dev 4 - haunted woods

When the party had last combed through the woods in search of the blacksmith's final project, they had found themselves in a misty collection of trees that was balanced between the Dreadwoods, the Jungles, and the forests of Huangzhou.

A tall manor had stood three stories high, and the group had managed to get in after braving the sewers. Inside they had found a puzzle that led to a workshop once cracked open. The temperature was wildly shifting, from hot to cold. Inside there was a note attached to a shattered hilt inside of the now frozen furnace. It read aloud;

'To any that grab upon this hilt, know that you are doomed. Know that this was my final project before it drove me insane. Know that this blade has single-handedly ruined my life, and it will ruin yours as well. Do not look for the other half, it has long since been discarded to the Heart of the Dreadwoods where only the most cruel and vision demons lie.

It can sit with other creatures in Helheim for all I care.'

When Elyon had grabbed the hilt, his mind was instantly assaulted with screams and echoes. Echoes that didn't stop. Screams that would wake him at night.

After defeating a creature that looked man-made and twisted in all the wrong ways, they left the manor richer and with the cursed hilt. Only now? They knew where it was.

- - - - -
Our party finds themselves inside of the Dreadwoods now, starting to make good progress towards the inner sanctum of the cove and closer to the heart. Several demons had attacked them already, ranging from Mega and Tera Yokai - To even a Giga or two.

Oddly enough.. There aren't any Kaor or Elemental that have jumped the party so far. With the cluster of extremely powerful magi, it's safe to say that you're all winded - But by no means exhausted, wounded, or even close to exhaustion.

… In the base of your chest, you start to feel something beat very slightly against your body. After close inspection.. It isn't your heart.

.. It's the beat of a heart some distance ahead of you. Is this the right direction?

Three separate trails lay ahead of you. Forward, left, then right.
[Narrate]

He looked back, and behind them were mounds of corpses. And the Heifang smiled upon their sight, before following the group from behind.

The magi felt a tug on his chest, of a beating heart. Though, it wasn't his, so he could only look forward, awaiting for the party's decision for the paths that diverged.

It was appeared he was willing to follow, and not make decision upon what path to follow.

"So?"
(Yu Heifang)

Dread and horror.

He could tell that this place was full of corruption and death, the very essence of Occult was palpable enough for him to feel uncomfortable as a holy magi- but it isn't his own sensation that he was relying upon, but the spirit sight to see the wandering essences of people that had perished here unfortunately.

Gatherers. Cornered bandits. Lost children. Wounded warriors.

So much, and much more than that... it felt a feeling of emptiness upon Shenlong, to see so many unfortunate spirits wander by. If he had time, he would stop and aid them, but they came here for something else.

"This place is wretched."

"Many found their last refuge in here. Mostly, the unfortunate and lost ones."

And yet, the beating against his chest could be felt. It was a call, a resonance to follow- the cold gaze of Shenlong scanned his surroundings, and he figured that they should be going forward. After all... the last time he was on the expedition like that, going forward actually helped him.

"I could try and contact some spirits for guidance."

"Or... we could simply walk forward."
(Keitaro)

Steps are slow, small, though careful all the same. Those ocean hues flicker about, taking in the surroundings as they ventured further and further into the dreaded woods. That hilt remained strapped to his back, still pulsating with the Occultic energies-- perhaps an year or two ago; he'd have started losing himself by just being in its vicinity, but... things were different, now, to say the least.

To have control over oneself-- to have control over one's own magic. Someone with enough mastery over that corrupted mana that it no longer felt like a detriment. That's not to say the weapon's presence was any pleasant-- not with the faint whispers that'd continue to seep into his mind, even without a direct contact.

"Wretched-- is an understatement."

It's spoken with a tiny sniffle, and he'd merely glance around, before allowing that gaze to drift towards the cursed object.

"The further we move... was hoping it'd probably guide us along the way, but-- nothing weird, or out of blue, so far."

If anything... it was more than evident that the blade was far from a normal weapon-- haunted, perhaps. Or maybe it just had a mind of its own.

A nod, then.

"Can either take a guess, or... you can try your thing, Kei. That'd probably be smarter, so-- go ahead."

Unlike back at manor; he was about to play this one carefully. Play it safe.
(Elyon Hirai)

Ever so carefully, their steps brought them through the forest. Steam already flowed off of the magis body, as the various battles had left him in a constant form, ready for combat. Energy already swelled within their being, eyes flickering all throughout the forest in search of more prey that may come their way.

"...It looks like we don't ha-..." Their voice stopped, the beating of something off in the distance feeling as if it was beating right up against him, left their mind speechless. What was this? Though it seemed that it was 'right' there, he already knew it was much farther then they realized.

"...Whatever that is, it's either a powerful kaor, or what we are looking for. Maybe both, I can feel it even from here." While speaking, a hand raised to their chest, feeling his own heartbeat just to make sure that what he felt wasn't it. Which it wasn't.

Sure enough, with three paths ahead of him, a few steps were taken and he stood to the entrance towards the 'right' path. Smirking they turned to the group, looking between Yu, Keitaro.

"Yu...Give your judgements, you are one of two occultists here, in the forest of occult...Give your thoughts on a way." Then their eyes flickered to Keitaro, speaking to him, "How long would it take to contact some spirits? I think that definitely might be a bit helpful, if you can do that without much trouble."

Even while speaking, they had settled upon their own path of the three, the right one, "But with nothing to go with, my vote is for the right path. Because...It must be right, right?"
(Eshmun Hirai)


Elyon Hirai says, "Mm... if it takes too long-- then we'll go with instincts. The hunches."
A holy magus within the dreadwoods, how.. fitting. She's spent many, many months within the Dreadwoods, exploring, poking around, taking it in, every pathway, every twist and turn, but this area is strangely unfamiliar to her. Tahldrig offered to come along to both Eshmun, a year ago, and Elyon when he asked more recently. She came to provide her friends with cover, support, a friendly smile, and a hand to hold if they got scared.

Slow breaths of increased length come from Tahl as she aims to calm her breathing. The various yokai that plagued this cursed place had left her and her friends winded.

As she looks over to her friends, a hand remains nearby her staff, just waiting for a danger to arise. There's something.. off, something peculiar with the area. The beating that vibrates through her ribs.. it almost feels like her heartbeat.. but its slightly different. It doesn't quite sync up with hers.

Had it not been for Tahldrigs constant proximity to the dreadwoods ever since she was fourteen, she'd likely be presenting the symptoms that she used to when her and Sima first started coming here. Dizziness, weakness, a churning stomach, and the ever lingering urge to vomit.

This journey, ultimately is Elyon's. So when he nodded to Keitaro, she nods as well. "Lets take things slow."
(Tahldrig)


Keitaro says, "It will not take long."

Keitaro says, "Spirits are often... very neglected."

Keitaro says, "They take on any opportunity to appear once more."

Eshmun Hirai asks, "I see...Yu?"

Eshmun Hirai says, "While you work on that."

Eshmun Hirai says, "I want to hear the instincts of the others..."

Eshmun Hirai asks, "Tahl, Yu, which way would you choose?"

Keitaro says, "I'll begin my work then."

Tahldrig says, "I'd choose left. The common choice would be to remain in a straight path, and the secondary choice would be the 'right' path because of how simple people can be at times."

Eshmun Hirai says, "Pff."

Eshmun Hirai says, "What a jab."

Elyon Hirai says, "Forward."

Eshmun Hirai asks, "Yu?"

Yu Heifang says, "Hm."
The magi closed his eyes, before flaring his aura as the dreadful presence about the occultist turned heavier.

It may have been suffocating for a non-magi, but with a party of powerful people beside him, it may just be an uncomfortable feeling.

However, he tried to follow that presence, whilst Keitaro attempted to seek for the right path.

"I don't know," he said, though he remained focused in an attempt to figure out what path emanated the seemingly most dangerous path. But, it /perhaps/ would only work if the presence origin is of the occult.

And it may not work at all.
(Yu Heifang)

An inhale.

He knew that he could not target specific spirits just yet, and this was mostly a call to those available nearby- to those restless souls that were wandering across the dark forests, to grant them voice and perhaps peace once more.

"O lost ones, hear my call."

"Heed to my call, for the living are in the need of your knowledge and guidance. Be our eyes, and you shall have a voice once more."

"I come with naught but a wish to grant you the peace you seek for."

There was a hope that it's what they were seeking for. To remain a lost essence in this terrible forest in your afterlife... certainly, no one would want that? And trained magi, after all, can grant them the spiritual catharsis that most would be seeking for.

