[Sanctuary] I've Got You Under My Skin(Mao, Kavala, Vanator)

[Baku]

Already the Diverse were converging, their clubs held high and ready for heavy swings. As Kavala began to assemble her blowgun, loading darts into it as Vanator stood in front of her as her shield, Mao was the first to vault into action, letting out an almost deafening roar as she rushed towards the Diverse, turning her rage towards those who barred her path from the true source of that rage. A club swept just above her hair, brushing lightly along the fine hairs of her fur but missing for the most part. The second club from another that came swinging had managed to connect however, just as Pao was about to latch on with claws, but the attack was light, held back as the Diverse kept to the bargain set by Nycer. They were going with debilitating strikes with Mao, making sure not to kill her. Such a strike was barely enough to phase Mao in her rage fueled state as she shrugged off the attack, clamping down her jaws on the nearest Diverse. The mutated human’s weapon arm was caught, and she shook with all her rage, like the wild animal looking to shake the life from their prey. A third soon raised their club to strike, looking to break Mao’s biting grasp of his comrade. It was then that Kavala’s darts came flying through the air, the first flying past the group towards Nycer. The small current of air that had been swirling around him drove the dart off path, however, and what would have hit him in the neck merely found the clothing along his shoulder. As the Iggatani soon scurried to Nycer’s other shoulder as Nycer himself reached over his shoulder, plucking the dart free. A amused smile crossed his lips as Nycer brought the tip of the dart to his nose, smelling it for a moment like he would a flower before tossing it aside to the ground and disappearing below a nearby hill. Kavala’s second dart flew forward, quickly after the first one, as the Diverse that was about to strike Mao soon found the dark striking his wrist, the tip piercing his flesh, a third flying wide and missing. The creature paused in its movements for a moment, looking up to the dart curiously. The diverse soon reached up, his movements becoming a little shaky, uncoordinated as the toxin of the dart worked quickly, evident by the fact that it took the Diverse three separate tries before finally pulling the dart free. The club was dropped to the ground as he began to stumble back and forth, trying to remain on his feet. The two remaining Divers soon turned their gazes to Vanator and Kavala, letting out a bloodthirsty battle cry as they began to stepping towards the pair as Kavala drew her daggers. The movement of the Diverse suddenly stopped in that brief moment as the call of a raven suddenly echoed out, drawing the Diverse’s attentions momentarily to see a large black Raven perched upon the roof of Sanctuary. Soon, the tone of silver rings clanging against each other came next. Any who turned their attention to the sound soon saw shadows moving on their own from various sources along the ground, gathering at one point not far off from the corner of the gardens. The shadows began to rise, waves cascading up and down in their movements as shadows almost appeared to be like fluid black smoke. Soon, then end of a black wooden staff came poking through the shadows, the tip hovering along the ground for a moment before landing firmly and letting out that echoed chime once again. A large, black leather boot stepped out of the shadow next, planting along the ground as the remainder of the staff soon came into view, reaching close to six feet in length, the top had three sliver rings fastened to it, revealing the source of the chiming sound. A dark blue hand gripped the staff itself, large and strong. Finally, the full figure came stepping out, his frame tall as he stood just above six and a half feet tall. His build was stocky, but moved more towards the lean that large build overall. His body was draped in a black, hooded sleeved cloak as it flowed like river waters mixing with the shadow itself. Another gust of wind soon revealed his face, the dark blue skin lined with dark tattoos, making his status in Riverfall clear to Kavala immediately. The Diverse looked to this new arrival, giving low toned growls as they narrowed their eyes. The Cerulean stared back silently, the hooded robe soon dropping from his frame as it laid along the ground as Shadows suddenly began rushing from their gathering point, swarming like sentient beings as they began swarming around the heads of the diverse, obscuring their view. Swat and swing at they might, the shadows would not dissipate from their heads, occupying their attention with the need for sight than attacking from that moment. “You have the stance and build of someone who knows how to fight, yet you hesitate too much Drykas,” the Cerulean’s voice then suddenly said, directed towards Vanator as his right hand reaching to the top of his staff, “even the healer is taking more action than you are, and her weapons are smaller than yours.” “Owner of Sanctuary, there has been a decree by the Council of Elders,” the Cerulean then said, a quick tug soon pulling a hidden strait blade free from the staff as the chiming rings echoed out as he did so, “of which shall be discussed after the danger has passed.” The Cerulean then crouched slightly, the sheath of his blade dropped to the ground as he soon vaulted forward, traveling with a speed that betrayed his size. A glimmer of Syna’s light reflected off his blade as his first swing cut deeply into the arm of one of the Diverse, forcing him to drop his club to the ground. A strong swing found his fist slamming into the jaw to the Diverse Kavala had paralyzed with her dart, forcing to the ground finally as he moved closer to Mao and her prey. Soon his body spun around, as one final swing of his blade was given, cutting through both of the legs of the Diverse that Mao had a grip on, forcing him to fall to the ground as Mao’s jaw remained clamped. “Finish your prey off quickly, Kelvic.” the Cerulean said, his back facing the entire group to reveal three black triangles branded down the center, “predators only play with their kill for so long.” A quick flick of his blade sent blood flying free from it as he slowly turned around, looking to the final one that stood there. He slowly gazed past the last healthy Diverse, staring Vanator dead in his eyes as the Raven that sat along Kavala's roof suddenly landed along the Cerulean's shoulder. “Prove you are not just a shield of flesh and bone Drykas,” the Cerulean said, lowering his blade as the Shadows then fluttered away from the Diverse’s face, allowing him to see once more. “My assignment, after all, is not to protect you, or your sister.” All four Diverse still remained alive. One had been paralyzed and brought to the ground, a second left with a crippled arm, the third with crippled legs at the mercy of Mao’s jaws, the final healthy and now looking to Kavala and Vanator once again with Malice in his eyes.

