Azrael's Shield

If there is anything within this world that you desire - do not stop. There are times when sacrifice must be made in order to proceed. There are times when death is something that one should embrace...For our enemies do not understand the cycle. For our enemies do not understand the gifts that Azrael is willing to bring. The words spilling form the spirit realm could be heard echoing within the life all around them. It is akin to a child's....The feeling of comfort and divinity pulsing into existence, stuck within purgatory in order to guide those of his followers into seeking him out. "The road is an arduous journey, wayward children. Filled with peril and dangers, creatures that you might not ever meet within the years of your life. You must become stronger. You must depend on one another and become one body. It is the only way to survive! It is the only way to dance within this light." Upon the final words spoken from the tear within the lifestream...Those that come from the realm of the living finally make it towards the forested area.

Everything here speaks opulence and brilliance. Everything here breathes of the impossible and yet...what lies around them seems to be several keys that might assist them within their future. "Take all that you can. But be weary...Sometimes, greed is not worth the risk." Metallic objects could be seen littered around the forest, gleaming within places and trees. If they choose to search...the reward might be everything that they could ever need.

However, there also seems to be yet another thing that catches their eye. The Priestess of Helel could be seen within the waters. She seems to be crying endlessly - rivulets stream from her deep-set eyes like endless cascades of moonlit tears. Her voice rings out - offering those that have stumbled upon her to take part within her own communion. "My children...My warriors, take your time looking through my garden but beware. When you are done - come to me. Partake in the communion of my waters. Take in Azrael's brilliant light."

For those that look into the waters, they are able to see not only their reflection, but the gapless bounding of the cosm.


 Beautiful and breath-taking, there is a moment where she finds herself beginning to step out of the vortex alone to search within the area...Her gaze fluttering, lost if only briefly, in thought of how things have become. Beautiful, brilliant, if only for the moment - does she find herself beginning to drift forward, as if scanning her own reflection within the endless waters.

"Wow.."

 It's more than just amazing. It's...
 It's...

 Different. For now, she seems to be on stand-by!
(Bei Bei)

The Archon held a sway in their movements. Condensing towards the Azrealities art. Or rather, maybe jealous? Over the fact such undeads could perform with more fury than it's own spirits.

Yet a bond with death were a shared passion. The draw the last, ink of breathe from the lives of the many that had already fallen to the Archon. It was only up until it had ascend that such brutality had begun to take control.

The Wicked Witch

Took heavy steps as the Demonic Armor resonated, vibrating in and out of existence. Leaving the body at times, barely noticeable. Ignoring the initial sound of cries by the waters. Rather, it would only seek to find opportune moments in the many items that lie scattered across.

"Hrm. . . Have been known to see danger. At every turn. Expect. Woman to be much like. . ." A few grumbles and mumbles beneath it breathe. It fell silent. Deciding it was best the humans figure things out for themselves.

Rather, It came as simply a powerhouse and in dire need of unique antics or materials to acquire for the future development of its many projects.
(Shiva)

That's something he always kept in mind.

To be cautious of whatever they approach, to be careful of what they take, and most of all, to not give in to their greed- there's a reason such vices are considered a Sin, and all Sins are inherently destructive, both to themselves and everyone around them.

It does not mean he's had no vices of his own, though.

But to digress, there's other task he must focus on, to retrieve the Azraelite relic they've come for. The scarlet hues wander upon the garden, taking in the excellence and beauty of it - the lack of man's touch for decades, perhaps even centuries, could only show just how ancient this place may be. And metallic objects? Just yet another proof of that.

Or perhaps, someone tried... but ultimately, perished.

"Be careful when you pick something up. We don't know if this place has traps or not."

Nonetheless, his gaze travels, glancing at the lake. There's his reflection, but there's more, oh so much more - vast cosmos, one to which he can see no end. He studies it briefly, before moving on, noting the statue as well.

It's an odd one.

Particularly, he approaches one of the metallic objects during his search, carefully examining it before he'd actually pick it up. Maybe there's a trap?
(Arthur Rowan)

Metalic objects...and a priestess crying endlessly it seemed? The feeling of this strange place was...at best mystical.

Take all that you can...but be weary of greed?

The neries simply shook his head, might as well search of bountiful loot...in case there was any.

"Tsk...I wonder whats in store..."

And with that the neries goes tramping into the forest to search for...metals.
(Amnon)

The Oscuri would feel the sensations of life and death pull towards him, He could barely believe such a passage was possible let alone an Initiate knight like himself would be chosen to take up this journey in the absences of another. Yet he held that fact with pride as he continued to march forth.

Happening upon a forest like clearing he would notice the many metallic gleams in the distance. They often pulled his jade eyes towards them sparking his interest in each new thing. Yet it was important to remember he was within a world he knew nothing about. What seemed harmless could be the very death of them if not careful.

He made sure to observe the area countless times before deciding where what direction to explore in. He wouldn't want to impose himself but he figured it would be best if they explored the surroundings in groups as not to be caught off guard by anything dangerous.

"Lord Arthur should we explore the surroundings? Perhaps in groups yes? "

He would float over towards the surroundings to check on some of the metallic sparkles that were close enough he wouldn't be separated from everyone's view.
(Giddeon Ruger)


Arthur Rowan says, "Stay in group. Do not wander off far."
To not turn back, such is all that she has ever learned in the arduous path to this very place where she stood. Curiosity is ever bright within her golden gaze, ever shining to hint at the desire to achieve all that she had ever dreamed of. So when the opportunity to prove herself is given.

A glance into the lake, and its vastness, and some soft humming. She wonders if there is so much more to it than simply its depths, yet she hardly waits, she proceeds, and begins to explore the lands about her

Metallic objects lie within the dirt, and a casual glance is made. Not one to touch it with her hands, and not necessarily quick to completely remove it from where it lay, a soft nudge with gravity is made then, to see just how deep it had sunk into its environment.
(Rea Valenta)

You pick up Nyeshk x3.

Shiva picks up Orchilacum x10.

