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Post by nascent on Aug 10, 2009 8:19:11 GMT -5
A grand castle, sitting alone and empty deep within a forbidding forest... a place seemingly forgotten by history, lost to the annals of a bygone age. This place, this stronghold, would soon be turned to a greater purpose... for where others see ruins and ghost stories, those of noble strength saw instead an opportunity. "Here stand we, regents of a fate carved by our own hands at the edge of a sword..." An empty courtyard at the end of a long bridge spanning a treacherously deep valley; ahead, not more than fifty feet, towering double doors that led into the castle proper. Theron grinned to himself, hardly able to believe his luck. To think that such a stronghold stood empty, unguarded and unvisited... it was as if such a place had simply been awaiting them. This Loire Valley styled bastion was perfect for The Barons' plans. First this castle, and then from here the whole of France... "Here it all begins." But one thing at a time. Just because the lights were out didn't mean that no one was home. There could be a group of brigands using this place as a hideout, for instance. Or the castle's master could be one of those light-shunning vampires he'd heard stories about. Whatever the case, best to proceed with caution. "Friends," Theron Bradford d'Metreon turned towards the two field commanders who had accompanied him, Lt. Colonel Engram and gunslinger Zeke Renios. The boy's expression was one of confidence, for indeed what force could withstand three such as themselves? "Our glory begins here! Once we take this stronghold we can use it as a staging ground for the rest of our advances. Now, let us move to secure this place at once." (OOC: Not sure who, if anyone, will come to challenge us here... if you do, I'll look forward to it! Also, if a QM or Staff Member would be willing to temporarily take up the role of the Beast and/or other castle residents to oppose we invaders that would certainly make this invasion seem more authentic.) |
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Post by Homac on Aug 10, 2009 11:52:15 GMT -5
Zeke nodded at the boy who had taken charge of the invasion. "Yeah, this place shouldn't be too much trouble. I heard some odd rumors about this place when I was poking around that little town a ways back. Supposedly, the owner of this castle is 'a monster of unimaginable horror.' Though," he put his finger to his chin thoughtfully, "The guy I talked to didn't seem like the brightest of the bunch. I wouldn't hold much to it."
Calling his gamma rank droids in around him, he drew his guns and continued, "But I'm sure that some 'monster' would be no problem."
[OOC: And thus, we blitzkreig France!]
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Post by Rocket! on Aug 11, 2009 18:19:19 GMT -5
Engram sighed, rubbing his temple.
Melodrama... well, it wasn't his thing.
He snapped his fingers. In a flash, Major Roesch appeared at his side, fully decked in his armor.
"Colonel?"
"Just a second."
Roesch nodded, and stepped back.
Turning back to the rest of the group, Lt. Colonel Engram said matter of factly, "Frankly, I'm not interested in taking chances, Reinos. My men can have the perimeter secure in less than half an hour, with or without support. If anything should be out of the ordinary, like you've suggested," he nodded to Zeke, "we'll know right away and can take proper action without unnecessary losses."
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Post by yami on Aug 11, 2009 21:16:26 GMT -5
 "Beast's Castle DEFENSE FORCE, ASSEMBLE!"
Well, best to slow down...the enchanted armour was within the dungeon after all. Yet in such desperate times could Beast and the castle servants afford to keep such a power locked up? Rather, was it even possible to contain it? Well, should the 'blitzkrieg of france' begin with the siege of this castle, then the raiders would hear an unusual pounding noise. It would come from the floor of the castle seemingly, indicating that a lower level was present. The pounding noise came from the armour which didn't quite have it's usual sentience. No it was locked within a mental battle and the frustrations of both sides were being expressed in...physical means. It was audible at first certainly, then it becan to increase in decibells.
"I...will...free...myself!"
