RPG Hunters Chapter 2: Maelstrom (M-VL)

[Blayze]

Phoenix walked steadily further into the city, not under his own control any more. His eyes were glazed over, and glowed with a soft white light. He drew his sword, which began to glow with the same light, growing stronger and stronger until it completely engulfed the weapon. Under the cover of the light, it changed. It elongated and became a long halberd, glowing with blue-white light. His eyes changed as well. They turned so they were glowing the same colour as his halberd.

He walked slowly, and found a group of demons fighting some humans. He moved over to them and swung his halberd. Each and every demon turned instantly to dust, which was blown away by the wind.

Zet ran up behind him, and he turned to face her.

"Phoenix! What happened to you?" she asked.

"My eyes were opened," he replied in a voice that was his own, but there was another, a deep, ethereal voice as well.

He held his hand out, and Zet flew backwards into the wall of a building. It smashed and crumbled down on top of her.

"I'll deal with you properly later, half-breed," he said coldly, maliciously, and then began moving into the city once more.

[Redemption]

[COLOR=Red][FONT=Century Gothic]" The Masked Phantom....well true to your name as you are.....I find myself wondering why you have hunted me down. A truly perplexing idea....however, I must inform you that I am required elsewheres. Until we meet again, Masked Phantom."
With that, Ziarre spread her wings and flew into the sky. One dark feather touched the Masked Phantom on the nose as she flew away.
" Indeed, you are an enigma," the Masked Phantom whispered, " with eyes like your wings."
__________________________________________

Ziarre landed on Boru's church's roof. She sat next to a gargoyle. Supposedly they ward off evil. Seems they did the opposite.
" That Masked Phantom.....I couldn't use any of my powers against him.....why? Why wasn't I able to use them? There has to be something deeper than this. He said to look him up in the history books. I think I'll do just that...."

Ziarre spread her wings again and took off down to the library closest to her.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[Sword Breaker]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][COLOR=DarkRed]Cold watched angerly as Subzero Explosion turned to ash. Greater even then Cold? Morgan must have been a fool, Cold thought to himself. He also watched, form his perch atop a tree, as Morgan scuttled into the darkness, and the pyrokenetic's conversation with the Masked Phantom, as he called himself.

Then, as the girl took flight, Cold decided to pay the man a visit. To late, however.

"Cold." The phantom said, without turning his head.

Cold, unwavering, lept from his percharious perch, landing, mid stride, onto the rooftop.

"You." Cold replied venom in his voice.

"You wish to fight me. I can tell." The phantom replied, turning to face Cold.

"I wish for a challenge, if that's what you'll give me, then yes, I want to fight you." Cold said, sliding the Wintermaul form its thong.

"Excellent." The phantom said, before he drew his blade in return.

Then the two men clashed.

OCC: Well, I was in the mood for a fight...[/COLOR][/FONT]

[Flo]

[COLOR=Indigo]"Damn it Phoenix. I know I cut you but come on, why slam me into a wall?" Zet yelled at him angrly. When she heard no reply she continued,"Night said no cottaral dammage remeber and now you broke a wall. Hey, Pheonix are you listening to me?", Looking down at the rubble surrounding her Zet spoke to herself this time,
"Since when did Pheonix call me half-breed. I didn't think he knew being such a moron and all. Well he did get one thing wrong. I'm not your normal half-breed I'm two-thirds demon. Nothing to be proud of though." Zet rambled on untill Ranpu sat next to her.
[I][COLOR=DarkOrchid]True, the Pheonix is not the same. But his is no moron.[/COLOR]
I wonder why he's so different. He seems possessed.
[COLOR=DarkOrchid]I wonder that too, but we must return to the task at hand.[/COLOR]
Everyone's already evacated. I should report back to Night. He'll want to know about Pheonix.
[COLOR=DarkOrchid]You do have a brain.[/COLOR]
Har-har. You know I'm begining to think some else is out there. Something much more powerful than Boru. Ick, remind me not to say that name again.
[COLOR=DarkOrchid]Can I hit you if you do?[/COLOR]
No.[/I]
Standing up Zet ran towards the new hideout with information that could possibly be of value. To bad she had to tell Night about the damage.

OOC: This most likely the last post from me for the next two weeks. Please keep my chara. alive. My mum's late the rest of the week so I can't get on in the mornings. Maybe in the afternoon when I get home from school if my dad ain't home.[/COLOR]

[Blayze]

Phoenix moved on, deaf to Zet's calls, filled with no thoughts beyond Boru's complete and total destruction. His mind was filled with thoughts of Boru's death, his demise.

His eyes glowed ever stronger, now a silvery-blue light was emanating from them. He knew he was still Phoenix, but also something much more besides. He moved towards a nest of demons, and threw his halberd at the building. It came crashing down into a pile of rubble, killing all the demons in there. His halberd swung around and came back to his hand, and he caught it and threw it again in one swift motion. This time it flew into another building, killing more demons. It returned to his hand once more.

"BORU?" he boomed, "WHERE ARE YOU?" Both of his voices cried out, piercing the night air with this question.

Suddenly, a purple fire ignited in the middle of the road, in front of Phoenix, and a huge beast appeared, probably sent by Boru to distract Phoenix. It was a dragon-like beast, as tall as a large house, with jet-black scales and blood-red eyes. It breathed a jet of fire towards Phoenix, who stood still, completely engulfed by flames. The fire stopped, and Phoenix was no longer there. The beast looked around, eventually finding him on its back. He plunged his halberd into the back of its neck, killing it, as the blade penetrated the windpipe and the main artery. The beast collapsed, and fell into a heap on the floor, bleeding thick black blood from the neck. Phoenix jumped off the carcass, and carried on into the city, forever trying to find Boru.

[demonchild781]

Kara swirled effortlessly out of the way, Rebecca sliding past the demoness. Kara chuckled as she brought herself around to look at Rebecca.

"The mighty huntress can't even hit me." Kara chuckled, a brought, pride smile creased across her face. "You are no threat to any one."

Rebecca pulled herself to stand up straight, straining slightly to bring her sword up as well. Her side throbbed and fresh blood was beginning to fall from it. Her head ached horribly and her balance off, but she wasn't going to allow this demon to defeat her.

"You think so?" Rebecca smiled lightly suddenly taking a more relaxed pose.

Kara glared at her. "You're not toying with me, hunter. I know you are weak and injuried!" Kara spat as she rushed forward, her weapon ready to strike down Rebecca.

The huntress smiled, her trick had worked nicely. The demoness rushed at her and ran full force into her blade, the only problem was it missed its target. Kara screamed out as she pulled back, wrenching herself free of Rebecca's blade. Thick red blood poured from Kara's left shoulder, her arm now useless.

