"Thank you, Pathfinder." Jackie liked the name too, but now it was time to be focused. Rolling her neck, she was ready for whoever was supposed to take over. Blaze it seemed was his name. He was nowhere to be found. That puzzled her as she was ready. Was he not interested in her? That was already shitty, but she couldn't let that kill her focus. This Jacqueline was on a mission. She had a point to prove. As her mask was taken, she knew that she didn't want it destroyed before her eyes. She'd put her heart into its design. He told her a command. Display her semblance. Show what she could do. It was vague and there were many ways she could go about this. He went through his speech. This was part of what she was taught in the academy. "Yes sir." She responded to him as he told her she had one minute. Doing exactly what she did in the woods, she activates her semblance. Creating a fireball, she'd combine it with her aura arrow. Aiming for the nearest tree, she would release the arrow upon a tree setting it aflame. Putting her bow down, she hoped that was good enough for Blaze and Virulent.
Xcuotal Blaze would finally walk forward. He would look at Jackie and he looked unimpressed. "We have many archers. Those with different elemental skills. Those that can even teleport. So, what are you going to provide for us" he commented. He was someone that looked young. Very young. He looked it close to Virulent age but yet he was older. He was in his 80s. How was that possible."As for me? I defy nature in a way," he commented as he would go towards the tree and touch it. The fire would stop and the tree would start to turn to normal but after turning to normal it started to shrink. As if it was sprouting in reverse. It would soon go all the way back to a tiny seed before sprouting back to a tree. His aura breaking from the stress. Unfortunately, he could not hide the fact his old age has made him weaker than he was in his prime. The aura break making his body show the wrinkles and his true age. He would turn into an old man in front of their eyes before coming back to looking young. "So, I will ask you this once. I know you was asked to be here to try out. But what exactly do you have to bring. Why are you here? What can you provide that no other can?" he asked as he would go and pick up her mask and looked at it. "I do see it something you desire...you put your all into this....."He stated before putting it back down.
Thinking for a second, he looked towards Pathfinder. "I believe I want to know that answer from you as well. You have blood on your hands.. I don't doubt your conviction. I do wonder about your future going forward..." he started before looking back at Jackie. "Usually there are more tests but...I feel it be waste of time. I need you to be honest with me. What reasoning are you here. Do you feel that you can be a great asset? Is it because you have trust of Virulent? Do you feel desperate that you have nothing else in this world? What's the answer. If I smash your mask right now and send you home. ..... What would you do tomorrow? Sulk? Put it behind you and keep pushing? Or give up on bettering yourself? "
As what seems to be one of the elders of the tribe walks in she could feel some sort of pressure only in his presence, she could feel the fact he was an important person. As he talked to the one known as Jackie she felt it was quite personal when he described the archers they had in the tribe, it’s good to know that even though they have quite a lot she was still accepted in. as the elder continued to talk he also turned around to her “my future going forward? Right now I am looking for a place to call home, for people to call family, I don’t have much memories of my past and only remember living in Atlas almost alone all the time except my father that would come and check on me from time to time. I want to be part of something and from what I see the Night Stalkers is something I know I can provide and profit at the same time. I may be young, but even those few years I lived were mostly filled with practice, hunt and stealth, I wish to make it useful for more than just me” she said as he continued his trial or at least what seems to be one with Jackie, hopefully they would be pleased with her reasonings.
There he was. Xcuotal Blaze and he looked unimpressed with Jackie display of semblance. That didn't surprise her. Her skills weren't anything impressive. Just as Virulent had said, she was on the same level as a student from Beacon. By the sound of it, they had many archers with elemental skills and could even teleport. That was a good comment. What could she provide for them? It seemed the answer was turning out to be nothing. As she watched him undo her burning of the tree, watched it shrink all the way to seed, and then regrow right before her eyes. Then, she saw something that made her rethink it all. His aura broke and he turned into his true self. Just like that, he was back to the younger version. So he was older than Virulent which meant he was the original leader of the night stalkers. He was asking the same question, but she still was feeling like she had nothing to contribute to their tribe or cause. When he picked up her mask, his next words did register with her. Yes, she had put effort into it. This was something she had desired. Once he set it back down, she didn't know what to think anymore.
