{ LAIR } The Main Colosseum (PAGE 4)

[Pixie Nyxie]

"Oh? Can't take the heat King?" Night chuckled as he made himself at home in this giant a** litterbox and then eased himself to wrap a arm around the wolf..."Better? I'm a ghost so I can help keep you cooler..."

iStoleYurVamps

 

[ramenli]

He nodded, agreeing even if it was still a frustration. "Indeed." The brush on his shoulder was an odd distraction, and he glanced up to see Senga, glad to see that he had made it out, somewhat pleased to see that he seemed to be doing...okay. It was sometimes hard to tell with the colt, but seeing him interact, and not looking like he was on the verge of tearing his throat out, was a welcome sight.

Mengyao spoke to Lan, the interaction momentarily shifting his attention as the two began their...banter? He remembered a time like that, teasing, though it had been laced with laughter that could not quite be contained. He was dragged from those memories by an unexpected touch, hands slipping in that he would have pulled away if he had not looked down to see that they were of a particularly dark tint. Nergui. Who else could it be? He stood still, strong as she pressed herself against his back, his hand moving to all but engulf hers as he patted it lightly, knowing that when Lan had done it it had been a settling gesture. "Priestess," he rumbled. It was...nice. To help a priestess again, even if he had not really done much, had barely begun his search when he had been captured. "Did you enjoy the battle?"

Lifen was with Mengyao and he nodded to the pair in acknowledgement, a quick nod to the stallion and a respectful dip of his head to the mare before he looked back toward the high priestess. Soon...soon they would learn more. But they had a lair now, and things would be more, a small smile was beginning to curve the corners of his mouth up, pleasant from now on. Fresh Fear at their every whim. Pleasant.

iStoleYurVamps

Quoted

Kupuritama

In

Beejoux

Order

Lifen and Mengyao too

Soren gave them the nod.

 

[revenant aria]

There was a slight scent of brine to the arms that draped themselves around Connie's much taller shoulders. It belonged to one of the priestesses of death, her hair taken from their confines to flow simply instead. Aisa seemed abnormally unconcerned with the presence of disagreeable and agreeable students alike, in their precious lair.

She rested her leaner frame on Connie's shoulders, from the back, as she glanced around the room.

A low musical hum drummed from her throat, a song rarely heard by the other protectors, even in their long years of friendship. A requiem, she had once told them. Perhaps, better phrased as a "memento mori."

x_nata_x

grey dragon

demon_pachabel

 

[demon_pachabel]

Random Artist

x_nata_x

grey dragon

Invictus seemed to not mind Aisa's touch in the least, leaning back into her ever so slightly as he half leaned his head against hers, one hand moving to rest over one of her smaller ones. She seemed to be in a rather good mood, if the humming was any indication of the Protector-Heir-Priestess's mentality.

Which was likely what prompted his, "We agree." whisper, a small smile playing across his lips that would only be seen by the girls before his attentions briefly looked over the lair. Their lair.  

[Ephebe]

Leo nearly went boneless when Mei hugged her. All the energy seemed to just leak out of her and she sighed, content to know her friend was alright and everything else would follow suit and be alright too. When the other ghoul pulled back, the mare straightened up a bit, and managed a tired but still friendly smile to the horseman. "Nice to meet you." Mei obviously trusted - and cared - a great deal for Eisheth, and that meant that Leo would trust her too.

"No, no, I'll be fine." She'd be better if someone magicked up a chair, but she could live. It'd just been.. a long day. "And you? Eisheth's right, you should still take care of yourself. Undead doesn't mean invincible." The words might have sounded more scolding if it weren't for the deeply concerned tone they were said in.

Yayoi

santime

 

[Lilwolfpard]

(Enter)

A flicker of blue and orange is what announced his arrival in to the portal, a flick of ears and fur finishing it as he stepped through. Remi had in the end not changed back in to his human form, deciding to stay in his true flesh and bone. After all, who the hell were they kidding.

They were not humans, so why the heck try and look like one?

He could understand in the school, if made them all almost equals. But here? They were almost an army, so he would remain as he truly was for now. It wasn't like he was a small kitsune anyways, small for his clan maybe but as time went on he would grow in size. Or at least, he hoped.

For a while he sat down almost akin to a statue, and listened. Tail or ears would flick here or there; Only after some time did he speak. "I will follow." His usual voice chimed up through the toothy muzzle, staring around towards the horsemen and others whom decided to follow. It was already apparent, because he was did follow them through the portal, but his words were more of a mental binding contract for himself than for their benefit. He was tired of doing nothing, tired of seeing his friends taken away and being helpless to stop, or even prevent this.  

