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Post by Kuma on Aug 21, 2018 4:26:33 GMT
-If that was Messa Ginger we would not have any…- Callis started speaking but was interrupted by a blast of fire that forced him to backflip out of the way and before he landed his body did a corkscrew to extend his airtime to reach a less cluttered landing spot, as if he landed after just the first tumble he would have broken his ankles thanks to loose stones in the pond edge. -But her powers seem to have a mind of their own.- The Beast Knight continued his explanation while deflecting smaller projectiles, some of them touching his shoulders and making him wince in pain. -We need a way to force her real self out!- Callis kept moving dodging the furious flurry of flaming feathers Suzaku launched towards him and Akane. -Do you have any ideas?- He asked the Musashi Heiress, as he created a shield of spinning blades in front of him to attempt to block a jet of continuous flames. Callis understood being lost inside his own mind, trapped with an enemy he couldn't defeat, but he managed to overcome it through discipline and understanding. At this point he doubted those were options for Ginger, maybe they needed to generate a stronger emotional response to whatever was powering the personality hijacking her body.
-Keep dancing and prancing for me, darling boy, while I burn this whole forest to kill you and the armored harlot.- Suzaku roared as she kept the jet of flames on Callis with one hand and with the other sent a dozen homing projectiles towards Akane like small flaming birds doing curve trajectories towards her. Her whole demeanor had a regal air that surely the Musashi Heiress would know from people in high places with an even higher opinion of themselves, quite different from the rowdy and kind of uncouth Ginger. -You will all burn and I will obtain the power that lies beyond this forest, on the foot of the mountain.- She proclaimed while keeping her attacks. -I will expand my control over this stupid little girl and my other 3 opponents laying dormant inside her and with that power I will take over the world, showcasing my magnificent intellect and majestic form to the masses who will pray to me like the Goddess am I!- Her flames became more intense. -OR EVERYONE WILL BURN!- The Crimson Blazes surrounding her seem to be increasing in heat and brilliance, the light filtering through the trees and dyeing the whole jungle with a red hue. The feathers over her skin kept expanding and covering more of her body, that was as well changing, getting bigger and more bird-like with each passing moment.
The mere idea of mixing whatever power she had with the Cursed Blade would send anybody shivers down their spine. Imagine flaming Tachijin roaming the world, infecting everybody they touch with their burning plague, turning the world into a hellscape of blades and flames. |
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Post by othus on Aug 21, 2018 7:48:00 GMT
Akane immediately understood what was going on, whatever creature Ginger held inside her took control, the new attitude of her other persona was certainly not to the liking of Musashi, and being called a harlot was a new one, especially considering Akane had never even had a boyfriend before.
"The foot of the mountain huh? Whatever, things won't go the way you think."
The Musashi sliced at the incoming projectiles, the first four or so met the blade of Musashi, while the rest were either dodged or outright dispersed with her fists, Akane grinned confidently noticing the far better durability of her armor.
Thinking about means of bringing Ginger back would prove to be a challenge, there wasn't much she could do to trigger the proper emotional response...or was it?! There was one thing Akane could do to make Ginger's personality swell back up! there was no time for hesitation!
Akane ran towards Callis, her idea wasn't something she really fancied, but having Callis do it on Ginger would be next to impossible as Suzaku would never allow the beast warrior to get that close, it really had to be her! she sheathed her blades as she finally got to the beast-warriors side, her eyes still fully locked on Ginger's alter ego.
"I think I have an idea, so just roll with it...and be grateful"-She said as she dragged Callis by the hand closer to Ginger.
"Enough! there is no point in us opposing you, if you want the power we wont fight you for it anymore, however, there is something I would really like to say to Ginger before we leave"- Akane's serious expression turned into a smirking one as she hugged Callis from the back, her hands going back and forth over the warrior's chest, Akane looked at Ginger one last time, her message being short and simple: "I won." -She did not even warn Callis as she slowly reached out to his chin and turned it towards her in order to passionately kiss him. If a hug was enough to make her blood boil, a kiss like that would surely make her snap, the slight smell of plum and citrus over her skin and the peach taste of her soft lips would easily short-circuit Callis, so she would make sure to keep him awake by slightly biting him on the lip as the kiss went on, it was imperative for her to keep Callis sharp, as there was no guarantee the emotional shock would be enough.
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Post by Kuma on Aug 22, 2018 1:24:50 GMT
Percival, still on the beach, was barely regaining his wits. He had a myriad of questions for Chambara and for Callis, but first, he went to do what Akane asked of him. Dazed and staggering the Old Knight moved to the last place where Criselda was lying down, but upon arriving he discovered not only that she wasn’t there, but the tracks left by her armored boots going towards the mountain. -Dagnabbit that Musashi brat won't shut up about this... I hope Ann doesn't turn into somebody like her.- He cursed, kicking a pile of sand with frustration. He mentally prepared to charge in, as his wounds were still being healed by the sip he took from his canteen when without any warning a massive pillar of crimson flames shoot out from the treeline around 1 km away from the beach. The immense column of fire reached the clouds punching a hole through them. -By the beard of Merlin, what the hell was that?- He asked, looking at the pillar as it died out.
Minutes Earlier…
-Wait what?- Callis barely managed to ask as Akane grabbed his hand pulling him towards Suzaku, that stopped her onslaught looking at them with despective curiosity, like a haughty child staring at insects who’re doing something interesting. -What do you want to tell little dumb Ginger?- She asked, covering half of her mouth with her feathered forearm as if she had a fan, her eyes locked on Aken and Callis. The Beast Knight started feeling Akane’s hands over his chest. With his jacket as damaged as it was he was more or less bare-chested with some rags over it, so her hands would feel his direct skin, slightly warmer than a regular human, covered with a layer of thin and fuzzy fur and absolutely marked by scars, swords, arrows, claws, magical attacks and more recently even bullets. The contact and proximity were making Callis weak on the knees.
When Akane said her piece Suzaku opened her eyes as the Musashi Heiress kissed the Beast Knight. Callis muscles turned rigid and locked in position, as if he was flexing his whole body as a single muscle, kinda like getting hit by a powerful jolt of lighting. He was about to faint, blood rushing to his head like an inverted waterfall, his heart almost pounding its way through his ribcage. For a moment he eyes went white and his body went limp on Akane’s arms, but the bite woke him up and did even more. The feeling of blood on his lip, the heat on his body and his senses flaring up from the input received by Akane managed to break the chains from his mind, the chains keeping the other side of Callis in check.
From basically being manhandled by Akane, the Beast Knight shifted his body and went to the offensive, returning the Musashi Heiress kiss with savage passion, his hands closing around her waist as he leaned forward, pushing her back, trying to make her lean backward while he held her shoulders and waist. A wild spark flaring up on his eyes as he threw himself to the task at hand, translating his fencing knowledge to this endeavor. Behind them, still floating Suzaku looked at the scene with utter confusion and shock, finally breaking her nearly continuous arrogant smirk. Her left eye began twitching, like a nervous tic, as Callis kept pushing forward, lost to his beast side. Then, what Percival happened. Suzaku’s body was surrounded by a crimson corona of fire that blasted upwards taking the shape of a Phoenix, being forcibly pushed out from Ginger’s body.
The shockwave caused by the initial discharge was more than enough to send Callis flying away, making him crash against a tree, back first, splitting it from the sheer force. The Beast Knight then crash-landed into the jungle floor, sinking into a pile of mushy leaves and wet ground. Ginger’s body returned to normal, still surrounded by a faint crimson aura that slowly vanished as she descended gently into the pond, floating on it face up. The Beast Knight blinked several times shaking his head and rubbing his chest and back with clear signs of being in pain. -What happened?- He asked, not remembering when the Beast took over. |
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Post by othus on Aug 22, 2018 4:31:04 GMT
Akane opened up her eyes for a second as she felt the beast warrior reaching for her waist, this was not at all what she expected! The Musashi almost wanted to break free but Callis was too far into it and Ginger was still looking, the situation was a lot more embarrassing than she originally thought! Akane began to blush as he pushed the kiss even further, she realized there was no way out of that situation, she only thought about kissing him because she thought he would hold back!
*This man...is not at all what he portrays to be! remember, he is just pretending as well! yeah...he is...just...pretending...*
She reached for his face with both hands as she kept kissing the man, the tonality of the kiss was starting to shift from pretending to something far more real, however, the moment she reached out for him the blast from Suzaku sent the two flying in different directions, Akane managed to land safely on the ground as she rolled to lessen the damage, she got up still recovering her breath from such an aggressive kiss.
Akane noticed as Callis was sent flying through a tree and she rushed towards him, worried that the impact might have hurt him, the Musashi reached out with a hand to help him get up though she immediately withdrew it as she blushed just from looking at him, her face was too red and the whole thing was just too awkward for her, especially after looking at the man who seemed to be even more confused than she was, him asking what happened just made her feel insecure
"Don't play dumb!! y-you'd better take responsibility for what you did Callis, that was my first kiss you know! you didn't have to act like an animal..." - Akane said as she looked elsewhere still blushing and flustered, this was certainly not how she pictured her first kiss, but maybe, it hadnt been so bad after all.
Akane wanted to keep complaining to the beast warrior but Ginger came to her mind, almost as if to remind her freeing her from the control of Suzaku was the actual objective of all that drama, was she really ok?!, she ran towards Ginger leaving Callis behind, she couldn't really keep looking at him anymore anyway, she teleported her armor out, leaving only the inline suit as she dove into the pond, Ginger looked like she was out of it, so she held her in her arms as she carried her out of there, Akane set her on a rock as she began to speak to her.
