Author Topic: The Road of Madness: Salvation (Read 3893 times)

Nisorin · « **Reply #25 on:** April 02, 2010, 08:27:00 PM »

"Of course, farewell." They both say, a purple sheet covering the door as Hikaru closes it behind her, a powerful barrier array forming in front of, within, and behind it as a second, spherical barrier array forms around the two 5th stage Orien. Working together to create a relatively small 'pocket dimension,' they walk through the open entrance portal, leaving it open. The glyphs and runes glow bright for a moment, before returning to their slowly pulsing standby appearance.

((I will post again in this topic a bit later to describe what they do inside said pocket dimension. Need to write it up, for it be long))

Nisorin · « **Reply #26 on:** April 02, 2010, 11:46:54 PM »

((AS I am not satisfied with how this came out, I am going to be rewriting it. It is a very pivotal point in their lives, and so needs to be written accordingly.))

Walking through the open portal reveals to them a relatively modest, 2 story home in a pass between two mountains. Painted a soft blue, the hematite doorknob sparkling a bit in the dusk sunlight. In a small garden off to the side, purple roses and rhododendrons thriving amongst the various vegetables growing between them. Already, there were hosts of fireflies buzzing about the yard, casting their tiny yellow lights about the grass. Large, old cherry and apple trees stood strong before the house, a white swinging chair hanging from one, a hammock stretching between two cherry trees.

"It's beautiful, isn't it, Celestie?" Nisorin whispers softly, his clothing changed by the portal from his war armor to a green, loose-fitting green tunic with matching jeans and no shoes. "I've been working on the concept for a long while now, and I hope you like it."

"It's great, Nisorin. I even know the perfect place to put it once we retire." She replies softly, causing Nisorin to shudder as she lets down her defenses, closing his eyes and standing up a bit straighter as he feels her magic wash over him. Scooping her up into his arms, he smiles softly as he lets down his own safeguards, his far more familiar, and calm, energy mixing with hers and drawing the fireflies to them, a shining gold cloud of lightning bugs dancing around them.

The crickets slowly start their song, as the last few families of songbirds finish their evening serenades. With the new music filling her ears, Celestie curls up against her partner, silently burying her face into his tunic as he carries her almost lazily to the door. "You scared me, you know. For a while there, I was worried you wouldn't come out of it." She whispers, her fists tightening around the cloth on his shoulder and chest. "I was so scared that I'd lose you to yourself." Comes the slightly squeaky addition, her tears soaking the tunic under her eyes.

"For a while there, I was worried I wouldn't come out of it. I was trying to come to you, to follow your voice, but I couldn't move. I couldn't even use my magic to come to you." He explains, holding her close as he sits on the steps, his hand warm against her back as a cool breeze begins to blow. "I was trapped within my own mind, until you came in, smashing down all my defenses in one swift blow, like the beautiful warrior goddess that you are. Together, the beast had no chance, and I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for me."

She looked up at him, her eyes still brimming with tears as a smile slowly spreads across her mouth. "You have saved my life more times than I can count, and have even given me a reason to keep on breathing for as long as this body will allow. I am the one who should be thanking you." Stroking his cheek softly with one hand, she shakes her head as she sees him about to deny it, placing a fingertip softly against his lips. "No more sad talk tonight. Lets go inside, it's starting to get chilly." Her soft whisper, barely audible over the crickets, makes Nisorin's smile soften as she pulls his face down to kiss him.

"As you wish, milady. I'll get you a warm quilt to keep you warm, if you like." He answers, pulling open the door as the last bit of sun drops below the horizon, letting the gentle, silvery moonlight reflect off the crystal doorknob. The front room is a small one, reserved for coat and hat hangers, as well as a small cubby for shoes and a small stool. "Here, let me help you with your shoes." He offers, sitting her down softly on the stool as he crouches before her, smiling up at her as he quickly unlaces them, slipping them off of her feet with a small flick of his wrist. Pairing them and putting them in the topmost cubby, he runs his hands up her legs, one continuing up her side as the other rests lightly on her knee.

"My, such a gentleman tonight. Are you going to try to sweep me off my feet?" Celestie teases, taking his hands as she stands up.

