[08:41] {NARRATION} A strange invitation arrived in one curious day, a group was gathered and now a date was set, written with red letters magically in that invitation.

Be it curiosity, be it strong will or simply the want to go to a place like this, they wander together towards Aphrosian territory during a beautiful Moonlit night. The Full Moon shines above with its silvery veil covering the grass and earth, amidst the trees in a rather suspicious place, the sound of cloth unfurling is heard and it gets their attention.

A red-wine colored tent appears, magnificent and the music that comes from within mixed with claps and laughter is something that weirdly enough brings joy to those that hear it and soon...

A woman comes from within the Tent, all could feel the fell magics emanating from her and yet, no danger. She approaches with her beautiful red hair, tiny horns that are only tiny stubs, barely clothed and clearly getting the attention of all. Leathery wings unfurl and seemly appear from her back, through her beautiful smile of jagged teeth, she bows once and says with a melodious voice. ( https://pm1.aminoapps.com/7330/795227d91f1f1ef33b33c65025f07700ed9da737r1-591-779v2_uhq.jpg )

'Welcome! Welcome all to the Twilight Theater. Where the night meets the day and the daylight never shines where the gods don't want to watch. I am your lovely, adorable and cordial friend that came here to collect the invitation and allow your entry.' She bows once more, a few strands of the red hair falling in front of her face as she just blows them up and back to the back of her head.

Those red eyes that stare at one's soul, inviting and calling for depravity, the song being heard from within summons images of old memories, good memories even. Memories that make your heart beat faster, that makes you second doubt your decisions but not one of them are bad per se.

A clawed hand is extended, gloved with a black leathery glove and she waits as smoke billows out from the Tent, the scent of reed and...various drugs can be felt, already intoxicating and clearly. . bad.

(WELCOME TO THE EVENT, HIGH COD, HAVE FUN. TAKE YOUR TIME. DON'T DIE.)

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oll7pr4JVTQ&ab_channel=SupergiantGames
[08:51] Curiousity, and a desire to be there to help Ariels out. That, is what dragged Benjamin along on the journey to the so called 'Twilight Theather'.

Though, for a theater? It doesn't give quite the good first impression, no? When he heard Theater, Benjamin expected to see some kind of large building, fit enough to host a wide audience while having enough ample room for the stage.

A tent, however? I simply not what he had in mind. Not hat he can't tell that there might be more than meets the eye here, based on the sound of music, claps, and laughter that come from the tent.

Moreover, having what Benjamin assumes to be a drakanite that is tainted with enough fell magic even the uninitiated Benjamin could recognize by sensation alone?

It was enough reason for the young scientist to keep his guard up, trying to resist the temptation of letting his mind wander into fond or misfortunate memories to focus on the present concern at hand.

'Wish I brought a mask to cover my face with.' Benjamin ponders to himself, recognizing the scent from the tent thanks to his experience as an alchemist.
(Benjamin Thomson)


[08:53] Vyrionth, with his waist pouch and supplies securely stored, set off with Ariels, in an special event! Summoned by the invitation and the proposition that had been offered to him. He couldn't complain; what better time to take a break from everything happening in Meranthe? However, something didn't smell right there.

He didn't step forward but suspected, at first sight, due to the energy emanating from the woman with red hair, and later, because of her macabre appearance. Perhaps it was just part of the act, right? That's what he probably hoped for, of course.

Since it was an invitation from Ariels, they probably had guaranteed entry to the theater. For now, Vyrionth was just captivated by the scent of reed and other drugs present there. There was a certain apprehension; he had never put anything that emitted smoke into his own mouth until that day, and inhaling all that smoke seemed inviting as the song began to evoke emotions in the Drakanite knight.

There was a level of caution, but he didn't back down.

On the contrary, he became increasingly convinced to set aside his suspicions and follow inside the tent when Ariels decided.

"I can't wait to hear that music playing inside. If it's this good out here, I want to share in the feelings of those inside and enjoy this precious moment as well!"

Well, what harm could come from it... right?
(Vyrionth Dawnseeker)


[08:57] Ariels led the chosen group toward the location described in the invitation, footsteps slowly when music began to reach her ears and the dark red tent rose into sight in the distance.

A grim look back to the others, a firm nod, then she turned back to advance toward it, staff acting as a walking stick in typical wizarding fashion, one of those falls of the base of it to the earth was accompanied by a rise in her magic, two blades of light rising from her back that slowly formed into the shape of feathered wings, each row claiming their own color from the rainbow.

As if to consider herself a torchlight or beacon against the Fel nature of their apparent hostess and whatever might reside within the tent.

Eyes that constantly fought with indecision as to which color they wished to be narrowed back at the woman, and the hand free from the staff reached inside of her cloak, producing the red-lettered parchment and holding it out as nearly full arm's length, her own distance warily kept.

"The performers from Langley."

Her tone is purposefully calm and leveled, trying to remain harder to read. Not the hardest task for her to achieve given she was already finding uncertainty with how to proceed, a glance cast Vyrionth's way at his words.

Wouldn't it be wiser to just destroy this place from without instead of stepping foot inside?
It probably would be, but a curiosity drove her. Why not just see? Just a little bit? Something about it seemed familiar, and that was gnawing at her a little.

As such, she'd choose to follow inside.
(Ariels Kasca)


[08:57] As Niemh stood among her friends and colleagues, she couldn't help but feel a mix of wariness and curiosity. She knew she wasn't originally meant to be part of this gathering, but after much insistence, here she was, standing tall just outside the entrance of the mysterious Twilight Theater.

Her blindfold, having arrived at her destination, she removed it, revealing her eyes - eyes that shimmered with a mesmerizing array of rainbow colors.

Her gaze lingered on the fiery-haired woman who emerged from the mysterious Twilight Theater, emanating an aura of fell magics.

The woman's appearance was striking, with tiny horns and leathery wings, and yet there was a strange allure to her, despite the danger that seemed to surround her.

The enchanting music and the laughter from within the tent drew them closer, and Niemh found herself captivated by the melody that seemed to summon old memories.

It was a song that stirred both excitement and apprehension, filling her heart with a rush of emotions.

The memories it evoked were not inherently bad, but they carried a weight, a reminder of the choices and paths taken.

As the woman extended her clawed hand, gloved in black leather, Niemh hesitated for a moment-- "How amusing."

... She knew the risks, the potential for darkness within the depths of the theater, but she couldn't deny her curiosity.

"I hope my presence won't be a nuisance.
After all, I kind of invited myself here, aha."

And it had been against her better judgment that she'd come here, so she knew damn well it was too late for her to go back now.
(Niemh)


[08:58] Was there a feeling of ominous tell-tale signs that Thalia should come wafting over her as she joined this band? Perhaps just for Thalia it felt that way, but it was for her as she got closer and closer to that colored tent.

For now, the ginger haired woman kept her goggles on. She knew it was a theatre, but the tent suggested something else in her mind that she did not really think on. A cir--

Wait, what was that laughter?

That was until the mysterious woman came from the tent. Despite the feeling she had wandering to this place, the sign of curiosity still overwhelmed the sense of danger that might have been added to it as well.

The horns and wings made Thalia assumed she was a drakanite, but the odd smile and the magics she had wielded? Well, despite the sense of non-danger she felt, she did feel a bit put off by it.

"I've never really been to a theatre before. But that music does sound very enthralling, I will say that much."

What's the worse that could happen here, right. For now, what she was displaying for herself? Caution, yet also trying to seem relaxed.
(Thalia)


[09:08] {NARRATION} Masks?
People suspecting of things? Why?

This is the Twilight Theater, a simple wine-red tent with music and smoke, a beautiful woman that is there to collect the invitation that is promptly handed out! Taken and stored between her breasts, with a kind smile, she steps to the side and gives them the way towards the entrance of the tent.

The red eyes look to Niemh, 'Oh worry not, we considered that you would come since...-current- problems in Audhild, yes?' She smiles, looking to the group that oh so lovely wander and enters the tent.

It does not matter who you are, your magics..or your age. Everyone here is equal, no one held their breaths and so..everyone could feel their lungs being filled to the brim with toxic fumes. Are they truly toxic? No, just drug filled.

The body grows numb, the limitation of what is wrong or right slowly is melted away from one's mind and that laughter and claps become a vision of. . pure love. People are laying around, hugging, cuddling while talking or speaking, some are doing sex in the open and the races? Oh, who cares. You have everything and anything here, from monsters to humans. To the scalies to the nephilims that are special guests of this place!

The tent from the inside? It is majestic, bigger than one could ever imagine as it looks like a damned castle, pillows are on the stone ground, tables set aside with food and drinks. Drinks that are being drank with fervor and happiness. ( https://i.pinimg.com/originals/04/c5/3c/04c53cc267a61e0d271fa346099287b9.jpg ) Many people use masks but everyone could see and hear, the sound of bodies together, of lips kissing, drinks, conversation, the enauseating smell of sex that comes from within.

And the disturbing part is the people that instead of partaking in those joyous activities? They are. . partaking in other activities, they're making music! Holding down a human and breaking their legs while laughing, a drakanite claws the face of said human making the sound of flesh tearing echo around the place as people laugh uproar!

...What sick twisted music can we make here today?

Thalia, you can feel something dangerous, a thing probbing within your mind and only you could see briefly an eye, grey in color that is in the walls staring at your group, your friends..likely searching their minds.

In this room of depravity and fun, there are three doors. One at the north, one at the east and one in the west. The west one being partly ajar, almost inviting everyone to go to it.

(Everyone has +1 to injury next roll due to the numbness but -2 for..a certain other roll)
[09:23] He didn't care. A wide smile on his face made the Drakanite extremely comfortable. He looked to one side and saw something that, in his right mind, would have made his stomach turn, and he was aware of that. But at the same time? He seemed to feel detached from any pragmatism of the real world.

"Hey, hey! This smell is... good... it's strange, it's confusing. It seems to stir up something odd." He shook his head, but at the same time, he saw people being tortured—a sight that affected him, and he made a grimace. But his helmet prevented him from seeing...

It was a time for leisure; he wouldn't ruin that place so soon, would he? Ah, who cares!?

He looked at the womans walking back and forth, everyone having fun, everyone smiling behind their masks, and finding pleasure even in scenes of brutality. So why should Vyrionth care?

After all, he was already deep in that trance.

"It's justan escape from the real world. Maybe it's even therapeutic for us." He gave a little smile, as if Vyrionth's morality had disappeared... Wasn't everyone rotten in some way? Or perhaps Vyn's mind was already completely dominated?

Who could know?
(Vyrionth Dawnseeker)


[09:26] Reluctantly, Benjamin took in the fumes, giving room for the drugs within it to go through his lungs. While ideally he would've preferred having a mask to filter it all out? He did not think to prepare one for the theater, having not predicted he'll face such an issue.

