VitaVitaAR

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

---Normally, this was not something the Iron Rose Knights would have been contacted for.

Normally, such a situation would be better handled by the assistance of the Mage's college, or perhaps the Court Mage himself.

In fact, it was purely by coincidence that the Knight-Captain even learned about it.

The loss of the Lord of Brennan's wits.

Brennan was situated on the edge of the forest bearing its name. It was considered positioned in an excellent location to serve as one of the Capital's chief lines of defense in case of attack. But on top of that, it was thrived on supplying wood and game to the rest of Thaln.

The Lord who commanded Brennan was one of the King's cousins. Fanilly knew little of him, though she had once been at a party where he was present. She remembered a tall, boisterous, friendly man, who nevertheless did not have much time to interact with children. Still, he'd seemed kind.

And yet, reportedly, a strange and unnatural madness had suddenly afflicted him. The utter loss of his wits.

Both clergy and mages had already been sent. Logically, it was their duty to handle such matters. If it was the work of a demon, or some sort of spell, then they were best equipped to deal with it.

---However.

A strange and sudden madness could not be ignored by the Knight-Captain any longer.

If there was any possibility it was related to a shard of Angroron, if there was even the slimmest possibility that it could lead them closer to discovering the culprit, then they had to take it.

It's for this reason that Fanilly volunteered the services of the Iron Rose Knights. If nothing else, they could bolster Brennan against potential attack during this period of odd, supernatural madness that afflicted its lord.

Confused as he was, in their correspondence, the Lord of Brennan's son had gladly accepted their assistance.

It was two days' ride from Aimlenn.

By now, Fanilly could see the stone-and-wood walls of Brennan looming, flanked on either side by the sea of green that was Brennan Forest.

"Sir Aglan will receive us when we arrive," called Fanilly, to her knights, "From there, it's our duty to assist in any way we can, but also to try and learn more about the Lord's loss of his wits."

She couldn't be certain if this truly had any connection to the Angroron shards. But at the same time, a sudden loss of all sanity that seemed to stem from a supernatural cause---

She simply couldn't ignore it, either.

From Realms Beyond — An Isekai Crossover RP (Now Accepting)

Heir to the Konpaku

She had no real idea of her opponent's capabilities. So, when that brilliant rainbow trail lead Miyamoto Musashi directly towards her, Youmu had little choice but to break her assault and put up a defense.

Steel met steel, ringing out across the lightly-damaged street and echoing across the buildings. Her muti-pronged assault had failed entirely.

But it was only a brief setback. When it came to dueling, all she had to do was adjust the manner in which she slashed at her opponent and try again.

She analyzed her position as quickly as she could. Her opponent could close the gap faster then she expected, but at the same time Youmu firmly believed her agility was still superior. She'd simply been taken by surprise.

Just as swiftly as they'd flashed, Youmu stepped back and disengaged, alleviating the resistance against Miyamoto Musashi's blades as she did. She only needed a little bit of distance---

Pink light, the same shade as cherry blossoms, spread over Roukanken's blade, coating the edge as she channeled spiritual energy down through her limbs. A high-pressure technique that would allow her to push her opponent into a corner was what she needed.

The flashing light grew brighter, engulfing Roukanken's blade entirely, and---

"Cherry Blossom Sword - Flashing Scattered Flowers!"

Roukanken moved, as Youmu leaned forward and sprang forth to re-engage. Her flashing blade sliced the air, but not directly targeting her opponent.

Rather, with Roukanken's movement, a flurry of slashes of pink light spawned around her target and moved inwards, attacking from multiple angles simultaneously.

@FujiwaraPhoenix@Raineh Daze

---

The Bookstore

"Ah, thank you," Qing'e replied with a friendly smile, flashing her blue nails as she did, "I'm afraid it'll be somewhat difficult to obtain the polish for yourself, however, as it comes from my homeland."

She paused for a moment, inclining her head towards the book and scanning the passages for a few moments alongside Sanae.

