The Queen, Sand and Moon

[Moridanu]

*The sand slipped through her toes, a slightly rough sandpaper seeming to shed hundreds of layers of skin cells from her feet and ankles as she walked. The slight tinge of pain that she felt would soon become more unbearable and she resigned herself to some painful times ahead. The sense of foreboding seemed to settle around her shoulders in a dark cloak of shadows as her emerald orbs lingered on the moon as it called down to tell her that her beloved dark mother had withered and died. Determined to keep a blank mask upon her face, devoid of all emotion, Moridanu merely blinked in surprise as the cougar turned around to face her and told her it would reveal itself to her, one queen to another.

The Queen of this realm was a truly beautiful woman and Moridanu bowed her head slightly in respect for a fellow Queen even as she began to speak and introduced herself as Queen Pandora. She spoke of Moridanu being tested in some way and that she was summoned to save them all. Pausing to consider what the Queens words could mean, Moridanu stood in a completely submissive pose, her arms dangling harmlessly by her sides. So unprepared was she for the sudden attack, that she was unable to react in time as the Queen took the opportunity to lash out at her with cougars claws, slashing a slight furrow into her right cheek

The moon whispered into her ear that her blood had been all that was required before the cougar disappeared taking the crows with it. She was suddenly alone in the desert, as a quick scan all around her soon revealed. But there.. in the distance… Her hand reached up to press against her sore cheek as she peered in the direction of what she assumed was west, her green gaze falling upon three figures who were several hundred feet away from her. They appeared to be human, and as she made her way toward them, they slowly came into view. She could barely make out the shape of two females, fighting in the sand while another figure, presumably a male watched. As she made her way through the sand, she felt her cheek again and smiled, relieved that she had healed so quickly. Though she knew her own capabilities, Moridanu was hesitant about how those abilities might be useless or hindered in someway in this realm.

As an unbearable sense of loneliness washed over her, Moridanu did what she always did in times of need, she called upon her mighty mother Morrighan to send her guidance in the form of her beloved crows. Within moments, the familiar cry of a crow filled the strange sky and Moridanu smiled for the first time in a long time. As the sound of beating wings came to her on a slightly stale breeze, Moridanu reached her hand out and offered it for a perch for the crow that had just arrived. Relishing the crows talons piercing into her skin, Moridanu gazed into the birds dark beady eyes as she murmured ~Show me.. guide the way..~ The crow cawed once, loudly before shuffling its feathers and taking flight once more. She watched it go and nodded in agreement as she followed the bird towards the three people she could see on the dunes ahead.*

[Discord Lasarythe]

As if I’m going to argue with the talking room over whether or not I’m high! –Mair snapped irritably, glaring defiantly around as her attempt to escape failed miserably. It wouldn’t be so easy, clearly. Miffed rather than surprised when the mysterious voice of the dungeon spoke again of tests and deserts, she kicked off the rolled stocking clinging determinedly to her foot and let out a frustrated huff. Her tired eyes tracked the crow when it soared in through the bars, then came to rest on one of the four posts of her new bed. She was unnerved to say the least when bird shifted to man and that man chose to attack her. Raising both hands at her side in a unthreatening fashion, she stared at him, perplexed.-

Hey- look, pal- I don’t even kn….ack! –Although she could not claim his attack was without warning, it was certainly without reason. As reluctant as she was to fall into battle in her skivvies, Mair had enough experience in hand-to-hand to protect herself adequately. She’d certainly been in enough bar fights in her time, and though less talked about, her mercenary skills kept her ahead of most. When the crow-man lunged, she dodged to the left with the speed and calculation of a snake planning to strike. Whirling around to face his back as he sailed harmlessly past, her right foot shot out to catch him sharply behind the knee. Her left hand awaited the result and would seize his hair if he fell back as she intended and would guide him back into a chokehold with her right arm pinning him to her. The entire thing was a little iffy, but as she saw it, he’d started it. If he didn’t see the error of his ways soon, Mair would be obligated to finish it. If, for whatever reason, he made it into the chokehold, she would offer him the chance to surrender, let her out, and maybe call her for a dinner date some Friday evening. He’d already seen her in her underwear, the awkward part was over.-

Stop it. Please and now.

[Oona Ondessa]

"You are no king…"

Barossa said once again, no hint of emotion, just a blank portrait. Not worried at all by the Kings thread, nor his blades. Barossa raised both huge fists and stood once again in a fighting pose, he towered over Carthax, the sand of the desert blew around him like a small tornado protecting it's only living vessel and warning Carthax. Barossa's hands opened until they were long claws, dagger sharp. With a flash of green and brown Barossa leaped at Carthax, Slashing out at the king's chest with his long sharp fingertips, once, twice again and again he slashed out viciously, like a tornado; his speed was astounding considering his size and weight. His wide mouth opened in a grimace as he lashed out dangerously, Then When he was finished trying to slash open Carthax Chest he leapt into the air, kicking out at Carthax with both his feet large and flat he kicked with his heels together, hopefully hitting the King in the chest he soared backwards in a flip and landed with a huge thud in the sand sending it flying everywhere. Barossa opened his hands and sand began to fly towards the king with a sudden fury, like a sandstorm the sand would hit him.