"Ginger, are you ok?! answer me if you feel ok!"
this had been a really weird mission for her thus far.
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Post by Kuma on Aug 24, 2018 3:46:39 GMT
Callis, still dazed from the impact, didn’t understand Akane at all, he saw her talking, he heard the words, but his shaken brain couldn’t make the connection without sound and meaning. Through his blurry eyes, he saw he leaving towards Ginger. The Beast Knight attempted to stand up, but his legs were wobbly and his body felt like lead. He attempted to stand up again, only to stagger and fall flat on his ass. He started hearing a buzzing on his ear, still confused he did a couple of weak swats around his head, trying to kill the insect he thought responsible for the noise. But soon the buzzing started forming words, shouts, directly inside his ear. The Beast Knight shook his head, try to clear the haze that took over his mind, focusing to listen what was being told to him through his earpiece.
Ginger was unconscious, but her heart was beating and her body had returned to normal, there were no signs of any power coming out from her body or any disturbance on her now calm face. Something was amiss though, not with the Chinese Huntress, but with the pond, as soft ripples started forming as if something was shaking the ground and transmitting those vibrations to the water. Even weirder, a faint voice called for Akane. -Come to me, my descendant… come…- The spectral voice called her from the south, towards the foot of the mountain. The shaking in the ground was now noticeable for her to the point that some of the trees were shaking.
-Mr. Nomene!? Mr. Nomene!? CAN YOU LISTEN TO ME!?- Percival shouted through the comm device he acquired from Paprika, trying to contact Callis and Akane. -Yes, I can hear you.- Callis replied weakly, feeling a headache akin to having an ax stuck on the side of his skull. -We have a problem, you might not see it, but we’re seeing from the beach.- The Old Knight added while looking over the canopy of the trees at something horrifying him. -What are you talking about?- The Beast Knight asked trying to focus his head. As he started to get more and more lucid, other sensorial inputs started arriving at him. The floor was shaking, the ground below him trembled as if something massive was hitting it with rhythmic precision.
What Akane and Callis couldn’t see, as their vision was blocked by the tall trees, was a figure standing tall among the vegetation of the island. Covered in a horrifying armor, made of a material akin to necrotic flesh. Criselda got the Cursed Blade, and said blade, thanks to its unique abilities, magnified her powers allowing her to grow over 30 mts tall, dwarfing the trees around her. -Criselda got the cursed blade! SHE BECAME A GIANT!!!- Percival shouted as Callis finally managed to stand up, slowly making his way towards Akane. -We have a problem Messa Musashi.- He said, trying to have as much gravitas as he could muster while talking. |
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Post by othus on Aug 25, 2018 8:45:18 GMT
Akane listened to Callis, but she was not really paying attention to his words, the voice of her ancestor was requesting her presence...this was it, the moment she awaited. Akane bolted with incredible speed, headed towards the location of the voice, inside her head, thousands of things were going around, she moved deeper into the jungle as she carved her way through the dense vegetation, with every step she gave forward a gut-wrenching feeling overcame her senses, Akane recognized the feeling, although it was only experienced once or twice before in her life, she knew it was the feeling of fear.
The Musashi then steeled herself as the presence was felt yet even closer, her heartbeats were impossible to be released of their qualms, but nonetheless, she pulled through. Akane sliced a final tree in half as she got to the waterfall, there lied a half melted body, barely even recognizable to Akane, but she knew the presence was legitimate, Chambara hadn't lied when he told her it was her ancestor.
The spirit of the Kaneshige blade came out as it looked upon the corpse, the reanimated creature was still alive, though it was a threat no more, Akane immediately knew what to do.
she got closer to the monster as she held her Kaneshige blade high in the air, Akane's hand wavered to lower down the blade over the corpse of Musashi, but her Kaneshige blade differed, it wanted to slice the creature now.
"This completes my journey" Akane stated as she lowered the blade perfectly splitting Musa-shi.
At first, nothing happened, Akane felt just the same as before she even undertook the journey...then something overcame her.
It was a white room, a man she recognized all too well was sitting in front of her as he filled a cup with sake, the man was wearing samurai rags and a sedge hat, the clothes were not quite the elegant type she was used to, but rather worn out ronin style rags with blue in the top and black in the lower portion. A blade was by his side, it was Kaneshige, who had abandoned her waist. The man drank the first cup as he looked at Akane with his piercing red eyes.
"So, what exactly is a woman doing right before me?!"
Akane sat down in a seiza position, she looked into the eyes of the man, acknowledging he was formidable in the same ways her father was.
"I have come to reunite the body and the spirit of Musashi as one, I have gone through a lot to get here"- Akane replied paying little mind to Miyamoto's belittling
"Ahh, I see...and why should I return to you?! When I was alive, I was called the Unrivaled, the strongest man under the heavens! who are you to deserve the spirit of Musashi?"
"The blade" -Akane replied
"hah!"- Musashi smirked, he knew what she meant, The unrivaled took it out of his waist as he set it between them, both of them now faced each other in seiza position.
With lightning speed, Akane reached for the blade but it was already too late, Miyamoto had already sliced her in half, the cuts were not felt, as none of it was real, but Akane knew it was her loss
"Still green, still unfocused, still naive! A thousand days of training to develop..."
"ten thousand days of training to polish"- Akane replied with an angry look at the man.
"You know that much, and yet, it would seem you do not comprehend it"- he went for the sword one more time as he set it over her lap. "here, try to cut me now," he said as he looked at her directly
Akane once again reached for the sword that was right in her legs but it was already too late, Musashi had already sliced her 10 times, Akane lost her calm on that one
"What sort of trickery is this?! nobody would be able to do that!"- she replied angrily at Musashi
"Hahaha!!, is that a fact?! You still have a long way to go! here, let me help you once more"- Musashi unsheathed kaneshige and handed over the weapon to Akane
"Go ahead," he said with a grin that clearly underestimated the heir of Musashi.
Akane sliced with all the finesse possible within the Niten Ichi Ryu technique, and yet she was the one who ended up getting cut.
"...How?!" Akane replied, she looked into the hand of Musashi and her wakizashi was there, it took her a moment to understand he had used her other weapon to cut her.
"You should not have a favorite weapon. To become over-familiar with one weapon is as much a fault as not knowing it sufficiently well. it would seem you have been educated by reading my words and mimicking my style but you are not doing it justice, why do you rely on drugs to enhance your abilities? there is nothing outside of yourself that can make you stronger”
"Technology too is a weapon, and one must use all weapons available"- Akane replied quoting Musashi himself.
"There is nothing wrong about that, but you have come to rely on it too much! when was the last time you fell someone without using that armor of yours?!"
Akane did not reply, she really forgot when was the last time she even fought without using the virtual machine, his ancestor was right, using technology had made her soft
"The problem is not that you are a woman or that you cannot cultivate ki, the problem is not even the armor, the problem is that you were never challenged in your life"
"Challenged?! I kill monsters every single day!"
"All weaker than you"- Musashi replied. "The last time you grew as a warrior was today, the last time before that was a year ago. at this pace, you'll never be worthy of the name of Musashi"
"Then...what should I do?!" Akane said while looking at the floor embarrassed of herself
"Think before you speak, what is it that made you stronger when everything else failed?"
Akane looked back on her fight with the raging blade, it had not been her techniques, and technology was useless without the wielder, Miyamoto interrupted her train of thought as he noticed she had arrived at the conclusion.
"who told you the proper way to cultivate strength was through calm meditation or balance?, Niten Ichi-Ryu is fueled by resolve, conviction, willpower"
"So...the stronger my resolve..."
"The stronger you will become"- Musashi replied as he grabbed Kaneshige one more time and set it in the middle. "try it one more time," he said to Akane.
Akane was back in the pond, although she wasn't exactly the same person that arrived there, all the memories of Musashi were now hers, as vivid to her as the ones she created in this life, physically she was the same, but in mental principle, she had become one with the Unrivaled, she contacted Callis through the earpiece as she moved back
"Callis, I am heading your way, sorry for the delay, I will help you defeat the cursed blade now"
Musashi understood what kind of enemy they were facing, it would take the strength of all of them together if they hoped to triumph over this creature.
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Post by Kuma on Aug 26, 2018 20:32:56 GMT
Standing tall above the canopy of the jungle, the transfigured Criselda stomped her way towards the coast. Hopefully, the Nexus Stones, created by the JHWAB to monitor and obscure Hidden World Activity would be working in the area, covering the zone with illusions and suggestions to avoid exposure. Her massive body lumbered over the trees taking heavy step after heavy step, making the whole island tremble under her newly acquired weight. The armor covering her hulking body looked less like protection and more like grotesque fungal overgrowth, obscuring her factions and releasing a disgusting scent through the whole island. Criselda route would take her to the coast in a matter of moments, as each of her slow strides was still amazingly long, covering dozens of meters each time. -This is terrible.- Callis muttered as he climbed up a tree seeing Criselda’s path from far away. He pressed his communicator to contact Percival. -Mes Peregrine, do you have any transport? How did you arrive at the island?- Percival, hearing his, replied as swiftly as he could, his eyes locked on the oncoming behemoth. -I have a small vessel, I could load the people in the coast.- Callis didn’t waste a second. -Do what you can to evacuate, I’ll attempt to slow this creature down.- Percival nodded to himself and realized that Callis was who he was looking for. -Wait!- He shouted through the commlink, but Callis already signed off. -Dagnabbit.- He cursed, as he ran towards Paprika and Crevil.
