❝As Diamond now traveled on her new journey through the thick lush woods. All she left with was a satchel at her hips, water battle inside of it with a bag of coins, and she dressed the same way she did when she first encounter Judal in the market several years ago. Her hair was pulled back, and no longer done up in a beautiful spiral braid and bun, she was leaving that life behind, it wasn't her, it wasn't for her. She had other things head that she needed to focus on, but her and Judal's confrontation kept repeating in her mind. She tried redirecting her thought to where she was headed, to a land where a woman could revive the dead, but her emotions keeps taking over her mind. It hadn't been more than a few hours ago she last saw Judal, but she had to get out, she had to get out of the Zaibatsu, it was to difficult for her to handle.
Within moments of her leaving the forest, She felt Judal's power sky rocket. In shock, her eyes widen with disbelief. His power was astounding. At that moment, he felt stronger than Ten, felt stronger than Diamond. She had never felt him this powerful before, not when they had bettered one another, and not when they made love. This was a different power, something deeper he must have tapped into. She could feel this power Fuel by anger.
He was going to destroy the Zaibatsu, wasn't he? He was going to undo all of their progress they had made in the last three years. He was going to take his hurt out on the kingdom. Without a second thought, Diamond turned around and sprinted back towards the Zaibatsu, faster than she thought she had ever ran, not even whens her life was in danger, and she was running for dear life was she this fast. She followed the sensation of Judal's power, knowing it would leader her right to him. But, would she get there in time? ❞
The Night had come to an end, and in the darkness she stepped out of her home, locking up her shop, and the kingdom she had grown to love, Nora was beginning a new adventure, a dangerous one at that, and she hoped she came back alive. She wasn’t going to leave tonight, but as soon as silas became absent from her presence, she couldn’t sleep, everyones thoughts came coming back into her mind.
With the sword Eleven made her on her hip, and her long dark hair pulled back, Nora traveled on foot through the kingdom, through thick woods and the mountain’s foothills, She came close to the Zaibatsu/Doma border. Standing on the edge, she looked ahead, seeing their large building before her in the distance, this, this would be her new home for some time. She hoped no one could read her mind, to know her thoughts, as she had planned to take it down from the inside.
❖❖ Silently watching the progress of the brave, fearless woman before him, the dark mage couldn't help but smirk. Just how far she had come from what she once was. From a somewhat spoiled, sheltered child to a veteran warrior who had experienced countless battles. Oh, how this was something he couldn't help but admire...but also something that he intended to care for. To hold under his wing as one of his own; to rule over these lands with his /beloved/ sister. Standing on the air via wind magic, he crossed his arms. A large smile was displayed on his face, along with a rather sinister gleam within his eyes. His very long hair flowed freely behind him, dangling in the breeze. The moon, full and bright as ever yet tainted with a dark red tinge, was on full-display behind him. His entire body seemed to hum with suppressed power. It was completely different from what it had once been years ago. Just what had he done since his disappearance from the Doma? ❖❖
❖❖ " And where exactly do you think /you're/ going...Nora, was it? Doesn't seem befitting of a warrior such as yourself to be lost in these lands. Perhaps you wished to pay me a visit? Or maybe you've seemed to finally have wised up... " ❖❖
When Nora heard the ringing of a fimmilar voice, she took a step back hazardously, then another step back again as she looked around, looking for the figure that spoke her name. No where was he to be found, until she glanced suddenly upwards. And there he was, her brother, the similarities in their faces, their hair color, they were so alike physically, yet so different mentally.
Reaching for her sword, she gripped her fingers around it’s handle, ready to pull it from her hips if need be, even against her own brother.
What was he doing? Was he following her? Was he going to hurt her? With her new found abilities, Nora searched his thoughts, and what she found was shocking. She could see every intimate detail of him and Diamond, touching, sneaking around her kingdom, his emotions were crushed, and while in hiding, he found her along the way.