"I care nothing of your past life, here you are nothing more than a person to be tested, there is no killing me because I cannot die and the desert would not permit it even if I could, your test does not lie with my slaying, you have other skills no? Use them or you will die in the desert that I promise you!"

Said Barossa suddenly animated, his round eyes were large with emotion it was as if he had suddenly woken up, as if it caused him some great internal pain to give Carthax any information.


The Desert laughed loudly at Sehkem's indecisiveness, the Moon glowed down at him, her huge round face mocked and sneered down at him

"Is this possible? You can not decide? Is not your entire existence that of decisions, do you not choose between good and evil life and death? This is no different. Choose a path Vinyakins! Judge well!"

Called out the Moon hauntingly, her voice was everywhere yet nowhere all at once, was it the Moons voice at all? Or was it someone else? These were impossible to judge, but whoever it was calling out to Sehkem's they knew him, perhaps better than he knew himself, he had been picked… none of this was a mere coincidence

"Choose…"

The Moon called out once again

"You will find no solace in these skies…"

She laughed vindictively as a sweep of sand was flung around Sehkem. The Cougar continued to slink away, further and further, while the Line of raised sand remained, a perfect line straight through the horizon.


Oona chest was still raising and collapsing steadily as she gazed at the Other Demon keeper, he was human looking, but human he was not, She could sense his power it was unusual, Arcane in nature maybe many centuries ago, but it had mutated Arcane it was not any longer, but she was certain that whatever it was it was old.

"Moridanu is your girlfriend?"

She said with a raised eyebrow, she had not seen the Queen in many years, not since she was a girl, and she doubted highly the Queen would recognise her even if she did see her. Oona brushed a pale hand through her thick dark hair

"Do you have any idea why were here? Do you come from Morthika?"

Oona asked looking closely at the supposedly young man

"What creature are you? Are you animal? Arcane?"

She said as she moved closer to ODK, almost examining her, in truth she found the creature riveting, his power was something she had never come across in all her years, that and this new realm they seemed to be a part off

"I have no doubt at all that we are all asleep in our beds… yet at the same time we are here? I cannot make a connection; my magick is not as it should be in this realm…"

She said sternly as she stood to her full height as the wind blew at her, tussling her long locks of hair and black dress.

"Is someone approaching Terrance?"

She said as she squinted her keen violet Elven eyes at the horizon.

"I sense Magick… familiar Magick… It's Moridanu…"

She said sternly, another impostor?

"It could be another trap, wait here for me"

She said, as she let her body drop to the sand, she was wary about using her magick, but what was to be done? She couldn't continue using her fists like a common brawler, she whispered into the sand invoking the elements as the creatures of her forest had taught her before she could even walk, in a flash she would appear behind Moridanu, She sensed Familiar, she smelt like Moridanu, but it could be another trick.

Oona approached Moridanu and placed a hand across her throat

"Are you another impostor or the true Moridanu, reveal yourself!"

She said calmly, thought she was almost certain it was the realm Moridanu, she could trust the Arcane, not in this place.


"Nhng… No…"

Talon managed to call out as His knee was kicked back, he fell backwards and was grabbed by his golden brown mane and held in a chokehold, he stifled a cry, she was strong, stronger than he thought she would be

"She has won, it is over…"

Talon managed to call out, speaking to an invisible intruder

"But I am finished, let her end me!"

He cried out as a tears leaked lazily out of his sapphire eyes

"Fine…"

He muttered to himself quietly, he lifted his hand and there was a loud crack from the tower, bricks began to pull with a loud groan from the wall and were flung towards Mair

"With a final heave, he managed to pull himself out of the Demoness grasp

"Once I am defeated, leave, Use the Shadows to leave the tower and find the others, that’s where your strength lies, together! Do not stay for me, I am already lost!"

He said as one of the bricks he himself was telekinetically throwing at Mair moved its course and smashed Talon on the back of the head, there was a sickening crack and blood splattered from the back of his head and down his chin from his lips. He remained standing for a second, he looked at Mair sadly, the years of torture and slavery were clear in his large eyes, he asked for forgiveness for putting her in so much danger she may never escape from all without words but with a single gaze, but maybe his sacrifice would give the Demoness a change, he could have killed her had he really wanted to.

Talon fell to the ground face first, dark blood began to seep across the cold stone floor, bricks lay covered around him and the bed, large holes in the tower remained revealing the long desert, a single path in raised sand could be seen leading away from the castle.

