The Land of Fire(Anyone;Limit 4 people)

OoC: Well, now, lets get this thing started. I'm using Emir but I'm not using her dragon Valakas. . . . .

BiC:

Emir walked through the deserted land of fire. A place few ventured, for it was called the land of fire for a reason. This place, had been engulfed it a catacalismic event that had destroyed the entire land. From ocean to ocean, the entire place, nothing but a huanted wasteland.

Emir continued walking. She couldn't remeber why she was here. She knew she had to do something important, but what. Her mind couldn't dig up any memory of why she was her, what her purpose was here, or how she even got to this blasted wasteland.

"Damnit all. I've been walking for three days with no trace of any life. This place a damn haunted wasteland. No one lives here. And if no one lives here, that means theres no water here either!"

Emir grimanced. She didn't want to die here. not here and not now. She was too young. She still had the rest of her life ahead of her. How could a place like this even exist. She looked ahead of her for some sign of life. And to her suprise, the sight of a few buildings caught her eye.

"Well this is intersting. So much for the so called 'Land of Fire' or 'Blasted Wasteland'. But why would anyone live here? It makes no sense what so ever."

Emir began to run. She wanted to see if there was anyone living in the buildings who might have water to spare.Yeah right. This place is a blast fernus. Like someone would have water to spare. But she continued running. As she approached the village, she knew something was wrong. But she still ran, untill finally she was in the village.

"Figures. This place is nothing but an abdoned wasteland where no one lives, theres no water or food, and no one survives."

The place was burnt out. The buildings were scorched and the ground was blackened. Skeletons of the people who had once lived here could be seen under the soot and ash. Apparently whatever happened here, happened fast and without mercy.

Emir walked through the buildings, looking for some sort of life, anything. A rat, or a roach or something that had a life force. Whats the use. Everything here is dead. I'll be next if I can't find a way out of this place. But something caught her eye. A slight breeze ruffled the buildings, and the sound of a books pages could be heard.

"A book?!?"

Emir walked towards the sound. It led her into the biggest building. It had a sign, but she couldn't read it. It was to scorched for anyone to read it.

She looked around. The book was defintly in here, somewhere. She walked around some tables, and into some rooms untill finally she found it. It was a diary of someone whom had apparently lived here. How did this survive when evrything else is gone, destroyed, burnt to nothing but ashes and soot. It read,

Date: Sedra Nun

Help us. Our land is dying. everything is being consumed by the fiery wrath. Our small village is next. Its wrath will not evade anything nor everyone. Everything will die. Our only hope is that someone, someone with the power of water and ice, can defeat this monster. This fire elemental sent from Hells Gates will conquer all. There is no hope for mere mortals like us. Only she can save us. Only her powers can he-

The text cuts off there.

Sedra Nun, Sedra Nun. That sounds so familiar, yet I can't figure it out. Emir grabbed the journal. It would atleast help here figure out what did this. A fire elemental from Hells Gates. The only thing that came to her mind was a beast by the name of Diablos. The only thing strong enough to destroy with such fiery strength was Diablos. But he was only a legend. Passed down by her people as a tale to scare bad children who played with fire our misused it.

Emir walked out of the building, she didn't want it to fall down on her head. Sedra Nun. Sedra Nun. Grr, what is that date. . . . . . . . Sedra Nun. . . . . . . She walked away from the building. Her instincts told her to go east. She came from the west, so the logical thing would to head east.

"Sedra Nun. God damn, what is that date?"

She continued to rake her brain for the answers. She tried thinking of the months, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, Sept. . .

"September Ninth, thats it, Sedra Nun is September Ninth!!"

She heard the cracking of a wooden stick, someone was here. Someone whom she did not know.

OoC: Let us begin!

OoC: I'm in Avy. I've needed some more threads for Monroe anyway. ^_^

BiC: Impossible. It was just God damned impossible. He couldn't have lost their trail already, could he? He'd read all the reports, examined the scene, and he still couldn't find anything short of nothing. It was such a God damn pain in the butt to go looking for someone that he couldn't freaking find.

The modern fencer had just come from a lead on a small island fortress that had looked almost like this... except on that island there were spectators to attest to what happened, no matter how insane it sounded to Monroe. He simply continued to walk though the wasteland as he thought about what he had seen, and the insane people watching. Then again, that island had been isolated for so long he wasn't amazed at what they claimed. Hell, from the descriptions of both people, he knew one of them.

Monroe reached his hand into his pocket and pulled out a wanted poster. "Zorlo, the Fencer of Tasogare. His bounty is worth it," the bounty hunter whispered as he put away the bounty sheet and continued to walk on. The former assassin removed his tape recorder and smiled as he pressed the play button. He'd listen to some of the testimonies of those who viewed the battle to see what they said happened.