At this, he chuckles and shakes his head, placing a soft kiss on each of her knuckles. "No, my love, I've already done that." He counters, looking up at her with shining hazel eyes as he swiftly scoops her back up, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. "But if you insist, I shall sweep you up a second time."

She laughs and starts twirling her finger in his hair, looking up at him with a soft, vulnerable yet, deeply relaxed gaze. Climbing down from his hold, she steps into him, her arms curled up between her and him. "Be careful, Mr. Prince Lertis, or I may have to punish you for making me feel so warm."

"Well then, perhaps Mrs. Princess Lertis would like to return to the porch, where it's nice and chilly?" Nisorin teases, kissing the tip of her nose as he walks into the next room, heading for the couch with Celestie's hand in his.

"Baby, lets head upstairs instead. The day's exhausted me, and I'm sure you're tired from your fight too, and I still need to finish mending those pesky cracks, the only way they can be mended." Celestie whispers, yawning a bit at the thought of a soft bed and a warm blanket.

"If you'd like, meus Lorienairre." Comes his gentle reply as he crouches before her once more, pulling something from his pocket. "But first, we have a gift from Animas to open." Out of his pocket comes a small box, covered in purple velvet. Celestie's hands reach over to open it, but as soon as she touches it, the box flicks open on its own, revealing a small, round stone made of rose quartz, encasing a tiny, dark red shield. Gasping as she sees it, her eyes widen.

"Nisorin, this is her dreamstone that Orion made before they performed the last Orias!" She whispers, slowly looking up at him in amazement. "The one object she'd kill to retrieve!"

"She would only have given it to us if she knew we could use it, Celestie, and I believe that we should." He says softly, placing a hand atop the stone, causing it to shed its pink and red light about the room. "Come, let's head upstairs."

Back in Mortality's Planes, a cool, fresh breeze blows about the hallways around their suite, repelling the harmful atmospheric properties as small, purple flower petals drift down from the ceiling, as if materializing from it. This lasts for several hours, the little petals disappearing into the floor shortly after they land.

Queen Bright · « **Reply #27 on:** April 06, 2010, 06:19:54 PM »

Hikaru re-appeared outside the door to Celestie and Nisorin's room. She knocked once and waited. After getting no answer, she decided to just walk in, rude, or not.

Nisorin · « **Reply #28 on:** April 06, 2010, 06:45:28 PM »

The suite inside is just as it was when she left, empty save a portal entrance in the center of the room, protected by a selective barrier and a large host of various runes and glyphs surrounding it, with yet more of the slowly pulsing magical symbols covering the walls and ceiling. It's quite clear that no one had entered, or left, the suite since Hikaru had left, meaning its inhabitants would still be inside the portal.

Queen Bright · « **Reply #29 on:** April 06, 2010, 06:56:34 PM »

"Apparently they're not going to make this quick as I had hoped..." Hikaru muttered to herself, as she stepped passed the runes and near enough to the portal to send a signal through it. After that, she closed her eyes and focused, blocking out the memory of everything that had just happened, and closing her mind off from being read. Once sure she had sealed off her mind from her intentions being read, she re-opened the telepathic connection Celestie had sent before, only taking a leaf from her book, and mentally prodding like a knock, first.

Nisorin · « **Reply #30 on:** April 06, 2010, 07:18:46 PM »

Answering her knock with a giggle, Celestie's voice echoes through Hikaru's head, sounding different enough to take a moment for recognition to set in. "Hello Hikaru, back already?" She asks, an, odd, feeling seeping through into Hikaru with her voice, like a sort of comfortable warmth, contrasting the oppressive heat of Hell's air.

Queen Bright · « **Reply #31 on:** April 06, 2010, 07:34:09 PM »

Hikaru stepped back with a jolt. Celestie's giggly composure had taken her completely by surprise as something she wasn't expecting. "Sorry for the interruption," She sent back, though not sorry at all. "But that distraction you mentioned as a requirement, it's just about to start, for whenever you are ready"

Nisorin · « **Reply #32 on:** April 06, 2010, 07:42:31 PM »

The odd feeling intensifies quite a bit suddenly, seeming to cluster in certain, inappropriate, areas as another giggle echoes through Hikaru's head. "Alright, we'll be out in a bit, just need to get dressed." She relays, before closing the telepathic connection.