"You tricked me!" the demon spat. She reached up and caressed her shoulder.

"I may be weakened, demon, but I am not done. I refuse to allow such a vile waste win over me or any other creature opposed to you!"

"Ah!" Kara screamed, rushing at Rebecca, who wasn't ready for the attack.

Rebecca placed her blade up to take the force of the attack, leaving her wounded side open. Kara swung around and dealt a powerful kick to Rebecca's side. The huntress cried out as she dropped to her knees, still holding her sword before her. Kara continued to strike the same spot over and over again, leaving Rebecca nearly helpless.

(REBECCA!) Rebecca heard Alender's voice in her head.

"No!" Rebecca screamed. "You must protect the child!" She could feel Alender's soul sink, knowing that this may be Rebecca's last battle and he was completely powerless to help her.

"Your poor little kitty can't save you now." Kara chuckled as she brought her foot back for another kick.

"You will not win!" Rebecca screamed, thrusting herself to her feet, pushing firmly on her sword and throwing the demoness backwards.

Kara stumbled, trying to keep her balance. Rebecca rushed to her feet and powerfully walked foward, her sword ready. She had forgotten all of her pain, all of her handicaps. Her eyes burned with hatred and purpose, she could feel her body pulse with rage as she brought her sword back. Kara threw her weapon up to protect herself, but without her other arm she was not strong enough to through Rebecca back. The huntress broke the demoness weapon easily. Bringing her sword back, Rebecca thrust it forward as hard as she could and this time it didn't miss its mark.

The sword pierced Kara's chest and slid out through her back. The demoness gave a few uncontroled spasms before she fell from Rebecca's sword.

"I told you that I was not going to allow you to win." Rebecca whispered as she collasped onto the ground.

[Asim]

Weapons blazed, and ancient curses were spat as the two warriors clashed like rouge comets. Scythe, and maul blasted into each other in a twister of flashing blades, and crashing boulders of ice.

The masked phantom attacked with a vicious series of murderous sweeps that thrust his enemy backwards, and pushed him on his back.
A short, and sharp grunt was heard as the curved blade fell down like a blood mad hawk?s beak, aiming at fallen one?s head, but Cold managed to roll away with his life, and a bleeding scar in the face.

He sprang up, and rushed his way to the enigmatic warrior, which stood as still as a statue, weapon drooping in his gloved fists.
Just when the maul wielding assaulter reached attacking distance, a burst of light flashed in The Masked Phantom?s fist, and the scythe vanished into thin air.
Avoiding a massive crushing circular sweep from the large weapon with a shifting movement executed with the smoothness, and swiftness of the winds. The cloaked risk taker then launched an array of severe punches, which crushed his now off balanced enemy.

His arms moved back, and forth and fell, and rose in a tsunami of muscles, blood, shattered bones, and steel like knuckles. Relentlessly attacking every defenseless area his eyes caught, he left his enemy bruised, bleeding, and broken.
A final thunderbolt of an upper cut flung Cold in the air, twisting, and turning before falling on the dusty ground. His face was cut, bruised, and dyed crimson with his own blood.
? A poor example of a warrior, you have managed to do nothing, but waste my time?? The Masked Phantom muttered, as he turned away, the ends of his long cloak floating on the passing wind.

? No?No, you damn bastard! This is not over yet! ? ? Cold bellowed, as he spat mouthfuls of blood, and curses, and stood in an offensive stance preparing to attack.
? You wish to die then? Very well I can respect a warrior?s final wish? ? The other murmured as he came to a halt, his back still to his enemy.

Cold?s eyes dilated with fury, and rage because the other considered him to be almost nothing, and turned his back on him in the heat of battle. The insult was too much to bear.
? Don?t turn your back on me!? He roared, as he charged insanely.
? Hmm? ? The masked Phantom uttered enigmatically, with an invisible smile on his masked face. There was a strange aura being generated around his left arm.

Suddenly something flashed, and surged like lightning from the palm of his hand, and a long spiked steel tentacle of a whip in the cloaked warrior?s left arm flailed, and turned like the head of a cobra.
With a sharp turn of muscle, and quick twist of the hand the whip snapped, and snatched the maul from its wielder?s fists. Astonished, and bewildered with surprise, Cold involuntarily stood still in that instant, and watched what happened with his dazed sight.
The gigantic weapon was carried through the air in a circular to return in a smashing bash to Cold?s head. Blood spluttered through the air, and the sound cracking bones crackled in the atmosphere.

Falling once again on his face his weapon next to him, he shivered, and twitched with pain, and shock. The impact caused half of his face to be frozen because of the maul?s icy abilities.

The whip moved restlessly in search of blood, but it was drawn back to the warrior?s fist with a quick heave of the arm. He observed his fallen enemy, and then just as he was about to turn away once more, the other rose, and faced him again. A lesser man would have been killed under such a ruthless beating, but this one managed to survive.

? I will? not surrender? not yet?? He uttered.
? Well, I must say I?m impressed such mindless determination, even if so reckless, and foolish should be recognized? The other hissed, with a poisonous tone of intrigue.
Catching a glimpse of the engravings on the maul, he recognized from some incident in the distant past.

? What have we here? The Winter Maul, a weapon far too evolved for your clumsy style? you insult your ancestors by using it in such a primitive manner?unless of course you scavenged it off the ancient tombs, and claimed it as your own? ?
? You know of the secrets of this weapon? But those have been forgotten for centuries?? Cold responded.
Many questions twirled, and crept up his soul. He angrily stared at the masked warrior, as he lifted his fallen weapon.
Then there was silence, a calm before a storm of steel, and blood.

O.O.C: Sorry if I went a little too far with the beating?

[Blayze]

Phoenix had arrived in the city centre, the place where he had been guided to by these strange forces. He stood in the middle, and shouted:

"BORU!!! COME AND FACE ME!!! FIGHT ME HERE AND NOW!!! I'M NOT FIGHTING ANY MORE OF YOUR LACKEYS!!! YOU AND ME, FACE TO FACE!!!" in his strange double voice.

With this, Boru appeared in front of him in a ball of fire, spreading his wings out to their full extent.

"Ah, Phoenix, it's been so long since we met. I wondered when we would next meet," the Malacha'ai demon said smugly.

"We're going to finish this, filth!" Phoenix spat, the deeper voice coming through much stronger than his own voice now.

"Very well, but now is not the time or place for our final battle, Phoenix. Go to Raglad, or Final Haven, or whatever you pathetic humans are calling it now. Our final battle will come soon enough." And with that, he disappeared again. Phoenix cried out with rage, then turned and headed to Final Haven. He assumed that the half-breed Hunter would have done her job and evacuated the city, so there was nothing left for him in the city any more...

