[Power Shot] Mesfido and Jaina's training

OoC: Ok link is in siggy, of course.

BiC:

Slowly, amid the fluttering and swaying of his gigantic wings Mesfido lowered his vast muscular mass onto the beautifully sculptured white marble railing that formed the barrier around the high southerly facing balcony hundreds of metres above the Dome’s northeastern gardens. Some of his pure white feathers floated down silently from where he was perched.

His soft blue eyes carefully surveyed the beauties of the serene and magical place. They took in every detail apon every object in every corner admiring the magnificence of the tiny transparent wings of a bright yellow bee to the soft elegance of a flourishing pink rose. A brilliant sparrow hawk flew gracefully across the bright orange sun setting in the picturesque sky.

The angel left his perch spreading his wide wings and took flight. Carefully he followed the tiny predator through the sky of pinks and reds and oranges. He watched it diving and weaving through the soft highlighted clouds its brown and greyish feathers reflecting the suns rays turning it into shining god among beasts. Suddenly the bird went into a dive chasing down onto its prey. The angel felt a wave of cold blood race from his head all the way to his toes. Quickly he forced the doors in the depths of his mind closed, once more locking all his dark thoughts back to where they belong: locked within the dark of his complex mind.

The angel pulled into a dive of his own heading smoothly towards the soft grass on which the dew was beginning to settle. Landing softly he stood and then began to walk through the immense stone archway.

Mournfully the angel stepped into the cold corridors of the Dome, he felt the earth beneath him change; change from the soft wet grass into the hardened stone tiles of the Dome. His mind began loosening the locks on its door once more.

A hand tapped the angel on the shoulder.

A freezing rush of blood rushed through every inch of the infinite depths of Mesfido’s mind.

Quick as a strike of lightening the angel’s darkened right hand reached out and formed an iron grip around the supple tissue of the unlucky man’s neck. His face began to grow pale. His quivering eyes were locked into a gaze of death. The angels darkness filled eyes stared deep into the man’s mind, crushing it. A horrid pain filled his entire body as though his body was being crushed under a twenty-ton anvil.

A flash of light sparked through the angel’s eyes. They opened wide. Quickly the darkness left them and was once more forced into depths of the mind.

The angel’s grip of death loosened. The man felt the gigantic weight reseed from his weak mind. The quiet angel spoke.

“My apologies are ones of sincere sorrow. I doth thou wrong but you knowst not what I am. Thou should take more care in how thou approaches another.”

The man lay on the stony floor, his thin hand rubbed across his sore neck.

“I know exactly what you are! You are yet another one of those arrogant warriors that believe you have right of god to do what you please!”

“Thou art a fool, sir, it is many years since I lost the right of the creator. Now tell me why was it that thou wishes to speak with me?”

“You are to be assigned a new trainer, sir Kenjin. I hope for all our sakes he can turn you into a decent being.”

The man lifted himself to his feet wiping off all the dust from his robes then turned his back on the fallen angel and walked off towards the gardens.

Slowly the angel began his walk back through the halls of the Dome. His mind was filled with thoughts, thoughts of the lack of understanding of humans with which he was quite familiar with and thoughts of this new teacher of his.

OoC: Ok there ya go, if some it doesn't make sense try reading up on Mesfido as he is quite the complex character. Hope you like it!

Interesting...not too many errors for me to gripe about.

Assignment Time!

With the knowledge of your new teacher in hand, it has come to your attention you should find where Kenjin makes his lair. It is this reason you must locate the room and training center of the Encorna. It is found on the topmost floor of the Dome, and is blocked by two massive iron-wrought doors.

It is your character's duty to make it to Kenjin's room. But beware, the way to the door is filled with danger. This danger and how you deal with it is of course up to you. 500 word minimum. End the post in front of the doors.

Stares and murmurs followed the angel wherever he went. He could feel hundreds of sets of eyes burning into the back of his head, he could hear silent whispers spreading vicious words. The heat was building in his thick blood bringing it to a boil. With the heat came a fear, a fear of himself, every minute he could feel the pressure building both inside and out calling forth the monster from the depths of his mind. He walked on trying with all his might to contain the beast.

The fallen angel had heard nothing of his new teacher since the message he had received the past day, curiosity was beginning to get the best of him. Setting off for any clue, any sign of this mysterious Kenjin, Mesfido roamed the halls and corridors of the gigantic Dome with which he was beginning to become more familiar with each passing day. He had heard many whispers around the halls talking of the Encorna’s decision to take on several new students but still he had not seen the man for himself nor did he know where to find him.

* * * *

Mesfido sat silently on a bench by the end of the fountain in the gardens. The gardens where the one place in the entire building where the angel felt free, everywhere else he felt unwanted and unwelcome.

The spray off the magnificent fountain was falling lightly through the air creating a sort of thin mist around the marble structure. The damp air was settling gently on the angel’s large muscular figure clearing his thoughts and mind from the stress of the pervious days. A tiny goldfinch landed quietly on Mesfido’s large leg. It looked up at him with its miniature black eyes tilting its head to the side as it did so. The small bird repeated the movement several times. It was as though it wanted the angel to follow it. Slowly the large man lifted himself from his seat on the mahogany bench, the bird flew into the air before his face, again making the tilting motion and then took flight. The angel spread his wide wings out to his side and then elegantly took to the sky.

The tiny bird was already numerous metres ahead of Mesfido. It was rather fast for its small stature. Mesfido silently followed the bird through the dazzling midmorning sky. The bird led the angel up the gigantic walls that surrounded the gardens. Balconies and windows whizzed past the angel’s large bulk all turning into a massive flowing blur of white and stony greys.

Eventually Mesfido caught sight of an enormous marble balcony hanging several meters out from the stony walls. It was a truly majestic structure. The base of the balcony was covered with rich mosaics of ancient Greek Gods. A beautiful portrait of the fair Aphrodite laid set in the middle of an elegantly made fresco, her long golden hair flowed down over her bare chest and over her thin crossed legs. Next to her was a fresco of the Greek War God, Ares and below that a painting of Apollo pulling his chariot across the sky. Two expertly craved pillars held a roof over the beautiful masterpieces. The pillars themselves were masterpieces each one with a bust of the mighty Zeus craved into their centers.

The goldfinch landed softly on top of one of these busts. The angel followed the example by landing on a massive mosaic of Hephaestus and his fiery forge. Before the angel was a huge archway riddled with mythological creatures and stories. He could see the story of Heracles and his twelve labours and his eventual death and ascension to Olympus. Through the archway was an immeasurably large hall filled with even more beautiful pieces of art than the balcony or the arch. A giant hundred foot tall gold sculpture of the Colossus stood in the centre of the room holding the decorated oval roof in place with its golden hand. The walls of the dome shaped hall were lined with indescribably beautiful works of art. Finally Mesfido’s eyes came to a stop on a pair of iron-wrought doors embedded on the opposite side of the room. The goldfinch flew by the angel’s shoulder and over to the top of the doors where it settled its carefully. Mesfido stepped out onto the white tiled floor following his trustworthy guide.

The room began to spin. Faster and faster it spun, the masterpieces on the walls spinning around and around all of them turning into one massive muddled blur of thousand apon thousands of different shades of different colours. The room continued to spin ever faster, the angel couldn’t close his burning eyes. The blur of colours was now turning into a tapestry of blackness. His entire sight was black apart from a single colour that stood out on the canvas of black: the gold of the Colossus that stood before him. Suddenly the gargantuan hand began move stiffly from its placed by the ceiling. Mesfido thought that his eyes must have been deceiving him. He was soon shown otherwise, the colossal hand came crashing down on his large stature.

The massive golden fist was hammering down on the angel smashing him into the white floor but the angel was holding firm against the assault, his arms straining to keep the hand from crushing him. He was beginning to loss ground, his dizziness from the still spinning room was greatly affecting his senses.

The hand lifted once more into the air and then with more force than ever before came crashing down before the angel sending masses of tiles flying in all directions along with the fallen angel. Mesfido’s head was pumping, his blood was racing through his ears thumping against his eardrums. He could barely hear anything apart from the blood racing through his body and he could barely see anything but the blood red tide. The gigantic fist came in for another attack, the angel barely rolled out of the way in time. Lying on with his stomach against the cool floor the angel pushed out with his hands up righting himself once more. He could barely make out the monster that stood before him through the haze of red and black. Mesfido lowered himself into a defensive position readying himself for the next assault. It came sooner then he would have like.

Crashing down with the force of a thousand men the fist of the Colossus smacked down against the angel’s outstretched arms. His body shook with strain as he attempted to hold the massive weight of gold from crushing him. The angel could feel himself weakening and with that he felt his dark side growing, relishing the chance for a second of freedom. The fist was beginning to push down on the angel crushing his weak attempt at survival. Mesfido’s arms gave in. The fist came crashing down.

A bolt of darkness erupted from beneath the colossal hand launching it from its position against the tiled floor. The angel stood panting with his sword drawn and his eyes shining with darkness. With a quick movement Mesfido, or rather Venalis launched himself into the air charging straight for the ugly golden head of the Colossus. Skillfully dodging the swipes from the gigantic hands of the Colossus the angel quickly made his way to the neck of the towering beast. With a single swift sweep of his sword the angel removed the monster’s head. Its entire body fell with a tremor nearly equal to a full-blown earthquake into the darkness of the spinning room.

Slowly the spinning of the room began to lessen. Venalis stood with his sword in hand over the body of the beast he had just slew. His sight began to return to normal but his eyes remained dark. All the artwork around the room was now fully visible as were the doors where the goldfinch sat silently perched. The angel flew over just as the room began to shake once more.

The entire room was collapsing piece by piece. The roof was falling in giant pieces of stone and marble crashing into millions of pieces against the hard floor that was now beginning to crumble beneath the added weight. Within minutes the only thing that remained were the massive doors protected beneath a tiny settler. The angel smirked as he looked over the rubble that had once been a truly beautiful sight to behold.

“I really do love destruction.” He said gleefully to himself.

The tiny bird began chirping behind him. Venalis turned his head over his shoulder and saw it sitting atop the iron-wrought doors.

“But I do loathe birds.”

A quick blast of air erupted from the angel’s fist and fired straight into the tiny bird’s chest knocking it off its perch and into the wall. It was a grotesque sight.

The angel turned his attention to the doors that stood before him He slowly passed his hand over them feeling each ridge and dip in the metal. He could feel power radiating from behind the doors.

OoC: I went a bit overboard on the 500 word min. Its about 1,500 I think

Ahhhh....such confidence. I love it.

Assignment Time!

Now that your character has found the lair of the mysterious Encorna, it is now his task to open the doors that lead to his sacred teaching room. But beware, both doors are sealed by such strong magic that only the most powerful warriors can even grasp their handles.

It is your character's task to open (or not) the door. Because of the door's power, put all effort into opening the door. It reacts differently to every student, but always forces them to work before yeilding to anyone. They have minds of their own when it comes to letting people in.

