The largest and most extravagant building in Winhill, it has always been a landmark of the small town. While the origins of the mansion has been mostly lost to time, almost everyone in town can say at least three people who has lived and left the mansion. Even worse, the stories they've heard of weird things happening in the house, such as items moving about on their own or noises in the night. Though, while indeed this has proven to be true, it has long since been a trouble for the household occupants since the most recent resident has moved in.
Even staying there for a while, nothing much has really changed about the house since the Everetts took ownership. They hadn't remodeled, or even refurnished, as the house has everything need and everything inside was still perfectly fine.
The train raced along the tracks, sleet and snow sliding across the frosty windows of the cabin, fogged from the warmth presence of the occupants who inhabited the luxurious space. A first class private cabin, courtesy of the Bureau, it was just one of the many perks of the job that Maris got to enjoy. But despite the fine services, and the comfortable quarters for her companions and herself, Maris was relatively quite this journey. She slept not an ounce during the ride, which was rare for Maris who had a tendency to pass out within a few minutes of a long travel. Instead, she spent the duration of the ride staring out the foggy window, watching the snow ridden lands. The scenery was something that she was familiar with, and had grown used to over the last year. Even covered in snow she could make out familiar shapes in the land, and locate landmarks that she once used to measure the distance traveled and how much closer she was to her destination. And yet, it was different this time. Not the landscape, not the ride, but perhaps herself.
Smoke drifted up from the bowl of her pipe, the long, ornate pipe Maris was so fond of held within her gloved fingers, her hand resting on the calf of her crossed leg. Despite keeping the pipe lit, and refilling the bowl whenever she noticed the contents had burned out, she seemed disinterested in smoking. Her mind was elsewhere, this night. And given the mission they had been put on, perhaps it would have been understandable that the usually sociable and extroverted Maris her team had come to know was suddenly so sober and deep within her thoughts.
The team was on route to Winhill, traveling by train from the Bureau's headquarters. The team had been put on an acquisition mission, and the target that they had been set to retrieve was located in the home of someone everyone on the team had come to know these last two years, Maris most of all. Salem Everett.
Maris clicked her tongue, lips curling in distaste as she glared out the window. 'Could have turned the mission down.' She thought, raising the pipes to her mouth, inhaling deeply. 'They could have sent anyone else in my place. They could have done this, not me.' And yet she had accepted the mission with no hesitation. Perhaps it was better that she had accepted the task. Maybe it was better that she was the one who did this, than some complete stranger. But if that was so, then why did she feel a pit growing in her stomach?
Finally, Maris turned away from the window with it's dark colors, to her companions and the cabin she was sitting in, full of light and color. Momo was curled up in the seat beside her. His paws crossed and chin resting upon them, his tail hanging over the edge of the seat and idly swinging as he dreamed of whatever cute things moombas dreamt of. On the other side of the moomba, sitting further down the bench, was Xaris. [Insert description about Xaris later]
Sitting across from the trio, legs crossed and arms folded almost defensively across her stomach sat Saida. Saida had become increasingly more distanced these last two years, and Maris knew why. It was no secret that Xaris and Saida didn't get along, and despite all of her best efforts it seemed nothing would ever break the hate Saida held for Xaris and allow for the two to finally regard each other with something more this dislike. And every time Maris tried to help the two get along, or whenever Maris attempted to include one or the other in an activity or mission it seemed to push Saida further away. And as much as she hated it, Maris was close to giving up. Maris fondly regarded Xaris as a little sister to watch out over and protect, and Saida was, well despite being an A-Grade ice queen, as good a friend that Maris could count on to have her back, and help her out in a pinch. She didn't like the idea of choosing between either one, but Maris was beginning to get close to making that decision. She only hoped that they would last long enough to see this mission through. Maris was in no mood for their usual shenanigans, and hopefully they would understand that and be considerate enough for that.
Turning back to the window, wiping a gloved hand across the fogged glass. She could make out the faint glow of Winhill in the distance. 'I should have turned down the mission after all.' She thought, raising her pipe up to her lips once more.
This was going to be a long night.
The train finally pulled into station at Winhill, a crowd of people pouring out of the train, to either be greeted by friends and family, or to carry on with their merry selves to their homes. There was no such warmth in the reception for Maris and her party, as the group marched their way through the crowds. They were dressed in uniform, so the civilians knew just exactly who the group was. Or rather, they knew who the group was affiliated with, and what they stood for. And as they passed a hush silence grew amongst the moments ago cheerful people, their looks of love and excitement quickly being replaced by fear and anxiety. That was how most members of the Bureau were regarded, and for good reason. The Bureau did little to earn the love of the people. And while once Maris might have been amused by the fearful gaze of the masses, perhaps sneered or waved just to throw them off, her face was set in iron as she led the group out of the station and into the dark, open streets, striding purposely beneath the glow of the streetlamps that lined the street, as she guided the group to Salem's mansion.
When the group neared the mansion, Maris came to a dead halt. Not turning to face her team, she spoke in a serious and commanding tone. "Wait here." She said, taking her pipe from her mouth and tapping it against the side of her suitcase, dislodging the smoldering contents from the bowl into the snow, smoke forming from a gray spot in the otherwise perfectly wipe snow. "If I'm not out in ten minutes, or you guys suspect foul play, force your way into the mansion and apprehend Salem and Lisanna Everett, and proceed with the capture and acquisition of Lisanna Everett's child. Like always, use of lethal force has been authorized, so long as no harm comes to the babe." Slipping the pipe into a pocket within the inside of her coat, she strode forward, leaving her team at the gates of the mansion, to climb the stone steps that led up to the massive estate.
