ROLEPLAY HQ - its-tough-to-be-a-god

Trigger Warning: Dark Themes, Strong Language, Possible Sexual Content, Violence/Blood, Body Horror. More to be added if needed. ^w^

"My child is ill... I pray that you aid her. Please bless her so that she may heal, Anari." A woman was bowing before an alter, littered with offerings and lit candles inside the small, three room shrine. Two foot tall Bronze sculptures in the shape of cats sat on each side of the alter, frozen in a sitting position with one paw lifted. Behind the alter was a thin paper wall, hiding the small hidden room behind it. The shadowy silhouette of a woman showed through the paper. The woman was petite, and it was easy to see she was wearing some sort of kimono and headpiece. The only thing that stood out with this shadowy figure was the twitching cat ears upon her head, and the long cat tail that swayed back and forth in a rhythmic pattern. The silhouette seemed to lift her hand. "I shall bless your child with great strength so she can win this battle against her illness. I also shall bless the earth to bring forth the herbs needed to aide in her healing. Your child shall pull through, unless something dark has her soul." The woman cried out many thanks before leaving a few flowers, and lighting a candle of her own to leave behind. It was the last visitor in the line. She usually had a line of 5 - 10 humans a day. Humans seeking blessings for one thing or another. She kept them written on parchment that lay on the floor at her side. Humans really buy this shit, right? she thought to herself as she flopped back onto the floor. Her shadow crawled across the wooden floor, and up the crude candle holders. With a sizzle, the flames were put out, leaving the cat demon in darkness and silence. Closing her glowing yellow eyes, she tried to relax. Wearing this kimono every day was uncomfortable. Every now and again, she would have to have one of her fellow cat demons come in to make repairs. Or replace it all together. She couldn't break the illusion of goddess to these people. Not even for a second. But, she was used to this life. It's been 50 years or so now -c-

since she took the mantle of goddess. A role she promised to play to keep Brightwood safe. It had been a great home so far. Until that drunken adventurer came into town and started calling her a demon. It had been weeks since then, and so far so good. None of those demon hunters had shown up as of yet, nor any would-be knights. It was just smooth sailing. I got a few hours till moonlight. Might as well gather my treats. She sat up and slipped out of the fancy kimono. She grabbed herself a pair of brown cloth shorts, and a green tunic to slip on. Now it was time for work. To delegate which of her 6 cat demon followers got what. Her requests were rather simple: bless the harvest that would be collected in a couple of weeks. Keep the hunters safe tomorrow when they go on their hunt. Make sure that old man Jenkins don't escape during the night... that one was always a pain in the ass. Then aide the sick child. The last one was going to be difficult. She couldn't exactly do miracles or blessings. But she had been around long enough to know what herbs helped with what ailments. Surely she could gather enough of those tonight to leave for the family tomorrow. Not to mention make an elixir of strength to give the kid a boost. That should work. "Ugh... this sucks. At least the food is good." She was already hungry, but didn't want to eat till she done her blessings. She didn't dare walk around the village without her goddess gear. She did most of her walks on festivals and special occasions. When she wasn't being a goddess, she was disguised as one of the local strays. Wandering as a cat herself, getting pets and snacks. It wasn't a hard life. Show up enough to prove her goddess existence, protect the village, help the villagers and eat her fill. Easy enough for a demon.

@darkkid1000

"Requests are over for the day! You can't go i..." The temple keeper would be cut off by a very loud crashing of the temple doors being forced open inwardly. Standing inbetween the two double doors with his leg extended and still hovering in the air was a blonde male dressed rather peculiar for the area. Standing on his one foot wearing a shoe with a point on it, but otherwise bare foot in it. The other foot the one extended as the dust billows inwardly from the force of the doors being kicked open slowly withdrawn and pulled back then set down the same shoe, but the foot is in a black protective like cloth with a fancy looking band wrapped around his calf up to his knee. Tucked into this protective cloth is his pant leg, which visible on the other leg would show it was loose fitting down to his mid shin. However over it would be another layer that looked like to be a one peice robe that with how it was designed made it look like the pant legs were combined. The white cloth was up and while looking like it tucked into his cloth belt and blue vest, it also looked like it went over them like a jacket. It was also tied in a not that billowed over his left leg (the one that had the cloth and band) but it would freely move and billow as if it was part of a cloak. It was currently billowing from the force of the kick as well, but quickly settled down to behind his leg. He had a blue vest that cut down across his collar bones and back up, with cross work thread that would keep it together. A whide red belt around his waist that after tucked under itself would flow down tucked in the robe like it was an inline on his right. A thinner red belt made of leather and holding a pouches with a short gem encrusted dagger on it with a diamond shape encrusted with a square inside of a circle on the blade (though currently hidden) was tucked away. around his neck was a rope like a noose tied differently so it couldn't easily be pulled around his neck but he could easily take it off.