It seems he had the same concerns with Pathfinder. He was wondering what her future would look like going forward. She was just looking for a place to belong. Jackie felt that on a current level as she felt the same way. As he looked back at her, she would start to think. It was clear, she was starting to feel like she didn't belong here. No, she wasn't feeling like she was a good asset. Yes, she had the trust of Virulent, but that didn't seem to mean anything right now. Did she feel desperate? At times, but she made do. What got under her skin is when he said if he smashed her mask and sent her home. That felt like he wasn't even bothering to even consider her. That is when she had her outburst.
"Smash it." She told him. It was anger laced in her voice. "Smash it." She repeated it. "I am of no value to you. Why are you wasting your time? Smash it and I can go on about my life. I have spent the last 7 years of my life in deep mental and emotional pain. Even thought by living out in the outskirts, I'd probably end up dying by the hands of grim if I stayed there long enough. I have been selling jewelry in the streets of Vale just to make a living. Then, I was assigned a rescue mission to save some children that had been captured by bandits because their airship crashed. That had been the first time in 7 years I'd seen battle. That I didn't feel like a jeweler, but the leader of Team HEAT graduated top of their class at Atlas Academy. Ever since then, I have been trying to find ways to get stronger, become better, and get more work. You are damn right. I'll put this behind me and keep fighting with or without the night stalkers. So...smash the damn mask already."
Xcuotal Blaze stood there as he received the answers from the two. Pathfinder would answer first. She was looking for stability. A home. A family and a place to belong. And for Jackie, it was former glory. But Xcoutal was drilling her for a reason. Her semblance was nothing special so why was Virulent seeking her to join the night stalkers? It made no sense. Listening to her, she seemed determined but her voice had anger within. She was fed up. She was trying to prove she was going to make it no matter what. He was impressed by her spirit but did she truly mean it tough? He would look at the mask and then at Jackie. A debate swirling in his head. ¨If your daughter had fire like this. Maybe she would be closer to the Xcoutal title. As for you Jackie you say you will improve and move forward. Yet, you speak as if there is no value for us. Yet you show great determination. There no use to have that go to waste. Pick your nickname and you can officially be a night stalker. It is your choice. You are more than welcome to turn down the offer¨ He informed. He was not going to smash it. If she was going to give up being a night stalker she was going to do it herself. However, the position was in front of her. It was hers for the taking. What would she do? Once a decision was made, he would smirk. ¨LET US START THE CELEBRATION! TIme to eat!¨
For a moment, Jacqueline was frustrated. Yes, she wanted some of her former glory. The woman was ready to walk away from it all. Screw the mask, screw the night stalkers, and just forget she ever showed up. Turning to walk away, she left her mask where it was. That was until Virulent went after her. He talked with her. Told her that was had what it took to maybe even become better than her former self. That he would help her and be a guide. Unlike Kai who just left her after the mission to go on another without her. Jacqueline believed him. Maybe he could pass on some of his wisdom to a young woman like herself. After talking with him, she decided to come back.
Picking up her mask, she would smile brightly. "Not going to get rid of me that easily. Plus my nickname is easy. Kai doesn't call me this for no reason...Kitsune. My semblance may not be special, but watch me flex soon." She told Blaze. "You all and your fancy semblances thinking you're better than those of us that just have elemental. That's okay though. Mister hot stuff. Just know I am here to stay." With that, she walked off in the direction of the celebration. The steak sure was smelling good. She was destined for greatness. He and everyone else had better bet their asses on it.
