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Post by Lady Summoner Adiona Duer on Apr 7, 2009 17:26:35 GMT
Sin had come and gone, it had gone on to attack Bevelle. The ship was silent after that rarely a word spoken, knocking on Zero's door had gone unheard or ignored. Adiona had just walked away back to the deck of the ship, she kept her eyes ahead looking out for the first sight of Besaid. The docks were the first thing she saw and no emotion ran through her, taking deep long breaths the summoner prepared herself for what she would have to do next. The ship docked and the ramp placed down to exit, looks from the crew were vile and angry. Ignoring them Adiona took her leave from the ship and walked onto the wooden docks, she did not really want to wait for her guardians either. After the event with Sin Adiona preferred not to speak or communicate, her summoner's stave bounced lightly on her back as she walked towards the glistening sands of Besaid. Adiona had never left Bevelle before and Besaid was her first new place to visit, looking around it was nearly sunset those on the beach were not starting to retire back to the village of Besaid for nightfall. Fiends did spawn here mostly at night but through the day as well, or so she had read. The summoner could give up at any time but was that really an option, shrugging her shoulders Adiona glanced back to her guardians before setting foot upon Besaid's beach.
A slow walk to ponder on the day's events was not necessarily a good thing, but to Adiona the only way forward was to learn from the mistakes of the past. Angry at the crew's treatment of them after they had protected the ship, Adiona thrust her hand out firing an ice spear out into the ocean. Quite childish and trivial yes but a release of anger was needed, relaxing herself Adiona continued to walk towards Besaid.
A figure stood among the many ruins of decay that adored the beach that was of Besaid Island. Starring out at the ocean he had noticed the giant pike of ice for a moment his breath clenched he remembered seeing such power from his mother and father for a moment it filled him with hope before the memory was twisted with the scent of blood and the feeling of fear remembering how strong they were but they still gave him up was he such a hindrance to them? For a few moments his heart was pounding like drum as he gazed at the ice watching as slowly the sea had begun to swallow it in it's warm depth devouring the few crystals that remained. His eyes stung bitterly as it hurt to know he couldn't remember more then who he was and brief flashes of memories that he didn't even know were his own since he never saw himself in them. Were they are just illusions of his mind trying to fill that void he had gotten so used to trying to hide but the truth was you could repair a broken body but not a broken heart. It was the harsh truth he had come to know.
Reaching up gingerly he began to brush bitter remains of tears from his face it hurt to know that he was an outcast. The people of the the village stared at him when he would go up to buy food and supplies even more so with the tail they knew he wasn't a Ronso but they could never figure out exactly what he was it was simply a mystery to them which made him wonder what he was himself. But his attention was drawn back to the harsh reality he called life as he could hear something moving coming down closer. The sound of something walking down wood his body would slowly rise from the ground some what like a slippery snake his body still in the shadows pushing off the ground with a light tap of his foot his body soared slightly into the air his hands grabbing the ledge of a decayed window his nails digging into the stone pulling himself up he could see someone it was someone wielding a giant staff it was something that reminded him of others people who had passed through before they were summoners.
As he gazed at her for a few moments he felt a bit of repulse as if something was telling him to avoid her but something was compelled to get closer to get to know this creature better to understand and even to find a place where he could fit in. Remembering seeing some of the summoners traveling with both men and women who looked serious ready to kill someone on sight but he noticed she was alone for a moment a few rays of hope shined down upon his world. As he gazed at her figure for a few moments. In the flickering light of the setting sun he could see her silver hair glow as if it were coming alive and it seemed to be like the arms of a mother welcoming such an entity of beauty walked among the men while he was different most men would be drawn in by that and even seduced but it drew him in a different way it made him want to talk to her to get to know her to become her friend so he wasn't so alone it was what hurt the most to know he wasn't wanted here.
He also noticed how similar their skin was that ghastly pale tone of skin which seemed to keep people at a physical distance for some reason he felt a bond between Adiona and himself as he let go his body plummeting back towards the base of the building series of rough jagged poles stuck from the wall his hands closing around one swirling slightly slow his descent his body jerking against it before he dangled helpeless letting go his body plummeted towards the ground twisting in mid air similar to what a cat would do his body seemed to dance in the air all this behind close screens while when he landed his hands touching the ground curled upwards with his feet resting on the top of the ground he seemed so inhuman even by other species judgement. Looking down to the beach below where he would be hidden jumping down gently landing among the sand looking at the water for a few moments he pushed off the ground with strength that would crack some rocks if there were any his body landed softly against the rock claws clinging to the edges he had made fearing the water.
Swinging his body throwing himself to the beach where Adiona was standing. His figure was standing there slowly rising from the ground for a few moments he looked extremely feral. While when he raised his features became more visible his hair was as black as the darkness which lied in a murder's heart seeming to contrast greatly against his ghastly pale skin for a few moments he stood there moving in closer still his body moved with ease and grace that made some people jealous his body was lean and silent as well. When he got closer his body could be seen clearly his whole body seemed gangly. While the way he moved gave off a hint of curiosity and mystery this woman was interesting like playing with fire and that was something he enjoyed doing he wondered how close to the element she was. Wondering if he played around with her if she'd become enraged so many questions pulsing through his brain as he began to nibble carefully on his lip revealing those two fangs which stuck out over the skin of his lip prominently the light around him was fading as the sun set on the ocean.
Soon he'd be mere feet away from the girl his attire becoming more noticable as well more bodily issues. His face had a few tribal markings adoring his face they were thin and wispy while his eyes were both different colors mixtures of hues of the earth and sea each in their own domain and his smile was thin like always he never tried to frown. A few marks of tears sliding down his face still clung to his features. His attire consisted of a snug shirt which clung to his chest stopping just centimeters above his belly button the shirt was a simple black. While if she paid attention she could a scar of battle on his stoamch or training he had a crescent moon scar around his navel. While he also wore a simple skirt which was black it went down to his knees and had cuts in the sides so he could move it appeared to be made of leather while his attire under that was a simple black pair of leather tights which clung firmly to his body almost like a second layer of skin he was a freak for sure.
While on his hips something made a clinking noise when it slapped his side a set of sheaths which held daggers were on his side. Going down he wore small sandles which cradled his feet going upwards small straps of leather flew up this knees once he was around three feet away he froze just standing there for a few moments he debated making his presence fully known words pulsing in his brain while his throat felt tight and constricted he was afraid to screw up to say something that would offend the woman she seemed like a nice person but looks were deceiving slowly his words began to tickle his tongue and try and pierce his lips as slowly he opened his mouth a gentle siren like voice would begin to fill the air it would draw people's ears near just to hear his voice or it normally did he wondered how the girl would react to seeing someone so strange appearing from the side of the beach while his ears twitched and his tail swayed listening to the sound of his own voice he spoke something simple it was a welcoming to the island everyone had their ways.
"Welcome to Besaid Island, Mi Lady summoner.
Remembering some of the things the villagers had said as he stood there just idle shuffling his feet.
The boat rocked from side to side as the guardian sat quietly in the darkness. The screams of those who were in Bevelle had penetrated the hul even from here. How could screams from so far be so loud? At one point he had thought it was madness, merely his own mind calling out in guilt. However he had heard the sailors outside his room begin to talk about it. Thus, it was true. Voices called out in pain all in unison, either over their own grievous wounds or because of their grief over the lost ones who had fallen to Sin’s fury. It was his own guilt that ate away at him, he cursed himself for feeling it however, knowing their had been no other way, even if they had remained cabled to Sin, they would have been dragged down to the depths of the ocean. And for what? Some misguided feeling of honour and duty, to fight to the last man and give their lives for the better? He shook his head, pathetic really. But again, he couldn’t help but feel responsible. He had long wiped that spit off his face, but where it had landed seemed to burn him with a kind of shame.
