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Post by Shae the Bat on Apr 26, 2006 14:41:02 GMT -5
Shae was the first to return from his task, as he passed through the Shadow Hole and arrived in Syntaru's mock throneroom, a smirk was on his face. The demon arose in his shadow form, the bright crimson eyes glaring in the dimly lit cave.
"I find it quite remarkable that you are the first to return, afterall you were pitted against a formidable adversary.. but still you won because you let the darkness into your heart.. and yet YOU LET HIM LIVE!" said Syntaru, pinning the bat to the wall, it was deja vu all over again.
"My Lord, I left him alive with intent, his battered body would serve as a warning for the other Vanguards and heroes.. I was toying with them..." said Shae, each word loosening the grip around him.
"Hmmm.. this is true, and the tactic is one I have had minions use in the past.. now, hand over the shard, chiroptera.." said Syntaru
Shae lowered himself to one knee holding the Gem shard above his head on his palm. The crimson jewel floated in the air and was wrapped in the demon's shadow essence, a dark glow filled the chamber and more of Syntaru's physical body became visible. The elongated horns on his head, the tusks protruding from either side of his jaw, the massive clawed hands and bulked carapace.. indeed Syntaru was a sight to behold, and his power was growing stronger still.
"Excellent.. though it may be slow in coming, my ascension draws closer.. my power increases 100 fold as I reclaim each part of my SoulGem, CAN YOU HEAR ME SISTER!? YOUR END IS AT HAND!! HAH HAH HAH HAH HAH!!" said Syntaru, his laughter echoing through the caves, Shadow Creatures howling and screeching along with him.
During the laughter, Shae snuck away, heading off to what had been appointed as his crypt. He walked through the winding passageways, his head tilted down. The bat was in much deep thought.
"Now we shall see how powerful you truly are, Syntaru, and then we shall see how much of a mistake it was for you to awaken my darker side..." thought Shae, chuckling to himself.
A Shadow Beast tuned to his chuckling, and didn't like the sound of it. In response the beast let out a screech and a hiss, and in his own response, Shae blasted the Beast into nothing with a single energy orb.
"Shut. Up."
Elsewhere, Gulo was walking with Halo through the alleyway.
"Halo huh? Interesting choice in names, but I guess it fits considering.. I of course am Gulo, I was once one of Eggman's top soldiers.. and then I met with a rather unfortuneate defeat by a foe who left me for dead.. from there I was carted back to Robotropolis and turned into this monstrosity you see before you.." said Gulo "I rebelled against him by trapping his prided minions and letting his enemy walk right through the front door and take over his precious city.. now I am venturing off on my own, building a force, if you will, to combat evils such as Eggman.. starting with Lucian and the mechanical beast, Apophis.."
If bending the truth were a sport, then Gulo would have taken home the gold just now. It would seem that in his roboticisation, he gained quite the manipulative ability, being able to read certain things on those he was talking to also helped. Vital signs, mood detection, an array of handy tools that aided in deception. They arrived at the black market dealer and Gulo went about making his purchases.
After buying a wealth of units and parts, his new consort gave him a strange look, as to how he was going to carry all of this equipment back to his base. And Gulo looked back at the young Echidna and "blinked" his electronic eyes, then halfway chuckled. He clicked a button on his wrist and within a few moments Gulo's shuttle appeared above the alley, it landed just on the edge of the shaded alleyway, cargo door opened. He and Halo loaded the equipment, Halo being cautious of any sunlight not blocked by the ship.
That's when Gulo pulled something out of one of his boxes. He tossed a small round device at Halo, this of course, was a simillar tool that Eggman had given Lucian.
"Stick that on you somewhere, like your shirt perhaps, when activated that shield will protect you from the sunlight.. said Gulo
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Tonixion
Fresh Meat
Can I Play With Madness?
Posts: 73
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Post by Tonixion on Apr 26, 2006 14:54:22 GMT -5
Andre had taken the blunt of the blows. He felt their sting like insignificant insects, yet he could not swat them away. No matter where he swung his claws they only contacted the steadily rising heat of the air. Like pins and needles he was hit, time after time, fueling his anger. The giant's rage was slowly building up, boiling inside of his mind as the annoyances ensued. Then it happened, a slight pause in the barrage of projectiles. And though they could not see it inside of that pillar of black flames, he took these precious seconds to heart.
