[GAME] Kamen Rider Knights (Main Thread)

[Sieghartdarage]

Cisne was prepared to risk her life in her pursuit to salvage whatever is left of her friend's memory by ending his horrible acts herself as she poised herself with a feathered dagger in hand ready to pounce on the proclaimed King of Birds, Arik. However, before she could act, Joan had opened fire at the massive bird creature turning his attention towards causing a battle to rage between them. Cisne is seen watching in disbelief as all the things that she had said to Joan had been ignored as Joan decided to take battle onto herself in her bid to save Cisne. "Why? Why risk your life to save me? Arik is not your responsibility. He is a result of my failure. Why go to such lengths?" questioned Cisne in her mind as she watch the intense battle.

As the battle rages on, Cisne is seen dodging stray debris being flung all over the area as the force of impact decimates almost everything around them, leaving gapping holes and craters of the once well constructed roof. Suddenly, the fury seemed to died down after a massive strike leaving both Joan and Arik tattered and bruised with Arik suffering the most due to his injured which would lose him the advantage of controlling his realm which is the sky. As both Joan and Arik stare each other down, Joan seemed to be taunting him, enraging him in the process as he charges forward with his blades armed and ready. Cisne sees this as her opportunity to attack as she spread her wings only in time to see a white blur zip past Joan and made a quick leap and delivered a flying kick right into Arik's face with great speed and agility causing the once proud warrior to be knocked off his feet and later skid away from both Joan and the mysterious white blur as it made a back flip and landed next to Joan.

Upon further inspection, the figure turned out to be Reiko as she downs her white caped armor. "Don't ever leave me alone again," remarked Reiko as she turned her gaze to Joan and later towards Cisne, her tone sounding serious as though her previous personality is no longer in play. A glint of red obvious from her visor as it glows from her exposed right eye. "I'll take it from here, Joan," remarked Reiko as she proceeded to remove a card from her deck and later place it into her now opened rapier slot. "Sword Vent," proclaimed the robotic voice as an orb of light appears in the hand of Cisne. Cisne however appears to be reluctant to hand it over to Reiko. "Cisne, please. This battle is not yours alone. Didn't we promise that we will make up for each other's mistakes? So this problem is not yours alone, it's ours," pleaded Reiko as she extends her hand. Cisne gave it some thought and without much time wasted, she threw the orb towards Reiko who caught it with her right hand causing the orb to flash and a double edged spear appearing out of it in the process.

"Don't lose this fight!" exclaimed Cisne. Twirling the spear around a bit, Reiko readies it with a battle stance, waiting for Arik to make his move. "I'll make it quick," responded Reiko with a serious tone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, after the brawl turned into a battle royal, the proud general of Aesir, Javiero made his retreat as he occupies the gathered riders with a swarm of wasps as he flew off into the wild blue yonder. His destination is clear as he locates Xeph with aid of his antennae picking up his scent in the wind. Before long, Javiero is seen landing on the rooftop of the building opposite of where Xeph is standing while slowly shifting into his human form, whom immediately dons a mask in the process. "You watch fight, I know," remarked Javiero as he confronts the other general, Xeph. "Eternal come, you responsible," noted Javiero as indication that he came to the assumption that Eternal's intervention has something to do with Xeph. "What you planning?" inquired Javiero as his vocabulary seemed limited due to his insect like nature.

 

[Ziginz Zegell]

“Sorry Reiko…should have told you…”, these words from Joan were of regret but also had a sound of relief. In truth Joan was in no hurry to die, yet she felt compelled to go as far as she had to in order to help Cisne. Joan also wanted to tell Reiko that Cisne had run off, yet didn’t so the young woman wouldn’t worry. It was mostly an act of friendship, but there was also something else pushing Joan forward. It was a hard feeling to describe that wasn’t as strong as her sense of friendship but that gave her an extra burst of courage and strength when she needed it most, but also caused her to mistakenly leave Reiko out of the affair. All these thoughts soon began to fade though as Joan’s eyes became increasingly blurry. Joan struggled to stay awake wanting to see Reiko’s victory, but her injuries would allow no such privilege as Joan slowly slipped off into a faint slumber. She promised herself she would not die. Joan would live through this and make up for not telling Reiko the truth and for butting into Cisne’s fight. Joan felt like she needed to take care of these two, she could tell they were both hurting or had in the past. They seemed like they could use a pillar, someone to stand strong for them when they needed. Joan would do her best to become that…she just had to keep on living. Maybe Joan felt like she needed to save them just as she had been saved by him…


Arik was not pleased by Femme’s appearance but was too far into a rage over his currently condition to think much further on the subject. Arik, no longer able to dash with his wings, much less fly, used his still functioning wing to send a barrage of feathers at Reiko who proved to be far more capable of defending against them then Joan or Cisne. Arik’s dysfunctional eye did not help either as his usually perfect range of vision now had a gapping blind spot. Even so Arik proved himself a capable swordsman and warrior in general but blocking all of Reiko’s swift attacks. The woman who Cisne had chosen was proofing a capable combatant, but Arik still had one trick left as he inhaled deeply. Cisne would recognize this as Arik preparing for a screech, a sonic attack that could be heard for miles and cause massive damage to anyone too close to the furious harpy king. Even so that attack had a small lag of about seven seconds. Five to inhale enough air for maximum, if not lethal damage, and another two in which the sound would build after the cream commenced. It was a risky move for Arik, but should it succeed then it would most likely mean the end for Joan and Reiko.