700 Word Minimum.

The massive angel seemed dwarfed next to the gargantuan shining metal doors. His height of over six foot was minuscule when compared to the set of doors. Each one of the doors had different designs carefully carved into their tough surfaces. A gigantic yin-yang was carved over the two doors, the yin on the left and the yang on the right. Around the symbol were many other complex designs but yet none of them took anyway from the Chinese symbols. This mass of symbols was the only thing visible on the two doors; there was no form of handles or any other method to open it. It was clear that it was a magical door. The final challenge.

Venalis stood still for minutes, his eyes looking for any clue of a way through; nothing came to him. Minutes turned to hours but still he saw nothing, he was beginning to get frustrated. The angel placed his calloused hands against the cold melt of the door. His right had rest against the yang and his left against the yin. He pushed.

A burning circle of magical energy erupted from both the symbols sending the angel flying from his position by the door onto the pile of rubble that had once been that beautiful room. Venalis’s back cracked as his spine smashed against it; he was a man that despised failure and weakness above all else; he was not going to give up without a fight.

Sorely the angel stood back onto his two strong legs. Spreading them into a wide base across the remains of the tiled floor he drew his mighty sword from its sheath. The angel gritted his teeth grinding his tooth caps against each other. His grip on the soft handle of the weapon was tighter than the grip of death. He could feel the blood pumping through his hands as it flowed against the leather handle. Venalis spread his feet wider strengthening his stance.

The angel stood unmoving for minutes a look of mad concentration in his dark eyes. Finally with a massive cry he sent forth an assault of his most potent magical attacks.

“Dissimulo Tenebrae Caelum Ferio Venalis Impetus!”

Firstly, a cloud of darkness burst forth from the cruel angel’s sword. Quickly the darkness coated the entire structure of the two doors. Secondly sharp blades of air exploded from the tip of the sword which was now swinging madly through the air. The lashes of wind sliced against the tough surface of the iron doors. Finally the angel lifted himself from the ground his sword held out in front of him and charged at the two doors. With a ferocious battle cry he began swinging his sword at speed untraceable with the human eye.

The onslaught of metal against metal continued for minutes with neither Venalis nor the mighty doors giving any ground. Then quite suddenly the doors began to tire of the angel’s pitiful attempt. The yin-yang symbol began to radiate two extreme lights one black one white. The white light quickly dissolved the black cloud that was covering the door. The black light smacked into the defenceless chest of Venalis knocking the angel onto his back for the second time that day. When the dust had cleared the angel lay unconscious while the doors remained unscathed.

* * * *

Thoughts began passing through the angel’s unconscious minds. His two sides were dancing the dance of death around each other each fighting for control of the body each arguing with the other.

“Leave my body you foul evil. Can you not see that you can’t use it to its full extent? It is for me to inhabit not for a sinister evil like you.”

“I have chosen this vessel and I am here with you whether or not you approve.”

“You are but a leech crawling around my mind waiting for your chance but that chance shall not come, I shall not let it.”

“Ah but you shall for I am within you always and forever. There is nothing you can do to stop me. You need me, I am your strength.”

“My strength? I would think not, you are what saps me of my strength and my mind. You are my only weakness.”

“Weakness? I despise weakness. You shall pay for that insult. I will make you suffer more than you can imagine.”

“You are weak; you could not even open those doors. You are too blind to even see the keyhole when it was right before your eyes.”

“You lie! There is no way through!”

“There is no way past as we are but there is if can live as one even if it were only for a simple moment.”

“Again with the lies! You deceive me angel! You are trying to trick me into returning this vessel to you.”

“Like you say, I am an angel therefore I do not lie. Listen if you want to pass through those doors we must cooperate.”

“I shall never need the help of another to get anything I desire.”

“Though art a foul Venalis. Do you not remember?
I am One, I am All
I am the bridge that connects the sides.”

“Yes, I remember……… You do have a point, angel……… I shall allow it.”

Sight began to return to the angel’s eyes.

* * * *

Slowly the angel lifted himself to his feet. It was a sight never seen before; he was glowing, radiating power and balance. His entire right side was glowing the darkest black that was slowly swaying in tiny swirls that reached out into the air turning everything around the angel black. His left side was radiating light, a light brighter than that of a thousand stars set in a clear nights sky, the light made everything around it shine like a river reflecting a bright full moon. The only thing that wasn’t shining was the darkness and the only thing that did not appear dark was the light. I attempt to describe you the scene but as you can see it contradicts itself. It was a muddle of everything and nothing. Amid the shining dark were two eyes, the eyes of the angel, one was a shining light blue and the other was the darkest shade of navy possible.

Slowly the glowing angel lifted his hands and moved them towards the mighty sword that was held tightly in its sheath. Placing both his dark and normal hand on the sword simultaneously he drew it from its enchanted sheath.

A blinding flash of light exploded forth from the metal of the blade. It was as though a beam of light was the blade attached to the leather handle of the sword of the pact. Slowly the light began to fade but only parts of it. Blackness began to appear through the light and with that blackness a shining metal also began to appear. Slowly the light faded nearly completely all that remained was a bright light radiating around the edges of the blade and a word that was shining atop the dark colour of the blade. Ventum.

The shining angel lifted the mighty blade above his head. An unearthly voice erupted from between his lips.

“Sententia Ventum!”

With massive force the blade came crashing down onto the tiled floor. A gigantic beam erupted from the tip of the sword. The beam was mingled with both light and dark neither gaining space from the other. The beam tore through the tiles ripping them all into tiny pieces; it was heading right for the door. A second before impact the beam split, the light headed towards the yin while the dark headed towards the yang. A massive explosion of white, black and dust erupted on impact.

Slowly the light, dark and dust began to disappear. The doors were just visible through it. They were different now; the yin-yang had been inverted. The yin was now a pure white while the yang was the darkest black.

Slowly the doors began to slide open. The angel collapsed just as they did. The glow around him faded and his sword returned to its original corrupt form. Slowly the angel managed to open his bright blue eyes and as he did caught a glimpse of what awaited him on the other side of those magical doors.

OoC: You should feel blessed you just got a glimpse at what will be Mesfido's final form! Hope that didn't confuse you, The bridge bit is a reference to the sword of the pact that I have yet to explain fully to anyone. Word count= 1,392 ( I went a bit overboard again.)

I attempt to describe you the scene but as you can see it contradicts itsel.

Interesting, but normally you don't use the word "I" in narration. It can be done, but usually such a thing is done in third person.

Assignment Time!

Now that your character has overcome the mighty feat of defeating the door, he is ready to embark on the Encorna's training. But something is missing, what could it be? Ah, your character has yet to meet the Encorna!

Entering the room, your character finds himself surrounded by a massive Japanese palace. Enter through the atrium, which will lead to a training mat surrounded by a pool of deep water ten feet across. In the dead center of this mat will be the mighty Kenjin, deep in meditation.

Describe the Encorna, use as much detail as possible. Kenjin does not give off an energy like most fighters do, keep this in mind. Kenjin will eventually notice you have arrived and invite you onto the mat. He will then ask Mesfido if he is ready to embark on the journey of Kenjin's training. Your new teacher will warn you about the dangers that may come from this, and possible death. Have your character answer, and end your post there.

And because I feel spiffy, 1,501 words. Exactly.

Mesfido’s eyes seemed completely blank as he gazed through the opening where the two doors he had fought so hard against to open had once stood. Before his sight was nothing, complete nothing. An infinite empty space stretched out as far as his eyes could see and further still. Not even a sound or a breath of air could be heard or felt in the land of vast nothingness. The angel could not believe the sight that lay before him; he could not believe that he had wasted every ounce of his strength and energies for nothing. A rage began to build in the back of the angel’s mind, a rage fuelled by Venalis. The mighty Mesfido placed his shaking hands down on the dusty and destroyed remains of the white tiles that had once been spread across the beautifully pieced together floor. Pushing his chest from the filthy ground as tremors of exhaustion racked both his mind and body, he began to pull his body across the jagged pieces of tile that now formed the floor. Driven by his determination the fallen angel dragged himself forward.

A river of blood flowed from the angel’s wounds closely following his passage across the floor with its sharp meanders and soft curves riddled between the lumps of marble. Breathing heavier than he had ever done before Mesfido stretched his hand out before him straight into the nothingness.

A flash of light filled the angel’s blue eyes. He felt his body yanked from its anchor to the earth. He felt soothing cold water running over his sore body cleaning his bleeding wounds. He felt all of this but he saw nothing. A bird sounded a high-pitched caw in the back of his mind. His eyes opened in the nothingness and were quickly filled with everything.

The tall angel stood in a gentle meadow filled with grass that rose above his knees. A feeling of renewal had swept over his entire body and when he glanced down he saw his bare chest looking as whole as ever. Tranquility filled his mind. The angel took a moment to admire his beautiful surroundings.

The tallest mountains he had ever seen enclosed the meadow in which he stood. These mountains stretched miles apon miles into the dense clouds that curtained the rich blue sky. A large crow flew across that deep blue sky, its black shape silhouetted across the fiery orb that was the eternal sun. Quickly the angel realized that it was not the sun he was used to admiring every morning. This sun didn’t burn his eyes as he stared into its depths in wonder watching the different shades of red, orange and yellow swirling about each other. With these bright colours the shadows and dark spots that he had never seen before were also visible but they were in a perfect balance with their counterparts. It was as though ever colour in this land was richer and deeper and each with more meaning behind them than those of any other land.

Mesfido’s eyes came to rest on an immense building, the only one visible in this picturesque land. A deep red wooden Chinese palace rose up from the land, its dark red towers reaching hundreds of metres into the sky. Its reddish brown walls stretched the width of the entire meadow. Hard stone foundations stood just above the ground supporting the wooden building atop them. A long line of low gently sloping but wide steps protruded out from the front of the tough foundations, a tall archway with the yin-yang painted on its centre sheltered the intricately designed steps. Mesfido began walking slowly towards the enormous building.

Finally Mesfido arrived at the wide stone steps that now reached out before him towards the majestic palace. The golden yin-yang glowed momentarily as though acknowledging his presence.

For what seemed hours the angel continued the trek up the seemingly never ending steps but his body did not tire, this place was effecting him in some way or another. At long last the angel felt the stone leveling out beneath the soles of his shoes. He now stood in a large open square atrium surrounded by the high walls of the palace, three open archways ran off the main atrium each one heading off in different directions but the scene through each door was the same; another large courtyard with another equally large archway at its end. The only visible difference were the signs set in the centre of each arch. The left had the yin, the right had the yang and the centre had the yin-yang. Mesfido took a sharp right deciding that the yang would allow him passage, as he was what he believed he was pure of heart. He headed straight towards the large arch and began to walk through its centre.

The yang above his head began to glow brightly, its light shining down on his shoulders. Suddenly a golden wall began to form before the angel blocking his passage. It seemed that the arch was rejecting him, Venalis’s presence within him most have been stronger than he had thought. The angel made one final attempt to pass by the shining golden barrier. Drawing his sword from its sheath he held it above his head. With a strong quick downward swing from his powerful arms he sent it crashing against the obstacle that stood before him. His weapon shook on contact. The impact made no dent or scratch on the protective wall.

