Fantasy The Dark World (rp)

[revior]

Lucca Malkovich
Location: Forest​

Lucca was done, but it didn't seem like the tree was going to react to him anytime soon.

"Shit!" he said before he started running towards the camp, hoping that he's not too late to warn anyone... aaaaaand he's too late, definitely. The fox guy had even arrived before him, apparently he took off right after Lucca. That's bad, Lucca had one job and he blew it. But at least no one seems to be in the water, so that's one thing to be relived about.

Climbing out of the river, from amidst the dark disgusting sludge, Lucca witness something he though only existed in stories made to scare. It looks like a carcass in motion, an animated dead, and it was real and hear right at this moment, the smell it emits was more that enough to confirm this reality.

From the distant, he could hear Snow yelling towards them, telling them that this is an Abnorm, and it's dangerous, she even said his name, or at least, the name he gave. Lucca was surprised that she remembered, that she took note of him, he must have weighed heavily on her mind since last night, perhaps due to something he said, he probably sounded harsher than he had intend to. Still, he was happy that she remembered, and for a moment there, he was tempted to keep it that way, make her feel guild for putting him under the whims of the blood song, but he quickly shook that away. "Bad thoughts!" he said to himself and focused on the task at hand.

The walking corpse, he called himself a servant that brings enlightenment, and he called the rest of them pupil. He claims that he does not bring harm, and seemed to act docile enough. Sure, he may look menacing, but Lucca had learned that judging by appearance, that profiling was bad, and he could feel that slap he received yesterday still hot on his cheek. Still, he wasn't about to let it go just 'cause the guy says he come in peace, look what he did to the river.

"Look, buddy!" said Lucca as he came closer, but careful to stay out of the corpse's reach, "That's nice and all but could you perhaps consider a land route. Look at what you've done," Lucca pointed towards the river. "Someone could have been drinking from that, they could have gotten very, very sick."

Lucca wasn't pleased at all with his action, it was just irresponsible, even he had to abstain his own piss from tainting the river just in case someone was using it. What makes this guy thinks he could just show up and get his rot all over the place?

GreenEyedStranger Kiroshiven Tyra littleberry Thalia_Neko Syphe Clockwork Syringe FrostFire Iamthemanfish Spice NyxDarling

 

[Iamthemanfish]

Patrick eyed the young woman as she ranted and raved, and screamed about respect. Respect was a two way street, if she didn't understand that the old soldier was more than ready to teach her.

He reached into his pockets and grabbed his lighter while simultaneously slipping the brass knuckles over his own. Just as he lit the cigarette his opponent looked away, not half a second later yelling started to come from the river and Snow took off yelling for Ryuji and the hunter to be careful.

Patrick kicked the lock box closed, the sharp motion relocking the mechanism, before turning back to loud mouth, we'll do this later, he said slinging the box back into his pack, keep the liquor as down payment for helping with whatever the hell that thing is, he finished pointing towards the black blob like thing rising from the river. Patrick looked at her just to make sure she hard him before taking off.

He hopped she had enough decency, or at least pride, not to just take off as soon as he was gone. He didn't have time to track her down later.

Patrick arrived at the river just in time to see the zombie crawl it's way to land and give it's little speech, and to see the hunter walk up to it. Patrick had to give the kid this he certainly was ballsy. Ain't no such thing as enlightenment he grumbled calmly blowing a puff of smoke as he placed a hand on Snow's shoulder and signalled Keiji to get behind him. As the kid passed him, Patrick whispered to get a few fighters ready just in case and moved forward to stand next to Ryuji.

S Someone needs to tell me an easier way to tag this many people, Kiroshiven littleberry revior Thalia_Neko Spice GreenEyedStranger

 

[Randomfella]

Jess glared at Hidden, it seemed she was determined to know who she was, but Jess was less than eager to reveal it... Besides... "My name?" She wondered in her mind. It had been so long, she could hardly remember it, the last thing she could remember being known as was... "Subject 198b" Her mind recoiled at the thought, no, that wasn't who she was, never again. Instead, Jess didn't answer, continuing to stare in anticipation, her eyes widening as it seemed the information she had accidentally given to the stranger already seemed valuable. "Integrate?" Jess repeated the word in her head. "With them?" Her thoughts continued, without words escaping to back them up, eyes glancing behind them at the group hidden enough by the treeline ahead.

"Hard chance..." She finally spoke up in a mumbled tone, her soft voice attempting to add a refusing tone to itself. Continuing to glare at Hidden as she revealed all kinds of goods, Jess didn't look impressed. Food and a shirt? Two things the thin girl definitely didn't need, it was pretty much impossible for her to change clothes thanks to these over-sized pincers transforming them to cold shards. As for the food, she could survive without it, for more than enough time that was. The medicine was another story, it was hard to come by, that was for sure, something to numb the pain at times felt like pills of gold. None of it mattered though, maybe she wasn't a bounty hunter, but Jess could only guess her intentions weren't pleasant. Striking her heavy hand across herself, in a way to signify a defiant refusal, she spoke up once more, a small scowl easily visible, her voice soft yet agitated. "As I said, you have nothing that I-...."

Jess was about to refuse whatever the stranger next came up with, but almost instantly froze as she watched the hand she was attempting to gesture with. For a moment, she ceased to even breath, falling to her knees without even a semblance of control. Who was once attempting to act as a stern and defiant being, now appeared broken, mentally defeated in one instant. Bringing her other hand around - That's right, her hand, not some disfigured appendage you would see on a savage beast, but a small smooth-skinned hand. Slowly, she wiggled her fingers, mind stuck in shock. "Is this some sort of trick?" She questioned herself internally, a small tear travelling it's way down from the cover of her hood, landing square on her soft palm. The girl stared back up at the hooded figure standing above, mouth agape in disbelief. "H-how... Di..." She stumbled on her words, attempting to gather the strength to respond, to understand what was going on. "Hm? Interested?" The woman's voice echoed in Jessica's head, staring back down to her hands, they had once again become covered in the thick, and to her, disgusting, ice.

Interested didn't begin to describe it, Jess felt weak as she stood once more, looking down in shame. What Hidden wanted to do, it could easily put those abnorms in danger... But... If she could remove this curse... The girl's face became struck with uncertainty, lips clearly quivering in fear. One thing was clear however, this was no simply bounty hunter. "Jess..." She quietly spoke up, still shaken from what she had just witnessed. "I think that's it..." She continued, clearly unsure of it herself. Clenching her fists, she finally looked up at the cloaked figure, determination and self-disgust now visible on her eyes through the shadows. "I'll do it."

Thalia_Neko

 

[ShadowBroker]

The Warden's projections...

It wasn't common for The Warden to send his projections too far away from the city limits. The idea seem quite worthless for the vast roads over the plains. The more territory he decided to explore, the harder it would get to protect it or to keep updated with solid information.

But one of his projections, already manifesting free-will, would be walking near the area. Strange black robes, a dark-indigo hood. He seemed like some kind of priest from before the war, wearing a belt so long that part of it seem to be hanging off the waist; and some kind of representative mask that was not created by physical matter but an illusion. However, among all this peace-messenger look the projection had, he carried a bow on his right hand with some arrows on his back. Not expecting trouble, but neither going defenseless.

It wasn't until he heard some shouting that he moved through the land and hide in the near some bushes as he heard the sound of the river, water moving rather quickly. Before this projection could even look out from it's hideout, something almost surprise him. A new form, very alike himself - in fact, an exact copy, lay down alongside the first projection. Though instead of a bow, the man was carrying two daggers, one longer than the other, "We are not suppose to engage the enemy." responds the second projection
to the actions of the first, his voice sounding a bit more deep and rude. Meanwhile the other dismissed such ideas with his off-hand, "They are not the enemy, Second - They are travelers." but Second made sure to set his hand over the projection's shoulder as it stared into his mask, "Anyone who is not us- is an enemy. Remember the rules, Fifth."

