Thom - The Ritual

[11:24:35] It was around time.

The war was approaching, the horde would soon be heading out to attack Cinderfall. As such it was time to go through the final preperations, the final upgrades, the final additions. The Golden king stood in their throne room, hellstorm cackling around him as he moved various vials through his fingers. The black ambrosia, a vial of crimson blood but far more potent.

Depravity absolutely ebbed off him. The blade on his back, the left arm adorned in bandages.. There were many, many things which caused Thom to be depraved here, but he seemed not to be focusing on that. Instead the glowing golden hues looked forwards, awaiting for hte approach of another.

".. I wonder what the instructions for this ritual are.."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[11:34:49] Phoebe had let out a light yawn that exuded across the tips of her lips. She could feel some of her bones wane and such, but it wasn't that painful. Not much seemed to be for her anymore. The walk from her home to Loranthis was a arduous one, especially for someone who barely was within the light anymore. As in. . She was skeptical. She did not know why she was supposed to come here.

Hell, she didn't even read the newspapers anymore because all of it was just depressing as all atmos to her.

The paranoia drove even further when she got inside of the castle, but at the same time she was trying to play it cool so no one seemed to notice that she was mentally screaming in her head just to turn around.

What she had carried with her was numerous things. Three boxes, a bag that held a lot of notes, books, and other pleasantries. And for some reason. . Well, that was it.

She remembered the halls . . They weren't as they were the last time she came here given the numerous amount of rebuilding mechanics but hey! She remembered the look at least.

"Greetings to the both of you." Phoebe said, giving a well bow, allowing her nerves to settle just for this meeting.
(Phoebe Avaline)
[11:42:30] An invitation had been sent Phoebe's way, one that would guide her to the slowly re-emerging Loranthis. As the queen, Nashandra had a say in what came in and out of the city, and if anything, was the one telling Thom which decision was the wisest.

Today, one of the remaining Avalines was to bring a few goodies, including information regarding a certain ritualtistic art. But there were also other things, including her runic tome, possibly one of the most efficient relics to be found in this world. A book holding many runewriting secrets around the occult and the depraved. This tome had been crucial in creating Nashandra after all.

"Hello Miss Phoebe. I really hope you are well! Thom here is quite interested in some of your work, actually."

A few gestures of salutations before they'd go down to business.

"If my data is correct, you mother ... Helped you with something known as 'Artificial Imperfection', correct?"

Walking ever so closer to Phoebe, the elder woman would be greeted with a slight kiss on the cheek and a pat on her shoulder.
(Nashandra)
[11:43:21] Thom M. Takashi: ((1 = normal introduction, 2 = hilarious introduction
[11:48:28] And then they arrived. The creek of the door to the white tower could be heard and the king's golden glowing hues glanced over towards the appearance to the new magi. Nashandra knew them, but Thom? Thom knew very little about Phoebe other then what Nashandra told him about her. aka: She was the best rune writer in the current age and...

Thom's hand mod move, going to hold Nashandra's.

"Greetings Phobe Avaline. My name is Thom M. Takashi. I am your daughter's fiance, and I want to assure you that grand children should be coming soon." Thom said, the calmest possible expression on his face as he said what he determined was most important.

"Oh. Also I'm the king of Loranthis. It's a pleasure to meet you. As Nashandra said, I am currently looking for information on Artifical Imperfection. She told me that you would be the expert on it. I would like your assistance with it."

Another pause.

"Oh uh.. They can have kids right? I should ask about that beforehand too."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[12:32:51] Phoebe ran a hand through her hair before just wrapping her arms around the girl that seemed to have surpassed her first daughter. She didn't think much about it, however. Nashandra was still her blood daughter. For a moment, there was a distant pause as she stared at Nashandra's face. It was only a subtle moment, but she shook her head and smiled lightly.

"Its' wonderful to see you as well, Nashandra. I trust you have been doing well." Phoebe's glance turned from her daughter to Thom, and looked him up and down. The first thing she noted was the hair, being as crimson red as someone she had remembered from her own past. It made her wonder something for the most part.

The girl comedically removed a notebook, and a pencil just started to jot something down, 'Same preferences as mom.' She thought to herself as she closed up the notebook, making sure no one saw what she had just wrote down. It was subtle things like that, that made her think of other smaller things.

She knew she would be gone, but that didn't meant she didn't like the end results of her own creation. . . Her daughter. . Whom she loved very much, and that was why.

Moving on, she gave a nod towards Thom, "Ah, greetings yes. Its' nice to see that Nashandra has met someone. A handsome man at that." Phoebe said, just smiling before getting back to the point--

"I wish you both good luck with that-- uh.. Artificial Imperfection?" Phoebe asked. Well, she did know what it was about.

"Erm, yes. I know about it." Phoebe said, just removing her bag anda placing it on the side.

"Well, for one, given the Hirano's main bloodline has always had a mixture of yokai genetics in them, it is more or less a certainty that you can mate as an Artificial imperfect. However the benefits of it would likely dilute overtime. I believe that's what is going on with the Hirano's or was. . I don't keep tabs on them anymore. The way you differentiate this is with whether you see your child or your grandchild with horns." Phoebe explained this thoroughly.

