Fantasy IN THE NAME OF THE KING

[RagingNoodle]

Jackson watched as Sigurd took Eliza and rode off after the other. A bit of jealously in his eyes as he did so. He then looked at Dante. There was something different about him. He could sense that his aura had change into something incredibly powerful. Was he the same Dante that moments ago had been on the verge of fighting him? Strange.. But neither the less interesting. "ill stay with you. Im curious to see what kind of games you like to play" he said with a smile. "also i need to replace this eye of mine" He pointed to the ugly disfigured remains of his left eye. "Im sure i can find a good replacement among of of these find gentlemen" His face took on a sinister look. Oh boy i have a feeling im in for quiet the show. He lifted his staff and sucked the souls of the five dead men Dante had just slaughtered. He gave a quick glance to Sigurd and Eliza but than quickly refocused on the battle at hand. Well looks like i didn't get the girl this time. The souls he had just consumed began increasing his strength and speed. He was still weak physically compared to Dante but he still wanted to join in on the action. Jackson charged into the group of Guards. Quickly and smoothly he spun his staff around knocking the guard's swords back and sticking there open areas.

 

[AzileQueen]

Silas looked up as Dante yelled for her not to forget his horse. Turning back to Arthur, she swung herself out of the cart and ran where the horses were at a brisk pace. A sword came out of nowhere, aimed to slice her head off, and with a yelp, she ducked. Some bits of her bangs was sliced off, and she threw a knife at the owner of the sword. Not enough to kill, for sure, as it landed in his shoulder, but enough. The man yelled louder than her, and it was a cry of pain. Smirking, she paved her way to the horses, finally. Her eyes set on the large, black horse. The one Dante had called for. His shoulders were broad, and his hooves pawed dangerously, powerfully, against the ground. 'Ah.. you're a killer, too,' she tilted her head as she locked eyes with him. Eyes like that of a demon; most certainly fit for the Demon Tempest himself. Finally breaking eye contact, she untied three of the horses reigns. "Hey!" a guard bellowed just as she swung onto her horse. The guard came at her, but she clicked something in her boot, and a blade protruded from it—driving it into the man's neck. His eyes rolled back, and he fell. Holding the reigns, she clicked her tongue, and the horses began to move at a steady rate. Something moved in the corner of her eye, and someone slashed at her shoulder just barely. Gritting her teeth, she held in another scream.

 

[One Mean Ghost]

Dante turned his gaze to the horses, and the few guards that seemed to be distracted by Silas raiding the horses. Did they not know what hell they had unleashed? "Hey boys... You really shouldn't take your eyes off of me... If I were you..." his lips curled back into a dangerous smirk that showed through his mask, his eyes wild, dangerous, feral.... "I wouldn't even blink...."


A guard lunged at him from either side, and he plunged his blades into them, each sword planting in the chest of a guard. He reached for his daggers now, each movement swift as daggers tore through those that stood, ripping out throats, piercing hearts.... Those nearest the horses fell to those daggers, giving those seeking mounts a clear path, and alleviating the assault against Silas.


All of this happened in the time it took for the impaled guards to start to fall back...


As they fell, he grasped the handles of his swords, withdrawing them from the corpses. His lips seemed to curl into a more sadistic smirk than before.


By now though, the archers had moved, and they fired...


Five arrows embedded into his back, but Dante didn't fall...


No... he laughed.. A cold, malicious laugh that sent a chill through the bones of those cursed to hear it. It wasn't human... it was something of another world... his head rolled to the side lazily as he turned his gaze towards the archers, paralyzed by fear at the Demon they faced. The demon that smiled at them, that malicious... ravenous... bloodthirsty smile...... When he spoke, his voice was dark, demented, deranged....

"Try what you will, little flies...

Buzz in my ear, fly in my eyes....


If told you'd survive, you were told only lies...


You've got in my way....."
​

The terrifying poem paused, The archers, in fear, blinked, wondering what was to come.. They didn't have to wonder long...


When their eyes opened, the Demon Tempest was upon them.

"...So everyone dies..."

​

They were dead before they realized what happened, slaughtered by the Demon Tempest...