Somewhere a conscious being had uttered this mental quote, a vow filled with passion! Perhaps the games...would begin? |
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Post by nascent on Aug 12, 2009 1:01:29 GMT -5
(OOC: Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have stirred a sleeping lion. Tread carefully!) Great double-doors creaked and groaned in protest as they were thrown open, pushed on their hinges not by human hands but by a pair of hovering statues in the image of white marble chess pawns. Through the grim castle's entrance marched Theron Bradford d'Metreon, an eager grin decorating his thirteen year old features. The kind of look that most boys his age, even of noble rearing, would reserve for birthday presents and eagerly anticipated treats he kept in reserve for only one thing: the promise of a challenge. Those of his bloodline lived for the thrill of a worthy foe, dreamed of battles grand enough to display all their talents, skills, and strengths; the fruits of victory were, of course, a close second... but nothing truly compared to the glory of the battlefield. "Whether men or monsters truly makes little difference." The youth noted with an air of slight indifference. It wasn't that Zeke's information meant nothing, for what good commander goes into battle without intel? No, it was simply that Theron was eager to face whatever foes this place contained. As if to emphasize the point, he turned to his companions and began dramatically quoting a random philosopher. "Indeed, what a chimera then is man! What a novelty! What a monster, what a chaos, what a contradiction, what a prodigy! Judge of all things, feeble earthworm, depository of truth, a sink of uncertainty and error, the glory and the shame of the universe!" Boom... boom... boom... A distant, faded sound resonated throughout the castle, as if some terrible thunder of metal and stone carrying up from the unfathomable depths of an abyss. Theron's expression at first went completely blank... then a broad smile broke out on his face. It was the kind of expression that assured his companions that the young Baron was intent on doing something that most sane people would consider truly reckless. It didn't help any that he drew Sangfroid from its scabbard, either. "If there be monsters herein, I say we introduce ourselves!" He exclaimed, holding the blade ready. Theron's Pawns floated back over to their master's side, miniaturizing in a sparkle of light to become mere game tokens sitting on the floor. These the young d'Metreon picked up and placed into a silk bag tied to his belt, rejoining the other chess pieces inside. That accomplished, he began to examine his surroundings, silently wondering whether the east or west wing was more likely to lead to the castle's undercroft. |
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Post by Akito on Aug 12, 2009 3:44:00 GMT -5
"LEAVE!" A mighty paw swept Riku away several metres even though he raised his keyblade in defense, "YOU WILL LEAVE THIS CASTLE!" An earth shaking roar followed, so powerful that crumbs and dust from the ceiling above showered down.
"Calm down," Riku reasoned, lowering his keyblade to show his sincerity...only to be thrust against the wall by the Beast's charge. Claws gripped at his clothes, a massive paw pinning him to the wall. "HOW DARE YOU COME HERE!"
"Calm down," Riku repeated, even against the immense pressure of the Beast's paw he seemed unphased; the same, almost obnoxious, composure apparent on his fine features. Tragically, he was met with more rough housing as the Beast violently threw Riku with all his might. The keybearer managed to stable himself mid air however and braced his feet on the ground, skidding back instead of being flung like a ragdoll.
"ROOAAARRR!!! GET OUUUTTT!!!" Beast again leapt in wild fury towards, claws unfurled and teeth bared. Riku clicked his tongue, his patience was at an end, and he glared at the incoming Beast, "I said...CALM DOWN!" It happened in a moment, just as the Beast was mere inches away from his target, Riku twirled outside the span of his arms to the right side and pulled at the Beast's arm, bringing even the heavy Beast to the floor with his own momentum. Bearing his weight down onto the fallen Beast, his left arm wrapped around the neck and his right arm pressing his keyblade to the Beast's nape, Riku sighed heavily, "You idiot. Look, you've angered her," Raising his keyblade and pointing to the corner of the already trashed room, a trembling 'Princess' would be found there; trembling, not out of fear, but anger.
"B-Belle, I'm sorry...!" The Beast began, picking himself up as Riku hastily got off him; the Beast didn't seem to mind his presence however, and only focused on the maid who fumed and stomped out of her own room which the Beast so thoroughly destroyed. The Beast made his way to follow and apologize, however, the silver-haired keybearer, who arguably was the cause, stood in his way.
"You...!" The Beast growled, only to be met with Riku's raised hand. A 'stop' sign, and a reminder of what had happened just now when he let his anger get the better of him.
"I did not come here to pick a fight. Not with you, anyway. I...I want to make it up to you for what I did when I was young," Riku forced himself to say, though it was a great onus on his pride. He had to do this. He had to at least try and repent.
The Beast looked at him in a mix of disbelief and suspicion; his instincts from past experience told him to be wary of this boy. However...even so, even the Beast could tell the situation was not favorable. He had intruders and he would not be enough to defeat them, let alone protect Belle. And this boy was strong, he knew, he had been defeated once by him already.
"...Do whatever you want," The Beast finally said in what was more a snarl.
"Thanks. Go after her, take her somewhere safe and stay with her; I'll be done soon," Riku nodded at the Beast.