The rather persuasive looking shockwave of energy that was screaming towards the demon was fast approaching Andre, but out of the chaos that was Demockstro's flame came a monstrous blade forged of the Void itself, and in a wide sweeping slightly diagonal-horizontal swing did the now-enflamed weapon carve a split path inbetween the Tempest Claw Attack. As the two attacks connected a tremor was sent throughout the Baron Plains Island, shaking the two bewildered contenders off their feet momentarily as they saw their ticket to victory fly away seperate ways up into the the skies of Mobius.
Not a moment passed when a whistleing sound sounded off. The large Andre was now revealed from his inferno, and he had swung The Reckoner in a single claw to hurl it at the duo. They would have to move quickly to avoid losing a quaint portion of their body. If that was not enough, the demon was already charging his charcoal black body towards them, both menacing claws outstretched and reached to severe some limbs.
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Post by Lucian on Apr 26, 2006 16:41:03 GMT -5
At long last the sun set on Pagatim, or what was left of the town. The lack of rain or any animals approaching the area left the village in the carnage soaked appearance the vampire had left it in before retiring to the rising dawn. Outside, Apophis came out of sleep mode and awoke with his battle compatriot.
"Hey big guy, sleep well? I know I did! Then again, I always do on a full stomach. Heh heh heh. . ."
The change was dramatic, Lucian's clothes were whole again, and his arm wasn't bent at a funny angle any more. His hair and posture were the fitting image of royalty and even his smile was more firm and straight. Granted, it's a smile soaked in crimson but he hadn't brushed his teeth yet. Full revitalized, the ultimate night preditor stalked out from Peggy Sue's home, then went back inside after slapping his forhead once.
He'd forgotten his hat.
Jumping up on Apophis, bracing his new head gear the dragon kicked on his thrusters and they rose into the air. The distant horizon still a faint red tinge that Lucian sneered at. One of these days I'm going to beat this genetic curse and stand in the sun once more. The vampire thought as the mechanical dragon rose into the heavens and wheeling about to the east.
"You are confident that Lord Ivo would agree with these plans?"
The vampire rolled it's eyes, knowing that the guideless dragon couldn't see the reaction, keeping this one in line was going to be an issue. "Well, until we get a communication from Eggman I'm going to keep my appointment with Legion. Knowing him, he capitalized on Gulo's trechery and has control of Robotropolis. As such, that means Ivo has run away some where safe and we're SOL till he picks us up again. We're prime targets and I have a small fortress in Shift Sands Zone. It's not much but if the Prime Version of myself shares any similarities to your's truely than we have a nice little hide out waiting for us in the desert. My only problem is if it's occupied."
"You mean with rebels or pests?" "No, I mean this Zone's version of myself. I doubt very much he's alive, he'd be centuries old and that's long lived even for my kind. But if he is, well Grandpa Lucian will need to go down for a permenant nap." "You would kill another version of yourself for territory?" "Consider who you're asking!"
The pair flew on in silence, but the dragon was worried, anyone willing to slay another part of himself to profit certainly wouldn't have any qualms with sacraficing a teammate. And while the Apophis was confident that he could handle the bloodsucker it's logic circuits kept going in warning circles. Perhaps it was the smile the vampire wore, perhaps because anything that evil could do nothing but benifit it's self. But most likely it was the transmitter Lucian had snapped off the dragon's back while he was with Duro that prevented any communications form Eggman coming in. The same transmitter that fell overboard when they went through a cloud bank to fall to the Mobian ground never to be found.
"Mission parameters confirmed, we continue to Shifting Sands Zone and rebuild the Empire until we recieve word from Lord Ivo." "Of course! We wouldn't want to keep the boss waiting now, would we?"
The snicker the vampire gave was lost in the jetstream.