"That's just one of the basic means of how it effects your bloodline. There is also the red eyes, as well as aging mechanics, but that also further dilutes after.. .. a few generations as well. However, even if it dilutes, it gives your lineage an easier time to do the ritual." She would state this normally.

"The more your kids do it, even before having children, the more the lineage stays in tune. However, there is always a bad thing with it. To get the blood, shady deals are made with imperfects. While some imperfects keep to their word over time, the vast majority of it is a end result of betrayal. Does the ends justify the means and all of that jazz."

"The ritual. . . I've been looking in on it since I was a child. I knew several things about it." She brought up her hand.

"For one you would need occultic artifacts. Basically anything imbueing in both depravity and occultic essences. Could be either or, but roughly, this enhances the ritual, strengthening it. For example. . You say. . get a cloak that has wrath or lust essence imbued in it. And then you get scales from an shadowflame dragon. . You sacrafice both the wrathful cloak and the scales by placing them within the circle. You attain the wrathful desires from the sin itself as well as enhanced the darkness. However, the artifacts are just there to make it stronger."

"I do not know the specific benefits for it. I just know how the ritual is supposed to be performed. With depravity and occultic based artifacts. . . And the imperfect's blood. You need to drink the blood while in the circle. . As said, the ritual doesn't really need artifacts. Its' just there to make it stronger." Phoebe said.

"As for writing an actual circle. . That is the problem for me. You see. . Its' occultic or depravity based. While I do have a book, it is anti-depravity. . ." She looks Thom's way, "Exactly what are you trying to accomplish here with this information?" She'd ask.
(Phoebe Avaline)
[12:36:16] Phoebe Avaline: I also took the liberty of getting one thing for you two, in regards to this. Kaor Horns. Its' something I was able to pick up decades ago when I was younger and trying to do the ritual myself. . I never got around to it however.
[12:44:48] Wow Thom. Eyes narrowed at her soon-to-be husband. How it felt like she was jinxing the whole thing. They were together, and planning to have children, just as war was coming. If one were to die, it would be quite the sad conclusion! Nonetheless, the Golden King would recieve a smasll punch on the shoulder, for the Queen was quite embarassed.

"Tsk. Way to be awkward, Thom."

Eyes peered back toward Phoebe as she'd blast them with a wave of information. Silver eyes remained fixed on the blonde elder. Rarely blinking, as she would only notice the dryness of her optics once the explination was over, followed by a barrage of blinks.

"I see ... I have in my possession the scales of a Shadow-Flame dragon, actually. I also have its bones, so I can spare the scales. If it helps make the ritual more efficient, why not?"

She'd shrug.

"As for the rest, well, we could perhaps utilize, above the horns, one of the Chicken's feathers? They're notorious for being ... Hexed, right? Plus, your new arm should help you in the occultic and depraved department."
(Nashandra)
[12:45:39] Phoebe Avaline: . . . . Chicken feathers?
[12:47:21] Nashandra: The Tome could also be used to contain the occultic magic focused in the circle.
[12:47:21] Phoebe Avaline: Yeah, yeah, it can. . But chicken feathers?
[12:47:21] Nashandra: Chicken Kaor.
[12:48:12] Phoebe Avaline: <*Stares*>
[12:48:12] Phoebe Avaline: --
[12:48:12] Phoebe Avaline: So they're farm animals now?
[12:48:12] Nashandra: <*Shrug*>
[12:48:12] Phoebe Avaline: Geez. .
[12:49:04] The punch to the shoulder was perhaps well deserved. The man let out a little hiss, but it was a bit of a playful one before he straightened himself, listening to the information. The vials that he held in his hands once more would be spun before he glanced towards Phobe and Nashandra.

"Imperfect blood is a check. Already have it. As for items of depravity and occultism." Thom would remove the blade from his back, before pulling off another. Both were tainted by depravity, and a greater amulet of dark power would be prodcued as well. "I've got two depraved swords, the blood of a vampire, the arm of a malpercian, the tooth of a kaor.." A slight tsk as the red haired man attempted to think more and more.

But both the woman started talking and Thom would grow quieter to listen instead.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[13:03:34] Phoebe turned her head to Thom, "Well . . If you're good with all of that, the most that is needed now. . ." She removed the book, "It can be used to do such a thing, yes. It can be used as an incubator to keep the occultic and depraved properties in the circle, almost like a shell being placed over it. A few lines of text can be done to make something like that work." Phoebe explained.

". . . . I'll say this now however. . I do not know the psyche of a person that becomes an artificiaul imperfect. It may change your mentality. It may not. You might become twisted and warped, for all I know or your mentality might shift subtly to becoming more sadistic, like most yokai. There are dangers to consider, but I only say this now because I want you both to be sure that this is what you both want." Phoebe explained.

"Nashandra. . How well are you with runic capabilities? Or will I need to do it?" Phoebe asked.

