Ray Heart (Completed/Finished)

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Interactions: @Skyhunter @Elvario

The woman's words had worked their way into Nyxus' mind; this is what he was waiting for. From his little time in this city, he was already branded many labels: fugitive, criminal, gang member - all of those untrue titles would disappear if he stepped in to help her. His plan would become so simple, with his name cleared, all he had to do was walk into that guardhouse and claim what was rightfully his; the offer was too tantalizing to refuse. Nyxus drew his sword and pushed to the front of the crowd - his chance had finally arrived.

Suddenly, an explosion shook him off balance. Nyxus fell to his knees as his ears rang and debris fell around him. His eyes squinted as they searched for the cause of the interruption, finally finding some figures veiled in the smoke. As the smoke gave way, Nyxus was finally able to see the new interlopers. His eyes widened as he recognized that familiar shining armor: it belonged to none other than the city's Knights. In only a few minutes, Nyxus' situation went from promising to dire.

Nyxus couldn't be caught again, already escaping prison and affiliating with a gang - the Knights would spare no clemency this time. Despite his innocence, he was treated like a prisoner back at the guardhouse: if they found out about him now, he'd surely be executed. Nyxus grits his teeth as thoughts run amuck in his head. If he ran now, he'd escape capture and maintain whatever freedom he had left - but he'd still be labeled a fugitive and a cowardly one at that. If he stayed, he could finally be free of his tarnished reputation and finally get his sword back - but he would definitely be arrested and punished much more harshly. Nyxus couldn't go back to that dank jail cell, but he couldn't abandon the only friend he had in this city and his chance at redemption. After a brief moment of thought, Nyxus finally made his decision.

As Nyxus approached his bloodied companion, he noticed the plethora of wounds dotting their body. His eyes softened in remorse: while he was hiding and maneuvering around the enemy, his poor friend took the brunt of every attack. No longer would he hide - it was the time for action. As Kaz lunged forward, Nyxus followed behind him - not before giving a quick nod to the woman beside him, he sorely hoped she would keep her word. He aimed for a slash at the scarred man's throat, going in for a quick kill - he was almost seconds away from imprisonment or freedom.
 
Solomon walks over to the captive ninjas with his arms behind his back in a show of formality. “Tell us where you people have hidden the other anti-magic relics, or else.”
He summons a small and thin icicle into one of his hands and holds it up to one of the ninja’s neck. He probably would’ve summoned something more intimidating, but a lack of magic means he has to do more with less.

His only hope of finding the other artifacts rested on the mental fortitude of these two assassins. He needed to break them down as quickly as possible and get them speaking. Mind magic would take too long and that was Verity’s specialty anyways.

To prove just how serious he is, he lightly digs the icicle into the ninja’s neck, drawing a little bit of blood, but not enough to cause a serious injury. It was brutish and not to his taste, but the action was necessary given the time constraints he was working on
 
Time: 12:00 PM
Day: Tuesday
Weather:
snowing (big flakes at a slow pace). cold.
Those Involved: @Wiggin @slifer @Elvario @Ur Degaton @Skyhunter @TheEccentric @CaptainLiterally @EldridSmith @Nero Kunivas @Valkan @The Last Curse
TooLongDidn'tRead: Scarface is down. What will they do now?

Note From The Author: (For those ready to end the rp, post your final posts. I'll make another post based on what you guys decide. It is minutes after the resolution of the conflict so it's up to you have you wish to handle the new situation)
Post Listening: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PExliWTCUf4


House of Kazm


As the building shook, portions of the cathedral started to collapse. The degradation of the structure pushed to its final breaking point by the knights' attack as they invaded. Those in and around the duel between Scarface and Yeothal would stumble, duck, and dive as the building threatened to come down on them. Like the ceiling, Ninjas dropped and/or fell onto what remained of Yeothal's men.

A final push for life and death transpired in those next moments. Shadow warriors desperate to go to their master's aid killed and died against Yeothal's gang, men with nothing but brotherhood and a tenacity to live even in the gutter of life. In the clear as the ground shook from the impacting stone around them, Nyx and Kaz were able to join Verity in a final rush on Scarface. Weary and outnumbered, Scarface proved he was still the most skilled swordsman in the room.