➸𝙋𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝘾𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕✥86 ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ➸𝙒𝒊𝒕𝒉✥The night stalkersx➸𝙎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆✥available x➸𝙌𝒖𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓✥Full ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It seems that there wasn’t much for the trial anymore other than a celebration, the atmosphere was a lot less dense as Xcoutal Blaze told everyone that it’s time to celebrate which Valleria had no reason not to comply, it was indeed a good time to relax with some food. Unfortunately for Valleria there was no trace of any sort of noodles, with a sigh of disappointment Valleria went for the second best thing she could think of which was the steaks, the smell was too hard to ignore as she took a big slice on her plate and went to an area where there were much less people and with some swift movements and carefulness on the plate she climbed up on a tree branch and started eating alone, looking down at the celebration with a smile on her face.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ➸𝙊𝙊𝘾✥ last 2 posts of vall were both with 84 posts so… I guess its 86 now
Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2020 4:55 pm
The party would continue on and food and drinks would continue. Partying and dancing would ensure until the darkness returned. All the flames would be put out and darkness would consume the area before a flamining demonic spirit rose from the firepit .Was it a semblance at work? A god returning? ¨YOU HAVE SCOFFED AND SOILED THE NAME OF ONCE A GREAT POWERFUL TRIBE. NO MORE SHALL THE PURE HEARTS ALLOW THEIR BROTHERS TO BE MISLEAD. ALLOW SUCH A DISGRACE BE PRODUCED UPON THE NIGHT STALKERS. WE SHALL BRING GLOWRY BACK TO THE TRIBE AND ELIMINATE THOSE WHO HOLD US BACK. IRON SHARPENS IRON! ¨ The flaming spirit yelled before the heat intensified providing the only light. Screams could be heard. A group of shadows emerged from the trees and would attack the members of the night stalkers. They seemed to be good at stealth and were quick and quiet. In fact, these shadows were well trained. Almost too well trained. A loud group of screams echoed as one would notice Virulent was not in great condition. He seemed to be holding his own, powering through what appeared to be an assassination attempt. As for Blaze, he was in critical condition. Virulent was doing best he could to help. ¨DISAPPEAR!!¨ Virulent commanded. IT was an order of retreating. TO get people away. TO get others back. Of course, the new inductees would not know this. Looking at Jackie and Valerie, his eyes looked fierce. ¨DONT STAND THERE. RUN!¨ HE yelled before they would see a shadow come up and Stab Virulent from behind and put a blade to his neck. The shadow figure would become enlightened. He would have the look of a night stalker. In fact, he was one. looking at the two women, the attacker would whistle. ¨You heard the man. GET GOING!¨ he commented before the blade ran through the neck. It appeared Virulent was finished as he fell to the ground. The man didn´t run. HE stood there. They could attack him or they could leave. Maybe try find some information. Some clues. There had to be people around What would they do?
Everything was going well for the most part. Everyone was sitting around eating and talking. It was a new day in her life for sure. The first steps towards becoming greater than ever before. She had found purpose in life again. No one more sitting in her treehouse or self training. There was hope for her. Just as fast as she gained hope it was snatched away from her. As the fire was put out and the spirit appeared, she was up out of her seat and ready to fight. What was said confused her a great deal. Where they night stalkers that did not follow Blaze and Virulent? Who did not believe in the way of running the tribe? Was this a hostile takeover of the tribe happening right before them. As the others came from the shadows, Jackie did start to shoot off her arrows. Killing as many as she could before being given her orders to disappear."But..." She started before he said don't stand there run. Then her heart dropped. "Not again." She whispered as she show Virulent's demise right in front of her eyes. It was clear that if they didn't leave, they were going to be next. they had not clue what they were dealing with or up against. Retreating as fast as she could, she made her way to her treehouse. Packing up, she was on her way to the city. She had to money to abandon her home for now. This wasn't the time to think. Getting into town, she would check into an inn. It was time to lay low for a while. Her prayer was that what she saw was not real. There was no sleep gotten that night.