Easing up on her sword, Nora stared at her brother, with no expression upon her face, she spoke in a monotone manner. “I have wished to pay you a visit for some time, but—your land frightens me. But no more, I’m heading to the Doma, I wish to be apart of your kingdom, as the Zaibatsu has proven to be unworthy as of late.” Nora lied to her brother’s face, even if he was related blood, she didn’t know him, she didn’t know what he would do to her, finding her almost on the Doma’s lands.
“I don’t remember you having red eyes, I must say.”
❖❖ Merely grinning as the woman before him began to draw her blade, he simply waited. Waited for an explanation, waited for her excuses, waiting...but for what? That was the true question and something that couldn't be avoided. Ever since he had left the Doma for the seeming small amount of time, something different about him had changed and not just his appearance. Though to note on this; his hair was cut far shorter and his entire had changed. It wasn't a mere cosmetic change--it was like he was symbolizing something by doing this. But just what was it? His new-found power that coursed through his veins after some intense training and discovering just how deep his abilities truly ran? Perhaps realizing that developing relationships or bonds with nearly all others was his true mistake and one that he was not willing to make yet again. He still bore the scar in which Isuma had given him years prior and showed it off openly. He had respected the other for his sheer power and for giving him a true challenge but this was besides the point. All that he was truly focused on was the lovely lady in front of him. So strong, so strict yet kind to those close to her. Never giving up and showing fierce loyalty to those she had placed her faith in. That filthy traitor, Diamond, had told him years ago of her existence and the revelation had shocked him to hits core. Though in time, he found that the best thing he could do for her was to keep his distance. Direct interference would have risked blowing her cover and revealing her connections. Her blood would be considered a grave crime and she might have been seen as a spy or perhaps something worse. This was not something he wished to risk. Though cruel and sadistic; the one thing he did not wish to lose before truly growing to know them was his last blood relation. The Doma Admin could still recall the days in which he would listen to her read to him on the very few and rare days that they had been together. While he had cared for all his sisters and brothers greatly; he often found it annoying and unfair that the girls got to relax all day and be taught properly while him and his brothers had to work non-stop in the forge and being beaten and abused for the smallest of mistakes. But the experiences had taught Judal much; despite the coarse and severe burn marks they often enveloped his hands day after day. He also recalled their separation; and how they had physically dragged the poor child away from his sister despite his attempts to protect her and vice versa. Being corrupted, brainwashed and under the control of the Doma. Being taught how to harness his true, immense power and sharpening it to as close as perfection could get. And now, all of this accumulated by standing before the one person in his life who had altered it in such a manner without even realizing it. Quickly landing onto the ground before her, he merely stood for several moments. Analyzing her as if he were looking a menu and deciding whether or not to order. ❖❖
❖❖ " You ought to keep outta my head, Big Sis. Rude, you know; you sneaky little s**t~ I'd greatly dislike taking your life before we even had a chance to properly speak after all these years. Heh. Things change. People change. I don't remember you with this fancy little get-up or such a defiant look in your eyes. But stop trying to bullshit me, Nora. Do you think I'm foolish? " ❖❖
❖❖ Slowly beginning to circle her, he crossed both of his arms casually with an amused smirk on his face. Just what could he possibly be thinking?: But her turning on the Zaibatsu at this point of time?: This soon? It was impossible and reaked of lies. Unlike Ten; he was not so open to possible new recruits; /especially/ those who had just come from enemy territory. His tone towards her was downright disrespectful and mocking of her words. ❖❖
