Rindou vs. Caira

[00:02] You asked me.. If I was to try my hand at becoming.. The Sword of Justice..

She takes in a deep breath and stares at the corpse from afar, a hand coming down to rest on her katana. She's trembling. Why is she shaking? Her eyes are sharp and her stare is cruel as she turns from the deceased body of Lei Jin and then towards Issac. Caira takes a step forward, the icy steel starting to show itself little by little as the blade began to slide out of its sheathe.

She's making clear and decisive steps towards the back of Issac Shimasu, teeth grit in a way she can't quite explain -what- emotion was on her mind at the moment. When Caira was in Huangzhou, she heard Issac Shimasu say the words..

'Calael's Telescope! Do you have any idea what kind of divine weapon we could have if we put more spire shards into it?'

Conquering all of Agartha, no not unifying. Using it to turn on the other continents, claiming them as well.

'We could conquer all of Eternia.'

Her eyes shut as she is but mere seconds from drawing the sword completely and attempting to run it through him between his wings. She's resisting herself, she's holding herself back from lurching forward and skewering him or attempting to.

.. I didn't know that'd mean I'd have to one day.. Oppose you.

No. Don't fight it. Don't fight it at all. Holy begins to erupt around her body in the shape of a shield, armoring her front and back as she took in a deep breath and lurched forward now, Masamune drawn from its sheath for the first time since she had ever held that blade.

And Caira was left to spring right for Issac's flank, attempting to bring it either right down across his back, or through one of his wings and to the other side of his chest. Of course, as she's doing this - She could absolutely be stoppedor intercepted by this around, but her eyes are lit with holy flame.

To be an earth magi is to stand without your legs wobbling. To become a bulwark, one must not be afraid of the adversity in front of you. You must not be afraid of doing what needs doing. "Issac! Ever since the day I met you, I thought I had looked up to you for your might. On the day I strolled into Huangzhou, you spoke of conquering and breaking.

If the virtue of Mercy won't bring it to the world's attention, then I will.

Just what the hell kind of -good- do you stand for?" An attack had been brazenly made right for the Shogun.
(Caira)
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[00:03] A look of disdain is tossed Issac's way as the Chieftain walks over to the body, he'd raise an eyebrow to Adonis before he'd tap the body on the ground, wrapping it in vines for the man to carry back to Huangzhou since he volunteered.

While he didn't agree with the black wing's method's at all, he felt that going this far for what felt like a heated argument was something you'd see in Dusk rather than from the West.

Though the panther had much else to deal with at this moment, like assessing Cruxati's place, and figuring out what'd be best going forwards, as these last 2 years, if they were to be his last, would be spent being productive.

"This'll be easier to carry..

Today's been...interesting to say the least. Be wary of these fields as we're clearing out. We lack a tower to properly guard them. Spirits... he seemed young. But, this was Huang's business carry on you all--and Ilui?

We'll need to speak, later..." he'd trail off now, hoping the dryad would at the very least suspend his ego at a later point to start a discussion.
(Kabu)
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[00:03] Ilui Elisheva says, "Hm, hm."
[00:06] Siegfried makes to shift through the crowd, toward the others, but he's halted dead in his tracks.

She moves, aiming to strike at the shogun.

…

"Someone should probably stop her," he says calmly. Because as hot as his fire burns, he knows better than to fly too damn close to the sun. He's not even given time to acknowledge Ilui, Keitaro, Thalia, Arian, or any of his other Reimara friends, as he'd intended. Instead, a hand descends to his sword...

Ready to fight, maybe, but...

Against who?

Even he didn't know at this point.
(Siegfried)
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[00:07] The truth of the matter is that he didn't want her to give up... even if it looked like that. But certain experiences had made this Shenlong truly believe that things like that were basically a fairy tale, something that only happens in child's book. A story that can never blossom in actual reality...

As unfortunate as it is.

And he can tell that she isn't willing to give up just yet - just like he didn't want to, back in the day. Perhaps it's precisely his captivity that changed him, or the pressure, or many different things, but a lot of thoughts in his head suggest that she's going to change, eventually.

It will just take more time.

"I'm not exactly telling you to give up, no."

"Your life is your own, and you should follow what you want. It's just, ah- try to not get too hurt when reality hits you back, hm?"

