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Post by morrisb on Aug 20, 2011 12:16:42 GMT -5
OOC: I suppose Kagome could have left it there ;D btw, Gavron is bad at tracking, but he's very perceptive.)
Finally, an elder stepped forth to greet Gavron.
"Welcome to our humble community, stranger. May I inquire about who you are and what your business is here ?" - the elder asked in his cranky voice.
Gavron carefully thought his answer over. These simple folks don't have to know more about him than they absolutely have to.
"My name is Gavron Alexander, and I hail from a land far away. I'm a wandering warrior of a sort. By the order of my Lord, I'm pursuing a dangerous foe and need information. Some supplies wouldn't hurt either. I'd pay for both. If you would prefer I left at once, just say so and I'll take my leave. In either case, I don't plan on spending the night here."
"Weeell... I haven't seen many folks like you wanderin' 'round here... but your request sounds reasonable. Aaand this... monkey... thing ?" - the elder asked, pointing at Tila.
"My pet. Completely harmless." - Gavron answered.
From this distance, Shadowsoul could take a closer look on Tila to know this part of Gavron's response was probably true. That monkey demon can't be larger than her own tail. Its aura was also pretty weak. Maybe it's a child ?
"Ah." - the elder nodded. - "And who do you pursue, by the way ?"
"I'd rather not talk about it here in public. After all... there are eyes and ears everywhere."
At this point, he glimpsed at Shadowsoul's direction as she peek on him. For a moment she felt as if the Inquisitor looked straight into her eye... no, he couldn't be suspecting ! He must have just glanced that way by accident. Gavron bore his glare around to other directions as well before settling his view on the elder again.
The village elder scratched his short grey beard. Sure, the lord will probably be interested by the foreigner's arrival, but is it really a good idea to let this foreigner in ?
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Post by kitsune on Aug 20, 2011 12:33:18 GMT -5
Shadowsoul stiffened, had he seen her? She resisted baring her fox teeth and turned her head away, slightly nervous that he woud discover her secret. She did indeed see the monkey, and figured that it was harmless. BEst not let her guard down, however; she woyld not underestimate any opponent. She flicked an ear and walked over, intent on learning more. She cleared her throat, thinking over her words carefully.
"Hello there stranger. I see you happen to have come upon shadow village; indeed, there are many dangers here..." she said, glancing at the village elder. He probably knew who she was by now; most of the village did. It could get annoying... "There are those here who defend the village too. Be warned not to make mischief; foreiners have done so latley. You might make the guardians mad by doing so; other then that, welcome." She then turned away and began walking, hoping he would not follow.
He had better heed her warning... Shadowsoul would definitly strike him down if he harmed anyone in the village or stole. She made a promise to it, and she would keep it, even at loss of her life.
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Post by morrisb on Aug 20, 2011 15:04:17 GMT -5
Just as she began to walk away, Gavron couldn't resist to make a comeback:
"Your cryptic speeches do not amuse me, foxy."
Foxy ! Clear reference to foxes, thus indirectly kitsunes.
Does he know...?!
Truth be told, Gavron was not absolutely sure that the girl who just walked up to her to give him a word of warning was the same creature who stalked him the previous night, but the suspicion was there.
Especially since his rapier gave off a faint glow at the end of the handle.
While everyone looked at the mysterious girl, he needed but a glimpse on his sword to reveal her dark heritage; his sword could sense demons, at least from a very, very short distance. And Shadowsoul, unintentionally, crossed the invisible line.
Gavron now covered the sword's handle with his right hand, and reminded himself that he still had that holy ward hidden beneath his left glove. He didn't like the idea of using it up here and now, though. This girl, demon or not, might not be the one he seeks, and there are too many villagers around, they should not get involved.
For the moment, he (and the villagers) couldn't do better than to await the black-garbed girl's response...