She stood before the doors of the mansion for several seconds, exhaling a puff of air. Slowly, she raised a gloved hand and knocked on the wood of the door, the sound of her rapping on the door as loud as if she had used the ornate knockers on either door. She stood, silent and stoic, waiting and listening for the sound of someone's approach. The only ones present in the mansion tonight would be Salem, Lisanna, and the babe, so, almost foolishly, she hoped that it would be Salem who would open the door, and that she would be able to negotiate with him before anything got too ugly. But as hopeful as she would have liked to have been, the soldier in her knew better, and she became more and more aware of the weight of her suitcase, the gun that was concealed beneath her coat, and the sabre that hung from her waist.
There was no way this would end peacefully.
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xxxxcompany: Saida, Momo, Xaris --> Alonexxxxlocation: Train en rout to Winhill --> Winhill Mansion; Front Doorxxxxmood: soberxxxx
Tal of Kinglore
Aged Bibliophile
Offline
Chaos Isaac
Offline
Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 8:28 pm
Salem Everett
Level: 24 Health: 2400 Magic: More Than Yours Status: Answering the Door. Location: Home. ____________________________________________________
The last two years had been good, but, hard. Success had come to him in a variety of ways, as it had before. His ideas had made a new organization within Galbadia, he picked up another instrument to add to his musical repertoire, and even managed to- No, that would be a incorrect way to even reference the relationship, not to mention he was pretty sure if Maris even heard herself being referenced as 'picked up' he'd be on a one way trip to hurt town, Galbadia. Not that he could help it, the gal packs one hell of a punch.
Still, that was the good, not adding in the fact he had managed to take care of his sister for so long and be one of the few forces in the world mitigating the damage Edea did. In what ways he could. Lisanna had been staying with him a while for now, and as nice as it was, simultaneously her being upset at his and Kalay's best attempts at keeping her relatively secure were met with... complications. Simply to say, she didn't appreciate it much, not that he could blame her. Well, he could, but he wouldn't, he just blamed all of them female hormones that some how made them unreasonable and bitchy. A terrible combination.
Still. Kalay. ******** that guy. Making things even more complicated every step of the goddamn way. But, even with those complications, it hadn't slowed his training or operations he used as a cover to make dead drops for the resistance. Though, simultaneously those same operations were a nice hindrance to the 'Unbroken' at the same time. Hopefully what he was giving proving to be far more effective. Movement, meetings, locations, positions and meeting. However he knew his usefulness was drying up. Someone or something had caught on and was sending false information down the lines.
"Irritating.." He commented, spinning a USB drive around his finger, hoping 'Unbroken''s computer had a similarity with the name. Taking a breath as he once again heard the scraping of a vase moving in the room that welcomed all of it's guested, he sighed. That s**t was like clockwork now, and he knew that it was about a quarter after eleven. Sleep would probably be good right now, not that he was dressed for anything else. Wearing little more then a wifebeater and pants, as luckily the interior of the house was quite insulated from the contrasting weather outside.
Stepping downstairs to hit up the kitchen for a drink, hopefully Lisanna having already managed the baby to sleep, he hadn't quite gotten away when the door beckoned for him.
Well, more accurately the person knocking on the other side was requesting some attention. With a roll of his eyes, he swore if it was another kid knocking on his door, trying to score a point against the man by ignoring him... It wouldn't end well, probably. Maybe he was just agitated by having a visitor this late. Taking hold of the knob, turning it and opening the door, the first thing he did was widen his eyes. It was a instant action, seeing Maris standing there in the snowy exterior, the darkness of her uniform, and the shade of her hair clashing against the white backdrop she had.
The uniform was what gave it away, really. This wasn't a visit for a cup of sugar, a quick hello or anything else that didn't ******** suck. Still, it was quick that he recovered, looking down for a moment, letting his hair hide his eyes and look back up at her, before finally smiling. His expression was different now, he seemed legitimately tired, like he was about asleep. Though, he knew she had already caught on that he had caught on, there was no if about it. But maybe, things didn't have to go sourly.
"'Allo, mon jolie." My pretty, in other words. Wiping his eyes to continue the illusion, the others in the background probably didn't realize that he was acting and knew what was up. And, wish of wishes, Maris would play along with feigning innocence and let him go. Taking a second to wipe a hand across his eyes, seeming to wake up a bit, ignoring the frigid chill of the atmosphere, and the entering air. "Late night visit?" He asked, hoping these wouldn't be the last moments of peace with his family, or of his relationship with Maris.
She was smart, tough, pretty, and hell of fun to hang around with when she wasn't pissed off at you. Less socially crippled then him, to be sure. Though, knowing her it kind of sucked right now that she was so tough, and probably prepared with around four different ways to kill him herself at this moment. Not including the hit squad that had followed her to this place. At least he assumed, the Bureau rarely ever sent someone out alone. Rarely meaning never. Kept rogues and traitors from getting too far. ____________________________________________________
'One shot.' That's all it would take. During the few seconds it took her to cross the yard and go up the stairs, she had steeled herself. One shot, she told herself, and it would be over. The moment he answered the door would be the moment she would decide things. She could see it play out in her mind. The moment the door was cracked all she would have to do was raise the gun up. At that range, it would rip through the door, and hit Salem, no problem. He would fall to the ground, and that would be that. And then the others would move in, alerted by the gunshot, and together they would deal with Lisanna, and then take Nyale to Galbadia Garden to bring her before Edea. It was a simple plan, and in her mind it played out flawlessly. She even reached into her coat preemptively as she neared the steps, just before knocking on the door, to grasp the handle of her revolver, in preparation.