Suddenly the shaking began again, much more fiercely this time. The wall began to sizzle, Mesfido’s blade rapidly began to glow red-hot but he could not release it. Within seconds the heat travelled down the conductive metal and passed through to the handle. Mesfido tried with all his might to remove his hands from the hilt but it was as if they were stuck in place. He let out a deep cry as the heat steadily increased.

Finally his hands slipped from the weapon but still it remained suspended in middle air. Smoke began to rise from the now fiery red blade. With a loud explosive noise the blade was launched from the wall and sent spinning through the air finally landing in the centre of the atrium where it continued to spin.

The blade spun for several minutes before it came to a stop, its tip pointing towards the yin-yang arch. Mesfido walked into the centre of the open aired room and stooped down to retrieve his blade. He lifted his eyes from the ground to the yin-yang that stood in the centre of the arch. Slowly and more carefully than before the angel approached the archway. As he passed under it the yin-yang began to glow softly but only for a second. The glowing symbol triggered a thought in the complex mind of the angelic man.

“The yin-yang, perfect balance of good and evil; the balance that I must achieve if I am to live in peace.”

A flash of light passed through Mesfido’s mind’s eye. The room in which he stood changed, a pool of water now lay in the centre of the courtyard and suspended on top of that water was a training mat where a fierce looking man sat tranquilly mediating.

The man, even when sitting down in the full lotus, looked truly fearful. Mesfido was certain he stood at a height above even his own impressive stature. The man wore a black gi and a pair of ninja wrist guards. His muscular arms more embroidered with magnificent tattoos. The yin-yang symbol lay tattooed just below either elbow as well as across the front of his gi. Seven empty balls of blank energy surrounded the Chinese symbol. The man’ face seemed young and peaceful as he sat mediating. His dark hair seemed to sway like the shadows as it sat untamed around his youthful forehead. The man spoke.

“At last, the first student reaches me... Come join me in mediation.”

The man’s eyes remained closed as he spoke. With a powerful flap of his wings Mesfido lifted himself into the air, across the water and onto the mat where he silently sat down beside his new master.

“I must say you have caught my interest. It takes one of much inner strength and desire to pass through my doors but be warned, young angel; there are much harder trials to come. Do you still wish to continue with your training?”

“It is my desire to repent for my sins and for that I must have the power to face them, the power which I lack. I must pass through your training to achieve that power.”

“As I thought... My training shall not by any means be easy; you may not even complete it alive.”

“I would welcome death. I have wronged many in my long life time and I have caused much suffering... it may be better if I was to once more pass from this plane.”

OoC: 1,501 words as requested (well mircosoft thinks so anyway.). Hope its satisfactory!

And now, for an BiC post discribing Mesfido's first upgrade...

BiC:

"You have spirit angel," Kenjin said, his voice echoing through the empty dojo in the palace. "I commend you for such bravery, it is rare that a person will willingly face my training. Often, it is said, that my teachings dabble in all forms of power, and can often destroy the student. Are you certain that such teachings are for you?"

Mesfido nodded, assuming the same stance as his new master. "I wish to repay the sins of my past." Kenjin seemed to accept this, nodding as he did so.

"Very well then, young Mesfido," the Encorna said, opening his eyes gently to his new student. The piercing orbs shot through the angel's body, freezing him to the spot. The Encorna simply stared at Mesfido, the angel telling that his master was judging him somehow.

"Darkness and Wind," Kenjin said at last, averting his gaze on Mesfido. "And just a touch of Light. Yes, you will be a fine student. In time however, and with diligent training." He moved his body, and was on his feet in an instant. "Let us rise," he commanded to the angel, who followed the order, getting to his feet.

"Pardon me Encorna?" Mesfido asked, looking up at the huge form of his teacher. "Could you tell me why you addressed me as 'young?'" If anything, the angel was anything but young, well over several thousand years of age.

"Because my child," Kenjin replied, raising his gloved hands, "I am far older. In fact, I am not quite sure I have an age. I was simply created, so I am the senior here, formed many millennia ago."

"Of course Encorna," Mesfido answered, bowing lightly to Kenjin.

"Now then," Kenjin mused, looking over the angel's attire. "I certainly can't have you training with such simple garb on, now can I?" he asked, raising a brow at the deshi. "You need a new cloth that you shall wear at all times in the Dome, to perfect your training. I call it 'Sparing Armor,' to teach you how to battle in my style of combat."

He raised a hand to the angel, closing his eyes once more. "This won't hurt...much," he added, a smile briefly flying to his face.

Mesfido felt nothing from the Encorna, something utterly unique in his years of fighting. But that did not mean that a warrior of Kenjin's status was to be taken lightly. Something was flowing through his body, Mesfido could feel it. It only took a moment, but Mesfido was covered in a new garb, just as Kenjin had promised when the Elemental withdrew his hand from the deshi's body.

"It is done," Kenjin stated, looking over his handiwork. "You will wear this cloth until I deem you worthy to remove it."

Mesfido glanced over himself, seeing that he was now wearing a uniform similar to Kenjin's, but with minor changes. His pants had been altered, pitch-black instead of the cream color. Zigzags of white rushed around the legs, down to the black boots now on his feet. And now he wore a shirt, black as the night. An undershirt had been added, for the regular shirt was sleeveless, colored white.

He looked to see that the tattoos had been left open to the air, completely untouched by the transformation. Holes in the back had been added for his wings, parts of the cloth reaching to cover his wingtips. And on the lower left-hand corner of his shirt was the yin-yang symbol. His wrist were stained white by bands that covered his forearms.

"What is this for?" the angel asked, it certainly didn't feel any different then his regular outfit.

"Ah, I forgot of course to activate it," the Encorna paused, before snapping his fingers loudly. Instantly, the cloth began to work, pressing on Mesfido with all its might. The angel fell to the ground, groaning lightly as he attempted to rise from his knees. "This suit is special, and increases your weight according to my leisure. Right now, you are twice the weight you normally are, and it is here that your true training will begin."

OoC: Woo, that was fun!

Assignment Time!

With your character clothed in strange garb given by the Encorna, it's time to see what he can do! With an order from Kenjin, your character will leave the palace to the world outside, yet he will still be in Kenjin's room.

Your mission: to rescue a maiden that was stolen from the Encorna's dojo by wolf demons. They make their lair in the forests in the far east of the room. 2,000 word minimum. Ah, and for fun, because I know you know that, you may not use the following words except in diolague: is, am, are, was, were, be, been. Enjoy!

“Now, young Mesfido, for your first trail I need you to pay a visit to the forests in the far east of this land. When you arrive there you must search for a maiden that was kidnapped from my dojo several days ago. She is being held captive by wolf like demons called Lupi.”

The Encorna lowered himself back into his mediating stance and closed his dark eyes once more. “I shall watch from here.”

“As you wish.” Mesfido stretched out his massive white wings their brilliant feathers reflecting the low sun. Pushing with all his might he lifted himself into the air. The extra weight really showed, just to stay airborne he had to strain every muscle in his wings, back and shoulders. Fighting hard to keep a straight course the angel set course towards the high mountains.

Mesfido flew up higher and higher above the dojo using all his strength to flap his quickly tiring wings. Suddenly a massive extra weight added itself to the angel’s. Turning quickly into a downward spiral the angel’s body began plummeting back to the dojo floor that rapidly came up to meet him. His face stood only meters from the wooden floor to the left of the Encorna’s pool. All of a sudden the weight lifted itself from his shoulders once more. With inches to spare the Mesfido managed to pull out of the dive. He now stood floating in the air before Kenjin, a board smile lining the Encorna’s face.

“I was just seeing how you coped with four times your normal weight. I guess you have a while more to go before your training at that level.”

Slightly annoyed Mesfido returned to the air but more wearily than before this time. He couldn’t stay angry with the Encorna for long as now the extra weight that he had added to his own felt much lighter than before. The angel set off once more for the mountains that loomed up before him, his body bobbed up and down slightly as he flew heavily through the air. Once or twice he went back into a dive luckily none of them affected him quite the same way the first had.

* * * *

Several hours had past since Mesfido had left Kenjin’s palace. The angel had long since reached the mountains. His wings ached with pains as he had landed atop the peak of the highest mountain. No longer wishing to continued travelling by air the angel had taken to foot. Mesfido had made good progress down the side of mountain for a man that weighed twice his normal weight and only had thin air to breath: The air he could deal with but the extra weight had caused several problems.

As Mesfido travelled down the mountainside a strong blizzard had suddenly started. The angel decided he had made enough progress for that day. Taking shelter from the vicious snowstorm in a large cavern the angel lay down to rest his aching body.

Outside the day changed to night and the night back to morning. Mesfido awoke covered from head to toe with stiffness and aches. Shielding his eyes against the exposed sun the angel gazed out the large cave entrance.

Far in the distant apon the horizons the angel saw a barren land. A large wide river seemed like the only thing alive in the entire region. He couldn’t see a tree or a blade of grass in that barren wasteland.

Closer, at the base of the snowy mountain, stood a large forest. Mesfido could sense a dark presence radiating from the very centre of the secluded wood. Evil sounds drifted up to the place where the angel looked down apon the land. Mesfido could feel eyes apon him, watching, always watching. Unwillingly the burly angel lifted himself from his seat at the cave entrance and began on the long trek that lay before him. His already tired body went even less willingly.

* * * *

After spending the past night and day in a frozen land of snow and ice the angel found the forest more inviting than he had expected he would when he had gazed down at it earlier that morning. Mesfido now stood before the first row of trees that formed the entrance to the dark forest.

A large cluster of massive willow like trees rose up before the angel their drooping branches and dark green leaves coming down to about his eyelevel. Behind the willows the trees rapidly disappeared into shadows and darkness. A constant rustling seemed to fill the air as though some manner of evil creature lurked behind each and every bend, within each and every shadow. Mesfido could still feel those ever-watchful eyes plastered to his very being. Lifting his heavy foot from the ground the aching Mesfido pushed his way through the hanging leaves of the dark trees and into the depths of the forest.

Mesfido carried on with his journey through the forest. The darkness and the fact that everything looked the same made it impossible for the angel to have any idea of where he had passed and where he hadn’t, he had to rely on his inner sense and hope that it would lead him to the Lupi and their captive.

Hours apon hours passed as Mesfido walked deeper and deeper into the forested land. Mesfido could still feel those eyes apon him but had yet to see the owners. Finally he heard something running through the bushes behind him. Carefully he lifted his massive black hand to hilt of Venalis. He drew the weapon from its enchanted sheath, holding it before him; the angel felt its massive weight more than he had ever done before. Something passed through the trees to his left. His gaze turned south. Nothing. He heard a noise behind him. Quickly he spun around to face it. Nothing. The noises and the turning continued.

Slowly the moon rose high into the night sky throwing its soft rays apon the cool forest floor. Another noise sounded to Mesfido’s left. He turned. Nothing. Less than a second later another noise sounded from the tree behind him. Suddenly a vicious black beast leaped from the darkness out towards the angel’s turned back. Turning has quick as he possibly could under his extra weight the angel spun and faced the shadow beast. Sharp fangs smashed against the angel’s blade. Briefly a pair of massive monstrous yellow eyes materialized before Mesfido, they had disappeared within a second. Mesfido lifted his heavy arms slowly into the air and held his blade above his shoulder. Before he had time to swing the blade at the space where the lupus had stood another set of teeth gripped the blade that hung over his shoulder. A jagged jolt of pain passed through Mesfido’s body as the claws of the lupus racked against his defenseless back.