Fifth and Second stayed low as a new projection reached them, crawled towards them and whispered, "They are many-" a more softer voice responds, more like a female rather than male, though neither Second or Fifth were surprised of this new incomer, wearing the same exact clothes but a sword and a different type of mask, "A new comer - the one tainting the river. The rest seem a shaky group."

"I know we all share a mind and all but-" Second shakes his head slowly as he tries to look over and have his own perspective, "Don't start it, Fifth." "Is he about-" tried to gather The Third as Fifth explained once more, "We all agree we all have the same- thoughts." "Thoughts" "Thoughts" Fifth nods in acceptance of the redundancy of his question, "And that we also share the same - information" "Information." "Knowledge-" the second changes the word as the both stare at them, "I like how the word sounds."

Finally, The Second eyes to the creature that is, almost like, corrupting the entire river and returns to the projections, "Our Oath does not permits us to engage, not while there is an encounter this... 'big.'" The Third and the Fifth looked at each other, upon the mask it all seemed expressionless although the line of thought was shared, their opinions on such facts were different, "I do not enjoy both of your suspense..."

"Look at the river, Second. The Warden wouldn't stand aside against this. The people below seem scared..." Fifth explained ruthlessly though keeping his voice down, considering their position to be vital for this situation. Between code and the right thing to do, with was certainly not clear but simple - The Second disagreed, nevertheless The Third had something to say, "We can't go away and ignore this. Neither we can go down and engage them..." the woman took a sharp breath, though it was more an habit rather than something that she need to do so, "Second - we have still a job to do. Fifth and I will cover this territory." though the Second did not need to hear it all. He crawled away from the group as he simply banished from sight on it's entirely.

The both of them reached for high-ground if there was any, the projections would not be visible yet as they still decide what to do. What could be done if not watch and listen carefully. The voice of one of them took presence for their ears, "Someone could have been drinking from that, they could have gotten very, very sick." The Third grinned behind her mask as she nodded once more, whispering to Fifth, "I know what you are thinking, what we are all thinking- Fifth. But what is your-" "It's odd." The both of them nodded as they took a tighter grip on their weapons, gasping and preparing themselves mentally, "They are not merchants - they are not slavers..." "Ain't no such thing as enlightenment!" As the new voice came over and the Third did only tilted her head to a side and commented, "I don't see a good end upon them, whatever they are."

"What we must think now is- to whom shall we stand by?" The Oath commands for the projections to stand aside from the conflicts of the commoners, but this was not such thing, neither the while situation at hand. They knew the group seem to have some kind of advantage, beside of the numbers. Otherwise they would have gone at the very presence of such an abomination. They stood behind a near tree, covering themselves among the vegetation, last words from Fifth came from something he heard once, "Even in front a great darkness appearing - we are all stood there, wondering."

​

Tyra Thalia_Neko revior GreenEyedStranger Kiroshiven Iamthemanfish NyxDarling Syphe (( Working on it...))

 

[GreenEyedStranger]

The wanderer, N'ghannyth forced a smile on his crooked lips, though instead it made it look as though his lips had been peeled back to expose rotten teeth. With a slow movement, he cracked his neck to the side before snapping it in place just as carefully. Of course there was such thing as enlightement. He would turn these nonbelievers one way or another.

"Ah... I see... Your eyes are all closed, yes? I am known as N'ghannyth. You have all been gifted, but you still bear imperfections. Your mortal flesh is withering, slowly approaching a final terminus. But look upon me, pupils! I am life! No matter how much death i weave or encounter my body produces life!"

He holds his staff up into the air, as if trying to contact a greater being.

"You see, your sickness is what makes you confuse my blessings for curses!"

He points a bony finger to the black water, slowly flowing downstream in response to the doubt of enlightenment and the shock at the sludge.

"Drink from the ambrosia, and you will join the ranks of the truly living! For what can one be without life?"

N'ghannyth gently puts the staff down before resting his weight on it, slowly sitting in a cross-legged position.

"You are all on the path of enlightenment... Yet if you choose to decline that is for you to deal the punishment..."

His smile slowly withers back into a neutral stance as he stretches whatever skinny muscles he has left. Judging by the weathered soles of his bare feet, it's obvious he has traveled far, adding to the hint that his foreign clothes gave.

 

[Thalia_Neko]

Vira

It appeared neither (or no one near her) noticed Vira reacting to something they couldn't see yet. Her attention had snapped away, but it didn't appear to be acknowledged by those she was interacting. And soon there were those who were calling attention to whatever it was Vira had noticed, meaning her momentary attention flick wouldn't be noticed now at all. Good. That was sort of a snap response. A mistake if you will. Anyone questioning would have been a nuisance for Vira.

Anyway, turning back to those she was standing before turned out to only be quite the bothersome interaction. How disappointing. First off, this 'Snow' next to her - now behind Patrick, was most depressing. She sighed, speaking towards the white-haired girl, "Wow, and to think I.." She shook her head, grinning, "You're actually quite weak, aren'tcha? How appropriately... underwhelming." At least it was just her abnormality that Vira had to watch out for. Not the girl herself. Okay, she moved off to go to the others -good. Vira was done with her. As for the big old man in front of her... Well, he tweaked her nerves.

Holding out her arms in a 'what the' movement, she watched him move away. "Later?! You're the one who made this stupid bet! You don't even have the balls to continue? Ugh! Spineless! Like your little white-haired pet!" she growled furiously, pointing at Snow. She snatched up the bottle, enjoying her prize for this pointless waste of time. "Why would I help?!" Vira drawled out, glaring at his assumption. She immediately decorked the bottle and took a swig. "Tawwh!" she shivered, "That's good poisonwater!" It actually tasted terrible, but that was the point, wasn't it? She grabbed up a cup of coffee the old man failed to give her. She looked at the whiskey and shrugged, pouring some of it into the black coffee. Plugging up her whiskey, she put it into her satchel, before taking the cup of coffee.

Rolling her eyes, Vira followed the few that decided to confront the weird new Abnorm. Sipping her coffee she wrinkled her face, only to sigh. "Ooooh, that's even better!" Damn that was among the most bitterest, grossest thing she had ever drank. She could feel her power warning her from drinking anymore, but it was always parts of her power she ignored flat out. "The sting is how you know it's good," she murmured to no one. -To Ellie? Ellie responded, with clear disgust in her voice, 'Ick, you know I dislike alcohol Vira.'

'Yeah, well I dislike smokers..-'

'-For good reason.'

'Heh, but you don't see anyone respecting that, now do you?'

'Hmph.'

She drew near, just in time to hear the weird thing call out about pupils and enlightenment and whatever other nonsense it said. Vira wasn't impressed, sipping her coffee, looking at the befouled water. That wasn't good. That water was good for regular folk. For the people there. For herself. She wouldn't be dipping in it, or drinking from it, until it appeared clean, that was for sure. She wondered about the town up ahead, where she was headed. What would those people think, seeing the water turn black, sludgy, and filthy, like something had died in it. She recalled killing someone, who ended up floating down the river. Hm.. This was worse, she decided, as to not be a hypocrite.

"Well, grandpa, something we agree on, wouldn't you imagine that?" Vira sardonically said, hip cocked, watching the corpsey Abnorm in the river. She didn't need her power to see he was dangerous. Waving her hand out for emphasis, she spoke, "Heh, he claims to be peaceful! Stupid, but peaceful. There! Problem solved!" Eh, sorta.

