A weapon of hope. (Open)

[A.B.A.]

"Very well, let's go." A.B.A. followed along, keeping low and darting from cover to cover when she could.

[Kain Angelo]

Kain and ABA moved closer to the church as the sounds of battle slowly faded, Kain looked over at ABA and briefly closed his eyes. "I'm sorry... ABA, I'm sorry about what happened. The things you went through after the tower fell..." Kain let his words drift a bit before finishing, "I never meant for it to happen."

It was a weird time to bring this up but it was something Kain had been needing to say to her. They had a little time before they reached the church, so this was the good enough time to say what Kain had been wanting to say.

[A.B.A.]

A.B.A. paused from Kain's words. Not from the fact that he'd said them when he did, but rather that he'd said them at all. What should he be sorry for? She held still with a glazed look in her eyes as she understood, as if awakening from a lucid dream, that he'd seen everything that she'd left unsaid. All the thoughts inside her head that had not been confided yet, all the memories from their time apart. Her face felt hot and flushed, though she knew not from what.

"It, it was lonely without you sir, but I've never regretted a moment's time with you, and only regretted the time I could not be there for you." She kept her words hushed, afraid they might draw the enemy closer. "That's why I've done what I've done, and why we'll do what needs to be done to those that hurt us both, those that hurt all of the Saints." She turned to face her superior, a look of harsh determination written in her eyes. "Won't we?"

[Athereon Whispersilk]

Surprised that his efforts at intimidation had worked as well as they had, the elder mage felt that it would take little more to dissuade the forces from continuing their assault, and that a show of force might spell the end for what little moral still found itself present in the enemy forces.

Taking note of the rather paltry charge against him from the ground, Athereon laughed a mocking laugh the echoed across the sky.

"Fools!" Athereon called, his voice once again rumbling across the clouds like sheet lightening. "As merciful as I am, there is no mercy for those who so ignorantly charge against one such as I! Behold the punishment for those who challenge the Seven-Fold!"

With a spirited and flowing motion of his Catalyst, a sudden spiralling mass of water burst forth amongst the charging ground forces, the twisting mass of cerulean blue growing with incredible speed as it hastily swept the assailing hordes into the whirling torrent. The sound of clashing metal, cries and grunts, and whipping waters filled the unsung area as the men and demons within were hurled and spun at the mercy of the waters magic currents.

Looking down upon those caught within his spell, Athereon's flowing and almost dancing motions came to a slow halt, the waters responding in kind, calming to a stop and hovering ever so slightly off the ground as a massive translucent sphere. With spirited vigour, those trapped inside that still had their senses made a quick endeavour to swim and free themselves from the magical waters. No sooner did those near the waters edge pull themselves free did the sphere solidify as a solid mass of ice, those inside condemned to a their icy tomb, and those who escaped left with not but stifled breaths at the near brush with death.

"Count yourselves lucky, those of you that escaped. Fate has granted you another chance. Take it and flee with your life in tact, or meet with the fate of those that lie before you," Athereon called out once more, hoping that this might be enough to dissuade further action from the opposing forces.

[A.B.A.]

Inside the armoury the angels narrowed their eyes at the aged and unassuming woman before them. One of them found the whole thing amusing as he let out a snicker. "Silence dolt!" The other slapped him upside the back of his head before turning his attention back to Annabelle. He tossed his free hand back through his dishevelled hair in a vain attempt to compose himself as his breathing returned somewhat to normal. "My dear woman, we only seek the fugitive Kain Angelo. His place is in Heaven, and we intend to deal with him and his vile brother when we find them both." With an effortless flick of his wrist he dislodged his broadsword from the belly of a demonic entity, or rather what was left of it. The two behind him took a step forward, advancing with a look of unease in their pale green eyes.

"Sir, we can't stay too long-"

"Then go on without me. You know what we're looking for. The sword has to be inside." It was like watching the man transform before her. His eyes seemed to bulge and his face contorted into a menacing snarl as he snapped back at the others. Seemingly intimidated the angelic beings took a step back before nodding and flying off deeper into the sconce-lit hallway ahead. Sucking in a deep breath he exhaled long and slow. "Forgive me ma'am. Now, onto the matter at hand. Where is Kain Angelo?" He moved forward, leaving a thick dripping trail of blood behind him as his sword hung loosely in his grasp.
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Outside the massive halls of the armoury, all but the uninjured and the stalwart of Duo's army had fallen victim to Athereon's spells. While the mortals among the forces drew out their bows, the slavering demons beat their chest with impunity. While four of the men and women sent forth a counterattack of arrows skywards at Athereon, two of the more muscled humanoid demons moved towards the frozen sphere created by the wizard, and with a primal grunt heaved it over their heads. "You flee human, or we crush!" One bellowed, the area seeming to shake with the might contained in its voice. The ice nearly fractured as they dug their claws deep into the improvised weapon before they tossed it into the air without a hint of concern for their allies left incased within.
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As much as A.B.A.'s heart seemed to stop as she awaited Kain's response, the rest of her body was far too busy with the mission at hand. Her eyes peeked around the corner from the ruins of a two-story housing complex, scanning with a mix of fear and adrenaline-fueled excitement for the terrain ahead. There! She exclaimed to Kain telepathically as she gestured a finger out in front of her.