Queen Bright · « **Reply #33 on:** April 06, 2010, 08:00:40 PM »

Get dressed? What the hell were they doing? As Hikaru pondered this from Celestie's words, finally realization hit her. What with the really odd feeling now affecting her train of thought and the giggling. Oh, they were doing that. Still a bit impatient, she managed to suppress it and lean against one of the walls, waiting.

Nisorin · « **Reply #34 on:** April 06, 2010, 08:05:17 PM »

The barrier around the portal pushes Hikaru away almost gently, making room for Celestie to step out. Wearing little more than a thicker variant of a nightgown, she smiles at Hikaru, her breath a little fast as the skin on her face shines a bit with a thin layer of sweat. She was carrying a bundle under her arm, a metal plate shining under a fold of cloth. "Sorry for that. Didn't think anything would slip in with the communication."

Queen Bright · « **Reply #35 on:** April 06, 2010, 08:20:46 PM »

"I apologize for the intrusion, but I felt it best to warn you before the distraction breaks out. Even if you weren't ready, it's going to affect everywhere." Grinning slightly, Hikaru stepped away from the wall and near to the door. "It'll have Lucifer pissed as hell. And I hope to be gone before he that happens." Opening the door, she stepped out but didn't close it yet. "I'll step out for now and send a signal when it starts. Will we be leaving by the Hellgate, or some other way?"

Nisorin · « **Reply #36 on:** April 06, 2010, 08:28:33 PM »

"We can do the ritual from this very room, if you'd like. Or, if you prefer, we can do it from our yard." Nisorin says, just after stepping out of the portal, wearing naught but a pair of jeans. Like Celestie, he holds a large bundle under his arm. "And at least there, we will have a viable alibi to keep us out of the repercussions of the distraction, as well as access to tea for while we explain a bit more."

"Its your choice, if you would rather return to the mortal plane. Teleportation should be possible from the yard though."

Queen Bright · « **Reply #37 on:** April 09, 2010, 06:05:36 AM »

"Mortal Plan, if at all possible." muttered Hikaru in response. "I want to be far away from Hell and Lucifer when my little plan breaks out. He's not going to be too happy." At this, Hikaru smirked. Just the thought of pissing that idiot off, put her in a better mood then she had been since she made the damn deal. "I thank you for for the assistance. But for now, I'll take my leave and allow you two the privacy to get dress--

Before she could finish the sentence, however, a shudder had went through her body, shaking her to the very core of her soul. The feeling of something wrong was there, something very wrong. Unable to place it, she did her best to conceal the feeling and turned to leave. Only to find out that, that wasn't the best course of action to take.

Instantly, pain flooded through her as she stood in the door way. Her mind, her soul, her spirit. None of it was free from the spontaneous gripping pain. What was happening? She barely had time to wonder this, before an unbearable burst of pain was felt within her heart, it was like someone had stabbed it, like they had wrenched it, still beating, from it's chest cavity, and had taken her sanity along with it.

Gripping the doorway for support, Hikaru could register nothing, but the deep anger that was coming from within. She had been mad before, but nothing like this. Nowhere close. Barely able to stand, with one hand on the door frame and the other clutching her chest, her eyes turned pure gold, as finally one sane thought had crossed her. She couldn't feel Koty's magic signature anymore. Had he died?

After that, she lost it. Unable to hold onto the doorframe any longer, Hikaru fell to her knees and let the anger take her. In a way, Hikaru was gone, replaced by nothing but pure rage without motive, mercy, or mind capacity. The emotion of loss had consumed her, and her powers reflected this.

All around her, flames began to erupt, first crimson, then a deep gold with scarlet red along the very tips. First manifesting as a circle of burning light, the more she lost control of her power, and her mind along with it, the larger it grew. Soon erupting the whole doorway into a scorching wildfire, Hikaru, herself became alit, and the ignited blaze surrounded her completely. Flames now covering every inch of her body, and manifesting into the shape of wings around her. Hikaru stood up, looking like a very wicked, and vengeful angel of fire.

"Who killed Koty?!!! I demand to know, NOW!" She shouted, as she smacked the doorframe with her fist, which when collided with scorching hot fire the temperature and power of Holy Fire, and then some, the doorframe and wall attached to it, didn't stand a chance. Cracked and barely holding its self together, flames began to spark from the blow to the wall, creaking along the edge and consuming the room its self in scarlet painted gold.

