The Land of WAR

[Cat]

Vash hung her head low, burying her face in her hands. "The other guardians though..." Her breathing became shallow, "where would they be then?"
Vash lifted her head, no tears. She fought them off but her eyes were red and swollen.

[Lance]

"I cant answer that, Kahira vanished without a trace and Cat is gone but I was told she is still alive. I don't know what became of Jasmine." Apaichi stood up a stern look upon his face. "I'm not going to lie to you, it's a broken land and it won't ever be the same again." Apaichi managed to crack a smile as if he had been given hope, it was only from the thought of his brother that made it happen. He stared at Vash.
"But it can see the light once again, a new hope...but without those who remain there would be none."

[Cat]

Vash's brow furrowed, "Cat is still...?" The woman was revitalized with new hope. Just what Apaichi was talking about. Vash shot up from her seat. It already sounded like Apaichi had no idea where Cat was, judging by his wording.
"...What did you say your name was? Apie...?"

[Lance]

"Apaichi." He said being able to clearly tell that the woman was relived to hear Cat was still well, Nathan and Cat were close, even more so than Nathan was with Apaichi his own brother. So perhaps she had thought if Nathan was dead Cat had died aswell.

[Cat]

"I am called Vash," the woman replied. Her eyes were still red. The woman took a deep breath and sighed. "I'm Cat's childhood friend..."
"Apaichi, I am sorry for the loss of your brother. He was a...good soul. It's hard to believe that he's gone."

[Kittywhite]

With a tight line for a mouth Samantha listened to the man. She was more than prepared to interrupt him, as she might any other. His little tidbit of information of why he was here caught her ear, and welded her mouth firmly shut. She gripped the head of her cane with pale knuckles. Items from ages past? What would some rich merchant or lord's child want with something like that? Well, Samantha could think of a dozen reasons, almost all related to pride, power, and wealth. What got her, however, was who wanted it. These things were left to the heads of houses, not some brat. A young brat he might have been, but his quips kept up with her own. Samantha did turn and spit this time after clearing her throat. Throwing back her head, the woman cackled like an old hen. When she finally looked at the man again a wide, toothy grin -- Age had taken only two of her front teeth and three molars from her. -- plastered her face.
"Boy," She emphasized the word as if it might mean more to her than it normally implied. "Boy..I do like you! You make a dance with words covered in venom like a smithy makes metal dance at his hammers' strike." Her laugh was shrill and short. "So," Samantha's face returned to composure, though a small smile still lay upon it. Her cane tapped twice at the tousled snow-barren patch. "Why do you think to find any 'relics' here?"


Lamp lights held by steel fixtures lined the walls of the wide walkway, providing a dim viewing of the Guild for Kain. Shelves lay in the stonework of a master mason, displaying nothing but a thin coat of dust. Below them tapestries displaying men and women in battles and wars that dotted through the entrance and past any hall caught the eye. Carpets of red and green edged with intersecting lines of gold ran in each direction Kain could see. The doors were oak engraved simply, but with a careful eye. Shadowed in the corners were recent cobwebs, and a light coating of dust on the entirety of the room spoke of a lack of proper tidying up over the past week or so. Kain was not surprised there would be no maid for somewhere so out of the way.

A complaint from his stomach brought Kain back to attention. This was no time to admire a real castle. He could do that only after he found out if it's recently departed caretaker's had left him something to eat. He peered to the left, and then the right. Neither drew his eye more than the other, and the only smells were that of musty rooms. With nothing to go on Kain went forward instead. If he had to, he would search the place top to bottom until he found it's kitchen. So why spend time choosing where to start?

As he walked Kain looked at each scene displayed on the wall. One was of many men, swords brandished standing at a cliffs edge, and triumph shown as clearly as day. The rising sun stood behind them, completing the picture. Another was of a man on the ground with his arms held protectively over his head. A woman with flowing black hair that stretched beyond the tapestry stood tall with a foot planted on the man's hands. A simple crown with a single amethyst at it's center was donned on her head. They all seemed to have stories, or legends associated with them. At least, that was how Kain felt. Kain did not recognize any of the stories, if there really were any. He stopped at another; Mankind fought desperately with monsters, some over twice as tall as the humans. A hairy beast with the head of a buffalo and horns nearly as large walked on two legs, nearly twice again the size of the other beasts. A massive cleaver left terror where the buffalo had swung it. Men fought with another man. But, instead of weapons one of them had nails like claws the size of daggers. Red shined on their tips. Kain shivered and forced himself to look away from the pictures.

