Asteria awoke to the commotion of unknown voices coming from the outside. She was immediately alert due to the danger, and looked around to assess the situation. Ed was nowhere to be seen. Where the fuck did he go?! To take a leak or something? Of all the times! However, until the ratman showed up in one way or another, there was nothing to do but observe and keep mother rat under control. Asteria focused her gaze on the two figures outside, trying to get a good look at them, and used Monster Analysis for help. Then, she put a paw on mother rat, and with the help of telepathy, conveyed a sense of cautious calm, of stillness and hiding, waiting for now. Hopefully that would be enough to prevent the other rodent from alerting the unknown figures outside by accident.
Somewhat tense, Asteria checked the insides of the barrow again, stealthily moving around, trying to discover if it were possible that the figures had been inside but had chosen not to disturb them for some reason. That did not seem to be the case however. Ed was missing true, but all their belongings were still there…besides, there were no fresh footprints that she could see. Just then, one of her paws touched something that had not been there. A mysterious gold coin, lying peacefully next to the fire pit where she’d made her offering the evening before. A supernatural event? But perhaps, the coin had simply got dislodged from the pit after she threw the bug meat in…or it had otherwise arrived there by a wind or something. Right. With a grimace, which exposed the full extent of her teeth in an odd rat-snarl, Asteria used her Mana Sense to try and get a read from the coin. Based on her attempts yesterday, this being a religious burial ground certainly did something to the environment. Still, if the coin seemed safe, she might as well take it with her as a souvenir.
Wakes up, looks around. Finds Ed missing, but can’t go outside due to the strangers’ voices. Uses Beast Senses III: Sight and Monster Analysis II to try and discover what the source of the disturbance is. Uses Telepathy to try and calm Mother rat, as well as to keep her cautious and inside. Investigates the barrow, finds the coin. Uses Mana Sense II on the coin.
Physical Description: Kate is quite androgynous in appearance. She's thin, lithe, with very little curvature, and would appear much more boyish if she cut her hair short. As it is, her thick wavy black hair extends to her shoulder-blades, though she often ties it up into a tight bun. Outside of work (where an uniform is required), she has a fairly varied taste, and may put on anything from loose baggy clothing to more formal suits or dresses. She's not a fan of pastels, and generally prefers darker tones, but will don something brighter on occasion, especially if it's floral patterned. Paisley patterned vests are one of her absolutely favourite things ever, whether it's on herself or others. Regardless of what she chooses to wear, however, she will make sure that as much of her skin is covered as possible when risking exposure to sunlight. She carries a folding umbrella in her bag for the same reason, though she's never been in a situation which would force her to test its long-term effectiveness. As far as accessories go, she possesses a plain silver-coloured wristwatch, which she wears on her left wrist. She has an assortment of earrings (that she doesn't wear to work), several scarves, and a necklace or two. Kathryn will usually put on some light make-up, because she hasn't yet grown fond of the sickly pallor vampirism has granted her.
Sex: Female
Age: 37 (Turned at 25)
Height: 5'5 (165 cm)
Species: Vampire
Physical abnormalities: None.
Anything else we need to know about you right off the bat: Her human parents, Samantha Moreno (63) and Oliver Moreno (69) are still alive and healthy. So is her human brother, Liam Moreno (40).
She works in the Duncaster PD. In fact, she's been a police officer since her time as a human, though she had only been starting out back then. Naturally, becoming a vampire rather put a damper on any promotions.
Kate is well-versed in close-quarters combat, knife- and gun-fighting.
Ever since being turned, Kathryn has been working diligently on obtaining studying the memories accompanied by her meals, quite the difficult task given how difficult human blood is to obtain. Nonetheless, she did what she could, practicing even on the vaguer sensations provided by animal blood. Now, she's fairly confident in that particular skill, though the information provided isn't always useful. Kat has put in the effort for this specifically so she may assist in investigations, and she does occasionally get sent to the Forensic team to help garner clues from a relevant blood sample.
