186 replies to this topic

[Gabe Puratekuta]

"Hey, what are friends for?" Gabriel put the bowl she was holding on the nearest rock. "That demon seal should keep your dark half at bey. But make sure you stay away from water." She then sneezed and hugged herself tightly. "I should've really waited until morning to medita--" She suddenly remembered that she was still in her undergarments and blushed. "C-C-Could you two turn around for a bit....?"

Motoko was both relieved and excited to be out of the forest. Not only was it the first time a spirit helped her, but also the first time she *heard* spirits. She tried to mask that excitement the best she could. She then sat on the nearest log and started playing a small flute

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

Ken himself felt good to out of the forest, looking over the rolling hills just beyond. He looked up at the full moon and stars, their glow illuminating the landscape. He stopped and turned around to see Motoko playing a flute on a log - a rather nice song. Somewhere off in the distance, Ken thought he heard a wolf howl.

"Motoko, would you like us to wait with you until Gabriel comes back?" the boy asked.

[Mystic Kitsune]

Feeling bad, Kitsune quickly turned around forcing Germanlink to turn his head too.

"Keh...I saw nothing..." Kitsune thought to himself.

Great, this was going to be troublesome. To keep his true self, he had to avoid direct eye contact with the sun, as well as with water. Rainstorms happen very often with his past experience living in the woods.

"...dammit...this means I cannot leave the tree canopy...or Im done for..."

[Billy Goat]

"Oh!" said Germanlink as the human Kitsune forced him to turn around. "Heh, sorry I wasn't really thinking too much." said Germanlink with an embarrased smile to Kitsune. He wasn't thinking too much after all, seeing as he was pretty much exhausted from all the running and the lack of sleep. "No wonder the warriors of the Woods are so strong" whispered Germanlink to himself.

He then thought about his brother again. No wonder he never came home, even Germanlink himself was starting to enjoy this "Adventuring". He was actually surprised at how happy he was, to think he could be at home right now, working at the mines, yet here, he is free, he can do as he pleases, the only problem was actually only the fact of survival.

Germanlink was sitting down thinking, it was very silent. He was starting to fall asleep, and just as his eyes were closing, he heard a soft thumping sound, as that of a heartbeat. This woke him up, he looked around and saw that the Kitsune was still looking away, Gabriel was probably still changing. He then looked at the Kitsune's Katana, the blade of illusion, he then heard an even louder thumping sound. It seemed to be coming from the blade itself.

"Hmm?....I wonder..."

[Mystic Kitsune]

The sword kept thumping...then Kitsune noticed it.

"Keh! Trying to communicate with me, you damn blade!" He untied the sheath from his clothing and threw the sword a few meters away from himself.

"Why cant swords just shut up and go to sleep as well?" He thought to himself...

[Billy Goat]

Germanlink saw the Kitsune throw the blade away several feet away.

"I can see that you're tired"...Germanlink didn't actually notice the voice until a couple of seconds after he heard it. It was weird though, he didn't seem to have heard it with his ears at all, it seemed something was speaking to him in his head. He figured it must have been one of the forest spirits trying to talk to him. He decided to humor this voice just for no apparent reason.

"I guess I am pretty tired, heck I haven't slept in quite a while, but I can't complain."

"You'll never be tired with me, actually it'll be quite the opposite"

Germanlink looked around, he then relaized, the blade itself was talking to him. The blade was actually taking advantage of the fact Germanlink was so tired, he wasn't thinking too much actually. It's almost as if the events that had happened these past few days had in a way "shocked". His mind was pretty empty, or better yet pretty slow in a way.

"What do you want you stupid sword?"

''Why, I want you to wield me of course, is that not what you want as well?"

"Umm...not really, I'm happy only using my wind arts"

"Well, how about amplifying your powers with me then? You always did want to be strong didn't you? You always felt you wanted to be stronger than your brother after all."

"How did you know that-" Germanlink was now almost in a war with his mind, the blade spoke no more, but it was still seducing him into wielding it more and more as the seconds passed. " I can't take this anymore". Germanlink got up and started to walk towards the blade. He was standing right next to it, he looked at the Kitsune, who only gave him a sort of annoyed look, but it showed no dissaproval of Germanlink grabbing the sword.

