Having failed the first time around, the male was a bit salty, this was probably why he'd now call upon his guild mates for help with such a tedious and frustrating quest. As such he'd been meaning to spend some proper time with each of them, having already spent time with @Gwyn ap Herne in their hunt of those damned wolves; how he loved them but they didn't love him. The other was with his newfound kitten friend @Amane Hirota and their industrial revolution as they chopped down the rain forest for more paper. Both quests having taken him to a new level of faith, let alone a solid desire to succeed more than ever he'd think on it some trying to decide just who it was to take with him on such a bounty. A few of those who he normally would take were either too busy or already done it, yet it dawned on him. @Akino Kokoro Ame, that was it. He'd take Akino, the kid wasn't too fresh. He hadn't done it to his knowledge and he was a guild mate; aside from the fact, he idolized steele so much. It was too perfect to pass up as such his fingers would type away on the keyboard as he sent the invite.

Invite

Aaron Steele has invited you to their party. Accept?

Mail

From: @Aaron Steele
Yo, @Akino Kokoro Ame .
It's steele, I need some help with a bounty I been thinking on lately. Tried it before and failed miserably. I have been thinking maybe we could give it a try. I believe my issue is I simply do not put out enough DPS and that alone kills us as it's a sort of time-based bounty. The ads alone take up so much time and resources to work through and the damned final target itself is so frustrating to get to I've never been able to reach it. So meet me here; in this location in pormont. I've been there before and I've got a fair idea of the maps layouts. So once we are there I'll brief you a bit more on the target.
[ Location ]

As the message was sent it wouldn't be long before steele arrived at the destination. Waiting some time as he leaned against the castle the male looked up and over at its windows. So much trapped, so many dead and what was most frustrating was the pollen, the damned pollen. He knew it effects and he knew how to avoid it to some degree but game mechanics and logic didn't always work peacefully; this instance is a clear example. As the other had arrived he'd wave him down and call him to the castle gates, "Alright broseph, our goal is to rush in, head left, hug the castle side, sneak in through the kitchen, manage to ascend to the second floor and scout for this damned plant. Oh yeah, the fucking target is some demon plant some fucking half baked Malefimancers cooked up; get this...by sacrificing their buddy for laughs. Although I'm generally one to forgive and allow others to gain their salvation back, the last time I was here these fuckers were out for blood.

So fuck'em. If you see one, end their life, no mercy." His words direct and stern he'd shift his gaze to the building pointing, "I don't know if you can see it but on the ground, there is a thin layer of pollen; that pollen is what causes this to be timed and difficult. We have a set number of minutes to get this done in or, we succumb to its effects. This shit turns our fears against us and will eventually cause us to see each other as demons or the enemy. Ultimately I nearly turned on my last ally. So...lets do this as fast as humanly possible."

With that, his words finished and he motioned the male to follow, rushing forth into the castle walls. His blade swiftly raised slashing past the first set of folks he ran into; simple castle guards and workers. His blade slashing past those ungeared. The shield blocking others and piercing their cheap and flimsy armor; he himself looking like a Greek god; Adonis if one might dare say. His armor crafted of common gear; by the hands of a dear friend. His sword and shield made by his lover; one side saying embrace life the other send nudes would burst forth slamming into a malefimancer as he read it and was thrown off his guard before slain in his path; reaching the kitchen doors he'd bust them open and grin wide; "MORNING BITCHES!" he'd say charging in slashing and slamming himself about; damage taken only making the output worse; eyes slowly glowing red as he entered the berserk like state. "DIE DIE DIE!" he'd shout, a combination of his salty feelings towards this place, the pollen slowly taking effect and his natural desire to slay shit cuz of the berserker skill.