Kaz's charge was intercepted by Scarface's nimble blade weaving its way to Kaz's wrists, slicing them as it went. Losing the ability to hold weapons with his fingers, Kaz was forced to drop his weapon and the force of the attack directed him into the oncoming Nyx. Between a stumbling Kaz and Scarface's parry to follow up, Nyx's blade missed and he was forced to tumble with Kaz or stumble past the Scarface. Either way, Nyx and Kaz were opened to a follow up from their enemy, but before he could seize the opportunity, Verity's active defense with her dagger applied pressure, preventing the ninja leader from finishing off Kaz. He instead dealt with Verity by flip spinning at her to unleash a kick that would send a normal woman her size flying off her feet. (all 3 characters took damage from the exchange with only Kaz sustaining any meaningful injuries. If he indulges in anymore fighting before receiving magic healing, he will be incapacitated one way or another)

Still recoiling from his attack on Verity, he neglected to account for who he had turned his back to for a moment too long. Blood and steel burst from Scarface's chest, revealing Yeothal's sword protruding from both sides of Scarface's torso. The man quickly lost strength to stand and dropped to the ground among the church refuse and debris. Behind, barely standing himself, Yeothal stumbled forward. He had thrown his sword while the other three preoccupied him and created an opening. Scarface mouth opened and closed with wide eyes unable to speak. Blood trickled out just as Yeothal roughly ripped his bloodied blade free of the younger man. It could have just as easily been Yeothal in the dirt, which likely played a part in Yeothal wordlessly limping off rather than reveling in his victory.

Elsewhere, the slow curse on the ninjas kept them from speaking in anything but long slurred growns of sound barely audible over the collapsing church. Knights in fullplate clanking around below and coming up the stairs didn't help things. The one that had been set on fire continued to burn and would likely be of little use.

A final collapse left a cloud of dust and debris in the air that slowly parted to reveal the bloody aftermath of the battle. Most of the parishoners that failed to escape were dead, cut down or crushed by the cathedral that had been their shelter and home. The church, itself, was over half collapsed to the ground with what remained being mostly exposed to the outside elements. The cold snow had slowed in intensity and felt cool against the overheating bodies that steamed in the chill outside air. Most of Yeothal's gang had been routed with the few that survived either frantically running from Knights or too injured to resist. Even Yeothal was unable to limp far before Knight captain Eko held the other man at sword point. Kaz was in no condition to flee by himself nor survive the winter elements with his injuries. Nyx and Kaz would be arrested if they stayed and hunted if they fled. Solomon and Verity would once again be under suspicion for being at the scene of a Yeothal gang crime, but wouldn't be arrested this time. Instead Solomon would be required to make a full report on the incident which would be used in tandem with testimonies from the survivors to paint a picture of what happened.. Meanwhile, Kyrian would be not exactly arrested but required to come to the station with the rest of the arrestees to answer some questions about what happened and why his church was the scene of such disorderly conduct in addition to the preexisting claims the church may have played a part in embezzling funds given by the religious association of Ray City.

Of those arrested, no ninja was taken in alive. All committed suicide by one means or another, some by mysterious means. The destruction of most of the church also meant a great resurgence of the magic and chaos that had been nullified or otherwise kept at bay until that moment.


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Verity

Interactions: Nyxus @The Last Curse

Verity survived, which was about the best possible outcome at this rate, although scarface dying was a nice bonus. She'd been kicked back a fair bit, a blow from which she was still recovering, but it had left scarface open to Yeothal, so it had been worth it. Killing one goon together with the help of another was surely a new experience. She did feel bad about the fact that the church itself was mostly destroyed, showing the knights extensive usage of 'subtle' attacking powers, so she donated what she could miss from her modest savings to those affected.

Sadly enough, Verity ended up under suspicion yet again, though she was thankfully not arrested. Her mission wasn't fully over yet, she had a promise to keep and a truth to reveal. However, with none of the ninja's taken in alive, she'd have to track down their weapons, usage of poison and skill to figure out whom or what might've been behind it, but she was honestly starting to grow tired and weary. Being attacked like this twice in a row made her too suspicious of her superiors, as she felt like someone was clearly trying to get rid of her. The fact that she was being kept under closer eyes due to her colleagues suspecting her didn't help either. After many years of loyal service, she felt like she'd gotten to a breaking point.