"Some people end up becoming something they would never want to be, if they're hurt too much."

There were many clear examples in his life for that. Perhaps, too many to name, really...

Evidently, his gaze turns towards Caira when she confronts Isaac. More conflict?
(Keitaro)
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[00:12] The winds would begin to pick up, growing hot and suffocating around them as the young woman took in all of what was going on here. Yet, one specific thing would catch a hold of her attention as she whirls around, eyes widening a bit as a vortex of wind begins to move around her arm, fire saturating into it as she drew in a breath.

When people cried good and more in this land, she didn't particularly get it. Letting Necromancers free, allowing them to go back to their nefarious wicked ways. Showing mercy on people who ultimately tried to turn around to bring them harm.

Was there any good left in this land?

But if things got messier than need be, she'd stand at the ready to assist and defend her Uncle. One could feel the intense pressure building as fire spun around her, threatening to cling on anyone that might've dared tread just a bit too close.
(Thalia Elisheva)
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[00:15] His words did little to nurture her downed spirit. Despite his warnings and advice, reality hurt very much.

"I understand."

The Qilin turned towards the east, watching as Caira confronted her Shogun. Perhaps what she said held merit, but she didn't know enough of the situation to form an opinion for herself.

Suna was practically a newborn, after all, in terms of knowledge of political dynamics. She knew the functions, the names, but not the relationships and intrigue.

She could only watch and listen, hoping that there be no more bloodshed. Standing close to Keitaro, if only because he was one of the few familiar faces present.
(Setsuna Ukitake)
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[00:15] Her eyes caught on Caira moving, albeit a bit too late. If it had happened earlier— if she could have predicted it, she could have stopped it without any huge gesture being made. But it was too late; Masamune was drawn and the world grew just a tad colder.

I'll be Gehenna's Bulwark.

Her body moved on its own merely moments after Caira moved, though it felt like an eternity. Thoughts were still being spent debating what to do in a situation like this one, but ultimately there was no other choice.

She wouldn't be able to talk Caira out of trouble. She wasn't going to make it out alive if she helped the Gehennan. She couldn't convince her to stop and remain where she was.

Moving forward... was the only way.

Offense is the best defense.

A blade that had once been used merely to kill and hurt was drawn. A crimson color trailed behind it, reminding the world of how terrifying this blade really was; as was expected of the will of the reaper to be.

Metals clashed, sparks appearing and a shockwave being sent outwards from the sheer force of the blow. Rindou had stepped in to get herself between the Shogun and her one and only friend, defending the former despite how much of a monster he was.

Amber met gold. A gaze with no ill-will behind it was given as Rindou remained completely silent, intent on stopping Caira right then and there. She could only hope the Gehennan would understand, that she'd read through her actions and see the story veiled behind them.

Holy magic is used to protect others. Barriers, healing, mending, bolstering; that's what it's meant to be.

A holy blade would never last. It would dissipate before not long.

It's a weird feeling... Holy magic calls to me, but it feels like I should be using it differently. Striking first so that I can protect those who need it most.

Ideas and pain roamed about her mind as Rindou stood her ground, hoping to protect best with her holy might roaring louder than ever: By attacking.

She couldn't let Caira die then and there.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[00:15] If he weren't already fresh out of battle, perhaps his senses wouldn't have picked up the subtle shift in the wind and Caira's aura as she strikes forward - but he doesn't even seem to move despite being fully aware of the motion. There is someone else watching his flank, after all, and he closes his eyes to the sound of the arcanium blades clashing just to his right as Rindou stood to protect her Shogun.


A small smile tugs his lips into a slight curve, enjoying the brief ignition of sparks. He can feel the sudden rise of heat from Thalia, too, twisting around her. Caira suddenly finds herself outnumbered. "I thought I made that clear when we spoke, Caira. Didn't I tell you back then?"

"I have no interest in 'good and evil'. These are naive, childish confinements. If you want to ask me something with substance--something that has weight behind it, go on."


"...But if you doubt me now because I killed a fool that would dare challenge the glory to come, then there is no use in this."
(Isaac Shimasu)
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[00:16] Ocean hus are dull as they trace about, watching Kabu carry the body off, and then his features relax for a moment there. Quiet, and arms loose by his side as a faint, little breath escapes outward.