"Making the circle may not be the problem, as I thought, but I need to know. . Do you guys have anyone else that will be helping you through this?" She questioned.
(Phoebe Avaline)
[13:08:41] Looks like they had everything they needed, more or less. Now, the big question they had to pose themselves. Was this the right thing to do? Was this smart? Thom could be changed forever, as he would adopt the properties of the Yokai.

"... Thom. What do you think?"

The homunculus inquired, concerned about the possibility eventualities. This was quite the sensitive situation. Her hand slid, grabbing her lover's once more as it'd be difficult for her to remove her gaze from his frame.

"I'm not as efficient as you nor Miss Charlie. I COULD recplicate the circle if you were to draw it for me, but perhaps your presence could bring a plus, don't you think?"

Nashandra proposed, worry very much visible in her otherwise calm expression. She had definitely become more human since her birth. Moreso than her fiancé, it seemed.
(Nashandra)
[13:08:41] Phoebe Avaline: I will be there through the entire process.
[13:09:32] Phoebe Avaline: But I want to know if you have anyone else that is willing to help. Or is it just us three.
[13:14:40] "Sounds like we can begin." The red haired man would have begun, before the mentioning of not knowing how this would effect the psyche of a person. Thom shrugged, very quickly stepping forwards and placing his arms around Nashandra, pulling her into a tight hug. "I don't care. Nothing will be strong enough to break my bond to Nashandra. Anything else?..

I don't care. Cinderfall needs to burn. Loranthis is a horde which I plan not to have many attachments to. Nostvale and New Alteros I could care less about. The only bond that I need is this. Any other can burn in Helheim." The many stated, a bit of a sadistic smile on his face as the red hellstorm aura flared around him, though making sure not to hurt anyone.

With that being said Thom looked to Nashandra and placed a kiss upon her lips. "I'll be fine. Let's get started on this as soon as possible. I guess I could ask Syx or Cucco to be present if you both truely desire but.. I'd like this as soon as possible." A nod from the king with a smile on his face.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[13:18:56] Phoebe Avaline: <Parents give horrible names to their children. . Syx and Cucco. .Poor kids. .>
[13:19:47] Phoebe Avaline: I do have a favor to ask.
[13:19:47] Phoebe Avaline: When you do have kids. . Don't give them rediculous names like the ones you just spoke. .
[13:19:47] Thom M. Takashi: ... -sweatdrops- i-is my name that bad..
[13:20:38] Phoebe Avaline: Syx and Cucco! I mean Syx and Cucco! Your name sounds. . . Its' good! Yeah, good.
[13:20:38] Nashandra: She meant the Yokai's and ... You're associate's
[13:20:38] Thom M. Takashi: Ah. The kaor and the book.
[13:20:38] Phoebe Avaline: --
[13:21:29] Phoebe Avaline: A book?
[13:21:29] Phoebe Avaline: <*Stares at her book*>
[13:21:29] Thom M. Takashi: Yeah. A book.
[13:21:29] Phoebe Avaline: <*Stares back at Thom*> Oh dear. . . Has the insanity already started?

(Slight time skip)

[14:28:54] Thom M. Takashi: Syx will not help at the current moment.. But it is fine.
[14:28:54] Nashandra: Chicken then.
[14:29:45] Thom M. Takashi: Cucco? I didn't see him around.. Must be running around some place
[14:30:36] Phoebe Avaline: Chicken?
[14:30:36] Phoebe Avaline: -- Oh. . Right.
[14:31:28] Phoebe Avaline: Ugh.
[14:33:10] Vivica: <*depravity being pushed on was ignored since she feels it all the time*>
[14:34:01] Phoebe Avaline: <. . . Oh my g-- it really exists.>
[14:35:44] Cucco would all of a sudden toss Vivica into the air and let her land on his back. Clucking as he would head to the castle. For some strange reason he would feel he was needed. So with that he would head inside. The little chick hopping on Vivica's head and taking a ride with them to the castle. As he would enter he would look around.

Putting Viv off his abck he would approach the others while the chick laid on her head and waited.

"*Cluck* Hello Golden King and Silver Queen. Who might you be? *Cluck*" Looking at the woman next to them."
(Cucco)
[14:40:00] Thom would have moved to sit upon a desk once returning. The man would have seemed to be focusing a bit when Nashandra requested on retreiving hte chicken. A depravity could be felt around him, obviously something being drawn into this world from another plane, but before much could happen..

The chicken found his way here of his own volition. Perhaps the depravity had called out to him? Reguardless the golden glowing eyes open as he glanced to Cucco. "Greetings. We require your assitance for a ritual we are about to perform." Thom stated simply..

Speaking of which this might be the first time the yokai got a good glance at the man's left arm. Indeed, it appeared that the rune covered bandages had been removed. Now in its place would be a humanoid limb, with long claw-like nails. It was entirely purple except for the veins which were a dark black coloration.

"Shall we begin now then?"
(Thom M. Takashi)
[14:57:55] Phoebe was stil trying to discern why on earth was the yokai a chicken! A weird one of all things! She really didn't expect a chicken yokai. . Was it a kaor? What was it exactly? Her eyes gleamed with wonder at the majestic being that was infront of her, but it was only briefly.