There was a knock on the door about an hour later, it was a light tap, and by the sounds of the footsteps that had foretold it, he deducted that it was the lady summoner Adiona. At this moment in time he couldn’t be doing with her. Or anyne for that matter, she was cold and harsh, and would more than likely tell him to just get up and snap out of it. Something he would do, when they reached the docks of Besaid. But of course that was some time away, and for now he needed the cold comfort that only rest seemed to provide him in this shallow hell. Sleep burned away the guilt, but only brought him more nightmares. Sand, warm against his cheek. A pale face looking at him with bloodshot eyes, a mouth moving, the words mimed out before him. “ It was your fault”. The face is unknown to him at first, but suddenly the memory comes back, he feels the wet movement of the tide against his boots. The look of horror paints itself across his face. The body of his sister, bloating as the sea water enters through her pores. A crab crawls out from under a flap of disjointed skin. Maggots begin to eat away at those accusing eyes. Then everything faded to blackness. But there was another memory. One not his, yet blurred. He stood there, sword in hand. Adiona next to him. Facing off against a cloaked figure, a pale Bache hood and cloak. Next to him an armoured man with a spear a sense of dread coming from the spear man. Within seconds the man in the cloak raised his hands, chains emerged from nowhere and everywhere, swatting the guardian aside and forming a wall between the two. Zero now faced with the armoured man. “ The dragon tamer”. His own thoughts seemed to scream. “ Kain”. He nodded, the name seemed somehow right for this man, despite this dream being all too different from the reality of things he somehow felt as if he knew this man. Noble, courageous. But now, somehow tainted by a source of power not his own. It was then he felt disjointed from his own body, as if he had just been snatched away, and he now watched from above as a dance of blades and souls began.
Zero moved his head to the side, easily dodging the spear of Kain without even thinking. The black blade quickly launched itself from its sheath, sparks flying as he jumped forward at Kain, the dragon slayer was strong but he was slow, unlike Zero. Jumping backwards he landed in a crouched position, his gauntlets scraping as he came to a hault on the cold marble floor. He looked up, the eye behind his half phantom mask shining with a purple glow of darkness. Kains physical capabilities came from an overload of arcana energy, that much Zero had learned from Ruien. Unlike Zero, Kain's power was not his own. He jumped to the side as Kains spear crashed into the ground, the stone work where Zero once stood shattered into thousands of pieces as Kain looked up obviously agitated by the lack of blood on the end of his spear. A horizontal slash followed, Zero quickly brought his left gauntlet up, the spear slammed into the metal creating a dent and crack....yet Zero's superior speed and strength managed to keep Kains spear at bay. He twisted his arm around the spear and pulled on it quickly, Kain's encumbered movements were not enough to determine the location quickly enough and stop himself. His spear peirced through the wall and he was dragged with it, trying to pull his spear from the wall gave Zero the chance he needed. Zero brought his foot up and slammed it into the jaw of the dragon tamer, twisting his body and then slamming his fist into the armoured plate of his chest. He was knocked back slightly as Zero brought his sword up to cleave his head from his torso, yet this was unsuccessful as he ducked grabbed the metal shaft of his spear, and with unnatural strength pulled snapping the polearm from the blade and swinging it aimed at Zeros chest. The blunt pole struck Zero in the upper torso the force of the blow knocking him back into the wall, he slid downwards, slightly winded by the strike which in any case would have collapsed the ribcage of a normal man. Yet Zero was far from normal. Kain raised up the pole like a javalin and tossed it, Zero of course made no attempts to dodge it. He felt the cold pole pierce his flesh slamming into the back. Black smoke began to form over the wound...Zero looked up at Kain...the same purple glow appearing from behind his phantom masks eye.He slowly moved outwards, the squelching sound of flesh moving aside as he moved out of the pole. The wisps of black smoke moved upwards revealing a totally healed wound, almost as if he had not been touched at all. He scowled as he rose up his sword and pointed it at Kain.
" ...Do you think you can defeat me dragon tamer?,.....no matter how many arcana you gather...no matter how much of the tainted power you absorb into your body.....you will never be able to kill me......I am that which walks without sleep......if you wish we can battle to eternity...to the dawn of oblivion.....it would not matter to me....I never tire.....you cannot hurt me.....if you give up now and beg for mercy then I'll make sure your death is quick....your arcana will no doubt come in handy for Ruien.....hahahahaha.....you are a self righteous soul....I read your pyreflies as if they were an open book.....I see your memories....I see your past dragon slayer.....I see the village burning....I see your friend falling and dying before your eyes......I see.....weakness....."
Kain's anger was quick, Zero's words had driven him into a fit of fury. To be read so openly by ones enemy was both infuriating and disgusting at the same time. Zero's blade was swift stopping each strike from the new spear drawn by the Dragon tamer, he grinned knowing that Kains blows and mind were driven on a single purpose, on a single track. Zero meanwhile had multiple paths...he could think of ways to tactically manipulate Kain's actions within this fight. Zero knew the power of the arcana....they multiplied negative emotion and fed it as energy and power into their user. Kain would be consumed by his anger, like a berserker....his defence would be greatly hindered.At this point Zero looked over at the wall created by the chains of darkness...he wondered what was going on behind it....was Adiona winning? He smirked, he knew that woman was more of a danger than he was, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned after all. And of course this doppelganger would have chosen the wrong woman to be stuck in a room with. The words...castration...came to mind. His eyes came back to that impeccable fury in Kain's eyes, Zero simply returned it with a look of serenity. " She'll be fine....". He nodded, slowly moving his blade tilting it, the force of Kains spear caused him not to realise that the edge was slowly sliding down the width of Zero's blade. With one quick movement Zero's blade was removed and Kains spear fell to the side, and Kain fell forwards with Zero moving to the side avoiding the collapsing suit of armour. He circled Kain slowly, keeping his sword pointed at the target.
Kain slowly stood up, he twisted around swinging his spear horizontally, wishing to no doubt cleave Zero's body in two. But Zero jumped upwards dodging the blade of the spear and landing on the ground his fist crushing the rocks of the stone floors debris as he landed. Zero was a master swordsman, that much was known by all....but despite his incredible abilities with a sword, his abilities in the arcane realm pushed out further....he knew that even if he could not match Kain's physical strength he could easily overcome the steel titan using his magic. He stretched out his hands, lighting danced between the claws on his finger tips and shot out at Kain driving him backwards. In his other hand there was a fireball...he smirked and tossed it at Kain, it struck his chest and sent him to the ground. He nodded, raising up one hand, from the ground chains of darkness began to crawl around Kain, their spikes digging into his flesh tightly constricting Kain and halting his berserking movements....at least for now.Zero bent down on one knee and looked at Kain as he continued to struggle with the chains of darkness that had by now completely engulfed his body nailing him to the wall.
"Hmph...so this is what happened to the "noble" dragon knight....I thought you idiots had a code of honour....you know...protect the innocent and all that palava....just look at you now....the arcana has intensified your hatred....your anger....its given you power....but in the end...you've became just like the mantra....just like me....nothing more than a monster Kain....how does that feel....."
Obviously Zero's words had finally struck a chord with Kain, as the warriors once tensed up raging body finally fell limp. Whether it was Zero's words or just simply the fact he had realised that there was no way of getting free there was no way of knowing, but finally it seemed the dragon slayer had given in. With another flick of his wrist the chains of darkness rose upwards....they held Kain in place as they wrapped around his arms and legs...they stretched his arms out and kept his legs in place. It was a Zero style crucifixion, he grinned as he stared at the dragon slayer...nailed as a cross to the wall. He quickly drew back his sword....and struck forward, there was a smashing sound as his black blade pierced through the heavy armour of Kain, blood began to trickle from his mouth. Zero thought for a moment, if he twisted the blade then the Dragon Tamer would die from his wounds for sure....and that would be the end of that threat. But was it really worth it? Was this a dream? A reality yet to come? A curse or a gift from Yevon? The thoughts seemed to strangle at him, taking his mind off the man on the wall, which seemed to be a mistake. Kain, somehow managed in his rage to ignore the pain and the wounds and escape Zero’s clutches, An armoured fist connected with Zero’s chin in an upper cut that sent him mind spinning into a semi unconscious state. The man retrieved his spear. He stood above the guardian. He roared. Zero blinked. And awakened.
“ Land ho!”. Shouted the sailor from above. Zero sat up in his bed, the warrior examining himself for wounds. The dream had indeed been. Disturbing. He couldn’t help but think that somehow who he was in the dream and who he was now where two separate people, no matter how similar they looked or what ties bound them. Then of course, one always made dreams of such grandeur. He himself had once reamed of becoming a summoner, and standing above Spira in glory, himself put forward as a statue. Of course, that dream had never became a reality. Rather than becoming a summoner he had taken off to perfect his own style of fighting throughout the other continents of Gaia. Thinking somehow that it would make him a better warrior and therefore a more worthy opponent to face Spira’s plague head on. But during that Journey a lot of things had happened to change his perspective. Knowing that seeking vengeance through becoming Spira’s lamb to the slaughter would not work. He’d die, but Sin would live, Rebirthing itself ten years later. He knew that if he wanted to spend his life truly fighting Sin, he would need to be alive through more than just one calm. He stepped out off the boat, along with Adiona and Abel. The boat left swiftly. The captain not saying another word to any of them. The boat had immediately turned to head for Bevelle. It was after all to be expected.
