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Dangerous Conversationalist
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 Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 4:57 pm
arrow Dream Island - Mountain
::Background Music: Devil May Cry 3 - Devils Never Cry::
He can feel the defiance that his statement causes. He leaps up to a different ledge as the one he was on is struck by a bolt of red lightning. The clouds are more angry now, and there's a definite presence. He can feel that other presence as well..the one that touched him that day, and he falls into an unfamiliar stance. Tossing his head, his hair again shifts to that snow white, and his simple clothing becomes a uniform of black, and silver, coupled with a black cape that has a dark purple velvet inner lining. Bracing, he hops up another ledge, and runs along the path as large rocks fall from above him to shatter the path where he stood by an inch, with every movement he makes. So she wants to make a game of it? He'd play.
The next stone that comes in his direction, he leaps above, and onto, and again, repeating this motion, riding the stones, and deflecting the chunks of ice with the gaurd of his now silvery sword. He would learn her current name, he would know what this spirit, part of her, called herself. Focusing his will, he cuts the next stone totally asunder, and leaps up onto another ledge. The wind whips around the snowy mane that covers most of Megumi's back, and his eyes, now both as pale violet as chunks of amethyst, gaze up at his goal. That tree.
"I will know your name. I will harness you; I will command you. This time, woman, you will answer to ME. I will have absolution for the wrongs, and I will free myself from you by owning you, at last!"
And again he runs forward, falling onto a crumbling path, avoiding the lightning and the ice, the stones and the fragile footsrests, determined to defeat her, totally and utterly, for once..though inside of him, Megumi can't really place why he feels this way..or who 'she' is..
[9]
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 5:04 pm
arrow Dream Island - Mountain
"One heart.."
Said to himself as he cleaves another large stone in two with his blade..then spinning about, avoiding two close-quarters chunks of ice half-again his own size. Upward he jumps, and he pushes himself forward, in midair, with his own reiatsu, up above a crashing funnel of wind, before slashing his blade down, cutting the flow of air asunder..taking control..
"One soul.."
He quickly draws the symbols in the air, with his sword, and spears the falling ice, before shattering it, sending the shards to destroy more incoming pieces. The snow falls around him now, a blizzard, lit with white lightning, crashing thunder, which he dances, actually dances, to avoid. His hair flowing around his face, matching the snow's pale hue, violet eyes narrow, confident he can do this..no, not confident, he knows. He cannot fail, his will won't allow him to do so. His pride. He moves his blade in a rapid pattern, then lifts it in a sharp salute. A challenge. He knows they're here..and they don't disappoint. The snow maidens burst up from the powder about him, formations of the reiatsu of the soul inside the blade..to stop him from his task..and he chuckles..
"You send women after me..? What a foolish thing. There is no woman I cannot have..or defeat..."
And his reiatsu flares around him, a deep violet color, crackling with silver light, tinged with black; hatred and regret..and resignation to his path..a path that Megumi shares with this being inside..that he is part of.
[10]
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Dangerous Conversationalist
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Dangerous Conversationalist
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 5:16 pm
arrow Dream Island - Mountain; Central Area
The maidens stand there, in a circle, about him. Six. He counts six. They comprise old memories..despite their presence as maidens of snow, they carry many faces. The goddess of battle he'd fought..the dryad who fought against his rule..the dancer in the darkness who he refused to tame..the girl who had distracted him from the dancer, the one he had ruled..the fifth was..ah yes..the enchantress with power over the Dragon..and finally, the dreamweaver, she who had power over the reality of the Mists. Her final form, that she would, or had attained. They all used different methods. He wondered if they'd attack him in a simultaneous motion, or singly. He shrugs..
"You always were the honorable sort. Alright, one at a time then. Send your illusions at me, woman, and I'll destroy them, just as I will one day destroy you, and all you stand for. Let my hatred burn, and you will feel as I did.."
He salutes, and the warrior steps forward. He grins. This was what he knew best. They would cross swords, and he would enjoy this. It had been far, far too long since he'd felt it..
"It has been a long time indeed. I've forgotten how exhilerating it can be!"
[11]
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 5:25 pm
"It was nice to meet you too." Dara said with a grin as she grabbed and shook Mizuki's hand "And also, I only know her name because she saved me once." Dara griminced as she added "The experiance wasn't really fun but I know her name at the very least and I'll hopefully be in the same class as you." Dara opened the door and led Mizuki out since she seemed to be leaving.