8:02 PM

Also dangling from his ears now settling were two earrings with black gems in them. Once his foot was back on the grounds keepers were starting to rush up to stop him but it was too late. Jacob walked into the alter room as if he owned the place. His forceful entrance would of blown out, if not all, at least half of the candles, and possibly knocked over a few of the more prone to fall down offerings. His footfalls would echo through both the alter room and her room as the shoes confidently collided with the floor. He walked forward stopping at the alter. "Quaint..." Came his tenor voice as he stopped and stared at the offering before looking up to the thin wall. As the temple keepers entered the room Jacob would hold a hand back towards them half turning as a small ball of flame appeared in his hand. "Another step closer peasants and I will burn you to ash where you stand! If your goddess is the real deal then she doesn't need you bugs to defend her. So go on and go about your duties while I chat with your goddess, god to god. If she even really is a god that is. While he thought them nothing more than insects, he didn't wish to follow through with his threat. However if they did let it be known, he was no liar. Jacob wasn't really a god however. He was more of street rat with grandeur and grandiose, lofty plans and thoughts about himself. He knew the captial's city and streets like the back of his hand, as well as the prison and how to escape from every cell. The people called him a street rat, but he swore one day they would be bowing to him while he ruled in the palace. . .

He came across his powers on an adventuring trip out of the city. He had been hired to retrieve some artifacts from an ancient ritual site. Exploring it he found the artifact, and attained it. However he also found something more valuable, that himself would keep. Embedded in a stone deep inside this ritual site was the blade that now resides in his belt close to him. It was embedded in an altar with similar markings like the one on its blade. Only it had a couple extra circles around it with runic writing. These symbols took the entire floor of the altar room. As he walked across the floor these circles lit up as he crossed from one to the other approaching the blade. When he grabbed the handle. sigil on the blade glowed bright then in a bright flash of light and a pull the dagger was in his hand, the circles and ruins on the floor were gone and he felt stronger. Over the next couple weeks he learned of his new magical abilities, and increased physical attributes. He hasn't fully mastered his new abilities yet but he keeps training knowing (at least in his head) once he does. That was his ascension to being god on earth. But as far as he was concerned, he was already a god amongst mortals. So he felt entitled to act as such, working to claiming his rightful place as ruler of the lands and of the world. He had heard about a goddess over seeing the protection of this small town. So he set out to claim what he deserved and no less. A goddess! However on his journey to this land a crazed dunk man was convincing enough to sow doubts that this so called goddess might be nothing more than a lowly demon. He seemed to be heading towards the Moonlight Society to warn them. If this woman was a Goddess he would protect and claim her as his own queen and together they would rule and protect their people. However if she was a mere lowly demon, he would leave and let his own minions handle it for he himself was above the petty little feat of vanquishing a low demon who was foo

8:33 PM

ling idiotic peasants. If the keepers were to leave Jacob would turn back to the shadows casting on the wall. If they stayed he would simply blast them with the very fire he threatened them with growling "I warned you" Provided the keepers didn't come closer or left he would turn back to the room beyond fully looking for signs of life. If and only IF he hasn't seen her shadow or her yet he would walk up to the wall casting shadows "knock KNOCK" he would say before kicking his leg through, or knocking the wall down in general depending on its build. If he went through he would then force the rest of his body through intrusively looking around "I have a bone to pick with you!" he would say as he does so. IF and only IF he sees her or sees her shadow he would remain standing at the alter. "Hey so called Goddess! I have a bone to pick with you, and I need the truth in the form of proof!" From this point he would lift up the dagger from his belt and hold it out in his hand, blade tip pointing up to the ceiling. "I want to see your power in action. I want to see if you are worthy, or if you are just a sham." At this the once shiny small blade would pulse a greenish glow radiating from the sigil on it, then grow into a longsword with a curve, another circle around the sigil with runic writing in between the two circles. With his entrance and challenge he braced himself for an attack ready to parry, or dodge in the blink of an eye.