He looked on as Adiona wasted a magic spell on the ocean waters, taking out her own frustration no doubt. Zero had done that, but only through the haunting of his strange dream and the cleaning of his sword. He wouldn’t think on that dream for now. Strange as it was he had no evidence to say that it was anything more than a nightmare. No different from the one where he lay on the beach paralysed next to the rotting bloated corpse of his sister. No, for now he had more to think about. It was here where his story had begun. Besaid. Not his home town, but the place where he had lived during the last two years of his families life. Before Sin took them away from him. He grunted.It was then when his ears picked up the sound of someone approaching, his hand moved down by his blade, not that he was expecting danger however it was worth the preparation. Surprisingly it seemed that the guest was not quite the normal citizen of Spira. He closed his eyes and shook his head. “ What a lovely welcoming committee…”.
Post by Lady Summoner Adiona Duer on Apr 11, 2009 13:09:50 GMT
It was the voice of the stranger that awoke Adiona from her well daydream, not moving her face she moved her sapphire eyes to him. His attire was not totally dissimilar to her own black as the night, reflective of her own heart and emotion. Looking to him longer than she usually would to someone, her eyes picked up on a crescent moon shaped scar above his navel. Even though he looked young perhaps the young one was battle hardened, it was not unheard of among young children. Their upbringing was usually rough and cruel, unlike her own which had been easy and carefree until she turned sixteen. Then of course it all changed. Not wanting to really think back to her past Adiona tore her gaze from the young boy, standing quite still she let her eyes look out back over the ocean surrounding Besaid. Nightfall would be upon Besaid soon, part of her wanted to stay here to watch the sun set behind the horizon. Though common sense dictated once again that it would be safer and wiser to head into the village of Besaid for minor protection, such a simple island with simple methods of living....it was disheartening in some ways. With a sort of frown forming on the summoner’s face she looked back to the boy, his movements were strange to her. He moved like an animal..agile but primal, slightly unnerving Adiona shook her head lightly before tearing her gaze away once more. Closing her eyes slowly the hymn of the fayth began to ring loudly through her mind, no matter where she went Yevon was always with her. The slender pale fingers from her right hand moved up to her chest, gingerly touching her necklace with the symbol of yevon a pang of fear ran through her. Bevelle....was everything ok after Sin’s attack, a rush of different emotions attacked her all at once. As long as the temple remained intact and safe that was all that mattered, heartless yes but to Adiona the aeon was the only thing that mattered in Bevelle. Well that wasn’t entirely true, deep within her heart and body lay a secret she had not shared with anyone. A secret so twisted and shameful she did not dare reveal it....not until it was needed to be known of course. A lone man in Bevelle had stolen her heart but not through the conventional sense, it was not birds and butterfly love but something much more powerful. His status meant more to her than her own feelings, slowly but surely a smirk formed on her ghostly face.
“To have that power in my grasp...at the end of my fingertips...sublime pure ecstasy.”
Snapping her eyes open Adiona turned around to see where her guardian had gotten to, typical of a rogue student thinking he could do what he wanted. He needed to be reminded of his place in this world, the smirk soon fell from her face as she set her eyes on him. Did he blame himself for what happened on the ship, she felt not pity for him that was a waste of an emotion. Zero was old enough to look after himself his feelings did not concern her, what did slightly concern her was this creature before her. Ears pricked up like a cats with feral type features as well as a tail, were those wings on his back? Such a strange and peculiar child and if he was not a child he certainly gave off that impression, turning from the ocean Adiona looked towards the sandy path which she assumed led to Besaid village.
“Perhaps it was time you were running along home young one....night falls soon and fiends will be on the prowl.”
Slightly harsh that she disregarded the boy so easily, but when did Adiona really care about anyone but herself. Beginning to slowly walk towards Besaid village her eyes caught a glimpse of Zero once again, at that moment she felt a rush of energy through her veins. The longer she looked to him the more it felt like she knew him better than she did, his face was so much more familiar to her than just a fellow student at Bevelle temple. It was as if....as though she knew his most inner and darkest secrets. Scowling at the though the young summoner shook those feelings off, her feet sinking into the sand as she pushed on wards to Besaid village.
He noticed the man standing behind her his eyes locked onto the man for a few moments his ears noticing where his hand was going but Miumi didn't so much as flinch. He was used to getting such hostile welcoming as he stared at the man looking up at his face before he offered a gentle smile revealing those pointed teeth which some were human like and some were beastly meaning he could probably tear flesh like it was cheap cloth. But he showed no signs of hostility the way his muscles were all so relaxed it was like the sky could fall and he wouldn't care he didn't shown the signs of normal people he was different he had awoken here a few days ago. For a minute his eyes gained a glossy look the voice of the man still rang clearly in his ear for a minute he flinched as if he sensed some unknown venom and malice within those words. But they could see it in his eyes he wasn't there like his mind had shut down but he stood perfectly still his chest the only thing that was moving on his whole body. This was fear.
He remembered the cold feeling of the water closed around his body the way he felt so light-headed. When he had woken up in the middle of the sea no monsters bothered to come near him as if they felt some kind of strange pity for the boy he was woken up by coughing the feeling of water in his lungs the way they burned as if he was being starved of oxygen he needed to break free. While his long black hair wisped around his body making him look more like a fiend then anything. When he finally moved his body pulsed squirming rapidly splashing roughly against the water making small arcs raise upwards as if he was trying to fend off the cold icy chains of death which threatened to ensnare him. While his body slowly came up coughing and sputtering it burned to breath he could feel the water tricky up his air-ways coming out his mouth it felt slimy and clung to his lips it was disgusting like throwing up except it felt worse since his body was purging itself. He kept kicking his legs so he didn't do under he wasn't going back to the depths.
The fear that radiated through his body he feared being alone and he was as he looked upwards starring at people who were standing on the shore line they looked at him like he was some kind of freak his body began to move through the warm water it made him prickle with fear and disgust. As he moved towards the beach he remembered the reactions of the people who stood there starring at his pale figure the way they looked as if they had seen a ghost or they were looking death in the eyes. They screamed and some kicked up sand. It had hit him in the eyes the way it stung and burned. When he felt it stinging he remembered the tears the bitterly slid down his face as if he was sad no he was in pain and alone no one to comfort him. It felt like there was a void where his heart should be he remembered rubbing at his eyes before he could hear someone charging at him. The breath at someone running he was holding something heavy he could hear it against the wind and it was getting closer.
He remembered the sound it made when it swung to him as his eyes cleared he could see the blurry figure the man was holding a small sword which he was threatening to slice Miumi open with he remembered pushing off the ground with great force the imprint he made went a few inches down as he went into the air he twisted dangerously which made him look somewhat like predator a fiend as they called him he did a series of twists adjusting his body and bracing for impact when he landed the men stared at him for a moment frozen in fear the sound of the feral growing which came from his own chest her twisted his head to the side almost jerking it beckoning the man to go. The man understood that this fiend didn't want his life but he watched as the man ran for his life watching the way he screamed in fear and agony. It hurt to know people looked at him like that it was the harsh reality he was different but he was also going to make a difference. He wasn't like others it was different for everyone. He was warm.
Once his vision had cleared he sniffed the air finding that man's scent for those brief moments he began to hunt it down moving like a cat of the night weaving along the paths as the sun began to sink he could hear and smell them the fiends they were chasing him and he couldn't risk leading them to the innocents he had stopped inches short of the village people could see him and the fiends. His body glistened in the moon-light with sweat and small droplets of blood from his own body he wasn't a fiend he was just different they noticed that as the first fiend charged. A dingo was the first thing many villages stared eyes wide with worry but Miumi just stood there crouching low to the ground as if he had given up but as it drew closer Miumi had pushed off the ground slicing into the flesh drawing arcs of crimson which splashed gently against the ground being absorbed somewhat like the rain. But it still continued to move till Miumi drew the other dagger slamming into the neck of the creature watching as it fell simply limp laying there soundless the heart had stopped.
In minutes essences of the fiends seemed to circle the boy glowing pyre-files just drifting around him he had small drops of crimson clung to his body mixed with sweat he was a fierce creature but he was their friend as a Condor flew down trying to spear the young boy he remembered one of the villagers throwing rocks at it causing it to fer slightly off course his body reacted quickly as it went towards the ground he jumped onto it's back as it tried to raise form the ground he slashed rapidly wounds appeared almost everywhere as he sliced until the fiend just stopped moving it lay limp as it's body began to fade one of the villagers approached him and greeted him he remembered being taken into the village for the night. They offered him some food he just smiled and remembered eating and feeling welcomed his body was cleansed he had snuck out to use one of the few water-falls cleaning his body of the disgusting grime he remembered how the kids stared at him when he left going to the beach he didn't want to be there he feared putting them at risk.