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Dangerous Conversationalist
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 5:48 pm
arrow Dream - Mountain
::Battle Music - Devil May Cry 3: Vergil Battle 2::
Opponent Status:
Sword Maiden
Lv: 5
HP: 70
RP: N/A
Weapons: Broadsword, standard
Attack Style: Purely Physical Aspect
Str 19 (+5)
Agl 18 (+4)
Vit 19 (+5)
Awr 18 (+4)
Int N/A
Rei N/A
Enemy Dodge: 20
Zanjutsu Attack Bonus: +9
Hohou 10 (+2 dodge)
Kidou 0
Hakuda 8
Zanjutsu 20 (+4 hit/+4-8 dmg)
Purpose: Defeat opponent in front of it.
Both figures salute in the fashion that they were taught. The snow maiden's aspect changes, to a woman in armor with red hair and green eyes. The white-haired Megumi smiles idly at her, remembering this version of her well. This was the warrior-maiden, who fought, loved, and laughed with the best of any man. Yes, she had strength, and he knew that her strength was what powered her. This would be a battle of the swords. He'd be at a slight disadvantage..but not much of one. He knew her style well.
..after the salute, they took up their stances..he in an en garde stance with a variation of the sword lift, keeping it angled down..and she in a relaxed one handed single-sword stance..and the battle was about to be joined.
[12]
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The Paradox rolled 4 20-sided dice:
12, 16, 6, 11
Total: 45 (4-80)
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 6:14 pm
arrow Dream - Mountain
Format: First two numbers: Megumi Attack/Megumi Dodge. Second two Numbers: Maiden Attack/Maiden Dodge.
The attack begins, and blades clash like fire. They meet, and then seperate, and both opponents shift and dance away from one another's blades with exquisite skill. There is not even hair or clothing scored in this first round of battle, but that is to be expected with such an excellent pair. It's very obvious of the supremacy in the stance of the two warriors, and that this is a dance they have danced before. Megumi, held by the other's spirit that resides within his soul, the memories of the past, and the woman.
Around and around they go, metal meeting metal as golden sparks sizzle off of silver and grey. It is a dance that they are most familiar with, and there is a familiarity to it; they have done this many times in the past, and now it will determine who is the superior at long last. Even in this fragment, they vy for control..
[13]
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Dangerous Conversationalist
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The Paradox rolled 4 20-sided dice:
6, 10, 15, 1
Total: 32 (4-80)
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Dangerous Conversationalist
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 6:21 pm
arrow Dream - Mountain
Megumi raises up the blade he carries, the guard easily deflecting the Maiden's blow as he counters with a riposte of his own, sliding his weapon up the woman's blade, right into her central area of guard, after twisting, to throw her off guard. Still, the heaviness of her sword is enough to offset his own weapon, making her able, just barely, to shift her body away from his piercing thrust. Still none and none for both of them. It's an outcome that anyone who knows anything about fighting would understand. In a fight like this, the first blow is the key; the person who lands the first attack will have a greater advantage, though not exactly a win..
The snow kicks up around them, making clouds of white burst around their feet and bodies as they continue their dance. Fire and ice in either soul, moving equal and opposite, respectively, in the way they wage war. The snow has stopped, and the other maidens have formed a circle of five, a pentacle, around the combatants. They are spread out far, and are able to give them plenty of space..their faces impassive as they watch..
[14]
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The Paradox rolled 4 20-sided dice:
1, 10, 2, 20
Total: 33 (4-80)
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 6:32 pm
arrow Dream - Mountain
It's Megumi's turn to falter this time, his attack falling horribly short in his lunge. The snow isn't helping his footing at all, and it puts the maiden at an advantage as she shifts out the way and moves in a half-circle, to bring her blade downward. Still, Megumi, slipped or no, isn't that easy to hurt, and he shifts the weapon grip entirely around to make the guard crash with her blade before he twits backward, and twirls it again, falling into an upright-blade en garde stance. Megumi's other hand shifts back as he narrows those violet eyes.
The maiden for her part, does not express surprise..but she seems frustrated at her inability to lay a blow on her enemy at all. Despite her greater strength and skill with a sword, she just can't meet against the pure agility of her opponent. She turns to a different stance, her left hand this time her primary hand, whereas before it was her right. It's become more serious now..the look in both their eyes shows this..