Until the sound of Masamuna being drawn finds his senses, and he'd almost instinctively shift about to glance behind him all the while-- the abrupt assault came out of blue, even if he had been expecting at least someone from the crowd to react with hostility towards the Demi.

Wielder of the First Shogun's blade, it seems.

Lei Jin was a different matter-- but Caira was a Gehennan, and above that; someone he personally knew. Should things actually take a southern turn-- should the Fourfold leader opt for an extreme spot, he was more than prepared to step in this time around.

It's evident in the way a single thumb lightly pushes against Requiem's guard, unsheathing it the slightest bits.

Still. Quiet, otherwise.
(Elyon Hirai)
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[00:17] "Caira…!?" His eyes widened, with her being the last person he expected to jump into action. At the same time... he frowned. Surprisingly this was the first time he froze for a moment,and found it hard to speak...

He regained his own mind after Rin spoke, "Caira think with your head and not with your emotions here!" He began walking over, a heavy exhale. He was only doing this because he knew Caira personally.

"...I'd say be rational... but this is a completely rational response." But... his next trick? Forming an Earth Wall in-between Issac and Caira, looking over to Thalia as he attempted to settle the situation... He was walking towards Caira.

"You're a friend of mine... and I care about your safety... but now isn't the time to fight ourselves, either." The voice of reason... or at least attempting to be. In a bias towards his friend, but he also didn't want to see the Shogun hurt either... As shown by the wall of rock.
(Nephthys Masry)
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[00:18] Mezzoh whispers something.
[00:20] Nephthys is met with some intense, burning eyes. You know, soul thrummin' and all that kind of jazz.

It seems Thalia isn't playing around, and the temperature doesn't go down any less.
(Thalia Elisheva)
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[00:21] Isaac Shimasu says, "<...-walks behind the stone wall, opening his eyes now and watching Caira->"
[00:21] Chazlus whispers something.
[00:21] Neph would glance towards Thalia with his oasis-like eyes... Gentle, but firm. He nodded towards her, ensuring he meant no harm to either if he could help it.

He'd have to grin an bare the heat for now.
(Nephthys Masry)
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[00:22] Chazlus whispers something.
[00:22] Chazlus whispers something.
[00:23] This wasn't expected, why did Caira act out? It wasn't going to achieve anything, in fact. She would find herself closer to Lei Jin if she did anything too drastic, as the quickest methods to solve a problem seemed to be favored.

And... No one could be blamed for that, but even as Adrian feels the urge to stop them from clashing. Rindou moves out, and it's her time to shine in the face of her Shogun.

He just laughs, rubbing his neck. Taking a step back, he watches for now. Caira was his friend... But could she back up her attempts? Or would she not even follow through with her attacks?

''One thing after another...'' He would be lying if he said it was annoying, as it was very entertaining to experience.
(Adrian Rowan)
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[00:24] Chazlus whispers something.
[00:25] Mozia says, "Chazlus."
[00:25] Chazlus says, "Oh hey Mozia"
[00:25] Mozia asks, "Can I barrow you later?"
[00:25] Chazlus says, "Ummmm"
[00:26] Mozia says, "I just got done talking with Aeton, I wanted to ask you something."
[00:26] Chazlus says, "I might need to give you the potions now"
[00:26] Mozia says, "Oh okay."
[00:26] Chazlus says, "I have affairs to attend"
[00:26] Chazlus says, "Later"
[00:27] Chazlus whispers something.
[00:27] Chazlus says, "Lets hurry"
[00:27] Chazlus says, "I will"
[00:32] Aurora Elisheva whispers something.
[00:32] Emiri Taiyang whispers something.
[00:33] Aurora Elisheva whispers something.
[00:33] It's fast like lightning. A flash of azure can be seen in the field as a blade is brought down to meet Issac's open back.

So long now, had Caira sat there with her calmest expression and sorted through everything with her head. So long now had she sat there with a content demeanor and put down her emotions. But it isn't working. Why wasn't it working? Her blade that was meant to go right through skin and perhaps crystal finds itself crashing into something actually formidable. The cerulean katana's cold metal starts to layer icicles onto Rindou's own blade, and Caira's teeth are grit.

