Forums » General Roleplay » Two Sides of the Same Coin(Back)

Gyosei's eyes shifted back and forth between the two until Crow passed him, frown retained. Every possible reason in the book, or scroll, he looked through mentally in search of some reason to convict them, but nothing came to mind. Sure, they were just strangers here in his fortress. "By Empress Yui, I'll be damned if I am made a fool of and even more so if I allow myself to strike down a defenseless woman, at that." His hand released his blade and returned to his side. "I don't trust you." With a thumb pointing back over his shoulder at Crow. "And I damn sure don't trust your sick accomplice. Whether she is a lone wench or not." With that he left them. He has seen enough of the group this night. Pivoting on his heel he to leave the light of the entrance way into the structure where the remainder of the group resides. Up the second ramp which led to the pinnacle of this three tiered fortress to see to his next in charge; whom had fallen asleep at his low situated table where he was examining the letter tirelessly, and inquire upon his thoughts.

There was no introduction. "You do not know what you are getting yourselves into." Arose from that hat a feminine voice this time. "You have been marked as Impure." Removing the hat to reveal a familiar face. It was The Lady! "I do not have much time to explain, but I can --" Then she laid eyes on Takurasho. "Oh..." To her, she saw Yantume. "I'm sorry.." Tears had begun to well up in her eyes. "I'm so sorry.." Her normal raspy voice cracked and was reduced to that of a stifled whisper, throat becoming tight with sorrow and mourn. Covering her mouth with her right hand dropping the straw hat. She knew it were an illusion, but to be reminded of this Yantume individual so suddenly and abrupt caught her off guard. She almost broke down into a torrent of tears as she backed away from the door shaking her head in almost disbelief. Turning to her right to promptly excuse herself in a hurried walk she was met with bumping into The Butler who grabbed onto her shoulders tender-like. "I believe you owe them an explanation, My Lady." With eyes red with tears she looked up into the Butler's pale gaze. She shook her head in neglect once more then shoved him away. A black pulse from her hands added much more strength to the shove, sending the Butler soaring down the hall. "I can't!" She shouted. The Lady fell to her knees, sobbing, crying, holding herself.

The Butler's travels through the air were halted, but by what? He sort of just levitated there for a few seconds before lowering onto his feet as though it never happened. "Such a vengeful path you've taken upon yourself, My Lady." In slow steps did he reproach her, but then he stopped those disapproving steps. "It may seem your savior is returning to the Fortress. I wonder why?"

Aearion seemed genuinely surprised to see the Lady here."My Lady, what are you..." Was all he could utter. He turned his head for Takurasho when she suddenly seemed to stop in her words and started to shed tears. Was she crying because of him?

It didn't matter why she cried. Clearly she was here to warn them. What did it exactly mean to be inpure? Were their lives in danger? Aearion needed answers. And this was his one chance to get them."My Lady, wait one moment!" Aearion went after her.

And then he witnessed the Butler getting shot back through the hallway. The Mer stopped dead in his tracks."By Melora..." The Lady seemed to be more than a pretty face who was affiliated with the Gentleman. Of course she was. The Gentleman didn't seem to hire anyone who'm he knew wasn't going to be of any use. He was far too logic driven for that.

As soon as she fell to her knees, Aearion edged closer, rather afraid that he might get blasted away like the Butler did. Only he wouldn't be able to float his way to safety, unless he happened to fly into a pond of some sort. A wall would be a terrible substitute to break his flight.

"My Lady." He spoke as he gently knelled down behind her to be at her level."It's okay. You're among friends." He gently placed his hand onto her shoulder."I'm sure I can help you with whatever troubles you. Let go of your tears. I'll have an easier time listening to you." He spoke in a soft voice, not getting too close.

((Well this can only end positively. O dear.))