"Honestly, though, the mages of this city are so close-minded. Hording knowledge for themselves. I'm certain they may have better historical texts then this shop, but they wouldn't allow me to peruse their library and reject the petitions of many others as well. Rejecting a scholar's desire to expand her knowledge---it's the height of rudeness, if I must be frank."

The hooded woman let out a heavy sigh.

But then, she tapped a finger to her chin, leaning back against the shelves for a moment.

"Ah, another matter you may be interested in," she began, addressing Sanae now, "You are a priestess, aren't you? Not of this land, of course, but your clothing stands out to me. Given I offered my assistance, would you consider offering yours in turn?"

Without waiting for a reply, she continued.

"A strange condition seems to have struck some of this city's people," she said with an idle gesture, "I'm not talking about an illness, in this case. It appears to be a more spiritual affliction. A curse."

Her shoulder slumped, slightly.

"It's not as if I want to bother you with it, but if you're able to help then I figured it might be worth asking."

@DracoLunaris@FujiwaraPhoenix

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

---Honestly, as much as she'd have liked to try her skills against the gunner, Robin couldn't help but be a little glad he'd been taken out like that. Certainly, she wouldn't have backed down, but at the same time she didn't really know how to approach an enemy like that. She'd wanted to try and clash with the ronin, as well, to protect her allies and cut down the sort of people who would sell their services to a crime lord.

But it seemed as if that wasn't going to be necessary either.

Still, Robin felt it was important for someone to bring up the rear and cover the others. Charging in first was heroic, but so was defending your allies from any last-moment threats while they tried to get crucial information from an enemy.

So, it was quite a surprise for the swordswoman when she suddenly found herself being pulled back down the stairs.

"Ah? Er, are you certain?"

They had everything handled? Robin swore she heard some commotion, but that probably didn't mean all that much given the situation they were already in. While she wasn't sure if hunting something downstairs was of equal importance and standing guard for the others, returning to the lower levels could allow her to prevent any possibility of attempts to ambush her allies from below.

At the very least, it made sense to Robin.

"In that case, I'll come along with you."

@The Otter

From Realms Beyond — An Isekai Crossover RP (Now Accepting)

Heir to the Konpaku

The sound of steel on steel rang out through the streets. Her attack being blocked wasn't surprising in the least. Youmu could tell simply from the manner in which her opponent carried herself that she was particularly capable, even before hearing her name.

The half-phantom pushed off the cobblestones, her opponent's blade cleaving through nothing but empty air as she attempted her counterattack. Even before her feet met the ground again, Youmu was analyzing her opponent's movements as best she could. The benefits of attacking with two swords were hardly erased, but given her opponent specialized in the exact same sort of combat(and in fact founded the most well-known school of it) it meant that surprise was difficult to rely on.

Still, there were some things this Miyamoto Musashi couldn't necessarily expect, simply by dint of the fact that neither of them was fully aware of the other's capabilities.

Even without the full use of her phantom half, Youmu could still do things like this.

"Turning Angle Cut!"

Roukanken flicked through the air to Youmu's right, the edge of the blade glowing a brilliant white as it released a thin sliver of magical energy and sent it careening skywards. No sooner than the projectile had left the longer of the two blades was Youmu running, the small girl sprinting towards her opponent to open with a double-layered slash, diagonally with Hakurouken and horizontally with Roukanken.

Even as she did, her prior attack suddenly twisted inwards, hurtling towards Miyamoto Musashi from the opposite side and above.

@FujiwaraPhoenix@Raineh Daze

---

The Bookstore

"Mmm, my name?" the hooded woman cocked her head, a smile crossing her lips as she regarded first the halfling witch and then the green-haired miko in turn. In fact, it almost seemed as if her gaze lingered on the latter for just a few more moments then it had upon the former, but perhaps that was just coincidence.

"Wu Qing'e," she introduced herself, bowing her head, her pleasant smile only seeming to grow, "There's no need to thank me, in any case."

The woman raised her right hand, her sleeve falling slightly to reveal her pale, delicate fingers and painted blue nails.

"I'm of the opinion that knowledge should be free to spread and flourish. There's no reason to try and obscure information, no matter how great or small."

