RPG Hunters: Dark Blood (M)

[Delta]

[COLOR=Sienna][SIZE=1]
[i]A diller, a dollar,
A ten o'clock scholar,
What makes you come so soon?[/i]
The lady Hunter spun around for she knew very well the voice that called out. Surely enough, behind her was the Queen of Hearts sitting on a pew and quietly singing to the girl whose head on her lap.

[COLOR=SlateGray]?Queen of Hearts, I did as you asked. Release the girl.? [/COLOR]
?You have figured it out. Impressive.? Lisette stood up and walked over to the Hunter. ?The thing I love the most, my dear Hunter,? she continued as a finger traced a path from the Hunter?s chin. ?is your heart.? Silence stood between them as their minds battled. None of them moved and a for long while they stared at each other.

[COLOR=SlateGray]?MISS LISETTE!?[/COLOR]
The cry drew the women?s eyes from each other and towards the girl. Far down the aisle stood a vile demon, its accursed flesh gleaming revoltingly against the flickering candleflames. In its arms was the girl.

[COLOR=SlateGray][i]?A dimple on your cheek,
You are gentle and meek.
A dimple on your chin,
You?ve a devil within.?[/i]
?Identify yourself!?[/COLOR]
?Release the child, miss...?

[COLOR=SlateGray][i]?Heh, or else what, Lisette?? [/i][/COLOR]
Indeed, Lisette is acquainted with this demon. She had fought with it many times ere particular this meeting. Her horde often assailed the Krankenhaus and its store of cursed weapons. Lisette and the others were always able to beat them back with the said artifacts. [COLOR=SlateGray][i]?You loathsome rogue; what have you to brag? Perhaps it would do you good to yield to us demons.?[/i][/COLOR]

?I ally with no one but the demons of my Krankenhaus. And besides,? Lisette flipped her hair and raised an eyebrow at the demon. ?You are old, lady Demon, and your invectives are dull. Peace, love, lest I make your wit bankrupt.? Laughing, she turned to the Hunter. ?Fate, it seems, had appointed this as the hour that we draw our weapons together. You hunt demons, Seven??

The hunter replied with a smile. [COLOR=SlateGray]?In my spare time.?[/COLOR]
[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[SilverCyclone]

Night was asleep on his desk, several papers still clenched in his fist. Selino shook him awake.
"Master Night. Master Night, wake up sir."
"Ugh...huh? Selino...how long have I been asleep?"
"Around an hour sir."
"Any word from Ziarre? How is everyone?"
"Unfortunetaly, Lady Ziarre has completely dissapeared. She wont answer my calls, and Im pretty sure she is no longer on the grounds. Lady Zet has made a full recovery."
Night glanced at the clock. 3 in the morning. Great...
"Good to hear that. What about Phoenix?"
"A complete recovery, and he has headed out once again. But, uhm..."
"What is it?"
"Lady...Rebecca has left. She didnt tell me where she went, or why. She merely told me to inform you when you awoke."
The hunter slowly got up. What the hell was happening...why were all his Hunters suddenly acting so strange. He rubbed his eyes. Leaving without telling him where they were. And his four best and favored hunters were the main perpetrators of these acts. He felt like a father with rebellious children. And it pissed him off to no end.
"...I need a vacation...and liquor..."
"I can supply you with one of those needs sir."
Night laughed, unaware of the shadow that flitted across his window.
[I]Cant kill Rebecca...cant find Ziarre...Cant kill Zet...Cold...Lisette....child...Boru....Phoenix...Night. No good targets...hehe. But Selino...heehee![/I]

[Redemption]

[COLOR=DarkOrange]Ziarre crouched at the top of the largest cathedral in the city. Atop of the roof, she looked like another of the stone gargoyles. Rath brushed past her.
[I]Ziarre....I think its time we go back to the mansion. Your phone has been ringing non-stop since you had your wonderful display in front of Night.[/I] Rath said.
" No. I don't want to go back. It may be my home but I don't want to go back there. Everyone thinks I'm weak. Night....Zet.....Phoenix....especially Rebecca..... everyone.......even........even I do. But, I know I'm not. Inside, I know I'm not," Ziarre replied, her voice a little distant. The cougar started to worry about its mistress. She'd never been like this before. It was scary.

Ziarre walked to the edge, held out her arms and fell off the roof. Rath knew what she was doing and slowly made his way down to the ground. The air hit Ziarre's face like cold needles. It was refreshing and exhilarating. The ground came up to meet her. With a small rotation, Ziarre landed squarely on her feet. Rath came up to her. The first rays of morning light hit Ziarre's face. The heat she felt from it renewed the flame inside Ziarre's body. She breathed in deeply.
" Rath, I want to prove to everyone, including myself that I'm not weak...."
The cougar decided to stay silent. It was heartbreaking for him to see his mistress who was so strong, become so self-doubting. Together, they started walking back to Sierra Mansion.