Amnon picks up Nyeshk x3.

Amnon drops Nyeshk x3.

Giddeon Ruger picks up Nyeshk x3.


 For Shiva -

 As she searches, it seems as if some otherworldly presence senses the power that she holds. Decadent, yet - soothing...It welcomes her, almost bidding her to come closer to the metal itself. What she uncovers seemed to be rather simple...However, upon grasping it, she would notice something. A strange 'flux' within her own power...As if something 'robbed' something very important from her. (Will be revealed later.)

-Shiva Uncovers
--------------------------------

 For Arthur and Gideon -

 Luck seems to be on his side for the moment, with his type of searching - there is a strange brilliance. A moment, where he finds himself uncovering something rather...Expensive out within the real world. As his thumbs brush over the dirt and upon picking up, he would be able to note the 'weight' of it all. He gets Nyeshk.

--------------------

For Aamon.

 Overhead, the sun would sudden flicker. The rays would press against his flesh as he embraces the steel......For a moment, it seemed that the true nature of the place would suddenly come to life. Around them is death - and when his fingertips wrap around the metal.....A hellish scream would suddenly occur. A skeleton grasps onto his being, her maw opening......And soon, a blinding light would occur.

 He loses himself.
 He loses....years. Perhaps temporary? Perhaps not, depending on his luck.
----------------------

For Rea.

 As she reaches for her own metal - she, too, would suddenly feel something. A strange snicker would spill forth, as if laughter from her own distance past would roll along. With gravity magic, she saves herself...But, at the very least, she gets more than what Aamon got.

------------------

However, it seems that all of this is not by the control of the statue. She seems...Terribly unphased, still, bidding those that are fully worthy and willing to succumb to Azrael's light. As they search, the crying statue seems to hum carefully - the whimsical tune filling the air before she cannot contain herself. The sweetness of her voice begins to raise steadily, "Once there were trees full of birds,
meadowlands vibrant with flowers; carefree the songs our children once sang, gilding our minutes and hours. Clouds came and covered the sun, the breath of the baleful unease, turning to ashes - flowers in their fields, silenced the birds in their trees." The memories of the divine war begin to slowly flash into their mind. Brief glimpses of golden locks that mimicked the beauty of the rising dawn, opulent armor that seemingly shined - along with the grey wings that defied all of the laws of gravity. Humans line up and gather around him in awe and wonder....And as the angelic being extends a simple hand, the vision vanishes. The area around them becomes charred...Black and white feathers loitering the ground...Everything around them is dead....Rotten, as if it were the aftermath of a sickening battle. The crying statue that sits within the middle of the pond is no longer pristine and beautiful....She has seemingly moved within position. Both hands press upon her features - as if attempting to stop the boundless tears - and yet, they still feed the lake endlessly beneath her being.

"My children...My loves. There is no need for you to tell me why you are here, for I already know. Many warriors have come in order to seek his light but they do not understand all that comes with it. If you truly believe yourself to be brave, please...Step into my waters, immerse yourself fully from toe to head and breathe in my tears. Allow me to-...To take you where you need to be. And no matter what - believe in yourself. Believe in those around you. The moonlight cannot only be used as a shield, but also...a weapon. Please-...Prepare yourselves."



Rea Valenta picks up Mythril x3.

Amnon picks up Copper x20.

It was only, apricated that the Being was presented with the ethereal. In such a realm, it's prowess could hardly be ignored. Even as spirits and souls reside in different realms. The goal of all life, is death.

"Ah. . . Will take, ores. Yes?" Reaching out it plucked the ores like apples from a tree.

Examining the items momentarily before pocketing it into a strange abyss. And yet as quickly as this was done, so as a sudden arrival. Sensation.

"Hrm .. . "

A side-ways glance at the surrounding area, before begrudgingly walking over towards the crying maiden. Peering into the abyssal waters.

It's gaze widening at the sight. A first to say the least. As the spirit realm, was anything, but sparkly. "Stunning, yes? Have come as requested. Plucked as desired. Yet, what is the meaning of this, feeling?"

Questioning as it felt, the momentarily sensations when it occurred ass, odd.
(Shiva)

There's a small revelation of the sheer luck he experienced- a piece of expensive ore, which he simply collects, but pays no special mind to it. Instead, his attention goes to the others, and his voice rises enough for them to hear.

"That'd be enough. We should not succumb to our greed."

Instead, he watched.

- - -

The Divine War. The Divinity of Azrael himself. The War that was promised to change the world, once and for all. The war that promised the golden era of humanity, devoid of any flaws, pain or suffering, all under his rule. There's naught but a flash of the grey wing, an extended hand, and it all ends, just as it started.

In despair, anguish, sorrow and pain.

- - -

The stream of corruption, of rot, of the suffering inflicted on this very land was apparent. His scarlet hues traced around the ground, carefully scanning what he saw- an aftermath of a vile battle, nothing less of a tragedy to this world.

And then, the Priestess speaks, and Adjudicator steps forward. His gaze, as full of resolve as always, listens carefully to her instructions. The tale is sad, but in her sadness, she may be leading them to their deaths...

"--Very well."

He steps forward, his feet sinking into the moonlit lake, preparing to submerge himself further. A sharp breath is taken, and he awaits for his comrades.
(Arthur Rowan)


 She...Also follows!
(Bei Bei)

The sun, what ever pristening thing...but that soon changes as the light flickers for but a moment as he touched the metal.

The true nature of this place... Death everywhere. A hellscape akin to fear... Fingers wrapping around metal before the hellish scream. Grasping him was the undead.


Rotten creature of long since pass. The last thing he saw however...was a blinding light.

Whatever happens? Happens.

Azrael's light.

Such visions...did nothing to compare to the scare he had gotten prior. But...the visions where nothing short of what he had experianced upon eating Reika.

Prepare yourselfs....just what madness were they going to face?.
Only time will tell...but to harness the moonlight is a feat this Dreamers knight will face and conquer...provided he isnt harmed by that blinding light.
(Amnon)

Giddeon picks up the Nyshek and places it within his back. Perhaps something useful for later.