The recorder began rolling, and the most descriptive of the testimonies. Finally, it started: "Well... When he first walked into the town, the one guy looked like a skeleton with some big guns and a strange jacket with the word "Bones" on the back, and a silver cross on the back of his hat. He was really scary, since he could, like, summon lightning down from the sky, and create golden flames, and make his sword a flaming sword, not to mention his guns fired more then six bullets. He was really scary. What was even scarier was that when night fell, he became a really tough looking human that moved so fast he only left a blur from where he started."

There was silence as the man thought about what he was going to say about the other man. It was an almost annoying wait before he said something, but he finally did: "The second guy had eccentric green hair, a golden sword, and a really strange jacket. That wasn't even really the weird thing though. He could produce a strange, green flame like energy off of him that seemed to have the power to nullify any of the magic lightning or fire that the skeleton guy had. IT was a really even match... but it leveled the entire town to nothing but ash and soot in no time. It nearly scared us all to death," the man said as he started crying. With that, Monroe stopped the tape and kept walking.

Each step scattered more ash as Vossler wondered if those two had destroyed this town like that? It didn't matter who or what did it, he'd defeat it and bring it to justice, mostly to avoid himself being dragged to justice. The world was strange, but hell, he would survive the only way he knew: by finding bounties to get him money for essentials.

Suddenly, Monroe stopped at the sound of a crunching twig, and looked down. A twig? What strange luck he had here, but he simply shrugged and looked up, seeing a woman in strange armor. Who in the world was this, and where in the world was he now? There were buildings in this area. Maybe she knew something? Well, he'd find out soon.

He smiled and waves his hand slightly at her. "Hello, my name is Monroe Vossler, and I'm here looking for a pair of bounties. I was wondering if you could tell me if you know anything about them," he stated with a smile, not entirely sure what she was doing here. He'd find out shortly, though.

OoC: Sweet, I was kinda hoping you would post!

BiC: Emir eyed this strange man. Who was he, and why was he here in The Land of Fire? This place was not suitable for life, so how could another person be here?

"Hello, my name is Monroe Vossler, and I'm here looking for a pair of bounties. I was wondering if you could tell me if you know anything about them."

"Well then, heloo there mister Monroe Vossler, I am Emir Sedra. It is a pleasure to see something else besides soot and ash in this town. Might I enquire the names of these "bounties" whom you are after?"

"One is named 'Bones'. He looks like a giant skeleton whom has large guns that shoot six bullets at a time. He is also said to be albe to summon down lightning, create flames, and encircle his sword in flames."

That must be Diablos. Though, he has never called himself Bones before. Makes sense though, since he is technically dead.

"And the other, is Zorlo, Fencer of the Tasogare. A man with green hair, a golden aura, and the power to nulify Bones' attacks. do you know, or have you seen any of them?"

Emir looked over at Monroe. He couldn't possibly be after Zorlo, what had he even done to him? As a member of Tasogare, I can not tell him where Zorlo might be found. However, I can tell him about Diablos.

"I do not know of any Zorlo however, this man you speak of, Bones, I believe I know who and what he is. He is a being named Diablos, from Hell's Gates itself. I believed he was just a myth, which was used to scare little children, but it seems I was wrong. Here, perhaps you would like to read this?" Emir handed him the piece of parchement she had found in the building.

"Sedra Nun?"

"Its an old language, it means Septemeber Ninth."

Monroe began reading the parchment, his eyes closely analysing the the words on the paper. As he finsihed he sighed, "This is defintly Bones, or Diablos as you call him. However, there is no mention of the fencer in this script."

"I believe he was beggining to write about the one who can save this land, obviously one of unpresedented power. I supppose he may be reffereing to the Goddess of Water, Eva, but I am not sure."

"Eva, who is Eva, Emir?"

"At my homeland, Eva is the goddess of water, while Paagrio is the god of fire. They say that Diablos is the son of Paagrio, with more anger and hatred towards the world of man."

Monroe listened intently as Emir spoke of the war between Eva and Paagrio. Though both the god and goddes were the children of the great goddes Einhasad and the all mighty god Gran Kain, they were very very different. Eva treasured the land, and with that, she became the goddess of water, with the power to give life. While Paagrio, whom wanted nothing to do with the world of man, became the god a fire, the protector of mankind. He despized this granted power of his, and used it to destroy much of Emir's homeland. Only when Eva challanged Paagrio, and defeated him, did he stop his destructive reign, and returned to the world of the gods, his powers stripped from him.

