Rixator's Story

Rixator yawned blatantly as he stretched out his arms, rubbing his wrists for a moment as he returned to the rendevouz point for his employer and whoever else will be joining them. He was happy to have work, and this job was bigger than any other he had before. As an added plus, he'd be able to seek out information about his clan, and how and why they disappeared. A sickle style blade hung from his right hip, a unique blade made specially for him hanging on the left. It was a dark colored sort of sabre, seeming to be the brainchild of a shortsword and a survival knife: the blade was very linear, the front side having a razor sharp edge, the back of the blade being quadrilateral style serrations. If it didn't cut his target normally, it tore them apart upon impalement. Adjusting his hood to ensure his face remained enshrouded in the darkness, he glanced forward.

Standing where he once stood was some sort of cat boy. He'd heard of that tribe of beast people; wiped out, from what he heard. Apparently, there was a survivor, given the looks of this boy. It stopped Rixator for a moment. But only a moment. Someone else who knew his pain, huh? He'd discuss that later. For now, he simply sat ontop of a close-by barrel, flexing his fingers as he spoke out. "So, they send a lad to work with me, huh? What can you do?" He inquired, leaning forward a bit.

Theda had no problem slipping on her dark blue cloak over her form fitting dark brown outfit. While most might have thought it unseemly or coldhearted that she did not wear the black garb of one in morning Theda knew the truth. Marec wasn't gone. He was just waiting, waiting for Theda to find him and bring him back. At first she had doubted whether or not he would ever return, ever smile at her again, ever kiss her forehead and tell her to lighten up a little...

But now she knew he wasn't gone. So she didn't morn, and she certainly didn't cry. Even before the doubt had lost it's hold she hadn't cried, it simply wasn't in her nature. So as she moved silently through the street, making no more sound than a surefooted tomcat, Theda wore no mourners garb. She had even added extra berry juices to make sure that her hair was a turquoise-green color, and none of it's usual black was left within it.

Theda approached the castle silently. While she could have avoided the guards and slipped in through one of the many unguarded entrances she'd already discovered she chose not to. She wasn't in the mood to make an entrance and merely stated her name and business to the guard before moving through the gate. Theda padded her way to the take off area, as sure of where she was going as if she had studied the castle blueprints, which in truth were not to hard to reach.

When she reached the take off area two other people, presumably other members of the group were already present. She made no move to introduce herself and merely stood in the shadows with her hood drawn over her face. Theda didn't bother introducing herself and merely watched the two of them interact, wondering how things would pan out.

The king, queen, Bella, and Gabe, finally reached the take-off area. The take-off area was a large place, beside the sea. Next to the take-off area is the parking area where dozens of Avory's castle's airship and waterships are parked.

From far away, they could see two people waiting. One was Obana Crow, the sole survivor of the cat-people and an apprentice of a well known assassin. The second one was Rixator, a famous, mysterious, hired mercenary.

They walked to the two. When they was near, The king looked around to see if there were anyone else and saw another in the shadows, not very far away. It was Theda Siouxsie, the volunteer. The king waved to Theda, calling her to join them.

"Is everyone ready?" The king asked everyone

Rixator arched a brow under the shrouding hood he wore. Was this really the party for this job? Hell, half of them were practically kids! Damnit, I'm a mercernary, not some royal babysitter!! But...A job is a job... He though to himself, opening his hand as a small funnel of dark pigmented sands swirled. "Bit of a ragtag group here, don't you think, oh captain my captain?" Rixator asked, turning his head toward the king. By all means, he meant no offense, but his people were usually a bit more open with each other; at least, his clan was. "But, who am I to judge? I'm a bit of a ragtag fellow myself. However..." Rixator got up, clenching his hand into a fist as the sand dispersed. "With the children of Venash out there, and the possibility of going to Afukira, we need what we have." He stated plainly. He so deeply desired to make a deal with the king to get access to any information on his tribe that the castle's archives had, but he held his tongue. He didn't know open these royals were to...Deals.