The Oscuri would feel an on coming of a vision something that was nearly inherent to him. The visions of the divine wars the battles that took place. The many loyal angels following under Azrael all of them made sense to the young worshiper of the Morninglord. Despite this vision being something he had not yet seen within his life time. Perhaps the area here so blessed in Azrael's name brought on more than what he had thought and expected. His reika was even beginning to flow in attunement to the land.

He looked over towards the statue as it bid them come closer. To swim within her tears to be accepted into the flow where Azrael's gift resides. The Oscuri looked confident now more so than ever. No doubt filled his mind perhaps that was just his nature yet. He continued onwards as if leading the pack only due to his faith and trust of Azrael he would go forth.

"Let us all go to prove ourselves worthy within the eyes of Azrael, and his vassals. No longer shall we be silenced. Azrael will bring perfection and by completing the trials ahead of us we will be aiding him to accomplish just that."

His words were meant to bolster his allies confidence and assure them that the youngest among them was fully prepared to accept the fate that awaited them. Although he had faith in their victory and success. He moved forward into the gleaming lake shining with the light of the moon. His body being submerged now he'd walk closer towards everyone. Dwelling within Azrael's light.

(Giddeon Ruger)

Nothing spectacular, that is the initial thought which crosses her mind as the Mythril is nudged from its resting place. Yet, what else could one do other than fondle the cold touch of mineral, and hope that the noise was but their imagination?

That distant laughter, it only warrants a scowl from her person. She is disturbed, ever curious as to whom it was that had made that noise. It had sounded like her, but...

Hardly had she felt amused.

A soft, and steady breath, and the paranoia is soon enough cast away so she could focus, and listen closely to the instructions given.

The lands which are traveled upon does leave one weary, but she knows all too well of corruption, for the ebb and flow of such energies thrived within her, empowered her magics and left little but a desire to continue looking forward.

She dips a foot into the lake, and slowly begins to distribute her weight, yet the tears which fall leave her wondering when the last time she had ever shed such. Just when had she began to sacrifice, as they would all today?

"Let us see this through... Do not hesitate, as I am sure he will welcome us with open arms when it is all said and done.."
(Rea Valenta)

Can you feel it? How the faith within the lord brings you closer and closer to everything that you can achieve? How your faith within the lord revitalizes your pounding heart - your fragile mind.? All those that dip within these waters partake in more than just a communion with those of the past. All those that dip into these waters are met with their most fragile memories in the beginning - where the pain and the fright all come together at once. Where there is nothing but strife and trial and tribulation....And it is within these memories, that they are capable of resting. Where they are capable of resting upon the bosom of the priestess without being pressed for the future. Upon fully giving themselves unto the waters...They are met with the happiness that was once the past.

Green lines, smiles, men and women preparing for battle. There was something innocent about this, something terribly naive. But this gathering, this hope that they all had...In working as one. In working accordingly to all that they could possibly desire. It is this peace, it is this breaking of the cycle that they all seek. And it's the promise that they all cling so terribly to.

 Within an instant, the vision fades from the mind. And as they raise their heads yet again - they appear within another place...Where they stand within the ruins of what used to be. The equipment from past warriors loitered about...Brilliant mirrors reflecting the moon's soft light. As they drift...They notice the three moons over head.

Black -
Crescent -
Half -
Full - (keep this in mind for next part.)

 And as a lone spirit passes underneath each moon in particular, one would be able to see the sudden change. Respectively, the spirit turns from a child, to a teen, to a man, and then an old man....However, just as it reaches the end of the hall mark, it seemingly phases through. At this particular moment, it is up to them to unlock the door. And be careful, there's also a time limit....Beneath their feet, the waters themselves begin to rise. Upon the pillars next to them, there is a set of riddles along with an ever changing light. Wrong answers will make the water rise up faster.

HINTS.
------------
M
H
S
W
-----------


-----------------------------
We see their fallen
A live one nearer
And closer still
The pockmarked veneer

As sight declines
This clouded mirror
At most half seen
Becomes more clear

Between them all
You cannot hear
-------------------------------
A treasure that never stays;
The coin whose face gives wealth to all.
Strands, silks, nuggets, and dust of gold
are all bought with its shining grace...
And all are more opulent than any shining metal.
What am I?
------------------------------

The Moon is my father,
the Sea is my mother;
I have a million brothers,
I die when I reach land.

------------------------------------

I cannot be felt or moved, but as you come closer, i get more distant...
------------------------------------------------------------

(Narrator-Chan)

Shiva summons a few spirits, stacking them in piles beneath her. Awaiting either the waters eventual rise. Or their escape. Strange since it could fly it choose to just stack bodies instead.~
(Shiva)

There's a vision, one from the early days of Divine War, one where the Oscuri were gathered as a group together, for their righteous cause - or at least, what they believed to be. There's trial and error, just like in their daily lives, but there's... something different. A union, the brotherhood that was not achievable now.

Despite what he believed in, he could understand why Oscuri followed Azrael like this. It was not just their blessing, just their belonging or ties, no- it was that ultimate vision that drove them forward to Divine War as something akin to most desirable thing ever.

The power of Divinity was something strong to grasp... or deny.

And yet, his mind clears from the vision, his gaze falling upon the hall they were in now. He inspects it carefully, his gaze trailing around the walls, the inscriptions, and he gazes at the ghostly man that goes through the cycle of life- immediately, he guesses that the Moons represent those cycles.

His gaze turns to the riddles. And answer to them? That's yet to be found.

"Hm."
(Arthur Rowan)

Arthur approaches the first riddle.

He reads it once more:
---
We see their fallen
A live one nearer
And closer still
The pockmarked veneer

As sight declines
This clouded mirror
At most half seen
Becomes more clear

Between them all
You cannot hear
--

Within a moment, he speaks up.

