dev 6 - march on moonfall

Atrosus stood atop the ramparts, watching night begin to fall, revealing stars competing with the setting sun for attention. The gathering Knights and Exarchs below were noted with no small amount of satisfaction. A group of five, of three... That hadn't been enough.

This gathering would do what the previous outings had failed to accomplish.

"Knights of the First Light." Stepping forward, the aged Radiant called out, his voice booming. Lion's Might rested within his right hand, the fire illuminating his face. "Today we march on the village of Moonfall to demand the surrender of the Occultist Cornelia, and any others like her.

They have proven their strength and willingness to use it, so steel yourselves. If it comes to combat, be wary, and hold nothing back. Remember, though. You are Knights, not savages, do not attack indiscriminately. There is a chance that some of those within the village have not fallen to the disease of the Occult.

We are not going to burn it to the ground. We are not going for vengeance, we are going to uphold the law and protect Esshar.

Understood?"
(Atrosus lux Vandigan)

It's difficult to feel any other way to them.

For all that he knows, shielding away the witch and actively defending her is just as good as being with them, but.. with Radiant's point made that they would be taking the likes of her, his lips only idly curve - part of him feels as if he would never truly forgive Jasper's death, but this time, he would go along with the plan.

It only remains to be seen..
What exactly they'll come across.

Nerin understands how dangerous it would be- how much they could get themselves in trouble, provided that the village is indeed filled with Occultists and the likes that would gladly aid them. Even now.. he can't help but glance all around himself- as if taking in the faces of those present, so ever carefully.

He knows some might not come back.
He knows it could even be him.

In the end, with the rest of the speech given, he acknowledges that much; not much is said, except..

"Got it."
(Nerin)

Cold.

One such sensation was one which had struck these Knights immediately, stood before the inhabitants of what had once been naught more than a peaceful village. The Radiant stood, soldiers behind each eagerly awaiting any orders that may dare come.

On the other side?

Cornelia, Cairn and those alongside her, peacefully enjoying their lives as best they could. Once again interrupted, once again having their land intruded upon by a much, much larger force than their own.

(The leaders may begin rp, with others being asked to RP after them.)
[Narrate]

The thunder of dozens of marching boots filled the air as they fell upon Moonfall, a swarm of Knights and Exarchs following behind the Radiant in the front. Moonlight illuminated them, Leonaus shining above like a patron of war.

"RESIDENTS OF MOONFALL!" A call went out as they approached, the massive man roaring to be heard as the column came to a halt. "We are here for the Occultist Cornelia!" He stepped forward, warhammer coming up to rest in his palms. "You will allow us to take her in, alongside any other Occultists inhabiting this village."

Another set of footsteps was taken, the grass beneath scorching.

"This is not a request or a parlay as we attempted before. You will comply with this demand."
(Atrosus lux Vandigan)

She had suspected they'll arrive.

Cornelia anticipated the day the First Light will come to avenge their fallen friend, and much to no one's surprise, they opted with sooner rather than later. The forest was calmly peaceful for the first time upon welcoming the presence of outsiders. The wildlife seemed to have settled elsewhere, keen on escaping whatever massacre was fated to take place.

"So, you've come. You've ignored all of my warnings. You've chosen to upset them."

Her hands ball into fists, anger filling her form until a scowl takes place. "Idiots!" The woman shouts, and the flora seems to scream with her. Leaves descend all of a sudden, flowers wilting by the mere tone Cornelia used. ".. Do you think they won't use this against us? Against you? All we did... All we wanted... Was to keep to ourselves."

"To watch over our home."

"To protect our forest."

Occult magic or not, Moonfall's residents consisted of more than just disguises witches and fallen druids. There were true, nature-worshipping men among them. Innocents.

A shriek echoed through the woods, the creature conjured by the witches making its presence known.

"..DO YOU NOT SEE?"

"They will kill us both! The witches have ruined our lives, and now they are here for yours!"
(Cornelia)

Her.

The only target in the crowd.

The blonde-haired woman, the epicenter of the Voice for Moonfall; here, underneath the hood, his gaze is pointed towards her and nobody else. She was the one responsible for this, was she not? She was the one in charge here, and yet.. they chose to murder Jasper. They chose to let the blood be spilled.

In truth..
He doesn't care about their wish for solace anymore.

For they've taken much more than sticking to themselves- they've clearly shown that they do not intend to remain peaceful, even when given the option to. To try and justify yourself in such manner, with the blood on their hands.. it's clear by now that his gaze ran across all those that stand by her.

Judging them.
For their madness.

But alas... in the Kingdom of the Mad - All Men Are Sane, and that is precisely how he viewed the Moonfall now; steadily, his fists balled up, irked and nearly furious with the way that the woman twists it- with how the people seem to do so in turn. In all honesty.. why would he expect anything else? Why would he think that they'll view it any different?

Everyone's a hero of their own story.

"You should've thought of this when you killed Jasper."

The only line that he would say, but all reason is futile at this point. Hilarious.. because he can see the familiar faces amidst the crowd too. But now..

Now, it'll never be the same.
(Nerin)

Howls.

Such suffocating screams would shake men and women alike to their very core.

Screams.

Echoing from deep within these forests that had seemed to follow both Knights and Moonfall denizens alike.

Man or woman alike could hardly even understand any sensible words as this beast continued to howl over and over. The snakes which coiled and moved about this feminine figure seeming to peer in both directions.

"Essence... Essence... I sense such bountfil essence from all here, I can feel your pull and desire to give in... You need only accept your fates as lesser beings, as those meant to be ruled."