It made sense in regards to her actions. Even if it was just a matter of finding the right book, someone like this would certainly want to see that anyone seeking knowledge would be able to obtain it.

@DracoLunaris@FujiwaraPhoenix

---

The Church

The priestess's gaze regarded the silent young girl for a few more moments on the golem's prompting. Evidently, she wasn't so used to golems that could speak for themselves, but at the moment she appeared to be taking it in stride.

However, the same could not be said for the girl. The priestess sighed heavily, before her gaze returned to Lewa's mask.

"I'm afraid we don't have any way to treat her," she began, "Not that I can tell what's wrong in the first place. That girl isn't human."

The small girl didn't really respond to the priestess's comment on her nature. At least, however, those ethereal eyes seemed to be focusing again.

This time, she was simply looking around the church, curiosity having appeared to have cut through her catatonia in some small way.

"She's one of the fae," continued the priestess, "If something ails her, then you're not going to find the solution to her condition here, I'm afraid."

@Lugubrious

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

On one hand, the fact they'd been spotted was definitely no good.

On the other, it meant that she didn't have to try and be stealthy anymore.

Robin took a deep breath, her thin blade singing as it swiftly left its sheath, cleaving the thin air. The inferno that Eve had created was certainly wasn't something she was adept at crossing.

However---

Light lined the edge of her blade as Robin broke into a sprint. There were still those out of reach who could open fire.

It was her goal to deal with those opponents before they could.

Indeed, without any sort of direct protection, flames posed a difficult challenge.

However, that didn't mean they were impassable.

Robin's foot hit the wall, and the girl carried herself upwards, using her momentum to sprint along the sheer surface. It was an exhilarating sensation, as she heard as surprised shout from the thugs ahead as they tried to adjust their aim.

Too late, of course.

Robin leaped from the wall, angling her sword down and in and cutting one of the men along his throat, sending him to the ground and spitting red. As her boots hit the wooden floor, she straightened, the sparkling lights on her blade glowing brighter.

At this close range, she could likely kill another opponent, but it would be difficult to avoid their fire or stop them from firing at her allies.

And so---

"Oh Light, be unleashed!"

It was a simple command as she clicked her sword upwards, the sparkling glow suddenly erupting outwards and towards her enemies. It wasn't damaging, and really she'd only figured out how to do this for the sake of making her entrances more exciting.

However, it also served pretty well to stun opponents, especially those who were using guns. Even if it only blinded them for a moment, that was a moment where they couldn't take aim.

And a moment was all she needed!

Lunging forward towards a stumbling gunman, she thrust her blade through his chest and pushed him back in the same motion, sending him into one of his fellows.

Reborn in a Fantasy World, This Time I Shall...!

Smithy

"We leave."

Simple, straightforward, and to the point. We have supplies. We have some weapons, at least. The dagger I've got now is better than nothing.

Staying here is the worst idea we could possibly have. The supplies are already scattered and many of them are likely unuseable. It's just plain madness to hang around in an undead-infested city.

Aside from that, given the likely nature of the world, it's probable we'll find places that aren't ruins filled with monsters. I doubt this is a FromSoft Game world, after all.

"The longer we stay put, the more likely it is that those undead will come back this way," I continue, "And then leaving becomes a lot harder. Right now is out best chance to make it to the walls and get out, then put some distance between ourselves and the city."

This is a substantial settlement, and while it's definitely run down I doubt the roads have been destroyed too.

"There's probably roads leading away from here, and some kind of indication of where they go. So our best bet is to get out and try to get to the next settlement over."

Hopefully, it'll be in better condition than this one. There was definitely some sort of battle here that lead to this outcome, but if that was something that specifically targeted this city or also affected the other nearby settlements I can't be certain.

There's really only one way to find out, and that means leaving the city as soon as possible.

@RolePlayerRoxas@PKMNB0Y@Aku the Samurai

From Realms Beyond — An Isekai Crossover RP (Now Accepting)

The Church

The young girl fell silent again, but at the very least she seemed less concerned. Perhaps Lewa's reassurance really did convince her he wasn't going to just rot.