_________________________________________________

Ziarre and Rath walked through the large timber doors. Before they entered, Ziarre looked up at Night's balcony but didn't see the Hunter there.
" Probably out with Rebecca..." Ziarre mumbled jealously.

Before long, Selino had found the pair eating breakfast in the main Dining Hall. A scowl crossed his face.
" Lady Ziarre!" he said rather crossly, or as crossly as an old man could get. Ziarre turned around to see the old servant walk over to her.
" Never have I been so angry with you! An experienced Hunter run away! And when
Master Night needed you the most!"
" Selino.....I don't need your lectures..." Ziarre replied calmly.
The old servant stood there shocked at the depressed exterior of the normally fiery Hunter.
" Lady Ziarre?" he asked. With no further word, Ziarre stood up from the table and swept past the servant in silence, on the way to her room.

OOC: Sorry. Exams got in the way. I'm back now.[/COLOR]

[SilverCyclone]

"Selino. Where are-"
Night paused halfway down the stairs as he saw Ziarre. He was silent before continuing down the steps with a shake of his head. He ignored her as he passed by.
"Selino, where are the damage reports from the tech fight? Alan just called and he wont shut up about how much damage is down there."
"Sir?"
"What?"
Selino stared at him in surprise. Everyone was acting so differently of late. A sharp barking was heard from the stairs. Shirow snarled as he passed Ziarre, even taking a snap at Rath, who lashed back with a claw.
"Damnit...Shirow! Stop it!"
[I]But Master! She smells different then the usual Ziarre![/I]
"I dont care! Get down here! Why the hell would I care how she smells?"
The wolf trotted towards his master, still growling lightly. Night took a firm hold of his collar and walked towards the library, obviously pissed at something. Selino looked at Ziarre, who dissapeared to her room.
[I]What is happening to her...even Shirow senses it....[/I]
---------------------------
Boru was kneeling with his halberd in the center of the warehouse. He sniffed the air happily as he caught the scent of Phoenix.
"Come quickly little mortal. I cant wait forever..."
The demon rose, his wings spread out behind him.
"This...is gonna be a fun slaughter!"
---------------------------
The demoness stared at the mansion. Behind her, three hounds waited. She was perched with crossed legs on a pillar in the courtyard. She smiled as she saw Night walk into the library.
"Well well...you look pissed at something dear...dont worry. If Kara plays her part, you wont have to worry about your little half breed or that nasty Queen of Hearts...nor the child, for that matter."
She dissapeared with the hounds into shadow.
--------------------------
Another creature flitted across the halls. No one saw it, no one heard or felt it. It headed down stairs.
[I]Where is my blood...where is my prey....[/I]
-------------------------
A rather young demoness watched the three in the church.
[I]A succubus...they always ruined the best fights. It wouldnt even be a warm up for those two! [/I]
She licked her lips. But that child was absolutely mouth watering.
[I]I'll wait and see what happens. Maybe I'll get lucky and one will kill the other. If not...[/I]
She licked her claws with a sadistic grin.

[Flo]

[COLOR=Indigo]Zet stood in the hallway using her rune to cloak herself. She had seen Ziarre walk into her room and also how Shirow lunged at her. Sliding down the wall she shighed and uncloaked herself.[I] I remeber when Shirow used to attack me.[/I] Ranpu slinked over to her and placed his head on Zet's arm. [COLOR=DarkOrchid][I]I don't understand why your upset.[/I][/COLOR] Looking away Zet stood and started to follow Night's footsteps but then stopped when she remebered his harsh voice. [I]It doesn't matter Ranpu, I'm just trying to do something I know is wrong.[/I] Ranpu sat on his hanches and looked at Zet. [I][COLOR=DarkOrchid]Really and what are you trying to do?[/COLOR][/I] Shaking her head Zet looked down and glanced at Ziarre's door. [I]I wonder what's wrong with Ziarre?[/I] [I][COLOR=DarkOrchid]Don't change the topic Zet.[/COLOR][/I] Smiling Zet walked over to Ziarre's door and touched the door knob only to retract in quickly.
"Ow, it's hot!", then looking at Ranpu she frowned," Ranpu I'm going in but you have to stay here okay?"
Ranpu nodded and curled up on the floor. Zet activated her rune and slinked under the door and before she could deactivate it she heard Ziarre's voice.
"Rath why do I have to be so weak?"
Zet's eyes widened and she realeased her shadow cloak.
"Ziarre, I don't think your weak."
Zet started to activate her rune when Ziarre's eyes met hers and made Zet stop and lower her hands to her side. [/COLOR]

[demonchild781]

Rebecca did not want to team up with this human, but she also knew that the girl was in great danger. And no matter how much she hated any creature, the child was far more important. Rebecca titled her head slightly towards the Queen and nodded her head. A strange smile fell upon the lips of the woman. Rebecca caught onto her smile and realized that this Lady demon was going to be nothing but fun.

Rebecca allowed a large smile to stretch across her face as she pulled her sword from its shealth. The demon before them stirred restlessly, but seemed sure of herself that she could take both Hunter and Queen. How wrong was she?