Thrown die:

9

+20 Berserk

29/420

 

Seeing the Boss Mon's message, Akino would feel his heart flicker with joy. He loved Steele, with his virtue-based role and strong desire to lead people towards a better future. He related a lot with taller male, and so he was quite eager to tear open the blinking notification, and read it over. Something along the lines of a bounty he needed help with? Nothing too scary for Akino, now that he was practically a monster at hand-to-hand. He could even last a time against his Shifu, Dempsey, if he really concentrated! Then he read on, and saw that his masterful leader had taken a swing and failed at it?! Now that was a shocker to read, as he couldn't see the tank of a man being stopped by any obstacle in his bath. But DPS was his show, since he had fists of lightning. He flexed said fists as he read on. Time constraints would make it a tough one. Nothing the pair couldn't handle though, if they moved fast. Plus, Steele's experience with the bounty would make it even more of a breeze.

Lucky for the felis, he did not have to go off too far. The young man had been doing some work along the edge of Pormont's border, repairing a farm for some locals. It had been burnt to a crisp, and they had no chance of surviving without it. So, with a little help from some new friends, and some unexpected dark magic they wielded, the new building was safely establish. And after a hearty congratulatory meal, the redhead walked along now with a brisk skip in his step. The added request from Steele only drove him on faster, the full stomach not limiting his pace in the slightest. In but a few moments, he'd arrive at the accursed looking castle. The aura of the place was practically suffocating, and it made Akino's stomach turn enough that he felt as if he may lose his dinner. Not that he could do that to Miss Seijatachi, though if he did... The lovely doll of a woman had packed him a few bento boxes, which sat in his sack now. Ju-ju, who had been wandering with him along the walk, looked at the castle with a whimper, and then up to the marked young man. Noticing immediately, he offered his beastie buddy a misgiving smile.

"Yeah, I guess you're right, Ju. You'll probably have to sit this one out. This place looks crazy dangerous, and I'd cry if anything happened to you. Enjoy your nap." Storing the pet away, reluctantly, his attention would be diverted only an instant later.

His guild leader had showed up far earlier than he. Hoping the armour-clad warrior hadn't been waiting about for too long, Akino was on the bounce and by his side. The briefing was pretty thorough, giving him all the info needed. Miasma, madness, mages? Follow his lead, and move fast! These were all things he could do. Dispersing death upon those in their way, indiscriminately? Not the brightest of tasks, but a necessity if they were going to remove this blight on the land. Eyeing the Castle once more, then watching his fearless partner burst into motion, he'd follow suit. Racing by his side, he'd dispense piercing blows with his uncommon Bear Claws. Between Aaron's sword and Akino's claws, the corpses in their wake appeared to be mauled by deathly animals. Still, his discipline in combat prevented him from going absolutely savage, and instead drove him to finish each man with two quick strikes. A feat only possible due to his adept skills in body combat, and their lack of armour. He'd strike out ahead a brief moment, rolling over a counter that blocked his pathway and locking a possessed Malefimancer's neck between his legs, before rolling over with a sharp twist. The man's limp body fell to the ground, and Akino moved to the kitchen's exit, looking for a path to the next level.

"So, by sneak into the kitchen, you meant rip everyone to bits and scream bloody murder as we go along? Which way to the second floor?" He'd say to the rage-fueled hulk, laughing as he looked over the blood covering his pretty armour.

Thrown die:

92

+20 Body Combat
[141/420]

 

As the male burst forth ripping through the crowd of mindless beings, destroying and slaughtering the lot of Malefimancers this time around; it was very unlike him. Normally he'd pray for them, he'd give them a proper send off but this version of him; this barbaric and berserk Steele. This version was sin incarnate. The blood lust like wrath, his prideful notions of victory, his gluttonous desire for success and slaughtering of those who stood in his way. The desire to succeed far out waying logic as greed fueled the beast. Had it not been for the sloth side and his envious nature this berserker Steele would be uncontrollable. This was the darkness that Tyl described to him; the side of him he'd need to learn to control. His own demon, the duality he must learn to balance, using his light to keep the two in check. With the news update about CCN stating that this kind of behavior could affect him Psychologically in the real world; Steele already was aware of some of the changes. His new found love for the masochistic nature associating the pain and pleasure could arguably be a major side effect of this game. As such this thought always remained in the back of his mind, which to no surprise was rather barren right now.