No less than a hundred yards from their current position stood the tribute to the Wild Unda's gods and saints. Still somehow intact despite the war all around them, the building was surrounded by a cage of architecture and art. Wide grey pillars held up a two story wall of arches, each adorned with a decorative design over the apex.

The whole site unnerved A.B.A., and with good reason. Not only was she surprised by the church remaining so pristine, but the distance between their current position and their target offered no cover. Even the arch-laden walls surrounding the Undanian church offered little to no obstructions, as each pillar measured only just under two feet wide.

Turning back to her once former leader, her eyes pleaded to him. Not only for an answer to the situation at hand, but to her earlier question. Surely, She thought to herself as she stared at the man who had so often guided her. he feels the same as I. He must, after the betrayal he faced. After the years of torment he experienced. All at the hands of those-those... She felt her body tensing at the memories, and once more pushed them back into the recesses of her mind, hoping to keep control.

[annabelle]

'About damn time one of them got smart,' Annabelle thought as the one angel approached her and spoke with enough respect that she didn't feel the need to unleash the spell she had dished up and ready to go on them...though that was still waiting if that changed.

"Fugitive, hmm? Does he have a crime he's guilty of that's so inexcusable that you're willing to overlook his attempt to overthrow his own brother? Or is there more to this than that which I'm understanding. I may or may not be able to help if I knew such things afterall, dear sir," Annabelle answered with a shrug.

[Athereon Whispersilk]

In the beasts rather mighty display of strength, the aged mage found himself taken aback some as the massive sphere of ice was so easily catapulted in his direction. Flying was a rather useful means of positioning one's self, but when it came to maneuverability, it lacked any real propensity for dodging, leaving Atheroeon with little recourse but to take the flung globe head on.

Quickly culminating the mana around him, Athereon, with a spirited almost dancing twirl, demonstrated his adept control of the elements by reverting the massive chunk of ice back to water, swirling it around himself and refreezing it into a spherical barrier against the closely ensuing barrage of arrows, letting only several arrows slip through and strike against the aged man's enchanted garments.

Though not pierced, the high velocity projectiles did leave the elder man's soft body bruised where they struck, forcing him to catch his breath within the safety of the icy sphere and ponder his next move.

"I need a distraction, lest these infernal arrows and improvised projectiles be the death of me...I need something...something...A-HA!" Athereon mentally exclaimed as his eyes trailed the battlefield, ending upon the upheaved clumps of solid earth that littered the terrain. With a vibrant glow of his Catalyst, the mounds twisted and rose as semi-humanoid shapes of all manner and size, fixing their cragged impromptu eyes upon the soldiers and demons assailing their master and charging them down with reckless abandon.

[A.B.A.]

The angel cringed at Annabelle's question, a noticeable wince in his eyes that showed he was restraining his instinct. At the same time his sword arm tensed as he stopped just short of the Annabelle. "The only reason his brother is free is because of his actions! Now, where is he? Do not make me ask again, old woman. Every moment you waste is another he is allowed to walk free."

Whether by command or by his own values, the divine being looked unwilling to budge. Even worse, the way he held himself showed a man on the precipice of violence. His slender, yet defined torso was rigid, and while he showed a measure of control in his expression, there was a hatred in his eyes that he could not hide.
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"Retreat men! Retreat!" An older looking man garbed in the Golden Army's vestments called out as the initial attack from his forces failed to fell the wizard. The rising piles of stone had only begun their charge when the remaining human foes ran, eyes full of fear and wonder at the conjured enemies.

"Weaklings! Mortals run from stone, we crush it!" The demonic creatures did not fall back, instead diving headfirst into the fray as the golems approached. Throwing out powerful punches and grapples the demons gave no thought to protecting themselves against counterattack. When even their footsteps ground the earth to dust, what chance did beings made of the same material have? Yet while strength was their advantage, numbers was Athereon's. As one golem fell, two more would strike, and while they showed no signs of wear, the demons were beginning to grow weak from the assault.
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Kain did everything he could to not meet A.B.A.'s pleading gaze. He focused instead on the church, pushing himself towards the object he so desired. It was not that he couldn't feel empathy for his friend, quite the opposite. When first they had reunited and his eyes had met hers, the flow of memories had almost brought him to tears. The years in Hellious had given him time to grieve over his actions on Allorum, yet while the suffering his body felt dulled over time his remorse seemed only to grow in the infernal abyss. Rage at his brother and the traitors in his past had blinded him, and his allies had died as a result. To see A.B.A., to look into her eyes and relive her thoughts reminded him of how he felt when he had awoken from Duo's seal. She wanted blood, as had he, and Kain knew where it would lead her.