"My name is Phoebe Avaline. Nashandra's mother." Phoebe calmly explained to the large yokai as she begun to open the pages for just a moment, "Are we going to be doing this entire process here, or?" She'd ask as she would begin to remove a piece of magic chalk. Good for drawing stuff on a rough surface and what not. The convenience of a few of these items made her wonder for the most part, but she did begin to read the book she had.

Mainly, it was just her trying to commit to memory what was needed for this to work and all of that, "I'm looking over what runes will be needed for the circle right now. So now will be the time to tell me where we will be exactly doing this." Phoebe said calmly as she just manuvered the chalk inbetween her fingers and what not, almost like it was some form of parlor trick.

She wasn't rushing them, she just wanted to do this quick and to the point to make sure everything went well and no one was wasting their time. She paused momentarilly as she was reading through the rituals and such, just waiting on a concrete answer. . If it was here, then. . Well.. . She'd get to work right away.
(Phoebe Avaline)
[15:03:02] It appears they were going to work with Phoebe's knowledge. She had spoken to Arcelia Hirano about it, and mastered both runes and rituals to a point where they could blindly trust her. The Chicken would make its appearance, with the local toddler on its back. And to think she couldn't believe Cucco could look anymore ridiculous.

"Mister Cucco. This is the most pretigious person you will find in this land. Please, do respect and bow to Miss Phoebe, my mother, yes."

Rubbing her hands as she'd focus on the task at hand now. By this time, servant would have delivered a box to the homunculus, in which she'd pull out a large, dragon's scale from it. One could feel the occultism meshed with the intense fire magic ozzing from it.

"We shall be doing this here. The circle will be done by Miss Phoebe as she explains the procedure. I will assist with the runes. The rest, we're fuel to the circle, to help Thom in this endeavor."
(Nashandra)
[15:08:09] Cucco would look at Viv and then nod. Paying full attention to the trio now. Everything else was...well lets say not important to him. Cucco was wondering about alot of things. For one why was Thom hand like that?! That was not the hand of a normal human. That was something of another kind of race. He could feel its dark force calling to him.

"*Cluck* Hmm interesting...what exactly is that? *cluck*"

He was pretty sure he knew what it was. Yet, he was wanting to know more. Next the woman would say she was the Silver Queen's mother. So this woman made one of the most dangerous people in Valmasia? Well then Cucco would need to not be on their bad side.

"*Cluck* I'm Cucco its a pleasure to....greet you. *Cluck*" Bowing to the woman and nodding. Though he would look to see they were doing something. What exactly he was not sure at all.

Cucco would nod as he would step forward.

"*Cluck* I shall do my best. *cluck*"

(Cucco)
[15:14:08] With no answer to her desires stated, Cucco had tossed the little girl to his back and begin traveling back towards the White Tower. Meanwhile his hatchling sat atop her head.

The sharp claws of his spawn could be felt against her skull as she leaned forward to keep ahold on the chicken and prevent herself from falling. Depravity oozed from all sources, a feeling she had grown used to over the year of living in Loranthis.

Now before the King and Queen of Loranthis, Vivica watched with a curious gaze. First she eye'd Thom who had his bandages removed to reveal a purple arm in place of his orignial. Long claws and black veins could be seen that she observed. Strange, she'd have to document that about the man later on.

Vivica's silver eyes then turned to Nashandra's mother, Phoebe Avaline, giving the woman a grin. The woman spoke of runes which Vivica took interest in. She gazed in awe at the book she had in hand and the chalk manuvering between her fingers.

Cucco had gone ahead to let the short little girl down from his back with the hatchling still on her head. To Thom's side she stood, not comprehending what was to take place aside from some process that involved the group except for her.

Maybe.

It had to do with runes; thus for now the child would attentively watch. Perhaps, after whatever was to take place, she'd speak with Nashandra's mother about runes!
(Vivica)
[15:14:59] "Here will be fine Phobe." The red haired man nodded in agreement with Nashandra said. This would be the moment, this would be the time. Where as Syx didn't seem to wish to help currently he was likely missing out. The red haired man would stop leaning on the desk behind him, cracking his neck as he spun the vials between his fingers.

"Let's start with the runes.. I'm not good at that part. Might need a few instructions on the whole ritual part too.. But the sooner the better." The Golden king merely stated, his eyes glancing to Nashandra and her mother, then to Cucco, then to.. Vivica. "Oh. Maybe the child shouldn't be he- Eh, I don't care." A shrug of Thom's shoulders.

"Cucco, would you be willing to grant us one of your feathers? That and what Nashandra and Phobe know to assist the ritual. We currently need occultic items." Thom simply explained.

"Lets get into our places."
(Thom M. Takashi)
[15:59:21] Phoebe only had begun to study what was in the book. It was not circles, it was the modifications to ritual circles that she was trying to study right now. She took her time to read each rune that was in the book that was going to be used for the ritual.Truth be told, she knew the start up for the ritual, but the process of it was something that was rather difficult for her to even achieve. .. I guess that was where they would try to wing it at a point in time, huh?

