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Aleenia Anariel Taldren

Life is precious, it should be respected

0 · 2,074 views · located in Nirath

a character in “Shattered Soul”, as played by Lolkatlove

Description

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Gender
Female

Race
Elf

Dominant Hand
Right Hand

ImageNickname/ Alias
Leena, , Wonderer, The Blue Witch,
Lady Taldren (Those who know her status call her this)

Age
23

Face Claim
Yamuraiha From 'Magi'

Role
Wondering Wizard







Appearance

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Height
5 foot 8inches - 9 with heels

Weight
'A lady never tells'

Build
Slim and slightly althetic

Hair Colour
A crisp aqua blue which reminds many people of the sea

Eye Colour
Mirroring her hair her eyes are a crystal blue reflecting the world that Aleenia see's.

Scars/Tattoos/Piercings
No piercings or Tattoo's but she does have a leathery burn scar on the thigh of her right leg from a fire spell which went wrong.

Description
A moderately tall woman Aleenia stands tall her body fairly athletic her shoulders, arms and legs rather toned due to her training. Many of the Elven folk consider her a natural beauty her hair a pure reflection of her affinity for water, her curves and lack of awareness to her beauty give her a down to earth attraction. Her frame against humans shows her race's definitions as she stands out in a crowd amongst human towns, her hair a beacon. Those with a talent for magic would be able to sense the immense power that resides in her body, her magic flowing freely when she allows it too.

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Preferred Clothing
Aleenia has a simple choice of clothing, preferring to wear a robe which falls from her shoulders. It provides comfort and protection from the rain, cold and heat as the material can be easy to breathe within. Usually, she will wear a light brown dress underneath her robe however sometimes she has been known to wear a short top made from sea shells.
No matter what she wears she will always wear a pair of pure gold ornaments that sit atop her elven ears. They were her mothers and something she values dearly. The blat hat that adorns her head was her fathers and the only other item of clothing she holds close.




Abilities

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Wizard / Magician / Witch


Elven Witch


Strongest Element : Water


Secondary Element : Earth




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Skills

Water Magic


Aleenia can use her Water Magic in various ways. She can evaporate the water in the immediate vicinity to burn the target (this is not very powerful). Her favored type of combat is to create water balls around herself to attack and defend her from an enemy.

Sharrar Magd (Water Membrane of the Hermit): Aleenia gives 3 magical commands, by surrounding herself with water in order to reflect sunlight off of it to make her invisible.

Sharrar Baraq: Aleenia makes a dragon made of water that attacks an opponent directly, with it's great speed.

Sharrar Oblisk: Aleenia creates a barrier of water around herself to protect her from attacks. The speed of the movement of the water is what repels attacks but it is not imped men triable. She can also attack people with balls of water using this technique.

Sharrar Raqesa (Water People Play of Truth): This is a type of Clairvoyance Magic that shows things that cannot be seen, faraway places, and events of the past. It uses the blood of the people involved to show their past. When this magic is used water is shaped into the people involved and acts out what ever situation that is being discussed.

Earth Magic


Aleenia isn't as powerful with earth magic as she is with water. However, she does have some limited control of earth magic and works every day to grow her abilities. It doesn't always turn out as well as her intentions.

Earth's gift: Aleenia can enhance the growth of plants, producing fresh fruit and flowers within instant in compared to their natural growth time

Tangled Embrace: Aleenia controls the movement of plants using the roots of trees, branches etc, to ensnare her foes.

Gravity Magic: She uses Gravity Magic on her wand to fly. She sits upon it like a witch.

Strengths

Intellect ~
Aleenia has always been a studious soul. She is calm and calculating when in combat choosing to be patient and learn her opponent's weaknesses before pushing into battle. She knows many cultures and uses her knowledge to interact and gain the trust of those she meets.

Kindness ~
Aleenia's kindness surpasses her doubting thoughts, allowing her to overcome her own darkness and look past the darkness of others. She has faith in all living creatures of this world.

Magic ~ Specifically her gravity magic ~
Aleenia's gravity magic gives her the ability to fly. This has become one of her greatest strengths as she is able to quickly outmanoeuvre her enemies to a safe distance however her magic has a time limit which depends on her individual power source.

Weaknesses
Kindness ~
Her kindness can be a strength but also Aleenia's weakness. She can be fooled by the very people she has faith in and her kindness used against her by those smart enough to use it.

Corruption ~
As a wizard, Aleenia can protect herself partly from corruption. However without a pure soul or holy magic, she is unable to defend herself fully from corruption thus making her vulnerable if caught off guard.





MENTALITY

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Oddities
  • Talking with her hands - Aleenia can sometimes begin trying to explain something whilst drawing the picture in her head with her hands as though others around her are picturing exactly what she is seeing. This comes out as a bedraggled mess when she has been drinking

  • Writing Style - Aleenia writes using strong, thick brush strokes

  • Rambling - When Aleenia is nervous she tends to ramble and always mostly about magic which tends to put some people off


  • Waking up - Aleenia personally finds that one of her greatest weaknesses is just waking up. She can be rather grumpy in the morning


  • Hovering - Whilst flying on her staff Aleenia sometimes flys beside beside people whilst upside down as she finds the view from being upside down interesting




Likes
  • Rare magical Books - The knowledge they hold is alluring to Aleenia

  • Alochol - Aleenia does enjoy a good drink in a pub every now again and she can become a rather boisterous drunk

  • Magic Training - Aleenia is always striving to be the best Magician and training is what will lead her towards that goal. However, she can grow very frustrated when her spells don't work out to plan. Fire magic being something she is afraid to try again which irks her.

  • Cakes - When it comes to Cakes Aleenia will always indulge first. She will offer one to be polite but then she will take all of the rest available carrying no guilt in the matter. Cakes were not a commodity in the Elven towns and are mainly human delicacies, so she grabs them as soon as she see's one as they are a rarity for her.




Dislikes
  • Coffee - Its a bitter taste and she see's no good purpose for it, the intention is to give someone energy but she thinks the idea of being kept awake is preposterous as she enjoys to sleep.

  • Smelly men - I.e BO fuelled - She can't stand the smell and finds it really hard not to give away that she is disgusted by it when trying to be polite.

  • Brutish people - I.e Bandits and those that hurt other for person gain - Aleenia respects all life of all forms, however, she despises people who waste that life and willingly choose to sacrifice others for their own goal. She will try to look past their selfishness for the sake of peace but she can not turn away if she see's someone being harmed.

  • Overpriced Goods - Aleenia' loves to collect Magical Artifacts and books so she really hates it when market stalls or book shops sell items she really wants at ridiculous prices. She will, of course, attempt to haggle but if that doesn't work she will offer a magic show in exchange as many folks don't often see magic and are entranced by it.




Hobbies
  • Collecting Magical Artifacts
  • Sewing - Though she is absolutley terrible at it.
  • Sleeping - She loves to dream
  • Researching Magic - Her favorite way to spend days off is doing magic research




Phobia(s)
Pyrophobia - Fear of Fire - Due to a previous mistake with a fire spell Aleenia is not comfortable around fire




Sexuality
'Love is strange concept, the heart can not choose for itself whom it loves, love chooses you'




Personality
Generally, Aleenia is a sweet and caring person, but she also has a violent side and a sharp tongue. She can be nice to people she is interested in and respects life a great deal. However for those that rub her the wrong way she can be a little brutish with her words and unforgiving though she will always show kindness to others despite her personal dislike as per her grandmother's wishes.

She doesn't often hide her true feelings, her personality open and often fun loving as she as no fear to point out the mistakes people make but she is accepting of others no matter their flaws. However as open as she may be about her present self Aleenia avoids if not obscures' the truth of her own past. She has learned that many would look down upon her for her parent's involvement in the blood war and she wishes to end the stigma that her past brings. Her parents bring her great sadness and when alone her thoughts sometimes stray towards them and she does not ever wish to be seen in such grief for fear of being pitied.

She's confident in her magic skills. She has a fierce rivalry with other magicians determined to become the best, and also sometimes becomes competitive with swordsmen since she claims that Magic is better than swordsmanship while most claim the opposite. In this degree, her stubbornness surfaces as she can sometimes be rather set in her ideals believing her decisions to be the correct ones.

Ultimately Aleenia has found that there is much in the world she does not yet know and her mind thirsts to discover that knowledge. She is always open to learning new magic, techniques and culture. Her purpose as a wanderer is to search out for such knowledge that still lies hidden in the world. Her main focus is on the history of the land as she wishes to learn if there is a way to bridge the gap between the three races ending the cycle of war that she knows in her heart is doomed to happen again.





BACKGROUND


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Family

Luceielle Eshna Taldren - Mother [Deceased]

Veran Letna Taldren - Father [Deceased]

Anariel Masho Taldren - Grandmother [currently living] (Aleenia's middle name is after her grandmother)

Garatak Hiko Taldren - Grandfather [Deceased]

Personal History
Born into the Blood War Aleenia grew up her village constantly under military guard. Nilhe was a forest village, the trees doming and hollowed to act as homes for the woodland Elves that peacefully lived there. Born under the Taldren name Aleenia was born in the noble elf family of the Nilhe village. Her family tree had forever run the affairs of the Nilhe village producing warriors and leaders for generations.

As only a small child, Aleenia was with her parents for a short time before they were drafted into the war along with many other elves by their king. Unwilling but unable to defy a royal decree Aleenia's parents tried to teach Aleenia to always be herself before they left. Her mother's last words were 'Do not stray from the path you choose for yourself' before she and her father disappeared into the distance as they headed to war. Aleenia would wait every day at the foot of her door for their return as her grandmother cared for her.


