|
Post by kitsune on Aug 21, 2011 12:07:39 GMT -5
Objects flew by the fox demon as she darted around, wondering why in the world he was not aiming wel. She was hard to strike, unless fire was used. Was he loosing his mind? He was completly unarmed now, and she shook her head, baffled. Her shadows continued to writh around and aim pointless attacks to distract. Hand on hand combat? She was not strong at all; only fast.
She had an idea on what to do, however. She growled and lanched herself at him, aiming to slam him forward. She then jumped back, trying not to get caught by him; she was slightly more weak because of the magic she used up, as well as how the fire had burned her pretty well. She flattened her ears, still angry.
Shadowsoul debated what to do after that. She was out of moves to deal, and was not abut to flee. Who knows if she could, anyways? She could use speed and claws to land blows on him now. Something seemed wrong, though; when she touched his armon, she felt slight aginy... what could it be?
Nonetheless, she would keep attacking now, striking and running to land some real blows.
|
|
|
Post by morrisb on Aug 21, 2011 12:23:29 GMT -5
(OOC: Gavron's "Mark of God" ability works ONLY if you touch his skin, so you don't have to feel sorry for punching his armor =P )
Gavron lost his balance as Shadowsoul pushed into him with her jump, falling over, but recovering just as quickly as he fell, trying punch the black-furred kistune, but to no avail.
But time was on his side.
Let the vixen think he's out of tricks and weapons.
All the while, he slowly channeled his energy: some into his steel gauntlet, magically "heating" it up so its touch will cause burn wounds to his opponent (which was the source of Shadowsoul's slight feeling of pain). He was also preparing to utter a Phrase of a Saint.
If only he could get hold of the kitsune for a moment or two, it would be finished ! But she's damn fast. He needs to lure her closer.
"Is this what passes as a leap attack among your misbegotten kind ?! Pathetic !" - he tried to tempt her into attacking.
For further encouraging, he pretended wearyness. Pretended ? Who was he kidding ? He was panting, his breathing was heavy. He hasn't slept too much lately either. Now it's taxing upon him to keep fighting on.
Just a little more... just a little... one way or another, he must, no, he WILL break this canine !
|
|
|
Post by kitsune on Aug 21, 2011 12:28:43 GMT -5
The taunt barely worked, but it did. Shadowsoul moved closer, seeing weakness. She had to get him to admit defeat, so she could be done with him and leave. She was weary too; she was almost out of energy, soon to collaspe with exhastion. She growled and aimed to strike at his face with her claws, careful to only aim for his cheek and not to blind him. She lashed her tail, not running this tie but standing there, aiming fury swipes.
She was panting too, and angry still. She wanted to get a word in. "Filthy mortal! Assuming all of us are misgotten and hellish; Shame on you! You have not noticed that I have not aimed to kill yet?! You idiot humans are more pathetic minded then you look!" She only meant the demon hunters, of course.
The village treated her kindy, except when she stole things. IT was in her nature to do so, after all. She could not think of that right now, only trying to get him away. She flattened her ears again, baring her fox teeth.
|
|
|
Post by morrisb on Aug 21, 2011 12:47:06 GMT -5
Unknown to her, Shadowsoul played right into Gavron's hands.
The Inquisitor used his arms trying to block the kitsune's claws, with changing results. Gavron was now bleeding on both arms, and some misdirected claw sweeps ended up cutting his chest instead of his arms.
His opponent was angry and misdirected. Perfect !
While blocking, Gavron was muttering a phrase, somewhat silently but clearly still:
"Archangel who struck down the Devil, grant me the strength to face this evil !"
The holy ward held in his armored right hand was used up, the essence held within flowing to the Inquisitor's body and taking effect: while there was nothing apparent for the naked eye, his physical strength increased drastically. In this state, he once wrestled a mountain troll; a fragile kistune is no match for him now !
Immediately afterwards, Gavron tried to get hold of Shadowsoul's neck but ended up trying to grip her collarbone. In the process Shadowsoul could land one more attack, slashing Gavron's cheek and slightly scratching his neck, but the Inquisitor did not pay heed to that now. The searing heat of his magic was taking effect, and if he holds her like this, his grip might possibly just crack the kitsune's bone, or at least burn her shoulder, forcing her to lose concentration, and...