[Kavala]

People tended to forget that Konti were not prone to violence at all. Many of them, perhaps too many of them for their own good, were shocked with rapid events and bloodshed that came fast and furious. That Kavala was a healer helped tremendously. It numbed her to bloodspray and the violence Mao and the newcomer were showing. Five years earlier... even two... she'd not be so easily numbed. Now though, she knew it was time to fight. Later there would be time to sort through the events - Mao's Nemesis disappearing, the Cerulean appearing, even Vanator's inaction. Right now though, Kavala was in full fledged offense and was willing to take chances to even the odds.

She danced forward lithely, shoving her blowgun into her belt. She had no more time to load darts and try again. She had only blades that she drew from her weapons belt and her feet that were sturdily shod in boots with heavy heels meant for riding not fighting. The one still standing, not maimed, she lashed out at, bending at the hips, twisting, and throwing the force of her slight body behind the kick. She meant to catch the creature on the chin if possible, breaking it if she could. Balanced, weight distributed on her pivoting leg, Kavala put all the force into her kick she could muster. Her plan was to kick, restore balance, and then lunge with a knife and slice off an arm or anything that would bleed him out quickly. She didn't have the strength or training to kill neatly. Instead she fought dirty, quickly, in and out if at all possible.

Sanctuary was her home. Mao and her child was Kavala's responsibility. She'd defend them both at all costs.

[Vanator]

Vanator was not a rabid animal to lunge blindly at a foe. Had they faced grass lions, wolves, even glassbeak, the Drykas would know his opponent, what they were capable of, weaknesses and strengths. But men, or sentient beings like these ...things, were different. Gauging the speed, strength and commitment of an enemy can mean the difference between living and dying. Sometimes appearances can be deceiving, like the strange Akalak that had appeared, moving his large frame with lightning speed. Vanator knew only whispers of their secret cult, but his thinly veiled insults abraded against the pride of the Ankal's heir. Even as the mysterious shadows plagued the abominations and the dark Akalak defty inflicted his wounds, Vanator itched to prove him wrong. Then Kavala surge ahead. Petch! He growled, never suspecting Kavala to engage in combat so readily, even as passionate as she was about protecting her wards. He wanted to call her off, to protect her at any cost. But she moved with skill, obviously trained by someone, probably Akela. He restrained himself for running to her, if only for the moment. She had charged the healthy brute, the one he should engage. The horseman had already seen their tactics, simple and violent. They swung their clubs in wide arcs with abandon. His gaze flicked between the healthy one and the one with the arm maimed by the Cerulean. Kavala blocked immediate access to the first, so Vanator charged the second, appraoching at a slight angle on the side of its good arm. His left arm shot out, attempting to grab the good wrist. With a good pivot and a jerk of his broad upper body, Vanator could pull its arm forward enough to compromise its balance for a moment, long enough for him to bring the hand ax down against the back of its neck. Such a strike would hopefully disable it long enough for him to spin around and swing at the beast attacking Kavala.