What was a few years felt like decades to Aleenia. She wanted to fight, to help her parents, to see them again so she practiced magic. It was a rare ability only a few were gifted with. Luckily Aleenia's grandmother was a powerful magician in her youth. Seeing the potential in Aleenia her grandmother began to train Aleenia from an early age. She honed her latent ability towards water and attempt to broaden her skill set with the elements. Aleenia was passionate and driven learning all that she could from her grandmother.

However, on a mist filled night Aleenia and her grandmother received the news of her parents. They had been killed by the Black Knights. Distraught and outraged Aleenia's heart darkened. She screamed and cried her power erupting around her. Her grandmother tried to calm her down but Aleenia would not listen. In her haste she called upon the flames of the fire bird, a weak element of affinity for Aleenia but she knew fire held the strongest combat power. It exploded around them igniting the hollowed bark of the trees that was their home. Fire spluttered everywhere and charred timber fell down around them. A ceiling beam broke and hurtled towards Aleenia, she saw it and her heart panicked as she realized what she had done. Suddenly she found herself hurtling out of the way as her grandmother pushed Aleenia from under the beams trajectory but was unable to prevent a scourge of flame from igniting the clothing on Aleenia's right thigh. The pain a shock Aleenia shook herself out of her emotional breakdown and called upon the element water to purge the flames.

Feeling devasted with herself Aleenia withdrew from the world into solitude for many weeks, her right thigh now scarred with thick red burns. Her hatred of humans began to bloom for murdering her parents, however, her grandmother would always visit if not to talk to Aleenia through a closed door. She began to speak to Aleenia of an old time when the three races were at peace, of long forgotten history without wars, without death. She never stopping coming to visit slowly drawing out the hatred Aleenia had been developing, explaining it was hatred in the beginning that caused the wars she knew of. Soon her grandmother brought Aleenia' back out from her solitude. After much time alone Aleenia had thought much about what she wanted from life. She remembered her mother's last words and knew she wanted to live up to them.

Taking her Grandmothers teaching Aleenia knew, that what she wanted most, was an end to the hatred between the three races. She wanted to become powerful enough to prevent such hatred, to find a way to prevent more death and more sorrow. She knew to do this she would need to learn of their history in order to not relieve thier mistakes.

Throughout the remainder of the blood war Aleenia trained her mind, she learned to control her emotions, she developed her skills with water magic, and even practiced a little with earth magic. She read as many books as she could find in her village but it wasn't long before she had read nearly all of them. As the war came to an end Aleenia knew she what she must do, she needed to travel the world to learn of other cultures, to pick up the pieces of this worlds history. So she bid her grandmother farewell and became a wanderer.

As a wandering Magician Aleenia faced many different people, most humans were suspcious of her, if not hated her for being an elf. Others were wary, some intriqued. However as she travelled she grew to know more and more people of all ages and beliefs. Her magic and her kindness often using her skills to save those in need or offer assistance soon grew her a repuation as the Blue witch.





OTHER


Thoughts on other

Love interest
Wouldn't you like to know cheeky


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So begins...

Aleenia Anariel Taldren's Story

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Aleenia Anariel Taldren Character Portrait: Cain Azura Character Portrait: Nero Dalmascer Lucifer Character Portrait: Verdandi Saga Yngiv Character Portrait: Lucia Mirakel
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Nero Dalmascer Lucifer



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Listening to each comment individually Johnathan placed his chin into his hand giving a quick glance to the ready to depart Lucia. "As glad as I am that the Sanctum of Temari got word of this I'm afraid I can't let you go on your own." he said before cutting of her path and gesturing to a crudely put together chair that looked like it was meant for basic comfort and nothing else. "At least not until we have some one to escort you back to the monastery. " he added before giving a quick glance to his escorts then continuing his thought.

"Because of the scene you guys caused earlier the demon is most likely waiting to attack each of you the moment it catches sight that you are alone so basically until I know the danger is gone I'm not any one go any where alone." He said finishing his comment to Lucia before turning his attention to his escorts and giving them an order to return the mercenary's sword to him. "As much as I would have liked to say that he is my nephew young man sadly we've no familial relations he only calls me uncle because I was his.... I am his dead father's oldest friend." Johnathan said in response to Cain's comment about his possible relations.

It was about that point Nero moved away crouching in the shade of a large tent. "I guess he still hasn't gotten over what happened that day. Even if some one mentions anything related to it will cause him to get all depressed." Johnathan said with a sigh before looking to Aleenia.

Lost in thought Nero hadn't heard a word of what was being said 'Looks like my original plan is out the window.' he thought letting out a sigh as he looked up. "Until I help stop this demon from causing more harm I'm going to have to put my trip on hold." He said shaking his head. 'Why am I sounding upset about that? People are dying here and now, and I'm worried about something that was destroyed ten years ago.' Nero thought to himself slapping himself afew times almost leaving a hand shaped bruise on his face by the time he finished.

"I know that miss. But at this point there is nothing I can do about it until it openly reveals itself to us or unless we're able to catch it in the act of killing. Other wise we won't be able to find it, and going through the entire town trying to find some one with some blood red eyes will only take longer." Johnathan stated rubbing his eyes out of exhaustion. "Yeah I'm going to call that right now I was able to get a good look at what this demon looks like so unless it was able to find an unsuspecting target and change into their skin within the span of a half hour to an hour then I think we might still have a chance to catch it before any one else can die." Nero said as he moved to stand next to Johnathan sounding confident about what he was saying.


"It's only a chance there's no guarantee I'm right, but it's better then nothing so don't read too deep into it." Nero said rolling his arm allowing the joints to crack and pop. "But with this "Chameleon's" current action as of now it hasn't acted recklessly." he added adjusting his collar in an attempt to hide the slowly fading red mark on his neck before continuing. "Rather it's smart smarter then the monsters I've ran into before this demon is able to choose people carefully before striking. Though it will attack if some one does guess that it's a demon right off the fence."

"So I take it you came up with some kind of plan to deal with this Chameleon while you were over there sitting next to my ten is that right Nero?" Johnathan asked to which Nero just shook his head. "No... well not a plan really that would mean I had time to study this thing and I'm fairly certain we don't have that time. So no not actually a real plan it's just a briskly thought up way to lure it out which I'll adjust when things happen." He replied crossing his arms. "John is right this Chameleon demon has seen each of us and will most likely start targeting us each individually." Nero said leaning against a near by tree.

"Now I know for a fact that if touched you will begin to become corrupted. So I'm not going to simply throw you guys at it, but I don't intend to kill it either..." He stated bracing himself for the arguments that were about to follow. 'It's stupid to suggest but if I'm right I could change things.' Nero thought to himself when Johnathan put his opinion forward. "You do know what your asking right not killing that thing will only count in more deaths further down the line! And what if your end up being the one it kills next hmm what happens then?" in response to Johnathan's statement Nero simply cocked his head to one side and smiled. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there. But hear me out for once will you." He said unfolding his arms and letting his left hand fall to his side while he brought up his right.

"I know you guys heard what the Chameleon said, how my touch burned it." Nero said looking around then at his hand. "So you that doesn't necessarily mean much apart from being able to hurt it." the captain said cutting Nero off which caused the latter to sigh. "I thought I asked you to listen. Any way yeah it's possible I'm able to hurt them if I get in really close and touch it. Now this normally is a danger in it of itself since simply being touched by the Chameleon is basically a one way ticket into becoming a demon yourself well as long as you survive the encounter long enough to let your tainted blood grow." Nero said taking a rather deep breath while letting his right hand finally fall to rest on his sword. "And you can see where I'm getting to with this." he added looking back at Johnathan.

"It's even possible that with my gift I might be able to actually turn the demon back into a human, elf, or beastman depending on which race it was before turning. Now do you see why I'm not intending to kill it John or do I still need to spell it out?" Nero stated with a glint in his eye that only caused the Knight captain to sigh. "You know you tend to be allot like your father if there's some way you can save as many lives that you can you will do your damnedest to do it no regard for yourself. Fine but if you can't stop this Chameleon demon I'm going to step in and kill it myself." he said throwing up his hands as though he had been defeated.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Aleenia Anariel Taldren Character Portrait: Cain Azura Character Portrait: Nero Dalmascer Lucifer Character Portrait: Verdandi Saga Yngiv Character Portrait: Lucia Mirakel
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“
Now tell your men to get their stinking paws off my sword!!” It was hardly appropriate, and Verdandi knew so – she knew so especially well. And she had managed to keep her facial expression perfectly serious for the entirety of the red-head’s tirade, up until, that is, his possessive side bled through. In many ways, the beast-girl could relate well to the man’s instinctive desire to protect his things, since she too was not keen in sharing her own loved items, therefore she probably had not right to find it amusing – and yet, she found herself forcing her hand over her mouth and nose and turning away from the man to hide her gleeful snort.

He was a funny man, she felt. And in many ways she was grateful for his presence since his unintended humor was a great relief from the nerve wracking and frightening situation she had been in since the encounter with the demon.

For the most part she hid well her inappropriate merriment, while the young priestess, Lucia spoke, though if one paid enough attention to her quivering tail and tense ears they’d likely suspect her. Meanwhile, the priestesses words were not lost on the informant, however, they also didn’t hold much information she hadn’t already known or suspected to be the case.

This wasn’t the first time Verdandi had encountered someone belonging to the Sanctum of Temari after all, and in her time wandering she had learned that many priestesses were, in fact, members. Although, admittedly, she had never paid much attention to the beliefs of the Sanctum and she would like one day to, perhaps, learn of them – for future reference.

