Ikkaku - Dantalion: The second dance

[21:30] Knithar says, "Wait."
[21:30] Ikkaku Ukitake asks, "Hm?"
[21:30] Knithar asks, "Where are you going?"
[21:30] Ikkaku Ukitake says, "Patrol."
[21:30] Knithar says, "I suggest you don't."
[21:30] Ikkaku Ukitake asks, "Hm?"
[21:30] Kurochi Karasu asks, "Why?"
[21:31] Knithar says, "You see.. I sort of may.. of caused trouble and now I'm wanted and they're looking for me, uhh, I wouldn't be suprised if you encounter a group from Aetherius in here."
[21:31] Ikkaku Ukitake asks, "How big of a group?"
[21:31] Knithar says, "I'm not sure.. a group big enough to seize a Ookami who's done multiple crimes to the city for the past years."
[21:32] Ikkaku Ukitake says, "Hm."
[21:32] Ikkaku Ukitake says, "That makes me feel as if"
[21:32] Ikkaku Ukitake says, "We should patrol."
[21:32] Knithar asks, "Perhaps I should assist? Or would you not like that?"
[21:33] Ikkaku Ukitake says, "You can come."
[21:33] Knithar says, "Hmm, alright."
[21:40] Amidst the darkness, a figure enshrouded with flames drew near.

"Ikkaku," the demon spoke telepathically, lyrical and crystalline voice resounding within the minds of the present.

His gaze fell upon Kurochi, but that was about it - expected as much, he thought.

"Shall we play?"
(Dantalion)
[21:41] The sense of benevolence is detected far before they come into view. The sky blue eyes peer out of the skull mas as the figure would the singular Angelic wing would walk forwards. However, as they moved, a figure in flames would draw close. A blink towards their word before the staff, Teleman, was drawn from their back.

"Play? I don't follow exactly, but wouldn't mind a battle."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[21:41] Dantalion says, "A battle of course."
[21:41] Dantalion asks, "Can someone lend me a staff?"
[21:42] Laureline, Dan and Fool were on their way through the caves, lighting it up with Laureline's occult energies.

And suddenly they strolled up to Dantalion, facing not only Ikkaku himself, but two more!
"I--Wh--What th--" - She only managed to mutter, instantly intensifying her occult energies.
"A battle!? Foolishness, Dantalion--Don't do this by yourself." - She added, stepping up to the newly ascended Archon.
(Laureline)
[21:47] The court jester arrives behind her dear Queen, just in time to spot the man that quite literally haunted her dreams every night. With a snap of her fingers, a veritable wave of sheer darkness cascaded throughout the caves, and she cried: "IKKAKU!"

She flashed a massive grin, showing off all those jagged, yellow teeth of hers - and, in the darkness of the cave, the reika lines on her mecha-oscuri leg lit up green at first, then flashed through a variety of bright, furious colors.

"Don't know what you're doing here, but- do you need us, Lord Dantalion? Tell us you do, yes yes, don't do this alone, no no!" she rambled. "And... at least take this!" she said, tossing a short staff through the air and hovering a bit closer to whisper a few choice things to her Archon Lord.
(Fool)
[21:47] Fool whispers something.
[21:47] Dantalion whispers something.
[21:47] Laureline whispers something.
[21:47] Fool whispers something.
[21:48] He'd follow the Regent closely through the caves as they looked for such, 'Trouble', His grey hues flickering through the caves as they felt a flame like figure approaching the two.

Soon after a couple more.. Dan and Laureline were noticeable, but not this jester in the middle, nor the flame figure..

He'd stand up next to Ikkaku.. "If she intervene's this.. I'm I will join this..-" His voice is cut off to here Dantalions name..

He was a Archon now? But how.. His posture never broke as he stood next to the leader, his grey hues staring at the monsters before him.
(Kurochi Karasu)
[21:48] Laureline says, "And you wanted to settle in Bhaldraithe."
[21:48] Laureline says, "Fool, you're dying today."
[21:48] Laureline says, "I mean--NOt you, Fool--I mean him."
[21:49] Fool asks, "Wait, what?"
[21:49] Fool says, "Oh-"
[21:49] Launar Ulkar says, "PErhaps might i as-"
[21:52] "Dantalion?"

The sky blue eyes blinked in confusion before squinting towards the Archon. "Dantalion." A simple realization upon who it was that they were speaking to. The staff would be clutched a bit further.

"So do you intend to 'play' alone for a rematch, or should everyone be prepared?" The Regent questioned, the pair of golden wings spreading across their back.

