Mystics Apprentice

Out of all the KH games I think 358/2 Days would make the best novel. The way in which the game is laid out would be quite interesting in novel form, plus it has plenty of story-telling content outside of combat and world exploration that it would be an interesting read. I'm not typically one to enjoy video game novel adaptions, but I am quite intrigued by this one. I might have to check it out.

--Athena, Everyth, and Alderon – Isopolis: City of Isolation The princess seemed confused when Aura voiced her concerns about Henry, not being particularly familiar with the dreadnaught. While he had been imprisoned by her father at one point in time, she was seldom privy to the activities that went down in the labs and prisons. She glanced over in that direction, though there was so much chaos that she had difficulty pinpointing which one was Henry. "It seems that Raiden has betrayed us," Athena explained to her father in short. "He has attacked one of our own, Henry, and proceeds to move toward our opponent." The king chortled at the mention of Henry. "It is odd to think of Henry as being 'one of our own,' though trust me: if anyone can survive a death blow, it would be him. I have been . . . surprised by how resilient he is." Feeling his way around, the king rose to his feet, using his claymore as a cane for guidance. "I would like to speak to Raiden myself. If one of you young women would help me over . . . ?" "No, Father," Athena insisted. "I will not get you that close to the fighting. It is too dangerous with your eyesight being robbed of you." "It is what I must do," he explained to her grimly. "I have an obligation to my people to serve, Athena, regardless of my current state. Surely you must understand to some extent?" "I do not," Athena replied stubbornly, folding her arms over her chest. "You cannot see. I do not know what you can possibly do that would–" "Raiden was a companion, ally, but also friend," Alderon said, his tone imploring. "I must speak with him. Surely there must be some explanation to his actions other than treason. He would not double-cross us so, or at least I should think not." "I beg your pardon, milord, but you did not assume that Lady Midnea would double-cross you, and there she is." The aged Everyth appeared from seemingly out of nowhere, causing Athena to give a start. Alderon did not seem bothered, though was uncertain of who she was. When he inquired the aged woman merely gave a hollow laugh, before gripping the king's upper arm. "Oh, what we've become. I being a ragged hag, while you a blind king. We both have been made rather useless, but we might as well put ourselves to the best of use that we can. Come, my lord, allow me to be your eyes and lead you to Lord Raiden." "Lady Everyth," Athena muttered sadly, watching as the shadow of her former guardian led her blinded father away in the direction of the action, before Nergal and the altar. Alderon could not see, yet this did not weaken his determination. He stood proudly, head and shoulders held high, his claymore rooted firmly between his feet. He turned his head in the direction of Odin's voice, though his gray eyes did not leave the ground as he spoke. "Lord Raiden," he said, voice strained. "What is the meaning of your actions? Why have you forsaken one of our own? Have you gone back on your word, your promise to me? What about our dream of unity and peace–has it been all but forgotten to you now?" --Yevgeni Malachite -- Isopolis: City of Isolation "I seldom knew Raiden," Yevgeni admitted. "But I somewhat doubt that this was his plan all along. Very few even knew of the existence of the Source of All Life. For him to predict this turn of events and play us all from the beginning would've been highly unlikely, considering he has been preaching unity and peace for over a millennia. Something must have changed for him, whether it have been at the Gate or otherwise." The blond paused, recalling the Infiltrator that he had met, negotiating a war and recalling the individual's disdain for Raiden. Was the infiltrator somehow involved? Yevgeni had no way to determine it, and the present was no time for him to reflect upon this longer. This was the moment, the perfect moment to get the upper hand while there was confusion among their ranks, and yet . . . why could he not bring himself to attack? Instead he moved past their group, pausing at Rabiyu's side as he spoke. "Things have indeed changed. For now I must protect the Source of All Life, because, while my motives are far from pure, at least they are not involving further destruction. If Raiden has forsaken his life's ambition, who knows what his goal is with the Source of All Life? If you will permit me, Lady Eliltari, I would like to aid you in stopping the Mystran Lord. I will not set aside my goal, but for the time being I would like to lend you my blade, if you will accept. There is no telling what harm he will do if the Source is in his hands, which I cannot permit. We have a common goal."