Nisorin · « **Reply #38 on:** April 09, 2010, 03:27:30 PM »

The wards and glyphs along the walls, originally meant to protect Nisorin if he fell fully into the Avenger state, flare to life as Hikaru falls, covering the door and windows with powerful, strong barriers as the wards push away Hikaru's magic. Celestie, recognizing the transformation instantly, stood between Hikaru and Nisorin, her expression soft and her muscles relaxed as she faces Hikaru. "It seems something has happened at the tournament, and Koty was defeated. In theory, anyone watching his match will be able to tell you who he fought." She answers, her eyes trained on Hikaru, watching every twitch of a muscle.

The portal behind the two collapses as Nisorin dispels the barrier around it, preparing a second barrier spell of great power. "We can help you track the killer down."

K2 · « **Reply #39 on:** April 10, 2010, 02:15:55 PM »

The tournament had been declared as "in-recess" a while back. K2323, who was trying to find the nearest elevator, stumbled out from stairs at the end of the hall on this floor. He looked up, down the hall, skimming the line, before back at the map, ignoring his sister in a mad rage with fire all around her and such, and- wait, what?

K2323 rushed towards Hikaru, alarmed. When he approached and saw Celestie and Nisorin, who he knew very well, he knew he could trust them. "What's going on!?" he shouted, alarmed.

Nisorin · « **Reply #40 on:** April 10, 2010, 02:45:18 PM »

Almost immediately, the barrier in the door changed to an opaque black, its surface shifting as the two Relorian mages inside the suite alter it to include soundproofing properties. Blue script, slightly hard to see in the current lighting, forms along the barrier on K2323's side, shifting between languages until it cycles to a rough version of the K Empire native language.

Quote

Hello, K2323. A great deal has happened in days since the Court. Hikaru, your sister, has recently performed the first in a series of very powerful and ancient rituals, for various reasons, many of which highly personal. For that reason, we will leave it up to her to discuss her reasons, out of respect for her personal privacy.

Currently, she is in a state that we have colloquially dubbed the 'Avenger.' Should you wish to help, you need to retrieve the embodiment named Animas. We are unable to call her while attempting to keep Hikaru's power from causing too much destruction.

Nisorin and Celestie

K2 · « **Reply #41 on:** April 10, 2010, 02:58:55 PM »

K2323 immediately took off to find the one named Animas.

Nisorin · « **Reply #42 on:** April 11, 2010, 08:35:53 PM »

Reforming before the door, Animas scowls as she places her hand against the surprisingly powerful barrier. "It still amazes me how skilled that woman is getting with her barriers." Closing her eyes, she begins examining the barrier's structure, analyzing the various threads of magic, seeking the deactivation spell.

Queen Bright · « **Reply #43 on:** April 12, 2010, 08:41:24 AM »

Now that the initial outburst had subsided, Hikaru was back to herself, or at least she could think again. Her magic on the other hand seemed to have a mind of its own. And she seemed to still be so damn pissed off at the death of Koty. Logic told her death wasn't an issue, as people could be resurrected or brought back, somehow. But even though she knew it to be true, the thought wasn't giving reassurance. In fact, the anger seemed to just grow further. Was this that Avenger state they had mentioned?

Clenching her fists, she ordered the fire to disperse; only to find out to her dismay it wouldn't listen. Growling in frustration, she turned to Celestie and Nisorin, noticing the barriers. They were lucky she didn't want to mess with the barriers. Because with the growing rage she was getting out of nowhere, Hikaru quite literally wanted to kill the first thing she saw. That's when she sensed the arrival of someone she didn't know, and her....brother.

"Well you came at the worst possible time." She sent telepathically, due to soundproof barrier. Then turned and glared through the open door, meanwhile struggling to keep her self control. "Because if you killed Koty, I'm going to kill you." The Revelation book then appeared in her hand. The flames around, not affecting it.

Nisorin · « **Reply #44 on:** April 12, 2010, 02:19:02 PM »

"Your brother was brought here to help, Hikaru. And you in your current state, you can't do much against the other." Celestie calls out to her as the barrier on the door opens briefly to allow Animas to enter, shutting before K2323 could follow.

