Blackout
West Point Castle
Raia collapses back against the wall in the alley barely able to stand.
"That was even better a second time. Your turn." As Raia approaches she notices that the sun is directly above. "Shit, high noon. I have to go. Find Gin. Meet me at the Castle in a few hours." Raia kisses Sia deeply and buckles her pants again. Chron trots up and Raia hops onto his back slinging her rifle over her shoulder as she does. She blows Sia a kiss and is gone.

West Point Castle Dojo
Gin practices his sword forms. Each stroke. Each step. Each fluid movement precise and measured. The dojo is vacant except for Gin so he has discarded his robes and is wearing only his undergarments.

Sia

"Hrmph. Your paying for that later!" Now where did he slink off too. Sniffing the air I catch his scent and follow it too some kind of dojo. Kicking the door open i yell "Gin! I need a drink lets go!" Finding him in his undies I grab the end of his practice sword and drag him out into the street. "Where do you hide the bars?" Following his directions too an upscale looking place i drag him inside and sling him into a stool. "Two please,Keep em comeing" Slideing a gemstone onto the bar i turn too Gin. "Now spill. Whats your deal? You keep looking at Raia and i like you've got something too say. Come on, Out with it."

Blackout
West Point Castle
Gin stammers and attempts to redress himself but Sia drags him off. As they pass down the street women and men alike give various expressions of shock and disbelief. Gin covers himself with his free hand but doesn't let go of his training sword. Sia asks about a bar and Gin nods in the general direction. Before he can protest she is dragging him again. Gin, frustrated, digs his heels into the ground to no avail. They enter a bar and Sia orders a drink for him. The bar owner recognizes Gin and gives Sia a sideways glance.
"Attendants can only drink with permission from their Ladies." The owner says setting a single glass down in front of Sia. She glances at Gin and gives him a smug smile. "I got spare clothes in back. Go get dressed." As Gin leaves to cover himself the Bar Owner leans in a little to watch him go and whistles. "Nice."

Gin returns in a standard guard clothes and stands by Sia silently. Awkwardly. Everyone is watching the two of them.
"I..." Gin starts. "I just..." The Owner sets a shot down in front of him. Gin gives her a quizzical glare.
"Only one." The Owner says and goes back to polishing a cup. Gin stares at the small glass of alcohol and sits quietly.

Sia

Blinking at the woman and takeing both shots I wink at Gin before downing them. Smirking at the look on his face I climb onto the bar and stand. Scanning the room I spot a Lady with two attendance walk in from the street. Pointing at her I yell, "Hey! Did you hear the Lady Riders announcement?

Blackout
West Point Castle
The owner looks up at Sia.
"I know who you are. Doesn't change the fact that he's not allowed to drink here." The owner opens a sort of briefcase and pulls several bottles down from the top shelf. "But, if both he and the bottles were to leave third establishment. Well not much I can do about it, is there?" The owner slides the briefcase to Sia. Gin tugs Sia's pantleg and nods towards the door.
"I know a spot."

Sia

"You guys are no fun at all." Huffing and jumping down from the bar i toss another gem onto the counter and follow Gin outside."Does anyone here ever cut loose besides Raia? That was the lamest bar ever. Where are we off too lover boy? Im getting married and i want too get drunk and cry about it."

Blackout
West Point Castle
Gin leads Sia back towards the dojo.
"Sorry. It's because of me. Raia only lets me drink with her. Though, I occasionally steal a few cups of sake or wine when she drinks alone." Once at the dojo Gin dons the modestly decorated hakama. After tucking his swords into his belt he turns to Sia. He starts to say something but stops. Then speaks. "I want to talk with you. But here isn't private enough. Follow me." Gin leads Sia out through the back of the castle. Then down am alley and to a watch tower. Gin gets a running start and scales the wall by running straight up it. When reaches a small outcrop of stones he grabs it and pushes a small hidden door open. Then disappears inside. From the hidden room he calls down for Sia.
"Come on." The hidden room is filled with books. Plus it has an amazing view of the Castle town. Gin sets himself on a ledge and looks out at the town.

Blaze

I curse as some of our enemies peel off from Gaul's group and decide to head after me. I chunk a nanobot out and it beeps at me a millisecond after. I glance behind me at the men closing in and make a definite decision. I need to lose them now. Underground it is. I nod at the bot and it deconstructs a section of rock in front of me. I slide down and the bot sprays my scent in a winding path to the side, then replaces the displaced rock.