Callis tracked Akane and joined up with her. -Messa Musashi, we need to stop that thing before it leaves the island.- He pointed towards the coast. -If it manages to get into the ocean I don’t see how we could defeat it.- The Beast Knight looked rough, the final rags of what once was his coat had been blown off by Ginger’s explosion and he was completely bare-chested, exposing a myriad of old wounds and a galaxy of new ones. He summoned a pair of swords. -I think we should attack the legs, hinder their movements while I ask for back-up.- He didn’t know if his plan would work, but he already knew that they might need help, to that purpose he turned on the emergency beacon in his communicator, to summon the JHWAB. -Do you have any kind of input or idea to handle this situation?- Callis style of leadership once again came to play, with him asking for advice to improve his own ideas. |
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Post by othus on Aug 26, 2018 23:53:48 GMT
Akane began to ponder what they could do in such a situation, this was a surreal situation.
"We can stall it long enough for the JHWAB to send reinforcements" -She said with determination.
"I'll notify my clan so that they can send some agents here as well, we are gonna need as many hands as possible"
Musashi opened the channel of her virtual machine, requesting support, all Musashi associates were notified, though clearly, not everyone would be available, Akane hoped at least another of the five rings or a couple of royal guards would come, the foreign warrior powered by the blade of blades would be an incredibly tough opponent.
"The signal has been sent, HQ is quite a ways from here, like anything else, we need to hold that creature back and if possible defeat it ourselves! let's go!"
Akane roared as she got hold of both of her blades, Kaneshige no longer had the blue tint it was usually known for, rather it shone in a bright white color almost as beautiful as when she used Satori. The blade had finally recognized Akane as the true master of the two heavens as one.
"Together on the left knee, Callis!, give it all you've got!"
She rushed towards the giant creature as her Ki rose, remembering the words of her ancestor...nay, her own words! RESOLVE, CONVICTION, WILLPOWER!
The Masamune blade howled as white Ki enveloped the blade, for the first time in hundreds of years the blade was back with its master.
Musashi jumped and sliced at the knee of the creature with a technique that traced a perfect triangle, this was clearly an homage technique adapted to her two heavens style, inspired out of respect on one of her toughest opponents to date.
"Niten Ichi-Ryu: Shun Goku Satsu no ken 瞬獄殺" (blade of the raging demon)
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Post by Kuma on Aug 27, 2018 2:14:56 GMT
Percival rushed to Paprika and Crevil. -We need to move, I've got a boat nearby.- The Korean Hacker turned to the Old Knight with tears on his eyes, shaking her head. -We can’t move, Mr. Crevil is still fused to the ground.- The Russian Cyborg cleared his throat to get their attention. -Body cannot move, but can leave, just take head.- He said, implying that his body could be replaced. -Head has important stuff, I sleep if just head, but okay for me.- Percival nodded and with some hesitation he extended his hands towards the neck of Crevil, checking with his fingers for any kind of button or lever to open him. Finally, he found a bolt that kept the neck joint connected, but unluckily for them, it was melted down. -This might hurt a bit.- Percival whispered before standing up and rising his blade. Paprika opened her eyes in shock, throwing himself in-between Percival and Crevil -No!- She shouted, opening his arms, trying to stop the Old Knight. But Crevil once again stopped the drama. -Let him do Paprika, is only way.- With those words, the Korean Huntress moved away, not without some hesitation. -Sorry.- Percival whispered as he lowered his blade as hard as he could.
CLANG!
Percival’s broadsword bounced back from the thick titanium frame that served as Crevil’s skeleton. The vibrations of the blade climbed up the Old Knight arms reaching his shoulder and then going directly to this lower back. His numb fingers couldn’t keep holding his sword, that fell to the ground, leaving an imprint of it in the sand before bouncing and landing besides the Russian Cyborg. Percival started wiggling his fingers, fighting to wake them up. But before he could do anything else he felt a surge of wind pressure to his right, something blurred by him and sliced Crevil’s head off. A shiver went down Percival’s spine, upon seeing the massive ravine created by the attack. Tilting his neck to the side confirmed his suspicion. Chambara had walked there and slashed Crevil’s head for him. The Spirit of Japan was pointing in the direction of Percival’s boat, talking clearly for the first time, without the strange echo.
-GO, KNIGHT OF BRITANNIA, YOUR FATE LIES BACK IN YOUR HOMELAND.-
Percival gave Paprika the head and indicated the location of the boat. He picked his blade up and faced Chambara. -I understand why you fought me and I thank you for that, showing that my long journey is about to end, but I can’t leave without helping that Musashi brat, Ann wouldn’t forgive for that.- He also pulled out his canteen. -And my fate also involves giving this to Mr. Nomene, I cannot back out.- Chambara looked down on him.
-DELIVERING THE GRAIL IS ALLOWED, BUT AKANE MUSASHI MUST FACE THIS ALONE.-
Anger flared up in the Old Knight face as he grabbed Chambara’s cuirass from the side, pulling down. -Alone!? Against that!?- He pointed at Criselda, still advancing towards them. -She can’t do it alone and for the beard of Merlin she clearly won’t be, as at the very least Mr. Nomene is with her!- Chambara politely grabbed Percival’s hand, that upon proximity with Chambara started materializing the spectral armor again and pulled it off his armor.
-THE KNIGHT OF CENTRIS IS NOT OF THIS WORLD, SO HIS FATE IS NOT MINE TO DECIDE, BUT YOURS IS UNTIL YOU SHED YOUR MORTAL BEING AND BECOME A GUARDIAN.-
-To the hell with that.- Percival looked away, moving towards his blade and picking it up. -I’m going to help them and you can… you can…- The Old Knight tried to find the words until he gave up and went with a profanity, something he didn’t usually do. -You can fuck off!- And with that final note, Percival rushed towards the enlarged Criselda, hoping to find Callis and Akane there. Chambara looked at Percival leaving, but didn’t do anything to stop him, he was busy channeling his powers for something else. Blocking any kind of communication coming in or out from the island. This was Akane Musashi’s test and he wouldn’t allow any kind of interruptions. He could do this thanks to his uncanny connection with the country, able to do way more than just channel the knowledge of Martial Arts honed for generations, as he was the Guardian of Japan.
Callis followed Akane as closely as he could, unlike the Musashi Heiress, who had a change of armor, the Beast Knight didn’t have that advantage and his battered body was having some issues just with traversing the forest. Still he pushed through the pain and did his best to not weigh down their offense. -Right away Messa Musashi!- Was his reply as she jumped first, performing a picture-perfect series of slashes that were rewarded with a disgustingly wet sound as her blade sliced the tumorous armor covering the gigantic Criselda. The Beast Knight gathered his strength and leaped, using a bent tree as a launchpad. His fencing style was less refined than Akane’s, but not less effective, as he wielded a pair of conceptual blades in a reverse grip. He moved in the opposite direction than Akane, cutting across her slashes, spinning like a tornado made of blades and fury. Callis also managed to cut through the armor, landing on a tree top, piecing one blade into the trunk for extra support. Yet, both sets of wounds suddenly closed up, as the organic armor swelled around the injuries.
-This will not work, we need to go deeper!- He shouted as Criselda continued her advance, ignoring them. Their attacks weren’t even noticed by the Cursed Amazon. |
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Post by othus on Aug 29, 2018 6:59:55 GMT
Akane knew the only way to beat that regen was to attack so fast the damage would overpower the healing of the cursed blade, it was time for Akane to finally perfect the final technique of Niten Ichi-Ryu.
"Callis! I will put everything I have into the next attack, make sure to take advantage of it! if we don't stop this monster now all will be in vain!"
Musashi ran towards the creature once more, she latched herself onto the feet of the creature with her wakizashi, once she got used to the movement of the foot she began her final attack
Niten Ichi-Ryu: Raijin no ha! 雷神の刃
A flash of blades began to slice at the creature's shin, despite the impresive speed combo of Akane, she knew this would not be enough, but Akane had yet something greater under her sleeve
"I'm not done yet! Virtual Machine release!"
Calculating...Point expenditure will result in critical damage, cannot comply"
"Override! I shall complete the ultimate attack of the Musashi now!"
Calculating...
-Perfect warrior -20
-super perfect warrior -20
-Satori- 100
-Mushin-40
point expenditure: 180 points
"Niten Ichi-Ryu no Ougi: Go rin no ken!!! 環状刃 (blade of the five rings)"
Akane's power burst forth, her musculature increased to incredible levels as her eyes turned red, her hair began to turn white and her Masamune blade intensely roared with her Ki, the virtual machine teleported out of the way as she materialized a thousand blades into a single point, the biggest difference between this final move and the one she used against the raging blade was that this time the blades were real, the enhanced speed of Mushin allowed her to turn the illusion into reality, she knew the Mushin skill would only give her that type of speed for a second, but the final technique of the Musashi connected so blindingly fast it allowed her to regain the points just as easily as she lost them, Akane looped the ability, allowing her to fully complete it as she kept attacking at unfathomable speeds, the tradeoff being destroying her body in the process.
-Mushin -40 points
-Mushin -40 points
-Mushin -40 points
-Mushin -40 points
Warning: damage exceeded the physical limits, further point expenditure will result in critical damage or dea-
"OVERRIDE!!!!!!"
-Mushin -40 points
-Mushin -40 points
-Mushin -40 points
-Mushin -40 points
-Mushin -40 points
Akane's body began to tear apart as she coughed blood with every move, even with the regeneration of perfect warrior a 10-second combo with that speed would easily rip every muscle fiber within her body, by the last 3 seconds the bones in her arms and ribs began to break as well, Akane had chosen to feel the pain as it only fueled her resolve even further, but she knew this was her limit. with the final move of her father she did a final slash using the nanomachine powered Masamune, Akane fell off the creatures foot nearly unconscious as blood came out of her mouth, eyes, nose, and ears, the result of her attack still unknown to her.