It's why she decided to give up on finding the truth, as it was clear that she wasn't strong enough to go up against whomever was plotting her to be in such an unfortunate position twice in a row, even having been sent there by the knights the second time in a row. The continued suspicion also didn't add to her feeling of loyalty, to the point where she gave them her resignation letter the next day. There wasn't much use to her powers if people didn't trust her words anyhow, so all she'd be doing was keeping herself a target. She did keep her word, putting in a bit of a good word for Nyxus and even mentioning that Kaz and Yeothal aided in the capture of scarface, whatever those words would do, she'd at least keep her promise to vouch for them.

Now without a job, she debated for quite a while on what to do next, until she recalled an invitation by Nyxus. After a bit more consideration, she met up with him and made her intend clear by her equipment and a single sentence. “So... where are we going? ” She knew Baroness Maspira might have a task for them, but she'd only suggest it if Nyxus didn't have plans already.
 
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Mentions: @Skyhunter @Elvario

Before he could land another blow, the battle was already over. Nyxus watched as the scar-faced man plummeted to the debris-strewn floor. Yeothal had struck the killing blow, leaving the man to die on the cold, snowy ground. Nyxus arose, seeing the destruction left in the wake of the battle: the church was absolutely devastated, bodies were scattered about, and the knights had arrived to apprehend whoever was left. Nyxus looked to his side to see his companion Kaz, bloodied and wounded like the rest. He desperately reached out but was stopped by the tight grasp of a heavily armored guard. Nyxus felt another hand behind his head; before he could even say a word in protest, his head was violently slammed against the cold floor. His sight faded as he felt his wrists forced pinned against his back and the indistinct yelling of the guards grow nearer...

- - -

A lot had transpired since the fight in the church. Along with the rest of Yeothal's men who couldn't escape capture, Nyxus was apprehended and thrown into another jail cell, this time without any inmates to talk to. He sat in that dank jail cell for hours, trying to prepare himself for his inevitable punishment, hoping the woman he met earlier had kept her word. Just minutes later, the door to his cell block would open, and who stepped inside was not the executioner but the same beast-kin woman he had met before. Never had he been so happy to see another person.

When she arrived, the woman said she put in a good word for him, Nyxus responding with a barrage of appreciation. Soon, the visit would morph into something of a friendly conversation. The woman asked him questions about his past and his plans for the future, Nyxus reciprocating the same interest. Her name was Verity, a fitting name for a woman who carried herself like nobility.

Eventually, Nyxus would drop the big question. If her word mattered and he was released from jail, he'd gather his allies and leave Ray City, and he had asked if she would be willing to leave as well. She responded with consideration and left, leaving him in solitude. From then on, Nxyus sat in silence: praying she would accept his invitation. A few more hours passed by, and his cell block would open once more. In came a small group of guards, wordlessly unlocking his cell and escorting him to another room.

Nyxus would soon meet with another guard, seemingly an interrogator from their calm demeanor and looser attire. They two talked about Nyxus' involvement in the church battle, his ties with Yeothal's gang, and his status as a fugitive. He told them everything they wanted to hear, hoping they'd spare him clemency if he spoke. As minutes went by, everything seemed to go smoothly. Before he knew it, the interrogation had come to an end. In his last few moments in that room, Nyxus and the interrogator had come to a negotiation: one that'd promise his freedom in the sacrifice of something else. Having no other choice, Nyxus agreed.

- - -

Nyxus stood motionlessly in front of the mess that was once the Cringing Cockatrice. He was waiting for someone to show up, his eyes scanning the crowds for any familiar faces. He remembered what he told Verity back in his jail cell: to meet him where it all started. He hoped his message came out clear, and he especially hoped she had accepted his offer - soon the terms of his negotiation would come into place. Fortunately, he saw someone emerge from the crowds and immediately recognized them as Verity: his savior.

He gave a warm smile as she approached, noticing her change in attire. That paired with her words made it very clear: she had accepted his offer. "Morning, Verity. He chirped, "Our next destination is somewhere a bit more familiar. But first, there's someone else I'm waiting for..."

Nyxus was referring to his old ally, Kaz. After the situation in the church and his imprisonment, Nyxus hadn't seen his fellow fugitive since. During their time dodging patrols and squatting with Yeothal's men, he vaguely remembered telling Kaz to meet him at one spot if they were ever separated. So much time had passed since then, Nyxus was sure Kaz was still locked up somewhere, or worse. He had sorely hoped the dark-haired man was safe: no one could replace such an exceptional ally.
 