His new home was a ruin on the beach he had climbed up there and settled down moving some of the broken stones forming a small formation just so he could fit in his own little niche. He only carried what he needed but he felt so alone the coldness of it made each night unbearable so each day he would go and slay fiends to protect the people he called his new family he wasn't a bad person he was just different. He had made new friends but they secretly feared him he could smell the sweat when he came near them the way they would fidget uneasily they fear he would one day become a fiend because of his appearance he was different. So each day he began to break down a little more until he would begin to spend each night crying his eyes out it was the worst part that no one was there to sooth him. Slowly the world around him began to come back just as the girl began to speak. He didn't seem bothered by her cold tone and just offered her a soft smile. He felt his words flow free. His siren like voice filled the air with a presence of innocent power.
"I just left my home. I know the fiends come out at night. I fight them to protect people in the village to protect my "family." "
He spoke softly though his voice was barely a whisper to Zero probally while he stood there moving with them he following the girl with a sense of interest looking back at her bodyguard he felt like he could tell her stuff he couldn't trust others with his gentle nature was less noticable as he moved with a sense of happiness his tail swishing behind him cutely. He felt like he would be able to help this girl for some reason he just didn't want to be alone anymore just not again. It was the feeling of being alone that some would say kept him alive but it didn't it deadened the way he felt it made him feel like he was just like the fiends if he weakened he would fade away he just couldn't accept that harsh reality he wasn't going to give up not now or ever. He was going to thrive on and make his new life an adventure he just wondered if this two people would become a part of it. He wondered
There wasn’t much as far as speech went from their new little acquaintance. Zero’s penetrating gaze looked at him up and down. Weighed his threat level. His eyes focused as the boy showed his teeth, or fangs, whatever he wanted to refer to them as. Sharp and beast like. It was clear at that moment what he was doing, showing that despite his current calm demeanour and poise that he was perfectly capable of initiating violence if it were necessary. However even with all this, Zero doubted there would be much of a problem even if such a thing occurred. Never mind Abel, Zero was perfectly capable of dispatching this enemy on his own if need be. An arrogant thought, however it was more than likely the truth. The age difference followed up by the fact Zero had ( more than likely) more battle experience than this one led to one simple conclusion. He moved his hand away from his sword as Adiona began to move. She began to speak her own variation of poison, speaking of the power she wished to acquire within the Aeon.
“ As you say summoner”.
His words were quiet, but to the point. His eyes once more shifted over to the kid as she began her own little talk telling him to run off back home. No doubt that meant they would have the child for company on this little trip. He grumbled. The warrior wasn’t good around children. It was then the boy whispered something, he knew that it was a whisper, but he couldn’t hear the sentence as coherent. Only the few odd words. Due to this he didn’t take it of any importance and wouldn’t pay it much mind, other than the usual ramblings of childishness those his age spluttered out.He followed Adiona only to catch her looking his way again, he had to wonder what she was staring at. He looked at Abel, the demon knight who had been silent consistently for the major part of the trip. The man had kept pretty much to himself all the way from the temple, hadn’t said much during the battle against Sin and the Sin spawn. And after he had saved Adiona from going overboard, he hadn’t said or done much at all. In fact Zero hadn’t seen him on the boat at all. Then again he’d only left his room after that to get some water and some dinner. Which he sorely suspected that had been spat in as well. Still he’d ate worse before.
As they travelled down the road to Besaid Zero heard something click. Instantly his instincts kicked into gear, he dived forwards, tackling Adiona to the ground just as a steel net flew inches over her. Her rolled casting Adiona aside, coming up in a crouched position. The claws on his gauntlet flashed open ready to gut the next person who made a move. His first suspect was the boy who had for some reason been following them. However, it appeared that he had absolutely nothing to do with it. The net was metal, and was more than likely fired by a machine gun. Which meant. “ Al Bhed?...”. There was a crack from the jungle lush of the isle as a large wolf like fiend ( a fang) emerged from the underbrush and tackled Zero. The guardian prepared himself as he fell, jamming his gauntlet in its fangs so that it didn’t reach flesh, then positioning his foot under the beast’s chest. The moment he hit the dust, he used that momentum and thrust his leg forward, his foot catapulting the fiend into the air. He rolled backwards and dived onto the chest of the fiend, thrusting the steel talons of his gauntlet into its chest. He drew back his gauntlet now bloodied and looked over to Adiona. For now fine. Where had that net been fired from, and why? He bent down and approaching the offending piece. Lifting it up and turning it over in his hand. Indeed his first instinct had been right, the net was metal, with four ball barons on each corner, no doubt used to wrap around the target and keep them down. He’d seen such weaponary used before in other continents for capturing animals and monsters. But people?
In theory he supposed it could work. But the only people around this continent who used machine were the Al Bhed. And what would the Al Bhed want with Adiona? It was suspicious to say the least of things. “ Metal net…by the looks of things it was fired from a machine gun….meant for capturing live prey…..perhaps whoever fired it were trying to get that Fang…..then again…”. He looked up. “ Best take no chances….sun is setting…we’d best hurry before the rest of that pack shows up…Fangs rarely travel alone its likely that a good abundance of the fiends are nearby and they’ll be attracted to the blood”. He looked down at his sword, he hadn’t the time to draw it. Next time it would be different.
Post by Lady Summoner Adiona Duer on Apr 11, 2009 20:30:32 GMT
The child spoke once more still with his feral nature, he seemed on edge and not suprisingly since strangers were here on the island. Flicking a few strands of her snow white hair aside Adiona looked back to the boy, keeping any sort of emotion from showing in her face her eyes looked directly into his. Something told her that this wouldn’t be the end of their encounters together, there was just...something that almost drew Adiona to the boy. Was this maternal instinct all females carried starting to kick in, no it couldn’t be Adiona never cared for anyone her personality dictated not to due to reasons in her past. Shaking her head lightly as she walked Adiona kept her eyes on the child, walking that little bit slower she looked to the path ahead.
“That is a good job to have at such a young age, keep at it and perhaps one day you will be a true warrior.”
A light smile decorate her face but quickly fell as she realised what she was doing, her long black skirt twirled around her as she walked across the sands of Besaid. Night was quickly setting in and Adiona wanted to get to the safety of the village before the fiends came out in force. Suddenly Adiona felt a sharp and hard push into the sand, rolling quickly onto her back Adiona looked to Zero as he crouched. The summoner watched intently as Zero took care of the wolf fiend that had presented itself to the group, grumbling Adiona groggily got to her feet. Brushing off her black skirt and top with the sand she shot a glare to Zero, her blood boiled just as it had done in Bevelle.
“What the hell do you think you are doing? Did you not think a simple push aside would have sufficed...no you had to assault me and push me to the ground. Do you have any idea at all what you are doing?”
Her urge to punch him in the face grew by the second, stood upright Adiona turned her back to Zero and the child pushing forward along the sandy path. Enraged but confused at the same time about the event that had just occured, why would someone want to capture her? Did these people whoever they were not know who she was, summoners are here to help Spira.
“Let’s just get to Besaid before anything else happens, I cannot let anything get in my way the aeon is waiting for me.”
It looked like fiends weren't the only things running through Besaid. With the brief run in with the assailant, one couldn't help but wonder if there would be more. Perhaps an investigation was in order. But with the Summoner's need to retrieve and Aeon and continue with the pilgrimage, where would one find the time to have a proper look around?
As night fell on the small city of Besaid, activity began to die down significantly. Only a few people lingered, properly closing up shop and preparing for the next day. All ports were closed for the night, meaning that those who hadn't already left would be ripe for questioning. Hopefully there were still some people around to interrogate...
Options: 1] Call the act as just a fluke and continue on to the temple 2] Ask around for information as a group 3] Achieve your own ends (split up )
His own eyes were remaining on Zero he didn't trust that man like the summoner did mainly because of the way that he was being looked at. The way he seemed to analyzing him looking for a weakness or accessing him for a flaw the gaze was so cold and callused it actually made a few small bumps begin to break out across Miumi's ghastly pale skin for a few moments. The feeling of death lingered over his shoulders but he looked back his owns were soft and gentle reflecting the innocents of a child but behind it all the glints of life which reflected in his eyes showed he had endured his own fair share of the wars that afflicted this world. He had learned that fighting was the only way you surivived at times it was like the hunger in everyone's chest at times you had to eat but at other times you were going to be eatten it was his chose to eat and survive he was choosing to live and thrive on he wouldn't let himself be eatten. He would fight till his last breath that was what it meant to be a warrior and to know how swift life could end it made some people quake in fear but it was the very reason Miumi still lived to make sure other's were able to go on.
