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Post by citizenmike on May 19, 2009 16:38:30 GMT -5
Veronica smiled back as they reached the door gripping her hand on the knob, she twisted and opened the door.
Darkness fell
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Post by cyansky on May 19, 2009 18:42:29 GMT -5
Syl followed the group and watched the events, almost unnoticed by everyone but Myzrael, who glared at him. He doesn't trust me, thought Syl, Curses. I'm strong enough for him to consider me a threat. May be I should have toned down the power of that spell... no, wouldn't have worked. The counterspell would have overwhelmed me. I had to use a high-level spell; otherwise the analysis would have turned up nothing.
It analyzed the murals one by one as they passed. Syl kind of agreed with Veronica - the drawings were strangely prophetic. Syl saw a few that resembled Myzrael and Arqus. Hidden amoung the murals, it saw the image of a dark-winged angel and an army of diamond-men. However, but for some reason, Syl's equivalent... well pretty much anything that looked like it, was absent. Hmm... Strange.
It was as if Syl's presence on Animus was uncalled for in some way. But then again, the summoner's circle had a counterspell that was effective against its probes. Huh. It was like a paradox in some way - how could the summoner be able to counter its spell, but not include it here? Syl was sure because it triple-checked the murals.
Syl was too busy looking at the murals to bother participating in the conversations.
However, the interesting part was when Myzrael reacted defensively when Veronica embraced Arqus. He looks like he's jealous, thought Syl, then again, I'm not surprised. Dark angels tend to have strong emotions. That's why they're so difficult to deal with, to the point where dealing with them is almost considered an art.
A small smile appeared momentarily on its face, before vanishing.
He's protective of Arqus for a reason, thought Syl, perhaps this knowledge could come in handy.
'Those look like angels. Or spirits.'
As Myzrael spoke those words, Syl felt it again. The cloaked figure was now standing beside Myzrael, smiling.
"Ah, Myzrael, perceptive, aren't you?" it affectionately patted the dark angel on the shoulder, chuckling, "I like you already! You're fascinating!"
Syl stared at what was happening. Didn't the cloaked figure say that it should avoid Myzrael?! Wierd.
"I suppose my behavior before came off a little odd earlier," whispered the cloaked figure, "I suppose that was slightly inappropriate considering your... ahem... superiority complex and... paranoid tendencies. No, I don't mean to insult you; I'm merely stating the truth. Don't you remember? You stare down at humans as if they are your inferiors.
"Trust me - I know how to read people's expressions. I can tell that you feel like you're above everyone, like you're the one on lofty heavenly wings. Truth is..."
It gave Myzrael a wicked smile.
"You're not in Heaven anymore. You have no more authority here than a common vole. The difference bewteen you two is just that you have the ability to pick fights, talk big and cause massive collateral damage. I can tell because of your power level."
It glanced behind at Veronica.
"Oh, and look at poor Veronica. Do you feel guilty about harming an innocent flower in the storm? She can barely even defend herself. But then again, you believe you're superior, right? Do you feel that it gives you the right to harm humans even if they show no hostile tendencies?"
Syl couldn't see Myzrael's expression; it had its back turned to it.
The cloaked figure then distanced itself from Myzrael.
"If you wish to find answers, or desire to beat me up for whatever reason, all you have to do is meet me back at the church after this is all over. "
Those were the last words the cloaked figure said as darkness fell. Syl knew something was going on. It would have to analyze the murals later from its memory... if it could find the time. Surprisingly, the aura of the cloaked figure persisted after darkness fell. Could it be behind this? No, it had stated that irt has no power over Animus.
Syl's senses were sweeping the are for any signs of a threat, but were also focused on Myzrael, waiting for his reaction to the cloaked figure.
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Post by sacredrapture on May 19, 2009 19:34:34 GMT -5
Myzrael watched Veronica and Arqus out of the corner of his eye. Damn women. They knew how to get exactly what they wanted from men. All it took was a shake of their.. What was that word? RACK and men would fall over themselves.He had half a mind to have earth walls crush her then and there.