Holding one's breath, meanwhile? While briefly efficient, it can only be held for so long before you got to take in a sharp gasp. Thus, Benjamin concluded it'll be for the best to breath in the fumes slowly, getting himself accustomed to its effect at a steady pace. Doing that, will also allow him to understand what the else will be going through.

When they finally entered the tent? He looked around in shock.
Instead of ordinary musical instruments, it was the people themselves being used as instruments in a gorey display that'll involve lasting to permanent disfigurement all to laugh with joy at the sound of the human body breaking apart. "Bloody hel'...." He utters out. Despite the numbness of his sensation, despite the fumes trying to cloud his mind?

Such a gruesome sight? Was still a clear display of wrongness to him, believing no one should ever be tormented for one own's sick pleasures.

Speaking of pleasures? The pleasures of the flesh visible all around him, the partaking of lust causes the young man's stomach to churn a tad.

"It is as if we walked into a tent of animals in heat." He murmurs quietly towards his companions, hushed enough so that he hopes his voice won't be heard by the rest of the guests within the squelching sound of music, and the squelching sounds that come from the guests as they perform with one another's primal urges.

Noticing that Vrionth's already starting to... Act up with a more lax, careless attitude that is no doubt enhanced by the smoke? Benjamin raises hand to gently slap the drakanite on the back of his head.

"Don't lose yourself, all right?" A warning comes from the now worried Benjamin.

'Just what kind of place did you bring us all into, Ariels?'
(Benjamin Thomson)


[09:27] "Oh my, you know your stuff, don't you, huh?" As Niemh entered the den of debauchery that was the Twilight Theater, she found herself surprisingly amused rather than grossed out by the scene unfolding before her eyes.

The intoxicating fumes she had inhaled had left her body numb and her senses dulled, blurring the line between right and wrong.

The laughter, claps, and passionate embraces around her seemed like a vision of pure love, an uninhibited celebration of desires and pleasures.

People of all races and backgrounds mingled freely, shedding inhibitions and reveling in their primal instincts. The tent, much larger on the inside than it appeared from the outside, resembled a majestic castle adorned with pillows and tables laden with food and drinks.

The air was filled with the sounds of conversation, kisses, and the nauseating scent of ... .

However, as Niemh's gaze swept across the room, her amusement turned to interest as she noticed a disturbing sight.

Amidst the joyous activities, some guests engaged in brutal acts of violence, finding their own twisted form of music in the suffering of others. Laughter echoed as a human's legs were broken, and the tearing sound of flesh being clawed by a drakanite filled the air.

Niemh's fascination was not with why this was happening but with what was in the air, what compelled these individuals to revel in such brutality.

Gathering her thoughts amidst the chaos, Niemh's curiosity piqued as she addressed the woman with red eyes. "Tell me, if you can, what is it that fills the air here?" Her voice, tinged with a mix of intrigue and detachment, hinted at the numbing effect the drugs had on her own senses.

Her gaze then shifted towards the three doors, each holding its own mystery. "And those doors," she continued, her rainbow-colored eyes scanning the room, "where do they lead? What awaits behind each one?" Niemh's curiosity burned bright, her moral compass skewed by the drug-induced haze.
(Niemh)


[09:32] Ariels entered with the stoic demeanor that she had carried as commander, leader of this small party bent on this stoppage of whatever activity occurred in this 'theatre', and Nephilim and representative of the very god of the creative arts.

It did not last long.

Coughing at the unfamiliar sting of laced smoke entering her lungs and burning her eyes, Ariels slowly turned her gaze around the room. She tried to blink away the growing discomfort, the unknown sensations beginning to addle her system. A numbness, a tingling, an odd urge to let a smile stay on her face from the pleasantries of it, even as she still found herself disturbed by what she had entered.

The room and the odd sensations in her brain, vision, fingertips and more marked the first but likely not last time that Ariels began to second guess coming here.

When the screaming and cracking of the man's leg pulled her attention, she took a second to simply stare, trying to registerif this was a genuine sight or just another effect of whatever was affecting her functions. Slowed reactions and thoughts led to her simply wondering if she should risk an intervention while the poor bastard's face was being clawed.

"...Ah..? No, remember why we're here, Vyn. We're not here to-" A glance was made back to the center of the room and a few of the different patrons or pairs and their various activities, "Be gross."

Sticking to the outer walls of the room to avoid any attention, Ariels took in all the sights as though it were a train wreck; shock and awe yet trouble tearing one's eyes away.

Thankfully, Niemh seemed to keep much of her senses. In a more 'addled' version of the question, she spun on a heel to face their hostess, a few slow nods of her head.

"Yeah, where should we go? Where do you want us? We're part of the show, right?"

It sounded as if she was ready to simply follow the woman's direction blindly.

It sounded like that, yet one pair of rainbow eyes gave a glance sideways to the other similar pair, a brief flash of clarity and focus in them as she looked to Niemh before they relaxed once more and returned to stare at the woman and the room.

High as she might've been getting, she at least still remembered her role here; an actor.
(Ariels Kasca)


[09:36] Curiosity is what placed her here, and now, Thalia was entering a den that made her simply squint.

"Wait wha--"

The sudden dragging of fumes through the air as the tent opens up, almost caused the woman to gag a bit. Completely unexpected, if anything, but it was not something that she had thought to be the first thing she'd see in a theatre.

The moment she walked in and saw all of what was going on inside. She blinked, almost taken aback by the sudden reception of it all.

"Errh…"

There was a lot that was going on that it took her a moment to realize that there was a mix of violence and carnal pleasure that was happening here. The people who were doing the latter, Thalia, just sorta... Kinda moved away. A bit awkwardly, if anything. But still curious.

Then the violent torturing of a human being tortured. And it was.. Was it because of these fumes that people were like this? These allure

It almost felt likea circuit in her brain had fried for a second. Then there was the eye that was just staring at her.

Wait.

"Hu--"

She looked back at the eye momentarily, watching it.

"What, uh... Haha.. What is that?" That little chuckle didn't help that she had that odd sensation to smile.. And was smiling. But?

Was she the only one seeing it? She tried to point in the direction of the eye-- if it was still there. If it wasn't she would be even more dumbfounded.

But the doors.

Again, she kept taking a few head around, just to see if the eye was there. But the doors themselves. In a tent. Was this an illusion? She was a bit fixated on the eye. That was probably the most creepiest of things she had seen.

No.

Not creepy.

It was disturbingly morbid that it was the only otherworldly thing she could see. Was it the drugs? Or something more?

Was she being affected here? What's going on here?

It was clear Thalia had a lot of questions, but she was still pretty sane. A little bit high, but sane. . Or was she not high?
(Thalia)


[09:42] {NARRATION} That acts of brutality are not simply the breaking of bones and tearing of flesh. As everyone's eyes settle in this place and the candles illuminate this den of debauchery, there are people being held in the ceiling by metal hooks stuck in their shoulders and backs...yet, no cry of pain but a moan of pleasure escapes their lips ever so often.

With the drakanite of the Group being so lax, Vyrionth a hand reaches to your thigh as you look around, a woman and a man are laying together and both look at you lovingly, both winged. With scales of the red coloration, 'in heat' as one said before, they are inviting you for their fun. And why deny it?

Benjamin, this is hel on earth for a scientist like you but there is an allure to it, you could learn about the body of many races and species here, you could learn about their anatomy in full, hel, you could even likely learn the fel art of fleshcrafting in this twisted place. You just need to want it.

Niemh, the red haired woman from before followed you all to enter this place, her hands gently resting on your shoulders as she stands behind you, her calm voice, serene and highly attractive, 'Hm? What fills the air? I have no idea, I never asked the manager but those doors?' She points to the one on the west, 'They are the places for this lovely actors to go, the play is waiting for you all. Aren't you all supposed to play musics and partake in our joyous theatrical plays?'

That is her only answer as she walks amidst the people, clearly to have her fun too.

Ariels, it feels wrong and weird to be here, you are a god-child of Mestra, a Godkin, a Nephilim and yet, the presence of Mestra is everywhere here but extremely disturbed to the eleven. Arts are made with bodies. Music made through moans and sounds. Creativity through new forms of arts, what one could ask more from this place?

You asked where to go, where she wants you all but the woman left, pointing to the door on the left clearly before being dragged down by the many people around.

Thalia, you are high, very fucking high like everyone else but. . that sensation, that numbness almost expanded your senses that allowed you to see that eye. And it stared back. You could almost see a smile creeping up in the wall but it vanished as soon as you blinked again along with the grey eye.

Everyone could clearly feel magic, mana spread around and yet, not actual spell being used. No illusion if one cared to check for it.

They can go to the next door or partake in activities here, look, the human being tortured just had his leg tore open and the bone removed, the sickly sound of the bone popping out of his join is almost musical in here. People even try to put it back and pull it out again to create the same sound.

All the while, a dreamy and almost too quiet piano music can be heard in the background but the music being played by a band in the center is louder, voices singing, the rythm captivating.

Truly, what is this place?
[09:52] There may be some truth to that creeping sensation, that Mestra very likely was invoked often in this place, that the depraved, sick and twisted art was still, unfortunately, art.

Skirting along the outskirts of the room, she moved closer to the western door, finding a place by the wall to simply sit and watch outward into the room, appearing the part of the voyeur, hands coming together behind her back in a passive stance.

As she stood there, her lips quietly moved in a whisper, hidden hands flexing into fists once to pull enough mana to call on light magic to form a sheet to mirror the light, angling it peek through the crack with her back turned to it.

Mirror the door, SWAT style!
(Ariels Kasca)


[09:55] Ariels' voice snaps him out of the pleasure he was experiencing, a bit reluctant - but he understood, Benji was right. He couldn't surrender himself so easily, but resisting the effects of the environment seemed so difficult. Everything was so tempting.

"Argh..." He clenched his fists and closed his eyes to resist the offerings presented by the two individuals. His head lowered towards the ground, attempting to resist. Everything seemed so pleasant, so good, so enjoyable. He really wanted to indulge in that moment, to revel in carnal pleasures, but... His body... It seemed to be paralyzed.

"You're right, I don't know what's going on, but this isn't right...! It's not right!" He subtly tried to regain his consciousness. There was a moral conflict within Vyrionth, but he tried to hold onto the real objective and the main reason for being there. It was evident that he wasn't in the best mental state he could wish for.

But with the touch of the piano, he distanced himself from the noise... He looked at Ariels, his dragon eyes sharp with the drug coursing through his system, through his body... It seemed inviting, and Vyrionth took subtle steps toward the sound of that piano — UNTIL ARIELS BURST THROUGH THE DOOR!
(Vyrionth Dawnseeker)


[09:58] Thalia's goggles were fixed onto her eyes for a moment. She literally grabbed her goggles and fixed them onto her forehead, just to see if it was there.

Then it gave a smile.

"--- WH--"

She was not jumpy. But somehow, maybe it was the drugs. But at the same time. Then the smile was gone.

"Hmm..."

For a moment, she'd.. Walk over to the eye. She took the time to get a little bit closer to it. The pleasures were unnerving, the violence was upsetting. But this thing..