"Well well, this must be your first time, Orion. Most don't fall during the first stage. But, then again, it was your partner that lost against that alchemist, wasn't it? An interesting match, he seemed like he intended to die." She says to Hikaru, her twin voices cutting through the roar of Hikaru's flames. "My name is Animas, the creator of the Orion path."

Queen Bright · « **Reply #45 on:** April 13, 2010, 12:11:06 AM »

"Creator? Great. So you're the creator of this state as well? Couldn't create it without it? Well you're obviously worthless." Thanks to the anger she was trying her best to control, Hikaru was in no mood for manners. And being pissed off just seemed to add to her usual sarcasm.

The flames finally dying down, it seemed she was gaining some, control back. Enough to where the fire wasn't all over her body. and in a blaze.

Nisorin · « **Reply #46 on:** April 13, 2010, 12:16:04 AM »

Animas scowls and walks straight up to Hikaru, standing a good head taller than her. "I added the Avenger intentionally, little sage. The state serves a purpose, it is not my fault if none of the Orien thus far have been wise enough to figure it out yet. I know of your reasons for becoming an Orion, and I must admit that it is a miracle you survived the first Orias. Now, would you like me to show you the basics, or would you like to completely lose your mind and become an unthinking, bloodthirsty brute focused on nothing but vengeance?" She growls, her own magic washing over Hikaru like a wave, pushing hard against Hikaru's own slightly out-of-control power.

Queen Bright · « **Reply #47 on:** April 13, 2010, 12:28:42 AM »

The flames blew out almost instantly from the result of Animas's power. The wings however lingered. But this didn't seem to annoy Hikaru as much as the comment had. Little Sage? Clenching her fists, along with the book in one of them, and gritting her teeth, Hikaru gave Animast the darkest glare she could give. "This little Sage, is one of the Sage Three. We used to own this damn Dimension, until the rest of you showed up!" Though yelling, she tried to remain calm, even though the words had hurt her pride. "In different circumstances, I could destroy you with my eyes closed, and hands tied behind my back. And who are you to tell me my motives? One may have been selfish, but there are others, I assure you. But fine... Help, if you can." She ended in taunt.

Nisorin · « **Reply #48 on:** April 13, 2010, 12:34:37 AM »

Now thoroughly annoyed, Animas places a quite cold hand onto Hikaru's shoulder, her eyes brightening to an icy blue as the temperature in the entire room plummets, the white wine in the glasses nearby, which was previously steaming slightly due to Hikaru's flames, was now a solid block of ice, causing the glass to crack open. "Yes, we know of you, but unfortunately you know little of ourselves." She says, emphasizing the plural pronouns as her right eye darkens to a deep, wooden brown. "I could simply freeze you right here and now, little sage, and be done with it, but the problem would not be solved. You are a being of fire, and so you are wild, with quite the fiery spirit. Unfortunately for you, you'll have to go against that, and force calm into your composure. It won't be easy for you, and if your calm breaks the Avenger will burst out with vengeance of its own, quite probably overwhelming you."

Queen Bright · « **Reply #49 on:** April 13, 2010, 01:17:49 AM »

Hikaru growled. "Mark my words, if we ever meet again, and I don't need your help, you'll pay for that comment." Still angered at things out of her control, and now annoyed at Animas, Hikaru found calming down to be a very daunting task. In fact, if one more thing had added to it, she would have failed right then and there. That's how, end of the line her patience was at the moment. Luckily her Brother was locked out of the room, so hopefully nothing would add to it.

Closing her eyes, Hikaru tried to calm herself, focusing on thoughts that were.........wait, She didn't have any happy thoughts. Well obviously this was going to be harder than she thought. Especially with her annoyance now at herself, for even listening to this person. It was a major hit to her pride.How dare she! With this thought, flames instantly sprang to life in her hands, reacting to the change. "Calm, calm, think calm..." Hikaru muttered to herself, in a voice that was so low it was barely a whisper only she could hear. She had felt the rising heat of the flames, and knew it was the opposite effect of what she wanted.

If only Koty hadn't died, she wouldn't be in this mess. Well there goes the second Orias. Wait.... Had that damn Animas person, said Koty intended, to die? To an Alchemist even? "OH, WHAT THE HELL!?" Hikaru shouted, the flames springing back to life and releasing a shockwave through the rooms, and even through the barriers. The walls of the room shaking in result. Obviously calm, was not something she could do.