[SilverCyclone]

((oh jeez...sorry folks. Ive been gone for sooooo long...))

Night was leaning on his blade, kicking corpses away. Kira helped him clear the carnage. When Zet returned, Night shook his head.
"This war has taxed us all to our limits. Ziarre has betrayed us, Phoenix has lost his faith...so far, only your three have proven completely loyal. Kira, you, and Rebecca..."
Shirow whimpered at his masters words, licking his hand. Night ruffled the wolf's head. His depression was evident as he dragged his blade behind him. He stared at Selino, sleeping in an alcove.
"....."
[I]NIGHT![/I]
The hunter whirled as Alender's voice echoed through his mind.
[I]What? What is it?[/I]
[I]My mistress Rebecca! She needs help! Please! She is injured![/I]
"Damnit...Kira! Find Rebecca! Help her! Zet, stay here and guard Selino with the other hunters!"
Phoenix walked into the ruins, but Night grabbed the front of his shirt and yanked him along.
"Your coming with me!"
Phoenix struggled for a moment, but Night slammed him against the wall. He brought his face close up.
"The only reason why I havent killed you yet is because you may still have a shred of your former self left! How dare you act in such a way to Zet!"
With that, the hunter whirled off to the city.

[Sakura]

[COLOR=Navy]Kira nodded and quickly flew into the air, Larka was right beside her.

"When we reach the city spread out and look for Rebecca, if you find her report back quickly." Kira said as they soared toward the city once more.

They reached the area of light and Larka parted ways with Kira to cover more ground. She flew around the streets, looking for any signs of her. Kira cursed as she couldn't find anything and hoped that Larka had better luck than her. As if on cue, Kira heard the piercing shriek of Larka's call. Kira flew to her and asked her.

"Did you find her?" she asked anxiously.

["Yes, but she's not in good condition. We must get her back quickly."]

The two flew off but continued to talk. "Did you see the wound?" she asked.

["Yes, it was done by someone, that wound was definately no accident."]

Kira clenched her fists in anger, then Larka told them to go down. Kira landed on the ground and looked around, this was the slums. Larka flapped down to her shoulder.

["She's there."] she informed.

Kira ran forward and looked at her wound on her side.

"We have to get her back to Last Haven." Kira said, bending down and lifting Rebecca into her arms.

"Let's go Larka, we have to fly fast, she's already lost a lot of blood and continuing."

The two took off into the air and flew quickly back to their hideout.[/COLOR]

[Blayze]

Phoenix sat and waited, thinking about what Night had said. He had become so obsessed with destroying Boru that he had all but abandoned his humanity to the council. He decided that he would use the power given to him to kill Boru, but then he would renounce it, give it up.

Zet wandered over to where Phoenix was sitting, and asked:

"Was that you who threw me into that wall, Phoenix, or was it something else?"

"I'm not even sure any more. I think it was something else, but if I was still whole then I could have stopped myself. I'm sorry if I hurt you."

"Don't worry, I've had much worse. Do you need anything?"

"No, I'm fine..." he turned his head sharply away, and his eyes turned bright white, glowing like candles. His voice turned into the deep, ethereal voice that had overcome him earlier.

"You must be cleansed, half-breed filth. the demon gene must be wiped from the Earth." And he drew his sword, which once more turned into the glowing halberd, and swung at Zet...

[demonchild781]

A warm tongue streaking across her face is what brought Rebecca back to consciousness. She struggled to pull her eyes opened, a sudden awareness that there was an almost unbearable pain in her left side. A strange sound escaped her mouth as she tried to sit up.

(It is best that you stay laying down. Kira has brought you back to Last Haven, you are safe now.) Alender's gentle voice floated through her mind.

Finally focusing, Rebecca took in the white tiger's sight. His beautiful blue eyes were amazing as his face was nearly in her's. She reached out, her hand shaking from the effort and touched his velvet fur. His warmth tingled along the nerves of her hand, stretching through her flesh and up into her arm. It slid carefully through her arm, into her chest and down her side. Rebecca tried to smile as she began to run her hand over his coat.

(We weren't sure you were going to pull through. You had lost a lot of blood and the new wounds didn't help any.) Alender's face creased with concern.

"I am sorry to worry you so. How is the girl?" Rebecca's voice was scratchy and hoarse.

(She is fine, eating now. Kira is watching her at the moment.)

"How long have I been out?"

(Almost a day now. We found some left over healing medicine, but weren't able to give you all that you needed.)

OCC:sorry so short guys, i'll write more later.

[Redemption]

[FONT=Century Gothic][COLOR=Red]Ziarre flicked through book after book after book. She was in a library she had found which was rich in demon and Hunter lore. However, after the immense number of books she had been through, she hadn't found a single thing about the Masked Phantom.
" Why? Why isn't anything here? Is he that mysterious?!"

Boru suddenly appeared beside Ziarre.
" What are you doing here my pet?"
" Its none of your concern Boru. I was merely looking through these books."
" Watch your tongue Ziarre. Remember, I still have Rath."
Ziarre growled. Boru laughed.
" Oh yes your faithful companion. The only one who has stuck beside you. Well my pet, I think its about time you do some more hunting. I have found out where a group of Acolytes have been hiding. Eliminate them Ziarre."
" As you wish...."
_______________________________________________

Ziarre's black wings folded behind her as she landed on the road. No cars were driving these days. Ziarre smiled evilly.

Suddenly a familiar face appeared in front of her.
" Well look who it is!"

OOC: Anyone want a battle? I hope so![/FONT][/COLOR]

[Blayze]

Zet leapt into the air, dodging Phoenix's halberd with graceful ease. She hit the wall behind her and bounced off, landing on the ground in front of Phoenix. She punched him and he fell backwards.

"You're going to pay for that, filth!" he shouted. He felt his nose. It was broken, and blood was gushing down hi face. He ran towards Zet and swung his fist at her. It hit her square in the stomach, throwing her back against the wall. She recovered quickly, and stood up, out of breath.

"What is wrong with you, Phoenix? You've never been into the whole hybrid discrimination thing before. There's something seriously wrong with you!"

"There's nothing wrong with me. I'm better than ever. I'm seeing things so much more clearly now than I ever have before! Demons must be wiped from the Earth, and half-breeds just the same!" He swung his weapon at her again, striking her in the chest with the blunt end of the halberd, knocking her to the floor.

"Now you must be destroyed, half-breed!" He raised his halberd, and brought it down towards Zet...