From my earlier scan, the tunnels underneath the mountain didn't seem like the most direct route to our waiting ladies. Now it seems like my only choice. I barely pause to shrink down before I'm bounding down the tunnel. I'm mouse size and my nanobot takes the lead, guiding me through the maze of corridors. Get the girls, get the goats, get out.

Flame

From here I can command them like puppets but it takes more focus than I'd like. To be certain we escape, I'll most likely need to kill them. To kill that many with blood control quickly, I'll need to enter the Frenzy state. I sigh heavily. It's normally used as a build up to unleashing the phantom spirit...and there's so much blood already. I shake off my reservations. There's not time for them. I've made my choice.

Frenzied Flame- stage 1

The enemies surrounding are targets are dead. I boiled their blood in their bodies. Scorched them from the inside out and now I need more.

I leap from the tower and race to the nearest site of conflict. Gaul rages on the second tower. I pause here long enough to slash throats in my path before sliding down the other side and into the path leading to the third tower. There's swarms of Bloodmen clogging this path and I control them all as soon as my feet hit the dirt. Their blood rushes from thrill, I feel it and command it to freeze. I jump on the first enemy's back and sink my elongated fangs into his jugular. I rip his throat out and reach for the next, shredding it to ribbons. My dagger finds neck after neck. By the time I'm through cutting these down, the rest lie dead. Their blood solidified in their bodies.

More...I need more.

Sia

"Its not your fault Gin. Its a silly rule and from what i can see im about too be a "Lady". I thought wed get away with it." Casually transitioning from the ground too the wall i follow Gin up, and follow him too the edge. Plopping myself down next too him dig for my flask ad drip some into my bottle before looking too him and considering for a moment."Maybe next time yeah? What did you want too talk about?

Blackout
Gin's Hideout
Gin watches all the people below. He sighs and takes a bottle to himself.
"Raia is gonna be pissed." Gin says before taking a swig. "Have... have you ever wanted someone to be happy? Have you ever wanted to see them smile and know that they are happy and fulfilled?" Gin takes another swig.

"I was five when Raia saved me from being gutted by Jiro's raiders. She brought me into their home. I've served her all my life, you know. Ever since then. She gave me this necklace." Gin gestures to the gold chain links around his neck. "I owe her my life. I thought I'd be happy to just be by her side. But recently... Seeing you with her makes me jealous." Gin starts chugging the bottle. He stops only because he chokes.

"You make Raia happy. More than I have in these past years. So I'm leaving West Point. Maybe I'll find purpose somewhere out there."

Sia

"If anything she'll be pissed at me, comes with the package. I have two or three people who i would give anything too see happy yes. Why don't you tell her your jealous? Is it easier too tell me than it would be her? Its silly too not be honest about how you feel Gin. How do you think i ended up sitting here next too you? I made my intentions clear. So should you, she'll respect that. You owe her your life, Then you owe her your honesty too. Talk too her and explain how your feeling. I'm not trying too steal her. We can share , for all we know she could get bored of me after awhile." Taking his bottle i drink 3/4 of whats left and fill it up to half way again with water. "Talk too her tomorrow morning. Think more on it today. Oh! If you try too leave before speaking with her, ill find you and drag you back here." Finishing my own bottle i throw it as hard as i can to the west too emphasize my point. Roof tiles crack and shatter from the force and theres a low boom as the bottle breaks the sound barrier. "Lets go home Gin, If you want we can talk more there...and drink more." Smiling a shark toothed grin down at him i pat his head and step off the side of the tower.

Blackout
West Point Castle.
Raia enters the main hall sporting a new haircut. Her raven black shoulder length side braid has been replaced with a silvery pink shaggy layered bob. She smiles at Sia and holds her arms up as if to say: look at me.
"What do you think?" Raia asks but turns as Gin enters the room. She starts speak but stops when she realizes Gin is wearing travelling apparel. "Why the traveling gear?" Gin sets his pack down and kneels.
"My Lord, I ask that I be released from service as your Attendant." Gin says coldly. Raia takes a second to find her words.
"On what grounds are you seeking to leave my service?" Raia asks back.
"I have been in your service all my life. From a young age. I have known no other life. I wish to leave on a journey of self discovery and enlightenment." Gin speaks. His voice though stern wavers once but only slightly. "I wish to know who I am without you."