*I leave the rest to you, Callis...*
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Post by Kuma on Aug 30, 2018 4:57:58 GMT
Akane’s attack hit the gigantic threat with unmatched ferocity. The infinite blades of the Musashi Heiress didn’t just slice the enemy, the quantity and sharpness of the attack went far and beyond simple physical damage. The concentration of attacks, the impossible speed and the unmatched sharpness combined into something else, a spear that crushed the speed of sound with ease, going far beyond it, letting out a howling boom, as the barriers of mankind limitations vanished, crushed by the overwhelming skill and determination of Akane Musashi’s swordsmanship. A bright light, a condensation of sparks, flashed out of the point of impact, the gleaming of a million blades piercing through the cancerous armor protecting the enlarged Criselda. The reward to this action at first seemed like a small wound, spurting jets of greenish liquid, drenching the nearby treetops with a pus-like substance. But soon the true extent of Akane’s attack reached the rest of the leg, as perfectly straight cracks appeared on the extremity, expanding until they surrounded the whole leg in a set of perfect rings with a single point of contact, the area which Akane attacked.
With a disgusting sound, echoing across the island, a torrent of pus exploded from the tumor-like armor, sending the liquid spraying all around the massive monster. The Cursed Amazon raised her head to the Heavens and let out a blood-chilling shriek of pain, as her shin started sliding off her knee, falling to the ground as a pile of corrupted tissue, crumpled as the bones were completely shattered into dust by Akane’s attack. Callis witnessed awestruck by the majesty of Akane’s swordsmanship. -MESSA MUSASHI!- But as soon as he saw her falling he rushed to her side, jumping, pushing through the pain on his sore muscles and grabbing her mid-air, crashing into several rotten and downed trees that served as somewhat of a cushion. As he placed her gently on the ground her heard her whisper. The Beast Knight turned with a resolute expression towards the gigantic creature, now using the blade as a crutch to stay standing. Callis summoned 2 blades and then 2 more and soon, he was completely surrounded by blades floating around him.
He looked back for a second and muttered. -I won’t let you down… Akane.- Using honorifics wasn’t a way for Callis to show respect, it was a way to keep everybody at arm’s length. When the Beast Knight used your given name, it meant he truly respected somebody. The Cursed Amazon, that didn’t even react to their first offensives was now enraged, slowly turning towards them as liquid kept dripping out the rapidly closing stump. Callis knew he couldn’t move, as the creature might attack Akane, so he only had a single path. Block, parry or deflect the surely incoming attack and counterattack with everything he got, trying to hit something vital. As the Cursed Amazon finished turning around it went down on her knees, trying to get a better base to attack. Callis looked over his shoulder once again. He wanted to move Akane and run away to a safer location, but considering her current physical state moving her could mean killing her. He couldn’t leave, no, he wouldn’t, even if was crushed by the incoming attack, he will die defending somebody else, like a Knight should. -RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH- The Cursed Amazon roared as her blade came down like a blur of motion, as if a mountain was falling over Callis. The Beast Knight didn’t hesitate for a moment, gathering all of his will and all of his focus. -GO! BLADES OF MY HEART! BLADES OF MY SPIRIT! SWORDS OF MY VOWS! WEAPONS OF MY OATHS!- White light exploded in Callis' eyes, his veins surrounding them also loaded with energy. An intense white aura covered his arms up to his elbows, while intricate designs appeared over his chest and the rest of his body. Dozens... no, hundreds... no, thousands of alabaster blades appeared around him blasted towards the incoming attack, piercing into the Cursed Blade and pushing back its swing. The Cursed Amazon pushed through, starting to gain terrain as Callis' eyes started bleeding, so did his ears, nose and mouth. The pressure sunk him into the ground, creating a small crater around him. The wind picked up as the opposing forces clashed, trees being uprooted by the violent shockwaves of the Cursed Blade lock against a thousand Gainen Blades. The Beast Knight arms, extended upwards were bulging with muscle under the skin, as if he was lifting the weight of the world with them. Veins started popping out through his skin, leaking blood that dripped down his arms. -I CANNOT SURRENDER! I CANNOT RUN AWAY!- Callis shouted as a new bout of pressure managed to sink him even deeper, the crater around him becoming larger, almost reaching Akane.
Upon noticing that, the Beast Knight doubled his efforts, old and new wounds opened up from the sheer insane pressure of the Cursed Blade’s slash. He summoned more swords to block it, while his body trembled, strained by the previous battles and now put under immensurable duress. In this moment of desperation, Callis thought about only one thing. “I wish I could protect everyone” He spent his meager reserves of Ki while dueling Zan, so he couldn’t add that to the mix like before, only relying on his Gainen powers. “GAINEN!?” Callis mind raced back to the beach, back to the sand, back to Sen. She said something about him being like her. He only overhead a moment as his fight with Zan was more urgent at the moment. Feeling his body disassembling under the might of the Cursed Blade he went for a Hail Mary and sent his thoughts towards the Beach, trying to grasp a connection with the hilt that Sen dropped. He felt it, just as one of his arms broke with a loud CRACK, echoing through the tilted trees, he felt the connection to the broken blade. -Come…- He whispered, doubling down under the pressure as more and more of his blades shattered, turning into specks of white lighting raining over him. -Come…- He muttered, his right arm shaking, his whole body, trembling as the force kept pushing him down. A lightning crossed his mind, a flash of knowledge, as he could see, as clear as he saw his blood dripping to the floor, the sword, flying towards him, past the mercenaries, past Chambara, and past Percival, moving ever closer. -Come!- He proclaimed as the broken blade reached him. More of his swords shattered but Callis couldn’t care less, he lowered his hand, buckled by the pressure, in the direction of the incoming weapon. He wasn’t sure what would happen, but if there was even a chance he could stop this monster, a chance he could save Akane and the others, he would take it. His bruised and almost broken fingers gripped the hilt and a jolt of electricity was sent from it to him. It gave him a feeling of recognition, of prior knowledge, of familiarity. Somehow, this hilt was a part of his power. What Callis didn’t know, what most people didn’t know, was that this blade once was a part of Yami Kizuato’s father, the Gainen of Blades, a broken horn sealed a long time ago and passed through generations who forgot the true origin of it, just seeing as a powerful blade. The Beast Knight felt the power running through him, as his own Gainen energy latched to the hilt.
What once looked organic and darkened, it became of sterling silver, shining like a beacon on the Beast Knight hands. The white light around him gained this metallic tinge as well, like a blade so polished it could serve as a mirror. The broken blade fixed itself, becoming pure light. Callis didn’t wait as his final Gainen Blades, the last ones keeping the gigantic slash at bay, shattered. With all the strength left on his body, he swung the Completed Gainen Blade upwards, his whole body drawing force from the ground, twisting his entire frame, every bone, every joint and every muscle like a whip, attempting to strike as fast as he ever could. The collision between both blades shook the entire island, the trees in 1-mile radius were pushed into an angle while a blinding white light flooded the area. Percival, who had still a while to get there, had to cover his eyes and grab onto something to avoid getting blown away. The force of the clash was such, that part of the nearest peak collapsed from the wind pressure that hit it. The sound was like a thousand bells twanging, echoing infinitely across the island, hitting every tree and bouncing back to the epicenter. But maybe, it wasn’t as effective as it seemed.
As the dust cleared, the Cursed Amazon was still standing. Her enlarged body just showed minor damage, mostly from the shockwave. The main damage was done to the Cursed Blade, that now had a large crack right in the middle, the edge completely ruined, but the physical integrity of the weapon still intact. Callis wasn’t as lucky. The Beast Knight was already running on fumes, barely able to move or even stand. During the initial desperate clash his left arm got shattered and now he stood without his right arm, the one he used to swing the blade. The Complete Gainen Sword floated in front of him, as he stood there, incapable of moving. Blood had stopped pouring from his wounds, not because they were closed, but because he almost had no more blood to spill. His skin was pale, like polished marble. One of his eyes was missing, the other half covered by bloody hair. He wasn’t there any longer, completely unconscious, his eye totally white, but not because it was flooded with power. The Cursed Amazon, looking down on them, chuckled with a horrifying laughter, less out of happiness and more out of petty mocking. This sound, as loud and obnoxious as it was, didn’t wake Callis. Something else did. Somebody else did.
-You won’t win… but she can… She is better than you.-
-She cannot move… I cannot move... -
-She will move if you give him the sword.-
-I can give her the sword?-
-Yes, but not just the sword.-
-What else do I need to give? I will do anything-
-Your life Callis… I helped you since Sakurajima for a reason.-
-You… you are…-
-I was Yami Kizuato, now I’m just the power he left behind. You can finally hear me, thanks to the horn of my old man.-
-Is this the reason you helped me?-
-No, not just this, but right now, she is your best choice to save everything.-
-Then I will put my life on her hands.-
-You shouldn’t do this often, but at least you know when to do it.-
-It will be done.-
-Just pierce the blade through your heart… and I’ll do the rest.-
-I do not see any other choice here, thank you for your help Mes Kizuato.-
-Thank you, Callis, everything will be alright. Just remember one thing.-
-What?-
-It will come the day when everything seems lost, but you only need to do one thing.-
-What should I do?-
-When the chips are down and the World seems about to end, bet on Pink.-
-What does that mean? What does it matter?-
-You’ll know when the time comes. I just need to tell you one more thing.-
-What Mes Kizuato?-
-Tell Eiko… Tell her I love her. I loved her since I met her, and I’ll love her even after I vanish for good.-
-Yes, I’ll tell her that… Yami.-
Callis single remaining eye came back to life, returning to its usual blue. He gritted his teeth, baring his fangs, pushing through the pain as he moved his broken left arm, clutching the hilt of the blade with a reverse grip. -I’m sorry… I’ll do what I can.- He whispered, his thoughts running through the faces of his life, the moments of pain, of strife, of triumph and suffering. And finally, he thought about his friends and comrades. Haruko's, Jose's, Goemon's and other faces also reached his head, especially a pair of cold black eyes. -Thank you... My friends.- And with that finally whisper he sunk the blade deep into his chest, piercing his heart. Callis life force, his soul and his heart were absorbed into the blade. As his body fell limply to the ground, the sword slid out from the bloodless wound and floated towards Akane. A voice, Callis voice, reached her mind.