❖❖ " You seek to betray the Zaibatsu? To betray those who had placed their trust and faith in the teacher; the fabled famous swordswoman of these lands? To sink a dagger directly into the back of those you would fight for the death for if need be a mere year or so ago; even months ago? I'm not buying it. Perhaps you should start by telling me the truth, hm? After all, you're not nearly as strong or capable as one of our kind /should/ be. You haven't harnessed your true abilities or potential yet. Your weak, incapable and are nothing compared to those within the territory of Arkham. You think you're worthy of standing among us? Just why, dear Nora, should I allow you the chance to join our ranks? How do I know you wouldn't just jump the fence once again and betray us? No; the Zaibatsu cannot be your main motivation if you truly speak the truth now. Something else motivates you to this decision and I want to know just what's going through that little mind of yours. " ❖❖
“You are not wrong my bother Judal, I am inside your thoughts, and I find them quite interesting I may say—But just so you know, while you were living a luxurious life of evil, I slaved away at the hands men, taking me as they pleased, i learned a trade to fit into normal society, I escaped the experiences a little girl should never have to feel. I damn well earned this fancy get-up! You didn’t know the pain I knew until the one person you loved walked away from your existence. ” Nora watched her brother lower himself to the ground, staring at her with immense concentration. She stared at him back, his eyes, his nosey, his lips and mouth, how familiar they were, yet, so developed since their youth. Not only were his features his own, they were hers. The dark hair, the heart shape lips, Every inch of his face resembled her, that face she recalled crying in fear as he was ripped from her embrace on that fateful day in their youth. How they both managed since then, she was unsure. She wondered daily if any of the others were alive, or if it was only her and Judal. She wanted to know this stranger before her, this blood she was connected too, but would he truly kill her in that moment? She thought not.
“Kill me? Ha! Go head, but what a prize the Doma would be loosing. The greatest swordsman in the land, and the most meticulous smith of weaponry. You lost your major leader, Ten went back to her husband, the Doma needs me. It’s going to take a whole army to fill her powerful shoes, will it not Judal?” Nora had not nearly the amount of a convincing attitude that Gyouken had, and Judal being raised with her, she was sure he found it easy to spot a liar. “How dare you criticize me and my choices in a kingdom! As I recall, your big rude sister can see you were at the Zaibatsu more times than you were welcome. Hmmm- Let’s say, the same time everyday, No?” Nora watched her brother circle her as she stood still, not moving a muscle, and still gripping the handle of her blade.
“The truth? You’re the one who is hiding the truth. Standing here before me, mocking me like you’re invincible. You put a shield over your emotions, pretending like a cold, ruthless being, when in fact I can see you’re hurting. You’ve run away from your land and hidden like a coward in shame for the crime you committed, adultery of your land. Sleeping with the enemy, and then bearing her a child alone. What will come of this child? Will it be Doma? Will it be Zaibatsu, both of your selfishness will ruin a life, torn apart by war, never would I wish the same fate upon a child that happened to us.” Nora shook her head, in assumption her brother knew of Diamond’s physical well being.
“If you wish to not have me, kill me now, but I will cross that border ahead. I wish to know you, my brother Judal. I wish to love you, and be by your side as we fight through this war. I am not longer a mentor to these students, no longer a great teacher, as some have wondered off into unknowing existence, and other have given up the fight, and thanks to you, most are dead. I am surely not as strong as my own kin, no sir indeed, but you, you can teach me brother. You motivate me to be apart of the Doma, your power motivates me to learn more from you. Please, as I walk across this forest, I beg you to know me, but not to destroy me. “ Not all of this was a lie, while she had no desire to take down the zaibatsu, she did want to know him and to learn what made her brother tick. Whatever was going to happen, if he was going to kill her right then, or train her in their future, it’s going to be one hell of a fight.