A boon for boon.

The mana of budding Spiritmancer was working its way through the forest, extending life to the spirits he deemed most friendly by his own sensation. They certainly did not need more fighting.
(Keitaro)

Yu. Only because it's funny.

The path forward? Absolutely and ridiculously dangerous. There is a burst of Occult with every last beat of the heart you've been feeling that almost threatens to make you dive deeper into your own madness, however mastered or unmastered that might be.

You almost.. -Want- to go down this path.

Keitaro, when you try and seek out what might lay here in the Dreadwoods.. You're greeted with several "sixth sense" blips around you. Several weaker, lesser tormented souls..

But one floors you. To the path on the right, there is something wicked. Something disgusting in terms of spiritual pressure that causes you to hesitate momentarily. In this location, that was the selection on display.
[Narrate]

It's not as vivid of an answer as he could possibly get, but it's still something- for him, to personally know that the path to the right was a dangerous one, it would already imply that they shouldn't go there. Or... perhaps it was actually what they were looking for?

"I thank you, O spirit."

"Allow me to grant the rest that you seek."

The mana was spared for the lost soul that spoke to him, and even though the answer from spirit was vague, it's still something he wanted - and he would be a poor Spiritmancer to not hold up his end of a bargain.

As such, the spirit before him undergoes spiritual catharsis, eventually passing on with Keitaro's assistance.

"...The path to the right is flooded with some vile spiritual pressure."

"I would assume it might be Nethradin, or a collective of lost souls. It could be what we're looking for too, as I imagine what Elyon wants to get wouldn't be stored anywhere safe."

"In either case, the path to the right is not safe."
(Keitaro)

The occultist, though how calm his countenance have been so far, gritted his teeth.

It was akin to those voices, calling for him. Agitating the wrath and madness lurking deep within. He wanted to push forward, to meet what awaits. To bask himself in both carnage in blood; evident by the growing dreadful aura about him.

However, the presence of people around him allowed him to control that blood lust.

Thus, he warned the others after the Shenlong spoke. "And that path forward exudes the most unpleasant feeling," said Yu.

"And I'll let you all decide where to go."
(Yu Heifang)

Eshmun Hirai asks, "A...Vile pressure, Ely, show Kei the hilt, see if he thinks it might be a pressure similar to what that thing is like?"

Lips part, almost as if to say something, but they settle to a bit of close once Eshmun would speak. Not saying much else, the Hirai glanced back and forth between the Hilt, and the holy magus, but...

There's a sigh, and he'd reach out to grasp it-- a motion far, far from pleasant. Not with the his consciousness is assaulted with constant bursts of Occultic mana-- and screams nearly deafening out voices of outside world. Accompanied by the way colorless, pure sparks crackle about his form much more often than usual, though he'd only shake his head from one side to the other.

"Won't... recommend touching it-- unless it's really needed."

Mumbled outward, but he'd outstretch the thing in Keitaro's direction, anyway.

"Give it a shot, anyhow. Esh is right."
(Elyon Hirai)

Elyon Hirai drops Cursed Hilt.

Their attention fell to the paths, looking between the paths. A small shake of the head is given before they smirked and looked over at Tahl, "I think in most cases you would have chosen right Tahl." Their hand raised, pointing a finger to the leftmost pathway.

"Going by those two, that's the safest pathway...But like Kei said, we aren't really wanting the safest, we're looking for something that was tossed to things that are...Well, vile." As they spoke, their hand closed, their thumb extending outwards and pointing behind him.

"Which means we now need to decide, center or right of way." A small tilt of the head is given, looking down the path he was thinking of, "Unpleasant, or Vile, which do we choose is the real question....Or do we actually just choose safe."
(Eshmun Hirai)

To bear the connection with spirits would mean to be sensitive to the energies that surround you; when the hilt is passed over, he heeds the warning of not touching it, and that much he could understand - after all, he wasn't exactly willing to torment himself with whatever plagues of mental distress it would bring.

Unless absolutely needed.

Instead, he tries to pick out the sense that comes from this blade, and compare it to the one he felt just from that direction alone. Perhaps, it was the same... but if it were radically different, he hoped he could tell the difference.

The Shenlong remains in silence, doing just that.
(Keitaro)

Tahldrig remains in waiting this turn.
(Tahldrig)

Elyon Hirai picks up Cursed Hilt.

When Keitaro tries to sync up with the blade, he can almost certainly mirror the feeling he got here - To the path immediately center. When he tries to take in the feeling from the blade, it would feel as if several sharp needles hit his brain.

This hilt was, for lack of better words, -fucked.-
[Narrate]

This immediately unpleasant feeling caused him to reel back a little, unwilling to stay next to the sword any longer the moment he got the sensation that he wanted. It's a good thing that he wears a mask... because beneath it, there was an expression of absolute disgust that comes from him.

At least, he got the answer he needed.

"...It's the path to the center."

"I can feel similar energy coming from that direction. I would assume the blade awaits us there."
(Keitaro)

Elyon stares in the holy magus' direction for a couple more, longer moments, before he'd simply nod and strap the hilt to his back yet once again-- sparks of nullification always flaring about.
(Elyon Hirai)


Elyon Hirai says, "Alright, then. We're gonna follow that."

Yu Heifang says, "That path also reeks of occult. Every heartbeat, there is a flare of occultic mana."

Tahldrig says, "I'm ready when you guys are."

Eshmun Hirai says, "Center it is."

Eshmun Hirai says, "But now I'm left wondering..."

Eshmun Hirai says, "Whats down the right path."

Eshmun Hirai says, "Maybe we'll never know."
Elyon nods one last time, though no further words escape as he'd trudge along; steps slow and small.
(Elyon Hirai)


Elyon Hirai says, "Not the time to wonder, brother dearest."

... Standing before them is a large square of open ground. Like someone had dug a pitfall of a sort. Looking down the pitfall, hundreds of sharpened stakes point upwards. The path ahead of them, several wilting poppylus lay in wait.

The pitfall was five or so feet across.
[Narrate]

Eyebrows knit together as he'd shift about, ocean hues tracing past the pitfall present, and the path up ahead, but...

"Levitations can be used, but... don't think we have enough vials?"

Mumbled outward, and he'd shake his head from one side to the other.

"Esh; try a platform of ice. Make it thick and stable, alright?"
(Elyon Hirai)

A levitation potion was held out towards Elyon as Tahldrig rises into the air. "If we are to go over.. the pit.. instead of around it.. I can fly.. Elyon you can use this, Eshmun can ride the winds over it, Yu can fly.. but my concern is Keitaro. I don't know if he can fly.. even though it is a small pit.. something tells me that if we try to go over it, we'll find ourselves being pushed down."

A pit.. in the middle of the path.. it's too simple to be easy.

"I vote we go around.." No sense in someone accidentally falling into the pit.. she's seen Sugarboy fall off of a mountain due to a minor mis step..
(Tahldrig)

The pitfall was surprising. Why would anyone try and dig it out like that? To keep someone away?

Perhaps that was the case, though, before he makes any rash decisions, he glances to the rest. Maybe they had any bright ideas in this regard, or perhaps they've had anything that would make the matter easy for them all.

"Well-"

"I can quickly try to jump over, I suppose, though that feels risky. I don't exactly know how to fly... and at most, I could give myself a boost with wind magic."
(Keitaro)

The magi levitated into thin-air, though stopping short before the edge of the pitfall.

He stared down, lifting an eyebrow.

It was perhaps paranoia, or perhaps he was only ever so cautious, before pushing his palm against the stakes below. The mana about him flared, an obvious sign of someone charging a spell.

If not stopped, azure beam of raw mana would be sent down.
(Yu Heifang)

When Yu fires his beam - An explosion of mana occurs from what should've been free air - Open space.

Instead, an illusion is shattered and the beam of azure mana hits the floor, putting a crater in group that appears as soon as the pitfall illusion was broken.

... Damn it, Lies.
[Narrate]

Reaching the pitfall, after a bit of trudging, he confusedly looked upon it and tilted their head. Trying to see if anything had actually fallen and died down inside it...He'd just simply start walking the perimeter around it.

"It's...Really not exactly a big pit, I think, I don't think there is a need to fly or even truly try to go over it. My vote is with Tahl, simply just go around it and now we know, be wary for traps. If there was one of these, we can expect more of them."