"Don't do this, Rin! He's not the person you should raise your blade to defend!" She's staring right back at Issac as a stone wall rises up behind Rindou and the Shogun. She can't see him any longer. The anger she felt building in her heart can't be broadcast to him.

"He's not good.. He's not.. Evil.. He's cruel, and twisted, and-" With those rising up all around her, Caira's own mastery over earth magic ties in perfectly. The earthen wall behind Rindou starts to harden and turn a white color. Marble. Pillars sprout almost immediately, all of them seeking to restrain Rindou as Caira pushed her might right up against the Jianghese's. Issac's words are heard loud and clear. She answers.

"I want to know why Reito sits there and lets you murder people! I want to know why she's content with the horrible way you see the world! I want to know why she's in love with someone who thinks death is the best way to handle anything that'd dare raise its head in opposition!"

How fast Lei Jin died.. She didn't have the whole story, but not a single person in the crowd got to step forward and oppose it. They weren't quick enough - Issac's flames and hands were faster. Little by little, Lei Jin's final words start to sink in. The people at her side speaking up do little to stop her, but she can't get to Issac if she can't break Rindou's offense.

Holy energies overload into Caira's blade as she brings it up into the air - And the bulwark that was an eruption of her aura's power sought to slam into Rindou in that moment. Never back down, never surrender.

Fight until- No. No, no, no.
Never stop fighting.

"If you won't move, Rin. Then I'll move you myself." A duel of blades would immediately ensue.
(Caira)
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[00:36] Isaac Shimasu says, "Reito had to AFK..."
[00:38] Mozia whispers something.
[00:39] Aurora Elisheva whispers something.
[00:39] Aurora Elisheva whispers something.
[00:40] Samael whispers something.
[00:41] Isaac Shimasu says, "You misunderstand me, child. But I think you are far beyond reason, now. Perhaps when you're older you'll understand. <-with a shake of his head, he walks off to stand near the crowd, watching->"
[00:41] A lot of this brought about certain memories.

While the Shenlong was watching the scenery ahead, his gaze drifts off somewhere else for a moment, brooding. The words held their points, both high and low... but whenever he remembers himself in similar positions, each time it's a feeling like he'd rather not remember anything at all.

A distraction would be good.

Briefly shifting his gaze elsewhere, he murmurs under his breath- after all, it certainly beats letting that kind of thought to flood in and spoil his mood.
(Keitaro)
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[00:41] Keitaro whispers something.
[00:42] Elyon allows an eyebrow to quirk upward at Isaac's words there-- though he'd finally relax nonetheless following that last statement. No... extreme intentions around, to say the least.
(Elyon Hirai)
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[00:45] Rabi Ichtzi whispers something.
[00:45] Don't do this, Rin! He's not the person you should raise your blade to defend!

He's not the one I'm defending, you are.

Unspoken thoughts rushed through as sparks jutted out of their blades; one as cold as death itself, the other reminding of how easy death was to bring. Another slash would meet with Caira's blade as her stance shifted. Her right foot moved to the side, sending a wave of molten earth towards the marble-made assault, clashing with the Gehennan both in might and magic.

The unbreakable object of war she had become met an immovable wall of conviction and courage. Though Rindou's own were just as strong, if not stronger, she remained quiet about it all.

How much she wanted to scream that she was doing it for her - that her own way to protect wasby ensuring that Isaac wouldn't lay a hand on her in the only way she could think of: Attacking first.

"I can't let you fight him."

That was all she could give. All she could say.

Sparks would fly, each cut wounding body and heart at once.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[00:45] Setsuna watched with an intense stare, as Caira moved to attack the Shogun, only to be stopped by Rindou. She didn't know either of them, having only seen them in passing prior. Despite this, why did they have to fight?

No matter, Rindou performed admirably, defending her Shogun without hesitation. Had Setsuna been quicker, would she have done the same?

At this point it was uncertain.

Upon hearing the subtle words, her gaze shifted to her left. Upon hearing the words uttered, she quickly shook her head, before whispering a response back to him.
(Setsuna Ukitake)
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[00:45] Nephthys exhaled, his words fell on deaf ears. What a solid pain, he really didn't want to see either of them fight. The adrenaline was fueling both of them, interrupting the clash now would just end up in even more fighting.