Though at the same time, the idea of 'decay' having lead to those strange creatures was still a concerning one. Certainly, it couldn't be any ordinary process that caused it.

The Church was indeed packed, and not simply with worshippers. In places like this, where the healthcare was substantially better then what those on the lower end of society could achieve at home, it only made sense to seek the aid of the church.

It appeared that was just the case today.

It appeared that those who were ill were all suffering from similar symptoms. Lethargy, extreme physical weakness and difficulty breathing, and some signs of bleeding from the nose or mouth in the cases that looked more severe.

While the Church wasn't packed to the brim, it was still quite crowded with those who were suffering from illness. While most of them appeared to be older, or children, it was clear the disease was affecting all different age groups.

The small blonde girl slowly, quietly eyed those who were suffering without another word.

After a few moments, a pretty but somewhat tired-looking young woman with green hair in blue and white robes approached, a lightly-decorated habit on her head.

"A... golem?" she questioned, hesitatingly, before her eyes fell on the girl, "... Has she caught the sickness as well?"

She paused and took a closer look.

"No, that's not it... wait, is she---..."

She caught herself off, addressing Lewa directly now.

"Who sent you?"

@Lugubrious

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

For Robin, this was uncharted territory, so to speak.

She knew the importance of staying hidden, she knew that this was their best option for achieving their goal. She wasn't sure how she felt about assisting pirates, but at the same time they didn't seem to be evil people and the owner of this mansion was involved in outright crime as well.

When it came down to it, it was totally unfamiliar for her. But regardless, to accomplish their goals, to strike against Valheim and do everything they could, this is what they had to do.

It just wasn't something Robin knew how to even approach. So, when Esben took out the first two guards, all she could really manage was dully slipping inside.

Maybe once they got deep enough into the mansion she'd have a better idea of what they were doing. Right now, it felt like she didn't even know how to help.

Then again, maybe simply being quiet was helpful right now?

From Realms Beyond — An Isekai Crossover RP (Now Accepting)

Heir to the Konpaku

"Miyamoto... Musashi?"

It wasn't the first time she'd ever heard that name. Though the Konpaku style of swordplay differed, certainly, her grandfather had told her about an ordinary human with extraordinary skills as a samurai. One who wielded two swords, not dissimilarly to the Konpaku school.

Niten Ichiryu.

That was it, wasn't it?

But the Miyamoto Musashi she'd learned about was a man. The one she faced now certainly wasn't. Was this a similar situation to Toyosatomimi no Miko?

Actually, what was that situation in the first place? She didn't really get it, but it was obvious the Prince Shotoku talked about in legend was definitely not a woman, so---

Aah, that was way too much to think about right now! Especially when she considered they were definitely from different worlds to begin with. Maybe the Miyamoto Musashi from that world just was a woman?

It wasn't important. It wasn't important right now at all.

Youmu took a deep breath.

"I heard about you when I was learning from my grandfather," Youmu said, doing her best to put that initial confusion behind her, "You're not the same as the one I learned about, but that's definitely the same name and the same style of swordplay."

In Gensokyo, it wasn't exactly impossible she could run across the legendary samurai in some form. It would hardly be the first time someone from the past appeared. She'd never really thought about it until now, but it was never an impossibility.

But she hadn't expected it here.

If she wanted to hone her skills and live up to Grandfather's expectations, what better opponent then someone like Miyamoto Musashi?

Placing one hand on Roukanken's hilt, Youmu slid one foot back. In the same motion, she drew the longer of her two katana in her right hand, its blade glittering in the daylight.

And then she was moving. The cobblestones beneath her feet shook. The air whipped past her.

Even injured on a spiritual level, she could do this much.

Her opening attack was a swift downward slash with Roukanken. But in the very same breath, Hakurouken left its sheath in her left hand and lashed out towards her opponent.