Looking across it, they noticed the Poppylus and tilted their head at it. Right as he was about to actually just humour Elyon in the whole 'Ice platform' scenario however, they saw Yus mana flaring and a frown filled their face.

But no words were stated, instead he watched.
(Eshmun Hirai)

The magi remained silent, frowning before descending down upon the ground, a crater about the group.

He glanced to Elyon, perhaps he had any idea of what would lay ahead. A questioning gaze, perhaps of any clues from their previous destination.

The Heifang thought it would be risky to simply run ahead. And he believed it wouldn't be so surprising if they would meet similar things.

But, why illusion?
(Yu Heifang)

"That's..."

Words trail off, and all he could do is frown in the moment before his head shakes from one side to the other for the einth time. He didn't know what he was expecting.

"So... whatever it is-- it's intelligent, knows what people are afraid of, would avoid, and... it can do that. Illusions."

And if Yu's words from earlier held truth-- Occultist, as well.

"Suppose we'll just... get going. Not much to think of it."
(Elyon Hirai)

Extremely confused at everything, they just casually would step down on the...Hopefully solid land that was once an illusion, "Fucking illusions...Alright, so heres the deal...We need a person walking in the front and someone that can fly right behind them. For the simple reason of, what if instead of a pitfall, it was solid ground that turned into a pitfall?" Their eyes turned to look at the group, letting them know his thoughts on the matter.

Then without too much waiting, he'd start walking forward, "Alright, lets get going...Just keep an eye open, also Yu...Good job, I really didn't expect that to be an illusion." Slowly moving, taking the forefront for this little trek of the journey.

Though in reality he was taking the forefront to see if those Poppylus were illusions, or if there actually was some half-wilted Poppy that he could gather. Eshmun was an alchemist, they really needed the ingredients.
(Eshmun Hirai)

A brief nod is given from Keitaro.

He still couldn't exactly think of as to why it would be illusion, but someone had to maintain it - and that would mean someone ahead is probably still alive, and would most definitely resist their coming. But...

They didn't come here, expecting no challenge, did they?

"Let's proceed carefully, then."
(Keitaro)

Eshmun is on the ball.

As soon as he starts walking forward, the ground right before the poppylus phases below his fucking feet. Whatever illusion that Yu had blown up was meant to have people jump over it and fall into the real pitfall.

He starts to fall into the deadly pit. Various demons and skeletons lay below, but their bones had been picked clean of any and all flesh.

(D20 for you and Tahldrig for catching. Take the higher roll.)

Eshmun, you fall - You are caught by the last fucking inch of your clothes as Tahldrig swings you and throws you to the other side of the pit. Now that the illusion was popped, I'm going to assume the whole rest of the group can get to the other side now.

You're in a clearing now, surrounded by poppylus...

[Roll a D20.]



"..."

More illusions. It would seem that they would need to be exceedingly careful if they wanted to make it to the end without anything drastically bad happening. The death awaited at every corner, and with those injuries piling up...

One could only wonder what it could end up as.

"We should assume that anything could be illusion at this point."

He's sure that Tahldrig got Eshmun safe... or at least, he hopes so. The eyes of Shenlong dart around his surroundings, briefly scanning the area as he goes. None of this was safe at all.

"Pay attention to anything that may look suspicious, be it such falls, the gatherings of flowers or anything else."

With that said, he carefully makes his way to the other side. After all, they can't advance unless they decide to embrace this danger.
(Keitaro)

Tahldrig went to grab Eshmun's clothes, but unfortunately for him... she grabs a handful of hair! LUCKY for him though, Tahldrig doesn't rely on brute strength. Gravity weakens around him, and a gust of wind comes to propel him upwards and swing him out of the pit.

There's a chill that runs down her spine, one she's felt only a few times before, each time Sima has been in danger.. spidey senses and all.

"Just a feeling.. a big feeling.. get away from the trees and stay away from them.." Most of the group here knows Tahldrig to some degree, it's not all that common for her to say something like that without a proper reason, even if she doesn't state it.

She doesn't really wait for everyone to move on their own, she's got two hands, they dart out to grab Elyon and Eshmun to pull them away from the trees. Evil trees... creepy trees.. little balls of yuck.. angrytrees.. spooky trees... run.. run.. run...
(Tahldrig)

"Fuckin--"

Word escapes in a rush-- hushed, and he didn't particularly care before almost jerking forward all the while-- had it not been for Tahldrig managing to save his elder in the nick of time-- barely, if anything.

Still for a couple more, longer moments, and then he'd only let a faint, albeit deep sigh outward.

"Kraus... good save, Tahl."

Voice is a tad shaky, but he'd remain silent otherwise, quietly making his way around the pitfall and onto the clearing now, hands slipped inside his pockets all the same.

"Yeah... can't trust a single damn thing-- but let's not get too explosive, either, Yu. A more subtle checking's better next time around."

With that, should the rest of the group be ready, he'd trudge along ever so slightly-- steps slow and small. Carefully. A nod is offered at Tahl's words, however.
(Elyon Hirai)

He sighed in relief as Tahldrig managed to grab Eshmun in time.

Flying right behind the group, he briefly glanced upon the fleshless abominations down the pit.

"Rest," he said as he pointed his staff down, shooting a ball of energy magic. And as he passed by, there was a loud explosion before rejoining the party. Though, he could not tell if they had survived or not.

And upon Tahldrig's words, he only nodded his head.
(Yu Heifang)

Almost embracing the fall, as they were dropping from the sudden approach...Ice was already forming on the ground of their being like an armour. It was their attempt to take the spikes that laced the bottom of the pit...But before it was ever needed, a grasp on his strong, thick, and especially long hair keeps him from fully going down!

"...Ahahaha!" Nervously he laughed, being saved was no issue, as this was exactly why he chose to be in the front with someone behind him keeping watch. But as they were returned to the actual ground. His eyes sharpened, their mind already set on the next thing to do, if these are just illusions everywhere...It seems Yu may have had the right idea at the start with using magic.

"Be wary of the trees you say?...Alright, lets make sure there is no more bloody illusions." Brush immediately pulled fromtheir back, it was slammed into the ground and all around already thin crystal-esque icicles were forming. Each one shimmered, momentarily, before he just began launching them at the ground ahead, the trees nearby.

Though they were admittedly a bit annoyed at what had happened, he really just wanted to make sure there was no more illusions around them.

"I already despise illusions."
(Eshmun Hirai)

The trees start to crackle and twist, quite literally. They snap in places that trees shouldn't do on their own. The world starts to fizzle and blur around them, and once more an illusion breaks free. Several trees wear crimson eyes, and jagged teeth made of slinters and huge spikes arise. Tearing themselves up from the floor, roots pull and twist as the clearing they'd made it to was now surrounded in these twisted treants.

Corrupted with concentrated amounts of force, they screech out before attempting to swarm the group. In the back of their heads, the beating of the heart has grown stronger.

With each pulse of the Dreadwood's heart - The crimson eyes on the trees gets that much more malevolent.
[Narrate]



At some point, this was to be expected.

The presence of so many magi shouldn't go unnoticed for so long. When he begins to hear the crackle and twist in the distance, he already prepares himself- the features of Shenlong crackle with electricity, the lightning becomes polarized in the air and directed towards the trees as a whole.

"Push them back!"

This was no old Keitaro. This was no naïve boy that would seek non-violent solutions when violence is clearly what he's presented with- instead, he's amidst the ones most pro-active to already begin the battle, and it's not too long before the cage of lightning appears massively all around the trees.

All to keep them at bay.

It was the mastery of the storms through the sheer power of lightning he possessed; it's flawed in its own right, but this is the best that he could do. As everything seems to come to life, he would fight back - both against the monstrosity incoming and the beating of Dreadwood's heart that he was hearing.
(Keitaro)

When Tahldrig attempted to snatch him away from the trees, he had let her. Keeping his distance and not venturing anywhere close to them, until-- Eshmun went wild with those icicles, tossing them onto literally anything nearby, and specially the woods.

There's a bit of shift, and then another, nervous one. Even before the greenery starts to twist, his hand reaches out for the mythril staff there, ready-- and the hunch was correct this time around.

More illusions fade away, and demonic creatures reveal themselves-- forests of crimson vision and fangs. As the screeches break through the dreadful silence, all Elyon could do was find the way pure, colorless sparks crackle even louder.

He'd lower himself, getting into a proper stance-- the beating of a pulsating heart was no longer inaudible amidst all the other sounds, and just like that, for a moment there, the world around quite literally fades into black and white.