He watched as slowly the other's hand began to drift away from his sword a gentle breath sliding through Miumi's lips he really didn't want to have to fight this man because in honesty he was afraid to get hurt and he didn't want to make this new found girl hate him watching as the way he sheathed his sword on the simple movement of his summoner. Remembering the other's request to run off he began to stay closer as if the fear of being alone was consuming his mind it was rather interesting to say the least to know how bad someone's desire to not be alone could drive them to do the craziest things that people had never seen. He could see the way that the man dismissed everything he said as petty useless things it was the arrogance of people that unnerved him yet he never said anything he held his tongue. Close like a gunner's finger on the trigger ready to pull back or hold something in. He was naturally quiet they would probably find to be a blessing considering his childish nature to him sometimes actions spoke louder then words. But for a minute he froze as his nose picked up the scent he had been unaware of before turning his head he had noticed someone it was Abel a man who he didn't know for a minute his heart throbbed fearfully he hadn't been able to detect the man until now he was afraid his talent was slipping.
He followed with the silence of a fiend of the night moving gracefully but something felt off. He could smell something in the air. It smelt irony not blood but like an actual metal before he heard it the click his body reacted instantly hands flowing downwards grabbing the hilt of his twin blades pulling up rapidly forming an x-across his chest ready to fight and defend himself he noticed teh way that Zero moved instantly tackling his summoner as soon as the steel-net came into his vision for a moment he froze wondering what it was he never remembered anything like this watching the way it hurled with such devastating power. His eyes widened in fear for a moment as it he saw the net soaring towards them it went just mere inches above their head he could heal he knew that but he couldn't reattach limbs or restore a skull as far as he knew. Watching as Zero raised into a crouched position his clawed gauntlet glistened dangerously. For a few moments he could feel the other's eyes on his finger as if he was being suspected but both his hands were full and there no signs of ropes or wires on the ground meaning it wasn't a triggered trap. He looked at the net for a few moments before the man said a word he wasn't all to familar with the world Al Bhed
His body adjusted the instant he heard it the sound of cracking the sound of trees and branches being broken by something moving with heavy weight and agileness it wasn't long before the scent hit him the smell of a fiend the creature was a fang. For a moment he froze as it suddenly lunged at the man for a moment he moved to go towards the man but he stopped. He had to protect the summoner he knew that her life meant alot and he noticed the way the other fought a well noticing the claws being jammed between the glistening fangs of the beast stopping it from being able to get to close to any vital spots or the flesh of the man in general he knew what he was doing but the summoner had power but he doubted she could handle extreme close range. While he moved across the terrain rapidly the way he moved he kicked up a few clouds of dust on his first steps his vision turned towards the other watching as his leg collided roughly with the chest of the fiend watching as the body began to ascend rapidly into the sky but as he approached the summoner a small glow encircled his body starting at his head working down before his lips began to move rapidly as if he was chanting something as he did the spark of energy flowed through his body and a small orb began to form around the summoner's body.
"Protect"
He spoke his spell look different though the normal spell was jsut a clear barrier that blocked a few blows his changed into something different the vines from the ground had picked up from the energy and began to swarm around the other a few gaps could be seen but his body didn't stop there catching sight of the fiend coming down his feet pushed against the ground sending himself soaring high into the sky with just the muscle before the back of his shirt came loosened revealing a tattoo of wings for a moment his body arched in a way that looked almost painful to imagine doing yourself. As slowly the ink of his tattoo splayed backwards taking the form of wings which went five-feet in each direction while they remained an inky black for a moment before the ink receed backwards going closer to his skin almost like a toxin drawing in closer to the heart. Slowly the essence of shadow and desire disappeared from his wings as his body stopped it's descent floating there. For a moment the ink hit his body refilling in the broken part of the tattoo. But now his wings were white as snow being filled in with tinges of pink which resembled the blush of an innocent child at first love. As he looked around the terrain examining the world for a few threats as he floated there the world felt like it had slowed down.
His eyes noticing the fiend falling and the man jolting forward. Watching the claws sink through the flesh of the fiend for a moment he felt bad for it watching as blood claws were retracted it was rather sickening to see. Watching as the other began to speak and analyze the net he slowly descend downwards feeing the ground beneath his feet but his wings remained for a few moments he looked at the barrier before he reached outwards suddenly it had it's affect the spell began to fall the vines fallingly limply to the ground he moved over towards the man though. As he did his hands began to glow a soft warm light as he began to chant once more this time he felt a presence of warmth flowing around his body it was like the arms of a mother coiling around their new-born the feeling of heaven in a way. He didn't know if the other was hurt he could smell blood it over powered his senses As he got closer the white light around his hand spread out covering the other's body in a glittering essence which began to act like rain when it hit his skin it would evaporate slightly leaving small traces of moisture as it began to seal over any scratches or cuts that adored his skin his words once again filled the air it was obvious by now this kid was a mage.
"Cure"
The rushes of andrenilla madeh im oblivious to the words they were speaking though as he came down from his battle hight. Word count: 1539 Total count : 4639
[OOC: Apologies for the late post. Note that Abel is trailing behind a short ways]
It was almost instant. Abel had cast but a quick glance toward the fin of the colossal beast Sin as it made its way toward Bevelle and had suddenly frozen in place. He tried to move, yet his body did not seem to respond, his limbs, frozen in place. He tried to speak, only for that to fail him. But that was not the strangest thing, he was an easy target. A sitting duck. Yet the SinSpawn that had previously been advancing in his general direction were ignoring him. as though he was not there at all. Abel felt anger along with confusion for the remainder of the battle as he was forced to watch everything unfold before his eyes. He had a job to do, he had to protect the summoner. He tried to move again. But to no avail. And then quite suddenly there was nothing. He had passed out. There had been no reason for it, there had been no force for it to happen. Yet As his consciousness Abel felt as though he knew the exact reason for this seemingly random occurrence.
Abel was back on his first pilgrimage, The entrance to the city of Bevelle stood in all it's grandeur, everything about it spoke of power and untold glory. Yet as Raphael and Abel emerged behind their summoner. Watching her back he could not help but feel as though something was going to go wrong. A brief look between the two confirmed that they were thinking the same thing. Something felt off. But they could not waste time. *Abel felt as though he dozed for a moment*
They had been right. The summoner stood with both Raphael and Abel guarding her with their lives as multiple warrior monks aimed loaded weapons in their direction. It felt almost like a bad dream. Yevon betraying their own teachings, using machina. The very reason Sin was here in the first place. There was a pause. The maester advanced by a single step, a look of menace in his eyes.
Abel opened his eyes, lying the deck of the ship, his sword lie on the ground next to him. Sitting up Abel grabbed the hilt of his weapon, causing it to vanish and slowly got to his feet. It seemed as though while Abel had been out the ship had docked at Besaid. Abel smiled absently to himself, it had been such a long time since he had last been here, judging by looks not much had changed over the years, something Abel was quite happy about, since he had no desire to reacquaint himself with the landscape of bevelle. Abel let The Summoner and the second guardian walk a short ways ahead, Abel decided that by this point it would be best for him to bring up the rear, and make sure that they were not ambushed or attacked in any possible way.
Of course Abel had hit the proverbial nail on the head with his guess, more than once he had managed to fend off more than one charging fiend at once. Of course that was to be expected though, these fiends were nothing more than small game, mostly fangs, though there was the occasional blob as well. Every one of them Abel was able to ward off or kill outright with next to no difficulty. Due to the amount of times he had to stop and fight, Abels advance was a slight bit slower than that of his current compatriots, so anything going on to them Abel was not seeing, after all he had the feeling that the child appointing himself as a second guardian was at least competent enough to protect the summoner from all obvious threats while right now Abel was taking care of the not so obvious ones.
[Words: 638] [Thread total: 638]
[OOC: Admittedly this post is a tad lacklustre so I'll give my apologies for that.]