[SilverCyclone]

((Blayze, bloody_moon is kind of on vacation and cant continue your battle with her))

Night smashed his fist into Ziarre's face. She rolled backwards, turning around in mid roll to regain her footing. Night was already on top of her, slamming his blade down. He moved fast, never giving her a chance to breathe.
"You filth! I trusted you Ziarre! You were my family! We were all your family! Filth!"
Night slashed at hip level, forcing her to jump. He shifted his weight and slammed into her with his shoulder. She rolled again, but Night forgot about the wings. They bit into his ribcage, forcing him back. Ziarre regained her footing, steadying herself. Night glared at her, leveling his sword.
"We trusted you! We would've done anything for you, and this is how you repay us?"
He leapt at her, bringing the sword down swiftly for a head shot.

[Blayze]

((Thanks for that, SilverCyclone))

Phoenix brought the halberd down, but Zet rolled out of the way, and twisted her way onto her feet. She stood up and kicked Phoenix's legs out from under him. He fell to the floor, then flipped himself back onto his feet again. He swung the halberd and cut Zet across the stomach, but it was just a flesh wound, not fatal or even particularly dangerous.

She used the movement of the halberd to spin around, and she moved her foot so it connected with Phoenix's already broken nose. The pain was unbearable, and he fell to the ground, unconscious.

Zet walked casually away, and then ran to find Night or a more senior Hunter than herself, or even a medic to help Phoenix.

Blood dripped slowly onto the floor from Phoenix's broken nose, and he was barely breathing. He slipped into darkness, away from consciousness.

He was back in the council chamber, although this time he was standing where the half-breed was standing before. He was the one on trial this time.

"PHOENIX," one of the council members said, "YOU HAVE NOT KILLED BORU SINCE WE GAVE YOU THESE POWERS. YOU SEEM UNABLE TO EVEN KILL A LOWLY HALF-DEMON! WE ARE BEGINNING TO HAVE SECOND THOUGHTS ABOUT YOUR USEFULNESS."

"Well, I could do much better if you stopped taking my body over! I don't need your help to manage these powers, so just leave me alone and I will destroy Boru myself!"

"YOU WILL FIRST DESTROY THE HALF-BREED THAT WORKS WITH BORU, TO PROVE YOUR WORTHINESS."

"You mean Ziarre? No way! She used to be one of my best friends!"

"AND NOW SHE WORKS FOR BORU. DARKNESS NOW HAS HER, SO IT IS YOUR DUTY AS A HUNTER TO DESTROY HER."

"I kno it's my duty, but I've known her for so long. I don't know if I can kill her, but I'll give it my best shot."

"EXCELLENT. NOW GO, DESTROY ZIARRE AND THEN YOU SHALL REPORT BACK TO US."

"How will I find you?"

"WE WILL FIND YOU, PHOENIX."

And with that, he returned to consciousness, to find Zet standing over him.

"Phoenix? Are you all right? I hit you pretty hard there," she said.

"I'm fine, Zet, don't worry. I've managed to deal with my little problem, but there is one thing..."

"What is it?"

"To regain my humanity completely, I have to kill Ziarre."

"What?!"

"That's right, I have to kill Ziarre before I can kill Boru on my own. But first I have to find her."

"That shouldn't be too hard. I saw a lot of fire coming from downtown. You can bet that that's where she is."

"Thank you, Zet. I'm sorry for any injuries you might have from our little tussle."

He stood up, breathed in deeply and picked up his halberd.

"It's time for me to kill Ziarre."

[Redemption]

[FONT=Century Gothic][COLOR=Red]Ziarre dodged the strike swiftly and ran around Night.
? I betrayed you!!! How dare you make such a claim!! It was you and all the other hunters that betrayed me!!?
She summoned her black sword and confronted Night with it. They attacked each other, their swords ringing out into the night. Ziarre leapt back and whirled her wings around in attack. They caught Night by surprise and disarmed him. His sword skidded over to Ziarre.
? Ziarre! You give me my sword back! You filth!?
? No! Let me explain first!?
? Why would I let you explain?! You betrayed us for power! You betrayed your friends?.no, your family!?
Ziarre?s eyes flared. The temperature of the air around her started to heat up.
? Night, you have no idea what it feels like to be weak! You were always so strong! You never felt helpless or overpowered! That?s what I felt like when I hunted. I felt like the Hunters, especially you, didn?t believe in my powers, didn?t believe that I was worthy enough to be in the Hunters. Do you know how that feels??!?!!! So I found someone who would believe in my powers. I know that I am strong, stronger than most others. But you, the Hunters, didn?t believe that. Boru did! That why I changed! That?s why I left you people that didn?t believe! Now do you!! Do you believe that I am the spirit of the fire, the very essence of it. That?s what Boru made me feel! Even though I am under his control, I still am me ? the fire. I still kill demons when I get the chance and Acolytes.?

With that, Ziarre threw Night?s sword over to him. He caught it in surprise. Then, he looked into her eyes. A fire, burning, flickering intensely, flamed within them. He had never seen her like this before. Did the Hunters really suppress her powers? He shook his head. No, they couldn?t have. But one thing, where?s Rath?
? Where?s Rath Ziarre??
? Don?t you dare talk about Rath. Your Shirow almost tore him apart. Rath has been the only one who has stuck beside me through everything ? thick and thin. He has been the only one.?
Tears of darkness fell from her eyes.
? You don?t know what it feels like Night. I used to look up to you so much. I hoped you would help me become what I am now ? the essence of the fire. But you were always so self-absorbed in the fight against demons, you didn?t take notice of me. That was until I became like this ? as powerful as I am. I used to love?.?
Ziarre quickly shut her mouth. She let too much slip. Regaining her composure, Ziarre opened her wings and took off up onto the rooftops, leaving Night to his own confused thoughts. [/COLOR][/FONT]

[Blayze]

Phoenix stopped next to Night.

"Where's Ziarre? Zet said she was here with you!" he said through a broken nose.

"She just left. What happened to you?" asked Night coldly.

"I had a little tussle with Zet. Listen, Night, I'm sorry about what happened to me. But, if I kill Ziarre, then it won't happen anymore."

"You can't kill Ziarre!"

"Why not? She's with the other side now. I realise that she was our friend, but that Ziarre is gone."

"But she was just saying to me that she only turned because of us. She felt we were neglecting her."

"But Night, if I don't kill her then I'll be this monster who kills half-demons even if they are innocent. I can't be that person for much longer!"

"No. You are not going to kill Ziarre and that is that."

Phoenix's voice deepened, although he tried to fight the transformation this time. His voice changed from the deep ethereal voice to his voice, and back and forth repeatedly.