 

[XxLuluxX]

The Raven


He swung himself out of the hay cart with surprising fluidity for a man whom had been just knocked out. Raven grabbed Kel, whom was a little slow on the uptake of the entire situation. With a swing of his arm he launched her forward, waving to Silas "BRING THEM AROUND" He bellowed, ducking and dodging weapons, archers arrows whipping past as the guardsmen now noticed the so called traitor. The Raven jumped up, using the wall as a push off point, his arms outstretched with a dagger grasped in each. In a synchronised motion, both were brought across an assailant's neck, ripping out cartilage and spraying a red mist. His features now finely dusted with crimson, he turned to watch Silas with the horses, his differently coloured orbs wide with a certain need for survival. He'd come this far, and he wouldn't be broken anymore than he was. No. It was a time for war. Arthur gritted his teeth, jaw clenched tightly as he continued to cut down men, as if in a meadow of wild flowers. Innocence lost. Boys in their prime. Gone within the blink of an eye, and the last breath escaping bloodied lips.


The slashing continued, red staining the cobbled pavements. A river of blood trickling downhill. It formed pools next to corpses, that crimson colour which stained all. An arrow was released, burying its flint head into his shoulder with a shout of pain. A flesh wound, nothing more. "WE REALLY NEED THOSE HORSES"





@labyrinthecho @Celemyvel @Sinisters @One Mean Ghost

 

[Atrophia Sanguinis]

Sigurd managed to unsheathe his sword, beheading, slicing, and maiming the guards as he made his way to his red rose, providing himself as reinforcement. A guard had the intelligence to swing their sword at Sigurd's horse, cutting through the breast and leg muscle. The horse buckled with a cry, flipping its body in the air along with Sigurd. Pain shot up the leg with his foot still caught in the stirrup as the horse landed on it as dead weight. A sickening crack had Sigurd's mind reeling from the pain. A guard came at him, screaming at the top of his lungs. Sigurd impaled the man with us extending from his sword. He growled as he eased his leg from under the panicked horse that was trying to get up. Sigurd stabbed his dirk through its eye to prevent a long and painful death hen his broken leg was freed. He had to think quickly. A cripple didn't gain trust in a fight he couldn't even join.


Drink the rest of the tonic fool.


Sigurd took out his flask and downed the rest. The pain ebbed away as a new surge of power and adrenaline rushed through him. His eyes briefly closed, casting a small enchant on his leg, the armor around it enlarging slightly and working as a makeshift Brace. He staggered this feet in time to cut down another offending guard. He hobbled to the end of the horses that his red rose led and slayed the guards trying to cut them from her lead. There wasn't enough horses to spare him one and Sigurd doubted anyone would willingly let him ride with them so he caught the attention of an unfortunate officer on one and pulled the man off, slitting his throat. Sigurd hissed as blood got into his eye and he fumbled his painful way onto the saddle and blindly followed Silas who was making her way to Blackthorn and the other woman.

 

[AzileQueen]

Silas could hear the sound of death screaming in every direction. It seemed like they were in battle; an army against three powerful men: Dante, Sigurd, and Arthur. The guards didn't stand a chance, of course, but all the different voices confused her. She swore she heard Arthur's voice, and she turned just in time to see an arrow land swiftly into his shoulder. Behind her, she heard Sigurd's horse collapse. She didn't even bother. Instead, she galloped on, dodging all the flying arrows and clash of steel the best that she could. Of course, with so many horses in her care, it would be easy for one to be killed or wounded. A guard came running up in front of her with sword in hand, and her eyes widened. 'The horses..!' she wondered if, perhaps, he would commit suicide to try and tangle the horses legs to make them fall. Silas could already imagine her broken limbs under the pile of equestrians. Her eyes narrowed, and she hurled a knife his way. The blade soared through the air, flipping once, twice, until it landed dead center in his face. The woman twisted the reigns, and at her command, they swerved to the left. Up ahead, Dante was doing a fabulous job disposing of the rest of the threats. As soon as Arthur came into view, she slowed. "HURRY! GET ON!" she roared, bringing them around. "Dante, finish things up!" she hurried the assassin through gritted teeth.

 

[One Mean Ghost]

"I guess play time is over boys.... Too bad... I was having so much fun..." Their numbers had been cut drastically, the guards' corpses lay in piles in the street, assorted body parts strewn about the ground.... In the center of the carnage Dante stood, his entire form soaked in the blood of those foolish enough to challenge him. Those that remained looked on Dante with absolute terror...