She tried to get closer to it. She was trying to see if she could reach the eye. But to others? She might've been trying to swat at nothing.

"Does no one see this?" She murmurs to herself. It looked sinister. It looked filled with malice. If she could touch it. If she could move it. Would all of this cease?
(Thalia)


[10:03] Only now did Benjamin bothered to look up, seeing the bodies hooked on the ceiling with pleasure on their faces.
There's a term for it that he read about in passing while through the dictionary, no? Masochism, one who gets sexual gratification from their own pair or humiliation. If he'll look at the sight in front of him with that term in his mind, he can sort of understand how they feel from a psychological standpoint.

The moment his mind shifts back to the physiological thanks to his medical studies however? Benjamin quickly deduces just how physically damaging getting hooked like this can be, analyzing how everlasting the injuries that come afterwards can be.

Thankfully to Benjamin? It appeared that while the drugs may impair his sense of right and wrong, he is still able to keep his logical mind in check. So long as he'll look at the scenes in front of him through the lenses of logic and reason? Benjamin might just be able to keep himself sane.

It is why the thought of learning fleshcraft within the threather quickly comes out of his mind. It isn't that he abhors fleshcraft. To the contrary even, well aware of how beneficial the art of fleshcrafting can be, by recalling how there was once someone who wielded the art in Delphina for the good of the people as a doctor.

However? His logical mind could tell from a glance: This isn't a proper place of learning, without anyone that'll be able to teach him. Or, if there were? They'll be too preoccupied with the theather's… peculiar tastes to teach him.

However, given just how varied the populace within the tent actually are, with some beings he might have never seen before?

It wouldn't be too bad for him to take out his book to start drawing caricatures of the physicals bodies that belong to beings that were still unknown to him, right?

That, not even the logical mind could argue against, the book and pencil already in his hands to start writing stuff down.

"We may want to keep moving. The place proves to be a distraction even for me." He dryly notes as the scientific outlook takes hold of him for now. At least he is still able to recognize all that surrounds him as a distraction, rather than the main course.

Hearing Thalias speak up, Benjamin raises his eyes to try and follow Thalia's gaze, to spot what she sees.
"Anything odd, Thalia?"
(Benjamin Thomson)


[10:04] As Niemh continued to survey the hellish sight before her, she found herself oddly amused and intrigued by the twisted displays of debauchery unfolding in every corner.

The acts of brutality extended far beyond mere breaking of bones and tearing of flesh. Suspended from the ceiling by metal hooks, individuals moaned in perverse pleasure rather than crying out in pain.

It was a grotesque spectacle that pushed the boundaries of art, blurring the line between pleasure and agony.

"You- You have no idea?"

The red-haired woman, who had accompanied them thus far, when asked about the air and the doors, her response was cryptic yet revealing. She spoke of joyous theatrical plays and the expectation for them to partake and play music.

It seemed they were here not only to witness but to become a part of this macabre performance. If she had known that before coming here, she would have brought her violin.

With the woman disappearing into the chaotic crowd, pointing to the door on the left, the group was left to decide their next move. Magic hung in the air, subtly pulsating with energy, even though no overt spells were being cast.

"I think we should move on, to where, I don't know, but we should go somewhere."

The choice was theirs: venture through the next door or immerse themselves in the activities within the tent.

They witnessed a human enduring grotesque torture, his bone being torn from its joint with sickening pops, creating a twisted symphony of sound.

Amidst the disturbing scenes and the cacophony of music, a sense of surrealism pervaded the atmosphere. The dreamy piano melodies played softly in the background, contrasting with the louder music performed by the band at the center. It was a perplexing mix of pleasure and pain, beauty and brutality.

As she stood there, taking it all in, one question echoed in her mind: What truly was this place and what awaited them beyond its doors?

... that was, until Ariels started to make her moves.
(Niemh)


[10:13] {NARRATION} Ariels, the idea is wonderful, you slowly gather the light magic and shines through the door but. . why? Why you turned to it? Your body moved on your own or was it the drugs? As if your own magic took over your being while you shone your light like a highlight on the man and you hear a voice, a voice that you likely long to hear again...

The light shines and the imagery of chaos is presented, you see a blue-ish hair, no wrinkles and a kind smile, black clothes with a dark cloak, the shirt half tore showing a sick and twisted scar on his chest. Zemheri is there with a dark stick in his hands, as if conducting a performance.

Babies float around, singing a melodic music that fills the room, that kind smile is shown to you first Ariels, well, not injured and he calmly says, 'Hm? My child? Have no worries, we will protect you and keep you safe. I will keep you safe the best I can.'

He says such phrase and in your mind the memory of Hemera and him being with you, hearing about you being a Nephilim, do you remember it?

Vyrionth, you see Ariel shining through the crack and for some reason, faster than you might expect, her head turns as if controlled by something and you could also see Zemheri inside that place, red pillowed seats around with people listening to the marvelous song conducted by the Maestro.

Thalia, it gave a smile and then vanished. You swatted at the wall but..it is just stones, beautifully carved and made, it is just a wall once you got close to it. You could see the door opening and maybe due to the drugs and likely due to the less than right state of mind you are in..you also see, the blue haired man, almost your second father or was it your first?

That smile is also given to you, 'Hi my child, how are you these days? Was my aid in your favor in the end? The practice made you stronger? Tell me.' Zemheri stands there, conducting the song.

Benjamin, what could you learn from this place? Many things clearly but likely not in the way you expect or want..who knows! Your eyes follow Thalia as she swats at the wall...but there is nothing there, yet, everyone can weirdly see Ariels opening the door and you too see the old man inside of that place, he says nothing to you as he is focused on the three near there. Yet, you feel..pride, almost proud because he spared a glance to you and a nod.

Niemh, you waited for Ariels after all the grotesque torture and scenery around. One connected to dreams can feel that..here? They're made true. In one sense or another, for you, once the door opens...there isn't much of a surprise, just ond old man with blue hair. He seems exactly like before but you never met him..so why do you feel..in that weird uncanny valley while staring at him? Why you feel..the sense of longing?

( Music: https://youtu.be/lu8i-OyjLYk )
[10:14] Zemheri? asks, "How is Audhild, my children?"
[10:30] Ariels stared back into her conjured mirror, mouth and eyes opening in silent awe. She knew her mind was altered by that which permeated in the air around them, and as such, easily concluded this to be an illusion, a trick of her own mind.

Yet... why would she conjure such an image? Why here, and why now? Though she had missed the elderly mentor to so many of them, it wasn't a memory brought up often. Properly mourned over years, Ariels and Audhild had moved on with a fond memory and a dedicated statue; so why would that memory manifest here and now?

It had to be a memory, for how else could he know of such details? Of the talk she had as a mere child, in the temple before its destruction; the reveal of her divine nature and the fear it brought her. The promises of protecting her until she had grown strong enough to spread her wings, literally and metaphorically, and carry the burden of god-blood on her own feet.

Door opened further, she turned to stand in the opening, staring silently for some moments. Fingers clenched tighter around the staff, other hand rising to hold the collar of the armor she wore, both forged by the dead man before them.

And that death was what permeated in her mind most of all; a glance over his chest, the scar of what all witnessed to be a killing blow. Part of her wanted to answer anyway; to tell him how well they were all doing, how successfully Audhild was recovering after his death. She wanted to tell him all the plans she had for the future.

About Niemh, another of her blood that he had waited so long, here at her side. He had hoped for a Nephilim, and now his Audhild had two, both deeply entwined with the city. About Liraz and their alliances and progress and projects...

But she could not ignore the largest issue that pierced through her high like a sobering gunshot.

"...You're dead. You... can't be here. You're dead. We all saw you die! You're DEAD!"

Her voice rose to a shout as the denials came along with welling tears of frustration, ending with what seemed like fury, as though screaming the truth back at whatever this illusion was would dispel it along with her pointing, accusatory finger.
(Ariels Kasca)


[10:31] He still had his senses heightened by the drug, but he could comprehend enough to confirm that something was wrong. He was seeing ZEMHERI THERE! Younger, of course, while Ariels seemed to be... Well, he couldn't be sure.

"No, no. This can't be. This place is definitely not normal at all, it's not!" At this point, he realized that the problems were already beyond control. This drug, or whatever it was, was truly playing with people's minds.

Or was it just Vyrionth's head? His head turned quickly, and there stood the man he had admired so much in his childhood for the way he dealt with, cared for, and protected those around him. But there lay a problem.

An internal problem, something that seemed to awaken a sudden anger within him. He looked at the maestro, Vyrionth approached the man, his blue eyes shining as the temperature in the room dropped. He didn't want this to continue for much longer, and the fact that it seemed to be a mental trap...

It provoked him greatly.

A lot, actually.

"Stop playing, stop playing, damn it! Stop this fucking music! Stop what you're doing with this shit." There was a sense of concern as he brandished his sword, ready to strike down the maestro if necessary, should he not stop the music, of course.
(Vyrionth Dawnseeker)


[10:37] Not able to spot what Thalia tried to warn them about, Benjamin just shrugged it off. Perhaps to her, it was nothing but an hallucination induced by the fumes.

Besides, not like he was going to dwell on it for long- Not when he recognized the appearance of Zemheri, looking at them all from the door Ariels opened up.

That.. Can't be him, right? The color of the hair, the physical shape, the tone of voice... It all was there, even a scar where his heart was torn out, as if the injury somehow healed up.

Yet, as much as he'll want to believe it, for Zemheri to still be alive to be right and truly accept the sense of pride at the man acknowledging his presence?

The question keeps flaring up in his head, nudging at the corners of his noggin like a humming bird on a tree.

How?

How is alive? How is he here?

"How do you make the babies move?" Benjamin asks Zemheri. The sense of numbness from the drugs may prove to be of assistance rather than a hindrance right now.

Keeping Benjamin composed just enough, to try and assess the situation before acting up like his compatriots - Though, in their own way? They brought up the other issue Benjamin would've wanted to say.

How is he still alive? After all, if he came to the hypothesis that what Thalia had seen earlier to have been nothing but an hallucination caused by the fumes?

Who's to say the Zemheri in front of them isn't real, either?

"Audhild is doing well, considering. Steadily rebuilding brick by brick, slowly bringing new people in."

He soon answered after his own question. It is only fair, no? To give an answer in exchange for an answer.
(Benjamin Thomson)


[10:41] "Eh--"

It was gone. She put her goggles back on to check, but...

Thalia blinks, "There was... There was something here. I was sure of it. There was an eye there. And it smiled-- I.. Hmm." Thalia was speaking for a moment. However, she quickly just shook her head.

That was probably the first time she had been unnerved so.

It was this place. That had to be the case. It had to be. However, as she hung her head low, and decided to move back with the others?

She saw the door open, and saw Ariels watching something, or someone. Her eyes drifted a bit, watching and hearing a voice that was just a bit familiar. Then it run true. A voice and a face she thought she would hear again.