8:33 PM

@Kamiko

The commotion outside made her ears perk. Was someone wanting to make a prayer that badly to her? The loud bang of the doors caused her guard to come up. The shadows in the room making a barrier between herself and the paper-thin wall. It was time to be a goddess. While the man stomped into the room, she scrambled to put on the fancy kimono that made her look like the gooddess. The kimono was red in color, with orange and yellow flowers running up the right side of it. The trim of the kimono was golden in color, including the sleeves and wrap. Her undershirt was white, making a bright contrast between the colors. On her feet she put on white stockings, and slip on indoor shoes. By this time, he was closer to the wall. He was threatening her keepers. Threatening her people. This town was hers, and she was not going to let a little human get in the way of that. Before he could kick his leg through her wall, she spoke. "Stop in your steps. Who are you to speak to me in such a manner?" Her voice was firm and commanding. The shadows lowered and all the candles in the room lit up with her flames. Even the candles in the alter room that went out began to ignite on their own. Her silhouette now loomed behind the veil of the paper wall. "You two, please go do your duties outside. I will entertain this one." The temple keepers would bow before quickly leaving the room so not to be harmed by the man. They were scared of this bold being. Yet, they seemed to be more fearful of what the goddess may do to him. These two had seen her fight personally against a large monster in the woods when they got lost looking for herbs. It was why they dedicated themselves to taking care of the temple and the temple grounds. Once the two had left, the silhouette would vanish. From the shadows behind the man, she would step out silently. It would appear as though she teleported to him. Another way to show her godly powers. *Man, this guy is a quack... she thought to herself -c-

8:57 AM

as she looked him up and down. She would clear her throat, her bright golden eyes shimmering in the dim light of the room. He had his blade in his hand. It had changed, and he was making more threats. He wanted proof of her goddess hood? Of her power? This amused her greatly. Instead of attacking, she simply spoke. "You wish to test my power? I do not want my temple to be damaged. Perhaps we can go outside? I think that might prove to be more eventful." She tilted her head, the gold trinkets and pearls hanging from her head piece making a soft chime-like sound. She had to admit, he was irritating to her. Keep your anger in check. This man is not worth blowing your cover. Your a regal goddess, dammit! They don't get mad! Right?! she thought to herself as she stared back at the man.

@darkkid1000

Once she vanished from the paper thin wall he would keep is guard and senses up, the moment she would appear behind him he would close his eyes, more to steel himself waiting for a surprise attack. When only words came he listened. "Fine, we can fight outside. I am Lord Jacob, the rightful ruler of these lands and the world. I am a god among mortals, seeking to find my queen and goddess to rule by myside. However, I know there are fakes in number. So it is nothing personal." He would say confidently turning around now to face her. His own firey golden eyes locking with hers. They were hot and demanding, Unrelenting and burned greatly, as they locked eyes for the first time. "Prove yourself to me, and only then will I acknowledge the respect you request, and take your followers under my protection." He would say his free hand he would gesture to the door beyond Anari. "You need not fear, I will not stoop as low as to attack from behind as we shift to a more suitable battle field for you." He would say. He honestly did like the way she looked, and she dressed the part. But as he stated earlier there are many fakes, and the best dressed faker could fool a common man. This is why he demanded a show of power. He wasn't impressed so far by her candle lighting and seemingly to transport. There could be logical reasons behind these, it could of easily been hoaxed. His face would show his unimpressed state so far. if she would lead the way Jacob would follow the now long sword in his hand laying across his shoulders. He had a feeling this soon fight would be an interesting one. and already planned on going all out. A god would do no less after all. He felt the fire burning inside of him the closer the duel would draw. And true to his word he wouldn't attack the beautiful woman infront of him. For the most part he would ignore the people, or in his words "peasants" as they walked by, hearing word of his entrance already starting to spread through the small little town.

11:29 AM

This town was just big enough for such an arrival to spread like wildfire. Good more of an audience to watch the display of power of their gods he thought to himself as they walked to the battlefield that Anari had in mind. Once there he would assume a ready fighting stance after stepping sixty paces away. He would take this fighting stance and wait for her to make her first move. He already had several attacks, and different reactions planned. his sword now igniting to having an aura of flame around it as he readied to fight.

