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 Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 9:27 am
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★✰
It was unusually quiet out tonight, and dark. Darker than usual. No night birds were singing melodiously in their roosts, and even the stars failed to shine, though the winter skies were cloudless this night. Ruria walked begrudgingly down the twisted path through the old park in the more lonely quarter of Lumena, her arms tucked inside her long sleeves to keep warm. An annoying errand for her Blackheart mentor, Sibelius, had taken her here, and now she only wished to return to the warmth of her room at the Oaksprig Inn....Or rather, back to the town of Makai. She had found herself missing Rajih, and was filled with a pressing and most urgent feeling that she wanted to at least be back in the same town and be able to see him. What a predicament...
As she tottered down the lonely path, she took notice of another in front of her- mostly her jaw-dropped at first, thinking she had seen a ghost, since the pale hair and tail of the girl in front of her seemed illuminated, even in the dark. Ruria breathed a small sigh of relief as she fell into step just behind the girl, content to not be traveling the uncomfortable eerie path alone at night.
Socially awkward was....well, one of her more prominent weaknesses. Ruria found it hard to engage socially how she often saw others do, but it was a flaw she was trying to overcome. "Do you suppose... the power went out here?" was the best she could mumble, hoping she didn't startle the girl. It was a decent subject to bring up...all the street lamps on this small yet lasting and winding path were off, though lights could be seen in the distance of the city.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★✰
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Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2012 12:51 am
Kiarei had thought that since she had been practicing a little when it came to defensive magic that she would be alright for a quick errand run on foot. She kept alert, scanning the area around for danger and that was how she came to notice that girl that had begun to follow her. Since said girl didn't really seem to hide her presence and seemed just as worried as she did she relaxed a little but not entirely... What if it was someone pretending again? She doubted that she would be rescued more than once by a Black Heart.
Despite the fact that she was more at ease with the presence behind her did not prevent her from gasping and turning when the girl spoke up. Her reaction caused her to flush in embarrassment, her ears and tail drooping and her teeth clamping down on her bottom lip. She supposed it wasn't really her fault that she was jumpy out here, not after the incident with the Witch Eater and the strange knight that had saved her. Despite that she still bowed her head, looking thoroughly ashamed and apologetic.
"I-I'm sorry. It seems I'm a bit jumpy." she managed, offering the other girl a small smile before her gaze slid to the light posts. "...I... They do seem to have lost power but... That doesn't make sense."
Frowning she turned back to the girl before her, looking worried but managing to smile at her anyways. Kia offered the girl her hand to shake, meanwhile still doing the best that a novice like her could do to scan the perimeter; her a Cerberus Knight? Who was she kidding anyways? When she didn't notice anything strange she turned her full attention to the girl before her, her smile brightening.
"Maybe we should walk together? My name is Kiarei."
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Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2012 5:56 am
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★✰
For a moment, Ruria looked at the extended hand, almost wondering what to do, before realizing she should shake it. She reached small fingers forward, taking her hand and giving it a squeeze and a wriggle. She flushed a little behind the scarf she wore, her mouth partially unseen, but her eyes smiling. "You have soft hands~" she said in a girlish, jovial tone, before retracting her own. "Walking together does seem a better choice given the circumstances. Hn, you have a lovely name. Mine is Ruria."
She fell into step besides the fluffily-white girl, her hands nervously circling her scarf in a knot around her wrist. "What do you think that is?" she stopped, pointing ahead of them and slightly off to the side. There was a strange looking lump there, the details of which couldn't be seen properly in the dark and dim light. When it moved slightly, Ruria jumped, latching onto Kiarei's arm. "It...moved." she yelped in somewhat of a quiet, harsh whisper. It could be a dog, or even a drunk who fell down on his way home, but somehow, this situation did not bode well for what it really could be.
That's when it became a little clear as to precisely what it was, when a small glow emitted from part of it, lighting up the face of the witch consuming the heart of a female witch in his arms, who seemed dead or unconscious. No, not a witch....he was a witch eater, now, a ravenous newborn who suddenly turned to look directly at them as his new heart and power coursed through his veins.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★✰
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Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 11:32 am
"Thank you." Kiarei answered, smiling brightly. "Your name is beautiful, Ruria."