The shadow of a man,walking in the frozen streets of the Morning Avory: this man was dressed,enough to be noticeable to the people around him.
The few that saw him either moved to one of the sides to let the man one pass.His way to move were slow,confident and who had a careful eye can deduct that he already walked over the cobblestone road.
He had a goal: everybody does,but the man's absence of haste suscitated suspicion.
He moved apart who blocked his path with his hand.His face was hidden by an helmet,as he walked toward directed to the Castle of the King of Avory.
He reached the peak,seeing his party: thought he never worked with someone,it was good assembling some élite for the task: Convincing a god is already an impossible task for one mortal,and if he was going to fail he preferred to fall with someone.There was something that man wished: be remembered,as a protector of homes,as an hero and murderer in the same time.

He reached the castle,recognizing his fellow companions: most of them were hooded.He recognized the princess of Avory,thanks to her clothing and her coming out from the castle.
Arkantos slowly reached the group,his body hidden by a dark red cloak. He stopped few inches and kneeled,with all the hood.
During all the procession,there could be heard metal clinking and a voice coming out from the helmet.
"Lord of Avory" Arkantos said rising."I shall respect the deal and as I will respect it you will safeguard the people of Clearwood.Until the people is safe,my blades are yours to command" The man said,and a second later he looked at the group: apart the princess he saw a man,probably her personal guardian,then he passed his eyes over a blue clock and a somewhat fusion between a man and a cat.
"For thus who doesn't know it,am the Crimson phantom.At your services" He said,emotionless.
He had to give a little speech to himself and remind the deal with the Lords of Avory.

The king looked at Rixator "do not let the looks of these people fool you, Rixator. They are experts in what they do" The king said

Bella was a little surprised when Theda greeted Bella.

"oh" Bella startled "the honor is mine"

Bella then pulled Gabe and hid behind him, shy. Gabe looked at Bella behind him and saw her blushing. He then turned to look at Theda.

"I'm Gabe, Bella's personal protector" Gabe said, smiling, as he put his right hand forward for Theda to shake

The king looked at Arkantos "yes I still remember our deal, Arkantos" Some of my stronger men are in Clearwood now, holding off any attacker. If we succeed in finding the Gods and convince them to aid us, peace will be upon Daughtris once again.

"Well it seems that everyone who are supposed to be here, have arrived" He said as he looked around "Shall we go to the airship?"

----------

A long roofless hovering vehicle drove up beside them, picking them up, and dropped them off beside a larger size airship in the parking area next to the take-off area.



----------

The king started brief them about the airship "This is the airship you that is going to carry you on your quest. I assume, if anyone falls off, they would have their own ways to save their own lives. This airship have all the necessary things needed and an A.I for autopilot. Everyone shall have their own bedroom with built in toilet and bathroom" the king looked at everyone saying nothing for a moment then continued "The more time we spend here talking, more of Daughtris is being conquered and maybe destroyed by the battles. Board the ship when you are ready. There is still some people needed to be picked up near Clearwood. It will take a few hours to reach there"

Rixator paused as he looked to the king and queen, then gazed down as he opened his palm. It was now or never, and he had to ask. "If I may make a request...Once everything is said and done with, I would like access to Avory's archives...I want to know all that I can about my people, and possibly there fate...An entire civilization doesn't just disappear and leave behind empty ruins over a quarter of a country..." The dark Afukiran sighed softly, nodding once to them. He put his hand on top of his hood to keep it from flying off as the massive yet grand airship appeared. It was excellent, and at least he knew they'd be travelling comfortably.

((Sorry about the short post, but I've tried to make a post and been cut off by other posts going up...Three times...I'm tired and I've had a kind of a bad day, so I just said screw it and went with this...))

"If I may make a request...Once everything is said and done with, I would like access to Avory's archives...I want to know all that I can about my people, and possibly there fate...An entire civilization doesn't just disappear and leave behind empty ruins over a quarter of a country..." Rixator asked the king

"Avory's archive? why have you not asked sooner?" The king asked Rixator, curious "but the disappearance of your clan is a mystery even to Avory. You can access and search for information in the archives but I doubt you'll find anything. You best ask the gods when you find them. Maybe they'll know more"

While the king was talking to Rixator, Bella was saying goodbye to the queen. Bella hugged the queen tightly, burying her face in the queens shoulder.