However, they say that before his power of fire was stripped from his body, he inpregnated a female orc. Being the god of fire, he created the race of the orcs, and with that, the most powerful female orc there was. And she bore him a son, Trez, or what Paagrio called him, Diablos. Many say that the only reason the battle between Eva and Paagrio leaned in Eva's favour, was because almost all of Paagrio's fire spirit was imbued into his son, Diablos.

"So what you just told me, is that this man, Diablos, whom is also Bones, is the son of a fire god?"

"Thats exactly what I am saying. And thats why this land, is called the Land of Fire, Monroe."

OoC: ohhhhhhh, this is going to be fuuuuuuuuuuuuun!!!! And what will Emir do about the bounty on Zorlo's head, I dont know lol!

OOC: I would also like to reserve a spot too please. But like my compatriot Puck, I too owe people posts, but the people I owe mine to are much more powerful and have bloody rulers.. *Looks to make sure Shrubby-kun is not lurking the shadows*

OoC: After almost a year, a certain warrior takes back his glory, and escapes my mind once again to reek havock on the universe. Re-Introducing: Tantin, The Scarred Warrior From the Future!

BiC:He was getting tired. Tired of walking. Tired of the heat. Tired of the endless desert, that seemed to lay out in every direction. If he was close to something he probably would have kicked it, but of course there was nothing. It was as if the entire world was engulfed in flame, and he had just failed to notice.

Sighing he kept walking forever forward. Soon he found himself growing uncharacisticly hungry. It was a rare occasion, he had been trained to eat as little food as possible, and he was used to that, but now, he was starving. How long had he been out there, days hours, months it all semed a blur. He wasn't even sure if he was heading in the right direction, or just walking in a circle.

“Damnit,” he said as the heat finally got to him as he fell forward, and passed out. Hours later he opened his eyes, and as his blury vision ressurected itself, he saw what looked like a few buildings in the horizon. Excitment. Finally, something, someone. It had been so long, and there it was, a town, or so he hoped.

In a burst of renwed energy, he leapt to his feet, and took off racing towards the horizion. Of course the five or so miles away the buildings where, seemed like nothing to fast warrior, and in an instant he was already there looking upon the broken ruins. Silently cursing himself, he walked into the ghost town, taking in every detail, from the size of the burn marks, to the seemingly new foot steps in the ground.

Snap. A twig snapped in the distance, and instantly he leapt into the air, landing ontop of a two story building. Looking down he saw two form emerge, one a female came from what appeared to be a lirbary, and was holding an ancient text. The other a male, who judging by his attire, and his casset player, was from a time zone much closer to his. Mking himself as small as possible he watched as the two conversed, in a friendly, manner.

Listening carefully he deduced that the two where looking for some demon who dessimated the town, and everything else around. Evil. Frowning as he heard the tale, he already knew what he had to do. He had to find this “diablos”, this 'Bones”, and destroy him. A scum like him didn't deserve to live.

Seeing a slightly pause in the conversation, tantin took this moment to make himself known, laepng off the building, and landing with perfect grace. Imediatly both warriors grabed for their respective weapons at the sight of the sacarred stranger. Looking them down with cold lifeless eyes, the male of the two spoke.

“I am Monroe Vossler, and who are you?”

“Who is Diablos?” Tantin replied without emotion in his voice, completely ignoring the question.

“Presumebly a Demon,” the girl said taking a step forward, “What is it to you?”

“Are you going to hunt him down?” Once again Tantin refused to answer the question.

“yes...” Monroe replied coldly.

“I wish to help,”

“Why?”

Finally he decided to answer a direct question...or sort of, “Did you not want help, or would you rather go about it on your own. I offer you my help, what else do you need,”

“And how do we know you aren't going to betray us?”

“Because If I seeked death upon you, you would already be dinning in hell,”

“Fair answer,” Emir answered, “If you want to help the more the marrier,” She finished smiling.

“More the marrier...?” tantin looked at her confused for a second, but shrugged his shoulders and looked towards Monroe for a sign of approval.

OoC: Hey marius, u gonna post some time soon?? :XD

BiC:

"So where do we go next? I came from the west, and nothing was there. Only more burned ruins, though, as I was heading east, the buildings were becoming less and less ruins. Like they had only recently been burned."

"Well I cam from the North due South. There was absolutly nothing there, only a couple piles of burnt twigs and ashes." Monroe pointed to the North. Indeed, it looked like nothing was there, and there was no wind blowing from that direction.

"And I came from the South due North. Only thing there was dirt, heat, and more dirt. No ashes, no soot, no burning buildings."

Emir looked around. East would be there best bet. If they could find something, or someone whom knew what was happening, then they might be able to stop Diablos. "Do any of you know the date?"