"Trust me A.B.A., we'll deal with my brother. He's hurt far too many people once before. He took something from all of us once before. I won't let him do it again. I promise." It was a complete dodge to what she'd asked, but for now he hoped it would ease the girl enough to keep her mind on Duo. A common enemy. he thought. Maybe that's all she needs. Once it's all over and done with we can move on. "Come on, the angels are occupied for now. They won't be bothering us. Move out." Not waiting for her to reply Kain swept past and made a dash for the church. Augmented by his inhuman speed A.B.A. could only stutter out the beginning of a response before swallowing her selfish wants and following behind.

Sir, what's our plan of attack when we get inside? A.B.A. asked as she tried to keep up with Kain.

It's just a church A.B.A. We go in, we look around, and once we find Mani Katti we bolt. In and out. His reply was full of confidence, for not only was he sure that Kyoki would hold back the angels, but the closer they got the more he could feel a powerful emanation from the church. He focused in on the building, trying to sense the exact location of the energy only to find that something was blocking it. Gritting his teeth Kain cursed under his breath. His eyes scanned the numerous arches, readying himself for a surprise attack. Holding his hand up to A.B.A. he gestured at her to stop just short of the decorative wall.

What is it sir? A.B.A.'s eyes darted around the structure, her heart pounding away as she shifted Paracelsus into a large tower shield to cover her front. Peeking out from behind she saw him leering intently at the church beyond the wall.

I can sense one of us. A.B.A., one of our allies is inside! Kain smiled at the comforting thought of seeing another one of his long lost friends. Unable to wait another moment he ran through the nearest arch.

One of our allies? A.B.A.'s eyes went wide as his words clicked with her. "No, Kain!" She cried out. Paracelsus flashed in response to her thoughts, replacing the bulky frame of a shield with a weighed cord. Sprinting as fast as she could towards the wall she reached out to Kain. Her fingertips grazed his tunic, and then felt only the emptiness of air. Her leader was nowhere in sight.

[Kain Angelo]

Despite ABA's warnings Kain bounded into the church, the power signatures of an old friend momentarily dropped his many warning guards that were blaring in the back of his head right now. It was so familiar yet wrong at the same time, and with every step into the dark halls of the church he suddenly remember a piece of information he retrieved from ABA's memories...

Kain stopped in his tracks, his hand falling to his side as he took a deep breath before speaking out, “Bartholomew, show yourself, old friend...”

[Bartholomew]

There wasn't a sound for a moment, but at the head of the church stood a crumbling pillar, where blood of many were still drying on the ground around it. Then the sound of a sword sweep echoed though the church, making the top of the pillar a bit shorter, but the top was even. Bart then jumped on top of the pillar, cloaked but armed. He stared down at Kain with his hawk like eyes.

"The fallen Messiah, Kain has return to Allorum." Bart spoke.

[A.B.A.]

Having overextended A.B.A. collapsed to her hands and knees. With a wildness in her eyes she peered past the archway that Kain had moved through, as if staring long enough to make him appear once more.

Where did you go? Kain, what happened? A.B.A. called out to him telepathically, hoping that whatever had happened to the him had not severed their connection.

You dolt, he was teleported.[/b] A harsh rebuttal came from Seigmand, who would have laughed at her if her cluelessness didn't irk him so much.

His comment clued her in, it was indeed Bart that Kain must have connected to, which meant he'd fallen right into a trap. Without wasting time to snap back at Seigmand she got to her feet and rushed directly into the archway, bracing herself at the moment she crossed over. Her eyes shut and her arms went up protectively, expecting the worst.

She stopped and blinked, noticing the hot sun and southern wind still rolling across her back. Looking behind her she saw the same intricate stonework looming over her. What? I don't understand, I should be by Kain, right?

Beats me. Perhaps if you had kept one of those mages with you they could have told you. Magic like this isn't my specialty.[/b]

"Some help you are." A.B.A. grumbled under her breath. Her attention turned back to the church before her. The building was massive, two stories tall but easily several thousand square feet wide, and that was not even considering the presence of a basement or root cellar. While she had no idea if Kain was even inside, much less where he'd be, it was all she could do to look inside. Briefly she even toyed with the idea of finding his sword and rescuing him from Bart's clutches.

You know, you could use my power to find where he is. I could sense the vibrations through the stonework and sense where anyone might be as long as they were moving.

Tricks from the ex-king? Now I know you're desperate. A.B.A. mocked Seigmand, refusing the man's help.

Fine little girl. It's your funeral. Well, maybe not yours.[/b] Seigmand went quiet, leaving the open-ended omen to sit in her head. It was all A.B.A. could to do not linger on the awful idea as she pushed the grandiose double doors open to begin her search.

[Kain Angelo]

Kain didn't seem to notice when he was transported, he breathed slowly as Barts showed himself to the former Saints leader. Kain studied Bart with great care before hissing out, "Your eyes are not your own. But your soul, memories... that's all correct."

Kain's hands clinched into a ball of rage before he shouted, "What did Duo do to you!?"

[Bartholomew]

"He enlightened me." Bart said as his gaze still kept locked with Kain, "He showed me what a true god can do. He saved me from the place that your blinding pride led us to." He tightened his grip on his sword at the memories of Hellious.

"Returning to Allorum. Only mean one thing, they think you can stop your brother. I guess History will repeat itself." He said, with a superior tone to his voice.