[Boozver]

Sand was so similar to snow, Heidla thought. Or ash. Same unrelenting unquestioning substance that tries to stuff you up so that you do not feel anything. It is the matter of oblivion. Just as she felt before. No more drama. No more doubts. Sand has this uncanny ability of dulling it all. It was not a question of whether it was right to follow the Head Priestess. Obedience to the authority ran in the veins of the horsemen, after all, and as she was growing up, she was becoming more and more aware of it.

She made a small smile. Now, a lair filled with sand. What a good metaphor of all their actions. Watching the prisoners being carried away, she asked herself about her feelings. Hatred? Violence? Pity? Hunger? Desire? Greed? Sand had no colour, at the same time, as it sparkled and played with the light, it seemed overfilled with colours. Same for her mind - devoid of any strong emotion, it was nevertheless overflowing with bits of feelings and impressions, visions and ideas.

She waved to Kiwi and Eisheth, recognizing their presence as a symbol of stability of the clans' existence. "I did my due", she reckoned, a bit at a loss when trying to remember the full scale of it. She was battling a red-haired hunter, wasn't she? And she was winning - at least, before she turned into a giant stone flower. Was it then that she felt so frozen? Or was it long before. "Actually, guys, my memories seem to be blurred... Do you remember exactly what had happened to us, or am I just slipping into freaking madness?" she said unwillingly. "How did the fighting go for you? I was engaged in battle and then..."

Was it actually the right thing for a priestess to seek opinion of the Famine members? She didn't care. Wasn't Medea talking about betrayal just a moment ago? She wondered slowly whether her previous doubts would be qualified as a betrayal.

She needed to grow stronger, and was prepared to seek any available method and source for it. And the best way for it was to start forging ties, connecting herself to this present. The only one available to her.

santime

xoxomenai

 

[Zoobey]

The Head Priestess waited until each student, each horsemen finished, the atmosphere still quiet, tense. First, she turned to the students who wished freedom.

"If this is your path, I will not hinder your actions. Come, children." She beckoned for them to step closer. For a second, the mark, the Four Clans sigil that was printed on them burned lightly, and then, a second later, it was gone. They were freed from obligation. "I respect those who choose their own paths, it is a difficult choice, as not everyone can be a fighter, a warrior, there are those who take different paths, choose different priorities. May your paths lead you to the destination you desire." Medea gestured to two Famine sentries to escort the students who did not wish to continue back through the portal. These students, the second they hit Halloween, would forget everything that transpired here, in this Lair.

"Now, all true fighters and warriors gathered, those willing to grow in Fear, protect each other and themselves, those willing fight for what they believe in and ultimately seek the truest form of revenge, stand proud, and walk towards me." She nodded to the Famine elder, who handed to her a single object.

It was not a particularly large mirror, and yet there was something odd about its surface, the way the actual mirror curled and distorted, the way the mirror whispered to them about revenge, hissing and nudging their Fear, enticing them -

- "This is a mirror of distortion, one of the few remaining artifacts from Merlin's great era. It contains great power for those who seek it, yet, also bears great consequences for those who abuse it." Medea cradled the mirror affectionately, staring deeply into it for a moment longer. "Do not take its power lightly, tread with the greatest of precautions, the greatest price is the one you pay for ignorance."

Now, the Head Priestess stepped forward, and walked towards the first cluster of horsemen and students assembled, flipping the mirror towards them. Nothing at first, just empty, inky darkness.

Then, a vague form, a reflection of them, standing, staring back. The form solidified, shimmered - a burst of colours in distorted greens, oranges, blacks, whites -

- And then a sudden moment of pain, unexplainable. It did not hurt as much as shocked, as if something was being pulled and severed from their body.

The moment was over as fast as they could react, leaving behind only a stunned silence.

In front of each clans member, student and horsemen was a glowing fragment, the colour unique to the individual.

"This is a part of your Fear that the Distortion Mirror has revealed, your Fragment." She handed the mirror back to the Famine Elder, watching as each fragment fell neatly into the palm of their owner's hands. "It resonates with your Fear. Treat it well, cherish it, nurture it, and hold it close to you." Here, Medea, held up her own bracelet, a glowing maroon fragment embedded inside intricate layers of gold. "A jewelcrafter or artisan can help you in this Lair, to create your own container for your fragment. This will focus your Fragment's Fear as well and make sure that it is never taken from you or misplaced, bound on you for eternity."