Kolm's aqua-blue eyes met Winona's dark ones challengingly. "Perhaps we can tie for first, or battle in the arena for the opportunity." It interested the young man that Winona aspired to meet the higher-ups, and why they desired to be so allusive. Why bring so many individuals to fight for their cause against their will, only to lack even showing your face to greet them personally and make them feel at home? Something felt amiss to Kolm, and he wasn't going to sit idly by without trying to gather more information. Perhaps Winona could be his accomplice in this task, once he got to know her and determined whether he could trust her or not. "Kolm Haranwy," was the raven-haired man's response to their newest companion, accepting her outstretched hand to shake it. Kolm started to turn to Lukkel, but was surprised by his new friend's reaction. He reached toward his pocket, his demeanor turning cold and the cheer dying in his eyes. Kolm watched him leave, his face slackened as bewilderment washed over him. What a curious reaction, and all because Winona had mentioned that her friends had perished? Apart of him wanted to follow Lukkel to ensure that he was alright, but he felt that Winona may have answers since she had been here longer. Winona seemed about as perplexed as Kolm, to which the cold mage shrugged to. "I . . . have not known him for very long. We were both just recruited, though I will admit that scene was . . . very out of character. It was odd indeed." He pauses a moment, before at last adding: "So you say that you will be the first to meet the higher-ups . . . . Do you actually have an idea of how to meet them? Are they on the premises? And how long has anyone actually been here? Are you among the longest?" So many questions, and perhaps many of them improper for their first meeting, though manners were not things that Kolm was properly taught in his youth.

I'd probably join in as well. I too was a part of the original, though for multiple reasons had to leave it prematurely. I look forward to seeing what you have in mind for this round.

For a moment Kolm looked as though he was going to get angry, but then his expression softened with Lukkel's goofiness and general friendliness. How could he be irritated with him? Perhaps he was the friend he needed–if he were going to have any friends. He still wasn't used to the idea of trusting people. Lukkel seemed shocked that Kolm thought of leaving, to which Kolm was equally shocked. A frown furrowed his dark brows. "Well, perhaps I would like to leave because I was brought here against my will? I don't know why that is so acceptable to everyone; it's called abduction, and it's not okay. If I didn't see this as beneficial to me I would be up in arms and try to escape, but for right now I am going to accept the arrangement, because the situation is mutually beneficial." He paused, feeling as though his statement was contradictory, though moved on. "I would, however, like to meet the people in charge here. Has Pang mentioned anything about them to you?" He thought if anyone were to know anything that it would be the tiger, though when he could approach him alone about this he wasn't sure. At least no one would die from this match.