Having hulked out blood coating his armor and face as well as pooling beneath them he'd not that most of the work was done by his team mate; yet his breaths deep and almost shaky he'd slowly part his lips, "Sorry...it's just this state..." he's say trying to calm down before stomping his foot and shouting loudly as he charged forth bursting open the door. His body shifting as he took on all who came at him hacking and slashing, bashing and clashing, leaving what he could maim and for his team mate to finish off, to put it quite simply he was a machine that thrived on being beaten, the worse it got the stronger he became. A true god of wrath, no fear just rage. This in itself caused the male to bash his way up the stairs and out the door to the second floor, crimson hues scanning the area quick as he took off fast. His health nearing the fifty percentile mark as he saw some more malefimancers. His blade wailing into them regardless of their actions. But it wouldn't be until the darkness began to engulf him that the voice of tyl reached out to him. A hand escaping past the dark radiating as it did so, his eye shifting back slowly began to fade as he raised a hand to his heart.

A faint glow passing would result in him healing himself; the mind fighting against the darkness using his religion as sanity. His healing his own subconscious fighting against the damned demons as he soon returned to his normal state, eyes shifting to his ally he'd part his lips, "What...what happened?" he'd ask kind of out of it. His eyes shifting as they were slightly glazed over looking about lost. Then down to his hands and the blood, "Oh...must have been the damn pollen mixing with my berserk state, normally I'm adept at controlling it but here. It's too much work, but with the time limit and how things have been, I need to use it to get this done. Well now we're on the second floor and I assume we are through most of our enemies, what's left?" he'd ask looking about, "We get that damned flower. know it feeds off blood and bodies for a while, maybe it's in its old spot..." he'd say desiring nothing more than to look around the area scouting. Walking about cautiously unlike his former self, he'd push his hands back as the guards began to walk past. Nodding he'd attempt to sneak up and lop off one of their heads; a sneak attack.

Had this gone as successful as they planned, there would be not a soul between them and the plant, had it not; it would most likely lead to a partially beheaded figure or men gasping for air; with no real hope of survival. Either way this seemed to be a fair decision, and one this matter was handled they were on their way again. His body moving quietly as he made his way further towards their target. His hand motioning for his team mate to follow he'd point out the plant to the figure, "Seems we got an open shot at the damned thing, do we take it or do we get out of here...it's a risky business venture because well I've failed before and I don't wish to give up yet. I know I can do this but for some reason, I keep failing at the basics here. Some sort of mental block thanks to this pollen, it's like my actions aren't base on my skill or merit but some sort of bad luck..." he'd vent complaining and shaking his head, "None the less let's get down to business. It's time to slice and dice this veggie and earn us a hell of a bounty what do you say?"

Thrown die:

59

+20 Illumancy

220/420

 

Have you ever ran alongside a rampaging bull? Swam in the water while a shark went into a frenzy? If you have, then you would know the blood-chilling sensation Akino felt while standing beside Aaron. The man was covered head to toe in blood, like some crimson deity stepped forth from war. At this point, his features were so coated in the stuff that he looked to be wearing warpaint. The glow of his eyes set an overall unnerving energy about him, and the younger fellow was truly worried about his leader's sanity. None-the-less, the bounty was clearly a vital thing to the tank of a fellow, and so he would not hinder the work. Still, some small measure of reassurance did come from the armour bound man as he paused to offer an apology and gather himself... Before going on to slaughter his way through the remaining halls.

Moving in his wake was like moving through an ogre's path. If he had half a sense of humor, the tamer would make some crack about taming Steel as his next pet. Still, this wasn't the time for jokes. Or, he figured it wasn't at least. Considering what he was doing? Oh, what was the fighter doing? He was walking along behind the lead madman, snapping necks and cracking limbs. Occasionally he'd just knock someone out, but most of these people were so badly injured that Akino's quick movements were a merciful end. Compared to the maimed piles Steele had dropped them in? Akino was a bloody saint. A literal, bloody saint. Muttering a prayer for mercy, gold eyes practically overwhelmed with the crimson that painted the halls, the miasma would begin to mess with his mind as well. And that meant they had to kick this train into overdrive.