Dante took a step towards them, and they scattered, those that remained valuing their lives more than their position at this point... Dante wandered the battlefield, picking up his thrown daggers, and a few other items of interest as nonchalantly as if he were shopping at a Bazaar... Of course, he also liberated the men of their coin purses... They wouldn't need them anymore.. right?


Satisfied he had gleaned all the value he could from the battlefield, Dante picked up his pace, making his way towards the others and the horse, cleaving through any foolish stragglers along the way. He laughed when he saw "his" horse with Silas. "Good work! You didn't forget!" He called, vaulting over his horse's flank to land in the saddle, taking the reigns from her. "Let's get out of here, just in case a few among their number manage to find courage!" He called over his shoulder to the others, urging his horse into a gallop as he showed the path out of town. Obviously they couldn't stay in this town now...

 

[XxLuluxX]

The Raven





He grabbed Kel throwing her over one of the horses backs, before sprinting after the horses himself. He launched himself up, grabbing the reins as he pulled his form up. Legs either side the steed. It was then Arthur...Laughed? A rich booming sound, as the horse galloped onward. Even if there was a damned arrow in his shoulder. "DANTE YOU BASTARD. GET ON" Came the shout as he urged the steed faster still. "YOU OWE ME A DRINK." A grin widened his lips as he now stood in his saddle, the horse driven to its fullest. Arthur couldn't help it. He felt a sense of freedom. The chase, adrenaline and blood. Comrades at your side as the band of murderers and thieves went onward. Even if Kel was screaming as she hung horizontally over her saddle.


If one were to examine him, they'd notice the sudden change of persona. A very bipolar character. The arrows end sticking out from the flesh of his shoulder, as if it was nothing. A small annoyance at best. Something changed, he'd seen the truth, he'd fought the men sent to kill him and survived! It was a moment of release, wind running through his hair leaving the scene behind him.


Kelda Folkvar


Now hanging over the saddle, the horse in full gallop didn't help one bit. She clung onto the great beast, her eyes wide. At that point, she wanted to slap Arthur around the face for throwing her around... So it might have been for her own good, but she could at least JUMP by herself!


The slightly maniacal laughter emitting from the ex-commander just made her agree to the statement- He was absolutely insane. An arrow stuck through his shoulder, eyes alight with madness. Well, one couldn't have it all right? He was mad and happy, not sane and sad. I should write a song about that. She snorted to herself, a moment passing as she forgot the predicament she'd gotten herself in. The young woman was soon after reminded when the horse jumped to avoid a branch over the road. Her screaming silenced to more a squeak of surprise.





@labyrinthecho @One Mean Ghost

 

[Atrophia Sanguinis]

Sigurd



​

Sigurd winced every time he had to steer the horse with his thighs as he followed the others. He really didn't understand why he was told to follow them, possibly nearing his doom. But another wave of crashing pain and Sigurd thought no more of it. Question my motives one more time, mortal, and you will find a death at their hands a mercy compared to my annoyance. Sigurd swallowed vile thoughts and replies and kept his horse at the heels of the others. The throbbing pain in his leg did not ease his dark mood, not that he'd ever been purely happy like a child in the past years. The group was seemingly ignoring his presence and Sigurd fought the urge to steer his horse away and deeper into the woods, to escape and nurse a brewing vengeance.