The sky blue eyes then look towards the others who have arrived, seeming only to regaurd them vaguely.
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[21:56] "I will not ask what brought you here after being holed for far too long in your lovely island. And I have the every opportunity to kill everyone of you, retrieve the things I want, and prepare for what is to come," the demon said, and ignored Laureline's words. It was not of disrespect, but simple, banal pride.

"You know what I'm talking about, don't you? You and your angels," he added calmly, still telepathically.

"But, I'm far too foolish and prideful to do just that. And I want to be selfish for once. So," said Dantalion, his eyes still upon the Regent.

"Everyone. Leave."
(Dantalion)
[21:58] "No." - Laureline firmly stated, reaching under her coat to bring out her bulky tome, instantly opening it with eldritch tentacles sprouting from the queen's back.
"I'm not letting you take on HIM alone, Dantalion. "

She conjured a sharp icicle in her right hand, a makeshift weapon in a tight corridor. It seemed perfect.

Her gaze drifted between Kurochi and Ikkaku - and for sure she wasn't intending to flee.
(Laureline)
[21:59] Fool looks back and forth between Dantalion and Laureline - her Archon Lord, her Queen - which one should she listen to? Even so, if she listens to Dantalion, she'd be leaving Laureline here - can't do that, no no. Unfortunately.
(Fool)
[22:00] Dan was a mercenary so he TECHNICALLY didn't have to fight, unless he felt it was urgent enough.
(Dan Karadin)
[22:01] Launar Ulkar says, "<Why do i fall in these types of situations?>"
[22:02] Launar Ulkar says, "<perhaps i should get away, i think no one noticed me...>"
[22:02] The sky blue eyes looked towards Dantalion, not an emotion able to be detected as they spoke.

"If you truly believe that you have a chance to kill everyone at Zheng, you'll be proven wrong, the same way Tragedy's attempts to kill everyone were proven wrong, and the same for Zaruma. Every moment wasted only harms the world further as the divine war sits on the horizon however." A small sigh of admittance before hearing the decree.

A glance is spared towards Kurochi and Knithar.

"As they head back to their territory, head back to Zheng Island. I'll face Dantalion alone. This will not be our first fight."

With that? A single gloved finger pointed to the north.

"The frozen wastes make a good battlefield, if in here is too clumped."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[22:04] Laureline says, "...I am NOT letting you fight alone."
[22:04] Laureline glared.
(Laureline)
[22:07] "Oh no. You're misunderstanding me Ikkaku. If you think I care for something petty as genocide. You're wrong. Unlike the others, I do not speak with figures, so I'd rather you take me words literally.

We can kill you three if we want. You, Kurochi, and that one. But alas, to go against you once more. Such a 'blessing' don't you? Perhaps the angels above smiled on me today. This opportunity will be mine," he said, and once again ignored the Queen.

His words were absolute.

"Let's go," said Dantalion as he flicked his finger, glancing toward the other three.

"Go back to Aetherius and tell them what happened," he commanded, and would leave for the north.
(Dantalion)
[22:07] His hues glance to the Regent.. Silence at first from the man's response..

"I won't leave you here alone Ikkaku.. They are corrupt, Dirty enough to out number people.." His voice was stern, a now serious expression was seen across Kirigaya's face.

Soon falling silent watching the foes that stood across him, his hand now placed lightly on the obsidian sword in his carrier.
(Kurochi Karasu)
[22:09] Knithar says, "Perhaps I shouldn't be carrying the spoils of robbing one of the Aetherius magi.. huh.."
[22:10] "You better win this, you fool." - She said through her teeth, before turning to Kurochi and Knithar.
"Well then, i'll be taking THESE TWO with me." - She said with a cold tone, the air around her becoming even colder as she slowly walked forth, her footsteps echoing across the cave with a clear intent to maim. Would Fool or Dan follow? Who knows!
(Laureline)
[22:12] A hand extends, clasping Kurochi's shoulder for a moment and patting it. "I'll be fine. While they are corrupt, I imagine Dantalion will at least hold some honor here. Head back to Zheng. I'll handle this."

With that? They turned, heading north. The words of Laurine seemed to be ignored as they simply shook their head.

"I'll take your words literally if you wish. And I would not believe something until it is proven. But for now, our battlefield awaits."

The Regent moves through the shadows of the caves northwards towards the icey field they mentioned, pausing only when Laureline seemed to threaten the two swordsmen.

"She really doesn't follow directions, does she?"
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[22:13] Dantalion says, "She's a Queen. You should expect as much."
[22:13] Dantalion says, "And I have every confidence that she'll win."
[22:13] Go back to Aetherius?!