➸𝙋𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝘾𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕✥87 ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ➸𝙒𝒊𝒕𝒉✥The night stalkersx➸𝙎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆✥3 posts remaining for teleportation x➸𝙌𝒖𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓✥Full ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valleria was still on top of her tree branch the entire evening, she didn’t have a reason to go down from it as it was comfortable enough for her and she didn’t plan on getting any more food. But that all changed once the fires were put out it would seem that some people were starting some sort of a rebellion ’ tsk, seems like people are not happy we joined them’ she would think to herself as she created an aura arrow as her eyes grew golden, that same arrow she simply threw into the bushes behind the tree she was sitting on just in case things go badly as she rushed in to at least help somehow until Virulent commanded them all to disappear, but Valleria simply continued to fight thinking he tried to tell the attacker to disappear before he glared at her and Jackie to run and right as it happened he was stabbed. Valleria’s eyes flew right open as it happened, she noticed Jackie running away ’I should get going as well’ she thought before noticing blaze was still alive but in a very bad condition and Valleria suddenly had a plan, she retracted Frozen Fangs and hanged it on her quiver, she knew she could disappear the moment she was in danger as the arrow was almost the max range for her to teleport to, she could still feel the connection to it even if it’s very little “so who the hell are you guys? Why this sudden attack? what do you plan to accomplish with it?” she would ask coldly and calmly as she looked into the attacker’s upper body and slowly walked around him towards Blaze’s body, never getting too close to the attacker and tried to be as little obvious as she could, if she could at least give Blaze the chance to live before running it would be the best she could do.
The arrows from Jackie did damage but they didn't fully finish off the henchmen that were in the shadows. While her plan was good in theory, she was going to have to deal with them sooner or later. The only reason she wasn't followed was because that wasn't the point of their mission. Whoever they were, they had a mission and was going to follow it out. Vallerie seemed to be the braver of the two trying to get some type of answers before using her magical escape rope. However, answer wouldn't come. The dead body that one would think be burned with the mask wasn't. Instead, a horrifying burned version of the woman hunter who was trying to be assassin would pop out of the fire pit. A blade made of pure heated glass would be in hand as she would lunge for Vallerie aiming for her back! .A surprise attack! An ace in the hole. She needed either teleport or she was going to be caught off guard. No matter how it went down, one thing would come apparent. This was an inside job and a set up! The reasoning was unknown. Many details were unknown. The question remained now was what to do and who was going to deal with the aftermath of it all. Would anyone tell Aeralin about this night?
➸𝙋𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝘾𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕✥88 ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ➸𝙒𝒊𝒕𝒉✥The night stalkersx➸𝙎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆✥5 posts remaining x➸𝙌𝒖𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓✥Full ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Though Valleria was hoping for answers, she knew she wouldn’t get anything from them because Why would a group of rebels answer anything to someone they consider an imposter, but it didn’t hurt to at least try and get something out of them, information was always the key for a good counter measure. But something she never thought would happen has caught her off guard, the same girl she seemingly killed was indeed still alive and aiming for her back, she knew it was too easy to be true! But she didn’t think it was because this reason, but as quickly as the girl got the jump on her Valleria disappeared, leaving behind only golden dust for the girl to fall on. Teleported back to the bush Valleria exhaled in stress before starting to run back towards beacon Though Valleria was hoping for answers, she knew she wouldn’t get anything from them because Why would a group of rebels answer anything to someone they consider an imposter, but it didn’t hurt to at least try and get something out of them, information was always the key for a good counter measure. But something she never thought would happen has caught her off guard, the same girl she seemingly killed was indeed still alive and aiming for her back, she knew it was too easy to be true! But she didn’t think it was because this reason, but as quickly as the girl got the jump on her Valleria disappeared, leaving behind only golden dust for the girl to fall on. Teleported back to the bush Valleria exhaled in stress before starting to run back towards beacon [i]’ this is bad… should have known there was much more to it than I thought!’[i/], she was powerless to do anything there with how things look, she maybe was able to take on one or two but not with the entire rebellion group with them. This was a shameful retreat, but one she had to make.