Kain could feel sweat roll down his face despite the cold. He quickly scrubbed it away and swallowed something suddenly caught in his throat. He was beginning to decide whether or not to turn around and just leave when he heard something just beyond the door he had been approaching. They were like faint murmurs through the door, but Kain was sure what he heard was voices. People, here..in the middle of nowhere. Kain had thought it strange this was here to begin with. Somehow he had gotten past that, but that people could be there had him frozen in mid-step. Who would live here..? His mind trailed back to the pictures before he had the chance to stop it. His stomach twisted into a knot, from fear and hunger both. He shut his eyes tight. This was foolishness. Pictures and stories were just that. He should not let such things get the better of him, certainly not at his age. It helped, a little, he felt. Taking a deep breath, Kain smoothed his features. There was not much he could do for his anxious stomach, though. Painfully slow Kain stepped up to the door and knocked on it.

[Lance]

Apaichi nodded slightly. "Yeah it is...but he died the way he wanted, protecting the land he loved." Apaichi turned around. "If you would like to talk some more we can go into the living room, it's not like anyone else will stop by."

[Lance]

Back at the Southern city the woman would continue to fight the large army, her chain lying on the street seeming to be dissolved for the most part. The woman would end up rushing away from the group cursing to herself."How do you beat abominations like this? They are made of acid?" The woman came to a halt staring at the group, her surroundings setting in on her. The entire city was in panic, blood covered the streets, no one was standing to fight, would they really rather go out without a fight? "Cowards..." She muttered before bringing her hands out to her sides. She dashed forward charging the army head on, sending a fist into the first mans face, the momentum would be added sending the man onto his back as the blade was released from his hand, she reached out grabbing it as she brought it around in a full swing slashing it into the line infront of her. Her blade was blocked by one of the "Humans" as another brought his sword toward her side, she closed her eys knowing this was the end. "I tried..."

[Kittywhite]

Mud and brown snow covered along the ground and rested on limp, fallen trees. The earth below had been shredded by the bootprints of several dozen humans. Few animals remained in sight, and even those had been trampled. From above the few trees left standing a dim light nearly the size of a lynx flew down that trail. Light convulsed in and out of the object, and it moved far faster than the humans that had done this. The trail grew warmer, and in the distance the walls of a large city presented themselves. Gates of wood reinforced with steel lay open, as they always would until late evening. Men rested against those gates and on the concrete now. Their forms were nearly unrecognizable now that they were covered in mud and blood, and smashed under the tread of an invading force. Whoever came in, they seemed to not care about dignity; theirs or that of those they killed.

The light descended just before the gates. It condensed into a small ball as it touched the ground, dimming further all the while. Bulges popped forth from the ball, and suddenly the small mass expanded rapidly. Bulges became limbs, light faded to reveal colors and clothing. Standing slowly, what remained of the light -- Shin -- grumbled and dusted at his puffy blue pants. His emerald eyes observed the gates, and his frown was one of disgust. No one deserved to be slaughtered and trampled after death as if those who slew them saw them as less than dirt. Shin armed himself, checking the straps of his buckler. Gray and green snakes lined the edge of the small shield, and at it's center the image of a phoenix rising glittered in gold. Similar colors adorned his straight blade, in the form of runes. Satisfied, Shin ran through the gates and into the Southern City.

The scene within the walls was no better. Shin picked his way carefully past what had to have been guards and civilians of some sort near the entrance. Fights were everywhere, if you could call them such. Most people only ran while others chased. Bodies littered the floor, broken with blood marring their appearance from blades. Between the smell and sight, most humans who came after the battle would lose their lunch, at the lightest. If not for the chaos and desire to flee, those still here likely would have done so already. Shin's nose crinkled and he took breathes from his mouth as it was. As he ran, Shin selected future targets; hoping to aid those who ran and relieve them from chase. They would have to each survive long enough for their turn, however. Shin dove into the first group that chased a stumbling man, his sword a flash as he chose quick and decisive kills on the unaware invading force.

Two fell before the other two knew of what had arrived. The man, whose back was sliced thinly ran without a second look. Shin could not blame him for deserting his saviour. He was injured and without a way to protect himself. Backing away, the two assailants paused, as if observing their new prey. Shin would be no prey, not to humans like this. Taking a breath, Shin focused in their pause. Lines like wisps of smoke within the air shimmered into his sight. Carefully he picked out three, and sent them without physical movement. A gust erupted in front of Shin, ripping into the wary opponents. One fell, and the other stumbled. With that Shin fell upon them like a cat pouncing on a mouse. His sword entered the chest of the one that still stood, driving him to the ground With Shin following. The Phoenix buckler cracked the skull of the other man in his daze.

Shin stood, observing something disturbing. Their blood bubbled on his blade, a rancid smell coming from it. Before standing, he cleaned the blood on his fallen foes, watching it eat at their clothes and skin. His jaw tightened in frustration. What were they, if not exactly human? It didn't really matter now..