'One shot.' She thought, closing her eyes and tilting her head forward, listening. But when the door finally opened, and she caught sight of Salem's tired expression her hand immediately dropped from her gun, falling harmlessly to her side. With white hair and pale skin, he almost seemed to glow in the wintry night light. And with his more delicate features, Maris couldn't help but think of him, as she had many other times before, as an angelic. 'Listen to yourself, woman. Angelic?' She might have laughed, but the tension of the situation was too real, and staring at Salem there were things she would have preferred doing, instead.
'He knows.' Maris thought, tensing. Immediately, and unbiddeningly, she assessed her situation. At this range, Salem was practically in her hands. He had the advantage of magic, but when it came to close combat, when he was this close, even with the training he had with her he was leagues behind. But rather than reaching into her coat, or grasping the hilt of the military saber at her waist, she slid her hand into her pocket. There was no getting around it, he knew the reason for her being there, and he knew that she was aware of that, putting the two into a situation similar to the game known as chicken. 'Ten minutes.' She thought, reminding herself of the time limit she had set for both herself, and Salem. Ten minutes to finish this up, before the cavalry came crashing down on the door. 'Let's see who gives out first.'
"Something like that." Maris said, returning the smile. But like Salem's, there was an edge to it. "Mind if I come in?" She asked, "Or are you going to keep a lady in the cold?" She smiling further to show she meant no harm.
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xxxxcompany: Salemxxxxlocation: Winhill Mansion; Front Doorxxxxmood: soberxxxx
Tal of Kinglore
Aged Bibliophile
Offline
Chaos Isaac
Offline
Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 11:24 pm
Salem Everett
Level: 24 Health: 2400 Magic: More Than Yours Status: Unarmed. Outmatched. Outgunned. Location: Death's Door. ____________________________________________________
Still beating. Good. Another breath, another beat, reaffirmed the notion he was still alive, and not just severely behind in current events. Raising a brow at her question, his smile seemed to grow more genuine, if only for a moment. He had a little bit longer before everything he had was ripped from him. Really, there wasn't any recourse, he was always careful enough neither Galbadia or Unbroken could trace the drops back to him. Well, mostly at least. Maris probably could figure it out and lay it on him faster then he'd like. Maybe Xaris as well. But for this moment in time, all that other business didn't matter.
For now, it was just him and Maris, unfortunately, she was in the cold while he was being incredibly rude. The situation may have been excuse enough for others to have such poor manners, but he wouldn't allow himself that commodity. Not while the clock was ticking down on the moments he had left enjoying life. Or, at least life as he knew it. "My apologies." He stated, taking her hand before guiding her inside, close the door behind the pair. Then again, he didn't know how long 'pair' was applicable. Even worse yet, there wasn't much of a way for him to warn Lis to get out with the baby while she could.
Not like he could hold them off long enough for Lis to get a good distance away. Then again, if it was anyone but Maris... Using his spare hand to pull his hair to the side out of his face. Secretly wiping a run away tear out of the way.
Scared. It was the last emotion he thought he'd feel around Maris. Hell, he couldn't even come up with a decent excuse to snag a kiss. His mind was failing him the more time went on. His composure wouldn't last much longer, and probably when that happened... No need to think about it. He couldn't give up yet, he had gotten lucky before, or perhaps Lis would get a message from the chill in the air. And in that moment, he closed his eyes, growing a ice made message on the wall in Lis' room. 'Get Out.' It wasn't nearly developed enough to read, and probably wouldn't be for another minute or two. If he even had that long. Maybe now would be the time she finally decided to take off with the kid.
Finally, with a sigh, he shook his head. There wasn't much more point to trying to act normal. Was there? He didn't know, and he was pretty sure it wouldn't matter too much longer. At least he could face it straight forwardly, properly look death in the eye, right? "This kinda cuts things short, huh?" He asked Maris, assuming she would know what he meant. "I-" His voice broke, another god damn runaway tear that he didn't bother to hide. "-I loved it, you, while it lasted." Honesty, again?
Junction:{Diablos-2,000/ 2,000} Level:16 Hp: 1,600/1,600 Location:Train off to Winhill station. ----> Nearby Salem Everett's Mansion. ↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑
{{Ooc: }}
"Another mission. Such a tedious thing to do while I could be out practicing more. I don't want to be stuck on this damn train all day." Xaris thought as she stared carelessly out the window. The two years that past had a lot of changes for most of the group that sat together in the cabin. Maris, and Salem formed a relationship, Saida became more distant to the group, and also seized all rude remarks to Xaris, and well Momo basically stayed Momo. That was the best she could describe how he was the two years. What did Xaris think about the current situation between Maris, and Salem? Well not much could be said really. She was glad her new instructor found someone she wanted to be with, but with the current orders now she wondered how Maris would react to this. Could she go through and kill Salem? Xaris didn't know much about him besides the fact that he also trained with Maris, and had a relationship. This situation was bad but Maris was the one that accepted the mission. Xaris wondered what was going through her head. Did she regret this decision? Did she actually care about him? So many questions came to mind but not likely they would be answered. She eventually dropped the subject and moved on to another.