It was rare for her to meet anyone on the roads so late at night but Ruria didn't seem like a Witch Eater. No, if she had been she would have taken that opportunity to take her heart so she allowed herself to trust the girl that was now walking beside her. However at the girl's question she blinked and stilled immediately, her ears perking as she stared where she was pointing. For a moment she had to resist the urge to step in front of her, a little alarmed at the instinct; what could she do? She was just a Witch after all.
However when Ruria reached out and clutched her arm Kia found her hand moving to cover the girl's arm, swallowing thickly and not taking her eyes off the mass before them. When it's head lifted her eyes widened, staring at the witch.... No, Witch Eater's face as her mind flashed back to the night that Lawsonia had saved her. All the horror of being defenseless against such a thing, the blood, the shock, the adrenaline... Oddly clutching to that memory made her gaze harden a little as she stared at the Witch Eater; she would do her best to protect Ruria.
"Ruria." she breathed, her hand gently stroking the girl's arm in a soothing manner. "We'll need to work together, okay? If you know any offensive spells, use them, alright?"
Admittedly she had little to no offensive magic, specializing mainly in barriers, protective wards, and healing, but she did have one thing... Two things if she counted the blade at her hip. Since she wasn't good with it yet so she decided that using the teeth of her wolf form would be better... At least she hoped they would be; she was going to be an absolutely terrible Knight if she survived this. She offered one more smile to Ruria before gently pulling away from her, preparing to shift.
"If it gets me..." she hesitated before smiling a little. "I want you to run while it's distracted, okay?"
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Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 1:41 pm
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★✰
It was a very strange thing, peculiar almost, to watch someone else make a move to protect her. The sentiment was some how dear, but Ruria was not the type to let someone else fend fend her way. "It's not going to get you," she said matter-of-factly. Her demeanor hid well the fear she really felt, but the tightening of her fingers on Kiarei's arm did not. "It's not."
The newly born witch eater stood to his full height. He was tall, an average build but one that somehow made him seem intimidating int he dark, with his eyes glowing of lust and hunger. "Hello, ladies." his voice came out in a sadistic purr as he approached them slowly, extending a hand. "I was just indulging myself in a little evening fun. Come now, I promise I won't bite hard."
He laughed, appearing in a blink in front of them. All it took to send both of the girls to the ground was a tumultuous shockwave as he struck forward with one arm. It was very quick, and very unexpected. He was cocky and sure of himself, sure he was about to indulge in two more delicious, supple female hearts to add to his collection.
It was actually...the first time someone had ever physically assaulted her. A unique feeling, surprised....but suddenly, Ruria found herself feeling something she rarely felt. She was mad. As she watched this terrible man towering over them, reaching his hands toward them, wanting so desperately to get his fingers on their soft and innocent flesh to indulge himself in their magic, their magic that was theirs alone.... The only one she ever wanted to feel that from her was Rajih, and the fact that this man so boldly thought he could simply take it from not just her, but this other as well.... She was furious.
"Keep your filthy fingers to yourself..." she growled, tossing her hands on the ground. A manifestation of a large, shadowy blade erupted from the earth between them and the witch eater, nearly piercing him. It was enough to make him retreat momentarily, a bemused look on his face. "Oh? These girls have a little bite to them, do they? I guess I'll have to soften you up, then...."
Again, the shadow blade pierced from the earth, each time attempting to skewer the man, each time missing, but successfully driving him back a distance, giving them enough time to get back up. "He intends to kill us if he has to, to get at what he wants." she murmured grimly.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★✰
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Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 12:13 pm
Kiarei's heart warmed a little at the girl's words, offering her a tremulous smile. "Well it's not going to get you either."
She swallowed as the newly born with eater approached them, her eyes narrowing even as her hands shook a little. If it was within her power to protect this girl then she would do it, even if it cost her heart or her life. It was a strange feeling, being so willing to protect someone, but it felt good, made her feel confident in the face of danger when she would normally panic. She clung to that feeling, the pump of adrenaline in her veins because without it she feared she would falter and she simply... Couldn't afford that.
Suddenly the Witch Eater was in front of her, causing her to gasp and reach for her blade, only to be knocked back by a shock wave. She fell hard, wincing before quickly moving to try and get to her feet, her breathing accelerating as she saw him come for her, for both of them. However Ruria unleashed a startlingly effective offensive spell at the man, driving him backwards and giving her time to climb back to her feet. Letting out a slow, calming breath she glanced at Ruria and gave a quick nod, swallowing thickly.