Her eyes would seem to shift in such a moment, shadows and occultic pressure spilling from this woman as that crimson glare locked upon each side. Moons seemingly shocked into the eyes of those serpents as they began to rise.

"Give unto I your essence, so that you might be free of this turmoil that is... Life."

The woman hadn't even so much as gave a second, the higher into the air she began to rise?

The more of a pull each around would feel, on their existence.

Their selves, given unto this spirit...

Should they not have had the will to fight back.
[Narrate]

No insect could touch Atrosus, incinerating in a brief burst of sparks and flame for every one that came close. And when the witch spoke, silence reigned for a long moment.

"You blame this on us?!" Anger, burning bright. "STAND ASIDE!" To any who dared bar the way to Cornelia as the Radiant stepped forward-

And then the screaming, the howling. Lesser men would've clenched their heads, would've felt fear, confusion. But Atrosus was neither a lesser man, nor uninformed. Already he'd been warned, he'd been told of the ritual.

"KNIGHTS!" Raised to the sky, Lion's Might gleamed with a blazing fire, one that struck out immediately at the Banshee without the slightest hint of hesitation. "Do not give in to fear!

LOOK UPON THE HORRORS THAT THE OCCULT BRING AND STEEL YOURSELVES!" Lesser races? What a joke, an attempt to intimidate the very dawn.

"WE ARETHE FIRST LIGHT! ELIMINATE THE BANSHEE AND CAPTURE THE OCCULTISTS!"
(Atrosus lux Vandigan)

Bones would disjoint.

Visible upon her figure had they ever quickly begun to push outwards upon such a beings flesh.

Shadows would bend.

Spilling outwards, her eyes would practically bleed further spirits into this world as flesh and bone disjointed out of place.

Their mouth hung agape.

Sharpened teeth visible towards all, as though her maw soon aimed to even consume the features of this monstrosity.

Before turned upon those present.

"Give unto I... Give unto those who hath given me life once more... Your existence."

The Banshee soon aimed to prepare their assault.

Howls echoing across this forest all the while.

Both sides being drained, none would be spared from this slaughter.

[All parties are recommended to join /Team 1! If you are intending on battling the wraith, will begin after final RPs.]
[Narrate]

You don't have to tell Nerin twice.

Even now, when he observes Jasper in the distance.. despite the commotion, he can note one thing - the lack of Holy magic. He knew the Knight well enough to know that he utilizes such whenever the trouble is afoot- whenever any conflict, or the necessity of self-defense would arise. If nothing else, he frowns.

How dare they mock his memory like this?

"This is no Jasper. You've miscalculated with your trick."

For he didn't even behave like one. To see him behave like this.. no. They could fool an onlooker, they could fool a stranger - but not someone who knew him too well. Here and now, he understands that their life is on the line- and while they must put the offenders to justice, there's something more that stands upon them.

A Banshee.

Inhale, exhale. To find the center in the sea of inner rage is difficult, but if one were to compose themselves for control, then such becomes necessary; the mana swirls across his limbs, flowing in unison as if it were free river, rather than being stockpiled anywhere in particular. The shroud of raw energy surrounds his hands and legs alike, almost flickering with distorted haze..

'You must maintain a steady flow at all times.'
'Cycle it out, and you'll repeat the benefits.'

He changed, had he not? Before, he was all too different, but.. perhaps the loss of his chosen-brother, and now his friend- it all weighed upon him heavily. So much that he swore he could lose control any moment.. yet he must persevere. If not for himself, then for at least one person.

"For Jasper."

A silent mutter.
There would be Reckoning.
(Nerin)

Blood and bone would spill outwards.

Soldiers on each side finding themselves wounded as each could hardly keep up with the overwhelming throws of this monster.

Where others had been knocked aside, struck into the ground there were those that had recieved the worst from this battle.

Vincenzo, soon finding himself with a single bone impaled through his leg. Rushing in so eagerly to clash with this monster, bleeding out on these grounds as it howled and shrieked with glee. (Temp, 4 days.)

The collective might of The Order had proved capable upon this day. Knights working to both assault and carry off wounded, protecting those which had fallen all whilst Moonfall assaulted this creature with all they could.

Nerin, of The Order had delivered what seemed like a decisive blow. Staggering this beast, knocking this banshee back as those serpents continued to peer ever towards each figure.

However...

Whatever advance it dare make?

Cornelia, the woman they had come for was quick as ever to step forwards.

How peculiar.
[Narrate]

The creature was rather terrifying.

Is it Nerin's resilience, to ignore the horrors that it presents? Not at all; in truth, deep within, he felt as if everything was falling apart- as if this could go seriously wrong and, for all that he knows, he could die - but he was also good at hiding such emotions when one had to. And so, amidst the bloodshed and exchange of blows..

He's found on the frontline as a Blazing Lion.
Right in the center of the storm.

He's no reckless fool. For all the might that he knows, he also understands that he's by no means invincible- in fact, very, very far from that; where Banshee intends to attack the young man, if only briefly, he weaves out of the way- each blow delivered onto him, whether as part of collateral damage or targeted, his own magic aids him in persevering, steadily reforming each fractured bone and revitalizing him.

At first, it almost feels like it's too much..
But he sees an opening.

An opening that could be decisive, one that he cannot miss. Amidst the chaos of the combat, his hues steadily narrow down at peculiar spot- right around the neck. With the extension of bone-blades out of his body, he knew what he would have to do; the harness of mana was maintained throughout, creating what feels like nigh endless cycle to enhance and empower him, the shroud upon his appendage now becoming a greater haze.

