RyuShura

A Hero Tale: Mikhael

...

Michael saw the the steeled company retreating for the city and eased a little, his eyes now only focused on one thing. Somehow he felt more calm now knowing no one can see him fall. He muttered a short good luck prayer for them under his breath. Who knew if they would ever see each other again.

Now nothing distracted him from the battle, and the young squire seemed more unequivocal in his movement. If this giant wanted a true battle worthy of being ecstatic about, Mikhael was not intent on dying quietly today. Again, his strike did not make much weigh in the tipping battle. Normally that attack would lob off a whole limb or more, even if protected by full-plate. This Rajaka was truly possessed by an unearthly power. He has never fought something so senseless and overbearing. It felt like smashing he was his fists repeatedly into a wall that kept on reforming after every little chip of progress. Frustration began to build in his stone crimson gaze. The swirling emotions deep within began to eat away at his borders, but he kept on resisting. Now was not the time. As he kept not reminding himself to not lose control, his internal voice sounded... Afraid?

Seeing the fist attack coming, he could practically felt the incredible force resonating in the air as he pivoted his body around in a flurry of dark cloth. He knew getting hit by any of the bashes would leave him in a crippled state or worse, so he can't be careless even if the opponent was slower. He wasn't the most durable of fighters. If he wanted to have a chance at all, he can't just keep trying to taking random shots either. It would play against him. He wasn't invincible, nor can his endurance keep up, while his opponent seemed a tireless behemoth. He needed to make each attack count.

Standing off now at the side, Mikhael waited for the massive body to fully be committed with the forward placement before releasing the silver blade horizontally. His eyes were aimed for neck of the giant. With both sides moving opposite, he hoped it would cause enough momentum to end the battle.

...

Black Cinders [High Casual]

Well, he is active. Just not on this thread... > > I'm down to give it another day or so, but if he doesnt show still, than feel free to do something about my situation. I wouldn't want to be stuck this early. XD

A Hero Tale: Mikhael

...

He didn't expect to hurt Jaraka much, but seeing as he did no damage at all disappointed him.

Hearing Lucas' worried cry, Mikhael's smile widened, exposing his teeth. It would strike some as uncharacteristic. In these few hours, he has shown more emotion than he has displayed his entire two years in the Order. He couldn't help it. He thought the warning was absurd. Only when it was too late did the big guy express sentiment to him. Their relationship was never beyond distant. Why were they acting like close friends now? Was this the bond created only at near-death? He has heard stories of how conflict was a catalyst for bonding. Maybe they could learn to respect each other after all of this. But unfortunately, there was no turning back at this point. If he did not satiate this monster here, there was no way to contain the bloodshed. Despite being in the face of a deadly foe, he wanted to laugh at it all. Exactly why did he rush out here? Did he just happen to feel bored and wanted to die? Could it be he actually began to care about these foolish hot-headed comrades? Or was it the thrill of the fight? His heart was pumping the more Jaraka proved stronger than he was. It burned and ached, writhing around in his stomach like an overdose of burning alcohol.

But he had no time to think further about his emotions.

Mikhael snapped back when the massive figure began charging, moving even further away from the squadron. He would use his nimbleness to keep fair distance from the giant, maintaining eyesight as he jumped backwards, his body moving in zig zig as though performing a graceful dance. He was drawing the battle further from the borders of Kale. There was nowhere safe to run for, but he wanted to give the others a chance. They could find fortification and numbers deeper within the walls. It grew increasingly positive they were faced with a threat none of them were prepared for. From when he punched the being, he noticed the reaction was strange. It was as if something absorbed the attack, or redirected it somehow.

He wouldn't run for long though. When the raging Rajaka would eventually catch him, he firmly prepared the pale sword at his side, readying it to strike. He would go for a surprise attack, ducking low and taking aim for the trunk-like legs. Maybe he could shrug blunt trauma well, but would he fare better against rending?

While he moved, Mikhael could feel the well of arcana flourishing deep inside of him, drawing upon his excitement and fear of the coming conflict. It was as if this essence was a living extension of his emotions, wanting to flood throughout his body to empower him, but he forced the dangerous powers down with a stern shake of his head.

He cannot let himself be lost to these emotions again.

...

A Hero Tale: Mikhael

...

A faint smile revealed itself on the stern squire as he watched the giant sunny-maned man, this 'Rajaka', questioning the nature of the complicated situation. Did he not take any of this seriously? Truly, he was as scatter-brained as wild his appearance. Clearly, this Rajaka must not be around this region. Judging by his outlandish attire, was this person from one of the nomadic tribes in the frigid northern lands? He had briefly studied about how the hardy people of the north have survived through altering their bodies with magic and gaining animalistic traits. Have they really changed this much since then? Well, it has been decades since the city has had any visitors. Perhaps there was another way before, but the lost knowledge of Arcana has forced the the remaining vestiges of civilization to primitive methods. News across lands is often delivered by messenger. This makes communication to be rather difficult considering the dangers of traveling in the chaotic storm-ridden wastelands of Noir.

