Never truly alone. (2.1 War)

[Katina Ernfond]

I sat back in one of the chairs present, tipping back and forth on it's hind legs, more so out of habit then anything. Setting the legs back on the ground and looking intently at the young man questioning my sister and me, I was starting to get ticked with his constant questioning of "why where here," given the situation, but that was something I was willing to let slide.

"Our intelligence network fed me the information directly. We caught wind of Duo's presence on Vuoto, and, since we are one of the closer nations, set out a.s.a.p. to come a provide assistance," I leaned back against the chair once more, tipping it far back as I ran the meeting with my guys back in Chablys through my head once more. "Our strategists and informants did collaborate and ended up making some projections that Duo might be aiming to hit Alberisato, but we can't guarantee that. Either way, that's the only "lead" we can provide."

It made a lot of sense actually when I thought about it, especially now having seen what this attack wrought. Vuoto really didn't make much sense as an initial target, especially not for such a large scale attack. It was most likely a calculated strike to get forces clustered here, demoralize us and then maneuver to one of the larger kingdoms. With us pooled over seas it would take us substantially longer to get back, and I admittedly took some solace in the fact that Chablys was a small as it was, lowering the over all chances of it being next...or so I hoped anyway. My mind, as it usually did, started playing the "doubt game" with me, and I started to feel impetuous and worried, signified will my incessant clanking of my right foot as it tapped impatiently on the church floor.

"Regardless, we need to figure out what were doing, and soon. Every moment we're here, Duo and his forces are else where already making their next attack..." I said, half deep in thought, as part of me wanted to ship out to Chablys right away and put to rest my paranoia over Duo's next target.

[Enizo]

Enizo paused before standing up, the words she spoke struck him to his very core, Alberisato was the homeland for the Allorum Guardians.

"I'm sorry... repeat that to me?" Enizo didn't need her to say it again, but he didn't want it to be true. That'd be the first actual believable move Duo would make, knocking out the Allorum Guardians would be knocking out the one group that has the most intelligence gathering sources in Allorum. It'd be catastrophic for the war efforts.

Enizo's mouth went dry as he tried to find the right words, "He's going after Heaven's Last... isn't he?" Enizo cringed, surely the elite forces of Allorum Guardians would be able to defend the estate...

...right?

[Serafina Ernfinder]

(OOC: Going to try first person here. ; )

For one usually not so good with public relations, my sister seemed to be carrying herself much better in a smaller group. Although I wished she'd stop that infernal tapping with her foot. With a normal limb, it wouldn't made as much noise, but seeing as this was the special prostate limb she'd constructed for herself, it made a much louder noise.

I said nothing, and pretended it didn't bother me though. Instead, I tried to focus my attention on the matter at hand. "I agree. If our information is correct, we'd best move to Alberisato as soon as possible."

My only question right now was..were we in good enough shape? My sister and I had only just arrived, and from the looks of things, everyone seemed as though they were in rough shape. Would our reinforcements be enough? I wondered.

[Enizo]

The basic shock was over for Enizo, it was replaced by a rage that he had never felt before. Ever since he was young he'd always thought that Heaven's Last was impenetrable, so the very thought of it being threatened was horrifying.

"We should get moving right away," Enizo nodded before sitting back up, "If he takes out Heaven's Last than we loose the war."

Enizo moved to step out of the church, he wouldn't hear any objection towards their targeted area. Not that it seemed like anyone had any.

Enizo approached the Undian Marine Commander, grabbing him by the arm to catch his attention before speaking, "Do you guys have it handled here?"

"With the enemies cleared we've sent a scout over to Undian Vuoto command, they'll dispatch troops over here and we can hold the rest of the city... hopefully."

"Good, because Duo is on the move again. He doesn't seem to have interest in Vuoto any longer, and we need to get moving."

"Good, but sir?" The Marine asked, "There is something you need to look at."

The Marine directed Enizo down a path until they came to a large wall, Enizo blinked a couple of times, "Volkmar, is that you?"

[Volkmar Gamlxltoe]

Volkmar didn't respond for a few seconds, and then he looked up at them. "Yea, who the hell would be, if not me?" He asked as he pressed against the wall. He got out of the wall, and shook himself, getting rocks off of him. He put his swords away and looked at him.
"Where is the son of a bitch so I can kick his ass?" Volkmar asked Enizo, making a fist.

Enizo's shadow moved and Sayara hopped out of it, and hugged Volkmar. "I finally found you!" She said with a glee. "Are you ok? Are you hurt? What happened?"

"I'm fine. His explosion didn't harm me, just blew me away." He said, with a little annoyance in his voice.

"Well, that's great. We will worry about him later." She said as she let him go.

[Enizo]

"Gone, we're going to give chase," Enizo said, calming himself after the little girl scared the shit out of him, "Move back to the outskirts of the city, where we came in from. We're going to gather there..."

Enizo had one last task to do, he moved back to the center of the city "Hey, God Slayer!?" Enizo yelled while looking around, he wanted to see if Sahir needed any help before they left... but the thing was, he couldn't find her. He found Dral, but couldn't find his lovely God-Slayer.

Enizo looked around again just to make sure he hadn't missed her. She loved Dral, so why would she leave him?

"God-Slayer!" Enizo yelled once more, raising his voice so perhaps she'd hear him.

[Bang Shishigami]

Denying the phial of rejuvenating brew, I saw no point in squandering such a thing upon myself, instead directing the soldier to save if for the wounded and other survivors that needed it more.