Funny enough a medic... and two medical students in the same situation, yet in this very moment there was only fighting.

"This will only end in blood at this rate, and even if it was true... Do you really want to fight a group of people, Caira?!

Sometimes decisions are tough... as the Shogun HE has to make those tough decisions... Even if it's extreme measures, he has a settlement to run." At the very least the fool could honestly rest in peace, it was better than Agartha. In his mind, anyway.

Of course his mindset was exactly on Rindou's page.
(Nephthys Masry)
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[00:46] Nephthys Masry says, "....I don't know why I am talking sense when they have emotions to settle."
[00:48] Caira whispers: (it's so laggy)
[00:49] Nephthys Masry says, "Rindou... is quite the fighter."
[00:51] She felt it right away. The weight of the blade she wielded was unlike anything before. That thing was heavy with sins it had commited. The crimson trail that followed was nothing if the blood it had claimed - everlasting in its wake. A heavy slash came from the Jianghese girl, forcing her opponent back and away from her. She spoke from beneath the sparks of battle, beneath the pain that ate at her very being.

"I won't get out of your way, Caira! Just...

... step back already!"

The weight came from more than the blade, after all.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[00:52] Ahmir Valerius whispers something.
[00:52] Ashalle whispers something.
[00:52] Ahmir Valerius whispers something.
[00:53] Ashalle glances to Ahimr.
(Ashalle)
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[00:53] Ashalle whispers something.
[00:53] Ahmir Valerius whispers something.
[00:53] Ashalle whispers something.
[00:53] Ahmir Valerius whispers something.
[00:53] Ashalle whispers something.
[00:54] Ahmir guckles.
(Ahmir Valerius)
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[00:56] Slashes fly from Caira's weapon and swing like crazy. Left, right, up and down. Diagonally across the guard that Rindou had put up - And none of it seemed to matter. Each and every time, it's another clash of sparks that dares to set the field on fire as she's panting. "Don't do this.. Rin.. Don't stand in front of me." She's thrown backwards, a half-formed holy blade slamming into her gut that sends Caira careening across the field and into the dirt.

Picking herself up almost immediately, the marble magi brings a wrist to wipe blood from her mouth as teeth are grit. "Don't you dare.. Even think.. About protecting him!!!"

A massive holy shield flares to life from the edge of her blade, and she leaps into the air. In one vertical motion, Caira sought to crash all of her power - Courage - Determinate - and Will -

Right into Rindou's head.
(Caira)
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[01:02] The Tribe's Bulwark is brought from the heavens above into Rindou immediately after, holy energies crashing into her at one defined point. A crater is formed below as every feeling is on edge. She's close to losing her grip. Caira's lip is bleeding, her shoulders are cut. A definitive step forward causes Masamune's edge to shine with the radiance from the sun above - And one blisteringly fast cut flies vertically into Rindou's stomach.

.. Inches from becoming a critical wound. "What the -hell!?-" She's not shaking, she's far from toppling over. Caira could do this. She could break Rindou's offense with her shield. A shield meant for Issac and Issac alone. "Stand. Down."
(Caira)
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[01:05] Holy energies came crashing right into her relentlessly, refusing to fall before her blade, refusing to let go and have her handle it. It hurt. Every wound, every slash, every cut made it worse than before. The hits she was sustaining were cracking away at her molten shell, yet she refused to let them go through. To let them pierce her aggressive defense.

Her blade sliced horizontally, crushing through the attacks sent her way as she kept on moving forward, aggressively so, refusing to back down, to move aside.

"I can't! I won't!"

