Saga: Journeys Beginning or Freedom?

[Icarius]

The Warriors of Time, now on slightly better terms with the Magus Council, were given actual rooms to sleep in, complete with beds enough for all, blankets, wash basins, and windows without bars. Ryan and Brandon had shared a room, while Agatha, Vahn, Loki, and Dramanius all had their own seperate suites. Their powers remained under lock and key for the time being, but come morning they had the assurance of the Knights that they would be restored once they left the Academy compound.

The night had been uneventful, but the morning was full of motion and activity from the very moment their eyes opened. Everyone was given enough time to wash, then lead through a series of coridors and intersections before they finally reached a kitchen. The scent of food hung heavy in the air, even as dishes and pots were being cleaned in preparation for lunch service. One chef, however, hung back and provided everyone with a plate of food for breakfast and some drink that rather tasted like some odd combination of coffee and tea. Afterwards, the were lead once more down a series of stairs and into the open light of a vast courtyard lined with soft grass and decorated with statues of lions in sitting positions, faces looking in different directions. It was almost royal in style, yet there was a certain sense of utilitarianism about the space that kept the indulgent side of it at bay.

Once on the grounds, they were asked to enter a pair of coaches that would take them to their starting point, the city gates. The ride was smooth and a moderate distance, just enough to raise one's anticipation for the journey ahead. The window shades were raised, allowing the group to watch as they passed through the Myura District, almost none of the passersby giving their mode of transportation a second look. It was quite evident that the Council had done a grand job of keeping their existence a closely guarded secret, though in the back of everyone's mind they knew it was only a matter of time before the old Dragonian sparks flew once more.

Upon reaching the gate, they were asked to exit and given a pair of maps, one for the immediate area, another for the trip to their goal: Steffson.

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"In Steffson, there is a man who has claimed to have found 'the Source.'" The reverence the Knight gave the term was not lost on the Warriors, yet it was clear that none of them had any idea to what he was referring.

"The Source is the place from which all magic originates, and is the birthplace of all life and existence in the Universe. Many thousands have falsly claimed to be attempting to reach it, only to end up stealing research funds to pad their already comfortable existence. The fact that this man is neither wealthy nor funded is cause for concern. We don't want him scamming the Steffson people out of their money, while sullying the good name of the Guild."

Brandon sniggered, which drew glares from the Knights around him. He cleared his throat and cleared his face of emotion.

"*Ahem*, yes, sorry, please carry on."

"We want you to investigate his claims, then put a stop to his activities."

"Guy's made a hoax to steal money, and we're gonna go in and push his button to get him to cut his schtick out. It's almost cliche."

"... Any questions?"

[Ryan - Loki]

That night, when everyone had been showed to their quarters, Ryan was delighted to know he had company in the form of Brandon. The young man had a clear and clever head on his shoulders, that much was certain, and Ryan knew he could count on him for intellectual conversation if the moment arose. It didn’t. Once they reached their room both men were tired beyond belief it appeared, the days events, considering their day had lasted a thousand years, had finally caught up with them. After a few brief words the two fell silent and drifted off to sleep.

Ryan hardly slept at all that night, and though this wasn’t an unusual occurrence for him, the reason behind his insomnia was. He couldn’t get his mind off of everything that had happened to him, and now alone with his thoughts Ryan could now release his pent up emotions, if only slightly. For hours he laid there, looking up at the stone ceiling above him, fighting back the tears he could feel welling up inside. Eventually fatigue got the best of him and he drifted off, allowing his thoughts to haunt his dreams.

By the time that morning arrived Ryan was already up and dressed, simply sitting crossed legged on his bed, eyes closed, while he meditated. He could ignore the noise and ruckuses that was happening outside of the room but it wasn’t long until he was disturbed by someone entering and directly talking to him and Brandon. Before long they were ready, had full stomachs from a healthy and hearty breakfast, and were on their way.

The journey from the academy had been a most pleasant one, or at least Ryan had thought so. They had not been treated like prisoners, on the most part, and had even gained the chance to take in some of their newfound surroundings whilst looking out of the coach window as they travelled towards the main gate of the city. Loki and Dramanius had secluded themselves within a coach of their own, forcing the rest of the group to squeeze into a singular coach. It wasn’t as tight of a fit as one would have thought. Ryan was happy that he didn’t have to share the company of his brother but at the same time, worried what he could be plotting with his servant while they were alone.

Upon reaching the gate, they were asked to exit and given a pair of maps, one for the immediate area, another for the trip to their goal: Steffson. Ryan listened as a nearby Knight gave them the required instructions for their journey, and then explained some of the unknowns to them, something for which Ryan was very thankful for; he didn’t like not knowing something that he could be risking his life for.

“…Any questions?”

“Yes, I have one.” Ryan said softly, not raising his voice unnecessarily. “When you say to put a stop to his activities, what exactly do you mean?” Ryan wasn’t naive, but it was better to have a full understanding of the situation rather than run on assumptions. “And what if his claims just happen to be more than rumour. What if we discover the claims are true?”

“..Then WE [/I] take advantage of his power my loyal follower…” [/color] Loki whispered to Dramanius, far too quiet for anyone else to hear.