"Take shelter, child. This is no place for you and you never know who may be lerking around." Rebecca called over her shoulder.

"Yes, do as the Hunter says," the Queen followed.

Rebecca watched carefully as the Queen called upon her rune and brought forth her weapon. She smiled involuntary, now realizing how much of a challenge this Queen of Hearts was really going to be when the two of them battle. But there was no time to think of that. The demon before them needed to be slain.

[Blayze]

Phoenix stood atop the waterfront warehouse, his trenchcoat flapping wildly in the breeze. The wind was strong, which meant that the Malacha'ai demon would be able to pick up his scent from a long way off. He leapt from rooftop to rooftop, landing heavily on the furthest.
He looked down into the dockyard, and saw his enemy. The Malacha'ai demon known as Boru had his wings open, and had his back to Phoenix. Perfect. Phoenix jumped down from the rooftop and drew his sword in midair. He landed almost on top of his enemy, who, at the last minute, turned and swiped upwards. He caught Phoenix on the chin, and sent him flying through the air backwards. He flipped over and landed on his feet, graceful as a cat. He dashed towards Boru, sword flashing, and swung. The Malacha'ai demon dodged and punched him hard in the face. It knocked him to the floor. The demon stood over him.
"Poor, pathetic Phoenix. Thinking you could destroy me on your own. Every Hunter put together wouldn't be able to scratch me, but you, I could squash like a bug. But that would be no fun now, would it Phoenix? I'm going to make you wish you were dead, and then grant your wish!"
Phoenix was picked up by some form of magical embrace, and hung, suspended in the air, while Boru went about torturing him...

[SilverCyclone]

"Theres nothing more satisfying then the screams of hunters."
Boru laughed as he raised his claws over Phoenix. A flame coated his hand.
"You may want to bite down on something."
-----------------
Night was fuming in his library when he heard the flapping of wings. He turned, staring at the demoness that leaned against a bookshelf.
"Your one of Boru's lackeys..."
"Harsh words Night. I want to talk, nothing more."
"Sounds familiar. What about?"
"Not offering a lady a drink?"
"Im rather fond of my blood, thank you."
She laughed, walking slowly over to his desk. Shirow was going insane, growling and snarling at her. Night ran a hand over the wolf's back.
"Its alright Shirow. She wont try anything. Not here."
The demoness smiled coyly. She sat down on the edge of the desk, crossing her legs.
"Where to start. Oh, how rude. My name is Zhera. An honor to meet the famous Night. But I didnt come for pleasantries unfortunetaly. Rebecca has gone off for the Queen of Hearts on her own, and-"
"WHAT?!"
Night leapt up, gripping his sword. Zhera licked its tip.
"Let me finish. She's gonna have a rude awakening. And Phoenix is with Boru. At least, if my master hasnt killed him yet."
"You..."
"Goodbye Night. I do hope that I can see you again under more...pleasurable matters."
She faded away. Night didnt hesitate, he smashed through the door, followed by Shirow.
"ZET! ZIARRE! PHOENIX IS IN TROUBLE! I NEED YOUR HELP! BOTH OF YOU!"
He dashed out the door, hoping they would catch up. He was strong, but not even the three of them would have an easy time with a Malacha'ai. Hopefully, Rebecca wasnt in an equal amount of danger.

[Sword Breaker]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][COLOR=DarkRed]Cold laughed. Laughed like he often did when facing a opponent of this calibur. Night was truely of that calbiur. Watching from one of the many high rooftops, Cold saw Night, sword in hand, burst through the main at an alarming speed.

Taking the opertunity, Cold lept. Raising his sword above his head, and came down upon Night like a lightning strike. Landing in front of him, Cold lanced out with his sword. Night parreyed easily.

Thrown backwards by Night, Cold toppled to the ground. Quickly, Cold launched himself into the air, just in time to avoid a death-blow by Night. Flipping, Cold landed across from Night. The two men faced eachother, two solemn fighters, two different causes.

"Well, well. The infamous Night. In person. I'm honored." Cold said mockeingly, the wind rustling his hair.

"I don't have time for you now!" Night shouted, barring his teeth.

Ignoring him, Cold dashed again. Slashing upwards, Cold's rapier struck hard. Cold and Night locked eyes, both putting their wieght into their weapons, trying to gain the advantage. Then, suddenly, a bellowing howl broke out from beside Cold. It was a wolf. A black one. And it was charging.

Then, a hulking, white figure appeared, swatting the beast aside with it's massive paw.

"Master, I wil handle the beast." Silra bellowed, as she pursued the animal into the darkness.

Cold's eyes never left Night's.

Suddenly, Night gave way, jumping back to avoid Cold's initial strikes. Suddenly Cold realized his mistake. Desperate, he rolled to the side, as Night brought his sword down heavily, in a downward arc. Fortunatly, the blade met nothing but ice.

"What's going on here?" It was a girl, one who had jsut come through the doorway. Cold recognized her as the one from before. The pyroketnic. Another followed, this time it was the weak one.