NOW IS HIS CHANCE !!!
He kicked forward, aiming at the vixen's stomach. He could shatter rocks with his force now, but that wasn't his intention; if he can just make her pass out for a minute or so, it's clear victory...!
|
|
|
Post by kitsune on Aug 21, 2011 14:15:49 GMT -5
Shadowsoul gasped as now he seemed a lot stronger. She tried to stop, tried to run; ut no heed. She felt her collarbone being gripped and whimpered, as if she pulled away, she would get hurt. She felt her sholder getting seared and yipped slightly in pain. Her eyes now wide with fear, she shivered, trying to scratch his hand to get him off.
She did not pay attention to his leg, and WHAM! she was blasted back, out of breath. She was slammd backwards onto her back, now in shock. It hurt to move, it burned all over. She lay there, eyes closed in pain. She winced, waiting for it; the final blow of death. She was not afraid of it, but was sorta afraid of Gavron now. He could indeed keep her alive... but torture her endlessly. That was what she heard demon hunters did.
She wished she could run, save herself; but she could not now. She laid there, life flashing through before her eyes. A tear fell down her cheek; well, she would soon see her family, she hoped. The pain left for a bit, and she glanced up at Gavron, not even lifting her head.
"You....win. Deal...the final...blow..." she gasped, barely able to speak. She was ready for the sharp pain of death now. Her tail swished slightly as she waited, unmoving and finally closing her eyes. She did not want to see her death now... she wanted to die with her eyes closed.
|
|
|
Post by morrisb on Aug 21, 2011 15:14:52 GMT -5
Gavron towered above Shadowsoul; before she closed her eyes, she could feel how much taller he was. By European standards, Gavron didn't stand out, but by Japanese standards, he was stalwart and high.
The Inquisitor grunted. He searched for his sword, and as soon as he found it, focused his attention on Shadowsoul. He used his leg to make her roll over (as softly as he possibly could) then squatted, pushing his right knee against Shadowsoul's spine, just above her tail. He then grabbed into her black hair, pulling it slightly (but cautiously not to rip it) and finally pointed the stabbing end of his rapier against the kitsune's neck from behind, but not touching the skin.
Is this the end...?
The villagers watched the entire battle from afar; by now, almost the entire local populace lined up to see their duel. Some were frightened; some children fainted; others cried in desperation; some wanted to rush to Shadowsoul's help - only to be stopped by the village elder.
This outlander triumphed over their "guardian" with his bare hands ! Buddha knows only what he'll do if he's angered any further ! No, the villagers must not interfere !
Gavron leaned closer to Shadowsoul, muttering his words in a sinister, dark tone.
"Some guardian you are. You hesitate due to your moral nonsense and underestimate your opponent. You weak, worthless vixen ! How do you hope to protect this miserable settlement when you can't even kill a man ?! Let me tell you something: I held back, too. I could have squashed you like an insect in the first minute of the fight ! You know why I didn't ? Well...
He leaned even closer, trying to whisper something, but got interrupted:
"STOP !"
It was the lord of the village !
"What is it now ?!" - Gavron grunted, but shut up at once upon seeing who he faced.
The lord wasn't warlike. He was slightly fat, dressing in a richly decorated kimono.
"I've heard word of what is trespassing here. Outlander, I hereby request that you cease your barbarism ! Tell me why you've come, we may settle this peacefully." - the lord said in his theatrical tone.
"You should have said this BEFORE I beated the s* out of this girl." - Gavron responded. - "But whatever. I seek an artifact of great power which was once stolen by a kitsune who looks just like this one I'm kneeling on."
The lord raised an eyebrow. He was thinking hard.
"Both of you, come to my palace. We'll talk there." - he concluded.
Gavron released Shadowsoul and put his sword in its sheath. He then proceeded to turn the girl over, and lifted her with his arms, carrying her grudgingly.
Tila ran up to his shoulder.
"Poor-girly ! Master, you-be-ashamed ! You-very-harsh !" - she scoffed at him.
"Nonsense. God strike me down now if I indeed overreacted !"
CRASH !
