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 Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2022 9:16 pm
We start our journy at the Final Selection. A week long test of your skills with a blade and survival, there are many a demon here, though most would be considered weak. Having only devoured one or two humans in their pitiful existances. As the sun sets you are allowed to walk past the last line of Wisteria trees and into the test, come back in seven days. Should you survive you will be seen as a Demon Slayer!
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Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2022 5:36 pm
†ђэмэ ร๏иφ : XXXX For Your Entertainment - Adam Lambert XXXX
ℓ๏¢ล†เ๏и : XXXX Final Selection XXXX
๏๏¢ : XXXX xxx XXXX
✧XXXXNayori sighed as she started to wrap up her arms and legs with the bandages she had been given by her Sensei. She had slept for as long as she could, and it was only a few hours until the Final Selection. Wrapping her body head to toe with the thick cloth to protect her skin from any sunlight, ever since she was turned she hadn’t dared to even try to look at the bright light that she used to spend her whole day working in. It was to risky, hell even when she visited her sister it had been hard to stay indoors. Once she was done preparing she stood up pulling on her Hakama and placing the Jingasa on to her head. This was the best that she would be able to do for now…
✧XXXXWalking up the mountain the smell of Westeria tickled at her nose, but it didn’t give her the same repulsion as it did to other demons. Looking up the hill, her red eyes focused on the path. Something her master had warned her about was the possibility of the other teachers following their students to the selection. It seemed that there was no one this time around, had she encountered any seasoned Demon Slayers they would be able to see through her disguise easily… Though her teacher had told her that most students weren’t honed in identifying demon’s this early on.. For many this would be their first encounters with demons.
✧XXXXCresting the top of the hill, she looked around at the other people that were there. She didn’t hear anything that would give her pause… all sounded like they were normal teenagers such as herself. Maybe she would be lucky, when the two small girls stepped forward they started to explain the rules… Survive for seven nights and then return to this place by dawn of the final day. Easy.
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2022 7:07 am
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2022 4:51 pm
ㄒ卄乇爪乇 丂ㄖ几Ꮆ : XXXX In Flames - All The Pain XXXX
ㄥㄖ匚卂ㄒ丨ㄖ几 : XXXX Final Selection XXXX
ㄖㄖ匚 : XXXX xxx XXXX
霧 ≻XXXX Reluctantly waking from her rest. Kaede barely slept the night before, her nerves leaving the young woman a wreck, thinking of what was going to come. Slowly and groggily she gathered the item that she was going to take into the forest. "Rude a** uncle, making me go through a ******** suicide mission just to see my sister. What kinda family does that?" Kaede grumbled to herself as she finished packing up her items. Stumbling slightly as she made her way to the meeting grounds at the edge of the wisteria line.
霧 ≻XXXX Standing quietly as looked over the others that were there. Kaede's thoughts varied on person to person, as she judged them based on their appearance. Hoping that maybe she could linger around the stronger people and survive the night. After all, it was to her knowledge that she only needed to survive the one night. That dream, however, was quickly shattered with the explanation of the event by the two young girls.
霧 ≻XXXX "S-seven? Out there? With demons? Why Seven?" Kaede whined in a hushed voice, as reality slapped her in the face. Neither of the girls seemed to respond to her, as Kaede followed the group through the line of wisteria. With her heart racing, and body visibly trembling, Kaede stayed near the middle of the pack. Her eyes rapidly taking in the scenes and pointing out anything that seemed even the slightest bit off. Her imagination quick to take the reigns from there, creating a horrific scene in her mind of all the different ways that demons would end her short existence in the forest.
霧 ≻XXXX Looking around at the people that were still there, Kaede quickly latched onto a nearby young man. "W-we should protect each other! I cou-" Kaede began to spew out before the young man ripped his arm free from her grasp, with a look of disgust. "Die on your own, don't get someone else killed trying to protect a useless slayer." He spit with venom in his words before moving off from the group.
霧 ≻XXXX Shrinking away from the group, with a horrified and embarrassed look plastered on her face. Kaede internally went over the fact that it was daylight out, and the different ways that she was safe for now. Attempting to calm her own anxiety from taking over. After all, this was going to be the easiest part of the entire week.