"...guess we're chopping some."
(Elyon Hirai)

"Looks like you were right," he said, addressing Tahldrig.

The magi lifted his spear before ascending up so high.

"Then, let's dine in hell tonight," said the magi and grinned as tendrils of darkness protruded from his back.

His spear shimmered in blue as he pointed it to one of the treants.

The same azure beam shot forward, albeit thicker than the previous one he casted. However, the usual raw mana was tainted with bits of purple and black.
(Yu Heifang)

Just in the nick of time! Angry trees indeed! A delighted grin forms upon her face it's time to party. What appeared to be dozens of trees began to uproot themselves and begin to surround them.

She gives a brief glance to the group before she begins to slowly turn her gaze upon the trees.

'Here we go Skine, it's time to begin cleansing this forest, one tree at a time.' she says to her star as a strange feeling begins to leak out from her.

Cosmic energies began to cascade over her shoulders, coating her in a free flowing water-like mixture of blue and yellow swirling energies. The feeling that leaked out? The cold, unknowing, endless expanse that surrounds her star.

"Stay on your toes boys, there's a bunch-a 'em" A small giggle follows her words, she may normally take a passive approach, but there's something... brilliant about fighting that she's grown to love.
(Tahldrig)

Loudly, they were still sending ice in every direction. But as the trees start to literally writhe in movement, his smile brightened, "I don't know Ely! I think Yu was onto something, a bit of brute force might be needed for situations like this...So I say lets brute force these things down." Steam began whisking itself from his body, their eyes growing ever so brighter.

It really was expected to at some point find another monster that they were facing against, but did they expect it to be a tree? Not really, did they like trees though? Not really again.

"Hah, no need to push them back...Instead I think it's time to show them what a magi can do." All the while he talked, their heart was racing faster, their grip on the brush tightening as their readiness for battle was practically palpable.

An energy was pulsating in his body and it called upon him to actually use a bit of it, so while laughing loudly...They were already ready to go at it.
(Eshmun Hirai)


You have received an INJURY:

Name: "Shattered Shoulder"

Desc: Moving to intercept a massive Occult wave meant to turn Tahldrig to dust, Keitaro took the entire weight of the attack to his shoulder. The bone was broken in multiple pieces.

Inflictor: Escaping Light [DM]

Class: TEMPORARY

Duration: Medium (4 days) (-20% VIT)






You have received an INJURY:

Name: "Occult Burns"

Desc: Keitaro's legs and arms have suffered extensive burns from the blazing power here in the Occult forest.

Inflictor: Escaping Light [DM]

Class: TEMPORARY

Duration: Short (1 day) (-20% VIT)



By the end of it-- it was almost like every single one of those pieces of shitty timber wanted his soul. Chasing relentlessly and just refusing to diver their focus-- needless to say; he maintained distance. Running, dashing, and attacking from a reasonable range all while Occultic shields, as well as abilities of Nullification continued defend him so--

--until he'd, well, quite literally stumble over and strain his ankle. Fortunately-- the fight was over by then.

Not saying much else, the Hirai groaned to himself, reaching out for that jar of Lax, if only to apply it quickly, or so.

"Are you all okay...?"

It's mumbled outward by the time he'd stand back up-- in a bit better condition than before. At least the searing pain was relieved to some degrees.
(Elyon Hirai)

Elyon Hirai drinks a Lax Essence!

This was a throwback to the times when he had his leg broken.

A monstrosity that the group fought, and the countless minions that would come about, trying to kill them on spot. While it's difficult to resist such power, the aspiring Shenlong always held onto spirits that would allow him to retain his fighting prowess no matter what. With each passing moment, every time he neared the monster, the Occultic burns were sizzling against his skin, trying to bring him down.

But he wouldn't surrender so easily.

The blood was leaving its marks all over, and while he fought, he noted the danger that others were in- throughout the entirety of the fight, he was on the lookout, all to make sure that nobody else gets hurt - or at least, that pain is something minimal, something they would recover from relatively easy.

Unfortunately, the attack against Tahldrig seemed anything but that.

"Tahl! Look out!"

But there was no time, was there? In a flash of lightning, he pushed her out of the way from the Occult wave that was meant to disintegrate her- although he pondered on getting out himself, he realized that it was far, far too late for that. All he could do is brace himself.

The scales of dragon covered him, amplified by protection of holy magic. And still...

Crack, snap.

A short gasp left him, and he clutched his shoulder as he was flung away. The others would finish off the monstrosity, but he held onto the apparently bloodied area, his teeth inevitably gritting. This hit may have been a little too rough.

"...I can't move my arm."

Taking a stand, he maintained his grip on it. Although he had a look of concern on his face... the mask betrayed nothing.
(Keitaro)

From the sky, he fell crashing to the ground, like a bird with its wings cut off.

He roared in rage as he held his head with one hand.

"Not here. Not yet," he said as he shivered, gritting his teeth as wrtah and pain bore through his veins.

"The lax," he muttered under his breath, scrambling through the hidden pockets of his cloak.

"Lax, where is it," said the Heifang as he shivered, before finally reaching out for it and gulping it down.

It subsided a little, the madness that would soon consume him. However, he resisted as he stood up from a knee, glancing to the others. He was glad they were fine.

Eyes evidently showing animalistic rage.

"If everyone's okay, let's go," he said.
(Yu Heifang)

It was a real fight, as they pushed forth with burning icicles slamming into the treant. But all it took was one bad time, as in the midst of their worry for the group, he had found himself scooped into its mouth, nearly crushed to death before their being turned into mist and barely dodged what would be a fatal blow.

Their spirit screamed deep inside them as they finally fused back into one being, turning to get ready to go against the tree. That was until he noticed that it had finally fallen, but...The wounds that covered his companions made him wary.

It all looked so bad, the broken limbs of Keitaro, the messed up mind of Yu, the lax applying Elyon, "...I did not bring Lax on this trip, I'll tell you all that now, for a simple reason." With that said, as everything...Seemed clear around them, Eshmun reached into their satchel that was still A-Okay from it all.

"I brought my portable cauldron this time, to make Lax on the go." Sure enough, they'd reach into the bag and take out a thin sheet of metal, that after he played with it for a second would open up and become a very small cauldron-like bowl. Perfect for mixing Lax in!

"I'll work on this momentarily, while we...Get ready to move forward." Already with a vigor that fit Eshmun, they started to throw venom and cylion into the cauldron together alongside some special home spices.

There it was mixed with his other hand, while they began looking around the wreckage of the tree...Something must've been left of the super evil tree, be it some amazing evil lumber or not.
(Eshmun Hirai)

This tree... is tough! Must be made of dwarven wood! Cosmic magics rain down upon the area aiming to rip the trees apart. It's.. chaotic, a battle of this level. Some of the strongest magi that Tahldrig knows are here. Elyon, herself, Eshmun,Keitaro, and Yu too! The guy she knows nothing about, he proves to be very strong himself!

Even still the trees are able to withstand many of their attacks, between Tahldrig's summoning of the vast expanse of the universe down upon the very field, Elyon's terrific control over his occult and his mastery of his lightning. Eshmun with his control over the elements, and Keitaro with... well.. to be honest, Tahldrig couldn't really see what magic Keitaro was using, she could feel his holy energies, but there was just too much going on on the field to notice what else.

Tahl does admittedly still get a bit distracted, keeping an eye on Elyon and Eshmun, mostly Elyon. As a surge of lightning rushes through both of the brothers and herself she hears a yell from her side. In a flash of lightning, she felt something crash into her shoulder, sending the tiny little girl sprawling to the side. "Kei!" she shouted in return as she claps her hands together, sending a small wave of holy mana over him to try and protect him.

She gets off the ground seeing that the tree is now... gone.. "Damnit Keitaro… Thank you." At least Keitaro hasn't forgotten what it means to be a hero.. to risk yourself for another. She makes her way over to Keitaro and says "Hold still, this is going to hurt, I don't have my stuff with me but we've enough here to make it work."

Since he can't move his arm, it's bound to be his shoulder. "Combine your holy energies with mine and focus them into your shoulder, focus their healing capabilities into the very fragments and fibers there. I'll be moving the pieces back into place. We don't have anything we can really make a good splint.. but I can give you SOME support." She looks around for a second then grabs four small, but thick sticks. Like giant pickles.

She reaches over to the sleeve of her shirt and as a hand is placed upon the shoulder, Keitaro would feel the familiar presence of holy mana rushing into that area. The nerves begin to feel blocked, heavy maybe, as if a blanket was placed over them and they'd been wrapped up like little babies. Put to sleep to end the majority of the pain.