A large tree branch landed straight on Gavron's head. He almost dropped Shadowsoul, but ultimately kept his balance and walked on, shrugging off the remains of the branch. He then looked on Shadowsoul's face.
"Hey. You still alive ?" - he asked with an impassionate voice and expression.
|
|
|
Post by kitsune on Aug 21, 2011 15:33:32 GMT -5
Shadowsoul opened her eyes at a glare. She had exected him to slash her dead; his words did not faze her in the least. "Kill me now or let me go. If you wish to torture me further, barbarian, then may the devil take your soul. As for the words before, I hesitated for if you were good, I would have done a terrible deed by killing you. Now I see I should have done so from the start. You are a terrible man... I HATE you..." she snapped, growling. She struggled now, trying to leap out of his arms. Utter hatred flowed into her as she tried to get away.
She was determined now; the battle had been won by him, but the war was not over yet. She could no longer fight or flee, but she wanted to get away nonetheless. Anthing to get away from him; hatred bioled in her and made her wince; it was like pain to her. She looked up at him. "If you say I am lucky to be alive, you are wrong. At this point, I struggle to live only to protect the village."
She then simply stopped struggling, and crossed her arms, looking away from him. Some demon hunter; letting his prey live. Heh; she hated being prey; she was at his mercy now, and she hated it. She desperatly wanted to get away, but like an animal, she was trapped.
This humiliation had her fuming. She looked at the villagers, blushing slightly at her mistake. She promised herself that the next time, the enemy would DIE. IF there was a next time. Her hatred increased still, rising to an extreme. Her eyes glowed a deep red as she growled again.
She glanced at Tila, sighing. She was a cute demon, looking about her age. She glanced away, still embarrassed. She heard the lord and where they were going. Her ears shot up, as she shok her head rapidly.
"Lord! No! The artifact creates the barrier that seperates us from most powerful demons. If we give it up then... Terrible demons will come, worse and more in number...!" Great. now he wanted to destroy the town. Oh, he was gonna pay...
|
|
|
Post by morrisb on Aug 21, 2011 15:53:56 GMT -5
Gavron felt embarrassed as the kitsune girl tried to get off from his arms; he was not moved too much by Shadowsoul's hatred and whining.
"I have nothing to do with your village, girly. I get what I need and step off, and you'll never see me again in this lifetime. You should be thankful, not for your life, but for the enlightment I gifted you with. The next time a man like me walks in, who will be undoubtedly a collegue of mine, you'll be wise enough to turn him to a mangled wreck."
Tila at this point jumped down to Shadowsoul's chest and glared angrily at his "owner". Gavron gave up the staring contest with her soon enough.
Then Shadowsoul got to the part when she shrieked about the treasure. Gavron froze for a second.
"What were you just blabbering about ?" - he asked with a suprised face.
Gavron didn't know anything about the "treasure". He did suspect the villagers have their secrets, but he didn't presume they possibly had the artifact he was seeking...
"I will fill you in soon enough." - the lord said. They already made their way to the palace. Not quite a big one, but definetly stood out from the rest of the village. The guards just let them inside the garden. - "Though do not count on that I'd part with it !" - the lord added with a strict tone.
"I did not count on that to begin with." - Gavron replied casually.
The lord did not invite him in. Instead he had the servants ready some tables and a bed outside, in the garden, right next to his private fishing pool. Gavron put Shadowsoul down to the softly cushioned bed and sat down right next to her.
"Well, young lady." - the lord spoke to Shadowsoul - "I am responsible for what happened and as such I'll take responsibility for your health. Rest for now. In the meantime, you could fill our... 'honored guest' in about the treasure we mentioned to him.
They were surrounded by the lord's bodyguards, and Gavron was in no state to fight now. He sat and waited patiently while Tila slided down to a table and helped herself to some tea.
|
|
|
Post by kitsune on Aug 21, 2011 16:11:54 GMT -5
Shadowsoul narrowed her eyes at Gavron before proceeding, nodding at the lord in respect. She was tense and did not relax at all; she wanted to go back to her cave soon enough. She flicked an ear and said, "It is an artifact that holds a lot of valuable magix. Part of the magic barricates our town from the gist of the evil demons. Other then that, I have no idea." she looked down at her tail now, not saying a thing.