"--Memory?"
(Arthur Rowan)

It is strange, to be drifting through such waters, fully submerged, and yet already dreaming before she had already known. What made it even more peculiar was that she had not been swept away in a sense that'd be suspected no. Her mind roams and wanders, through visions past, of warriors adorning blessings, happiness should the cycle ver conclude.

A reason to continue pressing forward, a reason to continue sacrifice, and of course a reason to belong. Those are the lines which keep the mind bound, ever aware, and dutiful to the cause that blood has been shed for.

Rea allows herself to be soothed, to be swept away in the softness of a dream before it comes time to wake.

"Mmn.." If such could truly be achieved, then it is now more than ever that she bolsters her spirits. Such a vision was grand, and true towards all that she hoped.

"Mmn.. this one, it is about the sky.."

The Moon is my father,
the Sea is my mother;
I have a million brothers,
I die when I reach land.

"Mmn, the Sun?"
(Rea Valenta)

It is in the same moment he turns about to the other riddle, reading it up. In fact, he did glance at all of the riddles, but particularly, there were two that he could guess by now.

--
I cannot be felt or moved, but as you come closer, I get more distant...
--

"...Horizon? Celestial body?"

He speaks, awaiting the reaction of the chamber.
(Arthur Rowan)

Giddeon looked extremely focused as he would inspect his new surroundings. After the visions as intense as they were he had never known for Oscuri and humans to be gathered so will fully towards one another. Hopeful of their future that they fight for. The same will he is fighting for now. To see Azrael perfect the broken world and achieve the golden era of freedom and life for all beings.would think to himself as he read the scriptures attempting to find the solution within his own mind.

He would look around look towards Rea as she attempted to answer one of the riddle like scriptures. He would attempt to go off her own answer as well." I was thinking something similar, A star or a shooting star perhaps? "

(Giddeon Ruger)

There is something within the distance that watches - as they continue to solve these puzzles...The waters wtihin the area become higher and higher, steadily climbing. At this particular moment, it begins to drift up thier knees. The four moons seem to gleam carefully upon each one....

 Rea--- Was very close, right answer...But for the wrong one.
 Arthur--- Missed the mark. Perhaps, it's too difficult after all for the first one, but the second one works. The lockings upon the door shifts and pop....Three more to go.
 Giddeon--- Unfortunately, completely wrong.


 Regardless of such nature though....The light from one of the moons reveals more letters.

 MO
WA
SUN

His gaze turns immediately towards the other riddle.

-------------------------------
A treasure that never stays;
The coin whose face gives wealth to all.
Strands, silks, nuggets, and dust of gold
are all bought with its shining grace...
And all are more opulent than any shining metal.
What am I?
------------------------------

If it wasn't for the "fall" and "dying on the land", that apparently seems to be the wrong answer, that should be it... it's the shining grace of gold, of nuggets, of silks.

It only made sense.

"The sun."
(Arthur Rowan)

Click, click! Arthur gets another one...

And yet, from one of the moons, more water pours in...Now reaching their waists.

Soon enough, his gaze shifts to the other as well. He quickly guesses what "at most half seen" could mean, once the second letter is revealed.

--
We see their fallen
A live one nearer
And closer still
The pockmarked veneer

As sight declines
This clouded mirror
At most half seen
Becomes more clear

Between them all
You cannot hear
--

"The moon."
(Arthur Rowan)

Click! Yet another one for Arthur.

And yet another gate is open...The water fills the room quickly!!

Arthur gazes at the last one.
(Arthur Rowan)


Arthur Rowan asks, "--Water?"
"Wa…"

She could think of only few things the moon fathered, something that was copious, something ever fluid in nature.

She taps her chin, and tends to think of what could possibly die when it touches land

"If not water, then Waves, Arthur."
(Rea Valenta)


Arthur Rowan says, "--Yes, that."

Sometimes, tests are not only dependent upon the brawnse of another being - but instead, upon the brains and logic. Sometimes, it's rather difficult to ascertain a certain situation without thoroughly looking through it. And although Azrael is most certainly about warriors, his leaders must be cool and calculated, even in the time of heat. Even, when all hell breaks lose around them. With that being said - there is a moment when water shifts......The doors unlocking and the flood gates opening steadily, spilling forth about the garden, revealing the moons that the spirit had skipped overhead.

1. Black
2. Crescent.
3. Half.
4. Full.

 And it is here, where they would find themselves introduced to yet another mechanic of some sort. In order to pass onto the next part, the each of them will have to dance accordingly...Just as the spirit had done when it passed through, it is now up to them. The way this works is that you start off with a specific number.

 You times it by the number that you run into and it must correlate wtih the command that you are given. Example:

Number 9: Bei Bei - Must be Divisible by 4. Bei bei would then run into 4 because 4 x 9 = 36. Simple enough, right? During this part, you will be experiencing age ups and downs coinciding with the position of the moons. Each person will have ten seconds after their number shows up, upon the rock that is infront of them.


Shiva says, "Oh my. . . I'd only seen such an image in my mind. "
Shiva Watches the spirits like cattle to a slaughter.
(Shiva)


Amnon says, "Hm.."

Shiva says, "If only they could come closer."
With the floodgates opening, he exhaled with relief the moment they were let out from what would be a death trap if they hadn't guessed this correctly- instead now, they were upon the field that was correlated to the Moons, the ones that were similar to those in the Hall.

"Hm."

But Arthur did not fret. There was always resolve and confidence in his heart and mind, and even if something looked puzzling, or not clear right away, he would still step forth to test himself. After all, there's no other way to get the Azraelite relic, is there?

"Stay focused. We aren't even halfway through yet. If we cannot pass this, then the worst may occur."

A simple command given, and his gaze falls upon the Moons, examining them. Surely, they represented the life cycle just like the previous ones, did they not?
(Arthur Rowan)

Giddeon wouldn't know how to react really taking in all the information around him as he slowly entered what appeared to be the temples foreground He would be glad they were out of the water but it seemed they weren't out of danger just yet. Aother puzzle lied ahead of them this one seemingly more challenging than before.

