Soul Manifestors: Fall of the Monastery

[Mythy the Dragon-Wolf]

@DangoYumi @Jessica2477 @Ariel @chaosheart13 @Cresion Breezes @Boo Girlie BoomBoom @Jageroux @Mythy the Dragon-Wolf

The Manifestor Monastery, found on the island north of Hertsei, was home to a number of Soul Manifestors at any one time. Most would be learners - young manifestors who were picked up by the staff rather than being drafted into a nation's military. However, a few of them would also be staff - instructors, seekers, and the kindly headmaster - who trained the young learners on their path to becoming a free manifestor. Most were taken closer to ten or thirteen years of age, though there was always some exceptions - no matter what, they would always train for a minimum of five years before being allowed to take a ship with their class to the Badlands. Those who were able to both meditate and learn the name of their manifestation from their soul, and survive the subsequent hunt with their class, would become a fully-fledged free manifestor. And this time was upon them once again. As was tradition, the monastery held a large feast for those who would be travelling before they retired for the night. However, this time, something was different.

----​

Laukai was one of those who had been at the monastery for a longer time from a younger age. He hadn't begun his training right away, but after a few months of the seekers being unable to locate any of his family, the young man was fully brought in for the training. And now, he realized as he laid in bed, all his time here was about to culminate in a life or death struggle. But inwardly he knew he had already somehow defeated one. This next one, he believed, would end up no different. Slowly he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep...

It was unclear for how long he slept, but it was pitch-dark outside when Laukai was awoken by a scream. One of pain and pure terror. And then another. Without thinking, he tossed on the cloak he had on him when he was found on the ocean, and stepped out. It could have been one of the younger ones pulling a prank, but he truly felt terror burning in his heart. And as he walked out of his room to look upon the courtyard, he realized that was not the only thing burning. He saw figures in hooded cloaks running around, the building was on fire - and as he looked to the right, he saw one of the figures up close. They had a mask like a skull upon their face, and as Laukai watched they stabbed a short blade through the heart of another student. Eyes went wide, and he quickly manifested his blade right in time to parry the man's own.

"What are you doing?" he implored the man. "Why are you attacking us!?" his impassioned plea was only met with a growl.

"Death to centricity." was the only words he got. The warrior dropped the short-blade into his other hand and used it to cut at Laukai who was barely able to jump back. The young man, who was glowing a bright gold now that he had manifested, rose a hand to shoot a short-ranged blastwave of flame. The opponent dodged it, and it was at that moment Laukai realized the skill of their assailants. A sword was headed for his heart, and even as the manifestor rose his weapon he didn't feel fast enough to block the coming blow....

 

[chaosheart13]

@Mythy the Dragon-Wolf

The night was a blur and so was the party, but Märchen never really interacted with anyone. He was more interested in the feast than anything, tasting every dish before heaping his plate and then downing everything happily. God, so much food, he was so happy right now. And about to graduate...he was going to graduate and become a proper Manifestor...god he was happy. Something of worth, something important and good in the world, at least he hoped so. They were all so kind to him and he loved it. Even if the training was a bit harsh, he loved it all. Fight hard, fighting was fine. Work, that was fine too. He'd do anything for them and he loved them all dearly, not wanting to part with what he considered to be his new family. A wonderful family...let this happy moment last forever. He flopped onto bed with a hum of happiness as he tried to drift off to sleep, so full that he felt like bursting. Let him sleep for a time and then when he woke up...well he didn't know what to do but the present was oh so nice. Let this moment last... he prayed as he took the cross he held and pressed it to his lips before murmuring a prayer, then trying to sleep.

Freaking insomnia was a nightmare though and he was just about to drift off when he heard screams. His eyes snapped open and he jumped up, clutching the cross he held in his hands. "Oh god," he murmured as he tucked it away and then rushed out, finding flames. Coughing in surprise, he put a hand to his mouth as his eyes watered and he began to panic. Air. I need air. Oh god I need air. He began to remember the different routes out of this place before settling on one that would lead to a better outcome. Coughing harshly, he ran quickly, his shoes thumping hard against the ground until he reached the courtyard. He froze with his hand covering his mouth, eyes wide with horror as he stared at the dead bodies. My...My...My... His knees were turning weak as he let out a choked sob, tears starting to come down as he stared in horror. No, no, please, no, not my family, not my family, not my- More screams and he snapped out of it as he let out a wail. "NO MORE. GOD NO MORE!" he screamed as his weapon manifested and he darted right in, singing his heart out as music notes floated around him. Heal, heal them all, just heal them all, save them save them SAVE THEM-

His eyes fell on Laukai as he rushed in and tried to parry the blow for him. Keep singing, keep singing, let me sing forever, he begged in his mind, Oh Lord help me! He just continued to sing as he remained near Laukai, hoping that if he had any wounds, they would heal. Let him sing, let him sing, let him sing...

 

[Shalashaska]

This wasn't anything new to Gaius.

These large, lavish banquets that preceded and followed 'momentous' events. He'd been in the midst of them several times over the years he'd been alive. Whenever someone was knighted or there was a marriage or a child was born; such events were frequent and commonplace in Kelemba. Normally, Gaius would feel comfortable and at home in such a situation. He was more than capable of being the sociable sort -- but not this time around. He fluttered about the event, smiling and exchanging quick back and forths with the other people present. He was putting on a show -- a thin veneer to hide just how disinterested he was. Because he felt... Nothing, really. No anxiety, to fear -- no butterflies in his stomach nor sweaty palms.

Over the years he'd been in the Monastery, he'd always been aware that the day would come. When they'd finally be put to the test and sent out to the Badlands. It didn't bother or concern him. In all truth, he just wanted it over with. He want to go so he could return home to Kelemba. To his family. To the land that he knew and that he was familiar with. Hertsei was a beautiful place; he wouldn't begrudge it the honor and respect of such praise, but it wasn't his homeland. There was a saying -- 'Absence made the heart grow fonder.' and since being in Hertsei, away from his family, friends and the land that he knew, he couldn't help but feel the truth of that.

Once everything died down and he was able to comfortably slip away, Gaius did so immediately. He retreated to a portion of the training grounds, finding one of the practice dummies in an attempt to clear his mind. With no armor on and a wooden sword in hand, Gaius enjoyed the alone time. In all truth, he wasn't so much practicing or training as he was going through the motions to clear his own mind and to restore some form of serenity to himself. How long had it been? He couldn't have been certain. Whenever he was on the training grounds, time always escaped him. He had been on a knee, tip of the training instrument buried in the ground while his hand rested on the pommel. He was taking a moment to rest, but then there was a scream.

Smoke was filling the air and there was a dread in the atmosphere. Every step he took was a long and purposeful stride. He could hear the sound of commotion -- violence. He'd been on battlefields before and this was no different. Cloaked figures were all around, assaulting the residents of the Monastery. He knew what he had to do, however. He had to check on the younger members of the Monastery; the ones who would have a harder time defending themselves.

"There was no one where I came from. Head to the training grounds and take the long way around to the temple." He was calm -- he had nerves of steel. A knight had to maintain their composure no matter what, so when he came across a fleeing group, he directed them away as he continued his trek. Making his way to the second floor of the dormitory, he made his way down a long hallway, Gaius moved with a brisk jog, trying to find someone who may have had answers or who may have been in need of assistance. A door burst open and a child scrambled through the threshold, a fresh wound on his back that was leaking with blood. The boy ran straight into Gaius who placed a comforting hand on his head before moving him aside.

His reaction was purely instinctual; he wasn't even aware he still held the training sword in his hand, but when he saw the cloaked assailant and the skull mask upon his face, as well as the wicked, curved dagger, still wet with blood, coming down towards him, Gaius swung the blade upwards. It caught the bottom of the man's wrist as his arm descended, though his grip on the dagger remained tight. Gaius's eyes narrowed when he felt the strength behind the man and the force he was capable of applying, more than enough for the dagger to slowly lower towards the knight as Gaius held his ground, pushing up against the man's arm as he struggled to keep the dagger from finding purchase inside of him.

"Run, boy. Find some place to hide. I'll find you when this is all over." Gaius said to the child, looking over his shoulder to offer the boy a comforting smile before he looked back at the masked individual. The boy nodded and scurried off once more, a slight limp to his movements as his back continued to bleed. All the while, Gaius scowled at the assassin, taking a step back as he held his ground. With one hand, he held onto his weapon tightly, his eyes following the assassin as he moved quickly and with purpose. There was a skill within his movements, every step he took was like a zigzag as he sought to find an opening in Gaius's defense. Every swipe of his dagger caught the light of the moon, reflecting it as the dagger frequently made contact with the training sword, Gaius doing his best to parry and block against the onslaught.

The assailant made a thrust and Gaius dropped the training sword, a step to the side letting the dagger go past him. His hand caught the wrist that held the weapon and Gaius pulled the arm to the side before rushing forward. His shoulder dug into the assassin's abdomen as his free hand wrapped around their back. His feet continued to propel him forward as he kept going, tackling the assassin towards the balcony ledge. It was two story drop, probably not enough to kill or even seriously injure, but perhaps he would get lucky. When he felt the resistance of the balcony railing, having thoroughly slammed the assailant into it, Gaius made an effort to release them, but things didn't go as planned.