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Ebony seemed unfazed by Sakaki’s words but did not press the matter and simply nodded. “I understand, just make sure you take care of those cards. From what Sakuya said they sound rather irreplaceable.” Ebony stood from her sitting position and took a small, silver can from her jacket and presented it to Sakaki. “This is a new model of candroid Sakuya has been working on. In truth this one is only a prototype, but your data has allowed her to tweek its functions. It should alert you to any other fantasians within a quarter mile radius, though its reliability is questionable.” Ebony reached to open the candroid but hesitated after what had just happened and simply handed it to Sakaki. “Now there is the matter of your new school, Kougami Academy. It is funded and run by Saber Incorporated’s arts and education branch, Kougami Foundation. The Foundation is directly connected and was founded by Saber, but was given the name Kougami after an old friend that President Saber was very close to. Most of the students at the academy are the children of Saber employees with a few exceptions. A few such exceptions are unique individuals, such as yourself, who also attend the academy of their own volition.” Ebony turned to the suitcase and moved away some of the clothes to reveal a laptop. “This is yours to do with as you please. You may use it for school, homework, and recreation. You’ll find the academy website book marked on your browser and will need to set up what classes you wish to take. There is also a school handbook available on the website and we have seen to it that your records have been transferred. You’ll be starting tomorrow morning if you have no arguments and, hopefully, we will have your new apartment set up by this evening.” Ebony closed the attaché case and seemed content to leave Sakaki alone with all this flood of information not taking into consideration that Sakaki wight have just as many questions. Before Sakaki could ask any such questions, however, Ebony dropped one last bomb on the young woman before opening the door to exit. “Oh…your room mate also seems eager to meet you. She is…an interesting young woman that I’m sure you will get along with well.”


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Xeph was amused by Javiero in his current state, and was actually joyful at the news that Eternal had arisen. One would not be able to tell these things though by Xeph’s stone cold face. Xeph turned toward Javiero and spoke honestly, never telling a single lie with his statement. “Tell me Javiero, why would I who love battle and power help one who has fallen? Why would I not simply defeat him and take the power of Eternal for myself?” Xeph posed these questions before noticing the Magma memory glowing in his hand, a sign that it sensed a worthy wielder of its power. Xeph turned away from Javiero and approached the building ledge looking down toward the people bellow. His eyes which could gaze at the life force of others peered at a man bellow, a man who seemed broken and full of sorrow as he dragged along. This man’s life force glowed with a similar sheen and hue as that of the life like energy within the memory. “Eternal is but one concern of ours Javiero. The three riders we met last eve were only a small few compared to the greater number of foes that await us. The two of us and the few others Aesir have allowed into this world will be hard pressed to draw them all out and even then we will have no gauge of what power they possess. However…”

Xeph raised his hand to reveal the Magma memory, never taking his eyes off his intended target. “With these devices and the numerous humans that crawl on the surface of this world we can draw out more then a few relic wielders and rouge fantasians. Maybe even a former knight, a royal, or even a fantasian or two born in this world will be drawn to these memory golems, the false fantasians they will become due to these memories. What better is that humans of this world were never meant to use the memories so without a driver to protect them they will become driven by instinct and desire making them little more then our slaves.” Xeph now dropped that memory that fell toward the man bellow as he walked forward. The memory fell at his feet and made him stop in his tracks. He looked up and then back down before picking up the memory. A surge passed through the man from just touching the memory which shared an affinity with him. The feeling was powerful, positive, and even pleasurable. The man had no idea what this wonderful little toy was, but he held onto it tightly and slipped it into his pocket. Xeph smiled at the sight of the weak minded human who was so easily played into his hand as a pawn. Xeph then produced another, light green memory with an M printed upon it. Xeph pushed the button on the memory which said the word [MEMORY] as he turned toward Javiero. “This memory is connected to all the memories I have with me. Using a “willing” volunteer, we can play back the events of any battle the golems have. Golems…that name may fit Fatasians who use the memories, but I’m not sure it suits these weak minded humans. Perhaps…Dopant is a better word. Regardless of the semantics, this is how I plan to operate. You may, of course, do as you please, though I do suggest you allow yourself to recover before rushing into another battle against the knights. I’d hate to have to inform lord Aesir of your demise, comrade.”