"I don't take orders from you!" Another vicious retort and already the Beast was off, on all fours to quickly catch up with Belle. Riku couldn't help but chuckle at that man's immaturity, even in Beast skin, even by putting a frown on his face; it was clear he was pretty smitten.
x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.
A candelabra and a clock hopped together, fighting against the fear that enveloped them as they traversed the dungeon.
"This is a bad idea, Monsieur," Lumiere held his two candles out to fend off the darkness, "This darkness, she does not agree with me!"
"Quit your bellyaching and hurry up, the Master gave us clear instructions to release her," Cogsworth snapped sternly at his companion, maintaining a business-like front, "We're in no position to be choosy,"
"Even so! To let loose such a beast..." Lumiere stopped himself, and both he and Cogsworth stared at each other in an awkward silence.
"Ahem, anyway, we had better make quick haste then,"
x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.
Steps sounded down the stair well in front of the Castle's entrance, a silver haired young man bearing a strange wing shaped weapon came from the east corridor. He wore plain clothes and had he not the weapon, he would have appeared just like an ordinary young adult. Intense eyes, ready for battle, adorned his rather handsome face and the oddest smirk, an arrogance, along with it.
He had just reached the bottom of the stair well when, with strange blade in hand yet not raised, he greeted the other 'visitors'.
"You're the leaders? I don't suppose I could ask you to leave peacefully before you get hurt?" Though he spoke in a jovial, almost friendly, manner; it was clear this man was serious. If they wanted to take a step further, they would have to defeat him.
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Post by Homac on Aug 12, 2009 20:30:14 GMT -5
Zeke glared at Engram, "Lt. Colonel, I think you should know, my name is Renios, not Reinos. Other than that, I'm fine with anything you want to do. My gammas are gonna stick with me."
The young man walked in next to Theron, his droids staying in a box formation around him. As he saw the silver haired man walk down the stairs, he put one hand on Durendal, but managed to appear friendly.
"Unfortunately sir," he said, his voice starting friendly, but hardening to steel, "we aren't going anywhere. If anything, you'll get hurt if you don't get out of our way."
He drew Excalibur and Durendal with a flourish and continued, "I've given you fair warning now. You'd better heed it."
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Post by Rocket! on Aug 15, 2009 17:36:25 GMT -5
Engram cast a sidelong glance at Roesch, completely ignoring Renios due to the complications that had arose.
The boy's far too sure of himself. He's got something up his sleeve.
Roesch gave the barest of nods.
No duh, sir.
Acknowledging the increased risk, both men sighed and further thought on the situation.
Leaders. The boy knew them to be head of a force. Perhaps he'd seen their forces gathering on the previous world.
That would mean the boy was fully knowledgeable about the existence of other worlds. His being alone, and knowledgeable of such things, made to show him in a darker light.
With a surreptitious jerk of his hand, Roesch signaled the 1st Division. Sighing, Engram realized that Roesch must have decided the young man facing them was not worth the risk. Damn.
Within moments, eight more men filed into the area behind the three leaders, armed with their swords and their armor.
Turning, the colonel looked to Theron. The coming battle was happening, regardless of talk. Best to let the boy handle the diplomatic talk, or whatever you want to call it.
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Post by yami on Aug 16, 2009 1:30:32 GMT -5
 "The Mistress of Light versus the White Knight Round 1"
Discovered awhile back from the armourey; as soon as light dawned upon it's form it awoke. Yes, the White Knight was reborn after shutting itself down in order to end the internal chaos. How long had the armour concealed itself in the Castle? It was hard to say but during the revival the mental struggle continued. Thus what would have been a charming hero became a violent lion. Lashing out at all that were present during discovery, the White Knight's fate was to be contained in a dungeon. Oh but if the master of this establishment didn't prove it, then perhaps this repetition will make it clear. You do NOT cage a Lion. Lion's CAGE you! Thus the pounding of fists which picked up would soon become an agonizing scream! The cry of a lion desperate to be released, no not desperate...demanding!
With each footstep Cogsworth and Lumiere took; albeit with haste, they would hear those screams. How did they know the White Knight was a girl you ask? Simple, within the hollow confines of that armour; a young lass did indeed exist. One night she had broken free from it's confines. The Dark light that she emitted from her being, to be reminded of such an eerie darkness again...it certainly didn't jive well with Lumiere. Why just now he was positive that the darkness didn't agree with him. Still, he'd have to face the lion in that cage eventually. Clasping at the bars, rattling them, pounding onto them...this next scream came out more like a roar of intimidation once the two came into "sight". This word though is loosely used for the being trapped within. After all, life comes from the hostess, yet the armour has been in control for so long. How long had Anna been sleeping peacefully inside?