"As glad as I am that the Sanctum of Temari got word of this I'm afraid I can't let you go on your own." Verdandi’s giddiness was forcibly slapped away by these words. Not because they were directed at her but rather because of what she suspected they implied. "At least not until we have some one to escort you back to the monastery. " Her fears grew with further support from the knight’s, Johnathan’s, words and she turned to again face the man, dread painting her features and blood draining quickly from her face while she waited for her suspicions to flow straight from the horse’s mouth.

"Because of the scene you guys caused earlier the demon is most likely waiting to attack each of you the moment it catches sight that you are alone so basically until I know the danger is gone I'm not any one go any where alone." The beast-girl stiffened obviously. She was ill suited for combat and possessed little ability to defend herself beyond wild clawing at an attacker (though she did admittedly have decent enough claws to do a decent degree of damage when cornered). Therefore, she feared the knowledge that a demon would be preying upon her. Yet, she was also thankful for that knowledge as it gave her the ability to adequately prepare.

“As Miss Lucia and the others have explained Sir 'Knight', I entered the store having heard the noise of the fighting between herself, Sir Nero and...and the young lady here
” Impatient, fretful, and paying little attention now to the conversation – as little was being said that she wasn’t already present to know of – Verdandi found herself searching her surroundings for signs of danger instead of giving her name (as she suspected might have been the polite thing to do).

Her head told her it was silly to fret for the presence of a demon within this military encampment. Yet, her instincts whispered alluringly, it was better safe than sorry.

“As the 'Blue Witch' I do have a reputation to hold and this is currently a waste of my time”

By the time the clearly aggravated ‘Witch’ finished her piece, Verdandi had managed to sight all potential hiding places. "I know that miss. But at this point there is nothing I can do about it until it openly reveals itself to us or unless we're able to catch it in the act of killing. Other wise we won't be able to find it, and going through the entire town trying to find some one with some blood red eyes will only take longer."

It was only after the Knight had made this statement that the self entitled Scout retuned to the conversation. Clenching her fists in irritation, brought on by fear and disbelief, she simply stared at the Knight. He couldn’t do anything about it? He planned to sit around and wait? How utterly
ridiculous.

Even if all he could do was go through town looking for someone with red-eyes, no matter how long that took it was better than doing nothing at all. Moreover, he was a member, no, the leader of the Black Knights. Did he not realize the power he had behind that title? Information was his for the taking because he had the respect and adoration of an entire people group. Every member of this town would likely happily become a member of his information network if he so requested, because he was a hero to their eyes they’d happily become his eyes. And while the demon may be able to hide from their small group, once an entire town was set upon it, hiding would become more difficult – even for chameleon – as well as hunting.

People should be made aware for safety’s sake. Although, as one who doesn’t freely hand out information Verdandi for thinking this might as well be a pot calling the kettle black.

"Now I know for a fact that if touched you will begin to become corrupted. So I'm not going to simply throw you guys at it, but I don't intend to kill it either..." At some point, Nero had left their company to think on his own, though she wasn’t sure precisely when this happened, and now had rejoined them in order to discuss a plan to capture the demon alive. A plan the beast-girl felt to be foolhardy. What could be achieved in doing that? This demon, this monster, was too far-gone to be saved or to cooperate – she winced at her own thoughts, before they turned to her own corrupting right hand and arm and its always numbing ache. Subconsciously, she moved to rub the pain away.

Her ears stood at attention while she listened and her mouth and brow set into a firm and darkening line of worry and – perhaps – some guilt as Nero continued speaking, “
simply being touched by the Chameleon is basically a one way ticket into becoming a demon yourself, well, as long as you survive the encounter long enough to let your tainted blood grow."

Verdandi’s gaze flickered momentarily to her right arm, while her left tightened its grip on the limb. A one-way ticket was it? She shuddered, to think that one day that creature she faced today would be what she would become. She wasn’t sure how long it would take before that point, but she doubted it would be a large expanse of time. Should she ask? If she did, would she be suspect? Did she really want to know?

Does anyone truly wish to know when fate would drop her axe?

She imagined that such knowledge was a heavy burden, one so heavy she couldn’t bear on her own shoulders, so in this case she would feign belief that silence was golden and ignorance was necessary.

"It's even possible that with my gift I might be able to actually turn the demon back into a human, elf, or beastman depending on which race it was before turning. Now do you see why I'm not intending to kill it John or do I still need to spell it out?"

The beast-girl’s ears stood at attention and she faced the warrior in silent shock. He thought to revert the creature back to its original state? Was it truly even possible? She recalled hearing of the burning sensation the man’s skin wrought upon the demon’s, however that alone held little evidence to imply he could revert it back to what it was. Rather, Verdandi questioned if there was anything left for it to return to?

"You know you tend to be allot like your father if there's some way you can save as many lives that you can you will do your damnedest to do it no regard for yourself. Fine but if you can't stop this Chameleon demon I'm going to step in and kill it myself."

He was kind, but wishful. Her ears fell back in despair and her eyebrows furrowed. Did no one else see the err here? Or was her pessimism – her inability to hope for a cure – and cowardly nature shadowing her own views?

“That creature
it isn’t
I can’t believe it can be saved anymore. The creature it once was
it is gone, replaced with something new.” Weakly, she spoke her thoughts quietly and distantly, perhaps not intending them to be heard, “Even if you could drive out the contamination that turned it into a demon, by this point – all that would remain in the after math would be an empty shell. The elf, the human, or the beastkin – whatever it was – it is no longer it has been changed and twisted into some new existence.” Subconsciously, she nervously rubbed her right arm, “You can’t turn back time. And even if you could – having known what it has done
whose to say you wouldn’t have damned that person to a guilty fate worse than death?”

Having finished her quiet and shy monologue, she turned her body ever so slightly away from the plotting group. It just seemed like such a great risk to threaten the lives of others for so slight a chance of saving one life, which might not be saved at all, and she didn’t have the courage to take such a risk. And she knew this about herself and openly grieved that cowardice.

She didn’t pretend to possess courage like Nero’s, compassion like Lucia’s, strength like the Mercenary’s, or confidence like the elf’s. But she also didn’t pretend to be proud of what she lacked. Nonetheless, what she did possess was clarity of mind and stubbornness enough to make her thoughts known (though quietly), even when those thoughts were unpopular. Whether liked or not, someone had to ask such questions, make such points, truly question that these people knew the incredulity of the task they hoped to achieve. Truly question that they were willing to make whatever sacrifice that may prove necessary to achieve it and accept responsibility for whatever the outcome whether poor or happy.

Swallowing her fear and supplanting her stubbornness in the forefront of her mind she looked up from the ground to meet the eyes of those she questioned in hopes of finding answers to her questions, both spoken and unspoken.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Aleenia Anariel Taldren Character Portrait: Cain Azura Character Portrait: Nero Dalmascer Lucifer Character Portrait: Verdandi Saga Yngiv Character Portrait: Lucia Mirakel
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Cain Azura
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The guards felt hesitant but reluctantly tossed Cain's Beloved weapon back to him. He had to fight every molecule of his anxiety to not just coo and hug the blade like a poor innocent child. He heard Aleenia talk to the Captain as she floated on her staff and looked at her as she spoke, and nodded in agreement with her statement, before looking in her direction, or more or less, below her direction to see blood drops on the ground.

"She's injured..? I have to help!" he thought worriedly, his anxiety returning with a vengeance before Nero began speaking again, saying he had a plan to take care of the demon. Cain smirked at the thought of round two as he listened to What Nero had to say. He explained what not to do, which was to let the demon touch anyone. His eyes partially widened at Nero's next set of the plan.

He whistled. "If you can do that then I'll give you ten gold coins off the bat." he wagered, easily slipping back to his playful mischievous mood. "It'll probably give the nun a fit though wouldn't you say?" he also added before the Beastgirl began to speak. Whilst Cain did the playful wagering skeptic for this discussion, she seemed to be the pessimist. He drew his sword partially to check for any blemishes, staring into his reflection in thought.

"Guilty fate you say? Empty shell?" he questioned. "What if I said that about every person living on this earth? The Veterans of the Blood war have to live with what they've done. Some taken up being old hermits, while some try to find someway to do what's right. Now me for example...." he trailed off softly staring at his reflection.

His mind envisioned himself as a fifteen year old, holding the corpse of a young woman close to him. He sheathed his blade softly and his right hand shook as his anxious mind started to pierce him with doubts. He heaved a sigh to calm down. "I was a blacksmith's apprentice. But I let someone down, so I'm now a mercenary. So, what I'm saying girl, is to not judge too easily on what a guilty fate is." he said with a sigh before feeling a nudge on his shoulder. "Oh, now what? Now what?! Agh! Belzedar! Get off of me!!! I don't have any sugar for you, boy!" he shouted trying to push his horse off him. Ooh that fiendish horse! Trying to get the drop on his partner when he doesn't have any sugar for him. The nerve!

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Aleenia Anariel Taldren Character Portrait: Cain Azura Character Portrait: Nero Dalmascer Lucifer Character Portrait: Verdandi Saga Yngiv Character Portrait: Lucia Mirakel
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As the intrigue continues, the young priestess keeps her wits about her, and comes with a reckless idea that may work. Only time is to tell of the fate of Lucia Mirakel.

