Fantasy The Five Kingdoms - The Fall of Sarthenfall - Ic

[Bakuyoshi]

It was only a matter of time in Aversa's head. The inactivity had been killing her, all her old playtoys died too quickly, and she had hardly anything to do. But now as she looked at the camp she was wondering what manner of new toys she could find. "Oh my god you morons! All at once and no holding back... actually fuck it get out of my way. Those who are willing charge with me! Once inside slaughter them. And if any are willing to defect bring them to me. But if you find the princes and princesses leave them be. I'll take the pleasure of making sure they know fear!" With that she backed up with some shades following her order. After all enough shades even if they don't break the gate could make a nice foot hold. And when they were all ready Aversa let out a loud shout as she rushed with all of her fellow shades. She only had a split second to figure out if this number was enough to break or if she had to do the work on the inside on her own. "For the Creator!"

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"Oh my gods get out of my way I need to get to my tent and fast! Whoever has good muscle follow me. I was meaning to test this in a less chaotic environment! But now is not the time." He was disgusted with Azalea taking off without even a word "You have so much explaining if we survive." Was all he could think as he made a rush to his tent. He was unsure of who would follow him but he just needed some god damn muscle. The armorcracker prototype was heavy and he needed the muscle to keep it held up.

"OK come on baby we have some shades to kill." Cale muttered as he unveiled his creation. The base look of it was reminiscent of a more portable cannon, but cut down to a certain degree. The thing was still beefy looking and Cale could hardly carry this thing on his own. And to make matters worse he never gave the thing a test run meaning this was all blind. He had no idea if this thing would not even work fully or it would blow up on him and whoever was helping it. "Gods grant me a miracle on this day."

Ms. Sparrow Blackrose7 explosiveKitten Xanto SandraDeelightful

 

[explosiveKitten]

Angie couldn’t help but to blank out as so many things happened at once.

The world seemed to slow as everything suddenly started moving. Panic rose and crashed like a wave in the camp, sending the entire camp into a panic. People were screaming and crying, running around like chickens with their heads cut off.

Soldiers rushed to combat the encroaching Shades, and when Angie finally snapped out of her daze, Cale was running off shouting for heavy lifters to follow him.

“Wait- WHAT! Cale!? COME BACK HERE!” She shouted, running after him as fast as she could, but the heavy armor wasn’t helping. Not to mention was a speedy lil shit when he wanted to be. She was rapidly losing him.

Eventually she seemed to be catching up to him, but then some scrawny, pale guy ran out of nowhere and the two collided, knocking Angie off her feet. The guy however managed to stay on his feet barely, and continued running, shouting a quick, “SORRY!” As he ran.

When she finally managed to catch up to Cale, she was confused by... whatever this thing Cale was that Cale seemed to Ben whispering to. “Cale... What... what the hell is this thing? Isnt this that new invention you were talking about? I thought you hadn’t tested it yet!”

Bakuyoshi

 

[Bakuyoshi]

"You are right! I was honestly hoping that it could be tested in a more controlled environment!" Cale shouted as he struggled to pick up the larger weapon. "I'm assuming you still have wounds in your ribcage so don't bother trying to fire this thing! Our best chance is to find Nathaniel or Raymond! At the moment if that Shade army outside is any indication we need to book it and fast! Get a escape route secured. Set up a makeshift wall of soldiers, and to top it all off hoping we have enough time to get us to escape! Sorry if this sounds like giving up but if this rebellion is to survive we need to run like hell itself is chasing us." Cale was panicked rummuging around for 3 thick spheres. "3 shots is all I got... Gods almighty why did that putrid excuse of a human being show back up. The next time I see him I'm going to watch his head blow to chunks when I fire this thing. Let's see magic heal that up!."

explosiveKitten

 

[Blackrose7]

As Annabel and her gang shared their confused glances at each other from Soris saying he is an undead, and never heard of the Mad King until now. They immediately stop doing that once someone screamed Shades. “...Ok, Demonic Velvet. We need to go to our tent, so we can put the stuff we got from Jeod away.” said Daisy.
Annabel just looked at Daisy when she said that. “Are you guys kidding me? You just had to get some stuff from Jeod at the wrong time,” said Annabel.
“We were getting some stuff for you, Boss,” said Sam.
“Can you guys shut up, and focus on the situation. We are being attacked by the shades after all,” said Jerry.
They shut up after Jerry said that, and followed Annabel’s order by going to their tent.

When they got to their tent; Sam, Jerry, Thomas, and Daisy put the stuff they got from Jeod in Annabel's picnic basket. ‘I am so glad that we did this, because now I can receive my sword. I would have grabbed a bow and arrow too if I wasn’t holding the torch.’ thought Annabel.
Annabel gave Cale’s dagger to Daisy, so she can use it with her sword in a duel style. “Give that dagger back to Cale once this is over, Daisy, and Jerry. I will hold the torch up for you, because you are using your bow and arrow right now,” said Annabel.
“Let me guess. You are going to do that, so I can shoot fire arrows at the shades,” said Jerry.
“Yep. Thomas can back me up if he has flint and steel,” said Annabel.
Thomas took out his flint and steel. “Of course, I have it with me, Annabel,” said Thomas.
Sam just took his bow and arrow out, since he is going to assist Jerry on Annabel’s torch plan. “Let’s do this, Demonic Velvet. We are going to burn those shades to the ground,” said Sam.
Everybody in Demonic Velvet said yeah, and they started to do Annabel’s plan. Thomas created a torch with the flint and steel, and he was holding a sword on his right hand just like Annabel. Jerry was carrying Annabel's picnic basket, so they wouldn't have to do that.
Ms. Sparrow Bakuyoshi Inheritance SandraDeelightful Xanto explosiveKitten

 

[Xanto]

Baxter Callahan and Zedhryx​

Baxter furrowed his brows when the two figures suddenly appeared by Soris. His lips slightly parted in confusion especially after a scream sounded beyond the dining hall tent. Shades. Then in a swift action, he turned his head to the side of the tent noting the direction the warning came from.

In an instant, the rebel leader yanked his sword out sharply looking back at Soris. It wasn't surprising that the guy was telling his higher followers to do away with all but the royals. Everything happened so fast. The duo who stole the crowd's attention dispersed. One vanishing in thin air and the other scrambling out. At least Soris was the one who disappeared. Also, it was good to know that Azalea was out of there.

Baxter quickly brought his attention back to the two other shades. "Go on, save your people," Zedhryx sarcastically commented raising his brows, "I would love to watch." The western shade lord was bored since he already knew the overall outcome the little purge would result in. His brown eyes taunted Baxter's blue gaze as he let the human feel delighted by his presence.

Wh-What is going on? The often composed rebel leader grimaced a bit at the sensation, thus keeping his sword from impaling the shade lord. It was odd to say, but Baxter felt a brotherly love for the evil being. With great hesitation, Bax ran out even if he truly wanted to defeat at least one of the two higher shades in front of him.

"As said," Zedhryx yawned casting a low glance at the eastern shade lord, "My kingdom needs me." His footsteps brought him toward the dead woman on the ground leaning in only a bit close before pulling away in disgust. His face was kind of twisted in the way that humans usually reacted to these things. Shortly after, his right hand flapped one

of his collars. "Kind of stuffy in here don't you think?" Zedhryx's nose crinkled. The brown eyes of the shade lord's human form moved back toward his counterpart waiting for some sort of reaction. " . . Oh, but if you insist," He acted accommodatingly turning his attention to the two soldiers charging at him. Fear was being emitted into their human hearts deepening with every step they took. Zedhryx vanished though just before one of them tried giving him a friendly tap.