[Shizuku Tonderui]

((Oooooh. Barossa is really neat. Strong son of a...ahem. Son of a nature. Anyways, take Carthax's attacks anyway you want. Is fine by me.))

Barossa was feirce and fast, he did not expect such a thing from something so bulky. Growling as the onslaught happened, he found his hands moving in time with Barossa's large dagger clawed hands. He laughed an insane laugh, a twisting sort of chuckle as his eyes were literally alight with a black flame that spewed forth from his sockets. The kick was something he didn't see coming, and was sent flying back, flipping through the air. He landed though on his feet like a cat, daggers up in defense. There was a few scratch marks on his shoulders and arms, bleeding slightly, an odd white blood though. His chest felt a bit...damaged really, his shirt was ripped and a bruise was forming. Nothing was broken, but he was going to feel that later. There was blood though, on his arms and a wound on his chest was also there, a thing slice mark, not from Barossa, but from an old foe.

"Delicious!" He cried out as he raised an arm in front of him, licking the wounds as if his own blood would provide him with some nourishment or pleasure. It somewhat did for the rather perverse man, of course, then the sand came at him. He grinned, his teeth showing, his lips stained with his own white blood. He howled with laughter as the sand whipped around him, not touching him as he stepped forward. His family was known for a few things, their unrelentless hatred, their swift and deadly attacks, and of course, their insane bloodrage.

"I. AM. A. KING!" He proclaimed, the sand around him suddenly exploded, rocketing away from him. Barossa's attack was nothing to him as he laughed again. The daggers in his hands no longer dripped fire, but instead were covered with white blood, of his own. The blood seemed to move on the blade, as if alive. He was hovering over the sand now, mere inches from the ground, with his arms outstretched and a twisted grin on his face.

"I am desolation. I am suffering. I am nightmares. I am King." He hissed out as slowly floated to the sand. There was an inky darkness now, dripping from his legs, spreading onto the sand. It was blight, filth, desolation, a mixture of death almost. As his legs moved, he left the inky black trail behind him, bubbling and boiling.

"And from the filth, from the pain, from the blight I come. Infectious, a disease, a plight upon all that near me." It was rather...poetic almost, in a sort of madman way of course.

"Dance with me Barossa." With that Carthax streaked forward, his arms moving with precision and speed as he began his attack on the wooden foe. The blood on the blades splattered harshly upon Barossa, and Carthax hoped that each hit would burn and defile the creature before him. He was like a man possessed as his arms moved and flicked, as he dance from side to side, a contious onslaught upon the tree creature. Carthax wanted this being defiled and bent to his will.

[Catrux]

The moon was mocking him, this was definatly new. His wing beat slowed so that he merely hovered in place. Taking one more glance at his ravens he flew off toward the cougar.

"No matter my choice it will not lead to my death." Sehkem shouted in reply. His bewilderment was furthered by the moons words. Why does it call me a Vinyakin? Do I resemble a race in this relm? Is that what I am? He was overwhelmed by confusion, which gave way to rage. While flying toward the cougar a sudden loathing came over him. I will find out why I am here. His hands drifted toward his scythes. Evidently his ravens felt it too, for they let out a call for destruction.

No! I must not let myself get carried away. I could just be playing into this....thing's hand. Sehkem continued to fly toward the couger. The "wind" was blowing his braids and chains askew, he raised his hands away from the scythes. After all even when un-armed he always had his gloves. Chances are nothing here was neutral, every action influences one's alignment. He began mentally preparing himself for what alignment to use when. If attacked with out warning, since I am neutral, it would constitute as an evil action.... He was closing the distance between him and the couger. He was growing more anxious with every wing beat. Suddenly, when even with the couger, he was calm, tranquill.

[The Demon Auditor]

*ODK eyed Oona with a raised brow.* You ask a lot of questions. I have no clue what's going on, and believe you me, this is -not- a first. And...well, I guess I am in Morthika currently. I mean, as opposed to being here, otherwise. Since....y'know....yeah....

*She was asking too many questions for him to keep up, all of which were quite complicated and intimate.* Hey, you wanna know details? Talk to Moridanu first, maybe we can set up a three-way date. *He was a little indignant on the matter. If he couldn't flirt with the her, why did she have to try and flirt with him? It wasn't fair!*

*He turned and looked as she asked if someone was approaching. All that she had said about being asleep elsewhere made perfectly reasonable sense to him. And, it was rare that he ever dreamed. Well, aside from kinky daydreams. And then Oona slipped off.* H-hey! Don't go killin' clones until after they kick me in the gobblewhompers! *He then started walking briskly towards the pair ahead, muttering under his breath. He wasn't going to wait behind, but he certainly wasn't going to simply leap into danger.*

[Discord Lasarythe]

-At a loss when her attacker announced her victory to the room, Mair was unsure whether to tighten the hold or release him and back quickly away. When she felt the first of the tears slide from his pale cheek onto her arm, the decision was made. She felt for him, unexplainably so, and loosened her grip as he pulled free. Demoness or no, the break in his voice and desperate request for end caused her heart to ache. One hand reached out to comfort him, though paused mid-air in her confusion when he revealed not only knowledge of her powers but others, then ordered her out. Her lips moved soundlessly as she searched for something to say to the distraught man.-

End you? What…? No! Of course not! Let me help you…Please. I don’t understand this!