There was no words that came from Thalia, stopping in her tracks once it took her a moment to realize who it was. It was much different.

No.

It was definitely different. The last time she saw him, how she saw him.. The grotesque and meagre display that caused her much distraught. His heart being pulled out from the inner chasm that was his chest.

His jaw being knocked from his face.

His unnerved expression, being filled with rage in the heat of war in his final moments.

Yet here he was.

"...."

"H..."

There was a lump in her throat, yet she did not know what to say here. A thump in her own chest as she felt like this was a trick. A cruel one at that.

"How...?"

For a second, she felt like that young teenager again, just shaking her head with denial.

"Why are you here? Why?"

Her chest feel like it was twisting, churning, tearing for a moment. Memories of the fate she had seen, yet here he was standing.

It almost felt like making her want to throw up from this sick joke. She gripped onto her bow for just a mere moment.

The same bow that she did not part with once Zemheri had given it to her. It might have been a small gesture, but she kept it with her and kept using it just out of respect for him.

… Then something stopped her. She wanted to scream or cry, but...

For a moment, she forgot she was not the only one here. The others were there. Those that also saw this.

"--"

She could not be irrational, even if she wanted to here. Especially after the eye comment.

She bit her bottom lip for a second. She had to be just a bit rational here, despite the misty eyes she had, clouding her goggles.

She moved a bit over to Ariels and Vyrionth.

"Take deep breaths, you two. Alright?"

She did not want them going off the walls here over this. It had to have been a hallucination. She tried to be calm.

Granted, she was not as composed as Benjamin here, sadly. She was trying, though it took her a while.
(Thalia)


[10:48] With a newfound sense of urgency, Niemh hurriedly moved to stand by Ariels' side. The numbness that had enveloped her body momentarily dissipated as her aether ignited, igniting a burning sensation that jolted her awake from her stupor. However, this 'awakening' left her in a vulnerable state, her emotions heightened and raw. She was still far from being able to control this gift of hers.

And this inability of hers became more apparent seconds later as she observed the reactions of the others to the man standing before them, Niemh's gaze fixed on his face. Recognition flooded her mind, and she knew who he was. It was Zemheri, the same Zemheri who had met a tragic end years ago, murdered by the queen of Delphina.

He had been a father figure to Ariels, a mentor to Benjamin, and a beloved companion to Thalia and Vyrionth.

The weight of their emotions crashed upon Niemh, as if they were her own feelings, overwhelming her with grief and longing, as if she had become a vessel for their feelings, overwhelming her senses.

"... get, get out..."

Desperation etched lines on her face as tears welled up in her eyes, not out of her own sorrow, but as a manifestation of the shared anguish she felt from the group. It was an agonizing empathy, as if their emotions had become her own. The intensity of their pain threatened to unravel her, and she fought fiercely to maintain a shred of control.

"... get out of my head..."

Seeking to ground herself, Niemh bit her lower lip, drawing blood. The pain served as a focal point, allowing her to regain a measure of control over her emotions. She knew that she couldn't fully detach herself from the empathic connection she had unwittingly formed with the others, but she needed clarity to navigate the situation.

"... Ah, I can't.
What is this?
Where are we?"

Taking a deep breath, Niemh approached the group, her voice shaky. "Let's gather ourselves, everyone," she urged, her rainbow-colored eyes scanning the faces before her. "I understand that this is overwhelming, and we are all feeling a range of emotions. But we must remain focused. We cannot allow ourselves to be consumed by... this..."
(Niemh)


[10:55] {NARRATION} But the old man is there, living and standing, proudly and healthily! He doesn't frown, no no. He is smiling kindly as always, first a glance paid to Vyrionth.

'Why stop playing? Wasn't I a fellow faithful of Mestra? The song, the show must go on.' An answer that comes quickly and then the people sitting on their seats are taken back! People drawing their weapons here?! Where is security? Well, it would be the normal reaction but in truth, all of them are simply in awe with the show.

Rainbow colors dance in the air, the old man conducting this melodic symphony and smiling to all, nothing bad could happen. The glance is now paid to Benjamin, "The sound makes them float and move, they're even singing, can you hear?" And the answer comes to his question!

"Ah, it is good that it is rebuilding. And what about the people? Galland? Gallade? Ulfhild? Those from Vdalion?" All of that asked with a bright smile, he is..Zemheri.

Thalia, you see the old man. There is almost a hand being extended to you as if inviting you to stay by his side, there is no hatred there, no heat of battle. No..pain.

Your father figure stands and could even go back to help Audhild once more, the genius artificer could bring his machinations to the world, "Why am I here? I am a musician too. I must play my part." He smiles and nods slowly before turning to his audience, "Now...for the grand finale."

The dark stick is pointed to Ariels as she denied his presence, she says her part and yet, the man is there, alive, well but something is wrong, the music starts to pick up the pace. The speed is increased and the sound..the sound of flesh tearing is heard once more.

Zemheri eyes grow wide as a hand simply emerges from within his chest, bursting out with his heart and blood splurts out of his mouth, pain fills his face and body...and that pained expression turns to them..resentful. As if..in the heat of war once more.

First..came the words to Ariels, 'I kept..you safe..as best as I could..but what about me...? When I needed your aid the most, your godpowers..your godkin strength..you were just watching.' The dark stick is released, the thunk of it hitting the ground is heard as his hand stretches out to them.

Thalia, the gaze slowly shifts to you, '..Disappointment...trained. Raised. All that aid and training for...nothing? You had one job..One goal, my child. To protect our people, Audhild.' And that angered expression deepens and darkens. 'You've fallen into enemies hands far too many times, disgusting. Useless.'

Instead of falling..his body straightens as spikes of earth shot out from his chest ,piercing his own heart and keeping it beating out of his corpse and the gaze goes to Benjamin, 'Inspired by me? Trying to become me due to my creations but you are nothing, no one will remember your name or your creations. You are like the toy of a child, forgotten when something new is given or created.'

To Vyrionth..there are no words, just a look...a look of disgust, he knows now why Audhild was attacked, he knows it was thanks to -that- family. That disgust is mixed with a hatred that could not be held in one single person.

Niemh..you are ignored. Not because you aren't important but. . to him? You are a nobody, A nephilim of Mestra? Who cares, the last one didn't help him anyway. The last one couldn't use her powers to save 'Me.' You hear his words almost within your mind. . as if he was telling all of this while not speaking a word.

The music grows louder and louder, the open chest remains damage for all to see, the beating heart pierced by an earth spike.

'...Failures, the lot of you. Failures that led to my death and to the fall of my district.'

And the people around clap and cheer, the show is reaching its first grand finale.

Sand pours out of his feet, the nature swarms around this already rocky place and the ground shakes, they are not going to the next part without a fight.

[11:07] What could he have done? He knew the truth now. Something deep, something that made him clench his fist and be aggressive towards that damn maestro. Not that he had anything against who the man was, but that cursed music. The effect it had on his mind, the actions of his family, the hypocrisy, the lies, and the secrets... Everything mixed together all at once, and that music did nothing to help.

In that particular moment, the knight probably lost a part of himself, but all he could do was close his eyes and lament not having done anything, not having done enough, having fought in a war in vain. He wished he had done more for Zemheri, and even though he had achieved victory against just one of the mercenaries of the Golden Horde, he still failed.

He failed for being naive.

He failed for wanting to protect his family more.

He failed for trying to correct what Orphee couldn't.

He wanted the strength to ask for forgiveness from Zemheri, but hecouldn't. Nothing he did would change the already written past. Nothing he tried to do to suppress the mistakes already made would make a difference.

There was no forgiveness.

There was only guilt and a burden, and all he could do was watch his whole world revolve around that nightmare.
(Vyrionth Dawnseeker)


[11:11] Ariels' scowling defiance is swept away in a look of frightened horror as one of the worst moments of her life is recreated before her eyes once more, clawed hand of a faeborne queen ripping into it and heart coming with its exit.

Her teeth grit as though struck with a blow of her own, pain felt in her own chest even as no magic or weapon struck it.

And then, words came, addressing Ariels. It struck her deeper, that look falling and weakening into a widened-eyed stare. Jaw hung slightly open as the one she denied to be the same mentor assaulted her so personally.

It hurt, and the weakened, pleading tone of her reply made that clear as a single and slow step was made closer.

"N-no, that's not true.. I- we.. talked and you told me it was okay to be safe! I was just a kid! You told me to be safe! A-and.. Galland and Gio, they were stronger, quicker... I would have too, I wanted to, I would have if they didn't!

You have to believe me!"

As the ground rumbled in time with the growing music, Ariels' composure began to crack a bit. Her head turned left and right in a panic, leveling the weapon back at him but hesitating to fire any magics from it, despite the charging of mana being made clear in the brightening of wings.

"Please!"
(Ariels Kasca)


[11:15] Beside Ariels, Niemh's eyes fixed upon the figure standing before them, masquerading as Zemheri - undeterred, she tightened her grip on the scepter and pointed it directly at the imposter. In that moment, she joined the twisted performance, adding her own twist to the act.

With her voice clear and resolute, Niemh began to sing a chant that reverberated through the air.

Her words, infused with what little aether she could muster, carried a determined power as she aimed to break her friends free from their momentary daze.

The urgency in her tone echoed her desperation to dispel the illusion and restore their senses.

"Oh, gentle zephyr, come forth from the air,
With your presence, let us feel you near.
Rustle the leaves, dance through the trees,
Bring your refreshing touch, put our minds at ease.

Mistress of winds, with power untamed,
Invisible currents, your essence unnamed.
Grant us your wisdom, your ethereal grace,
Sweep away troubles, in your airy embrace.

By the breath of life, I summon thee now,
Elemental of Air, come and take thy bow.
Together we journey, in harmony we fly,
With the winds as our guide, let our spirits soar high.

May your presence bring clarity and light,
In this realm of chaos, dispel the blight.
Elemental of Air, I call upon your might,
With open arms, we welcome you this night."

Through her performance, Niemh sought to rally the others, to remind them of their purpose and ignite a spark of resistance within their hearts.

She moved with fervor, her eyes locked on each of her comrades, silently urging them to awaken from the stupor induced by the creature's twisted illusions.
(Niemh)


[11:28] "The sound?" Benjamin utters out in confusion, trying his best to try and figure it out scientifically.
Sound... Vibrations? Are they able to float using vibrations in the air, allowing them to counteract gravity? Given how he has seen the power of sound able to alter the world itself based on Ariels and Niemh performing music to refine Prismintiium, the same metal Mestra has brought into her existence with her own song? Perhaps there is genuine merit in such a concept.

Alas, before he could ask for clarifications? Ariels and Vryionth's verbal refusal of the Zemheri as the real one?
A hand, no doubt belonging to the real being within the fake, emerges out of the chest.

Not even the numbness from the fumes could stop the shivers going up Benjamin's spine, nor could it prevent the growing goosebumps on his skin. A reminder of the day he tried to repress in his mind, a vision he wanted to never see again.