__________​

Baxter sprinted around the area yelling orders to hold up the gates as he nodded at the few who knew about his evacuation plan. Those he nodded to were the people who would help facilitate and control the crowd. "Lead them to the hidden tunnel by the monastery. The mountain should open up on the other side," He stated looking around at the people screaming, "Keep your voice down. Go now!" From the looks of things even inside the wooden gates, the rebel leader knew that they wouldn't be able to stay within their camp grounds. Especially not after all the shades knew where they lived. It was best to evacuate as soon as possible.

Taking off into a sprint again, Baxter ran around looking for his son or any of the royals. Both were vitally important to him, but fate would decide who he would attend to first. It all depended on who he saw first. That was when Baxter's gaze promptly landed on Cale who was handling a seemingly heavy weapon by the tent. "James, my son!" He yelled off to the side ordering one of his closest men to take the boy to safety . . wherever he was now. Yes, it pained him that he couldn't just take his son and run off. However, Baxter was a leader and the lives of the royals as well as the rest of the community were basically in his hands.

"Swell, hand it here," He ordered arriving by the inventor.

Ms. Sparrow Bakuyoshi explosiveKitten SandraDeelightful Blackrose7 Inheritance

 

[Bakuyoshi]

"Baxter no offense but you are not firing this thing on your own. If what my calculations on the kickback are true you are likely to break something from the recoil alone. Just give me a place to prop this thing and let me do whatever to soften the recoil! For now just find a place to put this. We need a foothold to keep them at bay! Also please tell me we have a good plan to get people evacuated and a secure escape route!" Cale was struggling to keep his invention off the ground. Angelo's sword was light in comparison to this thing and Cale was surprised he was making any progress on his own, Angelo's work out plan did work some at least.

"Also hate to ask this but where in the hell are the others? Are me and Angelo the only ones that realized that this whole escape plan is a good idea!?"

Xanto

 

[explosiveKitten]

“Cale, I was injured two moons ago! And even then it was almost fully healed!” She protested, looking at him with a dumbfounded expression as Baxter showed up andstarting talking to Cale about his little invention. Angie just stood back and watched as Baxter tried to take the machine from Cale, only for the scrawnier man to refuse, saying something about recoil, and kickback and... techey jargon.

Angie stood there for a moment more before promptly taking the machine from Cale’s string bean arms and hauled it up onto the edge of the fence. It was surprisingly heavy, but not something a heavy lifter like Angie couldn’t handle.

Once there, she wiggled it around to make sure it was secure then turned to Cale with a very pointed expression on her face, telling him “Why didn’t you ask sooner?” with her face. She then stepped away and gestured at it, inviting him to approach.

“... I’m gonna go get Trillium.” She said rather plainly, looking back and forth between Cale and Baxter, then turned to leave and muttered in Baxter’s ear, “I’ll look for Clyde along the way... I’m trusting you to look after my charge here, Baxter.” With that she rushed off, towards the stables, praying that the animals wouldn’t be too spooked by all the commotion.

Bakuyoshi Xanto

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

“Aurelie! Aurelie!” Azalea’s screams were practically muted by the sounds of orders and screams, battle cries and arrows teaming, and the sound bang of the gates as the Shades threatened to rip them apart. Azalea still ran for her tent, needing her weapons and other gear. Aurelie was slow in her progress for fighting, and even then, this battle itself, it was almost too much for her to take in.

She knew Aria could handle herself, but it didn’t ease her panic for her cousin, or stop her from searching the many faces that pushed and ran past her with determind and panic-stricken faces.

Azalea nearly dove for her tent as it came into view, she slung her bow around her torso, along with her makeshift quiver before reaching quickly for the fine leather backpack she traveled with, needing the safety of her necklace.

She’d hardly had time to reach to the sudden searing pain in the old scars of her cheek as someone reached into the tent behind her and pulled her braid, yanking her out of her tent, Azalea cried out in suprise and anger, kicking her legs up and trying to elbow hoer attackers as she was pulled out of the tent.

Azalea landed a blow against what felt like her attackers leg, her elbow smacking into bone, lessening the attackers grip enough to grab one of her daggers and bring it behind her head, cutting her lengthy braid off. She felt the weight of her head lesson, dark red hair flying free.

She didn’t have time to mourn the loss of her once waist-length red hair that now fell just beneath her chin however, rolling away from her attack to try and get on equal footing with her unknown opponent.

She’d barely gotten on her feet when a fist came from her right side, narrowly missing her jaw as she stepped away, spinning in place before she lunged for her opponent, dagger soaring for whomever attacked her, before her wrist was caught with unnatural speed, the feel of silk gloves making her snarl as she tried to yank her grip away from Soris. His grip tightened on her wrist.

“Ah, my lady has learned new moves,” Soris said in his smooth, chocolate manner, his black eyes glittering with something dark and lethal.

Azalea’s free arm moved to the dagger at her side quickly but Soris had seen it coming.

Pain erupted from the wrist Soris grasped, a white-hot searing pain shooting through her arm and spreading to her torso all the way to her legs. Azalea cried out, feeling as if she was burning alive inside and out, sinking to her knees in the near paralyzing pain.

She could barely hear Soris’s voice as black dots began to appear in her vision, her body thrashing in pain she’d wished to forget. She heard glimpses of Soris’s voice breaking in through her own barely audible cries throughout the chaos

“Grab the bag...” Soris commanded harshly, his tone was ice.

Black spots clouded her vision, as a large shadow moved in front of her, slowly picking up the leather bag before it seemed to disappear with it, everything else was a blur through the agonizing burning pain that had seized her, when suddenly it stopped, Soris releasing his grip and she crumpled to the ground, panting and sweating, her cheek lay against cool soil. She heard rather then saw him kneel behind her, but her body ached in pain, feeling bloodless as she lay there and felt his hand brush her red waves behind her ear, slowly, soothingly before his thumb drew across her cheek, the feel of soft silk against her skin caused her stomach to roil in disgust, but hadn’t the energy to stop him.

She heard him stand, but not leave, though she could feel the weight of his presence had disappeared. The searing, itching pain in her cheeks seized as well.

Azalea forced her aching body to sit up, her body erupting in pain and protesting the movement, thankfully the soldiers far too occupied to witness what had occurred in the outskirts of the chaotic encampment.

He had taken the necklace...her one thing left of home. And her one safety against him. And it was gone.

Clenching her teeth through the pain, Azalea picked her daggers up off the ground and stood on shaky legs, her movement slow as she walked as briskly as she could for the gates.

She’d be damned if she didn’t take down as many Shades as she could. She’d shoot every one of them if she had to.

She sheathed her daggers and drew her bow instead as she forced herself up the stairs to the wall the archers were positioned upon. Azalea took her place upon the barricades, as she did so she noticed a woman, of all things charging for the gates, a number of Shades in tow.

But not entirely human she realized. Something stronger, like Soris perhaps? The thought was enough to make her pale slightly. She aimed her bow for the swarming group and cried out, her voice surprisingly strong and clear through the chaos, “Archers! Aim for the bloody woman!”

More men ran for the gates below her, desperate to keep the Shades out of the encampment for as long as they could, preparing for the impact of Aversa’s quick moving group.

Many of the archers she’d trained personally, and most of not all listened as they aimed for the most pressing issue—the safety of the gate—and fired upon Aversa and her swarm of rushing Shades, a hailstorm of arrows raining for the group.

She didn’t want to give Soris this victory. But they had little choice. But Azalea would sure as hell make them fight for it, wanting to wound Soris in whatever way he could. Her arms shook with pain as she botched another anger, her face twisting in pain at the sharp ache in her arms but she fired again. And again, her arrows never missing her targets. And despite her pain, despite the way her legs began to tremble and her arms quivered, Azalea was a deadly marksman as she fired for Shade after Shade.