Birdy



​

Birdy frowned at her cat, Felix. "Did you really think it was necessary to break a third pot in one day?" She shooed the knee high beast from her shelves. The large cat looked at her in pride and began stretching luxuriously as if he owned the place. "I care not if winter is nigh and you need a warm hearth to keep you alive, I'll toss you out if this continues. I can be strict if I must, mind you, you prideful feline." She threatened, shaking her staff at him. Felix just rolled his eyes and went to go curl up on her cot of warm furs. Birdy sighed and placed a hand on her hip. He'd knocked down a precious powder of hallucinogens. She rarely used them, as they gave her nerve wrecking visions of the world she left. She found her little broom and a new pot to sweep the powder into. Birdy squatted and began gently sweeping the indigo powder into the small clay pot. A bit of it swirled in the air, but that couldn't be avoided. Birdy sighed once more as the medicine powder took over her senses and began showing her a vision. Slice. Blood sprayed. And a woman sat there, eyes wide in terror. Birdy turned away and saw a lone wolf, soaked in blood, prowling a battle field. She then found herself in a courtroom. "The King! Someone get the King!" A man shouted. "The King is dead! Shit!" Then there was a hill and a dead tree. Perched on a branch was a great evil being with glowing red eyes. "Sleep. Weak. Sleep." It cooed. Birdy swapped at it, changing the scene. Two sister flame sprites danced along a river. Then one was dragged away by the current, flickering and sputtering. The other traveled far away and was almost extinguished in some moments. A hand shot up from the ground at her feet. Birdy gasped as she stumbled back and a zombie rose before her and raised an arm to attack. It blew to dust before it could harm her. An owl hooted at her, as it swooped down as a graceful huntress, claiming a small rodent in its talons just where the zombie had been. Birdy stumbled back and fell on her bottom with a gasp. She quickly finished cleaning the mess and got to her feet with her staff as support. She placed the pot somewhere safe and looked out her window.The world had been twisted, the vision showed her. But maybe there was hope.





@XxLuluxX @One Mean Ghost @labyrinthecho @RagingNoodle @Sinisters @ThatGuyWithSouvlaki

 

[One Mean Ghost]

"YOU OWE ME A DRINK."


Dante laughed, hearing Arthur yell at him like that. "Fair enough, But I'll do you one better!" He called, noticing a wagon laden with at least a dozen barrels of various spirits, no doubt bound for a local tavern. The wagon had no horse at the front, the beast likely just recently relieved of its labor so the owner could discuss payment inside.


A grin spread under Dante's mask as he broke away from the group, hopping off of his horse as he maneuvered it into position, rigging him up to the wagon.


"STOP!!! THEIF!!!!"


Oops... Looks like someone spotted him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a satchel: part of his proceeds he had relieved from the guards. "I was gonna pay! Catch!" He tossed the satchel at the person running out, the bag opening and coins raining around him. He didn't have time to negotiate prices after all.. The distraction afforded him enough time to finish setting up the wagon before he hopped onto the driver's seat, cracking the reins as his horse broke into a gallop once more, the powerful stallion more than capable of pulling such a paltry load.... He quickly caught up just behind Arthur, letting his old friend lead for now as his horse couldn't maneuver as well with the wagon.


And then he saw it... Kel, thrown over the horse so unceremoniously, bouncing along with every movement of Arthur's horse... He couldn't help but admire her 'assets' from this angle. Perhaps luckily for him, Arthur's body would prevent her from noticing his prying eyes... The exit to the city was rapidly approaching. They were almost in the clear....

 

[AzileQueen]

Silas watched as Dante went back to get a wagon of drinks. Her eyes widened slightly. Yum. But as he road back towards the rest of the crew, she noticed his eyes wander. A dark shadow loomed over Silas's face, and if anyone saw, they'd think she was ready to kill someone—Dante—right about now. Just as you think she was about to fling one of her knives at him, she turned back to the road. Up ahead, she saw a forest. They would be able to lose the guards there, for sure.


((gtg. 8D))

 

[Atrophia Sanguinis]

Sigurd

​

Sigurd watched Dante proceed with his shenanigans and another feeling nostalgia came over him. A strange emotion emerged. Amusement? And it was bubbly. He wanted to chuckle. Silence! His vision went black and his mouth opened in a silent scream. Memories shall die...the light will be extinguished... and you will OBEY. The voice sang tunelessly. Sigurd gritted his teeth as he fell behind Dante's spirit wagon. He watched as Silas veered into the forest and followed at the end of the group, silent and feeling as dead as a ghost. As empty as a dead body. Ironic. He smirked with mirth. And as expected, it was wiped from his face by pain.

 

[XxLuluxX]

The Raven


With the horses at full pace, decisions would have to be made quickly. So it was with good intention and calculation Arthur shouted out "DANTE STOP LOOKING AT KELLYS ASS, AND TAKE A TURN INTO THE FOREST. WE CAN LOSE THEM INSIDE" The ex-commander declared, giving Dante a look of sly humor. That was for knocking him out, along with lacking whatever gentlemanly traits he'd forgotten. The Raven himself sharply pulled on the reigns to change direction of his steed, powering onwards with determination. Blackthorne glanced over at Silas, nodding in a general manner before facing ahead. Watching the looming woodland.