The assassin latched onto his back, kicking forward at his leg to unbalance him while shifting their own weight back. While Gaius intended to send only the assassin over the ledge, his quarry had different plans. They pulled him along with them, both of them from the second floor to the courtyard below. The assassin coughed from behind their mask while Gaius groaned, rolling onto his side as he worked to get back up on his feet, trying to find his balance.

No longer in such an enclosed space, he knew he would have no qualms with manifesting. Already a black aura was beginning to envelop him, and now that he was in the courtyard, he could see just how dire the situation truly was. The assassin he went over the ledge with was back on their feet and rushing at him recklessly, swiping their dagger at him just as his lance manifested and he blocked the slash with the body of his polearm. In the distance, on the other side of the courtyard, he was aware of Marchen and Laukai. They were still alive. That was good.

He pushed the assassin back, swiping at them with his lance as he spun around, a swipe of his lance cutting across the thigh of another cloaked figure that tried to rush him from behind. Holding his ground, Gaius adjusted his posture, legs spreading slightly as he held the lance tight -- slowly spinning around as the knight did his best to remain aware of both assailants. The other, whose leg he managed to cut, held a sword in his hand. The two rushed the Knight in unison and Gaius made his decision -- rushing the meet the sword-wielder as he began to utilize wide and brought swipes in a circular motion as he was forced to deal with both at the same time.

 

[Boo Girlie BoomBoom]

~Daeli deLouve~

<~★~>​

⭐~The night of the Feast

It was supposed to be a grand feast. In fact, it was: ''The feast to end all feasts!' according to the claims of the head chef as the dinner bells sounded out across the courtyard.

In her days during her lifetime as a Liska tribe member, she had seen much larger feast festivities, namely during the Gathering of Nations during fall harvest times. But this one was more meaningful to her, more special. What the night lacked in spectacle, sights and song, it to Dae, it made up for in sheer magnitude of the reason why she sat here with her brethren.

She survived the past 5 years of trials and training along side the other Auras here. The mixture of all their blood, sweat, tears brought them closer together and unified unlike anything she had ever known. And after all this time, starting all the way from the very bottom, they now all had the top rights and privileges to sit at the head of the main table setting now. And each and every single one of them deserved their seats for this feast. They had earned it.

Too bad that Dae barely ate a morsel of the tantalizing food. This girl was humongous and built with an appetite to go with such size. She however, could be rather wise too; she knew just what kind of torture she had to endure on the rollicking and rolling ship that led to the Badlands. For the better part of the waterborne journey, she knew that she would be leaning over the side railing of the ship and wasting all the food she had been given.

And so she had some of her youngling entourage collect and stow away food for her to enjoy once safely upon the shores of the Badlands. Yet the lead of her entourage, Veerdante, had frowned as he watch Daeli take to something other than food. The 10 year-old boy sighed each time Dae knocked back another drink. He shook his head as he watched his 'Sister' carouse with others more joyously than with her own cohort of 'Brothers and Sisters' proper. That was until, thankfully, his big Bro Andren swept in and joined Dae for some song and dance.

He idolized several others he called 'big Brothers and big Sisters.' But barely did he have time to mingle with them for he was much too burdened with chasing Daeli around and attempting to force her to drink water rather than that other drink.

And he was quite successful, he managed to cut Dae's drinking down and managed to wrangle her away to her quarters before she made a complete fool of herself. The boy wrestled her a moment longer before finally shrugging his shoulders, kissing the cheek of his big Sister, putting out the lamp and leaving her quarters. She lay there, snoring away, a death grip on her drunken conquest of the night; a random boot lay victim in the clutches of the sleeping Hunter.

<~★~>​

The Hunter crept around the side of the balcony and held her position, shrouded in shadow and eyes burning brighter than the flames high above her.

They had somehow gotten in and did as they pleased. They had somehow gotten in and began murdering her friends and family; her people. They had somehow gotten in and set fire to the Monastery; her home . They had somehow gotten in and she had been sound asleep; her fault. Her senses were sharp even while dozing, yet she had had a few drinks had she not?

...Break it. Let me out. And they all fall down...

The Tempest was awake and roiling around in the dark recesses of her heart. But she had trained for years and learned how to accept its existence, sate it, and keep it at bay. But when she was angry... when she was set to rage--

But not yet. The Hunter was still in control. Powerful legs pushed away at the stone base of the balcony and she leapt at the pair of assassins below. Dae struck witih the speed and ferocity of a tiger and roared like one too as she bowled into one figure, sending it flying into the other beside it.

One smacked its head upon the stone pavement and remained still. The other shook its head and rose up on hand and knee. Another roar and a savage kick right underneath its chin sent its head snapping back and its body flailed upward then landed splat down upon the ground. She picked up their weapons and inspected them quickly. A heartbeat later she made her decision; there were others here that could answer for this assault.

The Hunter sped off leaving the pair of downed assassins necks wide and smiling red, drowning in a pool of their own blood.

She lifted the cherished gift from her Ranger mentor, Bellady to her lips and blew into the Horn of the Elisabezas. An eerie baying note echoed out above the sound of chaos and fire. Once more she sounded out the baying note and continued on to the rendezvous point; the courtyard.

Yes, she knew that this would draw the attention of the assassins there, but she needed the younglings to take their chances in the open rather than panic and foolishly take refuge in the building, burning to death in hidden places. Around the corner she ran and sounded out the Horn of the Elisabezas once more when she entered the courtyard. There she saw her Brothers Marchen and Laukai fighting off an assassin. She had no doubt in their skill, however, they were going to get surrounded but fast.

Several powerful strides brought her into the fray, and she bellowed out at them, "Brother Auras of mine! Triangle formation and fall back! Out of the open we need to be!"

It was habit to call both Laukai and Marchen in the same fashion as their trainers would when running exercises and drills. And to be honest, it was rather exhilarating to call them 'Auras'; it was as if she were calling out the names of heroes! But such exhilaration was short lived.

Suddenly the Hunter held still and posed for a heartbeat. The comandeered blades dropped from her hands but she did not hear them clatter upon the stones below. No, she was absorbed in 'breaking down the Wall' right now. The Tempest smiled and sparks crackled at the big Hunter's icy blue eyes and at her bloody fingertips.

The Wall had only opened up a gash, yet she still felt the power of a hurricane pour into her, screaming for more. But the Hunter was still in control. Icy blues snap shut then fluttered open; the colour of the storms swirled with them now. Her Blue Aura wafted away from her hands as her intricate and ornate bow Manifested therein. And through the storms in her eyes she saw with much clarity what had to be done; they were getting surrounded so Daeli had to clear a path for them to make it to the edge of the courtyard and rendezvous with the survivors that gathered here.

She drew back a phantom bowstring then suddenly white hot lightning formed in the shape of an arrow, readied to be fired. Yes, they would merely stun a target, but the arrow itself flew faster than a regular arrow, making it that much harder to dodge. And she was very fast at shooting them too. Dae's eyes flashed and the Tempest giggled. A grand volley of lightning arrows flew from her bow.

...And they all fall down...

If the others had no idea where she was or where the source of the baying note of the Horn was, they should now. The courtyard was lit with sparks and flashes each time she launched an arrow in quick succession.

"Here!! In the courtyard, come to us here now!" Daeli had to fix this, she needed to save them. All of them. It was upon her shoulders to atone for her failure. She believed she was the reason they had gotten in; once again she was responsible for the death of her own kind. "Make a stand, brothers and sisters! Fight back, and take back our home!"

<~★~>​

 

[Cresion Breezes]

Notes of Altan Nüd (1)

~Page 7

"Graduation" - A celebration of the outlands, it happens to people who performed repetitive tasks every day for the past twenty seasons. I think it's a celebration of being free of those repetitive tasks.

"Feasts" - Very different from back home, feasts seem to happen for many different reasons (*Graduation is one of them). People in the outlands don't eat a lot of food just because they have a lot of food, the source of food for the feast seems to be "currency" (Page 2).

~Page 2

"Currency" - A special, pretty thing that isn't useful, but it can be used to trade for anything. There are a lot of things in the outlands, so if you keep trying to trade for something, you might end up trading for a very long time. A special thing that can trade for anything is very useful here.

Altan was on the rooftop, she was always in a place like that, her Soul Weapon, a long spear had its blade wedged between a few tiles as she seemingly effortlessly balanced on top of the polearm. The buildings in the outside world were much taller than anything she's seen in any tribe, it was probably because people on the outside didn't have to move, so they can just keep stacking more things on their huts. That was already written in the small leatherbound notebook that the girl slammed shut as she continued to overlook the courtyard.

The reason why she had come to this "Monastery" place was that some traveling caravan told her that people who spent time here can get access to the Badlands. Altan didn't plan to head there so early in her journey, after all, everyone on the outside says it's dangerous there, but seeing that she was already here, it won't hurt to try.

