Salutations -- Open --

[Aisha]

The sheath twitched, causing a few gold and silver coins to trickle down the mounded pile. It was a dank, dusty crypt. A very boring place to spend a few hundred years with no one to talk to. She wished she could voice her frustration and rage at being hoarded away like a common possession. She wanted nothing more than to get one good cut on this sheath that bound her. She shimmied. It had taken her this long to just do that.

She longed for the thrill of battle and the taste of blood. She wanted nothing more than the thrill of besting an opponent with quick witted clever thought and decisive action. If she owned ten times the mound in which she sat she would gladly pay it if someone would just draw her from this damned sheath. Likely she would give it all up anyway. She had no use for such wealth.

Then as if in answer to her all her frustration light filtered into the room.

[Inception]

Today was a different day for Masashi. Rather than typically only wandering along Rosinder territory to cause mischief and trouble, the drunken haze of a ronin was instead only exploring territory. It wasn't as if Masashi knew where he was going, no not at all. Infact, it was quite the opposite, he was wandering aimlessly. Almost as if he was expecting to find something abnormally rare on that day, he stumbled along a large crypt within the middle of the graveyard on the dawn of that day, and lavender eyes beheld a quite wonderful sight.

There were many things that filled the crypt that he could care less for. Well he imagined than rather than it being a crypt, it was more of a form of warehouse where a variety of things had been stored. And so unaware of the presence of a being that inhabited the celestial weapon, his geta clicked against the ground beneath him, and he strode on inside. His gaze constantly flickered, and he was seemingly wet from being drenched in the rain not too long ago. The normally slicked back brown hair was instead an unkempt mess along his crown, and his kimono was opened and removed from his arms.

"ELLO! ANY STRIPPERS, WARRIORS? ANYTHING?"

[Anathema]

~ A Resonance

--Fifteen days since her last encounter with Any of the Mages. She didn't have the mind to stay with them, but would return when called.

She landed in the limits of the land, her soft feet planting into the ground. She glanced towards the sky, her mind racing with ideas she wondered what she was doing here. There was a small resonating ring that was coming from this area. She had no clue about it, or what it meant. Though her weapon was guiding her, telling her where she needed to go. Despising her counterpart with a burning passion, only committing to follow the weapon as it was bound to her soul. Though he said he heard a resonance, could he argue with her? There was a loop out of sync... and she could see the wavelengths slowly disassembling from normality.

She sighed lightly. Damn it, I'm lost!

She glanced down towards her natural attire, her black tank top with the words 'Magical Sensories!' on it, her favorite band. Lifting her headphones back over her ears, she wandered the area, glancing back and forth. She halted when the vibration on her back mentally connected to her mind, telling her of the next sync. She continued up the path slowly, her feet carrying her as her long leather pants clung tightly to her formed hips.

She slid her glasses back down as well, nodding her head to the trance music and glancing back and forth. The sunglasses were truly for show, they didn't actually even cut light out. They were just there for popular design, and she had taken the initiative when they were on sale. Oh her mom had been pissed, when she had spent about four hundred and eighty eight gold coins on them.

Laughing as she entered the nearby section of the land, her eyes wandered to the sky.

“Rosinder.” Muhr finally spoke to her in a tone that she was able to withstand, so that is where they were. It was about time that he answered her. Smiling gently to the night sky, she was glad to be free of magic and powers. She just wanted to live her life, and if chasing down something is what Muhr wanted to do... well, fuck, she owed it to him. After all, she had taken him to war with absolutely... NOTHING on the informative.

“Two hundred yards North... there is a small graveyard and possibly a hole. We're about to have an Ekcalibron moment. You remember when the girl pulled the sword from a rock? Much like that. I can sense the distill sensories. Continue and keep your head in check, dumb woman.” Muhr seemed to do nothing but growl and complain as Payne headed up the path towards the destination.

After the three minute walk, she finally crossed paths with what Muhr was talking about... There was a broken down crypt. Perking her brow... she wandered inside, and noted the disturbance of another male. Lifting her eyes up, she rolled them, of course Muhr wouldn't tell her that. She should have done that for herself.

"ELLO! ANY STRIPPERS, WARRIORS? ANYTHING?"