 

[The Elder]

Within the forest near the group Creed is sitting on a log in front of a fire roasting a rabbit. He looks up and see the group who are mostly injured escaping a group of guards. He turns his head looking at the guards. "Hmm, should I help the guards or help the injured group?", he said to himself. Still be undecided on what to do he flips a gold coin. "Heads I help the guards, tails I help the injured". He flips the coin into the air spin for a countless number of times it lands in his hands. "Tails it is", he looks at the group "its your lucky day". Creed stands up and puts out the fire, he puts on his cloak which was hanging on a tree limb, then disappears into the forest. A couple minutes later throwing knives goes flying into the guards, hitting two in the throat and others in different parts of their bodies like their legs, arms, etc. The now injured guards take up their formation, scanning the area for the attacker. Creed, who is 20 yards in front of them begins walking forward whistling a mysterious tune. When Creed reaches the 10 yard mark he stops. He sticks out his left hand "Come at The Shadow" makes the come at me gesture with left hand. The guards begins rushing towards him and he takes a giant leap 5 yards back. Without the guards knowing he set a fire rune in front of him while he was in the air. The guards who were still charging towards Creed stepped on the fire rune causing an explosion of flames. The rune effect was loud enough for someone from the group to notice and turn around. While most of the guards was screaming from the flames Creed starts going through the guards slicing them with his enchanted sword, draining their life essence and causing lightning damage ending the guards. Creed sheathes his sword and realizes he's dripping blood on his left side. "Tsk one of them was still able to hit me", he said while looking at his wound. Creed takes a sit on the ground and heals himself using restoration magic.

 

[One Mean Ghost]

Dante gave a hearty laugh at being busted in the act. "Oh fine fine! But now you get to watch mine! I know a safehouse around here, just follow me!" Dante called, riding up close to Arthur and yanking Kel from her, he assumed, uncomfortable position and promptly dropped her on his lap, cracking the reigns as his wagon pulled to the front of the group. He turned off the main trail, glancing over his shoulder just in time to catch someone dispatching the guards and he smirked. A new addition to their group perhaps?.. Either way, that person had some skill.... He looked down to the girl he had unceremoniously dropped onto his own lap. "Well, Kel, I hope you can be on your best behavior... We're about to go to Granny's house" He smirked, maneuvering the cart no longer on any marked trail, but one he knew all too well....


He was already getting a headache knowing what was undoubtedly to come....

 

[Atrophia Sanguinis]

Birdy



​

Birdy had her self bustling through her large garden, poking at her cabbages with her staff. "Och." She grunted in disgust as she spotted worms infesting the vegetables. She promptly pointed her finger at each spoiled cabbage, shooting a small bolt of fire to dispose of the offending beasts in her garden. Satisfied, she continued her inspection of the rest of her crop and herbs. She began humming a soothing tune as she tended the plants.


Meanwhile ,Felix was lounging on her open window frame. He gave her a very judgeful look. "Oh keep that sour look to yourself! Life grows better if sung to." Birdy scolded the cat. He meowed in return.


Birdy then heard a distant explosion. She frowned. Who was this deep into the forest? It better not be those roaming guards again. She'd roast them for fertilizer for sure this time. She continued tending the garden, waiting for the unfortunate bastards. But the rumbling of a wagon and multiple horses puzzled her. The group then appeared into her sight. Birdy leaned heavily against her staff as her recent vision flashed through her mind. Somehow, it didn't surprise her who led the party with a wagon labored with barrels.


Birdy smiled. "Dante." She said in an endearing tone as he pulled to a stop next to her. When he hopped down from the wagon, she whacked him on the head.


"The hell you think you are, almost crushing my carrots and bringing extra company without writing to me beforehand?! I could have had tea ready!" She scolded and whacked him in the head. "Don't be a stuttering fool now, introduce us!"

 

[The Elder]

After searching the guards corpses, Creed looks around when he sees a foundering horse. Creed takes the horse and begins following the group at a safe distance unaware of their destination. While following the group he begins whistling a toon that his mother use to sing to him when he was young.