11:29 AM

@Kamiko

"Nice to meet you, mortal Jacob. I am curious as to why you claim to be a god. Never seen a god trapped within a human body. I am excited to see what you powers you possess. My worshipers do not have any need for another god. But I would accept you as one of my warriors. This town is dear to me. I will do whatever I can to protect it." she stated, speaking calmly. What an arrogant bastard. Can't wait to kick ass. she thought as she looked him up and down. With a smile on her face, she would turn her back to him and walk toward the entrance. She walked with confidence, unafraid of him attacking from behind. It appeared to her this human wanted a presentation, and she was fine giving him one. Perhaps it would tune down his arrogance just a bit. Demon or goddess, she felt she was superior to this one that claimed to be a god. With her hands tucked within her sleeves, she lead him to the open grounds between the small temple and the village. Her tail swayed behind her, poking through a hole that was made in the back of the Kimono for comfort. It was always annoying when clothing covered the movement of her tail. Feeling satisfied with the location, she reached down to remove her shoes, and then her stockings. She found it easier to maneuver in bare feet than any sort of shoes or stockings. She would do this as he was stepping away and taking his stance. Standing more upright, she held out her hand. Her shadow quivered and shifted to the front of her. Opposite of how the sun was facing. A sword then began to rise from the shadow, appearing as though the earth itself was presenting the blade to her. Reaching forward, she would take the katana-like weapon by the hilt. The blade was crimson in color with black markings close to the hilt. The handle had a white wrapping crisscrossing all the way up it, leaving black diamond shapes in the center of each side of the hilt. At the base of the hilt was white and red fur, that flowed from the gentle breeze. If he could -c-

aura's, he would get a dark presence from it. As she was the light, the sword seemed to be the dark. "I made a promise to the earth and to these people I would not kill mortals unless they were trying to bring great harm to my own. As this is a test of strength and wit, I will not aim to kill you." She would twirl the blade effortlessly in her right hand, before tossing it and catching it in her left hand. Being ambidextrous, she was able to use her blade in either hand. She was impressed by his own blade. A bearer of flame that gave a lot of power. How was a mere mortal able to wield such a weapon? Pushing the thought aside, she pivoted on her left foot. Her right moving backwards as she placed her right hand behind her back. Her left hand was forward, gripping the blade that was now facing toward him. With a strong push from her right leg, she began to run toward him head on. Her speed was impressive in the dress, but not as quick as she would normally be without it. She hated to fight in this decorative nonsense. But, she had an image to keep with these people. When she got within five feet of him, she would suddenly lunge to her right. Her left hand joined with her right as she brought the blade horizontally toward his left side. If the blade were to connect with his side, it would leave a sizable 1.5in gash. Avoiding any major organs in the process if successful. She was true to her word, not wanting to bring death. She wanted to test his own speed and strength. To see if he could counter the attack. If he chose to block with his blade, he would be able to feel her strength. In this scenario, she would push back against his blade with enough force to push his body back. Her strength was were she succeeded the most. As far as demons went, she was not the fastest. Only able to move at the speed of a typical horse, but faster than any normal human. But her strength was equivalent to 10 men in lifting, and moving objects. This is where she shined the most.

@darkkid1000

9:29 AM

(The sword she is using.)

He would let out a growl as she called him mortal and mocked him. she will learn he told himself to resist attacking right then and there as they walked and she continued to attempt to downgrade he would sayin a disinterested, and not at all respectful "mmmhmm, sure, if you say..." Watching her pull out the sword and play with it while talking "Right, I'm not not below anybody, or going to be under their command. I will show everyone what you really are, Then if you are worthy I plan on making you my queen." He to was ambidextrous and would shift his stance so that his left side was facing her. It would throw off a lot of right handed people when he fought like this, but seeing as she seemed to be use. he simply turned to face her broadly. As she rushed forward he would simply raise the sword over his head going into a high power stance raising the sword above his head as if he was going to cut her in two. This stance lacked defense but had insane power if it hit. A high risk high reward stance. He would stand there letting her charge. It would only become evident why he didn't move when she swung her sword. would feel as if it hit as it sunk in, however would sink further and further into Jacob as he continued to stand there now looking in her face with the same cocky smile, seemingly unphased by the blade in his stomach much deeper than she intended but with the little resistence the strength of the swing made it go deeper. However something was off. This feeling of something being off was for good reason. Aura would feel heat coming from the body infront of her. Just as it might click the body would burst into flames. As the Jacob before her burst into bright flames. Jacob was actually above her leaving the decoy and the heat it amitted warping the air which bent light to essentially make his high jump invisible from her perspective. Jacob doing a flip for extra power behind the swing and follow through would bring his blade downwards towards her back. He

