Cinia Pacifica Posts

Is a pleb.

Happy birthday.

Hope you have an awesome day.

(This post stars: [color=#DF0101]Haramu Christina[/color], [color=#FA5858]Koyama Koyuki[/color], [color=#3bb9ff]Tabi Aomori[/color], [color=#9d0a0a]Kahouin Natsuki[/color], [color=#0000a0]Rice[/color].)

“Alright, listen up, honeys; face the cameras, strike a pose, and SMILE! To idols, posing and smiling is the most basic of the skills. Good luck!” Said Johnny. This time, there were many cameras throughout the room connected with a steel rod. The camera stands were set all for the sake of practicing.

“First up, Tabi Aomori!”

Puffing out her chest she smirked as the cameras were being set up. [color=#3bb9ff]Time to show them just what I’m made of,[/color] she shouted internally. Striking a pose as the first one came by she placed her hand behind her head before flaring her hair. The flash excited her as she simply turned to the next with a hand on her hip. Her index finger extended.

[color=#3bb9ff]“Number 1!”[/color] she silently mouthed as the photo snapped.

Isn’t that overdoing it? Johnny thought, a drop of sweat going off from his chin, but didn’t say anything. “Next up! Koyama Koyuki!”

Koyuki yawned as her name was called, walking up to the cameras. Slapping her cheeks with both hands she tried to wake herself up. As the cameras approached Koyuki livened up, striking a cool pose and even managing to pull off an awkward smile, unusual for her.

“Next up, Haramu Chris!” Said Johnny, calling upon Chris.

With a nod, Chris rose from her spot and approached the cameras. She was a little hesitant, not very used to them at this point. She had no idea what sort of pose to pull off and was caught off guard by the first flash of the camera, causing her to almost miss the second flash. She managed to catch it, making a cute heart shape using her hands next to her head with a weak, nervous smile. Once she was done, the girl blushed and returned to her spot, rather embarrassed.

“You girls need to smile to the other side, not at the camera!” Johnny advised. “Next up, Rice!”

[color=#0000a0]“Yes!”[/color] Rice exclaimed before running forward – to the spot amidst the cameras.

[color=#0000a0]“I’m ready!”[/color] She said, bowing to the camera before her. With the cameras came burning red flashes of light, followed by a shutter noise making it evident that a picture was taken each time. Another moved towards her from behind with a clank, making Rice whip out her hand to the side of her left-eye, only to extend her middle, and index finger – keeping her said eye in-between; striking a pose with a smile, while keeping her other eye closed. To the next camera to her left, she gave a strikingly bold and showy pose by holding her hip with her right hand, to the one after that; she leaned forward while holding both her arms back – linking the fingers and palms behind the end of her back. For the last pose, she softly had her index finger tapping against the skin below her lower lip. Her somewhat snide smile was never gone the entire time.

“Okay, charming, brilliant!” Johnny said, pulling his thumbs up. “Next up, Kahouin honey!”

Natsuki flickered her hair as she confidently approached the cameras; however, that was merely covering her own internal turmoil. Natsuki was obviously photographed before, both as part of family functions, or occasionally in the Kyoto’s idol school. But it was never something she actively practiced, or was judged upon. As she took a deep breath, standing in front of the cameras, Natsuki’s mind was filled with doubts over whether she’d do well, or even what exactly to do - she had seen what the other students were doing, of course, but that in itself didn’t tell her what would and wouldn’t work for her.

And to no great surprise, that ended up affecting her expressions negatively. Natsuki found herself unable to form a coherent expression as cameras flashed around her - once her face was blank, and then it was filled with a not particularly pretty half-smile.

However, while Natsuki seemingly forgot how to smile, she didn’t forget what was actually one of her greatest attributes - her body. She was able to make nice, alluring poses. Her last one was her particular favorite - Natsuki twisted her neck a little backwards, tilting it as if to look behind her at an angle, while lightly touching the other side of her neck with her hand, as if caressing it; while simultaneously arching her back and taking a stance that showed off the most of her white, smooth, milky legs.

Were it not for her lackluster expression, it would have been entirely too alluring.

But then again, that was what practice was for, wasn’t it?

“Nice and charming – good job!” Johnny praised, raising his thumbs up yet again.







“Alright, time for dance lesson! It’s a shooow timeeee!” Johnny exclaimed loudly. The music was started with a beat. Johnny pulled his hand up, and so did the girls all lined in rows behind him – all wearing their tracksuits now.

As the music began Koyuki tried to follow the steps. Instead she found her whole body growing heavier and her eyes began to close, falling to the ground Koyuki began to snore lightly. She had fallen asleep.

Rice pulled her hand up as her teacher did along with the music. However as the song progressed, she begun to fall behind. Sweating profusely by the end, it seemed that she was completely out of loop after half-way past the song. The song was indeed Idol Activities! She had hardly practiced its dance routines before. How careless of her!

At first Chris was doing fine. She was able to memorize all of the steps, and was able to keep up for a little while, but suddenly she stopped. She had been feeling slightly dizzy for some reason and put a hand to the side of her head. [color=#DF0101]†˜W-what’s going on? I was doing fine before... I didn't even use all of my energy...’[/color] as Chris tried to think of why she was suddenly struggling, she realized that most of the song had ended and by the time she caught back up, it ended not even five seconds later...

Aomori lit up when she heard that it was time to practice dance. Singing was something she would need to work on, but with dance she always felt at home. Remembering the moves from last night she began to dance out the moves. Following along with Johnny felt natural, and simple, she enjoyed every one of the movements.

Natsuki frowned. Despite having practiced all of last evening, her dancing hadn’t significantly improved. Of course, it was hardly possible for anyone’s dancing to drastically improve in just a day, but that didn’t make Natsuki any less disappointed in herself. Missteps, lack of balance, wrong steps at the wrong time. Suffice to say, it was rather vexing. Much more practice would be required, it seemed like.







Next was the vocal practice with the music teacher. He had green long, wavy hair, and wore black spectacles. He pressed the long white buttons of the keyboard – making the felt-covered hammer softly strike the metal strings – causing an unruffled; calm and serene tune of music to resound throughout the walls of the lesson room.

“Aaa, aaa, aaa, aaa, aaa!!”

The girls raised the pitch of their voices simultaneously – the piano matched the exact moments in which they trained their vocal cords.

As they continued to repeat the process; Chris’ voice came out perfectly. Aomori did quite well. Koyuki was mumbling something while sleeping in the floor behind Aomori. Natsuki pulled off a beautiful tone of voice. Lastly, Rice did just as good as the others.

Next was… “Running laps!” Johnny yelled out. The girls ran in the field. There was an entire stadium – of a smaller-scale – inside Starlight Academy. This is where girls usually go to run laps in.

Rice ran with all her might. Her apparently tender-looking slim legs were put to the test. Rehabilitation was a real chore back in the hospital. Well, not quite rehabilitation as one would go through – Rice was simply tossed into it by the evil nurses. She remembered the forehead-frowning pain from her legs; a burning sensation she usually liked to avoid. For her dreams, however, she could go on forever! As such, she didn’t give up till the end. Bathed in sweat, Rice huffed heavily to take a break when Johnny said that they were done after about ten damned laps. There was a rumor that Ichigo can run infinite laps – the thought of even running 100 laps made Rice shudder. Just what kind of inhuman beings can do that?

Above all else, Chris despised physical activity like this. In her own opinion, her legs happened to be a weakness and due to that, she had a tendency to trip, or they would just give out now and then. However, to her surprise, Chris managed to do very well. She ran with all of her might, keeping sure not to burn all of her energy at once. She started slow and used what she had left to keep pushing herself, and by the time they were finishing, Chris came to a stop, stumbling slightly. She took a deep breath before rubbing the back of her arm underneath her sweaty bangs, then she turned to see if anyone else was still running.

Meanwhile, Natsuki was visibly struggling to keep going. Between running and the dance practice today...well, suffice to say that it was not the sort of physical exertion that she was used to. [color=#9D0A0A]Mon Dieu. I’m going to die. My heart will give out and I’m going to die,[/color] Natsuki morbidly thought as she fought to make each step, sweat pouring down her forehead, and lungs burning with every breath. For a moment, it seemed though that Natsuki might get by the sheer willpower - until towards her 8th lap, she simply fell and rolled over, refusing to get up.

