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Post by Shinda on Sept 28, 2015 21:53:23 GMT
Note: Shinda has got as far as this place here: An old and destroyed temple this thread takes place, perhaps mere hours after the attack on Shiro.
Travelling with a body for once. Shinda should feel free, but, he almost felt like he preferred being a mere spirit. But as a spirit, he couldn't feel quite the same things as being in a body. These long eighteen years, whilst nothing compared to the millennia spent alone, felt like they'd dragged on too long. And Shinda had almost forgotten, once more, what a living body felt like. Of course, one could hardly call the body he was in as living. He was just about keeping it alive with his magic, but even the walking zombie could appreciate the feeling of fresh air still. He'd walked for days, or at least Shinda's body had. He was rather busy elsewhere, sending Oblivia around like a virus, infecting those who needed a little push in the right direction. Goodness was getting too deep into people's hearts, and Shinda needed to fix everything in this damned world before that false positivity destroyed it. When Shinda focused more on his own body, after watching the events of Shiro's destruction, glad to see that place finally burn, like he'd once hoped in a mortal life, he was walking across a swamp. An interesting swamp, coated in thick fog and water up to the Demon's knees. And, in the centre, were blossoming trees, and the last remaining pillars of some old ruins. Shinda made his way towards the ruins, feet free of the swamp and onto old and cracked rock. He took a look around, and then a look up. Shinda chuckled at the sight, even under the fog, no golden clouds were in sight at all. It was all just red, and colourless skies. Aura may as well be gone from everyone's minds now, as Shinda felt impressed with just how the Humans had destroyed it. He almost fell into staring up at the skies, perhaps looking for some more minds to manipulate whilst resting here, but then a prime opportunity approached. He supposed it was about time to have some real fun, with a person he longed to break beyond repair. So Shinda summoned some more magic, casting it over his face and body, until the horrible scars were hidden, and Shinda wore what his other half usually wore. Purple cloak, a pink hue in his hair, the appearance Akvan now had. It didn't take much to copy Akvan's image, considering that bastard Sun Child was based off of Shinda. After that, Shinda stood silently, looking out across the swamp, as he heard the footsteps behind him. "C-chester..." Shinda muttered, with that signature stutter his Sun child friend had, "Sorry I-I left without s-saying anything."
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Post by Chester on Sept 29, 2015 21:50:53 GMT
Chester paid no mind the first day Akvan was gone, she knew something was on his mind and he probably had gone to sort it out or figure things out, either of the two. But as the second and third day rolled around and hearing nothing from him, Chester got worried, this was too unlike him. If Akvan was going to be gone for more then a day he normally told her. When the fourth day rolled around, Chester gave up worrying in the house and told Labari and Hada that she was going to look for him, even if she had no idea where to start. Three days later, and no clue to where he had disappeared to, the feeling in her gut telling her he had yet to return home as well, Chester was almost in hysterics the worst popping into her mind. And when the sudden look to the sky changed, Chester was in a worse state worrying over what happened to everyone, because it didn't look good. In fact, it looked as if someone had taken Aura and blown it to shreds, and she supposed that's exactly what happened. Perhaps this is what Akvan was on edge about. Chester had found herself someplace among old ruins during this time, and decided to stop for a bit to rest and calm herself down. It only seemed like five minutes of rest when Chester finally moved again, when in reality it had been a few hours, she decided it was worth heading home after three days of searching, Akvan could take care of himself, and Chester did have another too look after now. It was the voice that made her jump, eyes wide and silent scream on her lips as she spun around to look at the culprit. How she didn't see him she didn't know, probably too lost in thought. "DAMN YOU Akvan. Scared me half to death." Once her heartbeat calmed, Chester hardened her gaze and inspected him closely, something seemed off, he was too calm, considering how she expected him to act about her being out alone, having looked for him. She would play along for now though. "Where have you been? I've been worried sick."
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Post by Shinda on Sept 29, 2015 22:21:29 GMT
Shinda needed to quickly think how Akvan would act. He'd learnt well from having the Sun child possess him for so long, but even with that experience, it was hard acting as Shinda's opposite. He made sure to keep his expression down, gloomy and mysterious, and body rather shut off. He looked a little taken back when Chester was jumped, awkwardly chuckling a little. "S-sorry." Shinda muttered, before watching Chester calm down a little. She looked a little suspicious, so Shinda needed to boost his act some more. Shinda looked more saddened towards Chester when she asked, finally, where he'd been. "I've b-been looking... f-for him." Shinda replied, moving closer to Chester. "I-I was worried that he'd r-returned. B-b-but.. t-there's been nothing. Then I-I s-saw what h-happened t-to Aura. It m-must be h-him, and I need t-to keep l-l-looking." Shinda paused, carefully but confidently giving Chester a hug. "I'm s-sorry for d-disappearing like th-that.. but I need to stop him." Shinda muttered some more. Inside, this was just so perfect. Shinda knew he had Chester convinced, if not fully, he could still work with this. Invisible, untraceable magic seeped into the ruins around Shinda, preparing the trap the Demon had for his good friend. All he needed now, was that rage. The rage he knew Akvan possessed, but tried to hide. And when the Sun child was angry, he throw logic away, as well as caution. For Shinda's trap to work, he needed Akvan to not fear him so much, but loath the Devil enough to come and rescue his dear Chester. And, perhaps Shinda could make this experience worse for Chester. He'd not planned on harming her, she needed to be used to torture dear Akvan later one, but perhaps he could leave her with something to remember at least. Mentally smirking, Shinda looked to Chester with a soft smile. "I-I promised n-never t-to d-disappear a-again, didn't I?" He asked quietly, trying to reassure Chester. Shinda waited a moment for a response, before oh so gently kissing Chester, and at the same time feeling the presence of someone else approach.