"Please be safe, mother" Bella sobbed and continue "I will find the other gods"

"you be safe too, Bella" The queen said, eyes starting to tear up.

Bella released the queen and wiped her eyes, still sobbing. The queen turned to Gabe and placed her hand on his shoulder

"you are like a son to me, Gabe. Take care of Bella and yourself" She said to Gabe, smiling but the tears in her eyes showed sadness.

"Yes, my queen" Gabe tried to kneel but was stopped by the queen. Instead, Gabe held the queen's hand gently and kissed it. "thank you for your kindness, my queen"

Bella nodded at her mother and walked to the king's side. The king did not notice Bella because he was talking to Rixator.

"father" she called him

the king turned his head to look at Bella.

"I'll miss you, father" Bella said while hugging the king tightly and started to cry again

"there there, my Bella" he continued "you can call me using the phone anytime"

The king nodded at Rixator signaling him it was time to go.

The queen walk beside them as the king held Bella's hand and escorted her to the stairs that would take them up on the airship. She started to climb. Little by little, her hand slipped from the king's. Gabe was beside Bella.

"I love you, father, mother" Bella said to the king and queen

They climbed the stairs to the airship.

Once everyone had got on the ship, the ship started to move and started their journey to Clearwood.

Atop the Highest Pinnacle of the Avalon,a woman was having a talk with a man of a village down.
The Avalon was shading the village with it's immense shadow: outside there were bodies of men that died and demons that failed their masters to conquer the village.
Sylverana took a sit on a wooden chair: she posed a teapot and two glasses.Then,a bodiless spirit brought a plate of sweets.
The fear of the man was visible: he was pale for it and trembling.
"Thanks,Drakthorn" Sylverana said,as the spirit made a little kneel and left the room.
She looked outside,seeing the green plains of Lightwake,with the sky tainted by the white clouds.
"Ah,don't you find the visual beautiful?" Sylverana said at the man.
The last one remained in a silence that annoyed the Maiden of Shadows,till that she decided to serve the tea.
The man stared at the table with the silver service,while Sylverana was drinking her tea peacefully.Often she took some sweets from the tray.
After she finished she asked to the man.
"Not hungry?"
Literally paralyzed by Sylverana's grasp the man could do nothing but shake his head.
Slowly,he drank the tea and took some sweets from it.
Sylverana smiled,as she stood up and turned around.
The man was the tribute that the village sent this morning: they told that he was an outlaw and that death was however already in plan,so promoted Sylverana as executioner.
Sylverana was moving slowly harmoniously: she was dancing and was waiting for the man to join her.
She tended her hand toward the man.Sylverana was having fun: after all if you were going to die you should enjoy your last seconds.
So,the man took her hand (apparently) and they started to spin over all the chamber.
In the end Sylverana looked intensively the man,that changed it back.
The man felt a grip: he could hear his heart beat hundred times faster,his sweat coming down from his back and his mind turning in a flurry.
A blueish essence started to wrap Sylverana's hands and the man turned into a carbonized state,screaming in agony.

Few minutes later,Sylverana called Drakthorn."Deliver him to the Towers" Sylveran said,looking outside: soon she was going to wage war against her brothers to obtain the throne and show that she isn't a coward.



Arkantos saw the clocked woman and all the company get on the ship: he moved aside,observing the scene in a mute state.After the last one,alias the Princess Hemmingway came aboard Arkantos walked,looking over the princess for few seconds to then enter in the bridge: the Airship was moving,exiting from the Grey walls of Avory and entering in the desolated out lands. In that moment,Arkantos was thinking about the victims of this rampage: many...entire towns,cities and even villages were falling under the control of the Children of Venash.
He looked outside the window of the bridge,with his body hidden by the Crimson mantle.His hands were at his back,aswell as his swords: he was thinking how would the situation be: if he knew well the Guardian of Avory,the personal guard of the princess was going to start a control,probably starting by the most factionless assassin and soldier-for-hire of the moment.
Arkantos moved to his cabin: he opened the door and entered:a quick scout of the place and the assassin was already sitting on the bed,awaiting for orders and dangers.