[Mao]

Mao lashed out with tooth and claw, oblivious to what she struck; indiscriminately, as long as the blood of these monsters was shed. Her rage consumed her, and she fought to close the distance between herself and Nycer, as if killing these mindless shykes would suddenly bring him back to taunt her. Through her fangs she marked what Dira would claim, but with each pummel they inflicted on her Mao roared and hissed and fought her way to what she believed was a worthy reason to continue fighting until she died. The only difference was that she would see Nycer dead before the end. The Diverse she had her strong fangs clamped on had been sundered further by a new, unfamiliar presence. An Akalak, one whose scent was new, unfamiliar, but whose swift actions and concise words made Mao pause, even as the monster in her grasp writhed in what one could only assume was agony. But she did not linger, just as he advised. She tightened her jaw and crunched down on the bone of the creature, hearing that satisfying crack before she jerked her head and tore the limb off completely. This she tossed aside, then bent her head down to tear at his jugular and slice off a good chunk of his mutated flesh. Then Mao turned, maw dripping blood, catching sight of Kavala lashing out at the only unharmed Diverse left. Was it devotion that caused her to fight like she did? She was determined, Mao could sense it, if not within her but by her actions. And Vanator, the human she abhorred to the point of maiming, was even fighting beside her. It was a strange feeling growing in the pit of her stomach, and it wasn’t just the growing cub. Mao was… could it be grateful? Deep down under the layers of hate and fury and animosity, shave that clean off and there was gratitude, even love. So Mao whipped around and ran directly into the Diverse Kavala was fighting; a direct collision, a slam that hopefully was forceful enough to knock the mutant to the ground. Her claws and fangs searched for skin and bone, scraping, clawing, biting. For the woman Mao had promised herself to protect.

[Baku]

The Cerulean, now apparent by the dark tattoos that lined his face, looked on with complete indifference as the three broke into their own battles, his now sheathed weapon tapping along the ground as another chime of the rings that rested along the top echoed out. The Raven that had announced his presence soon flew over from its perch along Sanctuary’s roof, landing along his shoulder. The three almost moved in unison after the Cerulean’s arrival, with Kavala’s fluid actions starting them off. His eyes narrowed slightly, watching her moved forward, his fluid movements slightly hinting at training from more than one trainer, one of which he recognized. Other movements suggested self training, but overall she was in the beginning stages of it all. Still, the firm base of her skills, couple with both her training and her knowledge of medical practices and Philtering hinted to the Cerulean that she would someday be someone that even many Akalak would find challenging in the Arena sands. Her kick was swift, and straitened out the moment she began fully extending her leg. It allowed her a firm, two fold solidity to her attack. Not only was she putting her full weight into the kick, putting her hips into the kick and extending with her base foot along the ground, but the base foot acted as a brace for the kick, adding that much force into it. Her weight wasn’t much, but applied with the right technique, it was still effective. The kick rocked the head of the Diverse back, and an almost hollow pop could be heard right before the Diverse screamed in pain. She hadn’t quite broken the creature’s jaw, but she had dislocated it, showing the actual strength she had in her firm, slender frame. The knife swing that had followed soon after had found flesh as well, cutting through the bicep of the Diverse as it reached over, grasping at the wound, it’s weapon dropped to the ground. Vanator’s hesitation would only last so long before he would have to join in the conflict. And so he did, as he moved around, slipping to the maimed Diverse, still trying to regain its place in the fight as it began reaching to the ground for its weapon. Its hand was grabbed by Vanator and pulled forward in short order. His axe would only find close half of the creature’s neck, however, as both height difference of the combatants and range of the weapon caused the strike to fall short of the overall intended mark. It would prove to be enough though, as a spurt of blood escaped the wound. As Vanator began to spin and make his next attack upon Kavala’s opponent, the Diverse began stumbling forward, the combined wounds causing enough loss of blood that it no longer had the strength to even stand, before falling to the ground motionless. Vanator’s other attack, manage to cut deeply through the back of the second Diverse. By no means was it a lethal strike, but the pain from the attack caused the Diverse to arch its back and stick its chest out in pained reflex. The momentary reaction, however slight, would allow Kavala an opportune opening to make a lethal thrust with her dagger into the creatures heart if she took advantage. Mao’s own Diverse didn’t find itself to be in much fairer condition as it fell to the ground, now pinned under the massive paws of the Kelvic. Mao’s claws dug through flesh, and clenched teeth tore through muscle, as it simply lifted its free arm, trying to pull Mao from its body. It couldn’t find a firm grip in the end before Mao’s teeth went strait for its jugular after relieving the Diverse of its arm. A gargled sound escaped the mouth before the throat was entirely torn out. The Cerulean’s eyes then shifted, gazing over Mao as she rushed at the remaining Diverse. He slowly shook his head, thinking that the three of them attacking together might very well cause a congestion in the battle. Attacks intended for the Diverse could very well find an alley in such close confines. In the end, it would make very little difference, the force of Moa colliding with the Diverse would only serve to force the dagger that much more deeply into the heart of their last foe if Kavala chose to strike. It would fall, and would die instantly, or shortly after hitting the ground. The Cerulean would simply stand there, motionless and quiet. He would wait for the conflict to end, and the three of them to regain their composure and calm themselves before speaking again