"Go! Help Pheonix! I will be along shortly!" Night shouted, not turning his head.

Obediantly, yet reluctant, the two girl took off.

Landing on the ground, Cold pushed himself of, on a diagonal angle. Twisting, he came floated down.

"Now, where were we?" Cold mocked, waving his rapier.

OOC: Sorry about the mistake, Silver, I fixed it now.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[SilverCyclone]

Night's blade barely missed.
"Shut up! If your gonna fight, then do so! Dont waste time with talk!"
Night swung his blade at waist level. Cold leapt over it, then gagged as Night grabbed his throat. The hunter slammed him into the ground, taking a slash to the chest from the rapier.
"Your a fool. You enter combat unprepared?"
"Dont take me lightly hunter."
A jet of ice hit Night full on, forcing him backwards.
"I never underestimate, only overestimate!"
With a snarl, Night moved forward, throwing one of his feet out in a kick. He missed, and received a violent jab from the hilt of the rapier. He flipped outwards, glancing at Shirow. The wolf was much faster, but wasnt inflicting nearly enough damage. Night whirled, swinging the sword in a figure eight. It glimmered before smashing into the rapier. They were nose to nose again, pushing with all their might. Both were powerful men, and were skilled warriors. Night had already made the mistake of losing his temper. He struggled to calm down, his breathing returned to normal. Cold noticed the change and broke free. Night grinned, changing his stance slightly. He now held the sword with one hand, the other hand stretched out in front. Cold realized what was happening.
"Ah...now, Im fighting the famous hunter Night!"
"Thats right. You came at the wrong time creature."
Night moved forward quickly, no longer a blind charge, but a controlled movement. His blade was almost invisible, moving as fast as it was. The hunter had the advantage of experience, but Cold had his ice magic. Between dodging ice and the thrusts of a rapier, Night was hard pressed to find openings.
---------
Boru threw Phoenix to the ground. He licked blood off his claws, laughing.
"Get up hunter. I've had my fun with you, I want to kill you now. Stand up, or you wont be able to fall when im done with you!"
The demon walked over, gripping Phoenix's throat. He raised a claw, aiming for the jugular.
"Fine. Then die on your knees!"
A jet of flame hit Boru's claw. He recoiled, gripping the burn.
"Damnit!"
He glanced up at Zet and Ziarre. His eyes locked with the pyrokinetic.
"Well well. Two half breeds. And one of them was the one I met in the tech section. Night really is lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful creatures, even if they are weak!"
He slammed his halberd into the ground, ripping a trench of demonic energy towards the trio.
------
((s'alright))

[Blayze]

Phoenix lay on the ground, weakly observing Boru about to kill Zet and Ziarre. He tried to do something, but the immense amounts of torture had weakened his nervous system, and he couldn't get any of his limbs to do what he was asking them to do. He willed them, but his mind had been broken by Boru as well. A huge beam of energy ripped through the ground towards the two half-demons, and Phoenix saw his friends in danger. He rolled himself to where his sword lay on the ground, picked it up by the blade as he had no time to find the hilt, rolled back towards Boru, and, as Zet and Ziarre dodged the energy beam, he thrust the point of the sword into Boru's back, approximately where his stomach was. The Malacha'ai demon screamed, and vanished in a burst of flame, probably teleporting somewhere to heal.
Phoenix couldn't take the strain any more, and fell back to the ground, and fell into the blackness ahead of him. The last thing he saw was Zet and Ziarre rushing over to him, and kneeling down in front of him......

[SilverCyclone]

Boru reappeared several feet away. He was gripping his stomach and glaring at Phoenix.
"You miserable piece of filth!"
The crate next to him erupted into flame. His glare turned to Ziarre.
"Ah. The half breed. Shouldn't you be setting fire to some building?"
"Shut up!"
"Poor poor Ziarre. All alone in this little war. The hunters think your weak, that you cant handle anything on your own. It must be difficult having to hold back when your full powers could cause so much glorious destruction."
"I said shut up!"
Boru winced as a jet of fire blew past his shoulder. He was bleeding from the stab wound pretty bad, but he didnt show it.
"Now why should you, a warrior with strong demon blood coursing through your veins, protect those who dont care for you? You defend strangers who would jump at the chance to kill you. Your allied with people who believe that your just going to get in their way. Why, Ziarre?"
Boru was talking softly now, and had backed up against the wall, leaning on it heavily.
[I]Damn that hunter! He did more damage then I thought![/I]
"Why should you defend those who dont even believe in you?"
"Ziarre! Dont listen to him!"
Zet took a step forward, but a sheet of fire rose up in front of her. Boru lowered his claw, still staring at Ziarre.
"You could be powerful Ziarre. So much stronger, able to defend those you love and kill those you hate. You'd want that, wouldnt you? I can give that to you. You wouldnt be able to control fire. You would be the very soul of it."
The Malacha'ai stepped into the shadows, dissapearing. The sheet of fire died down, allowing Zet to get to Ziarre. The pyrokinetic heard Boru's voice echo in her mind.
[I]You are powerful...but only if you dont hold back....forget the humans. They hinder your strength, while with me...it would multiply.[/I]

[Sword Breaker]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][COLOR=DarkRed]Cold, reacting quickly, sent Night's latest stab into the dirt, with a powerful downward arc. Standing on the embedded blade, Cold launched a powerful backflip-kick, hitting Night under the chin. Night was sent reeling, flying into the air. Victoriously, Cold landed on the ground, smiling as Night hit the ground hard.

