No one post for next 24 hours. Going to advance things. Feel it's necesarry, unless someone's update something major then pm me (;

OOC: Oh dear, 36 hours then ^^; Grab a sandwich this is long.
VW, I’ll contact you on Necromancer for lotsa plots ‘n stuff > D
If anyone is OOC, pm me and I'll edit yeah? I really really apologise in advance. Drill fill and extracting teeth made me tired this week :0 by the time I get everything revised by everyone, I won't have time to re-evaluate so yes. Hope my horrible actions are justified.

Picture of Wraith wolf too. The wolf, not Sachio the hedgehog xD [link= ]Wolf[/link]

IC
Julien’s domain

“The Rubix is not going to eat you. Knight. Captain.”

“Sir?” Jacob pulled a panicked face as he turned his attention away from the coloured and almost solved cube, to face the overlord.

“Pay attention contemptible canine!!!” Julien roared, slamming a fist against the table, which caused every form and object on the surface to jump up and down. The dragons that flew outside practically thundered with agreement, despite its coincidence.

Jacob gulped and hesitated, tempted to hide his nose and mouth behind his report and peek over the top of the scrolled reports with his eyes. He spared himself the embarrassment by clearing his throat, rolling out the parchment reports and opened his mouth to debrief…

“Actually… on second thoughts…” Julien interrupted as he held up an authorative index finger. Julien flicked his ears and turned his head to look over his shoulder at the looking glass that began to shimmer and stir with its kaleidoscope spectrum of lights and flames through its reflection.

“I suspect its time I cast a keen eagle eye on the on the lost boys,” Julien smirked with elongated canine teeth as he pushed his swivel chair back from the desk, stood up and made some prowling footsteps towards the looking glass.

Jacob rolled up his parchments again as he crooned his neck and raised an inquisitive ear towards the direction Julien was walking in- a scrutinizing look on his face. With a hesitant mental second bidding, he too, eventually carefully wandered over to take part in the observations.

There was a drawn out, long and intense silence as Julien’s inspecting fiery eyes swerved around all angles of the mirror. What was illuminated before him were flashbacks of various scenes that had occurred. Indeed the turn of events had occurred sporadically and yet somewhat rapid considering the short elapse of time.

Jacob, too, had observed it all. As usual, the scene that had caused him the greatest expanse of concern was that concerning Wren. He had won the battle against Wraith, but did not earn the replenishment after a taxing fight. He also observed how a Wraith took a detour from the dual against Wren and fought the white hedgehog. Now it appeared Wraith was unconscious, and
Wren was trying to talk to Glitch.

“Well what’s going on there,” Julien said with unwavering eyes “could it be that jack rabbit is folding his cards on playing it solo and asking… for help?”

“It would seem possibly so sir,” Jacob agreed, mentally wincing at the fact that some of his predictions were coming true “but I think it’s more likely he’s contemplating going to use them as expendable assets… first for protection to fight against enemies whilst he devours their souls… then when he has a chance he’ll turn on them.”

“Dog-eat-dog world. That’s what I live for,” Julien chuckled sinisterly.

“I really don’t think we should let Wre-.”

“Hush! Knight. Captain!” Julien barked as he reached a brisk arm to pick up Jacob by the collar, holding him up in the air and staring at him intensely.

“Honestly, what cowardice you show for the ultimate authorative of the Black Knights…” Julien snarled, but mellowed out as he lowered the dog back down to the ground “you’re letting that long-eared vermin affect you on an emotional level. Don’t you have any backbone? I thought even pooches had backbones…”

Julien sighed, an irritated and brooding look on his face as he turned away. Almost insinuating that he wished to hear no further of Jacob’s mentally taxing apprehensions.

The vampiric beast took in the rest of the transpired revelations involving the other groups. The remaining divides of the protagonist group in this current trial included Wren, Glitch and a passed out Wraith which had had just discussed with Jacob; a union of former protagonist trial members from a failed group who amalgamated with some current trial members and compromised of Nathan, a re-joining Lani, Serenity, Hikari Takeshi, Seipher O’shea and Nathan. They all appeared to be riding on horses towards the Margay princess’ castle. And then there were a group of prisoners in the Margay princess’ prison tower which he would cast his undivided attention to in a minute.

“Well well, someone fell under the radar…” Julien mused “I assumed that cat had died! As well as that 3 tailed freak vulpine and the bunny girl! Persistent fools!”

Jacob looked on worried as 5 feral Dobermans with snapping teeth closely tailed the 6-membered group on horses. He wondered where the knight, Lani, had been all this time. More of concern though was how a little girl in the form of Dolly, likely no older than 6 at a rough guess, was doing here in the underworld.

“Awfully quiet aren’t you Jacob?” gave him an chesire cat glance, which faded somewhat and contorted into a growl when the view of a certain black mouse, Mordie materialised into view.

“Well what the devil is THAT supposed to be?!?! ” Julien’s eyes flared up in conjunction with a damning sounding voice as he demanded for the meaning of the scene in front of him. A slightly shaken Jacob squinted his eyes and raised his ears, eager to get to the bottom of the occurrence.

"Just call if yer finally feelin up to talkin, cutie. Perhaps we could work out a deal. I can help yas out of here..."

“Well screw feminine wiles! What is she hoping to get out of that? Other than her death warrant and permanent stay in the Doghouse!” Julien seethed.

“It would seem she is genuinely trying to provide some moral support for one of the trial runners Lord Julien…” Jacob explained after some deliberated though “or at least provide some form of aid in your trial.”

“No.”

“Objection. That’s not her role. She’s not playing her role properly…” Julien shook his head vigorously, causing his hair to wave about and his ears to lower in a growl “a chess player’s pawns have no say in this. No free will. She’ll be damned… but no…”

“…I’m not gonna kill her. Oh no, I’ve got special places for things like her. Places where they keep her alive whilst they cut her up- so that they’ll see what makes her tick. And then we’ll see what makes her sick… oh yeah… she’ll be sorry when I she falls…” he smiled deliriously, talking to himself as his face darkened and his teeth glimmered in a sadistic manner, causing Jacob to be somewhat lost for words.

Jacob had only hoped that Julien’s mutterings regarding Mordie were raved on emotional impulse and not a genuine threat to the femme mouse.

“Ok. Ok…” he chuckled, mellowing out from his psychotic laugh “so much for opening rituals. Let’s cut to the chase and throw some curve balls at these freakshows…”

With that, Julien turned his back on Jacob, and walked across the room. Devising devious plots in his mind to brew up and grid-lock the protagonists in another twisting game of his.

________________________

Margay Princess Castle, Prison Tower

"So, soldier boy. What do you think of her?" Kenneth asked, pointing towards Mordie. "Do you think we trust her enough that I can reveal myself, here? I'm getting a bit tired at the moment..."

Xell looked down and scowled with disapproval at Kenneth’s bravado whilst tapping an impatient foot.

“What do you care what I think? Just reveal yourself!” the dragon shrugged, before resuming a more controlled stance. Xell looked on, awaiting his presence to be made to Mordie as well. The dragon at this point didn’t know whether he’d feel a sense of relief for the femme mouse to see that he was not insane by seemingly talking to herself, or whether the pure annoyance of teaming up with someone who he had hated for so long would kill him

Without further ado, from the clearing of the cell where the light shone through the cell bars, a suited white fox stepped through and faded in from a translucent to an opaque form until he was fully materialized.

“…oh… oh may… but ah…” Mordie began, lifting a finger to point at the white fox that stepped through from nowhere, baring a black suit attire and a smug look on his face.
“Pleasure’s mine chick,” Kenneth smirked immediately “and the name’s Kenneth Lay. What’s yours?”

‘Good lord…’ Xell thought as he rolled his eyes.

“My name is Mordie,” the black mouse smiled quitely receptively, causing Xell to have a double take with confusion. He wondered why the white fox hadn’t got a wallop around the face like he did for being called chick. It was infuriating in a way.

“But ah don’t understand, how did ya…”

“Mum’s the word!” Kenneth winked, before looking at Xell as if to brag about his masculine charm. Xell rolled his eyes again.

“…but so, you were talkin’ to Mr. Fox heir all dis time, raight?” Mordie asked Xell, still in a position of confusion.

“Well done for deciding I didn’t talk to myself for the hell of it!” Xell snapped.

“Easy easy now pet! Didn’t mean ya any harm back there…” Mordie said, trying to calm the grumpy dragon down with her hands “ah’ve been nuthin’ but nice to ya now.”

“Well we could argue about party tricks all day long…” Kenneth shrugged “but I say we bust a groove. So, who’s got some plans…? You have a key right Ms. Mordie?”

“Ah sure do, heh,” she said rolling the ring of keys on her index finger which glinted in the light.

“Well then. Bring on the getaway.”

Xell gave one last irritated shake of his head, whilst Mordie pushed one of the keys into the lock and opened the barricade cell gate with a chink. As it slowly slithered open with a click, the three trial runners carefully stepped outside, and surveyed the surroundings of the tower with quiet curious eyes.

“Well, you found the way in and henceforth found me,” Xell began as he looked at Kenneth “why don’t you enlighten us and show us the way out? Or Mordie will be very disappointed at your party tricks, I am sure chap.” The dragon said, the faintest smirk ever visible on his face.

________________________________________________________

The Bard & Troll Inn

“Kill you when I did…?” Wren repeated with consideration at Glitch’s weak response after having woken up the white hedgehog to some thought of consciousness. Even if it was a meek hazy one.

“Well sure… that was kinda-a…” Glitch coughed roughly, before clearing his throat of a few croaks that had built up.

“… as I was saying, that was kinda rough battle you had on your hands…” Glitch smiled mildly.

He’d probably have acted with more caution and apprehension towards Wren. However, at this point, he was too sedately weak to do much other than talk. Besides, there wasn’t any suggestion of any upcoming attack as of yet from the monstrosity of the purple rabbit entity.

“…and don’t think I didn’t see it…” Glitch’s smile dropped as he closed his eyes with a form of disapproval “… I saw you attempt to do something weird back there with Wraith…”

“…him?” Wren gestured with a frown as he pointed a jagged claw at the passed out cerulean body.

“Yah. He looked like he was on some ‘outter body’ experience or somethin’…” Glitch chuckled ironically “…and what was that saying his soul was yours? What would you want his soul for…?”
Glitch suddenly stopped, and blinked as he stared at the ceiling- still lying down in a daze. Wren stared at him with a mixture of coarseness and reservation to explain his motives. The stillness of the atmosphere was dead with a sinister feel that appeared to restrict any form of open communication.

“You know what, forgit it!” Glitch said dismissively, his voice recuperating with a sense of strength and resolve “what do you want anyways rabbit? I felt better off dead to the world than yabberin’ on to the likes of a freaky-armed bunny who likes to fight dirty…”

“If you were there to witness the show down… Glitch…” Wren sighed, exasperated and somewhat dejected “then you would’ve noted what took place was an unprovoked attack!”

“…yeah?” Glitch replied unceremoniously “couldn’t help notice you provoking Mr. Puff Grey dragon. Heh. Well I call him Xell really… you always greet people like you did my teammates eh?”

“It didn’t look like this ‘Wraith’ character attacked me because I had a chat with your dragon friend,” Wren frowned dubiously, not answering his first question “he attacked with ulterior motives. He seemed too rogueish to care about anyone else but himself. But then again… I suspect his attack was somewhat controlled by an ulterior force as well…”

“Why wouldn’t Wraith get upset? Xell’s been carrying the sleeping baby around since this whole trial began… looking out for him… and all that…”

“Whatever,” Wren muttered “anyway, Glitch. These trials… we have the same motives in mind. To get through Julien’s game and come out the other side in one piece, right?”
Glitch stared at Wren silently, awaiting further explanations.

“Well look at what happens when we stand divided…” Wren said, gesturing to the carnage and decapitated scene strewn with broken furniture and dead bodies all around “…we fall. And I’ll bet my bottom dollar as long as we keep fighting- that son of a freak Julien is gonna carry on watching this like a sick dog fight and laugh his eyeballs out as we continue to tear each others’ limbs out! And we’ll lose… which is what we wants.”

“So you’re proposing a broker’s deal to save your ass?” Glitch asked, turning to look at the purple rabbit.

“All of us!” Wren announced in a tone so unreadable, Glitch could not decipher whether he was bluffing or not.

“Hmmm…” Glitch considered, looking back at the ceiling “… well I dunno…” he grumbled as he grabbed a nearby fallen chair to hoist himself up onto his feet. He swayed back and forth somewhat, testing his stability. He finally stood straight once he deduced he had enough strength to compose himself in a straight and sturdy manner.

Before the white hedgehog and the rabbit could deliberate or progress any further into the conversation, they suddenly found their gazes pulled towards a certain direction. Staring with a mixture of awe and anticipation, their mouths opened simultaneously in wonder as a black portal with swirling ethereal clouds suddenly opened up. Jumping from the spinning vortex of clouds of multiple grey and black spectral colours, a ghost-like cerulean wolf flew swiftly and landed on all fours. As light as a feather he had touched upon the ground.

The wolf creature had a blue aura, and had sapphire eyes which were uncanny and matching in appearance to the cerulean hedgehog on the floor. In fact, the only aspect separating their appearance were their animal species- or at least the ones they were configured to resemble.

The wolf projected his head and raised his ears, looking on at the subjects in front of him with keen green eyes, before lowering his ears and smirking in a very self-assured and shady manner.

'The time has come to move along to the next stage of the trial lost boys', the wolf spoke through their minds. Despite his authentic and majestic appearance, the accent of his perceived voice sounded somewhat rough and like that of a slight East London accent.
Glitch and Wren exchanged glances, wondering if what they had heard was for real.

The wolf swished his tail, a mock laugh sounding off without him even moving his mouth. Almost taking pleasure in the fact that his whole presence was provoking that much thought.

'The black portal behind me. Some time tonight…?!' the creature continued 'you both hear me in your head gentlemen. I don’t care for speaking out loud.'

“That’s all very well but…!” Glitch protested, looking to Wren to decipher if he, too, possibly heard the wolf. The purple rabbit gave a beckoning nod, as if to assert he was on the same wavelength.

“But just WHO the hell are you?! Muttface!” Glitch demanded “and why the freaking hell should we take orders from a dog?!”

The wolf stared unfazed at the ill-tempered hedgehog, continuing to swish his tail in an enraptured fashion.

‘Wraith wolf,’ it answered simply 'a virus in the system. A protocol neither for nor against. Yet I am offering a path to your teammates for a small exchange.’

“An exchange?” Wren asked out loud, raising an inquisitive but wary eyebrow.

‘Your fallen foe.’ The Wraith wolf nodded towards Wraith

“Well what a hard bargain you drive,” Wren said sarcastically “take this forsaken creature by all means. I have no desire to team up with a part-time delirium and a part-time snoozer!”

“The deal’s off!!” Glitch retored as he waved his dismissive right hand and caused his cloak to swish.

‘Oh?

“Don’t sell out team members like that for cheap deals…” Glitch argued.

“Team members? Hedgehog, did you leak a few brain cells out of your ear canals during that fight club session with Wraith?!” Wren shouted incredulously “he tried to kill you!”

“He was under a dark influence!”

“What?!” Wren asked giving him a dirty look, reflecting briefly on Wraith’s various behavioural patterns- none of which had left a favourable impression at all however “… I couldn’t possibly understand why you are sympathizing with him… unless…” Wren trailed off, a theory emerging in his mind.

‘I don’t have all night gentlemen,’ the wolf narrowed his eyes, glowering but simpered shortly after. His moods and expressions sporadic but composed in its mystical balance.

'Your fallen adherent is withering away anyway. As of yet he is of no benefit to you in your hands, neither are your hands a benefit to him. Loan him to be and I’ll ensure his revival to your aid in future circles.'

“Oh just keep him for the love of god. I’ll take your offer,” Wren spat, walking towards the black vortex, before taking a glance to look at Glitch.

“Well, you coming White?” Wren asked “like it or not but divided shares will guruantee our death warrant. We need to aid one another to get through these trials…” Wren explained, grudgingly.

Glitch stared down at the ground at Wraith with a rigid frown. The one member in the group he knew the least about. The one that seemingly never had his own actions. His own body. His own mind.

It was obviously all too much for one individual to stand. There he lay. Perfectly destroyed.

Turning around with a swish of his cloak, he made his way along with Wren into the black vortex. The two protagonists dissolving and defragmenting in the air, whilst the Wraith wolf and Wraith seemingly vaporised from the scene shortly after.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Pathway to the Margay castle

The 6 protagonist members in the form of Serenity, Lani, Nathan, Dolly, Seipher and Hikari continued on their galloping horses- thundering on through the dirt and gravel stone as they tried to escape the lashing Dobermans. Occassionally one of the Dobermans would catch up, and make a bolting pounce to try and clench one of the riders with their jagged teeth.

“This is getting taxing!!!” Seipher shouted above the galloping and vicious barking “… we can’t go on like this…”

“Backseat horse rider… travelling to the enemy’s terroritory where miss Madam Princess lives…” Reni moaned “chased by those dumb dogs? Yup, only in my world does it all go upside down!”

One of the black-wrath like canines made a vicious plunged towards Lani and Serenity’s horse- the world seemingly in slow motion as the dog leapt into the air with bare claws and teeth- inches away from the horses’ hindlegs.

Lani’s eye glinted from the side of her face as she pried upon the feral creature. In one swift motion, she held the reigns in one hand, swivelled out her sword with her other arm and dealt a clean cut to the dog- chopping its head clean off which ensured an instant death and caused the decapitated body to fall back. Lani instantly placed her sword back and took charge of the reigns again such that she was in complete control of the horse.

Dolly gasped at the notion, clinging onto Nathan’s back for dear life as she watched it all unfold. All too close for comfort.

The repercussion of that action caused the dead body of the dog to hit two other running dogs at the time with crushing momentum- leaving the recipient two dogs in a heap on the road. Now the group were being followed by the other two remaining dogs.

“Oh my gosh! Did you see that Seipher?!” Kari asked, amazed that Lani managed to effectively kill 3 birds with one stone.

“See what?!” Seipher shouted, still flustered “I have to keep my eyes on the road yanno!”

“Ugh,” the Siamese muttered as she shook her head.

“Hey… hey!” Reni announced suddenly “now I know a castle when I see one!”

Despite the chasing danger, the group looked to the horizon ahead. A glimmer of hope lit up on their faces as they saw a massive, authentic proud castle of medieval characteristic, royality and grandeur. It compromised of multitudes interlinked stone haven buildings, and peaking towers of various heights with flags that blew proudly.