Raia is silent for a long time. Gin keeps his head down the entire time. Finally Raia gives her answer.
"Very well, I release you from your indenture." Raia feels a knot in her stomach and a tightness in her chest. "Goodbye Gin."

Gin stands and turns to leave.
"Goodbye Raia."

Sia

Face palming at Gin being stupid I sprint forward and grab him by the arm. Pulling him back and handcuffing him too a table leg. "Thats not what i meant Gin. I wont force you too stay, and i never told you too go. Scowling down at him i dissapear again and come too a stop in front of Raia. Reaching out and running my hand through her hair i lean in close. "I love it Raia...really, it suites you so well." Taking her hand and lacing out fingers together i look into her eyes. "Gin has more too tell you, hes just being a teenager about it. Can you pause Lady Rider and be our Raia instead?" Looking down i shuffle my feet a little. "I know its not really my buisness, but its kind of my fault, in part at least."

Blackout
West Point Castle First Floor
Gin curses loudly. He yanks at the handcuffs.
"Sia! I've said my peace! Let me go!" Gin flips the table and pulls the handcuff off the foot. "I am leaving!"
"Wait! What is she talking about?" Raia steps towards Gin and demands answers. Gin doesn't answer and heads towards the door. There is a blinding soft golden light as Raia summons her shimmering gold sword-staff and pins the door shut. "Answer me!" Gin stays silent. Raia strides up and picks Gin up by his collar and pins him to the wall. "Out with it! What is so terrible that you can't tell me. Me!

Gin shifts uncomfortably. "I love you." Gin says. Raia drops Gin and takes a step back.
"Do you mean?" Raia starts to say but Gin keeps speaking.
"I don't know when it happened. But all I think about is you. When I wake up. While I'm training. Escorting you on your patrols. As I lie in bed one room over just wishing to be next to you. I can't keep living like this! I can't keep doing this and pretending I'm okay!" Gin takes a few measured breathes. "Especially now that you have Sia. Listening you to the other night was torture. I want you to be happy. But there's no place for me in that happiness. At least, not that I could live with." Gin stands there.
"Gin, I..."
"Please. Don't... just, don't. I'm sorry I fell in love with you." Gin can't make eye contact. He turns to Sia. "Is that good enough?"

Sia

Appearing in front of Gin I cock my fist back and punch him in the jaw, knocking him onto his butt. "Don't be stupid Gin." Shifting my gaze too Raia I wink. Looking back down at Gin I smirk." If I thought you wanted too go discover yourself I'd help you pack. Hell I might even offer too go with you. But that's not it. Your running away." I plop myself down on his chest." I have a better idea." leaning down I whisper into his ear. "Bet if we try hard enough we can make her jelious and she'll come over here.

The more men he kills, the stronger Gaul becomes. The more blood fills the air, the more corporeal the bear becomes. Man and beast rampage across the battlefield in an unstoppable tide of destruction and chaos, never tiring or slowing down. They’re nearing the top of the mountain, and nothing can stop them.

Blackout
West Point Castle First Floor
Raia pulls Sia off of Gin.
"Sia stop. Let him up." Raia says as Gin scrambles to his feet. "Gin, if you really want leave I won't stop you. I've taken enough of your life. You don't owe me any more."
"You mean everything to me Raia." Gin says. He turns to leave. Raia grabs his arm.
"I've decided. You are still my attendant. Now and forever. Return to me when you are through with your journey." Raia takes a deep breath. "Please Gin." Gin is quiet for a long time.
"Sia, I'm counting on you to keep Raia happy." Gin says. Raia releases him and he takes his pack and leaves without saying anything more.

Later that night Raia and Sia sit in the upper chamber drinking wine and sake. Raia has been quiet and pensive since earlier with Gin.
"Did I do the right thing? Letting him go?" Raia leans against Sia. "I can't help but feel that I've stolen his life from him. Would he have fallen in love with me under different circumstances?   He never said anything. He never gave any hint to what he was feeling." In the distance a golden bolt of lightning strikes in the desert.

Mountain Fortress
The Blood Baron curses as Gaul slaughters his way past him. As Gaul nears the top three more Barons join and surround him.

Meanwhile, the Bloodmen catch a scent. Bloody like their own but different enough to notice. A small detachment peel off to track it down.

