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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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 Posted: Thu May 23, 2024 11:31 pm
 ___ ___  _________   ___ ___ "I know I must place my duty as a commander above my life as a man. And once I am crowned, I most certainly will do exactly that.
However, I am not ready to divorce myself from my compassion just yet. I will find the balance somehow, the means to save my country and her people.
That is the king I wish to become, and so that is the man I must be." Meanwhile, a short time ago...
This island certainly hadn't been kind to him, yet still, Ephraim didn't dislike his time here. It was rather relaxing, for the most part--and even though he may have lost a few sparring matches, he still enjoyed them regardless. When it came to sparring, winning wasn't the important thing, it was gaining more information. Though he did still prefer to win... But now he had redressed himself in his normal outfit, and he figured they'd be leaving relatively soon.
How right he ended up being."Kneel." A voice in his ear, one that demanded he obey--one that was so very, very difficult to resist. "Obey me." It was soft, yet commanding. The voice lulled the mind into believing that if they surrendered themselves to it, everything would be all right. They'd never have to endanger themselves again. They'd never have to see another loved one die. They'd have nothing to fear from Selene. Everything... would be fine. Forevermore.And yet something deep within Ephraim viscerally rejected this voice, just as it was close to dominating his being. Jerking his head to the side, he quickly stepped back, drawing Siegmund. "Who,..?!""Ah, well..." Nyx smirked. "It was worth a try. Mother's Power Words never did work on you, but I had hoped mine might." She took a step back. "Cloud. Shez. I want him. Bring him to me.""Yes, Mistress Nyx...""Yes, Mistress Nyx...""What in the-?" He narrowly dodged Shez's blade coming to him like lightning, slamming his shoulder into her to send her back. "What is going on?! Cloud!" But the mercenary said nothing, and the dull look in his eyes was enough to tell him what he needed to know. Instead, he raised his Ultima Weapon, crashing it down and sending a Blade Beam jetting towards him. Ephraim braced himself, slashing his spear's blade towards the wave bullet to disperse its energy. "Get ahold of yourselves!""Oh, if it were only that simple. Right, Claude?""Yes, Mistress Nyx..." Claude nocked an arrow, pointing it towards Ephraim's legs."What the hell is going on?!" Zack rushed onto the scene, grabbing the handle of the Buster Sword. "Cloud? Ephraim?! What's happening?!""Their minds have been taken, by her." Ephraim said, taking a step back."You should join them, mighty SOLDIER... Kneel.""Gah?!" Zack gripped his skull, clenching his teeth."He's your friend, isn't he? You're a mentor to him. Join him. Obey.""...!" Zack shook his head quickly. "Out... of my head!" A green orb in his arm shined, and he threw out three orbs of Firaga, which went straight for Nyx--and were blocked by an invisible barrier surrounding her."What a pity..." Nyx rolled her eyes. "I suppose I should've expected multiple people might be able to resist it in this group. Not that it matters... your mind will break, even if it doesn't happen instantly. All I need is your capture. Don't disappoint me...""Yes, Mistress Nyx." Kaden said as he emerged alongside Aeon."Yes, Mistress Nyx.""We need to escape.""Easier said than done," Zack said severely, drawing the Buster Sword."Cover your eyes!" Ephraim and Zack did so, but the drones didn't, for they didn't hear her--and the arrow that struck the ground acted like a flashbang, temporarily robbing them of their sight. "Come on! Now!" Alisa shouted, and the two wasted no time in following her.
