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Post by Baxton Croxley on Oct 19, 2015 21:37:03 GMT
Note: I have Duke as NPC for now, might get others along as well to add/replace him if need be  Taking a stroll through Rycora simply wasn't a possibility anymore. One could try and get a good walk, but it was almost bound to end in a fight of some sort. Baxton didn't let it stop him though. Even if limping through a forest where he could fall or land in trouble was what he was truly doing. Bax didn't complain, he just wanted fresh air. It was what he was used to. Fresh air, a sense of travelling and of journeys. Baxton just hoped that after the war, there was still enough World left for adventures. He longed to go on that road again, when he and his friends were happy and free at last. The wounded man almost had a skip to his step as he walked along, glad that so far, he and Duke had been walking without even a hint of danger yet. Demons were relentless attackers, Angels seemed more calculated, excluding their 'ruler'. So Baxton could never be sure if he'd get a peaceful day in the forest or not. Duke was mainly there for that reason alone. To keep Baxton safe, as it was becoming a rule that Saints couldn't travel alone, in case of dangerous fights. Duke was good company, though more or less silent company. But still, he was a Saint, and a friend to Baxton. And the friendly guy wasn't going to complain about his choice of companion. "Strangely quiet, huh?" Baxton asked across to Duke. The man lurked around the shadows of trees, before glancing towards Baxton. "Yeah... almost, too quiet." Duke commented. Baxton nodded a little, though stopped and thought. The forest really was silent right now, and Baxton couldn't help but feel like they were being watched.
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Post by Labari on Oct 19, 2015 22:12:32 GMT
Labari hated that she kept missing her brothers return, but knew he would be alright, he was strong and could hold his own, she trusted him with that much, but it didn't hinder the thought that she could be helping. It pained her really, but her efforts were needed in this war right now. Labari had decided to go out for a run, she hadn't for a while, too much to do, but with the forest so close and a rare free moment, she decided to have a little fun, running had always helped her calm down, and she got enjoyment out of it. Manuvering through the trees was easy, and she didn't know how long she was running for before hearing voices in the distance. Slowing down and climbing the nearest tree, Labari hovered just over the two. New Saints as she recalled, Yume often reporting her findings to the Angel Battle Team, and Labari separately, thankfully. She could tell they noticed someone around, and Labari didn't want them attacking unknowing and randomly. She could easily sneak away, but felt that it would be better to get to know them. Its not like they knew what she really was. Preparing herself, Labari let herself fall from the tree, giving out a little shout as she went down, it hurt less then she anticipate, but she would still be feeling it for days. "Ouch. That hurt." Standing up and rubbing the back of her neck and back, before 'pretending' to just notice the others. "Oh... Hey. Never climb one of these trees... Man they are tall and it hurts to fall off." Sticking out both hands to the others, Labari gave a huge smile. "HI BY THE WAY. I'm Labari, pleasure to meet you both."
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Post by Baxton Croxley on Oct 19, 2015 22:36:42 GMT
Baxton watched Duke's movements, or lack of movements. The assassin was concentrating on something, listening for any kind of sound. Baxton went to prepare his walking stick for fighting, but Duke put his hand over the burn man's, slightly shaking his head. Then Duke froze again, eyes staring up at nothing, but listening for something behind them. Baxton frowned, watching Duke just standing there, as if waiting for something he knew was going to happen. Baxton looked around a little, seeing nothing in the silent forest, before jumping at the sudden snap of twigs and scream. He turned around quickly as the woman landed from a tree not too far behind the pair. Where Baxton was concerned, Duke simply turned slowly, watching the woman thoughtfully. Baxton limped forward a little. "You alright miss? Anything broken or hurt? I can... sort of fix it if so." Baxton suggested kindly with a smile. He was certain she was Human, both by appearance, and the fact that Duke wasn't reacting or pushing Baxton out of harms way right now. Bax looked up the tree. He chuckled, "Me and my Dad used to always hang around up trees, I can't climb them anymore, but I know it can be worth the risk to get up there, right?" Baxton asked. He carefully took the hand and shook it, watching Duke slowly do the same. "You are the Mun clan member that some of the other Saints have met, are you not?" Duke asked carefully. Baxton looked quickly back to the young woman, eyes surprised but in a good sense. "You're a part of a clan? That's great to hear! How are you holding up, with all the... things going on right now?" Baxton asked, before realising and pointing to himself and Duke. "Sorry, I'm Baxton Croxley, and this is Duke. We're both Saints, like the ones you've apparently met before."