-Frustration growing by the second, Mair gasped in surprise and pain when a flying brick caught her right shoulder, gouging the tender flesh beneath the thin cotton of her white t-shirt. Another connected with and scraped by her temple only to be swiped away by a defensive swing. By the time she sprang forward to drag Talon from the room, it was too late. She stared on in horror as blood spurted from the back of his crushed head. The despair on his handsome face made her stomach clench and as he dropped, with the room tearing apart around them and his instructions ringing in her ears, she hauled him off the floor and vanished into the shadows. They reappeared on the path she had seen from the window almost instantaneously. Once there she lowered his fallen form into the sand and looked around, bewildered. She was alone with the dead body of her attack in the desert wearing nothing more than a tee and her underwear. Somewhere in the scuffle she’d lost her stocking. With little clue what to do, she reluctantly started down the path.-

I knew I’d go to Hell, but I figured I would die first…

[Moridanu]

*As she drew nearer to the two figures directly ahead of her, Moridanu squinted into the approaching shadows as a slender amber brow shot up in surprise. It couldn’t be! But it looked like him… and that was his trenchcoat… she was sure of it! She squinted again and muttered ~M’love?~ before her emerald gaze fell upon the woman standing with her man.

The unfamiliar sensation of jealousy washed over her and Moridanu clenched her hands into fists as she watched the woman then sink down into the sand. In moments, the woman had appeared behind her, throwing Moridanu slightly off balance. Spinning around to face her, Moridanu blinked as the woman placed a hand upon her throat. Although it was instinctively an aggressive move, she sensed no ill will from her would be attacker. If anything, she sensed something.. somewhat familiar to her. Perhaps she knew this person, in a previous life.. or even in this one, as she seemed to have lost all sense of where she was and what she was doing. Confused and starting to get a headache, Moridanu quickly brushed the hand away as she stared hard into the woman’s eyes.

~An impostor ye say?~ she laughed. ~ ANOTHER impostor? As in.. there b’more t’an one? I cant imagine anyone would want t’pretend t’be me, but ye d’be seeming awful sure of yeself, so I might take ye word on it.~ she stepped closer to take a better look at this strange woman. ~I be Moridanu Darkflame, but I b'guessing ye already knew dincha?

~Who ye be? And how ye be knowing me? AND..~ she turned back around to look at the man that was now striding towards them.

~What are ye doing talking to m’boy.. cause.. that IS m’boy aint it?~ she trailed off as her green gaze finally locked on his and she realised with a jolt in the heart that it was in fact ODK. Running over to him, her feet sliding through the hills of red sand, Moridanu flung her arms around his neck and kissed him quickly on the lips. His lips were sandy and she brushed the back of her hand across her lips as she peered into his eyes.

~What the hell b’goin on? How long ye been here? Is it cause of ye I’m here? Whatcha do now?~ The questions flowed thick and fast before she fell into a suprised sort of silence and waited for her beloved to solve all her problems.. well.. at least the mystery of what the hell was going on at least. From what little she knew about his occupation, she was guessing that he had experience with dealing with life on different planes. She only hoped he would be able to tell her where they were, how they had got there, why they were there in the first place and how long it would take them to get home. Staring at him expectantly she folded her arms and tapped a foot.

~Well??~ *

[Oona Ondessa]

Barossa stepped backwards, shifting his body, contouring his limbs away from the savage attacked, the blood spatter burnt, if only slightly against Barossa thick bark like skin, he was hit, a slash across his narrow chest, than another. Barossa had had enough, he leapt into the air, amazingly high, kicking up sand, he seemed to float in the air for a second, before he came crashing down in a kneeling position, the force of the impact would he incredible, white sonic circular ripples in the air began to slice through the air, circling Barossa, torrents of red sand were flung into the air around Barossa and he managed to whisper through the sonic booms

"You are no king…"

Barossa's wound bleed his own unusual white almost green ooze, it almost glowed and it was known that a Tree Spirits blood had a healing quality, Barossa whipped the blood away and then dipped his hand into the sand below, shielding the wound, he leaped forward against, swiping through the air with huge powerful fists trying to connect with Carthax's face With all the force of nature itself Barossa leaped forward, ignoring the savage blades in Carthax hands he leaped atop Carthax, trying to smother him in the ground he reached forward grabbing hold of his throat.