The imagery of Zemheri's heart torn out from the chest, once more.

And as the voice of Zemheri spoke, accusing each one of them for their failures, for their weaknesses? Discrediting them, calling Benjamin out as but an imitator that'll be forgotten?

Words that sought to hurt, to demoralize... Have done the opposite as a light smile dawns on Benjamin's face.

Then a cackle soon follows out of Benjamin's lips, as the smile grows wider into a grin. Instead of feeling hurt? The young scientist found comfort.

"You're not Zemheri."

He boldly declares, starting at the abomination that is now nothing but the physical appearance of Zemheri's body wrapped and twisted with earth based magics.

There is no reason, no logic, for him to be offended by accusations that come from nothing but a stranger who happens to wear Zemheri's face, is there?

On theother hand? Should that being become a threat, there'll be ample enough reasons for Benjamin to raise his fists up, gearing himself for a fight!

"Keep your heads up, everyone, and your minds sharp. This display, the emotions it tries to rise out of you?"

A hand is raised up, lowering his goggles into place right over his eyes.

"It is nothing but a show."
(Benjamin Thomson)


[11:34] Thalia was just trying to get Ariels and Vyrionth. As she heard the words that Zemheri had said, it caused her grip on her bow to tighten for a moment.

… If this was any other situation, she probably would have embraced such words as fact. She had lost so many times in battle in the past, to the point she just went for half-measures in order to make sure there was at least a means for victory for the people at large.

But hearing it now? From the voice of Zemheri? The man whom had died fighting for Audhild, the one whom she had regrets not being able and willing to save him due to her own bad performance in her battle before?

"I..."

She had never fallen into enemy hands before. She had lost many times, but always somehow found a way to accomplish her goal despite losing many times. But hearing it now?

She bowed her head momentarily. Even if this was not real. Her mind registered it as such.

"... I tried, Mister Zemheri. Every single time, I tried. I know I wasn't great. But... I tried to protect our people. I even remained within more to do so. To make sure no one was harmed."

Even if it was not recent, she did always go out and kept herself vigilantly standing in places most wouldn't pass in the event she might find something that might endanger others.

All she could do was be there for others and try her best.

What else could she have done?

She knew it was not real. She knew it was not.

This wasn't what Zemheri would say. He would always tell people to try their best. To make the most out of things. He was pushing people to be the best at what they were.

Maybe these were words were words she wanted to hear.

Maybe? She wanted to be reprimanded for those losses, even if they meant nothing.

Or maybe. Just maybe. Thalia wanted to just prove those incessant words wrong. Of her own failures.

Whichever were the case... The thought that were echoed in her head persuaded her of the danger she was in. For a second, it took her a moment to realize the sand and the swivels of earth quaking from below.

The aura of stars quickly motioning on her frame as she quickly aimed to get ready for what was to come.

"You will tell us to try our best. You wouldn't break us down."

At least that was the only way she could find peace of mind here as to keep reminding herself, in that addled mind, that he was not real.

This was not real. All she could do now was help the others and fight!
(Thalia)


[11:37] Zemheri? says, "Again and again...you children keep hurting me."
[11:37] Vyrionth Dawnseeker exclaims, "Ack!"
[11:38] Ariels Kasca says, "I don't want-.. no, no they're right. It's not you..."
[11:38] Thalia says, "Hnn..."
[11:40] {Won Restrained RPB against Zemheri?}
[11:56]
'Do you know the truth, Vyrionth? Why do you pretend innocence?'

'You know how hypocritical you are, you and your entire family!'

'HAHA, do you really think you're going to ascend to become a dragon? Do you firmly believe in all of this? Deluded, deluded!'

'You continue to hurt me, even after all this?'

He had voices in his mind, the weight of his guilt, and that exalted rage within his body. Benjamin was right, Thalia was right, and certainly Niemh helped in that instant to try to bring clarity through her actions, but for Vyrionth and Ariels... the hole went much deeper, perhaps because Vyrionth had an image of a father figure, a decent leader, someone he deeply missed.

But he knew someone was playing with his feelings.
Bringing them to the surface.
Bringing out the worst side of Vyrionth, something that was natural for the Dawnseekers - anger.

His eyes darkened by the shadow of his helmet allowed him to see his allies fighting, and he saw the help, the effort, as they weakened that false, flawed, malicious, and offensive image of Zemheri; he was not alone, and it was there that he held onto his feelings and reason - even though he was in a trance, he knew the truth.

He would not let Zemheri's memory be disrespected in this way; he would not let -someone- harm the image that Zemheri had left in everyone... And whoever played with this, that person had gone too far.

Explosions and earthquakes, as the temperature dropped. The cosmic presence and brute force, combined with Benji and Niemh's intelligent strength, as if the gusts of wind were not enough to create a euphoria and animosity in the feeling of battle within the Drakanite - until the figure wavered in the midst of all that distraction, and a spear pierced Zemheri's chest, pinning him to the ground.

The Drakanite knight finally showed the brutality of his blood - the most horrendous part of his personality, the coldness. When he touched Zemheri's face, Vyn showed affection and tenderness with a sad expression without saying a word, both hands holding the man's face...

The expression transformed into one of hatred, anger, tears. Vyrionth's arm and face emanated extremely bright circuits, even tracing up his wings, as if the presence of Drakanite magic was incredibly strong in that moment, reinforcing his lineage.

His hand pressed against Zemheri's face, while the man's face froze and crystallized... until his body turned into nothing more than a block of ice, and finally, was crushed by Vyrionth's hand, manifesting his rage.

His only words, in tears with his face full of tears, were...
"Do not play with our feelings, you damn bastard. Do not ruin the memory of someone we love so much, you wretch!"
(Vyrionth Dawnseeker)


[12:11] The perfect mimicry of their mentor's magics only led to the uncertainty and pain of having to fight against what Ariels did everything in her power to keep herself convinced was merely a horrific figment of the dead man.

It had to be. His heart was already gone, cast into the forest by Aemiliya. His appearance, familiar, yet all wrong. Hair too dark, tone and nature not entirely as she remembered, and most of all, there was no way he would survive the second piercing of stone through his body to turn him into some sort of earth-carried puppet.

As such, it became easier to fight against the doppleganger, a more natural instinct of combat to dodge, attack, retreat, as though he were any other enemy.

Whether or not she would be able to bring herself to deliver a killing blow to a beloved mentor for a second time, it thankfully did not matter. Vyrionth would take that burden on himself, and with the shattering of the iced body, Ariels raised her free hand to cover her mouth, a choked noise coming from her as she stared down at the shattered remains, her own ever-chromatic eyes glossy as well.

The first thing to quickly pull her out of it was the words that came from the drakanite, a few slow nods given. Rather, nods to herself, to reassure herself that it was exactly that.

Looking around the room to any perceived 'audience', she cast her hands out to her sides, even without her awareness of the eye Thalia saw.

"Is this what entertains you? Debauchery and misery in equal measures?" Are you not entertained?!

If anything was gained from this, it was a re-strengthened resolve to put an end to this place.
(Ariels Kasca)


[12:15] There was one credit Benjamin had to give credit to the imitator, frustratingly so.

It uses the same kind of magics Zemheri used, and to good effect as well. The earth trembles, sand rising from the cracks to try and uproot them, pin the people of Audhild into place. The sheer volume of it all had forced Benjamin to fight from longer range, releasing bursts of lightning while manipulating the wind around him to keep pummeling at the figure in an attempt to weaken it. Only seldomly, does Benjamin risk going in to strike the fake Zemheri down with his gauntlet when the opportunity presents itself, overcharged with electricity to cause further harm.

Normally, Benjamin hates fighting. The recoil from his punches, the blood pressure sparking up... He hates the sensation.
However, thanks to the fumes in the air? Those sensations grow numb, letting Benjamin stay more focused. Hitting without worry, without reservations for the other's well being.

It also helps that he isn't viewing the being he fights against as a 'person' anymore, just a being that needs to be pushed back by force.

However, that does not mean Benjamin was left emotionless. When Vrionth got the chance to land the finishing stroke? The young scientist turned his head away to not see the face of Zemheri getting frozen and crushed away.

While he was certain this being was nothing but a fake? Benjamin did not seek to add another vivid imagery of Zemheri's face as death comes to claim them.
(Benjamin Thomson)


[12:19] Niemh swiftly engaged in combat, utilizing a combination of wind and light magic to fend off their enemies - or rather, enemy. She moved with purpose, seamlessly blending her affinities to attack, defend, and maneuver across the chaotic battlefield.

The gusts of wind propelled her forward, enabling her to swiftly evade incoming strikes and strike back with precision. And the air crackled with energy as she summoned vortexes and barriers to shield herself and her allies from harm.

Alongside her, her contracted air elemental soared gracefully, adding its power to her own. Their synergy was evident as they fought as a cohesive unit.

The elemental unleashed bursts of air, disrupting enemy formations and creating openings, while Niemh called upon radiant light to pierce through the darkness and sow confusion among their foes.

However, the emotional turmoil caused by the imposter's manipulations took its toll on Niemh.

The heightened sensitivity to the intense emotions of her allies took its toll on Niemh, draining her energy and burdening her spirit. With each passing moment, her movements grew sluggish, her once nimble and precise spellcasting losing its fluidity.

The weight of the collective emotions bore down on her, threatening to disrupt her concentration and undermine her effectiveness.

As the battle raged on, Niemh fought through the heaviness that surrounded her. Despite the strain of carrying the burdens of others, she refused to succumb to the overwhelming emotions.

Though her attacks lacked their previous vigor, she pressed forward with unwavering determination, adapting her strategies to compensate for her diminished abilities.

Then, in a surge of rage, Vyrionth unleashed his full power upon the imposter. Ice enveloped the imposter's body, freezing it in place. Relief washed over Niemh as the weight of the battle's emotions lifted from her weary shoulders.

In the aftermath, they stood amidst the stillness, victorious but somber. The frozen imposter served as a poignant reminder of their fallen comrade and the lengths they had gone to defend his memory.

"That's it?" She asked, not knowing what else to expect. "Is this the kind of performance you want?"
(Niemh)


[12:22] Thalia's eyes had gone wide for a second as in the midst of combat. The woman was rooted and just put in an embrace that caused her eyes to widen. Both filled with shock, anger, and pain.

As she was nearly ran through by the spike that was close to his heart. Soon, her eyes boggled for but a mere moment. Cosmic momentum begun to shift and churn from under her body, almost as if she wanted to explode with anger.

That one moment of weakness caused her starlight to lightly waver and churn out violently from the base of her finger tips as the battle had continued, watching the ending of it all.

Her tired gaze quickly shifted to look at the others, Vyrionth moving for the sudden finishing blow, after slamming him into the ground. Thalia's eyes went wide for a second, but she quickly calmed down, holding onto the wound on her chest with the hand that held the bow. While the other looked away from the finishing blow.

"..."

Silently, after that finishing motion, did she stare a bit around.