11:09 AM

had made no promises to this woman he wasn't going to go easy and not go for killing blows that would kill a normal human. She was supernatural, and if she was a goddess like she claimed, no damage he intended on doing would kill her, but would hurt and assert his power and dominance as her King. He didn't aim for the spine directly but a fraction of an inch off from the vertebrae on the left side aiming to temporarily disable, if she really was a goddess or supernatural, by severing the nerves and muscles. This would also pose to cut the back of her kimono exposing more flesh if successful. If she was to block with her sword, by reflex or some other means of fast speed the sound of their swords would clang and echo through the village. The heat of his sword pulsing across hers. The force would also be immense either sending her flying back a little and to the ground. Or, If she could keep her balance and resist, it would at the very least cause her to slide back about four to six inches. Provided the blade remained the force he was providing would keep him in the air for several seconds. Long enough for his Fire golden eyes to lock with hers. His cocky smile on his face "Or is it, you can't strike any harder because you aren't strong enough... Anari" With a little extra burst of force, not in an attempt to push the attack through, but he would lighten up his force allowing her blade to push him back and fly through the air. He would do another flip before landing on his feet and resuming a battle stance ten to fifteen feet away, his left side facing her with the blade pointing in her direction. his right leg back and right arm folded behind his back resting in the small of his back right hand closed in a fist.

. The heat of his blade would cause the wind to lash around him, fluttering his hair, the rope strand hanging from his neck, and the rest of his clothing. he was leaning forward on his left foot slightly, confidently, almost as if he was ready to rush forwards but instead he would stay ready to react to her next move. (again this part is only if she blocked the attack) If his attack was successful and he were to cut into her. He would continue his flip behind her landing then jumping further forward for him to avoid a counter attack, swinging his blade around him to pose as an extra form of defence to parry an incoming attack as he leapt away for the distance. Once getting about twenty feet away he would turn. Spinning the sword infront of him to make a temporary wall of flame and to flaunt the speed he would be able to move the blade. He would then spread his legs and assume the high stance again "How nice you are going soft, Or is it you can't? You can't attack any harder because you aren't strong enough?" it was a taunt to get under her skin. The angrier the more mistakes. He also wanted her to fight like she was going to kill him, that way there would be no excuse when he beat her. He had already made her bled. Gods can bleed, but it takes a special attack to a weak spot, to kill them, at least as far as he knew. "Maybe if I cut off your pretty little tail, that would be enough for you to take this serious. Unless you already are, then I might say I am not impressed, and the village is a fool for believing in your tricks." he would mock again. He would be ready for another attack as he kept the high stance. He had spent many days training in this stance to perfect the series of attacks he was attempting. The technique designed to get in the head of his enemy, coupled with taunting making it difficult to determine if he was staying on the ground or attacking from a different angle. He had also practice his own way of adding defense to the defenseless and op

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en state. If she hadn't moved yet to attack he would add one more taunt. "We can end this now with you declaring me as you're god king and I will leave you to the village." He knew she had too much pride to just quit this early but it was that pride he was attacking. @Kamiko

Anari did not understand why this man wanted to make her his queen. Was he really that delusional? Surely no man would want to marry a goddess or a demon. It was asinine to say the least. However, it seemed perhaps he wasn't as foolish as she had thought. Her sword had dug right through him, but it was just an illusion. An imitation that would burst into bright flames. She lifted her hand to protect her eyes from the light. Yet, the flames did not bring much harm to her. Only burned off her sleeve and other spots of her kimono. One perk of being a demon associated with flames and shadows is that fire did not bring her significant harm. She was resistant to it, and had walked through flames to save others before. But holy magics was a different story. Those caused most damage to her. If he knew any of that, she felt that her secret would be exposed in an instance. What goddess would be harmed by holy magic, after all? Due to this mistake in her judgement, she was not quick enough to avoid his attack. If it wasn't for her sensitive ears, she wouldn't have heard the swish of the blade as he did a flip in the air. As she moved forward, she felt the blade cut along her back and rip open her kimono. Blood as black as the shadows of a deep cavern began to roll down her back. This made her angry. Her pupils becoming more thin, looking more feral as she growled. She turned toward him, her lips curled back to expose the fang-like canines in her mouth. Her eyes were locked with his as he moved away from her blade's strike. She felt maybe holding back wasn't the best of options. She would have to show this man that she was not beneath him. Not beneath a mortal who had the twisted imagination of a god. She waited for the flames to go up to make her move. The light created more shadows behind her. One's she intended to use to her advantage. There were so many people watching now at a safe distance, observing her behaviors. She took in a deep breath before she simply -c-