As Sehkem continued to follow the Cougar, the world shifted slightly, it was an unusual sensation, the very fabric of time shifting under you, but it was also discreet and silent. The closer Sehkem got to the Cougar the quicker the cougar would go until the word shifted once again and the Cougar was no more instead the raised line in the desert was present, almost as if Sehkem never really had a choice in the first place

"Your brother awaits you"

Cried the moon almost serenely this time, In the distance, following the line created in the sand, was a small red dot, it was obviously something of a huge size, but at Sehkem distance it wouldn't look like much at all. There was a sound on the winds, like the beating of wings, but different more powerful something was approaching Sehkem from the opposite direction something big. A Huge Flock of Black and white Ravens were approaching, but they were huge, about the size of Sehkem, the Ravens cawed savagely, the Closer they got the more clear how aggressive these huge crows would be, they flew higher, there talons raised savagely as they began to swoop Sehkem a mix of black and white feathers and claws filled the sky.

Oona eyed Moridanu suspiciously, her violet gaze stared deeply into Moridanu's emerald, Oona couldn't help but feel only slightly disappointed that Moridanu didn't recognise her, but it was to be expected.

"I am Oona Ondessa Guardian of the Black Moss Forest in Morthika, We have… met many years ago when you were nought more than a child, but we will discuss that in time, we were plagued by a double, her dead body is over there"

Oona said pointing a thumb over her shoulder. Oona rolled her eyes

"Yes I'm sure he is… 'Your boy' and it’s nice to see you haven’t changed since you were 15"

Oona said curtly. She turned her back of the reunion of ODK and Moridanu and simply looked at the sky, she was sensing magic again, Demon Magic perhaps, or something else, she couldn't tell exactly in this realm, things were different, twisted and buried, she had a feeling however that they were bound somewhere, as she thought that, there was a grumble beneath there feet and suddenly like an explosion, the sand in front of her lifted in a perfectly straight line, the line continued into the distance, Oona turned around to face the pair, her eyebrow raised.

Talons dead body lay limb against the sand, his blood mixing with the red sand to create something even darker and more savage, he was dead, yet his voice carried on the wind

"You're beautiful…"

He whispered, but there would be no more as he was now tell and truly dead, the sand claimed him, his limb body sunk into the sand leaving only a shall, it looked like a Gargoyles shell, the Demons body lay dead and motionless, he was still oddly attractive even though his skin was a drab grey colour, around his head were small horns that wound back across his head line a crown. His ears were elongated and pointed like an Elves and he had spikes protruding from his knees, elbows and shoulders, in the distance Mair would be able to see a huge flock of black and white crows tearing through the sky attacking something, the backdrop behind her now was a huge red castle, with pointed towers and huge battlements

"You have passed"

Sneered the moon from above at Mair

"You will meet them all soon…"

Continued the Moon, behind her however, Talon still in a Gargoyle form shot straight up, leathery wings were wrapped around his body like a blanket. The Sand infront of Mair shifted audibley, Long thick legs began to reach out of the sand, grabbing onto the sides of the now self created hole, a spider lifted her body out of the sand and gave herself a shake. She was a Spider with 6 long powerfull black legs and a large red abdomen that was the biggest part of her body, yet her face was almost human, it was very round and obviousily a female, she smiled sweetly at Mair, contrasting her somewhat gastly body, her face was sweet and homley

'"Sorry for the scare dear...."

She said softly.

[Shizuku Tonderui]

Barossa was quick, he would give him that. The sudden blow caught him in the chin, and he was almost sure his jaw might have broken if he hadn't bit down and locked it. It was very sore, almost distracting. With a growl as the hand shot at him, trying to cut off his breathing. The large hand wrapped around his throat and he smiled ever nicely.

"Born from Vampires and Psionics." He murmured as his daggers stabbed into Barossa's arm, blood travelling deep into the wounds. With a firm grip now he hoisted his feet up and wrapped them around Barossa's arm, letting go of his dagger. The daggers stayed in, and Carthax moved his hands to the thick hand about his neck. With a sudden jolt he pushed himself backwards and out of the hold, hanging upside on the tree creature's arm.

"Blood for blood and by the buckets." Carthax said as he looked to each of his hands. Though his neck was bleeding from Barossa's razor sharp grip, he didn't mind, it was slightly delerious and enjoyable. He raised his hands to look at them, at the black filth and taint, then clenched them and thrust a punch at Barossa, stopping just short of the Tree giant's body. The black filth and ooze bubbled on his hand, waiting for it's master to let it go, to feed on the nutrients that it desired from this monster.

With a quick movement he let go of the arm and flipped to the ground. Upon impact he pushed away with his feet, sliding backwards with a stop. Carthax was unsure if it was this new world, the crimson moon above which, to him reminded him of other things, or the sand below him. He wasn't sure. Slowly the ooze and taint began to seep back into his body and he looked at Barossa.