But reason prevailed. He would gain nothing by killing her, only Arqus' anger. Besides, he only liked senseless destruction sometimes, not senseless death. He smiled a bit.
Suddenly he felt a presence behind him. He shut his eyes. It was the cloaked figure. He was sure of it. It whispered in his ear. Myzrael was angered by his words. However he quelled his feelings, he was sure that the cloaked figure meant to draw him into something. He decided it was better to keep his emotions in check, rather then get into peculiar messes involving the beings here. His face reverted to its impassive state; he showed no outward sign that the words of the cloaked figure had caused his anger to flare.
A voice stirred within his consciousness.
'Its good youre finally trying to control your emotions, Myzrael. Do not let it be your master as you are so oft to prefer.'
Myzrael concentrated, and the presence that uttered the voice disappeared into his subconscious. Damn Vittorio. Myzrael TOLD him not to come out suddenly, an agreement that Vittorio only followed as he was in awe of the powerful angel.
Myzrael continued forward, ignoring the presence of Syl and the others. He became engrossed with the murals. He took note of what Veronica had said. He noticed there was a mural with a person with black wings over a crowd with what looked to be men made of diamond. 'Arqus?' he thought. He saw another mural where 3 beings with black wings were massacring others over a building.. And what looked like a swirl above it.
He moved back from the mural a bit. How could this be? The murals here predicted what would happen in the city. How long were these here? Myzrael frowned. A higher power was responsible here. Someone was watching them, and while Myzrael knew that from the very start, it was quite different to see evidence that whoever or WHATever was keeping tabs on the city of Animus knew what they would do next.
Unsettling, yes.
It did pique his interest further though. He did recall the black goat saying something about an exchange long ago. He considered it, as his powers werent at their full potential yet. However he did prefer relying on his own strength to get through obstacles, rather than put his trust in others. Emotions can be a very tempestuous and fickle master, one which unfortunately Myzrael was very privy to.
Continuing to look at the murals, he noticed one of particular interest. It showed a being with 6 white wings, visiting the one with black wings. However he noticed the angel giving the other one something. He continued along the wall, but the image there was smudged out. Almost as if someone didnt want us to know everything.
'Figures..'
Veronica opened the door at the end. Suddenly, darkness started to erupt from the opening. Myzrael had barely enough time to react, when he was suddenly covered with the wave.
Something whispered in his ear.
'Its time for a rest...'
Crystal started forming around Myzraels feet, and slowly encapsulated his form.
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Post by cyansky on May 19, 2009 19:49:38 GMT -5
Syl sensed that Myzrael was being encapsulated in the crystal. Hmm... So it was right... Myzrael did have a focus somewhere. He also had a high affinity for interacting with crystals, but then again, so did Syl. While it couldn't see well in the darkness, it still could detect auras and hear, and what it heard was quite interesting.
The cloaked figure touched the surface of the crystal. A spark jumped in between them.
"Myzrael," it said solemnly and clearly. "My voice can reach even past that crystal surface - it reach deep into your mind. Believe me - I am not like most people. I am a shadow, a servant of a higher power. I apologize for manipulating you like this, but it is necessary due to the orders from my Lord."
Hearing it, Syl could determine that its deceptive demeanor was gone. Anyone could tell that it meant business.
"I need to get this message to you before it's too late. We must speak together, one on one, and soon. It's something you need to know about Syl, and fast. I don't care what your personal demons say; I care that you get this message fast before the misunderstandings pile up, with devastating consequences."
Syl couldn't believe what it was saying. While the aura of this being was unknown and hidden, its personality wasn't. Something about it was so... familiar.
"I'm trying to clarify things early on so to spare both of you a lot of trouble later on," said the cloaked figure, "Even though you may not have a reason to trust me, I think that you should give me a chance. The spark I left in your crystal has recorded everything I've said until now. It will repeatedly replay everything I've said in your mind and it will not stop until you meet me, and you take my words seriously. Granted, I suggest you do so soon before the recording drives you mad. Don't bother attempting to remove it either. The spell may be weak, but it will replicate itself if you attempt to break it. It's my personal touch."