Dramanius flinched in annoyance in being called Loki’s follower , though at least he wasn’t a servant dog like Natas. “Indeed.” was his only response.

[Vahn x Dimitri]

The night prior to their escapade had brought mixed emotions from him as he was finally released from his cell and put into a nicer place. It would probably be more like pushed into a nicer place considering that nobody at the academy or on the council actually had a soft spot for him. He was cold to everyone and was constantly thinking he was better than the rest, even though he made sure to prove it time and time again. Vahn realized he had a long way to go with all his hard work and development, but he could only do so much when the only ones who would challenge him were the proud young rookies. There was never an experienced fighter who challenged him except for maybe an angered knight captain or high mage.

The pair of guards that took him into his new accommodations pushed him through the doorway and he fell down to one knee as he peered over his shoulder, listening to the guards curse at him. "I don't know how the hell you managed it, Vahn, but you somehow got out of another long sentence." Just as the first guard finished with that, a third guard who followed them with a giant sack and was clearly struggling with the load. He plopped the bag down and there was the sound of steel clanging down as it hit the ground. The angle it fell made the objects inside break out the bottom as the handles of the others feel out of the top opening of the bag. The bag was filled with over a half dozen weapons, most of them bladed.

The same guard stared at him again as he continued to address him as the other two looked on, "If it were up to us, we'd take your life right now and do this world and the council a favor so those idiot warriors of time wouldn't have to deal with you either." Vahn rose to his feet and dusted himself off, squatting down and pulling out a particular blade and pulling it up through the bag. This one was a full fledged sword and relatively traditional, it was actually his favorite weapon out of the lot and was also the most worn. His finger touched the edge of the blade and an almost sadistic smirk came across his face. "What the fuck are you smirking abo..."

Vahn hand pinned him to the door by stabbing between his left arm and his torso and pulling the flat part of the weapon across his body. His other hand did a quick motion as if raising the other weapons and the group of them was lifted off the ground by the force of the air he was manipulating. The weapons pointed at each of the three guards and except for the slight sound of the air that was blowing under the weapons that would never be audible in most situations, the room fell dead silent. The three of the guards gulped now and their brazen and brave words were gone and their cowardice showed as they quivered in front of him. These were the moments Vahn lived for now, to see the fear in those who think they understand. "Get the fuck out of my room and I'll let you live." Pulling the blade out from the door, the three of them dashed out of the room and down the hallway just as he slammed the door behind them.

Now that he was alone, the other weapons crashed back down to the ground and the sound of a flowing air current stopped. He sighed as he looked at a comfortable bed and setting his blade on the floor, he plopped down and collapsed into his dreams in comfort for the first time in months. This may have been the easiest and sweetest victory he ever had.

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As Vahn dragged himself out of the bed in the morning to the guard's knock at the door, he drug a jug full of water and placed it next to all his blades. Stretching a little to work the sleep out, he focussed and began to do a series of motions with his hands while keeping his mind set on the task at hand. Just as the blades had yesterday, they lifted off the ground except this time they floated around him in a circle and upright. He used his hands to shift now the jug of water, taking the liquid out of it as it did something odd. The water hugged each of the weapons and almost solidified, making the water hide the items and reflect light and make them invisible to the eye. Closing his eyes to maintain his focus, he put his hands down as the weapons stayed in their exact position. He had always felt his elemental affinities were useless until he came up with this wonderful idea. What can you do with water and air anyway?

Vahn made his way out to the transports and sat down on his own, avoiding all these other so called warriors of time. Throughout the trip to the gates, he kept his mouth shut and did not pay attention to their words as they began their new journey, so to speak. This was just another day to him and he could care less what they had to do and as soon as the guard left them at the gates, he was going to leave them behind, even if he had to do so by force. His eyes closed, he bided his time until they arrived.

[Ryan - Loki]

“You are to stop him with any means necessary.” the guard stated boldly, without a hint of sadness of remorse within his voice despite basically having just resigned a complete stranger to his death. “Through,” he cut in again, his voice more companionate now, though not by much. “he is greatly preferred alive. It is what the council bids. Self defence is self defence though, and the council understands if death cannot be avoided. You are doing us a great service in proving yourselves with this task.”

Ryan nodded his head softly, more to himself than to the guard who was speaking to him. “What of my other question?”

“My apologies.” The guard said with the smallest tilts of his head, realising he hadn’t answered both questions. “If the rumours are true, though it is highly doubtful, then the man is likely to be even more dangerous than we originally thought. However, the same applies; bring him in for questioning.” The guard looked amongst the group, his eyes lingering longest on Vhan. “Lets just hope you all make it back in one piece.”

With that the guard balled his hand into a fist and slammed it against the chest plate of his armour, holding it there in a solute. Ryan bowed his head in respect and the guard turned on his heel and left the small group outside of the city gates, the huge gates closing after the guard was safely out of reach and back within the city. For the first time since they had arrived in this strange time the small group of Warriors were alone, and more importantly, they were free.