In the most bizarre ways, a bone protrudes out of his foot to give him a sudden, propelling boost upward- almost like a 'jump pad' of sort that stretches vertically. Coupled with the unnatural strength and dexterity that came about from suffusion of mana, he intends to deliver a blow right at its neck, and..

Almost. It was almost there.

Instead, the bone-blade slashes against the side of its face, and when the impact of his blow is made with tremendous force, all it does is knock it back. The same dexterity is used to ensure his fall does not damage him, landing more or less gracefully.

"..Tough."

Or at least, tougher than he imagined it to be. Yet.. Cornelia was coming forward?
(Nerin)

For a woman with as much experience as Cornelia had, this was anything but expected. To fight against a spirit of Hel? To have it suck upon her essence-- to drawn the very life out of her?

Those vines of hers shape into serpents, all challenging the spirits in a fight they're destined to lose and falter against. Time slows the creature to the best of Cornelia's ability-- which isn't saying much, all things considered. Little magic affected the monster, and it took the power of both groups to bring it down.

In fact, it's not even Cornelia herself who brings it down to its knees. No, it's a Knight who creates the opportunity for her... Or at least, so it seems.

The Banshee screams, causing the forest to rattle as Cornelia herself prepares her final blow. Blood Lily's Lament, twirled within her grasp, is used to cleave through that ethereal head of the beast-- the physical blow doing little to harm it, but the magic carried by the Scythe?

That causes the creature to disappear.

To shriek as it's dragged back into Hel, away from Moonfall and Esshar as a whole.

"Witches will not take over our home! We deny your presence here!"

Anger and resentment towards the Order remained, but now..? Now the people of Moonfall were in debt to them.
(Cornelia)



Jasper watched the fight, and watched both Moonfall and the Order fight against a creature which hadn't been seen on Esshar in as long as he knew. It was only once that Banshee was demolished by both the Order and those who cared for him during his injury did he appear once more. He was shaken by the screams and the wails of the banshee, but eventually... He stepped further into the light.

Without a hood. Those within the Order could see him plain as day. It was Jasper, still alive. Still alright, albeit with a still broken arm that was still on the mend. He searched their faces, though recognition wasn't on his, he still seemed joyous to see them.
(Jasper)

It was one of the harshest fights the Radiant had been in, ever. He felt like a rat, one of hundreds, battling against the terrible beast, his Warhammer cleaving through spectral matter with the same ease it'd be wielded against flesh, only...

Such blows were insignificant alone. It was only thanks to the combined efforts of the Order and the oddly...

Non-occultic efforts of Moonfall...

That the terrible beast had been brought low. Atrosus staggered forward, breath coming in heavy gulps, his eyes wild, adrenaline flooding him. He bled, but such was of no concern, skin a harsh gray of jagged brimstone.

Ahead of his people he stepped once more, coming face to face with Cornelia.

He locked eyes for a moment, silently appraising her, and Jasper, the one they'd come for to begin with.

"FIRST LIGHT!" The hammer was raised, and a column of fire rose to the starry sky, a beacon demanding attention.

"STAND DOWN!" Focusing on Cornelia, the hammer slammed into the ground. "It seems much has happened while I was on tour across Esshar." The massive man's voice was hoarse from the shouting, the exertion. "I don't know your title, only your name, Cornelia.

I cannot speak for what others have done, nor can I speak for reports, only what I have seen and continue to see.

There will be a meeting, now. You. Me. A select few of your higher ups, our Exarchs. No one else. There are things to discuss, and no amount of screaming to be left alone will settle it."
(Atrosus lux Vandigan)

"..."

Seeing Cornelia finish off the beast did not particular impress him; if anything, the bone-blades remained upon his body, and the look in his eye could tell that he would attack her next- almost expecting Vandigan to declare the order for such.

But..
But that never came.

Instead, upon the shout of the woman, and following words of Atrosus.. it almost felt like betrayal. To what they stood for, to what was lost - to the sacrifice that one of their comrades had shown. And now, they were going to just forget all of this?

"...Radiant Vandigan."

"This is no Jasper. There are still Occultists in their midst."

Perhaps the only one to disagree; but the bone-blade raises towards Jasper, pointing at him- here, amidst the shouts and speeches given, he remarks.

"This is not the man I know. He possesses nothing of what Jasper had- for he would not flee. Not even once his Holy magic manifested, despite him being renowned for it."

"This is not the man that would stand away from all of us, even now."

Is this going to get him in trouble? Most definitely. But there are things more important than your own skin..

More important than a shiny badge on your chest.
(Nerin)

Her home was safe.

The Knights backed down, even if only for the time being.

If it wasn't for their presence here? The Supreme would likely smile one of those genuine, wicked smirks of hers. But no, she's composed. Enough to settle, enough to fake a smile a proper lady would present to her knight in shining armor - Atrosus. She'd never blush in front of so many people, of course, but could anyone blame the Supreme for appearing to be a tad exhausted? For the red to swell upon her cheeks?

No, of course not. She was simply the dainty, kind woman her home was so familiar with.

Or she was keeping up a show in front of the First Light.

But who wouldn't want to believe the first option? When the fallen knight appeared to be alive and well?

"Thank you..."

She stood in front of the Vandigan with teary eyes, but didn't allow herself to cry entirely. "Thank you for helping us. Despite what my people did, despite the attacks of your knights... You helped us. Thank you."

She was just a bundle of bliss and joy, a grateful woman.