Yevgeni Malachite -- Isopolis: City of Isolation Despite stating his stance, it seemed that some were hesitant to kill him, and some even pleading for him to change his mind. This did give the elf pause. Were there some people that, despite all the lives he stole, still had a fondness for him and didn't wish for his demise? Did people actually care? For so many centuries he had been alone, with no friends and no one to confide in, and yet Jynn had confessed looking up to him, and Aqua and Rabiyu seemed greatly disinclined to harm him. Eclaire seemed interested, though it was understandable; he had, after all, ordered the death of her beloved. If that didn't attract some hate, what else would? Yevgeni sensed Rabiyu's reservations; while her bow was aimed at him, her eyes kept darting toward Eclaire. Was she considering aiding him? Would she turn on her fellow comrade? As much as he would've appreciated the sentiment, he didn't wish for her to make such an action. If she turned on her allies it would cost her her life, and enough lives were already being paid. It surprised Yevgeni when Aqua returned to his side, his expression looking as though he'd been slapped before his emerald eyes narrowed. "I thought that I told you to take cover and get away," he said crossly to her. "No good will come being near me. I am their target, and thus you are in danger." He listened as Aqua asked if there was anything or anyone that he cared about, to which he took a moment's pause before answering. "Those who care about me, and who I cared about, have long since perished in the Great War. I have been without anything, anyone, for too long that I do not even remember what it was like to have someone to call a friend or loved one." He rubbed his chin. "Perhaps . . . there are a few individuals who would fall into this category of mine, but none who would deter me from my vow to King Alexander. To live and die as his will has been my purpose for over a thousand years. That is a very long time to be devoted to a cause; it is hard to dissuade from." He then tilted his head, considering Rabiyu's words. "I suppose we all have made many sacrifices, and yet it seems that we all will not get what we want in the end. But tell me: should I decide to relent to your cause, what would that even mean? I certainly don't suppose your human friends would welcome me with open arms, and–" The words died in his throat, his sword arm falling to his side, as he watched the spectacle that Odin had created. Astoundingly, the Mystran lord had seemingly slain Henry while brusquely harming Helios, all to rush Nergal. "Well, that is certainly quite the scene. I thought that most of you were serving Raiden, and yet he seems not to care about his fellow comrades. It seems that you all have been played." Yevgeni turned toward Rabiyu once more. "I do not have the Source, even if I desired to give it to you. Though presently it seems we have another matter to deal with. I wonder: what did the lord give up in the final trial? Did it spawn such . . . madness?" Amidst the confusion of Odin's betrayal would've presented Yevgeni with the perfect opportunity to strike, and yet he chose not to. Perhaps he viewed fighting these individuals as pointless, or perhaps he didn't wish any of them harm. Even he wasn't certain which it was. Elia Cabret -- Isopolis: City of Isolation "NOOOOOO!!!!! HENRY!!!" The fairy dropped what she was doing and flew over to Henry's side, shaking her head and murmuring "no" repeatedly as she clumsily landed. She scuffed her knee and her leggings tore, but she didn't care. Her small pallid hands fled over his chest, eyeing his injuries and feeling the tears begin to well and blur her vision. "No, I'm so sorry!" she sobbed. She wished to heal him, and normally she could, but . . . her white magic was the price that she paid to come there, and thus she could only watch, helpless, as a dear friend died before her. She placed her head against his chest, listening for a heartbeat but could hear none. "I'm sorry, Henry," she murmured through tears. "This is all my fault. I'm the one that suggested that you come to this accursed place. I'm the one that enlisted your help." Her gaze met Mikhail's solemnly, which she averted quickly as she murmured an apology to him, as though she somehow held the burden alone of his death. His coughing caught the raven-haired fairy by surprise, causing her to blink several times before tackling the wounded man in a big bear hug (which should be dubbed Elia hugs, as she gives them often). "Oh, Henry, you're alright! I thought that we lost you!" Athena and Alderon Niles -- Isopolis: City of Isolation "Perhaps you are right about the djinni's powers," Athena agreed with Aura. "You would probably know more about the way this world works than myself. I have not been here for very long and am still learning." They had barely reached the human king's side when Raiden had portrayed his true colors, striking Henry and moving on for Nergal. At the sudden outburst of Raiden's name throughout the chamber, Alderon began to grow curious as to what occurred. "Daughter? Aura?" he inquired, hoping to arrest the attention of one of the young women. "What has happened? Why is everyone disgruntled toward Raiden?" It seemed that Raiden had betrayed them, though Alderon could not believe it. He had spoken in length with the Mystran lord, confided in him, befriended him! Surely he was not merely using him, as Alderon had little the offer and only to gain. Raiden seemed like a man desirous of true peace, so what could have happened? And then it occurred to him. "No," he murmured darkly, shaking his head. "He couldn't have . . . . The chamber back there . . . . Did he give up his desire for peace and unity?!" And, if this were so, it would mean that they would have something very terrible to reckon with.