She did not forget about what was given to her, though she only had one shot at this. Removing the elixir from her bag, Thalia uncorked it and downed it.

It might have been best to down it later. . But? Who knows if the next fight she would be as lucky?

For now, she drank it.

It couldn't get rid of the emotional damage, but at least the physical scar. She did not want that to be a memory from Zemheri. Or 'Zemheri', in this case.
(Thalia)


[12:26] {NARRATION} The battle is almost like a show, a theatrical play with a lovely someone controlling it from the background. Earthquake, sand, nature..the man was a monster in life and even worse in death.

Spikes came up, sand waves thrown everywhere and the only one that really was caught was..Thalia, amidst the combat, the man smiled..that kind smile that approached you with open arms, hugging you and making that spike holding his heart..slowly pierce your chest and what you feel after? It is better left unsaid for only you could describe it.

And he threw you aside, leaving you in the path of the magic of others as laughter escaped his lips, the man was almost dancing around the many spells with a joy and glee that..was uncanny to him alas...

The Fight went on. The show continued.

The Drakanite got the man, before his body was frozen solid a hand came up...to wipe away some of the tears, 'Cry not for the ones that left, for they are in a better place than all of you.'

A solid block of ice.
Frozen and crushed once more. . and the disturbing part?

The people around barely clothed..they start to clap, to cheer, to whistle as if their pain and agony was an amazing show for them all to see...the people around threw flowers, fake coins...bits of skin and other people...and also..items? They cheer louder at Ariels words even!

Equipment that can be used by them..the babies that floated, cried in agony as their skin melted..and their bones liquified, the song was over. There was no more use to them..and the clapping continues. A standing ovation for the actors!

Magical red curtains fall around them, creating a divider between them and the people around after the items were scattered and thrown around...the claps die down a bit and soon..after a minute or so, they're lifted...

There are no songs now, just a change of scenery, a table with five drakanites sitting around it and a blue-ish woman.

To many, this is a random scene but...Vyrionth, you now feel something probbing your mind, you're the target for the next exposition. You stopped the first show so you must become the second.

A golden haired man with long locks growing angry with each second, a dark winged woman with long upward horns crying, a couple of dark winged across the golden haired one. The blueish woman quiet.

'...Witches in our family and all this time, everyone kept quiet.' A loud thunk hits everyone's ears. The scenery is a simple table with that family around and there is an empty chair there.

One key actor is missing.

Will you take your part or let it play out? Will any of you take that part?
[12:41] He saw Sredras forming there, before him; once again. The purest and darkest rage surged from the knight as if the torture couldn't have an end, as if it had no end at all. The show continued, and it didn't end, and now he turned to a memory that should have been... positive.

And the more he found himself in that situation, the more he felt his inner despair flowing out of his body in the form of violence. "Whatever you are, and whatever your purpose with this is." He spoke to that thing that mimicked the appearance of his uncle. "I should thank you in a way, perhaps. Out of a longing to free myself from the shackles that ruined my family in the past."

"And even though there are two witches sitting at this table, only one thing is certain; you want me to take my place at this table? I will." He pulled out the chair, but didn't sit down. He looked at the face of his aunt, then at his mother's, and then at his uncle's.

And in the end? Nothing was said, but the sword was brought to the hilt once again... He feigned carelessness and inattentiveness, but the blow was directed at his aunt Melione in that instant... And then, at his own mother.

A diagonal cut, and an ice spear was unleashed.

"That's the truth." - now, turning his anger against that which toyed with the figure of his uncle. "You wanted a show, and you're getting one, and I'm tired of this bullshit. So if it's entertainment that you want at the expense of our pain, come and see how much you can revel in it."

The temperature dropped even further, and the energy emanating from Vyrionth's body was even more palpable.
(Vyrionth Dawnseeker)


[12:56] Ariels watched as the show transitioned into something new and something that, despite having little to do with the bard herself, made her even more uncomfortable than if it had been her own life being torn into and brought into reality as fuel for this twisted stageplay.

Standing nearby, watching Vyn take the part that was clearly billed and cast specifically for him, the Nephilim felt guilty. She felt she had no right to peer into this life, these secrets of another, though after a moment, she shook her head.

Ariels wanted to tell herself that, like the false Zemheri's taunting words, the things she heard were just as much of a fallacy, a statement made to rile them up.

She had to tell herself that, for the change in scenario still seemed real to the altered state of her mind within this place.

Yet when Vyrionth threw his strikes out to the two family members seated with the taunting drakanite instead of the one who spoke, her expression sank into agrim look, disappointment overtaken by sympathy for her friend and the truths she perceived from this.

In a mix of readiness to support him in combat and support herself on her feet as she witnessed the exchange, the staff was held in both hands, gently leaned on like a crutch. The lack of sobering adrenaline as the fighting died down meant the fumes in the theater's air had time to slowly work their magic to warp her senses and prickle her skin.

Words were whispered, carried across the distance to reach Vyn and the drakanite seated opposite through sound magic,

"It's okay. This will be the last show they ever put on. That's why we came here, after all."

Then, eerie considering their locale but entirely expected given her inebriation, Ariels giggles after her threat, elaborating on it.

"Like I said, final colors or red and yellow and orange and even a little blue. Fire as it aaaaall burns down, hehehehe!"
(Ariels Kasca)


[13:00] A scenery unfolding, where Benjamin is but a stranger in. Some of the faces in that table, like Sredras, Benjamin is able to recognize... But, realizing based on Vyrionth's initial reaction that the scene in front of them is meant for him, the young scientist stays put to watch it play out.

To act out as the supporting cast in the play, should Vyrionth need their help.

However, when Vyrionth confirmed that there were indeed witches sitting at the table? Benjamin's mouth opened up in shock, his eyes widened at the news.

No... It can't be, can it? Could the rumors, the accusations Aemiliya had clung onto to justify her attack on Audhild, of the city having witches... Was actually true?

Still, he holds his tongue. For as much as he wants to start asking, to demand answers? Now, in this accursed theater, will simply not be the time nor place.

Not when every heated emotion raised or pained feeling struck, can be used against you.

Besides, it wasn't as if Benjamin had the opportunity to speak up, considering Vyrionth already drew his blade and magic against those figures.

"We are down to the finale it seems, Ariels?" Benjamin inquires the artist by his side, raising a hand to make sure his goggles are properly placed.

"I'm not one for theatrics, admittedly. Shall we end it efficiently, then?"
(Benjamin Thomson)


[13:01] Ariels Kasca says, "We are not.. these are just actors. Someone's running this, and I don't think it's this one either..."
[13:01] As the battle came to an end, Niemh took a moment to catch her breath. Her head was still spinning from the whirlwind of emotions that had engulfed her. Each performance seemed to be intricately tied to the personal struggles of her allies, and she couldn't help but fear that she would be the next one in the spotlight.

She gathered her thoughts, steeling herself for what lay ahead. She knew that her energy was depleted, drained by the weight of others' emotions. But she couldn't afford to falter now. She had to find the strength to continue, to support her friends in their own battles.

As the curtains lifted, revealing a new scene, Niemh focused her attention on Vyrionth, who was now the center of attention. The probing presence in her mind made her shudder, but she pushed aside her own weariness. She would be there for Vyrionth, ready to lend her support in whatever way she could.

"... Oh my, how-... No, not amusing, but curious, yes.
Itseems that everyone here carries some kind of baggage with them."

The stage was set for the next act, and Niemh braced herself for the challenges that lay ahead. Despite her own vulnerability, she knew she had a role to play in this twisted performance. With determination burning in her eyes, she stood beside her comrades, prepared to face whatever horrors awaited them.

"Once again, we rise to the occasion." As Niemh readied herself, a haunting melody filled the air, its gentle hum following her every step. "And we move, on and on."
(Niemh)


[13:07] In the midst of her drinking the Elixir, her eyes shifted. It took a while for it to kick in, but she staggered somewhat once she saw the next play that came through all of this. Suddenly the voice that was within her mind had begun to all but dissipate before her.

Vyrionth's sudden visceral reaction caused her to be surprised for but a moment, before finally softening herself and placing the vial into her bag.

Hearing the bit regarding Sredras, his words and such.. She only remembered him from their brief meetings, but once that battle against the Horde had ended, she did not see him much anymore.

For a moment, relief, then the words regarding witches? Annoyance. It was this again that caused her to feel a sense of sympathy for the reaction that Vyrionth had, but for now?

"Like a director, I assume." If there were actors, there was a director. A playwright that strung the lines and gave it to the actors to run their course.

"I think we all have to make this playwright answer for this."

She was not saying that out of anger. No. Definitely not. Okay, maybe a little.
(Thalia)


[13:10] {NARRATION} The chair was taken.
A slash in the air..but no ice spear.

It was smitten out of the air before launched and the protector of the Family spoke loudly, Sredras Dawnseeker. The strongest of the family, the holy one. The ever faithless stared Vyrionth with a enormous smile.

'You are not playing your part. Tell them..' The right arm swung freely, pointing to his friends, 'How our family caused the district in Audhild to be gone. Tell them how our family has witches and a fleshcrafter. Reveal to them all how fucked up we are...and we try to be normal.'

And a laughter comes, uproar. As he would always laugh, 'I grow sick and tired with your weakness...always trying to be the knight. The faithful of the divines but you can't grow. While I grow older, you grow useless. You can't even take a round off of me? Imagine when my kids are born, they would likely wash you away...like a fuckin' tear in the rain. That is how useless you are in this family, brought nothing but problems to us all too.'

And those blue eyes they become golden briefly, the normal white wings grow larger, this is not Sredras. Although it is honest as the real one. Blinking behind Vyrionth the hands of the older Drakanite remains on his shoulders, 'Tell them, how much pain you caused your mother when captured! What happened when you were free and didn't return home too.' The face leans down, to stay side by side with his oh so beloved nephew. '...We should've let you die back then. For the good of Meranthe as it always were.'

Those calloused hands that work with a hammer and nowadays a hammer travel from your shoulders to the wings, carefully tracing the lines until the tip of those icy blue wings. 'The ever serious, the one who needn't a person by his side because 'his life couldn't accept it'...a weakling through and through.'

And the chair is turned to the group! That golden haired man smiling brightly with golden eyes, 'And what about those? If I remember correctly...' The tail points to Ariels, 'That is the one you coveted a few years ago and never did anything!' And then to Benjamin, 'Who is that one a friend or a tool? After all, we barely have friends, we have people we put our 'trust' just to get them to do things for us.' The tail then points to Thalia, 'What about that sad display of a magi? Couldn't even protect her father image and now is even more damaged by a fake!'

And the eyes settle upon the wingless Nephilim.

'Oh, one that hasn't awakened yet. Beautiful, I will take your screams as part of our lovely show in this lovely night. But I do smell something different about you, is it..a new magic? Akin to spiritmancy and yet vastly different.....huh, almost a goddess herself, right?'