"I have no qualms with your desire, I promise. I even sent a messenger regarding the state of Jasper, your knight. We will meet, just as you had asked."
(Cornelia)

"Sir Nerin. I believe I made myself clear." The Radiant's words dripped with venom. "I have heard wild reports since the day I arrived back. Knights acting on their own, patrolling to the village, sparking hostilities.

I've heard reports of Occultists, and yet not a single sign of such was seen here. How odd, in a battle for your life, that you would not wield your magics in defense.

Jasper is alive, and standing."

The ground practically bubbled beneath his feet. "Stand. Down."

The order had been given, and Atrosus turned to face Cornelia instead, choosing to ignore the whispers of Robin.

"Do you have a place where we can sit, this is a terrible place to conduct such business." An attempt to reign himself in was made, aura of fiery brimstone fading.
(Atrosus lux Vandigan)

He's been always told to have a strong frown.

But.. upon discussion with Soleis? He couldn't believe that this is true- in fact, this is far too good to be true. Where Atrosus speaks, this is perhaps the first time that he would not stand down- at least, not so easily.

"If this is the real Jasper--"

His gaze darted towards Jasper. Hues steadily narrowing, so much that it's almost clear with how much distrust he's glaring at him with.

"Who pushed Berrios to dance with you on gala?"

"Who are the other two that patrolled with you and I?"

"When were you caught drinking in park by Radiant Vandigan?"

Something that only real Jasper should know. Stubborn to the end, isn't he? Even now, it almost becomes apparent - he doesn't buy it. Not after everything he's been told, everything he's discussed, everything that he's seen.

No.
This can't be true.
(Nerin)

Sienna eyes widened, at the interrogation that Nerin instituted right then and there. He was silent, before a small shake of his head was offered.

"I don't remember..." He trailed off. "I don't remember anything. I'm... I'm sorry..."
(Jasper)

Amusing.

Here and now.. it wouldn't be something that Nerin could buy- if anything, the longer this continued, the more he realized that he was right. His gaze turned to the rest of the Knights- a shout echoing.

"Does anyone else remember Jasper being short on memory?! Because I surely DON'T."

How could they possibly hope to fool someone who knew him so well? How could they hope to fool someone who has spent a lot of time with the Knight- someone who could almost feel that something is off. But now.. he doesn't just 'feel' that this is wrong.

He knows that it is.

"Of course you don't remember anything."

"You fucking fake."

It's hissed, words laced with venom. Despite the warnings of Vandigan, he steps around- the interrogation only continuing - for all and everybodyto see.

"Jasper was a Holy magi. Manifest anything of Holy magic."

"And tell me this, dear 'Jasper'.. do you remember how you and I swam together through the sewers to escape the Syndicate?"

"Do you remember at least that?"

At this point, he's almost fuming..
(Nerin)

Lion's Might would crash between Nerin and Jasper with a vicious thud, the flaming Warhammer carving an arc of explosive energy to savagely separate the pair. Eyes locked again on the upstart Knight, his fists steaming with restrained flames.

"ENOUGH. YOU WERE ORDERED TO STAND DOWN." His gaze snapped over towards the Knights, as if daring others to do the same, or to catch their attention.

"SIR EUSTACE, VOLSENA, AND DURAN, RESTRAIN NERIN." A very clear lack of his own rank used in the order.

There was no room left for error.
(Atrosus lux Vandigan)

Once more, Jasper shook his head, looking bewildered. As Nerin approached, and asked all of those things, it was only when Atrosus' own hammer came down between them did he take a step back. He was overwhelmed. To all those asking him questions - Nerin, Vasilios, Robin, he just kept shaking his head.

Tears formed, a look that indicated just how much this upset him.

"I'm sorry. Okay?! I don't REMEMBER! I don't remember anything! The only thing I know is I'm a Knight?" He questioned, showing the badge. "The only thing I remember is when I woke up! I just remember pain.... And I -..." He trailed off, as those Atrosus called to restrain Nerin came closer. He shook his head.

"I don't feel safe. I'm sorry I don't remember, alright?! I'm sorry I worried you all! But it isn't my FAULT! You all are making me doubt even.... Being around you all! Like you're going to jump on me the instant you can! I almost died and instead of being happy, you're.... Screaming at me! What is wrong with you all?!" He shouted, his voice hoarse now.
(Jasper)

Excuses upon excuses.

To expect those that he deemed madmen and people full of cruelty to turn upon him.. it's something that he could expect- even if they seek to dissuade this situation, no doubt in their favor. But.. what he doesn't expect out of this?

For his own friends, his own comrades..
To belittle him either by words or restrain him so eagerly.

At first, there's almost a consideration to lunge, to simply attack- be it Cornelia or Jasper himself, but such effort becomes futile - the separation made by Vandigan becomes a clear obstacle, and with several Knights holding onto him..

There's only so much strength that he can muster.
But he cannot possibly overpower everyone.

"...The truth is right before you, and you condemn it?"

The arrogance. With the evident pile of effort made to restrain him, it becomes nigh impossible for Nerin to move; any twitch, any attempt to movement is nullified by the effort of several magi versus one. But even then..

"You cannot forget Holy magic. You cannot forget everything. You cannot forget who you are and the way you would act." There's.. so much overwhelming evidence that he can't even express how painful it is for him; how wrong it all feels for him. And yet.. a single look from beneath his hood is given unto others.

"Deep inside.."
"Deep inside, all of you know that I'm right."
"What would Jasper say, to see his death discarded so easily?"

Even if the latched Knights remain upon him, his teeth grit to proverbially shrug them off- intending to head back; even then, he still spares one last look.