She knew she was being slightly immature, as even if she was in her fifties, for a demon, she was a teenage still; a younge one at that, maybe sixteen in demon years. She lashed her tail and wished to simply leave, but knew she could not.
She thought of his words. No noble demon would kill just because someone new walked into the village. She shook her head; she had a fair battle, and in the end, let her guard down. Next time she would knock the newcomer unconcious at a challange and trap him, locking him away to gather information about his or her intentions. She flexed her claws, angry still.
She knew that if Gavron was indeed lying about not wanting to take the treasure, she would fight again. By then, she would have enough power to battle slightly more, and this time, she would indeed kill; she knew that if he wanted the treasure, he would put her town in danger, and therefore make himself able to be killed by her. And oh, she wanted to kill him so bad right now. She would not pursue him unless he was evil, and so far it seemed that he was...
|
|
|
Post by morrisb on Aug 21, 2011 16:53:48 GMT -5
Gavron couldn't care less about Shadowsoul at the moment, his thoughts being focused on the task at hand. The description of the treasure so far matched with his target object. Then again, he could be mistaken.
He took a glimpse at the fox-girl, who was not looking back. He didn't show any emotions, but within, he smiled a bit. Smiled at the oddity of the situation. His cruelty shattered the girl's naivity, and thus it will indirectly help her develop suspicion and discipline, letting her become a better guardian. How controversial.
"Indeed, what the young lady said is true. I will tell you the rest, it will probably interest both of you. The 'treasure' we are talking of is in fact a small golden statue, depicting a kitsune in its fox form, with three tails. I discovered its magic after a bypassing buddhist monk identified its powers." - the lord explained, scratching his beard at the end of his chin.
Gavron listened to every single detail. The description matched. Bingo ! The question is, why was a black-furred kitsune involved...?
"How did you villagers get hold of the thing ?" - he asked, somewhat rudely. - "Such a thing can't be found in every flea market."
"We found it at a couple of demons. Black-furred kitsunes to be exact. A female and a male." - seeing Shadosoul's facial expression, he quickly added: - "No worries, lady, they weren't your parents."
He sighted as he thought it over. Shadowsoul's attention was rising. He may now learn the truth of what happened so many years ago...!
The village elder continued.
"In fact, they were the ones who assaulted your family when you were young. Before they attacked your lair, they rampaged through our village so we followed after them, armed with whatever we had. Back then I was still a capable swordsman, ah... but let's stay on topic. The battle with your noble parents wore them down, so we could finish them off. Upon checking their bodies, I found the statue among the female's clothes and brought it home. Later I learned it was stolen from a caravan led by Buddhist monks, but I didn't know from what temple it was from, and I thought it brought good luck, so I kept it in my treasury ever since. As you may suspect, I value it even more highly since our community learned that its power wards off evil. So, outlander, no matter what you offer, I shall not part with it !" - he declared pridefully, almost a bit joyfully.
"Dear sir." - Gavron spoke with enforced modesty, slowly. - "I am able to see how important the mentioned relic is to your community and I shall honor your decision. I shall take my leave soon and apologise for any... inconvenience I caused." - at this point, he glimpsed at Shadowsoul for moment before turning back to the village lord. - "I have but one simple request to make. The description of your treasured item fits the characteristics of the object I was ordered to retrieve. Again, I have absolutely, positively no intention at all to claim it like some lowly criminal would, but I must be sure that your treasure and my 'target' is one and the same, or not. This is vital. Just let me, and possibly this young vixen here, take a peek. That is all."
"Will you guarantee in both cases that you and your people will never, ever disturb our village again, unless in times of the direst need ?" - the lord asked with a sly expression on his face.
Gavron kept his calmness. But within, he was raging.
"What am I going to report to my superiors now ?! ...bah. Screw it all. I'll just check on it and then goodbye forever. I'll let Gottfried know it's there, but I couldn't strike a deal, period, goodbye. It's not like he's going to send stormtroopers to take it like bandits."
Gavron put one of his Holy Wards on the table.
"By the name of the God I worship, I swear. Should my people bother you, show this to them and mention the name: Gavron Alexander. Then things should be okay."
Satisfied, the village lord clapped.