But then it still doesn't make sense how he knows the origins of the tear.

But that didn't matter now. Mikhael sneered at the confidence of the giant, who had opened himself up for a hit. He thought it was a senseless tactic, but if this was how Rajaka wanted to start things off, he wasn't going to complain. Lowering his blade, unwilling to take advantage of the free hit, Mikhael lunging forward immediately. If he wasn't going to act seriously, neither was he. Besides, this was a good chance to test the waters.

The black and white form bellowed behind him as he rush forward with a straight forward punch to the chest. It was simple, but packed the momentum of his entire body.

...

A Hero Tale: Mikhael

His crimson eyes gleamed with a burning conviction, his lips turning to a snarl. A faint glow sparked within. He felt the emotion welling inside his gut, like a fire waiting to escape. He didn't like someone pushing people around like they were just trash. He didn't care for anyone on a personal level. And normally, he would watch as they suffer. His brain was thrashing inside his skull as it fought for an answer. Why was he acting out now? It was against all he believed. The strong should survive and the weak should die that was a fact of the world. So was it pride? Did he want to claim victory over the titan himself? Did he want to prove he was better? No... that's not it. Then what? And what the hell was this person talking about? How was he related at all to the spacial tear that destroyed this world? His own magic was powerful, but nothing even comparable to that level. No one had that kind power, not even the sacred blessing possessed by the Queen. Arcana was simple. There was a cost related to the amount of power used up. There was no way someone could have done that alone. But the giant spoke as though he knew something none of them did. Ancient history of the Age of Gods has long been forgotten, even by the oldest of chroniclers. Even centuries of delving into once-forgotten ruins and uncovering artifacts and knowledge, many pieces are still missing. Even the art of Arcana and Ki is still being largely relearned and rediscovered.

Was this person truly that old?

He saw the others whispering when the giant approached, no doubt seeking to aid him. He didn't like their plan, knowing they would only risk their lives, but he didn't want to draw attention to them. If it were to succeed, it must be done with the edge of surprise. The young squire drew his silvered blade. A typical silvered long-sword issued by the order. Like all their equipment, it was magically enhanced by the Order's section of arcane smiths and much more durable than normal blades. Michael was unlike others, only using a blade, disfavoring the use of a shield. Believing they were safe behind a useless slab of metal, it made a warrior not only slower, but more reckless.

"What are you...?" he said one last time under his breath. Pointing the blade and stepping away from the crowd, "I don't know what nonsense you're going on about. But threatening these lands is an act I cannot tolerate. If I must give my life to stop you. So be it. I, Mikhael, Squire of Dusk, shall be your opponent."

As he looked at the lumbering figure, his eyes shone with finality. He accepted this fate. This was the solemn oath he swore, to the Queen and her people.

...

A Hero Tale: Mikhael

It's perfectly fine, I just didn't expect it was all. XD

A Hero Tale: Mikhael

...

Mikhael frowned at the sudden change of mood.

He knew this giant man was up to no good. He felt the gazes of lost leadership from around. He scowled. Why would he risk his ass for them now? After how they treated him? Typical. They would send the monsters to fight one another in their stead. His gloved fist clenched around his sword handle as he felt an anger rise from his throat. Even still, this one was dangerous. Looking at what he did to the large serpentine monster, who knows what he'll do to a lesser foe if they disappointed him. None of them quite had the skill to handle such a foe alone, let alone someone who destroyed it effortlessly. Perhaps all together they might be able to take down this new foe. But he found enmity in that thought. While he didn't care for the others as much, having people die under his command felt disgusting and careless. This man cannot learn of the Queen. She is undoubtedly beholding of immense strength having retained the sacred bloodline. But he powers have made her incredibly frail and sick physically. She was in no state to be handling duels. Their duty was equally to protect her well-being as it is to shield the people from otherworldly dangers of the outside.

Despite his thoughts towards them, however, he was about to step out to face the challenger until Lucas made himself known.

He almost cursed aloud, his teeth clenching. The man had good intentions, perhaps trying to fix the wrongings of the past. But he stood no chance. Even unarmed, this giant clearly possessed an impressive source of Ki or Arcana. Without that ability, brute strength can only go so far in fighting the monsters of this world. The crueler side of him thought Lucas would be a worthy sacrifice for the cause, but seeing the worried looks from Henry and Lillian and the others, another piece of him saw sympathy in the martyr.

Before conflict can arise, Mikhael called out.