“Well so it is! … so it is…” Hikari mused, still troubled by the 2 canines chasing the group and for a plan to enter the enemy terroritory in a stealthy manner.

“So, any ideas on how we can ditch the dogs and make a secret entry…?!” Seipher asked the group openly “anyone??? Because if we don’t do something soon, either we’ll get gnashed, or we’ll get spotted by the enemies and seized. Or maybe we should be so lucky and have both happen to us!”

__________________________________________________________________

Julien’s domain

“Jacob!” Julien beckoned the knight captain to come over, who was standing and looking out into the distance of the lands of firey. Volcanic erruptions and thunderous dragons occupied the ambience portion of the atmosphere, along with the air-flow current which blew lit up red and black embers into the sky.

“Sir!” Jacob caught up with the overlord on the stone balcony, standing straight and about.

“I’m planning to unleash the main enemy in this circle. The trial runners have done well for themselves…” Julien said softly “before I give you my next orders, I wish to hear your report now. For I am planning for you to lead the attack with the chief Nemesis of circle I with some of your elite black knights. Or at least appoint your highest ranking black knight soldier.”

The Overlord turned around and faced Jacob with a serious and stern look on his face, the wind blowing his hair and his demonic long ears.

“So what are your tidings and what is your verdict?”

Margay Princess Castle, Prison Tower

“Well, you found the way in and henceforth found me,” Xell began as he
looked at Kenneth “Why don’t you enlighten us and show us the way out?
Or Mordie will be very disappointed at your party tricks, I am sure
chap.” The dragon said, the faintest smirk ever visible on his face.

Kenneth looked towards Xell, and sighed, shrugging his shoulders.

"I do know the way out of here, I suppose that much is true." Kenneth began leaning back against one of the prison tower's walls. "But is the exit out of this place really in leaving the castle?"

Xell looked confused. He wasn't sure what exactly Kenneth was talking about, and Mordie's face betrayed an air of confusion as well.

"What are you talking about, conman?" Xell asked.

"Well, you need to look at the big picture here. We're in a Game, right? Three trials all designed to help us redeem our souls or whatever." Kenneth continued, taking another drag on his cigarette. "Leaving the castle is all well and good, but our main priority should be to leave this trial, right?"

"Yes, and your point?" Xell asked, getting impatient.

"Maybe the way out of this trial is somewhere here, in the castle." Kenneth suggested. Both Xell and Mordie weren't entirely sure by what the fox was going on about.

"Do you have any evidence to suggest that?" Xell asked.

"Nope, none in the slightest." Kenneth grinned. "I had a brief search of this place but I've found nothing so far, and bare in mind this place is huge. All I'm saying is, we need to focus on getting out of this trial moreso than just the castle. Keep our eyes on the prize and all that."

"Ya do know, if we stay here in thee castle searchin' for a way out, we'll probably just get spotted 'nd captured, right?" Mordie added.

"Sure, I know that, sweet cheeks, but all I'm saying is, if our proper exit out of this trial is somewhere here in the castle, us leaving this place would just be counterproductive, right?" Kenneth explained. "The problem with this whole damn trial and setup is that we don't really have any clue what we're supposed to be doing. Well, bar making sure we stay alive and all that."

"So you're saying we should stay here, and find some exit out of the trial in the castle?" Xell asked, trying to find the point in what Kenneth was saying.

"Hell, I'm not saying we should be doing anything in particular. I'm just saying we should be aware of things like that. I can't be the only one keeping a working head around this whole thing, am I?" Kenneth sighed.

"Well if we're going to be like this, then we should probably think even bigger and figure a way out of this game altogether, right?" Xell inquired.

Kenneth's eyes glimmered, a smirk widening on his lips.

"I actually have a suggestion for that very thing." This naturally piqued Xell and Mordie's interests, who both brought themselves closer, hoping to hear Kenneth's idea, but the fox just leaned back further and relaxed. "But there's no way I'm gonna bring it up now." Kenneth waved his hand in front of him, dismissing the idea away, much to the dragon's annoyance. "There's no way in hell any of us are ready for that particular idea. We don't have the info or strength to possibly go about doing that idea. And like the salamander said earlier about revealing secrets... the walls having ears and all. Don't want to spoil our plans in front of whatever audience is watching too soon, do we?"

Xell frowned.

"Don't worry, I'll explain it all to you two, later, if we're all still alive by then." Kenneth laughed.

"So... after all that discussion. What do ya propose we go and do now?" Mordie asked.

"I could think of a number of things we could do, but none of them are particularly appropriate for our situation right now." Kenneth laughed. "I guess we should go find the rest of our... 'companions' for now, wherever the hell they might be. Strength in numbers and all that jazz."

"And they're probably outside of the castle, which... brings us right back to my first point. Getting out of here." Xell stated matter of factly. Geez, the fox just went about talking in circles.

"Well, we don't know where exactly they are. Been a while since I've seen them anyway, but they're probably either here in the castle or that town, right?" Kenneth mused. "I suppose we could just go and reach the exit of this castle first. Won't be easy though, the amount of guards around, but I think my talents and that of our beautiful new friend here will help." Kenneth pointed to Mordie. "I'm glad we had this discussion though. I want people to be focused on the main picture, here, y'know?"

Xell rolled his eyes.

"Oh, and dragon, here." Kenneth threw to Xell the sword he had acquired earlier in his foraging of the castle. "It's not a gun but it's something to protect yourself. Lord knows I probably wouldn't use it to do anything other than cut my own damn hand off." Kenneth stepped away from the wall, and began leading the threesome towards the Tower's staircase in their efforts to reach the castle's exit.

"Oh, by the way, pardon my manners." Kenneth suddenly stopped, reaching into his suit's pocket, and pulling out his packet of cigarettes, flicking one out and pointing it in Mordie's direction. "Offer you a smoke, sugarlips?"

OOC: Kate's post is long and SERIOUSLY awesome. Yay <3

Also my own post is slightly longish and achieves almost nothing. Yay! =D

"If we can get rid of the dogs, I know of some entrances other than the main one," Lani offers. "But the entire place is crawling with guards. It won't be possible to hide a group this large."

((short post is short. T.T Love how you handled Lani killing the Doberman, Kate. I worship your keys.))

(OOC: Heehee...You got it exactly @ Reni sardonically summing up the situation all while snarking about how rotten her life is.... XD; )

IC:

Road to Margay Princess' Castle:

"And with my luck, I'll end up getting everybody caught by those gaurds...and maybe end up as a chew toy for Fido and Kujo back there." Serenity continued to bellyache under her breath, all while mentally berating herself, Don't you have anything BETTER to do than complain all the time, Ren? Yer companions are gonna get sick of it sooner or later...

Necromancer's Hut:

Strychnyne smiled grimly to himself. Another success. He beckoned to the re-animated rhino and turned, walking down a flight of steps into the hut's cellar. The zombie followed stumblingly after...luckily not tripping on the steps this time...Like the last one did. The rat-vulture grimmaced briefly. At least it was getting better. Every new attempt was better than the last one.

He stopped at the bottom of the stairs, directing the walking corpse over to where several others stood, bathed in inexplicable overhead green lights. The rhino-zombie entered one...and instantly stopped moving, standing stone still...like a morbid statue. Strychnyne nodded, satisfied. His army was growing.

TBC

(OOC: As always Kate, Seipher and Kari's interaction brought smiles to my face! Perfect!)

OOC: Damn, everyone's doing so awesome here! owo <3 <3
Sorry I've been a little inactive lately. Had a brainfart for the RPs in the past couple of days. x_x; Just a head's up, I'm gonna try to update with an IC today. (But if you want to post something before I do, feel free too!)

I have exams for the next two weeks btw, so I might be late && lag behind even more. My time online will be spontaneous, and I'll update when I can, but I've gotta start studying hardcore starting tomorrow/Sunday. T_T; Which is why I wanna take care of an IC today, seeing how it's been a while since I last updated && I don't know if I'll get the chance to later this week XD;.

*rolls out*

Julien’s Domain

“So what are
your tidings and what is your verdict?”

The overlord’s
inquiry had Jacob fumbling through his papers to find the ones he needed to
reference.

“I have the
full report concerning Wren’s escape.” Jacob cleared his throat before
continuing, “We’ve traced his escape route back to a Slave Quadrant Theta 02.
From there we’ve since discovered a blind spot in the patrol routes of Coal Pit
3A.”

Jacob paused
as Julien brought a hand to his mouth and let out a yawn. Julien then motioned for
Jacob to continue with the same hand.

Jacob cleared
his throat again, “Further investigation revealed that Wren had taken advantage
of the blind spot, and sacrificed the lives of several other slaves in order to
cause a distraction for the knights pursuing him.”

“What did he
do to them?” asked Julien.

Jacob shook
his head, “Nothing out of the ordinary, my lord. He threw the slaves chained to
him into a lava pit, in order to sever his own chains. When the chained group
fell into the lava, none of the knights on patrol noticed that Wren had severed
himself from them. It was believed that he had died, so forces were rushed to
the nearest re-construction chamber to apprehend him upon revival. It was with
that re-distribution of our forces that Wren was able to move unhindered to-“

“Who were the
knights on that patrol route?”

Jacob flipped
through his papers uneasily.

“Knights 054C
and 056C, lord.”

Julien
frowned, “Names?”

“Harring and
Wyatt, respectively.”

Julien
rummaged through a box of jellybeans on his desk and picked out a speckled
orange one, holding it up to the light and rolling it between his fingers as he
spoke.

“Have them
both scheduled for three painful deaths, ascending along the severity scale
from… let’s say ‘two’ through to ‘four’.” Julien popped the jellybean into his
mouth, “nothing too serious.”

“My lord, if I
may…” said Jacob, slightly taken aback by his master’s cruelty, “…I believe I
should be the one to accept such punishment. It was my responsibility to define
the patrol routes, it’s my fault that such the escape was able to happen in the
first place.” Jacob bowed his head down.

“Oh nonsense,
Jacob.” Julien patted him on the head condescendingly, “You’ve been nothing
short of diligent in your duties. Those bumbling idiots, Harold and Wiles, was
it? It’s their incompetence that led to Wren’s escape.”

“Then I’m at
fault for not training them properly.” Pleaded Jacob, “Wren is a troublesome
wretch, I should have given my men the proper training to deal with-“

“I’m not going
to argue with you, Jacob, I’m not in the mood.” Said Julien, sternly dismissing
him, “I’ll lower the number of painful deaths down to ‘two’ if you’ll agree to
shut up and allow me to get on with my day.”

Jacob bowed
graciously, happy to receive even the slightest amount of leniency, “Thank you,
Lord.”

“Don’t thank
me, It’s pathetic” scoffed Julien, approaching the looking glass once more. “Those
idiots down at Theta 02 are fortunate that I’ve got other things to occupy
myself with at the moment.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forest Clearing

 The sound of birds and a calm
breeze was torn asunder by the strange sounds of a twisting vortex screaming its
way into the world.

The black gate pulsed with power as two incandescent
figures emerged from it, taking careful steps onto the wild grass. The portal
vanished as suddenly as it arrived and the light shattered from the figures
like a layer of crystalline skin being broken off by the sun.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to that” said
Glitch, rubbing his forehead. He stopped for a moment and inspected his own
hand in awe, jumping up and down on the spot and grinning as he came to a
startling realization.

“Hey!” he exclaimed while jumping, addressing Wren, “I
got my energy back!”

Wren rubbed his left eye while his right remained
only slightly open, he had the appearance of someone who’d only just woken up.

“Yes” Wren mused, shaking off his groggy feeling, “when
you’re inside a vortex, you’re disassembled and then re-assembled as you travel
through to a location.”

Wren stretched his arms, “replenishment of energy is
a side-effect of the process. Not everything can be replicated exactly as-“

Glitch stopped jumping to observe Wren hunching over
and vomiting into a nearby bush.

“Are… you
alright?” Glitch asked, an eyebrow raised.

Wren coughed and
spluttered for a moment before hacking his throat to clarity, “Never better.
Just an undesirable reaction to the vortex, I suppose.”

Glitch placed his
hand on his hip, “You seem to know a lot about vortexes...” he paused a moment,
looking off to the side, “vortexes?...vortesi?...vortexys?”

“We should probably
start looking for the others.” said Wren, wiping himself clean on some large
leaves.

“Hold on.” Glitch
interjected, “How do I know I can trust you?”

Wren growled, “This
again? Look, you may not like it, but I’m in this trial just like the rest of
you. Our odds of survival are better if we can try to accomplish these
challenges together instead of competing.”

“Well, yeah” said
Glitch, “but I still don’t like the way Xell reacted to you, how do I know you
aren’t just trying to get close to everyone so you can try something funny?”

Wren shot him a
sinister grin, “You don’t. But would you rather be able to keep an eye on me or
have me skulking around in the darkness by myself where you can’t see me?”

“Besides…” said
Wren, trying to appear more passive, “You’ll have everyone else on your side to
help keep an eye on me, if you still don’t trust me. I’m hardly in any
condition to overpower an entire group of you.”

The loud
crackling of what sounded like an energy weapon of some sort rippled across the
air and caused both Glitch and Wren to look around frantically until they both
settled on the same direction.

“I’d say, that way is probably a good place to
find people we know” grinned Glitch, getting a head start on Wren as he dashed
in the direction of the sound. Wren scoffed as he gathered himself and set off
after him.

As they ran
toward the sound, Glitch took a moment to look over at Wren and scan him. Wren
noticed this and scowled in response, “what now?”

“The more I think
about it…” started Glitch, “the more I think I’ve seen you somewhere before.”

“Unlikely” Said Wren,
“You’re still alive.”

Glitch chuckled, “You’re
not doing yourself any favors if you’re trying to earn my trust.”

“I was never any
good at making friends.” Said Wren, with a smirk.

-------------------------

EDIT OOC: I hope this is alright, Rexcalibur. Also, hope I handled Glitch well.

OOC: Well I tried to resist the urge to spam xD
I just want to say thanks for all the compliments. I was wary about OOCing and creating non-practical entry points for people to IC. So jolly big thank to everyone and their delightful posts. Long and short I love them all 😉

Shylarah, I meant to ask, (oh and thanks for the compliments ^^; ) what does Lani look like? I keep having a picture in my mind of Claire from Claymore. 🙂 Stunning character.

Aw come on Ash, you achieved a lot. Glad you got Kenneth to have a good think about the situation? He's dammed smart actually. He's totally on the right wavelength on this trial concept.

VW, glad I got Reni right. And the ever sinister manifestations of Necromancer are a compelling read. Hmmm... the biggest suspence is wondering who is going to be implicated from this zombie nation. *sleeps with one eye open* xD

Thanks Kim! xD I always enjoy writing the spattish dialogue with Kari and Seipher lol! And how they wind each other up. Oh wow and I loved your handling with Kari! It was really REALLY awesome to see her in action there. For sure, for sure! ^_^

K, I told you on chat, no pressure. Exams come first. You can RP whenever but exam dates cannot be chosen. No matter what unfortunately D: . If you want me to temporarily IC your OC's to progress with the RP just let me know. People have kindly done that for me in the past when I had exams.

I have to say I'm enjoying Jacob and Wren's character development. The jelly beans novelty made me laugh too James. xD Wren is... really such a grey area at the moment. For a moment I fell for his genuine need to team up. He has some sporadic sinister moods about him hey?

Ok I will IC later. Not that anyone else should be discouraged in the meantime ^_^

((I have a picture of another version of Lani, but it gives away some of her powers, so you'll have to wait. She has long white hair (and when I say white, I mean it practically glows. Pure white.) and wears traveller's clothes with leather armor underneath. No heavy metal armor. Also, her sword is a bastard sword -- hand and a half, not two-handed like a claymore would be.
Nothing to say IC right now.))

(OOC: 'And nevermind that sound you heard...' Great, now I've got that stuck in my head. XD; Anyway, glad you like...I have no particular plans for him at the moment...I'm just going with whatever comes to me. *shrug*)

OOC: Wunderbar, on with the show. Writing the next IC.

Princess Margay Castle, Prison Tower

"Oh, by the way, pardon my manners." Kenneth suddenly stopped, reaching into his suit's pocket, and pulling out his packet of cigarettes, flicking one out and pointing it in Mordie's direction. "Offer you a smoke, sugarlips?"

Xell was momentarily in his own world, observing the flint, cobblestone and cement that configured their murky prison tower surroundings. Every now and again a haunting wind current would gorge from the spiralled staircase as if to taunt its present occupants.

“Nah, you’re alright…” Mordie turned down the offer politely with a dismissive wave of the palm of her hand. Kenneth shrugged lightly, before lighting up the cigarette.

“Put that out!” Xell came in and whacked the cigarette abruptly out of Ken’s hand. The fox looked on with bemusement and disgust as he noted an angry Xell stubbed the cig to dust against the ground with the sole of his heavily scaled foot.

“…not that I could care much for YOUR health… you sly! But I am give a damn about secondary smoke rendering irreversible damage to my lungs as I am sure Ms Mordie would be…” Xell looked up and tilted his head with a reprimanding look on his face once he had finished stubbing out the ashen smoke “besides, I’m sure the smell will bring far too much UNWANTED attention…” he said in an infuriated whisper.

“Sure sure,” Kenneth narrowed his eyelids in a blasé manner and shrugged.

“Come’on now. Quit ya bickerin’ and let’s press on…” Mordie said, rolling her eyes and turning her back as she began to take some initial footsteps down the cold steps from the spiralled staircase.
Kenneth gave Xell a guarded look, before smirking lightly and advanced in the femme mouse’s direction. Xell followed shortly after. In a grump and slump, as he slouched his head and shoulders forward.

The three individual trial runners thus made careful steps down the descending spiralled footsteps, being cautious to keep sound effects to a bare minimum. As if to let sleeping dogs lie.

Another air current screamed its way up the tunnel, almost blowing Kenneth, Xell and Mordie off balance. The best attempt to maintain their composure by gripping onto the ledge walls as they winced with knotted expressions.

The trio pursued their way, step by step. A long and painful seeming inch-by-inch step-like motion through the darkening Abyss which compromised any light or vision within its suspense-laden entity. The walls were dank and clammy on palpation, whilst the must and cobwebs would occasionally brush off of their faces. A death toll ringing in their hearts as they tried their earnest to maintain the heavy painful silence in order to escape disclosure from the castle’s watching guards.