Silence was king within the group for the first few moments, but Ryan quickly saw to it that it didn’t keep it’s throne. “Right, I suggest we head on our way.” He sternly said, though not in any way was his voice forceful. “The sooner we complete this quest the sooner we can return and continue our peace talks with the mages council and their high lord.”

[Vahn x Dimitri]

The trip to the gate felt so much longer than it actually was. Vahn had been waiting so long to finally get out of this city that he had forgotten just what the outside world was really like. The moment they got past the gates and they were let go, he took a deep breath as if he had never taken a breath of air outside of those walls that kept him imprisoned for so long. The air was bittersweet and brought such a refreshing feeling to him that it also cleared the vision of what needed to be done. Closing his eyes and basking in the sunlight, he listened half heartedly to final instructions and then that Ryan guy started to speak again. By this point, no matter how grateful he was that Ryan was part of his plan to get out, he couldn't stand his goody two shoes voice anymore and was almost ready to do something about it.

He did, however, bring up a great phrase that brought joy to his heart. “Right, I suggest we head on our way.” The rest of the words out of his mouth were blah blah blah for all he cared. Ryan made a great point that it was time that they headed on their way and Vahn was quick to start heading on his own way. He turned to the east, away from Steffson and everything the guard was asking them to do. "You're right, Mr. Warrior of Time, it is time for us to head on our way and I'm heading on my way the hell away from everyone in this city." Vahn already had turned his back to the group and started to walk away from them. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing left for him to do or say here, so he was as good as gone.

[Sophronia]

It had been days since she last fed. Sophronia perched herself on top of a hill that over looked the gates and waited. She licked her lips and tried to hold herself back from running down and draining the life out of the old man who were working the fields. “Too strong their will is too strong…” She needed power she had drink in the essence of life soon or she would fall weak to others. Slowly she stood and make her way slowly down the path toward town.

She no longer had to fear the humans, her mark no longer tainted her face which exiled her. She almost looked warm and kind if not for her empty cold eyes. She had pulled on a dark cloak to cover her from head to toe, hiding herself as if she were dangerous. She had to smirk at the thought. Her dangerous? Ha! She preferred to be deadly. As she drew closer and closer to the city her body hummed with need. She balled her fists, digging her sharp nails into her soft skin, as little rivulets of blood ran down her fingers. As she approached the gate she noticed a pair of coaches with men leaving and guards talking to what looked to be a band of men. She paid no mind to them and continued to pass leaving a cold chill behind her pass over them.

Then she felt a pinch of something in the air. She stopped and titled her head to the side. She felt as if she were trying to remember something important, but all she could grasp was air. She slid her hood back and a waterfall of dark blue locks cascaded down her back. She looked around the city and saw people going about their business no one had noticed her or even paid her any attention. She then turned and watched the men who were speaking with the guards. Her face was emotionless and calm as her eyes passed over each man.

None of them looked familiar to her, then again she wasn’t who she was before. Should it matter that a part of her past was here or even watching her? They hadn’t even seen her walk past. They were taking papers from the guard and were talking amongst themselves and one even left the party and started to walk away. Her lip cured a little on her stone face as she watched him leave. Power he had true power and a very strong will. They all did in fact which only meant one thing. They were legends.

She took one last look of the warriors and her eyes lingered on a tall dark figure with long white hair that shined in the morning sunlight. Her eye’s shimmered gold for a second and then clouded over in a tint of blue. A zap struck her temples as she closed her eyes to block out the pain. She pushed a cool palm to her head and trying to fight away the dizziness that was coming over her. She needed a soul quickly. She glanced back over the man and turned away, walking into the busy street of morning shoppers.

Sophronia let her senses crawl out of her mind and run the city. She felt a few sick people in a nearby home. An old man playing chess with a young boy. A baby playing nearby his mother as she tended top her stall. She smiled an empty smile as she made her way slowly to the boy. He looked to be three or so. Shaggy black hair and chocolate brown eyes that were innocent and pure. Another flash of gold and the pain was back. She watched as his mother who was engrossed with gossip to another vendor and not paying mind to her child.

Sophronia smiled her kind warm hearted smile to the boy. “Hello. What is your name?” Her voice was soft and light, she knelt in front of the child and held out her hand to him. He watched her in daze and took her hand. “Peter…” she smiled and looked deep into his eyes which grew darker and darker. The whole street seemed to disappear and only the two of them existed. “May I have your soul Peter… It looks so good and pure. May I please have it…” She cupped the boys cold face as he nodded. She closed her eyes his soul filled her and gave her a buzz of power. The power was small but it was warm and steady and strong. It filled her body with a flame that heated a liquid pleasure all the way down to her toes. The boys power was like and explosion that ran throughout her body. She gave a sigh of pleasure as the last of his life force came to her.

Opening her eyes, she had her head tilled back and her hands on the boy’s blank face. She let him go and ran her hands over her arms to stop the goosebumps from spreading as the shivers of power raked over her. She stood up and looked down and smiled, “Go to your mother Peter. Tell her you feel tired.” Without hesitation the boy turned and made his way to his mother and crumpled into her folds crying. The woman turned and pulled the boy up and started cry in panic as her son slowly started to died in her arms. As people started to crowed and gawk at the scene, Sophronia pulled her hood over her head and turned in the opposite direction; holding herself as the boys soul hummed throughout her body.