She prayed Aurelie had found refuge with someone, and her friends had made it to some form of safety, or had some plan at least by now, to escape.

She would look for them soon, she told herself as her arm shook evidently with the force of notching another arrow, if they didn’t want to kill her themselves. If they all made it through this.

The thought propelled her with enough strength to notch another arrow. They would make it through this.





Some of that inspirational music to set the scene lol:

Mentions; Aurelie — SandraDeelightful ​

 

[Bakuyoshi]

Aversa took full advantage of the many shades around her. Some were already shot but she made a quick decision. "Main group, hit the walls! Full force and no flinching even if shot. The rest of you focus on that damned gate." As she dodged her gaze landed on Azalea. "I got a princess to horrify!" With this the mass amount of shades split off in different directions. A small force still focused on the gates. But a lot of the main force began to attack the walls, slowly starting to surge upward as the shades began to pile up. And Aversa herself had fallen back waiting for one of the piles to get high enough.

And all it took was a weak point in the archers that one pile got higher then Aversa anticipated. To the point that any longer and she swore the shades could've overflowed into the camp. "Well they aren't morons after all." Aversa muttered as she charged at the pile and began to make her ascent to the top of the wall. A shield held up to defend herself and a watchful eye at the ready she clamored up the pile, slowing down for nothing as she reached the top with a dagger ready and jumping at the unfortunate Archer. "Kill number 1!"

 

[Xanto]

Baxter Callahan​

Baxter furrowed his brows once Cale began assuming that he wanted to shoot the thin canon by himself. In his eyes, Baxter was just lending a hand to assist with getting the invention to work. Regardless, now wasn't the time to get caught up in minor misunderstandings. The rebel leader merely nodded at Cale knowing that the engineer knew best how to use the armor cracker. They honestly needed it even without testing.

While Cale asked hopefully about an escape route, the people around them could be seen heading toward the mountain behind the monastery. "Every logical leader has a tactical escape plan ready," Baxter mentioned moving his blue eyes from the weapon to Cale, "The people are being led to the hidden tunnel by the monastery. The mountain opens up on the other side."

Then in the blink of an eye, Angie took the weapon both guys were conversing over and carried it onto the fence herself. Strong woman. At least she didn't bother to give monologues before acting out. Cale often had lengthy expressions before getting to the point. Now, explanations weren't bad but if Angie's action had been replaced with a Shade's attack, then the prince would have been knocked to the ground.

Bax studied Angie's expression when she asked why Cale hadn't requested that in the first place. That's how it is done. He thought to himself realizing that Cale still didn't know the truth about his partner. Then again, would he ever?

As Angie passed by, she muttered in Baxter's ear that she'd look for Clyde and that he was trusted with Cale. The leader was partially thankful, but when did people start telling him what to do . . . especially during a massive rebellion movement? He had everything already under control! Aside from the fact that the Shades would burst in any minute. His confident gaze shifted around the area watching merely a fourth of the community still running on the grounds. Fortunately, his people were quick on their feet to go through the underground tunnel escape route.

"Lock and load. Don't get too used to fighting. We need you in the tunnels soon," Baxter made his way to the armor cracker instructing Cale without looking over his shoulder.

explosiveKitten Bakuyoshi

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

It dawned on her what the Shades were planning, or rather the woman who seemed to be commanding them. The Shades seemed to rush the wall, clambering and stacking on top of each other, piling high to get over the wall. Meanwhile the gate doors below her nearly threw open as more Shades calmbored to throw open the gates, the soldiers below struggling to keep the gates closed with all their might.

The archers didn’t need her to yell out at what group of Shades to shoot, already honed in on the piling group. But it wasn’t enough, no matter how many Shades she, or the rest of the archerers fell, it only made a dent compared to how many there were.

Azalea glanced across the battlefield, through the many trees that aided in shielding the shades against their arrows, and spotted the woman, who sprinted for the piling group of Shades.

She notched an arrow, beads of sweat forming on her brow, the ache and pain in her body worsening the more she strained it, screaming in protest at any movement.

The woman climbed up the pile before leaping for an archer, who stumbled and cried out as the woman attacked him, Azalea released her arrow, aiming straight for the woman as it flew through the air, another archer on the opposite side of Aversa also fired for her.

Azalea moved notch another arrow before an ear splitting crack split the air, the barricades she stood on shook as the gates beneath her opened, and the mass of Shades stormed in like a black wave.

Azalea sheathed her bow and deep her daggers before she leapt for the barricades and unto one of the Shades that floated in at the front of the hoarse, joining the soldiers that clashed blades against the foe that killed them so easily.

Azalea cried out in pain as her body came into full impact with the Shade she landed on, wrapping her legs around its ethereal form. Her daggers sank into the back of the Shade, able to see her daggers in its black, transparent from, which let out an inhuman shriek when her blades made contact. It was freezing, simply touching the thing felt like touching ice.

Of course, it wasn’t so easy to kill it. The Shade attempted to shift, but too slow as Azalea pulled one of her daggers free of it’s and plunged it into it’s neck, no blood emitting as her dagger sank into it’s inky, transparent darkness once, then twice as it thrashed to remove her from it’s back before she plunged it into it’s neck a third time.

The Shade disappeared, and she found herself on her knees as the prince beneath her entirely disappeared, leaving a black, inky puddle beneath her, staining into her leather trousers.

Azalea found herself admist the swarm of Shades and soldiers, the sound of steel striking against the Shades own makeshift weapons they could choose to form from their own essence clanging and both human and Shade screams echoing into the camp.

But it was a slaughter, the overwhelming number of the much stronger and faster Shades overwhelming the soldiers. Azalea was stunned for a moment, watching with horror as she watched two Shades literally rip a man apart.

A black sword cut through gaping horror, and she dove out of the way of the Shades arm, which it had crafted into a blade. Azalea gasped at the pain, stumbling back slightly as it lunged for her, which she parried weakly as she blocked the strike and sliced for it’s large floating form.

Azalea clenched her teeth against the pain as her daggers clanged agaisnt the Shades sword.
Once she had taken care of the Shade, after earning a small, bleeding cut on her arm, Azalea sprinted for the stables, hoping to reach her horse, Wind-Cleaver before the Shades could. She’d had the horse all her life. She wouldn’t abandon the stubborn oaf.

She couldn’t fight, though she wanted too, so badly it hurt to run away from the group of soldiers that were fighting the Shades that were beginning to swarm the entire encampment. But the pain made her weak, even still her movement was slow, her vision slightly dizzy from the agony of moving. She knew if she fought again, she wouldn’t win it. Her only option was to find everyone else.

She could only hope the others were faring better.


Interaction: Aversa Bakuyoshi


Effects: Xanto SandraDeelightful Blackrose7 explosiveKitten ​

 

[Bakuyoshi]

"Nope!" Aversa shouted as she used the Archer she was attacking as a Human shield. Each arrow hitting him hard. "Look at this they have no care for you dear sir." She shouted as he shoved him to the ground and noticed the princess getting away. "Divert you morons. surround them!" As she fired the order she was quick to give chase to Azalea as she cut down an extra few enemies. "I don't get how my creator sees you as a threat! You know princess I was expecting a little more ressistance! My master went on and on of how I should not underestimate you yet here you are leaving your friends to die. If this is the best that your rebellion can do just lie down and accept the fact that we rule Sarenthall now. And nothing you can do will get it out of our clutches. So please make it easy for all sides and surrender!" Aversa shouted at the top of her lungs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cale sighed when he heard some shouting. He was trying to stay calm but the fear of hitting a an Ally. His hand was on the trigger as he looked forward. Ready to see a swarm of shades come over with his friends running from them. "Think clearly here me. You have to shoot, then run, shoot then run. Simple as that nothing more, nothing less." He desperately tried to slow his breathing so he could aim more accurately. A shaking body and hand would not help if he needed to make a shot to miss the others. "Remember at least to remember the results of this when you are running for your life."