The three fled further into the forest, but they all stopped abruptly as the same message came into their mind."If anyone is still conscious, follow my voice. Find us now. We must escape.""...Uh, I'm not the only one who heard that, right?""That was a very powerful Serenitian... We should hurry.""This must mean this is happening all over the island. Not everyone here is a warrior. We three are. We should find whoever we can to escort them to our destination.""...A prudent thought, but getting us all together...""I know. But better than hoping for the best.""Yeah, I agree. We can handle it!""...All right, but let's hurry!" Ephraim and Zack nodded, and the three continued on their pace. "I can use my senses to try to find who we can, and hopefully avoid any other run-ins like that..." (( OOC: ))
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Posted: Thu May 23, 2024 11:58 pm
Carmen "You need a time out!!" The three attempting to hurry through the forest to find their able-minded comrades would have their attention called upwards, as the familiar Serenitian who had defeated Orpheus earlier slammed her palm into the gut of the white-haired woman who was causing all of this. And given she didn't vanish, it stood to reason this was the "real" one, or at least where most of her focus was right now. "You think this is appropriate, young lady?! Go to your room!""God, you're annoying. How predictable you'd know who I am immediately." Nyx responded, her voice in THIS conversation less smug and more irritated. "As if you've never done anything like this, you stupid hypocrite. You can let morality dictate your actions, I don't. And once you've been captured, you'll obey me, too.""You think this army of puppets can stop me? You think YOU can Dominate ME? You're at least fifty years too early to try that, junior.""Carmen..." Alisa should've guessed she'd be safe. Carmen, we need to-"Oh, there you are!" Nyx turned her gaze straight towards the elf, who didn't realize her mental thoughts weren't as discreet as she had hoped. She dashed through the air straight towards the three--only to be intercepted as Carmen sped like a bullet towards her, slamming her leg into her gut and sending her flying."Hurry!" She called to the three, before speeding off through the air towards her beyond troublemaking daughter and to continue to keep the majority of her attention. (( OOC: ))
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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Aerith Gast Gainsborough Captain
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Posted: Fri May 24, 2024 12:52 am
   "..?! " It wasn't usually THAT easy for anyone to sneak up anywhere around her, even for a teleporter, she could sense the magic that was soon to come with the person before they even arrived. But this time, she was unable to sense anything, and couldn't warn Javik in time before the chilling voice had already spoken to him."You damn monster! " Annette stepped away, putting some distance between them, but not because she wanted to run, no, she had a plan. Holding out her hand, a golden light immitted from it as the shape of bow of golden holy light, followed by the arrow that would next appear within her hand of the same holy energy. "Sorry, Javik..This is for your own safety! " And everyone else's. Pulling the arrow back, it would fly straight for Javik, but it didn't explode upon impact, rather it would split into two 'snakes' of light that would very suddenly wrap around his entire form, binding him in it's light. He might instantly start to feel his energy draining the longer they kept him restrained. She figured if she could drain his energy and knock him out, he would no longer be a threat and Specter would never get his chance to shed blood. Of course, this was all if they would stay on him.
Without hesitation, she attempted to ready another binding arrow for Nyx, when suddenly a slash from Reiner would cause her to flee. Or so it seemed, her presence was still strong here on the island, though she was having a hard time tracking it herself. "Wait! " She told Reiner as he attempted to hurry them both to safety. "Think of...Ariel! You love her, don't you?! Don't let Nyx hurt her, fight it! " It may not work on the level of power that girl had to play with, but she would try at the very least. There were somethings even the darkest beings couldn't stop, and she just hoped maybe he was strong enough to break through the control over his mind. "A-Alright, let's go..! " "....O-okay.." But she didn't move, she was pretty scared, Nyx had quite the reputation for being the worst person in the world, bringing fear to anyone she went against, which seemed to be..everyone. It was hard not to be terrified of someone like her, with so much power. After a moment to long, she finally got her feet moving, her pace picking up for the direction of the ship as she was told.
At another area of the island, within Azura's house on the beach, Autumn literally knocked over two chairs and a small table as she stumbled rather ridiculously to get to her feet from the sofa she was resting in.
Immediately throwing her hand forward as a magical sigil appeared below her, it wasn't quite as large as Minerva's area of protection, but it was just enough for herself and Hana, possibly very few more to protect them from Nyx's influences. Her little mind tricks would not get to her or Hana there so long as the barrier remained on them."Stay in this with me, no matter what. " Not a moment later they would hear Minerva's voice, and while...she held so much resentment towards her older sister, this was not a time to act childish and ignore her in spite! "Let's just go..hurry! We need to look for others along the way! " And so Autumn and Hana would start to cautiously make their way out the door.
"..........." Teresa stood like a statue behind one of the many tree's, her breathing forcefully slowing down, she was literally afraid to make any sound for fear of catching any of the unwanted attention. Unlike everyone on the island, she had nothing to her name to protect herself. She may as well be considered the most useless of Avalanche, it was amazing they even allowed her to stay with them really. While she didn't know all of what was going on, and had it figured this was some kind of Reaper attack which just happened to take control of literally almost everyone on the island, making them it's puppets. It was something to be afraid of for such a weak girl who couldn't defend herself! The worst part was, she was stuck.In her only path out of the forest was the line of friends that for once, she would have to fear. "What in the world is going on?! " Azura, who was with Unisha as they had previously been picking safe foods to eat from the island, paused in midstep, putting her hand out to stop Unisha before she went any further. They were a distance away, but from what she could see, and feel of the magic presence gathered over everyone there, standing like statues.....well, it clearly wasn't a good sight to see. Someone was very powerful in the area to have this much affect on them..and even Azura was a little creeped out of the stillness that accompanied them.
Meanwhile, completely oblivious to the happenings all around the island, Hiyori was in one of the rooms of another smaller house, head phones over her ears, and of course, a computer in her face. She really had no interest in the hot, muggy beach air, and preferred to keep watch of things while everyone was on their little vacation. "So determined, you guys are such losers.. you know that? Even if someone shows up, you'll never get them to join you. " She spoke over the com system she had so brilliantly installed at the Tear, insulting the soldiers there was SO much fun! "I have my own surprises waiting for you should you try, might as well give up! "
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Posted: Fri May 24, 2024 5:32 am
Nyx"Besides begging for mercy, you have no other way out. Forgiveness... is expensive.