Shin launched himself at the next group. A woman in a long black coat with blue hair fought a desperate battle against what looked like a larger mob. They were an overwhelming force against just one person. Like before his blade ripped into two of the group at his sudden appearance. Their blood splashed against him, burning like an open flame. His buckler slammed into the arm of one aiming to gut the woman, with his blade close behind it to finish the job. Stepping towards her without looking, he jammed his elbow towards her side to gain her attention. His voice was strained; the blood, or perhaps acid would be more fitting, stung more than a little. "Hey! Get moving already!"

[Cat]

Vasya turned her head at the sound of knocking. She had expected Apaichi to answer it, as he seemed to be the master of the castle now. The woman wondered just who it was who could be knocking. A weary traveler no doubt, someone much like herself. Someone who wandered inside of their own accord, and then heard she and Apaichi's conversation.
"It's funny you say that..." She replied to Apaichi's comment about no one else would stop by. Eyes on the door, the woman stepped for the door. Vash pulled open the door to reveal Kain. A lean and fit human, the same height as she. He had somewhat of a scruffy look to him.
"Yes?"

[Lance]

The womans eyes widened as the man saved her form being gutted. Rather than what the man was most likely expecting of the woman she narrowed her eyes at him. "Like hell I will!" She would tighten her grip on the sword she held and jump over the man landing on one of the humans head's sending him into the concrete below, as she went down she brought the sword in a swift slice down another man's midline. She turned her head back to look at Shin a small smirk formed upon her face.

[Lance]

Apaichi was slightly taken back by the sudden knock on the door as if his comment was a cue for the knock. He stepped in behind Vash as she greeted the man.

[Xarcxes]

Perking up a bit the gelatinous steward shifted hue to one of a brighter demeanor, not that the other being could notice this. Coming around infront of the woman Keenig made a slight, silent chirping sound. " Hello, do you require assistance? " The creatures didn't have an inherent tone of maliciousness, and it seemed to possess no weapons itself. Looking about the corridor the tall vassal chirped out again. " Where are we, precisely? " The creature spoke as it inspected the area thoroughly. The feeling of a warm breeze came from the opposite direction from which the woman faced, and the air tasted of smoke. There seemed to be minimal lighting in the area as well, but it didn't seem to matter to much considering the woman's current predicament.

[Kittywhite]

Kain waited on one side of a door in the Guild. His face was stilled to calm, but his mind and stomach roiled with anxiety. No matter how he tried to puzzle out the reason for this place, all he came up with was blanks. It was much to large for a hermit, and to secluded to house a business or place for craftsmen. He could not recall seeing any fields for vegetables outside, either. Why was this here, and what sort of people had reason to rest in it? Unless they were all like him. It was not a thought he wanted to entertain. They might have already found and eaten what food remained, if any. At that, he knew there were at least two, if not more that he had not heard. If they were here to ransack the place, what would stop them from trying the same with him? Running was not a pleasant idea. His stomach growled in agreement.

Still, Kain found that thought better than the nightmares that he also returned to time and again in his search for this places' purpose. Monsters, depicted in stories to frighten children where he lived. Massive creatures who were known for ferociousness and strength. They were supposed to enjoy killing more than anything. Worse yet were the tales Kain had heard less often. Some demons took the form of humans. Bits and pieces had faded from his memory over the years, but he felt he remembered enough. Cunning, intelligence, and the ability to blend with man made those ones far more frightening for him. A place like this, made for humans but placed away from them seemed more than fit for demons like that. If he didn't know such things were just stories this would be the most likely reason for the building. Maybe he wasn't thinking clearly anymore. It didn't matter; he was to far in to turn back now. Once more Kain banished the thought for nothing more than a story. The door whined as it opened..

A woman answered Kain's knocking. She had messy black hair nearly twice his own length, but still well above the shoulder. Her ears poked out from her hair, unadorned by jewelry but ending in an unnatural point at the ends. She had a squared jaw and nose that dominated all but her blood red eyes. Stress marked her mouth and eyes with small, but noticeable lines, and she had the look of someone who had recently wept. A scarf in similar colors to her eyes hung snugly across the neck with one end crossed over a shoulder. She wore a plain, if not heavy white shirt and dark pants tucked into knee-high boots. A bag looped across her waist, small soft leather. Her question seemed frank, getting straight to the point. Kain fumbled with his words. Her eyes..and those ears. Why did I have to come here of all places?