All of a sudden, Kenneth’s view blackened.

_____________________________________________________

Raverwar fire Palace, Grand meeting hall, Congress of the Damned

Within a dark vicinity which had walls of skeleton bones encrusted in rock and graphite with in-built torches that illuminated the setting, a long extended table made of marble was centralised within the room. On either side of the marble slated meeting table, there were numerous leather chairs which were assembled in a linear-type arrangement.

Armour clad jagged silhouettes with penetrating glowing red eyes were the main occupants of the leather seats within the meeting. The higher ranking figures of the demonic underworld within the meeting sat more towards the darker spectrum of the blackened ominous expanse.

The grand dominion- that could ensnare your mind and lock your soul with a tempting glance- sat at the very end of the table. Overlooking the whole assembly. The amethyst coloured Patriarch himself who donned a broad shouldered dark suit and sat with elongated fingers pressed against one another in a composing dark manner.

Julien, Patriarch of the Underworld. One whose eyes fired with the blank stare of a million bleeding souls.

The general black-suited and white shirted attire of the other head authoratives at the far end of the table did not evoke a suave feel but rather an ominous black boundary which provoked fear when coupled with the individuals’ immoral faces and dark donning souls.

An echoing bolt was suddenly heard on the spontaneous opening of the grand timber doors.

The gathering slowly turned their heads with a dark, subdued look. Hiding their fear at the black silhouette, who stood in the stream of light photons. His one electric yellow eye piercing through his dark profile.

“You’re late. Scar.” A bitter-eyed Jacob said with contempt within the shadows he was sitting in. He was situated on the right wing of Julien at the table, also clad in a black suit.

Scar simply stood there, narrowing his one eye with an intense snakelike golden iris as he focused on Jacob with a snaring expression.

“That is correct. Jayden ‘Scar’ Nacaren,” a dark voice came from a shining set of white teeth belonging to the Overlord “wanting people to listen to you… you can’t tap them on the shoulder anymore.”

“… you have to hit them with a sledge hammer.”

Scar stared at Julien. If one were to configure the stone cold emotion, perhaps he would be enquiring of the meaning of Julien’s delirious statement.

“…your time keeping is creating an unfavourable impression. Scar. Be seated and do not subject yourself to having your back skinned and smothered in salt at the very least of your potential penalties.” Julien resumed, as if to answer his question.

Scar maintained his composed enigmatic expression, walking to the far end and taking a seat amongst the dark chief underworld operatives. His cloak making a stern swish as it cut the air, which eventually floated to settle above his armour once he was seated.

“We’ll begin,” Julien said formerly “I gather you all here, ladies and gentlemen of the Underworld to announce an upcoming feat to which you are all cordially invited.”
The atmosphere was thick with suspense and anxiety, in spite of a stone-still assembly of dark underlings who embraced the gathering. None of them daring to express emotion of any kind given the intense fear provoked by the Overlord.

“Our trial runners. The protagonists,” Julien explained with a delighted smile on his face as he closed his eyes “…have almost reached their destination within the circle.”

There were some slight shadowy murmurings. Some air of surprise and astonishment, if not suppressed displeasure.

“However, I informed our runners there was more to the circle then reaching the end of its circumference,” Julien said rolling his eyes upwards to the ceiling as if to reflect “they shall be fighting a foe amongst foe on the frontline of Jacob’s black knights…” Julien said giving him a quick nod with a malicious smile, before casting his gaze which fell across the room like a shroud of darkness.

“And THEN… should they break through…” Julien said, his voice dropping to darker undertones as he suddenly stood up and waved a black-sleeved beckoning hand “we will send forth… the Raven Blood Child…”

At that mention, the grand entry doors from which Scar had entered creaked open with a pain-staking crunching grind. An ambience similar to a cold rusty-nail screech against the chalk board resounded as a blinding white light slowly infiltrated the meeting room at the same coincidence.

At the entrance stood a black cloaked donning, juvenile-high figure. What could be seen trailing from the inky black, wavering over-garments were pale hands protruding from the sleeves. There were areas of blisters, ulcers, eroded skin and shunted bone. She had human bare-feet, with black raven claws and yellow demonic eyes that penetrated through the dark hood along with long silver hair that blew in the dead silence of the hall’s air currents.

“…” a supressed mumble was given off by a pale beige, long eared femme fennec amongst the chief underworld authoratives. She wore dark black make-up and gothic apparel consisting of a black corset dress and ebony jewellery. She had long straight, blond hair that draped partially over her shoulders and the rest of her back as she leaned forwards.

“Well… a child?” the gothic individual known as Athena spoke, tilting her head ever so slightly to scrutinize the dark silhouetted scarecrow individual in the background.

‘What is the purpose of this?’ she drifted momentarily into thought as she looked at the supposed nemesis of Circle I with indifference. Her gothic made up face and expression made her look dead-to-the world.

“Not just ‘a’ child,” Julien said with simpering glowing eyes “but a shape shifter and one who can reach out into the void of any one person’s haemorrhaging soul. And to replay their deepest, darkest, most fearsome secret. In a danse macabre fashion…”

“Hallucinate the protagonists whilst fighting them Julien?” Athena enquired with bleak frankness “your madness for such twisted games continues to shine brightly.” She said, closing her black eye-shadowed lids.

…perhaps the purpose is an absence of purpose…

“Learn to have some fun Athena,” Julien said, standing up as he beckoned the black veiled Raven Child to step forwards. Each step thudding and practically hailing all dead souls of the underworld.
Standing before the black suited Patriarch himself, she looked up at him with yellow-snake like eyes. Hallucinogenic, but composed within the gold sandstorm irises.

“Besides. A bit of trauma builds character,” he said stroking her hooded head, a little less condescendingly than he had done to Jacob earlier.
Jacob stared at the Raven child with wary eyes. He was composed but on his guard for any sudden movement from this obscure dark monstrosity who was so vilely shadowed that he could not even see her face.

“I propose we make haste,” Julien said taking his hand away from the Raven child and smiling devilishly at the gathering in front of him “everyone make your necessary expedition towards the medieval slave camp world…”

“Jacob. Prepare your legion of black knights,” he nodded towards the Captain, which was returned with a single formal and affirmative nod.

“The princess Margay castle arena. She will be expecting our arrival shortly. This coming dawn, we shall see a battle…” he laughed sinisterly, his bloodshot irises glinting with evil of an unspeakable kind. All the while, the sinister Raven child continued to stare up with an unblinking gaze at Julien. Void of emotion and expression as her hair wavered bleakly in the dead gust.

Julien turned and ushered for the girl to follow him.
He would be making his descent upon the arena battle field upon one of his trusted black dragons.

_______________________

Prison Tower

A bolt of adrenaline shot through Kenneth’s veins. He instantly clawed at the object that was blinding his vision.

He swiped off what felt like a furred, multi-legged creature “GET THIS THING THE HELL OFF OF ME!” Kenneth yelled, watching with a mixture of panic and frustration as he watched what resembled to be a human-hand sized spider which suddenly splatted against the wall. Slowly sliding down the plane to the ground and dying in its own ooze.

“Well…” Xell said, keeping a gaze on the dead arachnid and meandering his eyes to look at Kenneth with a blink “understandable to panic. Though I’d say it was probably more scared of you than
you were of it…” Xell smirked, continuing to make his way down the steps. The comic-relief moment taking the edge off the suspense of trailing down this dark and depth-like filled stronghold.

Kenneth pouted somewhat, before turning to Mordie who he could decipher was giggling despite the intense shadows that bathed them.

“Oh Kenny, really…” Mordie said trying to supress some giggling as she whispered.

“Ugly fiend is big enough to eat a bird…” Kenneth uttered in a low snarl, sub-consciously reaching into his pocket for another cigarette. He suddenly thought better of it when he remembered, what he perceived to be, Xell’s irrational odium towards cigarettes.

“Ugh.”

Xell continued to silently curve his head in all directions as he kept his senses alert for any sign of trouble. The darkness was not getting any easier to adjust to and the cobwebs that kept brushing against his forehead continued to raise false alarm bells in his head. The whole experience of sneaking down the tower stealthily was proving to be heart pounding and uncomfortable.

The trio found themselves within a mid-sectional crossroad route within the tower. For it appeared they were now on a ground level. Straight ahead lead to some further spiralling stairs. To the left was the passage to a dark hallway. As was the passage to the right. The only other direction visible was back from whence they came.

“…and the way out Mr. Sly would be…” Xell enquired in a whisper as he turned to look at the white fox for answers given his former entry to this dwelling.
Before Kenneth could alert Xell, a bony hand suddenly fell on the dragon’s bare shoulder, causing Mordie to scream out at the horrifying and pitch-dark entity.

____________________________

Forest

The dawning sky was tinted with a blend of black, navy blue, orange, and an ever-so-slight hint of yellow from the panoramic horizons. Ravens and magpies crowed a death-toll which drowned out the harmonious twitter that was once resounded by spring season birds of nature. The dark forest had a mystical, authentic beauty within its own right nonetheless.

From the rustling willows, dead bark and rose bushes- Glitch and Wren sprinted forwards towards the laser shot sound which took them upon a pathway. From peering down on the clay, mud, and stone- it was clear that the gravel had been agitated by recent travellers. Namely horses’ hooves and dog paw prints.

The trail got sinister as the purple rabbit and white hedgehog found they were trailing a line of crimson blood. Upon further jogging, they stopped before two deceased hellhounds. One who was evidently shot in the neck and had its jugular vein severed. The other appeared to have suffered from cardiac arrest given its ruptured chest, scorched rib cage with leaking veins and arteries from its chest cavity. They were both practically drowning in their own pool of blood.

“Oh wow… more of these…” Glitch frowned, casting a glance from side to side “well. They can’t have been dead that long at all. They’re still oozing man… no maggots…”
Without moving his head, Glitch cast a pair of dead-beat eyes to look at Wren who was staring at the dogs morbidly.

“Uhm…” you weren’t thinking of. Glitch hesitated. He did not eat animals but he didn’t fancy divulging any information on his eating habits regarding other living creatures “…never mind.”

Glitch straightened up, and squinted his eyes to look at the distance ahead of him. His eyes widened with promise as he noted two occurrences of particular relevance. One being a proud, tall standing castle of authentic royalty. The 2nd being a diverging group of horses riding in the distance.

“A hoody!!!” Glitch cried out happily.

“…what?” Wren shook his head, partially distracted from his fixation on the dead dogs and that of the utter random statement from the white hedgehog.

“I recognise hoody guy! And Ms Violet… and Lady Warrior Supreme!!!!” Glitch said jumping up and down and smiling for the first time in a long time “it’s my trial runner friends. Nathan and Serenity. And…”

Glitch hesitated as he held his chin with his one right hand in contemplation.

“I don’t know her name…!” he realised.

“Oh well…” Wren’s face pulsated from looking at the dog and seeming like he was interested in what Glitch had to say “some friends if you don’t know all their names. And here you were giving me a hard time!”

He won’t notice me snag some dog souls will he? Why would he care anyway…? Wren thought erratically.

“Quit babbling… let’s go!” Glitch said, grabbing Wren’s arm and taking off into the distance to where the castle and the horse riders were.

_______________________________

Outside the castle

The group cantered their last bounty of hoof-steps as they trailed their horses to a stop a good half mile or so before the castles moats.

Seipher and Kari were the first to jump off the horse, landing with an effortless thud upon the ground as they inspected the surroundings with casting glances.

Nathan carefully slipped off the stirrups and slid down one side of the horse. He reached out and carried Dolly off by the arms, before placing her on the ground gingerly.

“Thanks Mr. Gecko guy! You’re a real good horse-rider too!” she said smiling enthusiastically. She looked around with a sense of curiosity and slight anxiety, before brightening up as she saw Kari and Seipher.

“…oh you can call me…” Nathan trailed off as he raised a finger and stopped, hesitating as he noticed the little girl run off. However, the infant rabbit turned her head to look over her shoulder as she waited for him to finish the rest of his sentence.

“Nathan,” the Salamander finished “please call me Nathan. If that’s ok…” he said, scratching the hood of his jumper.

“Ok then Nathan. I’ll call you Nathan!” she said, turning around with her hands open in an honest manner. She then turned around again to run up to a discussing Seipher and Kari.

“I say we go through that way…” Seipher said, pointing at the entry gate which was open- the oaken hinge door serving as a bridge above the moat.

“No way! Talk about walking into a Lion’s den Commander…” Kari argued “I say we climb the walls… walk a-top the walls… and seize the guards in the guard towers!” the Siamese said, becoming animated with each word and enforced her sentences with hand pounding actions.

“Wait! No! Stop! Objection!” Seipher protested clearing his arms “that’ll never work Hikari! No wonder you weren’t recruited as a spy! A bond girl you aint!”

“….uuuuuggggggggggghhhh!” Kari cringed; face palming and shaking her head.

In the meantime, Lani gripped the reigns, allowing Serenity to descend first given the horse’s former unpredictable and volatile behaviour. As a cautious and suspicious-looking Reni eventually touched upon the ground- she stretched and yawned, before scratching the back of her head as she wandered over to the disputing group of people. By now consisting of Seipher, Kari, Dolly and Nathan.

Lani tied up all the horses to a nearby tree with some vine-like foliage. Shortly after, she turned around and elegantly walked over to the group of furries- her long white hair draped over her traveller’s clothes.

“Well you know what…” she said, her graceful and refined voice breaking the silence and earning all of the group’s attention “Serenity, Nathan… do you remember back at the cave when we all had a map? I remember not only did it lead us out of the cave but it also charted the peasant town and the castle.”

Seipher, Kari and Dolly exchanged glances- somewhat lost given they were not amongst the trial runner group that consisted of Lani, Reni and Nathan as merely 3 of its members.

“Well I think that Nathan. You had the map last, is that correct?” she asked, turning to look at him.

Nathan looked on slightly anxious. He fumbled through his pockets and fished out his mobile phone, and then began to scroll through the various note-kept events that he had stored since the trial began. He had had the opportunity to refresh his memory on not only his older trial runners companions, but the new ones too.

“Hey yeah… I did keep the map…” Nathan deduced, reaching into his other pocket and pulling out the scroll. He blinked in hesitation momentarily, before unravelling the parchment and holding it out for everyone to peer at.

A bustling of voices suddenly caught the group’s attention, causing them to turn around abruptly as they fixed their gazes upon some rustling foliage.

“Hey! Reni! NATHAN! Warrior Lady!!!” Glitch shouted, jumping through to greet the group with an open right hand.

“Man oh man… I never thought I’d see YOU guys again!!” Glitch cried, tempted to jump into somebody’s arms to give them a hug.

He suddenly skidded to a halt and decided against it. He simpered and waved a dismissive hand towards the curious onlookers.

“…THAT IS….See you again in one piece. Without MY help,” he boasted- causing Reni to roll her eyes.

“Boys are all the same… boys are all the same…” she seethed through gritted teeth as she forced a smile.

Lani narrowed her eyes as she noted another individual prowl onto the scene. That of a purple, long-eared rabbit creature. He looked on with yellow, stern eyes. Almost a certain refusal to show remorse of any kind if anyone had indeed recognised him and any of his shadowy dealings.

Certainly Lani had some form of recollection entailing a fight between him… and Blue. Or Wraith.

Kari, Dolly and Seipher were all the more confused as they exchanged further glances.

“Names please,” Seipher said narrowing his eyes and inspecting the newcomers carefully “I’ll probably forget you all but please… I need a rebreather…”

_________________________

2 minutes later

By now the group had all introduced themselves. Everyone knew one another’s names and Nathan had stored all the relevant information upon his phone.

Glitch introduced Wren to the group- professionally but with certain reservations. Continuing to suspect and deliberate over the rabbit. He had to keep an eye on him…

“With all that said then…” Seipher finished, picking out the map from Nathan’s hands “time’s not on our sides. We need to rescue our captives…”
The three-tailed vulpine held out the map and began to take charge of the discussion.

“Some of this map is written in Latin it seems…” he grumbled “but from what I can figure… towards the back of the castle the moat is dried up and there is an underground tunnel… which leads to a prison…” he hesitated, not liking the sound of the route at all.

“…and past the prison… is the central castle infrastructure itself…”

“Oh wait oh wait! Come on, there’s gotta be another way, right?” Reni asked as she wrinkled her nose “I’ve had enough of caves and dark places. We only just got outta one!”

Dolly looked around, placing a finger in her mouth in thought as she tried to memorise everyone’s faces who had made their introductions earlier.

“Well, can anyone here read Latin? Cos if they can maybe there is a better way…” she suggested simplistically. Unsure as to whether her child-like theories would actually benefit the group

_________________________________

Prison Tower

“Hey… you! Get off before I…!” Kenneth said, coming in to push the cloaked skeletal creature off Xell.

Xell was faster though as he impulsively swung around and stabbed the creature square in the chest with the sword that Kenneth had given him.

Kenneth backed off, staring at the stabbed phantom entity with gritted teeth as he awaited the consequences.

It came to no avail, however, as the sword simply penetrated what felt like sand- with its pointed end sticking out through the back of the cloaked creature.

The creature smiled. A set of white gleaming teeth beneath its cloak, before pushing Xell away lightly with one hand and unsheathing the sword out of its chest effortlessly with its other hand.

“Be thankful I don’t eat weapons like your former adherent, Sigil does,” it said, waggling a stern bony finger towards Xell, Kenneth and Mordie.

The cloaked phantom threw the sword back at Xell, which he caught with an ungrateful frown on his face. Xell inspected the sword and noted it had no blood stain or scratch on it whatsoever.

“You escapees…” it sighed “you’re up for a fight ahead of you. Follow me now towards the right and I’ll give you one weapon of choice.”
The grey dragon looked at Mordie and Kenneth respectively, wandering what their take on the offer was and whether it could be trusted.

((Nice remembering that Glitch doesn't know Lani's name the first time...but the second time, "Hey! Lani! Reni! NATHAN!!!" -- he suddenly does. ^.^;;
Also, loving the Raven Blood Child's ability. Maybe Lani will have some more visions....))

Lani had hesitated significantly before stating her name -- and even then, she had said only that she was "called Lani", not that it was actually her name.

"I've been inside the castle. It's crawling with guards. I can't provide us with good enough disguises to fool all of them. I think following the path on the map is a good idea. Firstly, it leads to the prison, so we can pick up Xell. And after that, well. Think about it. Castles are built as fortresses. There must be something here worth guarding. Maybe that's the way /out/."