[Kavala]

Kavala indeed took advantage. She moved forward, taking up the gap that Vanator left after his all but lethal double-fold attack. Stabbing the creature through the heart, Kavala put her entire force behind it, channeling the energy in her body into that singular motion meant to end the creatures life. She was blood splattered, tired, and very very angry but in the quiet burning sort of way that was more deadly than distracting.

Once the thing was stabbed, she did not release her dagger but instead withdrew it and carefully wiped it upon her sleeve before sheathing it. She looked around, wanting more of an enemy and an additional fight. She saw nothing though, not really, save for the Cerulean standing back and doing nothing to assist them.

Kavala sheathed her dagger and glanced at her brother. She met his eye and then glanced away with guilt. What would he think of her now? She was nothing like she had been - that bright child so full of promise and potential - when she rode for Mura. This creature he was witnessing was something vastly different, something darker and quietly ruined through and through. The old Kavala wouldn't have killed, not even if doing so would have prevented another Valterrian. This one didn't even blink doing so.

She turned then, catching the Cerulean's eye. She studied him intently, meeting his gaze and noting his tattoos. The bird on his shoulder she felt for, trying to make contact to see if it was kelvic or indeed a normal bird. Was he here as a friend or foe? Was he a danger? She felt for the birds mind, wanting its emotions, its senses, hoping she could make a connection.

Doing something, even that, was far better than facing her brother and any questions he might ask.

[Vanator]

Though it was over in a fraction of a chime, Vanator perceived the battle with clarity once he engaged the abominations. His hand ax bit into the neck of his first target, and the fountain of blood that erupted from the creature's neck assured the Drykas that thing would no longer posed an immediate threat. He was anxious to turn to the beast attacking Kavala, and that is when the most profound thing happened. Vanator spun to strike, blood pumping with adrenaline, his weapon hacking into the back of the Diverse. Then he saw Kavala, his once sweet, compassionate, defenseless sister, drive a dagger with all her might into the thing's heart. Kav did not strike with fear in her face, or even mad desperation. It was calculated, controlled rage. As the Diverse slumped, Kavala withdrew her blade, cleaned it and glance around for another foe. Seeing the enemies down, Vanator stood and stared at Kavala. He was spattered with blood, she was dripping with blood, a Kelvic jaguar at their side, dead and dying mutants at their feet and the mysterious Cerulean watching on. Of all the bizarre things Van had seen that day, watching Kavala kill with such willingness, skill and precision stunned him the most. What was once the most familiar things to him was now virtually an unknown. His little sister, she was gone. Raiha was right, things change, people change. She said Kavala was still his sister, he her brother. He would accept that, would accept this woman as his sister, for he still loved her more than any woman alive. But he had only guessed, and dreaded even contemplating, what had been done to his beloved sister to bring her to what she was that day. Eventually, he would have to know, though he did not know if he could bear it. The Drykas wiped the blood from face with the back of his hand, ax still in his grasp. The rush of battle was fading and he tore his eyes from his sister, who refused to meet his gaze. He glanced at Mao to make sure she was alright, then turned his gaze to the ominous figure with a raven on his shoulder.

[Baku]