Freedom is the precious air on the mountaintop. Not meant for the weak.
Empty your mind, stop thinking, and submit to me. That's your only value." An index finger reached past Hiyori, pressing the power button on the screen she was attached to to turn off the visual. "Assaulting an entire island and dominating all your friends isn't even enough to get your attention?" She'd hear whispered into her ear, before her chair was spun around to face the white-haired princess, smirking down at her. Nyx wasn't ridiculously tall, but seeing her standing commandingly here like this, looking down at her, all from her chair, it might be enough to make Hiyori feel very small... and helpless. Nyx leaned against her, completely straddling Hiyori in her chair, as her smirk only widened down at her. She raised her hand, and in an instant, a pink thread appeared around Hiyori's neck, stretching to Nyx's raised hand, just tight enough to constrict enough breathing that it wouldn't cause issues, but enough that she couldn't forget it was there. At the same time, the headset she was wearing was flung off her skull and into the wall. Pulling on her leash, Nyx leaned forward, her face mere inches from her prey's, her smirk widening even further. "You didn't hear my sister's little warning? Were you so distracted? Or perhaps... were you hoping I'd find you here, alone, and undefended? Mine for the taking. And oh, how easy it would be to take you..." She paused for a moment. Goodness, being this close to her... it was enough to really make her shiver! Still... "...Ah, but where would the fun be if I took you unwillingly? No, no... I want you to want it. To need it more than anything else in this world. To the point you'd debase yourself utterly. Kneeling, begging, pleading. Desperate to become my slave for the rest of your life... Ah, yes..." She grinned, giving her leash another harsh tug, before releasing it, and allowing it to dissipate from her neck. Leaning back, she got off her, taking a step back. "...Go on then, my love. You're free to run... My sister hopes to escape the island discreetly, and she hopes I don't know her plan. But it's fine. I'll let a small group of you escape. So go. Join them. Or..." She leaned forward. "...Perhaps you just can't stand to be away from me? The feeling is mutual, of course... I guess if you begged me, I might consider bringing you with me, of your own conscious mind. ...For now, at least. Heehee..." She leaned back, crossing her arms under her chest, and tilting her head. "Well, my love? What will it be, hmm? Run, or beg?"
Meanwhile, all over the island, anyone else who hadn't been exposed to it yet would feel the same whispers in their ear, as the many "clones" of the white-haired princess attempted to Dominate their mind, including Teresa, Unisha, and Azura. "Kneel. Submit. Everything... will be okay, if only you give in to me." Her powerful mental Domination combined with the overwhelming sense of serenity her tone conferred onto their mind, lulling them into a more agreeable and malleable state of mind, made her nearly impossible to resist. Clearly, some could manage it... but around 99% of her targets tended to submit to her, just as she ordered them to. (( OOC: ))
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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Aerith Gast Gainsborough Captain
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Posted: Fri May 24, 2024 8:28 pm
 "...?! " With her focus so set on the screen, and the head phones over her ears to block any sounds around her, it was no wonder Nyx was so easily able to slip up behind her. Those headphones also made Minerva's instructions impossible to hear, as it got distorted and mixed up with the sounds she was hearing from them! Not a good day to be so focused on the computer screen. Though that was Hiyori's life, wasn't it? "Wha..! " Her attention was suddenly taken from the now dark screen, as her chair was spun around to face a familiar mischievous face. "Nyx..." Hiyori wasn't one to fall so easily into being intimidated, but Nyx here was certainly something at succeeding in making her feel even more helpless then she already was! On top of that, she would feel the heat rush to her face as Nyx leaned so closely against her, until she was straddling her right in her own chair. "W-what are you doing?! " Her face was becoming quite red, and more so with what just appeared around her neck, like a collar and leash held by her biggest fan. Oh boy. Next, her headset would fly off her head, and end up into the wall, likely now broken forever! Why was she at such a loss for words in this moment? She wasn't exactly scared stiff or anything of the sort, though she was certainly nervous like she had never been before. "...Is this..really necessary?! " She tried to sound so brave sometimes, even in moment she couldn't exactly win! The collar, and the leash made her feel so weak! She let out a little yelp as the leash was pulled on, only to try to move her head back a little as Nyx's own became so close, the red on her face only intensifying! "...N-No! Of course I didn't hear...T-those headphones...you just threw...they were very expensive for a reason! " To block all sounds but what she wanted to hear, of course. "..Y-you're becoming more delusional, as if I would hope for that! " It was an interesting thing, the more Nyx spoke, the more nervous and strangely anxious she became. Was there some magical enhancement in her voice too? Her face was also working hard to betray her denials, as it only continued to remain as red as a rose. "..I...would never kneel..or beg.." She shook her head. "You're dreaming, Nyx..! That's never going to happen." Yet everytime she tried to deny her, a strange feeling came over her, a unfamiliar feeling even she couldn't quite