That smile remained as the golden hair became..red in the tips. The horns curled upwards like the one's Vyrionth's mother has. A mix and match of the entire family..just for him. Behind them, the sound of horns and arrows being released is heard..as two plays are being played at the same time 'The Destruction of Audhild District' When the Horde attacked..

And this exposition. With a kick that is faster than their eyes, the chair splintered and Vyrionth sent back to his group. Not injured, not this time.

"...All of this and yet..you can't even reach what most of us did. A knight...no. Just a guy that walks around pretending to be important.'

And that man standing there..it is weird, light mixes with shadows, cosmic mixes with holy...Two more heads rise from the shoulders, one of Sorcha..or in better words that she, herself says 'Melione..Hiraeth. Dawnseekers are corrupt.' and the other, the face of Ulfhild Dawnseeker and all of them laugh at the same time.

Exposition? No. Just the honesty being given to all of them to sort it out later, once the sound of arrows hitting the ground is heard..the place grows darker and they can all feel the sense of not one dragon, an amalgamation of a dragon stalking through the shadows, waiting its chance to pounce and utterly destroy them.

....A battle after another.
[13:14] Vyrionth Dawnseeker says, "Not my fault for having a head of family broken and selfish - that left. But I noticed I can't really repair everything, I can't do much. Be it truth or not, Dawnseekers did what was needed for Meranthe and they didn't failed on this - but this is, between me and whatever you're, -thing.-"
[13:15] Sredras? says, "A thing?! Careful with your words..kiddo."
[13:18] Sredras? asks, ". . . Gave up?"
[13:19] Sredras? says, ". . . . All weaklings."
[13:19] Sredras? says, "As fuckin' always..."
[13:20] Sredras? says, "Not even my sister would fuck up that hard."
[13:20] Sredras? says, "And I trained you. . .that is pitiful."
[13:21] Niemh says, "..."
[13:23] Vyrionth Dawnseeker says, "Why don't you just shut the fuck up for once."
[13:24] Sredras? says, "Cute."
[13:27] {Won Restrained RPB against Sredras?}
[14:05] A supporting actor upon the stage, who shall soon find himself stealing the spotlight.

Each of his companions gave them all against the fake amalgamation of Sredras, Sorcha, and Ulfhild, each in their own way working to prove the being wrong in combat - And with Vyrionth having the most to prove.

Yet, as they thought fought? A sudden realization clicked inside of Benjamin's mind. An epiphany you could call it, as they face off against the amalgamation.

"Everyone, keep them busy and give me cover! I need to go in!" Benjamin shouts to the rest of them, in a rare moment of him trying to take charge.
About time some might say even, given he is now a councilman in the city where they all came from, meant to act as a leader despite his great reluctance for such a role.

Rushing at the coming onslaught with speed bolstered by the electricity through his nervous systems, moving through the openings his allies grant him with their aid? The young scientist closes the distance just enough for the briefest of touch, an open palm touching touching the foreahead of Sredras' head.

That was all Benjamin needed to get the intel he needed, 'scanning' the amalgamation body by passing his own mana through what would count as its magic circuits, mapping it out.

Using that information, Benjamin's bolsters his speed further with a momentary boost to his muscles to move across the being's frame poking across its 'skin' - Which netted the scientist a cut to the midsection in turn before he could gain distance.

Luckily for Benjamin however? That was enough:

"You might not realize it, but I just gave you the Treatment." He utters out with a smile, sucking in the groan of pain that tried to follow as much he can.

The initial effects of the Treatment would be felt before Benjamin gets to explain, as the mana within him starts to flow... Better? What?

Did Benjamin gave the being a power up, of all things?!

"I realized that the circuits within you must be blocked quite a bit, or twisted in such a way that impairs your flow. No doubt due to the haphazard way you transmuted body, slapping everything together and calling it a day.

So... I fixed it for you.

All of it." The last words were spoken with a more ominous tone, as the second set of effects started to trigger in the amalgamation's body, causing untold pain behind imagine!

"Occult and holy can be quite the deadly combination, after all. Now they both flow seamlessly through you."

The yin and yang, the opposite forces come clashing against one another inside the being's system. Exploding internally, devouring piece after piece as their illogical dual existence is unveiled in the face of reality.

And when such a grave error in reality exists? It'll bring forth all of its fury to correct it.

"You're welcome."

Words spoken with scorn, contempt for the creature... All while Benjamin makes sure to lock eyes with as many pairs of peepers the creature still has, as his own magics will undo him from the universe.
(Benjamin Thomson)


[14:24] Fighting against his own uncle was his greatest challenge, and the rage still persisted within him. But witnessing that special occasion, realizing that the gathering had done more harm than good to his family, only served to further fuel Vyrionth's anger.

Nevertheless, the final resolution managed to lift that immense weight off Vyrionth's shoulders and made him realize that he needed to free himself from that unnecessary burden. Vyrionth should look forward, face his future, and not dwell on past problems as he had done until then.

With the help of his friends, they achieved complete success, despite the constant difficulty of the battle. It was a mental fight, a physical fight - certainly, after that situation, they could all consider themselves mentally resilient, perhaps.

When did Vyrionth find a moment to breathe?

He saw Benjamin putting an end to that situation in the most ingenious and least brutal way possible, Benjamin always had the most intelligent solution up his sleeve - it was expected. Vyrionth would likely persist in his mental frenzy and attempt to tear things apart.

But it's better to have fewer scenes of brutality... So many impacts had already been caused in that situation.
(Vyrionth Dawnseeker)


[14:28] When called to distract, Ariels quickly jumped into her own role, magics nearly perfect to play that role. The same mirror trick as done in the doorway, repeated randomly across the battlefield when the drakanite imposter's own light magic fired about; filling the entire field with blinding visual clutter.

Ariels flinched at the internal finishing blow dealt to the creature, and while the light of her magic would normally fade in time with adrenaline following battle, she stayed glowing this time. A bright, holy glow that seemed to burn, judging by the way she anxiously sucked in air through tightly clenched teeth.

"Aagh… good... good job."

That pained look turned to Vyrionth, mouth closing as the corners of her lips drew back.

"I... won't press the issue now or any time soon. Are you alright..?"

It implied she had questions, but this was the furthest thing from the time or place. Nor was she in any state to make demands, practically bursting with light and wincing in pain because of it. After some brief debate, knowing her next move would antagonize, she opted to drink her own elixir to be fully prepared for what would come of her actions.

It was a time for this place to end, in fact, and this time, Ariels would step forward closer to the center of the room, the 'stage'.

She had an idea on how to draw something better out. With her own light magic radiating a cone of light down onto her and sound to echo her voice through the room and beyond like an announcer's PA system, the Nephilim made a proclamation.

The upper tip of her staff was even tipped toward her mouth like a microphone on a stand.

"Good people of the Twilight Theater! I do sincerely apologize but with a loss of actors and rather poor audience reviews, it is with heavy heart that I announce a premature end to tonight's performance, as well as a permanent end and demolition of our beloved concert hall!

Tonight's tasteless show has been a final straw, and the Theater simply cannot afford to exist any longer! We hope you've enjoyed your time, but moreso, hope you can find peace and forgiveness with the Gods for your actions here.

May the divine have mercy on your souls, proceed to the nearest exit, and good night."
(Ariels Kasca)


[14:28] As the battle raged on, Niemh understood the urgency in Benjamin's voice. Believing him to have what it takes to put an end to this act, she took on the role of his support, diverting her attention and magic to keep the amalgamation at bay - even exhausted, she put a good fight.

The faint hum of the melodic song that accompanied her steps grew more intense, filling her with a renewed sense of strength.

With each flick of her scepter, gusts of wind swirled, and light beams pierced through the air, aiming to slow down the amalgamation just enough for Benjamin to strike - with her contracted elemental joining the fray, swirling around the battlefield and disrupting the creature's movements.

The elemental's gusts buffeted the amalgamation, momentarily disorienting it and creating openings for Benjamin to exploit.

The melody that had accompanied her before grew louder and more resonant, its haunting notes harmonizing with her every move. The sound enveloped the battlefield, casting a veil of ethereal energy that both shielded Niemh and disoriented their foe.

"With our voices joined in harmonious chant,
We banish doubt and fear's cruel taunt,
Resilience flows through every vein,
Renewed strength found in this refrain."

The swirling winds whipped around her, carrying her voice as she sang a chant of courage and resilience, infusing her allies with renewed strength.

"From depths within, let courage rise,
Unyielding souls, we defy demise,
With steadfast hearts, we face our plight,
In this shared bond, we find our might."

With her scepter in hand, Niemh channeled her magic through it. She moved with agility and grace, darting in and out of the amalgamation's reach, always mindful of her positioning to provide the best support possible. Her elemental companion fought alongside her, launching gusts of wind and unleashing dazzling displays of radiant energy.

"So let this chant be our guiding light,
Igniting courage, fierce and bright,
Together we rise, unbroken and free,
Resilient warriors, forever we'll be."

The combined efforts of their comrades kept the amalgamation occupied, buying Benjamin the precious moments he needed to deliver the final blow. As the clash between opposing forces intensified within the creature, Niemh's magics swirled around her like a protective aura, lending an extra layer of resilience.
(Niemh)


[14:34] Thalia kept herself busy with the group that laid before them. As their forces all came together, almost wafting together in the manifestation of different magics.

Holy and Dark being a blight to be used in one person, yet it was odd seeing it flow through in some kind of way from 'Sredras'. A lot of it was odd, a blight in the midst of the chaos itself.

The pressure from the overall fight was almost like she was finding a deeper and deeper a chasm within the ocean that was this 'theatre'. The deeper they had gone with these manifestations of what she could only assume to be illusions..

The ground beneath them would break, and an entirely new realm of strength would overwhelm them.. Or in this case, Thalia. She kept touching more and more. It was only when Benjamin put his own spin on things and ended the charade with the threat themselves, that Thalia was able to keep calm within it all.

She started to pant a bit, though that was only due to the amount of pressure that was placed upon her in that moment.

She sought to say something here, but thought against it for now, placing her bow back Infront of her once more- even as the words Ariels spoke regarding the theatre along with Niemh's brought some calm in knowing that the ending was more than likely at hand.

Was it just this 'playwright' now? She once more looks around, almost knowingly for that odd manifestation that she saw at the very start that unnerved her.
(Thalia)


[14:41] {NARRATION} The fight when on vicious as it was, dangerous as it was and yet, they came out almost unscathed! Claws were used to dig into skin of the ones that stood nearby, cosmic used to scorch the ground, shadow slashes used to send them away and holy meteors charging them away.

First it was Ariels that got caught, a beautiful array of light spears with golden coloration that pierced her body and wings, clearly hurting a fuck lot but also...there is something else that can be gained through this.

Then, Benjamin that got caught in a really dangerous void cutter that at first...caused nothing but soon, that blood almost exploded from his mid section, showering the place in front of him with his own blood. Shadows in the injury tried to make it grow larger..but it was controlled for now.