She held up a hand. "Now, I must speak to you of precautions: those who seek to soar too close to the sun will simply burn. Once you have bound the fragment on you, safely, you may now take your leave. There are tasks to complete however, to make you stronger, to discover the powers of your fragment, and of course, to help us in our path together. All of you who have gained this power, you are now the initiated. You are welcome to this Lair, to our Clans reserve, be you horsemen or those of Halloween. This is our secret together, you cannot, and will not speak of it: those who struggle will only get in our way. Do not throw away what you, we, have worked so hard to already put into motion, together. Your fragment will automatically seek Fear, harvest it from humans, and store it as your own. It will make you stronger, but if you harvest too much Fear, you will begin to burn. Fear needs to be circulated, like any source of power, gained as much as it is consumed. Do not let the power control or overwhelm you, it needs to be understood to be controlled. If your fragment begins to grow dim, you have taken in too much Fear, you will burn yourself out with power and the consequences will be both dire and volatile, a hindrance to our path. Remember this warning well, as it would be a shame for us to have to strip you of your newly gained power if you continue repeatedly to cast aside our warnings. Mistakes can happen, and yet, repeated mistakes simply make you foolish."

There was a strange rumbling sound, from below, the ceiling began to shake, the walls echo with a loud noise repeated over and over. Chanting. From the Famine clans members below, from those waiting for this very moment, for more warriors for Medea. She raised both hands in the air, and in that second, beckoned silence. Anticipation.

"We walk this path together, as all paths lead to the same end."

OOC: DISTORTION AND LAIR TASKS

DISTORTION AND YOU:

All INITIATED students and horsemen now have a fragment, and with that comes the distortion status effect. Please read all about it HERE

- FROM THIS POINT ONWARDS, even if a horsemen was not in this rp (or was created in a quest later), it is assumed they all have a fragment that was evoked from Medea.


LAIR TASKS AND YOU:

ALL INITIATED students and horsemen can now participate in Lair Tasks. These will help collect Fear for fragments and also help them remember who they are, empower them, harvest more Fear for everyone and this Lair. To participate in a Lair Task simply pick one up, and post in the MAIN SECTION in the guild, with the title [ LAIR TASK ]

- You cannot participate with an uninitiated member HOWEVER, if a non-initiated character wants to be initiated, they can visit Medea.

- Read all Lair tasks here

 

[Carhop Cavalier]

Gene had fully expected Medea to lash out at them for their request, but instead found grace. She let out a breath as the sigil was removed, but continued to keep a weary and curious eye on Medea and the Horsemen she summoned to escort she and Frost out of the lair.

Her words stung a bit, though. She could still be a fighter and warrior, she didn't need the help of a revenge driven Horseman to do that. She could hold her own without assistance; she'd done it before. Genevieve was not a weakling - she was a fighter.

She mulled everything over as they were escorted out, a frown pulling at the corners of her mouth. Warriors had many paths.

((EXIT))  

[Yayoi]

Absenmindedly rubbing at her side, Mei could seriously tell that Leo was exhausted. She might have to make sure that once they were able to leave that the Mare was able to get back to her dorm room before she went back to her own. Cause that's what friends did. "I'll be fine. Trust me. I'm not worse for wear than anyone else."

It was endearing that they both cared so much, but right now she needed to be strong. She couldn't let on at how tired she was or how much she just wanted to flop down and not move for about a week. The subtle pain of doubt in the back of her mind scratched away at the sheild she had put up. She hadn't been strong enough. What had happened was because she couldn't take care of herself. And while Eisheth's need to protect her was comforting, she had confidence that the Clanswoman could do such in the end, Mei needed to make sure that she could take care of herself in the event that she couldn't be there.

Her attention was turned back to Medea as everyone seemed to hush. Ears and mind opened as she listened to the priestess. The mirror she produced was quite lovely indeed, though its surface was quite strange. It was obviously no ordinary mirror.

What happened next was sudden and unexpected. A quick flash of pain and then it was over. Mei's eyes widened in surprise at the whole little ordeal, the pull on her body left her shaking but she kept herself from falling over.

A glowing fragment glowed in front of her. It resonated and glowed a deep purple. And again she listened to Medea's explination about it. It was something to cherish then. This...this would help her. Wrapping her hands around it carefully she held it close to her chest. She would need to find someone as soon as possibly to create a container for her fragment.

They were all initiated now. Welcome to the Lair and to the reserve. Well, that would certainly make things a lot easier. Now she wouldn't get chased away anymore if she got too close. Opening her hands, a faint purple glow washed over her face as she stared down at it before closing her hands again to look over at Leo and Eisheth.