A light sigh came from Lucia as she was told she could not return home alone. It was mildly frustrating, as if she doesn't return before too long, a search party of Seraphs will be dispatched, and that would be the last thing she wanted, as that would bring more people into this mess than Lucia was willing to bring in. Though she listened to everyone, and assessed them for any noticeable injuries. While three of which were fine, one immediately struck Lucia's conscience as she saw blood on the grass and ground under Aleenia. It took Lucia mere seconds to make her way to Aleenia, as her words, sounding mildly frantic, were heard swiftly, "Excuse me, Lady Aleenia. You appear to be hurt, and bleeding bad at that. If you do not mind, I'll take care of it now." to be honest, Lucia didn't care if Aleenia had qualms about Lucia healing her. It was something she needed to do before it became infected, even if Aleenia said no, Lucia would handle it anyway. Yet her gaze turned back to Johnathan, having to state where she had to be. As far as she knew, she was forced to stay here.

As this annoyance built, Sir Nero and Johnathan began talking about finding the demon and purifying the thing. But at the idea that they couldn't find it easy. Yet Saga had spoke about Nero's plan, which made sense, as it would likely be an empty vessel from the soul being departed, finally she spoke up, she sounded more amiss a thought as she spoke, blanketing over the annoyance, "Lady Saga has a point. As much as I wish it was not true, the soul is likely lost, and cannot be simply returned by a purified body, as it is not that easy, I would know...." Lucia paused, she hated that she had to say this, but it was the honest truth, "I hate to say this as much as you, Sir Nero.... But we'll have to kill the demon. Putting the soul at ease should be our main priority now. Though to find it, I do have an idea for that." With another breath, Lucia nodded to herself, the plan made sense in her mind, "It's a tactic used by Seraphs to catch demons that are hidden. I'll go out as the bait, the Demon knows I'm likely it's biggest threat, as I did smite it earlier. I'm sure the thing felt that. While I act as the bait, everyone else remains hidden, once the demon takes the bait, and attacks, is where our trap is sprung and we attack from all sides. At the very least we would pin the monster down where we can handle it best. But, 'tis just an idea."

With those words, Lucia stepped by Aleenia once more, ready to treat the wound the best she can.

--Meanwhile....--
Inside the Monastery to Temari, a blue-haired woman sits, anxiously tapping her fingers against the table she sat at,'Lucia has not returned. And a demon's on the lose...? Something is not right.... she thought before rising, her blue gown quickly resting to it's normal state, she turned to another woman, whose hair was covered along with the rest of her head, where all you saw was merely her face, which embraced ruby red eyes and glasses, and spoke, "Mother Yeliss, I shall return shortly. Lucia has not returned, and with a demon on the loose, it worries me that she has not returned."

"Do as you see fit, may Temari's light guide your wings, Seraph Seriya"

As the woman walked outside, her breathing became much more calmed, as her Katana crackled in it's sheath, and soon her boots crackled as a small prayer was spoken under her breath, "O mighty Raijin, whose reign over thunder reigns supreme, guide my strides to my greatest friend Lucia..." ending the small prayer with a light breath and nod, "Let's go." With those words, the Seraph Seriya set out to the town to search for Lucia Mirakel...

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: [NPC] Bartender Character Portrait: Aleenia Anariel Taldren Character Portrait: Cain Azura Character Portrait: Nero Dalmascer Lucifer Character Portrait: Verdandi Saga Yngiv Character Portrait: Lucia Mirakel
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"I know that miss. But at this point there is nothing I can do about it until it openly reveals itself to us or unless we're able to catch it in the act of killing. Other wise we won't be able to find it, and going through the entire town trying to find some one with some blood red eyes will only take longer."

The knight sighed heavily before continuing to discuss the demon with Nero. As Nero spoke, Aleenia listened intently.

This man, just what was he?

"I know you guys heard what the Chameleon said, how my touch burned it."

Aleenia stiffened on her staff, so he was aware of what happened? It wasn't a fluke after all. Nero continued to converse regarding his 'gift' and Aleenia couldn't help but stare at him intently.

Her brain shot fireworks throughout her system,

His touch could burn a demon? She had never read about such a thing in all of her travels, he was anomaly to her, an unprecedented occurrence in this age.

Did he truly have the power to return the lost soul of a demon?

“That creature
it isn’t
I can’t believe it can be saved anymore. The creature it once was
it is gone, replaced with something new. - Even if you could drive out the contamination that turned it into a demon, by this point – all that would remain in the after math would be an empty shell. The elf, the human, or the beastkin – whatever it was – it is no longer it has been changed and twisted into some new existence. - You can’t turn back time. And even if you could – having known what it has done
whose to say you wouldn’t have damned that person to a guilty fate worse than death?”

Aleenia's doubts were voiced by the beastkin girl, her voice showed her nervousness, her anxiety to the question she did not know the answer too. She spoke a hesitant truth, there was no way to know of what would become of the soul lost to the corruption of a demon's heart. Throughout time and the literature she had read none had been spoken off as savable, a soul was always lost once taken by corruption. Lost to where though? That answer she had never found.

However, before she could delve further into her thoughts another voice spoke up catching her attention.

"Guilty fate you say? Empty shell?" Cain questioned. "What if I said that about every person living on this earth? The Veterans of the Blood war have to live with what they've done. Some taken up being old hermits, while some try to find someway to do what's right. Now me for example...." he trailed off softly as he sheathed his blade.

As Aleenia listened to his argument she noticed his right hand shake ever so slightly before taking a heavy sigh to continue "I was a blacksmith's apprentice. But I let someone down, so I'm now a mercenary. So, what I'm saying girl, is to not judge too easily on what a guilty fate is." Cain finished before his horse interrupted "Oh, now what? Now what?! Agh! Belzedar! Get off of me!!! I don't have any sugar for you, boy!"

Aleenia didn't fight the smile that arose from her lips as he tried to fight off his sugar fiend. Cain had chosen to look at the possibility of what could be, his positive, no, courage to hope for more gave him a different outlook. If it was possible to return a soul, who were they to say that soul would be banished to a fate worse than death? There was no history recorded to go on.

Both had shown courage to speak, she could see it in their body language, they were both afraid, afraid of something that was their own. Something that was close to their hearts. This subject, it was not one to take lightly. Aleenia's own thoughts drifted to her village, she wondered, what would she think differently if the demon was someone she once loved?

"Excuse me, Lady Aleenia. You appear to be hurt, and bleeding bad at that. If you do not mind, I'll take care of it now."

Aleenia jumped slightly as Lucia's gentle touch suddenly moved towards her calf.

"Ah, Miss Lucia, really, there is no need!" Aleenia spoke quickly hasty at this girls rush to her aid. She was surprised more than hesitant. "It's not that bad, truly, please do not waste your magic on me. My wound will heal with time" She flashed a smile towards the girl. "Your kindness really does out do your loveliness" she mused as Lucia spoke to the group.

Lucia agreed with the beastkin girl, whom she had called Lady Saga, Aleenia noted the name. However, as she explained her plan to be bait Aleenia frowned.

Allowing Lucia to continue to heal her wound, as it was clear the young woman would not have it any other way, Aleenia paused pulling her hand up to her chin resting it there as she tapped her good foot in mid-air sat upon her staff. She contemplated the information that had been provided to her, the conflict of opinions towards the demon.

It was then that her eyes shot towards Nero, stern, and foreboding.

Rushing forward on her staff Aleenia brought herself up close to the boy so that their noses were almost touching. She stared into his eyes trying to read something, anything.

Suddenly she brought up her hands and clasped them around his face. "Hmm" her lips half upturned in pondering. "I've decided!" she exclaimed after a long pause releasing her hands in exclamation "I'm going to take a chance on you - Nero" her voice was smooth and filled with intense conviction. This boy, he was the son of a man she had never wished to cross paths with. But this 'gift' if he truly could bring back a lost soul, perhaps he could lead her to a past history that she did not yet know of, one that could lead her closer towards her goal of bringing peace to the races. She would put away her grievance for now.

"In all my years of research, I have never found a trace or whisper of a possibility that a corrupted soul can be saved from its torment. You intrigue me Sir Nero, and I have thought through the options. It is easy to think that the soul is lost" Aleenia looked towards Miss Saga and Miss Lucia "But if there is even a chance of saving a lost soul, is it not the best opportunity for the soul to be given a choice to survive? We can not know what the soul has endured, what they have gone through or the pain they have felt, but what we must do, is have faith that they can be found." She paused before glancing towards Cain, a soft smile rose her expression calming. "All living things in this life suffer in one way or another, it is how we choose to move forward that defines us. If the corrupted soul can be found, no matter how pained it may be, we must give that soul a chance to choose for his or herself how they wish to move forward."

Aleenia looked down towards the hidden burn that scarred her right thigh. "We all make choices that we regret, to live with those regrets, and not be able to redeem them, that is a cruel fate"

Moving towards Miss Saga Aleenia dipped her staff to float at her height "Sometimes, to hold faith, is to have courage to hope. However, it is obvious, to say the least that to deal with this demon, is going to be a grave risk to lives. Baiting yourself Miss Lucia, is honorable of you, but I am not comfortable with such a sacrifice. We struggled to deal with the demon before, even with all of us present, our opponent is formidable. If Nero's touch can truly save the corrupted soul, what we need to do, is immobilise it somehow so that Nero can make contact long enough to see if his 'gift' is genuine." Aleenia tapped her forfinger on her staff as she wondered the best way to do that.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Aleenia Anariel Taldren Character Portrait: Cain Azura Character Portrait: Nero Dalmascer Lucifer Character Portrait: Verdandi Saga Yngiv Character Portrait: Lucia Mirakel
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Nero Dalmascer Lucifer



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As Aleenia coasted up to him Nero could feel himself tense up when she put her hands on his face seeming as though she were in deep in some kind of thought. ”Uh what are you doing?” He asked letting his gaze flick from Johnathan to the elf. "I've decided!" she said as she released his face causing the young man to take a step back. ”That’s great! But what have you decided on?” He asked regaining his composure.