Trying to figure out the information that is happening all around him the Oscuri would wait until given a command by the moons to continue forward although he was still a bit confused he figured he would give this the best shot he had.
(Giddeon Ruger)

LOOC - Narrator-Chan: (it ruined the meaning...)

"Quite the rush, no?"

She is very antsy, ever taking in her surroundings even after they manage to escape the trap before. Arthur caught her attention, and a simple nod.

Another puzzle would mean another thing to wrap her head around, white this is not her forte, she would continue to think, continue to provide answers that would allow them all to proceed.

As a team, no?

At least, until someone pissed her off.
(Rea Valenta)

The first name that pops up seems to be....

Arthur - 5, Must be divisible by 4.


 The moment that he enters the light, the full moon would have suddenly gleamed. Before all those that were around, Arthur's visage would suddenly twist and turn. In the full moon's light...He becomes old and knowledgeable...hair greying, skin sagging...Prepare for the next number.

Shiva asks, "At least. . . He's still alive?"


Rea Valenta says, " before i fuck up."

Shiva says, "Oh. . . Could only have wondered what would have happened to I. Should I have entered there. "
Rea 1 - Must be a prime number.

Shiva 2- Square root by 2.

The moment he steps into a circle, it's almost like he gazes back at himself, someone much, much more older, experienced and... weary.

It's not Arthur full of energy and resolve that he's once known. It's a visage of a cynic, a disappointed, betrayed idealist, whose ideas never came to fruition, whose dreams were crushed so many times by the others- everything and everyone he ever was attached to has perished.

And yet, there's no weakness. There's strength in older self - despite the grey hair, the weariness, the older Arthur still stands bold and tall, except his heart is long encased in stone and steel, away from any attachments he knows now.

Is that his future?

He stops to ponder. The paths he walks right now in his life lead him to such future, perhaps, but he does not hesitate. Despite the fact just how much it scares him--

-- he embraces it.

There's shining over his head, and despite his weathered visage, he peers somewhere else, onto the other Moons. This should not be the end of the road.
(Arthur Rowan)

Amnon 3 - must be divisible by 2

As the demons name would suddenly appear. It hardly take it as something to oblige by, rather it had watched as each spirit would prance about. As if nothing was to occur. Like. . . A maiden dressed inappropriately during war-time.

The Archon, just had to have one. Taking full charge as it lunged with immense speeds. Both arms reached out in desperate need. Desire to simply sink it's shackles and devour a few on these little buggers.

Like a snack, on the go.

Whatever would occur as it randomly leapt onto a number. Was of no consequence in their minds.
(Shiva)

Gideon 2 - must be x^2 + a + b

Giddeon 2.5, must be divisble by 4

Once his name was spoken the neries thought long for a few seconds before rushing over towards the remaining moon symbol.

May the Dreamer protect him from whatever was happening....If the cosmos wanted to harm him he would harm it back...
(Amnon)

Gideon 4, must be divislbe by 3

As her name shows, she moves forward in order to take her circle. Such an answer was easy, but one couldn't always help but question themselves as one step leads before the other.

It is as she fears, the unknown, the wrong step that would send it tumbling into the abyss as she had all else. Her golden gaze may be filled with ambition, but what was it that could be seen before her?

She doesn't know, but her feet guide her, her mind ever clear. This is the path desired, the path that she knows she wants to walk, what turmoil, or lack thereof is welcomed.

She is ever hungry to end it, ever ready to forget the person she once was, and become something new.

A calm breath is taken, and a smile adorns her once tense expression.
(Rea Valenta)

Giddeon waits his turn keeping sure to notice the flickering of the moon light as he enters the circle he thought to be his own. Standing closely next to Rea although not interrupting her space he would look over towards Arthur to see he aged a significant amount.

The man looked nothing like himself, Old deathly, It was incredible the man could still move at his current state. The white hair of the Rowan flowed casually as Giddeon continued to observe.

He wondered if he would meet the same fate or was this perhaps all apart of the test? He watched as the spirits danced within the circle showing no care of their presence as they continued to move about. His jade eyes watching and waiting locking eyes with the others preparing himself for what was going to happen.
(Giddeon Ruger)

These matters are rather strange, aren't they? There is something about the moment that brings forth uncertainty and fright....Something about this future that not many others would ever be able to ascertain. The ages and bodies of those are toyed with - as if it were some childish game, pushing the human frame to the limit in age....Even going as far as to turn some of them into outright children.

 Shiva:

 A once blessed Archon now turned into something so small, something so feeble. She is birthed anew.....Starting out as nothing more than a mere demon yet again, or should one say...Tera.

Amnon:

 As he rolls forth - he finds himself younger than the norm. Every moment that passes causes cloth and more to suddenly become baggy. He turns into nothing more than a mere child...Weak, brittle.

Rea and Giddeon:

 Both of them suddenly leap yet again. As proud warriors within their prime....Blossoming with experience.

Life is meant to be enjoyed. The laughter, the nervous looks within each of their eyes, the moments when they gaze upon each other when they solve the most simple thing is what is meant to be savored. These adventures isn't all about the dangers and deaths and achieving something that's far more 'grand' in terms of wealth. It is about the grandeur of it all...It is about the brilliance that comes forth with this feeling, this moment. Here. Even when they all move forward, some small - some older...Different.....It was all a test to see if spirits would shatter or if they would simply presevere.

 To the surprise of those that are around, not a single word was said about the changes. None of them complained...Or perhaps, they simply didn't possess the capacity to, such as the old man that 'nearly' seems to falter with every single step. Nevertheless, upon standing upon the moonlit beams, they would be brought to yet another place - where the corrupted entity would roll forth. It is here, where many of them would embrace their own fears....When images and corruption floods their minds. Where dreams are shattered, and nightmares come true through the bleak, feeling.

"You've all come, you've all gotten far- and yet...I believe that this is where all of the fun and games must end." He says while looking upon each of them - his vermillion gaze beginning to narrow. It seems that within some way, this corrupted spirit had entered the realm...his body floating high above the others, his wicked smile beginning to outstretch.