"Very good ! Servants, present our 'treasure' to our guests !" - and some guards hurried away to bring it to the garden.
Gavron looked at Shadowsoul again. In this moment, he pitied her a little. She had a hard childhood indeed.
Not much harder than his, though.
"See, foxy ? Everything turned out a-okay. You learned 'bout your past, I'm at the end of my mission, we'll part ways and never meet again. Happy ?"
|
|
|
Post by kitsune on Aug 21, 2011 17:53:13 GMT -5
Shadowsoul glanced at him as he smiled at her. She resisted baring her teeth in anger and launching herself at him in fury; that would not be the smart thing to do. Her eyes flashed deeper red at that moment before she looked away tail lashing. She indeed hope he left soon, for she was positivly fuming still. The only thing she wanted to do was go to her cave and get some sleep, and not coming out for a few days. Of course, if she did get a chance to go home, she would have to soon come back to patrol.
She listened to the artifact's details intently, surprised it was in the shape of a kitsune. She herself was close to being one, almost at the ability of shifting into a fox. She wondered what the magic inside of it was; she knew that it helped the village. She flicked an ear, waiting for him to go on with the story.
When shadowsoul heard about the kitsunes, she bristled slightly, eyes widening. Had her parents been killed by the village, and not demons?! That would mean her hard wrk was in vain... but no, that wasn't right; she remembered there were two other kitsunes attacking her parents, not thevillagers. At the added comment, she relaxed, relieved. She did not even glance at Gavron, and simply ignored him. She listened intently to the rest of the story.
When he was done, she thought things over. She now knew exactly what had happened. A strange weight seemed to be lifted from her, and she gave just the smallest hint of a smile. She was happy about this new knowledge, and did not give any credit to Gavron; he was just a nusciance in being here. She would have found out eventually.
She did not like how he added the part about the young vixen in his speech. She flattened her ears, not wanting to be any part of what he was doing. She did not care to see the treasure. She just wanted him to leave, and never to see him again.
She glared bac at him when he looked at her, anger and hatred in her eyes. After he spoke, she scoffed and turned away, back facing him. She narrowed her eyes, responding with only an angry growl.
|
|
|
Post by morrisb on Aug 22, 2011 1:05:28 GMT -5
Gavron stretched out his arms. He was not too happy about how the mission turned out, but eh, this was a fairly insignificant affair in the great scheme. He just takes a look at the goddamn statue and it's over...
"THE STATUE IS STOLEN !"
...or not.
It was one of the guards sent to present the artifact, he yelled in desperation, with dread filling his face.
Gavron, the village lord, the servants, the bodyguards, Tila, and possibly Shadowsoul replied in the same manner:
"WHAT ?!"
The lord got up and hurried inside, followed by the guards. Seizing the opportunity, Gavron helped up Shadowsoul and got after them inside the palace. He managed to bumb his head into several things along the way, but he didn't care much.
Past several corridors, following the lord and his guards, the reached the treasury, filled with gold and silver coins and decorative items. But they then realized the artifact was originally placed elsewhere, as there was a great trapdoor on the floor, opened wide, a stairway leading down. Gavron and his unwanted partner descended to a room...
It wasn't too big. Just wide enough for the proper placement of the village lord's most valued treasures, on carefully and artistically carved wooden pedestals.
One was empty.
And next to it laid the horribly mutilated corpses of two unfortunate guards.
"By all the gods..." - the village lord gasped. - "How...?"
"We don't know sir !" - a guard reported. - "There was a change of guard duty two hours ago, no-one went in- or out ever since ! And there is simply no sign of forced entry ! The trapdoor was shut when we came to bring up the statue, there are no holes in the walls anywhere and all the other treasures seem completely untouched !"
Gavron took his time inspecting the corpses. Given the room's size, the thing which got in couldn't have been larger than an average human. The wounds the thing caused looked 'artificial' - too precise in nature. Probably some wicked, jagged blade. And the thing must have been fast if the guards couldn't even let out a scream. Did it just appear from thin air, did what it did, and stepped off ? This idea bordered impossibility. What manner of creature could do such a thing ?!?
"Search for clues !" - Gavron commanded. - "The HAS to be some track left ! A piece of hair, clothing, lingering scent, anything !"