As soon as the fight kept going, both sides were getting tired and then..Benjamin had the bright idea. Occult. Holy. They can't coexist unless you are some sort of god!

The palm to the forehead was given and felt, weirdly enough, that head nodded back, after all, he is a medic too but then the spells and magics kept coming from everywhere, anywhere, battering that amalgamation of a body until...

'Hm?" Cracks appeared on the faces as a golden light and darkness mixed together and before another word were uttered.

There was that sick and loving sound of flesh expanding quickly and gore flying everywhere as the magics couldn't be contained within that body anymore. It mixed and mixed badly, causing a reaction from within and...making nothing remain.

People around clap! Throwing objects towards the group and instead of having a door on their left, there is a door on their right, waiting for them to go away or move to their final show.

An eerie music of a piano could be heard now, the voices from the people in the main hall are less loud than before and you all could hear at least one person screaming 'I WAS CHOSEN! I WAS CHO-' and only the sound of bones breaking but nothing to be seen as you all hadn't moved yet.

As Ariels made her announcement the place shook, the imagery around trembled and what appeared now was. . sad. A big theater with black curtains in the distance, circular in shape so the chairs can be facing the middle where a lone pianist plays his song.

Each sound invokes a memory, an emotion, it invokes images in their minds.

A lone human, non-magi. Old Vdalion civilian, lost everything thanks to Ragnarok. Went to Audhild. Lost everything thanks to Horde. Went nowhere else..he wandered lost in this world.

Non-magi, weak.
Non-important. Resentful. Angry.
One day..the theater appeared during the Twilight and he was accepted.

He played his songs and for once got recognized, his songs were loved. The ecstasy of the feeling bringing his mind joy and yet that pain of being weak to not be able to protect a place..it always existed.

Image in their minds of the people they saw before, all had...almost the same life. Losing one thing after the other until they found this place.

Accepted by..something that never showed its face, all of them received their dreams...to get away from misery. From pain. And they found a way to give back some joy to the person that accepted them.

Alas...the painist remains in the middle, arms growing from beneath his natural arms. Three pairs playing the loving piano and yet, the more they stare, the more they realize the truth.

Whoever owns this place isn't here, this place is simply..a place of 'joy'..or entertainment for something or someone.

And now, the non-magis grew. . they grew with their hatred, blind to the outside world.

They can end this by trying to fight it or. .

There is a Cello besides the piano, only one instrument. One of them can try to outplay him.
[14:44] {Item} You picked up Blood of War. Dropped by ? ? ?..
[14:58] Ariels let her posture lower as the piano's music began to play, and as a sound magi, she could recognize it as being more than mere music. Emotion, memory, all the things that drive music's creation.

Things herself and Niemh recently had to discover the meaning of in their most recent project together.

She watched quietly as this story was presented, a resting frown on her face, one of disapproval.

It didn't matter to her. Most of this world, every one of the party that had come today, had experienced similar things. Weakness, frustration, loss, ill-tempered desires for vengeance.

None of them fell to such depths as to indulge in a place like this. Even when faced with the intoxicating drugs and vices that appealed to their natures, such as her own as a creator of music, they maintained their benevolence instead of falling to such desires.

With eyes still on the pianist, she stepped forward to the cello, reaching back to stow the air scepter on her back between the two wings. Taking up the bow, she placed fingers on the neck to form an irregular, unpleasant chaotic chord, and slooooooowly dragged the bow across it in a single, disruptive whine.

ScReEeeEecH!

A very offensive gesture, to interrupt what was otherwise such quality playing.

It was the only note she played, turning back to look at those with her, wry smile on her face.

"I did say the performance was over, didn't I? I'm not playing this game. Come, all of us.

Smash the piano."

Then, she'd rise on her feet to float backwards, staff still on her back with the cello and bow in her hands, magic strength allowing the former to be lifted and carried with lightweight ease.
(Ariels Kasca)


[15:18] Ariels Kasca says, "Focus on living, no matter what..."
[15:18] ? ? ? says, "Let...me..play.."
[15:19] ? ? ? says, "They like my songs."
[15:19] ? ? ? says, "...Don't take this happiness away from me."
[15:19] Vyrionth Dawnseeker asks, "Filling your happiness in people's nightmares?"
[15:19] Vyrionth Dawnseeker says, "You're sick."
[15:19] ? ? ? says, "You die...first then..."
[15:21] Ariels Kasca says, "Thali, stay away."
[15:21] {Won Restrained RPB against ? ? ?}
[15:26] Ariels Kasca says, "It didnt show on my screen"
[15:32] {NARRATION} The fight went on as they approached the piano, with Ariels giving the command, the arms started to play franctically, the piano remained in place as if protected by magic and a music.

Benjamin tried to do his part, the cords of the piano being played almost beautifully as it is painfully. Each sound enters and rings your ear drums and mind, giving you images of his poor life. Of its suffering, a simple man that tried to live his life and the magis causing wars didn't let it happen. (Temp 4 days)

Thalia, the winds that were summoned were too strong for your being, locking you in place before the prison of illusions shattered your psyche momentarily, bringing up your traumas, even the deep down ones. Keeping them within your memory until it is healed. ( 12 day temp)

Ariels, this music. THis song, it is emotionally heavy. It tells a story of pain and suffering, of a simple person without luck until it got a chance at the bottom of the pit. And you now know the sensation, the illusionary prison breaks into your mind and gives you the sensation of hitting rock bottom. Multiple times and there is no way out of it...it surely could be the worst type of Depression one could feel suddenly. (12 Day Temp)

Yet..the battle continues, with the group or Ariels dealing the final strike...and...
[15:45] Ariels felt briefly in her element as a commander, giving an order to assault and watching a string of trusted and powerful magi unleash their best at her spoken word.

It was intoxicating.

As such, with trust in her allies and a pervasive magic warping her senses, her reality and what she saw and felt, Ariels simply played. In a twisted half-acceptance of the offer for a challenge, while the other four fired on that magical shield around piano and pianist to wear it down, the bard indulged the man.

She played, not against him, but with him, the cello she had more or less stolen now being used for its intended purpose. Fingers moved along the neck, bow along the strings in a lovely match of the music. That's not to say she didn't fight however, as each pass of the bow rose a colored wisp of light magic into the air, coiling upward a foot or two before abruptly snapping into a turn and firing at the pianist.

Slowly however, with the aid of sound magic, she began to take control of the music. Instead of following along to the pianist, she played in even, equal strength to him. Then, began to rip control of this music, piano falling to a supporting role as the cello's sound took more direct control of the tune.

As if that had some metaphorical effect on the shield, or if the rest had simply torn it apart well enough to dissipate it, Ariels noticed the faltering of the magic.

Stepping away from the cello, leaving it to play on its own ghostly accord through sound magic repeating the notes and air magic keeping it upright, the Nephilim slowly approached.

Stepping into that 'bubble', feeling that musician's melancholy grip her, Ariels could feel her fervor leave. The fighter's look of focus and intent left her, replaced with a passive, dispassionate frown.

Standing behind him as he played still, Ariels placed hands on the piano's shoulders.

"You play beautiful music, but this theater will burn, and you with it. I'm sorry."

Then, one hand slipped down around the front of the neck, hooking her arm around it, and with an eerily cold lack of passion, began to squeeze and pull, strangling the man until the music finally stopped.
(Ariels Kasca)


[16:02] As fast as Benjamin can be, he couldn't avoid the sound of the piano as the music began to echo all around the theater, now echoing inside his mind.

Flashes. Pictures. Images of the man's life, showing how he wanted nothing more than a simple, pleasant living,
only to have it be torn asunder by war time and time again.

How odd. Despite the pain, the turmoil they all went through? Benjamin still felt sympathy for him.

And with Ariels taking the chance to stop the music by choking out the poor sap's air? The young scientist won't have the chance to even ask for a name.

A life poorly lived, to be forgotten.

Last moments of joy, despite how and perverted they were, turned into sad tragedy.
(Benjamin Thomson)


[16:11] Emotional and psychological damage this time..

More and more... The depth of the ocean grew deeper and deeper. There was a haze of sorts as the culmination of magics begun to distort at her very eyes.

More and more, she struggled against the forces that was the Maestro of it all. The winds that nearly scraped against her skin, causing thin strands of scarlet to form itself whilst the woman tried her best to keep firing with her bow..

Though, the illusions, the winds, everything that was surrounding her caused her mind to sink deeper and deeper into the only thing she could think of for that moment.

The deepest fears she had in her own mind.

A myriad of fears came to her mind that she never thought would re-surface in her mind again. Things regarding Audhild, things regarding a certain someone and their words to her that rung true. For a moment, her expression sorta dead-panned as she thought more into it.

"....Sto--- "

The voices in her mind, addled by previous injuries started to flow into her mind. Even as the voices had begun to snap-- and stop themselves in their tracks, allowing her to relive certain things that she just pushed into the back of her head. .

The moment the melody had stopped, her eyes had widened.

The music was gone.

Everything ceased, yet that deep lethargic feeling never left her. She looked over to Ariels in the aftermath. She does not say anything again. She just grabbed her head and took a deep breath, trying to just keep calm from the thoughts that she had and the frantic look that was on her face.

(Thalia)

[16:11] {NARRATION} As the pianist is strangled, he doesn't fight back. . the music starts to stop. . and with his last breaths. . he can be heard singing a simply lullaby.

'..Twinkle..twinkle..little star...' And yet. . before he could continue, the image of a little girl burning in the eruption of Vdalion's volcano fills everyone's mind.

A man that lost everything.
A man that lost his family.
His home.
His path.

Found happiness at the rock bottom and yet. . that happiness was false, only a distortion created by something or someone using those sad excuses of people to their enjoyment.

The arms grow softer and fall as he passes out.
The cello plays by itself

The one that she took to play, it is beautifully broken now. As if. . with this last fight, the echoes of Mestra presence can be felt, bringing hope to this place, not joy. Because they need not it.

The cello didn't had strings, they were summoned via magic..and now, it floats near Ariels, as if. . it had chosen a new owner. If she accepts it, the Cello will show a memory, of a beautiful man, red haired with green eyes, likely the husband of the pianist. Instrument that broke with the way it was played but it granted one last thing to the place that caused its owner demise.

But what of the girl? An adopted child of this couple that got lost along the way of their sadness. Of their despair.

After it is all said and done. . the place grows quieter. The walls crumble down revealing Aphrosian streets and trees, almost as if they blinked, literally, back to their reality. All of them standing on the streets, no enemies near just the smell of something...

In the distance, at the limit of their sight, a tent, red in color not because it is red but because it is burning and amidst the smoke, for those that caught it before, in case, Thalia and now Vyrionth, a grey eye watches the Tent burning with a sickening smile beneath it.

Leaving only the burning and screaming people running out of the tent as the last moments of their life come to pass.

It was a grand finale.
An amazing show that lasted more than thirty years.

But the question remains in the air. . .who or what commands the Twilight Theater?

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Pub: 08 Jul 2023 23:17 UTC

Views: 123