Ithradine

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

Mentions:@vietmyke@Raineh Daze

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A shot of enthusiasm shown in Arton's smile as Miina's spell seemed to do great work, eliminating or incaptiating a large number of foes "Way to go Miin-" The thunderous fury of the airship's barrage cut off the last syllable and turned what might have been a inspiring moment into a cascade of despair. His shoulders dropped and his smile turned hollow. Fire began to illuminate the night sky, framing the airship in an ominous light. The deafening roar of the artillery was quickly replaced by the distant cries and screams of its victims. Keep focused, don't think. No matter how many time he repeated it inside his mind, his feet seemed to be frozen in place.

Luckily Galahad's voice took over whatever thoughts were distracting him and pressed him back into the fight "Got your back!" Arton fiercely replied and quickly followed the dragoon, moving his shield to block out incoming fire and side-stepping when able. His sword came down on the next soldier in line the moment after Galahad had impaled the man. Arton ducked as an enemy spear swung overhead, catching the haft close to the spear tip before it went out of reach. A quick twist of his wrist and a directed point of pressure snapped the spear tip off to which Arton then used to impale the neck of its owner. After that, he balanced his attacks with Galahad's sweeping motions, picking off the stragglers not caught in the whirlwind of death.

A flash of relief washed over him as they finally managed to regroup with the infiltration team, with Hien in tow. He knew little of the situation here in Osprey but he hoped he was worth all this effort. The reunion hadn't even begun when Eve took off, quickly becoming enveloped in a swath of bright colors. Arton quickly averted his eyes as her clothes began to disappear amidst the chromatic energy, lifting hand to act as a shield.

The sounds of his comrades'reactions made it impossible not to look back. The raw power and force of Eve's new form erased any embarrassment he might have felt. She had a unique appearance before but this was...almost mythical. His mouth went agape as the mega flare devastated the airship, suddenly feeling small in comparison to Eve's power. It was made clear quickly that such power did come at a cost as she began to fall from the sky, no signs that she would recover on her own. He locked eyes quickly with Galahad "Go! I got this covered!" Arton yelled as took up position in the clearing Galahad made, putting himself in the way of as many opponents as he could. "Please, don't drop her...". He muttered to himself as he took a deep breath, the group of soldiers regrouping "...barrier." With that breath, he flung towards the closest soldier, smashing his shield into their helmet and caving it completely in.

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

Mentions:@vietmyke@Click This@Izurich

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"What are you..?!?" The lithe Faye was flying through the air before she could utter another syllable. Her instinct immediately kicked in and she twisted in air to orient herself. She locked onto a flying monster as she reached the apex of her trajectory. Ciradly quickly nocked an arrow and fired it in one swift motion. It was not a full draw so it lacked power, but the impact nailed its chest and caused it to crash into building. She landed smoothly on her feet, sliding to a stop while retrieving another arrow from her quiver.

She ducked quickly into the nearest cover as a gunshot pinged off the surface next to her. By the time she popped her head out, the shooter had already been taken care of by another member of Kirin. Ciradyl's free hand touched the edge of the flare attached to her hip. Soon. She took the chance to observe the battlefield unfolding around the prison. By now, Chisaki should have regrouped with what capable warriors she did have under her command. It was going well. What wasn't she taking into account?

The faint joy in her eyes went ice cold as the bombardment raked the city, though she did not react much beyond that. It was as much as she expected from their oppressor and nothing could be done for the civilians caught in the blast. They were not the objective. Ciradyl returned to taking shots at the remaining Valheim forces, focusing on clearing the extraction point. Her eyes immediately locked onto Hien as he came into view along with the rest of the infiltration team. They had him.

She could see Izayoi talking to the young girl from earlier and then she started running. What were they thinking? No, what was she? The power that began to radiate off the eidolon was palpable to the Faye. She was taken aback at the form she changed into. She had questions. Questions that would need to wait. She could see Eve was targeting the airship but she couldn't think a way she would be able to damage it. Well, if that was the plan then she better lend her hand to make sure it works.

Air swirled around her feet as she backed to the edge of the rooftop before sprinting towards the quickly rising Eidolon. She leapt into the air, pushing her legs to their absolute limit. Ciradyl reached out a hand and rested her palm briefly on Eve's scaly shoulder "Do not hold back. Let them suffer." A different kind of magic flowed into Eve's body through their connection. This power swirled and mingled with Eve's, acting like a focusing lens. Her fingers were pulled off by the forces of gravity and she began to plummet.