Mesfido fell to his knees his massive weight anchoring him to the floor. Another jolt of pain passed through his body as the lupus’s claws came in for another attack this time cutting deep into Mesfido’s tender left shoulder. A growl sounded to the angel’s right. A pair of bright yellow and row of white teeth leapt at him from a large tree. The sharp teeth clamped down on Mesfido’s rock hard right arm. Whimpering the demon retreated back into the shadows.

Knowing that the beast would wait before its next assault Mesfido rose back to his feet and lowered himself into fighting stance. A growl sounded from behind the angel and then immediately after another one sounded to his left. The lupus had gone to fetch reinforcements. Mesfido cleared his mind as the Lupi closed in. Listening out for their movements the angel readied himself for the attack. He knew that with his useless speed he would have to rely solely on timing.

The lupus behind him leaped high into the air. Just the beast lifted itself from the ground Mesfido did a quick turn and made a short swing with his blade. The slow but strong movement took the beast’s head off in a single swipe its motionless body fell to the floor where its dark blood slowly began to seep into the soft earth. Mesfido heard the bushes to his right rattle as the remaining lupus retreated probably to call apon the help of its allies. Mesfido lifted himself from the ground with his powerful wings. Though they ached with the previous days flight they already felt stronger as they carried the angel’s increased weight through the foliage. Mesfido followed the sound of the demon travelling through the plant life meters away from him.

The chase continued through the dark forest as both demon and angel tore through the forest canopy, Mesfido could feel the dark energies growing. He could feel himself closing in on the remaining Lupi and their captive. Finally the angel burst through the foliage and into a large clearly lit by the moon.

Before the angel stood a horrific sight. A group of Lupi, about two dozen, sat silently in the centre of the clearly. For first time Mesfido saw the beasts in proper light.

Where every Lupi’s head should have stood a mutated unnatural head of a black wolf with two massive piercing yellow eyes set above a row of jagged white teeth jutted out from its neck. The tall creatures arms fell down at their sides each one tipped with jagged claws. All the beasts seemed slouched over as though the human like legs could not support the beastly upper body. Thick black fur coated each Lupi from head to toe.

Within this scene of yellow eyes and darkness something stood out; a head of bright auburn hair. A young woman with bright red hair lay unconscious and strapped by her wrists to two large trees in the centre of the clearing. She wore a dark emerald dress with large rips now running through it. Two large leather bags covered her bound slender hands. Her head fell limply apon her chest.

Every pair of eyes slowly turned towards Mesfido. Knowing that the demons outnumbered him by far he began making plans to reach to girl suspended by the tree branches. The angel slowly began readying his body for a quick spell. The Lupi started growling each one baring their teeth for the angel to see. Mesfido’s hands radiated a deep green.

Three of the Lupi launched themselves at the angel. The angel thrust his hands forwards releasing his spell.

“Flatus.”

A large blast of air erupted from his large palms and flew straight towards the girl. The air cleared the path of any Lupi that had stood between Mesfido and the woman. The angel flew straight towards her. Holding her light limp body in his arm he snapped the chords that bound her. He lifted himself into the air above the forest. A terrible howl sounded behind him. Seconds later the angel felt a searing pain as a lupus dug its lethal teeth into his tender leg. Mesfido’s body quickly plummeted back down to earth his extra weight carrying him that bit faster.

A large thud sounded as he crashed against the forest floor the young woman fell from his hands on impact; she landed several feet from him. The yellow eyes of the Lupi stared at him once more all of them forming a tight circle around him. They began closing in. Mesfido had no choice he would have to fight. Standing limply on his wounded leg the angel drew his massive weapon. Five of the Lupi jumped at him all from different directions.

The first came at his head. Dodging it carefully Mesfido smacked it in the ribs with his right fist as it flew by. The next came from in front. Its long claws managed to dig into Mesfido’s hip as it leapt by. Another came from the left. Turning as quick as his weight and wound would allow the angel gave a short but powerful swing of his weapon cutting through the beasts supple chest inches before it reached his own. The fourth demon leapt out before the angel standing on its hind legs it began swiping with its sharp claws at Mesfido’s chest. Barely managing to dodge he Mesfido lowered his shoulder and sent his tremendous weight flying into its chest. Unaware that another beast lay in wait behind him Mesfido watched the beast fall against the circle of its kin. The lupus that lay behind him launched its at the angel’s turned back, knocking him over it lay on top of his body its claws against his back.

Mesfido heard a large explosion above him followed by a fearful whimper followed by several other explosions followed by several other whimpers. The weight of the lupus on the angel’s back lifted. Slowly Mesfido began to haul himself from the ground, his eyes settled silently on the sight before him.

The girl with the auburn hair stood before him flames encircled her entire body, balls of fire floated above her palms, a fierce fiery red burned in her eyes. All the Lupi ran in fear as the young woman launched fiery orbs at them as they retreated to the shadows. Eventually the whimpering stopped. The fire around the girl vanished slowly as she walked over to Mesfido and stretched out her naked hand before him; Mesfido caught sight of the leather bags several feet away.

The angel felt warmth pass through his body as he clasped the girl’s hand, with her help he pulled himself from the ground. He looked into the fiery eyes of the girl that stood below him.

“I owe you my life, fair maiden.”

“And I owed you mine, so, there are no debts here.” She had a gentle voice that soothed the soul.

Mesfido could now see the woman in proper light. Her young face looked slightly unusual but rather attractive. Her high cheekbones stood just below her fiery red eyes and her large red lips completed the look on her tanned face. She opened those lips once more to talk to the angel that stood in front of her.

“I assume that Kenjin sent you, a training exercise no doubt. If you wouldn’t mind I would like to return to the palace, I am rather sick of this place.”

“Grab onto my back and I shall fly you there.”

Carefully the woman placed her hands around Mesfido’s thick neck. Her small weight felt like nothing after what the angel had become used to carrying. With a gentle flap of his wings Mesfido lifted himself and the woman into the air, the wind rushing past their faces.

A smile of joy broke across her face. “It is along time since I have flown, it is a feeling I shall never forget,” she said partly to herself.

“It is one of the joys of being an angel... Please excuse me, fair maiden, but I do believe I didn’t catch your name before.”

“Its Jaina.”

The angel and the woman flew past the high mountains and towards the Encorna’s palace.

OoC: IS, AM, ARE, WAS, WERE, BE, BEEN, IS, AM, ARE, WAS, WERE, BE, BEEN, IASMAWRAESWEBREEBENE! Sorry just getting that out of my system....word count-2,529, hope tis of a satisfactory level!

You misspelt a few words, and forgot to place the 's on a few certain items. But other then that, not too shabby. Much better then when I was in your steps. This excersize is actually one Ry-san used to use, modifed for your training.

Assignment Time!

With Jaina in tow, fly back towards the palace to show Kenjin the fruits of your labors. He will not be impressed, and question why it took so long. But Kenjin is tough like that. It will also suddenly occur to Mesfido and Jaina that they are both rather hungry from their trip, and ask Kenjin if they may eat.

Kenjin will comply, and the sparring mat will open up into a lake teaming with fish. It is your job to catch these fish without using magic, or any forms of weapons. You and Jaina must capture three each for the Encorna's lunch, in one hour. These fish are all very smart, and very strong.

2,500 word minimum. And to spice it up, Mesfido must be blindfolded, and rely on sensing Elements to capture the prey.

OoC: I would just like to say that this post a very important post in ZU history. It is the post where I finally hit triple figures.........woooooo I got 100 posts!

BiC:

Mesfido’s physique of sinew and muscle cut effortlessly through the air and past the rising sun, Jaina’s legs swayed behind limply as she hung to his neck with all her strength. The two merrily discussed the day’s events as they headed towards the Encorna’s palace at the far end of the meadow. Mesfido was grateful for her company; it had been along time since he had been in the company of friends. The angel felt comfortable around her, she had an odd effect on him. The angel felt that he could be more open around her rather than his normal withdrawn self.

Just as the massive red sun rose up to its highest point apon the canvas of blue Mesfido and Jaina arrived at the steps of the palace, carefully laying Jaina down onto the ground the pair continued up the stairs. As Mesfido had placed the girl down their eyes had meet momentarily, the light blue and fierce red gazing blankly for a second, the two turned away shyly after which an awkward silence had followed.

Deep in conversation the journey up the stairs seemed to pass much faster than it had the first time Mesfido had walked them. Passing through the yin-yang arch in the main atrium the angel and the girl walked into the open room containing the Encorna and his mat. Kenjin sat deep in mediation his eyes closed over. The pair took a step towards the mediating Elemental, as they approached he lifted his heavy eyelids revealing those pitch black eyes. The eyes looked Jaina and the angel causes the pair to be rooted to the floor. Kenjin did not look happy.

“It has been nearly three days since you left here, Mesfido. What took you so long? Explain yourself.” The Encorna’s voice sounded calm as always but a slight tone of annoyance had now entered it.

“It is a long journey to those vile woods, it alone took me an entire day travelling as fast as I could. During my passage over the mountains a blizzard came down apon me halting my progress for the first day. I did not reach the forest till the second.” The angel replied slightly irritated that all he received after his hard work was a scolding.

“I have high expectations for all my students and so far you are yet to fulfill them. I know you are capable of more than this otherwise you would not have even made it through my doors. I expect to see a significant improvement during you next task.” Kenjin’s gaze left the two bodies as he closed his eyes over once more.

Timidly Jaina spoke up, “ Encorna, I have not eaten for several days and my stomach begins to grow weary. May we have something to eat?”

“I have never been able to refuse you Jaina. Very well, you are to catch three fish each. These fish are to be caught within the hour and shall be served for my lunch. You are not allowed to use anything other than your bare hands to catch them.” Kenjin rose from his seat atop the mat his eyes opening once more as he did so. He turned to face Mesfido and Jaina again, “I will return in one hour.”

The Encorna vanished, as he did so a massive lake appeared where the pool had been only a second beforehand. The entire room seemed to grow as the pool did. It now seemed to stretch out miles in every direction its corners barely visible in the distant. Mesfido could see fish splashing apon the surface of the lake. His stomach let out a loud rubble as he caught sight of a silver fish breaking the surface with an amazing leap into the air. Tearing towards the lake at full pace the angel removed his heavy boots as he hopped along. Jaina followed him closely behind.

As Mesfido approached the water’s edge his sight suddenly left him. The angel toppled head first into the water as he lost his balance. He heard Kenjin’s voice in his ear as he fell.

“I forgot to mention that you have to complete this task blindfolded. Consider this a test of sorts, you will have to rely on sensing elements to catch these fish.” Water rushed into his ears as the words left them. Mesfido began floundering about beneath the water’s surface trying to find some air for his water filled lungs.