Well, regardless on what happened next, Phoebe had begun to quickly make work of the runes. . How long would this take for her to do? Agonizingly long. . She was drawing each part as slow and steady as ever. There was no rush for her to write down anything, no rush to make keep it steady. It was just her own way of incorporating the runic tome and utilizing its' advantages to help make the specific circle.

Perhaps it might've been better to get some yokai blood in the mix as well to help carve out the external contraptions of the circle, but she wouldn't say anything yet. Mistakes could happen, or may not, and if it didn't happen, then Phoebe would be relieved. . The circle in itself was a purple-ish designed, mainly based around Phoebe's shadowflame coloration. She was a occultic magi, even if it didn't show.

"Hmm. ." There was a pause in her thinking as she rereard the tome, just making sure she ahd drawn parts of it correctly before continueing on with her work. It sure was taking longer than normal, but it was not anything that Phoebe couldn't really manage.

After a couple of minutes of long term silence, Phoebe would clap her hands once before explaining the circle. She made several attached platforms that were created outside of the first circle, with several strands of lines basically connecting them together. Runes practically embedding themself onto the surface of the cobblestone with different insignias to represent the complexity of the runic ritual in general. She made sure everything were to go off without a hitch. . Well, to her that is.

"Alright. . So here is what I did." She points towards the Platforms, "Siphoning chamber for both depravity and occultic measures. Aka, it will 'seal' it and transfer it to the main ritual circle. . ." She points at the main circle, "From here, it will store the depravity and occultic measures that is needed." If its' occultic and depravity, it will just be an easy fix of the two.

"You will need to drip your own blood on the runic seal to activate it, so that it configures to whoever is entering it." It was a spin on things, but a lot simpler than led on to be.


"Now, the final things that will be needed. . . Place the artifacts on the platforms provided. . You will need to drink the imperfect's blood. . Rather, let me be more specific here, you will need to mix the imperfect's blood with . . a Hirano's. Or something from a hirano. If its' not a blood mixture, than hopefully horns. Something to help the human body maintain itself." Phoebe would inhale deeply and heave a light sigh.

"By the way. . And this is. . Where occultism comes to play." Phoebe said. She folded her arms, "As we all know Occultism is not like exorcism. .Obviously. Meaning, there are. . special measures that need to take place. ." Obviously occultism was dark, so there was always a means to gain things under dangerous ordeals. It wasn't a matter of it being a ritual or not, it just. . to her fit with the entire premise.

"You need to kill yourself, or atleast be in a near death state. . . Basically. After ingesting the imperfect blood and over the circle, no less. . I'd suggest, if you have anything from a Hirano, that, that would be better to use since they're also human." She said that last part again, but added what was really needed, or what she assumed to be needed. The information on her part was mainly how an occultist would do it and that shit was dark of itself.

She waited for reactions, questions or statements.
(Phoebe Avaline)
[16:07:53] As Phoebe scribbled down the large portions of the circle, Nashandra would utilize her silver, nerebian flames to mark the ground with her own set of runes. She was no expert, but she could read the various glyphs in the tome in order to replicate them. It felt natural to her, as if it were all deja-vu.

There was then the mention of Hirano blood, or at least the blood of a descendant of the Yokai-hybrid people. As luck would have it, Nashandra had salvaged Clio Hirano's body of all things, and samples were taken! A shake of a vial filled with red ichor would capture the attention of those nearby.

"I have this here, from the last Nostvalian Queen no less. Should be devoid of Chimera."

Tossing it over to Thom, he was to do as instructed by Phoebe. However, what the elder would say next did indeed shock the homunculus. A good, long pause took place with her silver optics glaring at the blonde woman.

"... That's insane. Nearly kill himself? Why? That ... That's too dangerous!"

It was odd that she knew these things. Then again, she herself strived toward this goal at one point. An expert in runes, rituals and occultism, with a penchant to study Yokai. How could she NOT have an idea as to how such a ritual would occur. If anything, she'd be the person inventing this! Nonetheless, it didn't reassure the Silver Queen whatsoever.
(Nashandra)
[16:11:18] Cucco would look at Thom and hand him the feather. The chicken was not going to stop as he would follow orders. As he would be in the circle and look at them all. Cucco wonder as he would listen to the words. He would also give her the blood they needed. Cucco didn't mind pain. It was another emotion to desire for him.

As he would then let the ritual happen he would wait.

Cucco was not sure what would happen but he was prepared. Thom he wondered if the man could go through with this. It made the yokai know that soon he would find out.

He woudl hear Nashandra reply to Thom's near death experience. It made Cucco excited to see how far the man would go for power. Cucco would then do what he does bad.

"Cluck!"
(Cucco)
[16:19:50] Observing would be important to obtain any knowledge of the ritual the group was to perform. One question that Vivica wanted to desperately ask would be: What is going on?

For now again the little girl remained standing with a chick atop her head. Her eyes remained on Phoebe as she worked on writing runes. However long it took, either way Vivica's interest remained on the woman's doing. Even Nashandra had her own to add in to it.