[color=#3bb9ff]“Wake up!”[/color] yelled Aomori trying to rouse Koyuki from her slumber. Sadly nothing worked as the the girl just kept on sleeping and mumbling. Aomori tried to make out what she was saying, but what she was saying wasn’t making sense. It almost sounded obscene which made Aomori blush a little. “I guess there is little choice.” complained Aomori. Picking her up by the arm she first put her on her shoulder. With a little work she was able to get her into piggy back position.

[color=#3bb9ff]“Alright here we go…”[/color] she said as she began trying to run with Koyuki riding on her back. Running with Koyuki was harder than it seemed and after a while she found it impossible to keep going, but after setting her down she was also too tired to continue herself. Raising her hand in resignation she sat next to Koyuki and relaxed.

(This post stars: [color=#DF0101]Haramu Christina[/color], [color=#FA5858]Koyama Koyuki[/color], [color=#3bb9ff]Tabi Aomori[/color], [color=#9d0a0a]Kahouin Natsuki[/color], [color=#0000a0]Rice[/color].)


[size=15]Chapter 3: The Second Day at Starlight Academy…[/h]

It was the second day at Starlight Academy for the new students. The fresh girls would have to wake up early at 7:00am from now onward. Being late was the worst thing an idol could do, apparently.

Today, these girls would experience the lesson if full – for the first time.

As time crossed by, there was a lesson based upon coordinations, stages, and past idols, respectively. From there, the students were to then partake in more practical lessons pertaining to idols.

“Everyhoney!! It’s time for some extreme handshaking practice! You’ll be shaking your hand with these robots here. The faster the better! First up is Haramu honey!”

Indeed, there were large, almost human-sized robots waiting for Christina to shake her hands with. Well, not all robots waited for her, only one did. Regardless, as it came forward, it seemed larger than her in height…

[color=#DF0101]“Hand...shake practice...?”[/color] Chris repeated with a blank expression. She blinked, eyes widening for a moment before snapping out of it. She compared the practice to a party, which she attended many of, and while she seemed fine, hearing that she was to go first alarmed the poor girl again, given that she was still a little uncomfortable being around Bepp. Hesitantly Chris got up and began to approach. She observed the line of big robots in front of her, then noticed a bigger one before smiling again. Oddly enough she seemed to be pretty calm about it again, and given that she didn’t need to look at her teacher made her even more at ease. [color=#DF0101]“Yep, like a party.”[/color]

With that, Chris politely bowed to the robot before they began. She was gentle with her touch and calmly shook all of their hands, even chatting up a few of them by wishing them a well day, or by thanking them for being her fan. She finished with ease and seemed to be fine, although her hand was a little reddened from the tight grip of the robots own, metal hands. For the first time in being here, Chris seemed to be in a calmed state.

“Excellent job!” Johnny exclaimed. Then called upon a few other girls… until, “Alright, next up is Koyama honey!”

Koyuki tilted her head, her eyes drooping. She had stayed up much too late last night reading into the early hours of the morning. She was regretting it now as she stepped up to the robot in front of her, fighting to stay awake. She gripped the robotic hand tightly but by this point she knew she wasn’t going to get an impressive score. Lethargically shaking the robot’s hand silently she began. Before she could even rack up ten shakes, she yawned and gave up, there was no point in futilely wasting energy. Instead she determined herself to trying to wake up.

“W-Well,” said Johnny, trying not to comment about poor Koyuki’s performance. “Next up! Tabi honey! Good luck! Johnny said raising his thumb up.

Aomori gave a encouraging look to Koyuki as she passed her on the way up. Koyuki looked drained as she glared daggers at Aomori. She could only assume that when she went to bed last night Koyuki stayed up later. Walking up to the robot she placed a foot forward dramatically and took the robots hand. Shaking it energetically she was able to get 40 or so handshakes. Smiling at the result she turned and nodded to Johnny.

“Great job!” Johnny exclaimed with a big smile. “Alright, next up is Rice honey!”

Rice stepped up to the challenge. Facing the robots, Rice looked at them eye to eye. Raising the corner of her lips; she smiled. Giving a curt bow, [color=#0000a0]“please take care of me,”[/color] she said before starting. The robot raised its hand, and so did she. [color=#0000a0]“Here goes nothing,”[/color] she said before shaking the hand. For some reason, it seemed fun to just shake it up and down. The counter showed 86 before she noticed that she had been shaking it for quite some time… [color=#0000a0]“Oh dear,”[/color] she said. [color=#0000a0]“I guess I overdid it,”[/color] she then walked back to the other students.

She yawned. [color=#0000a0]“Sensei… I can go back to sleep now, right?”[/color]

“Huh?”

Turned out Rice used up most of her energy in there, for the day.

“Anyway, next up, Kahouin honey!”

Natsuki wordlessly nodded, and approached the robots, putting on a light smile, before extending her hand to the automaton partner, and begun shaking it. Her handshake was somewhat average - nothing to be ashamed of, but nothing special either.

Has become irregular before I did. Still a pretty cool and dignified individual, though.

Top tier avi.

Happy birthday man.

Hope you have an awesome day.

lel

I miss having an espresso or latte.

Fuck life.

>Implying said 'original' was following the manga at all.


I think what you'll truly enjoy are dicks going in and peeing on a man's butthole. Watch Free or something.

lel

even tho its done so nicely

(Posting for nooby2 because he's at work.)

[size=15]Tadaima Hiyori’s Decision[/h]

The class had just ended moments ago. Hiyori sighed, she sighed hard. The lessons were long and the teacher spoke incredibly fast. She’d hardly take a break to take breath, either. The perks of a dancer, perhaps.

“Hello, Tadaima-chan, was it? Where are you from? Some of the girls from the class approached Hiyori to talk to her. Perking up, an ecstatic Hiyori clapped her hands together. “I’m from Sendai! Mmm!” She nodded, a small smile on her face.

“So you really are…”

“Wait, she’s really the person they’re having a talk about here?” The girl then flipped out her Aikatsu smartphone, and pressed a button to reveal a holographic display. It showed a video of a television program. Yurika and Kaede was sitting on one side, on the other side was the announcer from the Nationwide Audition Caravan. There was a large LCD behind them, which displayed Hiyori’s face.

Tilting her head to one side, Hiyori looked over at the phone. “Ah, yes that’s me! I didn’t know that part was shown on television…” Flushing, she was slightly embarrassed that her face was on such a large screen, unused to the attention.

“So, what was your reason for picking Tadaima Hiyori-san from the Nationwide Audition Caravan, Kaede-san?” The announcer – as always – asked excitedly.

“Oh no! It wasn’t me who vouched for her!” Kaede said as she repeatedly shook her and flapped her hands left to right. “It was Yurika-chan, who thought that she had something special in her!”

“Hmph!” Yurika scowled. “That girl almost fell off,” she said bluntly, as if trying to hide the fact that she did indeed payed special attention to her. “But despite making mistakes… she didn’t stop, or back down.”

“That’s right,” Kaede continued in Yurika’s place. “Yurika-chan said that such idols hardly ever knows when to give up. She also said that those are the kind of idols who turns out to be successful the most!”

“Jeez! Stop telling them everyone, Kaede! I’ll suck your blood!” Yurika exclaimed, her cheeks burning red as she took up her hands, as if imitating a tiger, towards Kaede, who seemed to have backed off a bit with a weakened smile; pretending to be scared.

At that moment, the display disappeared, as the girls put down the phone. “You’re amazing, to be selected by that Yurika-sama!”

“Eh… Oh, no no no. I didn’t think she’d pick me but…” Hiyori was a bit dumbfounded by what the idols had said on television, praising a performance was one thing but with what Yurika had said, she felt a sense of elation.

“Well, good luck!”

“You should check out the bulletin board in the lobby. It has auditions for rookie idols that you can enter. Strike while the iron is hot, they say. Give it your all!”

Nodding eagerly, Hiyori gave her classmates a smile. “I will, thank you very much for showing me this video. I… didn’t know that they thought of me this way, I’ll be sure to work hard to reach the top!” She held Yurika in high regard now, even if the idol merely wanted to suck her blood, in fact she didn’t mind letting her blood be sucked now. Humming, Hiyori dashed off to the bulletin board, intent on finding something she could participate in.

As Hiyori approached the lobby of the main building, she found it quite crowded. There were students no matter where she looked. The bulletin board for rookies was especially congested as others from accepted from the Nationwide Caravan were also taking a peek into the many advertisements that filled the board. The holographic display had many small cards of different colors that littered the entire board; they consisted the details of the respective auditions available.

Hiyori scanned the display from top-right as she begun to read, slowly, due to her lack of proper education and capability to read.