Ciradyl managed to adjust her descent into a cotton canopy that cushioned her fall, putting her on the ground floor with the infiltration team. The flames of burning Proudclad dancing delightfully in her eyes as she witnessed the terrifying power of Valheim's rogue weapon. She prayed to whatever gods were listened that Reisa was onboard and being cooked alive, but she was prepared to be disappointed as usual. Still, she couldn't help the small giggle that escaped her lips.

Her hand moved down to the flare attached to her belt and grabbed it. It seemed like such a pathetic, little firework compared to what just occurred. Chisaki and her forces were likely already on their way. Still, she held the flare pointed to the sky and launched it into the dark-orange sky. This was the mark of a new day. The time for lurking in shadows and hiding in the enemy's den was over.

"I hope you are ready, Hien. This battle is all yours now." She quietly said to herself.

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

Mentions:@VitaVitaAR@Raineh Daze

Valheim's numbers continued to increase on the outside of the prison regardless of the ones he took down. It was only thank to being intermingled in the ranks of the soldiers that he was able to avoid the volley of gunfire. He had managed to avoid any serious injuries but there was definitely going to be some bruising underneath his armor plates. The enemy was starting to get frustrated with his resilience when the additional reinforcements arrived on the scene. With a swift change, Miina was now in a vulnerable position thanks to the aerial threat. The shouts of the sergeant made his decision easy.

He pushed the muscles in his legs to their limits as a couple of winged beards began to dive towards Miina. Arton slipped his shield on his back as he reached her, arms outstretched. The heavy swordsman collided with the small Mystrel and immediately cradled her in his arms as they hurdled through the air. The gunfire from the einhanders raked Arton's back, his shield soaking much of the incoming fire. He did his best to cushion Miina from the landing, but they both crashed into the side of a building with some force. A warm sensation was running from his shoulder but he couldn't think on it right now.

Arton lifted himself off Miina and latched his shield back onto his arm, shielding them from incoming fire "We need the biggest spell you have. Whatever you got, okay? We'll keep you covered." He gave Miina a brief glance, noticeable dents in the plates of his armor and a patch of leather that was now a darker color than the rest. Bullets pinged off his shield as they stood there. Maybe it would have been smarter just keep fighting and draw their attention through a furious assault, but he wasn't able to make that call.

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

Mentions:@VitaVitaAR@Raineh Daze@vietmyke

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Arton had make adjustments to his armor and now was nearly as covered in armor plates as Galahad. He had been sitting patiently off to the side watching the crowd walk below when he heard the alarms. Arton jumped to his feet, his shield firmly attached to his forearm and sword already drawn. He nodded at Galahad and turned to Robin and Miina, fierce confidence in his eyes "Robin, fall in close behind me and keep us covered Miina. Let's secure that exit." His hand waved them forward and burst from the shadows they were hiding in and rushed towards a half-dozen guards that were positioned where their other half would be fleeing from.

Their backs were turned to them and the loud blaring of the alarm was enough to mask Arton's thundering charge. He lowered his shoulder and crashed into the back of the closest soldier. The crack of bone and clang of bent metal was barely audible over the commotion. Arton remembered his lessons with Izayoi and didn't hesitate with his follow up. His blade was covered in blood as it pierced the throat of the first soldier to turn his head towards him. There was a violence of action that wasn't present when they were fighting Reisa. He wouldn't let them have an moment to regroup or target Miina that brought up their rear.

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A rush of air whizzed past Eliane and Galahad, faintly glowing with magic, and pierced the chest of a panicking gunner that had his rifle leveled at Galahad. Barely a second passed before they were joined by a blue-haired Faye with yellow eyes, a fox mask covering the majority of her face. She wore indistinct armor typical of Osprean archers during the war "My apologies for my late arrival, I hoped I would be able to make beforehand." the voice was distinctly Ciradyl's. A red wood longbow was clutched in her hand and a wakizashi attached to her hip "I will follow you lead, Galahad." She spoke briefly.

Renzo was fiercely opposed to her joining Team Kirin in this operation directly. His objections were not entirely unfounded but Ciradyl would not let the last friend she had in this world risk her life alone. She had spent enough time operating in the shadows and commanding from afar. She wasn't that skilled in close quarters but few could match her when it came to marksmanship and the materia she possessed only further enhanced it. Her gaze shifted towards the airship and glared at its approach "We will need to leave when it arrives, success or failure."