A single glare at Jasper.
Another at Cornelia.

"...Get off me." Only a brief line spoken to those still holding onto him, but.. for now, he fades somewhere in the back.

'I can't stand alone against the army..
Forgive me, Jasper.'
(Nerin)

Cornelia feels the boy's stare on her figure, allowing it to linger... Just until their eyes meet, and a blink occurs.

There is no mention of magic, coming from the woman.

Not an ounce of mana being spared.

No hostility.

She merely stares at the Knight who continued to speak of his distrust and what seemed to be hatred against her people.
(Cornelia)

Cornelia chants: You feel it. The anger taking over you, wrath fueling your body with the power to struggle against the other knights' hold. You choose to resist- you choose to fight them. You will show them the truth. Here. Now.. These effects feel completely natural and a gradual shift of emotions - you do not suspect an outside force for the druation of the Hex.


"Go." The word was spoken with no small amount of anger, anger that his orders would dare be defied, that people would look upon Jasper, reported by the actual combatants to be merely missing, and claim him anything but alive.

Necromancy hadn't been seen for centuries, there was no method for creating a perfect body on such short notice.

The truth was simple.

"Let Nerin go." The words were sharply barked. "Exarch Sparda, Exarch Iessia, Exarch Queen. Come with me." After all, this was a meeting of leadership, and despite the actions and spoken distrust...

Those were the figures present.

"Again, I don't know your title, Cornelia, but lead the way."
(Atrosus lux Vandigan)

It felt so wrong restraining a man who was in a broken mental state about his friend. Feelings were feelings, And she had orders too.

Orders had to be followed. Good soldiers followed orders, Even if she didn't like them.

Upon hearing the words to release Nerin, Reina did just that. Easing up her grip she had around his arm as she began to fade into the back, All she could do was reassure him that things would.. Hopefully be okay.

"At ease, Soldier. Jasper may or may not be back, We can't prove that just yet. You'll have your answer when the exarchs are done."


(Reina Volusena)

He stared Nerin in his eyes, searching for anything. Any source of recognition towards the Knight, or really any of them at all. But he couldn't. Not yet, at least... Perhaps given time. Perhaps without the stress.

".... I'm sorry I don't remember!" He insisted. "Please don't - I'm sorry you all. I hope I remember things once we get back home, because I hate not being able to remember anything. But as soon as I do, I hope you'll forgive me."
(Jasper)

A thousand voices..
Speaking in unison against him.

Even if his gaze has turned away from Cornelia, from Jasper- now, it was directed unto Eustace, Erika and Reina. Perhaps he'd be able to steel himself just a little longer from the cold fury that he felt- one that was soon becoming explosive rage.

Something had to be done.

"Oh, I'll have my answer when Exarchs are done?" Unfortunately for Reina, her words touched upon his mind perhaps in the worst way- in a way that could suggest the flicker in his eyes. One of fire.

Where she intends to let go of his arm, it becomes a fullblown push from him. The lady Knight can already tell- this was by no means a 'friendly' or 'light' push, but..

"Fuck off with that."

"You all should know better than this. Calling me 'stupid' when I've brought you irrefutable proof."

It doesn't seem good. For the ivory colors of bone protrude from his body, clearly hostile in nature.. almost as if he's unable to cool himself down.

"You think he'll be back? Do you, Reina?" The words laced with venom. This..

This might become much.
(Nerin)

Madness.

Sheer fucking madness.

Atrosus glared at Nerin and Actaeon, taking the impression that neither of them cared for their positions among the First Light. In truth, it was a simple matter to resolve.

"Restrain Nerin." Cold words came as the Radiant stepped up. There had been an attempt to let him leave peacefully.

"Take him back to Osrona, put him in a cell to await further judgement."
(Atrosus lux Vandigan)

Reina wasn't spooked that much from all the bones protruding out from Nerin's flesh. Something she'd grown accustomed to over the years, Nerin had full entitlement to be pissed off about the matter.

Exarchs had eyes on her, Something she had to prove she was capable of handling the matter like a pissed off knight. Once she'd cleared some distance with the crowd with Nerin hopefully abiding by her request for him to move back.

Her slitted eyes dawned upon the crowd, Exarchs, Radiants and the moonfall represntives getting into a big meeting over political matters and attempting to sort out the stalled battle.

"Nerin. Look at me."

Raising up her hand to give a gesture motion, Pointing to her own serpentine eyes then to Nerin's. While she normally appeared to be stoic in matters like this, it was replaced by a scowl.

"I can't give you an answer because I don't know myself. That power is currently out of your hands and MINE. Look at me, Your friend. We've known eachother since childhood."

"Relax and come with me, Please."
(Reina Volusena)

As Nerin went to fight back against Reina, Erika stood up from her spot against a tree, sighing out lightly.

"Nerin, what is -wrong- with you?" She asked. That soothing aura once more extended from her being, shaking her head. "Calm down - why are you trying to attack US?! Did that Banshee do something to you?" She asked, she scooted forward towards the burgeoning hostilities now.

"Just come with us quietly, so nothing else can happen. Please!"
(Erika cos Salis)

There's anger in his eyes.
One like never before.

Perhaps, the death of Jasper and the confrontation has gotten to him too much.. or perhaps, there's more to the words said, to the actions done- as more began to surround him, it was now becoming clear to him - that nobody cared enough to actually do anything about Jasper's death, despite the proof present to him.

Almost as if everyone was against him. Or at least, that's what he sees..

"What is wrong with me? What is wrong with all of you?!"