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Post by Chester on Sept 30, 2015 20:38:12 GMT
Chester definitely knew who HIM was. And it wasn't someone she ever wished to meet or hear from again, though she knew both Akvan and Tenshi were in belief of his return, and things made a little more sense considering Tenshi came to Akvan before his disappearing act. Now, Akvan here acted so like him, and she was so close in believing that he was whom he looked, but she did see sail exit from Aura not too long ago, Human run ships... HE would not have access to such an army yet, not if neither Tenshi nor Akvan had found him. So she knew this wasn't the real Akvan, but who it really was she couldn't be certain, Labari wasn't that cruel to mess with her in such a way, but she knew of no others that could do such a thing... Well so she thought, considering she knew little of the true Shinda, and how he could forge something such as this. But for her own safety for now, until it was figured out, she would play along. Acting hostile to him for disappearing, like she was really mad at him. Returning the hug how she would for the real Akvan, Chester took a step back and gave him a glare. "Damn right you promised that, like I said you had me worried sick. I am not happy with you in the slightest. You should have told me where you were going, hell, you should have stuck with Tenshi while she searched as well... At least then you had each other to watch your backs if you run into him. I believe it was the whole reason she came to you in the first place." Chester hoped she sounded convincing, even while her mind was racking her brain for who this could be... Akvan, Flood, had gained many enemy's throughout the years, and it could be any number of them. When this imposter kissed her though, Chester drew the line, pushing him back with all her strength and covering her mouth, giving him a sinister glare... Either they knew she knew the truth now, or they believed that she did this because she was mad, but she dared not speak in case she gave the truth away herself.
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Post by Flood/Akvan on Sept 30, 2015 21:03:07 GMT
The Sun child was furious. Furious at himself mostly. The future had been kneading itself into Akvan's back for so long, with Shinda as the centre culprit of the crimes to come. And yet, Akvan had stood there, frozen in fear and doubt as Shinda simply got up, and left. The last words Shinda said, left in Akvan's mind as he spent the next few days running around looking for the Devil. He needed to set the world right, and Akvan dreaded to think what Shinda meant by that. But he wasn't left thinking for long. Up to the skies, the first sign of the fate Akvan was trying to stop was revealed, as the golden clouds of Aura were burnt, and their world was destroyed. Akvan didn't dare look up to the skies, not after the very sight of all the disappearing souls up there had reduced the Sun child to tears and sickness. He'd continue to search for Shinda with his hat low over his head, desperately searching now that it was obvious that Shinda wasn't planning on going slow.
There was finally a trail to follow, of Oblivia magic across the marshy lands of a swamp. But the trail made Akvan cautious, since Shinda only wanted to be found when it was beneficial, or ended badly for the one finding him. Caution lead Akvan to follow with his soul vision, looking across the swamp for any sign of the Demon from afar. It had been a mistake, or perhaps perfect timing, for Akvan to use his soul vision. As he looked over towards far off ruins, he spotted two souls. Two, very easily recognised souls. Chester, why of all places did she have to come here? It was ridiculous to see this, any of this, as coincidence. But, as Akvan's collective thoughts almost flickered into motion, he saw what Shinda tried to do. He was clearly disguising himself as Akvan to get close to Chester, and the Sun child didn't need to guess at what he planned to do when close enough. Three images came to mind, three times Chester had been hurt because of Akvan, and he'd refused to see a fourth.
"Eteru!" Akvan commanded, quickly taking form in his misty armour, and using it's tremendous speed to get closer to the temple. Akvan's voice bellowed, like a fearsome and unnatural force, a voice he'd not realised he had in him. "Get away from her!" He growled, moving as golden mist until he was between Shinda and Chester. As the mist came together to form Flood, he lifted a hand to knock Shinda further back, causing the Demon to crash into a crumbled wall of the ruins. "Shinda... don't you dare touch her again." Akvan ordered, fear replaced with anger, and anger replacing all caution Akvan once had. Shinda's disguise had been broken by the attack, so he was back to looking like an undead version of Akvan. But, even if the form looked weak, Akvan was prepared for the most vicious of attacks.