place.Hiyori was never into...that sort of thing, she hardly ever thought about her own future, let alone who she would be with, or who she would be with in a more intimate relationship. Yet these strange feelings were certainly there.".! " The next tug at the leash caused her to wench a little, before it finally began to dissipate. In the next moment, she realized Nyx was getting up off her, but she didn't make any move to leave yet. "...You..what did you do? Did you hurt anyone? " Suddenly, her nervousness was becoming that of concern instead. "...Did you mess with my brother? ..." Her eyes narrowed onto her own now. "...Tell me you didn't! He's already been through so much, if you mess with THAT side of him....God, just don't. Please! I can't see him torture himself over something he had no control over. PLEASE! Stop whatever you've done to him. Stop everything! Please just leave them alone. " She took a deep breath, closing her eyes a moment, before opening them again to look at her, she would see how truly desperate she was, and maybe, she would be satisfied in the end. She got her to beg for something, didn't she? Getting to her feet off the chair, she remained directly in front of Nyx, that seriousness in her eyes clear. "I don't know why you choose to do these things...if just to get my attention. Why can't you just come talk to me like a normal person? ....." She sighed. "..Alright, if you really want it, you can have it...All of my attention, whatever you want from me, it can be all yours. But only if you stop what you are doing to them, and you promise above all to leave them alone. If this is so important to you, you will take the chance I gave you while you still have it---My love." Ohh, who was giving the orders now!
Meanwhile, It didn't take even seconds for Teresa's mind to finally be taken by the voice whispering into her ear, even with Unisha, while she seemed to register for just a moment what was happening, and tried to fight it, she too, was unable to hold up to her darling daughters power! Azura however, was not so easy to sway into the delusions whispered to her..
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Posted: Fri May 24, 2024 10:28 pm
Nyx"Besides begging for mercy, you have no other way out. Forgiveness... is expensive.
Freedom is the precious air on the mountaintop. Not meant for the weak.
Empty your mind, stop thinking, and submit to me. That's your only value."Nyx just sat there atop her dear obsession, silently smirking into her eyes as Hiyori quietly freaked out, likely only magnifying the mix of dread and attraction she may have been feeling. The silence would only make her squirm more! It wasn't until she said she would never kneel or beg, that she was dreaming, that Nyx would finally tilt her head, her smirk widening. "Am I, now...?" Following those knowing words was a playful, yet very dark chuckle, that might send shivers down Hiyori's spine. Whether from fear, arousal, or both, it might be hard to know! Reaching forward with her free hand, she brushed it against her cheek, stroking her face gently, her grin widening fully into a predatory grin showing her teeth as she stared down at her helpless, blushing prey. "With how red you are, I have a feeling I'm not the only one who will be dreaming about this encounter for weeks to come. I'd say it's a nightmare in your case, but I don't think that's applicable, is it? Heehee..." The knowing, smug tone in her voice conveyed well that she knew, regardless of what protests Hiyori might try.
But all good things must come to an end, and her very hot contact with her dear love would have to do the same. "Heehee... Hurt? Of course not..." She trailed off ominously. And at her next inquiry, she'd only receive low, dark giggles in response. "Heehee..." She seemed so very amused by her desperation. "Oh, Hiyori. How little you know... It's so cute." For such a curious genius, there were so many details she was missing. "Ahaha... from begging to trying to be demanding? You're so cute. Do you really think everything I do revolves around you? It's true how much I love you, but did I do all this just for your attention? Heehee..." She stepped back, winking at her. "It's your choice, my love. Leave with them, or stay, at my mercy. But don't expect me to stop anything because you stay. No... When you become mine, it'll be because you want it. Because you need it. You will have no cards, and it won't be a negotiation. You... will be mine." She smiled. "But that will be then, and this is now. Make your choice." She turned, fading into the shadows as she left her choice to her. If Hiyori did decide to escape, she'd find no resistance from the puppets along the way. If she chose to stay, though... well, she would see the result.(( OOC: ))
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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Aerith Gast Gainsborough Captain
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Posted: Fri May 24, 2024 11:21 pm
"..." Hiyori was really having quite the test of her emotions, so new to her these feelings were, as smart as she was, she couldn't determine exactly what they were herself, but it was clearly obvious to Nyx as she seemed to figure her out a little to easily! "Oh god..am I really attracted to her? ...Me?...." She thought to herself, yes, her mind was so in panic it seemed to be affecting her brain cells! Almost everyone knew Serenitians could hear thoughts, well........she forgot. The moment her hand came up, and brushed gently against her blushing cheek, the more those 'strange feelings' returned and the more nervous she felt. Looking into those dominant eyes of hers, that wicked grin on her face, it was hard not to feel some kind of rush! "...I-It's hot, we are on an island...that's..all! " What a poor excuse!