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Post by kitsune on Aug 20, 2011 15:12:13 GMT -5
Shadowsoul froze for an instant, letting out a quiet growl. She glanced back before regaining composture; it seemed he did have suspicions. It did not matter to her, as much; she did not care if he knew who she was, but rather it mattered what his intentions were. She was starting to have a growing dislike; he was here to kill, possibly her. She would not have that; she was needed here to protect the village.
She continued walking away. Maybe he would follow her; no, she would not trap him. If he wanted, they could have a dignified battle somewhere else. The villagers might take her side anyways; not a fair game at all. Even if she considered him dangerous, if he was not, not playing fair would make her an evil one. So she kept walking, waiting to slip into the shadows. She was near the forest now, father from the villagers. Now was time...
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Post by morrisb on Aug 20, 2011 16:05:34 GMT -5
Like Shadowsoul wanted, Gavron did follow a little behind her. He was about to leave the village, but suddenly he was held up: he was stopped by the village elder; the old man grabbed into his coat.
Shadowsoul had to sharpen her ears to hear what they converse, but she heard most words clearly.
Gavron could have simply pushed aside the weary fingers, but after giving off an angry, grunting voice, he sighted and decided to listen. A few villagers gathered around as well to hear their debate.
"Whatever it is, old bones, please make it quick." - Gavron said.
"I have the feeling you were being dishonest with me there." - the elder said as he released the coat.
"Not at all. I told what I thought you needed to know without giving away too much. But every word I had spoken was true." - Gavron replied. - "And you, old man ? I can see the worrying on your wizened face. What is this girl to you ? What does she do that the locals can't do on their own ?"
The village elder was confused. He knew about Shadowsoul, knew of her devotion to protect the village she adored, even though she was sometimes responsible for mischief and thievery. But he valued her highly, even if he did not speak this out loudly. How could he explain it all to a foreigner ? Worse yet, while the villagers accepted, or at least tolerated Shadowsoul, openly admitting their own incompetence would had been a deep blow.
Taking advantage of the situation, Gavron seized the initiative:
"Old man, my business is not with you or the village. It's with her and her alone." - he said while angrily pointing towards the woods where he last saw Shadowsoul. - "This is a matter of duty and honor. Let me do what I have to. If she wins, she deserves all praise. If she loses, she was weak to begin with."
The elder sighted. If this man has a personal reason to challenge Shadowsoul, but otherwise leaves the village alone, he has no authority to stop him. Not as if he wanted to use force to stop him anyway; if this man is as dangerous as he appears, it is the villagers' best interest to keep out of this.
The peasants and work-hands knew this as well. They watched silently, though grudgingly as Gavron put Tila down to a nearby barrel and stepped forth towards Shadowsoul's location.
He didn't enter the woods, just stood at the edge of the forest, the grassy line seperating the trees and the houses.
Ready to draw blade, and ready to use up the holy ward. He yelled towards Shadowsoul:
"Hear me out, vixen of the night ! Last night you spared me, and just minutes ago you gave me a fair warning. Your actions speak of a sense of honor, despite your despicable bloodline. Before we battle, I would like to humbly request you to reveal thyself and grant me an audience. Not to avoid this fight, for that is out of the question; but because I wish to see your true face for a brief moment, and to enlighten you who and why seeks your demise. After all, you have the right to know."
Nice speech. But Gavron had more reason to make such a request than a sense of honor. He wished an ultimate comfirmation. He had to know if he found the right prey. And act accordingly.
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Post by kitsune on Aug 20, 2011 23:38:52 GMT -5
Shadowsoul listened to the conversation intently. She flicked her ears. Well; it seemed that the man had come here to kill her; at least, that was what it sounded like. She would battle, and accept death if it indeed came to her. IT was destined anyways; surviving an evil demon attack was an omen of later death, so she thought. Shaking her head, she heard him come closer. Now was the time. His words echoed through the forrest, making her eyes flash deep amber for excitment. This was a true challange; who would win?