Surely her dark heart had enough of the darkness. Thus when the White Knight looked down to the two bewitched beings, only a simple line was muttered:
"You two will release me, my fangs are only for the one whom imprisoned me."
Whom that one was could be fairly obvious and yet it was spoken in a mysterious tone. What it ultimately meant was that Anna only had fangs to bare at the unequivocal shell that trapped her. The Dungeon itself was of no immediate interest, if she had wanted to escape, she could. The voice also lacked the original masculine voice the armour presented when it was revived in the armourey. No, now it sounded like the voice of a teenage girl despite the mannerisms of a lady. |
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Post by nascent on Aug 16, 2009 18:36:44 GMT -5
"Sovereignty is not given, it is taken."
~Kemal Ataturk~ Before him, a would-be hero played at pleasantries. Beside him, his commanders made ready for war. Below him, a being of fierce strength raged and howled. Theron, for his part, simply smiled. "And I was beginning to worry that this domicile was abandoned... well, now that this young defender is here we can do this properly." Even though he was looking straight at Riku while speaking it was like Theron was ignoring him, pretending he wasn't even there or wasn't significant enough to address directly. Of course, that didn't stop the thirteen year old from pointing his sword at Riku in the clear gesture of a challenge. "Let it be known! We are not simply leaders... we are The Barons! I hereby claim this castle and all the lands it surveys for our empire, by right of nobility and force of arms." With that declaration Theron's free hand reached into his pouch, drawing out eight chess pieces and throwing them into the air overhead. The Pawns quickly grew from a mere inch to two feet tall, slowly hovering down to form defensive lines on the boy's left and right. Theron grinned. " Let those who are worthy challenge our right to rule here... or submit to silence evermore!" |
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Post by Akito on Aug 23, 2009 5:38:29 GMT -5
"World domination. The usual villainy then?" Riku taunted the group of three together, "Not even original," He didn't break pace, that confident swagger of an ever daunting threat. Was it a bluff? Did he seriously think to challenge the three of them and their forces alone? It was madness. Or was it self assurance? The boy's smirk put everything into doubt.
He had carried himself towards his enemies with the stride of a confident and capable warrior; despite the fact that he had not even entered his fighting stance, merely casually walking, there were no openings. But now that he stood at the bottom of the stair well with a distance between his enemies that he could cross in a few seconds; Riku not only had no openings, but looked poised to exploit any misstep the 'Barons' might make.
He had warned them once. Sora would've just attacked them heedlessly, going on about protecting his friends and justice. However; where Sora might give mercy, Riku was nowhere near that nice. Crossing blades with him meant risking one's life.
With steady azure eyes, Riku fell to his fighting stance; he faced them on the side, his right hand holding a poised keyblade behind and his left hand in front in an open palm. With curl of his fingers, he dared them to come forward.
"You'll try to keep me awake, won't you?"
x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.
Now, Lumiere never claimed to be brave; even when he was a man, he preferred words and women over swords any day. Despite this, many times had he been afraid for his life before the wrath of a very woman (In no small part due to his promiscuity). Even still, Lumiere could not, simply could not, acknowledge the monster before him as a woman or girl voice or no.
"See here, you have been a long guest of our Master. He has permitted your stay out of the kindness of his heart," Cogsworth said, not letting his nerves getting the best of him. The clock wondered if the armor would hold a grudge if it knew he had been the one pushing for her removal. However, in the end, Belle's compassion swayed the Master's decision; but only to a point. The Master allowed her continued existence, but did not allow her to leave the dungeon.
"I think it's right time you repay our Master; by defending his castle from the coming tide of invaders," Cogsworth, thoroughly tired with his partner's lack of confidence, nudged the candelabra and whispered "Lumiere...! Say something...! Whatever happened to your famous womanizing charm?".
Lumiere looked at Cogsworth like he was mad. There was no way, no way, no possible way that he woul-
"Mon cheri, I would be most grateful to you were you to but promise your aid,"
Lumiere had always been a fool for praise.
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Post by Amari on Aug 24, 2009 14:53:28 GMT -5
'It has been long enough.' Amari thought to himself. The mysterious demon entered the old courtyard. He examined his surroundings, looking for any reinforcements that were still out there. He saw none. 'Hope the fun hasn't started yet.'