{LMAO! I don't think even photoshop could stop these pictures from being "horribly bad"}

As the pain faded Takurasho calmed, & although his thoughts still raced his demeanor relaxed. The shakiness of his hands gradually dissipated. Aearion would not be shrugged off, but instead was even given a small nod of thanks, & even an apologetic glance was cast Zaida's way. Again, the Mer's native tongue wasn't entirely understood, but he caught "Is it... the Empress has been... with the Umbra?" The man gave a low "Hmmm..." of uncertainty before answering lowly, "Quite possible. The Gentleman mentioned the Empress was close to The Lady, & I have good reason to believe The Lady herself is indeed familiar with the power, though I am not certain she's practiced it herself." Still leaning against the wall, he would reluctantly pass the marble to Aearion. "Yes... you're right," he'd grumble, evidently still uneasy. This body was still very much intact, even though its original "inhabitant" had died long ago, & so when Takurashomo chose to reanimate it he was entirely bound to it. As long as he "lived" within it, he was able to feel physical pains & pleasures as though he himself were human, though his vetala telepathy was still usable.

Those grey eyes turned back towards Crow & Aranel, further relieved by the fact that Gyosei took his leave. He was curious as to what had been said to the two women, but did not move their way. His relief was to be short-lived. The hatted newcomer caught his attention, & as she revealed herself to be The Lady Takurasho's countenance would falter. {& then everything was Titanic} He did not react with the sympathy the Mer expressed- in fact, his complexion contorted with fury. "What have you done?" he snarled, voice dripping with menace as he distanced himself from the wall to face her. Not even her tears lessened his sudden rage. "Who's hand did you give to me? Why am I having these visions? Who is Yantume?" He'd pace angrily after her, halting with a look of genuine shock as the Butler appeared. Once more his unease towards the old man made itself clear. Takurasho recoiled, taking a step back & holding out his arm as if to block off Zaida, Aranel & Crow from him. He flinched as the Butler flew towards him, holding up his other arm to shield himself, but the elder stopped just before colliding with him. The vetala moved further back with muted discomfort.

Zaida gave a curt nod and went to the door to change before the chance was gone. She shed the strange clothes quickly and dressed in her own, thanking her Lord that he was looking out for her. Her green eyes reflected in a nearby surface and she gave herself a soft smile. It looked strange and foriegn on her face. It had been a while since she'd really smiled and lately it was getting harder to even pretend.

She stepped out, head bowing slightly. It wouldn't due to take a turn to the proud now. When she saw the butler she didn't flinch or act in any way as though she knew him. She simply stood there, a step behind Takurasho, trying not to curse him for putting up that protective arm.

She spoke into his ear, in a low whisper, "لا تتصرف كما لو كنت يمكن أن تحمي لي." ((do not act as though you can protect me.))

Aranel felt nothing but relief. It was a cold feeling, something she was unhappy with, but it felt nice all the same. He was gone now, and they could continue on their way.

She began to walk towards the group again, deciding she had enough of being on her own and required familiar voices. She heard the explanation that they had been marked as Impure. Aranel grew frustrated almost instantly, and despite The Lady's sudden change in demeanor, the meek woman took a single step closer. "It's you...? What do you mean? Impure? Both you and the little girl said that and it just-- what does it even mean?" she questioned.

And then the Butler appeared. Aranel took a step closer, but Takurasho stood there with his arm extended to block them off from each other. She looked up at the man, a visible and confused frown on her face. Looking back, she just barely caught the Butler flying away and she took several steps back. "Butler?" she muttered. Her face looked surprised but her voice sounded only intrigued. She may have expected him to make an appearance at some point.

And then something snapped together. She realized Takurasho mentioned a hand, visions, and a Yantume fellow. Her hand came up to touch his arm, hesitant at first. "What in the world are you talking about?" Instantly, her eyes flickered toward his wrists, catching sight of the one that didn't quite match and was trimmed with stitches.

Just what in the Hell was going on around here?

((I'M BACK GOD I'M SORRY took me forever!))

Crow's pale gaze watches both of those within her area turn and leave, her shoulders rising in a nonchalant shrug. Crow's pale gaze turns slowly to those gathered the other end of the hallway, her coarse shoes scuffing against the flooring. Her footfalls come to a halt, her pale gaze drifting to those gathered about, the group, as it was. Her dirtied, tri-cornered hat lifted slightly upwards, Crow's cold expression observing the others, before her right hand lifted up to tug the hat back down, obscuring one of her eyes from the others with the dip of the dirtied, tri-cornered hat.

Crow's form turns to her left, her hand turning the knob to her room's door, and pulling the door open. Crow's coarse shoes carry her inside and she shuts the door behind her. Once inside her room, Crow moves to sit upon her still subtly breathing, enlarged table, her pale eyes closing slowly, as her hands are placed within her lap. A few moments were had in silence.