Ephebe

santime

 

[santime]

"Well", replied Eisheth, as Heidla finished. "I'm not sure I can be of any help, perhaps, you should know what happened better, as a priestess; unfortunately Medea seems to not have a habit of sharing her plans and ideas: at least outside of Death clans and priestesses circle". The alchemist realized Heidla can actually misread her words. "I am sorry, my lady, I'm not trying to sound irritated, I guess that all was as surprising for you, as for the rest of us. What I do remember, is the tremendous power of white crystal ooze, that covered the whole islands with all the creatures on it like a giant glacier. And as much as I would like to know the answer myself, I have no clue about the source of that power".

Boozver

smile

Eisheth sighed, as Medea revealed her treasure, no, their treasure, their reward, their legacy, to the audience. She calmly waited for some students to leave the place, and carefully listened to priestess' explanation; it was still a bit surprising for the alchemist to see a few Famine elders helping Medea. Perhaps, her keen was too social minded, they could not sustain their lives without a powerful ruler, but was Medea really the appropriate candidate?.. Weren't the sages too fast in their decision? Eisheth had no ambitions for power herself, yet she understood comparing Medea and their old deceased Queen, Medea wasn't of any good. And she's just priestess, though quite old and powerful, after all; Eisheth won't have anything against bowing to Sir Death, but Medea... simply were not the one looking trustable.

She wasted a couple of minutes of her time studying her own fragment.

One thing bothered her: hm... where should she put it? In a bracelet? Or a necklace with golden beads?... Such a nice piece of jewelry... The alchemist turned to Mei to ask her advice about the fragment location, and only now realized one more thing to be bothered with.

"Mei...". Eisheth remained silent for a long minute. "I appreciate your decision, and now is anyway too late to change your mind, but are you sure you made the right choice not leaving with other students? I think I understand your feelings, but you shall know that this fragment, - and this power, - will change your life. Nothing will be as it was, anymore, you can not undo it. You're initiated, and you're part of us from now on, even if you aren't a Horseman. You will be on our side, regardless of what's going to happen, regardless of whether you agree with our actions or not. And one more thing... The fragments", the alchemist carefully examined Mei's shard. "I can feel they will bring us great power, but they could become a reason for tears and sorrow. From now on, it's almost like you have a certain, and not really pleasant decease".

Yayoi

 

[Yayoi]

Was it the right choice?

How could anyone know what choice would be the right choice? Perhaps Medea had darker intentions behind all of this. Who could be certain? While she didn't trust the Priestess implicitly, she had to have hope that her decision would lead her in the end down a path that would satisfy her own needs.

She clasped her hands tighter around her fragment, it felt as if it were vibrating lightly between her fingers. A frown fell upon her lips as she looked up at Eisheth with slight confusion in her eyes. But after a moment, she closed them, taking a deep breath. Mainly just going through the motion before opening them once more. The frown was gone, replaced with a small smile. Trying to reassure Eisheth.

"Who is to say which choice is the right choice? We all have our reasons for being here and I would like to believe that me being here will make a difference in the long run." Casting a glance around at all the other Clansmen, her smile grew just a little bit more before she returned her gaze to Eisheth. "I would also like to believe that those of use students who have chosen this path can change the opinions, even if just a tiny bit, of the Horsemen. To show them that we are willing to change and grow. I know your people see us as nothing more than scarelings....but I..." Biting her bottom lip, she chose her words carefully. "I, unlike others, am of the opinion that we all exist here together and we should at least try to get along. To work together for all our futures. I don't expect sunshine and rainbows. If we choose to ignore each other and not form some understanding and camaraderie then we are all doomed in the end."

The vibration of her fragment against her hands seemed to strengthen, if she wasn't careful it might decide to fall from her hands. So she clasped it even tighter. "Life is full of tears and sorrow. I am no stranger to these things and I do not believe any choice I make will save me from such things. There will always be things that shatter us and tear us down. But how we decide to deal with them is up to us. I choose to fight, to not be useless and to be able to hold my own when those I care about need me to be there for them. I don't want to stand on the side lines all the time while those I care about sacrifice themselves to protect me. Making these choices, whether right or wrong, if what life and growing up is all about."

