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Post by Jenny on Nov 6, 2011 21:02:06 GMT -5
She moved her belly low to the ground, her saber cat muscles cording tensely as she prepared for the strike. When Hotah got just close enough, she sprang, praying that he and the gods would forgive her, and bit down... not to hard, but not gently, on the arm wielding the sword. Hotah struck the ground on his back with her weight and she settled a massive paw onto his wounded shoulder and pressed down. She hated herself for doing it, she wouldn't kill her father, only disable him.
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Post by Joe on Nov 7, 2011 2:47:23 GMT -5
Hotah was pinned, his sword out of reach. The leader laughed, giving Amber a slow clap. Some of them appeared to be admiring her form, but they knew Hotah was nowhere near the strength that he could be or that they were.
The leader approached where Amber and Hotah lie, "What are you waiting for? Kill him! He will only grow more powerful, and he would not hesitate to slit your throat if you were on the ground." They all watched her with keen interest, seeing how she would react to the goading.
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Post by Jenny on Nov 7, 2011 2:52:00 GMT -5
Her golden eyes were cold as she looked at the leader, turning her head and shoulders. She repositioned herself to keep her father pinned and slapped away the sword with a paw. Her fur bristled as a low growl emenated from within her chest, lowering her body as a threat that she could tear his throat if she wanted to. He was so close, the veins in his neck pulsating with the blood as his heart beat. Amber's eyes focused on the juglar and a tingle ran through her body. Something animalistic was taking over, she could feel it. It would be so easy to submit, to rend flesh with her claws and tear flesh with her teeth.
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Post by Joe on Nov 7, 2011 3:05:06 GMT -5
He smiled again as she growled, his green eyes glinted through his mask and something in his eyes was daring her to try to strike him. "Yes.. yes, you're a killer, I see it in you now." He held his arms out to his sides, "Go on girl slay me, you have the strength, you can feel it."
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Post by Jenny on Nov 7, 2011 3:10:59 GMT -5
The tingles continued. She could sense the heat off of him from her position, the sound of his heart, the subtle puffs of breath that tingled on her whiskers. He was tempting her, taunting her. Her eyes left him for a few moments, taking the others in. She was still surrounded, and their swords could slay her as quickly as she could move. But oh, the tempation... Her nostrils flared in indignation and she yeowled again. She may as well try while she was still herself. She tensed and sprang for him, razor sharp claws flayed and fangs thirsting for his red blood.
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Post by Joe on Nov 7, 2011 3:55:04 GMT -5
As she sailed through the air the black smoke that was so familiar to her from Asher began to envelope the man. It flowed over his arms and he moved with inhuman speed, delivering a crushing punch to Amber's throat. As she recoiled from the blow he held out his arms over her form and the dark energy began to flow from his body, seeping down and enveloping Amber. Paralyzed, she would feel her strength beginning to be sapped from her and a slow pain would creep its way up her limbs. "Silly girl.. you may be touched, but do you really think you can match the power of a god?" He smirked with satisfaction as he concentrated harder on draining her. "Your power will join that of our lord, and you will serve u-" He stopped short as the shriek of a bird was heard reverberating throughout the shrine. From the opening outside a sleek black raven jetted into the room, colliding with the leader's head causing him to stumble away from Amber and interrupt the spell.
The raven swooped across from him and with an explosion of feathers it landed, revealing Asher as they fell to the ground. The leader straightened his armor as he walked forward, "Ah.. I was wondering when you'd show up, little brother." The other men started forward, preparing to subdue Amber if she attempted to interfere.
Asher didn't know this man as his brother, though seeing him made painful memories flash through his mind, though he couldn't discern them. He looked towards Amber with a worried look, "Let her go.. or by my blood you will all die." They held his apprentice, and even beyond his own personal feelings he was bound by oath to protect her.
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Post by Jenny on Nov 8, 2011 0:04:58 GMT -5
Her golden eyes widened in mid pounce with surprise and it felt worse than hitting a brick wall as the speed she was going. The blow to the throat put her off guard and she practically ricochet backwards and fell hard on the ground, sliding a few feet before coming to a stop. The breath was knocked out of her and she was helpless and her throat hurt from the blow. They widened again as the dark energy surrounded her form and squeezed her eyes shut with a long hiss as her strength left her. She shuddered and yeowled weakly, and could n o longer hold her totem form. She faintly heard Asher's call, shivering in agony as her body returned to human again as she lay there. When the spell was interrupted, Amber tried to lift her head to see her rescuer and smiled at Asher and whispered his name, her heart leaping for joy.