Hitting the cobblestone hard, Night slid across the ground, coming to a stop when he hit the wall.

"Foolish. I thought I would get more of a challenge from the infamous Night." Cold laughed, as he reached forward, and pulled Night's blade from the earth. "Ironic, isn't it? Your death delt by your own sword." Cold said, as he heffted the unfermilliar blade.

Elgenattly, Cold stalked towards the, supposedly, unconcious Night. Standing above the unmoving figure, Cold lifted Night's sword. Thrusting downward, Cold roarded loudly. And met dirt.

Cold, taken by suprise, was unable to react to Night's swift roll, which he followed by a kick to the knees. Cold went down, hard, but before he reached the ground, Night slammed both of his knees into Cold's chest, which sent him hurtling through the air.

Smashing to the ground hard, which he answered with an approprait grunt. For a while Cold just lay still, feebly clutching his broken ribs. Luckily, Night had not escaped unscathed either, and now lay, propped up againts the wall, blood gushing from his broken jaw.

"Shit." Cold muttered, followed by a similer, yet more vulger, comment by Night.

The wind rustled, and both of the wounded fighters lay, at the mercy of eachother.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[SilverCyclone]

[I]H...he completely shattered my jaw...[/I]
Night coughed, spouting out blood. He glared at Cold, who stared back, making sharp gasping noises. Night had crushed his ribs. However, the hunter couldn't move, the pain was too great. Night suddenly remembered Shirow and that creature. He looked to the side, where he had last seen Shirow. Nothing but blood.
[I]S...shirow?[/I]
[I]Master! Are you alright? GAHH![/I]
"Shirow!"
Night's shout came out in a torrent of blood, gargled to sound more like Shliroo. The hunter doubled over, head between his legs and blood pouring out. Farther away, a loud snarl and a howl echoed.
[I]Damnit! Im losing too much blood...huh? Footsteps...[/I]
Night raised his eyes, as did Cold. Selino stared at the scene.
"Master Night. Are you quite alright?"
"S...sel-blegha!"
"You shouldn't speak with a broken jaw master. All you'll do is cause more blood to come out."
"K...kilsh...him..."
"Im afraid I cannot kill him master."
Selino turned to the creature holding Shirow's limp form.
"Release Shirow, and your master will remain unharmed creature."
"I can kill you before you reach him old one."
Another Selino walked out of the shadows. A third and fourth came out as well.
"True. But one of us will kill him. Which will it be?"
A dagger raised over Cold's exposed neck. A moments hesitation, and Shirow was lowered to the ground. Selino stepped away from Cold. The creature gathered Cold up, and Selino and two hunters gathered Night and Shirow. The warriors glared at each other, neither able to speak, but the message was clear.
[I]This isnt over...[/I]

[Sword Breaker]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][COLOR=DarkRed]Waking with a start, Cold shot upright. A seering pain struck through him, sending him rihght back into his pillow. Clutching at his borken ribs, Cold groaned.

He had him! Night was his! All he had too do was react faster! Cold thought to himself, cursing his foolishness.

"Master." Silra said, bowing at his side.

"Silra. Glade too see you again." Cold said weekly, his eyes focusing on her beautiful face.

"It is a plesure to see you amongst the living, master." Silra said, her eathral hand resting on his forhead.

"I am glad to be back." Cold said, letting out a sigh.

"Master. Your wounds will take time to heal, but, in the meantime, I have somthing importent too show you." Silra said, standing.

"I'm afraid I cannot move. Bring the object too me." Cold said, closing his eyes.

"Of course, master." Silra bowed, and disappeared in a wiff of green smoke.

____________________________________________________________________

Cold's eyes opened to the sight of Silra's beautiful face, smiling a deceptive smile.

"May I present too you, Master, the Wintermaul." Silra smirked, resting the massive weapon by his side.

It was a gigantic hammer, with a thick, wooden handle, studded with iron bolts. Mounted 3/4's up the staff was a wicked, block of ice. It was a strange ice, like one Cold had never seen before. Apart from, that is, in the grasp of the Ice Spirit. On the block of ice, two letters, written in a language Cold could never hope to understand, made a swirling pattern, dark and mysterious. The whole weapon glowed earily blue, giving it a wicked look.

"I-Impossible. This... this is the weapon of choice for the Ice Cardinals, reserved for the strongest and higest ranking priests of the Acyolytes! How... How did you optain such a thing." Cold said, as he stroked the weapon in awe. He sat upright, ignroing the pain, and clutched his new weapon powerfully.