First came the audition known for a shop †˜Light of the Stars’, this shop seemed to be featuring Golden Octopus – their special food on the menu. Obviously, it was a takoyaki shop, and it was looking for a pair of image girls for it. A pair, of course, implied that Hiyori would need to find a partner to enter it. The deadline to sign up was in two days, the audition itself would take place in six days from now.

“Takoyaki!” Hiyori exclaimed happily, it would be much easier for her since she could relate to food better than dancing or fashion, and being an image girl was something she enjoyed greatly. However, she had to find a partner. Frowning, she thought back to whether she’d be able to get someone to tie up with her within the next two days, but felt it should be possible. Nodding, she continued reading.

The second audition was known as the †˜New Students’ Fashion Show audition’, this is something she had heard of in her class earlier. The audition only welcomed the first year students of the academy – held by Starlight Academy itself. The winner would be able to appear in the cover of the new student directory of the academy. The audition could be entered anytime before it starts, it’d take place in a week from now.

Images of Asakura sensei scowling flashed through her mind as Hiyori pondered about this particular audition. Cover girl of the new student directory was appealing and since there were only newcomers and first years to this particular audition, maybe she’d have a good chance of winning if she did participate. Still, she hadn’t been in a fashion show before and it gave her a small case of jitters.

The next audition featured dancing. It was known as the †˜Self-choreographed Fashion Show’. This also mentioned in its rules that an idol must enter with a partner, like the first audition she saw. The details included other factors; such that the idols must prepare their own choreography, and that the winners may host a dance class for young children that would be broadcasted in television. The deadline to entry was in two days from now, while the event would take place in eight days.

Hiyori winced as her eyes passed over the words Self-choreographed, she was totally skeptical if she could come up with a good routine. Even during the audition, the fumble had nearly cost her and it was something she’d need to improve on. “Uuuuu, I want to play with the young kids…” She said glumly, though she knew that as she was right now, she wasn’t good enough to do something that involved full choreography, with a partner to boot. Shaking her head to clear her mind, she continued reading.

Finally, she came across an interesting audition. The audition only had the label †˜special’ on it. It gave a brief description of how the winner is allowed to become Hoshimiya Ichigo’s temporary manager – for a day! The deadline to entry seemed to be tomorrow, and it definitely doesn’t need a partner for anyone to join. The audition would take place in eight days.

”Manager?” She thought, thinking of how she would look after the shop back home when mama or papa weren’t around. If it was anything like that, then Hiyori could do it! Even though it’d be for a day, being Ichigo’s manager was something out of a dream. She panicked a bit at the deadline, wishing she had more time but giving this audition a tentative green light.

Lastly, there was the †˜Sun Kiss’ audition. This held a nice ring to it’s name – Hiyori felt. The new brand of a lotion product – Sun Kiss, seemed to be in search of an image girl for its promotion. It seeked someone who’d bring freshness and liveliness to its name. The audition’s deadline was mentioned to be tomorrow, and that it’d take place in nine days from now. And yes, it didn’t require a partner, either.

Hiyori visibly brightened at the words †˜Sun Kiss’, drawing in a small breath as she read through the details. “This seems like the one!” She gave a small clap happily, feeling that she’d fit this audition out of all those so far. “And I don’t need a partner either…” Still, the auditions presented on the board all seemed interesting and Hiyori needed time to think before actually deciding on one.

“Alright, I’ll have to make my decision tonight either way! Strike while the iron is hot!” Quoting her classmate, she clenched her fists energetically and headed back to the dorms. Since it was after school, maybe she’d finally see her roommate.

(This is a joint post starring: TheLoneGentleman, Cinia Pacifica and nooby2.)

“Tch, so he did it after all...” Louise commented. “Damn him.”

“Shall we move in now?” asked Durran.

“I believe it’s a little too late to do anything now,” Louise answered. “I’d at least greet them about now, I suppose,” she added, buckling up to leave the sightseeing spot.

“You bastard!” Already he feel could Astaroth coming out, his rage seeping through and turning his vision red. She squealed with glee, the visceral action enticing her to greater heights. Shadows began to tumble from Selanus, coating the walls like oil. The hatred he now held for this man was palpable.

“What’s wrong boy? We put down monsters before. What is the problem now?” he said walking towards Selanus clenching his fists.

His eyes glimmering red, Selanus forced himself to answer the monster in front of him with words. “She was nothing but kind to me. And you are right, there are no problems.” Straightening his hat within the roiling darkness, he let the shadows take over, his weapons out to face Kudzu.

[b“You fight for a woman who would rip families apart? Even this prison is just a ruse to gather unwilling subjects. How low will you fall boy?”[/b] said Kudzu.

His words lanced through Selanus’s heart, cutting through the haze.He had known, for far too long, that the jobs, the errands, they were despicable yet for Kristina who had given him so much, he would have done so. People would have only seen one side of her. They wouldn’t know about the other. They wouldn’t care. They would judge her based on that but he knew. Selanus truly knew and so, he fought.

Letting out an unearthly snarl, he let Astaroth loose, the inhibitions on her finally free for the first time since the day she awakened. The shadows pulsed out from his form, tendrils extending towards Kudzu as Selanus flew at him, blade aimed for his neck. His spirit revelled in the freedom, howling as they melded.

“She was family to me even when my own didn’t care!” Selanus screamed in fury, eyes blazing.

Turning his right gauntlet outward sparks shot out as he blocked the attack on his throat. Kudzu admired the attack full of emotion and purpose, even if he was misguided. With his left he straightened his hand as he chopped downwards for Selanus. The boy narrowly dodged to the side as he aimed his gun for a headshot on Kudzu.

Covering his face just in time he incinerated the bullet as it approached his face. Flames flared up behind Kudzu as four arms punched around him simultaneously at Selanus. The shadowed warrior flipped back before fading into the shadows and putting some distance between them.

Selanus didn’t have time to react as Kudzu rocketed forward, a flaming fist primed. Barely bringing up his sword up in time, Selanus gritted his teeth as Kudzu slammed his arm into him, the heat almost unbearable. The guard was futile, as in the next instant, the sword began to melt and warp from the heat and force and Kudzu’s fist went through, slamming into Selanus’s chest with enough force to fling him.

Selanus slammed into a pillar and slumped in a sitting position. His vision a little hazy as he scrambled to his feet. Suddenly he felt something metallic touch his hand. His aunt’s gun, Cerberus. It must have been knocked out of her hand when Kudzu surprised her earlier. Pretending to still be confused, he waited as Kudzu walked towards him. Then lifting the gun he took a pot shot at Kudzu’s upper body, Cerberus roaring as its three barrels discharged. Kudzu was able to block two of the shots but one slipped past grazing the side of his head.

Kudzu flared his hand open and grabbed Selanus by the chest. Selanus chuckled, knowing that this was it. “Do it then.” He said quietly to Kudzu, his consciousness already fading. About to ignite the boy he hesitated as he calmed his flames. Then he slammed Selanus twice into the ground with such force that web like cracks began to form on the stone. Selanus’ body went limp as his shadows dissipated. Releasing him, Selanus hit the ground unmoving.

“Come for me all you want boy,” said Kudzu, “I’ll accept all your hatred.” Turning his back on Selanus he walked into the cell and looked down on his son. Reaching down he grabbed the collar and snapped it before throwing it to the side. Then he lifted his son, slinging him over a shoulder. He could feel that the boy was at least breathing, and that was enough to give him hope. Walking out of the cell he was surprised to see two figures approaching, looking on at the scene. Both he recognized instantly as Louise and an Avatar of Cain.

Such fruits.

(This is a joint post starring: TheDerpGentleman and Cinia Pacifica.)

Louise was sent crashing into a pillar and rolled around it painfully before smashing into some cell bars and crumpling to the floor. As she got herself onto her feet. She saw no sign of Durran. “Tch, that wind is still swirling there. The spiritual power is definitely active even now,” Louise assessed the situation as she cringed. I forgot, that bastard led us to this place by manipulating wind. I should’ve fucking figured that.

Suddenly a hand reached out and grabbed her, and a symphony of noise filled the prison as prisoners began to call out. “Hey get me out of here would ya?!” Exclaimed a dirty man from behind the bars.

Louise, however, angrily shoved the hand away with a dead serious look. “You fucking piece of filthy shit. How dare you touch me with that dirty hand? I’ll end you.”

“C’mon don’t be like that! You have no idea what its like here. I didn’t even do nothing wrong!” He pleaded as he kept his grip on her leg.