Jun felt like she was getting drenched more thoroughly now that she was standing out in the open than she had been when training under the partial cover of trees. On the plus side, the mud’s getting washed out of my uniform practically on its own, she thought with a snarky twist of her lips. She’d still have to wash the uniform later, but thankfully, she’d chosen not to wear the flame-patterned haori Intarou-san had gifted her years ago. No, that worn but well-loved piece of clothing was something she reserved for official missions. She was attached enough to the haori that she’d rather not risk it in practice, never mind if it made her look vain. The opinions of those below her or those jealous of her rarely mattered, after all, and were hardly more than a pesky little annoyance at best.
Speaking of, there was Fukutomi. The former tsuguko, and a person Jun could admit – if only to herself – had quite the admirable strength of character. Yet, they did not get along. At all. The girl was just so soft, so needlessly kind, caring far too much for her line of work. Jun had seen her with patients on occasion, and that soothing attitude gave her the creeps, made Fukutomi seem almost condescending. Jun was aware enough to realize that was a skewed perception, but was there really any comfort at being spoken to as if a child? How encouraging could it be, really, to get pandered by some stranger when one was recovering from a loss and injury at a demon’s hands? Personally, Jun preferred a strict no-nonsense attitude in her healers. A hatefully spiteful part of her thought that now, in the state Fukutomi was, mothering others was all she had left going for her.
But really, that was not even close to the main issue. Fukutomi was perfectly fine insulting her straight to her face. Jun could tolerate Ebisu not using an honorific – not because they were particularly close, but because the lad had begun doing so after Fukutomi, as a sort of a poor but well-intentioned joke. Ebisu’s goal with it had been to needle both Fukutomi and herself, the former in a sort of “Hey, hey, weirdly aggressive of you,” manner and the latter because he thought Jun needed to “Loosen up already!”. In fact, Ebisu had said exactly that at one point, and since then, referring to her as simply Sakai was a habit for him. (Also, she kept on calling him Ebisu-kun despite him having insisted multiple times that she could forgo the honorifics with him as well; he was just a casual sort of guy, but Jun pointedly kept the kun for petty revenge.) Jun had learned that ignoring Ebisu’s quirks worked best with him, but for Fukutomi…
For Fukutomi, Jun plastered on an especially smug smirk, and looked down at her in supreme satisfaction. “Tough,” she drawled, truthfully not particularly concerned if the guests were getting antsy. “The Master’s out,” she stated, just as a wretchedly wet messenger crow flapped its way to her. Jun extended her left arm out for the poor creature to perch on it, and took the message from its claws. Jun glanced at the missive swiftly, sighed, took a short moment to memorize the contents, then stored it inside her uniform. “Well, looks like Itoshi-sama is returning in a few hours. You can get all the details then,” her tone was still needlessly sarcastic, but Jun hadn't asked Fukutomi to come bother her, had she?
That said, Jun strolled away from the gate, going along the wall walk and notifying the guards still stationed there to keep a lookout while she was gone, petting the crow all the while. She rather liked the messenger birds, as long as they didn’t get too cheeky, and cooed to it near-silently. “Let’s get you inside to dry a bit, huh? Or were you ordered to return already?” The crow cawed at her scratchily, but reluctantly inched closer by traversing her arm from elbow to shoulder. Jun gave the animal another pat on the head, then dropped her left arm to her side, the crow getting a ride on her shoulder. When Jun made it down from the wall, she approached the mildly sulking Fukutomi. “Based on the hints in the letter, you should probably get ready for more unrest,” she offered in a murmur, now mostly serious rather than antagonistic. That really was all she could offer to the ex-tsuguko, though, so she departed for the library.
Finding a Bible was simple enough. Deciphering the message on the other hand…Jun sighed once again, though she’d finally managed to find all the necessary passages after what was a frustratingly long search. She’d never even touched the foreign holy book before that, so it was understandable. Jun was also traditional enough that having to familiarize herself with what she considered some odd, new, foreign religion was rather distasteful. It was a clever method of encryption, she had to admit. With such a dire message, however, Jun could neither admire the cleverness of her master nor lament the fact that she’d had to rifle through the Bible like a maniac.