Heavy laughter reached the angel’s ears as his face broke the water gasping for air. Jaina stood watching from the lakeside she was holding her stomach in laughter. Gentle tears rolled down over her prominent cheekbones.

“Oh my God! You should have seen yourself! It was so funny; you just ran straight off the bank as that blindfold went over your eyes. Then all I could see was her hands clawing around under the water... I have to say you look better in the air than the water.” Letting out a last few giggles and whipping the tears from her face Jaina sat down under the shade of a tree that had appear along with the lake.

Looking rather confused Mesfido began turning his head from side to side searching for his tormentor. Finally after not being able to she Jaina, only hear her giggles he decided to try something else. Clearing his mind the angel began trying to focus in on all the energies around him.

Ever so slowly dim colours started to form in his mind’s eye. He could see blues beneath him, greens above him, browns around him and two dots of red one amid the greens and one directly in front of him. He focused in on the red opposite him. Slowly it became clearer but as it did the other colours became dimmer. The dot had grown arms and legs and a face was just beginning to appear. The lips began moving; Mesfido heard Jaina’s gentle voice floating over to his ears.

“I think I’m just going to have a nice sunbath, the waters a bit cold for my liking. You can be the gentleman and catch my fish for me if you like.” Mesfido could see the red shape’s arms moving as Jaina removed her emerald dress and placed it down next to where she lay back down beneath the sun.

“Well I’m not too sure on me catching your fish but I’ll be back with mine in a minute.” The red shape lifted its hand from the ground and waved it in a lazy dismissing fashion.

Turning his attention back to the blue beneath him. Concentrating on the colour with all his mighty mental strength Mesfido began searching the icy water that he could feel around him.

Bit by bit like the pieces of a jigsaw being put together hundreds of different shades of blue began to appear in the angel’s mind. The largest shade was a light sky blue that completely surrounded Mesfido wherever he looked. Every other shade was set on top of that clear blue. Not one shade was the same the only likeness between them was they all moved in a similar way their shapes rippling like waves as they rolled over the sky blue. Finally the shapes came into whole proper living shapes. Each separate shade now resembled the shape of a fish. Hundreds of fish all varying in shape and size filled Mesfido’s mind’s eye. A massive fish swam by just before Mesfido’s face. The chase was on.

The burly angel tucked his drenched wings in against his sides and went into a dive focusing his mind in on the fish. All that was visible in his sight now was the blue form of the gigantic fish. The fish dived down further and further into the depths of the lake. Mesfido followed it closely behind his extra weight carrying him down quickly through the water.

Deeper and deeper they went the fish carried on untiring. Mesfido was certain they must have been nearing the bottom but still the depth kept on coming. Suddenly the angel felt something collide with his left shoulder. A stinging sensation filled with body as he made impact, it caused his concentration to slide. The angel lost focus and was no longer able to see the defiant outline of the fish. Other colours entered his view, a large patch of brown lay to his left; it must have been a rock jutting out from the lake. Lacking the energy to continue the chase Mesfido turned back

After travelling a long distant the angel reemerged for the water utterly breathless.

“This is harder than I thought it would be,” the angel said out loud.

“Well I wouldn’t say that now, I’ve already get mine,” Jaina’s voice called back to the angel, she raised her hand, three fish were held inside it.

“What!? But you’ve just been sitting there the whole time,” Mesfido sounded truly mortified when he heard those words.

“Eh, no I haven’t, I went and caught mine while you were chasing after that big eel. You might want to get a move on, you’ve been swimming around that water like a headless chicken for over twenty minutes.” Jaina lay back down to sunbath placing her hands behind her head as she sat bathing below the hot sun.

Mesfido began to concentrate on the waters once more but he held his concentration harder than before this time. Clearing his mind again the shapes of the fishes within the water began to appear before him. This time he continued to concentrate until the colours in his mind became so vivid and defiant that he could nearly feel them. Still Mesfido continued to concentrate. Deep and rich browns began to come into his vision marking the rocks and outcrops along the bed of the lake. Finally he dove back into the water to continue his search for food.

More aware of the shapes and sizes of the fish Mesfido began looking for a suitable fish. A fish shape of a slightly silvery blue colour caught his eye its unusualness making it stand out. Keeping his mind’s eye on the fish he resurfaced taking a deep breath and then dove deep into the water.

The angel swam down below the fish, he knew now that it was not wise to approach a fish from above. Slowly he began to move towards its turned back. Closer and closer he drew its tail was now only inches from his face. He pounced.

Grabbing onto the large fish with all his strength he tried to wrestle it into his grasp. The fish began flailing about its large tail and fins swishing around below the water. Mesfido held on for dear life. The fish's large slimy tail smacked against his face. A grotesque feeling of filth rubbed against him as the tail hit. Squirming free from the angel’s clutches the fish raced off away from him. These fish were beginning to get on Mesfido’s nerves. Using his wings to propel himself forward the angel fell into yet another race against these creatures.

The fish swam out before the angel leaving him in its surf, travelling as fast as he could beneath the water Mesfido followed as closely. Somehow the angel was gaining ground on the fish its tail nearly in reach. The fish broke the surface of the water and went into a massive jump. Launching himself from the water with his powerful wings Mesfido charged at the creature his fist pulled back. Splat! The angel’s dark right fist collide with the fish’s spine sending it flying over the surface of the water until it landed several feet from the relaxing Jaina.

“About time Mefi. Now lets see if you can manage to get another two before your time runs out.” Jaina gave the angel a wink that he could just make out on her red figure in his mind as he returned to the water. With a loud splash Mesfido broke the water’s surface entering its depths once again.

A few minutes later Mesfido appeared above the water with another slightly smaller fish. Throwing its limp body over to the bank he dove back into the depths of the lake. He made up his mind and decided that he would get the biggest fish he could find. Becoming more used to his sensual vision he scanned the depths for a true prize.

Finally he found what he was looking for. In his mind’s eye he saw what must have been a fifteen-foot long pike like beast. Even in his blurring colour vision he could see its massive filthy teeth. He began swimming in front of the beast’s massive eye trying to catch it attention. Mesfido was beginning to enjoy himself; this task was turning out to be simple enough. The gigantic monster fish’s eyes moved slowly in their sockets following the angel’s every move.

Suddenly the beast lashed out with its strong front row of razor sharp teeth. Using his wings to push himself backwards Mesfido managed to dodge the attack. Turning his back on the monster the angel began to swim towards the surface wanting to have some form of advantage over the creature. It followed him keeping a steady pace its streamlined body cutting effortlessly through the water. Using his wings from time to time to gain speed the angel continued his ascent.

Less than a minute later Mesfido broke the water again for what seemed the hundredth time that day. The beast’s head followed him closely. To the angel the head was simply the same dark shade of blue as it had been beneath the water but to Jaina it was a horrid sight. Its large green slimy head was coated in seaweed, cuts ran down the sides of its face and its entire left eye was missing.

The creature’s teeth lashed out at the angel that stood suspended in the air above it. Mesfido effortlessly dodge, air was his element he was not going to be beaten in it. The fish earned itself a kick in the face as it pulled its head back under the water. Mesfido could see the creature retreating back down deeper into the water. He launched himself back under.

With what would have been a whipping sound above water the pike like fish pulled its long thin tail back wrapping it around the unsuspecting angel’s leg. Pulling Mesfido down further the creature crashed its jaw down on the angel. Lifting his hands just into Mesfido managed to hold the horrid jaws at bay. Straining to keep the beast’s jaws open he sent a powerful kick into the roof of its mouth. The pike thing jaws released him. Dragging the angel down even further with its tail it snapped its jaws at him again.

Before the creature could close down on him Mesfido smacked it across its slimy face with his left fist. Slightly dazed it pulled its head back once more. Taking that moment to strike Mesfido used his to hands to snap the tail that bound his leg. Thick purple blood began to ooze from the mutilated tail. Mesfido retreated back to the surface yet again. The fish followed him.

Flying far above the water the angel headed away from the beast. When the fish’s head was just a tiny speck on top of the water he turned and charged at it his fists held before him.

Crack! A bone crunching noise sounded as the angel made contact. The fish was out cold. Mesfido dived down as its body fell back into the lake’s depths. Grabbing the remains of its tail and slinging it over his shoulder he broke the surface for one final time. He swam over to the bank where Jaina lay.

“I think that was a bit over dramatic, no? I’m not certain that the whole flying charge was quite necessary.” Jaina wrapped her dress around her body, stood up and walked over to the approaching angel.

Mesfido dropped the fish down on the bank and rubbed his forearm across the blindfold on his eyes.

“Here, let me help you with that.” Jaina pushed her arms up to Mesfido’s face and placed her hands behind his neck. Gently fiddling with the knot she undid the blindfold. Her fiery red eyes once again met the blue ones of Mesfido. An awkward silence fell for that moment. It was broken by the appearance of Kenjin. The room slowly began to change back to normal.

The Encorna eyed the pair briefly and then turned his attention to the six fish lying on the floor.

OoC: Sorry if the editting isn't up to scratch my sister is currently holding a small party of loud drunken woman who are playing loud annoying music. Oh yeh word count is-2,777 I think.

Not too much trouble, not much I can nit-pick at really.

Assignment Time!

Now that you have caught the fish, it's time to learn something that every fighter should learn! How to beat up the catch of the day!

As Kenjin heads down to observe the fish the two characters have caught, the fish spring back to life, morphing into strange, foul-smelling warriors in fish armor. And guess what? You'll have to beat them all again, only this time, Jaina and Mesfido will have to work together in battle to overcome them, because Kenjin forgot to remove Mesfido's blindfold.

Kenjin, upon seeing his palace invaded by six fish men, will promptly leave them to both Mesfido and Jaina to fight off, and take a well-deserved nap. Not only should the fish fighters be beaten by the time he wakes up, they must also be prepared for eating!

3,000 Words. And no magic allowed, because I feel evil. Kenjin can not only bestow things, he can also take them away in his room-world.

OoC: Woo, I managed to finish it.

BiC:

Slowly and casually Kenjin approached the row of fish lying on the ground before him. He had a wide variety to choose from. Each fish was different in size and colour.

Three of the fish, the ones Jaina had caught, sparkled brightly as the sun beat down on their scales. Tiny rainbows seemed to form on their glimmering bodies as the rays of light exposed them to the Encorna. All three fish were smaller than the ones Mesfido had caught but each one was more beautiful than any of the fallen angel’s. The smallest of the fish was quite possibly the most elegant looking fish that Mesfido had ever laid eyes on. Tiny golden scales lined every millimeter of its fragile body, a darker patch of flesh surrounded its emerald green eye. Even in death the eye was such a vivid colour that it seemed to have some life remaining in it. Jaina’s second fish so slightly larger than the last but not quite as majestic, soft silvery white scales formed a protective coat over its supple flesh. A light crimson colour ran over it belly leading up to its small dark eye. The final one of Jaina’s fish was her largest reaching to a length of about four foot. Violet scales covered its rather flat body.