Interactions: Azalea ( Ms. Sparrow )

explosiveKitten Blackrose7 SandraDeelightful Xanto

 

[explosiveKitten]

Getting the horse to calm down enough to slip into the saddle was hard enough. Now all Angie had to do was run back, grab the bare essentials from her tent along with the tent, pack it up, grab Cale and hightail their collective booties our of there.

But it’s never that easy, is it? Halfway through packing up the tent, she froze, eyes wide. She could have sworn she heard... a branch snap... somewhere around here...

Slowly, she stood up straight began to scan the area, her head on a swivel as she glanced around. She was definitely hearing something, but where was it? It seemed to be coming from all around. Carefully, she pulled her sword out of its sheath and held it in her hand, ready to attac... but then, suddenly it stopped. All she heard was her own panicked breathing.

Suddenly, bursting from the nearby bushes, a shade in the inky form of a huge black dog appeared, running and tackling her from behind. She turned her head just in time to see its shiny obsidian teeth punch right through her armor like it was paper, and sink deep into her right shoulder.

A pained shriek erupted from her as she was thrown to the ground, her sword flying from her hand. Her shoulder was being wrenched around by the shade, who was growling in an unholy display of aggression. She tried desperately to pry it’s chilled jaws out of her flesh and armor, but to no avail.

The demonic thing began to drag her across the ground on her belly, shaking its head like she was an old rag that a dog would play with, and she reached around for something, anything with her free arm.
Eventually, she found a rock on the ground, grasped it, and smashed the shade in the head with it. This caused it to release her and hiss, giving her the opportunity to get up. She stepped back and took the opportunity while the dreaded thing was still recoiling to pelt it with the same rock and run back for her sword. The shade took the rock to the snout and shrieked an ungodly sound before rushing after her.

She just barely to dive for the sword, ending up on her back with the sword pointed towards the shade, just in time for the shade to jump and impale itself on the blade.

Now this didn’t kill it by any means. It was still snapping and growling at her face, but she slowly managed to stand and toss the dreaded thing off her blade. Throwing it back to the ground, she grunted with effort as she hefted the blade and pinned it to the ground, cutting its “belly” open and watched it flail for a moment before it melted into black ooze and evaporate all together.

She took a moment to catch her breath, looking at where it previously been, before retrieving her sword from the ground with her left hand. Why did it have to be the right shoulder? The right was her sword arm.

Wasting no time, she stashed her sword in its sheath and rushed over to Trillium, who had been previously tied to the tree and thoroughly panicking during the attack. Angie quickly calmed the horse just enough to untie her, climb into the saddle, and take off for the wall. While she rode off, she adjusted the cape she had attached to the armor over her shoulder, to hide the injury from whomever may be looking.

“CALE!” Angie shouted up at the wall as she brought Trillium to a halt by the wall, “Forget the goddamn machine, and get down here! LETS GO! NOW!” She masked her pain with anger, her face twisted up and pissed off that Cale was still up on that GODDAMN WALL, GET DOWN FROM THERE YOU IDIOT!

Bakuyoshi

A pale young man ran in a panic around the camp, trying to find some way to help people, but to no avail. Seems his reputation as being a klutz preceeded him, because nobody wanted his help.

While he was scuttling around trying to do something, he heard the telltale sounds of approaching shades. He glanced around frantically and his eyes came across a child, one he immediately recognized as Clyde, the son of the leader. Baxter’s kid.

The pale young man’s eyes widened as he exclaimed, “Clyde!” He rushed over to the young boy and hauled him up into his arms, barely taking a moment to exclaim, “The shades are coming we have to go, now!” Before he took off with the kid in his arms.

Xanto

 

[Xanto]

Baxter Callahan​

Baxter immediately looked below the gates once the Shades began swarming in. His gaze quickly turned to Cale who was still mumbling confidence to himself. "Monologue for another day, Cale!" The rebel leader exclaimed unsheathing his sword just in time to block a Shade's attack toward the prince. "Better yet, take the weapon and run!" Baxter ordered both pushing Cale's head down and stepping past him at an angle just so they both dodged an attack.

The Shade attempted to strike a right blow, but Baxter executed an experienced counter attack sending a blow simultaneously angled against that of the Shade's. With that parry, the leader blocked the hit before quickly pushing his blade forward into the Shade's head.

"Your day will come!" Baxter announced shoving Cale with his leg as he blocked a high swipe, "Do it for your people!" There was no doubt that the newly outed prince felt some sort of pride, but now wasn't the time to bring Cale's thoughts out of his shell. These words of encouragement would probably tame Cale's eagerness though. With that, Bax parried another swipe from the same Shade before disarming it and stabbing it through the chest. Just as he did so, he heard a familiar voice yell out the prince's name. It pained him that his blue eyes shifted down to Angie without his son.

Baxter's eyes widened in actual terror at the lack of his son's presence before he immediately grabbed the armor cracker off the wall and swung it with all its momentum toward another Shade making the creature fly off the gate. Though he had high faith in Raymond finding his son, he knew that he was dangerously depriving his own duty as a father. Thud. Baxter threw the weapon down jumping after it and bringing it to Angie. "Behind the monastery," He quietly mentioned handing it to her before swiftly turning around and feeling a couple tough punches across his face. "Grr," The man growled kicking the iron-fisted Shade away from Angie and Cale prior to engaging in a sword to iron-gloved fight. Fortunately, a few of his soldiers shortly took his battle after noting Clyde's absence. All Bax had to now was look for his son. Hopefully his brother somewhat had Clyde under his care.

It would make sense since I haven't seen him either! Baxter thought to himself narrowly ducking out of a blade's way. Then, as if the Gods had heard his silent prayer, Baxter miraculously caught sight of Alex carrying his son.

Bakuyoshi explosiveKitten

Clyde Callahan​

Clyde was busy hopping in and out of tents through their magical closet doors. You know, the doors Ray set up for pranks and games? It turned out though that playing hide and seek was perfect practice for dangerous moments like these. The boy would switch into different passageways waiting for the right time to jump out just after he heard some sort of shriek be it human or Shade.

A few moments ago, his uncle recommended playing hide and seek while he got a few things together. Ray would be back as soon as possible, but if Clyde could get someone to accompany him to the monastery sooner then that would be ideal.

Just as Clyde jumped out of his neighbor's tent, Alex ran up to him swiping him off the ground and into a sprint. OUT OF ALL PEOPLE. "Alex!" The boy yelled partially thankful yet partially annoyed, " . . You're going the wrong way!" His voice temporarily lowered when he told Alex about the secret tunnels behind the monastery that led to an opening beyond the mountain.

However, before he could finish his words, Clyde's green eyes widened as a Shade started running up to him from behind Alex. At this, his left hand rapidly covered the light-haired guy's mouth knowing that he would clumsily question where exactly the secret tunnels were, thus giving away the safe location.

"Shade!" Clyde exclaimed beating his right hand against Alex's thin back, "SHADE!" It didn't help that the kid could feel his mode of transportation's weight shift back a bit probably since he was starting to get a little heavy.