And we are nearing the climax people to the primary storyline! (Will be able to continue off where this plot ends if everyone wants to since I'm not going to answer all the questions just in case.) With all these key NPCs breaking from their usual collectiveness and going into sudden secrecy and moving in mysterious ways. I'm almost certain that the ending will shock you all. It's still a ways though so don't mind the suspense. =] ))

The look the Butler cast upon The Lady was something other than what the group had received. It was riddled with hatred and disgust. Another step had taken upon The Lady's direction, but went no further. There was something he saw. Something that petrified him and that look of anger and rearranged with the definition of horror. What was it? His eyes no longer lay on The Lady, but instead something beyond her, beyond this commotion, down the hall. Something that he seemed to only be able to see, but Takurasho had become connection the moment he took on the new hand and was able to see it too just the same. A transparent image, a woman draped in black shrouds reaching for someone amongst the cluster of individuals in the hall while humming that sinister hymn!. All could hear, but only The Lady, The Butler and Takurasho could see the source. After a few seconds with a raised hand she ebbed from sight. In The Lady's hysteria she took no notice to the image, but only the humming. "Make it stop!" She wailed, neverminding Aearion's attempt to calm her.

The Butler began to recite. "Black as sand, strewn across the water's delicate surface. Every grain of sand not left out to the water's conscious body that every prick to its gentle whole may---" There it goes again. That mysterious pause again! That break! The words that cannot seem to connect themselves to an ending. The Butler's form tensed up as he turned around to give Takurasho a glance over the shoulder. "Excuse me, Master Yan--..." He paused a moment. What was he about to say? "Sir Takurasho..I will leave My Lady to your care." His body dispersed into a black smog dealing no harm as it only felt as a burst of air really.

The Lady's wailing did begin to settle down finally as she shrugged off Aearion and turned to face Takurasho boldly. "Yantume." What? Her face was puffy from the crying and tears still freely ran down her face. "Why did you do it?" Has she lost her mind? "The Gem of Destruction, The Heart of Hate and Anguish, The--" She turned her head and pursed her lips together as if the last title she was about to rattle off was something she dared not say. "Why, why, why WHY!?" Shouting at Takurasho whom she saw as Yantume, but then the image of this mysterious person faded away and Takurasho became more apparent to her. Placing a hand over her mouth once more she closed her eyes tight. "Takurasho." None of this was going as planned for her. Go in, warn them, get out, simple? No. This had to happen. How could she forget?

A few deep breaths filled and released from her lungs calming herself enough to where she no longer spoke through clenched throat. "My lover." She answered him finally. "Yantume.. a telekinetic amid the Mages in the Western Wastelands." Quite thoroughly, actually. "The images you are seeing are--" Then suddenly the two of them were yanked into another memory shard.

Memory Shard

Reliving such a horrible past. She was standing behind Yantume holding a bag of supplies, digging materials and runes it seemed from the corner of her eye, but her brain told her it was such. Yantume.. or, Takurasho in his visage was steady reading the markings that rounded into a circle around a center piece. Yantume stood at its center. Although his mouth moved no words could come of it almost as though Yantume himself were trying to forget them. "Black- - - delicate - - - left - - - divide into every instance of life." The markings had begun to light up and Yantume turned to look back to The Lady. "We did it." From the center orbicular center piece sprung up a small black sphere that pulsed with the very beat of darkness. Moments before grabbing the sphere everything had become dark and Takurasho was hurled from Yantume's vessel. Although still perceiving the memory this one was different.

Takurasho, still perceiving the memory although not under the visage of Yantume, was floating in a black liquid much like ink. In front of him was that skull and The Lady, stripped of clothing standing behind it holding it. "Takurasho. You have taken a piece of my body, my hand and made it your own. You have taken on a tremendous responsibility. The Umbra are everywhere and are trying to keep you and I from speaking. I do not have much time before returning under the intent you all so know the Umbra to afflict. There is time for one question and one answer." This voice he again heard in his head although it was much different from the snarl of a creature that assist dark will and intent.