❖❖ Scowling in immense annoyance as Nora proceeded to attempt to tear him down by delving into his most personal thoughts, his hand began to fidget slowly. The urge to strike her to shut her up would usually fly into his mind, his body quickly resorting to violence. But such anger or intent would not come to him. As if his mind and body refused to even consider the thought of laying a single finger on her in a aggressive manner. Feeling himself roll his eyes at the statements of the Doma /needing/ her; he could only chuckle. Need her! As if the b***h suddenly had some elation of self-importance in this world. The very same woman who didn't stand a chance in Hell against even some of her own students sometimes had the nerve to look down on him; questioning his judgement and state of mind. Questioning him that he was still truly suffering inside; challenging the possible front he put up. Claiming that everything up to now was merely a way to deflect his own inner turmoil over the perceived harsh phrasing of cold rejection planted and shot into his mind. Glancing down for a brief moment, all was silent. But soon enough, a chuckle began to rise to his throat. This chuckle soon turned into full-blown laughter as Judal hollered at the top of his lungs, wrapping his arms around his stomach with a crazy smirk on his face. ❖❖
❖❖ " Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!! I bet you thought you had me going for a second! Never before have I heard so much s**t come out of one mouth! Especially one from a woman that couldn't hold her own against even some of our foot soldiers. Don't start getting all high and mighty with me! Heh. Learn your place, fool! " ❖❖
❖❖ Outright ignoring the statement about some sort of child of his, assuming this was merely a way to throw him off his balance, he roughly gripped his older sister around the neck; wrapping his arm around it. Almost dragging her if she didn't use her legs to keep walking, he forcefully began to ruffle up her hair in his own way of small amounts of affection. In truth, deep down, despite his own suspicions of her true allegiance : He truly had missed her. Ever since discovering his true memories years ago, his emotion of care and considering for his only surviving kin had only grown. He wished to speak with her; reconcile--perhaps even talk his own version of 'sense' into her mind. To bring her into her proper place in this world : Working with him; side by side toward a common goal. While it wasn't going to be some sort of touchy-feely s**t--Hell no. They were warriors; not a bunch of school children. But he had fully admitted to wishing to at least hear her full story with his own ears and not through annoying side comments and vague statements. His memories clearly remembered the days they had spent together. Their family was of nobility and they were generally well-off. But that didn't mean life was particularly easy. While Judal and his fellow brothers constantly slaved away within the forges; constantly carving away and learning how to make proper armor and weapons, Nora and the sisters enjoyed a nice, comfy life-style within their lavished home. The sons would often return to the household with several burns and even multiple bruises from the lashings of their abusive father; who would punish them for making mistakes or slacking off due to exhaustion or fear. Judal had come to begin to envy and resent the life that their sisters led. How was it fair that they got to live in such luxuries while they were forced to endure such unfair treatment and back-breaking work?
Before the memories could continue further, Judal proceeded to shut them down. The last thing he needed was another reminiscing session. Continuing to bring Nora along with him, he gave her another rough nookie before releasing her being. Patting her on the shoulder ❖❖
❖❖ " ...Very well, then. Welcome home...Sis. Now that the awkward crap is out of the way; come on. You have one hell of a story that I expect to hear as soon as possible. So you might as well go on and spill it right now. " ❖❖
Nora noticed how much she annoyed him by reading his thoughts, by how much it upset him to the point of rage. Apart of her liked knowing she could do such a thing, that her calm, modest conservative mannerism didn’t get in the way of her hitting an individual’s nerve. Her kindheartedness and optimism always seemed to get in the way of her doing a dirty job, but she realized she was breaking free from that shell that she protected herself with.
“I could handle any foot solider in the Doma. I lived through a battle with Ten.” She boasted about her victory over living from Ten’s blow, her and Ten both unknowing her physical abilities that were beyond morality. As he wrapped his arms around her neck in a playful manner, she realized her brother was much more of a silly guy than she thought, and much more silly than she ever was. That was apart of her she had yet to tap into. And as he ignored her comment about his future child, she wondered if he knew already, if Diamond even knew yet? It didn’t matter, she wrapped her arm around his waist and walked with him back to the Doma, where is absence had been noticed.
It was quite different though, their childhood views. Nora felt she had it rough at home with her mother and sisters. “Sit up straight Nora, pour the tea right Nora, be a lady Nora, swords are for boys Nora!” And maybe they both viewed each other’s lives with their family differently, there was no doubt they both thought it sucked, but Nora’s life after her family was destroyed was much worse.