Shuffling her feet lightly, she was starting to get really tired now and the strong front she had put up was beginning to fall apart. "The Hunters believe we are a disease to be purged from existence. Is it not my right to fight back with whatever is offered to me to take? I will make sure that I keep myself in check. I would like to believe that I have some sort of self control." The words sounded right to her, but did she really feel that? Perhaps she was just too tired to debate it at the moment.

santime

 

[Boozver]

Heidla nodded, too tired and too slow to read Eisheth's words as insulting. The excitement of the battle all washed out, she felt being pale and insignificant. The Famine alchemist was right, probably a priestess should know better, but Heidla was feeling that too many things were not actually disclosed to them....

santime

And now, this. A short and sharp pang of pain - as if her whole being was shattered. Heidla gasped, her orbs suddenly becoming as dark as the surface of the mirror Medea was pointing at - not that much of pain as of shock, as if something was being taken from her. The surface of the mirror shattered to be burst into a kaleidoscope of colours - and small fragments of this glowing, unbearable colour appeared in front of each and every horsemen present in the Lair.

Everyone seemed to be stunned their fear amassing into a menacing atmosphere around them, wrapping them in clouds of dark power, while Medea slowly explained the meaning of it all.

Heidla listened half-heartedly, still unsure about her own feelings, but then a curious detail aroused her attention. Her eyes paled as she hissed to Eisheth: "Say, Famine, you seem to have quite an analysing mind - should we exchange our assessment of the new power later?"

There were no other priestesses there, none that she could see; besides, she felt a little distrustful of her kin - of all but Erintis, probably. But then again, did it matter now? There was new kind of knowledge to be studied - new kind of power to be acquired; and it would be quicker if they did it together. She signed, noticing that the Famine alchemist was too engrossed in her conversation with one of the students.... She remembered her vaguely from the prom and then, they met somewhere around Halloween, didn't they?  

[xoxomenai]

"I am! Thank the Queen we're all safe." Kiwi answered as he approached Eisheth and Mei, grinning warmly. His wings stretched absently in the warm desert air, golden chimes and jewels tinkling. "Ah, Mei," he nodded politely to the ghoul. "Glad to see you again. Eisheth seems to have taken a liking to you, eh?? ..."

His brow furrowed at Heidla's question. Come to think of it, he couldn't clearly recall the battle himself. And that was strange for the Famine boil. He had been fighting, for something ... struggling to escape, and then-

... Then they were all standing on the battlefield, an eerie sense of calm, of victory in the air ...

Kiwi shook his head. "I'm afraid I don't know any more than you do, Heidla. But as Eisheth says, it's probably best not to worry. Whatever happened, we managed to land a great blow to those accursed hunters. And they'll soon know our wrath." The blank memory confused him as well, but Kiwi honestly was glad just to see the entire clan safe. They had been through so much in the past few months, struggling to survive. But now they had a chance. A chance to live, and obtain true power. The thought alone brought the hunger in him rising greedily.

Medea's voice rose above the crowd, silencing everyone. In her hands was a mirror, emitting a strange swirling mist. It looked familiar somehow, but try as he might Kiwi couldn't place it. But the moment she brought it up, Kiwi felt a vaguely familiar pang tugging at his core, as if the mirror itself were drawing him to it, pulling him in-

And then a glow of light burst from the mirror as it's surface rippled and scattered. The horseman blinked. The mirror was blank once again, empty, swirling faintly with a yellow-green, white, black swirling haze. But he could have sworn for a moment he saw his reflection pass across it's surface, as inky black as night itself.

But something else now caught his eye.

A strange greenish glow was emanating above his hand, where a small crystal hovered momentarily before falling into his palm. He eyed the fragment, borne of the mirror from his very own FEAR. It was a part of him, a precious piece of his essence. Without being told, Kiwi knew he must keep it safe, hushed and tucked away from prying eyes. His gaze fell to the leather strap about his wrist, the beloved totem charm that he wore with pride. He would have to track down a jewelcrafter soon, and have them fashion the jewel to it. Perhaps with a gold fixture. He did love gold, and it would go well with the fragment's green color. Kiwi wrapped his fingers firmly around the gem, and hearing her sudden offer, gave Heidla an answering nod.

"I think that would be best," he whispered back, eyes tearing from his hand, forcing his mind away from the jewel. He felt oddly hungry, the pit in his stomach yet craving power, a craving the fragment only seemed to emanate. "We should test this new power for ourselves." This feeling, it was hard to ignore. He would have to keep in mind to keep himself in check. After all, Medea had given them fair warning. As much as he did not like the priestess's odd traditions, Kiwi debated undergoing a trance session. He nudged Heidla gently. "Err, Heidla ... could you tell me a little about Trance?? ... What is it like?? ..."

[OOC: I might edit/rewrite the last paragraph a bit - just warning you guys. I can't seem to tap into my inner Kiwi today ;A; - Edited]

santime

Boozver

Yayoi