(OOC: No necro right now...I have to make this short so I'm actually able to sleep before dawn this time XP I really need to start making my posts earlier in the day...>.>; )

IC:

Serenity wasn't exactly fond of entering through the prisons, but...if it was the only way in..."For that matter," She mused aloud, "If there's any slaves IN those dungeons...we can rescue them!  Mr. Bloodsucker DID say that was part of our trial...right?  Helping to free the slaves?"  She paused for a minute before adding, "Not that I trust that two-faced megalamaniacal psycho to stick to his promises at all..."

TBC

(OOC: Blah post is blah. Edit:  Also...simultaneous post is simultaneous. XP)

"You guys can't be serious, right?"

Margay Princess' Castle, prison intersection

Kenneth frowned, folding his arms above his chest. "We can't seriously trust this guy, can we?"

"I could say the same about trusting you fullstop..." Xell replied, glaring at Kenneth. The suited fox sighed loudly.

"I mean, I don't get it. Who is this guy? And why bother helping us at all? None of this makes any sense."

"Sugar, maybe y'should calm down a bit." Mordie couldn't help but stifle a laugh at Kenneth's exagerated actions, even if he maybe did have a point. "Ah don't much like this either, but we ain't got much more of a choice or hint..."

"The guy earlier, with the map. That was genuine enough..." Xell noted.

"Yeah, but, hello??? This is a trial from hell! Am I the only one who's considering the possibility that this whole damn thing's a con?!" Kenneth fumed.

Xell raised an eyebrow at this. "You're not, no, but still..."

"Look, all's I'm saying is there's no way in hell that I'm gonna let myself be conned by anyone else. Ain't happenin'. No way, no how." Kenneth waved his arms out in front of him in a cross.

"Well, since you're such an expert conman, you'd be able to keep your eyes open for any particular signs of us being conned, right? I'm sure with your watchful eye we'll all be safe enough." Xell suggested. "And like Mordie said, we've not really got much else to go on."

"Bar the way out, which I can definitely tell you does not lead that way?" Kenneth glared.

"We could do with some weapons though. This sword's not really that much good for me..." Xell mused.

"Fine then, puff, fine. Let's go follow the creepy phantom dude who we've got no idea is doing who the hell knows what. Let's go follow him, maybe he will be kind enough to give us all a weapon, and then when we're caught in a trap, all about to be violently killed and dismembered and whatever the hell it is the people of hell do to people like us, I can say I told you so." Kenneth crossed his arms over his chest again.

Mordie just laughed again, whilst Xell rolled his eyes.

Outside the Castle

Nathan just watched the group's discussion from a distance after he had handed Seipher the map. He didn't really know these people, and in fact he didn't really know any of them. He didn't have much in the way of saying anything at the moment. He was instead just watching the surroundings around him, looking for any more sign of impending danger, like the dobermans who had attacked them earlier. His gaze also paused on the of Wren. He was an unusual individual, with an aura suggesting that of impending menace. He didn't know if anyone else was picking that up, but he knew it was something he had to be cautious of.

He typed the relevant warning into his phone's notes.

And then he just kept on standing by the group's edge, resuming his watch around them.

OOC: Lol, Vi. There's no contradictions between our posts anyway, but yeah. =D Heh

OOC: Oh man, it's been a long time since my last IC. x__x *flails*
I meant to post one earlier after my last ooc, but I lost the time to. That being said, expect one today; either this edited, or another post. I've a lot of time to kill tonight for once, so I'll be sure to at least throw something in today, for sure. :> Just gotta gather my ideas and all, and turn it into something awesome, hehe.

&& James, your post was excellent; don't worry, you handled Glitch just perfectly.

Keep it going exciting, everyone! <3

Castle: Prison Intersection

"I'm waiting," the phantom slithered.

"Well! ...they can't all be unfriendly down here," Mordie muttered to herself. The mouse glanced back over her shoulder, towards Xell. "Wait hun, ya said somethin' earlier 'bout a map?"

"Huh? Well, yeah, this knight earlier had given us a free map towards the beginning of this trial." Xell shrugged, "Seem to be pretty useful so far. But then again, there was Glitch's sword..." His voice trailed off.

"Oh joy," Kenneth sneered, "Please enlighten me on how well that went."

"Not too sure on the details on how he got it, but... it did turn into a pan during an earlier battle."

Kenneth just stared back at him, dumbfounded. "Right, so we definitely should listen to what this guy has to offer."

Mordie just continued to smile at this conversation as she approached the ghoul, staring at him dead into his seemingly abyssal hoodie. Nothing but black. "Humm! Well Sir Ghoulie... let's go!"

"Wait--Mordie, aren't you being just a bit too hasty?" Xell reached out slightly, as if to call her back.

"Why not, eh?" The mouse turned back at him and offered a thumbs up. "If ya think about it... this entire place's a gamble, really. It's either we risk tryin' ta git through here without any other weapons and gettin' caught and... who knows what after that. Or we risk gettin' jokes for weapons... Or we end up snaggin' somethin' pretty sweet in the end. Ya never know." She then looked to Kenneth and winked, "'nd don't worry, sweet stuff. We'll be just fine. Ah trust us."

Kenneth let out a dissatisfied sigh, but said nothing more. The phantom rubbed its bony hands together, reminiscent of those of a madman's, as he made his way passed the three towards the opposite side, hunched over. Although no facial feature was visible, the three can tell he was smiling beneath that sinister hood. "Excellent.. come with me this way... and you shall not be disappointed."

The group walked in a single-filed line, with Kenneth trailing at the back, his arms still folded across his chest. The pathway, elongated and narrow, and its golden walls were lined with beautiful candles and giant armored statues left and right. Whispers sounded the well-lit halls left and right - even with its charming, opulent atmosphere, the sinister voices nonetheless graced the path with a foreboding tone. Mordie, right behind the hooded phantom, constantly turned her head side to side, slowly, watching for any other movements... but there was none other.
After what seemed like a long walk, the four eventually approached what seemed to be a dead-end. Before Kenneth could even open his mouth to comment, a metallic, charcoal-grey door began to materialize before them. The ghoul took a step forward, and the door slowly crept open, leading to a room completely pitch-dark. He stepped aside, motioning for the mouse to enter. "After you, my dear.""Uh... ...aight then." Mordie smiled wryly as she stepped into the room, still looking around, but everything surrounding her was entirely of darkness. Not even the light from the halls seeped into the room. Once Xell and Kenneth followed in shortly, the door slammed behind them."I knew it was a trick," Kenneth seethed.Suddenly, the room lit brightly. The three were now standing in the middle of a circular room, with the same golden feel as the hallway before, but surrounded by walls and racks of various weapons. Axes, lances, spears, maces, swords, broadswords... even some modern guns could be seen hanging on these racks. Only one hall extended out from beyond the room into the next. The door originally behind the trio was now nowhere in sight.Mordie grinned widely at this new discovery. She gazed at the collection of violence, sparkle-eyed. "Goodness... ah, ah've never seen this room b'fore. 'nd ah've been here fer how long? Oh geez..." she waltzed towards what seemed to be a chainsaw. "'nd ah'm not really much of a fighter, to be honest... but this baby seems ferocious." She looked back over to Xell for confirmation. "How 'bout one o' these? Or should ah take on somethin' else?"

Castle Weapons Storage

"Woah there, darlin', you sure about that?" Kenneth asked, his eyes wide in surprise with his hands raised, as if handling the situation in a delicate manner. "You don't think that thing there is a bit... big?"

"Big?" Mordie repeated, before looking the size of the chainsaw over. "Nah, ah've don't really think so. Bigger is better, no?"

"Yeah, but also more dangerous to you too. And, well, us. I wouldn't want you accidently hurting your pretty little head. Or my pretty head little either. I quite like my pretty head, in fact." Kenneth laughed, before picking up a machine gun off the rack and throwing it towards Xell, followed by a box of ammunition. Xell caught the weapon cleanly after lowering the sword that Kenneth had given him earlier down to the ground. "This do you, soldier boy?"

"...it's a start..." Xell mused, checking over the weapon completely like a born soldier, checking every compartment of the gun was in working condition. "But there might be some better guns here for me to use too. And, er... no offense, but I don't particularly want to be using any more ammo given to me by you."

Kenneth frowned. 'So he still believes it was my fault that his boys died, huh... Guess there's no real reason why he wouldn't still believe it, but still... boy's gotta learn the truth sooner or later. Still, perhaps this isn't the best time to be revealing stuff like that out, considering the kid's breakdown earlier.'

"What about you, Kenny boy?" Mordie asked with a smile. "What weapon do ya fancy takin'?"

The suited fox frowned as he inspected the rows of weapons. "Well, darlin', I'm much more of a lover than a fighter, myself. I don't really fancy having to use any weapons at all, to be honest..."

"You can't be serious?" Xell raised a disbelieving eyebrow.

"Hey, I'm not as bad as people like to believe I am. Really. I'm no murderer at least, at any rate." Kenneth shrugged.

Xell looked angered at this statement. "I've got a whole squad of men who'd disagree with that comment..." Xell was almost on the edge of losing his patience with Kenneth at the mention of this, but the dragon reined himself in, and tried to keep calm. It wouldn't do any of them any good to fight now.

"Well, moving on at least, I don't like the idea of killing anyone with my hands. Just sayin'." Kenneth clarified.

"Not even as self defense, Kenny boy?" Mordie asked, a hint of concern evident in her face that Kenneth may be leaving himself defenseless.

"I can take of myself, dollface, believe me. And I'm sure I'll probably be doing my fair share of looking after the pair of you, too." Kenneth smiled.

"Great..." Xell muttered in contempt before continuing to browse the selection of weapons.

"Suppose I'll take something, at least." Kenneth said, pulling down a 9mm handgun and box of ammunition for the gun, to go along with the small knife he had acquired during the pub brawl hours earlier. "Probably shoot my finger off, but still. Can't be that hard to just point and shoot, right?"

Kenneth then stopped, and had a thought to himself.

"Hey, maybe we should take as many weapons as we can carry, really?" He suggested. Xell and Mordie both seemed confused.

"This is a bit of a 180 turn for you." Xell noted. "What do you mean?"

"Well, y'know, in case we meet up with the rest of our... colleagues. Who knows if they're armed or not?" Kenneth suggested, as he continued inspecting the handgun. Suddenly, there was a loud bang, and smoke poured forth from the barrel. Xell and Mordie both looked towards Kenneth with abject horror and fear at the unthinkable, but found that Kenneth had simply accidently fired a round into the ceiling. "Eh... heh. Sorry about that." He looked towards Xell.

"Don't suppose you could teach me where the safety is on this thing, hmm?"

(OOC: Ahahah...@ Kenneth. XD Reni would be facepalming at that if she was there. XP That said...I don't really have anything to add at the moment. *shrug* It comes and it goes.)

OOC: Rubbish post is rubbish!
Plus I am at Cambridge til Friday from tomorrow AM. x-x
Better post Friday then =D

IC:

Xell’s eyes widened in disbelief as he gritted his teeth from the serious explosion resounded by Kenneth’s casual handling of one of the weapons. The dragon gave a quick glance to the phantom creature, who simply withered in its ethereal shroud- before confronting the fox.

“Bloody amateur!” the dragon swiped the suave fox’s gun and placed it on a locked safety mechanism “…now that you put it that way, you handling really inspires no confidence.” The dragon grimaced at the weapon and then Kenneth as he placed the gun back onto the railing.

“You holding it against me that I didn’t load people up with copper shots for a living soldier boy?” Kenneth asked as the shrugged his shoulders with open palms.

“I’d rather take my enemy head on like that than rely on pet tricks,” Xell remarked snidely, giving him an impudent glare, before cross examining the rest of the stacked weaponary.

“Oh enuff wiv yer bickerin’ boys!” Mordie retaliated as she pushed them apart, her chainsaw momentarily on the ground as she gave either one a stern glare.

“… honestly! Ya both act like stupid, wee liddle children! And I won’t be havin’ none ‘o that nonsense!” she sighed, before giving them both a smile.

“…can we call a trooce now?”
Xell sighed warily, casting his glance towards the ceilings in a brooding bad mood, before marching on to the other side of the room. In constant flustered mutters to himself.

“Oh well, guess I’ll give Puff his space…” Ken said as he gave Xell a momentary quizzical look, before sighing in defeat.
As Kenneth and Mordie began piling up various weapons within the arms in the form of knives, swords, spears and artelliary- the phantom creature suddenly morphed in front of them and shook its head with a grinding sound at each turn.

“One per customer furries…” its infinite void-like face spoke hauntingly “one per customer…”

“…aw… but….” Mordie hesitated, looking to Kenneth as if beckoning him to carry the baton.

“We have friends who could benefit from our choosing… Ghoulie,” Kenneth explained, a wry, hustling grin beginning to play on his face before speaking his next sentence.

“…we could spare you the bother of serving them if we acted within their own best interests.”

The phantom simply hovered and floated on the spot, like suspended ragdoll.

“That is not how the game is played,” it answered, opening up its skeletal palms, before raising a speculative finger “a weapon’s owner must go ‘hand-in-hand’. A weapon will feel suited to its owner, as an owner will feel suited to its weapon.”

“Ya hear that Kenny? Guess ya unwanted by swords and copper-shot loaders!” Mordie joked, placing a hand to her mouth as she rolled her eyes upwards.

“Hmn. More to the point I don’t want them. Besides, I am too good for them…” Kenneth smirked deviously “I told you… I am not made for weapons.”

“But ya must take sumthin’! C’m on.. just ta defend yerself!!” Mordie cried, before turning to the phantom creature “please Ghoulie… ya must do something for Kenny. Please Mr Ghoulie???”
The phantom creature continued to like a blowing black cloth as he floated on the spot; showing little emotion and unfazed by being called ‘Ghoulie’.

“Answer me this riddle, and I will grant you a wish. With terms and conditions…” the Ghoul said, using his hands to express himself in a contractual manner.

“Terms and conditions?” Kenneth asked as he folded his arms dubiously.

“The following, white fox. No wishing on the following: killing someone, asking for extra lives, ruling the world, powers greater than any of the underworld’s gods themselves, and other extremes.”

“Should you answer the riddle correct and choose to take this wish, you cannot accept a weapon…” it blinked its flared eyes, before smiling widely.
Kenneth exchanged a wary glance with Mordie, who nodded in return. Kenneth then turned back to face Ghoulie assertively.

“Ok then, what have you got?”
The ghoul floated, nodding once in acknowledgement, before holding its skeletal hands out.

“Give me food, and I will live; give me water, and I will die. What am I?”

Kenneth frowned. He considered the riddle deeply, raising one hand to his chin. Whether or not he was actually deliberating the solution wasn't particularly clear, but at least he looked the part.

Mordie just looked towards Kenneth. "Ah knoo the answer! Ah do!" she yelled out with some excitement. The ghoul simply lifted a skeletal hand in her direction, silencing her.

"It is this individual's choice to not take a weapon and in return recieve a wish. You have chosen your weapon. You are not allowed to answer the riddle, or the wish becomes null and void." The ghoul explained. Mordie quickly raised her hands to her mouth in an effort to make sure she didn't blurt anything out, and then simply shrugged and rolled her eyes as she looked away angrily. Some team effort this game was seemingly being.

"This is one of the terms and conditions of the riddle." The ghoul clarified.

Kenneth continued to think. He had the answer... didn't he? Still, he had to be absolutely one hundred percent sure. A wish, even within limits, was an unspeakably huge help. Especially the wish he had in mind...

He looked around at Mordie and then to Xell. He didn't expect their input, but still... he could maybe clean something from their expressions. Xell was at this point just inspecting the weapons. He looked at Kenneth's dumbfounded expression and rolled his eyes, snorting as he did, a small wisp of smoke leaving the dragon's nose as he carried on inspecting the firearms.

By jove, he had it!

"Ha! I know the answer to your little riddle!" Kenneth said, turning around in a flash, his finger pointed in the ghoul face's direction. The scene was becoming... a bit more dramatic than it should have been. "Never underestimate the frankly brilliant Kenneth Lay, my good ghoul. Or you'll regret it!"

Mordie seemed to become a bit more excited at the spectacle. Xell continued to roll his eyes in impatience. "Get on with it, would you?"

"It's fire!" Kenneth shouted. "God knows we've seen enough of the bloody thing so far. It needs food- oxygen, wood, paper... to survive. But well, as we all know, if you give it water, it can die. It can be snuffed out." Kenneth folded his arms over his chest, his face particularly beaming with delight in a remarkably wide smile.

The ghoul's face and form seemed to be expressionless as it considered Kenneth's answer. A second later, it spoke.

"That is correct. What is your wish?"

"Don't muck this up," Xell warned.

"Yeah, Kenny, make it a good one!" Mordie cheered on.

"Alright!" Kenneth shouted, cracking the knuckles in his fists, and loosening his body up, making himself all nice and limber. "Try this on for size! I want about a hundred more packs of cig-" Kenneth's wish was halted by Xell's throwing of a wooden staff crashing against the back of his head.

"I said don't muck this up!" He shouted.

"Relax! I was just joking! Geez!" Kenneth retorted in anger, rubbing the back of his head. "You're so damn easy to work up!" Mordie was giggling at the exchange.

"Don't worry, puff. I've got this all sorted, alright?" Kenneth defused the tension in the room, turning back to the ghoul, his face now one devoid of any humour. "I wish for you to transport every single one of our companions to this room with us. Right here. Right now."

"Can you do that?" he asked.

OOC: Will make a post soon. Been really busy and haven't felt all that great. D:

OOC: Aw get well soon Kim-Kim =[

IC:

Golden hall of weapons

Xell opened his eyes in bewilderment. He never imagined in a million years that Kenneth Lay would be considerate enough to make a wish such as the one he did. It was thoughtful and not self-centred. Was it really possible that the suited fox had any morale after all? Then again, he did try and defend him from ‘Ghoulie’ earlier on when he suspected an attack. So it was adding up. There was evidence and potential that Kenneth was perhaps, not such a bad guy after all.

… or was he? Were things all that they seemed.

In spite of the fact that expression could neither be read nor be deciphered, the ghoul was in fact- impressed. The white fox indeed managed to think laterally and apply logic into decrypting the riddle.

The wish he had requested had also fitted within reasonable terms and conditions.

With a few hooded nods of acknowledgement, the ghoul thus extended an arm out and gave it a single swing- causing paranormal flecks of purple flares to follow its wake.