 

[XxLuluxX]

-Kelda Folkvar- Her face was a bright red thanks to embaressment and anger. Yet once more she was thrown between steeds, this time landing directly into Dantes lap. Her hair a mess, now falling into her eyes, as she tried to claw the red waves back. "If you do something like that again Dante, im castrating you." Kelda grumbled, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. "They sure got it right when they say chivraly is dead" The youg woman rolled her eyes, shifting around to get comfortable. "But you make a good pillow. So I wont kick your manhood just yet"

 

[One Mean Ghost]

Dante couldn't help but laugh at Kel's threat, and subsequent relenting in favor of using him as a pillow. "Chivalry? I'm a bloody mercenary, what use have I for chivalry?" he scoffed, pulling the horse to a stop when he spotted Granny. He shuddered at the smile, knowing full well what was to come. He moved Kel off of his lap as he hopped down, just to get a resounding CRACK on his dome. "Good to see you're as quick as ever with that thing Granny" He chuckled, rubbing the bump that was rapidly forming on his poor head. "I would have written, but we were sorta chased out of town, so it was a last minute deal..." He explained before he turned, introducing everyone in turn, starting with Kel before making his way through the entire group and ending with Arthur. "Everyone, this is Birdy N'yah, or as she likes to be called, Granny." He turned back to Granny, his entire form still coated in drying blood and five arrows sticking out of his back.


He, of course, didn't realize that, given Kel had been on his lap when he rode up, Granny might just assume things... And he was fully waiting for another strike upside his head for being so filthy and... arrow....y....

 

[AzileQueen]

(((͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)))


Silas stared straight ahead. The forest was a magical place, people have said. Fairies, banshees, dragons, witches... just about any creature, human or no, could be found residing in the mysterious, wild wood. Entering the forest, they were welcomed with tall, dark trees in a permanent pose, forever stretching down to the earth below. Everything looked normal. The wind blew through the branches, the sound bouncing off of other objects and creating an eerie howl. Deeper still, though, the forest seemed to change. Their colors dimmed and brightened. A plant sprout up from the ground and was covered in glittering jewels. Heck, she could've sworn she saw a purple deer eat a rabbit! Silas shook her head. Yep, definitely not a normal forest. Dante slowed down in front of a cottage, and in turn she too pulled at her horse's reigns to stop. As an aged woman came out and whacked Dante on the head, she turned to Arthur with a quizzical look, asking him if he knew anything of her. Her silent question was answered when Dante spoke her name, Birdy N'yah. Surveying Birdy, she offered a curt nod.

 

[XxLuluxX]

-The Raven- Arthur returened Silas' quizzical look with a confused shrug of his shoulders. Not the most helpful thing in the world, but it was the truth. Blackthorne had little to no idea ehat was going on. Both differently shaded eyes expressing bewilderment toward the situation at hand. When it came to his introduction last but not least, Arthur gave an awkward cough and small nod of reconition. He doubted many would want to keep the accused killer of royalty in their homes or care. After all, it seemed everyone nowadays dared not look behind the safety of lies.

 

[The Elder]

Near the exit of the forest Creed sees the group in front of an old cottage complimented with a will nourished garden. He witnesses Dante gets hit in the head by the old lady and lets out a chuckle. Hearing everyone being introduced he felt kind of left out so he taps the horse causing it to walk forward. "And Creed", he introduces himself after Arthur was named while removing his hood showing his face. He looks around seeing everyone's faces which is mostly filled with caution since they were just recently attacked and his choice of clothing gives off a mysterious vibe. He holds up his hands as if he was surrendering " Its okay I'm not here to hurt you all. I actually came to help". Creed puts on a friendly smile.

 

[Atrophia Sanguinis]

Sigurd



​

Sigurd stared at the cottage as they approached. This hovel was a safe house? It'd hardly fit him much less the rest of them with its low roof. And when he spotted the old woman, he could have laughed at the absurdity. Until a sickening crack had him double taking. The woman had just struck the Demon Tempest and lived! He watched curiously at the interaction. He became deeply unsettled when the introductions then ran over himself, her eyes peering into the depths of his mind. She knew. Kill her! Immediately! And what choice did he have but to stride towards her with his sword drawn. Her eyes never left his as he approached swiftly. He swung his sword up but suddenly she wasn't in front of him. A CRACK against the back of his head and he slumped to the ground, knocked out cold.


Weak. You're weak.