"But master, I did not obtain it. It was given to us. A gift from the Ice Realm. They send their regards to the newest addition to the Grand Cardinals."

OOC: I was getting borde of using that flimsy old rapier, so now I got a big ol' maul! ROAR!!! (Plus I am a Grand Cardinal!)[/COLOR][/FONT]

[Blayze]

Phoenix saw a bright object in the distant darkness. He fell through the darkness to get to this object. It was a woman, dressed entirely in flowing white robes. Her skin was so pale it seemed to glow, and she was holding a gleaming katana in one hand.
I AM THE LADY IN WHITE, she said in her ethereal, other-worldly voice. I HAVE COME FOR YOU, PHOENIX.
Phoenix was taken aback by this strange but beautiful lady. Why would she have come for him?
I HAVE COME TO GRANT YOU A SECOND CHANCE. I KNOW YOU WISH TO FIND THE MALACHA'AI DEMON NAMED BORU, AND THE DEMON WHO STABBED YOU ON TOP OF THAT BUILDING, AND THIS IS WHAT I WANT AS WELL. IF YOU ACCEPT THIS OFFER, YOU WILL BECOME A WARRIOR OF FATE, AND WILL BE GRANTED THE POWER WHICH YOU NEED TO OVERCOME THIS EVIL. DO YOU ACCEPT MY OFFER?
Phoenix nodded, unable to speak from astonishment.
EXCELLENT. THEN I CAST YOU BACK TO THE LAND OF THE LIVING, AND AS YOUR NAMESAKE, YOU WILL RISE FROM THE ASHES. She held her arms out, and Phoenix felt himself rushing backwards into the light again.
He woke up on the floor of the warehouse, and felt re-energised and healthy. Healthier than he had ever felt before, in fact. The wounds Boru had given him were gone, and the blood on the floor was dry. He stood up, much to the amazement of Zet and Ziarre, and looked down at himself. His clothes had changed as well. He was now wearing, instead of his trenchcoat, a black robe, buttoned down to the waist, then open and flowing underneath that, going down to the ankles. The bottom of his robe was red, slowly merging into black further up. The cuffs and high collar were also red.
"Phoenix? What happened? We thought you were dead!" asked Ziarre.
"I think I was. There was this White Lady, and.....I think I had better tell this to Night first, see what he makes of it."
"What happened to your clothes? And your hair?" asked Zet.
"My hair?" Phoenix questioned. He walked over to the window and looked at his reflection. They were right. His hair had changed. It was now black with red streaks through it, although it was still the same length.
"To tell you the truth, Zet, I have no idea what happened to my hair and clothes!"
"Come on, lets go and find Night. He should be somewhere around. Pick up your sword, Phoenix."
Phoenix turned, and picked up his longsword. It gleamed like it had never gleamed before. Phoenix smiled and sheathed it, then followed Zet and Ziarre. They headed back to the mansion.

(hope this is ok, PM me if it is not)

[SilverCyclone]

((everyones just getting stronger and stronger. Lets try to keep this toned down!))

Night glared at the ceiling from his bed. He was strapped in around the middle as a precaution. Selino knew about his moods. His entire lower face from the nose down was wrapped in gauze, hiding the dislocated jaw. Though the medicines would heal it in around a day, it was still miserable none the less.
[I]Damnit! If I had just gotten up, I could've killed him when I had the chance![/I]
A whimpering caught Night's ears and he glanced at the door. Shirow walked in, bandages wrapped around his middle. He crawled onto the bed and collapsed on Night's legs. The hunter stroked the wolf with his free hand.
[I]You did good old friend. Glad to see your alive.[/I]
[I]Likewise master. Im...just gonna...rest my eyes...[/I]
The wolf fell asleep, making small growls in his dreams. Night soon followed suit, also making small growls, albeit much deeper.
------------------
Kara watched the battle unfolding in the church. The demoness licked her claws.
"Wonder how the girl tastes..."
With a small flutter of her wings, the demoness landed behind the succubus and reached straight through her chest. The demon's heart was clenched in her claws, still beating. Kara leaned over.
"Change of plans dear. Go back to hell."
Kara faced her opponents, a sadistic smile on her face.
"Lord Boru believes that you two are going to get in his way. Im supposed to kill both of you and bring the girl to him. Wonder if he'd believe that she died during the battle!"
With a hiss, Kara leapt straight at Rebecca, green flames leaping from her eyes. She was much stronger then some demon. And in her eyes, no half breed could measure to her power as well!

[demonchild781]

Rebecca chuckled slightly as she moved to the side to watch the demon swirl past her. Rebecca quickly turned to the Queen and shouted at her, "protect the girl!" Before Rebecca had a chance to find where the demoness had gone, she was thrown to the ground, her sword twirled across the tiled floor.