[15]
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Dangerous Conversationalist
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The Paradox rolled 4 20-sided dice:
5, 8, 6, 12
Total: 31 (4-80)
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Dangerous Conversationalist
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 7:31 pm
arrow Dream - Mountain
Still they dance around each other, weapons sparking, moving against one another. Megumi smiles again as the old fire of battle flows through his veins..and then it hits him. They will never be able to strike one another. The battle is over before it's done, and he sheathes his sword after giving the maiden a salute..his eyes shining past his sword as he does so.
"In battle, what is most important is to know your opponent. By knowing them learning them, rather than besting them, you can learn yourself. This is the way of the warrior-maiden, keeper of the ancient ways."
The maiden for her part, simply blinks..then melts into a mass of snow. Though it was obvious she had power, the key was so simple. Megumi sighs. The spirit within would have kept fighting, but the fencer in him, the real him..he thinks..? Knew that what the woman wanted was not a true battle. It was a test, a test of mettle; the ability to see beyond victory. And that said..the second steps forward..the beautiful dryad..Megumi frowns. This test..will be different. Yet he feels nothing but contempt. Something is wrong..
[16]
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 8:42 pm
arrow Dream - Mountain
The dryads. They have passion..and men desire to enslave them more than anything, for the desires they bring and fulfill. The dryads run from those who would chain them, for already they are chained to their trees. As the dryad girl steps forward..her charms used..the mix of powerful passion, and desire..they would sweep over anyone else, and cause them to want to possess her in every way. Yet his eyes are cold. At one time, perhaps, he would have been held in sway to her charms. In another life, when they were young..he'd have loved her, made her his own. But no, not now.
As the dryad girl steps forward tenatively..both keeping herself away and offering all at once, he steps forward quickly, as if to claim her in his arms..then just simply turns behind her, and in the same motion, grips her head by the top and the chin, and snaps her neck, that fast. When she falls into snow, he snorts. Stupid girl. That trick only works ONCE. And the one inside of Megumi smiles..murmering..
"I'm not such an old fool. Next?"
[17]
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Dangerous Conversationalist
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Dangerous Conversationalist
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 8:54 pm
arrow Dream - Mountain
The other four stand in shock after that..and he lowers his gaze. It did hurt..he still cared for her, but slowly, he was getting over it. This person inside of Megumi knew..knew that it would have to be this time, this incarnation, or else it wouldn't work. He was close. Megumi, for his part, could feel it..though he could feel the laughter of that which was within him. Even if he managed to defeat her, he was still stuck with her. The sword, bonded to this..but no. He had forseen the future, and he sighs softly. He could not be free of her now, not yet. But he had taken this step, and this boy..would benefit from it. Megumi in his own way, understood..and raised his sword..
"I accept you, for now..your pain and mine..not knowing yourself..I feel it as you do..I want to find..who I am.."
And forward steps the Dancer in the Dark, one who moved as the Gypsies moved..who held the rythm of power. He chuckles, and shakes his head..he'd seen enough of her in his youth. The being within gazes at her, then steps forward, letting Megumi have his test in this one. Though one would think her test would be a physical one, she simply says to him..
:What is it you seek? Do you seek to dance around your pain? Do you seek to dance away like the sun will not rise tomorrow? To keep the painful memories away? As we did long ago, he and I?:
And Megumi shakes his head..finally putting away the sword..
"I seek only myself. If he is a part of me..and was once who I was..he is not who I am now. I do not know the you of then. I would know the you of now. I seek something deeper than your body or even your soul. I seek your name. Dance in the shadows you came from. They are not real."
And he watches, almost in a melancholy state, as she melts away into the snow..with a whispery sigh..to have said that..in a sense..it was a cleansing..but there is more..and he waits.
[18]
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 9:07 pm
arrow Dream - Mountain
The fourth was the weaver of shadows. She who wove the magic, the enchantress, who called on the Dragon. She steps foward, and raises one hand, speaking in the old language, and he answers in kind, his hand raising to hers, level, but apart. She then speaks in a normal language, and murmers, quietly, to both Megumi and the One inside of his spirit..
:Long ago, the magic was in everything. People believed in the unreal, and the amazing, and they have lost this. Yet in those times, vengeance was also real, and pain was given as much as joy. I am here now. Would you strike me, in vengeance for that which has been done, and said?:
Megumi simply shakes his head..answering this as well..knowing that One wishes it so..
"We would not take vengeance on the magic, or the time, for what a person, a being has done to us. As you used the magic to find happiness, so shall we find happiness without that magic..yet a part of it is always with us, even if it does not bear your face. Go now, and trouble us no more. Your magic is done, this day."