Solomond's laughter felt good for the rogue to hear, especially with things looking so grim. "Yeah, well, what else is new? I know how to sniff out trouble." The sudden throbbing of his shoulder brought him back to the present, causing him to wince. He glanced back over his shoulder at his "friends," which were soon barricaded by the flames that Solomond shot up. Tibarn would've laughed, but the pain distracted him. "Talk about lighting things up," Tibarn commented, leaning against Solomond for support as his comrade balanced him on his shoulder. "But no, they need you in there–don't worry about me. I can take care of myself. Honest." Truth be told he was not honest, but Tibarn knew that the others needed his help. If he tried to relax and stop the blood flow he could probably make it until Adamina returned . . . probably. Tibarn was feeling a bit ill, and exerting himself whilst trying to outrun the crewmen didn't help his cause. Once Solomond and Tibarn were further into the space station and fully immersed with all the other passersby, Tibarn stopped short to brace his hand against a while, proffering a light smile to Solomond. His lips were growing increasingly pale. "I'll just rest for a bit and then make it back to our ship. You go to the others, except, say, you don't have a spare commlink anywhere, do you?"

I had been waiting on Solomond, but since you went ahead and posted I'll try to get a post in today. As for Endless Thundaga, I am assuming that he has left us.

Yevgeni Malachite -- City of Isolation The elf nodded upon Jynn's words. "It would seem that you have indeed grown since we have been apart. It takes a strong man to curb his desire for revenge in exchange for mercy. I am surprised that you would spare my life, considering I have taken that of your mother, along with countless others from the world below." Rabiyu's arrow came whizzing overhead, arresting Yevgeni's attention. He rose and jerked to the side to avoid its range of fire, before landing a mere few feet in front of Jynn, Eclaire and Rabiyu now at the future king's side. Yevgeni smiled sadly. "It would seem that we are at an impasse, then. You are unwilling to change your mind, and I cannot meet you at your request. Everything sacrificed would be in vain, something that I simply cannot allow. King Alexander has given up too much, as have I, as has Shiva herself–" He lifted his rapier, though did not point it at any of them. "As I mentioned earlier, I do not wish to do either of you harm. Goodness knows that I have taken enough lives to weigh on my mind, however"–he straightened, sword outstretched–"I will do what I must to serve, even to the last breath." (Sorry for the short response; I'll try to make up for it next time)

The name Surses didn't sound familiar to the mage, but until that day he hadn't even began to contemplate that there were other worlds beside his own. If he didn't possess magic he might try to refute everything as a delusion, but, seeing as he did, Kolm accepted rather than questioned. "I am sorry that your real parents aren't ideal, either." The words came out awkwardly, and even Kolm did not recognize his own voice as he spoke them. "It seems that the people whom adopted you are good to you, though. I wish that I could say the same about those who bought me." He fell silent after that, not feeling as though this were the time or place to discuss Rhogan and the other criminals. Instead he took a stab at being friendly, something he saw more than actually put into practice. "I'm glad to have met you, Lukkel. It will be . . . nice to work around someone like you." "Do you suppose that we'll ever get the opportunity to return to our home worlds?" Kolm asked, the question that had been eating at him for a while.

He is Jack Sparrow's first mate/right-hand man in the Pirates of the Caribbean films.

Don't worry about it. I think we all understand that real life takes precedence. Please take as much time as you need in updating. We'll be here!

Even if Jynn lets Yev live, I have a feeling that Eclaire would not.

Yevgeni Malachite: City of Isolation The green aura around Yev's body, which concentrated mostly around his torso, began to fade, the wound knitting itself closed as fresh flesh clothed it. Just as this occurred Jynn approached him, sword drawn, to which Yevgeni offers him a wry smile. "What do you suppose the difference will be, between my surrendering now or fighting to the death? Either way you plan to kill me, yes? At least this way I can fulfill my promise to both Veriti and your grandfather, whereas surrendering will do me nothing. I do wonder, though"–he tilted his head considering the prince–"what is it that you would use the Source of All Life for? Would you bring your mother back?" Yevgeni got to his feet, swaying slightly. While his wound may have healed, he was still weak from a lack of both blood and magical energy, the healing process having drained him much of his sources. His gaze did not falter from that of his nephew's. "I am truly sorry that things have come to this, Jynn. I am sorry for the pain that I have brought upon you. This was not a fate that you deserved, though I had been hoping to deliver a perfected kingdom to you, one of men and fey. Perhaps, though, there is a grain of truth to what you all say: there will always be conflict and war, whether human or fey. I had thought–no, hoped–that by purifying our worlds and uniting them we could ensure an era of peace, but there will always be new generations, and history will always repeat." The elf lowered his head, seemingly deep in thought. "I wonder," he voiced at long last, "if the Source of All Life could grant eternal peace to both worlds, restoring that of which the humans lost while maintaining a war-free world for us fey. Perhaps it could divide our worlds fully, once and for all. This . . . deviates from the path that King Alexander considered, though it is perhaps possible."