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Post by Shinda on Sept 30, 2015 22:10:58 GMT
Shinda had guessed his own act would be over soon, but he'd assumed it would happen as Akvan approached, not beforehand. Chester's reply seemed rather off, and when she shoved Shinda away, he knew the fun was over. It had been good whilst it lasted though, and it wasn't like Shinda needed to continue the trick anyway. From a face of surprise when Chester pushed him away, to a devilish smirk, Shinda took pleasure from that look of disgust Chester had. "Well... that was a little fucking rude, my dear." Shinda growled, taking a few steps back towards the Demon woman again. "And shit, trying to fool me with my own trick? That was pretty low, even for a weak little bitch like you." Shinda added, replacing his smirk with a glare, perhaps with Akvan's face it had more effect, Shinda couldn't care anymore, especially when he heard the distant voice of a good friend. "Not that it matters anymore. You've played your fucking part well, little bitch. Thanks for helping me get Akvan to come over here... and that rage, it makes this so much easier." Shinda stated, mysteriously. He raised a hand, summoning a deadly claw of Oblivia magic over it, and looked as though he was ready to slash the claw down on Chester's face. He'd planned to do no such thing, not that he could if he wanted to. Akvan was a timid and pathetic little bastard, but he moved quick. The golden mist formed a wall between himself and Chester, and soon Shinda was slammed backwards by it's power. The crash caused his disguise to break, and Shinda was back to his rotten looking self, but he still smiled. As Akvan tried to look tougher, even trying to order Shinda, the Devil chuckled, giving Chester a subtle wink as Shinda brought himself back to his feet.
"Don't touch her? But we were getting along so well. Shit, I even think she was coming onto me a bit, even with this ugly fucking face of mine." Shinda replied, ending with a few more chuckles. He stopped to frown at Akvan's Eteru form. "You know, you look really fucked up in that misty... thing, you have on right now... let me help." Shinda stated, before lifting a hand. The simple movement caused a gust of wind, and a hurricane of red Oblivia particles to rush forwards. They easily tore apart Akvan's Eteru form, like bark stripped from a tree. "There... now you look pathetic again." Shinda said with a smirk. Of course, Shinda's magic had done more than take Akvan's armour away, proven as Shinda skipped over to the Sun child, all whilst Akvan was unable to move. Chester was locked in place as well, just in case she tried something rash. Giving the woman another smirk, just hoping she remembered how he'd thanked her for the help, before grasping Akvan by the neck. Everything that happened next was fast, as Shinda didn't have any more time to dawdle. This flesh of his was a living time bomb, set to ignite a very powerful spell that took a lot of power to make. Truth be told, Shinda put little to no magic into reviving this body, simply using the flesh as a catalyst for his real plan. Shinda dragged the struggling Akvan towards an archway, the last remaining one in these ruins. Once there, the Devil took a lasting look around him, before pulling Akvan in close, the corners of his own face already being engulfed in red magic. "Let's talk privately, ok?" Shinda muttered, before his body exploded in a cloud of red. The magic screamed with horrific, indistinguishable noises, refusing to die down for a while. When it finally began to fade, nothing remained under the archway, not even Akvan.
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Post by Flood/Akvan on Oct 6, 2015 21:51:06 GMT
Eteru at least gave Akvan that barrier he didn't have when Shinda first appeared. What damage the Devil could do, would have to make it through layers of magic first, so Akvan didn't freeze up in fear when he stared down his enemy this time. Plus, the only thing making Akvan tremble was rage right now. He couldn't get the picture of what Shinda was doing to Chester, what he planned on doing, and his nature now. Akvan's hands were clenched, and the misty, ominous eyes of his eteru form did not move from glaring towards the rotting Demon. That was, until Shinda proposed removing Akvan's mist form. Before the Sun child could react, it felt like his skin was simply torn off, as easily as dried paint came off of wood. Akvan sucked in a breath, looking down to his normal hands with shock. He went pale, looking back to Shinda to find the Devil moving closer. As Akvan instinctly went to protect Chester, his body turned static and stiff. His body refused to move, this time from Shinda's direct influence, rather than Akvan's own, sickening fear. His glare turned into a stare of fear, and there was nothing Akvan could do when Shinda decided to pick the small Sun child up from his neck. Akvan made a pathetic gasp for air as he was lifted, but nothing could exhaust the pressure clasped around his throat. And he continued to choke as Shinda carried him away towards the archway. When Akvan was brought in close, going even more pale from lack of air, he took in what Shinda said, and noticed the magic around his face. It was too late, but Akvan decided to look at Shinda's soul, only to find it burning like red lava, overflowing with magic. And the instant Akvan knew what that meant, he could only struggle for a second before the Devil exploded.