“ Get away from me!”. He pushed back the child as he felt the spell fall over him. Although it would be warm to others the feel of his magic touching his body and falling into his wounds was like a snake slithering against his skin. Slimy and cold. He growled, this child was overstepping his boundaries. He didn’t like people touching him, never mind healing his wounds with that kind of magic without his permission. Zero didn’t like relying on others, it made people weak. If everyone just learned to rely on themselves there wouldn’t be much need for the weak in this world. He stood up dusting himself off and then once more glaring at the child, he had saw how the kid moved. Like a guardian defending the summoner. Did this boy think he was one of Adiona’s guardians? It almost made him laugh, he hadn’t even asked and yet suddenly he had brought himself into this party? Zero shook his head, in past times he had killed people for less and taken the gil and expensive looking possessions off their body. Once again it was tempting, but then again that wasn’t guardian like. Besides. He had enough money to pay for this part of their trip anyways, any jobs would have to wait till they stopped off in Luca. That city was so full of Yevonite sleaze it was unbelievable.
Adiona, as per usual was the bitch. She complained about the fact she had been saved, how typical. If it wasn’t for him she would now have her ass dragged red raw across the sand, dust and rock by a machine pulley system that the Al Bhed had no doubt rigged up to their weapon. He growled, but once more swallowed his pride and answered simply. “ As you say summoner..I’ll be more careful….next time”. Yes, he certainly would be more careful next time, maybe next time he’d just let her be captured and see how well she liked the company of sweaty Al Bhed workers. Not implying anything about their nature however any kind of Al Bhed that used a boat to get from a to b would no doubt be rather…lonely on the trip over. Adiona would no doubt provide interesting entertainment for them. He eyed behind them. Catching the look of Abel in the distance. Once more the thought of why the man had been so quiet for these past few hours had been in his mind. Why? Was there something distracting him? He remembered back when the demon had zoned out in Bevelle, was it a similar case of distraction? Would he be much use as a guardian if he kept his mind constantly off the job? He shrugged, by the sounds of it he was having some sorts of battle, so perhaps he was just keeping fiends from coming up their asses. In that case he was doing his job regardless of his current mental state. Then again he highly doubted anyone in this little party was in their right state of mind. Adiona the least of the lot. All her talk of power and revenge made her seem like one of those witches. All she needed now was a pointy black hat and a cat.
He looked over at Adiona and the kid as they entered Besaid. In the centre of the village was a roaring fire, no doubt kept the village warm enough during the nights and acted as a sort of beacon for those lost in the jungles. “ I’m going to look around, see if I can’t get to the bottom of the Al Bhed net trap…see if anyones seen any Al Bhed…..if so….I’ll follow the lead…if not….well then we’ve got more problems than we thought……get some rest…there should be an inn around here…we’ll head to the temple in the morning…”. He walked off and left it at that, if Adiona was going to head to the temple this late on her own in search of the power of the Aeon then that was up to her. However it would be a stupid idea considering that getting an aeon was an exhausting experience. And after their trip over the water such an experience would no doubt leave her susceptible to any trap. Maybe Able or that new stalker kid would go with her. But still, he thought it best she leave it till morning. Still. Her decision. Her problem. From here he went straight to the side of the village. It was a sort of silent vigil every time he came here.
He closed his eyes and listened to the ocean waves as he stood over the graves. To a passer by they would merely be several sticks in the sand. But leaning next to one, was an old mouldy moogle toy with an eye missing. These were the graves of his family. Killed the last time Sin paid Besaid a visit. He stood there for a few moments. Remembering the last moments ( maggots eating out the glazed eyes) he shook his head and walked by them heading down towards a sea side shack. He knocked the wood, and eventually there was an answer, in the form of an old woman opening the door. “ I need information” he said. She nodded. And he walked inside.
He would emerge around an hour later. With the information he needed, the old woman used to be a seasoned member of the Yevonite temple. And kept track of all the ships in and out of Besaid. And indeed he was right. Two weeks ago there was an Al Bhed freighter. Seemed they had left more cargo than was anticipated on the island. Interesting enough….however that meant he would have to take care of said business. From here he disappeared out of the village, he’d return later. But for now he had to make sure that his summoner was safe and those hunting her didn’t make it off this island in one piece. He arrived back at the spot where he had killed the Fang, as suspected there were many footprints, Fang foot prints, around the body, it had been already partially devoured by other fiends. However for now there weren’t any around. He bent down to examine the net more carefully, it was a direct shot net that would expand, he turned his head and looked behind him. By its design it would have had to have been fired from that direction. He dropped the net and began to creep through the forest, his eyes constantly scanning the dark surroundings for anything out of the ordinary. Right enough in the slowly decreasing light it would be harder to see, never mind under the shade of the trees and other jungle lush blocking out the little light that came from the moon. However it wasn’t long till he actually found something. Shards of metal, and pieces of leather. By the looks of it, the shards came from when the weapon was fired. And the leather was used to bind the net together before it fired. He examined a tree a few yards further up and found a torn piece of cloth. Looks like they had been escaping in a hurry. They had probably seen his reaction and taken off immediately. Which meant…
He brushed aside some of the underbrush and found that indeed there were deep footprints in the soil. Easy to track. He looked up and began to track them, soon he could smell burning wood. Then, the sounds and mutters of Al Bhed conversation. He watched them as they moved about in the clearing, they had a small fire, and by the looks of things were just heading down to sleep. One of them was armed with a machina gun. Most likely the sentry. They’d swap every few hours. An old efficient system. But it had a major flaw. If he died silently. The others would die in their sleep. He waited a few minutes before he could hear the snores coming from the others, And then he dived forwards from the underbrush. His sword swept a path of destruction. A clean cut across the throat. Half severing it, blood pouring from the fount of the neck. He however managed to keep hold of the body, and slowly lowered it to the ground. He snuck around moving to each Al Bhed member. And slitting their throats from ear to ear. They died silently. Painlessly. Torturing them was something Adiona would have done. Messy. Inefficient.
With that job done he headed back to the village, covered in the blood of his prey. He walked in, attracting a few stares until he bent down near a couple of wash buckets and got the blood off his gauntlet and his claws. He then looked at his sword, his reflection matted crimson by the blood. His face expressionless.
Post by Lady Summoner Adiona Duer on Apr 15, 2009 16:58:56 GMT
This whole journey was like a farce, rolling her sapphire eyes as she walked Adiona kept looking right ahead. Even though the child had cast a protective spell on her from being harmed it still did not change her emotion at this moment, keeping her stride Adiona continued to walk onwards across the sandy and dirt path towards Besaid village. Keeping behind the other villagers so as not to cause more attention, her long black skirt flailed around her pale legs. Taking deep breaths Adiona tried to calm herself.Taking her leave from her guardians and the child Adiona walked alone to the temple, quite a dominant structure it stood proud and tall. Approaching it Adiona made the sign of Yevon, throughout it all her loyalty to the temple and Yevon was stronger than any force she knew. The summoner gazed at the temple for a few moments debating whether to go pray for the aeon now or leave it til the morning, night had fallen and Adiona was weary from travelling. Taking a deep breath she placed her foot upon the stone steps to the temple, she knew herself that her body was weak and wouldn't be able to take the cloister of trials til she had rested. The temple though would have a room for summoners and that was where she was headed, pushing the huge doors open Adiona stepped inside Besaid temple. Immediately she was overwhelmed by the size of the island's temple, like Bevelle the temple housed the statues of former high summoners. Her eyes fixed upon Yunalesca's she the first summoner to defeat Sin, how brave she was Adiona thought to herself.
Walking quietly around the temple Adiona looked to each statue praying at each one for strength and courage, accidentally bumping into a fellow yevonite she without realising it went to help them up. For some reason Adiona's personality shifted dramatically when in the presence of those following Yevon as strongly as she did. Shaking her head as the young yevonite walked away Adiona made her way into one of the side rooms, asking for a bed for the night the temple assistants gladly obliged to her request. Lying down on her back the summoner closed her eyes as she listened to the words of elder yevonites, talk of Maester Seymour and Sin lulled her to sleep.
He had done what he needed to do, the Al Bhed had been slaughtered, a cowardly way to go but still, he'd rather have killed them in their sleep than challenge them whilst they were up wide and awake and have to deal with their machina weapons. Once his sword and gauntlet were free of blood he headed straight towards the fire that was burning in the centre of the village, he needed to warm up a bit, and dry up after washing. He sat there for awhile, staring deeply into e flames, destruction lay at its heart. But also at the heart of this mission. Would the Fayth judge Adiona worthy of the Aeon? He knew that it wasn't as easy as simply completing the trials and going into the fayth room. She would be judged, worthy or unworthy to carry the fight to Sin. Whether or not this summoner could be trusted with such a test, well that was entirely up to the spirit of the fayth that held the power of the summoning within its grasp. He smirked. He could imagine the look on Adiona's face if she was rejected. No doubt she would probably enter a rage and attempt to destroy the fayth. But that was it. Power hungry or not. She was still a summoner. And had still sworn to destroy Sin and bring peace to Spira.