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Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2022 11:21 pm
†ђэмэ ร๏иφ : XXXX For Your Entertainment - Adam Lambert XXXX
ℓ๏¢ล†เ๏и : XXXX Final Selection XXXX
๏๏¢ : XXXX xxx XXXX
✧XXXXThe sun was slowly starting to sink further and further down the mountain, Nayo couldn't wait until the sun set so she could remove the sunblocking layer of cloth. Her first task would be to try and find some place to hide from the sun during the morning hours… a Cave hopefully, she did not enjoy digging deep holes to burrow in like a rabbit. Everyone had seemed to fan out, with her enhanced hearing, she heard a female not that far away talking to another. Something about pairing together to protect each other. A huff of annoyance pushed through the bandages on her face, how could one that seemed to be soaked in fear make it this far in their training.
✧XXXXThough she doubted that the others had, had their limbs sliced off in their training. But, from what her teacher had told her, when he was human his own training had been intense to be able to learn the proper breathing techniques. Soon the voices were softer, to make out words she would need to focus… but the sun was just about set, it was nearing twilight. Taking shelter behind a large rock, she started to pull the bandages off of her face and body. Taking a deep breathe unhindered, her red eyes scanning. She could hear the demon’s beginning to wake… She needed ot be ready to fight back. Once the bandages were removed, she started to pull off the Hakama that she wore to cover more of her skin.
✧XXXXStanding barefoot in the grass she smiled as her long silver hair fell over her shoulders as she pulled her Haori tighter over her Kimono , the blade she was borrowing from her teacher tied to her hip. “Just a few more minutes.” she said with a smile, looking to the west to watch the last few rays of light begin to disappear over the horizon.
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Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2022 12:28 am
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Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2022 7:03 pm
ㄒ卄乇爪乇 丂ㄖ几Ꮆ : XXXX In Flames - All The Pain XXXX
ㄥㄖ匚卂ㄒ丨ㄖ几 : XXXX Final Selection XXXX
ㄖㄖ匚 : XXXX xxx XXXX
霧 ≻XXXXKaede watched as the group of people dispersed throughout the forest. Left alone, she sheepishly wrapped her left hand around the closed fist of her right. Wandering deeper into the forest. Despite knowing that the sunlight brought protection, the young woman could not help but feel like an impending doom was awaiting around every tree.
霧 ≻XXXXAs the sun set, and the moon rose, so did her anxiety. Kaede knew that the demons would be able to hone in on the invaders of the forest. She knew that it would only be a matter of time before she was coming face to face with more of the monsters. Curling up at the base of a tree, the young woman tried to make herself as small and unnoticeable as possible. Her blade sitting next to her, as her eyes took in all of her surroundings.
霧 ≻XXXXWith darkness enveloping the forest, part of Kaede could not help but curse her eyes. Adjusting and instinctively fixating on the slightest of movements in the foliage. Though it was dark, she had little to no trouble distinguishing shapes and movement, even at a distance. Time seemed to drag on at a crawl as nothing happened. Though she hoped that the entire night would stay this way, her wish would not come to fruition. Noticing a figure moving through the brush. Kaede began to slink away as quietly as she could. Wanting nothing to do with whatever was in the distance.
霧 ≻XXXXRounding the tree, and backing away slowly. The moment that the figure left her line of sight, she turned to stealthily escape into the forest. Not before walking directly into a hardy tree. Stumbling backwards, Kaede groaned as she glared up at the would-be wooden wrecker of escapes. As her gaze lifted, the reality of her situation began to dawn on her. It was not a tree, it was a demon. Kaede's mouth hung agape as her creature smiled devilishly reaching for her. Kaede's body felt frozen to the spot as fear plastered her face.
霧 ≻XXXXJust before the demon's hand could reach her throat, the sound of slicing steel rang out through the area. In what felt like the blink of an eye, the woman's body moved on its own accord. Severing the arm from the body. Seemingly catching both Kaede, and the demon by surprise. After a brief moment the demon cried out in pain, startling Kaede back to her senses as she screamed in terror and turned running away. "I'm sorry!" She blurted out, as she plowed through shrubs and around trees.
霧 ≻XXXXRunning through the forest Kaede could hear the rampaging of the demon catching up to her. Unable to outrun the thing, Kaede resigned herself to her fate. Sliding to a halt, and taking a deep breath. Slowly mist began to seep from her blade, and covered the ground in a soft haze. Within seconds the mist was thickening, and by the time the demon reached her location, the mist enveloped even him.