For a moment, all of Akvan's vision, and the world around him was red. The hand gripping his neck like a vice dissolved, and the Sun child coughed and sucked in air quickly, unable to fully concentrated on what was around him. When the thick red mist disappeared, it seemed as though Akvan hadn't gone anywhere. He frowned, looking around the ruins. Shinda was still gone, destroyed by his own magic, and Akvan hadn't gone anywhere. He carefully got up after catching his breath, turning to look to Chester. She was still there, though looked shocked. The Sun child weakly smiled, before moving towards her. "It's f-fine... I think h-his magic f-failed, or s-something." Akvan commented, going to put a hand on Chester's shoulder. But, the hand simple moved straight through her, and Akvan felt nothing but a cold chill. Stunned, Akvan waved his hand through the image of Chester, also noticing how she'd not reacted to his words at all. "Ch... Chester? C-can you hear me? Chester!" Akvan began to yell, his voice elevated with panic. He called her name for a long time, until Akvan's voice couldn't take any more desperate cries. Breathing heavily, Akvan took his first looks around. He finally began to see the truth to where he was. This place, it looked the same as where he'd been before, but more than that, it appeared... dead. There was no sound, no feelings at all other than the slight chill that crawled over Akvan's skin. He was beyond the point of panicking, putting the pieces together now. Shinda's magic hadn't failed, it had worked perfectly in transporting Akvan elsewhere. "Where... Where are you? Shinda! Damn you, I-I know this is y-your doing!"
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Post by Shinda on Oct 7, 2015 21:22:25 GMT
The explosion did stun Shinda a bit as well. Though, he had a good reason. He was shifting bodies, from the sack of meat he'd dragged around the living world, to his true body. It had been far too long since the embodiment of evil had focused on his own, original body. For a long time, the most Demonic Shinda had been in a deep slumber, resting on the plains of Purgatory as his consciousness focused on fixing the world. Now, it was time to focus on his true self some more, and have some fun. Shinda opened his eyes, wriggling his armoured claws around to wake up his dormant Demon blood. Yawning a little, he got up and stretched, looking around to remind himself where it was that he'd fallen asleep last. He was somewhere in Rycora, a place with sickening green trees that felt alien still to the old Demon, and yet was peaceful enough to rest. Recalling back to the real world, Shinda prepared his journey to where the poor, confused Akvan would be right now. Shinda stretched his powerful wings, unravelling them to flap them a few times to gain height into the silence Purgatory skies. Shinda had speed, feeling refreshed to fly in his old body, no matter how desolate and dead the air was here. He looked towards the swamp, almost spotting the little head of pink hair, before Shinda's sensitive ears picked up Akvan's voice first.
The Devil chuckled to himself, making a few clicking noises, before swooping down low to land in the swamp, a good distance away from Akvan. This should be fun, and Shinda's natural, Demonic blood began to race with excitement. He sent some magic forward, red Oblivia sinking into the thick mud of the swam like blood, and flowing towards Akvan secretly. It would help amplify Shinda's voice, and more. "Do you like it? This wonderful, fucking grave of mine?" Shinda growled, lowering himself down to crawl amongst the reeds in the watery plains. "Now, it's a playground, little Sun shit, for just me and you... You should be fucking grateful." He added, crawling closer and closer to Akvan's scent before he could see the little Sun Child just ahead of him. Shinda almost purred, stalking his disorientated prey with such joy in his dead heart. "After all..." Shinda paused, before getting up, revealing his true self before his mind-sharing brother. "You're the first to see me, the true fucking me, in thousands of years." Shinda stated, before flicking one of his hands. The Oblivia around Akvan erupted, pillars darting into the sky and beginning to collapse down onto the Sun child, to dissipate on contact and give Shinda the perfect cover to pounce forward. The Demon went into his red smokescreen, locating the living being within it, and sinking his teeth down onto their shoulder.
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Post by Flood/Akvan on Oct 8, 2015 20:48:20 GMT
Akvan wasn't left waiting for an answer long, he knew Shinda was probably itching to talk as much as he could, to try and tear at Akvan as much as he could. So the Sun child only flinched slightly to the Demon's voice, echoing across the swamp from an unknown origin. Shinda was enjoying this, and Akvan could only listen in his confused state, looking around this dead, yet so recognisable world for his enemy. This was like a play for Shinda, with him as the main act, lines rehearsed and perfected for the desired effect Shinda's longed for. And there was no avoiding giving the Devil his satisfaction, Akvan was too confused, too frustrated and upset to stop himself from reacting. When the monster appeared from the watery plains, Akvan didn't see it as Shinda, until he spoke. The Sun child stared, bewildered by the thought that this was the true Shinda. It made sense, since he was such an old Demon, from a time when Demons hadn't evolved to be more Human-like. But, it wasn't Shinda different appearance, but the strength this Demon had. Not just magic, but physical. That factor alone, meant Shinda had a power above Akvan, easily. Akvan couldn't even speak, just daring to think what kind of plans Shinda had for dragging Akvan here, alone. Then the red smoke rose and slammed down around Akvan, toxic red magic, evil by origin, causing him to choke a little. By the time his watery, purple eyes could focus, the red fog was everywhere, and Akvan couldn't see Shinda until the Demon was right next to him. By that point, Shinda's fangs hovered over Akvan's neck, before crushing down on his collar bone. Things crushed and snapped, the specially made teeth of Shinda's gave little mercy to anything. Akvan winced, the pain almost causing him to fall into cries of pain, but surprisingly, the Sun child kept quiet. This almost reminded Akvan of the days spent training in the past. When it was just him and Hada, training the young girl to fight, and himself as well. Akvan was desperate to rid his shoulder of Shinda's vice grip, and memories helped his muscles move. He shoved one elbow back, knocking Shinda's claws away, before grabbing a hold of the Demon's scruff. Then it was a matter of tossing himself forwards, using the momentum to flip Shinda as well, until the Demon was forced to let go as he landed on the ground in front of Akvan. The injury meant Akvan couldn't continue to attack, even whilst Shinda was momentarily down, but he did take a few steps away at least, glaring to the Demon as the red mist cleared. Akvan took a few deep breaths, "Enough trickery, Shinda. T-tell me where we are." Akvan demanded, lifting his free hand. "Flamma." He whispered, and a small orb of fire began to gather in his hand. "Tell me n-now."