"No, Night, I MUST KILL Ziarre! THE HALF-BREED SERVANT OF BORU MUST BE DESTROYED! Help me Night! I need to stop this! DO NOT TRY TO STOP THIS, NIGHT, IT IS BEYOND YOUR UNDERSTANDING help me!"

Night looked at Phoenix, seeing him in pain reminded him of the old Phoenix, human and proud of it.

"Help meEEE NIGHT DON'T GET INVOLVED with this! Stop this hapPENING!"

Phoenix dropped to his knees and broke down into tears.

"I don't want to be like this, Night! I just need your help to WHERE IS THE HALF BREED? TELL ME NOW stop this! I know you can help!"

He seemed to get at least partial control of his mind and body back.

"Night, I ask you this as Phoenix, as your friend, your brother-in-arms. Please stop this change happening. I'm not strong enough to stop the change myself, but I know you are!"

Night walked slowly over to Phoenix. He placed his hand on Phoenix's head, in an attempt to calm him down. Phoenix lost control, and the other half of his personality overcame him. He knocked Night flying.

"Don't you dare try anything, Night. Just tell me where Ziarre is!"

He turned and saw a trail of flame over the rooftops. He smiled and leapt up to the roof of the nearest building, and began tailing the flame trail across the rooftops.

He moved quickly, and soon caught up with the flaming half-demon.

"ZIARRE! COME HERE AND FACE YOUR DESTROYER!"

She turned, dark tears in her eyes, and saw the being on top of the building.

"Who orders Ziarre? You inhabit the body of Phoenix, but you are not him," she replied, her voice strengthening.

"THE WHITE COUNCIL INHABITS THE BODY OF PHOENIX! WE ARE THE ONES WHO WILL DESTROY YOU!"

"Very well, council. If you believe you can destroy me, then come and give it your best shot!" she shouted.

The halberd lit up, and glowed like the moon. He leapt off the roof, landing next to Ziarre, and swung the weapon at her. She ducked and moved lithely out of the way. She swung her fist and it connected with his face. He fell over backwards, and sprung back onto his feet, swinging the halberd once more. It caught her across the stomach, drawing blood, and she summoned all the fiery rage within her, and blasted it at Phoenix. He shielded himself with some sort of magical barrier, but it still threw him off the roof. He flipped in the air and landed on his feet. She followed him off the roof, almost landing on his halberd. It caught her on the face, cutting a tiny cut along her cheek. This startled her, and it gave him an opportunity to thrust the halberd towards her stomach...

[Redemption]

[COLOR=Red] [FONT=Century Gothic]Ziarre?s wings instinctively drew in front of her. The halberd pierced her dark feathery wings. She cried out in pain as dark feathers scattered everywhere. Some flew in the face of Phoenix, causing him to be distracted by the loss of sight. With Phoenix now distracted, Ziarre wrenched the halberd from her wings. She felt violently sick. With one wing almost massacred and the other slightly featherless, Ziarre decided it was time to escape. She looked at Phoenix as he shifted, ready for another attack.
? Look at what you have done Phoenix?you really don?t want to hurt me,? she said.
? PHOENIX NO LONGER EXISTS! WE NOW HAVE POSSESSION OVER HIS BODY! WE, THE WHITE COUNCIL, WILL NOW DESTROY THE HALF-BREED ZIARRE!?
? I?d like to see you try??

Ziarre suddenly launched upon Phoenix, grabbed his arms and flared her body. Flames surrounded her body, but these weren?t normal flames. They were white. Phoenix started to scream. He thrashed around wildly but Ziarre held on.
? Phoenix?I know you?re in there?take your own body back?take it now while I am weakening them?? Ziarre cooed to Phoenix.
? NO! YOU CANNOT DEFEAT US, THE WHITE COUNCIL!?
? Yes I can and I will. I will help Phoenix regardless of your powers!?
? NOOOO!?

Phoenix?s body went limp. With all the strength she had left, Ziarre flew up to the rooftops and laid him down gently. Her wings bled profusely. She felt weak and ill from the halberd?s strike. Whatever that weapon was, it wasn?t like anything she had seen. Ziarre stood up shaking and walked over to the edge. She had to go back and get Rath. Surely by now he has healed. Ziarre spread the remainder of her wings and jumped off the edge and soared towards the cathedral.
[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Asim]

A moment of silence passed through, broken by an aching grunt by Cold. Blood spluttered out of his mouth, and splashed on the stone paved ground. Clenching his chest, he fell on his knees. His hands firmly grasped the large maul. The severe beating he had just recieved had caused some serious damage to his lungs, kidney, and heart, although he pushed himself to the very limit to prevent his falling, but his body could not take anymore stress, and so he was collapsing.

" How...could this...be?..." Cold spat painfully.
" I will not kill you now, recover and we'll have another bout" The masked Phantom murmured, as he retreated to the shadows. The whip in his hand dissapeared in a strange flash.
Cold struggled to get up, but just couldn't. As still as a statue, he crouched with his head resting on the pole of his weapon.
" Next time...Masked warrior" He murmured.

The enigmatic adventurer came out from an alley to a wide street dimly lit by torches, and burning corpses.The man lifted both his arms, and brought them together in a powerful, but muffled clap.

The earth slightly tremored, and a thunderous blast of a neigh was heard. Like the crackling of a titanic fire the sound of the approaching steed's hoofs were. It's long blond hair streamed, and flew around it's thick muscular neck. Its tail was like a swirl of bright flames. The faint lights were reflected on the dark hide etching out the lines of heaving muscles in a mesmerizing haze of speed.

Lowering his arms, he took one step forward, and launched himself in a high whirling somersault. His cloak was a fluttering cloud twining, and dancing mysteriously around his body. Landing directly on the saddle of the beast, he pulled the reins back, and it violently reared. The scene of the masked rider gliding through the street on his dark steed truly inspired the idea of him being a phantom, or an illusion.

The dark blue sky wept tears of flaring crimson, as a twining arc of fire blasted through. It was the trail of Ziarre. The man looked up, and saw that her flight was reckless, and unstable.
She crashed down through the roof of some structure hidden behind the buildings. The rider did not reduce his speed, but increased it following the fiery thread across the heavens.
The structure, which appeared to be a mansion was now between his sights, and so he hurled himself, and the steed through the main gate, and on to the inside of the mansion through a large entrance . She lay on a crimson velvet covered stairway, twiching, and moaning in extreme anguish. He was now right above her, the head of his horse drooped, and tossed sidways above hers, brushing her face with its golden hair.