"Steele, you need to watch yourself bud. You're going over the top. I get that this bounty is one you failed already and everything, but going on in this state can't be good for yer head. I mean, I can only imagine how twisted you must feel, after doing all that. Chopping bodies apart like you were some nightmare-fueled butcher. Pollen or no pollen, that berserk thing is already a double edged sword. Here though, it's too risky. You're probably augmenting the pollen's affects on your mind, if anything. You might think you cut a swathe and bought us time, but who knows how much your mind has been taken hold now?" He stopped as they approached the plant.

"I don't think you need to worry about basics here, Boss Man. We have the target in sight, now we just need to go for it. Don't worry about anything else, and push all them pointless doubts to the side. Let's just take the shot and get out of here!" To emphasize his point, the fighter would leap high into the air, and launch a powerful, clawed slash at the demonic flora's stalk. The evil creature hissed and screamed out, and began to go limp. If Steele charged in behind Akino, the creature would be finished off in a single blow from the mighty blade of his.

Thrown die:

12

+20 Body Combat
[252/420]

 

As the male came two and the duo spoke a bit he'd shake his head and look off to the side ashamed of his actions, listening to his team mate as they spoke he'd nod in agreement. His eyes shifting as they snuck around the corner past the guards they were aiming to slaughter before wailing into the demonic-like plant. To think such a thing existed in this world; the demon world must be one hell of an odd place, it almost made him wonder some if things such as it existed and there was another plane, could this be said about Tyl and the counsil. The thoughts running through his mind as he desperately wanted to meet the figure with whom he was claiming to be the vessel for, that and these other lords and ladies; the gods. But if that were true, then the flowers were in turn created by the hand of the evil gods or whatever they were called; his mind becoming a bit fuzzy as he rubbed at his eyes. The effects of the pollen were bad; he was just thankful he wasn't asthmatic or this might be true hell. Opening his hues once more to gaze upon the face of the enemy he'd see his team mate charge in past the guards who appeared and strike upon the plant. Well, it would appear he needed to finish off the guards first then handle the beast.

Running forth himself shouting to gain the attention of the malefimancers who turned out target his comrade; his shield bashing one forward interrupting his spell, his blade bashing into the other knocking the staff from his hand and causing him to turn angrily, "That's right bitch, who's your daddy." he'd say to the female malefimancer who now charged at him as he his sword swiftly spinning as she jumped back. His spin continuing as he pivoted onto a knee and jammed it up into her as she jumped up onto him; the blade deep inside her body; as he jerked it some."Damn, and I was really looking forward to cuddling, I mean I wouldn't mind being this deep up inside your guts, but not with this kind of sword.." he'd grin some popping the body off his blade with his shoulder as she fell off keeled over. "Gross, bitch was bleeding and shit. All over my blade." he'd say trying to distract his mind and keep calm. That was until the other Maleficmancer took shape and began to change; becoming a demon, "This shit for real, or am I hallucinating again...Akino?" he'd say as he saw plants and demons, "Fuck..." he said charging in at the figure before him; his shield bashing at it as he swung away; his health dropping slowly as he'd get some distance and cast a healing spell upon himself.

Now reaching near full health; if not already at it. He'd shift his focus from the wounded demon to the other with the plant. Attacking the plant now he'd attempt to finish off the hell spawn and complete this bounty. However, he knew that if the team mate of his was one of these demons there was a good chance he may make a mistake and kill them. But the hope was to slay the plant and kill the real demon or malefimancer later. His thoughts lost as he fought valiantly against the plant, blocking what he could, slashing at its roots as he then jumped back again. His blade swinging heavy at the demon beside him; his ally or the demon he'd do what he could to destroy the target before once more targeting the plant. before once more jumping back to heal; this was going to become tiresome; although he didn't see it. He was sure he wasn't the only one attacking the plant. Yet with each passing second, he could see the room about him changing, his mind falling into the darkness. he'd begin to pray, calling forth to Tyl for aid, "Lord Tyl, Lord of paladin hood, seeker of justice. Lend me your aid; smite this plant and protect my party from the evils of this place. His prayer a final and quick attempt at possibly saving his ass.