Nora looked over at her brother after releasing her grip and laughed. “Ha! What don’t you know already? There has not been much to my life since I joined the Zaibatsu Ten years ago.” Nora ran her fingers through her long thick hair and turned her gaze back to the ground. “I don’t have abilities. I can read minds and—-“ Nora realized if she had confessed her healing abilities and her future seeing skills, she was worried he and the Doma could use it against her. “Maybe, since we’re related, I might have the same abilities as you, and you can teach me to use them?”
Ad she spoke this, she oddly began to think of eleven who helped open up her mind, and made her less naive. She wondered how he was doing since they last saw one another.
As Nora walked with Eon, quietly for sometime, she didn’t break this Silence. Her mind circled around Eleven, thinking about why he would be on Lucian’s side. He had to be betraying his grand father, or was he? Eleven had changed a lot since they had met. He stopped caring about people, but yet she couldn’t stop caring about him.
In that moment though, her mind went blank once again. She was getting tired of these coming so frequently now that silas wasn’t beside her always. But she could see it, Nine’s death, or what she thought was Nine’s death. She could see his wife mourning, and she could Eleven and his poker face as always.
She turned at looked at Eon as he walked quietly beside her. “So—Lucian killed your mom hu? Or was it Dameon?” Nora’s words didn’t hold much sympathy or remorse as they normally would have. She wanted to head to Valaria, to check on Eleven, that was, if his father was truly dead.
❞
gdoms
Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 6:10 pm
Blade
The snow is deadly But beautiful When I fade Let me fade in the snow
~*~ » Nature Type: Cold/Ice
» Main Ability: Enhanced Swordsmanship Cold/Ice manipulation
» Sub Ability: Superhuman Speed Enhanced Senses Longetivity ~*~
Blade had been on the run for awhile now. The fight he had gotten into with the royal guards had left him winded and drained. The ground crunched beneath his feet as he moved. He normally would be accompanied by at least a little snow, but he was building his energy back up. The guards had attacked him for his bounty and that angered him. He had fought for this kingdom before and not only had they tried to capture him they had killed....her. His only friend. His feet slowed and stopped before he dropped to his knees and braced himself with his large sword.
He wouldnt have been this drained if they hadnt thrown fire at him. That and had drugged him and nearly ensnared him with 'her' magic. He shuddered at the thought and tilted his head back. The sword in the ground made a soft noise as he pulled it back out. "Is this it? Maybe its what I am now..." He was tired of running, of fighting. Truth was he was starting to believe that he was the weapon he was made to be. He looked back up to the castle he had left and took a deep breath. Was this it?
sabreworg
Dedicated Gatekeeper
Offline
Gdoms
Offline
Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 7:00 pm
Eon remained silent as he walked with Nora. It was a comfortable silence but was broken by her question. He glanced at her with a frown.
"Honestly? I believe Lucian is the one responsible." He paused and sighed. "Dameon, for all of his crimes, does not seem to be the type to kill something he actually holds close and dear to him. I had heard from my mother that my father was a loyal man and right now he is loyal to Lucian. Lucian probably learned of him capturing my mother and their close relationship. Something he couldn't control. She is... was the only one who had even a slight chance at swaying his loyalties." Eon at the moment was conflicted with his thoughts on his father. He had seen how the man looked at his mother. It was like when Nora looked at Eleven but far more intense. It was that simple observation that had convinced him Dameon would not, could not kill Ivy.
He glanced around as his instincts told him that they were not alone. He gripped his claymore as he scanned the forest when his gaze found the form of a white haired man not unlike himself but appeared younger than him. He approached the man slowly and cautiously. He frowned when he saw his worn out and ragged appearance.
"Are you injured?" He asked as thrust his sword into the ground before approaching the man and tried to appear as nonthreatening as possible. He glanced back at Nora before he continued to the man where he knelt down.