"I'm going to take a chance on you - Nero" At that point his jaw just dropped surprised originally he thought they would think he was just talking hot air. ”I
 uh
 well
 thank you for a moment I thought everyone would just say I’m crazy for even making the suggestion I mean it’s nothing new yeah but it still stings whenever I hear it.” he said with an exasperated sigh before looking out towards the town before shooting a short glance back at the rag tag group of people he was about to work with.

”I can understand your skepticism I can but I honestly think that it might be possible to save someone who has been turned by the ever growing corruption.” At that point Nero seemed to be having a bit on an internal conflict. ’This gift of mine can work on monsters, but that’s the most I know about it. So what if it really can’t work on a demon is there really no hope to save them?’ he thought to himself clenching his fist as he lightly shook his head. ’No I can’t think that way.’

”Now if we’re in agreement or if you’re willing to take a chance with my ‘gift’ then meet me at the town’s entrance within the hour. No later than that any later and there is a possibility that more lives will be lost.” He said pushing past the guards though used a bit more strength than intended causing the two to fall onto their backs and roll around like a turtle struggling to get back up.

Holding the pommel of his sword Nero looked up towards the clouds before noticing that it was well past noon. ”Yep guess my trip home will have to wait another day. Sorry hope you guys can forgive me for delaying it.” he said to himself letting out a heavy sigh tapping his foot as he let his mind wander.

As he was lost in thought Nero barely noticed a small patch of shadow ’what the hell is going on there?’ moving slowly Nero began making his way towards the shadow although he noticed as he got closer the shadow it seemed to be alive. ”Is that shadow breathing?” he said out loud to himself reaching out to see if it was really alive or not. But the moment his hand hovered over just above the strange shadow it began to zip away.

”Wait! Just what the hell is that thing?” He called out chasing after it not realizing how it was moving luring Nero away from Johnathan’s base camp and rather quickly. ’Damn this thing is fast I don’t think I can keep up with it at the speed I’m going at.’ he thought to himself slowly picking up his pace into a jog only to notice that the living shadow began to speed up itself forcing the young man to begin dashing after it.

Chasing the shadow through the town Nero didn’t even notice the stares that were locked onto him with his attention directly on the quickly moving shadow. Part way through the town Nero worried that his muscles would start to fail him until he reach a dimly lit alley. ”So that’s your game is it get me away from everyone else so I wouldn’t be as big a threat? Well sorry to disappoint.” he said stepping into the alley slowly following the pulsating shadow deeper and deeper until Nero could barely see a thing in the dim nearly pitch black lighting.

”Now that you got me alone why don’t you show yourself instead of hiding in the shadows the entire time!” Nero called out folding his arms while leaning on a nearby wall as his muscles screamed at him for a rest. ”Who said I’m hiding your just not looking hard enough.” A voice rang out catching Nero off guard. ’The hell how does a demon have my voice? No it’s not my voice it sounds much deeper in tone than what I’m able to achieve’ he thought looking around trying to catch any glimpse of who spoke making wide sweeps with his gaze from left to right. ”Okay very funny now stop joking around and show yourself and stop using my voice.”

”I’m standing right behind you.” The voice stated tapping Nero on the shoulder causing him to jump. ”Whoa ho-ho. How the hell did you? There was a wall there how could you even?” Nero stammered trying to find the right words as he looked back to see who touched him as it emerged straight from the wall that was behind him. Though what Nero saw was even more of a surprise then meeting Johnathan after ten years.
”You you’re not the chameleon are you? You have my face even though I’m standing right here. And how were you able to do that? My back was against a wall.” Nero stated regaining his composure. Half expecting the Chameleon Nero found himself looking at a near perfect look alike. Though there were some glaring differences such as the pure white hair the deep crimson eyes that looked like they could pierce Nero if he let his guard down.

”About time you took notice of me after all I’ve been listening to you in the shadows for the last half hour.” The look alike stated with a grin. ”You fully intend to try to turn the demon back to who it was before. Now you see we have a bit of an impasse you see my master needs that Chameleon to plant a seed of corruption within this town and cause some chaos.”
”Oh? And here I was hoping we could be friends after all it’s not every day you meet a demon who looks like you.” Nero said sarcastically. ”I don’t just look like you. I mean who would have thought that one could create a demon out of blood from someone with an ability like yours, well apart from my master that is.” the demon said gritting his teeth when Nero said that and as he was fading into the shadow. ”He also gave me a name to oppose yours and I wouldn’t forget it if I were you
 The name my master gave me is
” As the demon disappeared his voice became distant.

”...Weiss so your telling me that you’re who I would have ended up being if I weren’t immune to corruption.” Nero said walking back to the campsite. ”So what does this mean for me?” he asked himself slowly walking past some store clerks trying to pull in some new customers. ”I hope I’m not the only one with something like that because that’s more then just a little unsettling.” After the camp came into sight Nero gave a quick glance back placing a firm grip on the hilt of his sword as an uneasy feeling washed over him. ’And what does he mean by his master surely there isn’t someone out there causing this for their own amusement.’ He thought leaning against the closest lamp post sitting at the entrance to the city.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Aleenia Anariel Taldren Character Portrait: Cain Azura Character Portrait: Nero Dalmascer Lucifer Character Portrait: Verdandi Saga Yngiv Character Portrait: Lucia Mirakel
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The person to respond first to Verdandi’s expressed concerns was – much to her surprise – the mercenary. And his response almost seemed to be of the scolding variety. "I was a blacksmith's apprentice. But I let someone down, so I'm now a mercenary. So, what I'm saying girl, is to not judge too easily on what a guilty fate is."

The beastgirl’s ears flipped back in submissive thought. Verdandi didn’t judge such a fate as easily as he seemed to believe, however, she knew precisely how such guilt would feel. It would be a type of guilt she couldn’t truly relate any other’s with, not with the warriors’ that fought in the wars nor the mercenary’s who lectured her now. Those warriors carried the guilt of fighting and killing for their beliefs – the mercenary carried the guilt of failure. However, the guilt of the demon was the guilt of having purposely done horrible and unforgivable things to another living thing without any reason beyond bloodlust. And all while not intending to. It was the guilt of knowing eventually you’d turn into something terrible and not doing anything to stop yourself. The guilt of being too cowardly to take the necessary steps to protect the people around you from the monster you knew you’d become. This was a guilt she knew well, because it was the guilt she combatted every day. So no – Verdandi didn’t judge this fate as easily as he believed her to.

She held her arm, but he couldn’t know that.

"Lady Saga has a point.” Verdandi’s attention turned towards her name and the priestess who spoke it – perhaps both relieved and surprised that someone heard and understood her concerns, “As much as I wish it was not true, the soul is likely lost, and cannot be simply returned by a purified body, as it is not that easy, I would know...." Curiosity clearly ate at the beastkin’s attention as she cocked her head – how exactly would she know? How much interaction had this priestess actually had with trying to ‘purify’ demons? In all her years of reconnaissance this was the first time she’d heard of anyone trying to nor believing he was capable of purifying contamination of any kind – especially a fully tainted demon. And with all her years searching for any kind of cure, she wondered if she had missed something – and how she had managed to do so if indeed she had.

As far as she knew, not even a priestess’s healing ability could drive away contamination once it had festered in the body. And she was certainly qualified to say so – as priestess’s in the past had attempted it on her own arm to no avail. Rather, she found the presence of magic of any kind only served to aggravate the tainting energy.

“While I act as the bait, everyone else remains hidden, once the demon takes the bait, and attacks, is where our trap is sprung and we attack from all sides.” It seemed that during her inner musings, the conversation had taken a turn for the worst. Now it seemed that the one person who had at least partially agreed with her also had plans to rope the entire party into a demon hunt. Using herself as bait no less. To this notion, Verdandi could only furrow her brows, take a step back and shake her head.

Insanity abounds.

”Uh what are you doing?” That was almost the same question Verdandi wanted to ask – although hers differed by instead questioning the group’s thinking as opposed to their actions.

"I've decided!" Startled out of her already flabbergasted reverie. Verdandi turned towards the elvish witch, who if she were remembering correctly was named Aleenia, at her rather unexpected outburst.

”That’s great! But what have you decided on?” Yet another question that mirrored Verdandi’s own.

"I'm going to take a chance on you - Nero" The beastgirl visible blanched at the realization that yet another member of this motley group wanted to go along with this off kilter plan to hunt down a demon – a demon that had already proven to be beyond this group’s ability to handle.

She couldn’t understand the thinking behind this decision. The witch had seemed so shrewd earlier. What thought processes could possibly have led to such a decision? Verdandi herself couldn’t come up with an answer. Fortunately, it seemed the elf would willingly provide one. “It is easy to think that the soul is lost - But if there is even a chance of saving a lost soul, is it not the best opportunity for the soul to be given a choice to survive? We can not know what the soul has endured, what they have gone through or the pain they have felt, but what we must do, is have faith that they can be found."

Verdandi chewed her lips, and her tail and ears wilted. How? How could these people be so strong? How could they hold faith in such a fanciful ideal? Weren’t they scared of having that faith crushed? Weren’t they scared of growing too tired to keep any faith at all? It was easier to have faith in the easy things. There was less to worry over. Less to fear.

And even if she didn’t understand how they could do it and she chose to accept that they could, did they not understand not everyone had enough courage to keep such faith. Did they not understand that someone like her – someone who had escaped from a life of captivity only to end up in a different sort of imprisonment – wasn’t capable of giving anyone any kind of choice.

No.