[Ryan - Loki]

"You're right, Mr. Warrior of Time, it is time for us to head on our way and I'm heading on my way the hell away from everyone in this city."

At this Ryan spun around to look at Vahn. He had expected some form of betrayal from this mysterious mage but he hadn’t expected it so soon after their escort had left. I have underestimated him. Ryan thought as he quickly realised his mistake.

“Oh this is getting fun. I like him.” Loki said with a laugh, clapping his hands together.

Ryan shot Loki a quick glance. His expression spoke louder than any words could have, yet still he spoke. “Silence.” with that he turned back to Vahn and jogged forward towards him. “Vahn wait, please.” Ryan quickly caught up, passed and then stopped in front of the young mage. It wasn’t until both had stopped moving that he spoke again, his arms held out at either side of his body. “You cannot leave the group. We all gave our word that we would see to this problem – you included.”

Ryan’s face was almost emotionless, besides the concern he was showing. “Our group is small, I was hoping to count on your knowledge and wisdom in regards to this strange, new world. If we complete this small task we are surely to gain a better standing in the eyes of the council, even you.” He doubted he could reason with Vahn, he didn’t seem the sort, so one final attempt was made; one Ryan believed may have a better effect on the young mage. “We were told to stick together and you leaving is a direct violation…I cannot allow you to leave and ruin everything we’ve begun to build.”

Though everything was beginning to transpire in front of him, a rather entertaining set of events if truth be told, Loki’s attention had been grasped by something completely different. It was brief, a spark or serge but no more, but for a split second Loki felt something nearby that he could only class as familiar – and considering they were roughly a thousand years from their time familiar was about as strange and out of place as things could be.

It had come from behind him, back within the city. So turning around Loki simply looked back through the gates and into the bustle of people who were moving about nearby. The serge had dwindled to nothing and the feeling he had felt was no more, but that did not mean the cause was no longer there – it had to be someone hidden within the crowd. His burning, crimson eyes scanned the crowed but to no avail, not until they fell on her.

[Vahn x Dimitri]

This guy really didn't have a single immoral bone in his body, did he? He even resorted to lecturing him about promises to the council and guilt trips. It was really a touching story and he had quite a few valid points, but Vahn was done with the academy, the council, and everyone else in this forsaken city doomed to destruction. He had seen enough inside the council to know what the true intentions were of those who were really in control and he wasn't talking about the council. There was nothing left for him here now considering the only reason he had come was to get some good competition and maybe learn something new, but all he learned was that people were easily manipulated and flustered.

Ryan had forced him to stop in his tracks and had held his arms off as though this were some narrow hallway that he couldn't walk around him. It was actually kind of funny and it was evident when he laughed almost whole heartedly. After hearing all that Ryan had to say, Vahn was officially done with this "group" which obviously the guy with the white hair and scar across his chest and his little buddy also wanted nothing to do with Ryan and his merry band of righteous buffoons. "Look, I have nothing against you or your ancient ways or your little group here, but you can tell the council whatever you want." He took a step to try and get around him but it was clear that Ryan wasn't going to let him go that easily.

He could hear Loki, or whatever his name was, laugh as Ryan tried so hard to stop him from leaving. Vahn raised his arms to his side as if he was shrugging his shoulders with his hands at shoulder level. "Alright, I'll tell you what. You can tell the council you put me down, though that's highly unlikely. They'll consider you some kind of hero and life will be grand, but I'm leaving this place on my own two feet and my own accord. You, on the other hand," He did a swift motion as if pulling his hands back towards his body causing a gust of wind to head towards Ryan's feet to knock him off balance and hopefully trip him up.

Regardless of if it did or not, it was just a distraction so that he could get around and start walking away from the gates and them again. He wasn't necessarily looking for a confrontation, but if it came about, he wouldn't turn it away either. Vahn had his own agenda and had a long way to go now that he was out and the sooner he could get on his way, the better.

[Sophronia]

The boy’s soul was not fulfilling but she was still having trouble clam the soul inside her. Sophronia settled in an empty ally and closed her eyes. She held her hand over her chest and started to whisper words of peace. The shivers and trimmers slowly ceased. She let her fingers brush her soft skin of her neck and could feel the raw power glow over her. Even the air around her was thick with power and energy. She savored the taste of it and sighed softly. As she basket in the afterglow her mind seemed to fade into her secret place. There were flowers so many as far as the eye could see. They seemed to glow under the moonlight. Their fragrance was sweet on the warm breeze that creased her face. She leaned under a single cherry blossom tree. Its petals tainted pink. She felt safe under the tree as if its branches guarded her from the outside world. She didn’t know where she was but she always came here when she took a soul. Then the pain started to shoot up her spine to her brain. Her tree and flowers shattered as she looked up. Her body went through a painful seizure. She could feel her body twist and fight through the convulsion. Once it was over she was panting and rested her head on her shoulder. She slowly opened her eyes and watched as a crowd of people made their way into the church to mourn the passing of little Peter.