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Post by Labari on Oct 20, 2015 20:31:59 GMT
Labari smiled brightly to Baxton chuckling a little. "Oh no, thank you though. But I'm fine, not the first time I've stupidly fell from a tree, not fun." She wasn't lying, back when she was first helping people, Labari only took simple childish jobs, often climbed trees for those sneaky moments, back then she really was clumsy. "The views can be amazing if you find the right spots, if not then its more a hazard then anything. I need my legs for running, so I only climb them if I think its worth it in the end... This one clearly wasn't, except I got to meet the two of you so its not an entire loss." Labari really needed to tone down, Duke clearly didn't trust her, and if she wasn't careful, her act would be too fake. Labari gave a light nod in hearing their names, now knowing who was who... Duke defiantly was one to look out for, Yume let them know he would be calculating everyone to see if they were a risk. Baxton was less of a worry, so that meant things were easier, he would help hider Duke. "Yes I am part of the Mun Clan, I have met several of the Saints before, some I prefer more then others, its a pleasure to meet the two of you though, as I have said. And pardon any negativity, but the war is taking its toll, many of my friends have been hurt or killed... As a member of a mixed races clan, the news on what the Saints did to Aura is difficult to comprehend. How are you all holding up, if you don't mind me asking? I know when hearing I'm a member of the Mun clan its not easy to want to tell and all, but I don't like death, so I hope everyone is okay..."
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Post by Baxton Croxley on Oct 20, 2015 20:56:03 GMT
Baxton's face was lit up with his natural friendly expression. He hardly noticed how Duke seemed to remain calculating and cautious of Labari. But, Baxton wasn't in charge of Duke, in fact as far as an assassin and cook went, Duke was the one giving orders here. Baxton nodded his head, "That's good to hear then. I can heal wounds, but... it's usually not worth the pain." Baxton said with a shrug. His phoenix flames were effective at healing, but also at causing extreme pain. It was why Bax didn't called himself an official healer, because he didn't want people looking for him to get help and getting pain as a response.
Duke huffed very quietly after Labari spoke again. "You've been up that tree for approximately... five minutes. You went up there after hearing our approach, and waited until we'd passed before coming down." Duke stated, and Baxton looked to the assassin. So, even whilst Baxton was just merrily commenting on the quiet forest, Baxton was already aware of the woman in the tree. Duke was another level of spy, then again, he was a leader of a whole group of spies and assassins. Baxton was a little quiet, laughing awkwardly through the silence, before seeing Duke smile slightly. "Why you thought to hide from us, I'm not sure, since you're already acquainted with our group. But, I suppose during times like this, your move was the safest." Duke commented. Baxton smiled a little, shaking his head to Duke. "And Duke, she didn't even know who we were, don't forget." Baxton added, and Duke nodded slightly. Relieved that Duke wasn't trying to be hostile, Baxton focused on their new friend. He chuckled, "I think I know who is less preferred, don't worry, nobody like him. And he knows it." Baxton went a little serious as Labari spoke of the harsh times this war brought. "War does that. All of my friends in the other clans are having it hard as well, but I suppose we've just got to remain bright during these dark times. Makes it easier to find our way through to the end. And... The attack on Aura, I wasn't involved, but Duke and the others knew what a sudden plan it was. Many of us regret what happened, even if it was for our ultimate cause." Baxton glanced to Duke, who seemed pleased with all said. Well... he didn't seem to be annoyed with what information Bax gave, so the cook continued. "It's alright... we're holding up. There's been tensions and loses, but we're a group made from the strongest of Humanity. Although I don't feel like I myself am worthy to be amongst them, the Saints are tough."