That’s what they all say. “I’m not interested, and nor am I going to bear with you – touching me as you please,” Louise replied, then forcefully pulled her leg away, before stabbing it with her heel. “I might[/i] come back after I’m done in my business, however,” she said, in a very respectable and refined tone befitting an aristocrat. Completely polar opposite to her rude and aggressive behaviour, before she walked away.

“That cold heart can’t net you many friends!” He insulted after her.

Despite Louise’s kind words at the end, she wasn’t treated any better, after all. She did intend to come back and free them. Well, she intended to do so a moment ago, anyway. Not anymore. “I have many far influential friends throughout Masario, though. What would you know?” Louise spoke with pride and confidence, with a smile. Her anger from the misery of her dreams cloaked only temporarily as she boasted her influence. The man retreated to the back of his cell cursing under his breath. The other prisoners didn’t bother to ask after that display either.

Louise then faced the other way – the direction at which the tornado violently razed its surroundings rapidly. She walked forward – gathering the sacred power from within her; she prepared for one spell. It was her most favorite, yet most unused spell. Destructive, yet attractive. Something so alluring, yet so dangerous. It was time for it to debut, after a long time, once again. She didn’t know if it’d work, however. She hadn’t fully stabilized with Ishtar, just yet. She was raring to go, however. Louise chanted sonorously under her breath. The aura that danced around her body intensified; making her shine with bright silver light, more than ever.

Just before she flicked the wand, she noted an issue; the amount of power was too great. Her body hasn’t adapted to it, yet, after all. Before she flicked the wand, the enormous energy caused the weight of her body her rise. She staggered, and the wand was flicked in the wrongest manner ever. The prisoners didn’t know what went on inside Louise’s slender figure, so they could only see a person stumbling strangely before casting a spell, apparently. They may have laughed at the poor display that Louise gave. †˜May’ have, anyway. Louise wasn’t sure due to the emerging noise of magical powers welling up from the floor.

That said laugh, on the other hand – would be their last.

The effects of the spell begun. The tremors, the shaking, the noises, the screams – the terror – had all but just begun. And Louise didn’t plan to stop after this, either. All her mind thought of was trying again. She wouldn’t rest till she paid Blythe and the others what they owe from her. A large sphere of light formed evident from the crippling ground, and it was ever expanding. It sucked in the prison. Little by little, it absorbed up to three entire floors. Well, a more apt description would be †˜eaten’ up, according to Louise. It was as if a hungry black hole had emerged to claim its fair share of food. Except that it was absolutely white – the complete opposite. Of course, Louise had to jump and sprint to an extent to escape the effects herself; she was far too close. Not because the power would harm her – her own magic can’t quite harm her – but because she’d soon have no floor to stand over.

Floating around; looking for Louise, Blythe narrowly avoided a large blast that devoured part of the prison cell block. Whistling at the destruction, he tried to make out his target after the smoke cleared. Sadly, since her spell was cast remotely he had no way to track her save for his own eyes, and that proved not to be enough.

Yvette however, who had a taste of the High Priestess’ spirit already found it quite easy to locate her. Jumping down the destroyed panels she ran her hand along the length of her sword. Landing in front of Louise she smirked slamming her sword on the floor as a shockwave shot out. Severing the connection between Louise and Ishtar she hoped to change this fight around.

[b]†˜Above?’ Assumed Durran as he heard the loud metal sound ring out. Gritting his teeth as he held onto a ledge for dear life he pulled himself up. Grabbing onto a pillar that ran up the floors of the prison he kicked off it climbing to the floors above him. As he landed he found himself behind Yvette. He felt his spiritual power drain as he approached her and scowled.

“What is the point of fighting her now when she is so close?” Asked Durran trying to talk some sense into his former comrade. Sadly this fell upon deaf ears due to her bloodlust that was focused solely on Louise. He shook his head and readied his blade.

While he talks to her… Louise turned about, and dashed. I may as well distance myself from this wretch! With her curse now broken; she was way faster than before, especially since her past experiences and abilities have returned – her physique too, had recovered. Taking swift leaps and smooth jumps were hardly an issue to her. Taking a look back, there was a good amount of distance now. She didn’t feel so affected by Yvette’s trick. Now, she could finally concentrate.

With all the commotion, it made it easy to find Louise. Floating at a safe distance he looked on at the battle; biding his time, and waiting for his chance to strike. Yvette knew that letting Louise get too far away was a deadly mistake, and gave chase. As she started running her foot got caught on a rock sending her falling face first into the ground. Blythe slapped a hand over his face witnessing this.

“Owww!” exclaimed Yvette getting up on her knees and rubbing her face. Durran in this moment dashed in, and slashed at Yvette horizontally. She was barely able to react by falling to the side abandoning her blade. Bringing the blade to her throat he waited for her next move as he looked up to Blythe. Blythe, meeting his gaze decided that Yvette wasn’t worth saving.

“She’s all yours,” he said grinning as he shot off towards the other side of the prison. Yvette turned yelling out a spew of curses. Durran spun his blade catching her chin a trickle of blood running down her neck. Reminding her of her situation. Suddenly in between them there was a flash of light. An explosion went off twice rapidly sending Yvette off the ledge, and Durran slamming into a wall.

As Yvette fell she disappeared into the chasm below. It was unknown if she was alive or dead at the point. Durran sat crumpled against the wall the blade stabbing him in the abdomen. He was breathing through pained breaths. As there were no other threats to Louise he had done his job. Pulling the blade out he set it to the side on the wall.

Louise stood before him. “I hope you’re ready for more. This isn’t over, you know?” She had no intention of just letting Durran go scot free, just because he helped her out.

“It will never be done,” answered Durran. “I will not resist. Do as you will.”

“To think that you won’t beg for your dear life… I see that you’re not as insane as your two comrad- former comrades,” Louise spoke, insulting all the other avatars. Not that she spoke without thinking; they were truly insane, the lot of them.

“They are young and foolish,” he answered. “Out of all the avatars. I believe I was the first.”

Louise’s expression changed. She became the upstanding person she used to be. Once again. She gave a pleased smile, apparently veiling her furiosity. “Mmm… I take it that it’s my victory. Since I won; I think I have at least the right to reap the benefits? I’d love to have you spill every little details you know of,” she stated. She hadn’t forgotten her initial goals despite the unwanted memory trip that far surpassed the limits of her tolerance.

“I know many things, you must be more specific,” Durran answered.

“Well, how about starting with you avatars?” Louise begun questioning. She’d keep asking, as much as possible. To get a clear picture; she’d have to depend on Durran’s knowledge. Who knows whether he’d lie or not. She’d simply have to go figure.

“We are born of Cain,” began Durran. “Originally we were made with the intent of ruling on his behalf. But we are broken, and unfinished. Over time we become as crazed and dangerous as the man that created us.”

“What happened to Agreyus after I… you know, had to leave it?” Louise asked, her expression saddening, as she remembered the events that took place before her departure.

“Cain retired to his castle. He refused for any reason to leave, and allowed his senators to make whatever decisions they saw fit. The land became corrupted, and the principles he strove so hard for crumbled. He knew he was going mad and sealed himself away despite this,” answered Durran.

“So I have to end this myself, after all… ” Louise sighed. She partially felt responsible. She hadn’t noted Cain’s fall to insanity sooner. Perhaps she could obstruct it if she came to a realization sooner. However, she was blinded by her feelings and emotions. She always wondered what would’ve happened if she could somehow stop Cain from losing his mind – some time after she left, and had time to think about it all. “Which of you avatars are still sane, so far? There are four of you in total, yes?”

“No, there are two more that you don’t know of. They, however, know you very well,” answered Durran. “As for which of us are still sane. There are two, but do not misunderstand sane with safe.”

“So, who are these two that I don’t know of? Actually, do tell what the individual roles of all of you are,” Louise had to know. There was no other way around it. She’d have to deal with all of the rest eventually. She’d erase anyone related to Cain from the face of this planet in due time – it’s what she decided.

“One changes his name with the wind. I do not know if he has changed his name. The last I met him he was called, Balan,” answered Durran. “The other Echidna, is what you would call the executor.”

“Wait… Balan? Dear lord.” Louise placed her right palm over her forehead. How could she not notice? He didn’t seem anything like an avatar to her, at all. Does Vejovis know this? Is he intentionally using an avatar to further fulfill his ambitions? It’d explain why he knows so much details regarding the cursed side. Perhaps he knows more than he claims. That damned sneaky rat. To hell with his idea of balance!