He bent down, and picked up the Blade of Illusion...

Edited by Billy Goat, 07 August 2006 - 05:51 PM.

[Mystic Kitsune]

"...the hell?" Kitsune said looking at Germanlink who seemed like he was talking to himself.

He then saw Germanlink getting up and walking toward the sword...

"Damn the blade! It left me for someone else now...but this boy...isnt even a demon!" Kitsune said to himself.

He tried to get up to stop Germanlink, but it was a failure, his wounds would not allow him to stand up, so instead he fell over face flat on the floor.

"DAMMIT! Germanlink! Dont listen to what that damn blade has to say! Ignore it! Pay it no mind!"

The attempts were a failure. Germanlink picked up the sword.

"Keh...what next?" Kitsune said under his breath...

[Paladin Anthony]

Staring off into the distance, Ayden listened to the world for the first time without fearing he might harm someone. Aiden wasn't happy, to say the least, but he was quiet.

He sat down, in the grass, a few feet away and pulled the sheath from his side. He hadn't even seen the blade yet. He pulled it free, unsheathing it slowly. The blade was a pure white, almost glowing. It was metal, but what kind Ayden had no idea. However, the unique thing was, it was reverse bladed. Ayden liked this, it fit well for him. It also meant that if Aiden got control, he'd have a little harder time using the weapon without re-training to use it backwards.

Ayden resheathed the sword and tied it at his side. His silver hair was down in his face again. He hadn't paid much attention to his looks in quite some time. Now however, he pulled out a small cord and pulled his hair back into a ponytail of sorts. He then noticed his clothes were ragged. "My my... I've been in that forest far too long." He mumbled to himself.

Again his eyes fell on Motoko as he walked back. He flashed a grin then said "We should stay here till sunrise anyway. So yes, we can wait." His gaze shifted to Toan who still had said next to nothing.

Edited by Paladin Anthony, 07 August 2006 - 09:36 PM.

[Toan]

OOC: Jeez, I go to wedding in Pennsylvania and everyone decides to post at once. o.o

Toan had, admittedly, said very little to anyone in the excursion thus far. He witnessed wolfos attack and Gabriel kill them in a flash, but he felt no real fear or suprise.... rather remorse that they, the creatures that had come to leave him alone (out of fear, perhaps) didn't finish off or severely reduce the group's immense size. At least now it was down to Ayden, Ken, and Motoko, as well as Toan himself.

Motoko had led them out of the Woods, though. Toan had followed in total silence, only occasionally glancing away from the path they were following to catch a glance at Ayden. He was truly an interesting specimen, he was... driven... perhaps by religion or vengence, as Toan was? He didn't prod, though. And Ken... limping along. Had Temple spirits truly effected him? Clutching his pendant and rosary, he silently followed to where they had ended up.

He cast a quick look around. Ocean in the distance... but what ocean? Is it the Lalvican Sea? The Eastern Ocean? At least they were in Sornaiid... The stars... I can orient myself...

Then Toan looked up. The stars... the moon... memories of days past flooded his mind and Toan flashed a small grin on his face and he gazed upon the moon's fluorescent glow, illuminating his face for the first time in ages.

"We're on the eastern coast of Sornaiid," Toan pronounced in his cool, soft, half-whispered and hushed tones. "I can afford to accompany you until Gabriel arrives, but then I must be off. Anyone who wishes to accompany me..." Toan paused for a moment, but The Gods made their messages clear in The Scripture. "...may do so, but beware - I move swiftly and not without devout purpose."

With that, he dropped a few gold coins at Motoko's feet and sat on the cool grass, gazing back towards the sky. How he's missed the glow...

He clutched his rosary tighter as he fought back the tears that threatened to leak from the corners of his deadened eyes; more memories twirled around in his head...