In the next moment, as the conversation became a little more serious, Hiyori was thrown into a pit of confusion, she claimed not to have hurt anyone, yet...could she fully believe her? "Is that so funny?? You did say something of taking everyone on the island to get my attention. So what is it then, hmm? " She shook her head. "You use that word with such false meaning..You know you don't really love me, if you did, you would not be doing all this. You just love what you see, like all other others. " She almost sounded irritated by that thought! "...Fine, then...! I won't be staying, so long as you stay on this path, I won't ever be yours.." She narrowed her eyes as Nyx finaly took her leave, only for her too, to make her own leave out the door. "Javik...I have to make sure he's okay! " That was her only path right now, as she so clearly ignored any of the clones she would see along the way, as they did with her it seemed. "Javik! Where are you?! Javik!! "
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Posted: Fri May 24, 2024 11:50 pm
Nyx"Besides begging for mercy, you have no other way out. Forgiveness... is expensive.
Freedom is the precious air on the mountaintop. Not meant for the weak.
Empty your mind, stop thinking, and submit to me. That's your only value."Nyx didn't protest to Hiyori's assumptions on her feelings, even with how incorrect they were. Hiyori could be the ugliest woman in the world, and Nyx would feel the same. But she wasn't going to try to control her thoughts, opinions, or beliefs. Those would be hers to decide. All she did was allow her words to hang in the air as she faded into shadow."..." The black-haired man's gaze jerked over to Hiyori as she got closer to him, as she seemed guided to him by... some unknown force. "You." He said, his single red eye glowing from behind the skull mask. "Javik's not here, I'm afraid. You're his precious sister, aren't you..." He turned to her fully, stepping towards her. "When you die, you'll curse the name Specter, not Javik. I hope we're clear on..." He stopped, his head tilting as he seemed to look past Hiyori. "...I was hoping you had died by now.""Oh, what a shame. I still live." Nyx's voice right behind her might make Hiyori jump, given the combined dread of seeing both of these two. "You remember the terms of our, heehee... agreement, I hope. Or will i have to use drastic measures again?""......" Specter lowered his blade, turning his head away. "Fine. But I expect a glorious slaughter.""Oh you'll have it, my obedient little ghost." Nyx giggled, stepping past Hiyori. "Oh, Hiyori, you should be going. The ship will be leaving soon... Don't worry about your brother or the others. They're in good hands." Very trustworthy hands, clearly! Though there was clearly more going on here than she may have realized. Nyx didn't seem to be the type to be very forthcoming with information, however.Meanwhile, a short distance away, slamming into the sand with a defeated sigh, was... Carmen, whose body sank into the ground almost immediately from exhaustion. And quickly came Nyx, who swooped down upon her swiftly, planting her foot dominantly upon her stomach and knocking the air out of her with the force applied. "W...wait... I...""Hmm? What was that? If you're going to beg, you should do it louder." Raising her arm, a pink thread appeared around her neck, and Nyx pulled on it like a leash. "I'm low on patience... You should hurry.""...Pl-please, mercy... You... you're too strong... I didn't think...""It's quite all right, everyone overestimates themselves until they're put in their place... And now you know, your place is beneath me, isn't it? You... should just kneel.""...Yes, Mistress Nyx." Carmen said obediently, as her mind was the next to be completely Dominated.(( OOC: ))
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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Aerith Gast Gainsborough Captain
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Posted: Sat May 25, 2024 12:18 am
".....Yes, me.." Hiyori's eyes narrowed onto the figure of her brother, though part of that wasn't quite him."And you are Specter...the foolish demon who think's he can keep holding onto my brother.." She said coldly, despite how deadly he could be, Hiyori showed no fear at all. "Yes, I know about you. Surprised, demon? I'm his sister, it's not easy to hide things from me. I realized one day how strangely Javik was acting, and as he left home, I decided to follow him with a few of my own tricks, a little something to ensure he didn't notice me, or you for that matter, who I would learn about that day. I've known for a long time, and I've worked endlessly everyday to find a way to free him from you since then. I won't stop, ever. Not until I have my brother back, not til I know he's safe. I may not be the best warrior here, but i'm fully ready to take you on right here until you get the HELL out of my brothers body! " Hiyori wasn't joking, and she most definitely wasn't playing around. It just..enraged her to see him like this..
But rather then her taking a great risk in fighting against Specter, it seemed that would be put on hold, as her favorite person once again made her appeareance, right behind her, AGAIN! Gosh, was she trying to give her a heart attack? "...I'm sorry, but did you think I was a coward? ...I'm not leaving him. I'm not leaving anyone for you to do with as you please...They aren't your 'toys'. They don't belong to you. Why don't you just leave them alone?"