Possibly a buff to help aid him if not slow the process of complete madness; maybe this was indeed madness already set in. How did he know he hadn't already failed. Such questions a mad mind wandering and causing a conundrum.
"Akino...I don't know if you can hear me, or if you understand. But I need us to focus the plant, later we can decide which to slaughter, each other or the malefimancer...I mean, I can't tell which one you are....sorry." he'd say admitting his fault, yet at the same time hoping to give him clear expectations; to either run for the hills or attempt to stick around and risk it all.

Thrown die:

5

+20 Illumancy

[277/420]

 

Thankfully, Akino wasn't suffering from the pollen nearly as much as his leader. He had been holding his breath for the majority of the time they had been traveling through the place. It might sound foolish, but when you are breathing once every three minutes it gives you a lot more time on that clock of insanity. All the work he had put in perfecting his breathing technique, it suddenly was worth more than just powerful strikes. However, it was beginning to become apparent that even this was not going to keep the poison at bay. Already he was seeing slight alterations to his perception, and he felt his heart rate rising. Ignoring whatever might be going on behind, the marked man would dance about the plant, strike at it consistently with each landing. He would not let up, his hooked claws taking savage chunks out of the evil being. Occasionally he would duck beneath a swinging vine, and return it with a swing of his own. Surely the creature's health had to be falling, and fast.

The enemies were all dispatched, as far as he could tell. Yet Steele was gone as well, and the room was suddenly desolate. Eerie silence filled the air, and even the plant suddenly seemed to go still. And then he felt the wind brush his cheek; it was the only warning he received, but it was enough. As he rolled backwards over the shrouded floor, a trunk-sized vine came down with a whump fracturing the stone and spraying the young man in shards. Something was off. Likely the poison kicking in at full now. Everything seemed so calm, and then suddenly it wasn't; his perception must have been distorted to the point where it couldn't keep up. He would have to rely on his instincts and other senses. He prayed that he was moving as fast as he thought, leaping over the vine as it raised high again, sinking his claws deep. The plant gave him a lift, and the momentum did the rest. Dropping on the flora's opposite side, he raked the gleam of the petals, hearing what he hoped to be a reassuring hiss.

And then came rushing behind him, and he had just enough sense to roll. Akino span about to notice an armoured demon about the size of a tower, and with arms the size of him. The sword it swung about was double its height, and yet it did not seem to falter, even while gripping it in one clawed hand. Knowing there was no hope of defeating such a creature, the felis quickly ran to the opposite side of the plant, out of sight. Listening closely, he could hear the distorted sounds of blade slicing into dermal tissue, and knew that the monstrosity was attacking the plant as well. All the better then! Maybe, if the redhead was lucky, that was a hallucination. Or maybe it was Steele! It would only make sense, since Akino could see hide nor hair of his leader. He heard the demon begin snarling in its guttural language, and he wondered if it were talking to him or their foe. Either road, Akino made sure to stay far away from its field of view, lest it take another swing at him.

"Steele, if that's you... Just keep on swinging! And stay away from me! This plant has to be close to death, with the way its swaying. Or its about to do something we won't like... God, helps us. Why did I agree to help in such an insane bounty?! Okay, I know, slaying demons is like the peak of a good work... I won't let this monstrosity kill anyone else! Leave the realm, blight! Return to your arid plane of damnation!" He'd feel himself growing enraged and losing his cool, and all the marked young man could do was channel it all towards the abomination before them.