“I take it you met him?” asked Durran.

“That I have indeed; when I went to visit Vejovis. He seemed like a loyal subordinate. Looks sure are deceiving,” Louise explained. Only thing she needed to confirm was whether Vejovis is aware of this invaluably important information.

“Cain is very cautious of Vejovis, but Balan is the most cunning of us. He won’t betray him until the time is right,” replied Durran. “May I stand?”

“No, stay down,” Louise coldly answered. “I’m paranoid, you see. Blame Cain for that,” she added, with a innocent expression full of glee. While this was true; it wasn’t quite the case this time. “How does the Cursed plan to deal with the Scions? They must have a trump card, since they barely seem to find the Scions as a threat now, so far.”

“We don’t need to deal with the Scions. They will destroy themselves,” answered Durran.

“Mn, how so?”

“Only Adair knows that,” answered Durran. “He might be out of reach now.”

“Tch, that fucker,” Louise scowled with a look of utter madness, but it soon reverted to her usual ladylike expression. She should’ve asked questions to that scoundrel while she could. “Ahem,” she attempted to clear her throat. “So, let’s say I let you live… what do you plan to do? You’ve already betrayed your lord.”

“If you would have me,” answered Durran still sitting down. His wound had slowly began to heal over. “This blade can still have a purpose.”

“W-Well… ” Louise begun, looking away, “I-I still hate you… but I won’t mind using you, at least.”

“Understood,” answered Durran. “What do we do now?”

“I’m ending you along with Cain, just so you know,” Louise said, making a frown. “Know that as you walk my side.” Durran chuckled and grabbed his sword before quickly sheathing it.

“I suppose that means I can stand up now?” Durran asked.

“I suppose so,” Louise replied, dropping her face-ruining scowl with a sigh. “As for what we do… I was hoping to check up on that avatar who fell down. I can’t be sure that she is dead. There’s also that scientist I want to go after…” She said, remembering how she sweet talked her into letting her run a few tests.

“Yvette isn’t dead,” answered Durran standing up. “Finding her might be harder than finding that strange woman. But it is your choice.”

“Hmm… she is more dangerous than the scientist. May as well go after her,” Louise answered. Durran took Louise in his arms, and jumped off the walkway into the chasm below.

[This is a joint post starring: TheLoneGentlefeels and Cinia Pheelifica.)

A stinging pain tore at Louise’s shoulder. Blood trickled down her arm rapidly, despite the fact that she applied all the pressure she could. Her silver glittering gown cruelly stained badly. Emotions ran wild – of both her past self and her current self – all she could think about was getting away to safety, and secure a considerable amount of distance for a proper getaway. As she dashed through the forest, she didn’t care what direction she ran in, she just wanted time – to try and sort herself out. Both physically, and mentally.

“Come back!” Yelled a voice after her. It was Cain, but not the man whom she loved. This man was twisted into something else entirely.

Louise cringed, and peeked to the back while she desperately ran forward, albeit awkwardly. Her injury gave rise to pangs of pain that hindered her body’s performance heavily. Staggering, she found herself almost tripping due to a small line of root that lied before her foot, which made her stumble. She sweated profusely, and feared the most at every passing moments that felt like an eternity. What did she do to deserve this predicament?

She could hear Cain’s advancing steps as he grew closer and closer, but no matter what she did; he seemed to know just which direction she took to escape. Weighing her options – she knew that she’d need to leave to a place that no one else in this world could ever find her. As she focused on the most powerful version of the World Gate spell she could muster. This wouldn’t be so easy, not with the inflicted wound she received not too long ago – her speed in chanting was horribly delayed, especially due to the stinging feeling of pain. It felt as though her recitation of the long incantation may come to a cessation instead – if Cain caught up. The hole in her shoulder was yet to close up despite her spirit’s wonders in the realms of healing powers. Concentrating wouldn’t be so easy.

At such a point in time – she felt an intense pain that shot through her body.

Louise looked down, very tentatively, and hesitantly. Her expression instantly drooped as she looked. With an ear-splitting thunder; there was a blinding flash of lightning in the clouds. Her face turning dark, grim, and pale from fear. With a look of uncertainty; Louise forced her pupils to gaze at her new-found wound.

What she found was… a hole that tore right through her rounded belly. The beam went past through her abdomen mercilessly.

“A-A… a… a…” tears welled up in her eyes. The pain slowly started to sting. However, that pain didn’t ring a bell to her. It was nothing – especially to a person like her. A person who had never learned of the fear of death. Perhaps, its due to this lack of experience – that led to her being so careless and relaxed. She forgot that her unborn child would not possess the very same disposition of immortality – just like her. “I-It can’t… be…”

She muffled her hand around her abdomen slowly, hesitantly, and with a hint of hope. No, unbelievable, how could it be? How could this happen?!

However, regardless of how much she denied in her mind repeatedly. The coldness of reality was as harsh as ever.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!”

She yelled from the top of her lungs as she faced the cloudy sky. There were occasional flashes of lightning. The strands of salty water gushed down – past her white, porcelain; doll-like face. It was as though the said doll was stained. Stained by tears. Along with crimson red blood. More so than ever – her heart was shattered with a hammer – to an unimaginable number of shreds and pieces.

Cain walked up slowly with a twisted grin across his face. “Where do you think you’re going? There are still stars in the sky, aren’t there? You promised me!” His face, though heartless and cold, showed streams of tears. As if his inner self was somewhere locked away inside, but the horror of what he had done, had no room for forgiveness.

“...You’re not the one I made the promise to!” Louise yelled, – with all her emotions, she yelled, as loud as she possibly could. With the ingredients of despair; anguish, grief, melancholy, hatred, gloom, and lastly, emptiness – that invaded her very heart and soul, all at the same time. The lightnings curved and raged on violently – as if mourning to the tragedy that took place below. Louise’s voice resonated deeply, clashing with the trees, woods, leaves, flowers, mountains, and the surroundings – as if they were the only witness that bared the sight of the horror and tragedy that took place.

That was enough to make even Cain wince, but he soon recovered, starting to walk towards Louise again. “If you come back now, I will still forgive you. Things can be just like they were…”

“Not after what you did,” Louise replied, her breathes deep and heavy. The injury was no laughing matter, a direct hit such as that took more out of her than she assumed. However, even then, she forced the words in her mind out of her mouth; “I do not share the same sentiment. No more! Things may never be the same,” Louise said, somewhat regretfully as she slowly stood up. A hand held the deep wound gushing with deep crimson red blood – the other, held a silver shining wand. “It was wrong to begin with. No matter how much I wish. A man and a woman – from the Cursed and Scion – was never meant to be!” Just as she said so, the wand begun to glow even brighter. Falling in love might’ve been her biggest misfortune for her, to begin with – a sick and twisted joke made by fate on the whim – she concluded. Who’d know that it’d lead to such a terrible climax before the curtain fell on the story. Consider all that had happened ever since she met Cain – it seemed like a gigantic †˜calm before the storm’ scenario, now that she thought about. It’s as if she grew a pair of wings, and soared high up in the heavens – enjoying the joys of flight merrily – only to lose them abruptly, and fall down to the dirt-filled earth below. Falling down from grace along with it, perhaps.

Louise – due to her inexperience – never foresaw this kind of an ending to her love life.

“What, are you going to fight me?” answered Cain with a smirk.

“Tch,” Louise cringed yet again, considering her deep wound. Even with her regenerative properties bestowed by Ishar; there was no way to actually engage in a battle with one who is already imbued with such immense cursed spiritual energy. The power she felt was simply over †˜immense’ to begin with. Meanwhile, on the other hand, was Louise – who admittedly – was not only injured, but was also in a wreck mentally. While she could rival him with her spirit’s powers; she wasn’t in particularly in a state where she could pull them through. At the end of the day, somewhere deep down in her heart; a portion of her couldn’t bring herself to hurt the man she so loved. For the first time – Louise noticed just how problematic this feeling truly was. It made her feel absolutely pathetic about herself now. It was a conflicting feeling.

“Not when I have a funeral to attend,” she replied. Another droplet of tear fell. With it, a large rift flipped open in the blink of an eye. A face full of melancholy, mixed with more than just grief and despair was what Cain witnessed as she departed. What Cain might’ve noted the most… may have been a hint of rising madness.

“Goodbye, Cain.”