 

[Sieghartdarage]

Reiko took a brief look back at Joan, who is lying on the ground. A sad look could be felt from her gaze as though she understood Joan's feelings for wanting to protect both Reiko and Cisne. Memories of her past seemed to briefly appear in her mind as an image of a crying young Reiko could be seen. "My parents hated me and abandoned me, now my friends are doing the same. Who am I to trust anymore?!" cried out a weeping young Reiko as she sits at a corner weeping while hugging her knees. "You poor thing," remarked a voice kindly as someone proceed to wrap her arms around a weeping Reiko. "It must hurt to be alone but you know what?" noted a young Cisne with warmth in her tone. "What?" muttered Reiko as she rubs her teary eyes. "You and me are alone but we are also together. Whatever pain we have, we will share it and whatever sadness we have, we will laugh it away together. No matter what," responded Cisne with a loving tone as she turn Reiko around and gave her a warm hug. Reiko, who is moved by such love and kindness, began to cry out loud, grateful to have met someone like Cisne as she cried her heart out in Cisne's arms.

Reiko's wandering gaze snapped back to the matter at hand as she now turned her fiery gaze at Arik, who had just regained his composure and appears to be throwing a fit of rage as he flap his remaining wing hard and sends a barrage of sharp feathers at her. Reiko, whose anger knows no bounds began to twirl her dual bladed lance with great agility and speed, using the force from the twirling lance to deflect the oncoming onslaught of feathers, successfully reflecting each projectile as the deflected feathers began piling on the ground around Reiko. After her successive defence of the long range attack, Arik could be seen charging towards her, slashing with his remaining sword as he went. With swift action, Reiko parried his downward slash with one end of her lance and proceeded to twirl her lance so that it would meet the clash of another swipe as Arik attacks with a different blow of his sword. The sword fight rages on with both combatants showing skill and agility but it's apparent that Reiko is gaining the advantage as Arik is practically crippled by Joan's earlier attacks.

Even with that as a fact, strangely a wound seemed to appear on Reiko's right shoulder as another wound forms on her left thigh as Arik's swings managed to hit it's mark. Cisne noticed this but doesn't seemed a bit worried about this situation as she watches on, an indication that she knew what is going on. Until the third wound on her left elbow appears that the pace seemed to increase in Reiko's favor as she made a short and quick crouch and proceeded to do a small leap upwards while twirling her lance in a seemingly furious random manner that causes Arik to be pushed back a few feet away from her, indicating the strength of her attack. "That's three strikes. As a monk, it is tradition to allow the opponent three strikes before delivering our blow. Seeing that you're not in good shape, it is sad for me to fight you but seeing how you've injured my dear friends, this form of mercy is suitable," explained Reiko seriously as she displays a sense of honor when facing her foe. "You are in no shape to fight. Repent now and I may let you go," warned Reiko as she grip her lance tightly.

However, instead of repenting, Arik prepares for another strike as he inhales deeply with his chest expanding slightly as a result of this particular action. Reiko appeared confused as she watches on, wary at the same as she wonders what tricks Arik had up his sleeve. "Reiko! Watch out! He's going to use a sonic attack!" exclaimed Cisne as she recognizes the attack. A shocked Reiko hurries to come up with a counter measure. However, before she could do so, cisne reacted swiftly as she launch a feather at Reiko. Reiko, who was at first shocked by Cisne's action, began to realize her intention as she spun her body back and used the spinning motion's momentum to deflect the approaching feather towards Arik as it rockets at full speed with Reiko's right eye providing her with the perfect place on Arik's body to strike as her eye is capable of seeming a person's weak spot. "Secret Mist Technique, Darting Shroud!" announced Reiko as the seemingly fast feather darts toward Arik and stuck itself in the left side of Arik's neck causing him difficulty in breathing as blood splutters out of the puncture wound, halting his attack in the process.

Without much hesitation, Reiko readies her lance as she dash forward with great speed, preparing to follow up with another attack. "Secret Mist Technique, Searing Cloud!" exclaimed Reiko as she makes circular slashing motions with much grace and beauty that it resembles the churning of fluffy clouds, leaving two deep gashes in Arik's chest as blood gushes out of the once noble King of the Birds as the force propels him off the ledge of the roof. However, before he plummets to his doom, he could feel a tug on his right hand as Cisne grabbed on to it tightly, preventing him from from falling as she struggles with strain of his weight as well as the extent of her injuries. "You can't die yet! There's still a lot of things you could do with your caliber! I don't want you to die for nothing!" exclaimed Cisne as tears poured down her cheeks. "I just want you to go back to be the person I've once knew and loved," remarked Cisne with a sad tone as her sad face is riddled with tears.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, another intense atmosphere seemed to fill the air as two generals of the dark being, Aesir, appears to be in a rather uncomfortable confrontation with Javiero facing down Xeph for his ulterior motives, which he may deem dangerous if left unattended. However, the tension seemed to ease a little as Xeph relay his plan to the Insectoid general, who had now assumed a masked human form as he listens intently at the plan. "Still, Eternal dangerous," responded Javiero. "You may not win," remarked Javiero as he relay his assumption of the possible outcome if Xeph were to face off with Eternal. "The others are a threat," relayed Javiero. "However, still no threat than Eternal," noted Javiero as he appears to take Eternal in high regards after his encounter with the blue and white rider.

Javiero then bear witness as Xeph displays a unique looking Gaia memory as he allows to fall into the hands of a human. Naturally, Javiero would have disagreed with such a plan, however, after Xeph's long explanation, Javiero seemed more cooperative about the matter. "Dopant?" repeated Javiero as Xeph presents the category of the humans that he would create and manipulate for his grand scheme as Xeph went on to explain how he would control the human puppets with another memory that is embedded with the "M" symbol as it exclaimed Memory after Xeph pushed it's button.