In Crow's room

Although she sat alone in the room with her reanimated objects she would soon find herself no longer alone. A boy would come to be Crow's shadow rising effortlessly until he came to sit before her. "Power. Power, is that what you seek, Miss Crow?" His legs were crossed and in his lap sat the familiar skull. "You know." A childish smile spread across his face. "I can give you power if that is what you seek!" Giggling.

Crow's form sat upon her breathing table, her left hand removing the black tome from within her robes, as well as the ink vial and quill pen, which were sat upon the table's surface. Crow's right hand took the black book and opened it with her thumb, her right hand's pinky flipping through the pages until a blank one was found. Crow's left hand pinches the quill pen between her index finger and thumb, dipping it into the vial of ink. Crow's form hunches forward, partially, as she begins to write..

The others have been marked by impurity. The merman has made another claim that he cannot possibly follow through with; I am not surprised. There was mention of a Yantume. Yantume is connected to the mysterious female; but, is most likely deceased. A path of vengance? Her revenge may be fueled by the death of this Yantume; understandable.

Crow's form straightens, her quill pen being layed upon her dirtied robes, upon the knee. Crow's right hand closes the black tome, and her pale gaze closes slowly, then her yellow eyes open, her pale lips forming a frown. Crow's right hand plucks the quill pen with her index finger and thumb, placing it into the ink vial. Crow's coarse shoes collide into the flooring, her form turning about and facing the shadow boy. Her pale gaze falls upon the boy and the object he held, before drifting to the boy's giggling face. "I prefer Crow to those who have bodies and those that do not. If you have to ask, then you do not truly know what I wish." Crow's left hand lifts up the dirtied, tri-cornered hat, "Without knowing what I wish, you have attempted to tempt me. An action that resembles your appearance." Crow's shoulders rotate, before settling, "Power is my means, but my goal is different. will find me harder to tempt than those outside my room, in the hallway, still. However.." Crow's left hand pulls the tri-cornered hat back down, the dip of the hat obscuring one of her eyes. "I am very curious as to what you are. Be you spirit shrouded in darkness, or a manifestation of the beast within that skull?"

Well, that didn't go according to plan. Aearion couldn't calm her down, so he stayed at a distance from her. Clearly this tantrum came from deep within. It was just now Aearion was piecing the information he had together.

He had known for a while the Vetala would need a conduit to appear human. Where he got the corpse of who Aearion knew to be Takurasho, he did not know. Probably the Gentleman, seeing as how he heard Takurasho yell at her about his received body. Whatever the case, this corpse and the Lady had history. Why would the Gentleman give Takurashomo a corpse he knew was tied to his ... lover? No, this was something different.

The Mer stayed quiet as they were seemingly getting some answers. But that got abruptly stopped."Hey! Lady! What is-" He ran back to her, trying to get her back to the land of the living."Come on! I'm getting tired of this secrecy! What is going on?!"

(Just so everyone knows. When I post next I will be removing Zaida from the roleplay as she is leaving RPR.)

((Alright. :c. I do hope she comes back sometime, she was so fun to play with and is such a nice gal. .))

Aranel's question was ignored, but she felt, in a way, that she may have gotten her own answer. She eyed the Butler, mouthing the words voicelessly to the ones he spoke. Impure. She was impure, Tak was impure, Crow and Aearion were impure... everyone was impure except for Zaida.

Everyone had been blessed by the Umbra at some point aside for her, since she'd always somehow avoided it, this last time when they crashed. She'd never been gifted.

She'd never been tainted by it.

She was pure.

Aranel thought she had it figured out. However, whatever it was the Lady was talking about with Takurasho had completely left her feeling lost. "What is the Umbra?" she asked out loud. "What's going on?" She frowned. The Butler took his leave. "No! You come back this instant! You're the only sane one here who can explain what the Hell is happening! I--" she groaned and huffed and wished to flail and storm off, but she needed to stay. She added to herself, voice low and quiet, "What's going on here...?"

{Crow is so pure, if she did not wield her own dark magic...but very well. Zaida; she will be missed!!}

I think Takurasho's giving birth to their bundle of joy so we will continue a little ways without her until she returns. I'll post up and remove Takurasho this evening to continue the progression. This actually gives opportunity for a few things.]