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

Mentions:

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"I think no matter what they'll be ready for us. I mean, he's pretty important and now they know Izayoi is here." It was the first words Arton really spoke since he awoke this morning. In fact, the normally upbeat swordsman had seemed sullen and distracted the entire day "My vote is to attack the detention center. They might expect us but Ciradyl's agents could be our wild card." He shrugged and took the first sip of the tea that had been sitting in front of him. Faint, dark cirlces were formed underneath eyes that seemed to be staring through the teacup.

No rest for the wicked

Crack. A large, wooden beam split that held the ceiling above split in two as the flames overtook it. Snap. He felt a bone snap in his arm as a heavy force collided with his raised shield. Tears from the pain and stinging smoke rained down his face. Still, the shield remained raised but each strike against it brought forth agony. His body trembled trying to maintain its stance. A final strike split the shield in two and sent Arton flying into a wall that crumbled around him. Debris and ash covered him as his attacker approached. Crimson adorned silver armor framed a feminine shape. Bright, eyes seemed to burn inside the helmet. The weight of everything felt impossible to move and more than his arm seemed to be broken now.

The bodies of Team Kirin stood out even in the obscuring smoke. Arton felt every nerve scream as he forced himself onto his feet but all he could do was stumble forward, practically blind from all the dirt, blood, and smoke. His footing betrayed him and he fell against his attacker. Strangely, they seemed to catch him in their arms and proceeded to gently wipe the grime from his eyes. His eyes opened and as they did his attacker discarded their helmet.

Arton woke up from nightmare in a cold sweat, breathing rapidly and scanning the room. Sleep eluded him for the rest of the night.

He took a deep breath as it became clear this was happening and happening soon. Arton thought back on Izayoi's instruction. That nightmare was nothing but a distraction. This was real and he needed to focus otherwise people could get hurt. His conversation with Eve came to mind. That nightmare was fictional but it was reality for many of the people of Osprey.

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

Mentions:

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Cirady listened closely to the others discuss the situation as she continued to sip her tea and nibble on the pastries Renzo had delivered. He was an incredible asset to the cause working effectively as her second-in-command. Izayoi was the only other person that she trusted more than him. Strangely enough, it was Renzo's fierce loyalty for the Faye that concerned her the most about his character. She saw the small shifts in his expression when Esben mentioned leaving the lord to be a martyr. He held lofty ambitions...but not for himself.

"Renzo is not entirely wrong." Her gaze shifted to Esben "I have a dozen agents on the inside that will be of relevance to this operation, there is only one what would be unwilling to show their face. Their loyalty will not waiver and each is prepared to do what they must." She spoke with confidence and turned her attention to Galahad "The one that won't show their face, they are currently working deep undercover inside the Magistrate. Our intel regarding Hien's capture and execution largely comes from them. They will be able to assist if given the right code phrase but direct intervention is out of the question for them." Hien was needed for the future of Osprey, but her agent in the Magistrate could not be sacrificed. She was not sure which one she would let go if situation became dire.

Her eyes fell on Eve as she took center stage after keeping quiet for this whole time. What she said brought up a point that Ciradyl had to mention, though the idea had some merit to it. Numbers is where Valheim beat them. Green eyes narrowed as Eve's hood came down. A unnatural fusion of dragon and mortal. The venom in Eve's tone regarding Valheim was all that prevented Ciradyl from questioning her right there. She would ask Izayoi about her once they had a moment alone "There is an important piece that I have to bring up. Captain Reisa is not the only predator that walks the streets of Kugane." Her eyes closed for a moment "She will likely be joined by a few of the other high officers stationed here. But..." Vibrant green was revealed once more "...there is a chance a being known as the 'The Revenant' might make its appearance should a fight ensue. Captain Reisa is a murderer...but that thing is a butcher." The first trace of fear since they've met Ciradyl entered her voice.