They don't exactly have time to linger around forever, not with the threats looming within the area, so Tahldrig sends a bit of lightning mana in as well, allowing it to fuse with her holy magic to dart off of Keitaro's magic. The large sticks are placed, two on the front, two on the back of Keitaro's shoulder now that the bones had been put back in place. The cloth? Used to bind the large sticks to the shoulder. It's not perfect, but it will work for now. A field splint, about as rough as one can get within the woods.
(Tahldrig)

None of it felt pleasant.

But what won't you do for your friends? Even if Shenlong was thrown aside so many times by those he called friends... again and again, he would risk himself for others. To some, it may look like insanity, a deathwish - but somewhere deep inside, Keitaro still remained heroic. It's just...

… it's just the life doesn't allow heroes to shine.

A heavy, ragged breath, and all he could do is nod to Tahldrig's instructions. When she comes about to treat his wound, he does his best to channel his own holy energies, all to make sure that this would be an easier, quicker effort; despite that, the Shenlong was still covered in myriad Occultic burns, no doubt the result of his fight.

He was warned that this would be dangerous. But did he mind? Not in the slightest.

"Thank you..." A tiniest of the mutters, and the drowsiness from blocked reception of his nerves was sinking in; he'd only close his eyes for a moment, bearing with the pain and discomfort that he was to experience. Shoulder fractures usually become a big mess - but he was able to endure it. Besides, it was made easier.

If only after treatment, his breath gets lighter and he opens his eyes.

Standing up, despite the burns covering his body, he gazed at the rest of the group. A glance was paid to the shoulder cast made for him, before he spoke out.

"..We should keep going."

"The longer we linger around here, the more the chance we'll be attacked again."
(Keitaro)

There's a bit of wince as he'd move along, foot pressed and somewhat aching agains the grounds underneath there. He was hitting a new low-- actually slowing down from an ankle sprain, but...

Concerned, occean hues flicker over to Keitaro and Tahldrig, observing the medical procedure, and-- at least they were safe. Both of them. Whatever little injuries Kei had left... Eshmun could surely handle them.

"You know what? Fuck trees..."

It's mumbled outward by the time he rejoins the group, gaze canted over to the side, towards Yu all the same. It wasn't hard to sense the spiking Occultic presence-- and neither was it hard to notice the minor, faint symptoms of manic behavior.

He has been through similar, after all.

Colorless sparks flicker with the step closer.

"Yu... calm, okay? Don't dip too much into negative..."

Not that he could help it in the moment, but-- he'd shift about yet once again, glancing towards Tahldrig yet once again, lingering, as if to make sure she wasn't injured, before he'd find the masked magus, nodding.

"Yeah... let's keep moving-- the more we stay, the worse these fucked up illusions become. Don't pressure that arm too much, though."
(Elyon Hirai)

He only gripped his fist as cold eyes stared at Elyon. That gaze he must particularly be familiar with. It was not hate against the Hirai, but the urge to control the occultic fit.

The Heifang only nodded his head, gritting his teeth as he moved forward.
(Yu Heifang)

Elyon only nods back, ever so slowly... asking for aid from Keitaro, or Tahldrig would likely only make it worse-- and all Elyon could do was stick close, and hope Yu doesn't end up flipping... or well, hope that he can prevent it so. He had been there, too.
(Elyon Hirai)

Constantly Eshmun was mixing Lax essence in his cauldron, "So glad this time I decided to bring this thing...Last time no lax was a bad idea." Already he had finished one batch, passing it over to Keitaro, while another bit of it was stuffed all over his own wounds.

"So...Shall I take the front again while we move deeper in?" Even while speaking, they were already on the move, icicles forming in the air above them and slamming down into the ground a few feet in the direction they were going to be walking. Probably.

"If so...I'm just going to continuously fire off some icicles to make sure I don't step into anymore illusions. Don't want to fall into one again, you know?" Keeping up their bright visage, the man was ready to take the lead oncemore and bring the others deeper in.

Also he found some Cylion while searching the place, that was pretty cool.
(Eshmun Hirai)


Elyon Hirai says, "Just... try to be a bit more careful-- and subtle; instead of blasting things along."
Elyon nods, though he'd wait for the rest of the group before following behind Eshmun. Onward, they go.
(Elyon Hirai)

All that Keitaro offers is a nod of gratitude once he's given the lax essence. For now, he begins applying it over his burns - after all, it would be better off for him to actually be prepared better for the last fight they're about to take.

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

Still, the crossroads again. He gives a squint to the both, and briefly exclaims in that regard.

"Do I call upon the spirits again, or do we just trust someone's feelings?"
(Keitaro)


Eshmun Hirai says, "I'm voting right, again."

Tahldrig says, "I say left."

Elyon Hirai says, "Left. Unless we're calling spirits."

Eshmun Hirai says, "Always a contrarion."

Keitaro says, "Well, as they say..."

Keitaro asks, "If nothing goes right, go left?"

Elyon Hirai says, "Well... things definitely ain't going right, so-- yeah."

Yu Heifang says, "Left."

Eshmun Hirai says, "But they also say if nothing goes right, go left, unless you just got attacked by a tree, then go right."

Eshmun Hirai says, "...It's a common saying."

Eshmun Hirai says, "I swear."

Keitaro says, "Hmmmm."
Eshmun goes left.
(Eshmun Hirai)


Tahldrig says, "Left itis."
Elyon moves left.
(Elyon Hirai)

Tahldrig goes to the left, yes, the left.
(Tahldrig)


Elyon Hirai says, "...my ankle hurts."
The path less travelled.

When the group turns left, they start to find themselves stepping over giant trees that had since been felled and broken into pieces. Several corpses of Giga demons and Elemental demons lay pinned against trees with spears of what looks like crystal coming from their arms and chests.

Shards of crystals lay on the ground as well, as the beating heart only seems to get louder and louder and louder. Holy magi, your training starts to be put to the test. You're naesuated, you're in pain. Your vision is even getting blurry.

Occultists- Your training is also put to the test. You want to follow it, you want to let lose and become the base instincts your Occult wants to shove onto you. You want to go buck wild.

.. In front of them- Lies a clearing that must've spread out for a quarter mile in width- And in the very center- A horrendously massive Kaor lay asleep. If one looked up, it seemed like a storm was brewing. From its horns, lightning seems to spark and trail off of its body alone.

The apparent presence of something foul blurs his vision, and while he's definitely as enduring as he could ever be, there's something about this all that just doesn't sit right with him- to feel this nauseated, this much pain... it's clear that they're coming to the area of Occult that they were initially described.

The center of what they were looking for.

Amidst it all, there was a massive Demon. And you know, while Keitaro doesn't really swear often, just this time--

"That is one big motherfucker."

Even someone like him had to say it, and you'd wonder what it'd be like for the other folk. Though, he can't help but look at the fact that he possessed apparent affinity to lightning... and that sparked up a desire in Keitaro.

To rob that power.

"This might sound absolutely crazy, but..."

"I want that thing taken down. Plus, Elyon's goal is likely over there."
(Keitaro)

Strained while slowly moving, having literally no issue with the entire place...Unlike everybody else in the party, it was just a nice painful stroll, that had some scenery of pinned demons and the beating growing ever more ominous.

Sure enough, as soon as they reached what seemed to be an edge of a clearing. Their view stared forth, at the rather horrendously massive kaor resting asleep.

No words were spoken immediately, but as the one in the front of the group, they turned around and held a hand up to calm the rest of the troupe...At least, he did that and then noticed the strange expressions everyone was making.

Some were nauseated, others were...Well, Yu was definitely looking grim, "...Looks like this will be a...Tough match, since I have a feeling we need to get past this thing, like Keitaro said."

While speaking, deep inside their chest, their heart began beating along with the rhythm, a strange feeling sprouting up in Eshmun as a vigour was still trying to be used...Wanting to be used and let out against worthy enemies.

"I agree with taking it down, votes." They held back the feeling however, their mind instead drifting to group solidarity.
(Eshmun Hirai)

A groan escapes Tahldrig.. that feeling, the sickening feeling of occult.. overpowering occult.. well.. nearly. Tahldrig, unlike most other holy magi, has gotten to tinker around with something far, far more potent. Death magic itself on quite a few occasions.

Her stomach still churns, and her vision blurs, but it's.. still manageable, nothing like the raw feeling that death magic left her with, as if it was eating away at her soul.