 Within his arms, he carries a shield - with the years sapped from those around it, he is defensively bolstered, his laughter rolling high above the rest...."Things such as 'tests' of might and 'logic' does not exist within this realm. All of this was a trap...And now, look at how sad the lot of you are. Old, pathetic, weak...Fragile. Come...Let me take the rest of your years away. Come, let me steal what little life you have left."

Even in such a vulnerable state. The Tera was nothing less, than formidable.

A single wave of it's hand and what came beside it was the Nethradin Centipede. Very tiny, birthed renew just as the Archon.

"Oh my little, thing. . . Will have to feed you properly, now. Cling to shoulder. And cast as usual. Should be simple. Matter. Yes?" It's length claws reaching out to carefully massage the larva. Without it's thick shell.

It would do well to take note in keeping it safe.

Only watching now as it flexed each of its individual claws. Like a western gunman, the Tera slide it's right leg out a few inches. Rearing both it's arms back as they angled down.

Without hesitation. The Tera threw both it's hands forward, fingers out like guns. Snap backed with every flick of raw, unbridled arcane arts were flung out.

Was this just any tera?

Unlikely as it's prowess was not yet hindered by it's appearance.
(Shiva)

No matter how much this circumstance has weathered and weakened him, Arthur stood strong despite the impressive age, especially for a human- his looks had no vigor to them, but instead coldness and bitterness of someone who lived through a thousand losses, through thousand deaths, through thousand betrayals... and survived it all to live the tale.

The connection to Arcane thrummed in his heart, mind and soul. He looked worn out, old, weaker- but in reality, he was far from being weak. Not in his prime, and yet still far from being unable to do anything at all, Arthur stood tall before the force of corruption, as the greyed, once red, long locks of hair have fallen upon his shoulders.

Now or never.

Taking his staff, the Heaven Render, the Storms above him were summoned, beckoned to assist their master once more. There may be no logic to this realm, no mind that could puzzle through this all without confrontation, but there's always one truth - power prevails.

And power is what he shall give to this spirit of corruption.

"Do not be so quick to draw the conclusion that we're weak."

"Human resolve is capable of wondrous things, no matter how dire things are, for as long as their spirit is strong. Tonight, we shall remain that way."

The scarlet hues narrowed at the creature before himself, and he spoke.

"I'll yield to none."

The wind howled. The wish was born.
(Arthur Rowan)

The young Oscuri would bolster himself as he could feel the corruption taking over his mind, Seeping sweet whispers telling him to free himself to let violence dictate his actions. To serve Azrael as a warrior of pure hatred and void. He could feel his reika surge to defend his mind from such thoughts.

Although he could feel the corruption still linger about within him. He grabbed the staff from his back twirling it in a fanciful manner. Watching the Spirit float down cackling towards them claiming this was all a trap. With Arthur their leader severely weakened by age he wondered if they could truly defend themselves against this dark spirit.

He looked towards his allies, Jade eyes now filled with his reika surging forward. His newly aged body stood taller than before far more intimidating than he was in his youthful state yet he wondered if it was possible to reverse the effects...though for later of course.

"Trap....Don't be foolish! We are among Azrael's finest champions...and we will have what we've come for! Azrael fights on our side and we will not falter!"

Perhaps he was intending to booster his own confidence rather than that of his teammates. Despite his change in appearance his mind had still remained that of a child. Although that being the case he was prepared for the outcome. Adrenaline levels rising with each second he could feel his heart begin to pound into his chest pumping more and more as his battle instincts began to sharpen and the reika that sugared along his body and staff became more and more potent.
(Giddeon Ruger)

The final test in this god forsaken realm of madness.

Sareen's mercy would be something that the neries silently prayed for as he avoided tripping over his loose articles of clothing that had grown far to big for him.

Was this the dream? Or the ever relenting nightmare?

Whatever it was...or is the Dreamers knight would not faulter.

Using all the strength he could muster the neries hefted his sword from its holder. Putting a white nuckled grip on its handle as the neries sucked in a deep breat before calling on the power of his deity.

He called on the dreamers help and was answered as usual...A surge of mana flooding through him like a raging fire. But with his new found age...it hurt far worse than before.

Through gritted teeth did the neries manage to pull even more mana from his deity in order to finally release the mana that was held inside of him from his back. Forming two stark wings of darkened cosmic. Each one seemed...smaller. If only to match the body of the child.

But even then the neries let out a grimmic and turned to this...creature.

"You have set me back to my youth...you can take that from me...but you will never take the faith I put into the dreamer! Its time for you to enter the dreaming land of Sareen...and relive your nightmare..."

The Dreamer's Knight will follow his god into the afterlife...and none shall stop him from leaving her faith
(Amnon)

This is truly strange, how quickly this had all swerved into something that was less comprehensible than she'd have imagined.

Yet, unlike the others, she is not hindered by her age, her power booms, experience seemed to come with her age, and truly did she feel as if though she were in her prime.

Energy thrums at the slightest tug, her reserves slightly larger than what they had been.

"Pathetic is the one that believes he has us bested. We are the finest what this realm has to offer, we are the ones that have cultivated all hope there is for Valmasian kind..."

She tilts her chin higher, confidence embodied within her person, the lifestream kneeling, obeying the powerful tug of ethereal energies that are sensed.

"Now.. I will have you realize this, I will move you, as I intend to move fate."
(Rea Valenta)

Even when forced to abide by the divine magic, none could refute and the Archon could only. . . Go along with it. Refusing to allow itself to fall, rather it harnessed it's ever growing desires could only be what drove it further.

A slander to it's name being drive back, "feeble. . . Will not fall, not understanding that am. Capable. Even. Like. This." Harnessing the one raw thought that plagued it's mind.

Destruction. And confronting it on levels of being the one whom enticed it all. A land plagued by death, mere breathes would cause the weak to suffer.

However, it was all, but a mere dream. Eclipsed by the reality of the situation. Yet was what drove the being into find stability in the Arcane arts of. . .