She heard the voice and trailed slowly into the crypt, Muhr was ushering her, but she wasn't ready to die yet. Slowly foot by foot, she traveled further into the dead home. Her eyes glancing forward to notice a figure's outline, she tilted her head and called out, “Excuse me? Uhm, what are you doing here?”

[Aisha]

Click. Tick. Tick. Click. Tick. Click. Tick.

A coin rolled across the floor in the direction of the door but stopped short because of the uneven cut of the stones that composed it. If she had a mouth she would be screaming. The sheath not only prevented her from escaping physically but also prevented her from interacting and experiencing the world outside its confines. What torture is it to be deprived of all your senses only for a few hundred years?

The blade, her physical form shimmed and shook. The momentary lapses of contact allowed her to experience glimpses of the world outside. She knew it was raining. She imagined she could smell the rain despite her current lack of a nose. She could observe that the level of light had changed though she had no eyes. She could distinguish two voice’s interacting.

The idea of release and the threat that the visitors would leave before they freed her from this cruel prison raised her to untold heights of excitement and anxiety. The air about her hummed with power and the piled coins collapsed, a sea of gold dispersing. She stood erect, the tip of the sheath perfectly balanced on the cold stone floor.

[Inception]

Time abruptly halted as the tip of the elegant sheath stood along the cold marble flooring. It took less than a second for Masashi to erupt with geyser of cobalt rising to the ceiling and ripping through the ground beneath him. Soon he was converged inside of a sea of electrified passion that consumed his body and solidified his presence among static bonds. Flashing lavender eyes spied something he wanted, but more importantly something he was curious of.

"You aren't a blade, so what are ya?"

Still abnormally drunk, his aura faded and the lightning which had eaten him now spread across the ground, giving a crackle or two before fading. The energy hadn't gone anywhere, infact it had only been transfered into the ground. Anyone within ten feet of him and the blade would likely experience their persona being violently shocked imminently with no remorse. Masashi could care less, right now he was gazing suspiciously at the weapon.

"Hm," he whispered for a moment. Soon his right hand extended and his fingertips prepared to interlace with the blade. As his hand drew closer, he kept his senses abnormally aware of everything around him, and more importantly the weapon of questionable origin. After a seconds delay, it was probable that his fingers had curled around the protruding haft, and immediately would draw it to fulfill a curious desire.

[Ragna the Bloodedge]

The little cloaked figure was no more then a few steps behind Masashi as he entered. Silent footsteps pattered against the floor moving past the man as he stopped to observe the area. If Masashi noticed him or not, it mattered little. Waru was there on a hunch that something ancient and powerful laid hidden away here. At least that’s what the map the old crazy guy that was half-blind told him. Waru didn’t actually mask his presence in any way. Though most people didn’t pay attention to him anyways, unless they could sense his true power. Then most just ran in complete terror from the little mythical beast. Masashi however seemed a bit out of it. Or probably really wasn’t all that worried about the mini ninjutsu master. Waru never let off that much of a vibe until someone REALLY pissed him off. Like when they flicked his ears. He didn’t like that one bit.

The bottom of the strange patterned white cloak drug against the ground. Knocking about dust here and there. The cloak was pure white and never stained, a green set of glyphs formed down the center of it like a racing stripe. Those runes betrayed that it was a gift from “that man”. Waru had mixed feelings about wearing it. But, there was no doubt it provided comfort and radiated status of the owner like no other. Once again his brown eyes scanned over the map, thankfully he could see just fine in the dark. So just north a bit…

Warus ears perked up through the hood of his majestic piece of outerwear. The strange man shouting. Waru heard him and paid no heed. Then another was there, at least not shouting. But they made their presence known through voice. Then while still looking at the map, a few coins rolled right by his feet. Gold and silver… Like all mythical creatures of such stature, Waru was attracted to shiny things on a level considered supernatural. Those brown orbs went about tracing where the coins had rolled from, and he spotted it. Tossing the map to the side he pumped his little legs into a mad dash towards the pile of glittering objects. The sun shining through the entrance making them all a bedazzling jumbles of colors. Then a sword stood up in the sea of magnificence. Oh what a find indeed Waru! Little grabby hands outstretched, as the tarus movement became nearly a blur.