I don't want you to be hurt.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[01:08] ** Rindou Sakamoto has inflicted an injury upon Caira. ("Temporary Injury", "Temporary Injury", "Temporary", "Duration: Medium (4 days)") **
[01:08] Ahmir screams internally.
(Ahmir Valerius)
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[01:08] Ashalle whispers something.
[01:08] Ashalle SMIRKS!
(Ashalle)
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[01:08] Ahmir smacks Ashalle with a THICK bag of coin.
(Ahmir Valerius)
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[01:08] Ashalle whispers something.
[01:08] Subira whispers something.
[01:08] Ahmir Valerius whispers something.
[01:08] Ahmir Valerius whispers something.
[01:08] Ashalle whispers something.
[01:09] Ashalle whispers something.
[01:09] Ahmir Valerius whispers something.
[01:09] Ashalle whispers something.
[01:09] Ahmir Valerius whispers something.
[01:13] Silvia whispers something.
[01:13] Tragedy appeared, as she tended to do- not with rift or wayfinding, but her own unexplained method. She ended up appearing directly on top of Elyon, falling over him.

The archon dusted herself off as she stood up (or was picked up) like nothing happened, turning to Ilui. "Greetings."
(Tragedy)
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[01:16] -- Out of the blue, a girl came falling from the sky.

Glancing over in that general direction with a look of pure confusion, clearing his throat into a closed fist to stifle his laughter.

"-.. Ah, hello Miss Tragedy. I was just on my way home after watching some of the fun going on in Gehenna today. Hm, hm."
(Ilui Elisheva)
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[01:18] Merely standing there with his arm resting upon Requiem's hilt, quiet for most part as he'd observe the duel. Until there's a certian, abrupt movement right on top of him, that is, and--

A quick, little gasp, accompanied by pure, white sparks that briefly flicker around his form-- almost as if in alarm. Not that they helped, and he'd be tumbled over until Tragedy plucked himself off him.

He... knew the creature-- or, well, saw her once before. Not that it mattered. Head shakes from one side to the other before he'd pull himself back up. Ocean hues drift in Keitar's direction.

"Not... that eager."

Was all that escapes him.


(Elyon Hirai)
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[01:22] Siegfried whispers something.
[01:23] Looking down at the figure below her, the Archon smiled sweetly- an innocuous gesture ruined as she pressed her sandal against the man chest, keeping him down on the ground. There wasn't much force behind the action, provided he didn't try to push her away of course.

"Oh...?" she muttered, bland red eyes crinkled in amusement. "Looking for occult, are you? This must be your lucky day." The figure craned her head back to Ilui, speaking in her soft, musical manner.

"I have heard... that this war is going well. How excellent. Do make sure not to leave any survivors if you can help it. Vengeance only amplifies over generations."
(Tragedy)
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[01:24] Siegfried says, "..."
[01:24] I wanna give this blade to someone who'll rival me.

What about someone who surpasses you?

Sweat and blood flew away from the woman as she fought at her damn bestest to stop her one and only friend from throwing herself at the ferocious maw of the Shogun. A few tears hid themselves within the intensity of battle as Rindou's heart was struck with each blow she took, and twice over with each blow she sent.

The moment the earth jutted up to catch her ankle she moved, leaping aggressively towards Caira in order to defend herself from her marble hold. A trail of red followed the noblewoman as she went forward, slashing, cutting and piercing through everything that came her way.

... But Caira refused to fall. No matter how many times she cut, she'd receive her own brand of punishment in return. Her molten shell was shedding away, half of her face uncovered by the heated substance as she was forced further and further back. She felt her back pressing up against the wall, and the other girl rushing straight towards her.

Offense is the best defense.

It was a gamble. It was crazy. The young woman couldn't see any other solution, though. She felt her own strength waning and it wouldn't be long before she'd fall. With the next strike everything would be over.

Holy magic surged forth from her body, her back pushing up against the wall behind her and forcing her forward at full speed. She could see the attack coming her way. She could see Caira closing the distance. Both her hands gripped onto the obsidian pommel tightly as all of her righteous might was brought forth, coursing through the weapon.

... And from a distance she'd let it out, slashing through the air and sending forth a wave of holy magic unlike any other - protecting what she cared about by striking first.

All she could hope for was that it'd stop Caira. She was already thinking about bad it would be if it didn't when her left knee hit the ground.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[01:24] Siegfried whispers something.
[01:25] Siegfried whispers something.
[01:29] ".. Oh! This is Miss Tragedy, we met once when I was younger. Hm, hm."