Needless to say, Javiero was slightly impressed to how far the extent Xeph would go to implement his plan. However, he is taken aback by Xeph's comment that he would relay Javiero's demise if he were to go out of line as the words appear to be a insult to the Insectoid general's ego. "You go on with plan," responded Javiero. "But if you betray Aesir," paused Javiero as he stare at Xeph with serious eyes. "I kill you, myself," warned Javiero coldly as his eyes brimmed with anger. Suddenly, Javiero's human body shifted as his Insectoid body took full effect and with his true form revealed, he proceeded to beat his wings and ascend upwards. "I will heal for now," noted Javiero as he ascends higher. "But I will watch you," warned Javiero once again as he darts off, slowly disappearing out of sight as his distance from the building Xeph is standing on increases until he is no longer a speck in the horizon.

After Javiero left, a small portal opened above Xeph and a small cylinder with an ancient motive began to fall out of it as it lands next to Xeph's feet with a loud ring. The small portal then proceeded to close leaving a small piece of paper as it slowly floats downward towards Xeph. Upon further investigation, the piece of paper is revealed to be a note with magically endowed ancient writing embedded on script paper, which read, "To the lovely scheming Xeph, the preparations that you requested are in place. Use the silver tube to activate the portal so that your request would be delivered. This method is necessary as Aesir is getting cautious of my activities. But as long as you use this beacon, a portal can be conjured without his knowledge. Remember your deal. Love, Teeva."

 

[Denjin_Zaboga23]

Ebony seemed unfazed by Sakaki’s words but did not press the matter and simply nodded. “I understand, just make sure you take care of those cards. From what Sakuya said they sound rather irreplaceable.†Ebony stood from her sitting position and took a small, silver can from her jacket and presented it to Sakaki. “This is a new model of candroid Sakuya has been working on. In truth this one is only a prototype, but your data has allowed her to tweek its functions. It should alert you to any other fantasians within a quarter mile radius, though its reliability is questionable.†Ebony reached to open the candroid but hesitated after what had just happened and simply handed it to Sakaki. “Now there is the matter of your new school, Kougami Academy. It is funded and run by Saber Incorporated’s arts and education branch, Kougami Foundation. The Foundation is directly connected and was founded by Saber, but was given the name Kougami after an old friend that President Saber was very close to. Most of the students at the academy are the children of Saber employees with a few exceptions. A few such exceptions are unique individuals, such as yourself, who also attend the academy of their own volition.†Ebony turned to the suitcase and moved away some of the clothes to reveal a laptop. “This is yours to do with as you please. You may use it for school, homework, and recreation. You’ll find the academy website book marked on your browser and will need to set up what classes you wish to take. There is also a school handbook available on the website and we have seen to it that your records have been transferred. You’ll be starting tomorrow morning if you have no arguments and, hopefully, we will have your new apartment set up by this evening.†Ebony closed the attaché case and seemed content to leave Sakaki alone with all this flood of information not taking into consideration that Sakaki wight have just as many questions. Before Sakaki could ask any such questions, however, Ebony dropped one last bomb on the young woman before opening the door to exit. “Oh…your room mate also seems eager to meet you. She is…an interesting young woman that I’m sure you will get along with well.â€

This was a lot to take in at once. Fantasians? Were those the things after her or just the things that Ebony's organization fought? Kougami Academy? She was really going to be going to such a school? The laptop was the easiest thing to digest, as she had been actually secretly wanting one, but couldn't afford one before. But then the last bomb came. A roommate. "Whoa, wait, roommate? Who is she? Further more, Fantasians? What are those? You can't just say all this stuff to me and just bolt!" She said, kind of annoyed that Ebony was acting like this. I guess that nice persona of hers is a facade...other than another set of hands to help, she could care less about me... She thought.

 

[Ziginz Zegell]

Arik was caught off guard by the redirected Feather that struck his throat. Cisne’s and her partner had worked in perfect unity to ensure a stop to his final attack. Still, Arik was not one to so easily give up as he tried to recover only to be struck twice in his chest. Arik saw the blood yet didn’t feel pain from the wound. It was an odd sensation, one hard to understand as Arik felt the cold creep over him. He fell back as his eyes started to close only to be jerked back to awareness as he hung from something thin. He looked up with wary eyes at Cisne’s as she held him by his unarmed hand. Arik could hear her words, he could understand what she was saying, yet he felt nothing. He didn’t regret anything he had done, he didn’t feel sorrow or rage for having lost to these three woman, and he didn’t feel anything from Cisne’s pleas. As he looked upon her, though, he did feel something he couldn’t describe. In comparison to himself, Arik the great king of the sky, Cisne was so small. Cisne had come to fight him knowing she could not win if only for the chance to help him remember a person they never truly existed. Even now after he had hurt her and her friends, show no remorse toward any of them, and had spat upon the past she so fondly remembered and cherished, this tiny thing was still calling out to that person from so long ago, still mustering the strength to hold up his massive form.