"Yes... I believe you're right." she murmured, eyes narrow before she gave another nod. "You're better at offensive magic than I am. I'm going to shift and draw his attention."
That said, she immediately began to shift into her wolf form, her white fur bright in the darkness which would make her an easy target. Despite that she flexed her paws in the soil beneath them, a low growl rising in her throat before he bolted forward, zig-zagging as she did so to make herself harder to hit. Being in this form felt like she was coming home in a way and, as she launched into the air, lunging for the Witch Eater, fangs bared and ready to sink into whatever part of his body she could get to, she thought that maybe they might make it out alive if she tried hard enough.
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:13 am
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★✰
Ruria had never seen a Mononoke transform, so it came unexpected when she watched the girlish form of Kia melt into the feral white wolf, and lunge for the witch eater's throat. She was acting out with such a bestial aggression that it was almost like watching those nature nature shows where a beast takes its prey, only this prey was more predator, really....
"Get off of me, you beast!" Kia's wolf form was strong, but so was the witch eater. He gripped her by the ruff of her neck, delivering a harsh impact into her ribs with a spell released from his fist, which sent her toppling off of him.
Ruria scrambled towards where the white wolf lay on the ground after his attack, going to her knees and lifting her head into her lap, covering her with half of her body. "Get up, please get up," she murmured. Her fingers stroked through the fur across her face and neck, trying to rouse her as gently as she could. "Please get u---" her words were cut off with a surprised cry as she was roughly dragged away from the wolfish form of Kia by her hair, where the witch eater had gripped it and ripped her upwards.
"Aww, are you worried about your puppy?" he practically purred, kicking his boot into Kia's ribcage, and laughed cruelly. Ruria struggled against his grip on her hair, writhing and twisting, then falling as he grabbed one of her wrists and started to drag her by it and her hair. Don't touch me. Don't touch me. Don't...touch...me.... that dark voice deep within her chanted over and over. The world in front of her eyes was going black, darkening with a sickening malice that threatened to consume her heart.
"I'll kill you," she whispered. "I'll kill you!" she practically screamed it the second time, her voice tainted with something dark. She couldn't break the man's hold on her as he lifted her up, arms holding her tightly against him as he prepared the process of taking her heart. Anything she did at this point wouldn't be able to hit properly, unless....
She glanced at Kia, a faded look in her eye. She was only stunned, wasn't she? She'd be able to fight, or run, right? It was the first time Ruria would put the trust of her own life in someone else's hands, but she had to do it.
She let her head hang back, looking into the sky above them. There sword-sphere formed, and a single shadow blade erupted from it, piercing through her right shoulder and out the front, and into and through the Witch Eater's chest. Her blood and his blood began to trickle and then flow from the wounds, and he released her with a yell of agony, throwing her to the ground furiously. Ruria's eyes reflected the small pool of blood that was forming beneath her from her own wound, cringing but not making a sound. She had not been hit critically, but it wouldn't stop bleeding on its own. "Ki..a...please get up." she murmured towards the wolf.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★✰
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 10:39 am
Kiarei felt something snap between her jaws, hoping that the pressure had broken something but a part of her still felt sick as blood poured into her mouth; she wasn't violent, wasn't a killer, but she didn't have a choice in this case. However her thoughts were quickly redirected from such things when she was gripped by the scruff of her neck, causing her to quickly lash her head back and forth in attempts to do more damage, to distract. This unfortunately did not work, causing her to yelp as she was sent sprawling, pain exploding throughout her chest and stomach, leaving her dazed and only partially conscious.
She could hear Ruria's pleas distantly, her mind hazy as she struggled to fully regain consciousness. It was difficult for her to be able to hear the other girl screaming, to hear the Witch Eater hurt her and taunt her, causing her to fight for focus, slowly managing to gain enough focus to pour healing magic through her form. She slowly came to, just in time to see Ruria hit the Witch Eater with some form of spell... But it cost her as it also pierced her shoulder, a painful injury which could cause someone to bleed to death if left untreated for too long; she needed to act quickly.
Slowly she climbed to her feet, shifting back into her normal form, attempting to avoid detection until it was too late. She drew the dagger her father had given her, a single-edged, straight blade as long as her arm, and analyzed the Witch Eater's movements. Then, without a second thought she bolted forward, blade ready, before sinking it into the man's back, right where his heart would be if she was correct. She could not remove hearts like the reapers, so she had to settle for going for a killing blow; he was already bleeding profusely so she hoped it would be enough.