The man dismounted, and took off his cloak, revealing his strong frame, covered with prestegious black tunic with the number 29 glittering on the left collar like a distant star. The polished blue steel cuirass gleamed in a silver aura. A short black cape streamed down his left shoulder, decorated with silver threads of strange, and forgotten designs. Protecting his legs were greaves, and his forearms armguards all of which appeared to be radiating a strange light. A rare looking silver amulet, adorned with black gems hanged around his neck.
He wrapped the girl in the large cloak, although she was suffering, she felt a strange warm feeling as his strong arms caressed her fevered body, and placed her on the steed's back.

He did this because there was something inexplicably strange about this girl, it was as if he knew her. Even so if she would try anything agressive against him he would strike her down without hesitation although it was unlikely for her to do such a thing at those moments.

Hearing some rumbling sound behind him, he turned, and saw the head of the Hunters, Night, panting from a long run.
" Who are you? " He asked violently.
" Well look who's here, the laughing stock of the century, the disgrace of his family, the infamous Night of the Hunters... I have no time to waist on you... Be gone! " The Masked Phantom muttered.

Without warning he charged, and suddenly black spiral, and greatly disturbing lights gushed out of the black gems of the silver amulet, and shot straight into the man's palms, materializing into large Katanas, drenched in clouds of a dark silver mist.
Like a hurricane he struck relentlessly without even giving Night a chance to draw a breath. Slashing, and hacking the flesh through the crushed parries of his foe's now trembling blade, he finally struck the sword aside out of Night's hands, and kicked him in the chest with a mighty leap. The attack smashed his enemy against the marble wall, and his blades returned to the gems of the amulet. Night could still see his enemy through the red haze of blood, and rage that blinded him.

The number on the tunic's left collar then glittered once again, but in a stronger radiance. Night noticed this, and rememberd an ancient tale of a mighty human warrior, which bore this sign. An ancient terror that his forefathers spoke of with fear.
Gasping for air he let out these words " The...ancient...knight..."
" Yes, I have returned" He chuckled, and then turned back to his steed. Ziarre observed drunkenly, her dark eyes burning in a haze of confusion.
The steed reared once again, and then sped out like the wind. Galloping over the ruins of stone, and steel.

After an uncertain amount of time Ziarre woke up naked in a bed of silver silk sheets near a crackling flame lashing gently out of an old, and dusty fireplace. Her wounds were treated, and her clothes were spread over an oak table. The crimson stains on them were now dry.
Then a strong voice seethed into her mind, and she slighty pulled the sheets about her.

" You're almost fully recovered...Impressive " He said.
She turned her head to the source of the voice, and saw a brooding shadowy figure sitting on a large dais, on which rich decorations of rare stones, and gold glimmered in the darkness.

" Why did you help me? " She asked, but not agressively.
" I myself do not know the answer, but if I see anything that will prove my actions wrong, then you'll taste the bitter sweetness of my blade" He said calmly.
" Were are we? " She asked.
" In one of my lost family's still survivng, but haunted estates " He murmured, as some of the silver shapes engraved on his mask gleamed against the fire.
" What? Who are? I could not find anything about you... " She asked.
" You seem to have an interest in my story, well I feel that you deserve to hear it. It's quite amusing to find that some books have forgotten my existance..." He lightly chuckled, and then started to tell of his dark history.
There was a certain understanding between these two, even a little unspoken attraction. She felt an unfamiliar feeling under the gaze of his eyes, and liked it. In a strange way she also liked the fact that she could not use her destructive power when with him.

O.O.C: You can use the info I gave you, for my character's telling of his story in your post if you like.

[Blayze]

Phoenix forced his eyes open. His vision was blurred, but it was coming back to him slowly but surely. As it became stronger, he saw a figure standing over him. He forced his eyes to focus, and saw it was him. The one Phoenix had been hunting. Boru, the Malacha'ai demon.

"Ah, Phoenix, another change of clothes?" he said smugly.

Phoenix looked down at his clothes and saw they were no longer the black and red robe of the White Council, but his own black trenchcoat, back again. This must mean that the White Council have finally left him! Ziarre saved his humanity!

"Boru!?" he shouted his voice croaky with underuse, "Get away from me!"

He strained his muscles, and got up off the floor, his muscles screaming in agony. He reached to the floor, expecting the warm handle of his halberd, but instead found a sword. His sword. He was Phoenix again!

This new revelation gave him strength, and he held his sword in place with practiced ease.

"Boru, your time has come. You and I will fight to the death, right now!"

"Excellent!" cried Boru, "Finally my return fight with the Hunter who gave me this horrible scar!" He showed Phoenix the scar left by Phoenix's sword in the warehouse so long ago. Then he drew his halberd, and held it high above his head, in a strange demonic battlestance.

Phoenix held steady, remebering to wait until the enemy came to him. And he did. Boru ran at the Hunter, shouting with all his strength, and Phoenix sidestepped, swinging upwards with his sword, slicing a gash up Boru's side. The demon turned around, looking horrified.

"You actually hurt me!" he exclaimed, "You actually cut me! That's the second time, and it will not happen a third!" He ran and chopped downwards at Phoenix, and caught him with the shaft of the weapon, striking him on the shoulder with such strength that it went dead immediately. This was bad. He was facing the most powerful opponent of his life, and he was already an arm down. This wasn't looking good for Phoenix...

[Redemption]

[FONT=Century Gothic][COLOR=Red]Ziarre pulled the sheets up further over her body, feeling it was the only protection she had at the present. She felt extremely venerable in this man?s presence, considering she was naked and her powers were unsummonable. Her dark wings closed about her, giving her warmth and comfort.
? So, you find me intimidating?? the brooding figure questioned.
Ziarre didn?t answer.
? For one such as you, I am surprised. Well, lets begin my story.?

The man moved out of his seat and neared Ziarre. She did feel intimidated by him. Not only was she not allowed to summon her powers, but also she was naked and caged. Her heart beat more quickly. It was a strange feeling. A feeling that she wanted him to come closer, and yet she wanted him to stay as far away from her as possible. Ziarre pushed herself against the bed head and felt as if she was cornered. The man sat down at the end of the bed, facing her.

? Here is my story.?

? My name is Sir Asim the 29th. I am the son of the last generation of a family of war-bred nobles. In ancient times, I spilt the blood of demons in the name of justice. My skills in combat were renowned throughout the lands and my name struck fear into demon armies across the world.?

? The desert kingdom of Baghodiad was independent and could defend itself without the need of Hunters. My family served this kingdom throughout the ages. The knights of Baghodiad didn?t have much respect for half-demons. But one fateful day, the leader of the Hunters at the time came to the kingdom and offered the nobles of the kingdom an alliance against a powerful horde of demons moving in our direction.?