The ritualistic circle, in the purple color, was present. Pauses were taken in the woman's work, but for whatever reason she wasn't unsure why and what exactly it was Phoebe was doing.

A clap from the woman broke the silence, causing Vivica to jump. It could appear the little girl was in a trance like state viewing the woman's work. Several other platforms that connected with the main circle could be seen, but what did all of this mean?

Vivica did her best to remember all that she had heard and seen. Siphoning chambers? What did all of this mean? She frowned to the information, it was just to difficult to comprehend.

Blood needed to be dripped to activate a runic seal. Huh, that was interesting. The child's silver hues followed each point of the woman's finger and repeated in her mind all that she had spoken. An item from a Hirano would be needed as stated, specifically horns? Though Nashandra had given her mother Clio Hirano's blood to state it being devoid of the Chimera Virus like thom once mentioned before to Vivica.

Interesting. All of it was. Desperately Vivica wanted to question what this was for, but whtever drinking an imperfect's blood meant? It was quite intriguing and truly attention catching. They were terms she was quite infamiliar with, but however Vivica would take it, she did her best to remember it.

Killing ones self was mention to which her eyes widened. Or a near death state? The child's eyes then wandered around each individual present with a shocked expression until looking back to the circle. Thom killing himself or being near death? It was stomach sinking and she grew afraid.

Of all emotions she could feel, fear was the greatest occuring.
(Vivica)
[16:24:57] So he needded to place the artifacts on the platform? Simple. The vial of vampire blood, the tooth of a kaor, Cucco's feather, as well as the horn if Phobe so allowed it, would be placed onto the platforms once htey had been made. With all the things gathered Thom would step towards the main circle, witthout even hearing the full instructions. The red haired man turned around then, listneing and hearing that he would need his own blood to activate it.

"Why do I need to drink a Hirano's blood?" Thom asked, a raised brow. It felt like had fought the family in every single war he had ever been in, so why did he need to drink their blood too? Either way, Nashandra seemed to have some, recalling that she took the body of Clio. With that Thom would take both vials, moving them in his fingers.

And then she told him he needed to kill himself. A raise of the red haired man's brow. "Eh? I've tried, that doesn't exactly seem to work on me exactly." The Takashi simply stated "Anyway, it'll be fine." A glance was made towards all those present as the man simply hummed.

"So I cut myself, drink the blood, then off myself right? In that order?" Thom asked, memorizing it and going through his last preperations in his mind.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[16:33:29] Phoebe inhale deeply. . This was going to be short sweet and to the point.

"Mhm. . I'd say use a occultic sword or some kaor horns or hell, even an Hirano's horns to do the trick. Blood on the ritual circle and all of that." She looked over to Nashandra.

"If I could've tried it right now as proof, I would. This is my first time mimicing such a procedure. Its' why I was being adamant on getting more help, but you guys wanted to rush it now. . ." Before she went into a long winded rant, and basically derailed herself however, she would explain.

"You're transitioning yourself into something that is different." Phoebe said bluntly. Artificial Imperfection is something, while human, is still different. You're basically part human and part yokai. Your kids will also be in that same boat ride as well." If he lived through this.

"The way I see it, it is a means of. . . rebirth. . . You're killing yourself to be reborn in the same body but with different alterations." Phoebe inhaled deeply. She might have been studying it, but she never got to the point of actually doing it. If she did, she wouldn't be stressing out over the help, even if she wanted to.

Once more, she waited. She told them why she wanted to know if they should bring more people, she told them the truth, and it was quite apparent that it was the case since she didn't have horns. There was not much to do than to either sit back and watch things unfold. .

She did give a bit of a death stare at the fallen queen's body, saying no words about it.

To be frank, she really did hate her for all the bullshit she had to go through for the last few decades when she was active in the world. . .

But oh well, moving on.
(Phoebe Avaline)
[16:39:28] All this talk of rebirthing frightened the Silver Queen. Was her king destined to become someone else entirely? Or would this be a metamorphosis into something better? Bigger? The unknown was a scary thing, and Nashandra had never been more scared of the abyss than now.

"... You're sure about this Thom? I'll stop this if seems to get out of hand."

Concern overwhelmed the homunculus' expression as her grip tightened on his hand. But, she'd eventually let go, and set herself at the edge of the runic circle. Dragon scale ready as an offering, they could now proceed.

"With the Hirano's blood mixed into the Imperfect's, he drinks, and then ... Transitions, correct? Alright. I must assume we are all to set ourselves in one end of the circle, and pour our mana to charge it as the ritual commences?"

If this was the case, she was more than ready to proceed.
(Nashandra)
[16:43:44] Cucco was entranced in the situation. Watching and waiting as the humans spoke. Cucco wonder what he would come to after this? He was sure this procedure would be most deadly to deal with. Though as he listened all that he focused on was the push for more power.

He could imagine what Thom was thinking.