"Hmm, if we knew the date, then we would know how long ago this town was destroyed."

"That would be why I need the date Monroe." Emir looked at Tantin, "This piece of parchment was dated September Ninth. Now, I do know this was not all that long ago because I cam upon this land around September First."

"I have lost all track of time and days. I have been traveling here for all too long."

Emir looked to the East once more. They needed to head in that direction. That was the only direction they had not ventured in. "Well, since we don't know the date which sucks and we don't know which direction we should head. However, I do believe East is our best bet on finding something or someone."

Both Tantin and Vossler noddid. There was a slight breeze coming form the east, and a faint glow, something only a burning blaze could create. "I have a feeling, our prize, is to the East."

OoC: Lets try to get this thing rolling!! ^.^

OOC: Sorry that this took so long, I had to finish up in that other thread me and Zorolo had, if you need something to read, I would read that. And then I had to do a hundred other things for other sites. xD But my posts are worth the wait, they are of a very good quality. =D But if I ever take too long to respond or something, please feel free to God-mod my character so that she at least responds to what is happening to her, like blocking an attack or something, or answering a question. Oh, and sorry if my style bugs you, I am not really comfortable with how this board RPs, resulting in me really doing nothing in regards to having someone else’s character do something. So I tend to say something general, so that the person can write what their character actually does, because well, I am not really an expert on other people’s characters. So yah, enough with my rambling, enjoy! =D


BIC: The air of this place was far hotter than any sauna the lithe beauty had ever occupied, lacking both the steam and comfortable wooden benches to sit upon. The sun high above burned like some crazed coal, it was an angry sun. Never before had the Coquette felt such rays, or seen such a desolate village, the buildings little more than coal, even the earth its self was scorched. It seemed that there was no life here whatsoever, nothing here at all. Why would she be sent to this place, perhaps the arcane magic that took her where she must go had malfunctioned, there was nothing here to be killed nor spied upon. What was her objective even?

One orchid white slipper stepped out of the shadow of a building, behind it a long pale supple leg followed, the skin near lacking pigment in comparison to the charred wood that was its backdrop. The heated air shimmered above the ground, ruffling the ivory silk against the pale flesh that was about three tones lighter. Slowly the intense light slipped up the curved yet slim figure as it emerged from the darkness. It illuminated dully the eloquently clad woman fully, becoming enmeshed in the strands of spun gold and amethyst that were pulled back into a simple yet beautiful bun, dancing upon the stones set in the silver net necklace clasped upon the long swanlike neck, creating a small pool of shadow under the gently rounded chin.

The hollow of her breasts were fully illuminated, framed by the white silk that cut diagonally across it, under the right arm and over the left shoulder, loose where it covered her breasts so that it puff forward, the cloth artistically arranged in layers here, to reveal her cleavage and adding a Romanesque look to the top. The rest of the dress fit perfectly to her form, ending just below her knees, the customary slit to the left to reveal her thigh. It was loose where it had to be, and tight the same way. A garment that drew attention, but still gave her all options of movement possible. The woman’s long straight fingers of her left hand gripped the rosewood handle of a paper parasol, the hue of the unpainted nails accenting that of the wood’s natural color, the harsh rays for the most part blocked by the white paper and golden characters of various flowers. In her right hand, the Temptress held a partially opened fan of what appeared to be liquid metal, the slats made of the customary hardwoods of the Coquette’s clan.

Vana Huine’s violet eyes scanned the streets to either side, the black slit pupils in the center narrowing and expanding as she shifted her vision from place to place. Full lips painted with a single red dot upon the button lip puckered in disappointment, it appeared that her search for life would not end soon. Her perfect feet met with the ground slowly yet surely, small tufts of dust rising from the barren way to mingle with the air for a fleeting moment before settling heavily down in some new place, hardly any of the particles blemishing the soft white of the carefully crafted slippers. The only thing that broke the monotony of the silence was the soft snap of her fan stirring the air, the enchanted liquid metal letting no air pass through it, cooling the scantily dressed spy.

Then the sound of voices met her trained ears, one woman and two men. She could not really make out what they were saying, they were talking too swiftly and the distance was too great for her to understand what they were conversing about other than the fact that it was a relatively serious conversation. Her pace quickened, the end of her dress wavering behind her as the movements became faster, the delicate high-grade silk not making a noise as it slid effortlessly across her supple hairless skin, the footfalls still maintaining their hereditary silence, the fan the only signal that she approached.