Arik looked upon her and opened his beak to speak as blood gurgled upward to clear his throat. His words were low, only Cisne would hear them yet he still sounded like the tyrant who wanted Cisne dead. “Your foolish, weak, and don’t know anything about how the world really is. I realized it, your sister realized, and so many others have as well. Yet you foolishly cling to what never was real, to some illusion of hope and peace given to us by others who believed in it just as foolishly.” Arik lifted his blade posed to swing at Cisne even now as he dangled from her hand. “Don’t change, little dove.” Then, if only for an instant, Arik’s eyes seemed to change as he spoke his last words like some long dead ghost, calling Cisne by a name she hadn’t heard since childhood. He swung his sword and severed his own arm leaving the limb in Cisne’s hands as he plummeted toward the street below. Arik let out one last pride filled cry that the whole city would hear as he fell toward his end. The impact would be followed by an explosion of pent up magical energy, as if the earth itself would not accept this being from another world. Perhaps, however, all this was simply Arik being allowed to return home in one last funeral pyre. Arik, King of the Skys, was dead, his still bleeding limb vanishing in Cisne’s hand in an almost beautiful pattern of particles. As it vanished a few of the particles seemed to materialize in Cisne’s hands as an advent card. A sword vent with an ash grey, feathered sword upon it. Perhaps it was just Cisne’s power or the power of the advent deck, or, perhaps it was one last gift from an old friend. The only person who could truly know was now gone, one again with the aether.

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“Do you really need to know everything?” Ebony looked back at Sakaki seeming none too concerned, but her next words, while not intentionally comforting, may have been more so then Ebony had intended. “I know from experience what it is to live life without hope, always expecting the worst. A new school, living with a stranger, and even more so, having to deal with something otherworldly, it’s all too much at one time. Still, you should ask yourself two things; if your life up until now has really been worth living, and how much longer you would have been able to go on without some kind of change.” Ebony turned away from Sakaki and reached to close the door only to stop herself. She didn’t look directly at Sakaki, but Sakaki would still see something in her eyes as if she were remembering something fondly, though she never smiled. Ebony then spoke more softly though this may not have been intentional on her part. “Your roommate’s name is Kotone Eve, and like you she recently discovered she has odd abilities. Also…she is very sensitive so be gentle with her until you get to know one another better. I will admit I arranged for you two to live together. I figured you could both use someone to talk to over everything that has been happening, someone who has experienced similar events and have lived similar lives. I’m just not suited for it, clearly. As for Fantasians, they are really something you have to experience for yourself. They can be like dreams you’ve never had, and at the same time nightmares you never wanted. In the end though, you’ll be happier knowing them then not, even when the fantasy ends and your…left behind. Then again, I doubt that will be a problem for you.” For a moment as she spoke something seemed to overcome Ebony, something like a joyful sorrow though she quickly pushed it away and closed the door living Sakaki to her thoughts. Ebony became odder with every encounter.

Unbeknownst to Ebony or Sakaki, a shadow watched the hotel from afar. This being could sense something familiar yet distorted with the building, something foreboding yet too unusual for it to simply walk away from. The being stuck to the shadows which were becoming less available in the mid day sun as it crept its way into the hotel. Floor by floor it crept along, hoping and craving for something it didn’t understand, yet felt compelled to pursue. As it got closer and closer the small silver candroid given to Sakaki began to rattle a bit, and soo sprang to live to alert the young woman that something was approaching.

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Xeph was pleased at the news that everything was set for Doran’s arrival, and with it, the arrival of Bishop and the hand picked Fanguire Xeph ordered him to bring along. Xeph would need to be discrete, however, as Javiero would be watching him closely from this point on. After destroying Teeva’s note, Xeph decided to hunt for more memory users and a more isolated place to summon and hide the Doran. Before he could depart, however, he heard and felt the fall of Arik. Xeph was not surprised as much as intrigued by the defeat of the self proclaimed “Ruler of the Skies”. Already it seemed warriors had appeared capable of facing such a powerful foe. Perhaps Xeph would visit these individuals to congratulate them on their victory. With this thought Xeph vanished from sight only to reappear some distance away and over look three figures from an even higher roof top. A female harpy with white feathers, and rider clad in white armor, and a pink rider who seemed heavily injured. They were indeed a rag tag group and two seemed injured, though one looked rather well. The rider in white who clearly wielded an advent deck looked mostly unharmed. What more there was something about the air surrounding this woman that caught Xeph’s attention. Perhaps her human form would shed some light on this unusual feeling.
And indeed it did, as Xeph could see, once the woman had returned to her normal state, a glowing, red eye. Xeph could not help but smile upon seeing this woman and her eerie eye as thought of how and why “That” had come to this world and found its way in possession of what seemed to be a human girl. He could also sense another being, someone hidden away but watching, aware that Xeph was watching back, something incorporeal but very much alive and bound to the second rider in pink. Xeph then noticed the girl was wearing the TicTok Watch and quickly realized what he was senseing. To think that man had found a way to survive and was now bound to the watch and its wielder. Perhaps Xeph would make himself known to these individuals, or perhaps they had already noticed his presence