All that would be seen is a white robed figure streaking across the crypt faster then most could process a thought to even presume about interjecting between it and the sword.

“Mwahahaha! MINE!”

[Anathema]

~Out of Sync

Seeking deeper and cautiously into the shattering of the underground crypt, her eyes flashed behind her sunglasses. She gazed towards the being using a field of electricity. Actually stopping to stare at the display, she watched the male just covered or whatever by something. She frowned some as the souls still resonated in the crypt, and did nothing for her. Her eyes glanced towards the ground when the shock was emitted, and completely dismissed the energy as it collided with her shell and was absorbed into the Realm of Darkness.

Her lashes lifted up and down, curiosity became her trigger. She stepped forward more to the weapon now in sights. The weapon was giving off a slight sync of life. So this is what Muhr had dragged her out of bed for. The weapon was interesting!

Her eyes slid to the other presence, her shell was moving in a deep purple within the layers of the realm around her body. She stepped closer and as she watched the hand curve around the weapon, a frown formed upon her lips. “Muhr... he's touching it. What do we do?” – It was a curious question, of course. She didn't know how to deal with things like this, but she was sure that Muhr had something else in mind for this event.

Lifting her slender hand back, soft fingers curled the hilt of her weapon. She readied her stance as she stepped closer towards the being, obviously, the man had hostile ideas. Or else he wouldn't have sent a killing shock in the direction around him. She smiled towards him, “Mr... We're after the same thing, maybe... you could hand it over? There is no sense in fighting! You obviously have no use for such a thing!”

Spoiler:

Payne

[Aisha]

His hand was callused but his touch sent chills down her length. It had been so long. The thrill of interacting with another sentient being and the excitement of being freed pushed her mind into a state of ecstasy that bordered on sexual climax. She moved from the sheath as if it was composed of air, smooth, completely silent.

Waru managed to hook the sheath just as her tip cleared. She became completely aware and her concentration was immediately drawn in a number of different directions. She quickly evaluated everyone in the room.

She was flawless. Fine silk, steel, wood, and bamboo melded into a beautiful and deadly weapon of superb quality. If inspected a maker’s mark would not be found upon her. Despite her glory it was not her current form that deserved respect but her ability to adapt in the blink of an eye. She allowed her form to shift into a weapon or weapons and armor Masashi would be most comfortable in using in his current situation. If Masashi so wished it she would flow over his form like quick silver, changing to fit his need.

In her long imprisonment many of her abilities had left her. She did not need these abilities to deduce that some of the equipment the other two wore would be preternaturally enhanced. Her primary concern and hatred cut a straight path in Waru’s direction. If she could not cut down the man who had put her here she would at least achieve revenge on the sheath that kept her for so long.

She took a moment to gather her thoughts and steady her raging emotions. It was unlike her to be so upset. There was a brief pause and then Masashi would hear her voice just as plain as day. She restrained her anger with great difficulty. “Salutations. Please release me so that I might exact my revenge. I do not wish harm upon the one that was so kind as to free me.” It was unlikely that anyone but Masashi would hear her.

[Inception]

"Ah I see... you're quite interesting. A weapon with a personality and something akin to a soul. Let me help you."

Grasping her with strength that complimented her features and aimed to take care of her exterior, his hand guided the blade just beside the frame of Waru. Before he could be struck, the blade would pass directly by his shoulder faster than he had moved previously, almost having ripped through his body with voracious intention. Afterward, his gaze shot backwards towards the one who asked for the blade, and his response was clear and calm as it could have been. The drunk form which he was consumed within seemed to be fading. A tone of nonchalant clearness was obtained.

"This blade wants to kill. Want to die? Then leave."

The blade's features remarkably shone within the light of the crypt, and in that moment he was prepared to spill blood. Giving about the appearance of a true ronin, his eyes began to surge with the beauty of their lavender origin. His bare chest seemed to shift and take its true tone of muscular prowess and martial power. This weapon was perhaps a extension that was his own, but if they both had the plans to kill, then why would they separate?

"You scratch my back, I scratch yours. Sounds like a plan, doesn't it? I think we can work together on this, if you know what I mean."