She seemed to swallow her words with her alcoholic-coffee. The weird man continued on. Wrinkling her nose, she refuted, "AH-HA! Yeah, no. 'Life'? Your body produces death, what are you fucking blind?" Eehhhm, maybe he was?? Had his eyes decayed out? Vira didn't recognize the irony of her saying this specifically. Looking at the 'ambrosia', she paled. Her power was spiking just looking at the tainted river. "Ugh! No one should be drinking that! Are you fucking nuts?!" Was that a warning he ended on? Anyway... "Whatever, seriously, Corpsebride, you should really get out of the river now." He crawled out. Oh thank god. Vira immediately felt relief when he did.
​

Mentions: littleberry Iamthemanfish GreenEyedStranger
@whoever else is there/around

Hidden

She continued to deny her gifts, but the smile never left Hidden's lips. She was aware how unorthodox this was. Perhaps the girl before her deserved some explanation? Yes, Hidden decided. She would tell Ms. Ice enough to warrant some trust. "I'm sorry, I may have come off a bit strong. Forgive me. I'm used to working with harsher, steelier heads." The girl could decide herself what Hidden meant by that. Shifting, and adjusting her hood some, she spoke. "I am an Information Broker. I am merely interested in certain... things and people. Nothing nefarious, I promise you," she stated simply. Though again, whether or not Jess believed such was up to her.

She went to refusing Hidden's bargaining chips, and that made her pause for a moment. Beside herself, she couldn't help but commenting. "Really? Preposterous. Everyone needs something.~ You couldn't use a new pair of clothes? I have more styles... Not even food? -Everyone -or most -need to eat. And not the medicine either? I understand that may... up our deal, but everyone needs medicine of sorts. I have many many different types of supplies. Name it. I'm sure there is something we could..."

She trailed off, seeing how her 'magic trick' took hold immediately. She had guessed right. Now her grin seemed smug, "Ah, yes... I see I have indeed caught your attention." Hidden seemed pleased, oddly pleased. "Jess. Committed to memory, I thank you," she dipped her head in a simple, respectful bow. She spoke cryptically along this same smug line. "There are many oddities in this world, my dear sweet Jess; there's a few nearby," she craned her neck to flick her nose, pointing off in the distance with the cute, pert bow on her face.

Hidden stepped quickly up to Jess, closing the distance between them in a blink. Suddenly her hand came out of her cloak and reached out towards Jess's. Before Jess could react, the ice once again withered, and Hidden's hand clasped into hers. Giving her a shake, Jess felt an odd power in that grip. "Deal. Don't worry about contacting me, it'll happen when it needs to." As soon as Hidden's hand left Jess's the ice once again engulfed her hand. With yet another cryptic line from Hidden, she backed away, then turned and walked away, not even so much as crunching the forest ground beneath her footfalls, until she disappeared into the dense undergrowth.
​

Involves: Randomfella

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Jackson watched the entire exchange go down as Vira engaged in a shouting match with Patrick, Snow attempted to get involved and all the while Jackson was pouring himself some coffee. He simply sit back and watched it go down as he produced a second flask from within his coat to pour the coffee into while taking a drink from it. It was good coffee, Patrick seemed to spare no expense. His pleasant tranquility caused by the coffee was interupted by the squeal of someone talking about the water and what not. Jackson turned to look at the water and it was sludgy and oozing blackness. More sounds were heard as more people came back to the camp of course, he heard Sera's voice and turned; to see her soaked in her clothes. Averting his gaze with an almost lightning like reaction, he tried to play it off as if he had seen nothing. ~Don't talk about it, it did not happen, we do not speak of it!~ It was actually quite easy to do so as those thoughts soared out of his mind when the source of the corruption arrived, a walking skeleton it looked like. ~What the fuck is he? Is he an enemy?~ He couldn't be too sure so he powered up his right arm to stage 2 with the crimson glowing veins safely hidden under his coat so none would be the wiser. Well maybe Patrick would notice, but what would you do if some shambling corpse began to walk towards the group you traveled with? Oddly enough, it was Vira that ended up dispelling the tensions as she explained that he attempted to be peaceful, but Jackson was on edge still.
Syphe Thalia_Neko Iamthemanfish Spice FrostFire littleberry NyxDarling GreenEyedStranger revior ShadowBroker

 

[littleberry]

Snow
(just um... yea ignore the hand.)

Snow looked at the corpse dripping in decay and her upper lip curled in disgust. This close the blood called more to her of his power. She shook her head. No power was worth it if this was the effect… but maybe she was being judgmental.

Sure he...well he looked horrifying but well that didn’t mean he was a horrifying person right? Snow took another step towards him, her blood restless as her thorns poked through her skin, tiny blood drops welling up on her legs and arms. She bit her lip as he spoke, he bore no harm. Snow breathed out, relieved for that. So he was a powerful abnorm who was just… um well dealing with some serious side effects.​

​

“Wh...who are you?” Snow asked shyly, her eyes darting to the river as he spoke of enlightenment. Looked like he brought death not enlightenment. Snow clenched her teeth as her blood called out more, making her sweat a bit. She squirmed, not liking the uncomfortableness of being this close to the abnorm. But then Patrick was there with a hand on her shoulder. Snow looked up at him, her eyes bright red and hair pure white now as she pouted, uncomfortable around the abnorm. She took a step back, glad for the support Patrick was providing. Her bloods call for Patrick’s own power lessened its attention on the new abnorm.​

​

Then it smiled. Her spine writhed with what felt like bugs crawling up her inside the skin. N'ghannyth was his name… hmm. It was ancient. Old. Snow covered her mouth with her hand as she took another step into Patrick’s side, avoiding the line of sight that showed Ryu. With his mask… well she knew to look away just in case.​

​

But she could not avoid looking at Lucas as he and the creature spoke. She leaned forward, her eyes dulling for a split second as the blood song came back when N'ghannyth spoke of giving life and what sounded like power. She jerked away from Patrick as her thorns came out more, not wanting to ever have to see resentment from the Solider who was one of the few people who put her at ease.​

​

“N'ghannyth, why are you here…? W-will you s-stay i-if we d-don’t drink?”​

​

Vira was there now and for some reason, well that also put Snow at ease. The foul mouthed woman was mean to say the least but she also was a strong warrior. Snow knew that Vira would never protect the group but well… she would protect herself if this thing proved to be a threat.​

Iamthemanfish GreenEyedStranger Kiroshiven Thalia_Neko Syphe Clockwork Syringe revior NyxDarling Tyra Spice ShadowBroker @AnyoneElseIMissed

 

[revior]

Lucca Malkovich
Location: Forest - Campsite​

When the walking carcass, the undead, cracked a smile, Lucca instinctively stepped back. Of course, he'd see corpses before, even had to carry severed heads back to a League Branch to turn in a bounty, but this thing is all sorts of disgusting and even more unsettling since it's technically living, probably. To top it all off, the thing wasn't listening to reason, or rather, he did, but he was convinced of his ways. It reminded Lucca of himself. Was he like that just before? So deluded and indulged in his own ways that he's blind to the others? No, it can't be, surely Lucca wasn't this crazy. But what if he's right, what if he did bring enlightenment, what if this is indeed a blessing?

Lucca turned towards the river, curious of what was said, gazing into the putrid sludge tainted water as he slowly approached it. Nope! Can't be done, no way. Not a chance anything with taste buds and a sense of smell or any kind of sense in general will want to drink this body of rot and death. The stench was just too much and the whole thing is just too god damned disgusting and he'd gag sooner than drink the accursed thing.