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Post by CC on Apr 26, 2006 17:01:52 GMT -5
CC gaped as their most powerful attacks were simply brushed aside by the large demonic figure and seeing the large weapon hurtling in their d irection she grabbed onto Amon and holding him tightly rolled out of the way of the large demonic blade. Without speaking she hurries to her feet, sure that for the moment that the hedgehog is alright but is too late to dodge the next blow coming from Andre's very talons, they slice into her soft flesh like a hot knife through butter, sending fur and blood flying. The feline lets out a sharp yowl of pain and twists around so that her now bleeding and gashed back is away from the opponent, she still stands but there is pain in her green eyes.
"You're gonna pay for that" She says through clenched teeth as she rushes forward by a few steps, leaving behind the energy attacks she was still unused to but with the ki energy that was left she closes her fists and uses them to block his hitting attacks while she manages to drive a swift kick right to one of the demon's knees.
___
Tala grasps onto the shard and concentrating on the spot where the fox is raising unsteadily to his feet she teleports herself to a few feet in front of him, still out of hitting range with his nasty soul blade but close enough that she is able to see him fully for the first time. He is a strong fighter, she can tell by the muscles and they way that he was standing, but for being one of Aurora's warriors he was truly weak in comparason to Syntaru's growing army.
Her voice was calm and smooth and she stared directly into the fox's eyes, "I do believe that you should take a closer look at which side you play upon and whether or not you are playing upon the correct side. You, with your powers of so called good fighitng for what reason? "
She smirks slightly and her eyes flash red for a moment before returning to their regular golden yellow. With her metallic paw she moves quickly and soon two daggers are flying towards the already wounded fox, one each pinning the remnants of his pant legs to the rock floor. "You are so weak, it is sad really that Aurora has not seen fit to provide you with the power necessary to defeating Syntaru... perhaps you will one day see the light and you will turn from the fake goddess Aurora and turn to the one who truly will show you great things, Syntaru is the way. Think about that, oh defeated one"
With a swift turn she kicks out with a strong leg meant for jumping and climbing, hitting the fox directly on the chin and knocking him to the ground. IN front of her a Shadow Hole opens and before stepping inside she takes one last look at the fox and shakes her head - when finished she enters into the portal and it closes behid her, leaving the fox laying batterred upon the ground.
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Post by Tsubasa on Apr 26, 2006 17:32:29 GMT -5
The dhole bit her lip, desperately trying to figure out whether she should listen to Spade and leave him to fend off the snake or help him, but let their enemy retrieve the crystal. It took a moment of hesitation for her to think about just why they were here, before she made up her mind. She'd do what Spade told her to do, only to make sure that they could thwart the Goddess' brother's plans.
"Fine... But... You better not die, got it!" she exclaimed before running down the corridor, trying to keep her mind off the sounds of battle she knew would come soon. She was careful not to touch the wall or anything suspicious on the ground, not wanting to deal with something else coming out and attacking. Every time she had the chance to change direction, she continued straightforward, right up to the point where the ground became uneven with age and she tripped. Kuri placed her hand down on the ground, turning herself so she landed crouched on her knees instead of her head.
Unfortunately, her hand landed on a trap stone. Out of nowhere, a net rocketed towards her, encasing it inside. Kuri growled, reaching into her pockets to grab her claws, using the tips to cut the cloth into shreds. A small smile twitched at her lips.
"Well..." she mused, looking towards the direction she was running to again, "Compared to some of the things I was expecting, that wasn't too bad..."
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Post by Shae the Bat on Apr 26, 2006 18:36:01 GMT -5
Shade had caught up with the young Dhole and was watching her intently, quietly disabling the traps that blocked her upcoming path. Quickly following her through the massive temple halls, as stealthy as an incarnated shadow could be. Her going was fast, which was good for the shadow's cause.. the faster she went, the sooner she'd reach the statue, and the sooner he could steal away the Gem.
"That's it little vulpine-canine crossbreed, a little farther now and you'll reach my goal.." thought Shade to himself.
Back in the Chaos Realm, Aries was making a report to Aurora.
"Come in Aries, my door is open.." said the Goddess.
The white and green hedgehog entered the Goddess' chambers bowing his head.