"Even I can't bring to release such a blight on you Barossa. I don't know why, because I easily colud have. I do not know if it would have infected you much...but the filth sucks up nutrients for me to gain, weakening my opponent with every ounce. I just can't bring myself to do that to you. I so want to kill you, but...it doesn't seem a fitting death, or pain for such a noble beast." Carthax spoke with integretity and truth, he was being honest about it. As much as he hated it, he didn't want this...whatever it was to be infected. He felt it might be a very negative thing, and after all, he was a guest in this world.

"So must we keep..fighting each other? I give my mercy to you, but if you wish to fight then...I have no choice, do I?"

[Catrux]

It felt as though Sehkem was being turned inside out, only not as comfortable. The world or at least his perception of it shifted and contorted untill there was the line in the sand, there was no choice.

"Mocking me for not being able to make a choice I never truly had." Sehkem spat at the moon.

"Your brother awaits you." The moon called out.

Brother? I have no brother. What is the moon talking about? First it calls me a Vinyakin was it? Now it claims I have a brother. Sehkem was snapped out of his thougths as he heard cawing, flapping of wings. He looked toward the sound and saw a murder of black and white ravens. Someone or thing enjoys symbolism as much as I. Sehkem couldnt help but laugh. He readied himself for the oncomming assault. He then looked passed the ravens and noticed a red dot. No sense in fretting about that right now.

The ravens dived slashing at his flesh. "I have claws as well, lets play with mine." Sehkem was enjoying himself, maybe too much. He drew his scythes, grabbed the ends of the chains and started lashing savegly at the ravens. If the scythes even touched them they would feel pain, no matter what alignment. For a moment it pained him to attack such creatures, the creatures he actually enjoyed. As quickly as the moment had come it subsided, emotion cannot interfere.

Blood was dripping from his chest where an "x" laceration existed from the first of the ravens. He took little notice to his bleeding, much more carnage was to come. Sehkem whistled a signal to his ravens, they immediately started after the eyes of the enemy ravens. While his ravens tore at the enemies eyes he continued his whirlwind of choas and destruction. His mind was clear, no thoughts save for the slaugter of his enemies remaind.

[Mair Debryn]

-Mair turned back as the dead man’s voice sounded behind her in the unlikeliest of compliments, praying the brick’s impact hadn’t been enough to kill him and that he was getting up. Even if it meant being attacked again, at least he wouldn’t be lying dead and bloody in the red sand of this hellish desert. At least then the blood- his blood- that stained not only her white shirt but her hands as well would not have cause to make her heart ache as it now did. Senseless death was always a tragedy. Sadly, tonight would not be a night of answered prayers. Instead, the sand that was his final resting place rose up to change his body into the grotesque form of a gargoyle. There was no helping him now. Eyeing her bare feet, the demoness sorely wished for shoes, even if that meant the spikes from last night. Anything. A new voice sounded and the shrieking crows in the distance were forgotten almost as quickly as they’d been spotted. Surprised and angry when the very sky addressed her, her head snapped back so that she could glare defiantly up at the moon. Any beauty Talon might have seen dissolved into rage.-

I beg your pardon, but I don’t know what your deal is. I care even less. Take your test and shove it. You and ‘them all’ can kiss my ass. I’m tired, I’m pissed, and I’m going home now. Right now. Leave me alone!

-She did not wait for a response. It was doubtful in her furious state that she would even hear it if she got one. Slow as her temper was to rise, when it did it was every bit as nasty as she could be nice. And Mair liked to think she could be really nice. So, outraged, she stalked away with the dignity of someone wearing more than their underwear. She only paused when a noise behind her caused her to glance back in time to see the gargoyle hoisted into the air. She was attempting to discern whether or not this was his own doing or another trick when the sand ahead of her began to ripple and sink. Alarmed, she scrambled back and prepared herself for whatever belonged to the long, sticklike legs now protruding from the ground. The spider that owned them did little to improve her mood. Though the apparently female arachnid seemed polite, there was every chance in the world she too was here to kill the mystified Mair. Before attempting to ride the shadows back to her own bedroom, she gave a return polite reply a shot.-

Not a problem. I was just leaving. You have a nice night.

[Krisztinya Valkai]

((Better late than never! Danoo, just tell me what you need me to do to get me with everyone else.))

Considering her relative lack of necessary sleep, when Krisztinya lay her head to a pillow for a nap there was a reason. Every night she "slept" but not in the traditional sense. Her body slowed, consciousness was gone, It was just the way of the Kindred. And yet, her recent arrival to this land had exhausted her in a number of ways. She lay down the night before, just as the Moon was apexing. She had relieved a home of its occupants in town and was flush with the newly acquired life blood. She had lain down on her own four poster bed within the hallowed halls of BriarWood, which would explain her blase response to her waking.