Giving Siegfried a warm smile, his attention drifted back over towards the Archon. Giving a few firm nods of his head,

"Of course it's going well! I had a lot of fun earlier. Sadly I didn't get to bring something home with me. Mn, I'll have to try harder next time for sure." A slight pause, a hand reaching up to rub at his chin,

"I don't plan to leave any if I can help it. I've heard what happens if you leave some around still.."
(Ilui Elisheva)
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[01:30] Subira whispers something.
[01:30] Subira whispers something.
[01:32] She's so desperately angry, it hurt. Caira flew forward. Every single bite of the sword breaks through the obsidian sword's defenses little by little. With how hard Caira was pushing herself, she absolutely wasn't playing to her strengths. There is nothing short of offense flowing off of Caira, and each time Masamune bit into the sword Rindou help - Holy sparks are shed between the clashing of metal. Plenty of them spark back against the two of them, but little by little - Shields had been formed all across her body.

I'll be Gehenna's Bulwark. And if I break? I wasn't meant for the position, anyway.

Thrown backwards with the tempo immediately changing, Caira swings the legendary blade to the other hand and grits her teeth, every last bite of Masamune intent on shredding through magma and biting into the flesh below. She didn't want Rindou to protect Issac, but for the life of her - She couldn't get it through her dense, defended head that the Sakamoto was defending the Gehennan instead.

No words fly between the two of them in this moment, Caira having taken an absolutely massive amount of damage. Her legs don't wobble. Her knees don't buckle. The earth itself starts to rise around her as Masamuna howled into the air.

One. Final. Push. As the exorcist's force matched one another at the pinnacle of their fighting ability, there's a problem. A crack in her shield, a break in the projection of holy power. When Rindou sent her wave of holy magic, it crashed right into the weak point. A faulty defense crafted from exhaustion, anger, and what she believed to be righteousness.

In one massive shattering display, the sound of glass breaking can be heard - And shards of a holy shield explode from Caira's form. Finally, her legs had wobbled. A knee buckles below and she falls to the ground. Bloody, wounded, and scarred from the fight..

Rindou had absolutely done it. She'd protected Caira from Issac. Her eyes close, Caira's head hangs forward.. And pain had never quite felt so.. Terrible.

You won't surpass me, Rin. Come on. We both know that's impossible. Haha!
(Caira)
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[01:34] Lips curl ever so slightly-- into a sweet smile, except he couldn't particularly help the way thoe corners twitch all the while. Any other moment, perhaps Requiem would be out of its sheathe already-- instead, the Hirai simply lets a faint, quiet breath outward, before aiming to bring his hand up and lighly push her leg sideways in an attempt to squeeze out.

At the question, though?

"Sort of... had more issues than I could count. Things are a bit smooth now, however."

Almost as if to demonstrate, he'd allow a single hand to brush past the grass there-- surely enough, even if for a brief moment, the colors were drained there, with only black and white left in his wake, accompanied by faintest flicker of marble spark.

"Still a lot to go for, but... suppose I can stand, now?"
(Elyon Hirai)
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[01:34] …

The casual air with which Ilui regards Tragedy is...disconcerting, to say the least, especially given what he'd just been made aware of in these hushed interactions. Hearing him talk without grievance about how he'd indiscriminately genocide all of his enemies wasn't anything new, but it also felt like a foot in the ass.

All and all, he just momentarily buries his face in his hands, drags his hands down aforementioned face, and then waves at Setsuna, tossing her a smile.

"Later, Setsuna."

And then, he seeks out Adrian in the crowd, eyes scanning the gathered in an instant. Realizing then that he didn't see him, the lad embarks on a search for the dragon, having a monumentally stupid task to perform, and desiring his company for when he goes to do it.

He had to find Calael, too.
(Siegfried)
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[01:36] The black winged demi-angel was ever attentive in watching the battle, ruby red eyes alive and focused - following each stroke of their blades and the numerous clashes on the field. They were perfectly matched in speed, power, and battle wit, a spectacle that he clearly enjoyed, wings unfurling out behind him, onyx feathers shifting.

Once the conclusion is reached, he stepped forward, standing before them. One gloved hand gestures to each of this teenagers, "This generation excites me, truly. You both felt it, didn't you?"

"When your blades met and your souls sang with the sound the clash."