"As I'm sure you know m'Lady, Paladin and myself have failed.. Shae outwitted us and overpowered the Judicator.. I am sorry dear Goddess.." said Aries
"It is alright, Aries, you tried your best.. the others are not fairing too well either.. it is a stalemate thus far but I fear the darkness will overpower us yet again.." said the Goddess, hanging her head. "If only we hadn't lost Shae to the whims of Syntaru, why couldn't I see it coming? It happened in his Omega incarnation.. perhaps I thought that Prime was different.. perhaps I let myself believe that this dimension was better.."
A single tear fell down the cheek of the Goddess, Aries stood silent, sadness filled the air in the Chaos Realm, and on the planet's surface, rain began to fall in every land. Not one particular area remained dry. The rain fell in Aegis, the rain fell in Westopolis, the rain fell in the Southern Tundra, on the Baron Plains. Everywhere on Mobius was experiencing the same solitary rain shower.
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Post by Psychosis on Apr 27, 2006 16:19:32 GMT -5
Time crawled to a halt, their attack had failed and now the beast was launching his own. The templar hedgehog watched as the great sword of black flame hurled in his direction and the beast himself rushed across the plains to Ci Ci. In a soft fluid motion the hedghog displays a show of grace. Backflipping to his feet and cartwheeling in mid-air over the forsaken blade as it crashed into the ground.
Ina flash of blue light the templar teleported infront of the beast, pulling Ci Ci out of the way just as he'd counter-balanced her attacks. He charged a quick burst of Psionic energy and made a flare of bright energy, blinding Andre long enough for them to escape the island. When the re-materialised, they found themselves back in the Great Forest, that place the first heroes had convened.
"I am sorry, my dear, but I had to get us out of there.. despite our combined powers, it was a battle that could not have been won.. at leats not without loss of life.. and I could not afford to lose one such as you, and I am certain that you feel the same towards me.. I will attempt to make contact with Aurora so we may refroup in the Chaos Realm"
Amon sent out a psionic signal, reaching out into the Chaos Realm. Though a little muffled from the rain, Amon hoped that it was strong enough to reach Aurora.
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Post by Lucian on Apr 27, 2006 16:34:45 GMT -5
Paladin Twilight stood out in one of the many court yards prevelant in the garden filled areas of the Chaos Realm. As the rain poured down the deathog had to wonder if the weather was the whim of the goddess or something deeper. Shelfing that thought for another day, the Judicator motioned for one of the traveling spirits to come hither. It was affraid, and justly so, years before a certain deathog had been here and had left an indelible impression upon the spirit that this red eyed one was dangerous. But after a bit of coaxing the traveling entity teleported to the vanguard's side.
"Now wait here little one, and when I give the go ahead, try to teleport out of the ring. Alright?"
The flicky responsible for moving spirits that can't teleport themselves nodded it's peak and bravely remained still. A Vanguard would never injure a spirit of Aurora's realm, right?
Taking his staff in bandaged hand and a small pouch in his good one, Paladin threw a pinch of some black dust into the rain soaked air. After slamming the butt end of the weapon down and chanting the words. "SANCTUS OBSIDIO! SANCTUS OBSIDIO! SANTCUS OBSIDIO!" A ring of pure black, similar to the carbon statues that sealed away the spirit gems of Syntaru formed in a one hundred foot circle around the flicky. The dark ring was strong against the light stonework that made the garden walkway up but faded moments later. In spite of this, the deathog didn't stop smiling once is work was done. Bidding the traveling spirit to come hither it gleefully attempted to teleport to the vanguards side. A resounding THWACK! showed the bird lying dazed at the edge of were the ring had reapeared when the creature had attempted to teleport through, slowly the black round line disapeared once more.
After dispelling the entapment and reviving the bird with a rune stone, Paladin Twilight came out of the rain. It was time to practice his weapon work for the battle ahead.
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Tonixion
Fresh Meat
Can I Play With Madness?
Posts: 73
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Post by Tonixion on Apr 27, 2006 21:58:03 GMT -5
Everything went white at once before he could deliver a sinister blow that would've surely lopped off something. Andre cursed yet praised it at the same time, if he was allowed to praise. Calling The Reckoner back to his hand without much thought, he stood to full height and dismissed the weapon into the Void once more. The giant peered around with his steadily-calming eye to make sure this was not some sort of trick, and finally let out a deep sigh. The faster he did his tasks, the faster he would be released of his bonds. Andre's cloak reassimilated back onto his form as part of his outfit, flames dying down.