There were no dreams, at least. Usually she had dreams, dreams portending disaster, bringing old faces to her mind, reliving the horrors she inflicted on others. But not this time. The Tzimisce Primogen was awake before her jeweltoned eyes opened, sensing the change in the air around her. The curtains flicked at her with a wind she couldn't feel, snapping at her skin like a viscious alarm. Slowly her eyes peeled back the nap, thin fractures of ink polluting her emerald eyes still, the darkness that inhabited her mind body and soul shivering her out of her moments rest. She had been curled on her side, long blonde hair sprawled like sun-kissed veins over the satin pillows of black and red, and now, as she opened her eyes fully to take in what she knew instinctually was not a dream, those hardened, dark colors were replaced with crimson. She might have looked like some haunting portrait laying there, immovable and unmoving, alabaster skin made all the whiter by the striking color. Slowly she sat up, allowing the satin to fall around her as she maneuvered to her hands and knees to peek through the rifling curtains.

"Nine Hells.... Not again...."

Once before she had been stuck in a realm without understanding why, thankfully she and the others were returned with little explanation. But this one was different. She slid her legs around her and threw back the bustling curtains, annoyed that they were alive with no reason. The craftsmanship of the bed was superb, something she was inclined to covet herself. Bust as she placed her feet on the ground, she felt the immediate difference. The Shadow Cloak moved anxiously over the taut form of her body, nearly imperceptably to most. Her garments were not cloth and thread, and hadn't been for centuries. She was the Mystress of the Abyss, and it was the primordial darkness that hungrily fingered over her skin, crawling and caressing always. The hem of her cloak didn't fall to the sand as much as it cascaded over her legs to sprawl out and curl into the independant tendrils of darkness that they were. She wore no hood, and the shadows slid over her shoulders to plummet to her cleveage, curling over her chest to run dark fingers along her stomach. Her arms were wound round with that same darkness, cool rushes of inky movement embraced her arms to pour from her fingertips over into an angled series of tendrils that hid her deceptivly delicate hands. It was her usual attire, and though she felt at home nearly anywhere she traveled, she could not deny the disease she felt here.

She stood glaring up at the blood moon and felt the tip of her tongue cascade over her incisors. Perhaps, for once, the fates provided her with a realm suited to her needs and demeanour. The red glaze that seemed cast over everything from the suicidal shafts of moonlight pleased her, and even made her skin seem less shocking, even with the fresh supply of food she had taken. The sand, though, was odd. It was like a carefully placed pallate of color, red hues sand blown into design with an absent wind. She glanced back at the bed, still alive with invisible breath, and moved back to sit. Crossing her arms, fingers laced along her biceps, she sat. She knew someone, or thing, would come. It's how it always worked with these situations. That, or she's waste away here. Seeing as there was little in any direction for her to find, the sitting still option was her only resort. And she did, slowly blinking sooty lashes over her active emerald eyes.

[Oona Ondessa]

((Ok, what I've done this round is replied to everyone except for Mori and ODK cause they haven’t responded yet which is cool, it was easily doable, the only thing that you two have to consider when you post next in this round is that Oona vanished into the sand and that Mair and the Spider are in the distance, hope that’s cool!? Get back to me if there are any problems, everyone can post as they normally would))

Barossa stopped when Carthax stopped, his narrow chest was raising and falling rapidly, his body was splattered with glowing white blood.

"Perhaps your true self is shinning through, the Carthax that does not have to worry about killing and maiming and protecting yourself against your father, the Carthax that is no king…"

Barossa said simply, once again no sign of emotion

"It's over"

He whispered as he took several steps forward, with his now trademark speed Barossa lashed out once more against Carthax face with one huge canned fist, the blow would knock him backwards and the Sand began to churn under him. Barossa had vanished he was no longer part of the plain, no trace was left except for splattered white blood against the deep red sand. The Sand bubbled and pulled tugging Carthax deep into its depths, it would be impossible to escape the sand as it began to sink into nothingness. The world shifted again, spun and twisted until Carthax would find himself in a small room.

The Room was simple with dark red bricks and tapestries depicting grassy Knowles and beautiful trees, the room was circular with a cold stone floor and ceiling, the same crimson bed that Carthax woke up in was placed neatly in the centre of the room, through a small open window the red moon could be seen ever watchful. Looking down Carthax would see Large Red Battlements. The Door leading to supposed freedom was a heavy stone, which could be pushed open revealing a hallway full of hundreds of different doors. The Room next to Carthax was ajar leading into a similar room were a winged man stood.

Sehkem fought viscously, Thousand and millions of Black Feathers began to feel the air, until nothing could be seen and heard except for the odd sounds of a frightened Crow call and the odd splatter of blood. The World shifted again as it always seemed to do in this realm. It gave a painful heave and Sehkem would once again find himself somewhere different

"One has triumphed one has failed"

The Moon called out, Sehkem would open his eyes to realise the blinding feathers were now gone and what remained was a circular barren room, with a single crimson bed and no windows. Tapestries hung against the stone depicting winged men and woman, some dressed in black, others in white. The walls were covered in black graffiti, with different symbols and words on them, the bulk of the words were 'The Juge', 'The Good' and 'the evil'. The Door was ajar leading into a hallway full of black stoned doors; a great wind began to push against Sehkem almost willing him out the door.