Xaris then slightly glanced at Saida, but in a way that made it seem like she was looking at something else. She didn't want to antagonize her. She seemed more cold then usual. It showed in her face expression. During the two year she and Xaris were bucking heads with each other. Everyday that they got together whether in public or missions Saida would always have an issue with it. Why? That in itself was an obvious answer. She just didn't like Xaris, and for what reason was a mystery on its own. Perhaps she just didn't like other people befriending Maris and Momo, or perhaps she thought Xaris as weak and would way the team down. Xaris just didn't know for sure. A part of it saddened her that she was the reason Saida became more distant with Maris, and Momo. Xaris thought perhaps if she wasn't around then maybe Saida would go back to Maris and Momo. Though she wasn't too fond in leaving the group, she never truly felt that she belonged with them. Maris was the only one she spent time with for the most part. Most of it was for training but there were times where she would socialize with her. However even with all of these possible hopes that their relationship would be fixed it seemed unlikely considering of how much distance grew between them. Soon though Xaris felt that she would part ways with this group. She felt that it was nearly time to leave not because of the situation of Maris, Momo, and Saida, but because of a personal goal Xaris planned on completing for so long.
She stopped on that subject as well though otherwise she wouldn't of been able to concentrate on this mission. She stared back out at the window looking at the environments that passed. So this as Windhill. The place where Galbadia had destroyed the precious SeeD Garden that resided here. That was also the same garden that sent the members to attack the mansion in Deling two years ago. That day her former instructor and entire team died. It also was the garden that housed the one responsible for killing her instructor. Another goal that would need to be completed but this one would have to wait. She didn't have time chasing a person who could of been incinerated in the missiles two years ago. Xaris had yet to know the name of that girl to even bother searching her out. What she had to focus now on was the mission. To capture the baby of Lisanna Everett. Xaris didn't know why Galbadia wanted the baby and to be honest she could rather care less. Morals in war would only get in the way of the objective. If she followed her morals she wouldn't of killed so many politicians, and rebel soldiers if they had family members that they were protecting, and fighting for. Then again Xaris always enjoyed killing in general so perhaps even with morals her satisfaction normally came fist.
Finally the train stopped, and it was time for the team to move out. Upon exiting the train they walked into the crowd of people who met each other. The entire group had worn their uniforms basically giving away who they were. They walked into a dead silent crowd as the further they past them. People were frightened of them, and for good reason. The tyranny of Galbadia spread out through the countries like wildfire and everyone came to fear those who represented them. Xaris couldn't blame the people for fearing them, but for her she felt nothing about the situation. Perhaps Xaris was detached from her morals, but that didn't mean she had no heart, it merely meant that she was capable of surviving, and following orders. Eventually the group made it out of the train station and out of the site of the crowd that stared at them. Maris lead the group to the mansion, and ordered them to wait for ten minutes or suspicion of foul play before they forced their way into the mansion. Xaris merely stood back against a nearby lamp post. The air was pretty chilled considering it was winter and the snow covered most of the ground. Xaris patiently waited till the time was ready to strike.
Maris smiled as Salem took her hand, grinning playfully. "Always the gentleman." With anyone else Maris might have done more than just knocked them around, but with Salem? Well, it was endearing with him, as was most of what he did. But that just made what she planned to do to him, and his family, even more wrenching. But for Maris, orders were orders. And even for Salem she wasn't prepared to go against them. She was a soldier, first and foremost.
And it was sad to see him this way. She was used to people being afraid of her. One of the perks of her job. But with Salem, Momo, Saida, and Xaris? To those Maris was close to and familiar with it was a different thing to see their eyes light up with fear when they looked at you. And just any fear, but a fear for their life. But if there was one thing Maris found, in this dark little moment, it was that he was still facing her, despite that fear. Aye, if there was one thing she could indefinitely admire in Salem at this very moment, it was that. And If she had had the choice, she would rather things hadn't ended like this. After all, what person wanted to end their relationship with quite so literal a bang? And she had liked Salem, too. But even so...
"This kinda cuts things short, huh?" He asked her. She was silent, staring at him with yellow eyes while search she searched her brain for something to say. A sharp quip, or a witty remark. Something to break the tension. But, for once, her brain failed her. There was nothing that she could think of that would break this tension. And when Salem went on to say something else Maris decided to forget words, which truthfully she was never good with anyways, and do what she did best. Take action.
"I-" She didn't let him finish. Gripping his hand tighter, she pulled him towards her, dropping her suitcase and grabbing his other hand as she pulled him closer for their final embrace. Her lips sought his, there being a sense of urgency to her kiss. This was far from her better judgment, but she was allowing herself, and Salem, this one last thing. A memory to hold on to and remember, before everything ended, and they had to face the facts. But just as quickly as the moment of passion had begun, it ended. Click. The sound of handcuffs clicking over Salem's wrists, deftly tied behind his back, was all to distinct. And when Maris opened her eyes slowly, staring closely at Salem's own teal eyes, there was an unspoken apology in her eyes. "I loved it, you, while it lasted." He finished.