As the doors closed Sophronia body twitched. Anger built up as she stood and made her way slowly to the church. She took a jug of ale from a passing wagon, her eyes glowed a dark gold and then a pass of blue. Once at the door she pulled the barricade down over the entrance. Her face was cold as she poured ale over the tiny windows and one way exit. She took a small oil lamp that hung by the door and made her way down the stairs. She turned to the front of the building and watched. Then she flung the ale bottle at the door and then the lamp. They cracked and set the little church on fire in seconds. She stood and didn’t let any emotion pass her face. Screams and pounded on the door and windows of the church started as people gathered and tried to help. She let the cloak fall over her and raised her arms to the fire. She was wearing what looked to be a uniform of dark blue. As if she were someone of great importance. She had stole it from her first victim. She had no shoes and her legs were well over exposed. The tattoo that once claimed her face clung to her calves and thighs. They seemed to pulse with need as she stood in the fire light. She closed her eyes feeling the people in side lose their will to live. Her lips curved into a smile, “Give me your souls…”

[Ryan - Loki]

(OOC: Bro, I know that I’ve not got any abilities up in Ryan’s profile yet – bad me, I know – so this little scrap may be a bit difficult for you. What I’ll do is keep the abilities I use to a minimal – I’ll stick to my fire manipulation, hand-to-hand combat and swords. Ok?)

"Look, I have nothing against you or your ancient ways or your little group here, but you can tell the council whatever you want."

It was clear that Ryan’s words had fallen on death ears.

"Alright, I'll tell you what. You can tell the council you put me down, though that's highly unlikely. They'll consider you some kind of hero and life will be grand, but I'm leaving this place on my own two feet and my own accord. You, on the other hand,"

Vahn never finished his sentence with words but instead he pulled back his arms back towards his own body. Ryan watched closely. It was a strange movement to make, though it didn’t seem as if it could lead to any immediate threat considering the distance between the two of them, but it was best to be cautious. Wind began to swirl and pick up, though it seemed to be isolated to the area around Vahn’s hands; that quickly changed. Before Ryan could deduct what was happening the wind swirled and shot towards his legs and his feet slid out from underneath his own body. The ground came up face and hard, kissing his cheek with pain. A flash of white blinded his eyes for the split second his cheek thumped against the cold and hard dirt.

In those few seconds Vahn had once again attempted to take his leave; Ryan had seen his feet step over him and the sound of his footsteps upon the grass slowly lessening as he moved further away. Ryan grunted as he felt the blood rush to his cheek, his now sensitive skin tingling with pain. Pressing his hands down on the floor Ryan pushed himself up onto his knees, and then up onto his feet. He felt somewhat dazed from the unexpected impact, more so than he thought he would be. However, before Ryan could stop Vahn yet again something caught his attention, a scent he hadn’t expected to smell.

Smoke? momentarily forgetting about Vahn, Ryan turned to face the city only to see a large pillar of thick black smoke raising high into the sky. Turning his head somewhat to the side Ryan began concentrating on all the sounds he could hear, pushing his hearing out further and further until the bustle of the busy city was almost deafening. However, amongst the busy noises of the city he could hear the wailing cries and screams of many people.

Pulling himself away and back to his senses Ryan was faced with a moral dilemma; stop Vahn from leaving and salvage all that had been achieved with the mages council, or allow Vahn to leave and rush back into the city to save those in danger from the fire. For a few seconds Ryan seemed to freeze, though his mind never stopped moving through his options. Finally he came to terms with what he had to do. “The people within the city are not my concern.” he muttered. Bending his legs Ryan pounced into the air with agility and grace that seemed beyond his years. Up and over Vahn he went until his feet touched down against the ground again. Once more he found himself in front of Vahn, his back now facing him.

“We could have had come along peacefully, as part of our group……but you have opted to walk a difficult path.” Turning his head to the side Ryan looked back at Vahn, his one and only good hand moving down to the hilt of his sheathed blade; he would need to see his foe, even if it was with only one of his two eyes. “I give you one last chance; stop this foolishness, or I will make you.” Ryan’s gruff voice mumbled through the air, though each word was clear and concise.



Loki’s eyes had been fixated on the woman until she had faded amongst the crowd. Who had she been? Something about her had certainly been familiar or similar to something he had felt in someone back in his time, though he couldn’t remember who exactly. It was frustrating. Loki was about to turn his attention back to Ryan and Vahn when suddenly he noticed the black smoke slowly lifting high into the sky. Something was amiss, something that possibly had relevance to the woman he had just seen, or was it merely a coincidence? Loki didn’t think so.

He leaned in close to Dramanius, his voice no louder than a whisper. “I’ll be back in a minute of two. Keep an eye on both Ryan and Vahn, I can sense a battle between the two is about to begin…if the arrogant mage looks like he’s gaining the advantage then finish Ryan off.” He didn’t wait for a response, though Dramanius nodded in reply as Loki simply turned and silently moved back within the city.

Within no time at all Loki reached the flames as they reached the panicle of their height and intensity. “A church? Hah, how ironic.” he muttered to himself, but it wasn’t the heat of the fire, what building was burning or even the screams of the dieing within that held Loki’s attention, but rather the woman that was standing in front of the burning church.