It appeared that Vana approached from the south, as the trio moved east, the feline woman weaving her way easily through the numerous burnt buildings, so that she was soon ahead of them. Her sharp eyes picked out their forms easily enough in this desolate place, a slight breeze coming from the east to tousle the edges of her parasol slightly before the woman adjusted the strength of her grip upon the handle, holding it firm against this wind. The woman appeared to be holding some text, the two men were not easily visible from this angle. Careful not to appear as if she was going to attack them, the Temptress moved surely from the shadows of a building for the seconds time today, and some uncountable number in her life, as if crossing the street.

She was hard not to notice, the way that the light played from the ivory silk of her dress, and golden flowers that were pressed upon the paper of the Coquette’s fan. Her hips moved sumptiously under the clothing, with the grace of a woman born with it. She turned her head as if noticing for the first time the people that came her way, brilliant violet eyes catching the light, glowing like gemstones. A small smile spread across her lips, distorting slightly the deep ruby dot that was painted upon the bottom one, the skin around her eyes crinkling a little bit, her skin otherwise smooth, perfect. She was simply, radiant.

“I do inquire of you good people,” she said quietly, her voice like the soft peal of a silver bell, lips moving slowly and only slightly, her eyes cast down on account of the sun, not able to look really at the forms of any of these people, relying mainly upon her preternatural reflexes to save her incase one of these people foolishly attacked. “As to what you are doing? It is obvious that I have no clue as to what I am here for.”

The woman did all of the talking, mentioning something about someone named Diablos, really Vana was too distracted by the sun to take note of all the woman said, quickly agreeing to join with them in their search, of course after a brief introduction.

“I am Vana Huine of the Tasogare and the clan of the Coquette,” she stated simply, moving slowly to the right, fan held high in vain to block out the sun.

OoC: EEK I'm sooo sorry I totally forgt about this battle T.T

BiC: “I am Vana Huine of the Tasogare and the clan of the Coquette,” she stated simply, moving slowly to the right, fan held high in vain to block out the sun.

This is not good. Another Tasogare. And she probably does not relize that one of our own is being hunted by Monroe.

As soon as Vana said that, Monroe was instantly in her face. "Sooo, a Tasogare member, then I'm sure you know of Zorlo?"

"Of course I do. Why?"

Emir grabber her arm and pulled her back. And she whispered in her ear. . . . "Fool, that man is after Zorlo. He has a bounty out for Zorlo. So if you've seen Zorlo recently, say you haven't seen him in years."

"Who are you? And why do you know this?"

"Vana, I am Emir Sedra, the only warlord in the Tasogare. This man, Monroe, is one we can not trust."

Emir and Vana walked in tow. Vana eyed Monroe, but nothing more. Though she didn't answer his question, Monroe let it slide. He didn't bring the topic back up. Tantin and Vossler just eyed her, but said nothing.

"I hope you don't mind more walking. Were leaving this town, we need to find shelter and whats causing this."

Vana just looked at Emir, "Great, more walking. . . . . . . "


OoC: Okay, lets see if we can get this started back up XD

OOC: What happened to Zorolo's post?

Originally Posted by Marius

OOC: What happened to Zorolo's post?

*Butts in*

The site got hacked so the mods had to revert ZU back to a few days ago, deleting everyone's post in that time period.

Vossler stood as the group readied to move, and cast his glance to Vana, and then to Emir. "Tasogare, huh? Having advanced hearing is good to get ahold of fugitives, since I'm more then positive that you two both know damn well where Zorlo is. So, will you tell me," the bounty hunter asked as he moved his sheathed sword up and clicked the blade from its sheathe and readied to draw it, "unless you want a fight, that is," the dark clad man spoke with a dark smile.

The scarred man stepped in front of the mercenary and rested his hand on one of his blades, ready to stop the dark haired man from his assault. "I won't let you," spoke Tantin as he tightened his grip around his blade.

Monroe smiled as he tightened his grip and his body flashed into a blur towards Emir, the sound of metal scraping against metal erupted as two blades clashed and sparks moved from clash of blades. "Flash Step," were the words spoken before the bounty hunter had made his move. The dark clad man let his eyes meet with Tantin's as rage began to move in Monroe's eyes. "Move. I have a job to do!"

"So do we," replied the warrior coldly. "And I will not let you get in the way of that mission. Now then, stay your blade and come with us, or fight us and die."

Albeit Monroe didn't like the things he had heard, he would have to live with them. The dark clad man pulled his blade back and took a few steps back, sheathing his sword. "Where to?"