The rogue was losing blood rapidly, becoming lightheaded and a bit tipsy. The crewmen, thankfully, decided to pursue him, out of the hangar and into the brothel. They readied their guns, though held fire when Tibarn wove his way through the other patrons. They wouldn't risk firing and shooting employee and client alike, lest they have the entire Rose's Grace on their tail. Tibarn chuckled lightly upon realizing that Adamina heard his witty comment, though was unable to linger on it too long as a bullet whizzed past his head. "Don't let him get away!" one of them cried, causing a couple of girls to shriek and run for cover. By now all eyes were on Tibarn, though he didn't slow his pace. I'm heading for him. Take care, you guys. At the entrance to The Rose's Grace Tibarn was relieved to stumble upon Solomond. He let out a sigh, holding his wounded shoulder. A short distance away, the crewmen were still following Tibarn, and now they were more willing to fire since they were out of the brothel. A few let their bullets fly in his direction, though none were a very good shot and Tibarn was able to avoid them with ease. "Hey, long time no see, Sol," Tibarn said nonchalantly, very much unlike a man who was just shot and still being pursued by his shooter. "Do you have a plan? I might need to sit down soon. I'm getting a little woozy."

Kolm crossed his arms over his chest, regarding Lukkel before returning his gaze to the arena. "If I were to root for a victor, even though I seldom know either, it would be Pang. At least the tiger is friendly and courteous. Galla treated me like I was some thorn in her side the moment that she laid eyes on me." He would not admit that he'd take pleasure in witnessing her defeat, even if it were indeed a mite true. "Her views, however, are probably a little more realistic than some, I would agree. I do not mind a fresh start, as in my previous life I had been on the run for years, though I would have preferred the option of joining this cause. I don't very much enjoy being plucked from my life and being forced to do anything." His life had always been a matter of few choices, though he didn't elaborate on this point with Lukkel. "How about yourself? Where do you herald from? Anything that you left behind that you'll miss?" The cold mage considered the possibility that Lukkel had left family or loved ones behind in this greater calling, which he did have empathy for. Was Lukkel's cheer merely a facade? It were possible, and he regretted asking the question of his losses the moment it slipped from his lips. I don't need to make everyone brood like me. The idea that Lukkel was genetically altered piqued the mage's interest mildly. "Altered so, if I may ask? Like, augmented? Is this why Haven wants you?" The question on himself, however, was not regarded with such fondness. Immediately Kolm's face darkened, and it was as though he drew a mask over his emotions. "My parents thought I was cursed because I could use cold magic. They sold me, where I was used simply to kill. Now I make my own way in the world. That's pretty much all there is to know about me. I am no one." He tried to look interested in the fight so that Lukkel wouldn't ask further questions, though inside his cool exterior he was burning, hurting at the memories. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a figure–most likely a woman, if gauging by the shape–leaning in the archway to observe the fight. He assumed that this was another one of Haven's draftees, though he wasn't sure when she had gotten there. It seemed like she only had recently appeared, as she hadn't been there last time he'd glanced her way.