@PKMNB0Y@Raineh Daze

---

The Bookstore

"Mmm, just arrived?" mused the hooded woman, cocking her head as she spoke. Her tone indicated she was clearly intrigued by that notion, though exactly why was anyone's guess. "And looking for information on a goddess, as well? Surely, you've come to the right place. The capital's resources are far beyond anywhere else you might have visited, though some knowledge is seemingly out of the hands of shops like this."

She paused for a moment, as if considering her last words, before continuing.

"Still, if you're looking for information on a goddess, then maybe a book on theology would serve you best. Lavielle, was it..."

The cloaked woman turned towards the shelves after a moment, scanning then briefly with her unseen gaze before reaching up to grasp one particular volume that was nearly out of her reach, let alone Rayne's.

"Perhaps this one might be of assistance?"

All that could be seen of the woman's features, even at this angle, was a smile.

The book, entitled 'Ancient Divinities and those Who Worshipped Them', seemed to cover gods who were revered in the distant past. Was Lavielle really one of these deities?

It was somewhat coincidental that the cloaked woman and the book in question had been in just the right place to assist the newcomer, but perhaps that really was just mere chance.

Regardless, she offered the volume to the halfling.

"I'm afraid information on ancient gods like that is a little scarce, but I believe this book might have what you're looking for."

@DracoLunaris@PKMNB0Y

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

The air was torn apart by the dragon's slamming claw. Moments later, so was the earth.

Fanilly's life narrowly escaped the same fate, rolling along the ground, plate metal clanking as she tried to recover.

There was no more time to plan. They faced this dragon, all of them together. Whatever plotting she had tried was difficult to maintain in the face of such an opponent.

Display valor?

She pushed herself off of the ground, gripping her glinting sword in both hands, now.

Valor.

Display valor.

She had no time to try and construct a new plan. No time to try and issue detailed orders.

Her knights were already engaged. She faced the dragon at close-range.

Was this a failure? Her failure? Had she left them with nothing but the choice to 'display valor' in hopes of the best?

These sorts of thoughts ran through the Knight-Captain's mind again and again.

They'd passed the other tests. Her plans, even if met with difficulties, had worked.

Was a foe like this the limit? Had she simply been lucky?

Fanilly's grip tightened. Inwardly, she cursed herself. For the failure to think ahead more clearly, for the failure to escape the dragon's assault more quickly without assistance. For her pounding heart, hammering with fear in her chest at the mere sight of such an incredible enemy.

It was pathetic, wasn't it? What kind of captain was she?

To simply break down in the face of any opponent, after trying so hard to keep it together. That wasn't the actions of the Knight-Captain of the Iron Roses. That wasn't the worthy demeanor of any leader. How could she even claim to hold that title if this was all it took for her willpower to shatter?

What could she do now?

How could she help her knights? How could she lead them to victory?

Was there any way?

Show valor. That's what the dragon demanded. That legendary Thrinax wanted from them.

She had to show valor. Was that all she could do now? Was that it? Unless---

That was the very goal of this final challenge all along? Faced with an impossible foe, a true dragon, one of the mightiest beings in the entire world, the friend of Prince Erion himself.

To show valor and succeed against an enemy that was overwhelming.

That was how she could lead her knights to victory now. Even in a situation where all her planning fell apart against an enemy like this, that was the only way.

Perhaps at times like this, all one could do was hold a prayer to the sun and moon in their heart and strike true.

Her heart was still pounding. Despite knowing death's impermanence in this place, she was still frightened.

Fanilly planted one foot forward, raising her blade, the hilt gripped in both her hands.

"Iron Rose Knights, strike! Wound him, and seize victory!"

They already knew this. They were already doing everything they could to grasp that future. But Fanilly had to say this not just for her knights, but for herself.

The enchantment on her blade surely greatly increased its power. But even so, attacking where the dragon's scales were sturdiest was a mistake. There was no denying that.

Ducking low, the Knight-Captain broke into a sprint, towards the dragon. Either she would draw his attention from his other attackers, or they would draw his attention away from her.

All they had to do, in the end, was wound him.

Get beneath him, plant her blade against his scales, and thrust---!