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

Mentions:@vietmyke@The Otter@Psyker Landshark

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Ciradyl listened attentively to Izayoi's retelling of her intentional brush of death. A lost part of herself arose that wanted to scold the Mystrel for even entertaining the idea, but it faded quickly. Waves of unpleasant memories bubbled to the surface that were quickly repressed. Her expression seemed almost cold as Izayoi spoke of nearly dying, but that changed when she spoke of her family. The serene calm that seemed so effortless for the Faye cracked, her knuckles turning pure white as the grip on her tea cup threatened to shatter it. She was a fool to believe she had numbed herself to hearing such stories. Ciradyl was about to reply to Izayoi when Renzo finally entered.

A crack appeared on her teacup's handle when Renzo mentioned Lord Hien. Gracefully, she set the cup down before any further damage could be done to it. Now was not the time to relax. Ciradyl remained sitting even as Izayoi shot to her feet, letting the emotions crash into her and situation settle. The Fay listened to the rest of the party, curious to know what their reactions were to this information.

"There are frequent patrols through the main streets, at least two around the city at all times, squads of up to five. With the garrison mobilizing, it might halve that to one around the major roads. They've been cracking down on citizen unrest and subversive groups. Lord Hien was running a more pro-active group and that is how he ended up captured. A quarter of the garrison has already mobilized and that is likely to increase." Ciradyl replied plainly to Esben. She would ask for his name later, though she had an suspicion of what his occupation was. She nodded at his comment at them being expendable. The reality was her group of insurgents lacked the ability to fight head-on.

Ciradyl picked up a pastry and took a small bite as Galahad took his turn to speak. This was it? Was this the moment she had been waiting for? "Lord Hien is a figurehead that the people can rally behind and one of the few left with a legitimate claim to Opsrey. We've had our...disagreements...but he is the leader that will lead the people to freedom." She stood up and placed a hand on Izayoi's back, looking at her friend but addressing the group "I suggest we split into an infiltration team and an extraction team. Captain Reisa will certainly be waiting for us but I have a few agents on the inside that will help us." Her gazed peered up at Esben, then Galahad "I will spare whatever resources, information, and personnel I can. There are...few places I cannot reach." Everything that she had accomplished since the occupation would be in vain if Hien were to be executed. Ciradyl was not fit to lead an rebellion, but she had ensured that Hien would have the infrastructure in place to take back the capital.

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

Mentions:

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The strikingly beautiful Faye was adorned in a white, silk dress that conformed to her shape like it was tailored for every curve of her body. A body that filled out the dress nicely. Delicate, dainty hands held a cup of bergamot tea that she sipped slowly and with purpose. There was not a wasted motion in every movement she made, handling the simplest of tasks with extreme grace. Such was the scene when they entered, Ciradyl kneeled patiently at the table with tea freshly prepared and hot. A place had been set for each member of Team Kirin.

Her expression hardly changed when Izayoi said her name, looking up at her friend for what could be barely called a smile. The cold and heavy energy that was present in her mint-green eyes when they entered seemed to let up "Izayoi." Ciradyl gently set the cup of tea she had been drinking onto a matching saucer "You look...alive." She replied with some mirth, which was apparently enough to shock Chisaki that she glanced confused at Izayoi. Ciradyl rose from her kneeling position and calmly walked over where Izayoi was sitting and kneeled down next to her side, practically ignoring her other guests.

Ciradyl looked into Izayoi's eyes with a softness that seemed to spook the shinobi even further "When has apologies ever been necessary between us?" The moment she finished speaking, the Faye launched herself at the Mystrel and wrapped her arms around her in a firm embrace. When Valheim invaded...when soldiers broke into her home...when she watched her family be cut down...she had thought she had lost everything. Now her dear friend Izayoi had returned from the grave, a vengeful warrior spirit to help her take down the Valheim monsters.

Chisaki was left speechless with her mouth agape at this shocking display of affection. She had never once seen her mistress like this in the time she had served her. She shook her head and remembered her code. Chisa dropped to one knee with a fist pressing into the ground while her opposite arm rested on her leg, her head down in a reverence shinobi only gave to their master "My lady, I humbly present to you Team Kirin as you've requested." The Viera who had seemed so playful spoke with clear respect and seriousness.

Ciradyl pulled away from Izayoi but still kept her arms around her shoulders as she turned her head towards Chisaki, a noticeable but still faint smile on her lips "You have done well, Chisa. You may excuse yourself and retire for the evening. I shall have new orders for you in the morning." Chisa nodded and stood up quickly, a look of hesitation on her face before she turned to the rest of the party "It was nice to meet you all. Please treat my mistress with the upmost respect." The Viera bowed respectfully and as she walked out of the safehouse she gave Miina a sly wink before disappearing into the city streets outside.