 

[Sieghartdarage]

When the final blow was struck, Reiko watch as the massive bird warrior being flung into the air and slid over the edge while she position her straight palm in front of her face and gave a bow in prayer as would monk would do to respect a fallen foe. However, her prayer was interrupted when she witnessed Cisne lunging with arms stretching out, her wings being ruffled by the breeze as white feathers filled the sky like falling snow as Cisne manages to grab hold of Arik's hand and pleaded him to live. Her tears falling on Arik's bird like face as she struggles to bear his massive weight. A small dove desperately trying to prevent a giant eagle from plummeting, an ironic sight and moment for the proclaimed King of the Skies. Within that moment, Cisne could feel someone tugging at her waist as white gauntlet braced hands held on tightly, preventing Cisne from slipping as well as aiding Cisne in her bid to save her long lost friend. Cisne turned and saw Reiko supporting her, a small smile filled her face in appreciation for her gesture as she turned back to Arik and held on tightly with renewed support from Reiko.

As Cisne struggled, her past crept into her mind as she recalls how both Arik and her would support each other regardless of any situation with him protecting her and her sister from harm while she nurses his wounds which he seemed to gain from either protecting them or his reckless bravado. They were happy, however, a difference in view got the better of them as they went their separate ways in hopes of accomplishing their goals. Now, a tragedy is unfolding as Arik laments about how foolish her principles were and scoffs at it. "It may be true that my path is heading nowhere but I believe in hope. Not because someone told me to cling to it but on my own accord, I deeply believe that peace can be obtained in the same way I believe in you," responded Cisne with a warm voice as tears continue to trickle down her cheeks. As she finished her response, she noticed Arik's poised blade but did nothing to evade as she close her eyes, a sign of no regret, only for her expression to turn to shock as he uttered her nickname, given to her when she was a child. "Arik! No!" exclaimed Cisne with sorrow as she watch Arik slice off his own arm, allowing himself to plummet to his doom.

Time appears to slow down as the sight of Arik falling filled her sight as he slowly dissipates and explodes in a fiery of flames as their amber spread into the winds, leaving no trace of the King of the Skies. Cisne let out a loud cry, not from pain but from anguish as she cries out loudly, a mournful farewell while clutching tightly to his severe arm as it slowly dissipates in a display of beauty like an array of twilight dust returning to the sky. Cisne then notice a strange phenomenon occur as the particles of his severed arm gathered around her palm and leaving behind a card in it's place. A parting gift from an old friend. Reiko who was holding Cisne in her embrace as she wept felt compelled to inquire about how such a card would come into existence but decided not to as she allow Cisne to drop to her knees while she stares at the card. Reiko then took a few steps back, allowing Cisne some room to grieve as she, herself stares at the horizon. "I'm sorry," muttered Reiko softly as she apologizes as indication that she blamed herself for causing such a tragedy. As Cisne grieves her lost, her tears can be seen dripping on the advent card. "May your soul reside in the sky above and may your legacy be whispered in the winds for all to hear," quoted Cisne softly as she stares at the card. "I will carry on your legacy and make sure peace is restored in Fantasia," remarked Cisne with a determined tone while between tears.

However, it would appear that their sorrowful victory was short lived as the death of Arik brought forth the attention of a certain general, who serves the dark lord, who has made his way to their position. Reiko suddenly felt a strong chill down her spine as her right began glow brightly causing her pain as she clutches the right side of her helmet, trying to bear the pain that appears to alert her of the danger that she may face. "Reiko. What's wrong?" inquired Cisne worryingly as she watch Reiko writhing in pain. "Someone's here. I feel him," responded Reiko painfully as she tries to pinpoint Xeph's location. Her gaze is then directed to the top of a building which is higher than the current building they're standing on. Her eyes manages to catch a glimpse of the person only for Reiko to see a vision of a amber like demon overshadowing the roof and them. Suddenly, Reiko fell back on her behind as she shivered in immense of Xeph as though she had seen the true form of such a being. "Reiko!" exclaimed Cisne as she felt a cold breeze sweep by, alerting her to the person staring at them from above as she turn her gaze at Xeph as well. Cisne had sweat trickling down her forehead, which she, herself is unsure why but deep down she knew that it was a terrible feeling. "Show yourself!" exclaimed Cisne as she musters the courage to confront the scary being while Reiko remained frozen in fear on the floor.