The figure turned to Syl, smiling, although it couldn't see its smile. Then, it vanished. Syl was left there, puzzled, with more questions than answers. Why was this cloaked figure setting up and appointment with Myzrael? What did it want to tell Myzrael that badly? And most importantly, why was Syl mysteriously absent from the murals? Was it really present, but hidden? Or did Animus have other plans in store for it... ones that were completely unpredictable?
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Post by citizenmike on May 20, 2009 2:50:27 GMT -5
Veronica switched her light back on as she made her way down the hallway. Looking back, she saw the rest trying to find their way through the darkness.
"I guess its up to me now," Veronica shrugged.
Reaching to the end of the hallway, Veronica noticed a hole with an unrecognizable symbol etched over it.
Veronica took a deep breath and went inside; whatever happens, happens. Inside she found a ladder railing that drew itself upwards. Veronica gripped her hands on the railings and climbed up
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Post by childofthehunt on May 20, 2009 3:41:30 GMT -5
The little light coming from Veronica's lighter, illuminated the tunnel.
Arqus found himself on all fours, on the ground, several feet away from where Veronica is. Before the darkness, he stood next to her, but now he was back with the others.
"I don't remember moving." He muttered to himself.
Confused as to how he got displaced. He stood up, turned around and saw what happened to Myzrael. He was trapped inside a crystal and Syl was just standing there looking at him.
"What have you done to him?"
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Post by citizenmike on May 20, 2009 4:03:44 GMT -5
The ladder led her back to the church.
And my God, there was life. Residents congregated along sections of the pew, buzzing with banter. This was a side to the residents she had never seen before. Looking around, the church appeared to be well maintained, to say the least... Those portraits of Jesus were intact.
Veronica stood before the altar as a hooded woman adorned in Catholic vestments approached her. Veronica approached the woman and asked, "What is going on?"
The Priestess spoke, but not in a language Veronica could identify. Veronica found herself shrugging, almost as if she was among the mindless.
The Priestess walked past Veronica and stood before the altar, before she turned to her and said, clearly, "Verus Statua."
The Priestess turned away and pulled down her hood to reveal brown hair that dropped before her shoulders. Reaching out her arms, she began to speak, "Insquequo obfirmo , prosapia quod sterilis meus matris , meus parentes , meus sanctimonialis , quod meus liberi. A valde vomica has penetro nostrum urbs. EGO urgeo vos totus dimitto quod servo vestri ego"
(Translation: To all my mothers, my fathers, my siblings, and my children. A great force has plagued itself upon our city. I urge you all while you can to leave this place and save yourselves!)
"Quis vomica operor vos narro?", said a man from the congregation.
(Translation: Of what plague do you speak?)
"Frater , quam can vos non animadverto?", the priestess asked.
(Translation: Brother, how can you not see?")
The man rose and replied, "Sanctimonialis Nica, EGO can animadverto! Pro decades , vos quod vestri have vindicatum perfero salus , tamen etiamnunc is est ut panton vos narro resonates oraculum ut verum does non tutela. EGO sum defessus of res caecus per vestri recubo quod furta."
(Translation: Sister Nica, I can see! For decades, you and yours have claimed to bear salvation, but yet it is as everything you say resonates the words of a God that truly does not care. I am tired of being blinded by your lies and deceit.")
The Priestess replied, "Quis recubo vires vos narro , frater?"
(Translation: What lies might you speak of, brother?)
"Meus Deus , sanctimonialis!", the man's voice broke. "Vos vere es caecus!"
(Translation: My God, sister... You really are blind!)
The Priestess calmly replied, "Vestri lacuna frater , tantum reddo lingua quorum is fictum. EGO sum urging incola illae urbs ut evacuate statim."