霧 ≻XXXXAs the demon looked around in confusion, a phrase seemed to echo through the mist in a soft hum. "First form: low clouds, distant haze." As the demonic looking man realized what was being said, it was too late. As the edge of the katana thrusted through his neck. Ending the demon at the shoulders. As his body dropped to the ground, the mist slowly began to dissipate.
霧 ≻XXXXKaede, though seemingly capable enough, did not want more encounters. Choosing to keep moving. The young woman had already attracted enough attention to her area, hiding was no longer an option.
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Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2022 9:38 pm
†ђэмэ ร๏иφ : XXXX For Your Entertainment - Adam Lambert XXXX
ℓ๏¢ล†เ๏и : XXXX Final Selection XXXX
๏๏¢ : XXXX xxx XXXX
✧XXXXThe sounds of the mountain slowly grew louder and louder as she stowed away her coverings, the demons were beginning to wake up. She didn’t need enhanced scent to be able to smell the tension that laced the forest. Though becoming a demon had heightened all her senses, her hearing was still the best out of the five. A low tone was drawing closer to her, it didn’t sound like a demon, so it must have been one of the other candidates. A brow raised as a voice spoke through the forests silence that she could never really enjoy. Looking over her shoulder at the male, she measured him for a moment before turning to face him. Her bare feet skimming the tops of the grass. “Special thing, best to keep the competition guessing and all.” she replied, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. “Is it all that odd to find a woman changing in the woods?” she asked.
✧XXXXThough before an answer could be given, a piercing scream hit Nayori’s ears causing her to flinch. Who was screaming like this?! The sound soon followed with the scent of blood in the air, though from the moldy undertone… it was that of a demon. The high pitch trill that was often produced by demon’s that had eaten humans started to draw closer to their current location. Widening her stance Nayori kept her focus on the area that she had heard the tone from. As it drew closer, so did another pitch. Higher than the male’s but not as pronounced as a demon. A female candidate burst from the brush across the clearing, her movements had seemed frantic as she scrambled to ready herself… then there was a calm. The hair on the back of Nayori’s neck rose as mist started to fill the area. Her body had tensed out of reflex, her teacher had warned her of it possibly happening. Keeping her grip on the hilt of the sword she cast a glance over to the male. “Not sure if you can sense it.” she muttered quietly. “One is approaching where the girl is.” she nodded in the direction of the black haired female, her form almost completely obscured by this point.
✧XXXXIt didn’t take long, the thud of the body onto the earth, the pitch that had been on the demon chasing the girl before now silenced. The mist slowly started to clear from the area. It was then that Nayori could start to see the girl once more, recognizing her as the one who had been clinging to others for protection, her brows furrowed together. Nayori had guessed that the girl would have been killed by the first demon she encountered with how scared she had been… though it seemed she had some skills and self preservation. “I guess looks can be deceiving…” she said, standing up straight once more, but not removing her hand from her hilt. Now that one demon was dead, there were more pitches starting to join into the nights sky. The demons knew there was food to be had now… and it was only a matter of time before more of the students were picked off.
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Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2022 1:54 pm
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2022 12:19 pm
As Bad As You Think I Am, As Far As You Believe I'm Willing To Go To Protect That Which I Hold Dear.... ______________________________________________________________________ The Prodigal Exile / / The Penitent Slayer
tab tab ➷The season was in full swing. The blooming flowers and lush grass that stretched across the rolling hills surrounded the mountain in a tranquil embrace. A small village tended to their crops. Men and women of all ages trekking through the waters where they planted their harvest. It was a tedious but fulfilling routine. They bent down, reaching into the water which hugged their shins, plucking or planting as needed, taking a few steps backwards, and repeating the process. The most notable moments were when–every hour or so–a good strong breeze would travel through the village.
tab tab ➷If one watched carefully, they could see the elder farmers standing straight to face that breeze. Closing their eyes. Inhaling the cool air under the warm sun; and exhibiting a contentment that even the wealthiest in this world could never hope to have. One such farmer looked beneath the large round brim of his Ajirogasa; and saw a young man standing on the beaten road between the fields. Dressed in a rather opulent sky blue Hakama. The old farmer smiled, and waved at the young man.