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Post by Shinda on Oct 8, 2015 21:27:28 GMT
It was during the bite that Shinda realised his body was still a little asleep. His claws didn't have much grip, and his jaw was still rather drowsy. That, and Shinda honestly didn't expect weak little Akvan to have so much fighting spirit. It made Shinda feel a little foolish that he'd not paid much attention to the Sun child during the seventeen years they'd been apart, but Shinda didn't think the fragile little spirit once possessing him could ever get stronger. Beyond his magic, but that was given to him by a deity, which in itself Shinda viewed as cheating. An elbow knocked Shinda's arm away, and before he knew it, the Demon was being flipped over, forced to let go of his hold or else have his neck snap. Landing on his back, the Demon hissed, preparing to counter an attack from Akvan, though when nothing came, Shinda took his chance to get up again. He enjoyed his feral form, standing firm on all fours felt nice, and the weight of his tail, the poisoned end that Shinda cherished. He flickered it around in the air, taking a stance he'd once taken against the toughest of foes in his previous life. Akvan should feel blessed that Shinda was beginning to consider him as a challenge, if the Sun child wasn't still focusing on where he was. Shinda almost rolled his eyes, and growled softly. "You're so fucking annoying." Shinda cursed on his breath. "Can't you just accept this fight and stop whining like a little bitch who wants to go home?" The Demon complained. He paused, before, with a smirk, decided to enlighten his friend. "Fine. You wanna fucking know where we are? I told you, it's my grave. The place that shitty mother of yours sent me to, a really long fucking time ago. I was able to research this place in my alone time. It's called Purgatory. A place where the sinned go to be forgiven." Shinda stated, putting more weight on his back legs, using a free arm to gesture around. "It's a dead version of the real, living world. Fucking weird right? We can see everything that goes on in their world, but they don't know shit about ours, and we can't do anything for the living from in here." Shinda paused, raising a brow, and purring with an exciting thought. "Wanna know what that means brat? It means you can do whatever you fucking want, it won't effect the real world. So don't hold back, not one little fucking bit. I've waited too long for a fight like this, so you better give me one you little shit, or else."
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Post by Flood/Akvan on Oct 9, 2015 15:48:27 GMT
All that Shinda said, made sense as Akvan heard them. He didn't know what Purgatory was, it wasn't a world even the almost transcendent Sun child knew of. But, it was the place Shinda had been striving for all this time. He never technically died all those years ago, he was forced into this eternal prison to rot. Akvan would pity him, but his mind was flooded, when Shinda explained what this place was like. So, that vision of Chester was the real one, she couldn't see him, but he could see her. See her, and everyone else, as whatever chaos was about to unfold. Akvan turned his head around, a little too violently considering his injury, but the Sun child didn't care. He looked desperately towards the ruins in the swamp, through the archway and where Chester still stood. Aura, it had been destroyed, and no doubt it was just the stone hitting the lake of harmony. Peace was going to break down soon, and it would lead to that future thriving in Akvan's mind, the one he feared. And the one he had been determined to prevent. And yet Akvan was dragged here, to a prison with perfect view of the world's soon to be war. He clenched his teeth, no doubt that was one reason Shinda brought him here, to make sure Akvan could do nothing to prevent the chaos soon to engulf their precious world. He took a few breaths, looking back to Shinda, trying to hide his fear beneath determination. Akvan needed to get out of this place, as soon as possible. And he had a feeling, that Shinda and his evil magic were the only ones who knew how to get out. Akvan contemplated what Shinda said. He felt bad for the small flicker of excitement inside, at the idea of not holding back. That meant, Akvan could please his destructive blood, and his magic. He could destroy anything here, or all of it, and nothing would happen. No repercussions. Akvan shook the thought away for a moment, glaring at Shinda. "O-or... or else what?" He asked carefully, and the Devil smirked. Shinda had so much speed, Akvan didn't even see him begin to run. When Akvan saw the red blur of Shinda, he attempted to counter with Flamma, but it easily missed the speedy target. Next thing, Shinda's armoured fist slammed against the Sun child's stomach, staying there for a moment as Shinda whispered to the winded Akvan. "Or... I'll get bored." He purred into Akvan's ear, before moving his fist forward more to send Akvan away to land in the murky swamp. The hit burned with pain, but Akvan was still quick to get up, taking a few breaths to steady himself. Shinda was ready to attack again, and the Sun child was starting to get an idea of what Shinda's goal was. He wanted to fight Akvan, for the reason of fighting the one who'd kept him from living properly for so long. And for probably being a descendant of the Sun Goddess, the one responsible for Shinda being here. Akvan didn't want to dare think what Shinda getting bored meant, along with other things the Devil had said recently. He didn't know that over the new few weeks, things would become a lot clearer. But for now, Akvan had no choice but to fight Shinda, give the Demon what he wanted, and try to survive long enough to find a way out of this hell.