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Post by Labari on Oct 20, 2015 21:17:34 GMT
Labari looked to Duke and gave a small smile. "Yes, my apologies, while I don't lie about things like this... Because I do climb trees often for the reason I said. I did spread out the truth for this time, with the war, one cannot be too careful, and I did not know who you were at first, as discovered, I wanted to make sure my life would not be in danger." It wasn't a total lie, more like the stretched truth, while Labari didn't know who they were, she did know what group they were from, and what that meant. Giving a little chuckle, Labari allowed herself to drop some of her defences, they seemed nice enough. "I cannot make judgement as I have only just met you both. But Duke doesn't seem all that bad, just cautious, its not a bad thing, especially with all going on." It was hard to remain bright while people were dying needlessly, there were so many other ways that this could have gone, Labari could only see extremists wanting their way and fast without thinking of less murderous ways to sort out the problem, from what she's been told, the Council, were the main ones to blame. "I know how tough the Saints can be, they did marvellous when helping with the Nightmare problem. Damn Demon witch, I'm glad the current Demon King is trying to assure nothing of the sort happens again. The way I see things, the attack on Aura was a terrible plan, and has caused more harm then good, like those who began it were just looking for a fight, Kakushin and Rurushu would have happily organised some meeting to help with how Humans saw things so that they could change and adapt themselves so all were happy, the Mun Clan was happy to be middle ground with all that. Would have stopped so much bloodshed." Too much had begun, and with the added threat of this Shinda, things were only getting worse. "And Baxton, I'm sure your plenty worthy to be a part of the Saints. I can feel it in my bones."
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Post by Baxton Croxley on Oct 20, 2015 21:37:19 GMT
Duke seemed happy to move on from Labari's stretching of the truth. He was a spy, so it wasn't likely Duke didn't use such tactics himself from time to time. Baxton had little judgement to say on the subject. He saw Labari as a friend of his friends, and therefore a companion happily accepted. Labari addressed Duke, and the man smiled a little before looking elsewhere, keeping tabs on their surroundings, like he'd done before Labari even appeared. Baxton leaned onto his walking stick, politely listening to what Labari had to say. The Mun clan wasn't as close to Baxton as he'd wanted it to be. The other clans, Baxton knew all about them, their opinions and ways. But the previously elusive, and all-race welcoming Mun clan was one Baxton had yet to befriend. He didn't want to exploit Labari for that cause, but it couldn't hurt to listen to her clans general opinion from her. Mentioning more on the Aura attack made Baxton look down a little, but where he was quiet, Duke spoke up. "Bees from a hive are given signals of their orders. They aren't allowed to think for themselves, but move as a collective and without question. When the Queen orders them to attack, they attack." Duke commented, before dropping into silence, and not explaining his point further. Bax knew what Duke meant. Hardly any of the Saints liked what they were doing in Aura, but they only did it, because of the orders to do so. "I know a lot of clans, the lady running the Taiyo clan is a personal friend of mine, and that clan readily welcomes Angels, from what I've heard. However, even they seem to understand deep down why we've acted like we have during this war. Deep down, we Humans fear Angels and Demons, because we fear Death, and they are what Death is for us. Clans were created to make Humans feel stronger, dependant and hopefully remove that fear. The Saints act rashly to make sure they don't fear as well." Baxton paused, giving Labari a slight smile. "Thank you for the kind words, Labari. But I too fear a lot, losing my friends mostly. Because I fear of losing them, I fight to keep them safe. I'd kill, if it was to save a friend. And... I'm sure there's a lot of good people out there fighting in ways they've never fought before just to protect who they love. On all sides."