Shing. A sword shone in front of Clyde's face slicing off the Shade's ugly mask before splicing the creature horizontally in half. The boy's green innocent eyes watched as the Shade dissolved then looked to his hero, "Father!"

explosiveKitten

Zedhryx​

The western Shade lord didn't exactly poof back to Aubigine. He really just transferred outside the castle walls in time to see Aversa climbing up a pile of shades. Meh. Zedhryx thought to himself simply walking behind the Shades who were pushing at the door, "Here's an idea, try pushing on opposite ends." With that, the gates finally bursted open allowing the restless lower Shades to pour into the territory he was just in.

Why not? He thought to himself wanting to see the drama that ensued within the walls after all. Once the Shade Lord walked in, his brown gaze gravitated toward the most familiar voice he knew. "Shut up, Aversa!" He closed his eyes waiting for her lungs to run out of polluted air. If everything was easy then there would be no drama. What was the use of living aside from serving their creator and experiencing their form of life through dramatic suffering?

Step. Clink. Zedhryx annoyingly turned his head eyeing the wide-eyed soldier who was still exerting force onto the sword against his quickly summoned Shade weapon. "You seriously think, that I didn't notice you?" The western Shade pushed with strong steps forcing the soldier to step back and trip over a fallen log. "Could have done better," He plainly stated pressing his sword effortlessly into the human's chest cavity. "Hm," His dead eyes focused on his target still slightly moving from the impact. "Not comfortable yet?" Zedhryx twisted his sword a couple times giving another two deep stabs, in the head and the gut.

There was great satisfaction in feeling the blade pop through a human's bones and slide through its muscles. The blood was just there for aesthetic.

Bakuyoshi explosiveKitten

Raymond Callahan​

Swift? The blacksmith thought to himself watching one of his old friends curiously wander into the dining hall tent. It wasn't too long ago when they kept running into each other on various occasions in different locations.

Regardless of whether Ray knew the man or not though, the sneaky guy was aware of where the situation was headed. With no time to waste he smoothly stepped at an angle by his good friend Swift and casually pickpocketed him before leaving by chance with a few small hooks.

Exiting the tent was no problem especially since the weird man holding Azalea hostage was busy putting on a show. That was just it though. Ray knew what was up. If a suspicious murderer was calmly putting on a show, then that simply meant that they were making moves around the perimeter. No, Ray wasn't a suspicious murderer. He was however a magician aware of any distractive tricks that could be applied through darker methodologies.

Clyde and armor. He noted sprinting toward his tent not really knowing for sure what was going on. After seeing hints of unbelievable magic and realtime deaths though, it was better to get a head start. Once he arrived, the man quickly wore his armor nodding at his curious nephew. "You remember the game we played, right?" Raymond looked over his shoulder adjusting his sleeve at Clyde's silence.

It didn't take two cents to know that the kid was scared out of his mind by the sudden preparations. With a brief sigh, the concerned uncle turned and bent down to Clyde's level, "Hey, you're even better than a magician." It was true. Clyde was the master of hide and seek. Even if Ray let the kid win a few times, he had to admit that his nephew was working up to be more stealthy than his father. A shy, young smile cracked the worried child's face, "Let's go!" On that note, the street magician slung his nephew around his back smiling a bit when Clyde pushed the hood down over his face.

"You know what to do," Raymond mentioned putting his nephew down outside the General's tent. All he needed was a few minutes to get some things together. Little did he know how fast those few minutes would fly by though.

Ray patiently waited for Clyde to turn around and start walking behind the tree until a soldier yelled from a distance about Shades. The boy's eyes widened with fear after taking a couple of steps and looked back, "Will-." . . . Ray disappeared.

C'mon there's gotta be something around here. Endless thoughts were running through the innovative man's mind trying to come up with some kind of idea. He wasn't looking for another sword or gauntlet, but something more. It didn't help that he could hear the Shades pounding against the gates.

The camp was still not ready to take on a full army of Shades especially at the rate they were getting attacked at. In other words, everyone needed just enough time to escape into the tunnels . . . but how could he stretch that resource?

Got it! Ray's eyes suddenly widened as he ran to one of the sheds by the training ground and flung its doors open. He threw a bunch of party supplies out, but paused once he came across a pile of thick tubes. . . Fireworks.

Baxter said something about having a useless load of party supplies. Fortunately, Raymond didn't fail to adventure during his own time and find the fireworks himself. At this point his body naturally sprinted back to his blacksmith corner grabbing some chains before wrapping them around barrage fire candles. It didn't take long for him to pull out the hooks to fasten the holding.

AHHHH! A number of yells could be heard while Ray quickly flung one of his concoctions around him. Did he have any idea if his four barrage fire candle contraption would work? No. BUT the blacksmith could at least try.

Bam! His head swiftly turned noting that the Shades were now flooding in. So . . he just had to shoo the creatures away. With about a good eight minutes on hand, there was probably a 75% chance that all went well. That of course meant that as many as possible people in the community got to safety and the Shades left the area.

Ray rushed from his blacksmith pit slinging his primary contraption across his chest. His hand roughly pulled out his chain whip before instinctively throwing it around a Shade's neck and pulling so that it popped off. He wasn't finished yet. Raymond withdrew his hidden blade running it down the temporarily knocked out Shade's body. It took that second hit for it to actually start dissolving. As soon as that happened, he sprinted toward the more central part of the base taking note of the civilians still above the ground struggling to take cover.

Here we go. Raymond smoothly swung his first model into his arms and lit the firework against the roughened part of his gauntlet in one motion.

At first nothing happened, but then-

"LET'S GO!" Raymond announced once the fireworks began shooting from his first makeshift firework hand cannon. He aimed at whatever Shade he could knowing that the effects could only last so long. True, he did have a second canon. But if that also ran out of juice, his mind was fixed on a last resort.

explosiveKitten Bakuyoshi Ms. Sparrow Blackrose7 SandraDeelightful Inheritance

​

 

[explosiveKitten]

“But-!” Cale looked at Baxter as the man began to shout encouragement (or was is discouragement?) at him, fending off Shade attacks. Angelo was shouting from down below.
“CALE! GODS DAMNIT, GET DOWN HERE!”
“But I can still-!”

Before Cale could argue, Baxter Pickens up the Armorcracker and tossed it off the wall towards Angelo. First Cale squeaked and looked at Baxter all sorts of bewildered because oH MY GODS you not just toss the Armorcracker on the ground! The inner mechanisms are delicate! And the next thing that crossed his mind was, OH GODS THE SHADES ARE STILL ATTACKING.

Before he even knew what was happening, he wasn’t led off the wall by Baxter and down to Angelo’s horse. He practically shoved onto the horse, with the Armorcracker in place, the pair started a full force gallop in the direction Baxter gave Angelo.

Angie just COULD NOT believe this guy.
Maybe she was just projecting pain into anger, but GODDAMN she was PISSED.

Cale is such an idiot that he doesn’t even listen to his BODYGUARD, who was HIRED YO KEEP HIM SAFE. When she says it’s time to go, ITS TIME TO GO. NOW.
But noooo! He thinks he’s got something to prove! So he’s still trying to use that STUPID machine for whatever it’s suppose to do? What was it supposed to do? Who knows! She certainly doesn’t! NNNAAARRRG! ANGER AND AGGRESSION.

She focused her eyes forward, feeling one of Cale’s arms snake around her while the other clung to his precious machine. She was about to snap at him about it, (“FORGET THE MACHINE, US BOTH YOUR ARMS, IDIOT!”) When a Shade skidded in front of Trillium, giving a gurgling roar. The mare reared and screamed, surprising both of the riders, and due to Cale’s weaker grip, the prince fell right off the back of the horse with a squeal.

Almost immediately, the shades took notice of the downed Royal and began to circle him, only for Angie to charge with Trillium, her sword in hand. She slashed her way through them to Cale, before using her left arm to grab the guy by the shirt, haul him back into the saddle and take off again, leaving the Armorcracker behind.