And darkness took him.

Birdy



​

Birdy beamed sweetly when introduced to the girls of the group and suspiciously on the men, having had mischievous sons. She hadn't missed the woman in Dante's lap, the ungentlemanly devil. She scowled quickly. Her interest was piqued at the proclaimed traitor commander. Poor thing. A man road up and introduced himself, proclaiming he meant no harm. Birdy nodded politely. Then the real traitor was introduced and Birdy held Sigurd's eye. He wasn't himself, his soul and mind were poisoned. Birdy thought of the evil being on the bare tree. Poisoned by something strong. Then the tall man was approaching her quickly with a drawn blade. Birdy smiled. Not quick enough. She was behind him before he could even process it and knocked him out with her stick.


She looked nonchalantly at the commander Blackthorn. "Put four stakes in the ground and then spread his limbs out and tie him to them. This man has severe medical needs, but it can be saved for later. I'll trust you won't kill him, because if you do in my forest..." She let the threat carry in the air, letting his imagination fill in the blanks.


Birdy turned back to Dante and tapped him lightly on the shoulder with her staff. She sighed. "Interesting company you bring me, Dante. Very interesting and almost all wounded. The men anyway." She scolded them like they were children.


"Ladies, if you'd be so kind as to help me with some tea? Just get some water boiling, don't worry about the herbs. I'll take care of that." She said sweetly.


She turned on the men. "Touch anything, and you'll be punished!" She warned and hit Dante in the head once more for emphasis. Satisfied with the current boundaries, she smiled. "Now, tie the horses up and away from my garden. All this that are injured, sit on the log in front of my cottage." She ordered Creed. Then Birdy looked at Arthur and Dante. "You both look like hedgehogs. Go. Sit." She grumbled and bustled into her cottage to get the necessary medical supplies.

 

[One Mean Ghost]

She had barely finished uttering the word 'sit' and Dante's posterior was firmly planted in the place she had indicated. He knew better than to question her, the second impact still ringing in his ears.. And that had basically been a love tap... "Just in case any of you haven't guessed.... Granny is a lot tougher than she looks..." He smile sheepishly as he rubbed the lumps on his head.


"If you value being conscious, I suggest you heed everything she just said..." He called to everyone, not daring to leave his position. Even those that knew Dante before had never seen him so... obedient... This woman seemed to scare him... She scared the Demon Tempest... the Shadow of Death... If HE was scared of her.. all best be wary.


"Oh, and if any of you noticed how fast she was... I should probably mention that was a jog for her... My Teacher is much faster than that when she has a reason to be..." He grinned a bit as he pulled down the mask, revealing his features for the first time. He had an unkempt goatee, but it seemed to fit.. He slid his hood down as well, dark, wavy hair hanging down to his shoulders, the top of it pulled back to a half pony tail to keep it out of his face. Right now, he had a strip of blood over his eyes, the rest of his face clean thanks to his attire.


Wait... Had he called that old woman "Teacher"?


It was true... Birdy N'yah was the reason Dante had become the Demon Tempest... She was the one that taught him speed.... And even as quick as he was, she was faster still...

 

[Melisena]

Sef woke up, looking up at the pale blue sky and with his head rested on some hay and covered with a ragged faded dark green blanket. Sef's head was pounding like he's never felt before as he thought to himself "What was in my drink last night? Some sort of poison maybe?" As he stood up, he felt the stiffness ache through out his body. He quickly stretched his arms when all of a sudden he heard voices from behind him. Alerted by this, he unsheathed one of his daggers and started to wonder if these people captured him. "What do these people want with me?" he panicky thought to himself. Sef stayed in the wagon hoping for nobody to pass by and possibly make a run for it into the forest. Maybe he can confront one of these people and find out why he's here. "What if these people are hostile and were hired to kill me?" He thought as he started to panic even more as his heart started to beat faster. All of sudden, Sef accidentally knocked over a sack with things made of mental it in making a loud sound of mental banging each other. "Oh shite.." Sef thought to himself in a panicky tone. He quickly unsheathed his other dagger in a scared, panicky fashion. As he hears the crunching of leaves and twigs breaking on the ground growing more closer to the wagon, Sef jumps out of the side of the wagon in a battle ready stance as the sound of crunching leaves and breaking twigs come to a halt.