She responded with a strong voice. "Foriener, I accept your offer to battle. Be warned, I am no easy opponent. I am guardian of Shadow village, reasons why I have been following you all along--to be catious of newcomers. I see you seek out to murder something; most likeley, me. That is fine; if death comes to me, so be it. Shall I win, you will be spared, but you would have to reveal all secrets. You ask for me to reveal myself; I will do so." With that, the fox demon took off her cloak and glasses, revealing a long, tight dress, easy to move around in. She wore combat boots to run in, and looked like a dark demon of the night.
Black mist thickened around her, but she was able to be seen. She stepped out of the forest to see him, now in full veiw. He would see a rather young, teen-looking demon like that of a kitsune. Her prescence might cause worry to some, but not likley to him. She was ready to battle if needed, or converse if he had that to offer. She sensed he was a demon hunter; she shook her head. They all were alike; killing all demons, not only bad, but good, without knowing their true nature or purpose.
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Post by morrisb on Aug 21, 2011 5:53:32 GMT -5
Gavron took a good look at Shadowsoul before he replied.
Black fur. Tail and ears. Kitsune breed. Appears young. Darkness powers.
Target comfirmed.
He nodded a bit, and thought his words over before he answered:
"You have more to hide than I do, fox-kin. But you did as I asked, and so I shall uphold my end of the bargain."
He took a few steps towards Shadowsoul, but stopped roughly 3-4 feet away, speaking with a calm, somewhat silent tone. He wished only Shadowsoul to hear what he says.
"You probably guess that I'm a demon hunter. Which is correct. I belong to the Inquisition, an organization of which seeks to expel demonkind from the face of the Earth. My superiors entrusted me with a task to retrieve an artifact of terrible power which was, according to our research, supposedly lost in this area several decades ago. The description of the culprit fits you perfectly: a thieving black-furred kitsune, appearing like a young girl, with powers over darkness."
What the heck ?
Shadowsoul obviously can't deny that the description matches her. But what's up with that story about a terrible artifact ? Does he mean the mysterious treasure kept in the local lord's castle ?
Gavron continued.
"I ask you only once: grant me the artifact I seek, and I'll give in return a peaceful departure from this world. Take not me for a butcher: I would let you live if you cooperated. But sooner or later my brethren would hunt you down anyway. It is better for you to fall by my hand than by theirs."
With that said, he took a few steps backwards, slowly drawing forth his rapier. It was brimming with a faint light. He picked up one of his pistols with his other hand, though the holy ward beneath his glove made his grip uncomfortable. Ultimately, he took up a defensive pose.
"Make your choice, vixen."
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Post by kitsune on Aug 21, 2011 9:58:57 GMT -5
Shadowsoul blinked. Indeed, this was confusing; artifact? She only knew of the treasure here, so closly guarded by the people. She had never even thought of stealing it, nevermind being a target or the demon hunters. That description indeed matched her, so she bit her lip, thinking. They must have the wrong demon, or someone blamed her. She shook her head, outranged, and bared her teeth.
"I indeed am a demon of that description, but never have I stolen anything that was important. A few pieces of gold here, food there, but that is all. There is someone blaming me for a crime that I have not done. I have no such srtifact, so cannot hand it over. Battle me if you must; be warned, if you win and kill me, your soul will be tainted with the blood of an innocent, demon or not.." She lashed her tail, and watched his sword carefully.
"As for your brethren, if they come and try to kill me as a group, the townspeople will interevene for obvious reasons. They know of my secret to protect the village now anyways..." She did not look too happy about that; publicity was not her thing, and they got annoying trying to talk to her.
Lashing her tail, she knew he would make his move to attack now. She would not run like a coward; she needed to face him to decide ultamitly who won. Foxfire sprung up all around her, freezing cold and making frost form on her fur. It was like a freezer in her enclosed circle, but it did not affect her; she merely was using it as a sheild.
"Now; make your move, mortal..." she said softly, ready as ever, eyes glowing a mix of amber and red.
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Post by morrisb on Aug 21, 2011 10:26:48 GMT -5
Gavron did not move yet. He thought it over.