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

Ken looked for a spot where he could sleep, picking a place that looked good enough. He took his sword and stabbed it into the ground, solidifying his spot. He then undid the belts on his person taking them off along with the sword’s sheath. Ken then piled the discarded leather pieces next to the sword, held his hands to the blade, and prayed. He then walked around in a circle, tamping down the grass. He laid down, resting his head close to the sword.

The boy stared up into the moon awhile not quite able to sleep. He turned a few times still feeling tired but not quite able to sleep. He tried counting the stars a few times but kept losing track. Ken’s mind drifted for awhile, and he began to sing a soft, slow, solemn song he remembered hearing from back in his home village.

“Veris leta facies
mundo propinatur,
hiemalis acies
victa iam fugatur,
in vestitu vario
Flora principatur,
nemorum dulcisono
que cantu celebratur”

His eyes began to droop as his consciousness faded. His voice grew softer.

“Flore fusus gremio
Phebus novo more
risum dat, hoc vario…
iam… stipatur… flore…”

The boy’s mouth stopped moving as his mind began to dream, his mind calling back images of when he was younger. His unconscious mind saw a bonfire, with others continuing the song he began.

[Gabe Puratekuta]

Gabriel, who had just finished changing, suddenly noticed that Germanlink had picked up Kitsune's sword. She quickly leaped into the air and gve him a good heel drop over his head, forcing him to drop the blade.
"{Germanlink, you moron!!!} Keep away from that sword!!!"

[Ahhh! It's been quite a while since I did that XD]


Motoko looked down at the gold that Toan tossed by her feet. "I do not need payment." She then continued playing her flute, which seemed to coinside with Ken's singing

[Billy Goat]

"Auuugh!" yelled Germanlink as Gabriel struck him, forcing him to drop the sword as he also fell to the ground. Germanlink's body had finally taken a toll on his mind and will itself. He could not think anymore, he could even move and get up anymore. Perhaps it also had to do with the forest spirits. Germanlink just lied there, looking up at the sky, which was covered by the tall trees of the forest. His eyes finally closed, falling into a deep sleep.

[Gabe Puratekuta]

Gabriel then did more hand symbols. "SEAL!!!" she shouted as she slammed her fingers onto the blade. It started to glow a deep purple and, as suddenly as it glowed, became rusted. She then threw it back to Kitsune. "Keep that until it can be destroyed." She picked up Germanlink onto her shoulder. "If you can walk, then we should take him back to the temple and head out of the forest."

[Paladin Anthony]

Ayden listened to the combined music of Ken and Motoko for a long while before he drifted to sleep. He's dreams were surprisingly calm.

In fact Ayden actually stood in what seemed like an unending expanse, to his back it was perfectly white... blindingly so. In front of him was darkness... and Aiden. They stood maybe 3 feet apart staring at one another.

Aiden spoke first "No, I'm not gone. So just remember... I will be free again."

Ayden made no reaction for a long moment, then he spoke softly. "You're not gone because something is telling me I still need you. As much as I hate the things you... we have done... you are part of me..."

"Don't get all sappy on me!" Aiden bit back. "And don't make excuses... You simply can't rid yourself of me."

Ayden shook his head. "Soon we will find a common goal and we will work together."

Aiden said nothing.

"You know it to be true don't you?"

Aiden's lip curled in distaste. "Yes."

"And don't you think Mother would have wanted that instead of what has happened in the past century."

The anger in Aiden's eyes vanished at the mention of their mother. They had both forgotten her in these long years... but the memories returned in this dream. There, to their side, stood the image of their mother, silent, eyes downcast, but there nonetheless. They both looked to her, tears forming in both their eyes.

"We will avenge her!" Aiden snarled.

Ayden nodded, "But not at the cost of becoming what she hated." He offered a hand to his other half. Aiden looked at him, obviously contemplating the gesture. Aiden grasped Ayden's hand and they shook hands as the room melded into a flat grey.

Ayden awoke and before opening his eyes, he felt the sun on his face. He was unsure what they dream meant. He still had the feeling of distaste for Aiden's actions, and the desire to atone for those sins. But he felt that for once, these sins would be commited no longer.

He opened his eyes, stood and stretched. This was going to be a good day.