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Posted: Sat May 25, 2024 12:19 am
   Sprinting out of the forest while still leading Annette by the hand, Reiner called to her. "There--if we get to Minerva, we'll be safe!" There she stood, her eyes closed, as she focused her magic on the ones still conscious, doing what she could to help them. Reiner turned his head, then suddenly used all his strength to fling Annette towards Minerva. It might cause her to fall on the way, but Minerva would make her slide over the ground and into the safety of her Matrix. Immediately after flinging her, Reiner was knocked off-course and onto the ground. Above him was the imposing Orpheus, who pressed her foot into his chest to keep him down. "Gah...!""Mistress Nyx will be here momentarily.""Aww, Reiner... looks like being a hero caused your capture instead of hers." Nyx said, smirking down at him. She paused a moment, her eyes cutting to the side, before returning to him. "...But you prefer it this way, don't you? Protecting your Dark Empress is the most important thing for you." She paused again, longer this time. "......In fact, I bet-"And suddenly, Orpheus would be forcibly moved off Reiner as Ephraim slammed his shoulder into her, before gripping Siegmund and driving it towards Nyx's torso. A pink thread pulled by her forced it to miss its target, though. "Go!" Reiner nodded, rolling away and sprinting into the safety of Minerva's Matrix. At the same time, Zack and Alisa sprinted out of the forest, leading the remaining people who were still conscious in a mad dash towards Minerva.Orpheus gripped her blade, beginning to draw it. Zack likewise grabbed the handle of Buster Sword, but Ephraim kicked Nyx backwards before driving his spear towards Orpheus, forcing her to draw her blade slightly to deflect the attack. She turned towards him, swinging her sheath towards his face, but he ducked under, grabbing her by the waist and turning to throw her backwards, further away from those who were fleeing."Quickly--onto the ship!" Minerva ordered those who were entering the Matrix. "You two as well, Reiner--Annette!" There was only a small window to get everyone onboard, then she could help get the ship back into the sea.
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat May 25, 2024 12:28 am
Nyx"Besides begging for mercy, you have no other way out. Forgiveness... is expensive.
Freedom is the precious air on the mountaintop. Not meant for the weak.
Empty your mind, stop thinking, and submit to me. That's your only value.""Aww, why don't you ever offer to fight me? I'm hurt." Nyx responded playfully to her little speech, and it seemed that was the only response it would get, as Specter had gone silent after Nyx's words to him. Perhaps he decided there was no point in further dialogue. "No, I don't think you're a coward. But you are intelligent, just like my sister. You both know you can't stop me. Not here. Not now. Your only option is to flee or succumb to Domination. ...Well, that's true for them. You know you have another option." She smirked. "But you said you were leaving, didn't you? Nothing is stopping you." She reached up, patting her on the head. "You're so cute, you know that? Unfortunately, this isn't up for debate. Nothing you say will release them. So go. Nothing will prevent you from joining them on the ship, but you better hurry. They'll be leaving very soon..." She winked, turning and fading into shadows once again. And after she vanished, Hiyori would notice Specter was gone as well, leaving her momentarily alone. She could go, or she could stay. But if she didn't hurry, the choice would be made for her.(( OOC: ))
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Posted: Sat May 25, 2024 1:07 am
 
A little ways from where Reiner and Annette left the forest, Autumn and Hana were also making their way out of the forest with Azura, who they just happened to run into. The guidance Minerva provided lead to them running right into each other, and while Azura had already shown she could resist Nyx's little whispers, she was sheltered by the magic that continued to protect Autumn, Hana and herself. Hana however, had found her focus suddenly on the purple haired woman, but before she could even try to shout a warning to him, Reiner was quickly down, and under the foot of Orpheus. "...!? Wha -! " Well, that was not the most graceful falling of her lifetime, as Reiner was instead trapped by two very powerful women. "Reiner! " Playing hero was great in their little playful acts, but when it came down to being serious, she would never want to see him put himself into danger just to protect her. But his luck was unlike his father's horrible island thus far on the island, as he came rushing to knock Orpheus away from Reiner, giving him time to make a break for it to the safety of the Matrix..As he was getting closer, she reached out to grab his hand, as if trying to get him in quicker. "Orpheus! " Finally would come Hana's voice, who turned with angry eyes toward Nyx herself. "Why are you doing this?! What will this gain you? Release them..Now! "
Meanwhile, at another area of the island within the forested area, Hiyori was facing other of the many Nyx clone. "...This isn't a joke. Do you really not see how terrible this is? What reasoning do you even HAVE to be doing this? Raised by two loving parents, and you....become this? Why? " She narrowed her eyes, it was all just one big game to her, nothing she said would ever help, but ..she couldn't just be silent, either. "...Even if I stayed behind, you could never dominate my mind. " She said seriously, and she fully believed that too. " I said I was leaving your presence, not the island, not my friends, not my family. " She clearly didn't care about the possibilities of being stuck on the island a little while longer, she had her ways to get around. The angry look on her face was far from the blushing one moments ago, her little pat on the head only brought out more irritation! But more so, her quick leave was far more annoying. "....I can't believe i...ugh.." All those feelings that stirred up before, were replaced with a whole lot of anger...