Of course, after being told she would need to spend the next twenty seasons on this tiny island in order to gain access disheartened the young traveler. She didn't have time for that sort of thing! And neither did she want to do the same thing every single day, how did someone even learn anything by doing that? Staying in the same spot for years and just listening to other people talk and play make-belief games. Altan didn't plan to stay on the island for long as others say she should, but she did find herself cycling back to the place occasionally. Despite the disappointment she had in the so-called best place for Manifestors to go, Altan did manage to learn quite a bit about the outside through the other youths here, it was a good reason for her to keep coming back.

The world sure is big...The girl yawned and tilted her head, looking up at the stars and began to plan the next direction she should be going towards after this small break. This was when the screams broke out.

"Huh?" Altan was a bit startled, she looked around the courtyard, using her high ground as an advantage. She saw some fire in the distance, as well as people in cloaks that were engaging in combat with students. "What is this...?" The Monastery was an odd place, they did very odd things. Maybe it's one of those things outlanders just do? It was natural to question this, through her travels Altan has seen people that parade their weapons and warriors even with no battles to fight, people fighting other people for no reason, and places that insists on lighting things on fire (like corpses). She flipped through the notebook quickly to see if things she's previously learned about would help.

Notes of Altan Nüd (2)

~Page 3

"Pillaging" - When a group of people covering their faces (who usually don't have a lot of things) try to attack a group of people who have a lot of things, or light them on fire.
(*It's like hunting, but both sides are people.)

Altan looked at her notebook, then to the scene in the courtyard, then to her notebook again. She decided that this was probably a pillaging, this place was pretty big and had a lot of nice things, it would be natural for others to want to hunt it. Recalling how the merchant caravans often offered her items or advice for protecting them from being hunted, Altan decided that it would be best to help the others. Perhaps they'll even let her go to the Badlands as thanks.

She hopped down the polearm and picked it up from the tiles of the roof, and hopped down from the building to a balcony on the second story. "I thought I heard people down here." Muttering to herself as she peered over the battered railings. "Oh there they are."

There were two pillagers (Note: Not to be confused with "villagers") on the ground, whom were fighting a student that Altan has seen around before. She remembers that his name was Gaius, he was kind of strange, but she had learned that the world was a strange place. Quickly the spear-wielding girl catapulted herself with the long polearm over the railing, in midair she spun the spear around, pointing the sharpened side down. Putting her entire body weight on the dive, Altan, or more specifically her spear, landed onto the calf of the hooded figure behind the redheaded young man.

The moment the sharp blade pierced flesh, light green aura rushed out of it and formed a thin layer of jagged blades, firmly locking its target in place. Altan herself swung and slip down the polearm, stepping on the padded end of the weapon, ensuring the ensnared person cannot escape. "Hello!" With a backflip, she pulled out the spear and prepared for battle as well. "Do you need help?" She asked in an energetic tone, it was best to make sure this was really a pillaging before trying to help. Altan hasn't been back to the Monastery for at least one and a half-full moon cycles, who knew what strange rituals they came up with during that time.

 

[Pupperr]

Andren Coenberht​

Everyone enjoyed a good party, Andren included, and the Manifestor's Monestary knew just how to throw a great one. Was it because tomorrow the graduates would be shipped off to The Badlands and this meal might very well be their last meal? Regardless of the reason, Andren enjoyed parties. He believed that it encouraged a sense of comradery and forged a unique bond; the bond through drunken shenanigans. Unfortunately, almost all his peers were not interested in the festivities but luckily, he could always count on one of them to bring thunder to any event; Daeli. Daeli was unlike any woman Andren had met in his hometown and he could only describe her in one way (albeit it didn't make sense to most people): Now that is a woman of women. Andren liked her and over time, he had concluded that she was someone you could trust. Alas, she was the only one of his peers willing to drink with him.

In his past, Andren was often described as the 'life of the party' but following Carrington's death three years prior, he had lost his oomph. In the few months directly after her death, he was a shell of a human, recluse, and didn't bother speaking to his peers at the Monastery. But as time went on, his soul began to heal, and although the scars remained, he made an effort to return to the man he used to be. For the most part, he maintained his joyous and charismatic personality, even if some of his expressions were not genuine. Fake it till' you make it. He was trying, and to him, that's all that mattered, and what better way to truly let loose than at a party?

As the night went on and the food (and most importantly the drink) disappeared, as did the people. No one bothered with what time it was, but the moon was resting high in the sky by the time Andren exited the hall and stumbled about the Monastery toward his room. He passed by the training grounds and noticed Gaius, what a dedicated fellow. Gaius was from Kelemba, a knight, and the same age as him. Andren had admired his determination and hard work (and secretly wanted to enter the battle ring with him for the fun of it). He smiled at Gaius with no inclination that Gaius would see him and continued to his room.

With a shove of the door and leg pushing it shut a little louder than he had anticipated, Andren had made it to his quarters. He donned a happy smile and a pink flush to his face; effects of the mead he had drank at the party. Stripping off his clothes one piece at a time as he crossed his room and flopping on the bed, he passed out almost as soon as his head hit the mattress.

---

Groggy eyes fluttered open with an accompanying groan. Andren peeled his face from the blankets, a string of drool following behind. His mouth opened and closed as if he was chewing invisible food and he glared at the racket coming from the other side of his tightly closed bedroom door. He threw the pillow from his bed at the door in protest of the noise and shoved his face back into the mattress. There was a throbbing in his head; a likely after effect of his night of drinking. The noise outside of his room continued, it sounded as if the place was being ransacked. Andren pulled himself to his feet and collected his clothing, putting each piece on, as he walked toward his door and opened it to reveal chaos.

People were running every which way, some of them he recognized as belonging to the Monastery, and others had their identity's masked. It was a raid and instincts kicked in. Andren grabbed the scabbard by the door and rushed into the hallway, he grabbed onto the back of a masked figure running by and threw him against the wall. "You picked the wrong house, bub!" The hilt of Andren's sword came down on the assassin's head, knocking him unconscious. The vibration through the hilt felt as though it went straight to his head and made it throb even more. His face twanged in pain, but he battled through worst pain before and proceeded to run down the hall, directing any younger ones to follow him.

The sound of a horn roared over the Monastery. In an emergency, the residents at the Monastery were directed to the courtyard but there would be those who panicked and wouldn't know where to go. Someone was calling them, smart! "Come on kids, keep your mouth's covered and follow me! If we get separated, follow the sound of the horn!"

The halls were beginning to billow with smoke, which made navigating them difficult. Unless the assassins knew the layout of the building, the smoke would be in their favour, as long as it didn't suffocate them first. With a small train of children behind him, he approached an exit to the courtyard. Beyond the door frame he could see cracks of light; Daeli, she had manifested. Bursting through the smoke filled hallway into clean air, Andren quickly noticed he was on the opposite side of the courtyard to the other Manifestors. The sound of weak coughs behind him reminded him that his job wasn't done yet, no one was safe yet. He had to get across the courtyard with the children, without being hit by lightning arrows by accident, and without being ambushed by the assassins. Andren knew he would have to manifest The Lion's Shield, but ever since Carrington died, he had been weary of where and when he used his gifts.

With a deep sigh, he shot a look behind him at the children and their scared faces. "We are going across, stay as close to me as possible!". An emerald green light enveloped him as he drew his arm to his chest and with the making of a fist, a copper coloured shield with a roaring lion in the center the size of him appeared. "Lets go!" He began to move across the courtyard, scanning the area for incoming enemies, and trusted that Daeli would see them and give them cover as they crossed. His other peers, Gaius, Marchen, and Laukai, were preoccupied with assassins already. He was happy to see everyone alive, now he just needed to make it over to them.

 

[Ariel]

Ilaryll Anarore​

Strange what you notice as you sink into oblivion. It could be the play of firelight on the edge of a blade, the sound of your own breathing, the copper taste of blood. Or an odd scent, reminiscent of night-blooming jasmine, sweet and heady.

Perhaps it was all of these, or none. Ilaryll wouldn't know. She wasn't the one breathing her last with a dagger through her throat. She tilted the man's face away from her as he slumped, directing the spray of arterial blood away from her. It had got on her good deerskin gloves, of course - that couldn't be helped - but she didn't want any on her linen shirt as well.

The scent of jasmine grew thick about her as she faded back into the shadows to watch her target crumple to the ground and scan the surroundings. It was a strange attack. The individual attackers were skilled, and they'd obviously had a good enough plan to get past the wards and sentries of the Monastery - such as they were; nobody really expected an attack on an ancient and vital institution, after all - but having got in, they'd seemed to lose much of their coordination in their haste to slaughter as many Manifestors as they could.

Don't think about that now, Ilaryll told herself as she felt her heart pound. You're doing fine. Don't panic. You're alive, he's dead. Don't panic. Focus. Don't panic. Situation. Tactics. Breathe.

Ilaryll slid through the darkness, watching as some of her classmates organized a stand in the courtyard, the big barbarian girl tossing bolts of lightning. She decided she was of most use lurking around the edges of the fight, picking off targets of opportunity while they focused on the group drawing attention to themselves.

If nothing else, it gave her the best chance of survival.

And with that thought, she became, once again, a hunter of men.