“Give me your souls…” she muttered, her hands extended out on either side of her body.

Slowly Loki took a few steps up behind her, stopping no more than ten paces away. “Who are you?” he asked bluntly, though the curiosity in his voice was far more overpowering than the bluntness. His voice hissed out from his throat, smooth and soft yet deep at the same time.

(OOC2: My post is split into two sections; the first is between Ryan and Vahn, with Dramanius standing by, and the second is with Loki and Sophronia).

[Vahn x Dimitri]

For a second, ever so brief, it seemed as though this guy had given up and was actually going to let him go. He was a good five feet past his fallen body and about to take a sigh of relief when he heard words that he couldn't believe came out of the mouth of this goodie two shoes. “The people within the city are not my concern.” Did those words really come out of the guy who was standing for all the good and well being of the people in this group? The smell of smoke filled the air, but Vahn knew it was definitely none of his own concern. Still, to have this guy ignore the innocent people who needed help after talking all the talk, he realized that this guy couldn't walk the walk.

“We could have had come along peacefully, as part of our group……but you have opted to walk a difficult path. I give you one last chance; stop this foolishness, or I will make you.”

As much fun as a fight sounded, it wasn't in Vahn's best interests to hang around the city any longer than he had to and starting a skirmish just outside the gates would only attract some unwanted attention. Then again, there was a fire going on and this may just make the perfect chance for him to get into a win win situation. There was quite a bit that he could do to turn all this in his favor, possibly avoid the fight, or part of it, and get Ryan to leave him alone so he could make his retreat. Vahn took a couple of steps back away from Ryan and feigned a look of concern as he started to dart back towards the city. However, he wouldn't leave without antagonizing Ryan into getting him to follow. "Well, obviously someone has to do something about the fire and I'm sure the council will be happy to hear that you turned a deaf ear to those in their city who needed the help of someone who could have done something."

Rushing past whitey's lackey, the gate and whitey himself, not to mention the oddly attractive female who he was trying to talk to, he manipulated the air under him to get a better jump as sprung to the top of the burning church. This would normally be a pretty easy fix since the fire hadn't spread that much yet, but that wasn't his plan. He noticed the baptismal pool behind the church and made his way over towards it. From the angle he was at, nobody could see him and it would be at least a couple of seconds before Ryan or Loki made it to see what he was doing. With four quick hand motions, he took waves of water and flung them at the church, but they were not meant to put the fire out. Vahn had purposely made the water thinly layered and flung it with such force that it made several cuts in the structural integrity, but thanks to the fire spreading, nobody would be able to tell the damage was his doing.

Right about now, Ryan should be showing his face so instead of making the effortless manipulation of water, he did a great job acting like he was struggling as he lifted jug sized water balls out of the pool and used them to start quenching the flames. The fire was starting to be put out and his plan was finally in action.

[Sophronia]

The screams and pleads died down to the quite burning of the fire. Sophronia lowered her hands as each soul passed through her body. As addicting as any drug, she didn’t stop till every soul was hers. She could feel her thirst being quince. The power sizzled and burned over her skin. But the power itself felt so good. It twisted and coiled in her veins and muscles. The only problem was her body sometimes couldn’t handle the change of power level. If she took too much she sometimes blacked out and collapsed. And then there were times… Her body shuttered and trembled as she fell on her knees. She sighed and moaned in pleasure as it filled her empty core. She wondered if this was what it felt like to lay with another. But her thoughts were soon interrupted. She heard people group around her and knew she had to run. She gave her body the few seconds it needed to recuperate.

But then Sophronia heard a voice behind her. “Who are you?” That voice, deep and smooth that touched her in a familiar way. A shiver ran down her spine as she looked over her shoulder. The man from the wagons stood right behind her. His face was hard and his eyes shined with curiosity. For who her? Her eyes shimmered an amber then frozen over blue. “None of your concern warrior,” she said as she stood. Her face was cold and emotionless as she spoke to him, the firelight dance over her figures. “Just another demon to crawl out of Hell to do her Master’s bidding.” Just as she spoke the words two men pulled at her arms. “Monster! You should be burning in there with those people!” They held her by her shoulders and arms. One of them looked down at her legs and gasped in horror. “She bears the mark of the devil himself! She must burn on the holy fire’s!” ”Release me humans…” Her voice was low and yet had an icy tone to it. Sudden a dark figure jumped over them and on to the burning building. She had to search within the fire and smoke to see him trying to ruin her handy work. He seemed to be struggling at first but then saw he could bend water like her-self. As everyone gawked at the man on the roof she took this opportune to take out her captors. She threw one man over her shoulder to land, face first, on the hard cobble stone path. She took less time elbowing the other in the face causing him to reel in pain as blood pours from his nose. With that she glared at the man with white hair and ran. She pushed through people and jumped over wagons ans such, rushing for the gates.

[Ryan - Loki]

(OOC: Right people, I’m going to have Ryan use one of his abilities now – though I know it’s not on his profile currently, it’s an old move that he’s always had. Fire manipulation.)