Mesfido’s fish were all slightly less elegant. The massive pike like thing lay across the floor its stinking body seeping slim onto the ground. Chunks of algae covered patches of its extremely dark green skin. Two long point teeth protruded out of the creature’s bottom lip sticking out in front of its closed mouth. A pair of large black eyes were set in the fish’s grotesque face. The second of Mesfido’s fish was his only remotely attractive one. Its body stretched a length of about eight foot covered from end to end in dim silvery scales but nearly as impressive as Jaina’s silver fish’s. A set of miniature sky blue eyes were placed close together on its face just above the its up turned nose. The last of Mesfido’s fish was rather plain, it had dirty greyish scales that covered its entire body apart from its dull black eyes.

The Elemental picked up each fish in turn closely surveying every creature with the utmost care. After having inspected each individual fish Kenjin turned his gaze back to the pair that stood before him. He held his gaze on them for several seconds and then glanced back down at the fish. The giant man knelt down beside the row of fish turning his back on the two people behind him again. Kenjin’s voice began to sound through the air reaching the prickling ears of Jaina and Mesfido.

“I have to say I don’t think either of you have worked up enough of an appetite to eat yet, so I am going to give you more challenge before you do.” The Encorna’s hands were passing slowly and gently over the bodies of the fish, unaware to the pair of friends the fish were beginning to radiate a soft light as Kenjin past his hands over them.

The Encorna rose from his knees waving his hand over before his eyes as he did. He spun and faced the woman and man speaking as he turned. “Let the task commence!”

The entire room began to change once again rapidly transforming itself into a coliseum like building. High empty stands rose from the ground quickly growing to heights of over fifty foot, sand began to seep on between the wooden floorboards quickly covering the every speck of wood. A pool swiftly began to form below the fish their glowing bodies slipping below the water as the pool engulfed them. The water began to glow.

With a loud splash six horrid creatures leaped out from below the water each one landing skillfully at the edge of the pool. The creatures resembled humans only with scales, gills and long fins. There were four male beasts and two female all clad in thick slimy armour each one different. The smallest creature was about three foot tall while the largest must have been at least fifteen easily towering above Mesfido’s own height of over six foot. The smallest fish thing appeared to be female it wore a scaling golden armour over its wet silvery body. It had large emerald eyes. The largest fishman wore horrid dark green armour over its even darker skin; it had two large sharp teeth sticking out from its lower jaw. The remaining fish all more armour of different colours over their stinking bodies. One wore whitish silver, the next’s was slightly greyish, the third had wore a slightly more faded silver set than the first and the final fishman had scaly violet armour wrapped around its body. Each fish warrior held a weapon in one of its oily hands; each weapon slightly resembling an elongated fin.

The fishmen were all grunting and snorting at the two warriors that stood opposite them. Feeling the tension building Mesfido drew Venalis from its enchanted sheath. Beside the angel Jaina was beginning to make strange motions through the air with her slender hands.

The fiery young woman lifted her hands before her face. Slowly but steadily she began to lower them twisting her wrists as she did so. Two long thin streams of fire appeared where Jaina’s hands had passed flickering lightly in the slight wind. The two lengths of fire cast a dark red sparkling light over the coliseum walls. The fire abruptly halted to flow from the girl’s fingertips. Jaina gave one final quick wave of her hands as she created the final touches to the strings of fire. Much to Mesfido’s surprise the flames suddenly became solid; two thin curved sabre like weapons appeared in their place.

The two weapons were identical in everyway. Each sabre had a long bright red four-foot blade tipped with a razor sharp golden edge. Mysterious etchings ran along the flat of either blade carrying on all the way down to the cool ivory coloured handles. A length of red silk dangled from the end of both handles. Slowly the floating weapons lowered themselves into Jaina’s waiting hands as she crouched into a defensive stance. The fierce warrior woman gave Mesfido a quite wink as she caught him observing her magic show.

The forgotten Kenjin appeared behind Mesfido and Jaina.

“I believe that’s enough magic for the day, Jaina.”

The Encorna made a sharp clicking with the fingers on both his hands. Two tiny orbs began to emerge from the chest of both Mesfido and Jaina. A small light leafy green orb that swirled like a circling wind manifested itself from Mesfido’s energies and a slightly large red one that flickered like a flame formed itself from Jaina’s magic. The two orbs floated through the air towards the patiently waiting Elemental. Whipping his hands out before him Kenjin closed his fingers over the two tiny balls of energy; Jaina and Mesfido felt a slight sting of pain as the Encorna covered over their energies. Both fighters felt weakened.

Kenjin looked over at Mesfido. “One last thing,” the gigantic man waved his hand in the angel’s general direction a blindfold covered Mesfido’s eyes as he did so. “This time neither of you are to remove it. Now if you don’t mind I’m going to go have a well deserved rest, I shall return soon.” The mighty Encorna vanished in the blink of an eye.

Jaina turned her head to face Mesfido. “I think we might have a fight on are hands.”

“I believe we do. It might even be a challenge,” the angel replied confidently.

Mesfido cleared his mind using the technique he was being to become rather familiar with to sense his mutated opponents. Large dark blue shapes began to form in his mind’s eye just as they had an hour earlier well he was “fishing”. One other colour was visible to his right, the bright red of Jaina’s glowing figure. He could see her heart beating faster and faster and faster. Suddenly the blue figures before the angel leapt. With a clash of metal against metal the fight began.

Three of the monsters circled Mesfido the leading beast slamming its blade against the flat of Venalis with a hair-raising screech. The sound of fluttering wings filled the air has the mighty angel spread his wings and launched himself into the sky whipping up a miniature sandstorm as he took off. A second creature jumped into the air lashing out with its bare right foot in an impressive show of acrobatics. Flying easily above the attack Mesfido held his weapon before him and charged at the fishman in violet armour.

Another sound of clashing metal rang through the air as the fishman blocked with its curved blade sliding back briefly over the loose sand. A horrible high-pitched scream sounded behind the angel, as he stood engaged with the purple menace. Mesfido turned his head over his shoulder just as another fishman launched itself at his turned back. A slimy foot connected with Mesfido’s spine. Pulling his head back in pain the angel received a vicious slice across his unprotected stomach as the fishman he had just been fighting swung its sword at him. The third beast jumped into the air heading straight for the angel. Its oily knee slammed into the base of Mesfido’s ribs. He grunted in pain.

Meanwhile Jaina was having equal difficulty dealing with her assailants. The remaining three fishmen had the poor girl surrounded on all sides; she was only barely managing to hold her ground. The young woman held her thin blades before her in a defensive fashion standing low as to reduce her size. Her legs were spread out across the sandy floor and her weapons were held high in the air.

The fishman with the silvery white armour jumped at her its back arched and its weapon held high. Skillfully dodging the downward slash Jaina spun full circle one of her blades knocking the fishman’s weapon from its greasy hand, the other cut shallowly into its skin drawing dark green blood. Leaping back Jaina held her weapons high once more, the fishman retreated back into its group. The fishman behind the young woman, the one with golden armour, charged at her exposed back. Sensing the attack just in time Jaina jumped to the side kicking out with her legs as she did so knocking the creatures from under it. The beast hit the ground in a cloud of dust. Jaina stood over her assailant spinning her weapons. She stopped spinning them as they fell into a downward pointing position. She thrust down with her trusty blades.

The golden clad fishman rolled out of the way and onto its back its up righted itself with a skillful flip. The fishman opened its mouth wide and gave one of those high-pitched screams covering Jaina with its filthy spit as it did so. Pulling back its hand the monster charge at the warrior woman yet again. A large wet smack sounded through the air as the creature’s slimy hand collided with Jaina’s soft face knocking her to the ground.

Several metres away Mesfido was struggling to defend himself as he saw Jaina hit the dirt. Swinging the mighty sword of the pact before him the angel charged at the beast between him and his friend. With one powerful strike the cruel edges of the wide blade tore through the fishman’s grey armour cutting the beast in two. With a loud thud its torso and legs collapsed to the ground. A large greyish fish lay motionless on the ground its tail separate from its body.

Continuing his flight towards the gold wearing fishman that now stood over Jaina Mesfido lowered his hard right shoulder; two fishmen followed the angel closely. A large crack rang through the coliseum as Mesfido rock hard shoulder slammed against the fishman’s golden armour sending it flying through the air until it finally crashed against the high coliseum walls. Holding his hand out for Jaina, Mesfido helped her up from the ground feeling and seeing her pulse against his hand in his sensual vision.

Wiping the dust from her emerald dress Jaina turned to face the frantic fishmen. “I think will have to work together for this one, these things are tougher than they look,” Jaina said her breathing slightly heavily.

“I agree, these monsters strike whenever they see an opening so we may as well cut down on their chances by working together,” The fallen angel replied breathing equally heavily as Jaina.

The two warriors turned back-to-back pushing their previously exposed bodies together. Mesfido could feel Jaina’s warmth flowing against his back; it gave him more determination than ever.

The five remaining fishmen were slowly circling the pair of fighters. All five of the monstrous creatures were hopping up and down waving their arms and weapons menacingly at Mesfido and Jaina. Quite suddenly all five creatures leapt through the air straight at the pair that stood back-to-back.

Ducking in unison Jaina and Mesfido avoid two swipes aimed at their heads. Jaina leapt forward at a quickly approaching fishman her shoulder held low. Her fragile frame smashed against the fishman’s chin knocking its head back slightly. Jaina quickly followed the attack up with twin slices at the exposed neck easily separating the beast’s head from its violet armour coated body. The fishman’s head and body fell to the floor quickly changing back into their original forms.

Two of the fish creatures were coming at Mesfido quick. Using his impressive strength the angel sent the flat of his blade crashing into the side of the nearest creature’s head knocking it off balance slightly. Next the angel slammed his hard shoulder against the dazed fishman’s tough whitish armour and finishing it swiftly with a leaping upward slash that tore the unfortunate creature in two. The slimy body fell limply to the sandy ground. Mesfido landed softly on the ground after finishing the fishman, he was completely unaware that another one was standing right behind him.

The fishman in dim silver armour leapt on Mesfido’s back and set about tearing at his chest. Jaina heard her friend’s cries. Running swiftly towards Mesfido Jaina readied her weapons. She made a massive leap through the air and onto the fishman’s back. Placing one of her blades over its head and in front of its neck she made a quick motion towards herself cutting the creatures head off in a single slice. The fishman that Jaina had been holding on to quickly reverted back into its true form causing her to fall flat on her back.

The final two fishman, the smallest and the largest of the group, were charging across the coliseum floor towards the pair of fighters. Mesfido glanced over at their blue figures in his mind and then down at Jaina who gave him a quick nod and a smile. The burly angel bent down and placed his large hand around the woman’s waist.

With one powerful movement of his strong right arm Mesfido lifted Jaina from the ground and swung her in wide arch finally releasing her in the direction of the larger fishman. Jaina crashed against the creature’s chest locking her legs around it as she they collided. Using the hilt of her weapons she began smacking it across the head. The fishman made an attempt to claw the woman off but it was to late. With one final blow the beast collapsed.