Kaz could see the end in sight, they had to do was kill this stupid scarred man, Kaz wanted to take his time with this one though, he had his cowards of men slash and stab Kaz since he just got healed. The Bloodhawk tried to slash the man but as quick as Kaz could see, his wrists sprayed blood as his sword left his hands, Kaz could no longer move his fingers. Growling with pain as he fell over to the side, slamming into Nyxus as he rolled across the rubble. Kaz groaned in pain as he tried to sit up, he was tenacious if nothing else. But as he looked up, his vision began to blur momentarily. Kaz watched the man kick Verity which had Kaz get back up quickly to his feet only to fall back down on more rubble, he groaned quietly in his defeat. Kaz lifted his head to see Yeothal already finish off the scarred man. " No. " Kaz mumbled " That was mine. " he growled just as the church began to crumble and fall all around him.

As the dust settled, Kaz tried getting back up himself, his body ached, his body bled. He could see and hear his blood squelch onto the floor and rubble. He was able to get to his feet momentarily but fell back over " Ah, fuck. " he groaned as he rolled off the small hill of debris he was on. Kaz growled as the knives in him pushed deeper into his body, he sat up on his knees and grabbed the knife in his chest, he pulled it out with all his might left, letting out a pain filled groan, he threw it from him as he held his wound.

He looked up when he heard voices, he saw his friend Nyxus get grabbed by knights and apprehended, Kaz was breathing heavily trying to catch his breath, everyone around him was getting arrested, he couldn't run, he couldn't fight, he was stuck. Soon enough a couple of knights came for him, although seeing Kaz was in no condition to resist they apprehended him, Kaz didn't try to resist. He wasn't in any condition to, soon enough Kaz passed out.

-

Kaz would wake up in a cell, he groaned getting up, he was sore as hell and cold, thanks to being soaked in blood he was getting any warmth. Kaz looked up at his surroundings, back here in a stone cage again. Kaz eyes closed as he sighed sadly, he didn't belong in here. His hands touched his wrists and he realized he could move his fingers again and checked his wrists seeing they were healed. Kaz looked confused, was he healed? No this didn't look like the work of a healer, he could tell the difference easily, he's been healed many times before by healers, this looked more natural. Even checking his body wounds, the same went for them too.

Each wound looked healed naturally, Kaz didn't understand but he wasn't complaining. He shivered and realized he was able to use his powers again, Kaz placed his hands out and electricty flowed through his fingers momentarily. He smiled happily, he missed his powers, he wished he had them during that fight at the church. Fire then conjured in his hands to keep his body warm and to dry his clothes.

In the middle of the process of trying to keep himself from shivering to death, he heard keys clink together and the cell door open, Kaz let the fire die out and he got to his feet, still sore from his wounds and exhausting himself, Kaz still wa able to fight, bringing his fists up to assume a stance he saw Verity come in. He immediately dropped his hands and raised his brows like he was surprised to see her. Whatever she said didn't process in his head as he stared at her, happy to just see she was okay and that she came to see him but she soon enough left him in the cell as the door locked again. After a few moments Kaz shook his head staring at the door. " Huh? "

-

It wasn't that long after Kaz was released for whatever reason, the Bloodhawk didn't think he'd ever leave. They even gave him a clean set of clothes, black and ragged, his type of clothes. Although the only thing that was missing was his broken blade that was taken from him a while ago. His mother's blade... Maybe it was time to let go of his past, he has hated his people for so long, he has made friends here in this city and there was still so much more to explore out in this large world. He has barely scraped the top of what this world has to offer him, he knew that males could learn blood magic and that would be his next goal, to learn Blood Magic, he would become the first Crimson Briar of the Bloodhawks.

As he left and traveled through the city, he knew where to go to, he wanted to find his friend Nyxus. That lizard was was a strange one but he appreciated the friendship they created through battle. And he could actually fight too! That was a plus.

Good thing Kaz was released early, he couldn't find his way around this city. He wandered around for hours trying to find the place he set fire to. After asking around he finally was able to locate where he was suppose to go. Moving through alleyways and sketchy looking passageways, he finally found his way to a familiar lane that lead to that was left of a burnt down building. Kaz stared at it with a tilted head, did he burn down the tavern?