? I had doubts about this alliance. My knowledge in the ways of war, especially the way demons wage it, told me that the demon horde would not take the risk of waging war against our powerful army of the kingdom. They would lose momentum for their true goal which was to destroy the capital of the Hunters, which was many leagues north of Baghodiad. The plague of demons would have to go out of their way to east to attack our kingdom and then return marching to the north. It was highly improbably, but the leader of our kingdom did not want to risk the lives of his people, and agreed to the alliance. I objected profusely and warned them of the consequences of unnecessary war. My suspicions were that the Hunter were using us as a lure for the enemy, to attack us instead of the capital.?

? Hate began to stir in my soul. But, I fought my anger, and forced myself to accept the decision, for better or worse.?

? The demon horde did as I expected them to. They headed for Baghodiad because of the presence of Hunters. War broke on our beautiful city. Its paved streets were rivers of red, blood of warriors and commoners. The magnitude of the hordes was far larger than I, or any other, had expected. Even the valour of the brave knights of the city was not enough to suppress wave after wave of the enemy.?

? Everyone was now dead, except for myself, the king and his daughter. I considered the king as my father, and I would defend them with every breath of life I still had in my body. I was ready to fight the entire demon army alone for them.?

? I became cornered in the throne room of the palace. My blades were already crimson from the blood I had already spilled, and yet, I knew more were ready to come. I readied my soul to be sent to the afterlife. I was going to defend all that I cherished.?

? The Hunters, as foolish as they were, were nowhere to be seen.?

? Then, by chance, a secret passageway opened behind the throne. The king?s daughter was taken away by a loyal paladin and bid myself and the king to escape. As the king turned his back and ran to enter the passageway, he was hit by a poisoned arrow. His daughter was struck also, with yet another poison arrow.?

? Then, I lost control. I slew every last demon that now cursed city. What was once a beautiful metropolis of peace and harmony was now a cursed place of death and destruction. I buried every one of my comrades, the king, his daughter and the paladin that died at his side fighting. But before my loyal comrade died, he instructed me to a ruin where ancient enchanted weapons lay hidden for centuries. I would now have my vengeance against demon and Hunter.?

? I set out for the capital and started to fight the Hunters. I crept into their palace and killed two Hunters who guarded their leader?s room. I entered and badly wounded their leader with my new weapons and then escaped, leaving the others.?

? Demons came after me. I fought them and slew a great many. Thousands upon thousands of demons died by my hands.?

? I have heard stories about me. Some say I wandered from my original goal and enjoyed the slaughter. Others respected my skills and my name became legend, however, it was still feared.?

? Then, for the first and last time in history, ancient or modern, demons and Hunter would together and fought me. They could not destroy me.?

? However, with an aid of an aging wizard, they managed to sent me into a deep, and presumably, eternal sleep. A spell that would seal me and my terror away for all eternity. The wizard sealed me away in the ruins of Baghodiad. The Hunters and demons wished for me to be slain but I was not allowed to be, so was the condition of the wizard. Before he sealed me into slumber, he heard my story and sympathised with me, although he did not agree with the bloodbaths I had caused. Assuring those who warred against me that I would be sealed away forever, I was placed in a stone tomb. My enchanted weapons lay near my sarcophagus for no one dared to wield them.?

? There I laid for centures, untouched, and only remembered as a grim legend of blood and steel. My location was forgotten in time. My steed, Dark Blaze, wandered through the desert, waiting for my return. He survived throughout the years because of his incredible strength and his life was connected to mine.?

? A group of unwary demons wandered into the ruins where I was buried. They were lost in the desert. By mistake, to my benefit though, they entered my tomb. One of them, an Acolyte, was driven by a force to venture deeper into my tomb. There, it broke the spell, which had been weakened already by time. I rose from my deep slumber and killed the intruders.?

? I then set out from my tomb and called Dark Blaze. Together we set out. I was thirsting the blood of Hunters and demons alike on my blades. For months, I have been wandering through the cities of the world, slaying all fools that stand in my way. I seek to revive my kingdom and to destroy Hunters and demons alike so their conflict would finally end and the world would be in peace.?

? Most of the world has forgotten my legend. Now I?m known as the Masked Phantom.?

Ziarre sat there, surprised that he would divulge such details of his life to her. But why? Why would he not kill her? She was the two most things he hated: a Hunter and a demon. But why? It didn?t make sense at all.

Ziarre slid down into the blankets further, feeling slightly nauseous. This was too surreal to be real. Her head spun slightly. All she wanted was for it to be over. No more. She was sick of all the fighting. She wanted peace for the Hunters. For Phoenix, Zet, Aria, Rebecca and, especially Night. All she wanted?.was for it?.to end.

OOC: Sorry its so long.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[SilverCyclone]

Night lay against the wall, his mind being torn around by everything that had happened. He was beginning to lose it.
[I]this war...is tearing everyone apart...Ziarre...Phoenix...and I havent heard from Rebecca....[/I]
He slowly got to his feet, using the sword as a crutch.
"Your...wrong about one thing Ziarre...I...wasnt always this strong..."
Night stumbled a few steps before collapsing. He glared at his blood. His fist clenched.
"No more...mercy...no more...hesitation..."
[I]Master Night...I have bad news...[/I]
[I]Shirow![/I]
[I]Master Selino...is dead...he...died a few minutes ago...[/I]
Night stopped breathing for a good two minutes. He went wide eyed and stayed silent.
"...no..."
[I]Master?[/I]
Night ignored Shirow, sealing his mind off from the wolf. The hunter shut his eyes.
"No...no..."
Selino, who had been like a father to him, was dead. Night pulled himself under a chunk of concrete, curling up into the fetal position to gather his shattered thoughts. His grip on sanity was shaken, and with each battle, each time he killed a demon, or fought his comrades, he could feel his own soul getting darker and darker.
"...I am no different...then those that I hunt...then those that I kill..."
He pulled his sword closer, and stared at the hilt.
"...I am...Night...I am a hunter...I am...Nigh..."
He crawled out of the rubble.
"Stay inside little Night! Keep your mind hidden inside this body. I will take care of your problems!"
Night dashed off, but no longer Night.
-------------
Boru snarled, no longer toying with Phoenix. The warriors' halberds smashed into each other, sparks flashing from the collisions. His wings slashed and bit at the Hunter. Boru impaled Phoenix's thigh with his claws, giving them a wrench.
"You are quite the enigma Phoenix!"
The malacha'ai threw him into a wall.
"Your morals are just as confused as those of Night. Tell me, do you know what your leader did in the first battle between he and the demons?"
A kick sent the hunter skidding across the ground. Boru growled with pleasure.
"In the first battle between he and the demons, he killed around 14 civilians to get at them. Of course, back then, he wasnt the noble Night. He was his former self, Vonegard Sierra. His grip on sanity was so precarious back then. He didnt care about morals or ethics. He just wanted to kill. But I bet you didnt know that, did you?"
Boru gripped his throat, bringing him face to face.
"DID YOU?!"
--------
((Yup. He's lost it.))