"Yeah..." Maris said softly, reaching slowly into her coat, hand finding and gripping onto her revolver as she slowly pulled it out, cocking the hammer back as she raised it up and aimed to for Salem's chest. She held his gaze for a moment, a long moment, her heart pounding as her finger moved for the trigger, and she squeezed it gently, "So did I." Bang. One shot rang out through the mansion, the flash of the muzzle and an electric blue light illuminating the entrance of the mansion, and the sound of the fired shot echoing outside for the team waiting to hear, and no doubt alerting Lisanna and waking the babe.
Salem fell, crumpling to the ground with his hands still handcuffed behind his back. Maris looked down at him laying there, a somber expression on her face, yet a cold finality in her eyes. "Good-bye, Salem." She said, cocking back the hammer of her beloved revolver once more, loading another round into the chamber to be fired as she moved past his body and for the stairs. "And for your sake, I hope we never meet again."
In a few seconds her team would no doubt storm the building, and in a few moments they would soon apprehend Lisanna Everett and the child Nyale. The woman could run if she pleased, and Maris would not blame her. After all, one does not judge the hare for fleeing from the hunter if it believes it will prolong it's life, even as the inevitable draws near. There would be no escape from this, no escape from them. And if Lisanna hoped to live beyond tonight, she would do well to surrender to Maris and her team, or be put down.
The arrival of Maris and her group did not go missed throughout Winhill, people heading home and locking their doors and generally just trying to pretend they had never seen the group arrive. As such, the news went through the town quickly that they were there and that people should go home, and it even went so far as to reach someone sitting on a bench near the outskirts of town. The figure had told the person he would go, and had gotten up. It was as he walked that a light flashed beside him, a rabbit like creature forming before darting off into the darkness, leaving the person who had warned the individual wondering who he had just spoken too. The figure walked through the town, warm jacket pulled low on his head to ward against the cold. He could see his own breath from the lights he passed as he walked, the light occasionally giving brief glimpses of his sharp face and yellow eyes. A sword hung loosely at his waist, but beyond that he didn't seem to have any weapons, his long jacket seeming to be his only possession he was taking with him.
It didn't not take long for the figure to arrive near the mansion, the rabbit like GF having found it's way back to it's master as the figure walked towards the mansion. "Three more down the way, huh? This'll get messy quick." The man whispered to himself. He did not hesitate though, walking through the town square, glancing briefly at the figures off to the side, the support he knew that was in place for the woman whom he had seen, moments before, walking into the mansion and close the door behind her. Sadia, Momo, and Xaris could probably see him clearly, but they probably didn't think much off him until they saw the GF behind him. A red flash surrounded the figure walking, a ruby like shape forming around him before the GF dissolved away. By now, Momo and company were likely very interested in this man. If they wanted to deal with him though, they had one thing they'd have to deal with first.
Wind suddenly tore through the air, the figure suddenly taking off at a sprint near the exact same time that the gunshot could be heard from the mansion. Forming in the wind, another figure appeared, shorter than the one that had just took off for the mansion. This one weilded a spear and was facing the group of Momo, Sadia and Xaris with bright green eyes and pixie like wings slowly beating on his back. They were looking at a GF, and one that was clearly not interested in letting them follow the person who ran towards the mansion.
The front door to the mansion suddenly slammed open a jacket pillowing out into the night air without hesitation. "You won't be going further." The voice might not have been familiar to Maris, but it would be to Salem. Kalay didn't remain in the doorway so Maris could shoot him though, he was already moving, darting into the room and at an angle towards Maris. With the jacket out of the way, he clearly had another weapon aside from his sword at his side. A short bar was strapped to his back, it going down the length of his back before stopping. It looked nothing like the pole staff he had used to use, but Esthar had some interesting weapons that he had been more than interested in taking. Maris would get to see what his new toy was soon enough, but not before she had already managed to shoot.
No matter how fast he was, it wasn't like he could exactly completely dodge Maris firing at the distance they had between them. Except her bullet hit the air in front of Kalay, a red shield appearing suddenly in a crystal like shape before the bullet dropped to the ground. Ruby Light, Carbuncle's unique magic. With a flicker, Kalay's sword left it's sheath as he had already covered the distance between himself and Maris, passing Salem. Bringing the sword to bare, he struck for Maris.
All it took was a glance down below to see they were late. Even the quiet town of Winhill shouldn’t have been this empty at the hour. The crisp snow on the ground was stark white under the street lamps, scarcely a soul to be seen silhouetted against the night. They were here already.
High above the town, the king soared on cold winds. From across the sea, the mountain, the forest and the plain had he come. His wings were silent as smoke on the freezing air, not beating but spread wide, the town rushing by down below. The overcast night meant that even the dark shadow of his form was not betrayed by the stars. The snow and wind were gentle, even if the cold made frost on his scales. His breath formed a great crystalline fog each time it left him, trailing out behind his silver body. On his back, three mortals were given a rare privilege; it was not often the king allowed such creatures to sit astride him. But their need was great, and his muse’s plea sincere. So they had ridden hard through the day, chasing the storm.