Thrown die:

27

[324/420]

 

As one fell and the other demon remained alongside the plant he knew what he must do. Despite being lost to the madness, despite being in his ragged state he heard the other demon growl and speak in tongues, "Damn it a demon, not now. I'm busy slaying your master. We may make the cake later, but not before bed as you already had tea." he'd say the darkness slowly enveloping the further. His hallucinations a mix of nonsense and darkness. Charging forth the brave warrior would hack and slash away at the beast; the vision of the beat perhaps turning on its master seemed to fill the head of his. Perhaps this demon might bow, beg for forgiveness. But no, it continued to slap and attack at both he and the demon; this was it the clear indication of it being his team mate. As such he'd do his best to avoid him or it. At least this was what he thought as he went on and gave it his all. Hacking away at incoming roots bashing up against the plant. It was monstrous and looked vile, teeth plauging it as it attempted to eat him his blade slicing it open and escaping as blood splattered everywhere. The creature slowly bleeding out as he rolled away his shield coming up to block the incoming stirke; the vine coming down upon him his blade slashing at it to slice it off.

Once more it would scream out in pain. His eyes shifting to the demon which was left seemed to split as various others, slowly but surely the demons appeared to charge in, striking at him. Was this real or was it an illusion, his shield and sword slashing away at the others as if to slay the beasts; feeling of phantom pain clouding his mind; even had the other sat still he'd still fight away at air.exhausting himself to some degree in his berserk state he'd collapse and try to catch his breath. His head raised to gaze about the area. He'd growl as he cocked his arms back and howled out in frustration. His body charging forth he'd swing about frantically slamming his shield or slashing with his blade. At any and everything, had the male been in his path he'd receive some sort of damage surely, if not then he'd been lucky. The same most likely true for him should his ally suffer the same fate. Either way, the flower was slain, but the effects were going to take some time to calm down. The effects slowly fading as demons left and only maleficences remained. Yet in reality, more maleficences would appear. Steele fighting for his life alone, or so he thought. His shield stunning one before his Blade shanked into the body of a malefimancer. Was it the enemy or his ally, only time would tell. Yet his rage carried on. As he tried to escape the area, yet what did fate have for him.

His body slamming about and at the various Malefimancers he'd try his best to remain focused Yet, he didn't wish to kill anything, not truly in fear of facing his ally. Yet as he tried to avoid it he kept seeing her face. Sera. Either caught and held by a Malefimancer or chained up about. He frantically tried to save her, every time. HIs love for her burning bright and his intentions pure; but his hallucinations turning to the more nightmare fueled fears he had. Did he finish the plant or did it cling to life...afraid to turn back he'd rush in? Slashing and slaying anything in his way as he soon started to see his lover's fac upon the bodies. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SERAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" he'd shout his anger getting worse as he went back and saw the plant; or was it truly the plant. His anger peaking beyond hatred he'd charge in trying to decapitate the flower; as it crawled away he'd stab into it over and over, beating it in with his shield, 'DIE SCUM, HOW DARE YOU PLAY TRICKS WITH MY MIND!" he'd shout tears streaming down his face, "FIRST YOU TAKE AKINO FROM ME...NOW YOU TRY TO MAKE ME LIVE A TRAUMA OF LOSING MY LOVE ONE...." he'd scream filled with sadness, anger, fear. His over all tone an emotional roller coaster. Before he'd slain whomever or whatever it was.

Turning he'd see another plant. Was that Akino he just killed or was that the left over dying plant he finished off. Either way, the pollen was lessening as he once more charged in; he couldn't change it. His blade clashing with it as the swore vengeance for his team mate, for the love of his life and for himself. The inner darkness surrounding him he'd demand blood. "DIE....DIE....DIE" he'd shout, as each hit seemed to bring him closer to his senses. Whether blocked or landed he'd finally start coming to before jumping back and charging forth to pierce the target his sword aimed at its base; or heart should it be Akino. Leaving himself entirely open as well; could it be enough to kill himself as well. Just what was their fate to be?

Thrown dice:

48

90

OOC: Let's pray we both survive.

 

"You know what would be really nice right now? Not being here. Not being poisoned by a giant parasitic creature from the nether. Not worrying on whether or not I'm going to be haunted for life. This is like the worst acid trip of my life! It's worse than that time I took two double-dose gel tabs at the same time. With complete strangers! Horrible idea, but I thought it'd be fun at the time. Just like this! Horrible idea, but it sounded fun at the time! Oh man, but there were good times that night too. Like that bird, and the baby gosling. Baby Ryan Goslings haha. Oh Maker, I'm losing my mind. Keep steady, man. Keep your head. I can get through this, just have to focus on the plant."