Cain immediately charged towards Louise; intent on stopping her from leaving, but as he reached her, the astral gate closed along with his former lover. In anger, he shouted, firing a beam that tore through the trees. Then he fell to his knees, continuing his pained screams.

---

The air was cold as the winds of winter set upon the city. Old aristocratic-styled buildings were covered in white fresh snow. As a man who was carrying some firewood home for the fireplace walked by. As he passed by a particular alley, he heard something that stopped him in his tracks. Soft crying that carried into the street. Turning towards the source of this murmuring; he set the wood to the side. As he investigated, he came across a woman crumpled up on a wall. Blood coated the snow under her. She had sustained a serious injury to the stomach.

†˜How is she still alive?’ He thought as he kneeled. “Ma’am, we need to get you to a doctor,” he said. “I’m going to pick you up, okay?”

Louise gave a slight nod, apparently in so deep a pain that she was hardly able to articulate a word, nor think straight. She could only cry from the pangs of pain that she felt. Her vision was blurry. Blurry with tears, but she could still make things out from looking closely; the man had simple facial features, and short black hair.

Gently reaching around Louise’s back and legs; the man lifted her off the ground. As he did, he became covered in blood. Looking over her, he saw that she was in worse shape than he thought. He wasn’t even sure that he could make it to the doctor before she bled out, but he had to try. Walking out of the alley, he left his firewood behind; trudging through the icy streets.

He made it to the doctor in about an hour, and was rushed to the back room ahead of dozens of other patients. As the doctor examined her, he actually saw that her injuries were less serious than he feared. Still, to be sure, he continued the examination.

“Heartbeat is normal, and she’s breathing. Whatever did this must have missed her vitals somehow. This is nothing short of a miracle…” said the doctor. “But...there was no way to save the child. I am sorry.”

“It’s okay. I knew that already, anyway,” Louise replied, she could no longer feel the hint of a life in her womb, after all. Besides, what kind of a baby could survive that kind of an attack? Her eyes were all but dry now. She was tired. Tired of crying. And tired of thinking. She was tired of everything. She didn’t even feel like thinking anymore. Telling her that the baby couldn’t be saved is like rubbing salt to the wound now.

“Do you have a family that we can reach?” Asked the man that carried her there.

“None that I know of… ” Louise answered, shaking her head before looking away towards the window. Her voice was very dry and coarse. She didn’t feel like speaking, either.

“Then you’re free to stay with me, until you recover. Or longer if you need,” answered the man.

“Thank you.”

(This is a joint post starring: TheLoneGentywent and Cinia Pacifica.)

Louise woke up in a bed. Slight cracks of sunlight stirring her from sleep. Her body lacked any form of attire; covered with only the blankets. Her eyes still somewhat blurry; she sat up in bed, looking around. It was a modest-sized room, but well-decorated, even by her standards. Well, her past standards, anyway. A clean, wooden floor with an ornate red and black area rug. A large oak desk sat in the corner of the room with quill and pen just waiting for when it was needed. An old familiar armoire sat across from that, and as her eyes traveled around the room she caught a shadow on the floor. A quaint room indeed – according to Louise.

Suddenly, a figure caught her eye; after she traced the shadow she witnessed. A man with crimson red hair stood looking out of the window. He wore a long white shirt and black pants. Sliding out of bed, Louisely mindlessly walked over to the man, and wrapped her arms around him. She knew exactly who it was, but her body wasn’t hers to control. This was a memory of a time long ago. A vision.

“Oh? You’re awake already?” Asked Cain looking at Louise, who was now bound to his side.

“Mhm,” Louise murmured. Not quite having the ability to even control her speech. It was as if her true self was bound directly inside her mind. Her brain itself acting as a cage. A strange experience, rather, a new one, at that. What a peculiar situation! However… this wasn’t so bad… why did it felt like this? She wondered earnestly. This behavior from Cain was very... nostalgic. “How long had you been awake?” The Louise of the past smiled sweetly. Almost too sweetly for her current self’s tastes. A very loving Louise. How rare.

“Not long, I was just thinking about a few things,” answered Cain. “Wouldn’t it be great if none of us were given this responsibility? If we could all just live as we did long ago. If all the spirits just died. Things would have been much simpler.”

“Indeed. I wish this world’s residents were never born with spirits,” Louise replied, in agreement. Albeit it was a bit too sudden to talk about something so big. She wondered why he was in such a mood so early in the morning, but didn’t quite bother to ask as she knew what he planned.

She was particularly mean to her spirit at times due to its mischievousness. However, she never truly hated it at that time. In a way, she was grateful to Ishtar – for whom she could meet Cain, but she couldn’t say this to him and ruin the mood with disagreement. After all, she too agreed that in general, spirits being bestowed to everyone in the world wasn’t the brightest of fate’s ideas. It was both a blessing, and a curse. “Life would’ve been much more simple. I do admit that it may be slightly boring, however,” Louise responded. It seemed that she was still the kind to easily be bored. The current self of Louise nodded deeply in approval of how she was. It was as if she approved of herself. A strange feeling. Then again, she always knew, that – she was the best.

“But if I’m with you… I’m sure that even a boring time would be… acceptable.”

However, her current self hastily changed her mind of her notion of approval with a disappointed expression, accompanied by a scowl and an evident pout. One wouldn’t be able to see her facial expressions, unfortunately.

---

Cain turned to Louise, and embraced her before they shared a deep and passionate kiss. From here, Louise’s mind revisited various times with Cain. Each seemed to be more precious than the last. The time when they first met, seemed to come back again and again. Cain was just a normal man at that time. She was years older than him, but the quirky man seemed interesting to her. He had sought her out shortly after she helped establish the Scion’s religion.

“So, what do you think? If anyone is going to make something of this mess. I want to make sure that it’s at least a half-good plan,” said Cain looking to Louise.

“Wouldn’t Scion, and your assumed religion just create two big extremes against each other?” Louise replied, thinking hard about the matter. “I’m not so sure if it is half-good, even.” She answered with her index finger placed under her chin as she assessed the plan. They’d simply take out their hatred on each other eventually, would birthing a regime really be a wondrous idea? Louise was highly doubtful on this matter.

“We will be the two extremes either way. Hopefully, this way we can be an organized extreme,” Cain answered with a laugh. “As long as man exists there will always be war.”

“I suppose it is alright in that manner,” Louise shrugged, giving up in the argument. She couldn’t quite stop this man even if she disagreed. “I’d rather the cursed beings be civilized and well-mannered, I suppose,” she added, giving a smile; mentioning the good sides as if to make herself feel better about it, while indirectly providing good ideas – or rather, hints – for Cain to focus on in the near future. “Someone has to take it up, yes? May as well be those of good heart,” she said. “However, I do think wars may be avoided. Easily, in fact. It simply requires a keen eye and a very diplomatic mind.”

“Heh, government has never been one of my strong suits. I suppose I have some studying to do. Perhaps I can elect some representatives to help me out,” answered Cain. “If things go as planned this may be a little too much for just me to handle.”

“Well, a government was never run by a single person to begin with. Monarchy or not; it was never carried out with the aid of a single being. Results were brought forth by collective forces at work behind the scenes – always,” Louise replied. How’d the Scions fare with just a Queen, anyway? Of course she needed to have other figures alongside her – namely advisers, and officials to facilitate the Queen’s influence. “In the Scion, we have a bunch of people who were supporting and advising the formidable Queen – an old friend of mine – who has probably passed on by now. I wonder who the new Queen is…” Louise earnestly wondered, rumors hardly helped developing an opinion. Perhaps she should discreetly pay a visit one day. Then again, going there wasn’t so great an idea; Louise dreaded the possibility of the church catching and restricting her, however. They treasured Louise to what one may call, a dangerous degree. They may not ever allow her to leave. Louise learned – after taking her leave of Masario for the first time – that freedom was in itself; a great treasure to have.

(This is a joint post starring: TheLoneGentletits and Cinia Pacifica.)

The two stepped out of the portal into the endless fields of green that surrounded Origin. The woman looked around as if she was a bit lost, but soon she saw something in the distance that caught her attention. “I was supposed to meet them over this way,” she said as she began walking off in a seemingly random direction.

“Uh-huh,” Louise nodded weakly, not very convinced. It almost felt as though she came up with that response just now. Was she really an avatar of that Cain? The difference between the personality she displayed, and that of Adair differed to a large degree. Then again, considering the man in kimono she met back at the village – there’s also a large gap in terms of similarities to note. Durran and Adair seemed to similar, for some reason, at least their outward behavior, anyway. Louise walked – her mind somewhat lost in reverie – after the crazed lady in slow and elegant steps, yet kept a pace that didn’t allow her to fall behind. †˜Them’, huh? I tagged along with the intention to meet Cain, and perchance attempt to wrap our business once and for all. I hope this plays out to my favor. If not; I’d still learn invaluable information for future use.