 

[Denjin_Zaboga23]

“Do you really need to know everything?†Ebony looked back at Sakaki seeming none too concerned, but her next words, while not intentionally comforting, may have been more so then Ebony had intended. “I know from experience what it is to live life without hope, always expecting the worst. A new school, living with a stranger, and even more so, having to deal with something otherworldly, it’s all too much at one time. Still, you should ask yourself two things; if your life up until now has really been worth living, and how much longer you would have been able to go on without some kind of change.†Ebony turned away from Sakaki and reached to close the door only to stop herself. She didn’t look directly at Sakaki, but Sakaki would still see something in her eyes as if she were remembering something fondly, though she never smiled. Ebony then spoke more softly though this may not have been intentional on her part. “Your roommate’s name is Kotone Eve, and like you she recently discovered she has odd abilities. Also…she is very sensitive so be gentle with her until you get to know one another better. I will admit I arranged for you two to live together. I figured you could both use someone to talk to over everything that has been happening, someone who has experienced similar events and have lived similar lives. I’m just not suited for it, clearly. As for Fantasians, they are really something you have to experience for yourself. They can be like dreams you’ve never had, and at the same time nightmares you never wanted. In the end though, you’ll be happier knowing them then not, even when the fantasy ends and your…left behind. Then again, I doubt that will be a problem for you.†For a moment as she spoke something seemed to overcome Ebony, something like a joyful sorrow though she quickly pushed it away and closed the door living Sakaki to her thoughts. Ebony became odder with every encounter.

Unbeknownst to Ebony or Sakaki, a shadow watched the hotel from afar. This being could sense something familiar yet distorted with the building, something foreboding yet too unusual for it to simply walk away from. The being stuck to the shadows which were becoming less available in the mid day sun as it crept its way into the hotel. Floor by floor it crept along, hoping and craving for something it didn’t understand, yet felt compelled to pursue. As it got closer and closer the small silver candroid given to Sakaki began to rattle a bit, and soo sprang to live to alert the young woman that something was approaching.

Sakaki was silent as Ebony went on. She was at first apprehensive of the young woman's current speech, but her posing her questions did strike something with the young woman. Was her life worth living up to this point? It was actually pretty crappy...but it was much better than the alternative, that being dead or whatever these Fantasian things had planned for her. As for changing...this event right here could very well be a step in the right direction. In regards to the roommate, Sakaki understood. She was quite afraid that it would be some brash and arrogant girl, but if it was someone closer to her situation, then maybe she could relate to her.

The description of Fantasians was vague, but it would have been best if she did see them for herself, if only to see what it was that was after her. After the young woman left, Sakaki still didn't know what to think of her, but went back to her earlier thought that she probably wasn't as bad as let on. It was at that point that the candroid she was given started going off and changed form, almost as if in response to something. Oh...great... Not liking this one bit, she noticed that the buckle was still around her waist and she picked up the change card. She was probably going to have to use this soon, whether she really wanted to or not.

 

[Ziginz Zegell]

As the two woman look on, Xeph would suddenly vanish and appear behind them. Standing in front of a still unconscious Joan, Xeph speaks while reaching into his jacket pocket. “Cornelius, I suppose you are in no mood to face me after what happened in the past. No matter, I do not blame you for those events and I am truly happy to see you still linger in this world. Guide them well, they won’t survive other wise.” Xeph laid a memory in front of Joan and turned away. “That device is rather interesting, I’m sure you will enjoy tinkering with it.” Xeph now walks toward the other two women, his eyes seemingly piercing through them. As he reaches them, Xeph simply walks past them with little more then a passing glance, and a few cryptic words. “Do take care of that eye, little girl, it could be of use to me.” With that Xeph vanished, leaving the group to ponder on what he had meant. As if in reaction to his departing, Joan began to rouse from her sleep, but was still unable to move. The adrenaline from her battle had worn off and the full realization of her injuries was becoming painfully clear. “Cisne…Reiko…Hospital…”


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

A shadow crept by the window of Sakaki’s hotel room as an inhuman form started to reshape into something more humanoid. Soon the sound of someone gently taping on the window would be audible accompanied by an odd, scratchy voice. “We should speak, you and I, for we are much alike.” The figure broke the latch on the balcony door and looked within at Sakaki. He looked like a normal enough person, a man with brown hair and simple clothing, but his eyes were unusual. As he looked upon Sakaki and saw her belt, the man seemed to cringe in disgust. “I see…I was mistaken in thinking you were one of my kind. Still, destroying an abomination like you now would be better then letting you grow into a threat. A destroyer of a destroyer, I will gain some acclaim for this.” The man walked into the room as his skin started to distort. Soon with a sickening noise the man had changed into a locust like monster wearing a belt with UD labeled upon it. As if in reaction to this, Sakaki’s belt began to flash red as if to remind Sakaki of its existence. The creature lunged forward intent on killing the girl with the first blow. Unknown to Sakaki, the creature wasn’t as brave as he seemed and was more scared of her then anything else.

 

[Sieghartdarage]

The situation seems dire as Cisne is in no shape to battle anyone due to her injuries and Reiko is currently frozen in fear due to the sheer terror wrought about by the stranger that is monitoring them the moment Arik is defeated while Joan is unconscious and unable to fight even if she is conscious due to the extent of her injuries. At this moment, in the situation where a new enemy reveals himself, Reiko mustered as much strength as she can to get herself back up to her feet as her body trembles furiously while she manages to stand and join Cisne. However, her effort was in vain as before either she or Cisne could react, they felt a cold presence behind them as the stranger appears right next to Joan as though by magic, taking them by surprise in the process.