The one remaining fishman stood between Jaina and Mesfido a look of fear had now spread across its face. Mesfido pulled back his weapon and charged at the creature, as did Jaina. It began to make a run for the pool in the centre of the coliseum. It never reached it. Mesfido and Jaina stood over its body as it began to turn back into its original form. As the fishman man began to change so did the room.

Jaina glanced up at Mesfido in the changing room. “I like your moves,” she said jokingly.

Mesfido began to blush. “Eh...thanks...yours aren’t that bad either.” He had thought she was being serious. Mesfido had never been understood women.

The room was back in its normal form but it now stunk of the foul smell of fish. The pieces of six fish lay scattered across the floorboards. Jaina glanced down at the nearest one. “I suppose we had better cook them before Kenjin returns.” At that the pair set about the horrid task of collecting the pieces of fish.

Finally after about two minutes of scavenging a line of what sort of resembled six fish lay on the floor before Mesfido and Jaina.

“So how do you propose we cook them?” Mesfido asked Jaina.

“Well I would use a bit of magic to get a fire going but since Kenjin took my powers that isn’t possible. You wouldn’t happen to have anything that could make a spark do you?”

Mesfido glanced down at his waist to where his touchstone lay. He gently placed his figures around what looked light a chord of light in his sensual vision. He held the small touchstone out to Jaina.

“Here this should do, use the handle.” Mesfido felt Jaina’s hand against his as she took the object from it. Jaina got up and walked over to the side of the Encorna’s pool and grabbed a small stone that lay at the water’s edge. Jaina sat down passing the touchstone through her hands admiring its beauty.

“What is this? What does the symbol hanging off it signify?” She glanced up from the small delicate object and looked at where Mesfido’s eyes would have been if they weren’t blindfolded.

“That is a healing touchstone. I can use it to heal my wounds after battle. The symbol, or rune rather, is the angelic rune of healing,” the angel replied joining Jaina on the floor.

Jaina began tearing a piece of material from her dress and then placed it on the floor. Rubbing the touchstone against the stone that she had just picked up she set her concentration on making a small fire.

“Where did you get it? The craftsmanship is like none I’ve ever seen before,” Jaina questioned Mesfido keeping her gaze fixed on the stones that lay in her hands as she rubbed them off one another.

“I received that thousands of years ago when I became an angel,” Mesfido’s voice sounded distant as though longing for a time gone by.

A spark flickered off the stones in Jaina’s hands and onto the fabric on the ground where a small fire was beginning to glow. She looked back up at her friends face.

“You haven’t talked that much about your past, I’m sure that you have had an interesting one.”

Mesfido didn’t answer his mind was passing over all of his infinite memories. Jaina didn’t question any further. Several minutes passed before either of them spoke again.

“Mefi, can you pass me one of those fish,” Jaina inquired breaking Mesfido from his trance like state.

“...Oh yeh...sorry, here you go.” Mesfido passed over part of the golden-scaled fish that Jaina then screwed onto the end of one of her twin blades. She held the weapon above the small fire that was now burning and began to cook the fish.

About an hour passed before Kenjin finally reappeared as Jaina was laying down the final cooked fish.

OoC: Apologises once again if I missed anything in the editting, I'm falling asleep at my desk as I'm typing. Word count-3,254.

Sleep, young one. You have done well. I noticed much fewer errors this time.

Assignment Time!

Kenjin will emerge from the atrium, prepared for a nicely deserved meal. Now, and finally, may you and Jaina eat. Kenjin does not eat, he does not need to. Kenjin will return to the training mat and sink into meditation. A new thing that you may notice is that Kenjin is now carrying a black sheath on his back with a crystal sword contained within. Kenjin will sit and become silent, shutting his eyes once more.

While eating, feel free to strike up a convsersation with Jaina about her training with Kenjin, and perhaps why she herself is in the Dome. Have plenty of character development, analyze what you think of the Encorna.

There is no word minimum for this lesson. End with the Encorna opening his eyes, the signal for training to resume.

The lordly Encorna strode powerfully through the large archway that led into the room containing his pool and training mat. Something seemed slighty different about the mighty Elemental warrior, his normally towering and intimidating figure seemed to have lost some of its customary fierceness. He seemed weakened, only slightly but still even by the way he walked it was noticeable. His dark pupils looked dimmer, his face had a look of distance set apon its brow. Kenjin had a large black sheath strapped across his back a bright crystal handle protruded from the top of the sheath. A small orb of black energy lay swirling at the base of the hilt. The Encorna glanced from his students sitting on the wooden floor to the row of cooked fish.

“Eat,” Kenjin said rather vaguely while making an upward motion with his hand. A long low wooden table popped out of the floor beneath the fish, as did two soft purple pillows appeared beneath the two students. Several large plates rattled out of the surface of the table one forming under each separate fish. Two pairs of chopsticks appeared out of thin air and landed with a soft clicking against the wooden table surface.

Kenjin walked past Jaina and Mesfido as they set about filling their starving stomach’s and over to his train training mat walking effortlessly over the pool of water. Closing his dim eyes the Encorna sat down into his mediating position; his face looked more tense than normal.

Mesfido wasted no time before he began devouring the fish that lay on the table. Jaina sat opposite him with her legs crossed as she sat on the comfy pillow. The two ate silently and quickly. The plates were cleared within a couple of minutes. Mesfido patted his stomach as he placed his chopsticks down on the wooden table.

The mighty angel rubbed his arm across his blindfold. It was becoming rather annoying. Reading the angel’s mind Kenjin raised his arm from across the room the black piece of material vanishing as he did so. Mesfido eyes were brighter than they had been in a long time.

The mighty angel looked over the table into Jaina’s fiery red eyes. “How long have you been here for, Jaina?”

The young girl moved her legs from beneath her and folded them at her side. “Here, training with Kenjin? Well, I arrived in the Dome about six months ago. I meet Kenjin on that very day and began training with him straight after I passed through his doors.” Jaina lifted her swords onto the table and left them lying there. Mesfido eyed them briefly. “What about you, angel boy? When did you arrive here?”

“I have only been in the Dome for about a week, I was due to begin training with an elf called Sileya but she retired before I even met her. Four days ago I received a message telling me that I was to begin training with Kenjin, the Encorna. I have to say that I am rather glad that he has taken me on. I already feel stronger.”

Jaina was looking down at her slender hand. She still held Mesfido’s touchstone and was still awestruck by its beauty and craftsmanship. She glanced up from the item and into Mesfido’s cool blue eyes. She held her hand out before him.

“Here, I forgot to give you this back.”

“Thanks.” Mesfido’s fingertips gently touched against Jaina’s soft palm as he took the item back from her. As the cool marble passed his skin he felt the burning of the wounds he had received over the past few days. “I am actually in need of this, I managed to pick up some wounds over the past few days.”

Mesfido placed the piece of jewelry between his two hands and sat in a mediating position quite like that of Kenjin. The angel’s body began to glow lightly as he closed his eyes over. Without thinking Mesfido began to concentrate his recently acquired sensual vision coming into view as he did so. He could see an odd thin patch of black where Kenjin should have been sitting. The angel concentrated on the black object; slowly it began to take on the form of a slightly unusually shaped sword. It was the weapon that Kenjin had hidden in the black sheath but Kenjin’s form wasn’t visible anywhere. Curiously Mesfido opened his eyes and glanced over to where the Encorna lay mediating. “Strange,” the angel thought to himself.

Jaina caught an unusual look cross Mesfido’s face as his eyes closed over again. “What’s with that look? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.... nothing...” Mesfido trailed off. In his sensual vision the complex angel was looking down at his own weapon that lay beside him. It too was black like that of Kenjin’s only much darker. “Very strange.”

Jaina was looking over her mediating friend her eyes still glued to the touchstone that he now held in his hands. The young woman broke Mesfido’s chain of thought.

“Hey, Mefi, would you be able to make me one of those?” Jaina said motioning towards the small item.

Mesfido’s eye opened and his face lit up. “It would be my pleasure.”

The two sat in silence for several hours Mesfido’s wounds slowly healing as day turned to night. As the moon hit the sky Kenjin’s eyes opened wide.

OoC: Looks rather short after that 3,000 word long post doesn't it? I think its about 900. I believe it gives a little bit more of a look into the minds of the two character's without revealing to much yet, if you think otherwise I'll willing go over it and add more. On one final note I'd just like to let you know that my posts are going to become slightly less frequent as I am back at school on monday and have important exams coming up in a month or so.

Bet you enjoyed that break. Now then, this is a big one, so it calls for a big number. But by now, I know you can handle it.

Assignment Time!

When Kenjin's eyes open, it's time to go to work. Mesfido and Jaina are summoned for a far more deadly mission. Kenjin will remove Thenatos from its sheath, and explain that they must go in search of two crystals, one for each of them, deep within the mountains to the north.

As Mesfido gets ready to leave, Kenjin will increase the weight of his uniform, forcing him to work on the two day flight. On your way, feel free to do whatever you want. This is an open assignment. End the post with Mesfido and Jaina arriving at the foot of the mountain.

2,500 word minimum.

OoC: Ok here ya go, lesson 8 virtually completely re-written. I would like to begin by apologising for my slight flaming and reaction after your assement of the original version of this post (it was late and I felt lazy.). I would also like to apologise for the delay in producing this re-write (again with the laziness.).

Well, here we go, uber-cool version 2.0 of lesson 8 (really not that amazing actually.).

BiC:

The Encorna’s heavy eyelids lifted and set his black abyssal pupils apon the students that stood before him. Kenjin seemed more complete than he had earlier that night; he seemed more like the Kenjin that his students were beginning to become used to.

The Elemental held his powerful gaze for a moment then turned away. He beckoned Jaina and Mesfido to draw closer. The mighty fist of the Elemental rose above his shoulder and clasped the crystal hilt within its firm grip. With some resistance he pulled the blade forth from its confines.

The beautiful shining blade swayed through the air in a soft arch, its crystal surface catching the rays of light and magnifying them beyond recognition. The four-foot blade came to a halt before the Encorna infinite eyes, its tip held level. With a swift motion Kenjin skillfully flung the blade through the air spinning it elegantly. He caught its hilt effortlessly with his strong right hand. His deep eyes gazed down its crystal edge.

“This blade is made of negative energy crystal. Its force is the exact opposite to mine. Its name is Thenatos.” The Encorna placed his gaze back onto his two students. “I need you to travel to the mountains far north of here and find two crystals, one each, within the mines hidden there, then, you are to return to me.”

The Encorna placed Thenatos back inside the confines of its black sheath. He rose to his knees and walked over to his two students. Carefully, he lifted his hands, one before both of their chests. The two shining orbs of energy that he had taken from his students earlier now reappeared within his palms. They returned to their owners, the swirling green to Mesfido and the flaming red to Jaina.

“You’ll be needing those back for the task at hand.” Kenjin brought one of his hands down to his side leaving the other hanging in front of the angel. He glanced down Mesfido’s body briefly, “Seems that twice your weight wasn’t quite enough but I’d say four times should be sufficient.” The Elemental slammed his open palm into the angel’s chest.