"Heh....we're all in this for ourselves....no point in kidding that we're doing this for Spira....."
He knew that was true on its own. His venture against Sin and purpose for being a guardian for merely vengeance, a selfish quest. Adiona's. Her reasoning was a total mystery, for all he knew she was just in it for the power, and to him that seemed to fit her perfectly.If she had another reason, she certainly wasn't sharing it. Abel. Well that guy had very little to say when he was talkative. What his reasons for becoming a summoner were once again a total mystery. He'd reveal it if he wanted to. But chances were more than not that he wasn't going to be doing that any time soon. And finally, their latest companion of sorts. The one who seemed to stick to Adiona like the proverbial glue. The mage. The child. Just what were his reasons. Did he want to be a guardian? He shrugged. No point in thinking about it really. All he could do was wait and see how this story played out. For the good or ill of Spira they were on a mission. He stood up and headed for the temple. Adiona had no doubt gone there to pray and rest. He walked in and looked around at the statues that laid to rest the heroes of Spira. Those who had been the lambs to be sacrificed in the name of calming Sin. Would Adiona one day have her own statue amongst these? And just how many more statues were to be added in the decades to come? After asking after where she was he nodded and was shown to the room. She was there asleep on one bed. In the room there were several prepared and ready. Some were already taken by pilgrims. He chose a vacant one. Undressed, packed his things away, and slept. But always lightly.Ready.
Post by Lady Summoner Adiona Duer on Apr 19, 2009 12:33:19 GMT
Her dreams were nothing but darkness no images no nothing, just the sweet serenity of the darkness. Slowly opening her eyes the first thing she saw was the figure of Zero asleep on his own bed, blinking a few times to focus her sight Adiona gently sat up resting her feet onto the floor. Reaching for her black knee high boots she quickly laced them up before pulling her clothes back on, standing up the white haired summoner walked out of the temple and outside. Seeing that it was still night or perhaps early morning, she walked towards the large fire in the centre of the village. Still roaring Adiona stood close to it with her arms wrapped around her chest, silence...true silence was golden. Soon in a few hours she would be taking her first real step to defeating Sin, though she would not show it to her guardians...Adiona was afraid. The summoner knew what lay before her and what needed to be done, that of course was no consolation...she knew what would meet her in Zanarkand...the final destination on her pilgrimage. A weight felt it had been placed on her shoulders at that moment, everything that Adiona was expected to do rushed into her mind. This wall she had put up to keep herself from being hurt was starting to crumble, keeping her gaze on the dancing flames Adiona let out a quiet sigh.
The night was uneventful, filled with the usual, nightmares and regrets. Well and the usual white noise of the background. A sort of habit he had was sleeping with his ears open ( not literally open of course, but able to pick up the background noise even as he slept) this came in handy when sleeping out in the wild. Rare was the time someone would ever sneak up on him whilst he slept.. This skill of course was now infinitely more useful now he was a guardian. Meant he could keep his summoner safe whilst catching a few z’s himself. There was a rustle as he awakened. He looked around the room. Apparently Adiona had gone for a morning walk. Well this gave him time to get himself sorted, He hadn’t had a real shower or anything since he had gotten onto the Spira continent. And that was well…a fortnight ago. He walked into the shower, stripping off his underwear, and flinched when he found the temple only had a cold water shower.
“ Typical….forgot they don’t have machine here to heat the water…..gonna take some getting used to again…been away from here so long it just seems un-natural…”.
After his cold shower, he got dressed, attaching his claw gauntlet and strapping his sword to his side. He walked outside and covered his face with his hand as the sun blared into his eyes, blinding him for a few seconds. He looked around and found Adiona in what could only be described as a sulking position, he walked over catching her last words. “ Your wrong…”. He said to her. “ Its not a beginning , its an end…..an end to the life you knew”. He grunted and closed his eyes taking in a deep breath and then exhaling.
Post by Lady Summoner Adiona Duer on Apr 24, 2009 16:36:15 GMT
Dropping her thin arms to her sides Adiona glanced to Zero as he approached her, he was right in a sense but to her this was a beginning to a new shorter life. Not saying anything for a few moments the newly appointed summoner looked up to the sky, now turning a bright blue as morning approached. She had hardly noticed the sun had come up her thoughts had kept her occupied, letting out a deep breath Adiona turned to face her guardian. Her sensible and mature side told her to brush past her own arrogance and to make peace with her guardians, of course Adiona was as stubborn as she was arrogant and would never think of apologising even if she was clearly in the wrong. Letting her blue eyes trail up and down Zero's body to gain a better look at his figure Adiona almost tried to force a light smile to her face. Even that was too hard for the young sumoner. Still her opinion had changed since Bevelle she did need her guardian, assuming that Abel wasn't to journey with them since he had not been seen since their arrival here. "I suppose you are right but at least you get to go on living after this, I have to make the most of this pilgrimage...there are no second chances." Her words were spoken softly and almost like a whisper, perhaps her subconscious refused to let her seem weak to those around her. Turning away from her guardian Adiona began a slow walk back to the temple, the trials lay ahead of her and would be challenging not only in body but mind also. She did not know what to expect and that was scary in itself.
Kicking the dirt with her black boots Adiona let her eyes fall to the ground, the silence was now broken as villagers emerged from their homes to start the day all over again. Fishermen made their to the docks while produce sellers set up their stalls, for a quaint little village it certainly did bustle on a morning. Children ran around playing with their home made toys while the village blitzball team walked out of the village, no doubt to practice ready for the tournament in Luca. "Shall we make our way to the trials?" Adiona said a bit louder this time, some even turned to look to them as she continued to walk up the steps to the temple.
It wasn’t to say that he felt uncomfortable under the gaze of the summoner. However he closed his own eyes, only imagining what was running through her mind. Today was the start of her pilgrimage and the prequel to the end of her life. In some way he thought, she was the lucky one out of all of this. She would die, she would have her own statue. She would be raised up as one of the most gracious and elegant beings to ever walk spira. The one true defender. Worshipped after death by those who had little hope but to turn to Yevon. She would in effect be made some what of a deity, or a saint. Whilst the rest of them would go on living. Which was probably more tragic as it sounds. Ten years of peace and then back to the torturous hell that Sin ravaged upon them.
“Have you ever thought that somehow we wouldn’t need to sacrifice summoners like this?.....I mean…its not as if we’re the only nation on this planet…..I’ve been in other places…seen machina the likes of which both terrified and astounded me…..its a shame we’re the only ones that Sin attacks….if it had attacked a nation like Midgar…..then they would no doubt send their armies of men and machine against it….would it do any good?.....perhaps…..perhaps not….”.
In truth he didn’t know. It was said that Sin was invulnerable to Machina and that using the forbidden weapon like machines would only drive sin into a rage to destroy more. Why was that? Was it because Sin feared Machina? It was an interesting thought. One to be pondered on during the long journey. But certainly not now. She spoke of her own despair in this. “ True….but those who live, only have another 10 years before the torment resumes…..in that…the dead are sometimes the lucky ones”. His eyes flicked over to the side, where the ocean lay. Where the two barely marked graves stood. She began to walk back and he followed.
Post by Lady Summoner Adiona Duer on Apr 26, 2009 18:30:16 GMT
Adiona slowed her pace as Zero spoke listening to his words once again, taking a deep breath she knew his words had some meaning to them. Still she was not here to think she was here to act, pushing the doors open to Besaid temple Adiona took one last look around at the statues. If she were to defeat Sin her statue would stand here for all of time, how many more future summoners would look upon her statue for inspiration? That was another thought she did not want to ponder on, for when that day came Adiona would be in the farplane with her parents.
"I'm not really here to think of any other options am I? I'm here as a summoner to gain the aeons and defeat Sin even for just that short time, it's the way it has been done for years and I guess will be forever more. It's not to say I haven't wondered but has anyone really had the time to try another way, even if we did have outside help do you really think it would matter?"
Pulling her long black dress up slightly Adiona began to slowly walk up the stairs to the entrance of the trials, it seemed to take hours to reach the top but that could be because of her fear of failure. Turning back around she looked the small crowd that had now formed, mostly well wishers of the temple to pray for her safe return from the trials
The trials were a perilous route. A test of will, strength, and perhaps a joined effort if the trials were to be completed as swiftly as possible. Beyond the gathering of well-wishers was a an ominous arch, its empty chasm beckoning for the summoner to enter and be tested.