fell back into the shadow behind her. It would appear as though she was going into the earth, as the humans of the village were not aware of her shadow mastery. But, the villagers knew her of a goddess of the hearth and flames. Making her one with the earth, or something along those lines. Humans came up with the strangest of things. Once in the shadow world, she could see the outlets. Like the other side of a mirror. The shadow world was a black abyss with pools that showed the other side and what was happening. She could only come out of shadows big enough for her. And she decided the shadow being cast behind Jacob was the best one. Thanks to his own flames, he elongated his own shadow behind him. The shadow behind him would ripple before she pulled herself out of it. If he didn't notice, she would stab her blade through his back, a couple inches to the right of his spine. If this attack was successful, her sword would pierce his lung and stick out in front of him. An attack that wouldn't kill him instantly, but would make it incredibly hard to breathe. After this attack, she would use her foot to push him forward off her blade and jump back about 6 feet to take a defensive position. If he dodged her stab, she would jump to her right 4 feet and lift her blade to defend against his sword swings. That blade of his was incredibly sharp, as she had learned already from his own attack. Even being a demon, her wounds took some time to heal. Only accelerated with the drinking of human blood. But since being here, she had been abstaining from drinking human blood. If he countered with his blade, she would push back with her own blade. Not above fighting dirty, she would attempt to bring up her right leg to kick him straight in the balls with all her might. She knew of no rule that said gods and goddesses couldn't kick people in the balls. It wasn't anything she knew about, anyways. No matter the scenario, she would say, "I will not ever consider you my god -c-

8:37 AM

or king. There is no reason to be unkind to those you want to follow you. Do you think the people here follow me if I were unkind or unjust? To gain godhood and kingly hood, you must show respect. Even if those people are lesser than."

@darkkid1000

Jacob would stand there in his high stance watching her fade into what seems to be the ground. Closing his eyes he would think to himself. last time she was... BEHIND! and with that he would drop the blade of his sword down and stab behind him barely passing his side. If Anari was unlucky or not carful this would stab into her stomach. His eyes however would widen as a blade also extended from his chest. He felt his breath shorten as the wound lessened his breathing compacity. i'm not going down that fast... His magic would pool into his hands and then channel through his sword then errupt into a high burning flame, with the intent of catching her on fire from the inside, The flames neither demonic, nor holy they were of channeled magic focused from nature. The magic he possessed seemed to make him resistant to all forms of fire. He would still take more damage than her, but not a lot more, at least until he could control it better. Anari might realize that potential at that moment, as when narrowly avoided the flames of nature flaring up after kicking him off her sword. Stumbling forward struggling to breathe he would put a hand over the wound. With a warm glow, that Anari could see as he stumbled away the wound would seem to close. However in it's place was a black substance. This substance looked almost Tar like, and it looked to also be spreading from the wound out through his body almost like a growing web sending out tendrils that would disappear under his skin. Now seeing this if she looked more closely as he spun around to face her on the battle field. She would notice his fingers gripping the sword were black and it seemed to be spreading across his hand stopping just before the wrist. His other hand just the fingers were black. Jacob however Paid it no mind "You are perfect! I give respect to the individuals who earn it! Those who stagnate or seek to harm any of my subjects will be cleansed in my burning flame!" he would exclaim. "You truely are

1:54 PM

a goddess of great power." he would compliment with a smile. "But I still need to prove to you I am no MERE MORTAL!" With the final words would lunge forward both hands on the blade, the sword drawn back behind him hiding it from her sight. Once close enough he would do a mighty swing with his flaming blade. Expecting her to attempt to jump back to dodge he focused a bit more power into it, turning this long sword into a claymore mid swing. If she attempted to dodge, there might be a chance she didn't dodge far enough back and would get hit by the surprise extension cutting into her side. If she ducked under the blade swung at mid height Jacob would use the momentum and weight to swing around in a full circle replanting his leg as it came back around and adjusting the arc cutting a deep gash into the ground if need be to slice at her in a follow up, more power swing. If she moved to block it with her sword, the sound of the two clashing would emit an ear piercing ring that would cause the pedestrians watching to cover their ears in pain. The force while withstandable by her full demonic strength would be JUST. And, The Force might cause her to slide a couple inches in the dirt. .