-The blade is my soul…- -The blade is my heart…- -I give this blade to you, to protect others…- -Akane Musashi, I beg of you, carry my determination.- -Carry my willpower.- -Never with cruelty and always with kindness.-
-Pick up the sword.-
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Post by othus on Aug 30, 2018 8:12:37 GMT
Akane felt as her senses began to abandon her little by little, and the last of the strength she had left faded away through her numerous injuries, the regeneration would not save her in time, she knew this was the end of the line, the spirit of Kaneshige roared as it begged for Musashi to rise once more
"MUSASHI! GET UP! WE DIDNT CAME THIS FAR TO DIE! I WAITED FOR CENTURIES TO BE BY YOUR SIDE ONCE MORE, DO NOT LEAVE ME NOW!"
Akane tried rising as she crawled on the ground, every move made her vomit even more blood, her eyesight was almost gone, and yet, she saw as the beast warrior fought to protect her, entirely disregarding his own well being, the back of that man stood tall and strong before Akane as the light of his power clashed against the demonic blade, a large shockwave was created from the clash, but against the power of the cursed blade it would seem everything was in vain, Akane cursed at herself for being too weak once more, but before she could blame herself even more she noticed something. There was something going on with Callis, she had an ominous feeling that gripped her heart, Akane wanted to shout at him, she wanted to tell him to run away and leave her behind, but it was all too late, the beast warrior suddenly stabbed himself with his own blade, and tears inevitably came out of Akane's face as she tried reaching out for him, but before she could even extend her arm while on the ground, the body of the beast warrior fell.
"CALLIS!!! NO!!!!"
Akane cried uncontrollably for what she thought was the death of the warrior, the armor came back to her as she smashed the ground with her fists, Akane's anger made her rise to her knees despite the weight of the virtual machine, the tears of regret and sorrow overcame Akane as she roared in anger with her body covered in blood, she vowed right there she would keep fighting to her last breath.
A light then came before her, the sword that had pierced Callis floated right in front of Musashi, she listened to the words of Callis wondered by his determination.
"Callis...Your strength, your heart, I accept them!" - she replied with tears still falling from her face.
Akane reached for the weapon as strength and power she had never experienced before merged into her as one
warning: energy levels exceeded, virtual machine integrity at risk. hibernation mode enabled
The armor of Musashi was immediately forced out by a new armor, the white energy overcame Akane as the shoulder plates took the form of lion heads while the rest of the armor traced elaborate patterns into the chest plate and gauntlets, an all-white tiara with a blue gem that shone like the beast warrior's eyes adorned the head of Musashi last. with power and resolve, unlike anything she had ever experienced before, she stood before the titan.
The Kaneshige blade flew to her side as the light blade merged together with it creating an all-white katana from the point to the hilt. The golden eyes of Musashi gazed directly at the monster, almost penetrating into its soul, her white hair flowed as the seemingly endless energy filled her being, her muscles pulsed back with strength and her wounds immediately closed, Akane pointed with the white blade at the giant using both hands, she would honor the words of Nomene.
"Honor, Valor, Heart. this is my ultimate resolve!"
*look at me, Callis, your sacrifice won't be for naught"
Akane jumped towards the creature's head as she evoked the battle spirit of Miyamoto. she would end this battle even if it costed her life.
"NITEN ICHI RYU OKUGI: SHISHI EN!!! 獅子縁" (Lion's edge)
The blade of Musashi roared in shining flames that outshone even the gods themselves. she sliced two times making a massive energy blast shaped in a cross pattern, this was the strongest attack Musashi had ever performed, in this life or the previous one, the essence of the unrivaled was perfectly captured by the move and for the first time in centuries, the art of Niten Ichi-Ryu had been revived.
*Okugi: the heart of something
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Post by Kuma on Aug 31, 2018 3:29:06 GMT
The Cursed Amazon roared with impossible rage, lifting her chipped blade above her head, as the armor finished to materialize around Akane. -DIEEEEEEEEE!- She shouted, finally accustomed enough to her new form to utter words, as the Cursed Blade dropped towards Akane and Callis’ location. Percival, who was finally getting closer was looking at the situation from the edge of the crater created by the shockwave of Callis’ last attack. Akane jumped towards the incoming attack, moving so fast that the Old Knight was unable to see her, he only saw a flash of blinding light and as he regained his vision, blurred by the intensity of the attack he just witnessed, Akane was standing behind the massive monster, while Criselda was paralyzed mid-swing. Silence reigned over the island. Inmensurable silence, more akin to a static image than an actual location. The wind stopped, the slanted trees were still, nothing could be heard in this frozen moment in time. But soon, something happened.
At first , it was difficult to perceive, but soon it was obvious. Beams of sunlight peeked through the overcast heavens. The clouds overhead were opening into an X shape, the result of Akane’s final attack. Soon Criselda followed, first her face, splitting into 4 pieces and then the rest of her body, as suddenly imprints of the same cross slash appeared everywhere on her massive frame, splitting her into smaller and smaller pieces. The processed repeated itself thousands of times, turning Criselda’s body into mush and finally destroying the cursed blade. But at what cost? Callis’ lifeless body was still where he fell, white as alabaster, torn apart like a broken toy. Percival, still too shocked to act, barely managed to take some meandering steps towards Akane. -Musashi… What happened?- He asked, not knowing the full extent of their struggle. The Old Knight looked around, worried. -Where is Mr. Nomene?- He asked, trying to find Callis, so he could finish his own quest, his long, millennial quest.
The Blade on Akane’s hand and the armor around started to dissolve into specks of light, floating towards the heavens, like sparks from a bonfire. A soft whisper reached her. -Thank you… Akane.- As the Gainen energy surrounding, Kaneshige continued to fade away, taking the armor with it. -This... was a good life...- The whisper continued. -I leave with no regrets in my heart...- The Beast Knight final words kept flowing from the blade directly to her mind. -Please excuse myself with the JHWAB and the BHA, I hope I did not cause trouble for my superiors or my friends.- Callis finished. -I hope you can protect everyone... Remember, always with kindness, never with cruelty, that's not the path of the warrior, but the path of mankind.- The whispers slowly fainted, as more and more of the white glow left her body. |
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Post by othus on Sept 1, 2018 8:16:03 GMT
Akane stumbled as the gainen energy left her body, she used her blade as a lever to keep herself from falling as she listened to the warrior's words.
"Selfless until the very end...what a nonsensical man..." She remarked as tears came down from her eyes, Musashi had vanquished the enemy, completed her mission, regained her soul and yet...all she could feel was defeat.
Percival then came to her, the old warrior began asking questions, but Akane did not reply, she lifted her hand signaling him to stop talking as she looked at the ground, almost wanting to smash the entire island in regret, she walked towards the beast warrior's body and knelt before him as she leaned his head over her lap, her hands making sure his hair did not touch the dirt of the ground. Akane looked at Callis from head to toe, the number of wounds and battle scars all over his body made it clear for her he had led a very difficult life.
Musashi looked back at Percival, her semblance full of grief and regret.
"Percival...this man gave his life to protect me, he does not deserve an end like this! there must be something we can do to bring him back!"
Akane wasn't in the best of the conditions, she had lost a lot of blood, and though her entire body screamed in pain, it was nothing compared to the pain she felt in her heart, she embraced the warrior hopelessly almost as if waiting for divine intervention.
*come back to me please, It's too early for you*
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Post by Kuma on Sept 3, 2018 3:02:20 GMT
Percival, upon seeing Callis’ lifeless body, fell on his knees, tears running down his face. Now he was sure, this man was the one that should carry his burden, the one he saw on his vision. The Old Knight lived for a very long time and saw many things, met many great people, but this man, taken from his own world, dropped into a land as alien to him as his own would be to anybody from this world, fought and died protecting something he seemingly met on the same day as his demise. -But he can’t be dead… the vision… I saw…- He muttered, incapable of talking in complete sentences out of the grief and frustration invading his heart. The Old Knight, dejected didn’t hear Akane’s plea for help at first, the words reaching him but not actually piercing through the veil of sorrow surrounding his mind. Percival shuffled through his coat until finding the relic he carried for centuries. His fingers going white as he gripped with everything he had before attempting to throw it away. More than a thousand years carrying the burden and losing the chance to fulfill his fate was more than he could stomach.
But before he released his grip Akane’s words finally reached him. Stopping himself from throwing the Grail. And looking at her. His expression became grim. -I might be able to do something, but if I’m wrong… If I’m wrong about him… What I’ll do will be a fate worse than death.- He might be able to wrestle Callis from the grasp of the Reaper, he might spend several lifetimes worth of energy from the Grail. If he was right about Callis, if he was the man from his Vision, nothing wrong should happen, but if he was mistaken, he would curse Callis with the same kind of immortality as his, one dependant of the Grail. If Percival wasn’t around and Callis was critically injured, the Beast Knight would remain alive and suffering for eternity, even if he was shattered to pieces and thrown to the bottom of the ocean. The Old Knight looked at the Grail on his hand and then glanced at the deceased Beast Knight beside him. -God, forgive me if I’m wrong.- He whispered, before opening the canteen and putting it on Callis' mouth, helping him to chug down.