"What do you mean by 'strongest'?" stepping up inquisitively, his eyes locked on the intruder. "That is a broad descriptive term. One could be 'strong' with magic. Or archery. Even pastry-making. Sure, Lucas would be the strongest in terms of physical strength, but would such a flavorless competition sate you? I can see it in your eyes. You want more. I know that feeling of hunger very well."

He waited a response.

...

A Hero Tale: Mikhael

Wow, that was a quick chapter! I didn't expect it to end so fast. I guess it was just an introductionary one, so it wasn't supposed to be that long? And what turn of events.. Did not expect this, Haha.

A Hero Tale: Mikhael

Mikhael shared in the mass confusion of his comrades, gazing at the oddly yellow-colored figure with raised brows. By the swepted looks on their faces, there were countless questions on everyone's mind. However, it seemed they were simply all too shocked to voice them. The steeled company fully expected to engage in bloody combat, but as soon as they got a taste of their gruesome foe, the tunneling serpent had already been laid under by this... Man? But this was no ordinary man. He stood upright taller than two or three fully grown men. Was his huge size the work of magic or some unique mutation from being exposed to some wild arcana in the ashen wastelands? His eyes certaintly seemed to emit with the sacred essence. Actually, was he even human? He looked mostly the part, but there was the question of his peculiar mask. No one was certain what the nature of the stranger was, or whether they should be cheering in victory or running away in terror. Standing there casually amidst the ruined earth, this masked giant did not share in their seriousness of the situation as he soon dished out a meek greeting.

Michael quickly pushed through the stilled bodies, calling out to the gigantic figure. He had his hand upon his sword. He wasn't the type to take risks. He might seem friendly, but some monsters are known to try tricks to lower their prey's guard.

"What is the meaning of this? Who are you? And what are you doing here?"

A Hero Tale: Mikhael

...

Mikhael would have shot back another begrudged retort to Lilian regarding her blasphemous attitude, but was stuck silent when he realized the ceremony was coming to an end. He half-listened with a lowered gaze as the Queen delivered her closing speech. He was not chosen to be knighted? Has he not proven his martial skill? He maintained his usual cold face, but deep inside felt a heavy sting. What was this feeling? Disappointment? Anger? It was too muddled to tell clearly. His fist slowly curled the more he thought about the unfairness. Honestly, it was the expected result, but was he not gifted compared to the others? It was only two years since his induction as a squire to the order, but he has proven excellent ability for his age, able to stand toe-to-toe with veterans when he only just turned 16 at the end of the last year. Was it because he has refusal to utilize his manifested Arcana? It may be a troubling disadvantage to an order of arcana, but didn't his sheer martial skill outweigh that factor? Or could it be his anti-social behavior. and disinterest in teamwork No way. There have been knights who have operated effectively alone before--

He sighed in frustration. It just didn't make sense. He waited for it all to be over, practically jumping in his armor, ready to rush to the training grounds to find someone to beat up.

But a sudden rumbling brought his attention back to reality. An earthquake? His eyes narrowed. No. This was different... The more it vibrated the ground, the more he noticed something peculiar about it. The shakes felt too rythmic to be natural. But this only a fleeting thought. Fear filled the ranks at the thought of another quake, knowing the danger of the castle, but the trained warrior-mages stood firm in guard of their Queen.

His attention went directly to the safety of the snowy figure atop the embellished throne, agreeing for once with what Lucas said. He looked with jealousy as the Crown Guard escorted the frail body to safer grounds. The castle has held for this long an age, but nothing lasts forever. He wanted to stand there at her side, to safeguard the first person to treat him as a person. Again, that muddy feeling swelled inside, but he forced it aside as he grabbed his silvered blade and awaited command.

When the alarm bells started to ring, he followed standard procedure, rapidly falling into ranks for the evacuation and upcoming battle. He saw Lilian dart off to keep an eye on the younger ones. Even the slandering tomboy has her very few good sides. This left him with Henry and Lucas. Or. Wait. Henry was not at his side aynmore. His eyes scanned around for the scared little rascal, catching him already scurrying halfway to the back of the marching line.

The spear swung more like a retreat flag on his back than a weapon. He has seen the lad fight enough to know that spear is nothing but for show. Perhaps it was his kind and naive heart that made him so weak? It was like watching a snivelling little mutt that can't defend itself. It reminded him of...

He sighed, his stern expression softening a little as he broke rank and followed after.

He knew the others wouldn't need his stength on the frontlines. As much as he wanted to claim the glory of slaying the dreadful beast, the others could fend for themselves. Or die. That was the the unspoken law of the battlefield. But that law applied only to true warriors. Henry clearly was not. Mikhael gave the shy squire a stern glance when he reached him, knowingly moving behind him to ensure he doesn't fall so far back he would get lost from the group. The Captain Knight would not handle desertion kindly, especially at such a time.

"You remember how to use that thing, right? Wouldn't want you stabbing me on accident..."

...