Yevgeni Malachite -- Isopolis: City of Isolation Yevgeni's eyes narrowed at the retainer's words. It seemed that Shiva was indeed capable of love, something that he'd disbelieved until he'd seen her with Jynn and, much later, Eclaire. She certainly had never showered it upon himself or her father; perhaps that is why King Alexander held his own daughter with disdain. The elf parried her first attack, emerald eyes meeting hers. "Perhaps you aren't the only one who has lost everyone," Yevgeni hissed. "Perhaps you aren't the only mistake in this room. I was hidden away for years, disregarded because I was never meant to be born. I would've cost the king his arranged marriage and alliance with the south, perhaps even starting a civil war among fey. Tell me, Eclaire: have you ever stopped to think? Have you stopped to consider the sacrifices that others have had to make, besides just yourself? You are so self-centered, thinking of Shiva alone and disregarding anyone else's pain or suffering, considering only the pain that you suffer within your heart from losing the one you love. Well, you know what?"–he unlocked swords with her and carefully backflipped away–"you need to get over yourself and grow up." It was around then that Eclaire sent a wave of dark energy his way, causing him to cringe inwardly, eyes wide. Darkness was his elemental weakness; he wasn't sure what such a blow would mean for his holy magic. Thankfully Nergal shielded him from the blow, as Yevgeni shifted so that the two were back to back. "You have my thanks, Nergal." Soren's words annoyed the elf greatly, though time was seldom for him to shoot back a retort. "You're wrong, traitor," Yev responded coolly. "I could not afford to falter, to fail in the same manner that Shiva did. I cared for her, even if she despised me, and even now I do not know if I could have ended her life as I was obligated to do. I did not force or coerce Nergal to do it–"he considered his companion briefly–"he agreed quite willingly, and I do believe claiming a portion of the Source of All Life's power is indeed a fair payment for such loyalty." The two were now together, which was good because they could defend one another, but bad because it was easier for their foes to strike them both with a single attack. "It is best for us to split up, I believe," Yev voiced as he turned his head to glance at Nergal over his shoulder, yelling over the chaos. "I will hold off the bulk of them. Try to take down the long-range fighters. I didn't want to harm any of them, but they are beyond diplomacy at this point." From the corner of his eye Yev saw Henry's arrow, an impressive conglomeration of Rabiyu's arrow of light and Soren's hellfire. Yevgeni drew another iridescent shield, which shattered upon the arrow's impact but served in guarding them. He then noticed Alastor, Odin's crony, dart in to deliver a swift kick to the Queenslayer. If he managed to land the hit, however, he would deliver a sharp jab of his rapier into Alastor's exposed side, the blade enchanted with holy magic so that it could sear through even the most resilient of armors. He then brought his sword hand up hard, so as to knock the hilt of his blade up hard against Alastor's chin. He noticed Henry flying in the direction of Nergal, though there was sadly little that he could do to prevent it. Alicia sent glyphs to circle around him, and it was the best that he could manage to dance around in an attempt to avoid them. Something about the air changed around them, and Yev felt static as the fine hair on his neck stood on end. Glancing up, he saw that Rabiyu had prepared a bolt of lightning aimed directly at the pair. He kicked off of the ground, the lightning striking at his feet, yet the closeness of such an attack left his heart pounding and ears ringing. "Two can play at that game!" Yevgeni cried out, sending beams of holy light down to strike the ground around Nergal at their enemies. They came forth from the sky, about three feet in diameter and scattered five to six feet apart. At least a dozen strikes fell, though none, interestingly, were aimed even remotely in Rabiyu's direction. The draconic blast was harder to avoid, however, with its immense speed and Yev's attention being diverted elsewhere. It hit him clear in the stomach, the shock of the impact causing his eyes to widen as he collapsed to the ground, rolling on his side several rotations before coming to a stop. "No," he rasped, jamming his rapier into the ground as violet rays scattered from its tip and surrounded him. "Not . . . yet. We've come so far–" A thick wall of ultraviolet rays surrounded the elf, and his body began to glow an emerald green. He was in the process of healing himself, or at least to partially undo some of the damage that Alicia had wrought to stave off death, at least for a bit longer. His tunic was tattered where the blast had hit, along with the surrounding flesh. He would bear the scars for the rest of his life, he was certain, if he managed to survive beyond this day. Meanwhile, Athena considered Aura's words, a thin smile visible on her pallid lips. "I do hope that you are right. I'm now regretting using up Rufus' wish on my human form. I should've wished for a safe journey to the Source of All Life. I did not foresee any of this."

I'm sure that this was an error, but Tinbarn. . . . I love it. I can't stop laughing.