Maybe that's why she's not in too much pain, or at least.. doesn't look like she is. She's always been rather good at hiding how she feels. It's lead her to some pretty awkward situations.

Her eyes go wide as she looks at the massive kaor.. she could probably see every corner of Agartha is she stood on that things head!

"Yep.. lets take it down, maybe bring part of it home as a trophy." she says with a nod.
(Tahldrig)

The heartbeat pounded harder, and upon the sight of the Kaor, the occultist fell on a knee with both hands on his head.

And then, it was still. There was no presence of the occult, as the Heifang grew oddly silent.

"I can't," he whispered, and his hearing dulled.

"I can't anymore," said the magi as his voice grew weak, as if one who truly gave up on life.

"Witness my wrath."

The magi's voice called out as he vanished from where he previously knelt as a crater form.

"WITNESS DESPAIR!"

And with that, the tendrils on his back grew even longer, as occult tainted azure mana flared about his being.

Blood ran down his cheeks as the occult completely overwhelmed him, the presence of alarming dread coalescing in the area.

The Heifang aimed his spear against the Kaor's chest.
(Yu Heifang)

With every next step, the marble sparks about his body flare wilder, and he could easily spot the numerous, scattered corpses of demons there-- pinned and assaulted by what could only be some sort of crystal.

They were getting closer, and it's evident by the way each of them reacted. Wordlessly does a single hand plop down onto Tahl's shoulder at the groan, briefly so. He wasn't as competent as someone like Reito, or Noel... he couldn't keep the corrupted sensations off of others, but--

The pulsating sounds at the back of his head echo that much harder, as well, and-- there's a certain temptation that he can't help but notice. To move further, to let himself loose... and it'd have been far more effective if it wasn't for his own mastery-- not with the way the pure electricity zips about, and grasses in his wake dissipate into a colorless hue.

The urges were controlled-- nullified and kept at bay. He was in command here-- over his magic, not the other way around.

Though...

"Yu-- Yu. Easy... regulate your core-- anything that binds you to who you are. Any memory you trea--"

Of course it wouldn't in time-- and Elyon barely had any time to react before a goddamned spear is lunged towards the Kaor's chest. Panic is more than evident across his features when he'd reach out for that staff.

"Fuck-- fuck, fuck's sake." they could've taken the smarter approach, but-- "Prepare-- Kei is right anyway; let's bring that bitch down!"
(Elyon Hirai)

What should've been perhaps a little more organized-

Turns into a showtime brawl as they move to charge down the beast. It's eyes snap wide open and a roar follows suit while a spear crashed right into its chest.

They would realize just how much of a mistake that was as it rose up to its full height. Larger than the temple in Gehenna, it roared outwards and threatened to knock them over with a stomp to the ground. The clouds above weren't thundering because of the climate.

They were thundering because of this beast's presence. Lightning starts to fall from the sky in droves as crimson lightning washed over its form completely. And its eyes were set on one man and one man only - Yu.

With one swing of its blade, air pressure that could shatter bones was sent in their direction. The beat of the heart still thumps in their ears.
[Narrate]


You have received an INJURY:

Name: "Short Circuit"

Desc: Keitaro fought head on with the beast. His lightning, against its lightning. Taking a brutal discharge of electricity, his brain was fried just a little too hard. Keitaro's movements and his thoughts are moving at about a second of delay. .. Extremely temporary, this injury is nothing short of debilitating.

Inflictor: Escaping Light [DM]

Class: TEMPORARY

Duration: Short (1 day) (-20% VIT)

This fight was definitely even tougher than the one before.

Though, to think that they were this close to actually dying... if this had carried on any longer than it should have, then perhaps their wounds would become just too much to bear with; even on his own, Keitaro felt his body slowly giving in to the constant battering attacks of the Kaor Demon that confronted them.

All he had on his mind was to hang on for as long as he can.

The toil and sweat were apparent, and with each attack unleashed against the Demon, he felt as if breaking his hands against nothing less but a mountain. Just for how long this beast remained here? For how long it was feeding, growing stronger and stronger, only to be confronted by this group?

Even if this would take his all, he would push it.

To fight him head on is all he knew; the clash of lightning led him to discharging excessive amounts of electricitythat belonged to him, all against that which Demon held within his own reserves- and while that, amidst other pushes, was able to take down the Demon, there's palpable scream that echoes briefly once the Demon's own lightning reaches the Shenlong.

No matter his defences, he wasn't prepared for that.

And yet again, he's flung against the ground. The electricity pierces through him, and...

… he stares, confused.

If it wasn't for his mask, one could see an absolutely dumbfounded expression on Keitaro's face; it's a mix of concussion, of being stunned, and genuine lack of realization of where he is. Soon enough, he actually comes back to his senses - except there's an apparent slow function, as things take longer for him to process.

"...We won?"

It's almost like he's unsure whether there was a fight in the first place...
(Keitaro)

And the party was able to slay the Kaor.

The occultist, from a distance on the ground, was writhing in pain. He drowned in his own blood, and found his chest and left arm burned by intense lightning. He couldn't move, and as the extreme pain swallowed him, it only fed his occult.

However, there was no target he could push his wrath against, added by the fact he could not wield his magic due to the pain and injuries suffered.

'Yu, catch,' a voice called out as he could feel his consciousness fading.

"Ah, I forgot I had this," he said and tried to remain awake, and as if by miracle, there was an elixir on his palm.

It was the same elixir he was provided by the twins earlier.

He gulped it down, and not only did his injuries heal, the overbearing madness in his mind was cleared away. At least to the point he could control.

Thus, he stood up, wiping away the blood on his lips, before joining the party.
(Yu Heifang)

This was hectic one-- Yu's attack did opposite of what attacks generally do... hurt-- or weaken an opponent, that is. Amidst all the chaos, the plethora of spells, and everything else being thrown about-- he found himself maintaining distance yet once again, attacking from a range and utilizing his defensive abilities to their fillest, if anything.

Not that it helped that much-- the demon was fast; faster than he could imagine, and-- as a single bolt of lightning comes crashing down, his mind went completely blank. Instincts kick in-- and when facing off against the gigantic spell, all he could do was shift towards flight instead of fight.

The Hirai narrowly manages to dodge it so-- but it came at a cost. The static practically slices through his midsection; a neat cut laced with agony. Even when Elyon pushed on until the end-- until his own, azure spark tore the sky open and aided in bringing down the hulking beast... by the conclusion? He couldn't help but collapse momentarily.

Breaths are heavy-- ragged all the same, and eyes half closed. A single hand upon the wounded area, and so when his voice does escape-- it's barely audible.

"Fuck--"

A single hand is about to reach for yet another potion and pop it down, and yet it's somehow numb in the moment. The pain was searing, to say the least.
(Elyon Hirai)

Fighting, their vigor was admirable, as they pushed forth against the enemy. Constant clashing seared electricity through their body, their nerves and wounds growing ever more worse with every movement. It was all actually going fairly well against the Kaor, until it all went so wrong.

Thunder was basically striking down upon everyone, other then himself. Which...In the back of Eshmuns mind, he was tempted to say out loud of how he was feeling left out of getting hit.

But they didn't, and instead...As a blast was about to slam down upon Tahl, he rushed forth, slamming his body against her and sending them sprawling back away. Sure enough, their entire body took the brunt of the bolt and he was left standing there, looking extremely...Bloody.

Two gashes now practically split his body, one down the back, another down the front where burnt flesh protruded and blood pooled beneath him.

Practically dead from taking the blows, while Elyon was finishing the beast, the oldest twin was very slowly moving their one working hand into the barely holding up satchel at their side.

With no help needed, they would very, very slowly bring it up to their mouth, biting down onto what was literally the glass bottle and shattering it. Sure enough, with it open that way, the life saving liquid inside of it soared down his throat and flowed into his body.

On the outside, all the wounds would start closing, his outer skin slowly weaving together as over time...All the wounds that had once covered him formed back together and standing there with no signs of any wounds other then the dried blood...Was Eshmun!

"I was really feeling left out of the lightning strikes..." Brightly smiling, even while feeling the leftover pain of it all, the man would start helping everyone else out, since it was all over.

"Who feels like they need to take their healing potion...Or Going at it with a lax?" Sure enough, while talking he was also gathering up the small knick-knacks and even saw Keitaro pick up a stone.

No words were spoken about it and instead, he just watched form a distance while looking at everyone to see exactly how well they were doing.
(Eshmun Hirai)

Elyon should remember how badly he used to kick Tahldrig around.. with his stupid hellstorm magic.. it's a weakness of hers.. a rather glaring one.