Lucca could not help but cover his nose and step away from the water. The price for enlightenment seemed too heavy to pay, if it even is what the lich man claimed it to be. Yet, Lucca had certainly thought about it, how much he'd pay to know the true state of the world, what he had been doing, what the WG had been doing, whether or not what he had believed in all his life was wrong. But even if he did know, what could have been done about it, he was but one man, and even before, he was just pretending that he could help, just a little something to ease him into bed every night. In this world where it's either the WG or the gangs, where there may not even be a lesser evil to choose from, is there really anything to be done? Perhaps he should just allow himself to sink in this black sludge and let the river flow take him wherever it flows... speaking of which, doesn't this river leads to the next town, and town means people... what would happen if other people drank this, this bile of decay and sickness, from that "thing" with its unknown abnormality?

"I'm heading to the next town!" he yelled to the others, "I have to warn people about this."

More likely than not, no one would drink it if they saw the black sludge flowing into the river, but what if they don't see it, what if the sludge get diluted as it travels down stream. Sure, the sludge may be gone, but the sickness, the bacteria it carries won't disappear so easily. Most likely, it'll remain in the water and will be wash downstream reaching the townspeople, and the people will get terribly sick should they drink it, or perhaps face something even worse depending on the lich man's abnormality.

"If you're afraid I'll run or tell on you or something, then send someone after me, I don't freakin' care!"

And with that, Lucca took off in a hurry, one hand clutching his hat to keep it on his head while dashing away, following the river downstream.

GreenEyedStranger Kiroshiven Tyra littleberry Thalia_Neko Syphe Clockwork Syringe FrostFire Iamthemanfish Spice NyxDarling

 

[Syphe]

None too happy at the abrupt pollution of the river, Sera glared at this "priest." Enlightenment, a higher being. This monstrosity was clearly on insane, and the appearance was none too helpful. If Sera wasn't used to seeing the plethora of injuries that results from war, she certainly would have lost her dinner. Whatever came out of this thing's mouth was only getting on Sera's nerves, but openly denouncing religion, even as outrageous and ridiculous as this, was not an ideal decision to make. Just maybe, just maybe there was some merit to his words. This group was given a chance and he might deserve one... maybe.

But right now, this person, man perhaps, is a threat. Mentioning punishment for not drinking that bile did not sit right. Gently, Sera ushered the girl beside her to stand behind her, one hand protectively outstretched before the girl. The men (and woman) were facing off with the abnorm, and a fight seemed not too far off the future. Turning her head slightly over her shoulder, whilst keeping an eye of the man, Sera whispered, "Stay behind me. I need to get you, Snow and Kaia away from here."

The trees were rustling, obviously upset with the pollution of the river. 'Kore must be rubbing off on me to think that...' Sera was glad she'd refilled her canteens before the river was transformed into a black mass of undesirables. Slowly inching backwards until she was within a close distance to the group's fighters, Sera reached out to take a hold of Snow's arm. She nearly impaled her hand to the thorns since she was paying a great amount of attention to the abnorm, quickly withdrawing hand away just in time to avoid pricking. "Snow, we need to give some space to these guys. Come with me. If we stay we'll only get in the way. I'm sure with this many on our side, they'll be fine." Sera took hold of both the girl and Snow and began to follow after the bounty hunter who showed concern for the next town. "Kaia?" Sera looked around before spotting her nearby. "Let's go, you're with me. It's not safe here." Then she called out to Scarlett, calling her over and to follow if she wanted. After a few steps, Sera stopped, and turned back to look at Patrick, Jackson and the lady standing against the priest. "We'll meet up again, probably at the next town over. Stay safe, I want to see you guys again later, got it?" Sera looked them all over, resting her gaze on Jackson for moments longer before leading the girl, Snow, and maybe Scarlett and Kaia, after the bounty hunter's trail. They wouldn't get too far, and the others back at camp shouldn't have much trouble catching up. Splitting up like this never always felt right with Sera, but the danger that thing could potentially use, the corruption, was not something she wanted anywhere near these people, especially this little girl and Snow and Kaia; Scarlett didn't need this either. With solid steps, Sera pressed on, matching her speed with everyone that came with her.

NyxDarling littleberry Kiroshiven Thalia_Neko Clockwork Syringe Iamthemanfish revior Tyra GreenEyedStranger FrostFire

 

[Spice]

Keiji watched the undead monstrosity climb out of the water and step towards them. Following Patrick's order for the first time with this group, Keiji stepped behind his guardian, concealed and out of the view of the, once man? He felt Diance growing restless in his arms and so he comforted her before reverting her. He was about to put her back into the book when he realized it was not with. Must've left it in the sleeping back. Keiji glanced over at their once fire and spotted his sleeping bag with an odd lump in it. Quickly, the young boy sprinted over and snatched the book from within the blanket before returning to his place behind Patrick. It definitely saw me. He sighed and flipped to the section of fighters and chose two to spit on and crumple up. He didn't need to toss them yet, as no one knew if this was friend or foe.

@TheOnesWhoStayed

 

[Randomfella]

An 'information broker', that's what she called herself. It didn't matter to Jess, not anymore, although it crushed her inside to abide to this persons bidding, Jess feared the future of devastation she would cause far more. Month by month, the ice had expanded on her body, covering more of her hand at an accelerated rate, and now began to encroach on her arms. Along with that, her power had grown, but her ability to control it had not. The thought of her entire body being consumed by her curse, who knew what could come of it, this group of abnorms was a small sacrifice to prevent such chaos. Despite this thought, Jess still couldn't help but to feel selfish accepting the stranger's offer.

"Committed to memory? What is she talking about?" The frail girl wondered. There was something about this 'Hidden', something that turned the girl's stomach as Hidden affirmed the deal. As she approached in an instant, Jess could only feel helpless, her hands once more normalized in order to embrace the stranger's. She shivered at the prospect of this strange figure using her like this, only feeling weak for buckling so easily, but what choice did she have? It seemed nothing she did was by her own desire. She didn't choose this path, this horrible abnormality was forced upon her, another innocent life ruined by the WG.

As Hidden retreated away from her, Jess reached out in desperation, attempting to cling to the power the stranger had placed upon her. It was to no avail, and as Jess watched in discomfort as Hidden left with eerily silent footfalls, her hand once more developed back into it's hideous form. "What deal have I just accepted?" She couldn't help but worry. The way this 'Hidden' acted, it was just too peculiar, and somehow frightening. If she had the power to take her problems away, who's to say she couldn't make it worse if Jess backed away from the deal? This couldn't be some sort of trick, she had literally held her hand's in her own, even a powerful abnorm would be frozen solid from that much exposure.

Bringing her right arm to wipe her somewhat tear-stained face with her hoody, the girl let out an extended breath of air, attempting to calm herself. Returning her hands to her pockets, she begrudgingly began the short trek toward the group of abnorms; the noise ahead made it clear some more drama was occurring. As she grew closer, the strange infection in the river claimed her attention. It was disgusting, and seemed almost definitely toxic, there was no doubt in Jessica's mind that this would damage a good part of the forest, as well as any villages downstream.

Approaching from behind, it appeared the group was distracted, some of them already rushing downstream. It was no use. This kind of corruption would remain for days, and often towns were too foolish to build reservoirs of the small amount of drinkable water there was, though calling it drinkable beforehand was debatable with the amount of unavoidable radiation in the streams. It seemed tensions were high as a few of them gazed upon the skeletal figure. Jess did so as well, for a short moment at least. Despite his horrid figure, the idea of death did not cause her to falter, so long as she was not causing it at least, and death seemed like an appropriate visage for this individual.