"*Cluck*"

His mind desired of what Thom would do next. While the woman was worried Cucco was ready. If this was the test they all had waited for it was worth it.
(Cucco)
[16:51:24] Back and forth Vivica's eyes wandered inbetween each individual speaking. First to Thom when he had asked why he had to drink a Hirano's blood. What an interesting question! This ritual was to kill and.. rebirth him, or allow him to be reborn.

"Whoa.." She had spoken softly to herself. Killing himself was required? Apparently he's attempted it before but it didn't work, well that was concerning.

Cutting himself, drinking the blood, offing himself in that order. Vivica's expression changed to worry. Drinking blood of someone who was killed and then dying yourself - what a scary process...

it was confirmed by Phoebe shortly that he indeed had to drink the blood or even use horns from the family. This ritual was for Artificial Imperfection. Making an individual part yokai and part human. Even his children would be in the same 'boat.'

Not wanting to interrupt, she'd hold in her question until all had silenced. Vivica's eyes glared at the body of the deceased Hirano with irritation in her eyes. Huh, for whatever reason she despised the woman, probably because she was tied once with Nostvale and a pack that attacked Loranthis.

"Thom..." His name was softly spoken. Even Nashandra appeared to be scared as did Vivica. This was a figure she looked up to like a father and for this ritual to fail would crush her.

"What's... imperfect mean? Like.. for Thom..? What does it do? I don't like this.." The cihld's eyes glared between the group. Perhaps she'd assist though she was small, it might be exhausting. Anything to gain the man's approval and grow stronger for him and to assist the city, she'd help if asked.
(Vivica)
[17:03:21] "Got it." Thom would say to Phobe, taking a few steps away from the occultist. This.. Wouldn't be the first time that he threw himself into a near death experince after all. Wars, battles, and even self inflicted damage had drawn him pretty close to death. Now however? Now death only exictedh im as a grin crossed his features.

"Would ask for you to demenstrate but yeah." The red haired man said with a nod, once more spinning the vials of blood between his fingers. Turning around once he was in the main circle the man gave a nod. "Alright, lets do this shit."

Rebirth.. To be reborn. Thrown from the shackles of man into something new.. That is how Thom saw what he would be doing. Just another death to him, yet.. Wasn't that what he was at this point? Merely a living embodiment of death?

Nashandra is given a nod as the red haired man puts both bottles into his left hand and promptly bites into the thumb of his right. Slowly the blood begins to pool on the tip of the finger as the red haired man draws away. "Yeah, I'm fine. There is no going back. Only forwards." Shew drew away from him and he drew to face them all.

"Pay attention Vivica. This is what it means to die. This is what it means to live." The blood would fall upon the ritualistic circle, symboling for the begining. Occultic power and depravity would be drawn from the platforms, taking what was sacrficed and in turn bringing the power to him. The golden hues close for a second before popping off both the vial caps.

"Bottoms up!"

In moments they are chugged. And soon after they fall to the floor. OH GOD THEY TASTED HORRIBLE WHAT THE HELHEIM. GAG. SO MUCH GAGGING. Thom prevented himself from loosing bile however, shaking it off as his eyes merely water. Instead his arm goes to his back, reaching for the depraved sword that he wielded.

"I am death."

In a moment the blade is plunged into his gut as a sinsiter grin appears. Hellstorm booms and cackles around the man as his eyes flutter, looking towards each and every member there. The blackness began to wear at the edges of his vision, as if draggining off his soul to the end, as if he had begun to pass on.

But he stands tall. Thom's arms slowly drag the blade out, allowing for much of his blood to spill as he fells the power swarm around him. A loud laugh escapes him as the power floods his veins. Hellstorm strikes out, hitting the walls, supports, the wooden desks, upturning things, only barely held back from striking those providing him with mana.

The artifacts sacrificed crumble into ash as the man merely plunges his blade into the ground. Shaking he may have seemed pale, rather by blood loss or something else.. He may have also seemed a bit younger, but the wild grin on his face was something that was only adorned by him at his current age. One last chuckle escaped him, madly howling up towards the ceiling.

"I AM DEATH!!"

Thom recants. It's exhilerating. Its exicting.

It's Euphoria.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[17:25:32] Phoebe watched in melancholy silence. She watched as the steps were performed, "I would have. . " Phoebe murmured under her breath, but she only stayed silent. She gave them her gripes on performing this already, without more people, but her silence kept going. She watched, and waited. That was all she could do. Watch, waited, and prayed.

Watch, wait and prayed.

Was it really praying? No. Was it really hoping that he would live? Yes, simply because he was her daughter's husband-to-be. She sat down and watched from every small thing that would happen. The glowering of the ritual circle, the breaking down of the artifacts as their depravity and occultism had transfered towards the circle that was just under Thom the moment the blood was garnered. A bright purple-ish glow was noted.

It illuminated in factor. . But all that was needed at this point was to. . Well. . Wait.

And then he took the plunge. It was really, just time to see if it would change him or not. If there was one thing she had pride in, it was her arts as a runewriter, and a ritual specialist at that. She knew it would work.

She knew it would -fucking- work. Her eyes watched with intensity, widening almost as if expecting it to work. It had to work. It would not be for nothing. These were the eyes of not a desperate woman wanting her own creation to work, but someone that had to know it would work.