“The Armorcracker! We can’t just-“
“OHHHH MY GODS, Cale! You can make another one!”
“I-“
“BUT you know what we can’t make another of?” She looked over her shoulder at him. “We can’t make another Cale and Angie! So SHUT UP AND HOLD ON!”
“... Angie?”

The young woman dressed as a man froze briefly, eyes wide as she looked at Cale. How could she slip up like that? Recovery time!

“It’s a- It’s a stupid nickname from when I was a kid- SHUT UP AND HOLD ON!” She squeezed Trillium’s ribs and sent the horse off.

~~~~~

“Wait what?”

Alex looked incredibly confused as Clyde started to tell him he was going the wrong way, and was about to question Clyde when the child clapped a hand over his mouth and shouting about a shade.

Alex was completely prepared to curl in around Clyde to protect the kid with his own thin frame, but Baxter intervened before Alex could make that move. And hooo buddy was he glad for that.

Alex honestly has no idea what to do in this situation, so he figured it was best to just follow the leader, quite literally.

Xanto

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

She was fire.

Or body felt like fire.

Or her body felt like she she was on fire.

Every movement became sharper, thr stabbing pain throughout her body amplifying to the point she would welcome if her knees gave way, if only to stop moving for a moment.

Azalea heaved for breath, legs pumping behind her as she nearly slammed into Wind-Cleaver, who thrashed in his rope frantically at the stables, kicking this way and that to get away from the camps chaos. Sweat beaded on her brow as she tried to calm the horse.

Perhaps realizing her intentions, it was a short manner of time until Wind-Cleaver could be mounted again.

As Azalea moved to jump on Wind-Cleaver’s back, a woman’s yelling somehow managed to break through some of the chaos, coming from behind her, Azalea glanced back for only a moment as she saw Aversa running for her, killing soldiers and civilians as she did, as if they were nothing.

Azalea swung herself upon her horse, who urged forward immediately, though she was unable to block out Aversa’s shouts of threats.

“Oh I’ll give you ressistance,” Azalea growled to herself, determination shining in her eyes, along with pain as swum herself around on Wind-Cleaver’s back, so she now rode backwards and faced a pursuing Aversa.

She drew her bow as Aversa kept spouting her vile words, digging the urge to leap off her horse and tackle Aversa, just to punch her claims of victory right from her mouth.

She wouldn’t give her the satisfaction, whoever this being was. Azalea forced herself to feign cockiness, “I’m sorry!” She yelled through the chaos, notching an arrow, “I couldn’t hear you over YOUR RAGING INSANITY!” Azalea yelled, as if indeed she thought Aversa was lucid, before letting her arrow fly for Aversa yet again, her arms quivering in pain.

Her eyes flew to a figure a distance away, barely seeable through the mass of sprawling soldiers, and yet, something about the way he walked with ease drew her attention, his mouth moving in a slow fashion as he backed a soldier into the ground—literally, before stabbing him with a sword, twisting it into him. Azalea let out a string of curses, recognizing it as the other being Soris had summoned in the dining tent. There were two.

Well that was just great, she thought as she turned herself back around on her horses back so she faced the right way, just another thing they’d have to add on to the pile of “Impossible Issues to Deal With.”

Azalea’s glanced behind her to see if Aversa still followed before the sky lit up.

Or the encampment really.

Fireworks of all different colors blasted at the Shades, who reared back and let out inhuman shrieks, shrinking away from the bright light and heat of the fireworks. Azalea glanced for the source and nearly fell off her horse in relief.

Raymond stood, blasting away the darkness, giving them a light that would only last a moment when it diminished entirely, but enough to get many others to safety. The shrieking shades flooded the encampment, trying to shrink away to the corners to get away from the fireworks, momentarily forgetting their goal of killing everything in sight.

Wind-Cleaver reared back on his hind legs at the commotion, nearly throwing her off in the process, barely grabbing gently but firmly unto the base of his neck.

Azalea turned Wind-Cleaver into the direction of Raymond and galloped forward, before skidding to a halt as it nearly collided with Angelo’s horse, headed by Angelo and Cale, Azalea could only glance back at them, more relief flooding through her that they were alive, though Azalea’s features shone with sickness and an alarmed, determind expression, slightly contorted with fear.

Azalea skidded to a halt next to a firework shooting Raymond, blasting out so much noise it gave her a headache. “We need to leave!” She yelled at him over the noise of the shrieking Shades, her pale face beaded with sweat.

Indeed, with the Shades trying to scatter away from the fireworks, people were fleeing for wherever they’re escape was, some set of tunnels no doubt, even soldiers took the opportune task to guide any refugees to safety and themselves at the time Raymond.

It was when it stopped that worried her.

She didn’t want to find out how angry a Shade could get. Or those that commanded them.



explosiveKitten Xanto​

 

[Blackrose7]

Everybody in Demonic Velvet was beating the ever living crap out of the shades once they have entered the camp. “We need to leave now, Annabel.” said Jerry.
Annabel was enjoying this, for she wanted to beat them up for killing her parents and most of her members from Demonic Velvet. “I know. But we need an opening, because there is too many of them.” said Annabel.
As Jerry and Sam are shooting the fire arrows, and Annabel, Daisy, and Thomas were killing the shades with their swords and torches. They saw their opening when Raymond fired the fireworks at the shades. “Demonic Velvet, let's get out of here!” said Annabel.
They ran towards the monastery, because everybody seems to be heading there. “I hope the others are alright.” said Annabel, who didn't want them to die.
“I am pretty sure that they will be alright.” said Daisy.

 

[Xanto]

Clyde Callahan and Baxter Callahan​

Pop! Pow! "Look!" Clyde yelled pointing to his uncle's fireworks display. To him, it was quite the show to see something so random effectively take out weird Shades. For a split second, the boy snapped his fingers with satisfaction watching more than a handful of Shades get terminated after coming into contact with Raymond's weapon fire.

In no time Baxter briefly looked over his shoulder at the firework hand cannon his younger brother managed to cleverly put together. So that's what he was up to. The man thought to himself before quickly taking Clyde from Alex to lighten the thin guy's load. There was time to wonder later. Now they just all had to take advantage of the extra time Raymond provided them with. Was Bax impressed at the last minute weapon? Yes. What about the fact that it came from Raymond? No. Ever since they were younger, Baxter knew his brother had a knack for uniquely finding his way out of problems. This just so happened to be the greatest one yet even if the stakes were a lot higher than usual.

"This way," The rebel leader mumbled in a hushed tone roughly grabbing Alex's shoulder and guiding him in the direction as they ran, "Save the questions for later." Don't get him wrong. Baxter was polite, but the current circumstances just didn't call for manners. He wouldn't forget to thank Alex for helping his son though.

As they passed by the monastery, Baxter caught the Demonic Velvet gang at the side of his eye. "Be on stand by around the monastery's entrance!" If the Shades had the slightest chance of finding the tunnels entrance from afar during Raymond's attack, the gang would be able to hold them off for a little and still have enough distance to save themselves. "We are going through the tunnels," Baxter's glance landed on his brother from the distance. You better . . The older Callahan knew what Ray was up to next and he didn't approve of it; however, at this rate they had no other choice. "Follow in on Raymond's command," He added before running into the tunnels with his son trying to make his way to the front to lead the crowd. It shouldn't take too long since the fireworks would last less than ten minutes.

The chances were unsettling. The fact that Bax knew Raymond may or may not be the last one in . . . then again, his brother wasn't a stranger to playing with fire.

explosiveKitten Blackrose7

Raymond Callahan​

Pap! Pop! Raymond tilted his makeshift firework hand cannon around as the Shades that came in direct contact with the fireworks burned away. There were still a few civilians running around, so he had to skillfully maneuver around them as they passed by. Okay progress. For now, some Shades at that point seemed like they were even trying to flee.