"Warning them won't help." Jess finally announced in an enhanced tone, somewhat high pitched, from behind them from the cover of her hood; almost her entire body covered in black padded clothing despite the intense heat in the forest. Staring down the stream she nodded to where the bulk of decay began to dissolve into a dye. "It will be obvious that something's wrong with the stream, but they'll need water, and it's unlikely there will be another source nearby." She noted in a short sigh, glancing back to the individuals squaring off against the almost undead figure, and then to him. The girl pondered for a moment, attempting to keep her cool. "A perfect opportunity to gain their trust, not that it seems to take much." She noted internally, continuing to look toward the figure, before once again glancing around at the others. "Though I might be able to help." She stated, her tone soft and mysterious, a small smile developing under the shadow of her hood, satisfaction that an opportunity would reveal itself so early, as well as an attempt to appear friendly. Though the idea of using her abnormality in-front of others was daunting, she didn't wish to let this chance slip. It seemed she'd have to disrupt this ragged (In more ways than one) 'man' from spreading his 'enlightenment', at least this time.

Thalia_Neko GreenEyedStranger Kiroshiven Spice Iamthemanfish Clockwork Syringe NyxDarling
@Any staying at camp

 

[GreenEyedStranger]

N'ghannyths neutral expression turned to a frown as he saw everyone openly reject his offering. What is wrong with these people? He pondered. Do they not want eternal life? Are they doomed to forever be a slave rather than a servant?

He shook his head and stood up immediately, too fast for someone of his composure. Bones snapped, but none of that seemed to mind him anymore. While once he found pleasure in causing himself pain, all sensation had long left his rotting corpse. However, his train of thought was interrupted when a female questioned her.

"I am only here to spread enlightenment, and possibly convert a few eager ones to have their third eye opened!... I see you all openly reject my offerings, but perhaps somehow I shall show you the gifts they bring!"

Suddenly rustling could be heard from the bushes, along with distant sounds from what seemed to be humans. N'ghannyth smiled widely, revealing his entire set of teeth stretching up to his cheekbones.

"But those down the river will drink willingly! Come, look upon my entourage of worshippers! These are the enlightened ones!!!"

And then they saw them. Hideous abominations, not too different from the appearance of the prophet standing before them. Although their rotting skin sat on a humanoid frame, any other trace of humanity was hard to find. What seemed the most disturbing, however, was that their heads were bulging, as if about to burst. Upon closer inspection, the bulging was due to an extremely cancerous growth of... eyes. Eyes covered their entire heads, some growing down to the mouth. To follow the first, two more came, and in the distance one straggler could be seen. As soon as the first one was within 5 feet of N'ghannyth, it fell on its knees and did a kowtow, its visible muscles straining as it did.

N'ghannything smiled, proud of his brother in worship, and with a single hand motion commanded the worshipper to stand again. N'ghannyth turned to the horrified crowd.

"It seems my subjects have finally caught up. They are the enlightened ones, are they not?"

 

[FrostFire]

Kore Dair​

Observing. That is what Kore did best. The moment the trees had whispered to her that there was trouble, that Death himself was walking amongst them, she had scarpered up the nearest tree, and moved gracefully and silently towards the group. She picked a tall tree near the group, where she could watch everything unfold. Her look turned murderous as Lucas... Well, she would have to throttle him for that later, as it was a description she wouldn't get out of her head any time soon.... The trees always described things to her in... Great detail. Yuck... Of course, the trees had warned her long before the... Corpse stepped into the water, and the rest of the group was alerted. The trees kept whispering to her, and she was notified of their shadow, Jess was her name apparently, making a...? The trees didn't seem to know what it was about, or what exactly was offered - they seemed confused.
Who is she...? Who is this Hidden? And how did she sneak up on me... Hmmm... Kore payed close attention to both events - it seemed this Hidden was a problem. But, for now she turned her attention back to Mr Corpse and the stand off that had developed.
The trees whispered to her of yet another group. Light people... Whaa...? Understandably confused, Kore decided not to question it, and just peg the odd forms down to some... Shared ability? She wasn't sure if such a thing was possible, but listened in to their conversation anyway.

As one would imagine, Kore was now quite alarmed, as it seemed they had people coming at them from all sides... It was time for her to rejoin the group.
Just as she was about to make her descent, she hesitated, eyes widening as she saw the... Corpses. The trees were screaming at her to run, they were worried about her. But, she couldn't leave this group - and she knew she could help. They were in a forest, after all, and it had been awhile since Kore had properly stretched her abilities in combat.
She stayed seated on the branch she was currently on, as it extended out into the air, snaking down to the ground. Jumping off, the branch quickly returned back to it's usual position, as she walked up to Ryuji, her face serious. Standing beside him, she kept her eyes on... There was no way she could pronounce his name, so she would just call him Mr Corpse. Keeping her eyes fixed on Mr Corpse, she turned her head slightly towards Ryuji.
"We have a problem. There's a group behind us who seem a bit torn on whether to side with us or Mr Corpse. And then to the side we have another abnorm who... Well, she's gone now, but didn't seem friendly.", she whispered to him. Keeping her eyes on Mr Corpse, absolutely no fear showing in them, only a calm, gritty determination. Of course, she was afraid. But Kore was always very good at hiding her emotions (most of the time).
"It's a bad idea to attack, unless we absolutely have to.". Raising her voice, she calmly addressed Mr Corpse. "We are all much too vain to accept your... Gift. If, perhaps, in the distant future we seek... Enlightenment, we may seek you out. But, for now we have much business to attend to, and would greatly appreciate being allowed to travel peacefully. Your gift is appreciated, but none of us are ready for such a thing yet.", she took a small step forwards as she spoke, and once she finished, the trees shivered, as if in anticipation. Because, although Kore was relaxed, and seemed calm, she was prepared for a full scale attack.
Kiroshiven revior GreenEyedStranger ShadowBroker Randomfella Thalia_Neko Everyone else idek

 

[ShadowBroker]

The Warden's projections - The Third and The Fifth.

What was to be witnessed draw fear into Fifth's eyes. The River seem not the only one affected to the dead matter - but what seem as raising corpses from their graves, willingly to do as the new comer commanded, the name being too strange to remember. Though that matter little as part of the group seem ready to ran back to the city and warn the others. If the river continued to be tainted, warning them would only work temporally. The Oath the projections have would not allow them to interfere yet. But the situation was becoming more and more wrong the further they did nothing.

"What are they doing?" The Fifth asked curious, tensing his bow as to prepare an arrow. Suggesting there is no return from this without a fight. They could not let the group too far away, they need to be controlled if they planned to continue being together. But Third seem more focus in something more than dead or the group as a whole. Her eyes stared at some exemplars individuals that had the look of having things under control - or that they would seek to seize control over the situation at hand, "Should we warn the other?" A thought that already resided in each all projections but none of them seem to act in such regard for they had their own opinions. Third - She was certain this outranked her own capabilities with the sword; whatever they choose, they could not stand between the crossfire as always and came out victorious.

"We will fail-" she responded, nodding as she took the sword under the guard, upon the blade upside down. Not cutting her palm, for there was no sharp edge. She then looked over the group one more time before explaining the idea, "The dead won't see to reason - Fifth. But we won't engage." Fifth did only accepted her statement as if it was already his own, from time to time letting his attention drive back to Third as if asking for guidance into the matter, but his resolve spoke first, "An arrow to the knee - or to the ground. Regardless, we must interfere."