Tibarn could hear the sound of several weapons on the other side of the crate, none of which were particularly enticing to him. The brunet sighed. Looks like this might be the end for me. He darted from behind a crate, letting loose two of his throwing knives and embedding them into the flesh of two respective crewmen. Bearing his dagger, he leapt up onto the boxes, by now attracting the attention of practically everyone working in the hangar. A couple of the men shouted, reaching for the guns at their waists. Tibarn tackled one, jabbing his dagger into his back, while simultaneously throwing another knife at another. One of them let a bullet fly, which burrowed deeply into Tibarn's left shoulder. Oh, that smarts, he thought, feeling the blood drain from his open wound. He had no time to tend to it, however, nor try to stop the bleeding. If he lingered there much longer he would have much more than a single open gunshot wound. This bought the rest of the crew a precious five or so minutes, enough for them to successfully sneak aboard one–or both–of the ships if they were wise. Tibarn kicked one of the men blocking his way in the gut before hurling him in the direction of the rest. He then proceeded to dart toward the exit and the brothel, hoping that they would follow him and not his friends. Daniel, I don't know if you can hear me, but . . . did you make it in safely? I might not make it out of here alive, but tell Adamina that she . . . has really nice plumage.

Kolm meekly followed along with the rest of the group into the arena, helping himself to a bubbly beverage from one of the refreshment stands before taking a seat in the surrounding bleachers. He could handle witnessing a fight, though he inwardly hoped that Pang would win. Someone haughty such as Galla deserved to lose, in his opinion, especially because of the way that he was treated earlier. Fighting to the death, though . . . . That did sound brutal, even if no permanent death would occur as a result from their clash. Kolm had skirted death quite widely before, never close enough to feel what it would've been like to die. He wasn't particularly interested in finding out what it would be like, nor feeling the pain affiliated with it. He took another sip of his drink, considering those who sat around him. Perhaps it would be wise to become further acquainted with his allies, but Kolm was rather distrusting, something he had acquired during his enslavement of the bandits.

I was going to say so much, but decided against it. . Very clever,Vaude, very clever.

Yevgeni Malachite and Athena Niles -- Isopolis: City of Isolation The screech that Mariel emitted caused the elf to stumble backward, the sound reverberating through his head and causing his ears to ring. He hadn't seen an ability such as this screech in a long while, though generally the screech was silent, unlike Mariel's screech before him. For a moment he held his head, his head feeling like it would split. For a brief while he felt stunned, merely watching as Sifrei whisked the other angel away. His attention lingered upon them for only a moment, switching over to Nergal, the assault upon his ally seeming nearly relentless. What a drag this ragtag group of heroes was starting to be. Yevgeni rose his right hand, uttering an incantation as the wind began to pick up around him. The sky darkened by only a shade as solar energy was drawn from the sun. With a wave of his arm, light akin to shooting stars struck the party attacking Nergal. If they hit, it would sear through whatever it touched with immense force. Just as he was about to dart over to aid his companion, he found Aqua approaching. His emerald eyes faltered. "I have tried to be honest with you," was Yev's response. "Trust me, I have taken no great pleasure in lying. I have had to guard the truth a few times, I will admit, though my goal is to obtain peace, even if it requires great sacrifice. My objective is to fulfill King Alexander's will, with my final act doing just that." His gaze shifted over to Henry, as the dreadnaught attempted to strike Nergal in the kidneys. He knew that he had to hurry. "Aqua, I will make this up to you if I survive, I promise you. I appreciated your loyalty, then and now, and I hope regardless of what happens today that you will emerge from here well." Yev then grasped her shoulders and pulled her out of the line of fire. "I must help him before he is killed. Take shelter. Don't get yourself hurt." He ran a gloved finger across her cheek tenderly, looking as though he wished to say more, before he tore away and rushed to Nergal's side, rapier drawn and ready to shed blood. Meanwhile, Athena's fingers intertwined with Aura's as she carefully lead her across the battlefield and over toward the human king. "What did you have to sacrifice?" she asked her along the way. "I . . . fear that my sacrifice did something awful. Arthur is what I hold most dear, and I haven't seen him since we've arrived. Do you know what happened to him, by any chance?" She thought it unlikely, but it was worth a try. If something terrible had happened to Arthur because of her, she would likely never forgive herself.