Inside was a small platform embedded in the floor and with the right about of pressure it would lower them to the hidden cavern within. Ancient inscriptions decorated the walls of the stone room, some illuminated by a faint light, while others shown with their own eerie phosphorescent essence. A shining bright teal line flowed every which way...and if followed, they would lead to open indentations in the wall just the size for a small sphere to be set in. Impressive columns adorned each corner of the immediate room, only one of which held a glittering blue sphere. There were places on the floor where the tiles seemed looser than others, and with the right amount of pressure, a mechanism was triggered springing open a hidden door. But as soon as the weight was shifted, it would close.
Deeper still within the room were barriers of fire, a liquid leading to and from the flaming gates, leading toward another indentation in the wall. And last, in the far end was another, placed precariously in the center of the massive wall. There were faint lines creating a rectangular pattern, indicating a hidden door of stone.
Trials: -There are four spheres hidden within the room, one of which can only be found by another sphere. -Make your way through the trials and attain the Aeon. -Teamwork is encouraged.
The dark of the temple retook them, the only lights coming from the flickering torches at the sides and the small let in light that came from the outside, with a breeze that could touch ones soul. He turned to Adiona. " No time better than the present". He lumbered forwards up the stairs towards the doors that barred people from entering the trials. He looked at the priest who stood vigil here to ensure it was only a summoner and their guardians that got through to this holy place. No one else. " Summoner Adiona, and her guardian reporting to take our place in the Cloyster of Trials......". The man did the traditional bow of Yevon and Zero followed suit. Moving ahead he got onto the elevator. And as Adiona climbed on, the thing shuddered. And then slowly began to decend downwards into the undeground depths of the temple. He looked at his summoner. Was she afraid? More than likely considering the problems at hand.But this was the path she choose. And he would accompany her on that path.
The elevator came to a grinding hault as Zero looked around. " According to what I've read on these trials.....there should be several spheres in light with the temple.....and one single different sphere....All combined will lead us through the trials...". There was a forking path, one leading one way, the other another. He turned back to Adiona. " We should split up, I'll head in this direction and see what I can find. This place doesn't look like its that big of maze.....so if you find anything call out to me...I'll do the same...". With that he slowly walked off in the other direction taking with him his kean sense of self, he'd spot those spheres immediatly. Each one had a specific glowing colour depending on the temple. Kilka was red, he knew that for a fact. However the Besaid ones he wasn't too sure about. After a few minutes of walking he came across a pedistal with a single sphere in it. A swirling bluish green colour.
" Adiona!". He shouted out. His voice being carried throughout the corridors. " I've found one of the spheres....I'm going to see if theres a way to open the next path...". He picked up the sphere, noticing as a glyph on the surface of the pedistal disappeared. Moving on carrying the sphere he came to an empty slot in the wall. he reached over and placed the sphere within. Suddenly the glyph that had been on the pedistal burned itself into the wall. The wall began to shake slightly as it lifted itself upwards. Revealing a hidden passageway within. He smirked and walked inside. The room was illuminated with a purple light, with a single sphere on the other side of the wall. This one was a purple colour. Different from the other sphere he had picked up before. He gripped it and then held it to the light. This would likely come in handy. After further inspection of the area, he found no other secrets or passages. And thus headed back the way to the elevator to see if Adiona had found anything.
Post by Lady Summoner Adiona Duer on May 8, 2009 17:54:16 GMT
Adiona watched as Zero walked on ahead, it was for the best in case there were fiends inside of here. It seemed unlikely but many secrets lay within the cloister of trials that were unknown to Adiona, taking a deep breath the young summoner took her first steps inside the trials and began to look around. As Zero went down one path Adiona carried forwards, the walls were dusty and cold...no one had been down here for ten years since the last time Sin appeared. Adiona remembered that time well. Brushing aside a few strands of her hair a blue light caught her eye, looking to the right a blue sphere lay in pedestal. Picking it she twirled it around in the palm of her hand for a few moments.
"Oh I found a blue sphere....I'm going to check ahead and see if where it needs to go."
Turning around Adiona had only take a few steps when she noticed an indentation in the wall, seeing the symbol of Yevon around it she took the sphere and placed it into the hole. A bright blue light flowed down the wall and across the floor, meeting the wall on the other side it cracked and crumbled before her. Shocking her Adiona grabbed her chest, the journey had not started and she felt herself changing rapidly. Gathering herself Adiona saw Zero approach, brushing her hair aside she looked to him with a serious expression
A blue line formed on the wall which led to the ground and then it blasted this wall open....we could check it together."
He listened to the words of Adiona and nodded, it seemed that meant there was one more sphere to find. Looking around it didn’t take long before another passage had revealed itself to him. It took a kean eye to spot it, as the passage only revealed itself after examining a strange marking that bore a resemblance to one of the runes of Yevon, however there were slight variations. Likely something that a non yevonite wouldn’t be able to pick up. What a better test of faith than this? He smirked lightly, poking the rune and the doorway to the next passage opened up before him. He passed inwards and then kept moving, not wanting to slow down in case there was something else in this place that hadn’t quite been revealed yet. The cloister of trials was meant as precisely that. A test, some more dangerous than others. Although he doubted Besaids would be deadly, he didn’t let that erode his caution.
It was precisely that kind of attitude that got a person killed in the first place. It never paid to be too arrogant of things. Arrogance, like anger. Was a warriors blindfold. He stepped forward, it got darker as it went along, the torches and other lights of no use. He kept his senses about him, feeling his way through the dark corridors till he came to a right turn. Then up ahead there was another sphere, glowing dark purple and pulsing like some kind of live heart. He got close to it, feeling more uncomfortable as he did so. All the while he felt that for some reason something was wrong about all of this. Everything up till the point where he touched the sphere. Then, the dark was gone. Torches came on. Lighting his way all the way back to the main corridor. He returned, eventually finding Adiona standing outside a wall with its structure torn apart. He walked in the structure. Placed in the sphere slot. With that a glyph imprinted itself on the wall. There was a rumbling sound and part of the wall opened up, revealing the path to the chamber of the fayth. Word Count: 369 Total word count:7082
Post by Lady Summoner Adiona Duer on May 17, 2009 8:34:28 GMT
There it was...the chamber of the fayth, taking a deep breath Adiona took the first steps towards the chamber. Everything seemed so much bigger now, like the walls around her were closing in on her. Pushing herself forward the young summoner approached the doorway, creaking loudly the metal door lifted up pushing the coloured leaves aside. Inside was her time to shine, inside was the beginning of her pilgrimage. Would the fayth deem her worthy though, looking back to Zero Adiona met his gaze briefly before turning quickly away. Entering the chamber her mouth opened slightly in awe at the sheer intricate design, mouthing wow Adiona knelt in front of the fayth. Moving her body and arms she began to pray to the fayth, her mind focusing on the fayth willing and praying.
Adiona: As you knelt and prayed to the fayth, concentration and determination solely focused, a voice slowly enveloped around you. Soft in tone, then grew as more comprehensible words were sounded.
" Dear child...your prigrimedge if far from over, yet your heart appears set to the fate and task ahead of you. To aide your journey, we bequeathed to you Valefor. May its power and presence lessen the burden you must bare."
And as the voice became silent, a light shone within your mind's eye. Within these rays of light energy spilled from every direction, slowly seeping into your body and becoming part of it. A winged creature with the sharp curved beak of a bird entered your mind as a figment, then soared along the lit road into your soul. An exhausting presentation of power as the essense of the Aeon seeped into your soul. Valefor is now yours.
Post by Lady Summoner Adiona Duer on May 18, 2009 18:30:28 GMT
Time seemed to stop while in the chamber, then again time was not on her mind as she prayed to the fayth for Valefor to join with her. With her mind concetrating on obtaining the aeon there was little thought for anything else, within her mind's eye she saw the fayth in human form and then the aeon. A magnificent winged beast of different colours, a smile almost formed on her face as she saw the creature in its aeon form. The hymn of the fayth rang through her mind as she prayed, that only willed her more to obtain the aeon. Opening her eyes Adiona saw the fayth in human form before her, rearing back the apparition flew into her body...melding with her soul. The feeling was like a thud to the chest but it filled her with joy, taking a few moments to recover Adiona soon felt weak. Groggily getting to her feet Adiona made her way out of the chamber, the door creaked open once more. Her vision blurred but she soon caught sight of Zero waiting for her outside, grabbing the side of the wall she looked to him. "...I did it..."