He wondered if Caira was still conscious, if she might open her eyes and say what's on her mind now that she's exhausted from the fight. His gaze lingers for a moment, then back to Rindou. "Are you uninjured?"
(Isaac Shimasu)
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[01:36] Isaac Shimasu says, "sound of*"
[01:41] She held herself up on a knee with both hands on her sword, using it as a makeshift cane. She watched it land. She watched herself overcome that obstacle, surpass someone who thought they would be merely rivals. She watched her be hurt in more than one way, too. Her head hung down in shame, in pain, though not the physical kind. Her bright veil died out as Isaac approach, as if he dimmed even the greatest part of her.

When she was adressed the amber-eyed woman's gaze shot a glare towards the Shogun, one that lasted about a split-second, perhaps even being imaginary, falling to neutrality and respect before most would even notice.

"I'm... fine. Were you harmed, Lord Shogun?"

She had to play her part. She had to save Caira, to protect her. This man had caused it all, but he wouldn't be the one the end it. Neither her nor the Gehennan would fall to Isaac Shimasu's flames.

This was a promise she made to herself.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[01:43] Isaac Shimasu says, "I was not. An attack like that would feel like a paper cut to me, but you did well to deflect it regardless."
[01:44] Deigning to allow the figure beneath her to stand, Tragedy was quiet for a moment as she contemplated the demonstration. Occult..? Perhaps. She looked to Ilui before her attention turned to the centerpiece of the entire demonstration, Isaac. Now that the demonstration was over with.

"Mister Shimasu," she drawled in that soft, commanding tone. "You waste no time at all, do you? I can still smell the blood on you. In the absence of regret, it's almost overwhelming."

It appeared that she was well in touch with the recent news before arriving.
(Tragedy)
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[01:45] His eyes didn't travel off the battle, Caira having lost a clash with a friend. He didn't intervene, even if this should've never happened. He only hoped that Caira would listen to reason now, shaking his head with a sigh.

"History almost repeated itself... And now a medic is injured... After we had several people already in the clinic literally yesterday..." Though at the very least Issac had some positives on the entire situation, the battle being a wonderous sight. At the very least no one was gravely harmed. He couldn't help but smirk a little bit, yes the act was deplorable.

But seeing how Caira improved was a sight to witness, it made him want to improve even farther. Declan was right about a lot of things, one being he needed to attune with the elements and get stronger now more than ever.

But the realization set in that this whole thing occurred over one person's ignorance, and he was dead yet still causing problems somehow.


(Nephthys Masry)
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[01:45] Caira, utterly unconscious and wounded, leans too far to the left - And collapses to the floor with the cut wound across her chest. And injury to take one - An injury to brood on and hate with all her heart. So this is it, then?

This is the wall she's bound to fight against? With eyes closed and a heavy heart, head, and conscience - Caira was finished. It was probably for the better, lest she saw one more thing or make herself look like that much more of an insane exorcist.

Issac was so blatantly right, though - Her heart was dancing, her very soul was painted in a shade of blue. It sang and rose into the sky like a helix. This fight was undoubtedly Rindou's. This day?

Easily Issac Shimasu's.
(Caira)
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[01:47] Rindou Sakamoto says, "..."
[01:50] Something else soon stole away his attention when he hears a familiar voice, and recognizes the sight of Tragedy in the distance. The demi-angel had studied humanity's enemies well, and he knew the demon for her long war against the people he now led. His eyes lingered, hesitant and thoughtful, before a smile took shape beneath them and he made his way over towards immortal.

"From last night's battle, or today's unfortunate events?" The scent of a vampire also clung to him, now bound in chains and on the verge of death. He smiles forward, wings softly fluttering behind him, "Your Worldscape is quite a place. Nyphadora and I forged a weapon there."

"Tell her I said hello, when you see next them."
(Isaac Shimasu)
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[01:51] Rindou slowly trudged closer to Caira who laid there defeated. With Isaac away from them and the both of them spent she could finally... breathe. He body twisted, her blade was sheathed and she fell down to the ground right by Caira's side. She stared at the skies, watching the sun— Jiuweihu baring its light down upon them. She breathed in.

Then breathed out. A nervous, exhausted, overwhelmed giggle escaped her. She was tired.
(Rindou Sakamoto)
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[01:51] Rindou Sakamoto whispers: ... You could've died. Idiot.