (deny the offer then
[12:39:15] Saulot Vykos: (ok)
[12:44:22] Saulot's defiance is answered with a malevolent smirk on the Hirano's part, no sign of his backing down in the least. If one wished to avoid a fight with Ramia's kind, then open defiance was definitively not the way to go about it.

As much is considered a challenge.

One he was all too willing to oblige, a maelstrom of black winds forming about him-- depraved mana shaped with the intention to draw others in and lacerate them.

"I don't think so. Give me a good fight, won't you?"

He's cocky as ever, gripping Ayperox and lowering his form... flames manifest at his feet, giving a strong clue as to his impending actions if one were familiar at all with the technique.

Boom.

Shadowfire expands outwards, in the same move launching the surprisingly agile Occultist directly towards Saulot without any sign of fear or restraint.

There would be a fight, whether he wished for one or not.

(Ramia Hirano)
[12:49:29] The blood from water cuts had stained his face. Staring down Hirano in a way that showcased his eagerness to pounce him at any given moment, but he was trying to fight back such thoughts. Deep inside he panicked - what in the world it was that took over him like this? He just -couldn't- stop wishing for more violence, despite his kind demeanor. It was completely different Saulot.

Oh he wants a fight? He'll be given one. Suggestive whispers crawled his skull, forcing him to become all more eager to attack Ramia; the lightning flashed across his hands and the whole body, and his teeth barred once more - it was as if he almost growled just that one moment.

What? Shadowflames user too?

Saulot took notice of that with slightly widened eyes, but oh boy, the reaction didn't have to wait. Seeing that, he immediately launched himself towards Ramia in attack, akin to the one he used against Yokai. The feeling of a threat pushed him to a fight, as much as he wanted to control himself, and one of them had to go down until he'd cool off.
(Saulot Vykos)
[12:51:12] {combat} Saulot Vykos has been defeated by Ramia Hirano! They're unable to continue fighting.
[12:57:10] Mistakes are made.

It was so very bold of Saulot to approach Ramia's like in close-ranged combat rather than attempting to keep the overwhelmingly powerful Occultism at a distance instead.

Absent such a strategy though and with their technique perhaps comparable-- if not in the Hirano's favour-- it came down to a comparison of resilience and otherwise raw power.

In that regard, the descendant of royalty is unmatched.

It isn't very long at all until the horned monster is able to diminish the already weary youth's energy sufficient to trip him and thereafter plant a heavy leather boot upon the side of his face.

He twists it, rubbing Saulot's face into the dirt with his chin tilted up and a triumphant, almost demonic grin on his lips.

"Is that all? I'm disappointed in you. That was pathetic."

Criticism, even if he delighted in reigning superior over the other Magi... in particular, one with the unfortunate coincidence of sharing in a rival's magic even if it were significantly weaker then the original.

(Ramia Hirano)
[13:04:00] And indeed, mistakes were made.

The rage was ruling him, not the other way around. He didn't think anything through and charged upon Ramia just like that, overconfident that he could take him on. But that proved to be not the case.

Energy of his body was falling to decline, and at some point the flames were far too overwhelming; pain struck the body pattern and a quick gasp escaped his parted lips, forcing him to collapse. It was only now, through the pain and defeat the blinding rage began to back off, replaced with shame and irritating disappointment of himself.

Oh, wasn't it ironical how Ramia did to Saulot exactly what he did to Yokai? At least, it seems, he found mercy to not mutilate him - or was Hirano taking the pleasure in humiliating his opponent instead? Probably the second option.

"Get... off me..." - the young noble's teeth gritted, and he spoke in a hushed down tone with attempts to catch a breath.

He had grasped at his boot in attempts to remove it off himself, but exhausted and generally weaker than Ramia is, he could not do so. He remained on the ground, struggling against him with insignificant attempts - his dignity perhaps hurt much more than his body at this point.
(Saulot Vykos)
[13:08:16] Saulot Vykos: (um)
[13:08:16] Saulot Vykos: (hey do you mind if ia ttend that event in a bit?)
[13:08:16] Saulot Vykos: (you see im a scrub that needs perms)
[13:08:16] Saulot Vykos: (and money, so)
[13:08:16] Ramia Hirano: (I'll probably let you go now anyway.
[13:08:16] Saulot Vykos: (alright)
[13:10:49] His brow is raised a moment at the token resistance yet offered, a stubborn refusal to admit defeat. At once, there is a tad of respect for it-- as well as a deep disapproval.

There really was no way to win with Ramia.

"It would be so very easy to kill you." He entertains the idea with Saulot under his control, insistantly pressing the sole of his boot down despite the feeble resistance. At his back, the battery of mana remains manifest.

He hadn't needed to go quite as far this time.

"But it seems you're probably not one of them..."

A reluctant moment, before he steps off of him-- his Occultism more controlled now that his violent urges had been satisfied sufficiently. It wasn't worth the effort spared to finish the youth at his current level.

"...Loranthis. Cinderfall. Go join with one of them and become someone worth fighting. If you don't, maybe I'll come back and finish the job."

A lazy wave of his hand, the skeletons that had been mere onlookers falling into line behind him as he moves to depart.

Saulot would be left at the mercy of any stray Yokai in his current state.

(Ramia Hirano)
[13:14:14] With a deep inhale, he stood up despite the damage suffered so far. A spiteful look was spared upon Hirano's direction once he turned his back and began walking, and eventually he'd straighten his posture for as much as we could.

He's been told to join someone for long... but he felt as if this remark was a trap, and he probably wasn't wrong about it.

But Saulot was no fool to keep going after Hirano at this point; instead, he made his way into shadows of trees, to rest and get lost from his sight. His pride and dignity were hurt, but he'd take that over being dead - his dignity and pride would matter absolutely nothing anymore if he actually died, after all.
(Saulot Vykos)