The Bloodmen pursuing Blaze scatter and crash into each other hurling barely intelligible curses.
"Where fox go?"
"Not see. Scent not right."

Rebel camp
Karnariel taps his fingers on the table looking over reports. The Sun Cloaks march for the cove. If Lexianna is right they could be marching unopposed. The Scouts are having no luck finding the Valkyrie. Karnariel crumbles the paper and tosses it into the fire.
"I'll find you Kara. I swear on my mother."

Father's Prison
Nel stirs. She sits up and looks around.
"Candle man?"

Across the hall Nevermore is still unresponsive.

Sia

Turning and kissing her before she can say more I pull her against me. "Shut up. This isn't your fault, hell be back love, now come too bed it's been a long day.

Razz

"Goodmorning little one, how did you sleep?" Rising too my feet I stretch out my limbs. Looking acrossed too Nevermores cell I yell" Nevermore! Make something of yourself. You alive? "

Blaze

I freeze for only a moment as our enemies stumble around and lose track of me. Good. Seems so far they're thoroughly confused. Hopefully they remain that way. I hit a final tunnel and turn. This should be where they're keeping our girls. Maybe the goats aren't far either. When I come upon the ladies they're all chained to the wall.

I change my size to that of a normal fox and trot up to the girls. I nod at my bot. It scans the lock, beeps, then spits out a key. Scooping the key up in my mouth, I fit it to the lock and twist. The cuff pops off and drops with a heavy clank. I rub against the first lady's leg then make a dash for the door so they follow me. Now to find the way out...and the goats.

Frenzied Flame- Final Form

The towers ahead bear the pungent scent of blood. She scans the area. Enemies are here yes but in the middle of most, cutting them down is one marked as a comrade. He is at the fourth tower.

Enemies start falling in great droves. They bleed from the eyes,nose,ears,fingernails, and every other possible orifice as blood flees from their bodies and pools in great rivers on the ground.

She races from the third tower and into the road. Her movement is only detected as a streak of red seconds after she's passed. She's urged by the scent of blood, driven by the need to claim it. A group of the Bloodmen stand sniffing the air,seemingly lost. One Blood Baron among them.

She stands in their midst, fists clenched. The blood pressure of the enemies spike and rips their bodies asunder. In some the blood solidifies and they're impaled from the inside out. Blood splatters her in a crimson macabre pattern. Still she craves more.

Her cream hair and ears are ruby streaked, her emerald green eyes glow, and her sandy skin slick with crimson rivers. Elongated fangs extend from her mouth and vicious claws curve from each finger.

There's nothing more above ground that the comrade has left, but there's blood under. Flame forms a sword of blood and cleaves away at the ground until the cavern underneath is exposed. She drops in.

There are enemies here. Those within a ten foot radius spontaneously burst into a mist of blood. It clings to her as she charges the Bloodmen present. It is time for a culling.

Blackout
West Point Mountain Fort
There is a thunderous inhuman roar as a man approaches Gaul. He wears a helmet made of shattered skulls. He looks around to his fallen drones.
"Good, you kill well. Ghuul kill better." Ghuul stomps and the corpses all squirm and writhe as they rush towards and cling to Ghuul. The mass of flesh and bone congeal into a titanous horror filled with razor sharp bone and tightly wound muscle. A massive surge of Life and Death Energy spill forth from Ghuul as he bears down on Gaul.

One of the women tug on Blaze's sleeve. She points further down the tunnels where a sickening stench emanates and violently shakes her head. She points down another tunnel that travels adjacent. From this path the ocean water can be heard. The women all travel down the path in a clump. The tunnel opens up to a shelf that has been seemingly cut into the cliffside. Gathered here are thirty or so enormous mountain goats. The vast ocean is cut short by a massive storm wall. Down the below a spout of magma spills endlessly into the ocean. Gathered around the magma fall are pirate ships.

Deeper into the mountain are massive caverns filled with boiling blood. It churns and rolls heated by magma and convection. But it is also teeming with dark Blood Arcana. A soft whisper drifts up from its depths.
"I am the strength of thousands. My blood gives life. My blood is pure. Partake of my bounty oh seeker mine."

The Father's prison.
Nel looks across the hall.
"Oba-san is still weak from blood loss. This cell will keep her alive." Nel looks to Razz with a very concerned look on her face. "A man came to me in my sleep. He said he knew you. He wanted me to tell you that night is coming. He looked like Father."