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Post by Labari on Oct 20, 2015 21:54:39 GMT
Labari understood what Duke meant, she herself now follows that same tactic when it comes to the Mun Clan, she didn't always agree with the methods, but trusted the 'queen's' judgement to go along with it. It made things a bit easier knowing the Saints did the same thing, now knowing not all did so because they wanted to do so... She hated them a little less for destroying her people, even as an Outlaw, Labari held respect for her kind, only going against them to help more people. It was a little nerve racking hearing that Baxton knew the Taiyo clan welcomed the Angels, but she trusted the Saints enough to not attack them for that reason, the Taiyo clan and its members did nothing wrong, so they should not be punished for it. "Death is something everyone fears, Humans, Angels and Demons alike, I'm sorry to hear you feel as if they are what death is. I don't see it that way, but just a different life, its not like its really you being born again, when you die, you die. Its how we live I fear, why spend your days fighting a war, when you can live to create. I see death and suffering around every corner, Human creation, as well as that of Angel and Demons, I hate every second of it, and do what I can to help, but we are not gods, we are ourselves, race has no factor." Labari returned the smile, a little less bright before looking to the two of them. "I understand where you come from, I too fear my friends and family dying or getting hurt. But I ask you a question." Labari paused so that they could fully take in what she was to say. "Why put your friends and family, those you want to protect, those you will die and kill for, in the position of getting hurt in the first place? War brings nothing but hate and death, why challenge that, when there are other ways to go about it?"
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Post by Baxton Croxley on Oct 20, 2015 22:21:13 GMT
Baxton was glad their leader was around. Sure Jasper was young, and hunted by his own nightmares and troubles, but he still led them well. He was the second 'Queen' for the Saints to follow, beyond the Council. And when Baxton told Jasper the Taiyo people were looking after the remaining Angels, Jasper had ordered no ill-will upon the clan. In his words, they were simply doing what they thought was right. Some Saints didn't know, and Jasper wanted to keep it that way. Labari had points so well placed, even Duke was nodding along. But, Duke killed for more than just out of fear, Baxton was a different case though. Fear was the ultimate decision maker, the ultimate evil. No doubt, fear was what made the Council suddenly blame Angels and Demons, and to organise the attack. Labari's question had Baxton stumped. He was probably the most passive of the Saints, even if he was strong, and so didn't really know how to respond. Probably because he himself didn't really know what the point of war was. "As my wife put it to me once... It's because we were all born with hands, as well as fists." Duke finally stated, glancing towards Baxton as he seemed to be having a hard time with this question. "I lost my father to Demons, and a Demon friend and my mobility to Angels. And I've lost friends to Humans as well. And I'm probably not the only life out there littered with loses. Life constantly challenges us to fight back, to best it. It takes from us, in order push us towards fighting back. Even if we can never win. And even the kindest person around still has a desire for violence deep down, with a reason to fight."
Baxton paused, sighing as he took a look between his two companions. "To challenge is to live. Humans want to try and challenge fear in order to become stronger and united. The losses will be great, and will probably forever scar the past, but if fighting death and fear is what brings about a better world, then we will continue to try."
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Post by Labari on Oct 21, 2015 12:53:30 GMT
Labari couldn't agree with them, be it because she was now Angel, and doesn't remember her human life herself, or because she generally didn't believe in what they were saying, she did not know. What she did know though, was how war never helped, it changed things for a while until the next one came along to change things. Exitium's rule, and then the Nightmare issue, and now the awaited war between the races. It should not be this way, there were other ways to help the issue plaguing ones mind, and each moment it festers, it just gets worse, and then you watch as loved ones die, just like how she did with her mentor so many years ago. "I know how it feels to loose loved ones, those who help you find a reason to live. How hatred and that challenge to fight does more bad then good... I lived it first hand, survived and moved on to help people rather then extract my revenge on those who caused the issue. The choice we make now, are those which judge us for our next life, where we go next... Theres more ways to fight back then just to show our fists, it takes more courage to walk away and move on then it does to fight for that strength we desire, and thats the moment that changes things, how we decide to use that." Labari gave them both a smile, she never meant to seem so hostile, or to change their views, all she wanted was for them to understand, that there was more then just the fight the Saints offered, she really did understand their views though, and respected them for it. But when watching death and bloodshed all around, it was hard to see that what they were doing was the right thing. "Innocent people die in war, all because of a tif between a few people, i respect your views, and understand that need to fight, but is it really worth throwing the innocent into something that is not their war?" Shaking her head slightly, Labari gave a light chuckle. "Im sorry, I don't get to voice my opinion like this much, if I'm bugging you with my idle views please say."