Chaos.

Rippling waves of the Telepathic cry, burning past any resistance. And engulfing the shadow with it's whining.
(Shiva)

This was nothing short of full-on war.

The creature before them, whether it was a spirit or something else was clearly beyond the power of a normal magi. But then again, they were trapped in completely another world ever since they decided to step into that fateful lake, and from there on, their life was in danger.

But Arthur had enough strength to not succumb to vile afflictions.

Whenever the vile being brought forth its terrifying power, despite his weather and older body, Arthur fought back with ferocity of a dragon, and the heart of a lion. The compelling power of Storm itself rested in his palms, striking down the creature at every convenient moment.

There was one thing that mattered far more than anything he wielded - the otherworldly, rupturing energy that defied reality itself. He made sure to use it in this fight to the best of his ability.

No matter how much the Corruption fought, Valmasians prevailed, and their strength was coming back. The shackles were broken- in a heat of battle, with the bead of sweat rolling on the side of his head, he spoke.

"Your illusions have no power over me."

A sharp inhale. Arthur gathered all of his composure, all of his rejuvenated might once more, and the message was brought to his people.

"Onward! Victory will be ours."
(Arthur Rowan)

The reika surged along the battle sparking his dark powers and increasing the gravity of the area while forcing horrid nightmares into the mans mind. Floods of darkness would spill forward crushing and pulling all things into its core only to consume it.

This was the power Giddeon had manifested. The power that he would use to fell is foes. Although it seems times were becoming more difficult throughout the battle he would increase his reika to surge forward more intensely now. And then wings sprouted from his body. The very same ability he had seen Frank use he was now capable of a similar feat.

A true decider of his Oscuri linage, Reika would flow freely and be manipulated by the Oscuri waves of darkness were catapulted towards the creature as he fought to preserve his life and those of his friends. Timing each attack so they made proper to hit and land on their mark.

Combining his efforts with the former Archon they would send waves of occultism barreling towards their foe hoping to strike him down proper. The chaos of this feeling he could feel the violence swell within him a power unlike anything he had felt prior yet it felt like home.

The more he indulged the more frequent he would feel the sensation, Pulling against his mind. Chaotic forces ? Arcane energies. He wasn't sure but the more he delved into his nature his nature as made by Azrael the more of these dark sensations pulled at his mind.

" KAKAKAKA DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE YOU ROTTEN SCUMBAG HOW DARE YOU ATTACK A CHILD OF AZRAEL FEEL MY MORNING LORDS FURY!" his chains were broken not only due to the fact that he had used the cursed form of the Oscuri but within the spirit realm he could feel the arcane forces pressuring his violent tendencies all the more.
(Giddeon Ruger)

Truly, this thing wasn ot to be taken lightly, for she could feel the winds tear at her person, and the fire burn intensely when it had only grazed her person. Yet her armor holds, and the occult which burns from her person only beams within the dark as she slips just beyond touch.

She could see her allies slow, if only temporary, and that alone had caused for her to speed up, to push the limits of her mind when mana began to run low.

Power

It is her only focus, to overpower the many years that were stolen from them, and worn by another. She has it within her mind that there is no potential that can be stolen from her, no amount of ability that would ever leave her spirit when she is fully capable of tapping upon it through her own will.

Her motivation brims, her eyes burn bright, and the lifestream bends, and she peers into the depths of her opponent, seeking to expose all that he was.

A fake, nothing alike those that stood before, and tore through the false images woven.

"I will not give, I will not bend! But you! Ahh, you will.."

On Arthurs words, she presses forward once again. Defeat, it is not within her mind!
(Rea Valenta)

Well the fight was over before it even began really...

It had been so long that he was a child. It just made everything worse.

His refinded bladework now rubbish and wonky. His skills...seemed even weaker than before. How could he let the dreamer down?


Though...as if some blessing of the dreamer's intervention he felt himself slowly returning to his true age.

No longer where the cloths baggy, and no longer did they feel wrong. Everything....felt at peace.


But even while he laid on the ground he felt the mana he drew from the dreamer leave him instantly and those wings of his that he had grown found of...another gift of the dreamer vanished from sight.

Restore yourself to your true glory...

Anger coursed through the neries veins as he stood up once more. The enemy...creature...whatever it truly was had been beaten back for only a moment. But that was all he needed,

Once more drawing on theenergy's of the dreamer and even a bit of the mana in the realm..much to his dipleasure;

He once more filled his body with more mana that it should rightfully hold until the wings of cosmic burst out from his back once more.

"You may have beaten me...but faith keeps me moving forward, it is the faith of the DREAMER that guides my hand and you will enter her nightmare! Pay for your crimes against her mongrel.."

All of nothing....the Knight of Sareen will prevail for her blessing..
(Amnon)

Was this...feeling of pleasure was akin to passing into the realm of the dreamer. It was such a beautiful feeling...

"My promises do not go in vain...its time you entered the Nightmare."

A cough of blood as the neries body was weary from drawing in that much mana from his deity. But once more...would he need to drain mana.


Drain the mana of this corrupted spirit.

With each wing of cosmic energy extended to its full height the neries let out a small, yet strangle quiet sob. Hos he hated doing this...

"May your soul be returned to the Azrael's light...and pray he is merciful."

With eyes shut tight both wings vanished from his back as he felt the mana leave him at a faster rate than before...but as it left him he did the thing he did best...Drain mana.

With a mouth opened halfway the neries knelt down to the called priestess before calling forth her mana, rather..her mana no longer. It belonged to the dreamers knight.

But through a series of moments....The neries drained every last bit of their mana, leaving them effectivally a mana starved husk of a corpse.

The dream will not halted...
(Amnon)

As the battle would draw to it's near end, the Tera had released an art of Arcane, unfolding. Weaving it's claws into symbols. Till the air had resonated, searing with the form of a pentagram.

Shaped and spread into the ground like, plagues. Rot and decay, in it's range. All seemed to wither and at some instances. It was ruthless, crawling to allies like a sentient species. Craving to siphon.