The moment Chisaki left Ciradyl turned back to Izayoi and reluctantly let go of her, standing back up and moving back to her original position at the table and began pouring a few more cups of tea "Please, come in and make yourselves comfortable. Renzo will be bringing out some pastries soon enough." Her melodic voice perked up slightly as a noticeable sweet aroma began to waft into the room.

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

Mentions: @Izurich

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While his new allies swarmed the Viera, Arton decided to tackle a different kind of mystery that had come into their party. He walked over to Eve after fetching two cups of piping hot black tea with a dash of vanilla and milk "Here." Carefully he set Eve's cup on a table next to her, warmly smiling as he looked back at her "I'm sorry if its a bit plain but I don't know what ya like yet." His mind briefly recalling the coffee he made for Eliane before they left Midgar. Faint trails of steam rose from the murky, caramel-colored liquid inside a pair of floral-decorated cups with little Sakura buds.

He let out a small chuckle "I know, I know. I could have asked what you liked but I just thought I'd surprise ya a little." She didn't have to say a word for Arton to chastise himself for his own amusement. No amount of niceties could keep his eyes from wandering to her more draconic features now that he was aware of them. They were fascinating and while he was highly curious, he doubt it was something she would readily talk about it. He raised the cup gingerly to his lips in a vain attempt to take a sip but the flinch that flashed on his face made it clear it was a bit too hot yet "This is my first time in Osprey, ya know? Even with everything going on, it's still kinda of pretty." It was just some small talk, unaware of the comparison that could be made.

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Mentions: @Click This@The Otter

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She caught the beginning of the other Edrenian addressing his comrade, gaining a bit of her respect in the process but it was a long road to walk before she would forgive Edren. Now...where was she..? A firm body collied into her and the tip of her foot caught the heel of a large boot throwing her off-balance. A light grip on her arm steadied her enough that she quickly recovered, belonging to the same individual who had caused her to trip in the first place. A sly smirk creased her lips as she came face to face with Esben, the agent from Skael.

You're just going to have to try and stop me.

She firmly gripped his hand"Yes, it seemed to work out perfectly." The shinobi gave a quick wink "There are a few that would suit your tastes that I can show you." Before they could continue their verbal dance, another Skaellan barged into the conversation. This one proved a direct counter to her countrymen and refreshingly straightforward. Her request was a difficult one, but perhaps it was a small opportunity to gain some trust "Polite and straight-forward, I think I like you Éliane." The shinobi laid a finger at the edge of her own smile, considering the request before she gave a nod.

"My name is Chisaki Katama but you, Éliane, may call me Chisa." There was a trace of genuine glee in her voice, revealing her name to Esben and Éliane. Risky as it was for a shinobi to let others know her true name, few words were as sweet than to hear your name called out by a friend.

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

The shinobi seemed at ease inside the inn despite its clear use as a semi-frequent resting place for Valheimian officials. This was one of many hotspots she frequented to gain tidbits of intel that she could patch together later. She knew their schedule well and there shouldn't be any surprise visitors for the next few days and, while he served Valheim, the owner was a fierce loyalist to Osprey. Her attention turned back to Izayoi's party of mismatched adventurers. Which one should she press for information first? The cute, red Mystrel seemed like a good start seeing as she hardly said a word despite gazing quite blatantly.

The androgynous Edrenian approached her suddenly, much to her dismay, and introduced themself with a spectacular flourish. Years of training allowed her to maintain composure, keeping her bright expression up. Nothing could prepare her for the audacity of what happened next. Foolishly the Shinobi extended her hand for what she expected to be a conventional handshake. A small act to hopefully gain a small ounce of trust with the group. The Edrenian remained low, however, and the vile act was committed before she recognized what they were about to do.

Darkness gathered around an icy-cold glare as her brows came together in a heavy scowl. The compliments that Robin tried to throw her way bounced off completely as the edge of her lip began to twitch. Her pinkish lips once more curved into a smile "You'll know soon enough, but a word of advice?" The shinobi moved closer to Robin until her mouth was close to her ear "Do not do that again." the life in her voice falling to a monotone whisper before she back off to where she had been standing previously with a sly smirk before she turning her head looking for that red-maned cat.
@VitaVitaAR