The enthusiasm that Lukkel exuded made Kolm ill again, though this time a very different sort of ill. He straightened, gripping his elbows with his gloved hands. "I suppose I do not have a choice in the matter and have to watch your sparring," Kolm voiced in response to Pang's sparring suggestion. "Though you did promise us a drink, which I would be very much grateful for." Pang seemed friendly enough, and almost as energetic and bubbly as Lukkel. Serene and Galla seemed more like himself in terms of demeanor; he would probably fit in better with them. The former had agreed to watch a sparring session, suggesting that she go up against Kolm in the process. The raven-haired mage raised a brow. "Pardon, but I believe our tiger friend said to watch, not spar," he said lowly. "Unless you really crave some action, then I suppose I could see what I can do." Kolm felt surprisingly well after Lukkel had settled his stomach, though he was hesitant to sign himself up for a match. He didn't much enjoy fighting. That was, however, when fighting for the kill; he had never once fought for fun.

--Yevgeni Malachite -- Isopolis: The City of Isolation-- The elf watched his fellow kin retrieve her orb of light and move away, his eyes following her somberly. He'd wanted Rabiyu as an ally. He wanted to call her his friend. At one point perhaps they had been friends. If he'd been able to tell her of his plans, would it have somehow made a difference? Would he have still gone through with this, or would they have worked things out differently, together? No, he couldn't afford to regret his actions, not now. Nergal was his friend, and he was on his side; that was what he had to focus on at present. Eclaire tore herself from her mother's arms, offering Yev a speech which he listened to patiently. Her words came down hard and cold, especially in voicing her thoughts on King Alexander. Yevgeni gritted his teeth, baring his rapier to parry with her strike. He leaned in, putting his weight behind his blade to hopefully push the queen's retainer back slightly. "I do not suppose Shiva would take kindly to you speaking of her father in such a manner, nor do I." He shoved and leaped up into the air once more, hovering several feet above her. "King Alexander was a great man, who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice so that we maintain peace, even if it meant his own daughter. Tell me what ruler is willing to sacrifice their own blood, if not a great and powerful one? I always wanted to be someone he was proud of, to be someone worthy of calling his son." The words slipped from his mouth before he could pause and consider them. Realizing his error, he lashed out, sending four beams of light to strike from the heavens, which extended in an X-formation around Eclaire. It was around then that Eclaire's light blasts shot out from her wings; he swerved to dodge them, though one managed to strike his left shoulder, causing him to hiss in pain. Thankfully it was not his sword arm, though it would be difficult for him to make use of his left arm in any manner now. As Eclaire began to strike his chest again Mariel charged in his direction, having to charge through his rune without taking too much damage and, the damage she had taken, she did well. Before Yevgeni could react she charged into him, sending him to the ground behind the altar. It took him a moment to collect himself from the damage, slowly rising from the ground and eyeing the angel coolly. He whipped his rapier to the side, brushing back stray strands of hair that had fallen into his face. "I do not think we have been properly introduced," Yev murmured darkly, slowly walking up to Mariel, his left arm hanging limp thanks to the damage that Eclaire had wrought. "It would be a pleasure to make the acquaintance of the woman whose life I am about to take." The elf ran a finger along the tip of his sword, causing it glow. He then proceeds to slash the air in front of her, sending a shockwave of light energy. It was wide in radius, about five feet, and Yev came up shortly behind it. He sent a few strikes in her direction, slashing mostly toward her midsection. Meanwhile, Athena noticed Sifrei and Aura struggle and briefly left her father in a safe corner to head over to them. "Come, Aura," she said tenderly, remembering the girl from the rooftop. "I'll take you over here to my father, who cannot see as well."

Alright, so Tibarn's gone off and decided to be the center of attention. He might've just either made his crew mates lives better or worse, depending on how this plays out. I didn't post for the loading crew, Heart, because I thought they might be your NPCs. It may be best if you control them to keep things moving well, but if you would prefer it I have no trouble controlling the ones that Tibarn is encountering, either. Whatever you choose is fine with me.