Both arms began to twitch, as if perhaps preparing for something to occur. The muscles within his arms were clearly throbbing with power, twisting and binding themselves. They were prepared to release the twists and whip the power that increased with every fleeting second.

[Ragna the Bloodedge]

Well the most valuable treasure here was taken up before he could get his mits on it. Somehow he managed to snag onto the sheath it was in. A sword without its sheath was very uncomplimentary. Thus, he had no use for such a piece of garbage. He tossed it aside as if it were just that; it bounced and made a small echo reverberate through the area. And then an action from the stranger interrupted Warus contemplation of the situation. The sword came close, and fast. However to Waru it was child’s play. He pushed forwards, past and under the blade with but a quick crouching step motion. All this happening while the blade was still attempting to move beside his frame. Waru had already understood the intent of the hand that wielded the blade. And then was directly beside Masashi. Where the little creature obtained that celerity from, one could only assume.

He dared to draw his blade on one of “that mans” servants? Perhaps he didn’t know what the robe meant? Dared he wave that piece of trash at the saint beast slayer!? He didn’t know about the mythological beast of… Well never-mind that one. Perhaps it was best to use something simple that the man could understand. Then he would understand the flash of lightning that was Ryu. Or maybe if Waru shouted at him and waved his arms around, the stranger might panic and bolt… With the sword that he wanted… Ok not such a good idea there. Words would be used after all.

Warus right hand slipped into his cloak the moment he moved past the strike that was already meant to fail in the first place. Fingers groped around Ryurai-Zettens violet grip. Yet he did not draw just yet, for he heard a voice. It was almost undecipherable. The sword that was just unsheathed wasn’t just a sword at all… Why could he hear the voice at all? Perhaps it was because he too wielded a weapon just as sentient, and probably far more powerful in scope and ideal. Perhaps the dragon lord let him hear the faint whisper from beyond. At this point Waru was boiling it down to much simpler options to finish this ordeal. Instead of attempting to focus elsewhere on more petty matters. Warus form faced Masashi examining him. He was directly adjacent to Masashis left leg.

“Put down the blade… And we may talky-walky… Make another move, and I shall choppy-loppy your wittle’ heady-deady OFF!!!” Warus voice went from complacent, to outrage in a matter of a second. The voice however did not belie the unwavering magnificent force that was actually before the man. Coins rolled off the pile a bit, making clinking noises as they cascaded onto the cement flooring. Warus grasp still aligned with that of Ryus handle. Also contemplating if he should yell some more. People seemed to grasp the seriousness of it all when he did scream at them continually.

[Anathema]

~Another!

“Sweety, we have an intruder. Get back now! There is a second!” Muhr's voice rung in her head as she glanced towards the little figure who had came out of absolutely nowhere and stole the sheath and was discarding it.

Ocean blue eyes fell upon Masashi who was wielding the weapon now, her head tilting just slightly. What the fuck was this? A concert? She could see every movement being done, in her eyes, everything had slown down already. She could see the effects of the natural reflexes, and her gaze shifted between the little taru, then Masashi, and then the light ringing noise the weapon was making. She couldn't hear it, but she knew that Muhr could understand the weapon perfectly.

Hm... Should she help the waru? She glanced to the little creature, and found slight disgust immediately. Her eyes rolled towards Masashi who held the companion she wanted, but he seemed to be in full stance. Sigh. What a problem!

“Do not fret, little one. There is no point in trying to stop these two.” The weapon pulsed some, a vibrant blue light was just glowing. She released her hand from the sheath on her back, and the arm came down to rest by her side.

She then lifted both arms to cross over her chest, her head tilted slightly, “Is this anyway for you two to act? For christs sake, this is a god damn tomb! One wrong move could get us all killed!”

She was young, and knew they may ignore her. Though she could always help, couldn't she?

[Aisha]

The sheath split in two as Waru released it. The artifact clamored against the wall and then fell to the floor, drained of its potency. It had been very clear to Aisha even as she cut through the air in Waru’s direction that Masashi’s intended target was the sheath. She reveled in its destruction and readily devoured its magical potential. She was pleased and sat easily in Masashi’s hand, as light as a feather. “I am pleased but I will not change into a back scratcher for anyone.” There was a pause as Waru repositioned himself and Payne shouted out a warning. “I shall take you as my companion for now.”