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Aerith Gast Gainsborough Captain
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat May 25, 2024 11:04 pm
Reiner reached out, grabbing Annette's arm as she held out to him, and her pulling him in quicker just barely got him in in time to dodge the incoming attack of Shez, who tried to prevent him from fleeing. Being pulled into her, Reiner ended up naturally with his arms around her, letting out a breath from all the sprinting. "Are you all right?" He asked between small breaths. "Thank you, Annette. You saved me!" She managed to keep him from being intercepted by Shez, just as he had thrown her out of the way of Orpheus. They certainly had each other's backs!"Flirt later--ship now!" Minerva told them in a strained voice."Right!" Reiner took Annette by the hand again, hurrying to board the ship. It was like he thought she couldn't run without him leading her by the hand--but really, he was just scared that if he didn't keep contact with her, he might lose her. Perhaps a silly fear, but still one he'd rather not chance in this situation.With Shez having failed to secure Reiner, she instead turned her attention to Ephraim, who was doing his best to fend off Orpheus and Nyx. He knew better than to fight aggressively now--he needed to stay on the defensive. He needed to buy time, if nothing else. Bringing up his spear to block Shez's blades, he was instead kicked in the shin by Orpheus, before she kicked him again, sending him flying backwards a short distance with her powerful legs. Grunting, he rolled backwards, lifting himself back up, but almost immediately he was forced down to his back as Carmen sped into him and planted her foot on his chest. "Gah!" He made eye contact with Minerva, seeing how strained she was. "Just go!" He told her, knowing the likelihood he'd manage to break off from this fight was low.Stomping down onto his chest, Nyx smirked down at him. "My mother may have been unsuccessful, but you WILL obey me. Isn't that what you want? To just... submit?""Ugh...""...Kneel.""...Yes, Mistress Nyx.""...Heehee... The unbreakable Ephraim, broken beneath me. Isn't that right?""Yes, Mistress Nyx.""This is... so perfect. Or at least it would be, if it wasn't an act.""..." Gripping Siegmund, he thrust it up towards her, aiming for her heart, but Nyx grabbed it beneath the blade to stop it."It was a worthy attempt, but you WILL serve me. You cannot resist forever.""Watch and see. I don't pick fights I can't win." Ephraim said through gritted teeth, using his foot to shove her backwards and roll backwards himself to stand back up. Still, faced with Nyx, Carmen, Orpheus, and so many others... he knew this wasn't the most winnable fight. So he needed to escape, but...Minerva closed her eyes, while the third eye on her forehead began to glow brightly, and a massive amount of celestial magic gathered around her. "I see through you!" She shouted, holding up two fingers as she gathered energy--and in the next moment, her consciousness separated from her body, using her third eye as a guide to infiltrate the shackled minds of everyone under Nyx's Domination, and sever the thread that linked their minds to Nyx's. All in under a moment--and once she finished, every single one of them collapsed, unconscious."Gah!" Nyx seemed to get some whiplash, clutching her skull and wincing slightly. "That was hardly fair, sister..."Opening her eyes as her third eye went dim, Minerva wobbled a bit, before collapsing forward, her Matrix vanishing from beneath her. "Run... you can't kill her now." She said weakly to Ephraim.Ephraim's first instinct was to attack now that her guard seemed finally lowered, but he also trusted Minerva's judgment, especially since she seemed to be the reason they all collapsed. He turned, sprinting towards her and lifting her before leaping up onto the ship."...Rah!" Her mind was so strained, and she had quite the migraine, but as soon as Ephraim placed her on her feet, she used her power to force the ship off the beach, sending it careening back into the sea. It wasn't a very pleasant experience, and Reiner grabbed onto Annette to brace her from falling, but it at least didn't capsize!
She sighed heavily as the ship began to sail away from the island, sitting down and holding her aching mind."Why did you wait so long to do that?!""I knew... it would be straining. I doubted I'd be able to keep the Matrix up after doing it. All I could manage was to sever the thread between them and Nyx. Like puppets on strings, it made them lose function. But their minds are still shackled. It'll only take her a short time to reconnect the threads. ...But it was enough to give us the opening we needed." And thankfully, it caused her some pain to stop her for that moment too.[ "Who is she? ...No, first, let's take account everyone who managed to escape." Ephraim turned. "Who all made it?""Well, I'm here," Zack siaid with a small shrug."Azura and I made it out." Alisa sighed out in relief, taking her girlfriend's hand into hers affectionately."La'riah and I are here, and Annette.""...Annette?" Alisa looked at the... unfamiliar yet still familiar elf girl. "...Hmm." Well, now probably wasn't the time.