Suddenly Vahn did the one thing that Ryan hadn’t expected him to do in this situation, he turned and ran back towards the city with what appeared to be a momentarily look of concern upon his face. Ryan was speechless, though his face only showed a hint of confusion and a mild annoyance. Without thinking Ryan took after the young mage.

While running Vahn looked back over his shoulder and shouted out to Ryan. "Well, obviously someone has to do something about the fire and I'm sure the council will be happy to hear that you turned a deaf ear to those in their city who needed the help of someone who could have done something."

Ryan ignored the jape, his face now a serious frown. He didn’t believe for one second that Vahn was serious about his want to help the people within the city. From what Ryan had experienced of the young mage thus far showed nothing other than a sly cunning and selfishness. This was out of character. And so Ryan kept up to Vahn as best he could, the gap between them remaining the same, as they both rushed back through the city gates.

It was nothing longer than a few moments before Ryan arrived at the scene of the fire. It was a church that was burning, and the fire was at a furious stage. Vahn had vanished up and around to the other side of the burning structure, but not so far as to stop Ryan from catching him, so Ryan focused his senses on the church and reached out of any sign of life. What touched his senses wasn’t normal, but cursed and tainted, causing Ryan to pull himself away immediately.

“None survive…” he announced, though to no one in particular. the council will understand, he reassured himself. there was nothing I could do anyway…this place has been cursed. there was nothing that Ryan could do for those within the church, their fate had been decide before he had even arrived, and so Ryan sprung up and followed Vahn. The young mage came into view and seemed to be struggling to lift and manipulate water in an attempt to extinguish the fire. This didn’t add up. Vahn was a powerful mage, yet he was struggling with what appeared to be an easy task?

This was not going to put out the fire, not any time soon, and so Ryan decided to take matters into his own hands. Pulling his arm up Ryan took control of the fire almost immediately. He could feel the fires consciousness pushing and fighting against the strain of his own. His frown grew deeper, the lines from his scars creasing in his face as he struggled with the bending of the fire. He couldn’t understand why he was having so much difficulty manipulating the fire. In his own time he could command the flames at will, but here it was a noticeable effort.

Despite the effort Ryan managed to gain full control of the fire, forcing it to ball together high above the church. The flames flickered and licked outward as if attempting to break through the mental bonds that had incapacitated them, but Ryan held strong. The ball was quite a large one, floating there aimlessly, like a second sun. The charred ruins of the Church were now completely free of flame, though smoke still rose from the ashes and burned materials. Ryan moved his eyes to Vahn. He didn’t need to speak; his look and the silence spoke for themselves.



“None of your concern warrior, just another demon to crawl out of Hell, to do her Master’s bidding.” her voice was emotionless, much like her expression. This only made Loki grin, a thick curiosity clawing at him. Then it started to begin, much like he thought it would.

“Monster!” a bystander suddenly screamed, pointing at the mysterious woman. “You should be burning in there with those people!”

Others grabbed at her, holding her by her arms, legs and shoulders. “She bears the mark of the devil himself! She must burn on the holy fires!”

This clearly annoyed the woman, her emotionless face crumpling into an angered scowl. “Release me humans…” it was a demand, an order; Loki knew much of them, though hers lacked strength.

A figure pounced over them all and dashed towards the church, a figure Loki knew as Vahn. Sure enough Ryan wasn’t far behind. The two bothers shared a glance as Ryan passed. The stare spoke for both of them; Ryan’s bright azure eyes staring deep into Loki’s burning crimson ones, and visa versa. The moment passed and Loki returned his attention back to the mysterious woman, who was using the sudden appearance of the young mage and old samurai as a diversion to escape. She pulled away from the crowd, leaped a nearby wagon and made for the city gates; but Loki wasn’t through with her yet.

Flames engulfed Loki’s entire body, though the portal didn’t open. He scowled in anger and force himself to focus, something he very rarely had to ever do when using his abilities. Suddenly there was a shift and he vanished amongst his flames, the flames dieing out almost instantly. Suddenly a small pillar of fire sparked into life directly in front of the mysterious woman’s path, and Loki stepped out from within them, grinning and unburned. The fire died behind him. It hadn’t been how he was used to travelling, but it had sufficed – even if it had felt as if it had drained him a fair amount. Things are different here…I’ll have to look into this more at some point.

“I’m not finished yet, demon .” the crimson of his eyes seemed to be pulsating, like a whirling storm of fire was trapped within them. “You probably don’t know who I am…but you’d do best not to deny me.” he continued. “I asked you a question. I expect an answer.” it was a demand that she could learn from; one full of strength.

[Vahn x Dimitri]

It would appear that all this time he was underestimating Ryan as he managed to ball up all the flames in his hand and hold them above his head and the church. He could hear the ball of flame flickering and knew that the first phase of his plan was achieved. Though faint as they were, there were a few voices still emanating from the church from the people who had seemingly lost all hope for their lives. Their vigor had been renewed and they were feeling as though they were safe again for the time being. The people cheered as they saw the bravery of Ryan and seemingly Vahn who did all this work to save the ones inside the church that threatened to consume their lives.