Feeling the brimming power in my gauntlets, the undulating sensation in my arms no doubt imparted by the massive explosion I was caught in, I knew I needed to push myself harder so that I might save as many as possible. Rising back to my feet, I slowly motioned my hands together in those familiar signs, calling out the words of might that I had so often before:

"Fu-Rin-Ka-ZAN!"

Infusing my bodies energies with the power from my gauntlets, I could feel myself invigorated by the deluge of power that washed over my aching muscles and broken bones, redoubling my bodies own rejuvenating process as one could witness my very skin heal of wounds and bruises before their very eyes. Standing amongst the soldiers as I basked in the pulsating yellow aura that my technique imparted upon me, I gave them a solum nod of thanks before blazing around the ruined streets of Relinquo, doing all I could to free those still trapped, and carry those that needed aid to those who could provide it.

Having done as much as my technique would permit me, the vibrant hue left my skin just as the stamina left my body; the result of having used Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan too often in such a short span of time. Seeking a moments rest, I ventured up to the church with the rest to try and plan our next move against Duo and his vile forces.

Sitting amongst my allies, my impatience began to get the best of me as I found myself all to eager to depart, as many seemed to be. I clenched my fists tight, imagining my personal encounter with this vile creature, Duo. I knew not what I would do upon seeing him, but knew that he would taste the unbridled justice of Bang Shishigami ten-fold for the atrocities that he had committed today against the innocent people of Vuoto.

[A.B.A.]

A.B.A. rose from her hunched stance against the makeshift ridge, peering towards the church as she absentmindedly dusted the soot from her knees. They've been in there long enough. No commotion. Looks like those two ladies are allies indeed. Given the emblems on the uniforms of the soldiers the one was talking to they must be with Chablys too. Good enough for me. Self assured of her safety she made her way over towards the few that seemed to be exiting the fallen place of worship, her left leg still dragging slowly to keep up appearances.

"Excuse me-cough-please. I seek those that helped liberate this city. I have business to discuss with th-" Faking a trip Velestia's seemingly frail body buckled as she tumbled towards the group of warriors. A classic ploy of course, but against such ruination, who could cast doubt on her?

[Sahir Masbrati]

Not far from where Dral lay, his body having quieted it's distress as the elixir had complete most of its work, a wind seemed to flow and swirl from a source unseen and unfelt by any others. Twisting with the strength to gather the dust and soot of the area shimmering flecks of light, these too from a source unseen, began to gather within the winds, collecting and pooling towards the centre. Suddenly, as if reaching its critical mass the light and winds dispersed in a powerful burst, leaving in its midst the young Tuonian maiden.

Dazed and queasy from the planar trip, Sahir held shut her eyes till she felt the dizziness pass. Fluttering open she noticed her appearance had not been subtle, and more than a few people had gathered to see what the strange winds had brought. The amount of attention left her feeling awkward, never mind the possibility of questions that might arise. With only a blush and a half-hearted wave to those around her she moved back to Dral to check on him, the large scroll obtained from the Mistress' sanctum held close to her chest.

Yet with her resting companion she saw the young Enizo standing near, and for a moment mistook his search for her as his dutiful watch over Dral. "Umm, Enizo was it? Thank you. I've been a burden to your cause I'm afraid, yet you watch over Dral regardless." She drew close to him and placed a quick kiss upon his forehead, a gesture of thanks she'd been taught by her tribe.

[Enizo]

Enizo was about to ask something along the lines of 'where were you?', but it all went so fast and before he knew it she had kissed him on the forehead. Now he was about to point out that he was searching for her and not looking after Dral but his words came out different.

"Hehehehe, nooo problem..." He couldn't get any proper sentence out and he rambled on for a moment until he just turned away with the intentions of running over to Kazan and telling him what just happened... but he had to play it cool, at least for a moment... "DUDE. SHE KISSED ME!"

Well, a moment was all it was. Sahir would be able to clearly see Enizo running crazily over to Kazan to tell him the good news.

[Sahir Masbrati]

Sahir brought her hand to her mouth, giving her lips a slow stroke as she looked at Enizo curiously. She knew the significance of a touching of lips to people outside her village. Truthfully a kiss meant much the same to her as it did to them, yet she wondered if one upon the forehead held a similar meaning. She felt like she needed to follow him and address the misunderstanding, but Enizo did seem so happy. She smiled quaintly, resigned to let him enjoy the moment for now.

Dral seemed restless, shifting his body around when suddenly he let out a loud snort. His neck cranked as his eyes opened, trying to get some bearing. "Dral!" Sahir swooped down and held him joyfully in her arms, letting the scroll fall by her side. He reciprocated, a weary chirp escaping his throat as he nuzzled against her soft skin. As if remembering the last moments before he passed out he attempted to rise to his hind quarters, his eyes shifting side to side frantically as he searched for those that threatened them. "I'm glad you're okay dear one. Shh, shh don't worry, we're safe now. They're gone." Her words hushed his worry, and letting out another long weary chirp he relaxed his body and laid down. She continued to hush him, till at last his eyes shut, this time in sleep.

Sleep now Dral. We have much work left till we can both rest. Snagging the scroll once more in her arms Sahir wandered about, slipping in and out of bits of conversation to find out where they were going next. Her sudden trip had left her completely in the dark, and people seemed to move with purpose in their eyes, a sign that a plan was already in motion.