To eavesdrop on a closed circuit interaction strengthened and made secure by the restriction of physical contact and transmitted by thought was quite an ability to possess. If Aisha had known that Ryurai-Zetten has such an ability she would be tempted to push this fight just to devour the opposing blade. It was good then that Aisha had no idea her direct line to Masashi had been tapped. She has no reason to push for a fight other than her desire to be used in combat and to feel the trickle of blood run across her surface. It had been very long after all.

She was tempted to wrap herself about Masashi’s form to ward against a possible onslaught but restrained herself. She was not yet accustomed to her current companion’s style of fighting and thus delayed her action. She instead went about preparing her utmost to react when Masashi had need.

In the half-light her face could be seen upon the flat surfaces of the blade. Cool blue eyes observed both Payne and the little taru, Warus from opposing angles. Power devoured became strength within her as her new innate ability blossomed. Ryurai-Zetten and Waru would be hard pressed to achieve victory if battle was joined.

Spoiler:

-- Innate Abilities: Horizon (ON)
--- Horizon (ON) - Sentient artifacts do not receive sensory input as long as Aisha makes physical contact with them. This sensory deprivation includes interaction between an artifact and its user. 08/25/10 Requiem - Masashi - Horizon Sheath

[Inception]

"Alright chick, here's the deal. You come on a date with me, I might consider letting you touch this thing. Otherwise, you might as well walk out of this room, or I'm going to kill you."

Blunt? Yes. Serene? Somehow, yes. His voice was very soft and comforting, and the blade itself was still pulsing along with his throbbing arm muscles. Taking into account that Waru wasn't here to fight, a previous comrade whom had only came to take his share of gold and possibly other spoils, he would rule him out of the favor of fighters. If anything, this Payen woman of impressive sculpture would become a problem if she insisted. As much as he wanted to run from the hallucinations of her being a really huge roach that threatened to bite his head off, he fought against it, sure that it was some form of fake that was produced by his drugs.

After staring for a moment, he took a single step forward and he asked once again.

"Well?"

[odium.]

There came a thundering, earth quaking hoof beats from over the horizon.

The silhouette of what appeared to be a centaur broke through the underbrush.

It wasn't long before the supernatural visage was betrayed by the light; revealing a boy on horseback.

[Ragna the Bloodedge]

Warus left hand lifted up the tip of his hood. Digits pushing the edge of it up a little. His ears twitching a bit. No wonder this man wasn’t paying attention to him at all! It was one of his comrades from a time gone by. Waru barely recognized the man since his attention had been drawn to a map and glittery goodness. Indeed it was the man that helped him slay Anju, the devil of Gaia. Well good thing they didn’t get into it then. They would have shattered the whole crypt into nothing more then rubble, ended up losing all the goodies, and probably worse…

It also took him more then an instant to piece together that the sword strike was meant for the now discarded sheath. Good thing he ended up tossing it. However there was still something about the sword that he disliked. Waru was unable to put his finger on it at the moment… Perhaps the amulet would give him more information on the thing when he had the opportunity to access it… Or if only Sage Joch were here! He knew everything. Well, usually…

“Masashiiiii!?” the tarus voice was suddenly sweet and melodic. Obviously Waru was happy to see this man. One could almost say ecstatic.

Warus grip on Ryu loosened then fell away completely. Right arm wavered up and his hand pushed away the hood of the cloak so he could see a bit better, as well as allow the others to see his face. He then traced his friends view to the woman who had been talking as well. Perhaps Waru would learn to listen a bit better, and not put others so far below him in recognition. It wasn’t ego per say… More akin to reckless self-centered behavior reminiscent of his race.

“Masashi…” Warus right hand would tug on his pals’ hakama in an attempt to draw his attention, since he seemed to be zoning out fairly hard. “What are we going to do about all this shiny stuff!? And you’d better sharey-berry that shorty-swordy with me!” After all, Waru forgot to bring a backpack. Something else that always failed him on such things… A lack of preparation and foresight.