Amari briskly walked toward the huge double doors, his coat blowing in the wind. He made sure his sword was easily accessible. He slide through the barely open doors as quitely as he could. He stopped abruptly. He saw his comrades ready to fight a lone warrior. 'He is gonna fight by himself. I don't like this. Need to catch him off guard.' With that he slid into the shadows of the main hall.
He moved around the sides of the room trying to get an advantage point. 'Have to make the first move.' He built up darkness on his weapon as he prepared. He channeled his demon blood to go into a rage. He lunged out of the darkness straight at Riku. As he ran he yelled, " I CALL APON THEE, COME TO ME, LAETUS!"
A giant cleaver fell from nowhere into the ground behind Riku. Where it stood was surrounded by darkness. The darkness rose then took shape. It was Laetus. It grabbed the cleaver and pulled it out of the floor. It then started walking towards Riku.
[battle recount]
{[Daemon's Rage]- 1/3}
{[Darkness Slash]- 1}
{[Summon Laetus]}
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Post by Homac on Aug 24, 2009 17:28:14 GMT -5
Zeke's eyebrows raised at the sight of the newcomer, an ally who'd recently signed up for their little band of conquerers. That thing he summoned was nothing to sneeze at, that was for sure.
He quickly aimed Durendal and Excaliber at Riku and said, "Well, it seems we've taken the first move! Might as well go all out!"
He spun his guns once, and began a rapid stream of bullets, all firing straight at Riku and Zeke was ready to follow him if he moved. Then, he reached the end of his clips, and the two explosive bullets fired at the same time, heading for the silver haired keyblade wielder, knocking him through to the wall if he didn't block, and knocking him off his feet if he did.
As he did this, the Gammas brought their own cannons to bear, and fired at Riku, aiming to both sides so he couldn't dodge.
===============
Passado: [2/3]
Clips: Empty
Cryo Grenade: [4/4]
Gammas are out and firing.
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Post by Faust on Aug 25, 2009 20:41:32 GMT -5
It was around this time that a new figure sighed, tapping his strange mace against his shoulder impatiently in the courtyard. "It appears, my dear friends, that we are late."
The four young swordsmen with squirrel-like faces said nothing. They knew that their master had a flair for the dramatic, and was often prone to talking aloud to his "audience." They rarely spoke at all, except occasionally to each other. It was a fact that irked their master, but the Count accepted that fact as the cost of finding good help.
"Come on then." He said, running a hand through his ruddy hair and perking his ears up excitedly. "We should hardly keep our hosts waiting." He waved his finger in a quick circle, and instantly the four young creatures had swords drawn and were standing in a circle around him. "Let us hope that the festivities have appropriately winded down; I do so hate to have to exert myself."
Walking through the front door, he found a sight that made his pleasant demeanor drop to a sort of amused disappointment. "So nice of you to wait for me but..."
His cheerful announcement of his arrival was cut short when he was allowed to take a better measure of the situation. It seemed that there was a battle just starting. But wasn't this a tad excessive? So many groups after just one child? Count Reon looked around for any other troops, thinking that maybe his new-found allies had taken care of all of them. But to his surprise he found no one.
"Well, this is certainly a strange application of tactics." He muttered between gently clenched teeth. "I think I'm going to stand back from this one. Surely there's another way around this... rabble. Don't you think so?" His vassals said nothing in response, just exchanged glances with each other. Reon nodded. "Of course." The Count took a cursory look around, wanting to probe further. But something rooted him to the spot. Some stange feeling that his services may still be needed on the steps. Something about that kid reminded him...
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Post by Heroic Bilby on Aug 28, 2009 17:23:53 GMT -5
Thwip!
A silent descent, almost beyond hearing over the ruckus that was being caused by this gathering of aggressive folk. A lone figure, human in shape and adult in size but wrapped in a form-concealing grey hooded robe, fell down from a window pane and landed atop one of the ornamental statues to the left of the castle's entrance. It stayed there, perched like a bird of prey, and simply stared down upon the action with their hidden vigilant eyes.
It wasn't sure how long it had been in this place. The being had hidden itself from detection here for a long time. All it truly knew was... it felt like protecting this castle. It felt like getting rid of the people gathering here and making loud claims. Perhaps it was simply being affected by the heart of the silver-haired boy it looked down upon. It certainly was a powerful one.
It did not move for now, instead looking for an opening or just for how things would play out, but would surely move in to defend the Beast's home at this rate. One more opponent for the Barons.
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I did post in shades of grey if anyone even remembers that lmao