Within a few moments, a few surrounding lights emanated within a surrounding in the centre of the ‘golden room’ of weapons. As the ethereal, eclectic energy orbs gradually began to build in number and accelerate in motion- a spontaneous combustion of glittering light suddenly burst.

At that fusion of sudden energy, a group of trial runners suddenly materialised into view. Flickering in and out like the tuning of an old Television. And as the reception was found, the team members fully merged into the room. A wave of confusion crossing their faces across their suspended forms.

The group simultaneously turned their heads from side to side in opposite directions. Taking in their new surroundings with awe and wonder. But with a sense of perplexity and puzzlement.

Seipher, Hikari, Dolly, Nathan, Lani, Serenity, Glitch and Ren all stood in the middle of the room. Their last motion entailing discussing a way into the castle outisde. Where they last all were. With Seipher still holding the map.

Kenneth and Xell recognised some of the members. Surprised. Namely Lani, Serenity and Nathan. Xell, in particular recognised Wren- and took a wary step back- swatting his tail with agitation.
Kenneth gave him a look- wondering what his problem was. Perhaps he would hear in all due time?

The two groups both stood there in shock- wondering who was going to react first.

“Welcome trial runners,” the phantom like creature said “I have a name that has been long forgotten since millions of years ago. Though your friends here…” he said motioning with a skeletal arm “…call me ‘Ghoulie’. So you may refer to me such as…”

The group continued to look on, dumbfounded.

The ghoul sighed and shook his head.

“You may squander time prattling and blethering at a later hour, however…” it explained, continuing to use its hands to express itself given its lack of visible expression “you have reached the end of circle I and the Patriarch will watch a battle you are all to face. To survive and defeat your enemy will see you pass Circle I and enter Circle II. So you are gathered here to either have 1 weapon of choice. Or, to have one wish on condition of solving a riddle. A riddle answered correctly gains a wish with terms and conditions. If going for the latter option, I cannot grant you a weapon.”

“…so what will it be?” he asked, waiting for the protagonists to each choose one weapon of choice, or to request a wish on condition of giving a correct answer to a riddle.

Lani starts to draw her sword, falling into a fighter's stance as she appears, and only relaxing slowly. "Kenneth! Good, we're all together now -- with a few additions." She glances at the weapons on the wall, frowning at the sight of guns. %But guns require ammunition, and that's easily used up.% "I already have my weapon of choice," she says aloud as she steps toward Ghoulie, resting her left hand on her sword's hilt. "None of the weapons you offer could serve me as well as she. I will take the risk of a riddle, and a wish, provided that I do not necessarily have to make the wish at this point in time."

Lani starts to draw her sword, falling into a fighter's stance as she appears, and only relaxing slowly. "Kenneth! Good, we're all together now -- with a few additions." She glances at the weapons on the wall, frowning at the sight of guns. %But guns require ammunition, and that's easily used up.% "I already have my weapon of choice," she says aloud as she steps toward Ghoulie, resting her left hand on her sword's hilt. "None of the weapons you offer could serve me as well as she. I will take the risk of a riddle, and a wish, provided that I do not necessarily have to make the wish at this point in time."

OOC: <3<3<3<3 Kenneth even more now, just for that pretty head statement, Ash. XD Brilliant.
Hope you feel better soon, Kim! ;A;
... && I hope this is okay. Hehe XD;.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Golden Hall of Weapons

The black mouse smiled ever so widely at the arrival of all the trial
members. She bowed politely to those who turned a curious eye her way.
"Name's Mordie! Pleasure meetin' all of yas."

As
the ghoul gave his directions, Glitch briskly scanned the room - What a treat! - and, catching a glimpse of Xell and Kenneth, gave an impassive wave towards them; not even a "hello", but just a
simple gesture - and his way of saying thank-you as well, knowing one of those two had something to do with the group's sudden appearance. The wish the ghoul mentioned, perhaps?

As the cloaked skeleton finished speaking, the hedgehog chuckled at its words and faced
away from the group, his scarf softly swishing behind him. He then his way towards the section bombarded with
swords of all types. He scrutinized every inch of each blade - there was
quite a handful to choose from, and no use settling for less than what's best.

He couldn't help overhearing Reni's rants as he eyed the
swords; "Besides, how do I know it won't just turn to fire in my hands
or somethin' as soon as we leave this room?" she had said.

Glitch simpered to himself, "Would rather be left with another pan than
nothing at all. ...Aha!" He pulled out a slender sword, with its deeply curved blade representing the shape of a crescent moon. "My type of
sword. This is perfect."

"Wait, Glitch." Glitch slightly turned his head, catching Xell approaching from the corner of his eyes. "Where's Wraith?"

"Humm. Yeah, about that." Glitch returned his attention to his sword. He
sliced and diced the air in a swift, samurai-like fashion. Perfect. "Uh.
We'll be seeing him sometime later."

"...Glitch," Xell hissed softly with a tinge of irritation.

Glitch shrugged with his one shoulder. "What, he's not dead." He began
to scan through the remaining swords a final time, but said nothing more regarding the absent hedgehog.

Xell shook his head at Glitch's response, dissatisfied but unwilling to
press on further. He glanced over his shoulders at the malignant Wren -
however he didn't seem to be doing anything suspicious at the moment...
"So, it seems you've made a handful of new friends," Xell said.

Glitch turned halfway towards the dragon. "Well, not so much me as the
others have. I just ran into everyone a minute ago, before we were
abruptly teleported here. Kind of rudely, if you asked me." He smirked to himself once again.

"And that rabbit?" Xell sneered, his voice low.

The hedgehog snickered. "Oh, him? I wouldn't worry about him for now - he's outnumbered if he tries anything funny."

Silence.

Glitch continued, "No, I don't trust him, by the way. But he did bring
up a good point when I spoke with him earlier - strength in numbers is
key here. If he's really bent on escaping as much as we are, then..."

Glitch stopped, eyes focused behind Xell. The dragon spun around to see
Mordie approaching, dragging the chainsaw along with her. Glitch couldn't
help but focus his eyes are her tiny tube-top shirt - the zipper was
pulled halfway down the middle. He returned to his previous position, ready to slam his
head against the metallic frames. Goddammit, not one of those chicks. "I see you two picked up a new friend as well," he commented under his breath.

"Still not too shure on what ta pick, Puff," Mordie simpered, eyes on
Xell. "'nd ah don't quite think this babe suits me, as sweet as it is...
oh!" She cocked her head, noticing Glitch. "Oh, musn't have seen yas
earlier. Ah'm Mordie, by the way." She stepped towards him and offered a
hand.

"Don't touch me," Glitch scoffed back, continuing his browse through the swords.

"Ooh," Mordie pouted lips playfully as she withdrew her arm. "Sorry."

A short moment of silence elapsed before Mordie spoke up again, "So ya ain't even gonna introduce yaself, cutie?--"

Glitch spun in an instant, the tip of his blade to the mouse's neck.
"And don't call me cutie." He lowered his weapon, still eying the mouse with contempt. "My name is Glitch. Use it."

Mordie shrugged at this. She turned back to the group well behind her
- speaking with the ghoul, with one another, standing idly, or
rummaging through the surrounding weapons. She began to fiddle with the
binoculars dangling from her neck as her peridot eyes slowly made their way to
Xell, who didn't seem to be in much of a speaking mood himself - his
eyes focused on Wren, who stood across the room at this point.

Quite some time of awkward silence had passed before Mordie let out a sigh. Some small talk wouldn't kill, would it?

Setting the oversized chainsaw aside, Mordie stepped beside Glitch; the two neared
the section displaying multiple types of lances and spears. "So... Glitch, was it?
What're you down 'ere for, in the Netherworld, anyway?"

Glitch pondered a moment before replying. This better not last long. He grinned wryly, "Oh, the 'greatest sin' thing? Eh. Killed a few poor
souls, rummaged through a few towns... The usual." He cast a derisive
eye in the mouse's direction. "What about you? You seem pretty
harmless."

Mordie just laughed at his statement and leaned back against the metal
racks, toying her fingers delicately along the edge of a spear - a halberd with the blade of a sword. "Well...
ah din't kill anybody. Don't have the heart to. Stealin' ain't my thing
either." She brought her free index finger to her cherry lips and pondered a
moment. "So..."

"Well...?"

"It ain't that hard to figure out, hun. Really." Mordie gave him a wink before refocusing her attention on the halberd. She tugged it off of the rack and held it tenderly, examining the blade and its gleaming crimson hilt before looking back to the hedgehog.

Glitch paused for a moment. His eyes slowly scrolled down to Mordie's
half-open red shirt, then back to her pretty face before turning away
completely in disgust. "Oh God. That's disgusting."

Mordie shrugged. "What, that's not what all the other guys said."

"God!" Glitch stormed off at this, straight passed Xell towards the other
side of the room. "Augh, don't let her speak to me anymore!"

((*hits head on keyboard* I remembered Wraith after I posted, but my computer was giving me trouble and I couldn't edit it last night. *sigh*

Also, a note for Nocturne: I'm not sure if I've said this already, but if Wren is able to detect souls, even if it's only of dead creatures, he almost certainly should be able to pick up on Lani's, though hers might have an unusual shape, and is probably a bit larger or denser than most people's souls.))

OOC: Lmao @ K's post. Mordie is genious, her and Glitch's interactions were hysterical. xD I also have to mention how I spit-taked earlier when I read her picking up the chainsaw, the hilarity and sheer bloodiness that'd result from it is just too funny. Glad you like the 'pretty little head', comment. Never hurts to try and inject a bit of humour into the rp otherwise we might have some nonstop serious brooding and angst. xD

Also Kate, just wondering, but was Kenneth's wish what you expected or planned it would be? :3 This development's helped me out a lot for my characters in terms of development and such, but just wondered if it was something you were anticipating or if I ruined any other potential ideas in doing so.

And now, the show goes on!

IC:
Nathan was, needless to say, confused as usual at his sudden appearance along with the rest of the group in this weapons storage facility, of all places. Just a second ago they were outside of the castle, planning on a way inside of the building when suddenly they were... in it?

Nathan inspected his phone quickly to see if he knew the three new arrivals who already seemed to be here. Xell and Kenneth were both in there, but the rather revealingly dressed mouse, Mordie, wasn't. Considering the way she introduced herself, he figured this must have been the first time they had met. As he entered his notes about her name and general impressions into his phone, he quickly lifted his phone up to take a photo of her at the same time as she was talking to Glitch. Whether or not it was something to do with her discussion with Glitch, or whether she noticed Nathan taking a photo of her, she had managed to produce a rather quick, sultry and flirty pose to be saved with Nathan's photos.

No doubt that would cause further confusion to the salamander later on.

Nathan then turned his attentions to the rather unusual ghoul who gave the group the ultimatum to pick out weapons or, in exchange, answer a riddle and recieve a wish for it. Nathan considered the possibility. He could certainly use a weapon, but a wish wouldn't be bad either. Perhaps a wish to regain the memories he'd lost...?

No. Nathan barely deliberated the idea. He needed some kind of weapon to survive what was coming soon, and as for his lost memories well, maybe there was a reason they were lost. Maybe it was a punishment for his sins. Maybe he just wasn't ready to remember things yet, if even at all.

No, a weapon was much more needed now.

But what kind of weapon? There were so many of various varities. Guns, ancient swords, bows and arrows, lances, halberds, maces, axes, hammers, and was that a chainsaw by Mordie? Nathan had to think about it all carefully. What kind of weapon would best serve him, and his unique abilities...?

Nathan focused his attentions on Lani's form, and her bastard sword within its scabard. Glitch too, picked out a sword, although a more slender, curved blade. Definitely different in attributes to Lani's own, and one which would require different techniques and skills to use accurately.

That was perfect.

He wasn't much of a sworduser, he'd be the first to admit. In his time, they weren't so much commonly used anymore, at least compared to the far more efficient types of firearms that existed, but then he didn't have any skills in using guns, either, at least none in particular. But whilst he didn't have any particular experience with swords before, he couldn't deny how beneficial it all soon would be.

Nathan pulled out a rapier. It was a pretty easy to lift and move around sword, and it'd serve him well as a median between Glitch and Lani's swords. Having a hilt meant it would help protect Nathan's hands too, which was a bonus.

He glanced at Glitch, noting the cloaked hedgehog's practice motions of slicing through the air. Keeping to himself, Nathan did the same. The exact same, in fact, as the motions Glitch himself had used. And then, a few more practice swings of a different, but for those with attentive eyes, familiar style as well. One of the group looked towards Nathan with mild surprise at the skill Nathan was showing, but said nothing aloud about it at the moment. It was unusual to see the salamander show such finesse with swords when he had shown no indication of it before, but they had already deduced it was probably connected to the 'ability' Nathan had claimed to have much earlier in the trial.

Things would become interesting, indeed.

Kenneth meanwhile, just leaned back against one wall clear of all weapons, a cigarette curled up across his top lip as he smelled the nicotine within. He was getting a bit bored now, and man, did he need a smoke.

OOC: Well isn't that awesome. WiFi from my hotel. Still have to go to dinner soon with my colleagues so just a quick note.
Just to put your mind at ease... Not at all Ash. It was a good idea! I have been trying to reunite the OCs for AGES so this was perfect. Had no idea what Kenneth was going to wish xD Wanted to save the surprise for myself but I half thought he'd want something for himself so this was actually REALLY interesting but fabulous xD And well done for getting the riddle right!

I don't liked fixed plans for RP's too much actually as long as it flows but I know other people like fixed plans so it's hard pleasing everyone ^^;
Anyway we can only compromise. Sometimes I have brilliant ideas but I'll contact person in question regarding OC if that comes about.

Get well Kim, will look after Kari til you better AND have a little more time 😉

Have posts to catch up with,... read up to K's. Twas hilarious alright xDDD Glitch acts like I do, when I talk to a guy I have just met and he is totally macho!

Lol, wow is Wraith missed that much xD Some of you n00b's don't know his reeeaaal nature. Still will see what transpires in the RP.

Post later. Prolly tomorrow. Got 20 mins to get ready. Bah!!!

IC: Guess I better choose something...  Serenity walked around, eying the different weapons and trying to imagine herself with them.  Glancing at a bow...she tried to envision using it...and shook her head.  The only thing she could see happening with that would be getting the string caught on her quills and then getting hopelessly entangled.  Guns...She'd probably just end up shooting herself in the foot.  Swords...she'd probably fall on while trying to run.  That was no good.  Axes...same thing.  A hammer....she grimmaced.  NO.  In no way was she going to be mistaken for THAT crazy fangirl...A staff?  Well...that was better, but...she'd probably still end up tripping over it.  In all truth...ANY weapon would just get in her way.  Besides...she had a whole back full of weapons.  She really didn't trust that wish option, but...there wasn't much other choice.  "As long as I can hold on to the wish until I need it, I think I'll take that."  Then again...that was if she could even get past the riddle...TBC

OOC: xD Don’t spose Reni has it in for a certain pink hedgehog does she?

IC:

Golden Hall of Weapons

Ghoulie floated on the spot, blinking his red beady eyes, before giving a single nod of acknowledgement in Lani’s direction.

“So you feel suited to the sword you currently possess?” Ghoulie asked with interest “very well. Your profound reasons are your own. I will grant you your request for a wish on the basis you answer the riddle correctly. Indeed you may cast the wish when you want to. Provided you are aware of its limitations.”

“You see!!!” Reni exclaimed “I knew it… I knew it ALL along!! There is a catch! There is always a catch! I’ve known my luck long enough to figure that things are never gonna be that easy! I mean duh… you guys are SO naïve…!” she said flapping her arms erratically.

Ghoulie turned his neck tautly and slanted his head as if to look at Reni in a quizzical manner. He then scratched the top of his hooded cloak with a bony finger nail.

“Perhaps there is one to an extent…” he rationalized “the terms and conditions entail that you may not wish for more wishes, you may not wish for more lives, you may not wish to kill anyone… and you may not be granted a wish whereby you desire to be more powerful than any of the Underworlds gods.”

“WHAAAT?!” Reni exclaimed “aw man… but I especially wanted to kick that Patriarch’s…”

“OK Reni… calm down now!!” Seipher laughed nervously as he jumped in and covered her mouth, causing her finished sentence to sound like an irritated, muffled mumble.

“…he has eyes and ears you know… if you get my drift…” Seipher closed his eyes and sighed wearily as he retracted his away from Reni’s mouth.

Reni snorted at Seipher, before turning to look at Ghoulie.

“You both have riddles. Ok then. Two riddles. One right answer per riddle…” Ghoulie said, indicating to Lani and Reni “you may only answer once and not help one another thereafter…”

“For the first riddle…” he said, turning to Lani and Serenity as if to indicate either could answer first and it would be their one time.

” This thing all things devours:
Birds, beasts, trees, flowers;
Gnaws iron, bites steel;
Grinds hard stones to meal;
Slays king, ruins town,
And beats high mountain down.
What is it…?

_______________________________

“Hmmm…?” Xell asked with a raised eyebrow as an irate Glitch muttered something about not wanting to be subjected to being near the black femme Mouse, Mordie who he had spoken to earlier on.

He had caught some points of the conversation. Particularly what Mordie cryptically said was her greatest sin.

“… I don’t get it…” Xell uttered naively. He genuinely didn’t. And perhaps that was a good thing as well. Flirty or not, if not somewhat intimidating regarding the former, he appreciated her help and moral support considering his broken state of mind not so long ago.

“Strength in numbers Glitch…” Xell said “you said so yourself. Besides, she actually has a heart of gold…” he said, leaving the white hedgehog to brood in peace.

Xell walked passed Wren, stopping momentarily to eye him up and down, before harrumphing.

“Heh. Good to see you scaly…” Wren said with a slight, taunting undertone. He was leaning against one of the shelf wracks with his arms folded- a simpering expression playing on his face.

“The name is Xell. Rabbit,” the dragon clarified aggressively.

“Yeah?” the rabbit replied unfazed “well you can call me Wren then. I mean, I think you should know. After all, we’re fighting a common enemy. Together.”

“Don’t remind me…” Xell turned his head uncomfortably and shot off. To be anywhere away from that individual, who tried to asphyxiate him earlier on that day.

Xell stopped momentarily to see Nathan practising some swift quick attacks with a rapier. He seemed apt and quite efficient. It was someone surprising. Given his condition, however, how long would his abilities prevail with that memory of his? More to the point, how did he learn so rapidly? And from who…?

If he could cast his mind back, he had a recollection of Glitch having a go at a crescent moon sword. Was it from him Nathan was inspired to trial out some moves for himself?