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Post by Joe on Nov 8, 2011 0:56:08 GMT -5
The leader smirked, recognizing Asher's confused look as he strode casually toward him, twirling his sword around. "What's the matter brother? You don't remember me? It's Azunai, your dear brother." He chuckled a bit, "Perhaps we were a bit too hard on you last time." He stopped mid-stride and pointed his sword in Amber's direction, "You're here for this common girl? Our kind do not fraternize with the savages, you know that." Asher looked more confused as Azunai continued, keeping in a tense stance, ready for any of the cultists to come his way. He knew nothing of what they spoke, he only knew himself and the time he had spent with Amber's tribe. The orb of light atop the altar began to pulse brightly as soon as Asher had entered the room. "You're going to kill us, eh?" Azunai began his advance toward Asher again, scooping up the sword Hotah had dropped and tossing it to Asher, "Come, let us see if you've improved. Asher snatched the sword from the air, turning it over in his hand. It felt natural to hold it, as if grasping it had somehow reawoken his knowledge of swordplay that he had learned so long ago. The other cultists watched with interest, still keeping their blades trained on Amber. Azunai let out a battle cry as he charged toward Asher with is sword raised. Asher raised his own and the two swords clashed loudly with a spark. Still rusty a swift blow to the stomach caught Asher unaware and he bent over in recoil and in response Azunai delivered another gauntleted strike to Asher's jaw which sent him crumbling to the ground. Azunai backed off, not content to slay a downed opponent. Asher regained his footing and spit out a bit of blood. He looked again to Amber in her abused state and his brow furrowed, with a deep breath he and Azunai charged at each other again, and then the dance began. The dark energy flowed from them both, they moved with blurred speed as the sanctuary was filled the cacophony of battle. Neither one seemed to be weakening as the fight moved into the center of the room. The other cultists moved away, dragging Amber with them. Suddenly a resounding crack was heard and Azunai tumbled backwards, falling to one knee. Asher panted heavily, his body unaccustomed to the weight and style of the sword. His eyes glowed vibrantly as the energy coursed over him. Azunai, using his sword as leverage, pushed himself back to his feet with a cough. "Look at that.. my little brother, landing a blow." He laughed and motioned to the other men in the room. They all drew blades and approached Asher, leaving Amber unguarded, "Sorry dear Ash.. but I cannot let you beat me." Asher blinked in alarm and backpedaled a bit as the group approached him, as a panther he could best them all, but this island sapped his power, becoming the raven just temporarily had been difficult enough. His body was drained, his bout with Azunai had already spent him, and they were coming at him again. He had to hold them off, at least until Amber had regained enough strength to run. He dug his feet in, and the battle began again.
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Post by Jenny on Nov 8, 2011 1:08:31 GMT -5
Amber's jaw dropped a bit when she looked from Azunai to Asher as it was made known that the two of them were related. But Asher did not know him. This was all too confusing, and her head was still reeling from Azunai's dark magic. But looked at the way Asher wielded that sword, as naturally and as deftly as any other within this circle. She glanced uneasily at the swords pointed in her direction, a cage of blades where she in the could not stray. She looked on the fight with much anxiety, her eyes never leaving Asher's face as it grew serious in concentration. She let out a cry of triumph as Azunai was struck and immediately shrank back at the looks the others gave her in response. Amber was still tense as the others moved away, but when she realized that they were distracted she stood shakily to her feet. Her eyes roamed about for Hotah but he was lost among the throng. She started to edge towards the exit being as quiet as she could, glancing uneasily at Asher. He was outnumbered, but he was doing very well.
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Post by Joe on Jan 1, 2012 16:45:37 GMT -5
The two brothers' swords clashed with a spark and they held firm for a moment, struggling to break the other's grip. As he held firm, Asher's eyes wandered to Amber who was now near the exit. His eyes then moved back to Azunai, rage was filling him, making him blind to a small error. Exploiting the small advantage, Asher drive his knee upward into Azunai's stomach. Azunai grunted and crumbled to his knees, dropping his sword with a loud clatter. Asher took this opportunity and started bounding towards Amber and the exit. The other cultists attempted to stand in his way, but they were not nearly as versed in swordplay as Azunai had been. One after the other Asher felled them or pushed them away, clearing a path to the exit. One charged directly at him, sword drawn over his head ready to cleave Asher in two. Asher deftly side-steppe as the man brought his sword down, missing him completely. A blade from the throng struck through and slashed Asher across the waist; with a cry Asher turned and drove his foot in the direction it had come in a mighty kick, sending the men flying and bowling over. The dark energy was coursing strong through him now, enhancing his strength but threatening to overcome him. The way was almost clear now, Asher forced his elbow into the face of one last men, and started sprinting towards Amber. Azunai and the others that were not debilitated gave chase. "Go!" Asher motioned for her to run as he neared and they emerged into the forest outside.