Rebecca groaned in frustration as she climbed to her feet, knocking the demoness backwards. But the crafty creature managed to stay on her feet. Rebecca swirled around and held up a strong fitting stance. Rebecca could not see the Queen, but knew she was with the girl.

"Not very powerful without your sword are you Hunter?" the demoness mocked.

"You would like that, wouldn't you." Rebecca sneered. "To be able to kill me with your bare hands?"

"Oh very much so." The two women began to circle around in the small area in the chruch. Both waiting for the other to make a move, neither giving way.

OOC: sorry, can't seem to think straight tonight

[Delta]

[COLOR=DarkRed][SIZE=1]
?My, my. Even with a half-breed you intend to cheat? old woman??
The gleam of the Hunter?s sword was frightfully bright yet it disappeared the moment the demon?s shadow fell over it. In Lisette?s hand it once again materialized.

?Hunter! Heads up!?
The Acolyte threw it straight towards the Hunter, grazing the demon?s cheek as it passed by.
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[demonchild781]

Rebecca swung around to catch the sword as she felt the sharp blade graze her. The hilt slid gracefully into her hands as she rushed forward. The demoness was no match for the half-breeds speed as she recieved a blow to the mid-section, but not one to be fatal.

The demoness staggered back, holding her gut firmly, out of breath. "You could...could have...killed me."

Rebecca smirked. "Yes, I could have. But there's something I would rather see personally. Of course, I would love to wash my hands with your black blood, but I want to see the Queen of Hearts finish you off."

Rebecca turned her head slightly to the woman. She was standing next to the girl watching intenly to the demoness and the half-breed.

"Of course, if the Queen does believes that I would run away with the girl while she slays you, I would gladly take that condition as well. The death of a demon by my hands or anothers is just as satisfying to me."

Rebecca turned her attention back to the demoness, a slight smirk still on her face as the demon took to her full height once more. Rebecca wanted terribly to shed the demoness blood, but her desire to watch the Queen in action was far greater. Either way, she was going to watch some one bleed tonight.

[Blayze]

Phoenix was back at the manor, in the medical bay once again. Selino was checking over him.
"Everything seems to be fine, Hunter, but I'm still mystified as to the identity of this Lady In White you were talking about. I've never read about anything of the sort in all my years, and neither have I heard anything about a Hunter coming back from the dead."
"Yeah, well it would be no fun without me, would it?" replied Phoenix.
"And I definitely like the new threads."
"Thanks. I'm growing more fond of them, too."
"So you don't feel any different inside?"
"No. I feel the same as always, just somehow more energised, more raring to go than I ever have before."
"Strange. We will have to consult Master Night when he wakes up, but until then I don't want you leaving the mansion. Understood?"
"Understood. I'm not sure I want to go out and hunt without finding out what happened to me."
"Excellent. I must go and check up on Master Night."
Phoenix put his new robe back on as Selino left the room. He was liking the new hair a lot, and his new clothes were strangely more comfortable than his old ones.
Of course, he had no intention of staying inside the mansion. He wanted to try out any new skills he had as soon as he could.
First chance he saw, he crept out of the front door and across the lawn. He was going hunting...

[SilverCyclone]

Kara smiled as she recoiled from attacking. It had been far too long since she had a challenge. With a smile and a snarl, she whipped out a long fire whip, cracking it towards Rebecca.
"I dont want the Queen. Thats Seora's job to kill her. Your mine!"
She leapt forward, ready to bring the whip down when she suddenly shifted direction and sailed over Rebecca's head. The demoness landed behind her, snarling in anger.
"Damnit Boru! I want to kill her!"
She rose and turned to the other two.
"Our little quarrel will continue later. My master wishes to speak with me."
With a crack of the whip, she was engulfed in flames and dissapeared.
------
Boru rose from his throne. He ran a claw over the scar on his stomach. Seora stood nearby, waiting. Kara appeared, snarling at the malacha'ai.
"What is it now? I was busy!"
"We're launching an offensive against the hunters."
"What?"
Boru hefted his halberd. He stared at her with blazing eyes.
"I said, we're launching an offensive against the hunters. The shadow lords have ordered it, but I only agree because I have other plans. Find Cold, tell him of the attack. We need all the firepower we can get."
Kara stared at the demon for a moment before bowing.
"As you wish, my lord."
Boru turned to Seora, who smiled at him.
"Dear me...is the mighty Boru a bit pissed off at a certain hunter?"
"That...mortal...wil pay for what he did. Get to the summoning. I want an army ready by next week."
"As you wish, my lord."
The demon sat back down on his throne. It was adorned with skulls and bones of countless enemies. He smiled at his claws.
"You will drink of the blood of Phoenix soon enough."
--------
((Thats right. A full demon and hunter war is about to break out. However, it'll be continued in another RPG which will be named
Hunters Chapter 2: Maelstrom of Blood. In this one, all will come to an end.
But I still need some time for something special, so keep posting. I will let you all know when the new one is ready. It'll be explained in recruitment, or if you cant wait, PM me and I'll explain.))