Kenneth in the meantime appeared to be lazing with his back against the wall. Smoking a nicotine laden joint again.

“Oh man…” Xell shook his head irritably. Kenneth’s joke about using his wish for a stock of smoke supplies was also unfunny in his opinion- despite the fact that it was indeed a joke and that his wish had been expended to good use in the end. And he bloody well hoped so!

Xell turned his head to face a group of 3 people. 3 individuals he had not met yet. A cat, three-tailed fox and an infant bio-mechanical rabbit appeared to be observing weapons and deciding amongst themselves what would suit who. It appeared that the young child rabbit was extremely inquisitive. A whole bag of questions coming forth as she pointed to each weapon. The fox and cat seemed more than happy and patient to explain the name, a bit of history and origin and what the weapon was used for.

Xell sat down on a nearby wooden stool. He wondered whether he should keep the sword Kenneth had given him… or take a new weapon when the excitement had died down. Or should he follow suite of that of Kenneth, Lani and Reni and ask to solve a puzzle for a wish in exchange? If he could have a wish, it would be the ability to fly. Not for the fact that people used to taunt how useless his immature wings looked to carry him but flying like the great mythological dragons with a certain air, elegance and freedom in an airborne manner seemed like a dream come true.

He deliberated…

He took some time to observe and reflect on the surroundings and characters around him
Could a group with such a diverse spectrum of characters really pull through this circle? Let alone the next 2?

Only time would tell.

Lani smiled faintly. "I know the answer to this riddle all too well," she said quietly, her expression slightly wistful. "The answer is 'time'. There is naught that can withstand the ravages of time." An image passed before her eyes, an older couple. The lady was surrounded by a glowing light, a vivid green color. The man took her hand and slowly started to emit light of his own, a pale rose. The light became brighter and spread, spiraling around from the pair until their forms were obscured completely, and then it started to fade, spreading and sweeping out to form --

"Nnnghh!" Lani put a hand to her forehead, shutting her eyes against the lancing pain that stabbed through her mind, obliterating the fleeting vision. The gem in her sword's hilt is glowing a molten amber hue streaked with angry red.

Golden hall of weapons

Serenity looked on with awe as she watched the noble and laud-speaking Lani give her answer. She didn’t appear to have even hesitated or falter to any degree or extent whatsoever.

What followed next however was most unusual. Lani appeared to momentarily drift away in her own world- a subdued and distant impression given off followed by a cry of pain.

This earned the attention of Xell, who immediately jumped up. Knocking the stool over, he leapt ran towards Lani and tried to reassure her by motioning with his hands. It was the amber glowing sword which bled to red that had mentally red-taped him from coming any closer.

“Hey… hey are you ok…” Xell asked, suddenly realising he still didn’t know her name. And certainly felt stupid for it.

“Oh no oh no!!! What’s wrong Lani?? What’s wrong…?!” a voice joined in from a scuttling bio-mechanical rabbit in the form of Dolly. Hikari and Seipher, too, trailed after.
Hikari stood in silence, whilst Seipher looked towards the sword. A frown upon his face.

“That’s a unique weapon…” Seipher muttered to himself, irked by its aura. If there was an aura. Naturally this could all be in his head. However, there was something very sinister about it.

“Hey hey… buckle up! You got the riddle right…” Reni tried to reassure Lani “if it’s a bad headache, wish for aspirin!”
Everyone momentarily, gave Reni a blank look, causing her to laugh nervously.

“Ok ok. Don’t mind me for injecting some humour I guess…” she said lowering her ears with a pout. She then turned to Ghoulie. Awaiting her riddle. Xell, Seipher, Kari and Dolly in the meantime tried to lead Lani towards a stone step to sit down upon.

“Ok… Lani?” Xell asked, going by what Dolly had said. He had only wished he could trust what a juvenile infant girl had to say. Xell looked towards Seipher and Hikari, as well as Dolly who all stared at him curiously.

“Xell Rhinestone,” he nodded once “trial runner in Julien’s 3 circles.”

“Seipher O’shea,” the fennec nodded with understanding.

“Hikari Takeshi,” the Siamese bowed.

“And I’m Dolly!!” the rabbit exclaimed “someone tried to turn me into a robot once in the real world but Uncle Seipher saved me!!!”

Xell offered a faint smile, charmed by Dolly’s innocence and random statements.

“SEO…!” Dolly said with a sudden frown.

“…what?” Xell asked suspiciously, the acronym ringing a sinister bell in his head.

‘Synthetic Eden Organisation’

“Now now Dolly. Don’t trouble the Mr. Rhinestone on matters that are no longer important…” Seipher laughed nervously as he patted her on the head.

Xell frowned in deep thought, before turning his attention back to Lani.

“I have been worried about you…” Xell began whilst Seipher, Dolly and Kari were talking amongst themselves, but ready to help if Lani showed any other disturbing signs and symptoms “every now and again… you seem to fade in and out…”

There was a silence, as Lani continued to sit down and nurse her forehead in attempt to suppress an underlying pain.

“I don’t want to intrude at all. I didn’t even know your name til earlier on…” Xell explained, trailing off but found the courage to resume his tone shortly after.
“…but if there’s any burden you want to share. I am all ears and ready to listen. Any time.”

________________

Ghoulie turned to Serenity, lifting a finger before he began to speak his riddle.

”A box without hinges, key or lid,
Yet golden treasure inside is hid.
What am I? “

The woman slowly lowered her hand, wincing in pain. She blinked a few times and shook her head slightly to clear it. She noted the direction of Seipher's gaze and automatically dropped her left hand to rest on her sword hilt, almost protectively. The gem was no longer glowing, and it had returned to a subdued color -- burgundy, or perhaps a deep brown. It's hard to tell the exact color. She went along with the trio and sat on the step as expected.

"Yes, I am called Lani," the woman answered Xell, looking up at him and brushing a lock of white hair from her face. "And you're not intruding. It's important for us to work together, and to do that we have to be comfortable with each other." She paused, trying to figure the best way to explain what was happening. "Since the beginning of the trial, I've been...seeing things, now and again. People and places totally unfamiliar to me, events that didn't happen to me in my life. But the visions are very clear, like I'm watching someone else's memories. And I feel that they have some sort of significance, even if I don't know what it is."

Golden Hall of Weapons

Xell was kneeling down, listening to Lani with great intrigue as he sat at her level. His expression was very concentrated and focused as he absorbed each word. He was also relieved to hear that Lani was her real name. Or that she was at least happy to be addressed as such.

From what he understood, it appeared that Lani had been seeing visions intermittently throughout the trial. Although she stated her vision were clear, she also denied having any relation to them. Or was indeed, as she said, unfamiliar to the people, events and took place within these foresights.

“Well that is very odd…” Xell said at last, lowering his eyes to the floor as he reflected in thought. He wanted to enquire what where in these flashbacks. However, he also did not want to outstay his welcome whilst she was being open and honest about something that did appear to have a few hints of dark undertones. These visions could be very personal after all.
Xell certainly wouldn’t forget about the time Julien had drawn out his worst nightmares. Repainting the whole ordeal in bleak grey and blood. And how violating it was to have the amethyst coloured Patriarch laugh at his own, personal guilt and burden that had plagued him for years. Reliving the lurid nightmare had all but crippled his soul. He now realised he didn’t care much for himself. Rather others that deserved a genuine chance.

And he believed that Lani was one of the few who did.

“It’s peculiar indeed. These visions…” Xell picked up the conversation again “ultimately, our head and our heart is a chamber of secrets, memories and confessions. Naturally these elements can only manifest themselves from past events.”

“…but if these visions are not related to your past whatsoever… why you are getting these visions I wonder…?” Xell continued.

“Unless it is a premonition?” Xell suggested “or the only other thing I can think of is… could there be a past or time event you can’t remember some time in your previous life?” Xell proposed with serious eyes, hoping he hadn’t overstepped his mark in asking.

He was about to suggest she use her earned wish to derive some answer to this mystery. However, given the pain she appeared to have experienced but a few minutes ago, he wondered whether certain things were perhaps best left untouched for now.

Only Lani could decide.

((Kate, you read my mind @ using the wish to get back her memories.))

Lani hesitated. "There's a good deal about myself I don't know. My first memories are as a young adult. It's as if I never had a childhood, or a family. I'm beginning to think more and more that there is something important among the things I have forgotten. But every time I get close to that thought, I'm filled with a sense of foreboding. Perhaps it was forgotten for a reason...." She frowned, running her fingers over the gem in the hilt of her sword.

"You weren't there when I spoke to Julien. But when I spoke my sin...the way he looked at me, I don't think he believed that was my greatest sin. But it's the biggest one I can think of -- killing others, even for the sake of my beliefs. But with these visions...I'm starting to think maybe there is something else. I /know/ Illiachen is keeping secrets from me, but I trust her with my life. If she's not telling, there's a reason. It might have to do with why this last vision cut off so painfully."

(OOC: parents are visiting...So I'm a bit distracted. Thus, postage is slower. Heehee...I know what those two riddles were from...And I know the answer...Now...How to get RENI to figure out the answer...that's the REAL riddle...XP)

IC:

Serenity sat down with a thump on a wooden chest, lost in thought. She had to admit...she wasn't very good at riddles..How can there be a box without a lid? Or hinge and key for that matter? And a golden treasure... She continued to ponder, somewhat fruitlessly. How do you even GET to the treasure without an opening?

"Give up?" Goulie grinned at her. Of coarse, being a skeleton, he couldn't do much other than grin.

"HECK no! I WILL crack this..." Hmm...crack this...Why does that... Her mind wandered, and suddenly she found herself thinking about Robotnik for some reason. ...And WHY am I suddenly reminded of THAT egghead? She continued to ponder. Hmm...crack...egg... "That's IT!"

Goulie quirked an eyebrow - or rather...he WOULD have...if he'd had eyebrows.

"The answer is an egg!" Serenity was immensely proud of herself. It was probably the first riddle she had ever solved...Of coarse...it was the first riddle she had ever actually spent the time to actually TRY to solve. Usually, she got bored of them almost immediately and forgot about it.

TBC(OOC: Pratchet referencing FTW. XP)

Kenneth took a quick note of the new arrivals. He wasn't really particularly interested in who they were, exactly, but it'd definitely help him a lot if he knew who they were, what they were capable of... and if they'd be a threat.

His wish had been for his companions to have been teleported here. That actually happened but... four of them he had never met before. Was this a cruel twist on Kenneth's wish? Was their more to the Ghoul's little game than met the eye? Maybe, but so what.

He had heard three of the individuals introduce themselves to Xell as Seipher, Hikari and the small child as Dolly. He was genuinely surprised to see such a young girl be a part of this twisted game, especially one who seemed to be as horribly disfigured as she was. Metal legs, a metal arm... what had happened to her?

Seipher seemed to be far more collect and sure of himself, as if he was one of the few individuals here who could take care of themselves and really understood what exactly was at stake.

And Hikari? She was definitely pretty on the eyes. His team was beginning to include quite the group of attractive females. Well, bar Serenity. She may have been a princess but her attitude was arrogant and irritating, even after he'd risked his neck to help her. Definitely not appealing.

Kenneth couldn't hear the rabbit introduce himself to Xell. He was the last person here who Kenneth hadn't seen before, and considering Xell's limited interaction with the rabbit, he was fairly sure he wasn't a friendly individual. Which was great, just great. His team already included enough mentally dangerous oddballs as it was. He could certainly do without any more-

Lani had experienced a vision, feeling an intense amount of pain within her head. Kenneth looked on in interest, observing her discussion with the rest of the team, and sighed loudly, breathing out a large billow of smoke. Trust the dangerous swordswoman to be off her rocker as well. Perfect.

Kenneth stubbed what remained of the used cigarette out.

Already he needed another one.

OOC: Is that so Shylarah? xD Glad I clocked that! I am so curious and yet I don’t want to get the spoiler surround the mystery of Lani TOO soon. 😉
IC:

Princess Margay Castle

Outside the medieval princess Margay castle, the sun began to rise in the starry, navy blue sky which tinted towards beige, orange and yellow on descends ion towards the earth. Mountainous horizons encompassed the medieval landscape and stretch for miles on end . On the periphery of the medieval landscape were sporadic areas of lakes, peasant towns, dead-man’s land and haunting dark forests.

From the castle bedroom window itself, the princess Margay sighed wearily as she looked out into the historic landscape. Painted with the faint hues of the rising sun and moist dew, another day was about to come into enhancement.

She turned her head briskly as she noted the faint sound of footsteps behind her. At the entrance of her open bedroom door, stood the dark knight Scar. His red scarf blew aimlessly in the air current that continued to blow throughout the castle hallways.

The Margay princess frowned, she then raised an inquisitive eyebrow. She put down her hand mirror and hairbrush upon her dressing table with a slight impatient manner about her.

“What is it Scar? What tidings do you bring?” She asked blinking a pair of bored but serene eyes. She got out of her royal chair and swished her tail with annoyance.

Scar barely raised an eyebrow. He continued to make some metallic thudding footsteps towards the Margay princess. Looking down at her with a glare of stone, he pulled out a parchment and handed it to with her deftly.

The Margay cat maintained her glare with Scar, and accepted the parchment shortly thereafter. She barely raised an eyebrow as she read the message within the parchment contained.

“Oh really, a little bit of notice might have been nice don’t you think Nacaren?” The Margay sighed in a fume. Rolling the scroll back up again she couldn’t help but notice some distant roars and cries that appeared to be coming from skies outside. Both herself and Scar made their way towards the window and looked out into the horizon.

Some dark flying, jagged silhouettes began to emerge from the skies in the distance. As the Margay cat and Scar continued to watch the evolving dark profiles, their eyes widened slightly when they noted that the dark shapes began to resemble pitch-black reptilian creatures. Like vultures as they began to spread out and invade the sky line.
What came shortly after was the stringing up and hoisting of royal flags that shot up around the boarder castle towers. In the interim, the castle guards sounded off golden horns which reverberated with a welcoming but dark tone as it thundered around the castle, the distance and to the skies beyond.

“Well then scar, I suppose we had better make our way downstairs then,” the Margay sighed again “open up the arena battlefield for the Underworld minions and Patriarch himself. I trust good time keeping would prevent from tearing Julien’s good temper asunder.”
Without a second bidding, the royal members turned on their feet and made their way down the spiralling stone staircase, away from the Royal Margay bedroom.

______________

Golden hall weapons

Ghoulie seemingly shook his head with disappointment after Reni had given her correct answer to the riddle. In all honesty he was not expecting the correct answer from the likes of her. Standing corrected though, he could do all but nod affirmatively.

“A correct answer redeems you a wish to be used when you want. With the considerations of its terms and conditions,” he explained raising a protruded elongated index finger “don’t use it all in one go…”

“Scooooooooooooore! Betcha didn’t think I was gonna get that one right huh huh?? Did you did you???” Reni exclaimed, striking a pose euphorically. The ghoul shook his head and sighed wearily once again, a bustle of tutting and irritation under his gruff voice. A form of reluctance to acknowledge the violet hedgehog’s achievement, as it were.

Instead, he turned to float elsewhere. Anywhere away from the the over-enthusiastic Serenity. After all, she got what she wanted and he felt he didn’t owe her anything more for now.

“…oh yeah! I am IT! Yeah babe… I cracked it yeah!!!… I…” she hesitated, glancing from side to side when she noted she was cheering all on her own.

“…hey wait Ghoulie!!! Where you going??? Come back you raggedy piece of cloth!!!” she yelled, running after the phantom in eagerness to finish her taunting celebration. Ghoulie simply quickened his pace to float out of range faster.

Xell shook his head with a slight smile as he noted the light-hearted activity and dispute going on between Serenity and the Phantom weapon keeper. He then resumed his serious expression once again as he studied Lani and her eye-opening story that she had given forth.

From what he was able to gather, it appeared that Lani had never had a childhood? Or at least it seemed somewhat perturbing that she was unable to recall it. After all, a childhood was supposed to be an unforgettable first set of milestones to one’s life. Coming to existence, growing up and learning about the world and ways around you. In many traditions, the transitional phase of childhood to the upcoming years of life determined what sort of person you became. Or at least it would bare a large influence. It was furthermore melancholic to hear that she had no form of remembrance of a family she may have grown up with. Not that he ever grew up with any parents but he had had a good upbringing amongst his adopting corporation colleagues back in his former life.

Whether these lost memories of Lani’s existed at all or were buried against her will was a question. In Xell’s case, he learned to live day in and day out with horrible lucid memories until they faded away and allowed him to resume a numb state of well-being at the very best. In short, he didn’t want to remember his past.

Lani seemed different in that she genuinely couldn’t remember. Or someone or something did not want her to remember. And why would that be?

Whatever could be contained in the dark sinister abyss of this ordeal presented as a great danger to lady knight he suspected.

He wasn’t shocked when Lani explained that she had killed other people. He had too. And he felt his burden of that dark secret was inexcusably justified compared to her reason. He knew and wouldn’t even think about judging.

Illiachen. He had to confess he was unfamiliar with this spoken entity. Was it… that… sword possibly? The glowing weapon that had burned so ferociously earlier on? It certainly appeared to have a presence for itself. He kept himself from looking at it though. As remarkable as it was, he did not want to intrude or give away he was enquiring on the good or bad intentions of her weapon. If that was, indeed, a link between all of these thoughts and theories.

He could be completely wrong. How could a sword be alive or have its own entity after all?

“Lani, we’re up for an upcoming battle,” Xell explained with heavy concerned eyes “I don’t know what Julien is planning, but please, you have to be careful. Especially if he suspected you lied…”

Lani continued to look at Xell, focused on his face and words as she awaited the remainder of his talk.

“I did not lie to him when I gave him my account of sinning. However, it did not stop him from unleashing memories of mine so dark and personal… that it nearly spelt the end of my life not more than 2 hours ago…” Xell explained as he tried to keep himself composed- hints of the tugging at his throat.

The grey dragon stood up and adopted a solemn expression. Determined to offer his guidance instead of breaking down into his earlier dejected state. He wanted to explain what had happened after his capture, but in one way or another he suspected that he didn’t have much time. So whatever he was to say had to be relevant.

“I think I am beginning to understand some of the notions of this game…” he said, narrowing his heavy eyebrows before closing his eyes for a second “in order to move on from our past, we have to reflect and gradually make a departing journey away from what makes us weak. But how can we move on when we keeping getting dragged back to what haunts us? Shackled to the constant dull ache again and again.”