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Post by Jenny on Jan 6, 2012 0:16:27 GMT -5
Brother against brother, her eyes rarely moved once as she watched Asher and Azunai’s swords meet blow after blow. Her body was in a trance, her mind reeling, her stomach coiling in anxiety. She hadn’t known that Asher was so deft with a blade, and her heart swelled with pride at his prowess. Her nails dug into her skin as she clutched herself tightly, drawing thin rivulets of red. But the sharp pains only registered in the back of her mind, so focused was her attention. Her feet would not move though her instinct was to run. The mob of men circled around the pair were like blood thirsty scavengers waiting to dart in when the kill was made, as if to tear Asher’s body into pieces and break his bones between their fingers. She let out a gasp of joy as Asher’s deft hands made the decisive blow and Azunai’s body crumpled in mortal defeat. But the others moved in as quickly as the victory was decided and Asher was lost in the throng she rose to her toes and searched frantically for him and as the throng thinned, falling one after the other under Asher’s well placed blows she was roused from her stupor as Asher’s voice commanded her to flee. He was bleeding! So she ran into the forest, her feet moving as rapidly as her heartbeat. She never looked back, having faith that Asher was behind her. She ran until she could not breathe and even then she ran. She slowed when the sounds of rage faded and it was then that she stopped, her lungs aching to breathe, her body shaking from the effort.
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Post by Joe on Feb 26, 2012 8:19:58 GMT -5
As he saw Amber disappear into the thick forest, he quickened his pace; his body pushing itself to the limit. The dark energy flowed over him, fueling his escape. His heart rate was accelerated, the sounds around seemed to grow quiet. All he could hear was the loud thud of his feet on the dirt, and the angry shouts of the men in pursuit of him. Something whistled past his ear and struck the dirt in front of him; a thin lance of wood, a bolt. Just as he recognized it, another struck his shoulder, sending an overwhelming pain through him. The shock made him stumble, and he fell to his knees a moment before continuing his bound. He glanced over his shoulder and saw the cultists taking aim with crossbows, a weapon he had never seen outside this place. More bolts struck around him, peppering the dirt. As the forest grew closer and escape seemed near, another bolt struck his lower back, and another in his right abdomen, piercing all the way through his body. Asher cried out in pain and grabbed the wound, in his distraction he had lost Amber. He looked around frantically in an attempt to locate her but this too betrayed him, his foot caught the edge of a ditch sending him crashing to the ground, tumbling to the bottom of the channel. Pain filled and blood-stained, he stood, trembling, limping towards the woods where he hoped Amber waited. The shouting voices faded as he penetrated the tree line, and a small clearing gave way. With a grunt he fell to his knees, looking down at his wounds. He felt his consciousness slipping away, and with no more strength he collapsed on the soil, seemingly lifeless.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 1, 2012 0:45:11 GMT -5
Only quiet. Surely Asher had pursued her, but she couldn't see him, though her eyes darted around at the movement of leaves, the rustling of underbrush, hoping that it was Asher and not danger. She could hear nothing of the enemy, only the sounds of the forest. Even now, the birds seemed hesitant to sing and it made her insides coil. "Asher?" She could only speak above a whisper. She started to retrace her steps, her wide eyes hoping to catch a glimpse of his form. She swallowed down her terror and started to run. If he had been hurt... If he had been killed! "Asher," she called again, daring not to shout. But she could not find him. Hot tears began to roll down her cheeks. So on she ran, trying to remember the direction of that horrible place. "Asher..." she whimpered. But there, a rustling! Surely that must be him! But the sight that met her gaze was horrifying. Asher, laying supine on the ground, bleeding from the darts that had hit him. "Oh gods, no..." She bent to her knees beside his still body, hesitant to touch him for he was severely wounded.
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Post by Joe on Mar 1, 2012 3:24:08 GMT -5
For several minutes he laid still, his body unmoving, breathless, his eyes open in an empty stare. The sounds of the forest seemed to abate with his life, a strange silence overtaking everything. Amber would sense a bizarre energy in the air, something unnatural but soothing. Several wooden bolts started to tremble, slowly creeping out of their resting places and falling to the ground. The withered grass near Asher's body suddenly straightened and turned a vibrant green as a breath rushed into him. His eyes focused and blinked, and he pushed himself up to his knees. As he did he gave a short curse of pain; looking down to his body one of the bolts was still in him, the one that has pierced through his body. He closed his eyes with a grimace and gripped its base, pulling slowly as it inched through his body. Finally with a gasp he pulled it free, dropping it to the ground and gripping his side where it had been. He hadn't noticed Amber, caught up in the pain that was left from his recovery.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 1, 2012 3:31:51 GMT -5
Her hands, useless to help the pain, wrapped around her sides as she clutched herself, watching, her breath hitching in her chest and staying inside, burning, as she held her breath. As if letting it out would stop the amazing things that were happening to Asher. Her eyes watched as dart after dart were repelled from the wound areas. She froze and remained motionless as he rose to his knees. This was impossible. This was... She forced a breath in, her lungs burning for air and it was then that she realized that she hadn't been breathing, that she hadn't been moving. Slowly, carefully, she lowered her hands to clutch her knees. He... he... "Asher..." she breathed quietly.
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