"There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells." "Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me." "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Taken together, it meant that the River pillar himself betrayed them. The why was unknown. Probably something to do with demons…had he faced one so strong that he’d been charmed to their side and kept alive for unknown purposes? Or was it something else entirely? Jun supposed she’d have to wait for her Master to enlighten her on that note. That last line though…Did Itoshi-sama really think that Jun could turn traitor too? The idea rankled her to the core, but there wasn’t much she could do with the feeling.
Tsking, Jun crumpled the message, threw it into the fireplace, and watched it burn. She stared into the fire, letting her clothes and body get warmed by its heat. The crow had also settled close to the warmth, but Jun was too preoccupied by her thought to pay the bird attention any longer. Had the meeting been called to decide what to do with the Rivar Pillar? Would they have to chase down and kill someone who used to be a fellow demon slayer? Would they have to wage war not only against the demons but fellow humans as well? Jun shook her head of the thoughts, and headed back outside to guard the gate until Itoshi-sama returned. Her Master would tell her what they had to do, as always, so Jun didn’t have to try and think so hard on her own.
In the end, though, Jun knew that she wouldn’t be bothered as much as she perhaps should be, even if she had to go after a former ally with killing intent. She certainly remembered being firmly taught that her swordsmanship and breathing techniques were meant to be used only against demons, never humans, but what if human breath-user went against them? Was she supposed to just roll over and die? Hell no. If the Pillar, the still human Pillar, was now an enemy, she couldn’t afford to hesitate if she ever faced him in combat.
Hm, I am curious to see more of this, especially since you didn't mention much about the "heroes" or demon hunters (I'm guessing they're usually the same, but not necessarily, esp. given you mentioned benevolent demons).
Jandar ascended the staircase, Jassen’s corpse set across his shoulders. He eventually made his way to a garden in front of what he presumed might be the Black Widow’s residence. Fatima, Faeril, Xandar, and the Dea Al Mon were gathered there, while the female archer had been at the cliff side last he’d seen her. Faeril’s male Eyrien allies were approaching as well. The Kaeleeran Warlord was in luck; he’d managed to catch the Black Widow’s vision. Jandar offered the Dea Al Mon a quick glance, acknowledging him with a brief nod – the male was drawn to Fatima’s court, much as Xandar and himself were. However, the Kaeleeran’s main concern was his lady. Fatima was apparently healing Faeril, but he suspected she wasn’t as well as she could be; she’d tried desperately to get to Jassen, though she was rightfully prevented from putting herself in danger by Markov.
Now, he had brought that corpse to her. The battle was finished, and though they’d all have to recuperate, and more importantly, discuss their next steps, now would perhaps be the only opportunity for Fatima to take a bit of time to mourn her servant. He noticed peripherally that Markov had bound some of the enemies and tossed the rest off the cliff, though he seemed to have found some sort of a note on one of them, which he pocketed. That, too, was something Jandar could ponder later; now, he simply ignored everyone else present, approached Fatima, crouched down by her side, and set Jassen’s body gently on the ground, setting his neck to rights so at least the corpse’s head wouldn’t loll so unnaturally. The Warlord imagined the sight would be gruesome and disheartening for Fatima in any case, but at least if he composed Jassen’s body to look as peaceful as was possible, it may help her. Of course, if the Queen felt compelled to touch the body or discover the cause of death, well…Jandar supposed he could only offer to be there, at her side.
And with that, when the corpse was set down, Jandar said only “My Lady,” as if presenting her with the facts or offering her a meagre gift. But what else could he do? The Warlord glanced at Fatima cautiously, inched a foot or so away from the body, then shifted from a crouch to a more comfortable kneeling position. The Queen would have space enough to cry over the corpse if that’s what she wanted, but Jandar was close enough to watch over her and provide comfort if that proved necessary. In any case, he remained watchful, focused on Fatima, taking note of even the most minor of her reactions and expressions. A cool, detached part of him wondered if Fatima was competent enough to go through losing a minion without suffering a mental break, but on a more surface level of his consciousness, Jandar was simply performing what he considered as his duty to his future Queen.