tab tab ➷From the road, Takutsubo smiled, and nodded his head at the waving farmer. Making it a point not to raise his arms. The long sleeves of his Hakama swayed beside him as he turned away from the peaceful scene, and continued down the road. Navy-blue hair swayed around the sharp features of his face. Listless sapphire-colored eyes minding his surroundings. There was no sword at his belt. Indeed the young man seemed to be carrying nothing at all. Save for a few rather interesting trinkets. An iron gourd with his name engraved upon it’s bottom; and an iron box–the size of a book–both of which hung at his right side. His oversized Hakama may have been designed to hide anything further than that. Yet in spite of that, his name–Takotsubo–was written quite plainly in Kanji over his right pectoral. As if he wanted people to know exactly who he was.
tab tab ➷The stairs leading up the mountain path were already in sight. On the horizon he could see the ethereal glow of the Wisteria trees which heralded his destination. Takotsubo ascended the stairs in his usual patient stride. Choosing to bring his hands together within the sleeves of his Hakama, and assume the walk of a monk or buddhist. He was nearing the top of the steps when he picked up a number of voices. There, he chose to stop, and turn around. He sat himself down just out of sight from those further above. Listening to the two younglings explain the rules. Odd to have children here. But…something was off about them. Takutsubo had a way of sensing things like that which–like everything else–he played pretty close to the vest. He heard the voice of a girl speaking to another. “W-We should protect each other! I could–”
tab tab ➷A male voice responded in disgust. Claiming something about wasted effort on a weak slayer. Takutsubo closed his eyes. The flash of a dead life racing through his mind. The voice of himself as a crying child echoing through his skull.
‘No, Tomoe! It’s a Demon! Run!’ Takutsubo opened his eyes again. Seeing the glow of Wisteria all around him. Using it to refocus his mind and bury those things that were best left alone.
tab tab ➷He waited in silence as the aspiring Slayers began to disperse into the mountain beyond, and the amber dusk gave gently to the lavender night. He spent his time feeling them out. Using his gifts to try and perceive their nature, or their style of combat. But each of them was on guard, or overwhelmed by some emotion or another. Still. There was something about one one of them. Something...stiff. Something off. He couldn’t quite place it. Well..the less involved with them he was, the better. So he waited. Giving them all plenty of time to find their own way before choosing to stand up, and walk forward.
tab tab ➷His eyes fell on the two younglings who had explained the rules. He couldn’t believe they were in charge here. Surely there was some adult nearby keeping watch over them? But then he couldn’t be that much older than them himself. He shouldn’t be so quick to judge. Nevertheless, they made no move to stop him, and no one emerged to do so either. So he continued on into the mountains, and allowed his arms to hang at his sides once more. Seven days. Hmm…how to spend them.
tab tab ➷A scream split the evening sky. Takotsubo’s feet came to a stop, and he knelt down onto one knee. His right hand emerged from the hakama–his wrist wreathed in rather large links of chains barely visible–and he placed his open palm firmly against the earth. Far from here…he could feel it. A body hit the earth. A severed limb. Barreling footsteps. His mind worked quickly. A Demon would not sever a limb then run from wounded prey. So a Slayer must have gotten the upper hand, and escaped. In any case, they were far from here; and tonight was all about finding out if you had what it takes. He shouldn’t run to save every soul on the mountain. Still…there was something to be said for saving lives. Takotsubo sighed. He should just keep to his plan. Maintain some manner of discretion from the rest of the group. But…
The voice of his elder from another memory that refused to rest. ‘For the people…and for you.’
tab tab ➷“Tch.” Tensei focused his attention on the path ahead. Maybe he should make a little noise after all…and give the rest of them a head start on their first day. He couldn’t stand by and do nothing while people died; slayers or not. But he didn’t have to be a hero either. He reached down to the iron box at his waist, and opened it’s clasp. He reached inside, and drew from it a small carving knife. He placed the edge against his palm, and slit open the flesh of his hand. Blood began pooling in the divets, and he turned his hand over to allow the crimson liquid to drip upon the ground. Satisfied with the results, he put the tool back into its box, and resumed walking. This time leaving a trail of blood behind him.
|| THEME: Mercy -- Jacob Banks ||______________________________________________________________________
You Can't Possibly Fathom How Deep That Well Of Mine Truly Goes....