 

[Karyra]

Thirra
​

The feast was grand. So grand, in fact, that Thirra wanted nothing more than to go home and sit in her room. She didn't really belong here. She was just able to get a magic staff, no big deal.

No, not even she could lie that much. She was able to just summon a big stick on a whim. That was Manifestor magic, pure and simple. She'd barely been here for a month or two, but she knew that was the basics. She was going to have to learn how to use these abilities sooner or later, but for now she could stare down her plate.

She'd dared to take a few mouthfuls of food, afraid they'd smack her hands away at a moment's notice. However, now she was debating if she could eat it. The chaos of the feast was entertaining to watch as the huge woman blundered her way around drinking as she went. It was a marvel, to be sure, but the seat next to Thirra always felt empty.

She sighed and retired to her room, quietly curling into a corner. She just wanted to go home, but they wouldn't let her. She summoned her staff, letting the weight sit in her hand as she held it in front of her. The ends glowed red, forming blades. Thirra threw the staff as hard as she could, but it merely disappeared before leaving her hand.

She just wanted to go home.

---------------------------------

The smoke woke Thirra, and the cold stone came back.

A scream pierced the night and Thirra was no longer drowsy. It was the middle of the night and the smoke and screaming all meant something terrible had happened. Thirra grabbed her bag -which had not been unpacked since arriving- and was out the door in a flash. The sights she saw were terrifying. Sure she wished to leave... but not at the cost of other's lives.

Flames roared to life in front of her, blocking the sight of an assailant slicing downward to finish off a person only a little younger than herself. Thirra scrambled away, nearly losing her footing as she went.

The fire was everywhere, and the twists and turns were unfamiliar to Thirra. She turned a corner and a man was standing over the body of student. Thirra knew her, that girl had dulled the worst of the homesickness... No, no this couldn't be happening. Now the man was slowly coming towards her...

Thirra felt the familiar weight in her hand, like a friend reassuring her. Thirra swung wildly, and because she had caught the man unaware, she managed to cut him down. As he fell and pooled blood around him, Thirra ran over his body. She slipped on the blood, but was already scrambling back to her feet.

She felt sick, but she couldn't stop.

Eventually, Thirra wound her way into the courtyard, which was already filling with more competent students.

The huge woman called out to make a stand but, "I... I don't know how to fight! I mean... I kinda do but I've only been here for a few months!"

Thirra called her staff, but her hands shook. Everyone was so calm and collected. How? It wasn't fair. But they were long past fair, now. They were being killed left and right, and for what? They didn't even know why.

She could escape with the other children, there was that route... but...

She gripped her staff tighter, and stood with the others. "I'll do my best, though!"

 

[Jack]

Kayne

Kayne wasn't much of a party person but being at parties reminded him of his home and to the clans he visited from work. He recalled everyone dancing and eating like there is no tomorrow while some chat around. He even recalled a time when there was a drunk man that drinker too much 'Smiling King' wine that he started having a fight with everyone resulting the Drunk man to be thrown out of the party.

it was one of the memories that made him smile every time it came to his mind. But this party was rather special, everyone was smiling while some Frowning.the reason from his own perspective was that they miss their home or that they missed their freedom. He was just like them. He missed his home town too he even forgot his age when he left but all he knows it that he felt satisfied because after he left the heaviness of his heart from his parents demise was suddenly lift up. As if he have been reborn again.

he then place a hand from his mask. Yes, it has been 12 years since he wore his mask and swore to never remove it. He didn't know what he look like underneath but he could tell he could look ugly from underneath because of the scar. but that Is less of his problems because what's more important is that he is a Manifestor now he would rather concentrate on graduating as a full fledge Manifestor than caring what he looks like after all he didn't want to embarrass the man who brought him here because he didn't go to school at his young age let alone on grade school so reading would be very difficult for him but since he remembered about it he take out a story book " the hunch back of Notredam" and he make his way to chapter five

———————————————————————

after the party Kayne walked in his room. Putting down the story book he started preparing his pillows and blanket as he wonder what will come to him when the morning rises and he didn't even bother to remove his mask as he laid down to his bed and started to drift off to sleep

but as he drift off a loud pitch scream disturbed him from his slumber as he let out a groan and stand up To inspect the commotion.upon turning his gaze towards the courtyard he notice fire and there were hooded figures running around. It pissed his off a bit that those hooded figures disturbed him from his sleep. Those hooded figures needed to be tough ya lesson and with that he cracked his knuckles and hold onto his brush weapon he walked out of his room

while walking he meet with two assassin who were about to attacked him but he have learned twice about assassins who strike first and that if they made the first attack their body are most likely to be open to be strike and without hesitation he grabbed onto his brush and swung it over the two assassins making them flew over the walls but one of the assassins manage to but over his arms while Kayne swung his brush. It only made Kayne sigh in displease of their attack and thus he made a two puppet figures. He was wondering weather he would let them live or not but as he heard the sound of cries from the children in the other rooms he snapped his fingers and the puppets pulled the head of the assassins in the air. Causing their necks to be ripped apart and blood to flow out like a fountain. Tough. As their blood hit the puppets the painting started to melt down until the paint no longer exist

Kayne wonder why and how those hooded figures enter and what is their motives But he knows well he will get an answer when this is over and thus he dipped his brush on the assassins blood and created more puppets hoping well that since he used their blood as pain it wouldn't melt and when he is done he ordered his puppets to protect the kids while the others look for survivors as he did the same and started running through the halls and hoping he would meet friends and not foes. As he clutched the wound from his arm he hope and trusted well they can handle themselves but he wanted to check and help if needed to be

 

[Azurewinter]

Escarletè Hausser​

Banquet Night

'It must've been... what? Certainly more than a year. Two years? Certainly no more than that. Right?'

This is was the filler fluff that Escarletè, better known simply as Scarlet, had ran through her mind in the times like these. Then times where her fellows were placed in a situation where they were to be chummy, and act like some kind of family. How ridiculous. This was a learning facility, not some kind of... forced orphanage for kids with magic!

The thought incited a small bit of anger, and the anger burned away the fluff in her mind that kept her distracted, and she found her icy eyes tracing the banquet hall. There truely was all manner of person here, and despite her disdain for the idea, she had to appreciate the variety. Her eyes first fell onto, the same as always, the Knight, Gaius, from Kelemba. Her enemy. The fluff in her mind was seered away by another spark of anger.

Laukai and Altan, Andren and Ilaryll, Kayne and Thirra, Märchen and.... and Daeli.

Daeli had caught the intrigue of Escarletè since the day she'd met her. Escarletè had always considered herself strong, hailing from the warrior kingdom of Borar, but Daeli was STRONG in a way that Escarletè wasn't sure she could be. The uncertainty this breed, inspired more anger, seemed from jealousy.

The fluster of anger pulled her intention back down to her provisions. Provisions. She wasn't with the Borary Resistance anymore, this was a dinner, not nightly 'provisions'. The silver gaze shot back up to Gaius before she flailed for her tankard and rose it up to capsize the flames under glorious booze. As the cup fell, she quickly whipped her pale lips clean and stood to follow her Enemy. At least in assumed tactics. Tactics? She ground her teeth. It was just going to bed.

It was not the screams that pulled the woman of ivory from her slumber, but the smoke. The smoke filled her lungs, and out of instinct, as she awoke she rolled from her bed and onto the wooden floor of her quarters, releasing loud coughs as her body tried to expel the foreign substance.

Then the environment came to her; the heat, the orange hue of flames, smoke and screams. Her mind flashed to a Kelemban raid on a Resistance camp, and then just as fast she was back. This was the Monastery. The Monastery was under attack!

Escarletè dove for her spare clothes and found a sleeve of an old shirt and tore it at them seem before wrapping it around her nose and mouth. She did this just in time for her door to be kicked open, by a cloaked individual, wearing a skull mask. That image shimmered, and faded, and shifted to the form of a knight. A knight clad in the colors of Kelemba, and rose a dagger to her.

The guise she wore of sharp, cold elegance fell. It was merely a facade, after all, and she pulled herself to her feet before a blade or red flame manifested in her left hand, as if triggered by her scowl.

The assassin stepped with his left foot, stabbed with the right hand. A simple strike, and Escarletè met with a quicker step. Her left foot met his in stride, but it was a feignt, and her right foot carried her to the side. Her left arm rose to bring the sword down in an overhead blow, but the assassin moved his right foot and moved to sweep her leg.

Escarletè abandoned the striked and hopped back to avoid the sweep, and as she did, the sword vanished from her left, and a shield appeared in her right. The shield turned out to be a good move, as the sweep from the assassin turned into a shoulder charge. As he hit her shield, more smoke rose. The man shoulder was met with the flames of the shield and caused his charge to slow immediately. This was her moment.

The shield vanished and she carried the rest of his movement to slam her assailant into the wall, face first. She scowled, pulled his arm up behind him, before blade manifested again into the lower back of the attacker. The smell of flesh joined the cacophony of smells as she pushed hard to dig deeper in. Then there was give, shout of pain, and she released.

The attacker fell as a knight, and landed as the cloaked assassin. Escarletè could only blink a couple times, as the flames made this imagery seem more like a dream.