Had it already been two years since she saw it last? Winhill at night looked so similar to the way it was back then. The quiet timber houses nestled in the snow, the street lamps chasing away what shadows they could. Homes glowed with lamps in the windows and on porches, though some flicked off even as she watched. The great figure of the manor was not hard to find, standing before the square. Figures stood there, watching the building. Boogeymen bringing fear to the small town. The town had scarcely changed, but its scions had. The cold seeping in through Nona’s coat paled beside the heat within her as she looked down on them. Gloved fingers tightened on a spine she clung to, sitting nestled between the dragon’s shoulders and the great arms which bore his wings. Her long hair was bundled tight beneath a cap and a scarf trailed out behind her, wrapped around her mouth. She wore layers, a coat over a shirt and undershirt and warm pants over underclothes beneath. She still had the same old boots, more worn than ever, but they were warm too. They were getting close; the dragon faintly dipped his wing as he turned to approach at the right angle. A shadow in a sky of shadows, the light-blind eyes below couldn’t pick him out at five-hundred meters if they had a peregrine with them.
”Three in the square, maybe more inside. You know how we do things.” They did. They all had plenty of experience by now. Her words carried to the two young men behind her on the crisp, cold air. ”We’re going in from the back. On the descent, call Elliot. Have him smokescreen the ones out front and keep them out of the mansion. If we’re split up and you find the kid or parents, say so.” Nona plucked habitually at the small radio on her collar which linked the three of them. She gave them a glance over her shoulder and a nod. They were in position. ”Count to five. Protectga.” A small cloud of flickering, blue-silver motes erupted from Nona as she cast her spell. They wafted back past her to swirl around her companions, sealing the three of them in a defensive shell.
Diving speed of a peregrine falcon clocked in at about ninety meters per second. Bahamut was just shy of this number. Wind screamed in Nona’s ears as the world became a rushing blur. One. Her eyes stung with the cold air and it rushed into the openings in her clothes to cut at her flesh like knives. Two. But the heat within kept numbness at bay. Edea wanted the child. She would not have it. Three. Nona’s heart fluttered, her stomach felt like it was up in her throat. Her hands ached for how tightly she gripped the dragon’s spines to keep herself in place. Four. Kill them all. Five.
Nona leaped from the dragon’s back and felt the wind catch her. Her companions left with her, and suddenly they were free-falling. The wind tore away her scarf and hair, and exposed a face half blackened with ugly, cracked scars across the right half. The flesh was twisted and purplish and the cracks spidered around her eye and down her neck. For a moment she plummeted like a stone toward the bare ground of the mansion’s back yard at well beyond terminal velocity. In a couple of heartbeats, death would have her. She doubted she’d feel a thing. It still felt like she was flying. It felt free. Would death be freedom? But she didn’t embrace the end; rather, she grabbed the power within that was life itself. Magic surrounded her in a cloud of blue dust and silver motes. ”Floatga!” she called over the screaming wind. The glow surrounded her and its storm of motes swirled up and over her, encircling the young men. The ground rushed up to meet Nona as she turned herself down to face it. She just missed the shingled roof, dropping past it. And then the air grew thick and soft. Unseen, pillowy fingers caught her under her arms and around her waist and all over. Her death-dive abruptly became a gentle descent for the last few meters, until she was re-orienting herself as her boots came down just a few inches above the snowy grass of the manor’s back yard. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she was alive with a furious elation rather than fear.
The silver-black shadow descended upon the mansion like a missile. It hit before its riders reached the ground. A sound like thunder filled the night as it struck, landing atop the front of the manor. The entire building rocked, marble columns and floors trembling. Several of the great glass windows in the entry hall shattered from the warping of their frames, chandeliers rocked in their place, and the eaves over the front entrance collapsed. The beast rode them down, obliterating the overhang over the front entrance and a large portion of the front of the manor. It all came down in a cloud of dust and debris of mortar and shingles.
Amid the wreckage, blocking the door from the interlopers, the dragon king stood proud. He rose taller than the manor itself, wings blotting out the light from the porch. Bahamut bellowed his challenge to those without, before seizing a fallen hunk of pillar as taller than a man and hurling it toward them.
Behind the manor, Nona Winchester drew her sword. It had served her well the last two years and its silvery edge gleamed deathly sharp in the faint light. Rather than walk, she leaned forward and the wind carried her toward the building. One of the ground floor windows had shattered from Bahamut’s descent and she dove through it, her Protect spell keeping the tiny shards of glass from striking her. Inside, the warmth of the manor surrounded her; even its drafty halls were blessedly warm next to the freezing skies. A back hall, quiet and unlit. Nona looked left, then right, then proceeded left, sword at the ready.
Bedrooms...nursery... she thought as she moved, dashing on the air itself in silence. Come on, Everett, where are you?
He had been bugging her all night. Well, bugging her ever since they got off of the train and into the breezy night. Saida didn't want to, at first, of course she didn't. She rarely liked to in the first place, even when she was happy with what was going on. But still, in this cold night with nothing more to do then wait for Maris to have her personal moments with Salem before... Myeer, she acquiesced to his incessant demands.
It was a difficult thing for Momo to do, in all honesty, playing pattycake. But it was something he enjoyed to do from time to time, his somewhat comical paws being inefficient for the clapping thing that was demanded while playing this. Still, it was simple and enjoyable, and a better alternative then trying to get a snack from Maris or finding a nice napping spot in the snow. Cold weather almost always ruined the nice spots when it came down to it. Still, he couldn't remember winter in Centra. Did it never come there?
Before they got to a point where Momo couldn't keep up with all the clapping nonsense, he used a paw to indicate to Saida that someone was coming. "Ba-bah!" He managed out, "Rel-ah-te-dah." He said, still pointing to the approaching figure in the darkness. That was a good thing about hospitals, and medical staff. They had a moment where they took the child off for a short moment to make sure it's okay, and sneaking a blood sample off, had fed it to Momo in the meantime.