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Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2022 4:10 pm
ㄒ卄乇爪乇 丂ㄖ几Ꮆ : XXXX In Flames - All The Pain XXXX
ㄥㄖ匚卂ㄒ丨ㄖ几 : XXXX Final Selection XXXX
ㄖㄖ匚 : XXXX xxx XXXX
霧 ≻XXXX Kaede’s eyes immediately darted to the pair that where nearby. Not noticing that the pair were there as she finished off the demon. Instinctively she readied herself to strike again, before she heard their voices. Blinking twice as her brain registered that the two before her were others going through the final selection. Kaede quickly went from a guarded stance, back to form befitting someone that was anything but a warrior. “W-wait, do you guys need help? Do you want to team up? We should team up!” Kaede pleaded, as the male commented on them finding company.
霧 ≻XXXX Whining a little as she looked around seemingly terrified that more were coming. As her vision darted all around her, Kaede was on heightened alert. “Please don’t leave me to fight them, alo-” Kaede was saying, as her peripheral vision fell upon the other woman among them. Though it was only out of the corner of her eye, Kaede’s vision took it all in. The veins of the other woman were starting to bulge. The pupils of her crimson eyes formed slits. Kaede could practically see the hunger in the other woman.
霧 ≻XXXX Slowly the black haired woman, reached for her blade and turned. “Uhm, m-miss. . Uhm, you’re not, you’re human, are you?” Kaede muttered, as she turned to Nayo. Shaking, Kaede was not in her proper stance, and clearly not ready for combat.
霧 ≻XXXX Though Kaede’s vision never truly left Nayori. The woman’s attention was split as she could hear combat in the distance. “Was that. . Did someone get hurt?” Kaede asked, more towards the male than to Nayori. Despite showing signs that she was a demon, Kaede was far too cowardly to make the first strike. If she was lucky, they might just go in separate directions and she could avoid another life threatening situation. Though the thought never truly occurred to her that the woman before her was actually here to become a demon slayer.
霧 ≻XXXX Letting her hand fall down to grip her sword, Kaede’s attention shifted entirely back to Nayori as the sounds in the distance died out. The realization that the woman before her had not talked at all since she noticed the transformation. A perplexed look began to form on her face. Was she fighting her own urges? “Are you. . Do you need help?” Kaede asked, finally able to find a voice that was above a murmur.
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Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2022 12:48 pm
†ђэмэ ร๏иφ : XXXX For Your Entertainment - Adam Lambert XXXX
ℓ๏¢ล†เ๏и : XXXX Final Selection XXXX
๏๏¢ : XXXX xxx XXXX
✧XXXXNayori stared at the other female as she started to speak to them, asking if they needed aid. Though her focus was on the noises as they started to shift through the forest on a hunt. It did not seem that any were moving towards them immediately, so they would have the chance to talk for now. “If you’re so scared, why are you here at this test? You knew you were coming to kill demons right?” Nayori asked in a bored tone. “Besides, I would keep your voice down, more are co-” It wasn’t something she heard that had her pausing thought, it was the smell on the air. She had been told before coming to the final selection that this would be the most taxing test of her control. Everyone is a fledgling… people were bound to get injured or killed the whole seven days.
✧XXXXThis though, the scent did not have fear on the air. Her heightened hearing listening as the blood drops fell to the earth. Intentional. The sound of other demons rushing towards the scene, a fresh meal. Nayori could feel the saliva threatening to run down her face, her hands gripping the hilt of her sword tightly as claws poked the palms of her hand. She knew her eyes would be glowing at this point, fighting off the urge to transform and chase after the source of the smell. The question from the other girl, had her vision snapping on her location. “Uhm, m-miss. . Uhm, you’re not, you’re not human, are you?” A simple question really, one that she had practiced the lie countless times… taking a lashing everytime she wasn’t convincing… Though those tests had not been done with someone bleeding in the distance and slowly making their way to the present location.
✧XXXXNayori did not dare try to move, she did not want to invoke an attack from the Demon Slayer in training next to her… and with how the other one moved, she wouldn’t be able to get an attack taht would hit both of them and save her own neck from being sliced. The other girl was talking again, asking if someone had gotten hurt. Clenching her jaw to try and regain full control of herself she shrugged. Her assumption was someone was luring demons to them, because she did not smell fear mixed with the blood. Her gaze locked in the direction they were coming from. Another demon dying in the distance. Just as a shadowed shape started to form in the tree line, the question reached Nayori’s ears. “Are you… Do you need help?” How was she to explain anything to them, clearing her throat as she tried to speak. Though the first word coming out more growled, so she paused. “Wound… trees.” she said slowly and carefully. As if to control herself… as one would try to explain what was wrong without throwing up on their doctor.