Despite the universe raining down once again, Tahldrig finds herself being overpowered. Whether it's the dizziness, the nausea, or the distraction that the pain provides, she's not able to keep out of the reach of the lightning giant.

Her holy magics are slapped away as if she were a mere child, which comparatively to the paragon.. perhaps she is. Just when she's about to feel the pain.. feel the thunder dome itself.. Eshmun.. he gets in the way.. what is it with these boys and protecting her, she can kick all of their asses! She doesn't NEED protection.. She came here to help them, but it's more like they're... helping her.

"Eshmun.. you dumby.. but thank you..."M/font>

As she gets off the dang ground she scrambles over to Elyon. There's a large gash over his stomach. She may not have much.. but she's always got a needle and thread on her..

"Ely, I'm sorry.. this is gonna burn.. Don't have my normal pain killers.." Is she waiting for him to accept her healing willingly though? Hah, not a chance. The plant fiber thread is quickly fed through the needle and her left hand takes Elyon's. "You're going to hold my shoulder, and you're going to squeeze when it hurts. Don't worry about hurting me, I can handle it."

She places that hand upon her shoulder and then goes to work. Little by little, centimeter by centimeter, Elyon's belly is brought back to one piece. She's going to be one bloody damned doctor after they get back home.. that much is for fucking sure.

Since Elyon DOES likely squeeze due to the pain she squints a bit, aiming to make the process as fast as possible. The plant fibers themselves do contain a few relaxing herbs that would numb the pain a little.. but.. that's only after the thread is already in the skin. The needle and thread make their way across the entirety of the gash and she ties off the thread, there's a small tug, and the plant fibers snap. At least it's one less injury to worry about.. she doesn't know ho much longer they have to go.

"Done.. you guys.. please be careful.. if I get hurt it's okay. I'll be fine." she says as she first looks at Elyon and then around to everyone else.
(Tahldrig)

His hands are still shaky as they reach out for the potion there, and would've actually went for it had it not been for Tahldrig's voice which finds his senses. There's a warning of pain, and he prepared it so-- jaw clenched and eyes squeezed shut, until--

--she practically starts stitching him back together. Without any painkillers-- without any anesthesia, or the numbing potions for that matter. And it's more than agonizing to say the least. Even amidst the clenched mouth, muffled groans do escape outward-- and his digits clench in, squeezing with enough strength to break three different bones in any non-magi shoulder-- if not outright shatter it, despite him being incredibly weakened.

Even if she aided with holy magic... it felt far from pleasant, and he'd remain there, laying and breathing hard after all of it was over-- for a couple more, longer moments ,or perhaps minutes, until shaky motions find him pulling back upward. Legs still tremble, for obvious reasons.

"Let's..."

An abrupt pause, accompanied by just the sharpest inhale.

"...let's get going-- don't see the blade anywhere yet... we're probably not there yet."

Fuck; just how long will they have to trek?
(Elyon Hirai)

When the Lightning Titan had eventually fallen down towards the party, it is their collective effort that does not have them absolutely obliterated by its collapsing force. It falls onto trees towards the right, collapsing a titanic amount of trees over as the beating of the heart starts to grow annoying.

It is in their chest, it is in their head. Every pulse of the heart in the Dreadwoods made their heads throb. It is only when they push forward for thirty more minutes in the direction that the titan had fallen does Eshmun and Tahldrig spot something far away..

.. Sitting in the center of a massive grove, there is a ray of moonlight that breaks through the storming clouds above. Cast down upon something in the center of that final grove.. It looked like a black, crimson tinted blade. Shattered in some manner, it is only then..

.. When they see something move on the tree at the furthest end of the Dreadwoods. This utterly massive tree rises high up into the sky and breaks past the normal treeline. An amalagamation of purple and bright red flesh throbs together upon this tree. A literal heart is protruding from the Dreadwood tree that seemingly lay in the center of the entire grove..

And it is here where the most sinister feeling arises. They had made it, as the Heart of the Dreadwoods pulses eeriely upon the tree.
[Narrate]

For how long it would really go on?

But he agreed to this challenge when he said he'd come with them, did he not? Besides... Keitaro wanted to become something stronger in his own right, and there was no better opportunity than something like this. It would be giving him something to do, something to grow upon, something to learn from.

And eventually, make him greater.

Despite the throb of Dreadwood's heart, despite the annoyance it causes, he pushes on; it is then he spots the sword resting in there, with the large tree and the literal heart beating in it. It felt... disturbing to a degree, but Keitaro had already witnessed worse in the past, hadn't he?

"...The first time I'm seeing something like this."

It is all he could mutter. If there was anyone who should align the hilt and the blade, it would be Elyon; as such, he turns his gaze towards him, and briefly speaks up.

"Go on, then."

"The sword should be yours. But beware of any traps - this thing looks... alive. It might be up to something."
(Keitaro)

He felt the throb, as if it was his own heart.

He felt his head ache, before closing his own eyes.

He felt his soul seemingly wishing to escape off his being.

And he flashed his eyes open, silver eyes cast upon the blade- then to the Dreadwood tree.

"Go," he said as he readied his spear.

"We have your back," said the Heifang, before gritting his teeth. It was getting to him yet again, for it was even stronger. And he was furious, how such magic could force him to a breaking point.

Pride and wrath consumed him as he waited.

He could feel it, the voice of carnage.
(Yu Heifang)

The beast gone.. the trees fallen.. the irritating thumping within her ribs.. Kraus what is it.. what are they doing to run into next. Her face scrunches with each throbbing pulse of her head. They have to keep going though, their surely almost done.

There.. in the distance, her eyes dart over towards the ray of moonlight, the ones Nyx adores so much for his magic. "Over here!" she says as she points towards the clearing. She begins to head that way wanting to just flick her fingertips and use her magic to lure the blade away.. Gravity.. wind.. lightning used to attract.. surely that would work.

There's not time though. She sees something in the distance, growing taller and taller as if it's a mountain ready to burst fourth from the very ground beneath their feet. It is not earth, not as she originally thought, purple and red fleshy bits can be seen stringing together the creature. It hadn't suddenly sprung up.

It was there all along, hidden from their vision.

"Be careful guys... it isn't about to get easy now.. soon as we get closer.. somethings going to happen, the are is too open, too... sinister.. and the beating too strong.. be ready for anything."
(Tahldrig)

Ready for anything, they made their way forth while dealing with the constant headache that now was plaguing them. Pounding slammed their head, their mind keeping it at bay as they walked past the fallen titan. Every now and then he'd poke at it, gather a bit of soothing reed along the way, until they reached even deeper.

Thankfully with no occultic or holy prowess in his body...They just stared at the sword for just a moment before raising their eyes to the tree off in the distance. What in the absolute bloody Hel was that thing.

"...Okay, the blade is going to need to wait, unless you think you can reach it before...That thing gets to us? " A finger raised, their scalding water that raised around them surging ever more as he pointed directly at the thing.

All the while the smile on their face grew broader, obviously there was a will, a want to go into combat once more with it. Something in them just wanted to fight, until they were exhausted.
(Eshmun Hirai)

Standing there, a tad light-headed as he'd glance over to the side, watching the towering beast fall over and tear down a chunk of forest along with him-- though no reaction is offered amidst all the heavy breathing, and completely scratched form, littered with numerous, superificial wounds here and there.

The pulsing is strong in his head-- his chest, his entire form, and... he could feel the way that hilt reacted that much sharper-- that much harsher. Their objective was near, to say the least.

When Tahldrig points it out? He could only shift his attention in that general direction

A glance is spared over his shoulder, towards Keitaro, Yu, Tahl, and then Eshmun. He'd nod, about as confident in them as he was in himself-- that they had his back, for sure.

At his brother's question?

"Hell if I know... probably better to take it easy than rush for it, though."

His steps are as careful as they get-- a singlehand remains gripped about the hilt of his staff, and those eyes narrowed all the same, blue hues glancing about, observing with every inch to follow.

He could see massive tree which shoots up into the sky, practically throbbing in an ugly mess of flesh. An abomination in every manner possible, accompanied by what only resembled an actual, proper heart thumping at its center. He had no idea what it was-- and he had no idea how it'd react as they went closer, but...