If Nero's touch can truly save the corrupted soul, what we need to do, is immobilise it somehow so that Nero can make contact long enough to see if his 'gift' is genuine."

No.

”I
 uh
 well
 thank you for a moment I thought everyone would just say I’m crazy for even making the suggestion I mean it’s nothing new yeah but it still stings whenever I hear it.”

No. She did think it was crazy.

”I can understand your skepticism I can but I honestly think that it might be possible to save someone who has been turned by the ever growing corruption.”

No. It wasn’t possible.

”Now if we’re in agreement or if you’re willing to take a chance with my ‘gift’ then meet me at the town’s entrance within the hour. No later than that any later and there is a possibility that more lives will be lost.”

No. She didn’t agree. No. She wasn’t willing. No. She wouldn’t be there. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.

Just NO.

She wasn’t sure when it had happened – if it had been before or after Nero had departed from the group – but Verdandi had backed away from all the talking. She couldn’t listen to it anymore. She didn’t had the courage to even listen or consider such a thing.

Her eyes glanced over the group. Guilt and shame both eating away at her while she came to her decision. She wouldn’t be of any use anyway. So she’d do what she was best at, what she always did when her fears got the best of her as they did so often. She’d run. She’d run wherever her instincts took her, tail tucked between her legs and ears alert for danger. She’d run. Even if running tore her apart with remorse. She wouldn’t look back. Even if looking back hurt less.

She didn’t even say goodbye, she merely slipped away in silence. Perhaps her only useful skill was to sneak from place to place. Besides – Nero had made enough of a commotion in leaving, by knocking two guards over, that her own disappearance came with ease. And once she had escaped the camp she dashed back into town, where plenty of cubbies and crowds could easily hide her from prying eyes of every color.

Perhaps this was for the best, since prying eyes might have spied a suspiciously dissatisfied scowl.



Verdandi deadpanned and her tail and ears twitched in horrified bemusement. She trusted her instincts implicitly. She always had, and yet, in this instant, she wondered what in the world her instincts were trying to tell her. Of all places she could have ended up she certainly hadn’t been expecting to stand in front of a bookstore with a broken glass window and visibly overturned bookshelves.

Really, she imagined this was about the worst place to have returned to – this was previously the den of the demon they’d barely escaped from, moreover she seriously doubted the bookseller wanted anything more to do with her or anyone else that was involved in the destruction of his shop. As such she made the quick decision to turn on her heels and leave the immediate area before she was caught.

However, the exhausted grunting her ears caught echoing from the interior stopped her. The old man had lost his store and his assistant all in one day and now he was probably left to clean up the aftermath all on his own. She heard the sound of scraping wood and shuffling papers, then a long drawn out sigh. A sigh that bore more burden then she thought anyone should bear alone. Verdandi’s head turned again so that her amber eyes could spy the old man through the missing window. He looked to have aged in the short time she had been in the camp. His slumped back quivered with exertion as he picked up books and made fruitless attempts at righting fallen shelves. Ragged hands weakly gripped wares. And a firm scowl had been carved onto his once softer features.

Verdandi’s frightful expression softened. She was many things – most of her characteristics were admittedly not the kind to be sought after. And she didn’t have the ability or courage to fight demons, but she could help an old man put the pieces of his bookstore back together.

She stepped inside, albeit not quietly as glassed crunched beneath her boots – immediately garnering the attention of the old man who snapped to attention. He stiffened when he saw her originally, but once recognition crossed his face he noticeably relaxed, much to Verdandi’s surprise. “Oh. It’s only you. Glad t’ see y’were released so quickly.”

The beastkin blinked, stupefied. “You are?”

The old man resumed his tidying as he spoke in a gruff tone – much different from his previous business manner, “O’ course I am. Beastchild or no, y’don’t deserve to be locked up for nothin’”

Verdandi came up beside him, carefully, “I only thought you may be mad for what happened to your shop,” kneeling down she reached out for a book, “May I?”

The man guffawed, “I’m not one t’let pride keep me from acceptin’ help.” Verdandi quickly began piling books into her arms while the old man spoke. “As fo’ the shop: I ain’t happy ‘bout it. But there’s not uh’ one to blame.”

Verdandi furrowed her brow as she followed the man to a table where they laid their gathered books across its surface. “I’m sorry. I don’t follow your meaning.” Surely, even if he didn’t hold her accountable, he at least found the demon guilty?

“You’re not too bright u’ young’un. Are you?”

Her tail ruffled at the insult, “Excuse me?” Here she was helping to clean up his shop and he was calling her an idiot? “I just don’t understand how no one could be at fault. Wasn’t it the de-”

“Hush beastchild.” Greying eyes met amber in a disquieting, hopeful, and concurrently painful gaze that silenced any further argument from the younger of the two conversers. “Alisa. Her name’s Alisa. An’ I know she’d never do such u’ thing on purpose. She loves books. This hurt her the most, y’know.”

Verdandi looked away before the old man did. He spoke about her as if she were still alive as if she was suffering from the contamination even now. Eventually her gaze turned back to him. Turning back to the huge mess he walked away from her, and from behind she couldn’t help noticing that he looked so forlorn. She followed after him and when he placed his hand again on the fallen bookshelf she gently placed her hand atop his in gesture meant to put pause to yet another fruitless attempt to lift it. “Let me.” The old bookkeeper stared at Verdandi for a moment before nodding and moving aside to allow Verdandi space to work.

The beastgirl took firm hold of the shelf and adjusted her position before heaving the shelf up with a grunt. At first, it seemed she’d fail due to improper leverage but with a quick adjustment in the moment it initially came of the ground, the beastgirl eased it back into its rightful position. “Hey, would’ya look at that. You’re stronger than y’look.”

Verdandi brushed her hands together, “Not really. I’m actually quite average as far as Beastkin go.” She smiled at the old man.

He returned the gesture with a haunted smile of his own, “Y’smile like her. Actually, y’remind me of Alisa in many ways. She’d want u’ be here helpin’ to fix her mess, same s’you.”

Verdandi’s eyes fell again, “Then she’s nothing like me.” Subconsciously, she rubbed her arms as she continued speaking, “I only know to run from my messes.”

The old man had started replacing books on the now corrected shelf, “Again, y’ain’t too bright. Don’t even know y’self.”

“Excuse me?” Again, Verdandi ruffled at the old man’s comments concerning her level of intelligence.

“Well, yer here cleanin’ up this mess an’ it ain’t even yours. I think y’don’t know what y’know to do an’ what y’don’t.”

Perhaps she felt defensive, perhaps that earlier guilt she had tried to suppress was again clawing its way to the surface, but she couldn’t remain silent on this matter, “I know what I can’t do. I know what can and can’t be done – I can tell when something is hopeless. And I know when I’m tired and far too weak to have faith in something. I know when to give up. That’s all.”

“Runnin’ ain’t always givin’ up.” Verdandi blinked as the old man spoke, “I’d say it’s u’ type of fightin’. A fight fo’ survival. I’d say if yer runnin’ it’s due to the fight and the hope y’got stored up in ya.” The old man shrugged as he continued, “’sides, ain’t nuthin’ wrong with not doin’ what y’know y’can’t do. Just got u’ find an’ do what y’can.”

“But-”

“An’ as fo’ hopelessness. Ain’t nuthin’ hopless ‘til y’give up hopin’. At least, that’s what Alisa always says ‘bout this shop. The old man sighed again then mumbled, “She’d really regret not helpin’ clean up
”

Verdandi was rarely at a loss for thinking. But she suddenly felt as though this old man had hung her excuses out to dry after using them to beat her with. She couldn’t say she was about to turn a new leaf. She definitely thought what those foolishly brave people were doing was stupid and definitely wouldn’t work, and she had no plans to fight a demon. Heaven knows she’d be more a bane than a boon in a fight, but there was at least something she could do. Wasn’t there? She looked down at her arm, even now she hoped for healing for herself – was it so far a stretch to hope Alisa would get back to being Alisa?

Maybe not.

Verdandi breathed in the air, searching for what she knew was likely present – and she smelt it. Blood – blood with an ever so slight tainted scent. Blood left behind from the mercenary’s scathing blow. She turned on her heels and followed her nose to the source. A bucket with a crimson stained cloth resting inside it. “What are y’doin’?” Making sure to use her right, already contaminated hand the beastgirl reached in to take hold of the cloth, “Hey! Y’shouldn’t touch that! Y’might get sick y’self!”

Paying no mind to the old man’s warning, she firmly grasped the slightly damp cloth and held it to her nose in order to memorize the scent. She didn’t know if this would help, but if the demon still bled or wore bloody clothes, she might be able to track it down. It was all she knew to do at this point. Distracted, she didn’t notice the old man frantically approach her and grab her right hand. Instinct kicked in and for fear of the transferring her own disease to the elderly gentleman she dropped the cloth, shoved him away, and yelped, “Don’t touch my arm! I’m fine!”

The old man, shocked, stared at her before realization dawned. “Yer sick too. Like Alisa is.”

She ignored the old man’s statement and picked up the cloth once more, “I’m borrowing this. I’ll bring it back
with Alisa.”

Without turning to look at the old man, for fear of the fear, pity, or hope she’d see in his eyes she left for the town’s entrance. She only had a short while before the hour was up, even hurrying – she probably would still be late.

But better late than never she supposed.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Aleenia Anariel Taldren Character Portrait: Cain Azura Character Portrait: Nero Dalmascer Lucifer Character Portrait: Verdandi Saga Yngiv Character Portrait: Lucia Mirakel
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With a Plan set in place, Lucia Mirakel takes time for her own quiet thoughts and reflections... In search of the willpower to confront the demon with courage.