Xell turned sideways and blinked heavily and severely.

“Whatever happens, make sure no one gets to your memories before you do…”

As Xell turned around, a dark aura suddenly whooshed passed him, before settling itself within a dark floating position right in front of him.

“You are late choosing your weapon or your wish, young dragon,” Ghoulie spoke with a raspy undertone, before raising a finger. At that notion, the sound of tolling church bells suddenly resounded. Its melody haunting as an underlying hum swam beneath its ambience.

“Oh… oh really?!” Xell gulped, looking around and shocked to see that everyone else was standing in a semi-circle. Satisfied with either their weapon of choice or wish.

That included Seipher who had a glock (despite limited ammunition), Hikari who had a whip, and Dolly who had an archer’s bow and arrow.

He glanced over at Wren and wasn’t too sure what he had chosen. If he HAD chosen anything. Perhaps he had hidden it for now? Or did he answer a riddle when he had his back turned? In exchange for wish? Who knew what was to transpire. Either way, he was keen to keep his distance from the monstrous looking individual.

“…I will present you with these Tiger claws…” Ghoulie said softly, lifting Xell’s hand and strapping a leather sheath of material with stitched and interwoven golden blade-like talons.
Xell moved his hand with the newly acquired hand weapon and inspected it from all angles with a scrutinizing expression. The claws shimmering in the light on each manoeuvre.

“Thanks Ghoulie…” Xell hesitated with a frown “but I am more a loooong range person…” he turned to grimace at the phantom somewhat ungratefully.

“I gathered that. Which is precisely why they are not ordinary tiger-claws…” Ghoulie explained “try scratching the air in front of you and visualise exactly where in the room you would like to reappear thereafter.”

Xell looked at Ghoulie dubiously, before bringing his shoulder back in preparation…
The semi-circle gathering stepped back in alarm…

As Xell came forward and tore through the air with the talons- a black vortex suddenly appeared in floating shears. The sounds of suction and vacuum blares following the wake of the incinerations.
The dragon immediately jumped through.

As everyone turned their heads around in confusion, inspecting all angles of the room to decipher where he had gone- a shrill yell came from the White fox Kenneth as Xell appeared from the air above and crash-landed on his back.

“Get the hell OFF my suit you punk!!!” a sprawled out Kenneth growled, a turned head with an irate expression as his open hand had left a cigarette rolling away from him on the stone floor.

“Heh,” Xell simpered as he got off Kenneth and resumed his standing stance. Kenneth muttered some acidic profanities, before steadying himself up upon his feet again and wiping his suit from dust and debris. He had even gone to pick up his cigarette.

The bell resounded once again. A death toll strumming away.

At that incident, a twin set of stone hinged doors unfastened with a slow grind and groan. At that occurrence, a stream of white light coming from a dark tunnel ahead came into view and it was towards this entrance Ghoulie nodded.

“The battle ahead awaits.”

The trial runners thus began to make their way down the surreal tunnel void. A paven stone pathway with surrounding pitch black air. No walls it seemed. Just steel bars on either side to prevent anyone from falling off the sides. White-violet smoke drifted through the passageway as the toll continued to resound. The faint cheering of an audience could gradually be heard as they progressed with their long walk. Taunting and jeering, as opposed to cheering.
Xell could hazard a guess as to what the group was embarking and he couldn’t deny that it left him with an impending sense of doom.

_____________________

Margay castle Arena

The Margay princess was brooding. Positively furious as she stormed down the gallant hallway towards one of the main coliseum’s viewing vicinities. In all honesty, the intrusion of her royal castle as arranged against her will by the Patriarch himself on extremely short notice had not bided well with her at all.

Shaking her head and puffing her cheeks now and again as she thundered down the corridor in a silent rage- she tore through a set of draped curtains.- the sounds of a leering audience suddenly met her ears as she came close to the outside vicinity. Where the battle would be about to take place.

She pushed past the remaining velvet curtains in a fury, regaining her composure as she looked out to the gathered audience. Indeed, every space had been occupied on the thousands of seats surrounding the coliseum. Underworld populations it seems had gathered along with rhinos, ogres, demons and all sort of dark monstrosity entities to witness the battle that was to take place.
Their dark heads lolled and laughed- with the odd fight breaking out between the subsections of the audience which had to be quietened down by the Rhino guards.

Within the royal main seats, sat some noble dark figures. On the east wing of one of the lateral seats was a gothic clad femme, Athena who had presented herself earlier in the ‘Congress of the damned’ meeting. She sat upon her marbled throne- bored and dead to the world to say the least. She was still donning the elegant, but black corset dress attire with ebony jewellery which gave off an air of darkness.

Next to her were empty seats. About to be filled nonetheless once the other higher powers arrived.

Athena slowly turned to look at Margay and gave her a single but slow nod.

“A seat your highness?” Athena asked.

The Margay cat looked down upon Athena with an unimpressed sort of regard. She turned around abruptly, and prowled towards the west wing of the setting. Before she arrived at her own seat, she stopped in front of the central throne itself. Intricately marbled with a royal red garment carefully hung on its constitute. The Kingly throne for Julien no doubt?

She fisted her arms and waved them about on her sides in a hot-tempered fluster. She swatted her tail as she forced herself to turn away and resume her seating.

“Suit yourself then…” Athena rolled her eyes grimly, before leaning her chin within the palm of her hand with her elbow supported against one of the throne rests.

Athena’s back suddenly straightened as the chorus of hecklings, hissings and jeering died down like the dying of a storm. She looked on to the site below, as did the Margay princess as they saw two Rhino guards turning some rusty steel cogs on either sides of a set of twin oaken doors.
At this notion, the oaken doors creaked open with a deafening whine and scratch. The shouts and jeers came into union once again as the trail of trial members were brutally forced out into the arena before them. With Rhino guards whipping at their ankles and bodies to lead them into position within the open, sandy and gritt-grounded arena.
__

“GO on GO ON GIT GIT GIT!!!!!!!” A rhino by the name of Dux roared ferociously as he cracked the whips mercilessly at the trial runners.
The trial runners gritted their teeth with contempt and sweated anxiously as they hopped on the spots as if they were walking on hot coal. Trying to dodge the whip lashings.
Xell Rhinestone, Lani, Mordie, Kenneth Lay, Nathan, Dolly, Serenity, Glitch, Hikari, Seipher and Wren all stood in a semi-circle. Facing the higher platforms of thrones as well as the surrounding semi-circle of people in the arena.

The audience continued to taunt and spit in rage at the trial runners. One of the audience members threw a grog canister, which narrowly missed Glitch as it skidded within the sand and washed alcohol over his shoes.

“Oh for **ck’s sakes!!!!!!!” Glitch cried out, flailing his hand containing blade with a right mind to kill the imbecile in question. His objective was met short when an imposing Rhino guard stepped in, shaking his whip handle in a threatening manner in the hedgehog’s face.

“Psh…” Glitch spat, narrowing his eyes in a brooding dark manner as he looked downwards to calm himself. He straightened himself up again and looked up to the sky ahead. Shortly after, the royal horns resounded.

The toll of the enemy sounding in the air.

“You see that… see that…?” Glitch whispered with a goofed expressions as he tapped Hikari on the shoulder. The Siamese blinked as she looked at Glitch, before putting a finger to her mouth as she concentrated on the horizon. Her long black hair dangling behind her.

“Oh oh… that’s not good. Not good at all…” her eyes widened, as the zooming creature expanded rapidly into view. Its imposing massive sized and the beating of its wings causing reverberations and air currents which shook the fur, hair and clothes on everyone.

It was a black dragon.

The black dragon screeched as it wrenched its ugly neck in all directions. The shrill noise pained everyone to the bottom of their hearts as they gagged, threw their heads forwards and clutched their temples.

On top of the dragon’s back rode the Patriarch himself. The amethyst coloured, vampiric beast with shining ember eyes that bore the blank stare of a million bleeding souls. Incinerating to infinite crucifying deaths.

He laughed a booming twisted laugh as the dragon crash landed upon the scene.

A booming quake followed by a wave of dust hit the trial runners in the aftermath on the grand reptilian beast’s descendsion.

The protagonists shielded their faces from the flurry of dirt and debris flung in their direction. They gritted their teeth with a mixture of anger, resentment, a hint of fury- but all in all, a general fear of the unknown. In spite of different encounters and precedents they had with the dark Overlord, they all shared a common animosity.
They gradually lowered their arms and peaked at the brooding black creature with its riding lord that stared down upon them. The imposing shadows of the dominion making them feel ill at ease as they were looked down upon.

“Martyrs of the damned…” Julien announced with a jubilant sense of evil, as he strolled up the dragon’s long neck to get a better view of the victims. The dragon lowered its head with Julien standing on top so that he was more or less on the same level as the trial runners. If not a bit higher. What was more bizarre was that he appeared to be dressed rather elegantly. In a… modern day black suit?

“You progressed through circle I. How impressive,” he said opening out his blazer clad arms as he spoke “and not one of you has died yet. Except one of you did fall…”
Xell looked towards the ground as he found a burdening set of eyes fall upon his skull.

“Whereas I expected a long, painful, character-building imprisonment for yourself Mr. Rhinestone, I’m disappointed to learn of a certain traitorous rodent that interfered with the process…” Julien brooded with a hint of distaste as he cast his eyes down at Mordie “… we WILL talk later.” He nodded with a stern and forced smile, looking upon Mordie like a badly behaved teenage daughter.

Julien inspected the rest of the protagonists, mentally counting them given some sporadic moments where had not kept up with the looking glass events. He had already noted the earlier assimilation of Seipher, Hikari and Dolly joining in. He had also noticed the disappearance of Wraith. Which was peculiar to him to say the least. Not that he had time for that plot hole for now. He
had been but a weak fiend.

He also noted one the group's strongest adherents. The lady Knight Lani. One he anticipated from the start had lied to him. Her secrets must've been deliciously dark. But he held back. The oppurtunoty would surely arise when he would be able to unleash such forebording memories and watch the insufferable consequences.
...one he would relay to the Raven Blood Child. At a later time in the battle.

He gave a last damning glance towards Wren. The monstrous entity causing the greatest deal of angst amongst his subordinates. He smirked and gave him a condescending nod. Almost as if to question his weakness for teaming up with people in the first place. The loner scum dweller.

“Well then…” Julien turned away from Wren and laughed with a snide cackle as he jumped off the dragon’s head and landed on the sand with an effortless thud. He swatted his long tail and towered his shoulders as he faced the trial runners ahead of him. A red blazing aura outlining his purple and black-suited form in a dark fashion. His expression looked hungry and threatening.

“Before we begin this battle- your gain being an exit to this circle if you win and your loss being death if you lose…” Julien explained as he cast his gaze amongst them all “how about enlightening me and telling me how you feel so far. About all that has happened. Just a sentence or two from each one of you.”

“That is all.”

He paused, relaying a quick gaze towards the display of various weapons.
“Show me your weapons and tell me why you chose them.” He nodded, folding his arms as he awaited their reflection and synopsis on their weapon of choice.

Lani listened intently to Xell. She agreed with his assessment. If there were memories she had lost somewhere, it was important that she become aware of them before whatever they contained could be used to take advantage of her.

She put a hand on Xell's shoulder when Julien singles the dragon out, a silent form of reassurance. When the Overlord made his request, she quietly stepped forward. She did not allow herself to be intimidated by the creature's theatrics. "I believe that, as a team, we can overcome your obstacles." Her voice was confident, betraying none of her recent worry. She had long ago learned to put things from her mind when preparing for battle. Lani then detached her sword's scabbard from her sword belt, showing the sheathed blade to him. "I have chosen my own sword. As we fought together in life, we continue to do so in death."

IC:

Serenity narrowed her eyes and glared as the Overlord made his grand
appearance.   Show-off.  She flattened her ears and flared her
quills.  "BITE...ME." The Patriarch turned his gaze on her and grinned,
his long vampiric fangs showing menacingly. Serenity took a step
backward and gulped. "Uh...maybe I should rephrase that..." prompting a
bout of laughter from the dark being.  Serenity sputtered breifely,
recovering her irreverent attitude.  "I need no weapon...Mine grows
right here on my back!"  She jabbed a finger backward, indicating her
quills. "This is a LAME trap.  I've fought half-broke 'bots that were
tougher than anything you can dish out."  Sure, she was boasting,
but...the purple hedgehog princess didn't care at the moment.  Serenity
paused for dramatic effect before spitting at the Overlord.  "And as
for your little...GAME...BRING. IT. ON!"

TBC

(OOC: watch her eat those words almost immediately...XD )

Mordie smiled uneasily at Julien's words. Oh boy am I in for it.

Glitch merely scuffed at his own shoes, in an effort to cover up the spilled alcohol with dirt... though now his shoes just looked like a mess.
"Gotta say that my time here has been exciting, to say the least." The hedgehog held his blade out straight before him, as if he were aiming the tip at the Patriarch. "And as for this baby..." He sliced it back downwards, almost elegantly, and his arm was once again to his side. "Nothin big. It's the same as the sword I grew up playing with. Heh."

Mordie tautly twiddled her halberd's hilt between her slender fingers, eyes on the blade but ears on the two speaking. "Humm..."Julien shot the mouse a daunting glare, sending shivers racing down her spine as she hesitantly brought her eyes to him. She stuttered, attempting to speed through her words, yet Julien's consternate eyes prevented her from doing so. "Ah... ah ain't really a part'o this trial..." Though her eyes were on the purple beast, it was as though her words were directed to the others she had just met. "Though ah guess if ah managed to help out someone somehow, then"-she jerked a thumb towards Xell-"ah guess ah'll be chillin with them a bit longer."Julien kept his lean, fiery eyes fixed on the treacherous mouse. Mordie shifted her bare shoulders uncomfortably - was he expecting her to keep talking? Or was he just planning something against...?"Ah've... ah've no real reason for my weapon," Mordie continued, "Ah guess... seems pretty quick. Cutest lookin' one there too." She shrugged, maintaining a queasy smile. "'nd ah guess ah like poles... poles 'er pretty cool..." She rambled on, eyes still locked with the devilish ones straight across from her. What's--why won't he just--

Glitch cut in with a querulous sigh. "God, don't you dare say it."

Mordie looked to the white hedgehog, eyebrows raised in disconcertion - glad to finally shift her eyes elsewhere. "W, say what? What's wrong about poles, ah like poles... ah, ah don't..." her voice trailed off into unintelligible murmurs. Glitch palmed his face as Julien rolled his eyes, peeved, and turned his attention to someone else.

Kenneth looked at the scene around him, the sheer scale of the arena's size, the number of people who had, at once, all been cheering with a sheer ferocity he'd never before encountered. And all at once, becoming silent at Julien's rather dramatic entrance.

He couldn't deny it. He was impressed, and intimidated. This was the ruler of hell. This was their true enemy, the real goal.

He almost couldn't believe it when the rest of his companions began to speak to him, answering his questions for their thoughts on the game so far, and the reason why they chose their weapons. At first he was wondering what on earth they were thinking. They owed him no answers. No possible options to show weakness or give a hint to such. But then... openly defying him right now wouldn't achieve anything but a quick and sudden death. Julien's fall was the ultimate goal, but there was no way in hell any of them were ready to incur his wrath now. Maybe they never would be, but now would certainly not be the time.

He decided he might as well speak. Lay things plain... although not reveal all of his little secrets.

"Y'want my opinion of this trial so far?" Kenneth asked, attracting the Patriarch's attention. He was flipping the short knife he had acquired from the pub up and down in his hand was confident ease. "Pretty easy so far, really. Gotta thank you for the opportunity for a drink. My throat was kinda parched from all of that hellfire and intolerable heat and such."

Kenneth caught the midflipped knife in the air, and dramatically swung his arm to point the knife towards Julien.

"As for why I chose this? Baby, I don't need anything more than this to beat your little game!" Kenneth declared with enthusiasm.

He got a rather mixed response from all of the onlookers. There were some gasps of surprise and laughs from the assembled demonic hoards, whilst a few more of the female onlookers swooned at Kenneth's scene. Xell and Serenity just looked deadpan towards him, totally not buying into the suited fox's lie. There were some genuine glances of people being impressed within his group, most notably Dolly whose eyes seemed to be sparkling at Kenneth's act, others were as disinterested as they had been since the start of this arena event, notably Wren.

The Patriarch at first looked fumed, but then just laughed at the sheer arrogance and overcockiness of Kenneth's display. He knew the fox would end up paying for it. He would learn humility.

Nathan however, wasn't sure what to do. He was looking all around the arena, at the thousands and thousands of assembled people around, and thinking to himself that this was simply way too many photos to take. He had also been deliberating whether or not he should answer Julien's question, and if so, how. As Kenneth's bragging came to an end, he decided that this was as best a time as any.

"You want to know what I think of the game so far, and why I chose this weapon? Well, the reason why is-" Nathan began, before his vision turned completely white. His face looked completely blank, before his vision and senses returned. He looked around himself, at the situation around him, and all of the new people. He instantly turned to his phone and began searching for data of those surrounding him. He nodded to himself, as he quickly assessed those nearest to him seemed to be 'comrades at best', before focusing his gaze elsewhere, at the towering arena and crowds, and then finally at-

"Holy crap! Look at the size of that dragon!" He yelled, raising his sword in the air in defense, despite having little reason to believe it would be much defense against a dragon of that size. And then promptly wondering where he picked a sword up from in the first place.

"...yeah, never mind him." Kenneth shrugged as he pointed over his shoulder towards Nathan.

OOC:

I absolutely loved all of the character interactions that have happened thus far. Everything from Glitch's reactions to Mordie, Xell's compassion for Lani and Kenneth's involvement with everybody has been nothing short of inspiring. This kind of character interaction is the best part of a roleplay, for me. I'm really glad the team's been brought together. Good call on that one, Ash!

----------

IC:

Margay castle Arena

His seemingly
incandescent eyes scanned around the arena, taking in the sight of the amassed
legions of underworldian folk as he patiently waited for Julien to finish
talking with one of the associates he’d come to meet in this trial.

The fact that
Wren was even thinking of these people as ‘associates’ made him pause in
contemplation for a moment. It seemed like an eternity ago that Wren had thought
of other people as anything more than an animated construction of flesh, acting
as the husk of a most valuable resource contained within. Not much had changed
now, a change made all the more difficult to occur thanks to Wren’s innate
ability to physically see the souls present within someone’s mortal coils.