{Hello everyone! Yes, the little love was born on the 10th. Pardon my absense. She's extremely time-consuming, as one might imagine ;} Is it still safe to post, or were you intent on removing me for a little while Dungeoneer? Also, I'm extremely dissapointed to hear about Zaida, is it just the character being removed from RPR or the player herself? Both will be missed :[ }

What I was going to do would have allowed you to act separate of the group whenever you returned. I was supposed to've posted up yesterday but got tied up in a few things. If you were to post now it would not make a difference to the story-arc. It'll still stay the same. So if you'd like, feel free to post away. Also. Congratulations on the newborn ))

{I'll leave that up to you- I don't want to hold everyone up & I'm not positive how often I'll be on! & thank you She keeps my hands full, but she's entirely worth it}

Takurasho grimaced at Zaida's words, but did not reply. He knew she was right. Should the Butler wish to interact with her- or any of the others- the vetala was convinced that he would not be capable of stopping him. But despite this, he seemed determined to keep the enigmatic character away. What was he so intimidated by...?
Having not seen Aranel approach, what with his focus set on the Butler, he flinched as her hand brushed his arm. He was on edge. An abnormal expression- sheepishness?- overtook his generally placid demeanor. He had stressed secrecy when discussing this "payment" with the Gentleman & the Lady, insisting that he didn't wish to disturb his companions, but it was evidently too late for that. Their suspicion was aroused. A cold stare was turned on the Lady, locking on to her. The look was unwavering as he hesitantly began to explain.
"I... was not paid as the rest of you were for the mission at the Whittaker mansion. The Gentleman knew what I am, & purposely hired me for my... 'paranormal affinity'. I requested that as payment I be given the body of a telekinetic mage." Takurasho raised the addition, expression grim as he pulled down the sleeve some, exposing in full the stitching on his wrist. "By adding a piece of his body to this one, I have obtained a moderate portion of his abilities- or at least, I will once my base form has adapted to it." Takurasho spoke matter-of-factly, as though this explanation were more simplistic than its truly grisly nature. Perhaps he thought that by downplaying the situation he could somehow lessen the severity of it. Then his demeanor darkened again & his tone lowered. "But something is wrong. I am assaulted by... visions... reminiscent of memories, in which I am referred to as Yantume. I have no idea as to who this is, & I want to know why this is happening to me." It was then that the female figure draped in black became visible to him, but he did not react to it other than a small raising of the brows. He stiffened as the Butler addressed him, giving his dissipating figure an incredulous look. Was he suggesting Takurasho was obligated to look after the distraught Lady? The thought didn't seem to comfort him at the slightest. Nonetheless, he approached her as she screamed at him, going to one knee & seizing her by the shoulders with a stony stare. When she finally spoke his name he nodded slowly & released her & stood.

Takurasho folded his arms as he received her answer, questions clearly forming behind those pale eyes. As before, he went somewhat slack as he was drawn into the memory fragment.

Only one question...? A shame, but he was certain they would speak again regardless of the apparently ominous situation.
"Those markings, that... darkness... what is it you two conjured?"

{Phew, good to know... I was afraid our thread was dying!}

{Oh thank goodness! Well, not to his troubles, of course, but to the thread. I quite used to waiting, and I shall, if it means Crow will get to pick her bachelor..}

I'm back for a bit, ya'll! Typing up a post right now. Let's see what unfolds! This post will be edited))

REALLY SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT EVERYONE! ]

One question. So little to offer? Not so much. Yantume was doing all that was remained of him, all that he cherished to present the answer to Takurasho. What is it you two conjured? Conjured was hardly the word for it. Perhaps, Awakened? Released? The dark arts are never something to toy with as their origins are far darker than the immediate comprehension of normalized thought. There was a brief moment where everything was still. Takurasho asked and the answer will be shown. Behind The Lady and her precious Skull opened Six eyes, but with no correlation in position to a human skull; if anything much like how Jonathan had his free-roam 'eyes' however they did have a focal point around that accursed symbol. In the distance of prevailing blackness were more of the same optics, but opening by the hundreds, if not thousands. It was brief that Takurasho was privileged to see the unseen until they all finally bolted with incredible speed in his direction. Like a bad dream this premonition was yanked from around his enveloped consciousness almost slamming him and the Lady roughly into reality.

The Lady remained standing almost already having regained her countenance although the tears resumed with a placing of her hand on Aerion's forearm "I mustn't be taken by him. The Gentleman." A soft gaze cast his way in an almost apologetic plea.