"Ikkaku, Ikkaku Ikkaku Ikkaku," she muttered, each repetition of his name getting louder and louder until it was nearly at a screech. "Ten. Ten years ago!" she cried, "You took my leg when you killed Captain Somnus," the jester growled, landing on the ground momentarily to assume the pose of a jungle cat about to pounce. "Retribution, restitution, it comes, it comes it comes IT COMES!"

Even though she was just carrying on, she heard Dantalion's words and Laureline submitting to them, and just... stopped. She slowly rose to her feet, clicked her heels together, and shattered the chains of gravity once more. She was always more comfortable in the air anyway.

"Take his leg," she said to Dantalion. "And Laureline, I'm with you!"
(Fool)
[22:14] Ikkaku Ukitake says, "With an advantage in numbers? Likely. In an even fight? I doubt it."
[22:14] Dan Karadin asks, "Who said I was gettin' involved?"
[22:14] Laureline says, "Kheheh. Then come."
[22:14] Laureline points at Kurochi.
(Laureline)
[22:14] Laureline says, "I'll personally take you apart."
[22:14] Laureline says, "Limb by limb."
[22:14] Dantalion says, "Ah... Underestimating the enemy"
[22:14] Ikkaku Ukitake says, "Kurochi. Knithar. win."
[22:14] Dantalion says, "This is why Tongyishan fell."
[22:22] Through the caves, eventually the icey wastes are crossed and the Regent arrives at the snowy area. A frozen breath moves into the cold air as the light of the Angelic wing surrounds them. They are lifted into the air before landing in the snow and turning to face the archon with a slightly squinted gaze.

"I can tell; We've both gotten stronger then when we had that fight in Ardent. But don't think that means that the outcome will change this time around."

The sky blue eyes close for a moment, as if focusing before a trio of blue flames appear around them.

"This time I will capture you. And this war will be one step closer to being over, innocent people one step closer to being protected. But I am curious;

What drove the Kaor I beat all those years ago to taking up the mantle of Tragedy and Zaruma after they were beaten?"

(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[22:25] Kisses Danta-kun uwu

(Ragna Marlow)
[22:30] "We'll see. We will see," he spoke as crimson eyes fell upon the blue flames. Spirits?

Demons roaming about the area captured his notice, glancing upon them as he penetrated their minds.

"I am Lord Dantalion, the Archon of War. Heed my call and fight by my side," he said, forcing his will upon them as their eyes seemed to turn white; therefore, like golems they rushed to him.

"And what drove him? Domination and conquest. War against the divine.

What holds the key for his quest, however, is you. How fate plays its strings. Intangible and omnipotent. Perhaps something that even your Father can't force to kneel.

And don't talk to me about ending war. The war you yourself created. And perhaps if you've surrendered to our ultimatums, your innocents would have been left to live. But no. You cling to foolishness, Ikkaku. You cling to false hope.

You despair, and you hope for your angels to save you.

They won't. They won't until the time has come," he declared as orbs of flame and darkness revolved around his frame, like planets encircling their sun.
(Dantalion)
[22:44] The battle raged onwards. Initially the Archon seemed to have the upperhand, cascades of flame and darkness striking the Regent and driving them downwards. The mithril armor that they wore was slammed into the snow and he was knocked back more then they liked to admit. The arrows of flame consumed them as did the roaring waves.

"Archon of war.. Certainly live up to your name." They groaned, pulling themselves up from the ice. Sky blue eyes however then closed and focus. A blue power surrounded them as Ikkaku stood up.

"However, just because you're strong doesn't mean you winning is a certainty. Just because you have one victory doesn't mean that the end result will be yours."

And like that? the Regent dove forwards. Their wounds healed quickly due to the order surrounding them as a calmness set in the air. A telekinetic force threw the archon further then the arrow had throw them.

"The key for this quest?I don't exactly understand unless you mean your defeat. And this war?

It wasn't created by me. It was created when Tragedy slaughtered innocents, killed them. I do not cling to foolishness nor false hope.

Because my hope is real; Because those who hold hope in their hearts can save others. Because as long as someone doesn't give up they can do great things."

A telekinetic force collides with Danatalionm throwing them back before it brings them to the ground and holds them tightly. It was focused, not letting the archon escape. In the same few seconds the staff on their back would be taken.

"Hope can do great things."
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[22:46] You stole Dantalion's Last Resort.
[22:56] He pushed him back, but-

A remembrance.

It was just like last time when he let his guard down against her. Aggressiveness invading his mind, and just like Raya, he knew the virtue of angels shall reveal itself; thus, it did, and he was devastated.

A remembrance.

Memory he refused to remember. Why? He refused to believe it. He refused to believe the power of divines.