And such arts were all for what brought an assistance.

"Chaos, needs not a form to wield. It is, embraced. It is. . . AN ART!"

Cries, scattered across, pulsating with occultic energies.

Rash and unhinged. It cared little for those around, but rather the humiliation it was forced to endure for having to succumb to the unwilling process of devolving.

"Will perish. Will not return, like THIS!"

Years of works, a body; perfectly thought of. It would only blame the dungeon master that decided such a fate.

And yet, after time. The combined efforts of the magi had brought down the shadow. And upon it's defeat the Demon could feel it's self. Stages regained. Like the life-cycle.

A simple tera, seated like a monkey. Cryptic in thought, frozen in position. It cracked, erupting from was a giga. "F-finally!" It wails out. It's voice brought to a pause as from that.

It's shell shattered and what oozed out were pools, a small pond of black, tar like material. Spread till it formed into the Demons Elemental stage. "Mere, moments. . . C-can fe---."

Much how a balloon expanded. So did the elementals form. Length, height. Sculpted into the nightmare-ish form of an enlarged human. Length and without detail. Both arms brought up to rest beneath their chest.

"One moment. . ."

Raising both arms up towards the sky, it's body split down the middle. Cracked and shattering like a rock against glass. And what was born from within was just as unparalleled in might as it was in beauty.

Draped in occultic tar, it's body lie naked and bear. Concealed only beneath the bath of otherworldly essence.

A grin, emerged as it's revival into the stage of Archon had become a reality once more. "Was. . . Rather dire." Sweeping off the guck from it's flesh, flat as board, but hella thick. It's flesh was covertly concealed as ever piece of tar tossed off. Revealed it's armor. How strange.
(Shiva)

It was a hard-fought battle.

Only thanks to the team effort of Valmasians were they able to bring down the corruption that plagued this realm, that threatened to kill them all if they had not prevailed in their fight against it. Thankfully, they had enough strength and resolve in order to prevail.

As the leader, it was not his role only to do the battle, but to inspire his people to not flee, to not fret and hold their ground with all the courage they have. And just like that, he stood beside them, unmoving, uncompromising, simply refusing to stand down against the overwhelming force of the creature.

It paid off.

Soon, the tides of the battle shifted in their favour. The Storm of the Rowan was furiously seeping into every corner of the ruins they fought upon, and the blasts of overwhelming Arcane energy put the strain on his body that could not be possibly imagined - the inhuman energy born from his connection to Arcane was released alongside with the Storm, and promptly, the creature was defeated.

It's over.

Inhale, exhale... the crimson that covered Arthur was his at times, at the other times he was covered in filth of a substance produced by the creature. No matter the struggle inflicted upon them, they stood victorious, and they stood together.

"--We did this."

"Good work."
(Arthur Rowan)

The Oscuri was downed in the second fight, His rush of adrenaline coming down to a slow, Struggling to move his body he would see he was more or less uninjured which was a good sign. He had Azrael's blessings and protection all along.

He could feel it now that his body was so Intune with the Arcane power that dwelled within the spirit world it was almost as if he had entered again in a mediation. Almost as if he had been practicing to pull souls from this very plane of being. He had learned much, Not only about the existence of the Arcane energy but the place where souls linger and their spirits reside. From this information the things he could do were limitless.

He would continue to practice his necromancy now with the furthered knowledge of this other force and while being more in sync not only with himself but with the lifestream he would soon pull souls from. It could no longer hide its presence from Giddeon.

His power was growing not only in knowledge but now through battle and awakening his fury, The very same gifted to him by Azrael he was truly realizing himself as a true magi. Yet when he turned towards Arthur now being more open and receptive he could sense the slightness of the arcane within his body.

Perhaps due to the spirit realm bolstering his senses in this regard. He held back no questions wondering what this strange power was."Lord Arthur, That strange power you use...the one I sense all around us even now What exactly is this feeling? That power you so freely manipulated..."As he delved within his own mind for answers he would come up empty.
(Giddeon Ruger)

Shiva asks, "Will take this. . . Seen it danced with. Spirits, yes?"


Amnon says, "Go for it...Ngh..I got my fill."
Shiva Kneels down, wasting no time in spreading out a few shackles around the body corpse. Ethereal chains conjured up. Within moments it drew upon the bodies existance. Faiding, into nothness. It was gone. And the Archon? Its fill.
(Shiva)


Arthur Rowan says, "I will explain it later, Giddeon."

Giddeon Ruger exclaims, "Ah alright..!"

Success, and not a single soul was loss to the battle had. Rea was pleased to see her comrades stand tall, and ever proud to see the fake fall before one of their budding warriors, stead, and slow breathes calm the heart, and the occult which burns viciously is withdrawn quietly, the intensity of her aura no longer present as the wisps of arcane energies are released, no longer needed to be pooled for the sake of assailing a capable enemy.

Her eyes come to a close, and the large revolver within her grip is once again attached to her hip to rest.

"I am proud to see those that have come, or those that have stayed, are worthy of upholding the Valmasia standard. It is a refreshing change, in comparison to the academy days, isn't it Arthur?" She laughs.
(Rea Valenta)


 And then there is nothing. From being bested and beaten - what is left upon the floor is nothing but the clothing that he once had left...Along with the shield that clatters upon the relic that hovers steadily.

Now it was time to reap their rewards.

Although the relics they've collected from the creature were certainly nice, there's one thing that caught his attention the most - the hovering shield, one that they came here for to begin with. There was no doubt in his heart, it must be the Azraelite relic they've been looking for.

The Adjudicator approaches.

Slowly, his hands reach out to lift the shield, his left arm making its way through the handles in order to grasp it properly. He weighs it on himself and sizes it up- there's clearly an odd energy from it, one that he cannot quite put his finger on, but perhaps that's only a matter of time until he discovers the purpose.

For now, he got what he wanted.

"I believe we're due with returning home."

"Let's get going. I'm sure the way back is where we came from, or somewhere nearby."
(Arthur Rowan)