The Third shook her head as she lower herself and whispered, "They know of us - our presence. They are not normal. Hear them, they don't speak nor act like simple commoners, we underestimated them for too long... Second." she said troubled and sighted at the situation, the rest of the conversation seem to be through thoughts. No need for further words. But what was happening is that they prepared to die there. The Second would acknowledge their wish as so would do the other two not present there. But then - someone so announced a cure for the river. The Third raised her off-hand as to tell The Fifth to stop. Hoping there was a solution instead of further violence.
​

Tyra Thalia_Neko revior GreenEyedStranger Kiroshiven Iamthemanfish NyxDarling Syphe

​

 

[Tyra]

-= KAIA WINTERS =-
Fugitive | Abnorm | The River​

Kiroshiven Syphe FrostFire @EveryoneAtTheCamp

To Kaia, it seemed like ages before anyone heeded her warning. She was actually quite the comical sight to see, still dripping wet and panting from her mad dash back to camp. Her long hair had turned a darker shade of blue due and stuck to her wet skin on her face and neck, while her still damp clothing clung to her body in odd, haphazard ways. Finally the camp members began to notice and one by one took off to go see the commotion at the river. First the little...well Kaia wasn't sure what to call her. "Girl" seemed too...human-like to describe her, whereas she almost seemed more beast than human. Then the older man and spunky, always angry looking dark-haired female followed suit. Brushing the wet hair from her face for what seemed like the millionth time, she made sure to catch her breath before deciding what to do next. I may not have an abnormality...but there's gotta be something I can do, she concluded inwardly. But just as she turned to head back towards the river, she nearly collided with, you guessed it, red head, his face still obscured by the eerie fox mask.

Inhaling sharply from the scare, she gripped the front of her cloak. "Lilac, it seems you're safe." Kaia unfortunately couldn't see his face, so she'd have to try and read him via other body language and tone of voice. "...and decent." At the addition to his previous statement, her brain instantly traveled back to her bath in the river. Just how long had he been watching her? He'd swooped in so fast, he had to have been nearby...right? Who else could move that fast?? Her mind vividly relived every detail, as if still trying to process what actually had happened. She remembered feeling the tautness of his arm muscles as he lifted her from the water with such ease....the slight warmth of his skin on hers... Laying there on the sand in her skivvies, exposed to the world, while his shirtless torso had literally been inches from her own face... She hadn't realized it, but the entire time she stood there at the camp with her brain spinning with these memories, her cheeks had subconsciously flushed a deep red hue, contrasting with her pale skin and blue locks. Suddenly aware at how warm her face was getting, her mind snapped back to reality and she shuffled to the side with a huff as she crossed her arms. "If you call being snatched out of the river like fish and almost having a heart attack 'safe'," she responded haughtily, trying to cover up her embarrassment. It wasn't like she hadn't been seen by a man like that before, given her history, yet there was...something different about this guy. She just couldn't put her finger on it.

"I'm glad that you're safe though." With a gentle seriousness overriding the initial mischief in his tone, Kaia softened somewhat. Her eyes returned to his mask and she gave a reluctant nod. "I suppose...I do owe you a thank you," she responded, her voice losing its icy edge, "even if you did give me whiplash." This time, her retort held an air of playfulness, if only slightly. As much as she was trying to stay pissed off at him, he was making it extremely difficult to do so. "Though I don't even know your name. Or would you prefer that I called you Ginger? Masked Menace is a bit too much of a mouthful," she quipped smartly, tilting her head to the side. Her arms were still crossed defensively, as if to reinforce an invisible privacy bubble around her person, but she'd turned her body toward him a bit more, displaying minor curiosity at the very least.

“Kaia?” Upon hearing her name spoken aloud, Kaia’s attention was stolen away by Sera, who was backing her way into the campsite with a very concerned looking pale blonde in tow, the same blonde who had been talking to the red head the night before. “Let’s go, you’re with me. It’s not safe here.” Kaia’s balled fists only became tighter as, once again, it was implied that there was nothing she could do to help. As Sera rounded up a few more to take with them, Kaia bit her bottom lip, thinking. Did she really want to stay with these people? Obviously the black sludge in the river had everyone spooked. Maybe it would be better if she just left now. That was still the plan…right? She could see Sera glancing over at her expectantly every now and then.

It was then that Kaia saw…it. Clapping a hand over her nose, her face scrunched up at the horrid odor that wafted over to where she and the red head stood. What…IS that thing…?! To hell with the plan. These people needed her help. If not in combat, then in keeping the group calm and together and away from…whatever the hell THAT was. Kaia was far from trusting them of course. She’d only met them the night before afterall. But…maybe she could at least give them a chance. It had been nearly 24 hours, and no one had even asked where she’d come from or questioned why she was in the woods at such an ungodly hour. Still keeping all senses alert for any behavior that they knew who she really was, Kaia called back to Sera. “You all go ahead. I’ll be right behind you, don’t worry,” she stated tersely, turning once more to face the red head. She at least wanted to hear what he had to say before skipping off into the forest. Her violet eyes kept flicking to the corpse-like figure behind the red head and they widened when suddenly similar looking creatures began to emerge from the thick of the wood. Her heart began to pound in her chest once more, and she listened close as a new young female made an entrance onto the scene and began explaining the situation to the masked red head. I just can't catch a break, can I? she groaned inwardly.

 

[NyxDarling]

"Stay behind me. I need to get you, Snow and Kaia away from here." Was her response to his mumbling, her warm palm pressing midly against his chest as she pushed him to her side. The implication was clear, stay there, dont move. He grumbled softly looking at the ground, feeling useless was not something he liked to do. He looked up as he called the other's over. All conveniently females, his eyes drifting on the one named snow. His blood boiled at the sight of her eyes. As if trying to push him forward, calling to him silently 'Power....she has powerpowerpowerpower' He shook his head violently, trying to control the glowing in his chest. The Oppressive feeling it gave off becoming stronger with each second that passed, he was sure the others could feel it, or were they to distracted. His gaze drifted to snow again, and he found his head snapping down. She was very pretty, albeit a bit quaint and small, but she seemed modest... "My....my names Einua" He stated silently, his voice barely a whisper against the sound of every one else. He didnt know the name of the girl who was currently protecting him, but he wanted to thank her. Tell her that he could help. That he wasn't weak, that he could fight! But again the women's motherly nature suppressed such thoughts, caused him to act and feel meek. His past seemingly controlling him now still.

In surprise to the lady grabbing his arm again, he squeaked, and his bright shone brightly again. the oppressive feeling instantly becoming like a weight on everyone's shoulder, before instantly vanishing as Einua realized she was just trying to lead him away from danger. She mentioned a city, and Einua wondered if there had been a city near this forest the last time he was here...before he went into a coma that is. He shook his head again, it was useless thinking about things like that.

littleberry Syphe Everyone elsekinda

 

[Thalia_Neko]

Vira

Vira rolled her eyes in an overly exaggerated way, sticking out her tongue, and just in general being quite disrespectful. It didn't matter if her power was spiking the danger. He was too far gone for her to really take him seriously. "Oh come on, dude. Shit! -Literally! You have no idea what the 'third eye' really is. None of us idiots here do! Except maybe weird Tanuki-man here." She pointed her thumb back at the redheaded man beside the other girl that suddenly showed up. "You aren't enlightened, you have no gifts to give. You are disgust incarnate. Filth. You're literally shit! No one is drinking your fecal koolaid; get with the program Shitface! No one wants anything to do with you!"