[Mystic Kitsune]

Kitsune looked at the now rusted sword.

"Keh...this seal wont last long...not even yours Gabriel. But it should last for the time being..." He said while picking up the blade.

...this blade is called the Blade of Illusion for a reason

"...head out of the forest?" Kitsune said to Gabriel. "This may be a problem Gabriel...maybe we should all head to the temple first?"

[Gabe Puratekuta]

"If you can walk, then we should take him back to the temple and head out of the forest."

(I said that already)

"Exactly. While there, we can drop him off and pick up the rest of my things." Suddenly Gabriel heard a flute playing in the distance. "(Tomorrow, my daughter, we shall finish what I have set out to do.)" She then looked up at the sky. "(Then we can go back home....together.)"


[Short, I know. But I'm just not gettina anything at the moment. That usually happens at 9am*yawns]

[Mystic Kitsune]

(OoC: That was meant to show he wasnt paying attention, Gabe )

"Good...good..." said Kitsune as he just walked quitley next to Gabe eyeing the forest around him...

Feeling the silent situation was awkward, Kitsune just quietly followed Gabriel toward the temple...

Something here isnt right...Im getting some of my power back...it must be getting closer to dawn...

Edited by Mystic Kitsune, 09 August 2006 - 10:49 AM.

[Billy Goat]

Germanlink had opened his eyes, he saw that he was moving, and looked over to find Gabriel carrying him. He then looked over to his other side and saw the Kitsune walking along too. He then noticed they were arriving at the Temple.

"Auugh...what happened?...my head hurts..."

[Gabe Puratekuta]

[*taps head*Well, you should've said that before Xp]


Suddenly, Gabriel saw something out of the corner of her eye and stopped in her tracks. She then tossed Germanlink into the air and drew her katana.
"Catch!" she yelled as she threw her blade to Kitsune and caught Germanlink, who she set down, and picked up her hammer. Two Stalfos jumped out of the bushes and started surrounding the group

[Billy Goat]

"Augh...more trouble...". Germanlink struggled as he got up. He looked at the two Stalfos, ready to attack. Germanlink was exhausted, but he still had some fight left in him. He faced the Stalfos and unleashed a strong gust at them, but they immedieately lifted their shield up and stuck their swords into the ground. The wind spell had absolutely no effect on them.

"Damn, no use...sorry guys, I have no more in me."

[Gabe Puratekuta]

"Haven't you been listening when I was teaching your father? Or were you just staring at my chest all day?" Gabriel then closed her eyes and concentrated some of her energy. She then quickly opened them and slammed the hammer onto the head of one of the Staflos, crushing it into dust. "Baka." she said before deflecting an attack from the other Staflos

[Mystic Kitsune]

Seeing the blow done on the other Stalfos, Kitsune knew these guys were a pushover.

"Keh, against you, I dont need my demonic power." Kitsune said while charging the stalfos and going into a wild 8 slash blade combo.

As soon as he finished, the Stalfos fell apart into 8 different pieces as quickly as it had happened.

"Here Gabriel, you can have your Katana back" he said as he tossed the katana back to Gabriel.

"Ill try using this blade...even if its rusted...I cant hear it. And thats all that matters." He said while picking up the Blade of Illusion.

[Toan]

Toan woke to the smell of fresh grass and dirt, feeling his rosary still clutched firmly in his hand. Sitting up, he blinked a few times and rubbed his eyes... the light was blinding.

A flash before his eyes reminded him he was out of the Woods. Smoothly, Toan found his footing and turned to the rest of the group. Asleep. Hmm... Where's Ayden- Toan soon spotted him, standing and stretching. The Zora approached him and threw his hood up.

Unblinking he spoke softly to Ayden, "It is dawn, and I cannot afford to wait any longer for the others. Please pass my word on to the group, and give my thanks to Motoko. May The Gods bless all of you and your endeavors." With that, he removed his glove to reveal a heavily scarred hand with a religious tattoo on the back of it. He rested the palm of his hand over Ayden's left pectoral, and the tattoo's ink seemed to intensify and glow slightly.