"Hm. She appears honest, but then again, kitsune are renowned for being deceitful. And the description fits her too much. But at least she doesn't bring up some lame evil twin sister stories."
Gavron hesitated for a moment, then tightened his grip.
"I can't back away now. I'll just cut her up a little and see how things turn out in the process." - he concluded.
"God sees all. Know that, and be judged." - Gavron muttered, more to himself than to Shadowsoul, but afterwards raised his tone: - "This is not about protecting the innocent; this is about changing the world. And for that, sacrifices must be made... Abhor the witch, burn the witch !""
All the while, he concentrated, and his magic took effect: his rapier was suddenly engulfed in searing hot flames.
"But to uphold the value of chivalry: ladies go first." - he said.
Tricky situation. If Shadowsoul flees, this madman might just burn the forest up. If she engages in close combat... well, this guy is 'just' a human, but who knows what other tricks he has in store ?
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Post by kitsune on Aug 21, 2011 10:34:36 GMT -5
Black mist surrounded the clearing now, thickening and swirling around Shadowsoul. She bared her fox teeth and dissappeared in the blackness, tail lashing. Her eyes glowed bright red as the mist tickened, and suddenly, she yelled, "FOXFIRE!". A huge burst of flames flew out at Gavron; she was aiming to freeze the outside of him frozen solid. If she made it too powerful, it might have frozen his heart and killed him; she knew he sould counter this at any time.
Shadowsoul chuckled; battle was always a glorious thing, but she never had fought against a human. She always killed other demons, not having a second thought. Obviously she coul not bring herself to terribly wound him; that i itself was a flaw. Ultamitly, she could die... but he could not. She shook her head, accepting this and moving on.
The fire on his sword worried her; she hoped he did not use it to cancel out her attack. The flames would end each other, and be unable to spring up again for five minutes. Foxfire was her most powerful attack thus far, so she hoped it stayed on.
She knew a great attack to use soon, and she would deal it out to strike if needed. Illusion could defeat him without even harming him...
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Post by morrisb on Aug 21, 2011 10:56:18 GMT -5
"Answer witchcraft with firepower !" - Gavron recited the old lesson from his time as a novice, and acted accordingly:
First he had to deal with the cold foxfire. He could have rolled aside, but in the past he has seen similar attacks which tracked opponents, so he didn't bother. Instead, He used his affinity with fire to his advantage: first he shot a bullet with his pistol, which upon meeting with the foxfire exploded violently, weakening the attack. Immediately afterwards, Gavron channeled his magic through his wheellock pistol, making it spit fire 'till the foxfire and his flames extinguished each other.
"That was not the best start." - he thought angrily. - "Damn chivalry to hell ! I had to use up much energy to counter this attack."
Unlike demons, mortal men like Gavron put much stress upon themselves and their equipment when using magic. For now, Gavron felt an irritating twitch at a left rib, and the pistol he used partially melted. It won't be able to shoot anymore like this, though he suspected it may still endure channeling a couple more flamethrower-like attacks.
He rushed towards Shadowsoul, swinging his sword. While he foresaw the kitsune would probably simply evade the strikes, his swings soon set parts of the surrounding shrubbery aflame...
"Afraid to come near ?!" - he yelled at Shadowsoul.
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Post by kitsune on Aug 21, 2011 11:07:59 GMT -5
Shadowsoul yipped and was hit by surprise! she felt the sword go into her side and leave a terrible burn. She used the last of her foxfire to cancel it out for the flames to go out. She growled in pain, and knew this was a real wound; it hurt, bad. She was loosing focus, but would have to make her move soon to distract him.
"Bloody River!" she yelled. If the illusin worked, cuts and major wounds would open all over Gavron's body, and his armor would apear to be splitting. Ariver of blood woould run out from him, and he would feel like he was getting cut by thousands of knives. This was all an illusion, only lasting for thirty seconds, but this torture was enough to make him fall and not want to get up.