CHAPTER 2

Up on the airship, Gabe accompanied Bella as she leaned againts the railway of the ship, outside. The ship were up in the sky and it flew gracefully.

"are you okey, princess?" Gabe asked Bella

"there is no need to call me princess here, Gabe" Bella said casually to Gabe. "I'm scared, Gabe"

"don't be" Gabe walked beside her while looking to the far away ground "this airship is safe"

"not the airship, Gabe" she explained "the quest" she paused for a moment and continued "finding the gods and convincing them to help us. Not all of the gods are good and kind as Hikari"

"yeah" Gabe said while enjoying the refreshing air blowing in his face "I heard that Ifrit is a badass but we have Hikari. She will persuade Ifrit". Gabe looked up to the sky "after we pick up Garen in Amara near Clearwood, we shall search both the gods of ice and water to help us to access Brunoma's depth to find Ifrit"

"what about Sylph?" Bella questioned "even Hikari don't know where the god of wind is"

"don't worry" Gabe convince Bella "we'll find him" Gabe pushed himself from the railing and turned around "are you ready to talk to the team?"

"yeah... I guess I'm ready"

"I'll summon the team"

Gabe walked to a device on the airship's wall. He pressed the device's screen then a tone played. Gabe pressed another button and announced "Attention, everyone kindly regroup topside. I repeat, kindly regroup topside"

The team arrived on the balcony. Obana was standing silently, looking like he was daydreaming, gazing to the sky. Theda was looking quite nervous or scarred. She had been that way ever since they got up on the ship. They all waited for Gabe or Bella to start saying something.

"you may start, princess" Gabe winked at Bella

Bella looked at Gabe and nodded, starting to get nervous.

"um... hi... I'm Bella" she paused for a moment "as you all know... I am the princess of Avory... reside in me is... some part of the god of light" she gulped, trying not to panic "um... our first destination is a small town... near Clearwake... called Amara... We are going to pick up Garen... a special creature... that has been... appointed by the Hikari herself". Bella wiped sweat that had form on her forehead and continued "I hope we all work together in this quest" she paused, panicking "thank you" she ran behind Gabe.

Gabe continued Bella's speech "After we pick up Garen, we shall head to Lightwake region to search for Sheva, high up in the frozen mountains" He paused to think and continued "That will be all for now. Please make yourselves comfortable in this airship. If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you"

An hour and sixteen minute later, Clearwood region could be seen, They town of Amara was a small dot if looked from the airship.

Gabe was leaning against the rail "we are almost at out destination, Bella" Gabe grinned

Bella ran to the rail and looked "so this is Clearwake" she turned to Gabe and smiled

Suddenly a giant black griffin with purplish black flame covering its body, swooped past, Gabe and Bella. Shocking them both. Bella fell on her bum.

"what was that?!" Bella asked Gabe, surprised

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HV2IZz9gRxo/T ... riffin.jpg

"it was a griffin" he said while helping Bella up, his heart pounded as a terrible premonition gripped him "let us try and reach Amara fast. I feel like something terrible is about to happen"

in the small hospital in Amara, the Black Griffin rammed into the hospital, emergency room's walls, the walls came down, revealing itself to Garen and Mitei. Rocks flew everywhere, injuring nurses, doctors, and patients. It roared while it's purplish flame burned the ground. It eyed Mitei but couldn't get in the small hospital because of it's giant size. People were screaming and panicking. Everyone ran out of the emergency room screaming "Demon Griffin!"

Some of the guardsman quickly ran to griffin and tried to capture or kill it if they have to.

Up on the airship, Bella and Gabe looked down on the town, Amara. They a few hundred meters from the ground.

"There! the Griffin is on a rampage!" Gabe shouted, informing the team

Bella felt something strange inside her. She could feel where Garen is. The spirit of Hikari guided her "Garen is near where the griffin is" she said to Gabe, scared.

Gabe turned to look at the team "Ready for battle, team! We might need to save the town and Garen!"