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Post by Baxton Croxley on Oct 21, 2015 21:25:59 GMT
The thing about the Saints, was that their opinions were almost united. And if someone was to join with different ideals, they were made to have new ones. Not in a way where the universal opinion was forced upon them, but when they were convinced to think differently to please their friends and leaders. Baxton, was on the edge of that opinion. That Humans had to be the only race alive for life to grow to better standards, for Humanity to reach the peak of it's capabilities. To Baxton, no doubt Demons and Angels wanted to improve themselves, but they didn't attack to get it done. At least, he didn't think they did. But the Council had brought up some good examples as to Angels and Demons showing aggression. The ballroom, the pandemic, the tower, and the nightmares. All things the Humans didn't bring about, but the sky races did. When Baxton thought on that, he feared what kind of future would come about if nothing was done to stop such events happening. This war, although terrible, was probably the Human's counter to what happened in the past, in hopes of ensuring it didn't happen in the future. Baxton didn't have much to say against Labari's points, he wasn't one to argue against someone's opinion, like the others. Duke was more or less the same, but he had more knowledge to speak of than Bax did. "Making sure as few innocents die is the reason for the Saints. It puts a title over our heads that says we're the ones fighting, not the average man or woman. All of our plans have been thought out to minimize Human casualties. It might be hard to hear our opinion, as a member of a multi-racial clan, but as it stands, Humanity only views innocents in terms of Humans, not Angels or Demons." Duke answered, hoping it cleared things up, though also brought a dark cloud over the mood. Labari probably had friends who were Angels or Demons, hearing such a thing wouldn't be easy. Baxton smiled sadly, "No need to be sorry. We're the ones sorry, if our opinions upset you."
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Post by Labari on Oct 21, 2015 21:49:56 GMT
Labari wanted to ask 'what about me then?' but remembered they didn't know she was that of Angel Blood. It was funny really, if they had known, she would have been dead by now, and instead they are discussing each view on the war, apologising to the other for their opinion. Life had a funny way of working out, and if it ever came to it, she wondered what their exact expression would be if they ever discovered the truth, anger? Confusion? Understanding? It could go anyway, and she didn't know which one she feared the most. "Plans change as war begins, as it continues... The fight gets bigger, and more are involved... The human casualties now, may be nothing compared to a years time, you might lose control, another factor may come into play... War never ends well for anyone, all this is here because of a war many years ago, things change in a blink of an eye..." Labari didn't know it to the full extent first hand, but she had heard the stories, the truth on what can and could be, it was not something she herself wanted to live through, and she knew this war would bring exactly that. "Its your opinion, I do not wish to change it, just have you know another side of the spectrum. Of course it will upset me, this war has already taken out many of my friends, my brother is missing fighting his own battle, I fear for his life because of the war you set about. I fear for those friends and family injured, and for those who didn't belong with this war... But, it cannot be changed, and I'm sure my opinions have the same effect to some extent... I cannot blame you for thinking and believing differently to me... I just hope I haven't offended either of you. It was never my intention."
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Post by Baxton Croxley on Oct 21, 2015 22:05:12 GMT
True, there was no telling how long innocents could be kept from danger. Humanity's plans only went so far, and it wasn't like the Angels and Demons were just going to follow those plans. They hadn't aimed at innocent people exactly yet, but it was only a matter of time before that push happened. What little control there was in the war now, would probably evaporate at years went on. Of course, by the Councils plans, the war should be over in a year at most, and the Saints could do nothing but follow their estimate and hope their belief in the wise Nobles of Humanity held true to the end.