Did you experience anything similar? Like your blows were being slowed? Blunted. Like something was telling you-

You should just-

"Give up and die?" he thought as he was blown away by the arcane.

Yes, I don't remember but I feel it now. However, I'm an archon. The Archon of war, and I refuse to give up and just die... I will fight.

I will fight, and I will die, he thought to himself as his vision dimmed to none.

Ikkaku with the freedom to end it.


(Dantalion)
[23:03] Dantalion was powerful, but the Regent had hope within them. The sky blue eyes stared towards the Archon as it was held on the ground and yet..

"This is not where this will end."

The Telekinetic power uproots the archon from the ground and the golden Angelic wings lift them into the air. The remnants of burning snow and water would likely be found left behind at the scene, however.. Ikkaku made skywards, departing with Dantalion's knocked out frame in tow.

Those who arrived would likely be able to deduce what happened here, but it was unlikely they would be able to follow unless they went to the location they were already headed.

Zheng Island.
(Ikkaku Ukitake)
[23:06] Laureline RUSHED out of the caves, having beaten Kuroichi, with Fool at her side who has bested Knithar as well.

Rushing across the snowy fields, almost tripping - they finally made it. The battlefield.

And Ikkaku flying away with Dantalion - seemingly alive...?

"YOU-....YOU FOOL!!!!" - She shouted, seemingly towards Dantalion rather than Ikkaku, even launching icicles in their direction in desperation.


Hopeless. They were flying away.
"I-..Gh...AAARGH! Fool, Dan - We're going to Gaiar."

"NOW! - A shout followed, as she dashed back into the caves, heading south."
(Laureline)
[23:06] "End it," the Archon whispered, using all strength he could muster as he fell unconscious.

Capture means execution. It may be honor that drove the Ukitake, but he'd rather not suffer an embarrassing death - a death not befitting of an Archon.
(Dantalion)
[23:09] Dantalion's orders be damned, the jester dutifully followed Laureline after the two completed their battles - victories, but useless. The bastards got away. It was Fool's hope that she'd be able to arrive in time to watch Dantalion kill Ikkaku - or, at worst, arrive just in time to stop Ikkaku from killing her Archon Lord. There wouldn't be another Somnus incident. There couldn't be, she had to save him, she had to get there, just a little bit further...

Not even bothering with flying, she charged through the snowfield on all fours, searching like a feral madwoman for the place the two ran off to. She stumbled upon the same thing she saw in her nightmares: Ikkaku defeating another countrymen, and flying off with the defeated Archon.

The place where her flesh met the mythril of her mecha-oscuri leg ached for a moment, and it flared to life, flashing from proper oscuri green to a violent red. She was too late.

Another failure.

"IKKAKU!"

Another failure.

She clicked her heels together and sprung from the ground, attempting to pursue Ikkaku - but the power of the angels was clearly superior to her mastery of gravity, and as soon as she realized that, she fell down into the snow, collapsed.

"Ikkaku, Ikkaku, Ikkaku!" she shouted up at the winged bastard. "Mark my words, again again again, WE'LL MEET AGAIN!" she screamed. "Not done - your future - I'll burn it down, again, and again, and again-" she continued ranting long after Ikkaku would be gone.

"Lord Dantalion..." she muttered quietly, and then just... picked herself up slowly and grabbed onto Laureline's coat. The jester was catatonic at this point.

Ikkaku.
(Fool)
[23:20] Into the air.

Although there were witnesses, well, that was the better way for it to be. The Regent wasn't really one to do things quietly and it wasn't as if they had tidied up the area before their departure. After all, having people come in on that would have been a bad idea.

But now?

Over the city of Zheng the Regent would arrive, a dazzling of lights illuminating their surroundings as well as a form being lifted through the air after them. Sky blue eyes gazed downwards at the people, a sound like a trumpet announcing their arrival.

"Dear people of Zheng Island,

Do not lose hope. Do not give up. These are two things I've always said to our people. Every moment holds meaning. Every battle can be won. Even if it looks impossible, even if the odds look nigh insurmountable."

The frame of Dantalion the Archon would descend from the sky for people to see. Where they had accepted the battle for their pride, it nowappeared such pride was almost targeted.

"Before you is Dantalion, the leader of the raids on Zheng Island, and one of the leaders of the forces of Gaiar Aetherius. He was defeated because I didn't give up.. And as long as we don't give up, as long as we keep going?

We can rebuild. We can reconquer. We can revive."

A nod is given. With the words said, the form of Dantalion would be lifted upwards, draw inwards of the Hon watchtower. Regent would soon there after follow.
(Ikkaku Ukitake)