The Cerulean surveyed the field for a short time longer before finally raising his blade. A quick flick of his wrist sent the blood flying free from the cool iron before it was slid back into the sheath. He began to step forward, the end of his sword staff thudding against the ground and sending out an echoing chime through the air as he stood before the three. Finally, his eyes settled upon Kavala, giving a slow silent nod. “You made quick decisions and had virtually no wasted movements or moments in the heat of all of this.” the Cerulean said, his voice calm and cool even after the battle, almost to the point of being emotionless. “If I didn’t know your history, what you’ve gone through, and that you were a healer already, I would suspect you were a mercenary of sorts after viewing you today.” The Cerulean then reached up with his free hand, slowly perching the raven along his hand. He began to speak his native tongue to the bird, of which only Kavala seemed to pick up smatterings of. The words “Council” and “Report” was what immediately rang clear in her ears. The raven then flew off towards the sky, making a direction towards the city proper, through the bird, Kavala could pick up the emotions not to different than she would have found among Kelvics, but this particular one had the calmest sense of emotion to it. There was no struggle within the Raven’s emotion. No confusion. No sorrow or rage, or even overwhelming joy. There was complete and utter content. A sign of an extraordinary strong bond between it and the Cerulean as the Raven almost mirrored its bondmate’s emotion. The Cerulean’s eyes then fell down to meet Van’s own, his gaze traveling over his bloodied axe. “You have skill, but your thought process is to slow in battle.” the Cerulean said, slowly twisting the staff between his fingers. “I sense in you the potential to be a leader among your people, but only if you cast away your overly cautious nature. You should know that many opponents will not allow you the luxury of time when it comes to reading them. Learn to read them in the actual heat of the confrontation, and their strengths and weaknesses will become clear to you in a heartbeat and shallow breath’s time.” The Cerulean slowly turned his head then, looking to Mao. This time he slowly crouched down, reaching out as his large blue hand stroked the fur of the predatory Kelvic, showing no fear even after she had been so soon removed from a battle. “You carry something precious to my people inside of you, and as such, you are precious. With the parasite now removed, let us hope you are calmed comparatively from before.” The Cerulean said, “for I have lost the taste of caging the majestic power you and kin like you possess. I will be your shadow, from now until you have given birth. Do not force my hand with impulsive, savage actions.” The Cerulean then stood up strait, his gaze once again falling to Kavala. “Kavala of Sanctuary, you have struggled much and taken great strides in the care taking of this Kelvic,” the Cerulean then said, “and the fact that she carries within her a child of our race has not gone unnoticed by the Council.” The Cerulean then stepped forward, his frame towering over the shorter Konti as his gaze almost pierced into her soul in a way. “They have decreed that from this point on, any Kelvic bearing child for Riverfall and without the Akalak who planted their seed within them, shall be placed under your care. All expenses that go into their care should be recorded by you and submitted to the Oathmaster. Such will then be deducted from your debt owed to Riverfall. They said, if you see to the safe birth and care of enough, your own debt shall be lifted, and your bracelet removed.” The Cerulean then slowly leaned in, his voice but a hush now as his warm breath caressed Kavala’s ear. “The shadows, they speak to me often young Konti. They tell me things of import.” He then explained, so silently that only Kavala could hear. “Continue your path of the warrior and leader on top of your duties as a healer. You will need all as dark times approach. It may not be soon, but they do come. And only a handful will be found suitable to see those who are not through it.” The Cerulean the stood up strait, and slowly began moving away from Sanctuary. “I will instruct some of my brethren to come by and clean up these bodies that poison your lawn. Some will wish to dissect them, and learn more of their weaknesses.” the Cerulean said, his staff echoing out that chime as it hit the ground with each step. “I am name Selvanis, and have been charged with watching over Mao until she has given birth. Don’t expect to see me around too often though.” Shadows then began to creep up from the ground, surrounding Selvanis, covering him completely like a black fog. Then, with a final chime echoing out from his staff, the shadow dispersed into the form of several flying shadow ravens in all directions, and Selvanis was gone. And so that left the three of them to ponder. Kavala? A new opportunity at complete freedom but also the possibility of greater struggle later in life for all. Vanator? A potential spoken, but with flaws needed to overcome and a notice of change in things he found familiar and comforting. Mao? The release of her overbearing rage, but one that had not been totally quenched for the one responsible for the greatest tragedy in her life. What they all did with their new beginnings, was now totally in their hands. (Thus endeth the thread, will reply a little later with awards)

[Stranger]

XP Award!

Kavala:
Hostessing: +2
Investigation: +3
Medicine: +2
Observation: +2
Rhetoric: +1
Blow Gun: +3
Dagger: +4
Tactics: +2

Lore:
New Levels of Creepy
Fighting for Hearth and Home
Protecting What’s Most Important
Priorities In Order
Life Changes with a Brother


Vanator -
Compassion: +2
Persuasion: +1
Hand-Ax: +4
Investigation: +3
Observation: +2
Deduction: +1
Tactics: +2

Lore:
Protecting Little Sister
Along for a Wild Ride
Careful Consideration of Unknown Enemies
Compassion for the Unfortunate
Wounded Pride

Notes:

What a cool story! Totally creeped me out. Excellent writing, guys. Let me know if I missed anything!