The liquid poured out from the Grail sliding down Callis’ throat, filling his cold body with warmth and golden light. For a fleeting moment, the Beast Knight body started to lift off the ground, as if he was hit by a powerful gust of continuous wind, his hair waving upwards. Percival opened his eyes and from the shock dropped the canteen, that bounced on Callis’ chest before going off towards the floor. Before it could reach the Beast Knight hand shot to the side and grabbed it. Callis opened his eyes and a torrent of golden energy surged from them, the same thing happened when he opened his mouth. Blinding light flooded the area as Callis’ body kept floating up, slowly righting itself mid air. As the brilliance died out, Callis was standing between Percival and Akane, fully healed and carrying a large jewelled cup surrounded by a glimmering golden aura. A very noticeable change was that now his hair was completely white, with a hint of silver and his eye went from deep blue to light blue, akin to lightning roaming the sky.
-What happened to me?- He asked, looking at the Grail on his hand absolutely puzzled. Divine energy radiated from his body, seemingly he was a better fit for the relic than Percival. |
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Post by othus on Sept 3, 2018 8:36:57 GMT
Akane looked in disbelief as the artifact revived the Beast warrior, Musashi wiped her tears and as Callis descended she immediately ran towards him, embracing the warrior with all her strength. she looked into his eyes with a gleeful smile as she answered him, almost tearing up a little again.
"Forget about the rest, you saved my life, that's what happened"
Musashi reached out as she kissed him on the cheek while blushing a little, for she thought a blue prince coming to her rescue was something that would only happen in a fairy tale. she looked back at Percival with deep gratitude and bowed before the ancient warrior as she addressed him
"You have done something of great importance for me, I am in your debt, Percival-san"
Akane returned to Callis, why was her heart beating so fast? a second ago it was easy to look at him in the eye, but now she felt as if making eye contact was impossible, the feeling in her stomach, the trembling of her hands...it couldn't be, could it? she looked towards the ground while tracing figures with her foot as she spoke to him
"I-I guess I have to thank you properly as well"- she said flustered and still unable to even look at him for a second.
she teleported the golden badge of the Musashi as she shyly handed it over to him
"Y-You gave me your heart so...I'm giving you mine...keep it with you at all times, and, know that I'll be thinking about you...
Akane waited some more before saying what was next, the beast warrior had acted so cluelessly before, so perhaps she had to spell it out for him
"I mean in a romantic way! okay? there, I said it!"
Akane ran immediately after that and hid behind a tree, that was, without a doubt, the most embarrassing thing she had ever done in her life. just thinking about spending another second with the beast warrior after all that made her red from head to toe, what would he be thinking of her now?! was that too daring on her part? It definitely was!
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Post by Kuma on Sept 4, 2018 4:28:10 GMT
There was a soft warm to Callis that wasn’t there before, even when he wasn’t injured. Akane would notice it, he also had a different scent, emitting a mixture of the breeze of a mountain and incense. The Beast Knight was barefooted, his pants tattered on the bottom exposing his legs and feet. He had bigger than average feet and toes, all of them sporting a neatly trimmed claw. Just like his forearms, there was a concentration of hair, better-called fur, over his shins. Just like his hair, this was also silvery white. He was still quite confused looking at the Grail on his hand. He didn’t understand, he thought he died. The Beast Knight looked at the world surrounding him with new eyes and a new understanding of it. Something he never saw before was unfolding, something he heard many people of his world talk about, but it was always closed up to him and this was shocking him to his very core.
As Akane profusely thanked Percival, the Old Knight was choked up by emotions, crying his eyes out, realizing that his long journey was about to come to its end. At first, he was scared, minutes ago, upon discovering his fate as a Guardian, but the sages inside the Grail explained that his soul would be free and the Guardian, the Knight, would be composed out of his experiences, not his soul. -It was my pleasure, Ms. Musashi.- He replied to her thanks. Percival wanted to say more, but he could read the atmosphere upon glancing at the now bashful Akane, walking away, mumbling something about inspecting the defeated foe, leaving Callis and Akane on their own. The Beast Knight extended his hand and received the medal, kneeling, like a Knight before a Queen. His body felt strange, strangely light and less chained to the whims of gravity.
-I thank you for this, Akane.- He spoke her name as he received the badge. Then he heard the second part of Akane’s declaration. Blood rushed to his cheeks, but he didn’t feel light headed as always, the calming influence of the relic he carried added that his changed perception kept distracting him, allowed him to resists his usual ailment. He saw her rush towards a nearby tree, embarrassed about what she said and after giving her a moment to compose herself, he moved towards her location. He kept feeling his body off-balance somehow, each step he took was too light and too effortless, as if something was holding him aloft and lessening his weight. He calmly walked around the tree until he was directly facing Akane.
-Messa… Akane.- He corrected himself mid-phrase as he knelt down. -You cannot understand what it means to me the words you have said.- He started talking. -I could not be more honored and pleased about your feelings.- Callis broke eye contact for a second, blush rushing his cheeks, he shook his head and returned to looking directly at the Musashi Heiress. -Yet, right now I just noticed something changed in me and it will take time and effort to sort myself out.- He let out a gentle smile, as he softly caressed her hand. -I do not know myself as well as I used to be, replying to your feelings, feelings you so valiantly declared, as I am right now, would be an insult to you and an act of extreme responsibility from my part.- The Beast Knight stood up, still holding her hand.
-I do not reject your feelings Akane, I just do not feel equipped to give a proper response to them right now.- He opened his free hand, staring intensely at the Musashi Medal. -I will treasure this until we meet again, so we can discuss your feelings and my own in a more private and less desolate environment.- He glanced around, the forest is pretty much destroyed around them, even the tree she hid behind was barely standing, a strong wind might topple it over. -Shall we set a date, once I feel more capable to take a decision about your declaration?- He held her hand between his hands. - I beg of you, this might be selfish, but I need time to sort myself out.- Callis hoped his rationing was sound, he felt strangely calm and was starting to question why he wasn’t on the floor right now.
He slowly released her hand as he heard Percival approaching. -I’m sorry for interrupting, but I need to have a talk with Mr. Nomene.- Callis nodded, looking at Akane. -Sorry, we will talk later.- And he followed the Old Knight. Once they walked far enough from Akane, Percival turned around, just to meet a bowing Callis. -What?- He managed to start asking before the Beast Knight started replying. -I must thank you, if what I heard from Akane is correct you are the one responsible for my return Mes Peregrine.- Percival shook his hands, trying to downplay it. -Mr. Nomene, this might not be the best place for this, but there is something I must explain.- He pointed at the Grail. -I do not know how familiar you’re with this World legends, but what you’re holding is called the “Holy Grail” is a mythical artifact over 1000 years old and I’ve been its guardian.-
-How honorable of you to follow the footsteps of your ancestors protecting this relic Mes Peregrine.- Callis bow got even deeper and more elegant. -No, I didn’t follow the footsteps of my ancestors, I was the only guardian of this relic.- Callis opened his eyes. -That means...- He looked at the Grail with apprehension. -Yes, that thing helps to add some time to your clock.- Percival explained. -But it never did to me what it did to you.- The Old Knight pointed at Callis’ hair and body. -So it might not work like it did with me, it kept me alive to pass it on to a worthier guardian.- Callis looked away a bit embarrassed. -I do not know if I am worthy enough to guard a relic of such importance.- Percival rolled his eyes. -I’m going to give you some advice, not related with Grail, at least not directly.- The Old Knight placed his calloused hands over the Beast Knight shoulders.
-Cut it with the humbleness, you gave your life for somebody you met today, without hesitation, without a moment of doubt.- Percival continued. -You put your own hired men safety first over the mission, you fought valiantly to the best of your ability to defeat enemies that should have crushed you.- The Old Knight smiled, patting the shoulder of Callis. -This trinket only picks heroes, I don’t know why it picked me laddie, but I bloody know why it picked you.- Percival’s smile only got wider. -This might be a burden to bear, but I thank God a man like you was picked to carry it after myself.- Callis nodded, grateful for his words. -It will be my honor to follow in your footsteps… Percival.- The Old Knight nodded, but slowly his smile faded, with a mask of deadly seriousness taking over. -I found you thanks a vision.- Callis matched Percival’s expression upon noticing the change in tone.
-Right now you might not hear them, but soon the ones who made the Grail will talk to you, hear their advice.- Callis nodded, a bit confused, but still following Percival. -They warned me about something, they wanted me to give you the Grail before the day of the Red Moon, before you met the Scornful Wolf, before the day Earth would stand still.- The Beast Knight gasped upon hearing “Scornful Wolf” as a single image rushed to his mind, the sight of a metallic wolf, flanked by deep purple flames. -Ikari…- Callis muttered, his light blue eyes growing sterner as he remembered the hardest fight on his life while on this World. This was the last piece of evidence Percival needed. His heir acknowledged the prophecy. -It seems it made more sense to you than to me.- Callis nodded. -I’ll tell you more about the Grail later, meet me at this address 1 month from now.- Percival gave his card to Callis.