One of these
souls in particular had piqued his interest, after what he saw back in the
weapons chamber. The swordswoman who he’d overheard as named ‘Lani’, her soul
was most peculiar; an oddly shaped, unusually bright and somehow oversized spectral
form that was most definitely out of place for someone of her size and race.
What was just as strange was the ‘thread’ that he saw extending out from the
unusual soul that connected to the blade she diligently kept at her side at all
times.

He’d noticed
this strange phenomenon as he was scanning around the room, observing the
choices of the others only moments before he’d made his own…

“Well, well well…” mused Julien as he sized Wren up with his eyes.

“No weapons, I guess there isn’t much surprise there, but no armour,
either. How curious.”

The patriarch scratched his chin as he maintained a smug expression on
his face, “So what about you, Wren? Got anything to say about my first circle?”

Wren crossed his arms and laughed, “If you’re fishing for compliments,
you’ve come to the wrong place. Your first circle has been a joke.”

Julien’s expression didn’t change as Wren continued his rant.

“The fact that you even had to interfere back there with that cerulean
idiot, don’t think I didn’t notice, simply reeks of desperation. You’re trying
far too hard to amuse yourself, Julien. Are you that low on ideas?”

The crowd reacted to Wren’s show of defiance with a symphony of riled
boos. The patriarch, visibly un-phased, calmly quieted the audience down with
but a slight single-handed gesture.

“I think you’ll find I’m simply saving my best surprises for last.” Said Julien
with a smile.

“And do pardon me for trying to make things a bit more exciting for you.
Frankly, Wren, you’ve just been boring me to tears.”

In a complete reversal of mood, the crowd cheered relentlessly for their
overlord, who responded by smiling cheesily and giving a beckoning wave to his
admirers.

“Oh, brother” said Kenneth, as well as Athena. Both rolled their eyes
from their respective positions in the arena, unaware of their mutual disdain
at the patriarch’s actions.

Julien cleared his throat mockingly and resumed his interest in Wren, “what
about your wish, then? You obviously didn’t wish for anything you can carry,
did you eat whatever you wished for? Did you wish for a sandwich, Wren?”

A wave of snickering laughter came over the audience who watched
intently.

Wren gave a small smile and crossed his arms, “You’ll find out what I
wished for, soon enough. I’ve got a few surprises of my own for you.”

“I sincerely hope you’re not talking about something you ate.” joked Julien,
immediately turning on his heels and walking over to some of the other trial
runners.

Wren fumed as the audience began laughing again at his expense. He shook
his fist at Julien, who didn’t bother giving him another glance.

“JUST YOU WAIT!” he yelled.

Standing beside him, Reni tried to contain a chuckle but didn’t manage to
go unnoticed by Wren, who responded by scowling at her with bared teeth.

“Sorry, geez.” She said between subdued chortles, “but you gotta admit,
it was kinda funny.”

Wren murmured under his breath and averted his gaze back to the current
happenings.

OOC: Oh man! What a carry on... I loved every single post xP. I wish I had 36 hour days then I could update every day just to see how everyone responds. I think everyone's a master writer in their own right.
I'll expand in detail later on what I like, though it's pretty much all.

However for now I just want to say I am writing the next IC. Could be up as early as tonight or as late as Friday. Real apologies in advance. It's work that is mostly time consuming :eww

Battle Arena, Margay Castle Xell looked up open-mindedly at Lani, a look of quiet appreciation for the support she had offered him. His smile was very faint but present nonetheless. Indeed, he found it intimidating and demoralising to be singled out like that by the Overlord. Insinuating that he had failed in one way or another, and furthermore, the angst of his daunting memories where flickering slightly on sight of the Patriarch arriving. It was violating to have his lucid past reanimated before him, and that the Vampiric beast could mentally torture him at any moment.

The emotions were still raw. And he still felt somewhat vulnerable.
He was, however, even more worried for Lani. He urgently wanted to warn her of his apprehensions. Especially since the dark Diablo could hear and see things as and when he wanted to. Let alone the fact he was right next to them at this present moment! 
Julien trailed the outer periphery of the trial members. Analysing their faces as his blaring eyes pierced thought troubled their souls. He stopped before Lani and Xell, facing sideways as his burning iris lurked to look at them in a predatory manner. 
The Overlord had to give in. The knight lady had some insight. He’d give her that. Not that he was going to openly admit that to Lani. Continuing to crush hopes was more on the cards. 
“Oh I so admire your naïve bravado. Lani …” he said turning around to face her with a mock-sullen expression “perhaps as you put it, you’ll make some progress in numbers. Enough to entertain me anyway.”  
Lani continued to give Julien an undaunting stare, the wind blowing the still figures harshly whilst the audience continued to mumble in the background. 
“However, I also sense a potential for treachery coming from some of your adherents…” he said swooping his eyes amongst the crescent gathering of trial members once again. He especially stared at Wren, raising his eyebrows a couple of times with a smirk on his face. 
“As for your sword…” Julien showed an expression mixed with intrigue and scrutiny “…well yes. I’m aware of your die-hard bond with the blade. So, we shall see how well you prevail together, or fall together.”  
“Or perhaps you might find it will leave you with a lingering sense of betrayal. Don’t doubt my words too much. My enchantress,” Julien said in a drawl, his narrowed eyes glued onto the sword for a moment or two before prowling off. 
Xell managed to sneak in an odd look at the enigmatic message the Overlord had delivered as he had his black-suited back turned to him. What did he mean by a ‘betraying’ sword? Was he being metaphorical? In that the sword wasn’t strong enough or was there more to the sword than met the eye? 

The dragon reigned in his thoughts as he observed the remainder of the revelations.
“…and what was that my dear? Bite you did you say?!? Ha! I don’t usually get a proposal like that!!” the Overlord smiled and shouted as he stepped within Reni’s personal space “can I really take you up on that offer??” he said giving her a sultry smile.

 Reni stepped back from him, and shook her head with a tremble.  
“No?” Julien gave her a disappointed smile and mirrored her head shaking. He turned away from her, but kept a firm gaze from the corner of his eyes as he started to turn his back. 
“The bots you fought were pet food compared to my dark minions. Nothing ever gets up again after a fight with them,” Julien reprimanded, not bothering to look back at Serenity “don’t get so excited, rodent!” 
Serenity puffed her cheek out, about to throw another insult in Julien’s direction. Her attempt was cut short when Seipher jumped in to cover her mouth once again. Suppressing mumbles and grumbles to a muffle. The fennec shook his head and waggled a finger at her, causing the Violet hedgehog to stick his tongue out at Seipher. 
Glitch wrinkled his nose and furrowed his eyebrows, whilst an unmoving and blushing Morden maintained her position- keeping a calm smile though she found herself breathing out now and again to calm herself down. The ever-approaching presence of Julien making her feel ill at ease. 
“And now… we have a Crescent blade for a certain Judas Disember Ihana … AND a halbard for a traitorous Mousy…” Julien walked passed, his hands entwined behind his back as babbled on. He suddenly stopped still as he faced sideways. His side-eye suddenly snapping to look at them with the pupil becoming a cat-eye like iris. Glitch and Mordie gasped involuntarily and stepped back. 
“Glad you’re having an exciting time Judas. It will only get worse from here…” Julien reflected on Glitch’s last comment, before turning to Mordie. His morose face breaking out into a devious smile “whilst the mouse went out to play, the cat came back, the very next day.” 
“I…” Mordie began raising a finger. Julien mimicked her and raised a jagged claw, before scratching the air like a cat. 
At that notion, a scream suddenly resounded from behind Mordie. The Rhino guard Dux suddenly collapsed to the floor as a gash on his neck exploded and haemorrhaged. The sand patches flooding with blood. 
“…ph-phantom arms…” Mordie uttered, turning her head away from the dying Rhino to look at Julie. If it wasn’t for that known fact, she would’ve put it down to telekinesis. She looked up at Julien with constricted, fearful eyes, which was met with a warning nod. 
“You chose the wrong allegiance.” The beast said simply.

Before either Glitch or Mordie could comment further, Julien turned around once again.  
Kenneth maintained a suave and debonair outlook as the Overlord stepped within his domain. Whereas Nathan found himself still exchanging glances between the black dragon and the grand nemesis himself. Julien gave Nathan a curious look. He knew about Nathan’s anterograde amnesia. His memory span was a hilarious display nonetheless to him. He really had no idea how the hell the salamander managed to survive all this time. Either by extreme dumb luck, or his team colleagues had really looked out for him.  
“Think you can handle that rapier boy? Psh….” Julien waved a dismissive arm at Nathan. The black dragon who still had a rapier pointed in his direction beat his wings, thrashed his head forwards and roared at Nathan, causing the Salamander to gasp and fall backwards. With Kari stepping in in time to catch his fall. Nathan whispered a quiet thank you, with Kari nodding in return as she resumed her position. The audience all in all in the meantime cheered and heckled relentlessly. 
“As for you sly,” Julien spoke to Kenneth, causing him to maintain a simpered expression and bend an inquisitive ear to catch the Patriarch’s words with an air of indifference about him. 
“You really are too conceited for your own good. You’re in no position to have that much confidence. Hmn,” Julien scorned “I truly look forward to seeing you fall. Otherwise I’ll make sure I’ll kill you personally before your smokes do.” 
The next group Julien approached was Kari, Seipher, and Dolly. Indeed he was surprised to see they were still alive. Especially that cat. Last he had seen them, they were in a battle of virtual chess. Where those trial members were chess pawns themselves. He did recall a checkmate situation where they were bound to die- with Kari faced at sword point with the opposition’s King. Perhaps they found a way to escape? The large scale chess board and game itself. He’d deal with his subordinates who set up that chess game later on. Teach them a lesson for letting failing pawns scatter away like these three pathetic runners. 
“Really… trial members. You are all old hat. You should’ve died a long time ago. Oh well. Now will be your lucky chance eh?” Julien cleared his throat, suppressing a laugh. Neither had he given them a chance to reflect on their circle trial, nor had he allowed them to expand on their choice of weapon.  
“…I bet this Miss juvenile Lollita here will fair better than you the pair of you!” Julien laughed, referring to Dolly, as he looked down upon Kari and Seipher condescendingly. Seipher grimaced with a snarl whilst Kari kept composed- though secretly seething inside. 
“…wait…!” Julien stopped midway in his walk, scratching his chin in deep thought. He turned around and practically poked his head into Cipher’s face.  
“I’ve got your sister with me up there.” Seipher heard the Overlord say, causing his expression to drop with shock, before screwing it up with confusion. Julien turned his head towards the high thrones as if leading Seipher’s gaze to the platform above. 
“Athena O’shea. The resemblance is uncanny. But for the fact she has chosen to work for the dark side. To work for me,” he said turning back to face Seipher “aw hurts doesn’t it? To have those formerly close to you betray their moral values. Still she made a good choice.”  
“She made a good choice…” Julien sang again in a mutter as he wandered off again, leaving Seipher to look on in shock. 
Indeed, there she was. A royal throne seated Athena. About to watch him engage in battle. As if this was all a show. Yet she made no effort to look in his direction. Did she even recognise him? What was going on? All she was doing as of yet was staring into space. An unresponsively bored expression fixed on her face. 
‘Athena… Athena…’ his thoughts wondered anxiously, desperate to shout out to her. He suddenly found himself torn between running to her and protecting the rest of the group. And if he tried the former he would likely found himself attacked or killed. Just like that Rhino guard who died with a swipe from the Overlord. Without even being near.

This was a very unsettling feeling he was experiencing. 

“And I’ve already spoken to you low life trash!!!!” Julien interrupted everyone’s rattled thoughts as he shot a bolshie insult towards Wren.

“Nice sandwich?”
“Carry on reassuring yourself with your cheap jokes Overlord. You won’t get any straight answers from me!” Wren waved a sneering fist at him. 
“Cheap jokes?!” Julien scoffed with smiling eyes. The audience cheered for Julien once again, whilst jeering at Wren in the interim “don’t talk about yourself that way. You have enough problems as it is my dear Wren. And by the time I get this battle going, we’ll truly see hell emissions getting you down!!”

 Julien had finished his disdainful account on all trial runners. Turning on his heels, he leapt on his pet Dragon’s head, who in turn lifted him to a towering height. A spectacle in the air for the trial members to either tremble before or look on in contempt. And one in the centre for the audience to cheer for.
“Trial runners and audience. This is the part we get this show on the road!” the great Patriarch’s voice thundered across the coliseum which earned everyone’s attention, causing the audience to quiet down to murmurs.
“…and we’ll start with a change in scenery. This playground is bland!!!”

Everyone roared with cheers for the Overlord, waving their fists and commanding for the trial runners to die in booming voices.

With that, Julien lifted his arms either side. His silhouette resembling a cross shape. His black blazer continuing to enhance his broad and beastly shoulders as well as add a suave outlook of his ill-hearted self who was donning it. Hair and blazer blowing in the wind as he maintained a statuesque pose on the dragon’s head. Ready to unleash a very dark power.

Casting his straight arms back and swooping them forwards with open palms and flexed wrists, a whirlwind of shadows suddenly emanated from the wake of his motions. An ebony cyclone instantly inked the sky black and revealed a thousand blinking red eyes- watching from the shrouded heavens above.

A blanket of black ravens suddenly blurred the skies- soaring towards the arena grounds like buzzards.

The trial members thrashed their heads around anxiously as the vicious air currents blew sand in their faces and whipped their fur, tails and clothes in all directions. Birds thrashed and screeched in their faces, causing the protagonists to buckle and kneel to the floor with their heads clutched in their hands.“Oh my god! This is frightening…” Dolly whined, huddling her face to her knees with a desperate wish for this to be over.“Hang on Dolly… we’re still here…” Kari cried out, taking her under her arms to protect her.

‘Hmn. He’s put on a show alright…’ Kenneth thought as he hid his face beneath his jacket. A scrutinizing eye poking out to observe the rapid and tsunamic change in surroundings. Hues of red, purple and black dominated the scene as the chaotic manifestation took place across the landscape.

 Before they knew it, the sand they were standing upon appeared to change. Malignant rock formation broke out from the centre of the arena and metastised across the field. Dark, black greying flint suffocating the sand as it rippled across the surface. Throwing shards, debris and stones in the air.

Ulcer like craters burst from the grounds, causing stony pillars to shoot upwards to towering heights. Followed by rapidly growing interweaving thorn bushes and grew around them like parasites.The quakes eventually settled down- in spite of the whirlwind sky that continued to blow. For now the ravens had scurried away, and the land was etched and set. A dead landscape of stone, rocks, and surrounding thorn rose bushes. The Trialers suddenly found themselves scattered across the battle field. Some amongst higher platforms, some in trenches- and others trapped within a maze of rosebushes.Xell, Lani, Nathan and Kari found themselves upon one of the highest platforms. A platform a few significant feet above the ground. Reni, Mordie and Kenneth found themselves within a trench which meandered into claustrophobic tunnels. Glitch, Wren and Seipher where stuck in the rose thorn bush maze.Dolly was somewhere, but nowhere to be seen.  

A death land terrain. Cast from the Patriarch who overcasts darkness itself.
“Behold the scene Martyrs!” the Overlord shouted, who was sitting on the throne by now. Amongst Athena, Jacob, Scar- and the morose Margay princess.

 “…and behold your foes.”

 Alongside that command shadow-like creatures suddenly morphed from the ground. One shadow to face per trial runner. Within a few seconds, these shadow spectres suddenly evolved into the flesh and bones of their counterpart. A duplicate of all trial runners was suddenly created. Staring back at them with a sense of evil in their eyes. Ultimately their nega form.

“Are you all able to fight a doppelganger that knows your moves like you know your own? Hahahahaha!”

“Nega Trialers… SEIZE THEM!!!” Julien commanded, his voice quaking from all corners of the battlefield. Hoping there would also be a sense of confusion in the battle to come.

It was at that command, the antagonistic:

Upon the high platform;

Xell pulled out his Tiger claws with a light smirk on his face.Lani held her own sword and pointed it at the protagonistic Lani’s heart.A confused but determined Nathan held a rapier at the real Nathan.A vicious faced Kari cracked her whip against the ground as she faced the real Hikari.

Within the trenches:A nega Reni grinned snidely at the real Reni, holding up some boxer fists.A smirking and confident Kenneth threw up a hand knife up and down into the air as he faced his doppelganger. Ready to outcon him.A sultry looking anti-Mordie held her hands on her hips, still gripping the halberd as she stared at the genuine Mordie menacingly.

In the rosebush maze:A counterfeit Glitch grinned in a threatening manner, holding his sigma sword as he faced the real Glitch.A fake Wren waggled a reprimanding finger at the real Wren, his hand beginning to morph slowly into its maul entity.A fake Seipher held two blocks towards the real Seipher, the latter only having one glock.

Without further ado, the anti-trialers made their first basic attack. An attack the original Trialers would’ve made by pure instinct.

(OOC: Did somebody say Whirlwind? *pose*  XP  ...Ok that was terrible. XP)

IC:

"'Sieze them!'?  Seriously?  That's all you can come up with?  How cliche."  Serenity mumbled under her breath.  "And evil dopplegangers?" She yawned pointedly. "I was expecting something a bit more orriginal...Julie."  She looked at her counterpart and yawned again, to disguise the consternation the evil version of herself brought up.  Disgusted, she glared at it, it's features twisted into a malignant simulacrum of herself, and shuddered breifly. Well...here goes.

TBC

(OOC: Did somebody say Whirlwind? *pose*  XP  ...Ok that was terrible. XP)

IC:

"'Sieze them!'?  Seriously?  That's all you can come up with?  How cliche."  Serenity mumbled under her breath.  "And evil dopplegangers?" She yawned pointedly. "I was expecting something a bit more orriginal...Julie."  She looked at her counterpart and yawned again, to disguise the consternation the evil version of herself brought up.  Disgusted, she glared at it, it's features twisted into a malignant simulacrum of herself, and shuddered breifly. Well...here goes.

TBC

The counterfeit Reni smiled a crude smile, folding her arms and tapping somewhat impatiently against the ground.

"I'm waaaaaaaaaaiting..." she said in a mock-up voice of the original, which had haunting and underlying dark tones. Almost as if the process of construction had left the voice make-up with anomalies.

"Hey... don't you dare..."

Before Reni could respond any further, the antagonist Reni wrenched a near by thorn bush vine. Uncaring as to how much its thorn cut and embedded itself into her harsh grip. Trickles of crimson pouring from the hand.

She came in at Reni and swiped thorn thine. Ready to slash her face...