He could smell the relation. "SeeD!" The other scent had come into play. He had smelt it earlier, and hadn't recognized it, but it had that funny smell that almost every other GF had to it. Different in it's own way to every GF, but distinct enough to only him. Or, at least Kafshë was letting him in on that little tid bit. Sitting down like a good little Momo, the moomba watched silently, and almost curiously as Kalay approached. Acting like one didn't know better seemed to be a popular motif tonight. But, the passive watching was what made what came next so easy, as he just wasn't watching.
When the gust of air came through, Momo stood to his feet, and roared? No, he was simply doing an aggressive 'Myeer!'. The thing that was appearing in front of him and Saida. That was what was roaring. Kafshë had appeared, summoned, and grinned at the little spear, in that way only a animal could. Kafshë, being the large creature it was, towered over Sylph, taking a quick step forward as it seemed to prepare a claw swipe, before doing a quick 180 pivot, sending both it's back legs dead at the spear wielding GF.
Momo, in the mean time, bolted from this party, following the relative to his target inside. Or, at least trying to. The wind resistance was, well, unreal, but it was at best a temporary solution, however, was temporary all it wanted? If speed was of the essence for the opposition, then it was for him as well. Being such a, well, lighter frame then his compatriot, the wind's resistance to him was of greater hindrance then him aside from Saida, or Xaris.
Still. He could run faster then the wind, right? He would prove himself to be. It was a odd maneuver, really, using the massive burst of speed Flash gave, as well as his own natural predatory claws to dig into the ground below himself to anchor himself to it. Well, betwixt snapping at the wind as some animals did when they had a good gust in their face. It wasn't too hard though, the wind resistance seemed to be far less by comparison to when he wasn't little more then a adorably orange blur.
Eventually managing to make his way past the blowhard and his magical wind tunnel, Momo had managed to get to the interior of the building as Kalay drew his weapon, and Maris, no doubt, was preparing to introduce him to her gun. The moomba, though, didn't want to take the silly amount of speed this human has lightly, or let him go. Again, speed was coming to play, except this time it was being used not to bypass anyone, but to intercept. And, more then likely, at a speed even a human with a high Speed junction couldn't do little more then catch at the last moment.
The move seem instantaneous, though going from doorway to gnawing on Kalay's knee was likely a unwelcome surprise for the man. Of course, that was sort of the point. He didn't know why this guy was trying to buy time, but he wanted to end it before whatever he was preparing came into play.
Chaos Isaac
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Kissuuuu
Friendly Loiterer
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Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 10:09 am
I close my eyes and bleed this empty heart of all that longs to die, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxWhen faces lie and love will falter, I'm left with only time xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxAnd time will break the dreams that take the pain away... ▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
A fairly sudden temperature drop in a warm room is a hard thing to ignore, even for someone deeply asleep. The first thing Lisanna Everett felt when she awoke in her bedroom was the icey chill permeating the air, and then a good deal of confusion.
"Mmh...?"She blinked wearily, sitting up and realising she must have fallen asleep in her chair. It was no surprise, really. She often drifted off here considering it was right beside the cot where Nyale also now peacefully slept. It had taken so long to get the child to fall asleep tonight, and Lisanna didn't know why for sure but she thought she felt...something. It was definitely a bad feeling. Perhaps her daughter had felt it too...? Shivering, the young woman stood up and leaned over to check on Nyale before glancing at the windows. They were closed, of course. It was the middle of winter. Even the glass balcony doors were shut, and in the large fireplace nearby flames still flickered and danced. So why did it feel so cold? Lisanna rubbed her arms, looking around at the elegant, extravagant room which served as her and Nyale's bedroom. It had taken a long time for her to get used to living in such a luxurious mansion when Salem first brought her here. She'd felt kind of lonely and out of place living in such a large building with so few other people. Now, however, it was almost like home. Even if her relationship with her brother was kind of tense at the moment. "Good lord, is that...ice?" Lis muttered to herself, staring at one of the walls where a coating of the pale stuff appeared to be spreading.
She had little time to consider this phenomenon further as at that moment a gunshot rang out in the otherwise silent mansion, shattering the night air. Lisanna gasped, turning towards the door with wide eyes and a heavy heart. It's meaning was clear.
"No...! Not tonight..."She breathed, instantly understanding what the noise signified. For a moment she could hardly believe what she'd just heard, perhaps because she'd spent so long waiting and fearing for this night. It had to happen eventually though...and she'd known this would happen for a long time. They had come for her child at last. Her shaking hands held onto the chair to keep her from falling."S-Salem..."Suddenly her heart seemed to tighten in her chest. Was he alive?? Was he down there now, fighting whoever it was who'd arrived? As far as she knew, Salem didn't use firearms, which meant someone else had fired that shot. And whoever it was, Salem had to have let them in because someone breaking in would surely have woken her. That meant it could only be one person...Maris? Lisanna closed her eyes, letting out a shaky breath and trying not to let herself break down. Her brother's lover...the only person he would let into the mansion and not fight against. As if she somehow knew, Lisanna looked back towards the wall where the ice had started to spread and saw the message now written there. Get out.
They were coming for her.