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For the first few days, the pair didn't leave the swamp. Akvan fought Shinda on close quarters, fighting on the disadvantage with more fists and less magic. Gladio became a huge help, as Akvan was able to block Shinda much easier with a sword in his hand. The first few injures Akvan got had healed, but they'd been replaced by others just as quickly. It was a hard fight, but at least from here in the swamp, Akvan had little idea of what was going on in the living world. Shinda may have caught up on this, as he began a chase towards a more populated area. Shinda headed towards Baransu, and Akvan followed, trying to ignore any change he saw along the way. It would be impossible to see the sight before him though. Outside Baransu tower, on the field of battle that caused Akvan such torture in the past, was a collection of people. Humans, exclusively, all standing in rows. All armed, and all looking determined. Akvan looked around confused, stopping on a rooftop a few away from where Shinda stood, looking around with a smirk himself. Shinda noticed how Akvan looked so confused, and afraid, and chuckled. "Throw a stick into the fire... watch how it burns."
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Post by Shinda on Oct 9, 2015 20:41:23 GMT
Every bite and strike Shinda made allowed him to feel alive again. Here in this world beyond life or death. The Demon was able to move, to fight once more. He could tell Akvan how grateful the Devil was for helping him feel alive, but instead, Shinda decided to continue trying to kill him. From the first surprise Akvan gave Shinda about his strength, Shinda now knew his opponent wasn't going down easy. And he made sure not to take it easy on the Sun child at all. Even in this close combat, a style Shinda knew Akvan wasn't as powerful in, the Demon was relentless. They fought for days, and Shinda refused to let either being rest. The cuts he received healed pretty quickly, and the same went for Akvan. Shinda could, if he chose to, keep this fight in the swamp going for as long as he wanted. Forever, if that was Shinda's ultimate desire. But, it wasn't. So finally, after a few days, Shinda found a certain event going on that he knew would make the fight interesting. After all, it wasn't just about hurting Akvan or killing him, it was about breaking him, and breaking everyone and anyone who'd done Shinda wrong. Akvan seemed willing to follow the Demon as he took flight towards Baransu, probably even knowing Shinda was only moving location for a reason the Sun child probably wouldn't like. Which was exactly correct, landing near the collective Human army, Shinda glanced over to the priceless look his friend had one. He chuckled, pointing towards the growing crowd, "Throw a stick into the fire... watch how it burns." He growled. Shinda smirked, sighing happily to himself as he looked over the display. "Looks like the war's begun, and the Humans aren't going to take it fucking lightly." Shinda commented. He chuckled a bit, finding a thought he just had as amusing. Purple eyes moved to Akvan, as the Demon decided to share his thoughts. "Funny... I give Humans that tiny little push... and this is what happens." He stated. Shinda could feel the heat from Akvan at hearing his words, the power leaking from his companion. Shinda glanced the Sun child's way with a brow raised. "You're telling me, y-you're responsible?" Akvan asked.
Shinda sneered, snapping into an almost chaotic laughter. "Fucking seriously? Of course I did you dumb shit!" Shinda replied, flashing Akvan a toothy grin. "I told you I was going to fucking fix the world, didn't I? Well look around.... This is me, fucking fixing it!" Shinda claimed, hands open and gesturing towards the gathering army, and then up to the cleared, ruined sky. Akvan was in shock, and that glare he had could burn through anyone other than the Devil right now. Shinda sighed, "You'll learn in time, little bastard. You'll learn like I did, that war is the only fucking thing the living world deserves if it wants to fucking grow." He added. But, it didn't look like Akvan was going to listen. And it wasn't like Shinda was really hoping he would anyway. "G... Gladio!" The Sun child commanded, summoning one of his Solaris swords, and charged towards Shinda. The Demon watched with a dull expression as the idiot ran at him. Taking one step forward, Shinda's quick tail took action, blocking Akvan's attack and keeping him away from Shinda. Whilst moving away, Shinda felt his tail catch slightly, and watched it graze Akvan's arm with a small cut. "Whoops." Shinda mumbled, a little frustrated that he'd struck Akvan this early on. The Devil sighed again, before finally smirking. "Well I guess thing happen. But I was kind of hoping to fuck around some more." He commented, before shrugging. "At least this means I can get the fuck on with... the other stuff." He muttered. Shinda glanced back to Akvan, who by now would start to feel the poison's effect. "Sorry little shit, guess this is the end of the road for you. Maybe you can watch from the skies with your bastard mother while I make the world right again."