(Translation: Your words brother, only represent the tongue of which it conceived. I am urging the residents of this city to evacuate immediately.)
"In tutela of quis?", the man shot back.
(Translation: On the basis of what?")
"Vis ut futurus foris regnum of Olympus quod abyssus quod nostrum Terra. Vos must agnosco , capiet nos si nos don't factum iam!"
(Translation: A force that exists outside the realms of heaven and hell and our Earth. You must understand, it will take us if we don't act now!)
The congregation's voices began to rumble. The man pointed to her and shouted, "herejía!
(Translation: Heresy)
The priestess shrugged and turned to Veronica. Veronica crystallized in shock... The face... It can't be.
The priestess nodded at Veronica and said, "True image."
The priestess closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around Veronica and in that instant, she vanished along with the residents. The church was once again empty.
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Post by childofthehunt on May 20, 2009 4:55:31 GMT -5
He didn't bother waiting for Syl's reply. Arqus looked at the pitiful form of Myzrael trapped inside the crystal. He wanted to free him, but looking behind him, he saw Veronica from a distance, climbing up a ladder.
He started running towards Veronica.
"She might get in trouble with what ever's up there." Arqus thought, frantic.
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Post by cyansky on May 20, 2009 6:53:33 GMT -5
Syl looked at Myzrael one last time before following Veronica and Arqus.
"May God's light be with you, Myzrael, even if you are fallen," said Syl, "perhaps what it said was right. There really is something that you should know about me."
Syl turn to Arqus and ran beside him to the ladder.
"I did nothing to Myzrael, Arqus," it said, "I only heard a figure speak to him words that he must have found unpleasant. He encapsulated himself... perhaps to think, perhaps to recover his strength, perhaps to escape the truths that he doesn't want to hear."
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Post by citizenmike on May 20, 2009 7:34:03 GMT -5
Veronica stood where she was as from out of nowhere, a child, a girl no more than the age of five ran up to her and hugged her. Veronica looked down at the child and ran her hand through her hair. The girl gazed upon Veronica and said, "Matris!"
"Sara", Veronica looked back to find a man, in a similar vestment to that of the Priestess, reach his hand as he called out to the child. "Adveho!"
The girl closer her eyes and pressed her head against Veronica's stomach as she hugged tighter. The girl released, ran to the man, and disappeared.
Veronica took a seat on the pew and closed her eyes.
No...
"ARQUS! SYL! COME!"
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Post by childofthehunt on May 20, 2009 8:42:53 GMT -5
Arqus burst out of the opening Veronica found that lead back to the church. He was worried that something might have happened to her.
When landed on the floor he saw Veronica sitting on the pew.
"What happened?" He queried concern, running towards his friend. "Are you alright?
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Post by citizenmike on May 20, 2009 9:53:16 GMT -5
Veronica looked up at Arqus and replied, "I saw something... There were people right here... And a woman, a priestess and a child... They were right in front of me. I could even touch them..."
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Post by childofthehunt on May 20, 2009 10:03:54 GMT -5
Arqus quickly scanned the place from where he was standing. There was no one there. Just the two of them.
He looked back at Veronica, placing one hand on her shoulder.
"Are you sure? Where did they go?"
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Post by citizenmike on May 20, 2009 12:29:23 GMT -5
Veronica looked back at Arqus and replied, "I don't know... They seemed to have vanished. The Priestess... So looked so much like the woman in the mural we saw downstairs... And look at this place. The church looks brand new."
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Post by childofthehunt on May 20, 2009 12:49:58 GMT -5
"Priestess..." Arqus started to say. "You mean the one that...looked like you?"
His eyes travelled around the room and found out that what Veronica was saying is true. It was still the same old church that they entered, but it was like someone restored it and made it look brand new.
The angel statues still outlined the church, but they weren't headless anymore. A huge elegant, crystal chandelier hovered from above the ceiling, illuminating the entire place. It looked beautiful.
"Are we...."
Arqus sentence trailed off, wondering if they're still in Animus.
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