The young Sorceress moved faster than she ever had in her whole life as she ran over to her wardrobe and yanked out a long, black hooded robe and fastened it around her neck. Then she quickly moved over to the cot where Nyale was now stirring, having been disturbed by the gunshot. Lisanna shushed her daughter gently, picking her up and swaddling her in a thick blanket. It would be very cold outside, the child would need all the warmth she could get. Cradling the girl in her arms Lisanna looked towards the door before hesitating, changing her mind. Instead of exiting that way she strode towards the balcony doors and threw them open, bracing herself against the bitterly cold air that whooshed past her.
"Alright...here we go."Trying to suppress the fear and panic which threatened to overwhelm her, Lisanna lightly stepped up onto the stone railing and let her wings appear. All six of them, their long feathers as white as the snow that was now falling around her, and tapering off into a dark blue and finally black at the tip. Lis beat them twice before suddenly launching herself off the balcony and rising into the air, clutching Nyale to her securely. Flying was definitely one of the perks of being a Sorceress, and was particularly useful when you were fleeing for your life. She pulled the hood over her head as she soared over the mansion to protect her face from the snowflakes and wind, so that she could see better. Down below a few figures were gathered near the mansion, and they appeared to be moving. Anger and sorrow fought in her heart as she watched them, trying to decide whether to simply flee for Nyale's safety...or exact retribution for Salem's death. She knew which one she wanted to do.'Oh, Salem...why did you let this happen...?'She thought, a faint sob escaping her.
And then an earth shaking crashing sounded nearby, like something enormous had impacted near the mansion. The building seemed to rock and Lisanna could hear the sound of windows shattering. Alarmed she whirled around in the air, buffeted by the slight turbulence whatever it was had caused in its landing, her bright blue eyes scanning the darkness intently. She could see something...something huge and monstrous....a GF? In fact there seemed to be two. Did they belong to Edea's soldiers?? Hidden under her robe Nyale began crying faintly, clearly distressed by what was happening. Lisanna attempted to quiet the child and beat her wings harder, rising up higher into the sky in case one of the GF's or someone else should attempt to target her.'Where is Kalay?'Lisanna thought suddenly. She had no idea if the guy was even in Winhill at the moment, but if he was he surely couldn't have failed to notice the drama now unfolding around the mansion. She scanned the ground below, trying to work out what was happening with how little she could see of who was down there. She could land, of course...but right now staying in the air was probably the safest place. Given how dark it was and all the noise below, it was likely no one would notice her up here.
▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃ xxxxxxxxEver after never came, and I'm still waiting xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxFor a life that never was, and all the dreams I lay to rest are ghosts that keep me, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxAfter all that I've become, I am only one.
Junction:{Diablos-2,000/ 2,000} (Reflect casted upon.) Level:16 Hp: 1,600/1,600 Location:Nearby Salem Everett's Mansion. Front entrance. ↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑
{{Ooc: }}
Standing under the streetlight in the cold Xaris was beginning to grow bored. She was wanting to get this mission over with, and get back to training. Maris still had a few minutes till they were to force their way into the mansion. During the few minutes of sitting there Momo seemed to be trying to get Saida to warm up to him again. Likely he missed her since she was gone so much. Not much could be said at the moment. What did Xaris have to say....nothing. She didn't care much to interact and speak, and considering they way Saida had been giving everyone the cold shoulder she doubt that Saida would even respond to Xaris if she spoke to Saida.
With another couple minutes passing before they needed to head off to the mansion Momo shouted and pointed at a figure in a distance. The word he shouted was "SeeD" (Oriental Sky of Scarlet Perception) That gave Xaris enough reason to do what she did. "Sorry Diablos but I'm going to need your help this time." With that she concentrated and then a flash of green light appeared with orbs spinning from Xaris before being sent off to the sky. A sudden appearance of bats began to center forming into a large black sphere in the center of the sky, and seeping out from the bottom appeared a figure with wings. He calmly landed beside Xaris and waited standing in his pose arms crossed, and relaxed. The figure ahead of them took off once a gunshot was heard, and before they could chase after the figure, they apparently had summoned a GF to prevent any further progress, that is until Momo had his GF Kafshë deal with the creature while he took off after the figure. Not too long after a large pillar came flying towards them. If Kafshë wasn't as big as he was those pillars would of crushed them if they didn't react in time. The pillar simply smashed into Kafshë and some rubble flew off behind him but none harmed anyone. Xaris then turned to Diablos. "Diablos I need you to take me to the mansion." He simply nodded, and crouched onto the ground so that Xaris could climb on him. She hurried and wrapped her arms around his neck securing herself so that she wouldn't fall off of him. After she got herself on Diablos took off into the sky and towards the mansion.
From the over view of the mansion it looked as if something large had taken out a portion of the mansion. Standing out in front of it was a giant hulking beast. Diablos stopped his progress to the entrance of the mansion and landed some distance from it. Xaris was confused and got off. Then she spoke. "Why did you land me over here? The entrance is over there." Diablos turned to her and responded."That beast over there is a Guardian Force. He is extremely powerful in both physical and magical aspects. At your current strength you stand no chance of fighting such a beast. Leave him to me." Xaris nodded, and trusted Diablos's words. She halted him before he flew off to the mansion. "Here maybe this will help you. Reflect!" A light shield formed around Diablos. He simply nodded in appreciation and flew off towards the mansion entrance where he would face the large beast. Once he made it to the front he landed a few feet from the beast. He looked up at the beast and merely motioned that he was ready to fight him. IT had been awhile since Diablos had fought a GF so to him this fight would be interesting.