Finished with blessing his travelling companion, Toan replaced the glove, turned and began the trek onward. It would be harsh and long, especially lacking supplies, but he was sure Divine Powers would overlook his pilgrimage...

OCC:I'll be continuing in the Come Sail Away thread, as it is Toan's goal to kill Rhiannon.

[Rhiannon]

Rhia sat in the bar. Goose had just joined them and she was overjoyed but something in the back of her mind told her to be cautious. Lena wanted to sit down and wait as Goose told his stories but Rhia knew this wouldn't be good. She used the old lady in the bathroom as an excuse to leave.

"maybe he should tell us on the way..."

[Paladin Anthony]

Ayden nodded as Toan relayed the message of his departure. It was time for them to part. Ayden had already vowed to protect Ken on his quest. Toan obviously had his own endeavors to attend to.

Then the Zora placed his hand on Ayden's chest. The blessing, as best Ayden understood it, gave a glimpse into the Zora's religious background. He had power, something Ayden already knew, but it wasn't purely good. However, this blessing had no ill effect that Ayden could sense, so he let it go.

"May your travels be safe as well." Ayden said calmly. He then returned to the group. He decided not to wake the two who had created a lovely song the night before. He instead started looking for something to eat.

He was soon hard at work, cooking up a meal from some of the things he found just inside the forest. This was probably going to be his last meal from the Lost Woods for some time, so he enjoyed it as best he could, while saving Ken's and Motoko's share, keeping it warm.

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

Ken woke up, finding that he had fallen asleep on his side. He groggily rolled over onto his stomach, propped himself up, and shook his a head a bit to get some grass and twigs out of his knotted, unruly hair. The boy, still in his half-asleep state, put back on his belts and tighted them. Ken left his sword where it was for the time being, confident that it was not going anywhere.

He walked over to Ayden, smelling something good. He handed Ken a meal, which the boy took graciously.

"Thank you."

Ken then sat down, enjoying the meal himself.

[Gabe Puratekuta]

Gabriel resheathed her blade and looked up at the treetops. "It's dawn. We should leave soon." She then turned to Germanlink. "I know you want to find Billy Goat, but I'm afraid this is where we must part ways."


The smell of something good had awakened Motoko. She sat up, brushed some twigs and grass out of her hair (as if you can tell from her hair anyway XD) and put on her glasses before standing and walking over to Ayden and Ken. As soon as Ayden saw her, he handed her her share of the meal.
"Arigatou." she said and quickly started eating

[Billy Goat]

Germanlink looked upwards at the canopy. He saw some light coming through it, "Well, I'm afraid to hear that, but I suppose we had to part ways eventually. It was a pleasure seeing you again Gabriel, may you have a bright future ahead of you, also...send Mokoto my best wishes."

Germanlink then looked at the Kitsune, who was also looking up at the forest canopy. "So Kitsune, are you also planning to leave the forest?"

As some more light started to pour in through some parts in the treetops, some forest birds could be heard singing.

[Mystic Kitsune]

"Im...not sure" He said while trying to figure out what to do.

Dawn, for many, it is a blessing, for him, its a curse. What could he do now? If he was with Germanlink to long, he might end up tearing him apart...or, if he could somehow shatter the blade of illusion, he could remain in half demon form with his same attitude...

Randomly, he took the blade and smashed it on the ground hoping that it would break after all the times he used it.

It didnt.

"Dammit!" Kitsune yelled while pounding the blade with his fists. He eventually stopped and looked around, ignoring Germanlink's perplexed look. He found a boulder to hit the sword against, and so he did, only to end up slicing the boulder in two.

Thinking and cursing the blade, he came up with an idea...

"My...my longsword! Whered it go?" He said quickly turning to Germanlink. Then he remembered, not even waiting for an answer, he rushed off back toward the waterfall to re-trace his footsteps...

[Gabe Puratekuta]

"Kitsune!!!?!" Gabriel yelled, then mumbled something in her native language. She looked at Germanlink. "Well, I guess we should go inside for the moment. You need a lot of rest and my things are still in there."