The Moon gave Mair no reply, but the female spider smiled sadly

"I wish it were that easy love, I really do, and while I wish I could give you all the answers you deserve, I honestly cants"

The Spider said softly, she spun around awkwardly to face the almost stone gargoyle, She made an audible sound with her tongue and lifted one long sharp leg into the air, she tapped the Gargoyle with one leg and he immediately vanished in a puff of blue smoke

"Don’t fret darling, he's not dead… not really, oh but wouldn't that be sweet, but our lives are no longer ours, you wont be able to use the shadows to escape the realm, come with me, we'll try and get you to some of the others"

She said very kindly, her big blue eyes looked sad as she watched Mair, the poor girl didn't understand anything yet but she would in time and that’s what worried her.

"I made you these I do hope you like them"

The Spider turned around to face Mair again; she seemed to pull a pair of Black ankle high boots out of a secret compartment in her abdomen

"These will help; I think you wanted a pair? Didn't you?"

The Spider began to crawl away following the straight line in the desert

"It's this way dear"

It wasn't long before the Spider and hopefully Mair could see two people in the distance

"Hello! YooHoo!"

The Spider yelled waving her hands towards Moridanu and the Other Demon Keeper.

The World began to sink, Oona held her breath, she reached out to try and grab Moridanu for support, but they were fading quickly, she couldn't tell if Mori and the ODK were vanishing of she herself was, but the answer was quickly given, she felt her insides lurch painfully and Oona fell into nothingness. Her feet hit the rough yet and sand and Oona was once again gazing dreamily on a Crimson bed, yet this time it was not the bed she had awoken in, someone else was in the bed… Oona gasped violent, her insides churned in both anger and alarm.

"Krisztinya Valkai"

She said simply as she got closer towards the bed, there was no doubt the Primogen would hear her coming, perhaps even recognise her scent

"Well the gods of this realm do have a sense of humour, do they not Vampire…"

Oona said savagely, emphasising the word 'Vampire' knowing full well she didn't like the term, Oona knew Krisztinya had her own insults that would soon come. She faced Krisztinya now on the opposite side of the bed.

"Is this realm your doing? Or are you as lost as I am?"

Oona said simply, she was not dressed as majestically as she usually was, but it didn't faze her at all as she faced the lady Valkai, dressed in her short light nightgown, barefoot and free of her usual jewellery.

"I have no doubt you can feel the perverse, dark, insidious nature of this world, I would image you'd be right at home…"

She said curtly gazing up at the crimson blood moon, she spoke silently to her own silvery moon back home, hoping Moridanu and the Demon Keeper were safe… or at least Safer than Oona was in the company of Krisztinya.

[Catrux]

Feathers were floating all around, almost impeading Sehkem's view. All of a sudden a Crow called out, frightened. Sehkem's head snapped up That must mean I am winning. A sadistic smile spread across Sehkems blood stained face.

His moment of triumph was short lived suddenly he felt as if his intestines decided they no longer liked this body, his stomach was not far behind. Just as it felt like they were about to break free it stopped, leaving him short of breath.

He was now in a room, a room with drawings of winged creatures....creatures much like himself. They were clad in either black or white...his heart sank maybe he did not fit in with them after all for he donned both colors. As he continued his inspection of the room he noticed the words "Judge" and "The Good" "The Evil". He began to mull the new information over in his head hoping to extract meaning from it. Just as he thought he figured it out a wind picked up, as if to push him out of the room. The sudden wind distracted him causing him to lose his thought.

"One has triumphed one has failed"

The moon spoke again, the generalities it spoke in were starting to annoy Sehkem. "WHO IS THIS OTHER YOU SPEAK OF! ANSWER ME!" Dispite his yelling Sehkem was fairly calm, he was begining to accept this place. He shook his head, the chains hanging from his hair clinked with the shaking, knowing he would not be answered. He was about to do as the wind persisted when to sets of familiar talons grabbed hold of his shoulders.

He looked to his right, Reaver showed that he too felt pained by the shifts, Soul looked much the same. At least they are relatively unharmed. Sehkem reasoned. Finaly his eyes laid upon the bed in the room, it looked familiar, it was the same he woke up in.

"No sense in delaying the inevitable." Sehkem stated to no one in particular. He had not put his weapons away nor had any intentions to, but he did grab hold of the handles instead of only the chains. While walking towards the door he felt a sudden pang in his chest.

Blood, his blood was comming from an X shaped wound on his chest, but it was not dripping. Infact it stayed along the wound. "Maybe I should start wearing a shirt." Sehkem once again laughed to no one. He gave in to the wind's demand and walked out the door.