“We continue the way we where going, before we where interrupted,” The warrior answered without any hint of emotion, “We have little time to waste,” He continued coolly, looking at the sun, “It shall be dark soon, and this blazing heat will turn to a chilling gale as the night takes hold,”

Quickly the Female warrior who had started this escapade took the role of ipso facto leader, walking to the front, directing the traffic so to speak. Behind her, and slightly to the left walked the modern fencer, with a scowl on his face, to his right the darkly scarred warrior walked cooly, his mind seemingly focused on the task ahead as his eyes stared forward harshly. Behind them the ever charming Vana walked smoothly across the harsh ground, never stumbling, or stopping in her graceful walk.

Tantin turned his head quickly towards the Coquette. Does she not recognize me? How could she not...I figured she would. It has not been long since we met, I would have thought her mind could hold information, that long at least. Or her heart, perhaps... Maybe I should have words with her, speak at least. Damn why cant my tounge work, why wont my brain let it move. I need to speak, want to speak, but I cannot. What is this. Its infuriating The man could not help but mentally curse himself, if this was in fact who he thought it was, then why could he speak.

His cold exterior, seemed to fight back against his desires, and even as he turns slightly towards her, as they walked, he could hardly voice the words he was speaking, “Vana...can I ask you something,” Tantin said before quickly continuing with a gulp, not even letting her get voice in, “Do you...do you remember me?” He said nervously, though one could not tell, as he looked just as stern, and cold as ever.

OoC: There I replied >_<

OOC: Sorry for the wait loves. Here it is:

The painted paper of the Coquette’s parasol filtered the blaring rays of the harsh foreign sun only slightly, the shade granted by it deeper in some places more than others, mostly where some flower or other character was depicted. Such a reprieve did not reach far, as the protection that the parasol offered from the brutal light was mostly limited to the shoulders and up, from every angle. The darker area appeared as if it had been cut at an angle with a sharp blade. The white silk of the Romanesque dress and matching slippers was dazzling in such luminosity, each strand catching the energy in a way that was similar to the small jewels that hung in the silver necklace upon the woman’s neck. A slow shadow meandered across the blinding white that was the form of Vana, that of the strange liquid metal fan, the substance roiling with each movement but never coming off of its slats. It was similar to the effect a drop of water has on a coin, aside from the fact that no matter how much the fan swayed; the liquid would not come off.

The Temptress’ lips were still slightly pursed in disappointment at the actions of the others in her party, yet she would not voice it. There were other things upon her mind; such as this entity they were heading to face, or whether or not silent scarred man in their party was the same one that had tried to kill her before. The same person whom she had spared at the Pagoda all of those months ago, that had promised to return, but never had, the assassin from a different time, Tantin. Vana, however, could not get a good look, as the sun was far too blinding for her feline eyes, the person was too far away. So she continued forward as ever, one hand holding her parasol in position against her shoulder and the other fanning her.

His face turned toward her, eyes dull in the shadow of his own form. Yes, Vana thought to herself, it was the same hair. He still has the same pain deep wherein his mismatched eyes. It was as I had guessed; this man hath not withheld his promise to me. He has solved nothing. He is not healed, and I doubt if he ever shall be. She brought her fan up to hide her face from him in a split second, Vana hoped that he had not registered the recognition in here eyes in the split second, she knew he was fast, but as in battle, she had been proven to have reflexes just as swift.

“Vana...can I ask you something,” the scarred one asked quickly, his toneless voice carrying a slightly quicker rhythm to it than usual. His throat bobbed, signifying that he had gulped, a sign to the well-trained spy that he was nervous. Perhaps he fears I shall slay him , Vana mused in her mind. He quickly regained his composure, all emotion draining out of his marred visage. He continued with, “Do you...do you remember me?”

A small thread of emotion sparked in the Temptress’ core, sadness for this one whose life she had spared. Only her feline eyes peered over the top of her fan, hard and cold, violet iris striking in contrast to the liquid metal so close to them. She was silent for a moment, peering deep into his yellow eye, and then into the blue one, her gaze gracing the scars of his face and then his strange hair. She blinked slowly once, and moved her fan further down, to only cover her bust, elegant hand swaying back and forth. The breeze created by the action of fanning moving her hair slightly in its bun, the few strands that escaped it swayed back and forth.

“Yes, assassin. I remember you,” she replied coldly. “I remember your unfulfilled promise as well. I remember the long space of time, which such a promise has gone unfulfilled. I remember nothing else, for I have cast that from my mind. Emotions are sparks of flame that last not long, untended they die, and are hard to revive. Forget such thoughts foolish creature, for they are not returned at this time and redirect your energies to the mission at hand.”

Inside, Vana cringed at her own harsh words. For she knew that she meant them only halfheartedly, but that Tantin must prove himself to her now, something that demonstrated his ability to be healed, something that signified that his shell was ready to be breached. It would be a hard lesson to learn for him, if he chose to walk upon such a path, but it would be a path she could walk upon with him. For as his lessons were stilled on going, Vana had yet to learn anything than humility at being defeated by Zorlo, and was still bound to the Tasogare until he deemed fit. Hopefully whatever awaited them ahead, would lead them on a first step down such a path.