The Beast Knight took it and walked back towards Akane alongside Percival. The Old Knight was the first to talk. -I think we should leave this island, Chambara said he was blocking the signals to this island because this was your mission Ms. Musashi, but I think whatever message you sent it will be arriving at its destiny now.- He extended his hand. -If I could ask a favor, please give Ann this card and tell her to visit that address in one month, I need to talk to her.- Percival, looking to the side while squinting as if he remembered something also added. -And tell her to bring Gianni with her, I’ll try to contact him on my own, but just in case.- After that, he started walking towards the coast, as JHWAB vessels were arriving at the beach. Callis extended his hand towards Akane. -Shall we go Akane?- If she was calm enough and her visor or any enhanced sense survived the whole ordeal she might notice something about Callis, instead of the weird energy signature the Gainen energy emitted, the Beast Knight was now buzzing with magic. That was what Callis was looking around, for the first time in his life, he could perceive magical energy as his ancestors from his mother's side could. |
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Post by othus on Sept 4, 2018 6:35:11 GMT
Akane clenched her fist as Callis spoke, she perfectly knew the grial had changed him in some ways. His request was not selfish at all in her view, for she had changed as well. Even as they spoke, memories of her past life were being unearthed one after the other, If anyone could understand how Callis felt, it was her.
Callis held her hand and promised to meet her again, Akane finally looked at him in the eyes as she returned the smile, his promise made her golden eyes shine in excitement as she blushed yet again.
"O-of course, I wasn't expecting you to give me an answer right now, I too have much to think and learn about myself."
Akane played with her hair as it went back to its original color, her perfect warrior form had also ceased, leaving her body with her original shape, she immediately covered her body with her hands and arms, it was almost as if the great confidence she exuded had vanished into thin air, her body language finally acted accordingly to what she was wearing, as the insulator suit pressed too hard against her. she looked at him one more time before speaking once more.
"Truth be told, I would also like to know more about you, so, when we meet again, please tell me more. I too will tell you all about myself...I wanna show you I'm worthy of your heart once more, let's meet again when you are ready, I am not one to declare my feelings on a whim, so know my determination is real, and that you will fall for me, Callis Nomene"
Musashi gave an honest smile to Callis as Percival arrived, their conversation was brief, but she noticed the shift in tonality, whatever he had told the beast warrior, it wasn't good.
when Percival returned, he requested her to let Ann know about their meeting, Musashi responded right after
"Whatever you request, Percival-san, I shall let Ann know about this, and we will contact Gianni as well, he has sent stuff to her before, so I assume they are still in touch"
Akane then took Callis hand as she boarded the JHWAB vessel, this had been a triumphant day for the Musashi clan.
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Post by Kuma on Sept 5, 2018 5:04:05 GMT
Japan-Akihabara
Akane had finished her mission with flying colors, for the first time in ages, all she wanted to do was relax and take a break, Ann had left Japan in order to meet Percival, so the next best thing was her sister and Osechi, the three of them were talking at a cafe nearby, when was the last time she had went out with friends anyway?
“You know, It’s kinda weird of you to ask us out, you are always at the dojo, what’s gotten into you?”
“Yup, gotta agree there with your sister, you’re not the type to go out”
Akane paused for a second as she moved her coffee out of the way
“I...met a man you know?”
Mai almost spat her drink when she mentioned that, Osechi in turn almost choked with the food she was eating, the cold Akane had fallen for someone?
“WHAT?! when?!”- Mai replied immediately
“When? more like who?!” Osechi added
Akane laughed a little, this was one of the few times she felt more like a girl and less like a warrior.
“I’ll tell you about him, he is...like a blue prince from a fairy tale.”
“Go on?!!” both girls replied in unison
“But, before that...I wanted to go out with you two, It’s been so long I barely remember how to act like a lady...what if he doesn’t like me?”
Mai held her sister with one arm by the neck, this was so different from her original self
“If he doesn’t like you I’ll break his legs, so don’t worry about that”
Musashi simply smiled, this had been a good day for her as well.
London - Highgate
A small mansion, sitting atop a small hill, surrounded by rolling hills of green. A large tower on its left-front corner with a conic and slanted tiled roof serves as a beacon to anybody looking for the house, half hidden by ancient oak trees. The red brick facade, decorated with white outcroppings and black tiles atop, has a large varnished oak door flanked by several sets of double windows, with wooden blinders. The building had a sad feeling, the kind of feel a man who has been fired after a very long time working hard has, a sorrowful expression of contained anguish, the kind of situation one ends up feeling empathy and pity in equal parts. This was one, of many, buildings Peredur, son of Efrawg, had across the world, obtained after years upon years of work. He bought this mansion 5 years after WWII, after being part of a team in charge of exorcising several ghosts. Here he slowly collected some of his favorite possessions in a well-guarded vault, keeping mementos from across time and space. This place wasn’t just his house, but soon it will turn into the place of his death.
Waiting on the door, expecting guests, was a man clad in white and gold. He had tightly pulled back silver hair, styled into a messy ponytail. There was a strange air of purity around him as if he was emitting light from within his soul. He had been on this mansion for 1 week, discussing with the owner about several important matters. Callis Nomene was waiting for the final guests of Percival Peregrine, checking a small golden clock, the only thing he accepted from the pile of gifts the Old Knight attempted to give him. The Beast Knight stood there, in wait, expecting to see two individuals, a young woman and a young man, who Percival choose as his last witnesses, before starting a new journey. He hoped they would arrive soon, as it seemed that Percival wouldn’t have more time and the Eternal Knight wanted to exchange some words with some of the people who changed his life for the best on his last year in this world. Callis sighed, scanning the area, wanting to see them walking up the road from the gate, open and ready to receive them.
A young girl walked down the road, checking her virtual machine as she finally stopped in front of the open gate.
“Here, huh?”
Ann had been training non-stop since she joined the Musashi, she had told Percival she would get stronger and that’s exactly what she did, the endless hours of simulations and training had proven to be quite fruitful. upon moving closer to the residence, she saw the man that had been with Akane a month ago, he looked different from the footage she had analyzed, but the virtual warrior didn’t think much of it. she was really excited to meet Percival and Gianni again, even though she didn’t know the exact reason for the meeting.
She moved towards the beast warrior, thinking he might have a better idea of what was bound to happen.
“You must be Callis Nomene right?, I’m Ann Parker, Percival is expecting me.”
-I am pleased to meet you, Messa Parker.- Callis perform a deep and courtly bow. -Mr. Peregrine asked me to allow you to enter once Mr. Arachne.- The Beast Knight took a second to wince upon saying that name, remembering the problems he had in the Ogre’s den, months ago, but quickly shook off that feeling. -Once he arrives, not a moment earlier, he desires to talk to both of you at the same time.-
“Am I late!?” Gianni stumbled into the door. His suit was an appalling devil red, his tie the nearly black blue of the twilight zone of the ocean.
-I very much hope you are not Mes… Arachne.- Once again Callis had to make an effort to say the name, possibly clueing in Gianni to knowing his sister. -I must warn you, he is not as you remember him, he has changed.- The Beast Knight allowed a shade of sorrow to cross his face. He only knew Percival for a short period of time, but talking to him for a week allowed him to consider him not only a friend but a kindred chivalrous spirit. -I will take my leave now, please come on in, he is waiting for you two on the main living room, just to the right of the main door.- Callis opened the door and invited them inside with a courtly gesture. The interior of the house was elegant yet sober, nothing too baroque or excessive when it came to decoration. A large staircase climbed up to the 1st floor, with a dark wood banisher and marble steps. A myriad of carpets, a mosaic of different cultures and techniques, covered the wooden floors. To the right of the main door, just as Callis pointed, there was a double sliding wooden door, with only a small opening in-between. The light of a bonfire slipped through the gap, an inviting orange glow.
Ann frowned the moment Callis mentioned the old man had changed, whatever he meant by that? She followed his indications as she walked alongside Gianni, she really felt like hugging her friend, but the beast warrior really killed the moment. The virtual warrior looked at Gianni from time to time, letting out a smile or two as they moved along, she pointed at her eyepatch, which was definitely of his work. If Gianni remembered Ann correctly, he would notice she was different now, her hair was long and she packed some extra muscle, Akane and Mai had ground her to paste dozens of times so that she could become a warrior, her naivety, however, seemed to have no cure.
“Nice eyepatch” Gianni said before realizing it was one he had made. Oh god. He had fucked up. He sounded like an arrogant asshole, didn’t he? Or could he play it off as a joke? He snapped himself out of the feedback loop of social anxiety long enough to clear his throat and smile weakly. “It’s been a while. How’s that Musashi thing going?”
“Can’t complain! they are quite rough at times, but they have turned me into quite an agent, what about you?! I see you still love the flamboyant style, spidey”
The duo finally arrived at the indicated room, what would be waiting for them? Ann really wanted to see Percival now.
Upon opening the door, the glare and warmth of the fire reached them, almost as if somebody blew hot air on their faces. The room was only lit by the crackling flames, causing shadows and light to constantly battle out for dominance over every corner. Some historical mementos were neatly placed on several shelves, trinkets from former lives and identities. In front of the fire, there was a large comfy chair, angled sideways to it. Sitting there was Percival, but he looked quite different to what he looked before. He had a long white beard, his hair was also a white mane falling down his shoulders. His face was a complex network of wrinkles and lines, like the surface of a cracked egg, his eyes, sunken deep beneath his heavy brow, still had a spark of youthfulness, but apart from that, he looked like a completely different person. He turned his neck with considerable effort and wheezed before talking, with a softer voice. -Gianni, Ann, I’m so glad you’re able to join me.- He extended his hand, now almost skin and bones, towards them, hoping to hold one of their hands.
Ann stared at Percival in shock, he was able to alter his age! what had happened to him?
“What is the meaning of this?! Percival, why are you in such a bad shape?!”
Ann clenched her fist, she felt frustration swelling up. The more she looked at the once mighty warrior in such a state, the more she felt like smashing someone, Ann went by his side and held his hand
“What happened to you?” she muttered.