The forest behind the estate always exuded such a pleasant, fresh scent during rainfalls, though it was true the pathways got muddy. The slippery ground was an inconvenience for some, but Jun thought training in different conditions was essential, which is why she had long sessions throughout the day, varying the location and circumstances as much as was possible while still staying near the estate. She had other, more-or-less self-imposed duties during the day, including helping the injured (which was a good practice in first aid, really), training with those close to the recovery, encouraging her fellow demons slayers (even those that’ve retired from service), showing the guests around, and training with her fellow disciples. Well, training was more of a guilty pleasure for her, especially whenever The Love Pillar oversaw her directly.
Jun was in the middle of chasing after random raindrops with her sword, chaining her Third Form to move from tree to tree (and occasionally descending back to the ground) as she did so. It was perhaps a whimsical but nonetheless a taxing method that built up her stamina. Whenever she chose to unleash any of her other forms, she had to be careful to aim in a way that did not harm the trees (imagined allies) while slashing and skewering the empty spaces or the rain (imagined enemies). Sparring with a relatively unknown person would be better, but since being assigned to Itoshi-sama, she’d got to know the Pillar’s other pupils fairly well. Not to say they did not still train daily and better each other, but Jun sometimes got an itch for variety, for danger. Missions were sometimes a blessing in a way, though she wasn’t fool enough to ever underestimate a true enemy. However, she couldn’t deny the satisfaction in cutting down a demon, especially if they were a challenging opponent.
What stopped her training was an odd, vague sensation. It was similar to when her intuition alerted her to a danger, but not quite that. A frown marring her neutral expression, Sakai sheathed her blood-red, serrated-edged katana, and jumped down to the rain softened, foliage covered forest floor below. She jogged to the estate’s entrance, and was intercepted outside by two young recruits. “Ah, Sakai-san, we were looking for you!”
Jun narrowed her eyes at the pair. “What is it?” she barked out. Couldn’t the man have got to his point without her prompt and without trying to imply she was hard-to-reach so accusingly? Well, she thought with a calming inhale, they are new. No need to berate them. She wasn’t anything resembling nice by nature, but she could put in the effort to be polite, at least.
“Itoshi-sama is looking for you! It seemed urgent,” the male hedged. Jun nodded in thanks, gesturing for the pair to lead her to the Pillar. They did, and the trio reached their destination at a run.
“Master,” Jun greeted her mentor, then listened intently to her directives. “Understood,” she answered curtly, but with a respectful bow. The Love Pillar apparently noticed she’d made the two males behind herself were uneasy – their nerves were practically radiating, and Jun had seen them shifting from foot to foot peripherally in any case – so she offered them all a reassuring smile and softened the blow of the news of potential danger by promising to return shortly. Jun simply nodded once. “Fare well, Itoshi-sama,” she added, watching until the experienced demon slayer departed.
Then, she turned sharply, facing the two recruits. “You two, with me,” she ordered. “Compose yourselves. The possibility of danger stays on a need-to-know basis,” she added as she began moving at a swift walk further into the estate. Jun spoke to the recruits with the full weight of her bequeathed authority, and expected them to follow. They did. Jun traversed the grounds, until she finally found her target – Ebisu Nori.
“Ebisu-kun,” she addressed him, softly but with an underlying urgency. Jun didn’t need to turn her head to realize there were plenty of other people relatively close by.
“Sakai,” the demon slayer replied. Jun’s relationship with Ebisu was lukewarm at best, but he listened attentively to the situation nonetheless.
“So, you best take whoever you trust most, station them around the estate entrance, on the wall walks, and on a roof or two. Perhaps increase the ground patrols until Itoshi-sama returns. I suppose we should inform the members of the Corps that the Pillar is away on urgent business, but if we have any civilians with residence, we’ll have to be careful not to send them in a panic," she summarized.