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Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2022 7:20 pm
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Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2022 2:52 pm
As Bad As You Think I Am, As Far As You Think I'm Willing To Go To Protect That Which I Hold Dear.... ______________________________________________________________________ The Prodigal Exile / / The Penitent Slayer
‘Ragh!’
➷ A couple inches of sapphire hair were sliced free as Takotsubo ducked beneath the rugged bone-carved knife of a Demon that had dropped from a low-hanging branch. Time seemed to still for a moment as Takotsubo crouched low to the ground; glancing over his shoulder and marking the small number that pursued him. He’d finished bandaged his self-inflicted wound moments ago. In the short time he’d allowed himself to bleed he’d managed to attract four–well, five now–of the monsters. A bit more than he’d planned on. That moment of time came to an end, and Takotsubo turned his empty eyes forward. He launched himself forward with surprising agility, and his blue Haori fluttered as he took the lead once more. ‘Drop yer sword somewhere!? Get back here, you little s**t!’ One of the creatures demanded as the group of them stormed through the brush behind him.
➷ He was working himself through the situation as he fled them. Moving as nearly a blur past the trees and fauna as he tried to evaluate the scenario. It only made sense to attempt a retreat in normal circumstances. Pick them off after dividing them. But this was final selection; and he didn’t know what sort of consequences there would be for leaving the designated grounds. Which meant he had to respond; he had to counter-attack. But was that even possible? He’d never faced off against this many at once. He’d meant to lead them away from the rest of the prospective Slayers. Keep them safe. But there were so many now that he could only run and dodge. He barely had room to think let alone choose their direction. Could he win? Was he strong enough? Or would he turn to face them and…and….
‘I’m watching over you, Tensei; always.’
➷ Takotsubo’s iron-soled sandal dug into the earth as he came to a sliding stop; and turned his body perpendicular to the first encroaching Demon. ‘Finally ready to die kid!?’ The monster cackled as it approached, and raised its long clawed hand towards the sky. ‘I’ll make it qu–’ The Demon’s words were caught in his throat when Takotsubo caught the wrist of the hand the Demon had been attempting to reave him with. Takotsubo turned more to face the Demon directly, tucked his elbow in, and delivered a rib-shattering blow to the Demon’s midsection. The creature was thrown backwards, and crashed into two of his oncoming peers. The group of them hesitated for a moment; and Takotsubo began to lift one arm back up inside the sleeve of his oversized Haori.
➷ “I’m really sorry about this,” Takotsubo began as he pulled that same arm out from within the middle of his Haori; and let that half of his top fall around his waist. The Demon’s were momentarily speechless as they took in the visage of the young man who stood before them. His entire midsection wreathed tightly in shadow-black chains. His skin scarred and grooved where they’d rested tightly for much longer than any normal person would tolerate willingly. The first three who’d fallen clambered to their feet as Takotsubo allowed the chains which were wound around his arms to loosen; and smack heavily against the earth. Half of his regal blue top still held up; and seeming more ominous than beautiful. Most curious to them out of everything, however…was the hint of sadness that seemed to glint from his bright ice-blue eyes. “but I can’t let you hurt anyone else.”
➷ Takotsubo swept one foot in a half-circle across the earth; and once again held himself perpendicular to the group of Demons before him. He pulled both arms back to the shoulder furthest from them; and a gentle steam came hissing from between his teeth. He opened his mouth, and called out. “Hinokami Kagura–”
---------------------------------------
Enter: | Kaede | Daichi | Nayori |
---------------------------------------
➷ ‘A-are you…do you need help?’ Kaede asked Nayori tentatively. Doing her best to keep it together under the pressure. Her courage in just being here about the sum of what she’d been able to bubble up until now.
‘Wound. Trees.’ Nayori responded through near-gritted teeth. Also doing her best in the same regard. Her resolve to not break made all the more exemplary considering she was standing in the company of humans.
‘Should we go and see if whoever got hurt is still alive and help them or do we want to stick here and hide?’ Daichi asked rhetorically, having undoubtedly already decided to go and help whoever needed it. He was that kinda guy.