Almost out. It was too bad that the reality was that the effects would only last for a few minutes. Ray could already feel the juice running out of his first cannon. His gaze shifted around the area as he looked over his shoulder to check for exposed civilians. A good eighth remained, most being soldiers.

That was until Azalea arrived. At this, Raymond's hazel gaze immediately shot up at the princess still on the battlefield. She didn't look too well, which was expected of anyone still out fighting at this time. The guy was almost disappointed that Azalea wasn't one of the first people safely tucked into the tunnel. Now, he knew very well that the archery instructor could manage herself. But royalty was royalty and safety was safety. His face didn't show disappointment at all though, just determination as his eyes focused back on the targets.

"Right!" He yelled back at Azalea with his glance turning up to her again. In his peripheral vision, Ray saw that roughly about a ninth of the civilians now remained. At this rate, he would be the last one in especially with the fireworks weapons. Not to mention the chances of him surviving if he ran by foot would be little to none. There was a way for him to decrease that risk though.

"Pardon me, princess," He added smoothly hoisting himself up right behind her on the horse. His arm wrapped around her waist while his torso twisted off to the side so the opposite arm could use up the last of his first load.

Out! Raymond momentarily turned forward once the first cannon ran out and began prepping for his second one. "There are tunnels right behind the monastery," He mentioned in a low voice by Azalea's ear while still holding onto her and the second cannon without firing it up.

That was when he noticed something though. Her hair was shorter.

The guy mentally shrugged the topic away holding it off for a better time. Something in him then wanted to raise a few questions in regards to Cale, Aurelie, and Aria whereabouts, but decided against it. Anyway, he had one royal to look out for right now. Or so that he thought . .

Then his vision turned off to the side catching the Demonic Velvet at a distance almost waiting for a command, "Give 'em some shots then go!"

Ms. Sparrow Blackrose7

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Princess Aurelie Beauchamp of Aubigine


​

Aurelie didn't know what to do. She felt like she would pass out from fear. She stayed hidden, too afraid to move, too afraid to do anything. She felt any sort of progress in her timidness and her shyness, no matter how minimal that might have been, was gone. She not only shrunk back into her shell, but she shrunk further into it that she had been before. She almost thought that she heard her name being called. But she couldn't move. She hadn't felt so much fear when the Shades attacked her palace. At least then, she had been in the hamlet of her extravagant garden. She had been far away from any sort of action. Now she was so close and it terrified her to no end. What could she do? Her fight or flight instinct told her flight. She wanted to be small and hidden and far away. Every noise she heard made her yelp in fear, which only helped her to fear more. Screaming was a natural reaction for her, but she wanted to be small and silent. Hidden away. She seemed frozen after awhile, though. She was stiff as a board. She couldn't hear anything. She couldn't feel anything. Her eyes were wide open, but she wasn't looking at anything in particular, and her skin was far more pale than it usually was due to the fear.

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

Wind-Cleaver gave an exaggerated whinny as Raymond hopped unto the horse behind her, giving a stomp of his foot as Raymond used the last of the first cannon. Though she had expected it, Azalea still gave a start as Raymond’s hand wrapped around her waist for balance, pursing her lips silently in aggravation before mentally smacking herself to stop being such a baby.

Azalea only gave a nod as Raymond quietly directed her towards their escape, her pale features pinched in determination and thought. Azalea kicked her horse into gear, Wind-Cleaver galloped for the monastery, too eager to get away from the chaos.

Raymond called out to someone, and Azalea glanced to her right, catching sight of Annabel and her gang. Azalea let out a breath of relief, though her stomach twisted in panic. She hadn’t see Aria or Aurelie yet. Aria could take care of herself, but there were too many Shades. And Aurelie... Azalea pinched her lips together in an effort to keep her emotions in check, recalling Soris’s hungry gaze when it landed on Aurelie previously.


Of course, that was when she realized the first cannon had run out, and Raymond was preparing the second cannon.

The Shades previous inhumane screams went silent, and she felt they’re many eyes on them. The only sound I’m the encampment were the sounds of people fleeing and Wind-Cleaver galloping for the tunnels.

Right before they all screamed in unison, an inhuman shriek of rage that was so loud, Azalea cringed in pain, covering her ears to protect her from the sound, the shriek filling the whole encampment and likely beyond.

Wind-Cleaver reared back wildly, kicking and bucking uncontrollably at the sound, Azalea removed her hands from her ears and fought to cling on the her horse.

And when the scream ended, the Shades descended upon them. The Shades rushed for the horse, all too eager to take revenge.

Wind-Cleaver who was still rearing back, kicked into gear just as a black spear whizzed past where her head had been previously as they galloped for the monetary, even faster than before, but not fast enough, the Shades quickly gaining on the horse, Azalea glanced to her left only to see a spear hurtling for Raymond.

“Raymond!” Azalea screamed in warning, and urgency. They would need the second cannon if they wanted to get out alive.


Xanto SandraDeelightful Blackrose7
​

 

[Bakuyoshi]

Cale was horrified as one thing had led to the other. And Angelo had thrown the Armorcracker, and Cale could only watch as it was lost. All of his and Priscillas work was gone. And.... and he couldn't even speak. He wanted to throw up, he wanted to scream. Yet nothing could come out. He was silent as he was forced to leave and suddenly he just seemed to lose track of everything. All noise seemed to mute on him and even his own perception of everything was messed up. Leaving his vision nothing but unexplainable things. And everything was just gone.

explosiveKitten

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Well the issue is that those Ezerian bandits had armor. Crossbows may be good but not enough to Pierce right through armor. And forget that with most prototype fire arms. The deviation is too much to make them reliable." Cale tried to explain to an eager beneficiary of his and Priscillas. Some Noble that was shaken from a bandit raid in the western sector. He wanted more Crossbows but for the moment Cale and Priscilla had ran out of Crossbow materials due to a huge order from some group named Demonic Velvet.

Priscilla then spoke up with a devious smile on her face "I mean we could work on something that goes right through armor. But the issue is at the moment we have ran low on funds and materials. We are still waiting on a payment from that Ezerian vigilante group and are kinda in a pickle. Perhaps we could help if you throw just a little bit of money our way. Nothing too much just maybe a good... let's call it 100 silver pieces. It won't cover all of our work, but it will certainly be enough to give us an idea of what we need to work on. Think we with it we could build a demonstration of what we could make."

Cale was about to scold Priscilla when the Noble was the first to speak. "I would be willing to give you double! I am already in some deep water as we still have no idea how they got in. The king himself is demanding why he had to send his son and the elite skirmishers to even quell the threat. And the western sector is the laughing stock of Lorelthia. If you could do this I could get you to places that you never dreamed. You would be famous! Everyone would come to see you two. I could even arrange a meeting with the king to see if he would consider making you two Royal engineers!" The man looked down at his pocket watch "Oh dear I am sorry but I have to attend a meeting with the council in 50 minutes! Look Tomorrow I'll send a Courier with your money. Don't disappoint me!" The Noble quickly got up and shuffled his way out.

For the first time Cale looked to his friend who was stunned at what they both just heard. And for a few minutes it was just silence before Cale broke the silence. "By the five... We may have struck big! Royal engineers! Priscilla this is our big break you and me are so-"