There's much rage behind those words.. much that could be said, and yet.. a brief plan arises upon his mind regardless, with a glare given to Reina and Erika alike.

"You want to move? Go on."

But what's on his mind, really?
(Nerin)

Had she finally calmed down the raging bone beast of a man? Temporarily. His patience was thin, and so was hers. But having the exarchs and radiants themselves judging their every move was an anxiety ridden mess.

While she lacked the proper cuffs to restrain his magical abilities, She had to make due with his trust between them both that she wasn't going to be boned in the back.

Then Ericka came into the mix, Reina glanced over to her as she snapped. The formally stoic drakanite was frustrated, in which she had to make evident.

"Ser Erika, Now isn't a time to make matters worse. We have our orders to escort him to the brig and we're doing just that. Keep up with those blatant questions and I'll make your face stone-cold."

With a small motioning wave to Nerin, Reina simply made due with leading them back to society.
(Reina Volusena)

The look within Nerin's eyes were so unfamiliar..

Another outburst from Nerin, the rage so evident within his voice. Actaeon's fingers dug slightly into his chosen-brother's shoulder, perhaps as a warning as he frowned further.

The Radiant's words were heard, his orders entering the knights ears, but he made no move to restrain the bone-magi, he didn't wish to appear as if he was against Nerin.

"Nerin, let's head out." Tilting his head to the side, hopefully the bone-magi would comply and be removed from the scene. He had no wish to see his friend continue with his outbursts whilst in public.
(Actaeon)

Rage.
There's too much welling up inside of him.

So much so that the entirety of the trip his eyes seemed to flicker with the fire within- far, far too much for what he's known for; if anything, it seemed like he was a walking time bomb the entire time throughout, but..

'You'll fight them.'
'You'll show them the truth.'

The fire grew bigger. Before the attendants of this trip knew it, as they walked towards Osrona, the bone-blades immediately protruded from his body- the first target becomes Reina - for he remembered all of her words, all of the things that she's said..

"None of you even understand!"

A sudden shout - and already, the first Knight was attacked, intending to single her out from the rest.
(Nerin)

The Knight was seemingly exhausted, the fight against the Banshee could drain her a lot, as well as the stress the scene with Nerin just brought her, it was... Quite something, she was visibly down, also for what happened to Jasper.

He was a fellow Knight that was trained under the same wing she was, to see him in such a state was displeasing to her, Grella was tired, and even though, she witnesses Nerin behind her trying to strike a fellow Knight as well.

She was taken by heavy feelings, and her shoulders lowering down as the weight falls over it, crawling on her back as it gives only more motivation to keep herself down, yet...

...Work called for her, again...

"...Huhf..."

Hopefully she arives in time...
(Grella)

How she would of killed for a pair of magic restraints by now, Though that was probably too much to ask from the heat of the situation.

Then the convoy came to a halt, One that made Reina appear to stop and look on in surprise as someone who she considered a childhood friend turned.

He turned on her like a wild god damn animal, That beast of anger that was sprouting from Nerin, Once the bones began to sprout, Rip and tear from Nerin's flesh. It made Reina jump, reaching for her blade as the lingering blood magic around her body went from a null level to its maximum spike.

Drawing out her blade, Reina was quick to take a defensive stance as Nerin in for the charge. Ready to strike down her friend to disable him, if the gods were watching and gave her that well-needed blessing.

"Nerin- What the fuck ARE YOU DOING-"
(Reina Volusena)

The walk was peaceful. Armored boots across the ground, the birds chirping as they began to nest for the evening. It was only as those bones erupted from Nerin's form did Erika turn suddenly. Gray eyes were wide, and her hand was already upon her staff - but it seemed as if Reina was the closest.

Or rather, the one he was aiming to fight against to begin with. For the time being, Erika was merely preparing herself, hoping that Reina was able to put him down so they could take him back to the city peacefully. If not...? They were in for quite a ride.
(Erika cos Salis)

He led the group, and if anyone was to pay close attention to the knight he'd realise the passing glances he constantly sent towards Nerin, suspicion evident within his eyes.

Actaoen had known Nerin for years now, they lived together, had done so many things together alongside their other chosen-brothers and sister. And he had never seen the man act so irrationally as he had done earlier.

 It reminded him exactly of what happened to Remei, when that cloaked figure raised his hand their way and suddenly his close friend was attempting to kill him.

Hands that would normally slide within his pockets at such a moment were loosely by his side, constantly surveying around the area, but mostly turning to glance towards Nerin.

He had seen Deimos within the crowd. And barely could he hold himself back when he took in the sight of the half-moon on his forehead. Allowing him to confirm the identity of the man.

And with thatman nearby, Nerin would suddenly act so volatile? Changing from an argument to almost outright attacking his fellow knights and even himself.

Ludicrous, he refused to believe that Nerin was in his right state of mind. Even with Jasper's sudden reappearance, he didn't think the bone-magi would act so drastically.

Connections were slowly being made within his mind, and as he edged closer to an answer, his friend struck. His sudden shout alerting Actaeon to his lunge towards Reina, already he was moving to intercept, his own roar leaving his lips.

"SNAP OUT OF IT NERIN!"
(Actaeon)

It's difficult to contain it.

The sudden attack, while defended against, isn't something that could be properly defended by the Drakanite Knight- if anything, the moment that she found herself up against Nerin, she's been subjected to the flurry of brutal blows - one after another, it constantly kept targeting her with no way out.

It almost felt too much.