In Crow's room it appeared one still entertained the presence of the other. From the skull's open holes of the jaw agape and the eye sockets barren began to pour free a black fluid. "This one is different from the others. She is pure, but also not." The playful glee the child once had twisted into a disappointed frown. The skull continued to pour free its black essence that pooled underneath him and the object of interest. As smooth of an entry did he rise, he also sank. "We must find the pure one.. this one will not do." Voices echoed in whispers from the blackness in which the boy sank into. When finally his entire visage had been consumed by this mysterious liquid did it then dart across the floor and out of Crow's room going back into the hall.

In a twisted, unseemly cross-network of black lines the walls were being wired with them and even the ceiling. Slowing their creep until converging just outside of the peripheral of the group above Zaida. [Zaida's removal] Almost any motion to adjust one's view can bring attention to these black lines, but just how attentive is each and every one of them with all focus appearing to be on the Lady. The Lady however, with her current positioning her gaze was able to be cast over the shoulders of each member to see the lines of dark etch their way above Zaida and begun to lower an ink-like tendril downward. About half way from the ceiling to the top of Zaida's head did the tendril snap to and land on Zaida's cowl to begin its consumption of her form; much like what happened on the Airship. Coming into contact with the substance was like reaching into an enlarging cocoon of jelly, only moving its primary target; Zaida, was near impossible. Zaida's screams were muffled as she were to be lifted from the ground and absorbed into the obsidian substance itself.

The Lady, although clearly having been capable of preventing this turn of events could only turn her head away and hold herself within her own embrace. She knew what this was about. She knew, what was about to happen shortly. In her fit of anguish she attempted to make an escape. She assumed it was too late to save...- - -

Up in the Higher Conference Room

The Head of the scout team, having fallen asleep on the table with the letter lain in front of his turned face was woken up by the abrupt shouts of his supreme, Gyosei. "Sleeping?!" He immediately snapped to, groggy, he turned to face Gyosei and lower himself into a submissive bow. "I'm sorry, Lord Gyosei! It's just this letter. The written style seems so familiar that I found myself comparing it to all of the scrolls written by those of high importance among our Keep. The only relevance is to the foreigner." Gyosei cast his eyes upon the papers that were not more apparent to him. Piles of scrolls and sheets of rice paper in disarray. "This is important to you?" Gyosei questioned. "Yes, Lord Gyosei. I do not trust that group on the word of m--" This apology spree was interrupted by the second Head of the scout team. "Sorry to intrude, but--" Raising up a thatched sac with a bloodied bottom. "That rogue thief that we found with the group. Did not give any information, but my gut tells me none of them are too be trusted. The man's arms were made of conjoined steel and flesh." The sac was tossed to Gyosei who snatched it out of the air with one swipe of the hand. "Hm.." Gyosei's eyes remained attracted to the sac. "Maybe..." Walking over to the window to gaze down upon the second landing upon the building where the group were given rooming for the night. "What was the thief's name?" The second head of the squad shook his head. "He was never spoken about by name." Gyosei pivoted in a growing fit. "Then we will find out, now won't we?" Storming out of the room back into the snowy haze. The moment the door was opened, he as met with a coffin carried by two of his subordinates. "Sire. This woman, found amid the crash also carried a letter. We believe she was held high in some ranks."

The snow came down unforgivably and the structure bore no cover from the glacial precipitation. Gyosei took the letter that was given and examined it. It read the same as the letter the head of his squads was looking over. In a rush of adrenaline he ripped off the coffin door and gazed upon the face of the woman. She had been long since dead and appeared to have not been afflicted by the crash for whatever reason.. almost as though something had repaired the damages done since her clothes still wore the scars of calamity. Gyosei could only stare. The head of his squads; after looking over the letter approached the coffin still held by the pair of men and immediately clenched the letter in a tight grip. The resemblance is almost irrefutable! "Lord Gyosei! We must see to our guests." He marched forward. Gyosei was somewhat bewildered, but clearly frustrated as he went on with both his heads of command and the pair of basic soldiers who heaved the coffin down the snowy slope to the second landing.

Off in the distance just a ways across the still river that has never frozen resonated a black and omnious mist. Something was in the works.. something was..evolving.