[i]’ this is bad… should have known there was much more to it than I thought!’[i/], she was powerless to do anything there with how things look, she maybe was able to take on one or two but not with the entire rebellion group with them. This was a shameful retreat, but one she had to make. [url=https://www.gaiaonline.com/guilds/viewtopic.php?t=25396704][/url]
The woman would miss as she was trying to get Vallerie. Instead, only the sound of the blade passing through the air would be heard. She was gone. She would pout but it didn't matter. A new man would enter into the fray. Once with a Victorian looking mask that had a long nose and dark clothing. He would walk over at Blaze before spitting and heading over to Virulent. The air was becoming darker“You scoffed at tradition. You weakened us to be nothing but mere tools when were once seen as something more. You looked to give hopes of the future into the realm of a child who can't even fathom the weight and responsibility needed to be a leader. You promised her something that isn't fit for her or her natural birthright. Yet, you don't provide true honesty. Let's see what happens when she is brought into the fray. How she handles rejections. Disagreements. Compromise. You don't truly feel she had what it takes did you Virulent. That's why she isn't here? She isn't able to indulge in her culture. For you know that she is not able to get it done... Or is it the guilt that is weighing on your head? It's hard for a good man to be a king. Even harder for a good man to be a leader. People die. Sacrifices are made. But that sacrifice wasn't necessary was it Virulent. And the icing on top, an already broken-hearted woman dying after giving birth. That's okay. It's okay to feel guilty about the situation that your dear Aeralin is in. Because you should. You caused it all. Once she fails and ends up being fully rejected by her family, we will be there to pick up the pieces and take them into the new era. No longer will the Night Stalkers will just be a distant memory like Vacuo. It's time to look forward to the new change that Vale has brought upon us. No need to look back...time to look forward and get our seats at the table. We already tried it politically. You promised change. You promised us stability....yet you flaunt in your council seat and brought us nothing. I know you are bleeding out big fella and probably not understanding who we are. Before you take your eternal sleep with your mentor Blaze here. Allow me to introduce you. Who are we? We are the hounds who will take apart every injustice upon Vacuo citizens and create something new. We are the Ravens are the night who will look and protect our people.We are the vultures who will eliminate our prey with no remorse. We are the ones who will preserve the only things we have left of our home and reshape Vale within its light to not only preserve its history but create a new chapter. We are the guardians of 3 swords. We are THE SHIELD” He commented before watching as Virulent´s eyes closed. Looking upon the others, he gave a simple command. “Burn it all” he commented. The night was beautiful for a fire. The perfect start for the revolution and only an example of things to come. The blaze would grow wildly, the flames illuminating the sky as the smoke could be seen even in town if one was to look into the sky.
Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2021 12:49 pm
SIERRA HOTEL INDIA ECHO LIMA DELTA
While Aeralin had no clue where they went or operated at, if she had any type of night stalker training at all she would know that the leads were going straight back to the area where it all began. The area of celebration. WHY? Was is psychological torture? Was it some type of madness? This was not like a night stalker? OR was it ? It was an obvious trap and Aeralin would know this by the time she made it half way into the woods, but it would be up to her if she wanted to spring that trap or not. She truly believed her dad was dead and to be fair, that may be the case. The writing on the wall was looking ugly. By the time they made it to the area where the party was at, Aeralin would be able to see that they were surrounded. A planned ambush. A gate was made that was 10 ft high out of mighty lumber. If they were to go inside of the gate, they would notice the gate close behind them locking them in. There would be no running!!! They would be only 2 things. Life and death. The final and most important lesson of a night stalker.
Aeralin and Rey finally began their move but to where? Aeralin did not know, it’s not like she was ever invited to that celebration or any of the trials, she didn’t even hear about it from her dad! All she could do is walk towards where the Nightstalkers that attacked came from and keep an ever hearing ear to the surrounding, Aeralin was maybe not as good at stealth as the others but that’s because she never truly wanted to be stealthy, however after living with them for so long her perception skills were great meaning sneaking up on her was no easy task “tell me if you pick up on anything suspicious Rey if something feels out of place then act as if its definitely out of place” she would say with her usual smile, but her right hand was clinging on Maha so hard her hand trembled and her left hand was holding onto the coat she was now wearing, she was obviously still mad. Out Of Combat: lemme know if I need to change something Post count: 54