...he had a feeling that this wasn't the end of it. Far from it.
(Elyon Hirai)

As the group begins to emerge in this clearing, what immediately stands out is the second half of a blade lodged into the clearing. Dark mist rises from the center of it, clogging and clouding the area in submerged Occult force. However the beating heart at the end of the clearing continues to throb and bleed, and the longer you look at it.. The more disfigured it really looks.

Elyon is able to decipher what exactly it is - Right as a beam of energy is fired from the end of the group and slams into the heart's aorta. The heart starts to bleed and throb, melt down into flesh and disgusting ends of melted bodies as it pops like a blister into an absolutely overwhelming about of black, red, and purple blood.

The smell is rotten, decrepid. The smell is... Death. As the heart breaks, the trees start to crack and sway. Thunder starts to boom above.. The mist all in the gathering starts to pool together into a singular point on the sword. And two crimson eyes appear in the center.

"... I see you've come to volunteer yourselves... As you've just destroyed decades of -hard work.-" The voice is not heard, but forced into their heads telepathically.
[Narrate]

The closer he went, the closer clarity drifted. He could see it now-- the heart... as similar as it was; the thing remained an utter and total abomination. It's a cluster of morphed bodies, and limbs-- composed of twisted, broken forms all the while that make up this core.

There's a face-- a lifeless face with horn. An archon slaughtered and turned into an ingredient to form that beating heart, and--

"It's bad... guys-- it's fucking bad."

Words are urgent, hushed albeit clearly audible once his pace quickens all the while-- only one thing was one mind; to grab that godforsaken blade and get the hell out of here before anything else came rolling-- until Yu practically slams a beam of pure, manifested energy into it, that is.

"Fuck-- fuck!"

Hissed outward, and even as mist practically explodes about that sword, converging, Elyon didn't particularlywaste even a single moment in reaching out for yet another potion, easily removing the lid and gulping down its contents-- a healing brew; to fix whatever little injuries were left.

He couldn't to afford to fight this thing at anywhere other than at his best.

Even as the voice resonates, echoes in his head, he'd only assume a proper stance-- though his limbs tremble almost instinctively.

"This thing is bad news, guys. This is one evil bitch-- stronger than literally anything so far-- even the Archon! Don't let your guards down!"
(Elyon Hirai)

The absolute.

The maddening cacophony unveiled before him, and he couldn't help but feel an absolute disgust at the sight of this. No, this wasn't anything that they should've even left alive in the first place. The others may blame Yu for prompting this thing to appear, but not Keitaro.

The evil like this must be eradicated.

"...Prepare yourselves. Something tells me we're about to have a lot of fun."

Of course, there's nothing to have fun over... and this is merely his attempt to keep things in optimistic vision despite the circumstances. What would they do in the face of the evil like this?

Although the putrid smell was getting to him, the storms began to amass at the touch of Shenlong's command. There was nothing that he could've done any other way, and so long as he had the command over lightning like that, they walked with him - always. The arcs of lightning spread out from him, and in the face of evil, Keitaro had only fighting spirit.

His bravery, his determination.

"We'll take it down!"
(Keitaro)

The magi smiled as typhoons so small began to swirl about him. Soon, turning massive as the Heifang ascended to the sky. His blood burned, for the imminent battle was near. He may have been the cause it appeared, and though he felt a little bit of guilt from the act, his insanity called for blood.

His eyes burned so bright of purple, akin to a corrupted devil of death with the tendrils acting as his wings.

The mist coalesced as crimson eyes stared at them.

He glanced down to Elyon, nodding his head, his smile turning into a light frown.

"Then," his voice echoed, cold and emanating wrathful killing intent.

"Perish," he said as he pointed his staff to the mist, typhoons rushing for it.

Five spears of azure formed about him, and as he dashed forth to engage in combat, one of them shot forward ahead of him.
(Yu Heifang)

Tahldrig squints as she hears a voice.. it's.. not with her ears though.. it's just like Skine talking to her. Earth shattering volume within her mind This.. this happened because Yu shot a beam of energy in his madness right at the fleshy part of the giant tree thing.

The stench of death begins to fill the area, so what does Tahldrig do? Like any self respecting doctor.. she pops open a can of lax essence and sticks her nose in it. Every container she's had has smelled like berries and had the thickness of peanut butter.

"One bad bitch? Good." she says as a smile forms upon her face. There's one thing that has always been off about Tahldrig.

Her lack of fear.

Even when she was but a child she was often found staring down massive Kaor who wished to eat her, laughing in their face, growling back at them.

"Oh, sure, I'll volunteer, I'll be the first to give you something." There's a chuckle heard from her, while she doesn't display that of fear, her demeanor does change. Her bubbly personality fades away, and she becomes quite serious.

She reaches into her bag and pulls something out, before anyone can even see what it is it's tossed into the air. Eyes that trial upon it would see a copper coloring flying into the sky before it came back down and was suspended within the air before her. The feeling her cosmic mana puts off grows stronger as she focuses her mana circuitry towards drawing it in. Then, without warning, that copper object held in front of her lights up with a blue brilliance and is sent flying towards the monster like a torpedo. A beautiful blue and copper blur have become of the chestpiece, flying directly at those ugly red eyes.
(Tahldrig)

There was no words that could actually stake what they felt, the moment the atmosphere all around them fell. With the shattering of the heart, a sudden voice raging through their minds...Already he could feel the horror that was what was about to come. Quietly their brush slammed into the ground across the ground and a thousand yard stare was given to the monster in front of them.

"...Ahahaha! We'll have a blast against this thing!" Though they may sound childish, a blue edge was forming at the end of their brush, scraping against the ground, leaving a long indention of just destroyed ground.

"Good thing my brush works two ways, for writing, and for erasing." It was a sad one-liner, but it was the only way for him to stay hyped up going against something that was much scarier then he could actually deal with.
(Eshmun Hirai)

Synmael is thrown backwards now, claws digging into the dense Dreadwood bark as every slash of its hand rips through entire swaths of trees across the demonic, horrific woods. It inches forward, rotting not only the woods but those that were fighting.

It's maw is drooling corrupted influence - It's every laugh causes your heart to skip.

It licks its lips and notices Elyon's blade.. And its eyes seem to glow with a new hatred. "So that's why you're here... You wish to put me away.. You think it's that easy?"

It starts to morph and change, growling and eventually screaming into the air as its arms and the blades across its body grow sharper. It's getting stronger, it's getting ready to slay indiscriminantly.

"... I am going to take that demented weapon and shove -you- inside of it. All of you. YOU DON'T DESERVE THE RIGHT TO BECOME MY HEART!!!"

They had to stop it now. If they didn't, they were going to die. Someone was going to die.
[Narrate]

In the face of adversity, any man is supposed to stand against it.

Although he was cheerful just a moment ago, this fight had taken everything from him in his effort- the budding master of lightning magic was pushing himself to the absolute, whether it's taking the blows from Synmael, or frying it in return with the lightning magic. No matter how much he'd try and mask the pain, it became evident.

But his journey wouldn't be ending here.
He wouldn't be just a forgotten soldier.

Through techniques he had learned on his own, through the constant battering of overwhelming lightning and storms, the Shenlong was doing his own part. For many times, the storms clashed against the creature, seeking to smite it down- and yet, it remained.

So much that Keitaro ended up injured.

The winds of mournegale ripped through him, and the colossal forcehad shattered his wrist - yet again and again, Keitaro would find himself up against the vile creature, fighting tooth and nail, doing his best to help, just as he'd promised to Hirai brothers. In this symphony of destruction and death, he was silent.

Was he this determined, or did he have a death wish? It was difficult to tell.

Not a complain, not a word escapes him as the crimson spills from his body in vast numbers. The holy magic sought to keep him functioning and high on the painkilling effect, so much that the wounds didn't slow him down in the slightest- the golden lightning was running through the most dire of the wounds, searing them shut before too much blood was lost.

And yet, the pools were made.

With so much lifeforce lost, it's a wonder how he kept going- it looked like he was going to pass out any second, but something was keeping him upright. Whether it's his pride as someone who deep inside still wished to be a hero, or the burning desire to protect others, the Shenlong never quit until it was done.

Push, after push, after push.

Combined effort made its own wonders, and soon enough, the creature was at last brought down, but not without a price- severely exhausted, torn and worn down, the Shenlong's breath remained ragged and heavy. It was difficult to see... it was difficult to keep going.

But they had to make it out of here, right?

"It's..."

"... over."

A grasp at his wound. An inhale, then exhale. Inhale, then exhale...

"I... I don't think I can handle another fight like this."

"Grab the sword, Elyon… we should retreat."
(Keitaro)