[Blayze]

"NO! YOU'RE LYING!" shouted Phoenix. Night had been like a father to him. How could he have slaughtered all those innocents just to kill some demons?

"I'm not lying, Phoenix. Night really was a madman, obsessed with killing and death. He now seems to be slipping back to his former self. He is caring less and less about the lives of the civilians, as long as he can stop the demon threat." Boru squeezed on Phoenix's throat, choking him. Phoenix lashed out and kicked the demon in the stomach. The sudden impact made Boru recoil, and drop Phoenix. He swung his blade and sliced Boru across the chest, and once across the face. The demon screamed in pain and rage, and ran at Phoenix, swinging his halberd wildly, catching Phoenix across the face and leg. Blood dripped steadily onto the floor. A cut was bleeding profusely across Phoenix's face. He didn't feel good.

Boru pulled his halberd backwards, and thrust it forwards, towards Phoenix. Phoenix swerved out of the way, and stabbed with his sword. The blade pierced demonic flesh, and hit organs and blood vessels on the way through. Then the metal blade came out of the back of Boru. The sword had gone right through him, puncturing blood vessels and damaging vital organs. The end of the sword was dripping with dark blood, which seemed to glow slightly in the moonlight. Boru's breathing changed, turning from slow steady breaths to gasping, ragged ones. Blood dribbled out of the corner of his mouth.

The demon, with his last ounce of strength, thrust his halberd into Phoenix's stomach. It didn't run him through, but it hurt a lot. Phoenix, in huge amounts of pain, blood pouring down his legs, drove his sword further into Boru's chest, crushing bones and bursting more blood vessels. Finally the Malacha'ai demon fell out of consciousness. Phoenix lowered him to the floor, and with his last breaths he said:

"Phoenix. You...you were a worthy opponent. You killed me in an honourable duel, and for that, I...I can tell you where the demon that stabbed you on that rooftop so long ago is. He resides in the deepest darkest cavern underneath the place you call Final...Haven. His name is Lazarael, and he was the one who kill..." and with that, the powerful demon died.

Phoenix rolled over, clutching his stomach, and blacked out, knowing only one thing.

He must stay alive, to find that demon...

((OOC: SilverCyclon, I hope you don't mind that I killed Boru, just tell me if you do and I will edit this post))

[Asim]

He got up, and walked to face the fireplace. His head tilted down, as he looked into the gentle flames. Bright, and dim crimson lights flickered, and gleamed against the darkness of his squinting eyes.

Then without a word he paced towards a glass doorway leading to a veranda over seeing the sea, opened it, and cast a swift glance over his shoulder examining the lithe figure that lay naked within the smooth sheets. The curves, and lines of its suppleness outlined by the shifting glitter of silk against the silver light of the moon.

He stepped out, and stared at the dark horizon. The winds whispered silently into his ears, the shadows drew him in to a vortex of thoughts, and enigmas, and the crescent moon grinned as if in lust for blood like the blade of the warrior's scythe. A bellowing roar then shattered the silence, and a jetting blaze blasted through the night. A bolt of lightning hurled down in the distance. Dark clouds were massing in a very slow stampede bidding the light farewell.

Memories twirled before his eyes, a mirage of the past, long lost days of light. Days when peace reigned, and blades were sheathed.
He shook his head trying to forget, but the visions just wouldn't go away. They troubled him, and were like daggers ripping through his very heart.
A tweak of leather-gloved hands crept through unheard, with a hissed curse, and clenching of fists.

The hate burned savagely and instinctively in his eyes. Closing these gleaming black crystal-like slits, the images of warmth, and calmness, entwining with those of cold steel, and chaotic war silently battered him, and grazed his soul with rusty claws.

Another flash of bright blue boomed far away, and with a cool breeze swooped through. Turning his with the direction of the wind, a naked figure wrapped in sheet of silver silk, which was now fluttering, stared enigmatically. No one spoke, but they silently danced to the tunes of the storm. They spoke with actions.
Ziarre?s eyes glistened as she continued with her drunken approach, garment she wore barely covering her.

His fierce heart of stone was tendering under the soft lashes of her eyes, walking towards her, and grabbing her with his strong arms in a powerful, and passionate hold. She offered no resistance, but was melting under the grasp of his fiery fingers.

Looking deeply into these never ending dark spheres of mystery, her shivering hands groped for the mask that concealed his face. Gently removing the richly decorated object, with gasp that set her soul aflame. For a moment his face was shadowed, but it was released into the light, his features were sharp, and handsome, his left cheek had two horizontal scars evidently the result of some battle. She grazed these scars with the tip of her fingers, and as she did he caught her hand, and remained still for an instant.

Sinking into each other?s eyes, they were drawn closer, and closer together. Their lips touched, and they kissed. Her silvery scarf was now only held by the strong arms, which were locked around her like steel chains. Caressing him her arms fell around his neck, and her fingers brushed through his hair.

They faded into what seemed to be a moment of love, and passion, but the darkness of his soul stirred once more. Suddenly forgotten images of him, and the long lost princess deep in love streamed into his mind, and he was blasted into the realization of his affection for her, followed by the guilt of not protecting as well as he should?ve.
He drove the bitterness, and tuned into a rain of painful passion, pouring soft, but extremely intense kisses.

Lifting the girl in his arms, while still kissing her, he placed himself on the large dais in front of the crackling fire, as she quivered helplessly in the violent storm.
The pain that stabbed at his heart was increasing, as was the guilt. His soul howled, and the girl could feel it, but his eyes were too proud to let out tears, and so hers were gleamed, and silver drops streamed down her cheek, adding yet another marvelous touch to her beauty. The anguish was crushing his soul, and the whirlwind of passion was throwing her off balance.

Slowly stopping, silence reigned, and the flames trickled a song of calmness.
She remained silent, and looked away, as if in shame. Then she laid her head on his chest, and closed eyes, he slowly, and gently stroked her hair with his hand.

His mask was on the floor in front of them grimly shining against the red shades. Asim somehow knew that what happened was simply a spur of the moment, and wouldn?t last. The distortion that had just erupted left him gazing at the scene, still bewildered, but as focused as ever.