“...the grail.” Gianni gently took a hand that felt as fragile as a paper fan. “It’s gone. It must be.”
Percival coughed for a moment and smiled. -Gianni is right, I found the next one to carry my burden.- His smile was as bright as it could be. - I know this is sad, but for the first time in more than a thousand years, I know what I want to do, at least while I still have time.- His fingers patted Ann’s hand. He still had warmth, but no strength whatsoever. -Please, sit, let us talk.- He invited them to sit opposite to him, on two equally comfy looking chairs. -There is much too discuss and I don’t know how much time I’ve left.-
“You can start by telling me who inherited it” She replied as she sat on the chair, she knew this would happen sooner or later, but Ann had hoped at least to have many more adventures by his side.
“This person...was it the one you were looking for? is that really the ideal person to inherit your will?”
Ann wasn't taking this in the best way, as expected, but this was an unavoidable reality.
Gianni could only stare. An immortal, a man he expected to be around centuries after he was dead, was as withered as the lich. “I… okay.” All he could do was sit, trying to keep his tears down.
-I’ve seen things you wouldn’t believe.- He started. -Pirate cannons blazing over the Atlantic, Aurora Borealis over war-torn hellscapes during the Great War and as you’re realizing right now, I’ve also seen the movie Blade Runner.- He chuckled, but soon that laughter turned into a violent fit of coughing. -Sorry.- He rubbed his throat with a pained expression. -I was trying to lighten up the mood.- He let out a faint smile before continuing. -To answer your question Ann, I think my heir is a better man that I’ve ever was and he’ll protect the Grail and use it to fulfill whatever fates hold in store for him.- Percival smiled. -He is a good lad, in fact, you should ask your friend Akane because she is really into him.- The Old Knight laughed again, once again followed by coughs, this time, less violent than before. -About his identity, you just met him.- He pointed at the window. -Mr. Nomene was the one I was looking for.- He slowly returned his arm to its resting place. -But I didn’t ask you to be here today to talk about that trinket and whoever holds it.-
“That guy?! ...I hope you are right about him Percival…”
Ann looked elsewhere, as she tried moving on from that conversation, there was no way she could accept Callis so easily, and asking Akane was out of the question, as she would never admit she was into a man in particular, not even if he was the most magnificent being in the world.
“So...if that wasn’t the reason as to why you requested to see us then, what is it?”
“I’m sure if Percival trusts him, he’s just fine.” Gianni clung to Percival like he would a wall, terrified he would fall into dust right before their eyes.
-I lived too long and any man, no matter how wise he becomes, is bound to make mistakes.- Percival looked down, for the first time showing sadness. -In my twilight hours, I must confess my sins, as no matter how much good I did, how well I managed to fulfill my duty, I had my share of blunders.- Percival looked away for a moment before looking directly at their eyes. -I killed more people than I care to remember, I brought offspring to this world and left them on their own more than a dozen times.- He continued, every time talking softer and softer, with fainter whispers. -I caused more damage than I could ever have done if I had lived the life of a single man.- Once again the Old Knight lowered his head. -And for that I’m sorry, far beyond what my words can ever manage to explain, I deeply regret the sins I’ve committed during my long life.- His sad tone seemed to suck the oxygen from the room.
-Last century was harsh, I lost so many people I deeply cared about, to the point I decided, at the dawn of this century, to remain as cut off as possible.- He continued talking, slowly increasing his volume back to audible levels. -I mostly managed to do it, until you two arrived.- Once again he smiled. -You two are the two living people who know the most about me and because of that and your friendship, as lamentably short-lived it has been, deserves a reward in my book.- Percival pulled two envelopes from inside a book that was resting on his lap. He gave one to each of them. -I have donated most of my assets to charities and to the descendants of the families I left behind, but I wanted to give you two something special before I left.- He acted offended for a second. -And please don’t try to return it, my patience with that kind of humbleness has run off dry after Mr. Nomene deflected almost every gift I wanted to give him.- He glanced to the side of the fireplace at his sword, sheathed and leaning against the wall. -He didn’t even take my sword.-
Gianni silently accepted the envelope. His first instinct, to reject it, was quashed immediately. He couldn’t hide a certain excitement when he slid his finger into the envelope and popped it open. What ancient artifact could it be?
Ann accepted the envelope in turn if this really was the last will of Percival she would take it without complaining
“Despite everything you mentioned, I still regard you as one of the best men I’ve ever known, I don't know anything about your past, but I know you saved my life, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.”
She popped open her envelope as well, what was it that Percival wanted to give her?
Gianni’s Envelope The deed for the mansion they were in at the moment. A notarized declaration that everything inside the mansion will be given to Gianni A map of the western coast of Wales with a mark and some coordinates.
Ann’s Envelope The deed to a building in NYC, facing Central Park. A notarized declaration that everything inside the building will be given to Ann. A key with a map to a storage depot in London.
-Ann, I saved some small trinkets I got in the 70’s and 80’s, I used to buy anything that got my attention to fight my boredom. I have many rare video games I used once and never touched again, they’re yours.- He pointed the key. -They’re inside the depo lot.- He then pointed at his sword. -I would also like if you could keep my sword.- He smiled. -Mr. Nomene wanted me to keep as he said “a Knight should be buried with his weapon” but I haven’t been a Knight for centuries.- The Old Knight looked at his weapon with fondness. -Is nothing special, but it has saved my skin more times than I could count.-
He then turned to Gianni. -This house has a vault in the basement, the password for it is “Merlin’s Beard”- Percival smiled. -I have trinkets from all over the world and almost every time period I lived, you’ll have a blast appraising them, I bet.- He then pointed at the map. -The map is less of a fact and more of a promise, I’m not 100% sure about it, as I could never visit the island itself, as it rejected me.- His eyes became distant as if he was remembering something. -Around 400 years ago I decided that my journey was taking too long and attempted to search for my King and give the Grail to him.- His smile slowly faded. -I investigated for years upon years and all the information I could gather points to that island.-
-That’s a map to Avalon, laddie.- Percival’s voice echoed, lingering for a moment in the air, as he said something transcendental.
Ann held back her tears once he mentioned the sword, she wanted to accept Percival’s gift with a smile as that’s exactly what he deserved and no less. “I will treasure all that you gave me today...Percival...I thank you from the bottom of my heart, you will live forever in my memories…”
The virtual warrior embraced the envelope and responded Percival with a hug and a huge smile, tears ran down from her cheeks as she embraced the frail body of the eternal warrior, she whispered at him one more time, trying to keep the scene happy rather than sorrowful
“The sword won’t make me go crazy like the last time, right?”.
Gianni’s mouth was just opening and closing soundlessly while he changed colors like a chameleon. He went alternately paper white and deep purple as he gaped like a fish. “I… I… Albion!?” Here he was, surrounded by the wealth he now owned, and all he could think about was the mystical island. He shakily stood and threw his arms around Percival, hugging him tight at first, then quickly relaxing when he realized how fragile Percival was now.
-I’m not made of glass, I’m just old.- He said, trying to lessen their worries. -I’m so happy I could share my final moments with people I cared about.- A single tear slowly rolled off his sunken eyes. -I think my time is coming, I’ll leave, but I’ll leave something behind.- Percival raised his hand, that was starting to fade away. -I’ll miss you two, is a shame we didn’t raid more tombs while we had time.- His whole body slowly started to fade, turning into small particles of golden light. -Tell your friend Akane to seal the deal with Mr. Nomene, or he might go looking for love somewhere else.- He smiled at Ann and then turned to Gianni as his body started to float off the chair. -If you meet my King just tell him one thing for me.-
“What? Of course. He… he really does still live?” Gianni choked out through tears.
-Tell him…- He started talking. -If he still remains in Albion…- Percival’s body started to vanish. -Tell him… That Lancelot wasn’t the only one who got lucky.- The Old Knight regained his youthful appearance as he slowly drifted into light, smirking and letting out a clean chuckle, like a warm summer breeze, that lingered after he left, clearly trying to leave with a joke. -Thank you, laddie and lass.- Was the last whisper that reached them.
“Yes, I will” Ann said still sobbing as Percival began to disappear, what should they do now? this had been such a sad day for her. The virtual warrior grabbed hold of the blade as she addressed Gianni.
“If you ever need my help, don’t hesitate to call me, I might not have been of help with Percival, but I can still fight for the friends I have left.
It took a while for Gianni to compose himself enough to face Ann, but when he did, he was smiling through the tears. “I don’t… I don’t think I should tell him that, huh?” He wiped at his face, but that only made it wetter. “Thanks, Ann. I’m not much help in a fight, but if you need some wight filled ruins explored, or a sunken city dredged through.” He held out his hand, offering a final shake.
“Well, we are down to two, it surely will be much more lonely without the big guy around...It sure sucks breaking the trio…” Ann shook Gianni’s hand as she pulled him for a hug, she really tried her best not to cry like a baby, but now that Percival was really gone, she could finally let go.
Looking from above, standing on the roof of the Mansion, the currently invisible, spectral body of the Knight, the Guardian of Britannia, looked down on the duo. Behind him, a ghostly apparition started to form. “Please keep an eye on them when they’re around, will you?” Percival asked the Knight, before leaving again. The Guardian of Britannia nodded, before vanishing himself, ready to start working protecting the country that saw, more than 1000 years ago, the birth of Peredur, son of Efrawg, a man of many lives, many triumphs, many mistakes and enough virtues and sins for eons. Today was the last day of his long life, but the start of a new journey, to what lies beyond the veil of mortality. That kind of journey only happens once in a lifetime.
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