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Post by Flood/Akvan on Oct 9, 2015 21:51:34 GMT
Akvan couldn't believe the size of the army, or their ferocity. If the Angels and Demons fought against this at their own full strength then... then it was just a few steps away from something truly horrible. And all the Sun child could do was watch, thinking of the dreading idea of how many of his friends and loved ones would be caught up in this. And Shinda claimed he'd started this, started the chain of hate that caused this war. Akvan had glared at him, hatred boiling over with magic power. And Akvan was fuelled enough by anguish that he'd attempted a close up attack on Shinda. The Devil was prepared, and easily dodged it. And he even managed to cut Akvan slightly. The Sun child stumbled a little, observing the small wound. It didn't look like much, and Akvan was prepared to ignore it, until Shinda seemed upset by his own attack. Akvan only frowned for a moment, before feeling a pulsing pain in his chest. It was like a hand was just taking a hold of Akvan's lungs and crushing them. All the air left his system, and Akvan's sight soon faded into a black haze. Colourless, black blood came out as Akvan was forced to cough, and every part of him coiled in pain. Falling to his knees, Akvan caught the muffled voice of Shinda, attempting to give the Sun child his last words. The words had enough fuel to them to make Akvan determined. Shinda was going to go fix the world. Which meant, he was going to burn it, and start it up again in his own image. He was trying to become a deity, trying to become... like the Sun Goddess herself. It was madness, and beyond any reasoning for Akvan, especially for the being who fought against his purpose daily to avoid the fate that Shinda was so determined to see through. Akvan wasn't going to let the world be ruined, even if it meant occupying Shinda here in Purgatory for eternity. And to do that, Akvan needed to refuse to die, as well. With instinct in his mind, just like he'd done when relearning his powers, Akvan placed his free hand over his wounded arm. "By... by powers of the Sun, and all things pure, deter the impurities that plague this body." Akvan chanted, words only known to him as he said them. He'd rid poison from wounds before, but that was when Akvan had more control over his powers. Now it required his speech, or so Akvan thought. Even though the chant was new, it held true. Blinding light appeared around Akvan's hand, and he held down the searing pain as it purified his body, forcing the poison in his blood to gush out through the origin wound until it was all removed. Once complete, Akvan felt his head lighten, and the weight of the poison's effect leave. He got up, and almost smiled towards Shinda. "You... you can watch yourself, when I make sure t-that future you want n-never exists." Akvan replied, holding out a hand. He didn't command it, this time, Akvan let Flamma appear on it's own. The magic was desperate to destroy, and the ball of flames formed quicker than ever before when Akvan had summoned it. He sent it forwards, to engulf Shinda in flames, before preparing another Gladio sword for further combat. Combat he was now ready to face, Akvan's goal giving him determination now, to fight to his fullest.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Determination could only last for so long. As the rise of the new day's Sun indicated the 30th day of fighting, Akvan's determination had diminished, and he was once again, only fighting to survive. He was sure Shinda could tell of his fading spirit and willpower, and was becoming more frustrated with their equal terms skirmishes. Now that it had been a month, Akvan decided to call his enemy out about the fact. "Shinda... this fight had gone on forever. We c-can't just keep on going like this!"
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Post by Shinda on Oct 10, 2015 21:24:15 GMT
Shinda didn't think he'd ever see someone, survive his poison. Even the first giant Demon he'd struck with it had succumbed. But, Akvan, he managed to cure himself. And it was perhaps the first time in thousands of years that Shinda actually looked shocked, and the part of his heart he'd left dead and unmoving almost pulsed by the idea of someone surviving his wicked and merciless tail. But, Shinda shook all the unwanted emotions away, instead smirking to Akvan as the Sun child seemed to find some more determination. Shinda could tell, that his friend was finally understanding his position, and was prepared to fight day after day just to keep Shinda from getting bored. He didn't even know the result of Shinda's boredom, so the Devil really was impressed right now. Shinda gestured Akvan to bring it on with a clawed finger, and prepared to dodge the attacks the boy prepared. For Shinda, that month passed quite quick, and it was fun throughout. The Demon couldn't remember a time he'd fought so much, and laughed so much, when fighting. He knew this was hell and nothing else to Akvan, but for the lonely, aggressive Devil, this was nothing more than bliss. And, watching the panic rise on Akvan's face each passing day, was also fun. It was a shame though, that the Sun child just had to be dragged down by pitiful things like emotions and worry. War raged on in the living world, and each day the pair fought in Purgatory, next to other fights taking place in the realm next to them. Akvan had to watch others perish, his friends search for him in worry, and could do no more than fight. And because of it, the Sun child was getting drained, and a drained Akvan was boring Shinda quickly.
They'd somehow circled back around to the swamp where it had started, and Shinda kept a good distance from Akvan, waiting patiently for his first move. But, the Sun child seemed to finally speak up about the obvious truth to his lacking strength. But, it made Shinda bare his teeth, and growl in frustration. "Forever? You don't know the meaning of the fucking word, brat. Try living in this shitty world, fucking alone, for two thousand fucking years!" Shinda barked, "Then you'll know." The Demon felt like tearing at Akvan's sorry little face, for the nerve of the brat to think this was anything close to 'forever'. Shinda's anger soon turned into a vicious smirk, "If you give up, I'll get bored. And you don't want me bored, you Sunny little fuck. We fight, and fight and fight and fucking fight some more, got it? Meanwhile, the world next to us continues to burn, until it's fucking fixed." Shinda ordered, every word emphasised to make sure Akvan got the idea perfectly.