Vahn eyed the fire that Ryan held above him in a nice ball. This would be the perfect opportunity to employ the second part of his plan. Vahn looked up at Ryan as he stood on top of the church with the fire ball and spoke a couple of soft words. "I hope you have enough control to hold that in place while it gets put out, old timer." Vahn backed up a little, still on the ground which gave him a better angle, not just at the fireball but his other objective.

Closing his eyes, he focussed intensely as he held his hands out in front of him at waist level. He probably looked a little silly, but what was coming would show that he definitely meant business. At first, there was a gentle breeze that filled the area and was almost as though the people were refreshed by it as it cooled them a little. Some of them relaxed feeling the calamity end and simply enjoyed the breeze that gradually began to pick up. It was only another minute or so before the wind had kicked up greatly and caused those same people to find some kind of shelter. He had seen higher level elementalits do this in seconds but it took him so long since he only used what he needed most of the time and he was a split between water and air.

Feeling convinced that he had enough wind gathered around him, Vahn opened his eyes and looked up at Ryan again with an almost sadistic smirk on his face. "Hold on, this is going to be a pretty hard ride for you." He was breathing heavily as he began to shift his own weight for what came next. He swung his arms around and spun once as if building momentum and pointed his hands directly at Ryan, the fireball and the roof of the church. The wind he had collected blasted the three things with a force that could only be defined as hurricane. The force of the wind was enough that it forced the fireball to break up and eventually dissipate. After just about ten seconds, the wind subsided and all that was left was Ryan on the roof of the church.

Vahn let himself fall to his knee and start to catch his breath. That actually did wear him out but desperate times called for desperate measures, but now the fun was about to begin. The four cuts of water he got off before Ryan could see him had damaged the structural integrity and the massive force of the wind was enough to make his plan take effect. The roof started to slip and threatened to collapse soon. He kept some of the air inside and made it rush through the cracks and and crevices, whistling loudly almost as though there were still people still alive inside. It was the perfect ploy for him to escape, a nice misleading voice that may let Ryan think that there were still some people inside and Vahn had to play this all to his advantage while he could.

Breathing heavily, he turned back to Ryan, knowing that he would feel the roof start to shift off its pillars. "I think you have a real decision to make now. You can save the people inside who are screaming for their lives or you can pursue me." Vahn struggled to get back to his feet as he looked up at Ryan and started to walk weakly back towards the gate. "Council guards are watching, make sure you do the right thing." Wincing a little from the fatigue, Vahn picked up his feet and began to run through the back alleys back towards the gate to make his way out of the city, leaving Ryan to make the choice of saving the lives of the innocent or protecting his own best interest and pursuing Vahn.

[Sophronia]

Sophronia skidded to a stop as the fire pillar appeared in front of her. She watched as the white and red warrior emerged though the flames. She huffed air in and out as her body was having trouble working. She could feel her legs trembling but refused to back down or be weak. She met his fiery eyes with cool icy ones in a deadly glare. It was weird how he controlled fire. He didn’t seem the fire bending type. He almost seemed Godly. She let her eyes travel over his form and saw he held himself proudly. (I’m going by a pic of Sephiroth) He wore a long black coat that was tight with metal shoulder pads that shined in the morning sunlight. He wore no clothing under his coat besides matching black pants and boots. Why did he look and seem so familiar to her. Something was amiss and she felt very uncomfortable.

The wind blew her hair around her as if in a trace, but she didn’t move as he seemed to be speaking with her. She had to smirk as he seemed to be upset with her.

“I’m not finished yet, demon .”

He spat the word out as if it were acid on his tongue. She had to smile at that, at least she knew he didn’t like her. She saw the change in his eyes as they swirled with hot fire.

“You probably don’t know who I am…but you’d do best not to deny me.”

She laughed at him and swayed her head side to side. Deny him? He had to of thought himself some god then. Maybe he was but she served only one, and he was not her master.

“I asked you a question. I expect an answer.”

Sophronia shook her head at him. She knew he was ordering her and for a second she was about to answer. But pain shot up her spine again and she doubled over with the pain. She gasped and closed her eyes as wave after wave rolled over her brain. He was doing this to her. He was controlling her in some way. She glared up at him as her eyes turned a frosty blue close to white. She slowly rose to her feet and pulled out what looked to be a small crystal. “ Awaken Mirage… ” Then slowly the crystal grew into a large type of staff. She held it out in front of her as it growth had completed and swung it behind her. “ My name he says… What if I have no name? ” Her tone was cold as the air around them seemed to drop to fidgeted temperatures. “ And what if I don’t answer? Will you kill me? Will you burn me alive like those useless humans? ” She smiled and tilted her head back as the power of her fresh souls seeped over her. “ Im not just any demon…Im a demon who doesn’t fear death… ” She turned back to him and pointed her weapon at him as it pulsed with light blue light. “ So I am denying you warrior and demand you let me cross or I will scatter your body parts across this court yard… ” Her voice was full of power but no emotion as she stood and waited. She could feel the back of her head throbbing and hoped she could last till could reach somewhere sfe to rest awhile.