Ebisu seemed to consider that, then agreed. “Sound suggestions. If it proves necessary, I can organize more shifts later on. And, hmm, let’s say ringing the church bell will be the signal for danger. I’ll inform the others and check up on the guests, can you go ahead of me, and inform the guards already stationed up the walls? I’ll send some more to you as well.”
“Mm-hm, that's all fine,” Jun answered shortly. Ebisu was the better one at diplomacy, so Jun was more than happy to let him deal with what she was sure would be inevitable bouts of stress, rising tensions, and frayed nerves. “Report to me in an hour, two at most,” she instructed, and Ebisu offered a cheeky “Gotcha,” before leaving. As the head of security departed, Jun left as well, taking the two fresh recruits with her to the nearest wall-attached stone staircase. There were a few guards there, some demon slayers, and others well-trained professional guards. Sakai informed them of the situation, then finally stationed herself above the gateway.
A g e : 18 G e n d e r : Female B r i e f B i o : Jun was born to a family of entertainers, who weaved dancing and fire-eating into their performances. Though she had two older brothers (Haruto and Hiroto, twins) and an older sister (Kayo, the oldest), Jun was the only one in her family with such distinct red hair, while her siblings and parents had a more copper brown with muted shades of red streaks mixed in. Jun learned the importance of this at perhaps 8 years old, but before this, she was a simple, happy-go-lucky, rambunctious child. She rough-housed with her twin brothers often, actually enjoying the relatively violent activity, and it was her oldest sisters alongside her mother (Kaede) who had to diligently corral them into learning at a desk when that was necessary. Sometime before reaching ten years, Jun's father (Yukio) explained to her that she'd managed to inherit the thoroughly red hair that was common to a family that the Sakais had branched off from. Jun was curious about the main family, understanding (at her age) that they were some sort of heroic protectors who fought off evil for them all. Expressing interest, her parents arranged for her to meet one of the members of the main family (Intarou), who soon became her mentor, teacher, and guardian. It was he who extensively trained Jun to become a swordswoman, preparing her for her eventual future as a demon slayer. Jun's contact with her parents and siblings gradually lessened, and to this day, she communicates to them mainly by letters (bi-monthly or so) with the very rare visit mixed in. Though her training focused on physical conditioning, demon slaying technique (esp. practicing her breathing technique) and know-how, it covered some general education as well. While her closest family (parents and siblings) has so far not had the misfortune of encountering a demon, Jun has nonetheless faced the grim reality of what demons do to humans often since deciding to stay and train at the main family quarters. She has lost some comrades in-training and has heard enough stories about the utter villainy of demons that she's personally invested in the demon-slaying mission. Jun became an official member of the Demon Slaying Corps at 16, and has since then been fully dedicated to helping destroy all the remaining demons. P e r s o n a l i t y [+] Spirited [+] Dutiful [+] Hardworking [-] Arrogant [-] Competitive [-] Brusque ____________________________________________________________________________________________
B r e a t h i n g S t y l e
B r e a t h o f F l a m e s : Jun utilizes a forceful yet subtly adaptable swordsmanship, which emphasizes devastating intensity and tenacious vigor. This style focuses on an overpowering yet flexible offense, and offers decent maneuverability, though a somewhat lackluster defense. The Fire breathing technique enhances the user's power, toughness, and endurance, enabling Jun to dish out a heavy offense over a prolonged period and allowing her to take a thorough thrashing with only a minuscule lowering of her functionalities, though the more she pushes her endurance, the greater the risk may be upon cessation of the Focused breathing. Experienced users (which Jun doesn't qualify as yet) are fully capable of using the style to subvert the enemy's force and use it against them, which allows for even greater offensive potential and offers masters of the technique exceptional control over the fight.