Vira felt more pinging her danger radar. Soon enough these weird vile beings emerged. She saw the very leaves beside their entrance wither; she faintly wondered how that plant lady with the stick up her bum would take this Abnorm and his .. 'followers'. She was probably pissed to all hell. Apart of Vira wanted to watch her rip this weirdo and the monstrosities to pieces with her plant-like abilities. The thought of that brought a smile to her lips, and she almost considered sticking around for it.

Oh! Speaking of the devil! She showed up, coming up beside Ryuji, giving him a few words. Overhearing, Vira noted she said she wouldn't instantly attack, instead deciding to wait it out. "UGHHHH!!" she groaned loudly, nearly falling over. "So lameeeee~! This monster can't be reasoned with! Shit! Whatever!" The other thing she said... about another Abnorm appearing? That piqued her interest for whatever reason. Vira .. felt like she should be interested. It wasn't apparent to her why. Was that the previous blimp she felt...

Oh, suddenly there was another there. Vira assumed she was the Abnorm, based on what she felt in her sixth sense. Could she be the one Kore was speaking of? At least this new girl was smart. The filth in the river would pose an issue. Especially since it flowed towards the next town she was headed to... Great. Wait, she could help? Vira narrowed her eyes. "Oh? How?"

The next person speaking up, wasn't one Vira particularly cared to hear. It was the thief from yesterday. "Ugh," she couldn't believe her ears. "Flirting you shameless hussy?? Are you blind to what's going on?! Apparently." The darkhaired chick held up her hands. "You know what? No. I'm done. First Oldman Magoo here asked me to a bet, then he forwent it like a little bitch. Now this psychotic, deluded corpse comes up, trying to talk you fools into drinking his even more foolish bullshit. Then Ko- Plantbitch here couldn't even defend her damn home correctly? Finally we get the flirty Thirstypanties here? Geessus, I am out!" With that, she threw her hands out wide like she was opening a door to a saloon. Spinning on her heel, Vira sipped the last of her spiked coffee, before tossing the cup to the sand.

"Stayed too long anyway," Vira grumbled, before walking away with an apparent troubled slump and gait. There may have been some sort of.. hint to something there. With the last thing she said. Well anyway, Vira gathered the meager possessions she traveled with, and started away. She wouldn't need Kore to find her way out of this damn garden.

​

Mentions: GreenEyedStranger Tyra Kiroshiven FrostFire Randomfella Iamthemanfish
@whoever else is there/around

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Jackson continued to watch, but Vira, using her special ability of insane shouting and personal attacks, shot down the shambling corpse's proposal. As she was leaving, Jackson spoke up, "She's right you know. You can't just come into our group and thrust your crackpot ideology upon us. It's pretty clear we don't want anything to do with "a higher enlightenment." You are no better than the pre war religious fanatics from across history and you expect us to ignore that? Fat chance of that." Jackson turned to Patrick and spoke, "I trust you can handle yourself Mr. P. I'm going to go to the group thats gone ahead. I'll see you in the next town I hope?" Jackson turned and ran out of the confrontation in the direction everyone else had headed.
Syphe Thalia_Neko Iamthemanfish Spice littleberry NyxDarling GreenEyedStranger Tyra ShadowBroker

 

[Kiroshiven]

Ryuji Nakamoto

Looking down to Kaia Ryuji couldn't help but chuckle as she joking called him "Masked Menace." It was a cute little nickname, but would never fit. "Ryuji. Ryuji Nakamoto." He spoke quietly as he kept tense. He was glad to see Sera trying to slowly gather up the noncombatants and young folk to get them out of here. This corpse was surely insane from the way he spoke and reacted. There was nothing that they could do about the water and with Lucas running off, he cursed the timing. If the boy had just waited til he was forgotten and then just GONE it would've been better Now they had to deal with this madness. His eyes darting about as he considered just killing the freak, but that wasn't an option because he didn't know what all he'd have to shut down the zombie, except for maybe shutting down his brain with several needles impaled into his skull.

Kore's appearance relieved one of the issues that Ryuji was holding. She's okay. He let out a sigh of relief. He listened intently to what she had to say. There were more behind them and there was a girl....could that be her? the small girl with hands in her pockets. No. Kore said she's gone, that meant this girl was someone different, but they came from the same direction. Ryuji felt himself riding a knife's edge in terms of his control as well. The fricken "enlightened" that this man mentioned nearly had him snapping necks as they walked past, of course, they were more undead and such actions probably wouldn't mean anything. Things were not going to go his way if he just attacked. Listening to Sera try and gather everyone up and take them away, Ryuji was hoping that Kaia would walk along as well, but she refused. I know you WANT to help, but please....damnit. Ryuji knew he'd have to meditate immediately entering upon getting to a town for this, but he wouldn't just let the innocent get caught up.

"Kore, how much of an obstacle could the forest become fore this guy? I doubt his ability just kills everything if he's controlling these 'enlightened' folks as well." Ryuji's voice was a whisper as he scooched back away from the corpse. "Sorry Lord Moldybutt," Ryuji could've sworn he heard a tree branch snap off in the distance, but that was crazy talk. "But I won't be joining the legions of the undead today. Because your enlightenment comes with the loss of my free will. I lost that once before and I'd rather not lose it again." He said, pulling off the mask. "So, I'll see you when it rains pigs." Turning and scooping up Kaia in his arms. "Come on Kore." He called over his shoulder, running along the river's edge at full speed. "Pardon the princess carry." Ryuji said to the small maiden in his arms. It'd be easier for him to keep her safe running with her and he knew for a fact Kore was probably the most powerful abnorm of their group inside this forest, there wasn't much else he could do right now. Just let me out. Ryuji heard an unfamiliar voice as he ran, add in the fact that his chest and arms were starting to suffer from freezer burn, again, and it was too much to worry about at one time.

Scarlett O'Hare

Scarlett hated the corpse creature with everything she had. She doubted that if she slammed down her axe on this guy with full strength he'd survive. He was nothing but soft tissue and bone. All of which she could break instantly, but Sera was calling to her. Just as she was about to argue, the smell of lilacs filled her senses again. A woman with long flowing red hair called to her to run. "Mama?" Scarlett asked without even realizing it before shaking her head. She couldn't fight like this and started chasing after Sera and the others. The small girl completely and utterly confused by what was going on here, she just ran alongside them. Hoping to whatever higher powers existed that, the zombie get struck by lightning if he followed.

Tyra FrostFire GreenEyedStranger Syphe

 

[GreenEyedStranger]

N'ghannyth nodded at the womans sentiments. It was true. They were not ready to recieve enlightenment. Had he arrived too soon? As he paused to ponder on her words, he was suddenly interrupted by a loud commotion. Everyone seemed repulsed by the appearance of him and his followers, nothing out of the ordinary, and another woman was throwing a hiss fit for apparently no reason. He sensed animosity coming from them... Oh how he wished he was not a servant... He wanted to taste again... The taste that his master forbade. He closed his eyes and tried to salivate his tongue, imagining chewing on the soft leathery hide of...

"Religious fanatics...."

"What is that thing?..."

"Psychotic deluded corpse..."

Mmm... Yes it has been a long time since he met other living beings... The desiccated cities of the desert were empty.

N'ghannyth sat down, leaning on his staff. His entourage of 5 followers did the same, all sitting and kneeling in various positions.

These infidels do not believe... But they will in time. He made a plan to himself. Once all of them left the river, he would follow. Although hoping no conflict would arise, some hidden part of him begged for the chance.