The ship flew near the hospital and hovered. There were not enough space to land the airship on the ground. The team would have to jump down, quickly.

"I want to help!" Bella told Gabe

"I shall protect you with my life, Bella"

Both Bella and Gabe jumped down at the same time. Bella levitated herself before landing while Gabe focused his Ki on his legs so that he would not get injured. Gabe landed on the ground with a thud. They dashed to the hospital

(anyone post late, I'll auto... DO NOT AUTO THE GRIFFIN, I SHALL ROLE PLAY AS IT... I SHALL ROLL A DICE AND DETERMINE IF ANYONE GETS HIT)

Rixator nodded once to the king before boarding. It wasn't so much he just wanted to find out exactly what happened, but he hoped to use the information to piece together a viable theory since no one seemed to honestly know. He gave a salute before walking onto the ship with the others, keeping his hood down as it took off. The feeling was exhilirating; he'd never been on an airship, only either land vehicles or on foot. So, he was a bit shaky and somewhat nervous, but he got used to it quickly.

--Later...--

Rixator was in a completely empty room. A white, empty, metal room. He stood in the center, his hands and fingers moving in complex yet fluid motions, a plethora of dark, blackened sand following suit as it formed various waves and designs. It was very beautiful to watch when he used his Mana for recreation, but he only did it in a solitary environment. He enjoyed being around the sand, being in and amongst it. It reminded him of home. The home he once had...A people he never knew...With a solemn sigh, he brought his hands together with overlapping fingers in a sort of clapping manner, the sand bursting as it folded down on itself. After a pause to let the silence set in, the sand slowly drifted back to him, into the folds of his clothes and armor.

He stepped out after a moment. Rixator had his moment of his own medidation, just in time to hear the speaker next to the door. It was that Gabe fellow. "Attention, everyone kindly regroup topside. I repeat, kindly regroup topside" The Afukiran paused before giving a shrug, adjusting his weapons and armor to get comfortable before moving up the stairs and to the outdoor area. Time was a luxury when they had it, but it was of the essence either way. Once the speech was done and over with, he went back to the empty room, now training with his Ki. He'd have to be careful to not wreck the room with his power.

--Later...--

Rixator had done the Ki workout for about an hour, and it was slowly getting boring, he got up and headed back up onto deck, deciding to check out the area. So this was Amara of Clearwake. It was so different. The scenery was different from his dark desert home, but he enjoyed being able to travel. And then that beast swooped in. It was some sort of sickly looking griffin, and it rammed itself into a below hospital. Finally, some excitement! He ran forward, leaping off the railing as he summoned up a thick cloud of sand, riding it down to the hospital at a high speed, drawing the unique blade from his hip and turning it over in his right hand. Now, things were getting interesting.

Rixator was able to precisely fly right to the entry point of which the griffin crashed in the building. He observed at a short distance before bringing his left hand up, a large orb of dark sand swirling into existence. He turned the blade over in his right hand anxiously, deepening his stance on the sand ride. If he stayed on this thing any longer, he'd end up losing focus and possibly falling to his death. Instead, he brought his hand down and added the new sand to the floating mass before flying forward, leaping off to reach either the opening or the roof (How about an individual roll for this bit; odd roll for the opening, even roll for the roof). His left hand directed the sand toward the griffin whilst he went through his leap of faith, hoping to hit the beast and possibly drop it from the skies.

Rixator dived and rolled onto a floor of the hospital that was unoccupied for the most part. He arched a brow and gave a nod, shifting and flexing his fingers as he knelt down, pondering just what to do. Use the sand to try and crush it? Make use of his Ki and take a leaping slash? He thought about it for a little while before nodding once, bringing back a hand. Sand gathered in his palm, taking a spiraling cone shape as it slowly compacted itself with the rotation. Soon, it was a solid weapon, still spinning rapidly like a drill. The griffin, whether it came or not, it would be in range, so Rixator essentially threw the spiraling sand drill on an intercept course, using his power of Mana to propel it in hopes of impaling the beast.