As much as her magics slow him down successfully, there's nothing which may restrain the Knight- amidst the flurry of blows, Reina is.. lost, with the bones protruding from his body cutting her during combat; here, she finds herself overwhelmed by Nerin. Until..

Drip, drip, drip..

She's bleeding. She's wounded.. and while the wound isn't life-threatening, it's one that would require the attention of a medic - one in which she's subjected to the bleeding which isn't her own. A singular blow is delivered in the end..

With the center mass upon his hand, shrouded with mana. The tremendous force follows, crippling her briefly, enough to incapacitate the Drakanite- it almost feels as if Nerin gotten stronger out of sudden, as if this very rage fuels his magic.

"Now do you understand how Jasper fucking felt?!"

"He was beaten, brutalized- left to bleed, just like you are!"

Yet, these speeches aren't made to last; it's not too long before he notices the another challenge approach him.

More bloodshed to come.
(Nerin)

How the sting of betrayal felt, Someone she considered a close friend of hers for years stabbing her both literally and metaphorically. That made the pain so much more worse.

Battered and stabbed, Reina wasn't up to her own guard in terms of defending herself against the rage filled human. Feeling herself bleeding out from more than one hole and sent flying back with a final singular punch to her body, She flew. Hard.

Making contact with one of the nearby tree, The damn thing nearly split in two as her armor and blood laddered body hit it. She wasn't out, Yet finding herself in a heavy daze as she slowly parted her serpentine eyes.

Blood, Oh fucking god. This wasn't hers. She was meaning to freak out.. Only until an internal thought quelled her mind.

You see what trusting people gets you?

Like a self disciplining voice, Reina had learned her lesson for the day. Shifting her magical energy flow to 'slow' down the bleeding, Not enough energy left in her resoivir to completely halt it.

She was alive, barely kicking but functioning. All she could do was cry in the inside, Because there's no crying in baseball.
(Reina Volusena)

Erika watched them fight, watched as Nerin literally got the drop upon not just Reina but all of them. Unfortunately, Reina was the one closest. The bones that cut into her as they fought caused the Knight herself to wince - she had remembered well when after she finished treating Lionel how those same bones exploded outwards and cut her.

The blood that Nerin spilled wasn't something Erika intended to let last forever, and it was soon enough that the noble stepped closer, that holy aura never diminishing even as Nerin shouted out what he did concerning Jasper. All at once, the shadows around the darkened trees stirred and came to life, gathering around the exorcist Knight and coiling at her feet before they exploded upwards along her form.

It was unlike any had truthfully seen before - sure, a mere glimpse was offered during their fight against the banshee. But here? Now? Erika was operating off emotions purely and that much was evident as the shadows seemed blacker than before, more malevolent. Nerin had upset her, by daring to actually turn and attack them.

To try and cause an uproar in public over something better left off in private. In the shadows. It was no secret that those shadows came to her beck and call when she was running high on anger, and it was in full display here and now.

"Does that give you any right to harm your fellow Knights then, Nerin?" She asked. She did not heed the threat Reina had thrown in her face from earlier - clearly it didn't matter. Nerin was operating on a different wavelength at the moment. The shadows about her formed along her right arm, solidifying seemingly into a rancid claw that dripped with black clouds. With the state Reina was left in, she shook her head,

"Make sure Reina isn't going to bleed out while I handle him. Please." She growled out before she lunged towards Nerin with all her might. A seemingly endless display of both holy warmth and that maddeningly cold shadow magic that surrounded her.
(Erika cos Salis)

The fire in his eyes made it difficult to reason.

If anything, it felt like he would not stop before anything- with the bone-blades covered in blood, and the armor with the clothing as well, it felt as if there's no Nerin that they once knew, but instead.. something far more murderous, someone different.

Someone they now had to fight.

"Right to harm you? What RIGHT did all of you have to belittle me, to call me stupid, to say that I'm being obnoxious for exposing the truth?"

"You think that disregarding Jasper's death gives you any moral high-ground, just because I'm willing to take the matters into my own hands? You think that by being walked on a fucking leash by a bunch of Occultists - you're actually right in this scenario?"

"Oh no, Erika. You're not a fucking hero."

"None of you are."

Amidst the chaos of the crowd, he lunges against Erika this time around- after all, she was willing to step up against him, and she would be the one to experience the cut of his blades.

Personally.
(Nerin)

Unfortunately for Erika, she was next.

She could feel upon herself why exactly Nerin was a rather fearsome force- as the constant barrage of bone, of the hits upon her, they were becoming far too much for the noble girl to handle; with each cut and slash delivered, the clothes she wore steadily became stained with the crimson shade and markings of liquid.

A clear testament of violence.

While her magics do a fine job at keeping him at bay for a while, he overwhelms her through rapid succession of swift hits, one after another. Until.. just like Reina, she could feel herself bleeding rather badly all over.

"None of you even regarded Jasper."
"All of you forgot so quickly."

But this dance of theirs wasn't meant to last forever, was it? With the gathering of mana shroud around his hand, and the cycle of mana flowing through his appendage to empowerhim.. a sudden blow was delivered forward, with his bone-blade still yet protruding. A twist of the blade within her flesh, almost as if impaling her onto her shoulder.

"Let me remind you, then."
"Of all the pain he felt."
"Of his suffering - right before he died."

A sizeable chunk of her flesh is torn away. With a rather horrible wound, she's left to bleed out while Nerin stood above her. The spiteful, hateful gaze didn't quite leave him, and yet..

Yet..

The fire in his eyes seems to disappear- slowly, steadily. He squints once, twice, looking down upon the bloodied ground- looking over to Erika as well. At first, he almost seems.. lost, unsure of the reasons to this.