He was knocked out of his thought when he felt someone push him from behind, he turned to see some dirty looking thief pointing a dagger at him. " Give me your money, mutt! " They demanded, Kaz stared at the man for a few seconds then laughed which confused the thief, they got irritated and pointed the knife closer to Kaz which got their hand grabbed. Kaz threw his head forward, slamming his forehead into the nose of the thief. Blood splashed into the air as Kaz took the knife away, he pulled back as the thief fell down just from the headbutt. Kaz held the knife in his hand only to toss it to the side. He stared at the stunned thief for a couple seconds but turned and walked away, this city was pathetic. As Kaz continued towards the tavern he saw Nyxus and what looked like Verity just showing up. The Bloodhawk smiled happily, he was glad to see the two were okay, he continued to make his way towards the two.

As Nyxus spotted Kaz, Kaz was already sprinting after him, soon enough he picked up the lizard and squeezed, showing his happiness to see his friend was alive. " My scaly friend! You're okay! " he yelled letting him down " Thank whatever entity exists, I was thinking we both were done for. " the Bloodhawk laughed then he laid his crazed eyes on Verity. " And you saved us. I'm pretty sure without you, we would still be in that stone cage. " Kaz walked up to the beast-kin and gently gave her a hug " So thank you, Verity. " he was pretty gentle with her, unlike with Kyrian or Nyxus, he also reeked of blood as he released her " So, whats the plan, Nyxus. " Kaz asked as he stepped away from Verity and next to his scaly friend, the Bloodhawk had a excited look in his eyes.
 
Solomon sighed as the battle was finally over. The ninjas were dead and order had been restored. There might have been more to this whole plot than meets the eye, yet he didn’t really care anymore. He had grown weary of the constant subterfuge he had to deal with in the city, and he felt like his potential was being wasted there. The other knights seemed to be pretty good at their job, making him a redundant asset to the order. After the day was over, he put in his resignation and packed up his things. He would keep his house, as the city was still his home, but he wanted to explore the world and see what it had to offer. As he walked through the familiar streets with a rucksack in tow, he couldn’t help but wonder how many threats existed in the world, that were grander and more sinister than anything the city had to offer. The thought made him grimace, and motivated his choices even more. He arrived at the city gates and looked around one last time.

“Time for a new adventure I guess.” He muttered to himself as he hoisted his rucksack over his back. He walked down the dirt road and never looked back.
 
The ground had fallen from underneath Kyrian, and it had taken everything he had to get to a safer area. Then he had been taken away- so much for helping Solomon. He might as well of stayed downstairs with the others to fight if this was going to happen to him anyway.

It had been hours of interrogation- and these bastards were convinced he was embezzling funds. As if they knew how much money it took to keep people alive. They hadn't been too kind to him, until his meticulous records of what the bigger church had given him came to light- and it painted his "friend" in a bad light- considering the church's records. That, and the true cost of food and medication painted a horrid picture of the main church- that it was clear the dead man had been using the money for himself, considering the hookers that all knew the dead priest's name, and the beautiful house he lived in. In comparison, the relative squalor that had been forced onto Kyrian- and that the church was corrupt .

It hadn't helped either that Kyrian told his interrogators that he had a suspicion that the head of the church was forcing himself on children- which at first had been treated as blasphemy because of the little proof Kyrian had, until they had caught the head of that church diddling the Commander of the Knight's son. After that, they gave him more freedoms, as he was telling the truth. IT had been a wonderful excuse to take the heat off of the Knights and place it onto a more powerful source- the church, and they loved him for it. Besides, it was his last bit of mischief in revenge for the displaced, for the homeless who would have nowhere to go, now that the church was in ruins. The Knights would take this as a chance to weaken the Church's power, and Kyrian was glad to help in that regard.

He had been stuck in the prison for awhile, but the guards had made use of his services. The guards had extremely potent medicines, as they were funded quite well, and he was allowed to slip into the cages of Nyxus, Verity, and Kaz to heal them- not with his powers but his well-earned abilities. Kaz's body was strong, and given the chance, it had healed on it's own- with the help of the salves and such that Kyrian had placed on his body. Everyone who was healed, including Yeothal, had been healed due to his ministrations.

There was nothing left for him in this city-so he decided to leave with Nyxus, Kaz, and Verity. He wasn't a true priest- all he had wanted to do was help others, and the city seemed to slap him in the face every time.
"Room for one more?" Kyrian asked quietly, joining the group as the last person left. He reached Kaz, and held the man in a hug, making sure to squeeze Kaz just as hard as Kaz sqeezed him. "I'm glad that you're ok. I'm willing to follow you three wherever you go."