As he said the words, he'd feel what felt like a thousand tiny claws dragging on his legs. The body he was in felt so heavy, and their nails were stinging away incessantly. They'd tug and tug, never stopping, but making each step a stumble. Sparing a moment to glance down at them, he saw he was standing over nothing. Empty abyss of darkness stretched out below, and the grinning features of long decayed hosts stared up at him. They reached up and pulled on his chest and back, shredding his clothes. Wincing in pain as a thousand barbs stung him, he'd thrash and slice with his claws, severing whatever it was that had him bound. The plant let out an unnatural howl that could only have meant it was hurt. Looking at the blood spurting from a severed thorn vine, he realized that he was wrapped in the substance. This was getting deadlier by the moment. If he didn't finish this battle soon, he was likely to buy a house right next to his farm.

"What I would give to not be here! To be somewhere else, somewhere peaceful. Like a glade, or a meadow. Maybe with a massive waterfall, and a sparkling pool. Oh, or a hot spring! Maker, I would love a hot spring right now! Does this game have hot springs? Sure it does, it's got to. If it doesn't, I'll find some mages and make some. That's it, it's settled! If I survive this, I'm going to go off and find me a hot spring! And I will sleep in it for hours, and never get out for a month! And I'll bring tea! Every day, I will drink tea in the morning, and in the evening. I'll soak in the water in between, and then play with Ju-Ju when I can! Yeah, that's what I'll do.... Oh, I would love some tea right now. Just any type of tea. This game has the best tea, though I bet if I brewed some myself it would be better... I wish I had my cat right now." He was rambling on, trying desperately to keep his mind distracted from everything but this madness.

Over to his left, he felt the ground quake as the demon stumbled backwards. It began to thrash about in circles, swinging out at some unseen apparitions. Was it suffering from the miasma as well? Could demons be affected by other demons? No, likely not. That had to be Steele! He prayed it was! At the same time though... If it was Steele, he was probably seeing his own demons. And that meant he could come charging his way at any moment! 'Get a hold of yourself...' He heard his inner peace tell him. Akino honed in on the clear ring in his mind, and follow it. 'Keep fighting, don't give up. Remember, you are fighting for what is right. For justice, for peace, for those who can't fight. Do not yield, no matter the tragedy you face. Stand strong, and cut this evil creature down to size.'

"Time to trim this shrub!" Akino charged forward, to the surely nigh dead flora, and saw the imposing shape of the demon charging his way. This was it. Either that monstrosity was about to cut him in half, or his claws were about to shred this damn weed. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he noted the cold sensation of a blade piercing his flesh. Feckin' simulation combat... Darkness encroached.

Thrown dice:

60

24

 

As the illusions soon began to fade he'd see the plant dead and a few others who were under the spell had slowly come to as well, his eyes shifting to gaze upon his team mate he'd smile, "Well, fuck me running. You lived?" he said somewhat surprised as he pulled his blade out from an actual plant. Apparently the one he'd stabbed to death earlier was some kind of malefimancer. Having killed the required malefimancers and barely surviving he'd smile, "Alright buddy, looks like we make it out alive. Now...come over here and let me heal up your wounds, you look like shit." he'd say with a hearty chuckle as he began to channel magic into his hands healing the male. Had he finished he'd soon work on himself and slowly walk with him out of the area; leaving the castle with proof of the slain beast; along with the malefimancer's crests from their body. The items he'd need to prove their worth and split the bounty. Turning to his ally he'd smile, "You did good man, but let's not do anymore hard one's until I get stronger." he said teasing as he spit some blood to the side and wrapped his arms around him hugging some some as he left the area with @Akino Kokoro Ame .

[Exit thread]

OOC: Go post up and tag the thread claiming our victory. don't forget to link this and @Aaron Steele buddy.