It was the heat that kept her head right.

She sprinted out of her room into the hallway, shield first to protect herself from potential backdraft. The second story she was on was almost entirely ablaze at this point, and she needed to get out. It was the sound of a horn that gave her a direction to run. Did it belong to the Monestary? She wasn't certain, but the layout of the building escaped her as flames rose to lick at her form. So she ran, and ran, and then heard the foot falls behind her. More attackers. They certainly were comitted to their crimes.

The ivory haired woman slid through a hallway intersection, and turned left, the floor beneath her screaming as her feet applied pressure to it. It wouldn't last. Luckily, this hall ended with a window. It was the express route, to be sure.

'Inhale, take a step, raise your shield, jump.'

With a crash, the woman of Ivory crashed through a second story window and dived into the court yard below. Her shield of flames did not make the mechanic 'clang' you might expect as it dispersed into a burst of fire and she pulled herself onto her knees, coughing profusely to rid her lung the smoke.

"I must've missed the invitation--" she spat as she pulled herself onto her feet and cocked her head in annoyed anger, "--I wasn't aware we were having another party tonight." Her tone was thick with an elegant accent that someone from Kelemba might recognize from one of the ruling Generals of that Kingdom. Her tone was sharp, and heavy with sarcasm, but despite that, she moved towards the woman she was not at all surprised to see. Daeli, and her her thunderthrowing. Seemed like the safest bet.

 

[Mythy the Dragon-Wolf]

< @chaosheart13 >

"Marchen!" Laukai let out a breath when his friend dove in and ended up blocking a blow that would otherwise kill him. Without another word, he took advantage of the momentary confusion to blast the assassin in the chest with a small fireball. The impact sent the enemy flying onto his back, and the gold-aura-ed young man looked up and around.

"Why... is this happening?" he asked no one in particular. A flashback to another night, many years ago. Rain, fire, screaming and crunching. He bit down on his lip hard enough to draw blood, and snarled. "No, not again. I won't lose my family again!" he yelled before he heard a horn. It was familiar, and drew his attention. Dael. At least one other who they knew was still alive.

"Marchen, come on!" he barked, jumping over the balcony railing and rolling to launch into a run directly next to Dael.

< EVERYONE! >

"Everyone! Group up, stick together! We can repel them- keep them away from the children!" As always, Laukai's voice seemed to carry a semblance of hope and order. Most of the younger combat-ready manifestors gathered, and as time wore on so would the rest of his graduating class. Even instructors would lend their talents, each one using their name manifestation.

After a while, a group of instructors has led the children to safety it seemed like the assault was abating, and Laukai was ready to roar in triumph. But before he could say anything, a bright light appeared in the sky and he felt a terrible chill travel down his spine.

"Andren! Shield up, shield up!" he yelled before it impacted. Whether the shield had been readied or not, it hit with force and enough earing heat to blast everyone to the ground.

"Everyone. Retreat." came an old, wise voice. The headmaster, father figure to all orphans and well-respected to everyone else, walked up. He was staring at the opposite end of the courtyard, where a near-army of the assassins was lead by a man, unassuming in frame with a much more intricate mask and a fearsome weapon. Two thick, long blades in his hands, and one strapped to his back.

"The Executioner. I should have known," the Headmaster said. "Everyone. Go, now."

"Headmaster, let us help you! Together we can-"

"NO!" he roared to Laukai, who cowed in silence. "The monastery is destroyed, Laukai. But so long as there are survivors, we will never be defeated. Now go, all of you! Let this old man fulfill his final duty!"

"FROZEN FATHER DRAGON!"

The headmaster stepped forward, and next to him stepped a large dragon made of ice. His true manifestation. Only rumors would have been heard of it.

Laukai snarled and finally forced himself to turn back.

"Everyone! Let's go! We cannot hold the headmaster back! Keep your guard up and watch the shadows!" he yelled before leading the retreat he so wanted to have avoided.

[Alrighty! Since we got so many people, I wanted to consolidate a bit. But, I want you guys to enjoy some awesome action. So in your post, feel free to have a section of fighting off the enemies with each other - use some NPCs and interact with the other players! Have fun! Once everyone has posted, I will move us forward again)

 

[chaosheart13]

Mentions: Laukai / @Mythy the Dragon-Wolf , Altan / @Cresion Breezes , Ilaryll / @Ariel , Thirra / @Karyra

Märchen could only pause in his songs and sigh in relief as the blow was successfully parried and Laukai sent the man flying. "Thank God, thank God," he sang as he tittered in fear, before glancing around. He felt sick again and placed a free hand to his mouth. "I don't know, I don't know why this is happening, I hate this, I hate this, not my family, no," he whimpered as he trembled. A horn jolted him out of his thoughts and he jumped in surprise. "...A horn? A horn...ah...not now, not now, oh God not now," he sang in a panic before shaking his head and heading back into the fray, this time darting away from Laukai since he might be able to handle himself now. The young man continued to sing as he used his runes to heal, using his sword to only block blows every now and then while making sure the people around him were healed. Just keep singing, just keep singing, just keep singing...

Altan...Altan...Altan...he knew of her, oh god, yet something within him told him that he could not go to her yet. Just a gut feeling...yet... He growled as he forced himself away but not before sending a song rune with an instrument she was familiar with to heal her. He was not strong, not really, but he can heal and that's all that mattered. Another, Ilaryll, he could not go to her either. But she was fighting well...maybe? He was too scared, too panicked to tell, but God let him keep fighting and let the Lord give him strength! Singing on and on, he will keep singing despite it not actually doing anything in battle. His instrumental runes, only to heal, yet he cannot go to anyone and God he felt useless and weak just keep healing just keep helping just keep moving and don't stop or you will die oh God oh God oh God-

Thirra...a scream, a cry, ah, yes, her! He made a beeline for the girl as he sang, still lashing out with his sword to parry and fight off the attackers, just mere parries yet he could feel some wounds come from the missed parries. He was fine, honestly, and his runes were doing their job, but God let him save everyone! He was nearly out of breath as he skidded to a halt in front of the terrified Thirra, her clutching her bo staff causing him to wail. "I'm here, I'm here," he sang as he immediately made his sword disappear and held her close, "I'm here, I'm here..." Just hold her, just hold her, she's just a child in his eyes that was full of innocence but God she didn't need this just protect her and- A commanding voice and he jerked his head up to hear the Headmaster command everyone to flee. His eyes were wide while his breathing labored in a panic before staring down in horror at Thirra. "...Let's go. This way, this way!" he sang as he immediately grabbed her hand, undoing his hug to do so, then rushed towards where everyone else was fleeing while manifesting his sword again, this time just running as fast as he could as he just continued to sing and manifest runes of instruments playing discordant melodies and showing his soul in turmoil. Meant to heal, that was all, but please let them heal! He kept several near Thirra at all times while his other runes flew to everyone else, helping the injured yet he felt himself getting weaker and weaker, more tired by the minute. Not now, not now! his mind screamed as he sang with all his heart, rushing to make sure Thirra was safe. Her...and all the others fleeing...let his songs and music reach...

 

[Shalashaska]

Interactions: <Altan || @Cresion Breezes >
Mentions: <Daeli || @Boo Girlie BoomBoom // Laukai || @Mythy the Dragon-Wolf >

More and more the situation devolved and shifted, the changes happening at a blistering pace. More familiar faces were showing up -- something that bothered Gaius to no extent. This was familiar; an assault that lead to the various targets being corralled into a single space -- like sheep being herded. One by one, they came to the courtyard. The safest, most sensible place. Perhaps the most obvious.

'Tch.' He was less than enthused. Less than… Appreciative of this. The more allies were around, the more limited he was. His manifestation was that of destruction -- a destruction that held no bias in who it harmed. Still, he had his weapons and he was more than capable of maintaining his wits. Trapped by assassins on either side of him, he had no true outward reaction to Altan's sudden appearance.

So, the wayward child had returned.

There was a slight incline of his head towards her, but aside from that there wasn't much -- no grandiose exclamation at her arrival. No, he remained focused on the task at hand. Survival and the eradication of their aggressors. "I appreciate your assistance, Altan, but I'm fine. Focus on regrouping with the others and assisting anyone that you can." Gaius was more suited to fight alone; two hands, two weapons. He thrust his lance forth, the tip finding purchase in the stomach of the assassin Altan had pinned to the ground, the blade erupting from the back of the entrapped assassin.

Gaius was quick to release it as he turned on his heel, a pivot and raise of his sword catching the blade of another assassin. There was nothing on Gaius's face other than a calm rage, muscles in his arm flexing beneath his jacket as he held his sword high, preventing the assassin's weapon from coming down. His lance-hand free, it balled up into a fist before finding a home in the assassin's stomach, the sudden blow leaving the aggressor's breathless and staggered, taking a momentary step back to try and regain their composure.

That brief moment let Gaius pulled his sword back, the assassin wide open, and his assault was immediate. Quick, deep cuts across their chest, specks of blood flickering back onto him even as most of it found itself on the ground. He pulled his sword back and reached forward, his hand grabbing a hold of the assassin's shoulder before a thrust forward saw the shortsword piercing the throat of the cloaked and masked figure.