 

[Spice]

Keiji stood behind Patrick and watched the whole scene play out. He looked at the small portion of their group as they left to warn the next town over. He would much rather go with them than stay over here with the undead man staring down the rest of them, speaking of enlightenment. At first, it sounded like their best option was to listened, but Keiji immediately changed that. From the tree line came a group of more undead. He kept up his unreadible expression, yet his heart betrayed him with its fierce pounding. Another person joined the group, ready to help them. We could use all of the help we can get. Hearing the angry woman start shouting at the corpse man, insulting him, his ideas, and everything else, Keiji stepped back a bit. He didn't really want to see this thing when it was angry.

More people began targeting the walking dead'a idea of enlightenment. Keiji could only peer out from behind Patrick to see how it was reacting to all their verbal attacks. It suddenly sat down, it couple of mindless followers doing so, too. Are they planning something? He shuffled a bit so that now he stood beside Patrick, but he still held his two fighters in hand in case the undead was planning on an attack. He watched the corpse for a moment, before speaking out. "I don't want to drink from your ambrosia. I'm not ready for it if this is want it does to people." He knew Patrick would hush him up and try to get him back behind him. Keiji wasn't ready to, however.

Iamthemanfish Thalia_Neko GreenEyedStranger Kiroshiven Clockwork Syringe @TheOthers

 

[ShadowBroker]

Fifth - Third

Finally, after a few exchange of words, more members of the group began to disengage from each other, having different tasks to fulfill rather more important than staying together. It seem almost a chain reaction as each every individual began to run, or walk away at their own pace. It seemed as if the great Priest of the dead has denied his right to state his own righteousness cause; a sight of relief if anything else. However - maybe that was all there is, the lack of conviction, the minority yet tremendous consequence that would lead to catastrophe.

Fifth seemed ready to walk away, content by the end of his task as a watcher. Yet the Third, her eyes seem to be attached upon a certain group that departed. There was no going back for her, too eager or maybe too into the idea her task wasn't over. The Fifth so saw such a reaction, "Oh no - what is that you are planning?" she merely looked behind her briefly, as if exchanging thoughts quickly before returning to her goal, worthy of her attention, "Third, you said it yourself, we must not interfere."

"I know what we have sworn - and I know what I said." she responded as she prepare for travel, taking her sword to her off-hand, carrying it near her belt for support, "The woman that has been insulting everyone - she might be powerful, but she obviously is foolish enough to comprehend the abstract concept of a group. The First -" she took a pause, as if The First was a name to be fared. Fifth seemed rather paralyzed to the name, "He will take the job." Thalia_Neko

Fifth shook his head in disagreement but little matter what he thought, Third had already seem to select her own objective, "And who are you going after?"
the woman stopped dry as she seem ready to rush away through the forest as she turn to explain, "It's 'Whom' and the minor group that is fleeing. Watch over the Priest and the mayor group, Fifth." with those last words, she took her sword and sight away, pursuing the lady she that draw her attention - the so call 'Kore' - the one who spoke to relaxed for her own good. FrostFire Kiroshiven

Meanwhile, the Fifth remained on behind the tree and vegetation as his only cover. Though now his arm wasn't as tense as before - and there was no need to start shooting arrows. Though still worry about what kind of insanity would The Priest bring upon the world... Or even worse - What will the First do, when he finds the lone warrior? Spice GreenEyedStranger Clockwork Syringe NyxDarling Tyra
​

The First -

As the name says, the First that came as projection - the beginning of such a power whom wields it. The strongest emotion that seem to be aware upon the thought of The Warden. But it was nothing but echoes of the past trying to bring form to this iconic projection. What emotion would be the one that gathers such a powerful memory, if not hatred? Thus he became the most ruthless yet powerful projection of all, determinate to do what it must in order to achieve justice, balance. A creature so committed to pain that has known nothing but that.

A wise man said - What makes you dangerous is not the mask you wear at times of injustice, it's not your skills that overcome all adversities and neither it's your abstract concept of power... What makes you dangerous, is your ideology - it is what gives you a righteous pretense to commit evilness, come out from the fog of war with a victorious grin, regardless in your hands; it is what gives you satisfaction to end a life because of a greater good you have so eager seek for.

So it is this projection from the surface of darkness, created from both sorrow and disgrace, given birth to Pain. A creature, alike all of them, but adorned by unknown origin chains, crafted by the same illusion. On both hands, holding a weapon of the sort - alike the 'Kusarigama'. The mask he wears, it is the representation of his own forsaken destiny - a skull, though inside the hood, it seem less violent.

The First was already near by - following the one that call Vira. Ready to do what he must. Thalia_Neko


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[Randomfella]

"Well." Jess was about to respond to the dark haired woman, before she and a few others also left, there was no point in trying to stop them. "Cowards." Jess cursed in her mind, how did they plan to help those in the village? After a short moment of thought, she glanced to the remaining individuals at the camp. "Even a child has half a mind to formulate a plan before running off it seems." She noted as the boy spoke up.

Casually, yet cautiously, Jess moved toward the stream, keeping her concealed gaze on the strange figure and his entourage. "Your ability is impressive." Jess stated in a soft tone as she knelt toward the water, examining the putrid infection. Slowly Jess withdrew her hands from their pockets, attempting to keep her body in the way so others could not see what she was doing, yet it didn't perfectly cover her actions. Noting the cup the dark haired woman had thrown to the side, the winter-clad girl placed her icy claws over the water, her body tensing as a bright aura lighted around them. Before long she formed a small sphere of ice, slowly and carefully moving it on the cup. As the ice landed with a small *ping*, Jess placed her hands back into her pockets, the ice in the cup almost instantly melting into a clear liquid.

Awkwardly, Jess used her pocketed hands to grab the cup, and slowly rose to her feet. "But unfortunately, I can't let your plans see fruition." She nodded to the corpse-like man, her breath now short and rapid from the use of her abnormality, before stumbling over to the boy and the larger man, cup in pocketed-hand. Standing a few paces from them, she pushed the full cup out toward them as far as the stretch of her hood would allow. "Pure water, you won't even be able to taste it." She noted in a calm voice, attempting to keep a non-aggressive visage, a small friendly smile visible under the darkness that covered her face. "Quickly now, I wouldn't want you to catch a cold." She nodded toward the small boy, gesturing the drink toward him, the temperature close to her continuing to drop.

Mentions: GreenEyedStranger Spice Iamthemanfish

 

[GreenEyedStranger]

"... What would stop me from forcing them to see my masters gift? Does he forbid that? What would happen to me if I did?"

N'ghannyth thought silently to himself, trying to remember how he once acted before he was touched by God. As his mind spinned deeper and deeper into this turmoil, his worshippers began behaving oddly.

3 of them began screaming, and the other two started to trn aggressive towards one another. Their skin started to become sharp, forming sword-like bone blades on their arms as they tried to impale and devour one another.

Fortunately, N'ghannyth caught wind of this before it could escalate.

"Enough."

He whispered. And they collapsed. Still 'alive' but catatonic.

The priest started to go back into deep meditation before he was interrupted by even more bickering and berating.

"Not ready..."

He repeated to himself in frustration as one of the others said so.

From the woman he chose to hear less. She seemed just as empty as the others. Unwilling to have her eyes opened. Why can't the others see the bliss that he and his worshippers experience? Are they not in pure nirvanna? They are enlightened, their mortal body is useless to them now, for they devote it to worship... what is their problem?!

"... Yes... It seems I have taken the wrong approach to convince you all. Maybe one day I can convince you... But there is no way to show enlightenment to those who are blind."

He closes his eyes and tightly grips his staff, his knuckles tearing through writhing skin.

In the back, the worshippers began chewing on eachothers flesh. N'ghannyth didn't seem to mind.