1:56 PM

IF and only IF this attack was successful it would cut into her stopping from body resistance mid way due her supernatural body. Jacob would let out another battlecry pouring more energy into the sword again, but more than before when he stabbed backwards. to send the flames of nature flaring up engulfing her upper half. Before he would raise his covered leg up to kick her in the chest to pull the burning flame sword straight back out of her. This would if successful cause her to stumble back as well as him. he would use this momentum to bring the claymore around for an attempt at a final strike, bringing it down as if to cleave her into two. No matter the scenario, Anari would notice that the more energy he used, the more the black grew from his chest, and hands to engulf his arm and spread across his chest. @Kamiko

The blade stuck into her stomach, causing her to growl softly. Yet, she remained firm. Physical attacks hurt. But, she knew what would hurt worse is that magic she could feel pooling up. He had erupted in flames before, and she knew the blade itself could catch aflame. This was a dangerous position to be in. She would kick him off and move back at the same time, to avoid the brunt of the flames. However, just as the tip was coming out, the flames ignited. The flames burned the skin, but not as bad as the typical humans. Placing a hand over the hole in her stomach, she narrowed her gaze at him. She lifted her blade and licked some of the blood off of it. Her eyes slowly changing from gold to crimson. "My followers, please leave the area. It seems I am fighting someone not mortal." she said to them. As if on command, the few spectators began to leave quickly. Her eyes stayed locked onto him as she flicked the rest of his blood off her blade. Her own wounds starting to clot and be covered by shadow. His blood would help with her regeneration, already almost healing the wound on her back to a non-bleeding indention. Her stomach would take a bit longer as it was deeper, and took more energy to heal. It also seemed he had a way of healing himself too. Seeing the black substance, her head tilted. That wasn't something a human could do typically. He turned suddenly, and she lifted her blade instinctively to block. However, she noticed something else particular. His hands. Was the blade he held causing some sort of change in him? A cursed blade? Or a blade that was embedded with energy too much for a mere human to handle? It was all so strange to her, and piquing her curiosity. He lunged at her suddenly. On one hand, he recognized her as a goddess. But on the other hand, he was still upset over the mortal comment. This caused her to roll her eyes as she shifted her right leg back to parry. The sound of their two swords clashing would cause a loud ring. One that -c-

all the villagers could hear. It also hurt her ears. Causing them to ring as she pinned them back flat against her head. Sound based attacks were also another weakness. She relied a lot on her ears to listen for dangers, and for people needing help. With them ringing, she wouldn't be able to hear anything sneaking up on her. Being pushed back a couple of inches from the attack, she dug her feet into the dirt. She would push back herself, black flames starting to roll up her arms and to the sword. The flames would then burst outwards toward him. These flames were demonic in nature, and one's she tried not to use in front of her followers as it tended to scare them. They called it her wrathful flames, or something like that. Whatever floated their boat. If the flames were successful in hitting him, they would burn worse than hot iron pressed against his flesh. But, due to his resistance, they would not leave as severe of burns. Nothing more than second degree. His clothes, however, if they were not fire resistant, would start to fall apart where the stray flames would hit. If he did not let up on the pressure, she would amp up her flames to cause more harm. Aiming to char the skin the longer he was near her. If he relinquished pressure, she would also jump back from him. Her eyes looking him up and down with a glimmer in her eyes. "I recognize I was wrong for assuming you were just a mere mortal. However, I feel that if this fight continues you will no longer be yourself." She motioned to the black tar on his chest with her free hand, the other still holding her blade. "I have no qualms continuing till one of us gives up or succumbs to injuries. But, as you can see... my injuries are already healing." She chuckled a bit, her crimson eyes shimmering like rubies in the light of the sun. Her tail flicked back and forth as she pondered on what to do. "If you wish to stop the fight now, I will honor that." As she spoke, the shadow beneath him would quiver once -c

7:26 AM

7:31 AM

more. Tendril-like shadows slithering up his legs. If he didn't move, the ends of the four tendrils (two for each leg) would shift into claws and quickly wrap around his legs, waist and chest. If the wrapping was successful, a fifth one would also slither up his back and make a point, pressing against the back of his neck. In this scenario, she would say, "I am more than what you see, Jacob."