He tried to look at her, as he had always been taught one should when talking with another, but looking at those eyes was to hard. He focused beyond her, instead. "Urm..yes, pardon me. I was just happening by and, well, it's the first place I've seen. I just..", Someone else, the person this woman had been speaking to, poked his head out behind her shoulder. He had a slim chin and thin line of a mouth, with hair just above the shoulders resting haphazardly, all but in the back where it was tamed into a longer, slim ponytail. His ears were smaller, but more jagged and long. His eyes had a yellow-gold coloring that popped out nearly well as the red of his companion. Kain gave a start and surveyed the area for a new place to look. He settled for the woman's scarf. He felt like a mouse. A mouse being ridiculous in a house full of cats. His stomach growled again, bringing a grimace to his face. "You wouldn't have anything to eat, would you..?"

[Cat]

He was like a deer in headlights, whoever he was. The woman opened the door wider, stepping back with a brief look toward Apaichi. "He's the master of the castle," Vash would start to reply, eyes still on Apaichi. "As far as I know at least," Vash continued as she looked back to the human. "So...Is there food Apaichi?"

[Weiss]

His eye grew wide as he heard that damn laugh again, ringing through the air and hit his ear drums like an angry drummer. He felt himself freeze in place again as he watched his "creator" zero down on him. He screamed out in terror, fearing his end which caused a thick wall of aura to shoot up and solidify into a gray cement like structure that would end up blocking the attack. As a result of Havoc hitting the wall with his attack, the wall would break apart into large chunks and then crumble. This gave Alchem just enough time to back himself up properly before trying to manipulate his aura again in an attempt of making and offensive comeback against his enemy, despite the constant laughing that was starting to drive his fear into an off form of insanity.

That shrieking laugh made the male cringe with a hint of pain as he grumbled to himself but found enough will power to keep his very happy disposition. His green eyes examined the woman closely as she blasted laughter into the air like a howling banshee. Once she uttered her complimenting words and question he would offer a smile and look at her. "Well you see I came across some very old and tattered pages that stated some sort of legend that talks of a scepter, dawned in silvers and golds that harbors a most miraculous jewel at its crown. In this specific legend that jewel seems to harbor a most magnificent power that will aid whoever possesses it in their most ambitious endeavors. I hope to rule my own 'company' sometime, so I figured maybe, just maybe if I find this treasure I can probably make that dream become a reality." he said explaining himself to the woman.

[Lance]

Apaichi shook his head. "I am only a visitor here the only remaining one who could be called its master would be Cat, of whom happens to be away at the moment." Apaichi turned his head back to the hall tearing up a bit as he saw all of the food he had gathered lying on the floor. "I'll miss you delicious little treats" He thought to himself before regaining his composure and looking back to the man. "But yes we have food, please help yourself." He quickly looked at the man and his attire making sure to note if the man was armed, it wouldn't be a bad thing, infact most people in war carried a weapon of some sort, he simply wanted to know more about the man and even an appearance can give a little information upon it's owner.
Apaichi stepped to the side smiling lightly allowing the man to come in. His eyes drifted towards the outside, his mind now on the tournament that was soon to come, he needed to inform others in order to get the word out.

[Jaziline]

Havoc crashed into the wall the shadowy form that created the image of Father G broke leaving only her laughter filling the air. She stared down at the boy, a twisted grin on her face as she cooed lightly. "Ah dear little Alchem almost done it." She said her eyes burning for more, but once more logic grasp hold of her as she calmed herself. She reached out for the boy, "Maybe the fear won't grip you so tightly, but do hold onto your sanity. This place only has room for one psychopath." She said hunching down to ruffle the boys blonde hair.

[Weiss]

Alchem blinked a bit and dropped his aura, sighing in relief as Havoc halted her advances for now and ended the training session leaving him time to recooperate his lost energy. His arms felt a bit sore as a matter of fact, most of his body felt a bit sore because of the energy output that he never used. He closed his eyes and shrugged his shoulders a bit as his hair was ruffled, letting a soft sigh to pass through his lips before he opened his eyes to look up at the woman. "Yes Ma'am." he muttered.

[Lance]

An applause could be heard as a man approached Alchem and Havoc. He laughed slightly as a bright smile rested upon his face. His short black hair swept off to the right. His blue eyes flashed yellow for a split second as he stopped just a few feet from the two.

He wore a black coat with a a blue short sleeved shirt, and a pair of blue jeans. Topped off with a brown belt around his waist, and two black buisness shoes. His eyes wandered from Alchem to Havoc with a pleased expression upon his face. "I must say that was quite a show, it is good to see some people around here haven't lost their fighting spirit." His appearance aswell as his expression would appear friendly and at this time that is all one could go by.
He laughed once more. "I'm sorry where are my manors, my name is Tidus it's nice to meet the both of you."