Reiko quickly turned around to face Xeph but as she did, her body acted in defense in wake of such a terrifying being causing her feet to froze in its tracks, halting all motion. "I.....can't...move...." muttered Reiko with fear in her tone as the shiver down her spine returns to immobilize her with utter terror. "Snap out of it..." exclaimed Cisne only for her to realize that the person is staring is renown in Fantasia for his misdeeds, a foe of such magnitude that made even Cisne cringe in fear as cold sweat crept down her spine. "It can't be....If it's him...then...." quivered Cisne as she took a step back. As much as both of them are determined to help Joan, they appear powerless in the presence of Xeph.

They remained silent and watch as Xeph talks to Cornelius only to witness him place a memory next to Joan. Before they knew it, Xeph proceeded to make his way towards them. As he did, the fear in Reiko intensified as she struggles to reach for her cards with a shivering right hand while Cisne tries to brandish one of her feathers as self defense only for their actions to froze as his piercing gaze paralyzes both of them leaving them vulnerable as he stood in front of them. 'Are we going to die?" thought Reiko with a frightened expression shielded behind her mask only for it to be replaced with shock as Xeph just proceeded to walk by both her and Cisne. His words clouding Reiko's mind as she tries to understand what it meant. "How did you?" inquired Reiko quickly as she turned around only for her to witness Xeph disappearing out of sight.

After he left, a scary silence began to dawn on both of them as Cisne slowly fell to her knees, shivering on the ground while Reiko clenched her fists in deep shame and regret from the guilt that she wasn't able to do anything only for her to scream in anguish, her body still shaking with fear. However, they both snapped out of their dilemma when they heard Joan's soft cry for help. "Joan!" exclaimed Reiko as both she and Cisne rushed to her side. "we need to take her to a healing location," noted Cisne as she examines her wounds. "You mean like a hospital?" inquired Reiko as she dash to the other corner of the rooftop and proceeded to scout around for bulding that looks like a hospital. "I think I see it. It's that building with a red cross thingy," replied Reiko as she points to the west where a tall structure stood. "Got it," responded Cisne as she looks at the direction where Reiko pointed.

Without much hesitation, Reiko pulled out a card and quickly place it into her rapier. "Advent," announced the rapier as Cisne suddenly glows with a bright gold glint and shifts herself into a giant mechanized swan. Slowly, Reiko careful carry Joan from the shoulder and carefully place her on Cisne's back. Once she's done, she hopped on Cisne's back and they immediately head off towards the hospital. After a few moments, they arrived at their destination as Cisne carefully lands in an alley way which is a few feet away from the hospital. Reiko then carefully unload Joan off Cisne's back. Once she's done that, Cisne shifted into her human form while Reiko removes her advent deck which causes the white armor to dissipate revealing an armor-less Joan who is apparently wearing pajamas for some strange reason.

Unaware of her predicament, Reiko and Cisne both carried Joan to the hospital and watch as the medical personnel careful strap Joan to a stretcher and later wheeled her into the med ward. Reiko and Cisne were then seen sitting outside the ward as they waited with worried expressions as the doctors tend to Joan's injuries. "This is my fault," remarked Cisne with regret in her tone. "No, it's not. She chose to help you no matter what. If I had arrived earlier then she would still be in better shape," responded Reiko with an equally regretful tone as she clasp her hands together. "But if I didn't rush off like that, she wouldn't have followed me and she wouldn't get herself hurt," cried Cisne as tears trickle down her cheeks. "That's just the person she is. She would help that person even if that person is a stranger to her," remarked Reiko as she leaned back against the wall. "It's funny. Though we just known her but it feels like we've known each other forever, like we're sisters," noted Reiko calmly with her eyes closed. "Reiko..." muttered Cisne as she looked at with teary eyes. "She's going to be fine. I believe in her," assured Reiko confidently as she displays a small smile on her face.

 

[Denjin_Zaboga23]

A shadow crept by the window of Sakaki’s hotel room as an inhuman form started to reshape into something more humanoid. Soon the sound of someone gently taping on the window would be audible accompanied by an odd, scratchy voice. “We should speak, you and I, for we are much alike.†The figure broke the latch on the balcony door and looked within at Sakaki. He looked like a normal enough person, a man with brown hair and simple clothing, but his eyes were unusual. As he looked upon Sakaki and saw her belt, the man seemed to cringe in disgust. “I see…I was mistaken in thinking you were one of my kind. Still, destroying an abomination like you now would be better then letting you grow into a threat. A destroyer of a destroyer, I will gain some acclaim for this.†The man walked into the room as his skin started to distort. Soon with a sickening noise the man had changed into a locust like monster wearing a belt with UD labeled upon it. As if in reaction to this, Sakaki’s belt began to flash red as if to remind Sakaki of its existence. The creature lunged forward intent on killing the girl with the first blow. Unknown to Sakaki, the creature wasn’t as brave as he seemed and was more scared of her then anything else.

Sakaki right away thought the guy at her window was suspicious, even before he transformed into his locust-like form. Him changing just sealed the deal. The flash of red and the monster lunging at her had her hesitate no longer and she quickly swiped her Change card across her belt, assuming her rider form. She then quickly threw a punch at the lunging creature, which would meet his face if it connected.