“There they are!” exclaimed the woman waving her sword high into the air. In the distance two figure ran towards them at a breakneck pace. As they approached, Louise recognized the two immediately. They were the two men that she caught in the destroyed town before. Considering her previous thought in which these two were included; she couldn’t help but think, speak of the devil.

“Yvette, you were not supposed to meet us here,” Durran said as he slid to a halt. The other man went a little past them and looked into the distance to make sure that they weren't followed.

“Well I forgot where to meet you, you are here now and that is all that matters,” answered Yvette. Blythe turned to Louise looking her up and down.

Louise sighed, so she did made that up, after all, she thought. Obviously, from how she pointed from thoughtlessly looking around; that was to be expected. How could avatars of that Cain could be so careless? Then again, Cain wasn’t incredibly intelligent to begin with – as far as she remembered. Something about him did made people want to follow him, however. That was the sign of a leader.

…Of course, she ignored Blythe’s analytical gaze.

“Doesn’t look like there was much of a struggle,” said Blythe, sounding disappointed.

“Do you wish to see me stained in blood that badly?” Louise said, with one of her eyes closed as she pulled her hand up to the corners of her mouth that smiled like a sweet devil who got her own way. It was her victory. Albeit childish; Louise wouldn’t miss a chance to relish the feeling of bliss that comes with winning, be it a sparring bout or a trivial matter. “Am glad to disappoint you, then,” she added with a gleeful grin.

“Bah! Let’s just get moving already,” he said as he focused an enormous amount of spiritual energy into his left hand. The wind began to pick up violently whipping the tall grass around. Faster and faster the wind flowed past them until they began to left slightly off the ground. Then the wind carried them all off in a torrent of wind.

Passing over rivers, forests in the landscape, they climbed over the mountain near the border to the cursed lands. At the speed they were going; it was unlikely that anyone would be able to track them. The force made it hard to even breathe. Soon, they began their descent as the wind glided them down. In the distance, a tower of rock came into view. Atop it it was jagged with a system of paths and bridges running about it’s sides.

“I am not familiar with this large establishment… the world sure changes fast,” Louise commented as the group fast approached the rocky tower. Not when she used to be actively traveling throughout this world, anyway. She wondered what information she could dig out from here.

Landing on top of it, Blythe controlled his wind to gently set them down. A woman with glasses and light brown hair was awaiting them. A pipe hung from her lips and a dark red jacket rested on her shoulders. She wore a striped white and and red top with tight black pants. A serrated blade was sheathed on her right.

“Welcome, High Priestess,” said the woman as she took a long drag of her pipe.

“Good day to you, may I know your name?” Louise returned the greeting, only to end up curious about who the figure before her was, as she raised her eyebrows. She seemed somewhat like a researcher. No, definitely a researcher – Louise concluded as she scanned her figure from below to above. Such people were almost always interesting, as they usually seemed to know more than others. What wonders did she learn throughout her years of experimentation? Louise wondered.

“My name is Kristina Dahlem,” she answered with a slight bow. A group of soldiers behind her also bowed. “I need to run a few tests on you before you proceed. We have to make sure you are at your best after all.”

Louise pursed her lips as she pondered for a moment. “Mnm… may I know the nature of these †˜tests’, please?” She inquired, feeling rather skeptical. Ready? Ready for what? A mysterious situation, as if facing culture shock, she couldn’t help but prepare a barrage of questions in her mind. Chances are, they’d analyze the nature of her powers – which may not be so good a thing.

“Simply running your spirit through its paces, nothing to invasive,” answered Kristina. “I understand that something happened that I’m supposed to check. You are in good hands with me.”

“Oh, is that so? Then, what am I to be †˜at my best’ for, though?” Louise asked another question, seemingly curious. However, she needed to learn why she was brought here in the first place. It has to be more than just meeting with Cain. It could even be a big fat lie, who knows.

“That I don’t know. I just do as I am instructed,” answered Kristina. Durran walked next to Louise and tapped his foot.

“He isn’t the easiest person to deal with… this is just a precaution,” added Durran.

“There’s just something about it – that I am not so fond of – here,” Louise said, frowning. Her eyes closed as if she is deep in thought. “I suppose a lady simply never prefers the feel of being looked inside themselves.” At the same time, if she needed to progress and learn more about the Cursed; she’d have to play along.

“Well you came all this way it would be a shame not to continue,” said Blythe standing right behind Louise. “What do you have to be afraid of?”

“Haah,” Louise sighed. “There’s hardly a chance for you men to understand,” Louise replied with a perplexed face. After a few moments of silence... “Very well. I’ll play along for now,” she conceded.

Kristina smiled and stepped to the side. “Right this way then,” she replied as her soldiers cleared the way as well.

Yeah I watched it.

It's pretty good for the action side of things, actually. And has some... uhh, mindfuck/mystery moments he and there.

It was just so-so by the end, though.

(This is a Joint post between: [color=#3b1ae1]Katsucha[/color], [color=#87afc7]Cinia Pacifica[/color], [color=green]Nooby2[/color], and [color=#9d0a0a]Thelonegentleman[/color].)

[color=#9d0a0a]“Are you the one who brought us here?”[/color] asked Samuel walking closer to her.

[color=#3b1ae1]“Yes! I Kuro…Kyaaah! W-why are you practically naked!”[/color] Kurousagi screamed as her face turned red and she looked away.

Stefan chuckled at the display, though was more mesmerized by her rabbit ears. Oh, how badly he wanted to touch them and find out if they were real. The faerie girl, she had been interesting with the light show but this… denizen had been waiting for them.

[color=#9d0a0a]“Hey you don’t have time to be shy, you brought me here. You deal with it.”[/color] he answered crossing his arms and looking at her sternly.

[color=#87afc7]“Uwah! Disgusting, I didn’t even realize that he was almost stark naked!”[/color] Claire exclaimed after looking at the man to the side – who barely wore anything, she even edged away with light and nimble steps from him. Claire’s green light slowly dimmed and shut off as she looked away immediately. [color=#87afc7]“A-Anyway…”[/color] Claire begun, her face now awfully ruined with an evident pout. [color=#87afc7]“Where are we right now?”[/color]

His curiosity getting the better of him, Stefan walked over before the others could react, muffling his footsteps. He grabbed Kurousagi’s ears lightly, running his hands over the soft fur. It sure felt real, the different contours pleasing to the touch.

[color=#3b1ae1]“Gyaaaah! W-what are you doing to Kurousagi’s ears you meanie?! You just don’t go up to me like that and grab them!”[/color]

Claire – just as curious – walked up to the rabbit-eared girl, too. Standing beside the person who touched the pair of ears, it seemed as though they’d be nice to the touch. Who’d not join in on the fun? Claire too, stroked her ears. [color=#87afc7]“Let me get a feel of these mysterious things too,”[/color] she said, stroking them. [color=#87afc7]“Mnm, they’re indeed nice!”[/color]

[color=#3b1ae1]“Gyaaaah! Not you too!”[/color] Kurousagi continued to struggle as she tried to escape her now two captors.

[color=green]“Aren’t they?” Stefan remarked, stroking the ears with more vigor. “Your ears are remarkable.”[/color]

[color=#3b1ae1]“This now goes beyond being mean! This is nothing but harassment! How could you do this to Kurousagi’s beautiful ears!”[/color] Kurousagi said as she was finally able to free herself from her captors.

Stefan raised his hands nonchalantly, [color=green]“Like what you said, usagi-chan. Your ears are beautiful, so beautiful that my hands couldn’t resist touching them. The rest of me just followed their lead.”[/color] He grinned mischievously at her.

[color=#87afc7]“Instead of gawking about this; why not start explaining things already?”[/color] Claire asked, somewhat frustrated to be put off from the real topic. Of course, she retracted her hands at the outburst of the blue rabbit-eared girl.. However… she was to be ignored apparently.

[color=#3b1ae1]“I can’t believe this!”[/color]

Sneaking up behind her he placed two hands on her petite shoulders, and with a gentle nip he bit one of her ears. The sensation on his lips was just as the others said. Soft, and even a bit relaxing. He found himself spacing out before long.