Emir had been mentally cursing herself for even saying something to Vana. His damned hearing, I should have deafened him. Now he knows we now something. Damn him, and should he even try to strike Zorlo down, I fear they both may end up somewhere where they should not be. Emir let out a long, drawn out sigh, she couldn't keep the trust hidden from this Monroe. He was a trained bounty hunter, used to seeing hints and catching his prey. But Emir couldn't stay mad forever, it wasn't in her. Damn me and my sentimental personality. Emir put a hand over her eyes and looked towards the direction in which they were traveling, the sun was beating down upon their backs and she couldn't help but over hear the slight conversation between Vana and Tantin.

“Do you...do you remember me?”

“Yes, assassin. I remember you.”

Emir couldn't help but sense the cold, vehement tone she had. They apparently had some past history together, but Emir didn't want to pry.

“I remember your unfulfilled promise as well. I remember the long space of time, which such a promise has gone unfulfilled. I remember nothing else, for I have cast that from my mind. Emotions are sparks of flame that last not long, untended they die, and are hard to revive. Forget such thoughts foolish creature, for they are not returned at this time and redirect your energies to the mission at hand.”

"Umm lets see if we can't find something to help us in our mission!" Emir figured it would be best to change the subject quickly before something worse happened. "Tantin, why don't you take the lead and see if you can't find anything of use." Emir watched Tantin out of the corner of her eye, he looked at Vana with such sad eyes and Emir couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of sympathy for the man. She slowed her step, perhaps maybe this time she would pry, she wanted to know the history between Vana and Tantin.

Emir could see a slight sign of sadness within Vans' own eyes. "Vana, I want you to tell me what happened between you and Tantin, perhaps so I could understand what has gone on between the two of you. You don't have to go into to detail, but please, as a member of the Tasogare, tell me."

Vana looked away and sighed, but said nothing.

OoC: Omg, my posts sound like craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaap right now. I need toget back into the game here >.<

OoC: *Posts* Oh, and all members of the AoT, which means you three, we're going to be having a real big AoT thread before long... with nine people. More details to come as soon as tis posted. ^_^

BiC: Monroe trailed the group, keeping a distance from everyone else as he slowly moved along, not really interested in what everyone else was doing. Apparently the scarred man and the strange woman with the catlike eyes had some kind of past. Didn't concern the bounty hunter. The woman with archaic armor seemed to want to get involved with their problem, but the mercenary couldn't have cared less. That might have been his problem: he simply didn't care about others.

Well, that wasn't entirely true at all, actually, since the dark clad man did care about a few people. There were some people he could call friends, and those people he'd also fight for. Strange thing was that most of said people were women, but then again, Vossler was the kind of guy that wasn't a big fan of male counterparts. Something about that seemed to not work, but, then again, the dark clad man didn't really didn't open up to men at all.

The few people that the dark warrior did see as allies were few and far between, but still, that didn't mean he didn't care about them, it just meant he didn't want to be near them so they didn't get hurt. That was, most likely, his whole rationale for not being around people. At any time, someone close to him had the chance of being killed, whether by one of his targets, or by the people that were searching for him from where he was from. Either way, the people that Vossler treated as equals were in danger anyway, given their professions, but still, he didn't need to make it worse.

With a heavy hearted sigh, the modern fencer slid his right arm out of his jacket and rested it upon the handle of his photon sword, which lay on his belt. His gun was fully loaded, and his photon sword was good to go, not to mention the countless other bullets that the skilled warrior had. And, if worse came to worse, Monroe did have his knife for grappling combat. He hoped to avoid that, but still, it was a good tool to have if it came to it.

Now then, the dark clad man looked at the group of flunkies he was working with and sighed. At least their drama would be enjoyable to listen to as they tried to settle it and at least one of them had to not be weak. Then again, Monroe had learned from experience not to judge based by appearance. The strange powers people had made them stronger then they seemed, but the enhanced human didn't assume any of these people to have any powers. If they did, well, then this might be a little bit more interesting when he actually has to interrogate the two Tasogare Alliance members.

The dust from the others’ passing was becoming increasingly thicker as the company moved along the street; perhaps it was because the ground upon which they were walking had grown lighter in the past few steps. To Vana, it smelled, and looked, like the ash content was growing, meaning that they were journeying in the correct direction, toward whatever was causing this unbearable heat. The heat was worse than the ash, that with each step rose and settled upon her flawless, and hairless, skin and lovely white toga, small staining streaks sprouting up everywhere instantly. It did not do well for the Coquette that the scorching heat had started to make her perspire, even just a tad, as she had only a few sweat glands, causing the soot and grime to stick to her alabaster skin. Yet, while her body was becoming wear worn, the angelic visage of her face was kept pristine by her skillful fanning.