The fallen angel collapsed to his knees, the massive weight that he now bore on his shoulders crushing down on his heart and lungs. His breathing intensified, his chest rose and fell heavily after each and every breath. He placed his hands onto the ground before him a drip of sweat falling from the tip of his nose forming a tiny puddle beneath him. The mighty angel’s eyes looked down at his own miniature reflection. The dark marks on his face filled his sight and mind. Self-loathing and determination began to build up in the pit of his stomach. Gritting his teeth the fallen angel pressed up against the oppressive weight and lifted himself from his knees. On his knees was never a place he enjoyed being. Standing hunched over he faced his teacher, his eyes filled with resolve and pride. The Encorna smiled briefly.

“For a second there I thought you mightn’t be able to cope. Now, my young students, if the two of you were to get going I could return to my own training.” Kenjin shut his eyelids over once more, settling into the state of mediation with which he was so familiar.

Mesfido glanced down at his wide forearms. He flexed them slowly before himself. A simple movement like that felt restrictive. Raising his eyes from the ground he looked over at his companion. The angel held his left hand out to Jaina. Gladly she took it and smiled as the angel flung her out his back.

Mesfido collapsed once more beneath the weight. Sweat began to line his brow. His breathing grew heavier again. A look of worry spread across Jaina’s face.

“Mesfido, you don’t need to carry me, you already have enough weight on your shoulders.”

Tensing his entire body Mesfido struggled back to his feet.

“No, I’ll take you. I consider it part of my training to face any task I am dealt and use all my strength in doing so... This training is what I need to face my troubles and my sins... If it were to kill me it would simply show that I lack the spirit I require to overcome my fears.” With that Mesfido placed Jaina’s arms around his neck. Using all his strength he launched himself into the air.

* * * *

Hours passed as Mesfido flew north. His body was racked with the strains and aches of his new weight. His pride and determination was all that kept him flying.

Gigantic snow tipped mountains appeared ominously apon the ever-unobtainable horizon. The cold thin air froze the tiny drops of water that lined the sides and top of the determined angel’s brow. His muscular arms throbbed with every flap of his wings as he kept a tight grip around Jaina’s legs. His mighty chaste wings lacked some of their normal majesty and power as the rose up and down slowly pushing against the soft wind current. Mesfido’s drowsy eyes caught sight of a large elm tree rising up from the meadow floor.

“I think I could do with some rest. There is no point in me carrying on at this pace as we shall never reach those mountains tonight.” The words came somewhat slurred out of the angel’s exhausted and parched lips.

“Agreed, I could do with giving my legs a bit of a stretch. We can rest here for the night.” A heavy yawn escaped Jaina’s mouth.

With that Mesfido began to head towards the earth. It was coming up to meet him at a rather undesirable rate. Managing to gain some slight amount of control over his body’s course the fallen angel pulled off an acceptable landing several meters from the elm.

Jaina elegantly dropped down from the angel’s mighty frame and began to head over towards the thick trunk of the ostentatious tree. Thick white beams of moonlight trickled through the nucleated clusters of silvery green leaves. The shimmering light cast dark shadows across the young woman’s face as the light wind blew gently through the tree’s high branches.

Mesfido gazed in awe at Jaina’s beauty savoring every atom of her being as she stood bathed beneath the light and shadow. She was so like the woman he had once loved. It was nearly as though she had been reborn within Jaina. A harsh northerly wind blew across the angel’s face reminding him of reality. “No that witch still lives.” The look on his face hardened as memories ran through his mind’s eye.

Slowly he walked over towards Jaina who now stood admiring the impressive tree.

“I must rest or we won’t be able to reach the mountains as soon as I would like.”

“You deserve the rest. Kenjin is really being hard on you; he seems to see real potential locked away within that mind of yours. He’s just trying to make you reach it.”

Jaina’s voice began to trail as she looked into Mesfido’s eyes. She could see the exhaustion within them. His body was weak but his spirit remained strong.

“Here...” Jaina held out her hands, a small white flame appeared within them. It flickered gently in the wind casting small dark shadows across her palms. “Take this.” The young woman placed the flame against Mesfido’s chest.

The exhausted angel felt warmth run through his body filling his veins with energy. A sense of rejuvenation filled him as that small portion of Jaina’s energy passed into him. The weight apon his shoulders seemed to lessen. It was bearable now.

Jaina’s fiery eyes became slightly dimmer. She looked away from Mesfido and began talking, sounding slightly scattered.

“I think we should rest now...We both need to keep up are energy...”

Rapidly, She lay her head down at the base of the tree trunk turning her back to Mesfido. “Good night...”

Slightly confused Mesfido sat down next to her. He took out his touchstone and began to mediate with it clasped between his palms.

The bright shining moon slowly passed across the dark night sky wiping the stars away and ushering in a new day.

* * * *

Sleepily Jaina rubbed the back of her slender forearm across her eyes as she awoke from her tired slumber. The strong rays of sunlight glared into her eyes as she open her lids. As her sight began to adjust to the light Mesfido’s form started to come into view. He lay silent; he hadn’t realized she was awake yet. His concentration was focused on something between his hands. Jaina watched in silence as Mesfido twisted and turned a tiny cord of metal between his large fingers. For such large hands they moved with the utmost delicacy and care as the manipulated the tough metal. Finally Jaina broke the silence.

“What’s that you have there, Mr. Mysterious?” Jaina gave Mesfido a smiling inquiring look.

A deep red hue coated Mesfido’s cheeks as he tried to hurriedly hide the metal he was working with. Fumbling clumsily he jammed into his pocket.

“What are you talking about, Jaina? I think your imaging things, that’s what can happen to you when you’re tired.” The angel tried to act casual but the deep red blush smeared across his face would have given him away to a three year old.

“Come on, Mefi, I’m not blind. Let me see.”

Reluctantly Mesfido placed his hand within the trouser pocket of his Sparing Armour and pulled out the tiny piece of metal. Miniature spirals and soft curves were beginning to become evident apon the ends of the tough metal cord. Some of the outer layers of metal had become slightly worn and their remains were visible in the form of a dark oily coating on parts of the angel’s thick hands.

“It’s the rune for the touchstone you asked me to make. I don’t have the most ideal materials for the jobs but this piece of metal will do for the time being. I’ve only really just began to work it into shape, there’s still a fair bit left to do. I was hoping to surprise you with it once I had it finished.”

Jaina looked tenderly at the metal, it was quite beautiful for something so crude. “It’s lovely, I can’t wait to see it finished...” Her eyes travelled towards the touchstone hanging from Mesfido’s waist. The spirals and curves on this new rune were different from the ones on any of Mesfido’s jewelry. “It’s different from yours... What’s it signify?”

“It’s actually a combination of two angelic runes, I decided to make it unique. The top half is the taken from the rune of beauty and the lower half is taken from the rune of protection. The rune of beauty is said to keep the wielder’s soul kind and the rune of protection is said to keep the wielder from harm... Here take a better look at it.” Carefully grasping one of the ends between the very tips of his fingers Mesfido placed the rune-in-progress into Jaina’s open palm.

She held it before her fiery eyes admiring it carefully from every angle. Eventually she handed it back to Mesfido.

“I never knew that you were so skilled, I always thought of you as somewhat of a brute I suppose.” A cheerful laugh passed through her lips. A bemused look covered Mesfido’s entire face as he took the joking insult.

“Well be I brute, or not, I think we should probably get a move on. I’m rested and the weight now seems less, we should make the mountains by nightfall at the latest.” He smiled at the Jaina, the sun lit up the dark right side of his face.

For a second Jaina was taken back. Memories of the pervious night were rekindled. She remembered what she had sensed; that darkness. She had felt that unbelievable darkness locked within Mesfido. It had scared her to her very soul. She shook the thought away back within her mind. “No, he isn’t like that... I must have imagined it.”

Regaining her composer she walked over to Mesfido and placed her arms around his neck as she always did when he flew. Placing the metal he had been working with back into his pocket Mesfido launched himself back into the air and began to take off towards the mountains once more. He still was incapable of travelling at full speed but compared to the previous day he was rocketing across the sky.

* * * *

Again Mesfido’s body ached as he flew through the sky. The hot sun bore down on himself and Jaina prickling their skin. Jaina seemed to be even more carefree and energetic than ever as she lay under the sun. She radiated strength and spirit as her body gained its lost strength from the force within the hot rays. As always it was Jaina’s warmth that kept the angel’s spirit going.

The high mountaintops were growing taller and taller apon the horizon looming up like misty blue giants of ice. The cool air that occasionally blew out from them chilled the bone after being beneath the hot sun for so long.

Slowly the chilling breeze began to grow colder; Mesfido’s body began to shake beneath it. Even Jaina’s fiery stature was beginning to go numb.

“I think this is as far as I can go by wings; the air is to thin and to cold at this height. We’ll have to go the rest on foot.”

Jaina nodded shakily.

Mesfido began to head towards the changing landscape beneath him. Where there had always been lush meadows now lay cold hard rock. Landing carefully, the fallen angel let his passenger down on a low rocky outcrop. Jaina’s lips were beginning to go blue. Her hands and legs shivered meekly in the cold. Mesfido placed his massive wing around her drawing her close to his body, warming hers against it.

After gaining a bit of warmth Jaina waved her hands before herself, creating a strong little fire on the ground in front of the two travelers. The pair sat down on the small rock shelf and took in all the heat they could.

Mesfido could feel the heat beginning to course, once more, through the woman next to him. He began to draw his wing back giving her more space. Jaina’s delicate hand reached up and gently grasped the edge of the wing pulling it back down around her. The fire in her eyes glowed brightly as she looked into Mesfido’s. Gracefully, she lifted her plush lips and gave Mesfido a soft gentle kiss. The fallen angel felt a rush of warmth run through his body.

The two sat in silence with the little fire castings long shadows behind them, Mesfido’s wing still wrapped around Jaina. Mesfido took the piece of metal out from his pocket and began working on it in the firelight.

OoC: And finally we get that bit of romance that we all saw coming miles away! Word count=2,501. Hope it's up to scratch after that catastrophe!

Knew you would need this eventually. All righty then...

Number one: Thenatos does not work like that. It has contained within it Kenjin's negative energy, hence its power will only work on Kenjin. It has no effect on others.

Number two: Kenjin can't read minds, he can only sink into them to create images or things to confuse them.

Fix those things.

Just letting you know that I finally got around to re-writing my last post. Hope lives up to expectations! By the way, it's where the old one was. ^

Much...much...better!

Assignment Time!

The roads of the dark mountain are filled with peril and danger, young travelers. With a blizzard coming through, Mesfido finds himself in a conflict of interest when Jaine is stricken with a cold in the middle of the mission. Now, not only is he trapped with barely any supplies, he must help a sick Jaine find her crystal as well as his own!

Up on the high mountains is a phoenix whose tears can cure anything, even Jaine's sickness. The question is, can Mesfido hear the mythical song soon enough to reach the bird with Jaine in tow, and will the phoenix give a tear to save her? Your fallen angel will have to confront his past to save Jaine's future.

This tear will not fully work without the Encorna's magic, so you will have to complete the mission before Jaine can be healed. End your post with the phoenix making its descision.

3,000 word minumum. I want to see character development.