But there was no such thing around.
Shadowsoul couldn't sense any particularly interesting scent either. But her eyes were better accustomed to dark places, and noticed something shiny... in a disemboweled remains of one of the dead guards...
|
|
|
Post by kitsune on Aug 22, 2011 9:49:38 GMT -5
Shadowsoul indeed said a 'What?!' at the time. She was baffled by this, and her eyes widened in surprise. They flooded with a deep red glow, redder then ever before. "Wait; that means that major demons can come in!" she said, shivering. Shadowsoul then turned a glare to Gavron, baring her fox teeth. "And because of you, I can't fight them off!"
She tried to get up but staggered, still being weak. She stiffened as he tried to help her up, looking away when she could finally stand. She followed them into the room, almost falling down the stairs. The fox demon narrowed her eyes in disbelief. She flattened her ears, growling slightly now. She shook her head in anger again, trying to be as calm as possible.
She saw the horribly killed guards and gasped, a tear falling down her cheek. She darted over, looking at the wounds, appearing to be given by a blade. She felt bad for the guards, wishing something couls have been done to save them. She stood up, back facing them.
She shook her head, growling, "What could have happened...?" She suddenly thought of an idea. The only person here that was untrstwrthy was Gavron... he had been in the palace since the battle had evded. And, he had a blade. None of the villagers would have done it; it would deem certain death to them by demons.
"Has he been watched the whole time?" she asked with a growl. He could have slipped or teleported there, killed the guards with his blade, and gotten back in the nick of time if there was a moment gone uwatched.
|
|
|
Post by morrisb on Aug 22, 2011 10:15:24 GMT -5
"Who do you mean by 'he' ?" - Gavron asked, too busy checking the environment to acknowledge the question was about him. - "Is there someone in the village who can travel by magic ?"
"Outlander, I think she referred to you." - the guards' captain pointed out. - "And I say she's right for not trusting you, though I don't think you could have done this. First, the whole village watched your every step, then you dueled her, then you were escorted here - we've watched you the whole time ! There is no way you could have pulled this off !"
"I wish I could be that powerful, but alas I'm not." - Gavron replied rudely while checking the corpses, slightly annoyed by Shadowsoul's unfounded suspicions. Obviously she isn't a good detective.
He then grasped the shining object in one of the corpses, the one Shadowsoul saw glittering by the torchfire for a second.
"Hey... ew... I think I found something." - he said.
It was a tiny metallic container. About 5 inches long, its ends round-shaped. Gavron opened it up, finding a letter inside. The guard captain and the village lord leaned closer, but it was written in an unknown language.
"What does it say ? Can you read it, foreigner ?" - the lord inquired.
"I think... maybe. It's cyrillic writing. Russian I think." - he coughed a little, clearing his throat, then read it aloud:
Gavron finished reading. He was about to explode with fury. He finally had the chance to get off this stupid mission, but now this changes everything ! He has to stay and make those responsible pay !
"Just. F*ing. Great." - he gnashed his teeth.
|
|
|
Post by kitsune on Aug 22, 2011 10:31:10 GMT -5
Shadowsoul rolled her eyes at his statement. Puh; as powerful. He was only a mortal. Just wait til she grew alittle; her magic would be able to kill him easily. She flattened her ears again, thinking about how it could be him, and wishing it was so they could be rid of him. She wondered if it could have been a lesser demon bringing it to a bigger one.
She was worried; at this moment, other, more powerful demons could be raiding parts of the village. She ganced around, looking at the shiny object now with intrest. She saw Gavron grab it and growled slightly, wondering what it could be.
She saw the note and darted over, unable to read it. She shook her head in anger once again, because how could she figure this out when it was an unknown language? She was still slower then normal, and probably only as fast as a human at the moment; not good,given the situation.
After he read it, she was fuming. "If they are refering to me as prey, Ooh... I will show them once I freeze their heart solid and rip it out!" she snarled, teeth bared. She glared at Gavron. "No way in hell can you be the hunter; so you defeated me once. Doesn't matter!" she snapped, turning her back to him.
"Let's go and kill whatever it is." she said, eyes aglow a deep red still.
|
|