The plan was set, and Nero had run off to what she presumed to be the town gates, he was going to confront the demon himself. As she thought about her plan, Lucia knelt looking at Aleenia's wound, she took a breath, knowing this injury will hurt. Placing a hand on the shard Lucia looked to the elven woman, "This may hurt some bit, Lady Aleenia." she then began to take the shard from the woman's calf. It was deep into the muscle, but it was not something Lucia's magic could not handle with ease. Once the shard was out, with a small prayer once more, she placed her hands over the wound, a small glow began to encompass both the wound and her hand, t'was a warm glow and the young sister grit her teeth a little as Aleenia's leg closed, while the wound began to open in Lucia's leg, as Aleenia's leg had healed without even so much as a scar, Lucina stood, the wound throbbed as her muscle had quickly showed it's displeasure with being in the situation she was. Yet, the woman knew her body would heal quicker than Aleenia, thus, a light smile was given as her voice was gently heard, "There you go. All healed, Lady Aleenia."

Though, Aleenia's words echoed in her mind, while neither were wrong, there was a slim chance for the soul to be saved, it was more what Aleenia said after, it resided heavily in her mind, 'Can Sir Nero really save this person? Can I even save this person's soul?' she thought. While she was confident in her skills in healing, she understood her capabilities, but even then she had little practice in her Soul Rebirth, as it both deals with the physical side and spiritual side of a person. It heavily relied on the person's will to live, that is, if the person isn't deceased already. At that point, the situation is well out of anyone's hands. Lucia took a harsh breath, that injury was seriously something else, as it especially interrupted her thought, Rude. Yet her dark brown eyes locked to the azure eyes of Aleenia once more, as her thought returned with a fervor, "If the body is still alive, and the person has the will to live, there's a chance I can bring their soul back to them. However, the chance is very slim, and depends on how the Goddess wishes go, but, much like you, Lady Aleenia, I shall take this chance." With a light laugh, Lucia continued her thought, "Even if it means I have to act as the bait to draw the demon out." She was more laughing at her idea from earlier. It was a tactic that had worked in the past, though Aleenia's point stood, the thing overpowered the five of them once, Lucia would stand no chance on her own, though with the five, Lucia knew there was enough hope to bring forth a Miracle once more, after all, there were five on this attempt, the worst case scenario was a seraph team to get involved, for at that point their plan would be doomed to fail.

Without a second thought, Lucia proceeded towards the town's gates, with determination rattling her chest. Those whom resided in the peaceful town were in danger, and Lucia wanted none of that. Even if it meant she threw herself into danger to shield the townspeople. As she approached Nero, her voice was swiftly heard, "Sir Nero, if you can purify the body, and so long as the body isn't deceased, I can raise our odds at bringing the soul back. So I shall join along in-"

"Lucia!"

A familiar voice, stopping Lucia in her tracks, Lucia turned, noticing a woman approaching, Seriya,

"Oh, Seriya! What are you-"

"Looking for you. Haven't you heard? There's a demon about the area. You know Mother Yeliss' policy."

"Yes. I do, as I've encountered the demon before with Sir Nero here. Along with several others, we're trying to at least attempt in purifying it." With those words, the woman both looked at Nero and Lucia, in utter confusion,

"Purify.... A demon...? Sister Lucia what on earth are you thinking? Purifying a demon is impossible." Seriya shook her head, with Lucia looking at the blue-haired woman with determination, though the Seraph laughed a little, her gaze turning especially to Nero, with a contrasting set of eyes to her blue hair, "Well then. If you're to confront a demon, you'll need a Seraph in support. I'll help." She paused, her eyes getting sharper, "But. If your purification process turns out to fail. I won't hesitate to end the demon then and there. Am I clear, Sir Nero?" Her words were swift and sharp, and Lucia looked aside, hating to think that possibility was unacceptable, though, it didn't so much as rattle her. The plan was set, and each piece was ready to follow through with it.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Aleenia Anariel Taldren Character Portrait: Cain Azura Character Portrait: Nero Dalmascer Lucifer Character Portrait: Verdandi Saga Yngiv Character Portrait: Lucia Mirakel
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Cain Azura
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Cain pushed Belzedar off and patted his head in a scolding fashion. "Alright relax don't be a worry wart." He stated as he listened to Lucia's statement, as well as Aleenia's. When she talked about how people suffer yet move forward he knew it was aimed for him, and his heart almost stopped.

"She sounds like her." he thought as he nodded to her as he watched Lucia tend to the Elf's wound. Then Nero suggested his current plan as the young man blessed by dragons nodded. "Right. An hour, meet you there! The bet now stands!" he said in a clear tone of not wanting to lose ten gold coins. He then turned to Aleenia with a small smile.

"I thank you again for your words. I believe this seals the deal. You're my friend now! As your friend I'll go where you go and your enemies shall be my enemies!" He declared, "Now then Lady Aleenia, shall we go and see if Nero's plans come to fruition?" He got onto Belzedar as he stated this the horse giving a loud huff as its master climbed on.

"Uhm, would you... Like to ride on him?" regardless of the answer to the question, when he started traveling to the destination he stuck close to his now declared friend. His horse gave him a 'Really?' look.

When Cain had got there he stared dumbfounded at Lucia and another nun who arrived. "Lady Lucia did you invite some of your friends here?" he asked in confusion as he scratched his head confused like. He didn't recall anyone inviting more priestesses to the party when he remembered that Lucia's order would send someone if she was not back. His mouth formed a small 'o' in understanding as Belzedar rolled his eyes.

His master was at often times, a simple minded man.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Aleenia Anariel Taldren Character Portrait: Cain Azura Character Portrait: Nero Dalmascer Lucifer Character Portrait: Verdandi Saga Yngiv Character Portrait: Lucia Mirakel
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Nero Dalmascer Lucifer



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As Nero reached the town entrance before he could hear Lucia's voice call out for his attention. "Sir Nero, if you can purify the body, and so long as the body isn't deceased, I can raise our odds at bringing the soul back. So I shall join along in-"

"Lucia!"

A second voice came from behind though Nero didn't seem to respond. Rather he simply decided to take note that Lucia knew the person based off her own reaction when they got up close enough.

"Oh, Seriya! What are you-" Lucia tried to say before being cut off again.

"Looking for you. Haven't you heard? There's a demon about the area. You know Mother Yeliss' policy." The person apparently named Seriya stated.

"Yes. I do, as I've encountered the demon before with Sir Nero here. Along with several others, we're trying to at least attempt in purifying it." Now looking at the newcomer Nero took note of her though he did take a double take when he got to her red eye Nero simply shrugged and looked back at Lucia.

"Purify.... A demon...? Sister Lucia what on earth are you thinking? Purifying a demon is impossible." She said shaking her head laughing seemingly believing that it was a joke though Lucia's determined look said other wise. "Well then. If you're to confront a demon, you'll need a Seraph in support. I'll help." She said looking at Nero with a sharp gaze. "But. If your purification process turns out to fail. I won't hesitate to end the demon then and there. Am I clear, Sir Nero?" He could feel the seriousness in her tone.

But rather then letting the Seraph intimidate him Nero turned to her with a stern look on his normally gentle smiling face. "I can't assure that it will be flawless but I will use my 'gift' to eradicate the corruption that has taken hold of who ever that demon is." He said keeping eye contact with the seraph as long as he could before looking back to the city his features visibly soften in what seemed like moments. "One last thing I'm no knight despite my father being one of the most notable knights of this era. So please I would appreciate it if you just called me Nero." He added in a much friendlier tone though his hand never seemed to leave his sword.

"Any way it's been an hour so I take it every one who is willing to take a chance with this is here now." Nero stated glancing around noticing that the beastgirl Saga was no where to be seen. "Look I'm not going to lie so I'll make this a quick review. From my experience the demon we're about to look for is strong strong not to mention nimble despite it's current build. And from what it told me or what I can interpret from what it said is that this demon is able to take the skin of who ever it targets and use it as a type of camouflage to hide itself in plain sight." He said listing off all that he knew that the demon was capable of before going ahead of every one back into the town.



Moving through the town Nero seemed to weave in and out of various alley ways seemingly as though he was just randomly picking where to search and went on when he wasn't satisfied with the outcome. 'There's just so many places this Chameleon is able to hide away in some of these alleys even go all the way through to another part of town good for trying to lose a crowd of people since they'd have to funnel in to go through maybe two at a time.' he thought until he reached the place he lost the demon at. "This is the last place I saw the demon so I guess it is my fault for letting it get away but if I can be honest I didn't want to risk being choked again especially since there would be no one around at the time to get me out of it like last time." He said scratching his head while laughing lightly.

"If the demon is here then I need I feel I have to get something off my chest." Nero went on dipping his voice into a whisper so only the people around him could hear what he was going to say. "To tell you the truth I'm fairly nervous about this but... This will be the first demon I'm going to attempt to purify... And personally I wish that wasn't the case." he started pausing at times to find the right words to say. "I've done it many times with animals that were similarly changed though the resulting monsters don't have the same level of intelligence. Basically I will be using my 'gift' to rip the taint from the demon's body. But that means I need to get in close enough to actually grab it." Speaking about his strange ability Nero could feel his blood start t run could almost as though his body housed a river of ice 'I wish I could tell them everything but saying that instead of destroying the corruption out right I'm bringing it into my own system. No one will agree to fully go through with it.'

Shrugging the thought away Nero gave a quick glance from left to right until he was satisfied that no one was coming their way before stepping into the shadows cast by the buildings in the alley. "Just keep your eyes open if it's still here the demon will jump out at us from anywhere." he said pulling his sword from it's home on his hip and placing it in his left hand keeping his right free so he could grab onto the chameleon demon when the chance hit.