And she smiles a sad smile..before melting into the snow. He raises his head..two more remain...and he sighs. Oddly, the one called the Dreamweaver simply fades away. He blinks, but his head raises..one remains..and this isn't over.
[19]
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Dangerous Conversationalist
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Dangerous Conversationalist
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 9:16 pm
arrow Dream - Mountain
The last stands before him..and this..this is the hardest of all. Just the woman. The woman who that One had held..the woman who had borne him two children..who needed shelter during her times of pain..who he protected against his brother..just a woman that was loved. The One within..is like a shadow now, superimposed over Megumi's form. He wears the black uniform, the violet-lined cape, holds the black sword. They speak with one voice, in a sense now..and he watches. Watches as that haunting image..that woman..holds out one hand..turns her lost eyes towards them..seeking them..to return..as if admitting to her mistake, knowing who she should love..
:In this world, forgiveness is most important. I taught you that no matter how one is hurt, one must forgive. Even in his evil, I forgave your brother, did I not? The you then, and the you now..surely you understand that..I seek forgiveness, and to be near you again..I made a great mistake..I will give you solace from your pain at last, as I promised.:
Megumi can't help but feel the terrible sadness coming from the other part of him. Yet..he closes his eyes..and simply turns his back..and begins to walk away. She calls out to him..begs for him not to go..but he doesn't stop walking..up the path..towards the valley with the tree..and without turning his head, he says simply..
"I forgive you. But your mistake was your own. You did not teach me forgiveness. I taught myself, because of you. You did not make a mistake. You made a choice. Live with it, as I was forced to. It was a long time ago. I release you. You are a shadow. Leave me be.."
And she melts away...and the snow starts again as he begins the long walk towards the valley where the ancient tree stands..it is the last place he needs to go..though having said what they'd said..his heart is heavier than the clouds are..
[20]
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 9:25 pm
arrow Dream - Mountain
Megumi trudges through the rising snow..he's living two selves, and he can feel his own burden, and the burden of the one within. He can't tell if this other is a past life..or perhaps something else. He just knows he feels a deep connection to it, and he can't understand why. He raises one hand in front of his face, and shields off the snow glare..moving further and further up what's left of the path. Chunks of ice blow off the mountain, and strike into him..but he pushes onward, despite it. He drops to one knee..tired..becoming exhausted..but he won't let it stop him. Still, he hates how he feels..he should stand on his own, but he wants to feel protected..warm..enveloped in his mother's arms..he hates that..as old as he is..
But he can't deny it. Try as he might, he still wants to be held. He wants to feel safe, and he doesn't want to have to face his Hollow, or any other painful memories. The way his mother's eyes looked..this pain is crushing his soul, and as he feels it growing heavier, he moves slower, and the snow comes down harder..and colder...his body becoming icy. He's losing, and he knows it, but...he can't deny it. He wants someone to protect him. But maybe..maybe he could be protected..and protect someone else too..yet who could he be a shelter to..?
[21]
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Dangerous Conversationalist
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Dangerous Conversationalist
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Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 10:01 pm
arrow Mountain - Dream
As he slowly slips down into the snow..he feels himself growing tired. He knows that one feels the same. Tired of living..of running..of facing things..all of it. He lays down slowly, and gazes at the sky. To be protected..his mother always tried to protect him, and despite her pain, seeing him, he did his best to be everything she wanted. He'd never been what he wanted..not once. He'd never gotten to be himself..because he wanted to do everything for others. He can hear that One's laughing voice..he'd lived totally for that woman, but..in the end, he had nothing. Live for others..gain nothing in return. It is best just to lay down and die..what do promises mean..?
As Megumi slowly closes his eyes..the thought of promises..they always came back to hurt that One, yet..he kept his final promise. And thinking about that, he can hear that voice..telling him about his promise as well. And he raises his eyes..opening them..just a little..
"Ran..I promised her. I know..promising a woman..will lead to pain but..if I can make a promise..and make it without anyone else's urging..and just be who I am..I'd be doing it for me as much as her. She doesn't expect a thing of me. And she never will. She's no queen. No prophesied goddess. Not like yours was. She's just a girl that's fought from nothing to gain something. You were like that too once..so maybe..I can't let us die just yet..I can't let this memory go. I have to live, because she's waiting for me to come back sometime. I promised I'd be there to lead her."
And when he opened his eyes again, completely..the sky had cleared..the stars were above..and tiny colored lights danced around. He'd seen this place in a vision once..a long time ago.
[22]
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