❀ 1st Form: Sparking Draw. An extremely quick draw of the sword from its sheath in a horizontal or vertical slash. The technique can be performed either from a standstill (i. e. from a standing or crouching position) or at a run. Accompanied by a breathing technique that increases the user's focus, this opening move can be performed with such speed and force, that the range of the resulting slash is increased by 50 centimeters. This is a move designed to be easily followed up by any other move the user may feel would be prudent to perform.
❀ 2nd Form: Rising Wurms. A vertical or diagonal slash performed from the ground up, gouging the surface underneath as well as slashing viciously at the enemy. Two slashes of this type can be executed swiftly one after the other while standing still, making an X shape. Multiple ones can be performed if moving. Each slash can be easily chained into a deflection, guard, or another slash. The user focuses their breath in a way that increases their power, making them capable of ravaging their enemy with deep, jagged cuts.
❀ 3rd Form: Shooting Star. Jun jumps up in a spin, slashing once in a 360° while on the way up. Her breathing will greatly increase all physical capabilities for the duration, enabling a high jump. Once reaching the peak of her jump, Jun will reorient towards the enemy and start falling down. On the way down, Jun will forcefully slash toward the enemy (or enemies) multiple times in a way that slows her descent and ravages a large area around her fall.
❀ 4th Form: Wave of Blazing Flames. The sword is spun in a wide circle, deflecting enemy attacks. Though this is primarily a defensive move, it can certainly cut an enemy if they get within the blade's reach.
❀ 5th Form: Hell Stinger. The sword is thrust forward in one or more quick, strong attacks which can easily pierce a target as far as 30 centimeters away from the tip of the blade. The attack can be varied by thrusting with the blade in various directions, and while each thrust can be made in a different direction, the attack is the most effective with one thrust or with multiple thrusts in the same direction. After the Sparking Draw (1st Form), this is Jun's second fastest attack.
❀ 6th Form: Comet. Jun charges forward, slashing her sword all the while, gathering momentum and force, and ends the attack in a final crashing slash or thrust at the enemy. The breathing accompanying this style increases her toughness, enabling her to ignore and force through most incoming attacks until reaching her enemy and crushing them with her momentum, which is channeled through her blade.
❀ 7th Form: Flight of Embers. Jun's breathing is slowed down, and a near-tranquil mental state is achieved. The only technique in her repertoire that winds her down. Jun's endurance and pain tolerance are increased, and she becomes more clear-minded. She then weaves her body through the battle-field, as if in a dance, evading and deflecting enemy attacks while seeking weak-points to exploit. This form is especially useful against a horde of enemies or if overwhelmed by an exceptionally stronger enemy. However, Jun has only recently learned this form, and requires a few minutes to acquire the correct breathing and mental-state. Nonetheless, this is the form she can stay in the longest, as it is designed to conserve energy and give the body a chance to recover. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
N i c h i r i n B l a d e
B l a d e D e s c r i p t i o n : Jun possesses a katana with a serrated edge, which while not affecting its cutting or piercing potency, will turn what would otherwise be clean cuts into ugly wide gashes, causing a throbbing pain to the enemy that not only ravages them physically but devastates them mentally as well. It is reported that some demons dying to Jun's sword had thrashed pitifully at the end of their life, wailing shrilly that they were being burned. The katana's blade is crimson, shining like a ruby in the light yet dulled to an ominous Blood Moon colour during the night, the coloration represents vivaciousness, energy, and a strong will to live, but also a temperamental nature, violence, and spite. The ore used to forge it is extremely durable, so the sword can be exposed to extensive force without much worry for it breaking. The sheath, hilt, and guard of the sword all are black in colour. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
O t h e r U n i q u e T r a i t s : Danger sense. Years of training and a decent amount of experience has sharpened Jun's senses to the point where she can sense even very minor displacements of air up to three (3) meters around her, enabling a faster-than-usual response to an attack. Beyond that, she may get the shivers if a danger is in the same area, though this latter intuition is still on the unreliable side.
Edit: Renamed 7th form (the description is the same).