(Dice roll Rixator: 9... Dammit!)
(Dice roll Mitei: 7)
(Dice roll Garen: 11?? what the?! )

The griffin was diving down, aiming for Mitei but Rixator's spiraling sand drill was flying fast at it. The griffin spinned it's body hoping to dodge the attack but failed. The sand drill hit it's left wing. It fell but caught by Garen which had flewn fast from the ground, ripping the griffin's limbs and released it. The final strike from Mitei killed the Griffin and smashed on the ground. Not moving. It's purple fire slowly fading.

The griffin is dead, limbs torn, and fire gone. Blood pooled under the griffin's carcass.

Bella saw Mitei collapsed and quickly flew to her riding her staff

"The Fragrance of a Flower, a Wind that will Fill My Friends with Vigor, Vitality, and Health! Recovery!" She casted a spell on Mitei

Gabe jogged, following Bella. "Is anyone else injured?"

Gabe looked up at the tall dragon and thought so you are what the God of Light recruited?

Rixator nodded proudly seeing that his attack had crippled it, though that dragon had essentially finished off the damn thing. Either way, the deed was done. The male hopped onto some debris and slid down as if he were going down a sand dune, criss-crossing his legs every now and then and leaping from one part to another when necessary. Soon, he found himself with the rest of the group. He wasn't too exhausted, but the constant use of the sand and Mana had it's drawbacks. "Nothing a little rest wouldn't hurt!" He chuckled, nodding once as he looked around the group.

Bella was about to help Reiko when Garen's head blocked her. Garen blinked his eye and Bella could see her reflection in it “Who are you and why do I hear your inner voice call out to me?” Garen blinked again and then in Bella's reflection, a light could be seen, “So the God of Light has touched your life as well.”

Bella was petrified from fear by the sudden blocking of Garen. She started to tremble. Gabe focused his Ki and instantly moved between Bella and Garen.

"back away, please" Gabe raised a hand to the side, protecting Bella from Garen. Gabe paused for a second then started to explain "The god of light told us that you would join us in our quest. We have come to pick you up"

Bella picked herself up and braved herself to talk "My name is Bella. A part of the God of Light is within me"

Mitei and Reiko walk out of the giant hole in the hospital seeing the party, "Thanks for your help, by the way" She said, 'even though it was late and damn near useless' she thought as she helped Reiko forward and looked at them all, "Its my fault the griffin came and attacked here" she said apologetically, "It was a demon beast..." she looked at the poor creature whom had died through her judgement bolt. Which she knew is she missed, the town might be completely destroyed.

Rixator nodded once, letting the group discuss things, arching a brow. His hood had gone back a bit without him knowing, and his mouth down was exposed. Despite the country being an area of beast people, he seemed rather human. His skin was tan, a bit of facial fair on his chin. The male drew the sickle like blade, kneeling down by the griffon's carcass. Something wasn't right about this beast. He'd seen griffons before, but none were like this. He had no choice, it had to be inspected. He waved his gauntlet covered left hand, shouting a bit. "One of you come help me with this thing. Preferably someone who doesn't have a weak stomach!" He planned to dissect and inspect the body of the griffon. This wasn't natural, and if he could confirm what made it this way, they may end up a step closer of knowing more precisely what they're up against, and what they might could expect.

"Remember this Rixator, the creatures in this world are both marvelous and dangerous." The elderly, bearded man said to the young boy. The tan boy looked up, then back to the small, insectoid creature that was snuggled up in his palms. It was still a small larva, and it found safety in the boy's small hands. The child looked up and smiled to the elder. "But, sensei, why are people so interested in animals?" The bearded man chuckled as he tapped his cane to the ground. "Because young one, these animals are fascinating and different from us. We watch them to see how they live and how they would react to us. But...I will warn you Rixator...People take advantage of these benevolent creatures and use them for their own twisted purposes...Never exploit them in such a way..." The boy looked back to the quivering larva in his hand before nodding once. "Yes, sensei, I promise."

Rixator paused a moment before looking over his shoulder to see if anyone was coming. He shook off the flashback and gazed to the group. Seems the memories were coming back again.

((I'm going to experiment with the flashback bit, see how it might play in good or bad.))