➷ Those with heightened hearing would be able to pick it up. A thundering encroachment of Demons. Chasing after someone. Suddenly they’d stopped. A short scuffle. A moment of silence, and then…a voice. A voice so gentle, and with so boundless a calm. “I’m really sorry about this…but I can’t let you hurt anyone else.” The words…they didn’t matter so much. Not as much as the warm and enveloping sadness in the voice that spoke them. Then–like a bolt of lightning in the midst of a peaceful night–that voice rose. “Hinokami Kagura–” That had been loud enough to gather the attention of all three Slayers in the clearing. Their heads turned towards the direction the shout had come from
“Heki-ra no Ten! (Clear Blue Sky!)”
➷ The Slayers could see as the laws of reality seemed to momentarily waver. For despite the moon and stars hanging in the sky above them, they could see it. They could see the bright emerald green of leaves. The matte chocolate hue of brown bark. The ocean blue of sky and pearl white of the clouds on high. This magical effect washed outwards in three powerful and pulsing waves which illuminated a patch of the forest in what they could only describe–despite logic dictating otherwise–as daylight. The last of this effect was just enough to gleam into the clearing which the three Slayers still stood. Their armor, weapons, and effects being washed in light for only the briefest of moments. Before that bizarre phenomena receded back to where it began; and darkness once again ruled over the night.
➷ Their eyes readjusted quickly; and a good thing for it. Because it was only seconds after the light had disappeared that three of the Demons who’d been chasing Takotsubo came barreling into the clearing. Screaming their heads off and rubbing their eyes as if they’d been splashed with something toxic. “What the hell was that kid!? He got two of us! I can’t regenerate like I’m s’posed to! Gahhhhhhhhhhh, this is pissing me off! We gotta kill that litt–” The Demon stopped talking when he’d moved his hand away from his eyes; and found that the three of them had wandered into yet another group of younglings. “Hah! Perfect! We’ll eat two and take the third for bait! C’mon!” Without hesitation the group charged forward; and each Demon went to grab a different opponent.
➷ The one who rushed for Kaede–however–would not find it so simple a proposal. From the same direction in which that sunlight phenomena had occurred. A single blue-haired Slayer came hurtling out of the treeline; and swept his leg through the air in a wicked roundhouse. The Demon’s neck bone crunched sickeningly as it was sent careening off course, and crashed into a nearby tree. Takotsubo landed down on his sandals with impressive reflexes. His Haori was once again pulled back over his person; and the chains were hidden from view. Though the smell of Demon blood, ash, and their tell-tale jingling were harder to hide. Takotsubo looked over his shoulder at the three of them as the Demon he’d kicked aside began to gather itself.
➷ The girl nearest him was…she was the one who’d wanted to group up. Her heart rate had certainly picked up several paces since the last time he’d felt her presence. Her hands were trembling; and her sword was shaking. But she was still gripping it; and she wasn’t running away. “Hey–Girl.” Kaede made a face that clearly said ‘did he just call me girl!? I have a name!’ Takotsubo blinked. His empty eyes flat and without expression; and yet…. “Don’t be afraid.” She might be taken aback by such kind words from someone who appeared so cold. “I’ll stand with you; so fight.”
➷ Takotsubo could take that Demon on his own without a problem. But he’d already used Hinokami once. That greatly diminished his endurance limit over the course of one battle; let alone one whole night. He couldn’t risk using it again. Besides…one of the Demons had managed to get a lick in after Takotsubo’s last attack; and he was bleeding from the arm. The pain was easily ignored. But he had to remember they had all night to last out. He couldn’t risk overtaxing himself. He’d have to rely on his Kuroi Nawa from here on out. Which meant no more big groups. He’d underestimated how many Demons were lurking on this mountain. Kaede seemed ready to battle with the Demon she was facing; and so Takotsubo turned his eyes onto the other two. Was that…Daichi? Of course it was. Look at him laugh as he did battle. Hard to kill that guy’s vibe.
➷ Then there was another girl. She was fighting too. She felt strong. Even from here he could feel the pressure of her feet stepping and hopping against the earth. The mobility she had was impressive. Her body seemed to move so much more effortlessly than one would expect for it’s mass. She was obviously a Demon Slayer, and yet….hm. Perhaps he was just tired from all the exertion. One problem at a time.