Jandar blinked, stopping mid-step on the staircase at the odd scene before him. Fatima was running in his direction, Xandar swooped down (Faeril still in hands), shielded Fatima and grabbed her, now carrying away both the Queen and the Black Widow. A short moment later, the Blood Opal Warlord Prince crashed into the cliff, apparently injured from the fight with the two ally Eyriens, and landed not far above Jandar. Just as soon, an arrow followed, though it lodged itself into the man’s shield. Jandar glanced up, seeing the faraway woman archer who’d helped him. Summoning his sabre, the Warlord waved at the female above, gesturing he could deal with it.
Jandar approached the fallen Eyrien, wrapped his sabre in a red-tinge layer of power, and swung down. Unfortunately, the man’s shield did not break entirely, but only cracked. Keeping the power from his Red jewel still flowing into his weapon, Jandar set the sabre’s tip into the crack, and pushed, utilizing all his muscles to do so. The Opal Warlord Prince’s shield was finally broken, exposing the Eyrien. A quick slash at the man’s neck, and he was dead. Jandar rolled his shoulders, vanished the sabre, and put his left hand at his wounded side again, feeling the extent of the damage.
With a huff, the Warlord pushed the fallen Eyrien to the side of the staircase, so he didn’t block the whole path. Then, thinking of Fatima’s urgency to get there and presumably get Jassen’s body, Jandar descended down the stairs. The fight was over now, it seemed, all enemies having either been slain or chased away. However, if there was even one survivor…Well, perhaps Faeril would deem to clarify the situation. Several minutes later, the Kaeleeran reached Jassen, bent down, and carefully set his corpse across his shoulders, taking the proper caution not to aggravate his injured side. Finally, he began his ascent, though he was rather slowed down due to the additional weight. Regardless, he eventually reached his previous spot, took a moment of rest, gazing at the recently slain Eyrien curiously, then prepared himself to move the rest of the way up with a bracing inhale.
@Haruharara Yeah, I was already considering doing so since discovering the breath techniques don't lead to manipulating some sort of supernatural force (which I kinda assumed). Will do some changes to the moves.
Kyou gasped quietly at the author’s diary entries, but very carefully and purposefully focused his mind on the pertinent information. The…person…mentioned other survivors, the fact that this place was called the Land of Shadows, and a barricade. There was also the stuff about ‘them’ and how the parking lot they were in was a safe zone. Not so safe with that psycho running around, Kyou thought uncharitably, though even considering being confronted with someone or something that actively desired to harm them was- No, no, never mind that, Kyou, we just have to focus on getting out and, and see what’s around, maybe find out if there are other sane people around. With a shaky inhale, Kyou focused on his breathing and centered his mind.
A minute passed, and, having gathered his courage (or perhaps it was desperation), Kyou spoke up. “P-President, please put that diary back? We- I think we should probably get away from here,” he whispered, cautious now that he knew an insane person might be lurking nearby. “Let’s try not to attract that person’s attention, though,” he continued speaking in an undertone. “You can lead us, right, president?” he asked plaintively, gaze darting around fearfully. The five of them were really so noticeable, if he thought about them. For one, they were near the author’s home, and for another, they hadn’t been quiet up until now, and their mobile phones radiated like a beacon in the otherwise dark parking lot.
Kyou bit his lip, his heart starting to beat loudly yet again, and frantically gestured to the others, indicating to be mindful of their presence. He wasn’t sure his flailing was getting the point across, so he added: “Light and sound. Dangerous,” in a quiet mutter. His own phone was still in his left hand, kept pointed down and to the side. Kyou inched closer to Kiyoko, hoping she would assent to leading them out of there. He clutched his bag close to his body with his right arm, stuffing his palm into his jacket’s pocket to clamp onto his stress-ball for reassurance. “President,” he whispered quietly, but with urgency. However, he did not feel comfortable with actually ordering her around, so he kept his quiet after that, though he kept looking around, barely keeping the discomfort at bay.
CitrusArms
Xaltwind
rabidbacon
Remram
ColdAtlas
princess
Damycles
PapaOso
KingofSerpents