A step back and Gaius's eyes were sweeping across the courtyard, his feet carrying him forward. He moved past the assassin he impaled, reaching out to grab hold of his lance as he yanked it free, pulling it through the man. He was a knight -- this wasn't his first battle. This wasn't the first time he'd taken a life. As he saw the numerous assassins still assaulting the Monastery, he knew it was only the beginning.

Sword and lance in hand, Gaius cleaved a path through the assassins that appeared in his vision. Splotches of red were staining his armor, painting his face. He was doing his best to draw the attention and focus of the assassins -- making himself into something that couldn't be ignored less they lose more and more. Gaius had become a living, breathing whirlwind of violence; trained from a young age to battle -- to slay -- he lived up this his heritage and everything he was made to be.

In all truth, Gaius trusted that Daeli would understand his intentions. If he could, for even a moment, turn the assassin's attention fully towards him, then the others could be rescued. They could be sent away. A gambit that put Gaius's life on the line -- a price he was willing to pay if it ensured the safety and survival of the others.

His lance pierced through an assassin and he quickly ripped it free, taking a step back as he turned and deflected an arrow with his sword, though the next found itself in his shoulder. A staggered step back was Gaius's response, but the adrenaline was still tearing through his body -- the blood rush of a warrior still urging him to keep fighting. He'd been cut and stabbed, he was aware of that, but it was being suppressed by the situation at hand.

He heard something -- a shout. Who? Laukai. He looked up, the sudden bright light earning his attention. When it hit, Gaius was back in Kelemba. Back with his family; his brothers, uncles and aunts. They were congratulating him -- it was the ceremony that had been held right before he was sent to the Monastery. He was happy, then. He felt a swell of pride, then.

His eyes opened and he clutched at the ground -- pain coursing through his body from the heat, his armor broken in multiple places, his throat dry and his body sore. A curse escaped his lips as he forced himself back to his feet. His weapons never left his hands -- his grip on them tight as he stood on unsteady legs, his gaze being drawn to the approaching threat. He wasn't focused on the multitude of assassins, but rather the man that led them.

Intricate mask. Massive swords.

"Someone's compensating for something." Gaius spat out, steadying himself as he readied himself to move forward. To face the threat head on. His decision to throw his life away was halted, however, when he heard the Headmaster speak. He understood the resolve he heard in the man's voice. And he understood when the elderly man, who had been like a mentor, utilized his True Manifestation.

"Very well." Gaius's resigned to the end -- to the conclusion of the assault. Retreat was their only option. Gaius's respected the Headmaster's decision, equating it to that of a captain that valued the lives of his men. Or perhaps a parent that desired only to ensure the safety of their child. Gaius turned on his heel, a stagger in his walk as he still found himself separated from the others for the time being, being forced to take another path out of the Monastery, bloody footsteps being the only trace of his trek from the courtyard.

 

[Karyra]

Thirra

Mentions:
@chaosheart13 // Marchen
​

She was quickly surrounded, and she was doing somewhat well. The staff was familiar and it wasn't like she had no training, but this was her first real fight. She spun her staff around, killing one or two but only injuring more. For now, she was safe-ish. She could hold them off, but only because of the fact that her blades were hard to see. If she kept calm they were near invisible.

But her stamina was failing her. Sooner or later, she was going to let them get a killing blow in.

If those knives and weapons were poisoned... she couldn't even risk a scratch. But the more she blocked the more tired she became. She was already slipping, her hands slick with sweat.

Her hand slipped, and one managed to catch her arm. Pain blossomed and for a moment, Thirra was paniked, afraid that she was poisoned. She screamed, but quickly stifled it. However, she caught sight of the knight guy still up and fighting and sighed in relief. No poison, then.

But she was tired, and another swing only managed to catch another across the face. He was now bleeding into his eyes, but that wasn't her intent. She'd miscalculated how much reach she had.

The flashing of a sword and notes of music flew into the battle and soon Thirra was no longer surrounded and alone. The hug caught her off guard, and while she barely knew Marchen, knowing that someone else noticed... The hug just as quickly turned into a firm hand in hers, dragging her away.

Thirra felt her arm beginning to mend, so she was grateful, but she could only do small cuts and bashes as they raced through. If she could just... reach a little further she could protect too.

So she swung and she pulled in the kids she could save closer. She wasn't perfect by any means, but she could help pull her weight.

"I'm okay! But I need a hand free to use my weapon. I can help, please let me help!"

 

[Boo Girlie BoomBoom]

~Daeli deLouve~

<~★~>​

Several more bright flashes as her lightning arrows found home, stunning four assassins, leaving one for Andren to bull rush or take care of in proper Bokuni warrior fashion. She took two more back-pedaling steps and urged them over with an open hand. "Well met, mine Brother Andren...!"

She grinned, snapped a curt nod at her Emerald Aura'd Brother and winked whilst blowing him a kiss in thanks (she learned that motion from him the first day they met and it stuck with her). The younglings had huddled together, but Dae had no time to take stock of injuries nor state of minds. For the big Hunter turned immediately to launch another volley of arrows to allow passage for a few more.

One of the newer pups, the staff-wielder with the Red Aura, had just bravely dispatched an assassin. Daeli did not know her name, but she would keep an eye on this one; forging her mettle in the heat of battle and this girl did not back down. "Stay close you must, and just fine you will be, younger Sister. Know your head, feel your heart and let your Aura guide."

Relief washed anew once the silvery-haired Escarlate marched on over to their position. Two shield wielders was just the right combo they needed at the moment. Icy-blues of the Hunter shone with hope as she nodded towards the Scarlet Aura'd warrior. She looked from Andren to Escarlate then back again. "A walking barrier we need to cross here to there, Auras...! Lead if the pair of you will, to the rearguard shall be Brothers Laukai and Marchen, and suppressing fire this Sister Daeli shall provide."

A confident nod she gave the Gold and White Aura'd fellows in turn. Then she tossed an upward chinbob towards the slaughter storm that was Gaius. "That Brother we leave to draw the ire of ours enemies. Brave, skilled, powerful and heroic a knight is he... Marvelous no?" cheeks flushed a bit and icy-blues popped wide before she turned back to swiftly yet sheepishly face the shield bearers in particular, "--but! But just as brave, skilled, powerful and heroic a knight as the both of these very fine Scarlet and Emerald Auras that stand with Daeli... hahah... marvelous too, okay?" --just as swiftly she turned away from them and skulked closer to the other Auras-- "Okay so! Your backs I have, Brothers, as always... taking to the positions shall we, Brother Laukai...?"

One last glance she afforded over her shoulder to glance at the Kelemban knight and just over his shoulders and just out of the shadows she caught a glimpse of a Violet blade reach out and slice through the neck of an unaware assassin. ~Sister lIaryll... well done. Such skill-- welllll, for Ilaryl that is. Hmmph... Another crumpled and slumped down. Daeli could not help but smile. Confidence soared in her heart that all would go well now. And as for Altan and Kanye they would show up in their own timely manner and she felt they would be fine. Just fine.

Their tactical positioning and synchronized motions could not have been drawn up any better. But in execution...?

All their mentors and trainers would be proud. Except for that other little detail.

The explosion.

<~★~>​

It felt like days before the ringing in her ears cleared. But the vision that replayed in her head would stab at her heart for eternity.

She lay there, sprawled out on all fours, hands digging at the stones of the courtyard neath her, feet trying, and failing, to get beneath her and raise her giant frame. Teeth clenched, eyes red-rimmed she glanced up to where she last saw him running. And the fiery wreckage confirmed that vision replaying in her head as true.

The last she saw of Veerdante was he rushing away with a group of similarly aged younglings. He of course, took rearguard, just like his big Sister, Daeli, had taught him. The shockwave of the explosion had sent the children spilling away. But alive.

All except for Veerdante.

She could see a hand poking out neath the fiery wreckage that had broken away from the Monastery. It fallen to ground in a spectacular spray of stone, wood, fire and the hopes and dreams of a 10-year old Aura. She stared a heartbeat longer at the hand. It was his for certain; the scar on the palm was the one and same she had given him over one year ago.

And so now she found the strength to rise. And now she found the courage to 'Break Down The Wall.' The Tempest would be Unleashed on this forsaken, wretched and cursed earth...

But not today. No, the Wall remained completely intact. And she could not hear the Tempest. How could she? She was too busy lamenting her loss and picking up the pieces of a broken heart. The Sky Blue Aura that engulfed her bow dissipated. Soon thereafter so did the bow, leaving her clutches empty.

The next thing she knew, she was kneeling before that hand. His small hand. The scar across her own palm she pressed upon the mirrored scar across his own palm for the last time ever. She was too far gone, too drunk to have done such an action when he was still alive.

Tears should have fallen, streaking clear and bitter paths down her dirty cheeks. But no. There were none.