Cale was interrupted when Priscilla shouted "So damned close to our dream! The other engineers can go it shove it now! We are the ones doing a big job and they'll be all feeling stupid when the people they pushed around so much get the position only a select few in all of Lorelthia get. We'll be living in the castle! Every day working on special plans given out by the king himself!

"Priscilla you are aware of how much work we will have to put in for this right? This is more then an opening for us to get out of this cycle. It's a test for us. What we may agree to make may break existing barriers in Lorelthian tech! And god knows the issues that may come from it. But when we do it we won't have anything to worry about! Everyone in the kingdom will know our names! I'm thinking of Armorbreaker! What do you think!?"

Priscilla just looked at Cale with an annoyed look "I say it be Armorcracker! It has a better ring to it then Armorbreaker. I mean say Armorcracker, oh god I just got goosebumps saying it. Just saying the name makes it sound like something to be feared. Plate armor be damned!"

Cale was going to try and retort but for once he was outgunned in this argument "Well fine Armorcracker it is. Now wish we could celebrate but uhhh. We still don't have any money." At this comment Priscilla and him finally callmed down.

"Yeah that Demonic velvet crew better be sending us a payment soon. But for the moment our promise might come true! And I can't wait for it to happen. And nothing will stop us eh Cale."

 

[Blackrose7]

Annabel and her gang did what Raymond said by firing a few fire arrows at the shades, so they wouldn’t get any closer to the escape route. ‘Take that, you stupid shades.’ thought Annabel.
Once they did that, Annabel noticed that Aurelie wasn’t near the monastery. “Um. Does anyone know where Aurelie is? Because I will look for her if nobody knows that.” said Annabel.
“They probably don’t know where she is. But if you are going to find her then do it quickly, Annabel.” said Daisy.
“I will, Daisy, and I think I know where Aurelie might be hiding.” said Annabel.
There wasn’t a lot of places to hide in the camp, but Aurelie could hide in the few hiding spots in the monastery. Not to mention that Annabel and her gang do work at the monastery, so they would know those hiding spots.
Annabel looked around in the monastery in a hurry, and beat up any shades in her way with a sword and a torch. “Aurelie, can you please come out? I don’t want to leave you behind when everybody is heading to the escape route.” said Annabel.
SandraDeelightful

 

[Xanto]

Raymond Callahan​

Raymond grimaced at the Shades' shrieks as he kept his arm around Azalea's waist for balance. Don't ask, but in the midst of it all he also managed to somehow get a match between his teeth. All he had to do now was light it.

Then as if the timing could have not been any better, Azalea yelled out his name. Raymond whipped his head around stopping once his eyes spotted the spear flying towards him. "Get down!" He bent himself forward over Azalea regardless of whether she listened or not keeping their balance center and narrowly dodging the spear. If he leaned back, Azalea's horse might have just thrown them both off.

It didn't take long for another combined shriek from the Shades causing Ray to cast a side glance at the dark creatures not too far away now. Might just have to do that. He thought to himself quickly straightening his torso back up. His gaze shortly afterwards diverted towards the hidden tunnels' entrance. If he wasn't mistaken, Aurelie's red hair just made it in along with the Demonic Velvet gang. It was all a close call, but the guy didn't really have another choice.

Shiff. Fizz. At that sound, Raymond immediately pulled his gauntlet away from the firework contraptions' tips after lighting them up against his gauntlet's rough side and pointed them out at the Shades approaching the duo from behind. Pop! Pop! Pow! Ray's eyes occasionally shifted back forward to note their progress toward the tunnel until they were finally next to it. Unfortunately, the second cannon was a bit shorter than the last one. At least they were just where he needed them to be.

Feeling the juice run out and the heat begin to sting his hand, Raymond subtly loosened his grip around Azalea's waist and used the last of the cannon's juice to do one thing. Pop! Pow! His arm aimed downward shooting just behind the horse's feet making it speed up forward and almost refuse to turn around at any cost. Of course, this was just what Ray wanted to do. It would be nearly impossible for Azalea to turn the horse around if she wanted to. Pop! After another aim downward, Raymond backflipped off the horse, lit the match between his teeth, and dropped it into a fluid ring around the tunnel's entrance in mid-air. Just as the man's feet hit the ground outside the tunnel, the tunnel's entrance lit up. His eyes only watched Azalea's horse ride off into the tunnel away from him for a few moments as the ring got thicker just before turning around to face the angry Shades.

Ms. Sparrow Blackrose7 SandraDeelightful

Baxter Callahan​

Baxter was deep into the crowd by now right by Aria's side as they led the group down the tunnels. His blue eyes were able to spot Cale and Aurelie on the way over to the front, but not Azalea, "Princess Aria your-" Just then, a fiery light lit down the tunnel from behind the group causing the leader to look back. Ray did it. All Bax saw was a female's silhouette though not recognizing Azalea from her shorter hair in the distance. Then, his mind stopped.

Where was Raymond?

"Clyde, stay with Aria," He said nudging his son over to the princess before making his way to the back of the group. While he shifted through the crowd it didn't take long for him to hear that Princess Azalea was the woman on the horse thanks to all the survivors sending the news up the line. Fortunately, all royals were now accounted for.

You better be running right behind her. Baxter's thoughts ran as his nearly stone heart beat in terror. Raymond's risky plan was almost too good to be true. It wasn't like the leader could have done anything to stop his brother though especially since he wasn't beside him. Baxter just couldn't believe that Raymond actually pulled through with his last resort.

Ms. Sparrow Bakuyoshi explosiveKitten

 

[Bakuyoshi]

Cale finally snapped back to reality. It was a brief moment of clarity but then he felt an explosion of anger just race from the depths of his body. His own vision was tinged red and the next thing he knew he threw a punch right at Angelo. All he felt was hatred for him. The person that forced his and Priscilla's lifework to be left behind. He was done with all of this in a single moment. He could've taken the shot! He could've ended it all there! But nooooo it was always Cale that was stupid, Cale was never right, Cale was always the one to be made fun of no matter the case. Cale was the butt of most jokes. They only kept him because Lorelthia needed a ruler! And the first person that needed this wrath was that stupid mercenary! "Stupid Ezerian garbage!" Was all he could shout. Even his own thought process was compromised from the anger. This was not how a human would punch, he was lashing out like an animal that had been provoked. Every bit of his mind was incoherent babble. Going a million miles per second and never slowing down. And yet he felt some regret but to the rest of him this felt so good.

explosiveKitten Ms. Sparrow Xanto

 

[explosiveKitten]

Bringing the horse to a stop, Angie looked back as the tunnel was closed off and sighed as the adrenaline faded. And with the adrenaline gone, the throbbing anguish from her injured shoulder cane rushing back. She reached over with left arm and grabbed onto the shoulder over her cape, having properly kept the injury hidden.

Carefully she dismounted the horse and just stood there, getting her breathing back to normal, trying to slow her heartbeat down. Faintly she heard Cale huffing and grumbling behind her, and she probably needed to talk him down. She sighed and turned slowly to him, “Look, Cale, I-“

Before she could even start her statement a wild fist landed on her cheek and surprised her. Not that Cale hit very hard with his shrimp arms, but it was enough to at least knock her off balance, which left her falling over onto her right side. And that is what hurt. A LOT.

She barely managed to stop a full blown agonized scream ripping from her throat. She couldn’t, however, stop the squeak (A goddamn SQUEAK, how MANLY, she thought) that came out of her when she clutched her injured shoulder and bit her lip to keep from screaming.

“WHAT THE HELL, CALE?!” She shouted at Cale as she sat up, looking at her now bloodied hand from the open wound before pressing back onto the wound, with another hiss of pain. “WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?!” She shrieked in outrage, absolutely appalled at this guy’s sudden attitude shift, “WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM?”

Bakuyoshi