[Blayze]

Phoenix jumped across the rooftops, reaching the slum districts of town. There was usually heavy demonic activity going on here, and it would seem that today was no exception. Phoenix was tracking a group of demons who were racing towards somewhere in the slums. He had no idea where, but he guessed he needed to find out.
He raced across the rooftops alongside them, keeping pace with them all the way. It seemed one new ability he had was enhanced stamina. He had been running flat out for a mile and a half now, and he didn't feel the least bit tired.
He leapt onto another roof, and stopped immediately in his tracks. He saw something which shocked him. There was a summoning happening. He had seen summonings before, but never like this.
In the middle of the street, a huge fiery portal was hanging in the air, swirling and chaotic in its movement. A portal this big could only mean one thing. A mass summoning of a huge number of demons. The world was in trouble.
An army of demons this size would be almost impossible for a small group of hunters to stop. Phoenix decided he had better get back to the mansion and warn Night about what was happening.
----------

Back at the mansion, Phoenix burst through the doors into Night's office. Night was sitting in his chair, with his jaw wired shut. This was good. It meant that he couldn't interrupt Phoenix while he was talking.
Night looked surprised at Phoenix's entrance, and even more surprised at how he had changed. Selino was checking Night's dressings, and could ask questions for him.
"I have no time to explain about my appearance, Master Night, but I must tell you this. There is a mass summoning occuring in the slums. I have no doubt that Boru is behind it, and that he is getting ready to create an army of demons. You know as well as I do what that means for the human race. We are coming close to extinction. We must find reinforcements of some kind to at least slow this army down. We are all that stands in the way of the human race's complete annihilation. There hasn't been a summoning like this since the days of the First Great War. We are going to die."
Night looked shocked at this, and tried to speak. It only came out as a mumble.
"I ask you now to let me go after Boru at whenever time it is necessary. Do I have your permission?"
Night nodded grudgingly.
"Thank you."

(I hope this is okay and doesn't spoil any plans you have for the end of Hunters: Dark Blood. Really looking forward to Chapter Two! PM me if this is not okay)

[Redemption]

[COLOR=DarkOrange]OOC: Sorry, been on a week hols. I'm so sorry Silver. But I'm back now.

Boru's words echoed in Ziarre's head constantly. He was right. About everything. About holding back, about how she is always in the way, everything.

Her brilliant green eyes suddenly turned velvety black.

[I]The soul of fire....[/I] It was what she wanted to become. Ziarre didn't want to control it. She wanted to be one with it. And.....Boru had the answer. He, the Malacha'ai demon had the answer.

He was also right about another thing. Why should she stick her neck out for Night or Zet, Rebecca or Phoenix when they didn't stick their necks out for her?

The choice was obvious.
_________________________________________________________________

As Phoenix and Zet walked back to the mansion, Ziarre slid into the forest and started searching for the Malacha'ai demon. He was the only one who could help her now. He was her only hope.
_________________________________________________________________

After many hours of searching, Ziarre finally came to the slums. Her demon blood sensed a great gathering of demons nearby. Hopefully Boru would be here.

Secretly, she snuck in, desperately hoping not to be found. She looked over the edge to see demons swarming down below. A booming voice suddenly rang out.

" My fellow demons. Tonight is the night where we finally gain the forces to annihilate the human race once and foreall. Tonight, we summon our fallen comrades to aid in our offensive."

A huge roar echoed through the abandoned streets. Ziarre looked at Boru who now stood in front of the huge demon horde.

Suddenly, someone hit her from behind. Her vision went black.
_________________________________________________________________

The next thing Ziarre knew was that she was thrown onto the ground, hard. She opened her black velvet eyes and looked around. Two burly demons had captured her from the rooftop and now had brought her to Boru. She stood up and looked Boru in the eyes.

" Boru, I want to be strong....."

OOC: I hope I haven't done anything wrong Silver. if I have, PM me. Thanks.[/COLOR]

[Delta]

[COLOR=DarkRed][SIZE=1]
?It?s always ?Our little quarrel will continue later.? Sneaky little lackwit.?
With the girl in tow, Lisette approached and gently pushed her little companion towards the Hunter. ?I?ll make like the demoness and get back to you later. Take care of the girl, will you??

Shadows rose around Lisette. On the wind that blew upon her departure floated a narrow card that settled on the girl?s palm. The Hunter bent to the child?s level to inspect the card. On it was a girl with her head inside a lion's mouth.

[COLOR=SlateGray]?[i]Strength[/i]? Did she tell you what this means??[/COLOR]
The child?s eyes were blank. A formless shadow had invaded her golden irises and made no sign of waning even as the Hunter tried to shake the girl back into consciousness. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, the Hunter carried the child in her arms and left the building. As they passed the gates, the girl whispered in a voice that was distinctly hers yet not so:

[COLOR=SlateGray][i]?My lovely Hunter, do not let yourself be led by petty impulses.?[/i][/COLOR]



[b]OOC:[/b] May not look like it but am looking forward to the next chapter.
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