Kurousagi stayed stilled the sudden nip on her ear left her frozen in shocked. [color=#3b1ae1]“Gyaaaaaahhhh! What to you think you’re doing!”[/color] Kurousagi screamed louder than before as she turned around pushing the boy away. She then went on all fours with a gloom expression on her face. [color=#3b1ae1]“To think I summoned problem children like them! What did Kurousagi do to deserve this!”[/color]

Stefan bopped her on the head with the soggy notebook trying to catch her attention the book making a wet splat as it connected with her head. [color=green]“So you were our summoner? Why couldn’t you have summoned us to a place that maybe, just maybe, didn’t have a gigantic lake? And to think we’re supposed to be the problem children.”[/color] Letting loose a sigh filled with mock dismay, Stefan shook his head slowly.

[color=#87afc7]“I’m more curious about how she can summon us in the first place. Summoning magic is an old legend in my village!”[/color] Claire exclaimed. [color=#87afc7]“And back to my old question… where are we right now, exactly?”[/color]

[color=#3b1ae1]“Right. I’ll answer all your questions,”[/color] Kurousagi said as tears could be seen forming on her eyes. She then stood up straight and took a deep breath. [color=#3b1ae1]“Welcome, to Miniature Garden everyone!”[/color] her face now recovered; she said as she gave a spin spreading her arms wide open.

[color=#87afc7]“Miniature Garden… what’s that? A small garden we’re in?”[/color] Claire looked to the lake that lied two or so meters behind her. A lake in a †˜miniature’ garden? What? She wondered. This sounded so strange and awkward.

[color=#3b1ae1]“Miniature Garden is where we hold Gift Games. We have decided to give you three the opportunity to participate in our Gift Games,”[/color] Kurousagi said as she jumped in the air with one of her hands up in the air she then gave a full spin and pointed at Claire, Stefan and Samuel.

[color=#87afc7]“A small garden… with a lake as big as that?”[/color] Claire then took a moment to ponder again, almost ignoring the rabbit-eared girl. [color=#87afc7]“So you hold these †˜Gift Games’ in a little garden? ...What are Gift Games, anyways? ”[/color]

[color=green]”It should just be a name, judging by how vast this place is.”[/color] Stefan shoved his hands in his pocket, the action accompanied with a wet squelch, making him wince. [color=green]”Whatever, we’re here now anyway.”[/color] He dismissed, still a bit sour over his notebook.

[color=#87afc7]“...That’s one ironic name then,”[/color] Claire commented, remembering the vague scenery she witnessed as she fell to the lake earlier. The world they arrived it was definitely vast, and there seemed like a city was closeby, too. Which would be a real treat to her. Either way, this seemed like good opportunity; she could finally say goodbye to her old village.

[color=green]”So Kurousagi, is there a town nearby?”[/color] At this point, Stefan was more interested in getting to someplace warm than listen to how he had gotten here, especially out of his soggy attire.

Kurousagi's ear’s bent from the lack of interest by Samuel and Stefan, [color=#3b1ae1]“Is only the Faerie interested about Gift Games?”[/color]

[color=#9d0a0a]“As much as I am interested in all this, I am more worried about being outside. Without clothes no less.” answered Samuel. “Perhaps we can talk about this in a less public place. Like in a room with just the three of us?”[/color] said Samuel ignoring Stefan in his calculations as he looked over the two ladies. [color=#9d0a0a]“At least the no clothes part would make more sense.”[/color]

[color=#3b1ae1]“Don’t you mean four of us?”[/color] Kurousagi asked a bit confused.

[color=#87afc7]“Well, I’m interested only because everything has been boring recently. Who’d not want to play games, anyways?”[/color] Claire responded with a question.

[color=#3b1ae1]“Well why don’t we have little game ourselves? But before that I shall explain how Gift Games work.”[/color] Kurousagi said still feeling disappointed in the lack of interest from the other two. [color=#3b1ae1]“Gift Games are a series of competitions where you use your Gift to participate and try to win fabulous prizes. Of course to take place in this Gift Games you must put up something as a bet. Gift Games can vary from each host from a simple card game to a life threatening game.”[/color]

Stefan looked at Kurousagi with a somewhat predatory expression, [color=green]”A game you say?”[/color]

[color=#9d0a0a]“But the only thing I have on me is…”[/color] Samuel looked down at his last stitch of clothing.

Claire ignored the perverted man by averting her eyes away, albeit with a tint of blush in her
cheeks. [color=#87afc7]“S-So anyway, are there any specifications with the chips? Like, do we bet out Gifts, or something?”[/color]

[color=#3b1ae1]““Your chips can range from Gifts, money, land, resources, prestige and people not just your own Gift. The higher the value of the chips you bet the greater the reward you can get will be if your victorious! Easy right!? But there is a catch you must be able to complete the conditions set by the host to be able to win their game only then can you claim your price.”[/color]

[color=#87afc7]“Wait… I understand the chips ranging from money, land, resources, and that it can include our Gifts too but… how does prestige work?”[/color] Claire asked, tilting her head, apparently puzzled.

[color=#3b1ae1]“If you bet your prestige, you’re giving up your pride and confidence. What had made you well-known in the past will be lost if you lose in the Gift Game.”[/color]

[color=#9d0a0a]“Sounds dangerous, but I’m sure gaining someone else’s prestige could be handy. A nobody could become well-known from one game,”[/color] added Samuel.

[color=#3b1ae1]“You can but at your current state I believe that wouldn’t be possible.”[/color]

[color=green]“Can’t blame a guy for trying. Does your prestige include your bad publicity as well? Meaning, that your infamy would be taken away from you?”[/color] Stefan quipped, intrigued by the other you could bet something as intangible as this.

[color=#87afc7]“I suppose you can get their pride and confidence, but it’d take time to become well-known,”[/color] Claire added after Kurousagi. [color=#87afc7]“About that part you said. About how the host sets the rules… just to confirm; is there a way to negotiate, or is it absolute that the host prepares the rules? Like, don’t the other side have any particular say in it?”[/color] Claire curiously asked, not quite familiar with such games, even from her hometown where all she did was playing games. They were childish games, however. So Claire was lacking in basic knowledge quite a bit.

[color=#3b1ae1]“Unless the conditions set by the host are impossible to win against there is no way to negotiate the rules.”[/color] Kurousagi then looked towards Stefan [color=#3b1ae1]“Yes! You can bet that as well but I really doubt anyone would accept. Anymore questions?”[/color]

[color=#87afc7]“I suppose it’s up to the other side to accept it to begin with… so it’s fair in its own way,”[/color] Claire said, as if to add a conclusion. [color=#87afc7]“I think I understand this, somewhat. Not too clearly, though. But it sounds fun!”[/color]

[color=#3b1ae1]“Then, how about we have a little game? You should have a better understanding on how a Gift game works if you play one,”[/color] Kurousagi said as she made a deck of cards appeared. [color=#3b1ae1]“Before we start though, I should let you know, that in this world everyone is required to be a part of community. Rather, to be more precise, it’d be almost impossible to live properly if you aren’t a part of one. I don’t mind letting you guys be part of the community I’m from, but if you guys can’t even win a Gift game it would just drag everyone else down in our community. You guys would just be draining resources, basically you guys would be nothing but trouble. We can’t have that now can we?”[/color] Kurousagi said with a smirk on her face. [color=#3b1ae1]What am I saying!? What if they decide to leave![/color] Kurousagi thought to herself.

[color=green]“Alright, let’s play then, hunny bunny.”[/color] Snapping his fingers again, Stefan looked around the area, wondering why his pings weren’t providing anything for him.

[color=#87afc7]“Cards… are those real cards?!”[/color] Claire exclaimed, looking intently at the cards Kurousagi held. [color=blue]“I’ve only heard of them in the city of humans I’ve been to once. This is the first time I’m actually seeing them!”[/color] She said, excitedly. [color=#87afc7]“So how does this particular game work?”[/color] Claire asked ecstatically. [color=#87afc7]“I don’t quite care about a community though… I mean, that village I was in was full of meanies.”[/color]

[color=green]”I could say the same for mine I guess,”[/color] added Stefan nonchalantly, leaning closer for a better look. [color=green]”Cards. Oh well, not like I mind. Blackjack, poker? Show me what you got, Kurousagi.”[/color]

[color=#9d0a0a]“I’d rather not talk about home, and this community is probably better off without me...”[/color] answered Samuel looking at Stefan and the others. [color=#9d0a0a]“I have played cards a few times, however. What game will we be playing?”[/color]