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Posted: Sun May 26, 2024 12:07 am
"Hurry!! " God, she felt like she could have a heart attack right here on the spot, just inches away, and she would only be able to watch in horror as Shez attacked, but it was some incredible luck that their hands were able to meet at just the right moment, for her to pull him in before the attack struck him! "Oh my god..! Reiner...That was..so close..Thank god you're okay!! " The worry in her voice couldn't be anymore obvious then it was, and while she took note of their positioning, a hint of color washed over her cheeks. "..I'm fine, of course, thanks to you too! Silly Hero! " Ah, who cares what others thought? She could at least enjoy the moment while it lasted! Which didn't last very long, of course. With MInerva's sudden demand, it helped to at least get her focused on the dangerous situation they all were in. Now WAS a bad time to flirt, still though.............
She wouldn't say anything more, as she was taken by the hand again as Reiner rushed for the ship with her.
At the same time, others were making their way up the ramp, knowing the risks and trying to help were only going to bring more danger to everyone else, and bring more strain to Minerva, so they were smart enough to rush to the ship, no matter how wrong it felt. Those two were Aerith and L'Arachel, who were helping each other since it all began having been lucky enough to have bumped into each other.
Aerith hurried over to Zack, while L'Arachel was quick to go to Ephraim's side the moment they were all together on the ship, but still, the danger wasn't quite over as they still remained docked in the sand.
Minerva's impressive amount of energy was what would save the day, how she could hold on so long after already spending so much of it was really a bit unreal! The ride they would have to endure on their sudden, very intense departure from the island had someone holding onto someone, or anything they could get their hands on! "I never want to experience a ride like that again...ugh." Funny thing was, she really didn't care much for any kind of sailing ship, but right now, she could be thankful Nova showed up when he did, or they might all be slaves of Nyx right now. "Hey..Minerva, will you be okay? That was incredible work, you're magic really saved the day.." But it didn't seem to be very comfortable for her.Finally glancing around,she looked to those on the deck of the ship, the remaining few...and it really was..a few. To few.. "..Astrid!! " And her heart just sunk like a rock sinking to the depths of the ocean. "Oh god...this feels so wrong...Is there really nothing we can do to bring them back to us? ..Leaving everyone like this, it doesn't feel right..."
"...I'm going back! " Despite the moving ship, Autumn began to work on her teleportation spell. She was so sure Nyx couldn't get through her magic, and maybe she could find Astrid there in that mess. She couldn't stop thinking, that's what she would do if the positions were reversed..she ..really wanted to save her!
Azura tried to smile, but it was faint, their whole situation was rather grim, leaving all their friends there at an enemies hands, she could certainly understand how Annette felt. Had the situation not been so terrible, she might of taken notice of the silver-haired elf herself, but her focus was on Alisa, who she was just so glad she had her still standing beside her.
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Aerith Gast Gainsborough Captain
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Brave Restoration King Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun May 26, 2024 12:31 am
Minerva Ephraim and Zack held onto L'Arachel and Aerith respectively to brace them when the ship was flung into the ocean, as Reiner did with Annette. After the ship was calmly sailing on the water, Minerva sighed heavily, massaging her temples. Annette's voice called her attention, though, as she glanced up to her from her seated position. "...My answer doesn't matter. I need to stay alert. No one else here can keep Nyx's magic at bay. Besides, if I said no, who would take care of me? I think you're too occupied with Reiner..." She took a deep breath, closing her eyes and crossing her arms beneath her chest. "...No. With Carmen under her Domination, things are much more bleak. Nyx's Domination doesn't bend a person's will, it suppresses it. It pushes it down. Dominates it. Trying to yell at them hoping they're regain their senses would do nothing. Everyone under her control may as well be puppets on a string, their every action controlled by her while their consciousness is dormant. Cut off from the outside entirely while shackled to her. The fact that she can manipulate so many flawlessly while fighting herself.... it should be a good indication of how powerful she is." At Autumn's words, Minerva stood abruptly, pointing at her and freezing her in place. "You're going nowhere!" She shouted seriously, feeling her yelling only make her migraine throb harder. "..." She sighed, lowering her hand and sitting back down. "I'm glad you're okay, Autumn. But if you go back, your mental defenses will be shredded in an instant. You will become her puppet, and accomplish nothing. If you want to save Astrid--save all of them--you have to stay with us. Just.... please, trust me this one time." The last thing she wanted right now was some heated argument or worse with Autumn again. She was too immature to stay put just from being ordered to, but hopefully reasoning with her would be enough. "As long as you all stay near me, I can protect your minds from her. We.... the few of us left are the only hopes left for the rest of Avalanche, and perhaps the world. I don't know what she could be planning... but I can't imagine her plan stops at Avalanche. ...That woman is my and Autumn's sister. Nyx... She's always been chaotic and aloof, but this is beyond what she'd normally do. She does things because they're fun, because to her, that's all that matters. I just worry what she may be planning to do with the army of heroes she's Dominated." (( OOC: ))
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