And so they waited. . . Pride overwhelmed her and told her it would work. . Natural pride not. . magical. .
(Phoebe Avaline)
[17:33:13] Nashandra: <*Crazy Thom is tended to, hand on his before clenching. Silver eyes glaring knives into his.*> Thom.
[17:44:19] Cucco simply was feeling alot of things happening. He was excited, afraid, and many more emotions. Why was he feeling this? Cucco was confused and then realize something. Thom had touched the feather. Cucco would actually feel Thom's desire now. It was something he was not acurate on. It was so difficult.

He knew Thom was going to push through this though.

The Cucco saw the glowing arohnd and looked. What depravity he felt was immense. The feeling of it was so unbelieveable! The chicken was actually feeling this power surge all over.

The chicken would then prepare for whatever was to come.
(Cucco)
[17:46:52] Vivica watched it all. The ritual take place fully. The man's ascension.

Silver eyes glared. First the artifacts used were placed along the attached platforms that would demolish throughout. Second it was the consumption of the former Nostvalian Queen's blood. Third the man's depraved blade plunging through his stomach.

This wasn't something for the eyes of a child, but Thom wanted her to pat attention, therefore she would.

'This is what it means to die. This is what it means to live.'

A quote now that floated in her mind. The others fed mana unto the ritual for support. She watched his blood spill in the circle from his wound. She wanted to reach for him, to aid him, but how could she help a man who wanted this? She had to hold herself back, but her fear, the desire to essentially gain approval, there wasn't anymore more Vivica could do than to help in anyway she was needed.

His reactions to the blood, his weakness from blood loss had shown his skin growing pale as well. Nothing but fear for Vivica was felt. She shook with it, her expression gave it away.

Hellstorm magic burst from the man's visage wildly. The artifacts sacrified fell to ash and what was worse could be her screams from his magic jolting out wildly. Several zaps of his power nearly struck her, but to her fortunate position, she wasn't hit.

Mad howling erupted from Thom as he stood in place. The ritual was a success, but that didn't change the fear held in Vivica's mind and soul.

All had been noted. The glow from within the ritual's space, his reactions, the reactions of others. She'd have to eventually write down to the best of her ability all that took place. She did observe all the way through, but this here, this situation, different than all she'd ever seen. Advanced arts of rune writing and magic, ascension into Artificial Imperfection.

She hadn't a response for the man or anyone else. Unless they were to address her, Vivica was backed away some, the chicken remained atop her head, and she shook with absolute fear.
(Vivica)
[17:52:51] Success!

It was truely a euphoric experince but now the rush, the feeling.. It slowly ebbed from Thom. No longer did he feel at risk of passing on, no longer did he feel as if his life was in danger. The wound very quickly would begin to close up as the red haired man took step out of step out of the circle, shaking off all that he felt before turning around and facing them all.

A fair amount of blood still covered him as well as the floor. But Thom's focus wouldn't be there. No, instead it was towards each and every person around him, his index finger pointing towards them as a wide grin sat on his face.

"This was fun. But now-"

His hand is grabbed by Nashandra. She glares knives at him, not happy. Yet just like back in the cave, Thom just moves forwards, pressing a kiss to the woman's mouth. His arms wrap around her.

"I want some alone time with Nashandra~"

Thom would attempt to slowly inch himself and his fiance away from the group. A demented sinster grin held on his features.
(Thom M. Takashi)
[17:53:42] Phoebe closed the book silently and looked up for a moment. She beared a lasting sigh for a moment. She looked over toward Nashandra and then back at what she had initially came to hand over. Phoebe got up and handed the Runic Tome towards Nashandra in silence.

There was no look of sadness on her visage. Only a look of 'knowing' Her eyes narrowed and she just silently stood up. She took one good look at the book, and then switched her tired gaze back towards Nashandra. The book had high properties, even more so than the usual. It was certainly not a regular Runic Tome and it was something that Phoebe took in as a high regard.

She taps Nashandra's shoulder and just silently hands her the tome. Her silence was the only thing that spoke volumes at that point. Passed, failed? In-between? What matters at the end of the day, was not if he lived or died. It was just the results. Did it work? Was he able to see what was needed?

Phoebe nodded once towards Nashandra, almost as if beckoning her to take the Runic Tome, not saying a single word anymore.
(Phoebe Avaline)
[17:53:42] Nashandra: <*A nod is sent back toward the elder, as she gracefully accepted the gift. And then, Thom wanted the ALONE TIME*>
[18:00:32] Cucco would nod as he would step out of the circle. The chicken would look and wonder how this would had effected him. Then again maybe it was something they would tell him. The chicken was not sure at all. He would then watch as the transformation would come. Thom was going to be something that no other had achieved.

It made the chicken cluck.

As he and the silver queen wanted some alone time. The chicken would cluck as he would head over to see where else to explore. Though now he felt what Thom was feeling. How he felt was strange. The two were now connected. Cucco would wonder how far would he go to reach the next stage.

The chicken would leave if nothing else needed to be said.


(Cucco)