His somber footsteps almost echoed as he suddenly felt a rain of regret pour down over the island. The demon smiled an unknown smile under that terrible mask of his, resolving to cleanse himself as the rain did many things. Though for now, he set foot on the steps of the Temple of Chaos, already feeling the evil of the place surge through his own evil body. His smile disappeared, though in his mind he was relieved.
No life had been lost. It was time to get to work.
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Post by CC on Apr 28, 2006 12:31:05 GMT -5
CC looks into the eyes of the psionic hedgehog, at first her anger over being taken away from the fight pierces into his very soul - she was never one to back down even if it meant getting beaten to a pulp or even dying. It was a matter of pride to her that she fought every battle to the finish, but her emerald eyes softened as his words sank through the layers of frustration. Sadness rushes over her face and her stance relaxes into one of dejected grace. With a single paw raising she brushes away a few loose strands of red tipped black hair and sighs deeply, "You are right Amon, it is a battle that can be continued at a time where the tables are not so decidedly against us. I would...if you...."
A deeper sadness comes over her so that she chokes slightly instead of finishing her sentence, it had not hit her until that moment that she did truly care for the hedgehog that she had only met in this life. She knew that the other lives that they shared together were ones of flirtation, happiness and love and she felt that perhaps her attraction to him in this life was one that was only playing out because of those lives shared together. She did not think that she would perhaps have another chance at such a beautiful thing - or having someone that she would care about. This life had been a rough one in regards to those that she shared her life with, the only other meaning anything to her being Daddy Dante, who had perished so very long ago.
The sadness drains from her face as she thinks more and more over the situation and a grin replaces the very uncommon frown on the feline's soft face. Her eyes sparkle with mirth and she pokes the hedgehog gently in the stomach, knowing that he is concentrating on getting help sent to them. "You know, I'm a little down over not even being able to put a scratch on Andre and need a bit of cheering up. Perhaps a nice little walk would do us both a bit of good - I know that it always makes me feel a little bit better. And really, I am sure that Aurora will be able to find us regardless of where we are. What do you think?" She smiles hopefully and leans in slightly to the hedgehog, her fur just lightly brushing against his quills and the heat of her body being felt even in the slight cool of the forest.
____
Tala stepped through the other side of the Shadow Hole, entering directly into the large throne room of Syntaru- she sees him there and his form is quite impressive and even stronger than before and something very strange happens, a smile comes to her normally passive face. She strides quickly with her long legs to him, stopping just before and bowing down in front of him with the shard held out. Her head is bowed in regular reverance to her Lord and when she speaks her voice is strong and happy, "My Lord, another shard for you- though I see that you haave grown even stronger since last I saw you. I take it that other shards have already been recoverred and that you are closer to your ascension?"
Her voice is full of hope, as few things would make the normally cool and rational lemur happy, even joyful, than seeing Syntaru back to his full form and the feeling that they were ever so close filterred through her normally blank facade. "I hope that I have done well, I know that I did not destroy the two minions of Aurora - but one never showed his face, the other may possibly have a chance of being taught as he has some darkness in his soul - it is tiny, but it is there... and of course I felt that the most important thing would be retrieving the shard and delivering it to you..."
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Post by Psychosis on Apr 28, 2006 13:47:29 GMT -5
Amon opened his eyes and looked at Ci Ci. He smiled lightly, taking her hand in his and they began to walk through the forest. Never before would he have imagined that such a beauty would come into his life. As the hedgehog and the cat walked through the dripping rain, beams of light peered from behind the clouds, creating wonderous colors in the water vapors.
"Such a marvelous planet we live on, is it not? It's astonishing how such radiant beauty can exist in such a place of chaos.. and the forest isn't too bad either.."
Amon said sheepishly. A silly grin on his face and a small chuckle escaping his lips. His time in the chamber was well spent, it felt good after all those decades to finally be able to express his emotions again. And with perfect timing as well. Elsewhere, Spade was finished expelling his disgust with the events of his trial. He ran through the halls of the temple trying to catch up to Kuri.