"What.."

"What's.. going on?"
(Nerin)

Actaeon was a step too late. The duo of Reina and Erika beating him to Nerin first, and it only worsened his mood, anger building up inside of him as he watched on.

Reina was defeated, multiple blades stabbing into her body and was launched towards a tree, his eyes flickering towards her downed form before turning back to Erika and Nerin.

He couldn't see an opening for him to join in. Actaeon's flames around his form grew even stronger at the emotions he felt. His anger fuelling them at the incompetence he felt.

 He should be the one forcing Nerin to stand down.

If it was him, perhaps the situation wouldn't of grown so badly. Now two knights had been defeated, one severely injured, and the other having a bone-blade stabbed into her body.

The temperature around him grew to an intense level. The grass surrounding him drying up and a few sparking up into flames, frown permanently etched on his face as the fire fluttered around his form.

The fire-magi could feel his own flames almost scalding his skin, but the pain was ignored, eyes continuing to wait for an opening, a chance to force Nerin to stop.

Because he knew that the bone-magi before him wasn't his chosen-brother, not truly. His mind corrupted just like Remei's had been before, and the only person he had suspicion of doing so was Deimos, the one who had done it so blatantly before.

Foot impatiently tapping against the dead grass below him, eyes locked firmly onto Nerin's form.

 He only needed a single moment, a halt in Nerin's movement, anything to give him a chance to intervene.

And then a change, as Nerin's blade left Erika's body he clearly looked confused, a stark difference to the intense hostility he was showing before, Actaeon's eyes widening.

 It was exactly like Remei.

That was all the confirmation Actaeon needed, the burning flames that had grown to such a intense heat churned down, his steps leading him towards Nerin, words leaving his lips.

"Nerin." His name called out, and Actaeon paused, a look taken to the surrounding people.

His chosen-brother had just harmed the two knights, and within their eyes he was no doubt truly attempting to kill them, in full control of himself.

"Everyone. I know this looks exceedingly bad on Nerin's case, but he wasn't in his right state of mind. I cannot explain currently, but I can only ask you believe me, and allow me to explain once you two have been properly patched up."

An attempt at controlling the situation, already he was heading towards Erika to check on her wound, he had no knowledge when it came to medical, but Nerin did.

"Nerin, come help Erika. Don't stall, hurry." he shouted over, perhaps if he showed such willingness to help they'd believe Actaeon's previous words.

(Actaeon)

While she was used to those bones exploding out on her post treatment, she had yet to actually fight someone who utilized the magic. Until now. The aggressiveness of Nerin wasn't lost on the noble, and even as those holy energies swarmed around her to keep her in top physical shape, it was clear that it was becoming too much. Her blood spilled, the red of her jacket and shirt underneath staining with the crimson of her own life force.

Nerin's words most of all upset her, and those shadows around her bend more to her beckoning - a massive claw lunging forwards all too suddenly as she shouted out.

"NO THAT ISN'T TRUE!" She shouted, the Knight sounding strained. "IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME NOT HIM!" She repeated. The excessive guilt that ate away at her was only cleared up when she had seen Jasper, alive and well. But Nerin's words... How could she possibly forget Jasper?

It was then at that very moment that the bone blade found it's place in her shoulder, and it twisted - causing a pained scream to be ripped from the noble's maw. She hadn't been injured hardly ever, the only time had been when that Syndicate member had messed up her kidney with a well timed punch. This? This was something new.

Erika was covered in blood, and soon enough she crumbled to the ground. Her clone disappeared into the shadows, and even they... Pulled away from her, the bleeding little thing on the ground. Her hand weakly reached upwards, towards Nerin, as if she could convince him that he was wrong - and if he wasn't? That he was going about it the wrong way. Holy energies sparked from her fingertips, traveling up into the air as they exploded outwards in a display of pure light and healing.

But it wasn't enough to stop the bleeding. No. Instead, Erika was trying to do something that she had lamented she hadn't been able to do after finding out about Jasper's death - fix him. The light expanded outwards, more and more, and even Nerin would feel that soothing glow. It seemed to take up a large space, before finally... Erika's arm fell back against the ground. Her breathing shaky and uneven. How could she tend to Reina's injuries when her own were so bad?

As her arm dropped, that light died away and her eyes closed for the time being.
(Erika cos Salis)

Did..
Did he do this?

With the fire disappearing in his eyes, he stood there, lost- his eyes scanning forward at the scenery infront of him, only eventually to realize that Erika was bleeding out. But.. why did Actaeon's words ring such words? Why was he speaking of this? And most of all..

Why are his hands covered in blood..?

"I.." It comes as a gradual realization. The tunnel-vision, the inability to control himself.. since when was he this way? Since when he could just lose himself like this to passions - to emotions that would be more befitting to someone insane, mad, driven by their bloodlust and sheer desire to kill alone?

How could any of this happen to him?

"Shit.. shit!"

Now, when he understands the full weight of situation, he hurries over to Erika. Despite the fact that he speaks and acts different now, there's still an evident haze in his eyes- almost as if he still has no idea how any of this happened, almost as if he's..

Entirely clueless.
As if it wasn't even him.

"Erika, where--"

"How, what.."

His eyes drove over the injury on shoulder. Already he was preparing the medical kit necessary for it, and with a heaving breath to calm himself, he knew he had to act.

"..Please answer to me."

Despite all that happened.. so many questions ran through his mind. So, so many..

And he had no answers.
(Nerin)