Notchwood
sabreworg
Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 7:31 pm
Blade
The snow is deadly But beautiful When I fade Let me fade in the snow
~*~ » Nature Type: Cold/Ice
» Main Ability: Enhanced Swordsmanship Cold/Ice manipulation
» Sub Ability: Superhuman Speed Enhanced Senses Longetivity ~*~
Blade smelled them before they stepped up to him. Nevertheless he was too tired to react at first. He saw the man place down his sword but that did not mean that Blade would trust him. As the man approached the air grew colder and Blade's eyes glowed a vibrant white. Upon closer inspection Blade's clothes were torn in multiple places as if it had been cut frequently. But under that his skin shown and revealed a lifetime of scars, some deep and others light, but all covered his skin and all were old.
Blade rose shakily to a standing position, his posture sending the warning that he was volatile but his body betrayed him as it shook lightly. Blade almost laughed aloud as the thought shot through his head that he didnt want to die yet. Not until he got back to his mistress and beheaded her himself. "I wont let anybody take me....never again...." His sword leveled at the man. Despite the apparent exhaustion his sword was steady and sure, it was obvious to a skilled swordsman that even now he was deadly and very well trained. But the use of his power had taxed him too much. With no time to recover and before any of them got a word out his eyes dulled. And with no warning he fell into a crumbled heap, his sword thudding to the ground beside him.
"I know you---" Nora spoke as she walked ahead and stood beside Eon. "Yes, you and I lead hundreds of children to a new village when the Zaibatsu was destroyed." Nora wasn't that same person, she had grown into a much darker being since the time they had spent together. Her soul had changed from seeing ellie beheaded before her, her times in the zaibatsu had become corrupted, though she still had a kind heart.
Kneeling down beside him, she let out a hand. "I can heal people, do you remember that?"
❞
gdoms
sabreworg
Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 8:31 pm
"...Mother...What has happened to me...And you..."
☽✮↺ ℒ∪ℵα ↻✮☾
ಌ So long had it been since she could remember much. Barely all her mind could remember what was already within the past. Though how did she end up here in a forest of some kind. It seemed familiar, the same time dark. Something wasn't quite right of this place. Her eyes closed and let herself become the strange surroundings around her. It seemed almost natural for her. She felt something or someone. Someone she knew, or maybe. Also curious of her surroundings. Standing inside a deep, motionless lake hidding over years of growth from the forest. She walked out of the lake and paused to find that a Black wolf, bigger then a average wolf or dog in general, had appeared from the brush and stepped before her. Their eyes met and she smiled,"Noukha." He had his saddle where she could sit on his back along with some belongings. She was covered in bruises and cuts, her clothes ripped in places. Where to go...
Quickly she walked from the hidden pool of water and ventured out into the trees. Noukha following behind with distance. Light on her toes she ran hopped. Very skilled in this natural born treat, she couldn't be seen or heard by the speed, behind her the wind was fast to where it stopped instantly within seconds of being made. The girl had maneuvered but something had stopped after the fifteenth minute of tree hopping. Pausing upon a giant tree branch, below her stood two people and a third laying on the ground. The child became more silent, hiding within the dark shadows on the trunk and watched closely down just 12 feet below her feet of what was happening, gripping the bark with her bare foot. Noukha had paused a close but reasonable distance away. Keeping low to the ground through her feeling of mind. She was tired and exushed but this wasn't going to stop her modivation from trying to fine out what was going on with her.
Eon frowned as Nora spoke, even now she sounded cold and distant. Though she clearly knew who this man who was clearly not truly a hostile if what she spoke of was true was which made him relax even more and let out a sigh.
"We mean you no harm." he said as he turned his back to the boy and went to grab his sword and grasped it as he made his way over to the nearest tree and leaned against it as he sheathed his sword at his hip. He distanced himself from the injured man so that Nora could heal him comfortably and to better keep an eye out for any signs of Lucian's men or bandits as she did so.