Baxton and Duke remained mute, only politely listening. If this was Labari's opinion as one of the on-lookers of war, then no doubt many thought the same. But there was no going back, war was a ripple to a lake, and it only ended when it reached the shore, it couldn't just be stopped halfway. Even if Humans rebelled against Humans in an attempt to stop war, it wouldn't change a thing. Baxton only hoped Humanity would hold together in unity for long enough to see the war end together, and see the better future without being stuck remembering the past and keeping it as a grudge. Baxton smiled, offering a little bow of his head. "You haven't offended us at all miss. Punishment for having an opinion is silly, and the Saints are always open to hear the public's opinion. Some of us are in fact hired for that very purpose, so that we can hope to improve the situation and our standards to make sure Humanity stays stable during this." Of course, most opinions and records were sent to the Council to judge and respond to, but Bax didn't mention that bit, not really knowing it himself.
Baxton hoped they could move passed the morbid talk, trying to bring up something brighter. "Rycora is quiet today, any chance you'd like to join us in a walk? It would be best to go around in groups after all. Plus, we can talk about a few... lighter things, as well, to boost spirits." Baxton offered. "It would be nice to know more about you, Labari, since you've met some other Saints as well... Or even your clan. I happen to have close relations to every other clan at the moment, and learning more about them interests me."
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Post by Labari on Oct 22, 2015 21:27:13 GMT
Labari was glad she didn't offend them, it was never her intention... But the whole drabble about the publics opinion mattering was a whole load of lies where she was concerned, she knew what the underlining message was, how the council got a hold of these comments, and she knew they would do jack shit about it. They wanted the other races destroyed, they didn't care how they got it. But of course she never voiced this, instead smiling softly and nodding slightly. "Thank goodness, I feared I had. And its pleasant to know you look out for others opinions... Its more then past wars have apparently had." Labari has seen past wars, none ended pretty. Smiling a thousand kilowatt smile, Labari would happily take a walk with them to rid of such morbid thoughts, it had been too long since she could just do such a thing with little worry, though, she was a little reluctant to tell Baxton anything about the Clan. "I would love to join you, I have nowhere to be for a while, if you really don't mind my company." Labari took a breath. "I am happy to tell you about myself. But with all due respect, anything about my clan I would rather not share without my leaders permission... As its a mixed race clan, we do hold Angels and Demons dear to our heart, we, if it came to it, would be against the Saints for that reason... And giving information away may not work in out favour later on... I do not wish for a fight, nor to offend you and be hated for that comment, but must keep all our members best interests at heart."
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Post by Baxton Croxley on Oct 22, 2015 21:59:04 GMT
Baxton was all about listening to others. He'd spent a good portion of his life travelling doing just that. Going to clans and just listening to their stories, their reasons for living or what they liked or hated about the world. The Iwa clan had a good deal of hatred towards Demons, and Angels for helping them. The Aeris clan hated both. But, the Taiyo clan, they didn't agree with war, and didn't offer to help or to dampen the Saint's efforts in war. Baxton smiled politely, beginning to walk carefully with his injured leg. "The Taiyo clan is a clan very close to me, and I know exactly what they're doing towards helping Angels, and not wanting to assist our side in anyway. But, I've made sure a promise in contract form protects them from attacks. Why, because I care a lot for clans. Not on the side of what their ideals are, whether they are pro-Angel and Demon or not, but because of what they even exist for. Protection and practice of magic, so that it doesn't die out. I've always found it... admirable, how people can dedicate their lives in a clan for the purpose of protecting magic and improving it. When I was younger I was determined to find the Yaku, fire clan to live in, inspired by what rumour said they could do with magic. When I discovered more clans, I grew close to them instead, inspired by them for all the same reasons." Baxton stated, a distant smile on his face. "I respect it if you can't tell me anything. But, when I asked to learn about your clan, I didn't mean the ins and outs of the area or the weakness or something like that. Just... the magic, the Mun clan governs all magic that dwells in Shadows and mystery, right?" Baxton asked again. "I'd still respect you if you can't tell me. And if not, then I'd be honoured to just know more about you. I've said that I grew up travelling and such, what about you?"
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