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Post by Flood/Akvan on Oct 10, 2015 22:15:28 GMT
Akvan knew he'd hit a nerve, feeling the burning to Shinda's glare, and his growl rupture the Sun child's ears. Of course, Shinda had been here for so long, without anyone or anything. Akvan didn't know how to compare to such a horrible experience, and it almost brought him to pity the Devil. Until, Shinda stated the purpose of them being here. He admitted to Akvan the Sun child's previous assumption, that they would fight here forever, if Shinda had his way. And, thinking of what the term forever, truly meant, the shock brought tears to Akvan's eyes. He pulled down on his hat, now worn down and tattered from the month of fighting, and tried to compose himself. But it was hard, and the Sun child felt like he was having a panic attack, listing all the things he'd leave behind if Akvan was truly going to be stuck here forever. Gensho, his sisters, the clan... Chester, and their child. Akvan's eyes squeezed shut, taking one shuddering breath, before the next was more determined. Looking towards Shinda, Akvan wiped the few tears away, glaring at his enemy, with an idea on his mind. "Maybe I don't want you to get bored... b-but, I also think you don't want to be bored, either, do you?" Akvan asked back, almost smirking himself towards Shinda, as the Devil seemed puzzled by the question. He didn't agree or disagree, and this was the first time Shinda's tongue had been tied. It made Akvan feel more confident, and it was evident as he continued. "I-If it's like you said, the world w-will fix itself. Wh-which means you don't have to d-do anything anymore. And, if you don't h-have me to fight, the only person able t-to match you in s-strength, then what?" Akvan asked, though like his last question, didn't expect Shinda to answer. The Demon didn't answer, and his smirk began to fade as he realised the point Akvan was getting to, and how he'd neglected to see it. "So, if I'm k-kept h-here until I n-no longer have the w-will to f-f-fight... you'll kill me. And th-then you'll be a-all alone again, won't you?" Came the next question. Akvan waited, and the silence of Purgatory came between them as Shinda continued to think. "Won't you?" Akvan asked again. Shinda growled, "Fuck! Yes, I will be! But I've been fucking alone forever, so having one less Sunny brat around won't make a fucking difference." Akvan could have laughed, but decided to remain calm, as it seemed to agitate Shinda more that way. "I don't believe that, a-and I know you don't either." Akvan replied. Shinda continued to growl, though for a moment, his expression changed, almost looking hurt, as he didn't know how to respond in a way that would still allow him to win. So, Akvan took the chance to gamble, now that Shinda was weakened. "Will you let me l-leave then? If I p-promise to r-r-return? To c-come back to this place, and f-fight you again, as many t-times as you want?" Akvan asked. Shinda's eyes moved fast, his tail frozen in motion as the Devil was shocked. He stared at Akvan, and thought in silence for some time, before finally chuckling. "Fine. You can leave, but you better fucking come back when I say, or else you'll see just what happens when I do get fucking bored, got it?" Shinda threatened, before opening out his hand. Behind Akvan, the archway seemed to open up, and sound exploded around them as the portal to the living realm was opened. Akvan looked back towards it, distracted by the sudden, sweet sound of life, and didn't notice Shinda move close to him. The Demon grabbed Akvan's collar, preparing to toss him towards the archway. "You have two hours, don't be fucking late." Shinda growled into Akvan's ear, before throwing the Sun child through the portal and closing it.
Akvan instantly took in his time limit, and felt his hope drop down. Two hours? Half of that time might be taken finding the others, then Akvan needed to explain things, and try and help them. And Chester, he was desperate to see her. As he flew momentarily towards the gateway, Akvan planned his move exactly, knowing Shinda had given him little time purposely, so that the Sun child couldn't do anything to effect the living world beyond appease to his own need to see his loved ones. Akvan could do nothing to help stop the war, he could nothing but support those he cherished. Shinda made sure, that was at least obvious. So, Akvan landed outside the portal, rolling a few feet before leaping to his feet. "Phantasma!" Akvan commanded, summoning small disks of magic around his feet, using them to elevate himself into the air. He didn't have time to relax, there would never be time. He'd not seen much of Chester or the others when fighting, only his wife a few times during the first few days of fighting as she returned to the ruins in hope of him being there. But, Chester wasn't exactly fit to be searching all the time, and Akvan had rushed to a conclusion of where she should be. Nanari's, it was the safest place beyond the clan, and the latter might even be dangerous right now considering the war. Akvan didn't know he could fly so fast, painfully ignoring everything as he flew through Sohul, until Minato was in sight. Akvan flew in from the river lining the dock town, hardly slowing down as he reached the door. "Na.... Nanari!" Akvan called, having to catch his breath as he came to a halt, realising his breath had been held ever since he left Purgatory. "Chester! Chester! I-It's me!" Akvan called, not even realising the tears falling down in lines below his eyes, "Pl-please be in there..." He muttered, marching closer to the house.
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