Or at least, she hoped so; the burn ustill hurt bad. She gritted her teeth, whimpering a bit and thinking of her next move. She would have to use something powerful, but her mist, fire, and soon river would be cancelled out. She would need to use physical attacks as well; maybe her claws. She hoped it would work, and maybe she could do some real damage.
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Post by morrisb on Aug 21, 2011 11:22:28 GMT -5
Gavron gave out a loud shout.
Shadowsoul was unaware of the dozens of battle scars dotting Gavron's body, but the Inquisitor felt as if something or someone suddenly cut the old wounds open, all of them at once.
Pain. Agony. Suffering.
Gavron did not fall unconscious or drop half-dead from the imaginary pain like Shadowsoul hoped, but he fell to his knees, vulnerable.
"Foul trickster !" - the words raged across his mind, along with the aching pain. - "Trickster...?"
An idea began forming in his mind, but most of his brain capacity was too busy accounting for the non-existant pain. Nevertheless, He realized he was vulnerable, and acted by instinct: he channeled whatever little essence he could focus through the barrel of his wheellock pistol in the form of a cone of fire. The produced flame was meager and reached out only to a meter or so, but Gavron tried to aim it towards Shadowsoul, hoping this would buy him some moments to recover his sanity.
Meanwhile, his sword stopped burning as he could not concentrate enough to upkeep the effect. He held it out defensively, while gnashing his teeth.
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Post by kitsune on Aug 21, 2011 11:30:13 GMT -5
Shadowsoul lost her concentration and the illusion was broken. The cone engulfed her, making her scream, a mix of a fox scream and a human scream. She had no foxfire left to put it out, and was getting burned pretty bad. She finally got it out by the cold mist, or what was left of it. She had burns on her arms and legs, but had sheilded her face. She whimpered, wincing as the burns hurt, and bad.
She had one last card to play in this battle; Shadowsnakes and illusion of shadows, mixed. She aimed the snakes to make him immobile, panting in pain now. If her spell worked, he would be unable to move due to being wrapped by the snakes. She lashed her tail, whincing again as the burns ached bad.
She then aimed to use illusion to make shadows in the shape of herself and mock attack him form all directions, while she darted to the side and aimed a scratch on his face with her claws. She knew that this was her last chance; if she lost, she would die. She needed to try to save her own life, as well as the village.
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Post by morrisb on Aug 21, 2011 11:54:10 GMT -5
Gavron suddenly felt a great pressure lifted from his body as Shadowsoul's Bloody River spell broke. And with it, came an enlightening realization:
"Illusions ! F*ING ILLUSIONS !"
Gavron was pissed off. Not because of the kitsune's trickery, but because he ignored that a kitsune's power lies in deceit.
He saw the dozens of shady apparitions trying to assail him from all directions. But his zeal triumphed over his senses. He couldn't block them anyway, but if they are not real, why bother at all ?!
He hurled his pistol at Shadowsoul's direction - without aiming, so he did not count on actually hitting anything - took something out from beneath his coat: a bottle and a holy ward that hung on it.
Accidently, he reacted to one of the shady creatures, and dropped his sword in the process. Dammit !
Quickly, not wasting time, he gulped up the holy water contained in the bottle, feeling his spirit and strength restored. He knew this feeling was slightly misleading, as holy water did not restore him too much, just allowed him to better use up whatever energy and might his body still possesses at the moment. He threw the bottle towards Shadowsoul (without aiming, so it ended up wheezing meters beside her) and grasped the holy ward he took out in his right hand.
One ward in his left glove, the other in his metal-clad right hand.
He held out his right hand, waving his fist, as if challenging Shadowsoul for fist-to-fist brawling.
"I will snap you like a twig, miserable hellbreed !" - he threatened her, though he knew he sounded pathetic like this.
No pistol, no sword. Shadowsoul did not know of the holy wards (at least Gavron hoped so), so he appeared entirely unarmed at the moment.
Perfect opportunity to teach this foreign lunatic a lesson ! Or is it ?
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