Icy blues turned towards the destroyer of her home and heart, eyes burning brighter than the fire that surrounded her. Beyond the hulking body of the Grand Headmaster's True Manifestation and into the eyes of the enemy she stared. Eyes devoid of tears, anger and pity. A silent vow passed from her to it.
,
And even though she did not have the wherewithal at the moment to 'break down the Wall' and let the Tempest out, she knew that it was still with her no matter whether she could hear it or not right now. White hot sparks crackled at her eyes. The Tempest would come to Daeli when she was set to Rage. But for this enemy, this masked Executioner...?

The Tempest Unleashed would come for it when The Hunter was ready for Revenge.

A solemn nod. Then Daeli turned a heated cheek from it and slung an arm around Laukai's shoulders leaning her huge frame into his, blonde head resting upon his. And like a broken jungle cat with tail between legs, she retreated from the Monastery with the others.

<~★~>​

 

[Azurewinter]

Escarletè Hauesser​

The time for snarky commentary was clearly not now. Her eyes fell upon a seeming army of these assailants and her arm shot out into an offensive stance, her sword manifest in hand before she began backing away towards the group that had seemingly conjugated around Daeli before turning into a quick march. Dali's words wrung true, but they left the young Scarlet Aura with hesitation. Her shield... it protected her. It was not something she could extend unless someone was directly behind her.

She gulped in apprehension, but did not doubt the request of the blue one. Instead her eyes fell to the other. Her Enemy. The one from Kelemba. Gaius. It fed her anger, and her aura flared to life as an inferno bore life around her. Heat licked at her, but her eyes never left the Kelemban Knight as the shield of fire manifested on her right forearm, larger than it had been when she fought off the Assassin in her chambers.

"I shall accomplish what I can, but Andren will do most of the lifting. Assuming he's doesn't get us killed."

With that, she let her eyes of cold flames settle on the knight another instant and set her gaze onto Andren. The Emerald, and rose her shield, gesturing to it with a tilt of her head.

"Yours creates a shockwave, yes? If I'm to be of any use, I need to stand in front of you... maybe if I absorb some of the impact the shockwave will only kill some of us.. "

She might've looked at Gaius again for a second.

"I will definitely be knocked off my feet. You better not let me die, Emerald." As if he could do more than what his shield would already accomplish.

One might think that her accent was what made every word sound coated with venom and a lack of confidence, but, that was jest her. You can always just blame the accent though.

And so outside of the Emerald Shield she moved, trying to manifest as much anger and hatred as she could. Her shield fed on those emotions. She thought of home. Her mother. Her father. Kelemba and the Resistance, until she felt like the shield was a star upon her arm, and rose it and took up a defensive stance, and was quickly shot right back past Andren, and the group.

---

The impact had not been painful. There had not even been a moment for fear, or hesitation. Almost right as she took her position, there was a snap that was followed by darkness. Escarletè's plan had been to soften the initial impact, so Emerald's shield would have a dispersed shockwave, and give him another second while she was blasted into his cover. She knew it would be painful, but she had a shield, and not using it would be a waste of her ability.

The world returned to her, first as a ring, and then as a blast of pain. Her brain scrambled, trying to find out what was wrong so it could find an epicenter for the pain. Left forearm, no surprise. The girl sucked in sudden air and made a sound she couldn't describe as she struggled through the shellshock. Her ornate and elegant clothing had been singed and mostly ruined, and tied back silver hair had been knocked free, now flowing over the destroyed monastery grounds like tiny rivers of molten ore. She was alive. She didn't know how, but she needed to find out who else shared the luxury.

Mentions:
Andren | @Pupperr​

 

[Cresion Breezes]

Interactions: --Gaius @Jageroux --

Altan tilted her head when Gaius told her to go assist the others, she didn't know if she should, what good would it do for her anyway? Golden eyes shifted upwards towards the balcony that she had jumped from, a shadowy figure was there, preparing to strike. Interesting, another pillager is up there. That's a lot of pillagers here. It was a big place, Altan dismissed, it would be natural to bring a lot of people to pillage it. Swiftly the polearm formed Soul Weapon was planted firmly into the ground, its wielder hopped up onto the long, flexible grip. The pole bent downwards slightly underneath the weight, though the sudden pounce from that weight relieved it of the pressure. Altan catapulted herself back up the second story balcony, a swift drop-kick was delivered to the lurker in the heights.

The spear that was planted into the ground disappeared into a fine mist before it was swiftly resummoned by its user, as it was thrusted forward while the sharp edges still had the shining aura of summoning lingering upon it. The cloaked figure dodges to the side, yet its neck erupted in a spray of blood despite the effort. "Ah, going for the neck first try was a bit greedy." Altan muttered to herself as she recomposed herself and watched the redheaded knight engage with more enemies. Her eyes narrowed as her vantage point let her see much more of the scene.

The surrounding buildings were all set on fire, including the room behind Altan herself, everyone in the area gathered in the clear area, where there was nothing to burn. The pillagers closed in along with the fire. This was a flanking pinch, it was a common way to hunt in the wildlands, create a small clearing then burn everything down to smoke out prey. The hunters just had to camp in the clearing for easy gains. "...People on the outside sure like to hunt each other..." It confused Altan a bit, since the smartest animals were always the hardest to hunt, and people seem to be the smartest of them all. "I do not think I can assist them!" She attempted to shout at Gaius, but realized that the young man had moved away. It was past her abilities, the pinching siege was a hard formation to get out of, the best option would just be to cut losses and retreat.

When the large sword-wielding man appeared, Altan was forced onto the roof as the balcony's connecting room was engulfed in flames. That must be the hunter...The girl decided to turn around and leave, consumed, engulfed, usurped, that was the fate of all. In the wildlands it was by beasts, in the outlands it was by other humans. Then the ground trembled as Altan hopped off to the ground behind the building. A brilliant aura shone from the courtyard as those encircled took the opportunity to retreat. It was the leader of the island, who created an opening for the others. Ash grey eyebrows raised a bit. Perhaps some things never changed no matter where you went.

Altan felt a bit sad, her travels made her no stranger to humans attack humans, it was always a sad thing. To see people who can talk, create, and learn become no more than mindless beasts and desperate prey. But she quickly snapped out of the gloom.

Recollection of ALTAN NÜD (1)

A musky scent, it was intruded by smoke. Altan held her Soul Weapon tightly as she sat, feeling the warmth of the glowing fire, it tingled her nose, and her scars.

"Open your eyes now, Ancient Soul." The voice was tranquilizing, but heavy and solemn.

Golden eyes fluttered open, the dim fire was mostly blocked by a bowl set upon the flame, the light that spilled out was projected upon the face of The Lorekeeper, a young teenage boy with wisdom beyond his years in the glimpse of his eyes.

Heaps of wooden platters hung around the hut, some more worn than others. Each of them bore an epithet and a name. Records of the spirits that live, within and without physical vessels. In front of Altan were two plaques, aged, but well maintained.

Alesdair, The Conductor | Igashu, The Voyager

"Are you prepared for the Pilgrimage?"

Golden pupils reflected the flickering flames. A moment of silence followed the question.

"Yes, Lorekeeper Onoria." Altan replied, firmly with confidence.

"Then please, watch the water."

The young girl did as told, she gazed into the bowl quietly, the perfectly calm surface reflected her visage dimly. Time trickled on, no one knows how fast, one moment felt like an eternity, and eternity could pass in a blink of an eye. Her bright eyes, frightening scar, and fierce sharp teeth were all reflected, each passing moment polishing the image. It became more chiseled and clear.

"Tell me, child," the words felt a bit strange coming out of another child aged person, "tell me what will you learn on your journey."

"I will learn who I am," Altan replied without hesitation. She kept her gaze on the water, the water bubbled suddenly as it boiled. The girl flinched back slightly but refixed her eyes upon the surface. Now it no longer reflected, bubbles toiled and moved the water, white like the first peering lights of dawn.

"I will learn who I am," Altan took a deep breath, "before I do, I shall remain as water."

"I will gaze upon the world as water does upon me, indifferent and benign. I will witness, I will travel, but I will not waiver, I will not boil, I will not lose sight of my soul."

...

Altan regained her composure, the gloominess in her eyes faded as the bright orbs reflected the remaining flames that danced. She quickly realized she assumed that the settlements in the outlands were eternal, they were always there and will always be there. That was clearly not the case anymore. She wondered where would the people go when the place they liked to always stay at was destroyed.

Doing a few circles around the area, the girl soon spotted the redheaded young man that rushed off. He was covered in blood, was that how his hair color worked? That wasn't the important question now, as Altan skipped towards him while fumbling with her spear. "So...uh...Where would you and the others be settling now?"

 

[Pupperr]

Andren Coenberht​

He was right. Daeli had seen him crossing the courtyard with the youngsters and provided him cover as they marched across but leaving one assassin in their path, seemingly for him to take care of. Andren grinned slightly, knowing Daeli had done so on purpose and dug his foot into the soil on its side, in a skidding like fashion, just a step away from the assassin. His body bent below the shield and using his weight he came up and smashed the assassin to the side with his shield. The impact was minimal enough that the children by him only staggered slightly but the assassin was knocked unconscious. The group continued to safety where he met Daeli blowing him a kiss with a wink. The woman had adopted this after seeing him blowing a kiss and winking at his training opponent after dancing around him in the ring for so long. It was the first day they met. "A lady after my heart!" he quipped as he returned the wink. The children scampered to safety behind Daeli and Andren turned his gaze back toward the battle.