➷ Takotsubo turned his attention onto Kaede again. She was holding her own. If he’d felt an urgent need to step in or save her then he would have. But for now–it seemed–he had a moment to rest. He chose to wait for them to finish their battles. Make sure they were all alright. The moment they finished fighting he’d turn his back on them and start moving away. Didn’t make sense to stick around here where more Demons were certain to arrive.
|| THEME: Mercy -- Jacob Banks ||______________________________________________________________________
You Can't Possibly Fathom How Deep That Well Of Mine Truly Goes....
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Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2022 6:04 pm
ㄒ卄乇爪乇 丂ㄖ几Ꮆ : XXXX In Flames - All The Pain XXXX
ㄥㄖ匚卂ㄒ丨ㄖ几 : XXXX Final Selection XXXX
ㄖㄖ匚 : XXXX xxx XXXX
霧 ≻XXXX Looking from the other woman to the man with her, Kaede nodded slightly, “Hello, Daichi. I’m Kaede, Kaede Fukumoto.” Pausing briefly to look at the other woman, she was fairly certain was not human. Yet, she was here as a demon slayer, or training to be. Kaede wanted to believe that she was an ally. Anything that would mean she did not have to fight more. “We should stay here!” Kaede practically blurted out, before looking between the other two, “Y-you know. . To save our energy?” She finished sheepishly.
霧 ≻XXXX Yet the young woman would not seem to get that wish. Before she knew it, demons and another slayer descended upon them. Drawing her sword shakily, Kaede attempted to put on a strong face as she backed away from the fight. One step back, all she needed to do was take another. Yet her feet felt as if they were stone. Unwilling to move. All she needed to do was turn and run. There were three other slayers here, surely they could handle it. Kaede could use them as a distraction, and get away. Hide somewhere, anywhere. It was at that time that a voice called out at her. Her head moving and giving, though unintentionally, a dirty look at the young man.
霧 ≻XXXX It was at that moment that the demon lunged at her. Clearly, the most opportune moment, when the girl’s vision at best would have only seen a quick shadow approaching her. That was the demon’s mistake. With her conscious attention directed at the strange young man trying to give her hollow confidence, her body was free to react as it saw fit. In the blink of an eye, Kaede’s shaking hands seemed to relax as her head slightly turned. Her peripheral vision was leagues beyond that of what even normal people could see while focused. But, how was her attack to know this?
霧 ≻XXXX In a quick slice upwards, a mist seemed to drag along the blade. Dismembering the demon at the elbows. Her waist twisted, as her legs drifted over the forest floor. Though she never looked directly at the demon that was attacking her, the woman kept him constantly in her field of vision. Spinning the blade as her body readjusted its posture, rotating around the demon, who was clearly caught off guard. She could see it, the guide that would lead her blade to the demon’s end. Pushing off the ground, Kaede’s blade moved to her side as she took a breath. “San no kata: Kasan no Shibuki (Third Form: Scattering Mist Splash)” The words left her lips, as if they were the most mundane chore she’d repeated so many times before. Mist surrounded the blade as she closed the distance. In the blink of an eye, Kaede’s katana left her side. The blade made a singular slash that split the mist horizontally.
霧 ≻XXXX The Demon continued its trajectory as if she’d missed the target. Yet after no more than a moment, the muscles of the demon gave out, and the head came tumbling down from his shoulders. Luckily this demon was already weakened. Though she’d dealt the final strike, the young woman knew that she was by no means the one that did most of the work.
霧 ≻XXXX When there were no more hostile demons directly in the area Kaede turned back to the young man that called her girl. Huffing, and stomping her foot, “Kaede! My name is Kaede! Not Girl! Not ma’am, not sexy! Even if that last one is true.” She cursed at the new black haired addition to the group. Glaring him down, though she was far from intimidating. “You would do well to remember it, boy.” She puffed, as she crossed her arms and turned away. Her vision turned from looking directly at the new addition, unintentionally, to the demon’s corpse. Her immediately Kaede’s posturing crumbled, and she gagged. Looking like she was going to throw up. Quickly she covered her mouth and turned. “Eww, eww, oh god. That’s disgusting.” Kaede practically shouted as she shuffled over to Daichi as if he was going to protect her from the corpse. “Can we leave? I want to leave. There’s more around right? We should leave.” She blabbered, her cowardly nature showing itself once more, now that she was not in immediate danger.
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