She heard the effort by Emir to try and change the subject, the woman stating her hope that something beneficial to their journey will hopefully be found ahead, Vana through the sheer power of observation knew such to be true. They were moving toward the epicenter of this place, and for once the Temptress was not sure that she was prepared, would her battle prowess and liquid metal fan be enough? There was a reason the Kitra, Coquette Mage, had given her the fan for this mission and had not let Vana select her own, Vana had thought it was because how badly her last fan selection had ended, in destruction to the rapier of Zorlo, whatever this fan had to offer, she would need, but if it was sufficient Vana had to trust that it was.

The other woman ordered Tantin to the front of the party, and then hung back close to the Coquette. The Lady Huine knew what was coming; the leader of this little group and fellow Tasogare member was to ask her of the past. The woman urged her, trying to get her to disclose information with the ploy of appeal to clan loyalty, a clan that Vana was not in voluntarily nor wished to be a member of. Although it angered the Coquette slightly that an appeal had been made to her membership, there was no harm in disclosing the story. Perhaps there was a lesson to be learned in all of this…

The two full primrose lips parted slightly, releasing a small sigh as the angular chin shifted to point away from the other woman. The purple feline eyes unfocused and then refocused, recollecting the memories from the Rose Wood Pagoda, the deadly dance in the light of the Pink Willows. A slight coloring rose in her pale cheeks, full lashes batting twice before the woman turned her face toward Emir once again, catching the other’s eyes intensely for a second, before staring forward once again.

“Many phases ago, in the time of my people, my house-mother asked me to make homage to the Rose Wood Pagoda, and to feed the scared fish which historically feed my people. After this task was complete, I rested, as is custom, upon the edge of the floor, staring into the waters, seeking to connect with the Ancestor Spirit. When I sensed a presence,” Vana Huine paused, peering at the form of Tantin ahead, twirling her parasol once with the hand that held it against her shoulder. “He asked for me, and gave no information. I knew in that instance that he was an assassin, so I tried to dispose of him using the tricks of the Pagoda entrance. But it did not work as planned. Thus a fatal dance was started, one of such speed, precision and grace as I ever did experience. I came out the victor, and I sparred his life. I felt in him something else, something that some primal sense within me picked up, told him what happened into my mind. That if he continued with the path he was walking, that he would die. I offered him salvation. He told me of his past, of what he must do. He asked me to wait for him, I answered that we would meet again. But I did wait at home; I made much homage to the Pagoda, completing missions as swiftly as possible and then returning. Never did he return.”

The near emotionless tone of her own voice angered Vana. Why must she always remain so calm? The demeanor of her race often annoyed her, with much left unsaid and unresolved. Yet such actions were what preserved the honor and power of the Coquette, separated the feline women from the rest of the drabble of the world. She wetted her lips unnoticeably with her tongue, the outrageous heat having dried them out, when normally weather conditions produce no visible effects upon her people. She would need water soon, and she had only packed a few small canteens that were strapped onto the pole of her parasol along with a small tin of smoked trout. She had expected this mission to be a long one, but not in such harsh a climate.

“Once again we meet, in this strange place, and what he has said he must do has not been completed. He never even sent word to tell of his progress. This has lead me to believe that now he is beyond the redemption which I offered of him,” the Temptress looked at the other woman calmly, her gaze slipping across the features of Emir’s face, a brief smile spread across her lips. “That is the history, there is nothing more to know.”

Emir pursed her lips, it was an interesting tale yes, but also a sad one. She let him live, yet it seemed that he was not going to return the favor. However, Emir noticed an almost unusaul calmness in her voice. Most people get upset or angry over such things, yet this is not the case for her, how strange . . Emir continued to walk next to the Conquette, though not speaking a word to her.

"The ash is beggining to thicken, I have afeeling we are headed in the right direction."

Emir looked up, it was Monroe who had spoken. "It seems there is an orange aura in the distance, perhaps that is where the beast that is causing this destruction lay." Emir fastened her pace, for she knew that it would not be long until the beast had destroyed the entire village or whatever was in the distance. We must hurry, if we don't we may not be able to catch the beast.

Emir was now in full run, and the others were running in pace. She judged from where they were to the orange aura was no more than 10 miles or so. If we keep running, we should bethere soon, how I wish I had Valakas.

OoC: ick horribleness, but hopfully that will get us moving again