The assassin's were continuing to pile into the courtyard in what seemed like a limitless supply. Regardless of being rare breeds of magic users, the sheer number of assassin's alone would eventually overrun them. The Monastery was falling… they would have to retreat and regroup. Anyone with experience in the battlefield would surely realize that. His eyes fell on Gaius, who was in the thick of the assassin's and relentlessly fighting. Was he purposely drawing their attention to allow the others to escape? Noble; Andren would expect nothing less from a knight of his ranking and such a sacrifice would not go to waste. He would get everyone out. Andren quickly scanned the remainder of the battlefield for those of his comrades he hadn't seen yet; where was Illaryl? The girl was tough and working in the shadows was her thing; not seeing her wasn't surprising and yet, Andren felt a sting of worry. He had caught a momentary glimpse of the wayward one, but as quickly as she appeared, she disappeared. There was only one more that was unaccounted for but Andren couldn't spot him on the field and the clock was ticking. He wasn't the only person to realize that a retreat was necessary and nodded as Daeli shared the plan of escape.

Andren took his position at the front of the group alongside the snow kissed beauty, Scarlete. He chose to ignore her comment about getting everyone killed; it was a soft spot… and she wasn't entirely wrong. "Yes, my shield creates shock waves on impact. I'm surprised you don't remember that, given you have been training with me for a year. But your idea could work.. If you are the first point of contact, it could lessen the impact on The Lion's Shield, and remove the threat of a devastating shock wave. You only have to worry about large projectiles though. Any small projectiles I should be able to absorb on my own without there being a lot of damage, or death as you put it, to everyone else." He was grinning now, a hint of teasing in his tone. "And don't worry love, you won't be killed on my watch. Promise."

Their group moved swiftly, in perfect unison. Scarlete was just left of being directly in front of Andren but with enough distance to him that the shock waves she would feel would not be as intense as if she was standing closer. The plan was working until a bright light filled the sky. Andren attempted to block the light from blinding him with his free hand: what in the world… Laukai was yelling at him to get his shield up and for a brief moment he went to raise it in defense only to dispel it, a lingering memory of Carrington dying at his forefront. His eyes then fell on Scarlete, there was no one to protect her unlike the ones behind him, and he acted.

--​

After the dust cleared, Andren was kneeling over Scarlete acting like a human shield, his cloak drawn over them. He had taken the brunt of the impact, resulting in sweat soaked skin from the pain he was refusing to show. Strained eyes opened to meet Scarlete's; "See? I promised you wouldn't get killed." Andren smirked while he slowly pulled himself to his feet and offered her a hand.

Andren looked around for answers to what happened and his eyes landed on the Headmaster. He was walking to meet the cause for the destruction; a man called The Executioner. This was the end. In an epic display of power, the Headmaster called on his true manifestation; a dragon made completely of ice. He stared awe-struck for a moment before placing a gentle hand on Scarlete's arm, "Are you hurt? Come on, we have to get out of here now… I'll get the others."

Interactions: Latte | @Azurewinter
​

 

[Reanimator Buns]

Markus' head was spinning from day one. He had only been there for a year, and was much further behind than the rest of his classmates. It felt weird being in a class with children 7-8 years younger than him, but he was far behind, and needed to learn the basics of learning. However, they did allow him training with more experienced students. It wouldn't be fair to the other children that he was studying with. However, in spite of the strangeness of who he was studying with, he made great friends with all of his classmates, becoming a strong brother figure for the ones who had left their families behind, or the ones who just didn't have one. During the night of the feast, one of them asked him to come and eat with them, and so he did sitting with them and playing along with their games.

That is where he spent his night until the feast was over and he retired to his room, picked up a book stacked up on his bench, and opened to a page that contained few words and an illustration of a knight on a horse riding up to a tower. He only could read a few words, so he used the illustrations to help fill in the spaces a little.

It was once said that there was a princess in a tall tower, with a window at the top but no doors. A knight had heard tales of the poor princess held prisoner and sought to rescue her. The knight tried to find a way to reach her, but there was nothing tall enough to reach her, nor could he throw a rope that high, so he planted the tiniest seed of a tree. It would take years for the tree to be fully grown, but that did not stop him. He visited every day, and the tree grew larger. Until one day, when they were both elderly, the tree was finally tall enough. The knight scaled the tree, and for the first time, the two embraced.

His eyes grew heavier and heavier as sleep overtook him. And he drifted off peacefully...

---

There was shouting. Screaming. Terror and horror had taken hold in the Monetary, and Markus awoke to the sounds of people being slaughtered, and he quickly looked around in a worry. It seemed that whoever the assailants were, they hadn't made it this far yet. However, Markus's room was on the third floor. He would have to fight through the chaos to escape. Not to mention there were others with him. A lot of the younger children were here too. He would fail them if he forced them to fight their way out. What to do... He looked around and saw that the story book he was reading had fallen to the floor in the night, opened up to the page of the tree fully grown.

"I have this ability for a reason..."

He walked to the side and summoned his hammer, dropping it from his third floor window. The hammer landed head first with a solid *THUD* and up turning a little earth below. It would be a few minutes before the tree was fully grown, but he saw it growing and wrapping up the handle of his weapon. He hurried out of his room to gather the others on his floor. He door after door. Those who were able to move themselves, he told to head to his room. Those who were paralyzed with fear he carried, three at a time. He had just told another to climb onto his back when he heard footsteps heading up the stairs as the masked assailants had broken to their floor. A fe caught sight of Markus, as he ran back to his room and dropped them off. The tree still wasn't fully grown. It would take just a little longer. He couldn't call back his weapon. It was then that he heard a scream. Had he forgotten someone?

He looked back at the more experienced students here.

"Lock the door. If the tree is fully grown before I get back, don't unlock it just keep going."

Markus rushed out back into the halls, which had been filled with a thick black smoke at this point that stung his eyes and burned his lungs. He stayed close to the ground and quickly moved to the place he had heard the screams. One of the assassins had caught a young girl who lived on his floor. He rushed to her aid, but not before the man sunk a dagger into her stomach. Markus raised his fist up high and struck the man hard enough just to knock him back, as he picked up the girl in his arms and ran back. Her breath was ragged and labored. She was losing blood fast, and Markus' healing wasn't enough to save her. It didn't act quickly enough. Still, it would help slow the bleeding. When he returned, the door was still locked.

"It's Markus, open up." No response. He looked back at the hall and saw the man whom he punched running towards them. Markus back up and started kicking the door. The first kick did nothing. The man was running now. He kicked again. The man was almost upon them. Thrice he kicked. The door still held. The man raised his dagger and lunged. Markus kicked again, and the door swung open. He jumped inside, as the man stumbled striking only air, instead of the neck of Markus. He quickly climbed out the window and started scaling downard. He kept one wrapped around the young girl, doing his best to keep her steady. But the man who was chasing them was following them soon after. He was much more agile than Markus, especially while carrying a young girl. Once he was half way down, Markus know the man would catch them first. It was only 15 more feet. Markus steadied his breath and kept both hand on the girl, jumping off and on his tailbone. He felt a sharp pain run up his body, but he stood up and gritted his teeth.

He started running, following any signs he could of help. That was when he heard the roar of the Headmaster's Manifestation. He saw others fleeing from the courtyard, the others that he helped escape among them. He ran off that direction at full speed, shouting out for help.

"Healer! I need a healer!"

Markus' healing should have stopped the bleeding by now, but at this point she had lost so much blood already that it might be too little too late. But perhaps by luck, or perhaps by fate, he found himself running toward Marchen and Thirra. He thought he remembered the girl, as she was also a newer student, but the man he did not know.

@Karyra @chaosheart13

 

[Ariel]

Ilaryll Anarore​

Ilaryll watched silently from the shadows as the Headmaster declared his own death. He had always been distant but kind, firm and fair and wise; all the youngsters looked up to him, even if they had closer bonds with the other masters. He was the north star of the monastery, the fixed unchanging point about which everything else revolved.

And now he was about to die.

The physical premises of the Monastery were valuable. Its archives and records, priceless treasures. But what made it so much more than a mere library was the deep wisdom passed down from master to master, generation after generation.

And now, it seemed, that line was about to be broken.

Tears of grief and rage filled Ilaryll's eyes even as she flitted from one hiding spot to another, silently running interference for her schoolmates, obeying the Headmaster's final injunction. She left a trail of violet smoke in the air, and crimson blood on the ground. But she never let the Headmaster out of her sight.

She would bear witness.

When she knew she had done as much as she could to disrupt the pursuit of the others, she hid. She watched. And she knew, even as she saw it unfold, that she would not soon speak of the Headmaster's final moments. Perhaps not ever. But she would hold them close to her heart as long as she lived.

And then, when it was over, she ran. She ran as hard as she could. She would make sure the others were safe, and then she needed to get to Mother and Father. To make sure they were fine as well, and to wail and weep long and hard.

She would cry all the tears she needed to cry, and then she would harden her heart. For there must be an accounting.