Moving as silently as he could Nero kept his eyes open for any movement though at first anything that ran across his line of sight was written as as a mouse or other vermin that lived in these dark places. But the further in he notices a familiar pulsating shadow forcing him to stop dead in his tracks and signal everyone following him to do the same. "I should have known he'd try to stop this from happening." Nero said to himself looking back. "Okay quick change there's a hurdle I'm going to need to clear before we can even try to get to our original objective." Nero stated motioning to the pulsing shadow.

"I thought my warning would have gotten through to you little Nero." Weiss's voice rang out from the shadow before his voice emerged appearing as though he were stepping out of a lake but with out being soaked from head to toe with water. "That's too bad I was hoping you would have just turned around and said everything was off to your friends here... Hold up where is the beastkin girl and the elf? I guess not every one is a fool to follow you into a highly dangerous situation where they might become demon's themselves.. Well not everyone after all your still human despite getting a full on dose of the stuff when you cam in contact with the chameleon." Weiss continued to jeer at Nero and any one who followed him into the alley. "Shut up already would you. I've already made up my mind that I would do anything with in my power to not only save the people of this town but that demon as well." Nero said tightening his grip of his weapon.

"Oh that's just precious I don't doubt you'll be able to after all my master said your power is threatening to his plan despite it being as weak as it is now." Weiss laughed before looking at the group with a wicked grin and holding his left arm out. With a single snap of his fingers the shadows that formed at Weiss' feet began swirling around his arm slowly changing it causing it to swell and twist in a way that wasn't humanly possible. By the time all this finished a large black blade had taken place of what used to be an arm. "I.... uh... Wasn't really expecting that." Nero said taking a small step back out of nervousness but kept his composure. "Now then who should I chop up first? How about you red or perhaps the nun or would the seraph prefer to step in?" the demon jeered causing Nero to look back to the group his mind racing as he tried to process what he saw.

When he was finally able to push the initial fear out of his mind. "I'll take you on Weiss. After all you did say that I was the biggest threat here. So why torture these people when you can take the threat out in one day... That is if you're able to." Nero spoke up changing into a defensive stance before moving closer to the demon that stood in front of him only stopping to look back at the others and mouth "Keep moving I'll catch up soon enough." Looking back to Weiss Nero took another step closer.



"Looks like you have a death wish after all." The demon laughed at Nero's courage. "or your just stupid enough to not try to run away." At this statement Nero just shook his head."Wrong on both accounts. I don't wish to die until I found out who caused my home and the town I was born in to be razed to the ground ten years ago. Also stupidity has nothing to do with what I'm doing because like you I'm just going to fight you until you either run away or get tired and forced to retreat." Nero stated keeping just out of the reach of the blade like arm.

The tension between the combatants was thick as sweat clung to the back of Nero's neck before
Weiss snapped bringing his newly formed sword arm down. 'He sacrificed speed for size and power amateur move.' Nero thought dodging to the side swiping his sword towards his opponent not heavy enough to cause massive damage but was surely quick enough that it would be hard to avoid or block though looking closer Nero notice Weiss just smile before vanishing into the shadows like he did on their first encounter before reappearing behind the young warrior and slamming the blunt side of the arm sword into him flinging Nero into a wall hard enough that it forced blood to escape fro his mouth. "Right I forgot about that. But now I know that your able to manipulate shadows and bend them to your will." he said spitting the remaining blood from his mouth. "Now that I know it's going to be easier to force you to retreat." Nero said trying to get his legs to stop wobbling after his heavy impact against a wall.

Hearing this Weiss just laughed before snapping his fingers again causing the changed arm to shrink down. "That's great for you but how are you going to do that there's no sunlight here so you can't weaken me that way." When the change finished the demon charged Nero forcing him act swiftly in order to avoid being decapitated. Boy did Nero act as his look alike moved closer at a speed that made a striking snake like slow. Adrenaline began pumping through Nero's body allowing him a single moment to deliver a critical strike. Gripping his sword tightly Nero went for his counter and he could feel the blade pass through the armor like shadow around Weiss' arm allowing Nero to cut into the demonic look alike's flesh evident by the fan like spray of blood that followed the clash from the two.

Stumbling back Weiss looked at Nero who seemed was bruised and spitting blood every ten seconds before grinning. "I guess my master was right. Your dangerous to his plans. Now look here you may have won this time but next time the tables will have turned!" The demon exclaimed before vanishing about as quickly as he had appeared. Planting his sword into the ground Nero leaned on it for support breathing heavily before spitting the blood from his mouth again. "I'll keep getting stronger till then so it won't be as easy to hurt me." Nero said dropping to one knee as his adrenaline rush finally began to fade letting him feel the full weight of the pain he was able to ignore at the time. "Ouch... Damn that hurts! It feels like he hit me with a bag full of stone. Just how hard did Weiss slam me into that wall?" Nero said to himself groaning as he sat down and putting his back up to the wall as his sword stood next to him still embedded six inches in the dirt.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Aleenia Anariel Taldren Character Portrait: Cain Azura Character Portrait: Nero Dalmascer Lucifer Character Portrait: Verdandi Saga Yngiv Character Portrait: Lucia Mirakel
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With the Seraph Seriya perusing the demon with the utmost importance, Lucia prepares herself for the oncoming battle ahead, not knowing what may come of this...


Frustration was starting to show on the young Seraph as she sped through the area, combing the people searching for red eyes, it was aggravating as she knew full well that if she and the others she promised to aid couldn't find this demon and quick, more Seraphs would be dispatched to handle the demon, which would hinder the plan's progress... That was the last thing the party would want... Though her thoughts were snapped as she heard another voice, a strange man, or at least strange as he approached a Seraph and began asking questions to find a demon,

"So Sister. Where do you propose a changeling would hide after getting injured?"

It almost tripped Seriya up in bewilderment, she glanced over, and quickly replied, "Unfortunately, as I've not seen the demon or what it is, I cannot say I know of the exact place it'd hide. However, it may know we're on it's trail, and will try to hide itself either in the shadows, or...." She paused, knowing what the other possibility was, she didn't want to say it as she hated the idea of a battle with the demon to be in a crowded space, it would mean she'd have to restrain herself further to prevent injuries to others should the battle go south, and end in the Seraph having to kill the demon... Shaking that thought

And now for something completely different.

In the meantime, Lucia looked a bit more concerned, hearing cracked ribs, and especially internal bleeding. Those weren't good and often unpleasant, she of all people would know, it was something she would never wish on another being, let alone allowing someone else to have them. Though Nero had a valid point, she would certainly be heavily affected by the buildup of her injuries, even though the leg injury was already healing faster as she focused her internal magic to it. With a glance to the side, she noticed she had knocked into Saga without realizing it, with a slight bow, she spoke to Saga,

"My apologies, Lady Saga, I was not paying any attention to where I was going." It was a bit of a flustering event for her, as she hadn't been in many demon hunts before, so she hadn't a clue what to do and what she should do as well. Though she listened to Saga and Nero carefully, as they seemed to have a plan, Lucia nodded along as she listened to Nero, though she had an admittedly bad feeling about the demon hunt.

The walk was slow, and as Lucia watched Nero, she noticed even Saga was showing concern, it took next to every fiber of Lucia to not just forcefully heal him. She looked to Saga, she didn't seem to be one to fight easily or at least not one whom would willingly join a fight. It concerned Lucia as well, while Nero and Seriya were natural fighters, or at least trained, her and Saga were about as good of fighters as fluffy bunnies. Though she was ready with a heal or two if needbe...

Switching back to Seriya...

Seriya had slowed down a bit, it was pointless, running around like a chicken with it's head cut off, and it frustrated her too. With a hard sigh she placed her chin against her thumb with her arms in a crossed manner, lightly biting the knuckle of her left pointer finger, the Seraph weighed her options carefully. Yet, another voice broke her thoughts once more, this time it was Nero, whom slowly approached with Lucia and.... "A beastkin?" She mumbled under her breath, as she looked to the three. Soon her mind had popped a bubble in a sense, 'Of course! A Beastkin's senses are far better than that of a human's!' she thought before noticing Nero seemed to struggle to walk, 'And this oaf expects to fight a demon when he seems to struggle with just walking?' her eyes narrowed a bit as she approached Nero, with a stern tone in her voice,

"Nero. How in the world do you expect to fight a demon when you seem to struggle with just walking in your condition? Are you asking for a funeral?"

Lucia's perspective again

Seriya's words were to the point, and Lucia stepped back a little as she watched her friend snap at Nero. It was admittedly amusing as she watched. Though both understood Saga's role now, as she tracked the demon, the two followed with the admittedly rag-tag group as they followed the girl, Lucia felt concerned to let Saga lead the team, soon enough they went through a small grouping of people before stopping by a pharmacy, this was it, where Lucia was to protect her town especially. Though Saga and Cain raised good points about the pharmacy, Cain had seemingly little trust in the area, and a concern of the old pharmacist, while Saga had concerns of the group mad-rushing in.

It was a quick silence as both Lucia and Seriya thought before Lucia nodded to herself with a simple "Okay." She soon stepped forward, looking back and quietly speaking,

"I'll go in myself. It's a pharmacy and I'm known as a healer here, so it'd make the most sense that I'd enter the building. I can hold my own if things get dicey, worst comes to worst, I'll smite the thing again. I'll check, and we'll decide there. Alright?"

With a light smile, Lucia proceeded into the building, with a simple light and almost cheery "Hello."