He found it disturbing that no more traps were going off, as he was quite clumsy in his dashing. There was something going on here, someone or something had disabled the traps, making the path clear for them.
Maybe this is the work of the Shadow, clearing all obstacles for us to that he can defeat us himself and claim honor with the Dark One.. what ever it may be, it is chilling my soul.. I had better find Kuri..
Spade thought to himself. He continued through the dim halways, grabbing a torch along the way. He tried to remain as quiet as possible while traversing the eerie temple of Death. If the Shadow was trying to pull something, he wanted to attain the element of surprise.
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Post by Shae the Bat on Apr 28, 2006 14:15:39 GMT -5
The Goddess Aurora walked out into the gardens, spying Twilight practicing his new technique. She waited before addressing him, opening a portal to the living realm to retrieve Stealth and Luminous. The to arrived in the Chaos Realm, a little worse-for-wear, but they would be fine. Aurora had Rayne escort them to the nursing station and she walked over to Paladin.
"It would seem that our heroes are not fairing well, wouldn't you say Paladin? So far three efforts have been thwarted.. only Spade, Kuri and Thunder are still out there.. Syntaru's power is growing.. what are we to do?" said the Goddess, knowing full well her course of action.. merely seeking contact with her newest Vanguard.
Elsewhere, Syntaru claimed the SoulGem from Tala, increasing his power again one hundered fold.
"It would seem that letting the warriors of the Goddess live is becoming common practice.. Shae let Syth.. or rather Paladin Twilight, live, though severely wounded and let Aries live to settle a personal score.. Andre held back in his fight, letting the two warriors escape.. he seeks to reclaim his shard now.. and you.. letting the warriors of pure light live.. because of darkness in one's heart.." said Syntaru, a tinge of annoyance in his voice. "Though I suppose that the end would justify the means.. you are dismissed, Shadow Queen, I will call upon you again once the other have returned.. soon it will be time to reclaim the final shards and converge on the place of my ascension.."
The demon's eyes flitted in a flaring light, the black mist around him swirling in a rush as he faded back into the Void. Clacking his claws against his throne, he paid close attention to the battle on Azure Island.
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Post by Lucian on Apr 28, 2006 14:43:26 GMT -5
Paladin Twilight bowed low to his Mistress.
"T'would seem, Lady Aurora, that in spite of our best efforts," the deathog held up his still bandaged hands, "That we are loosing on three fronts. The first being source of power. While Syntaru is not yet whole he is their battery for energy and technique. I recall well the knowledged touch of darkness and it's empowering feel.
And save for the Vanguard's nature, we all sustain ourselves on the power we ourselves garner through knowledge like I have, or innate ability like CC, or through trial like Stealth. We stand on our own and fall on our own. And if I had to wager a guess, our remaining compatriots are not fairing any better than we did.
The second failing is one of experience, save for this new Shade person, from what I can tell there are few with as much battle savy as Shae and the other Apostles. Andre is a monster in both the fighting sense and the physical one. From what I was told of the Lemur, she is a bound fanatic tempered by pain and a most dangerous foe. And it goes with out saying that the Bat is. . .well trained.
The last aspect is luck, certainly if we had gotten to the shard before the bat he wouldn't have had time to hide and turn the traps on us. Aries wouldn't have been knocked out of the game and we might have had an even shot at restraining the ex-vanguard. But as it was, I was very worse for wear before the battle begun and am new the use of Light Powers. I tried my best to stall the bat until Aries could back me up but then he teleported us to the Eye of the Prophet, and from there it was just damage control.
Shaking a bandage that had fallen over his good eye away, "And it would seem I've failed there as well. . ." a rueful smile maring the vanguard's features.
Meanwhile; there was a very unhappy vampire flying over the western landmass of mobius. Biding Apophis to fly above the cloud banks the irrate undead begun to ring the water out of his clothes. For some reason the water itched like no other, as if the rain wasn't some natural occurance. Oblivious to the source, Lucian cleared the cloud canopy, the child wind a prefered encombrance to the allergic reaction to water.
I can't wait to get to the bloody desert. At least THERE it never bloody rains! the vampire thought as he swatted some moisture out of his hat.
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