She didn't wait to see, instead giving the blade a twist one way, then the other, before drawing it out, only thinking of getting to Ruria's side now. She rushed around the Witch Eater, falling into a crouch beside the wounded girl, half covering her with her own body as she pressed a hand to her shoulder, willing it to heal. Her attention then quickly moved to the Witch Eater again, blade lifted in defense, her breathing labored and eyes wide, wild; she had just stabbed a man. Was this truly the only way to protect others from the evil that existed in the world?
"Ruria. You're going to be okay. I'm here now. You'll be okay." she breathed, struggling not to panic at the sight of all the blood covering her hands, smeared over her mouth; it had been necessary... Right?
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 4:22 pm
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★✰
She couldn't see what was happening, but she heard it. She heard the sickening sound of steel opening flesh, the gutteral moan and cry of pain and surprise. The gnawing, twisting sound of the blade writhing in the soon-to-be corpse, grinding against bone, aorta, and flesh. Something like a gargling wail, and then a staggering thump and twitch as the newly born witch eater succumbed to death. Killed by the two girls, and not in a pleasant way.
The sickening death rattle repeated in her ears, and Ruria felt like she'd be sick. It had been to save their own lives. She repeated this many times in her head, that if they hadn't given him to death, he would have taken their hearts, their lives...and whatever worse lay in between.
She soft hands on her, gentle ones that were trying so hard to be assuring. She looked up into kia's face, a puzzled expression on hers. "I just realized," she murmured, wincing a little. "Your eyes are a bit like mine, I think. And....bleeding hurts." She was paler than usual from the loss of blood, but struggled to sit up on her own, one arm rather limp from where she pierced herself through the shoulder.
She brought her gaze towards the corpse, then back to kia. "Why couldn't he just be happy with her heart?" she was referring towards the girl whom had made him a witch eater, who now lay in a crumpled and mangled heap of a carcass a distance away. With her uninjured hand, she grasped kia's sleeve and held it tightly, a hollow and unblinking expression on her face, unable to take her eyes off the slain girl. "That could have been either of us. Pulled into a nightmare before we died, and ripped to pieces from the inside out. Isn't it very cold tonight, suddenly? Eheh...." she giggled weakly, almost drunkenly, her eyelids heavy, and then shutting as she toppled her upper body towards Kia, her forehead meeting her bosom. There was blood soaking into her dress, pooling and smearing the path under her, staining the tips of her long pink hair. She could barely open her eyes at that point, but still managed to speak very softly. "Do you....have...a bandaid..? The kind with the bones on'em...I like those ones...the best, I think."
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★✰
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 10:54 am
Kiarei watched the Witch Eater fall to the ground, heard his last breath, and her stomach immediately rolled. She had to resist the urge to clap her hand over her mouth, instead clenching her eyes shut and moving her now trembling hands to apply pressure to the wound in Ruria's shoulder. She willed it to heal, heart racing as she poured magic into the injury, swallowing thickly as she forced herself to focus on that instead of the corpse that was behind her; the corpse that she had put there.
"Yes, our eyes are close in color, aren't they?" Kiarei laughed, the sound containing a tiny hint of hyteria she was attempting to keep at bay. "I'm sorry that he hurt you. Hopefully this helps."
Kiarei swallowed thickly as she listened to Ruria speak, going cold at her words even as she continued to heal her shoulder; it was slow work but it was beginning to heal finally, the blood flow slowing. If she hadn't killed the Witch Eater, they both would have been dead and all left unavenged. The thought that what she did saved them all caused something innocent and naive to die inside her, replaced by something hard, cold. Defending the innocents meant doing what was necessary... Didn't it?
When Ruria collapsed against her Kiarei blinked only for her eyes to hood a little. She wished that she had the free hands to hold Ruria against her, to take and offer comfort at the same time. So much had happened since they had met each other a few moments before... She barely knew who this girl was and already they had helped kill someone together.
"No bandaids, I'm afraid... Only magic." she murmured, beginning to feel tiny aches in her body as the adrenaline faded; she hoped that she didn't go into shock, but figured that she might. "Are you feeling any better? Your color is looking better..."
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