@darkkid1000

As soon as Anari dug her feet into the ground preventing the momentum from moving forward the claymore would bounce off temporarily causing Jacob to lose balance. The flame from Anari bursting into his face. Thankfully the magic protected for the most part his clothing, although the force of it would make the whole on his chest tear a bit more. The pain was real, but he grit his teeth through it as he hardened his gaze and slammed his foot back down regaining balance. his teeth clenched. he would then jump back as well a couple feet, just before Anari started her talk. Not noticing the shadow tendrils at first they would slither up his legs. As she finished talking about her wounds healing "Worry about your self..." he would say in response to the black that was slowly growing on him the more power he used. "Then, I will have to cut you down faster!" He would say when she was done, before going to take a step to only realize he couldn't move. He then felt a tendril at the back of his neck and closed his eyes. this cant be it. I cant lose like this. he would think to himself. he would then smile as Anari finished the last words. his smile one of acceptance. "I can see that..." he would start his eyes reflecting the acceptance in his smile. his eyes would then harden "And so am I!" With that he would burst in a bright light. If this move was successful not only might it temporarily take out the sense of sight as well for Anari, but it would also desolve any shadows briefly in the area, to include the tendril on his neck and the ones wrapped around him. If Anari was caught off guard by this and temporarily blinded she, upon looking back to where he was he wouldn't be there. for a brief moment it would seem as if he had just vanished in the flash of light. That would be until she felt a small point in her back. "Behind you" he would say in a smug voice. In the distraction once freed he would of moved dropping the claymor back down to dagger form. moving stealt

11:15 AM

hily having cut off Anari's senses would of attempted to sneak behind her then put the point into her back. The blade would be in her spine as if the aim was to paralyze her lower body. She would hear him panting as if he was pushing past his limits at this point. And if she could see, or would probably see in a bit. The black on his hands was now up to his shoulders and starting to spread up his cheek. his right eye would be crimson red where it was supose to be white, the gold in that eye with a light glow as if it was on fire. The black on his chest now connecting all across but running mostly up and down his left side of his torso. "This ends now" He would push the blade forward in attempts to drive it into her spine to sever it. If successful he would then switch the small dagger back to the claymore so it spushed all the way through her body sticking out just below her bosom and turning the small dagger stab wound into a full runthrough of a sword. He would then Channel the last big of Magic he could muster into the handle to ignite the blade inside of her in attempts to once again cause extreme damage. If at anypoint of the attack was interfered with or some how avoided. He would react in a manner to attempt to dodge any counter attacks. and sit there panting heavily as he watched for more. At this point if she was facing him she would see the extent of the black. He still would look at her with dedication and resolve to keep fighting. However her next move might just be what pushes him too far and collapse out of exhaustion since he was already running on fumes. @Kamiko

Why are humans stubborn? she thought to herself as she looked at him. It seemed he was not concerned about the predicament he was in. Not to mention he was losing his body to whatever was spreading on his body. She was leaning more toward it being some sort of curse, or exchange for power from the blade. But until she inspected further, she wouldn't know for sure. She wasn't adept at detecting magics like sorcerers or wizards could do. She could only sense when magics were increasing or decreasing. A skill that had become useful over time when fighting opponents. As he got caught up in her tendrils, she held a calm look. Her wounds still pulling together bit by bit thanks to the blood she had from him. Like most demons, their power and regeneration increased from the consumption of human blood. Some humans provided more strength depending on their health, magical abilities, and age. Younger blood held more power than the elderly. As she was prepared to knock him out, he made a strange statement. Suddenly, there was light. She hissed to the surprise, her hand raising up to rub them. Her ears had stopped ringing by this point, but her guard was down for a moment. She didn't realize until he spoke that he was behind her. Her own shadow quickly ran up her own body and made a shield up her spine. It was just in time too, as he tried to push into her with the blade. Even with the shadow, she felt the pain from the pressure of it. Thankfully, her bones were stronger than a humans. Or else, even with this, her spine would have been broken. Quickly, she would command his own shadow to move to her will. Long, sharp strands of shadow would lurch upwards. Two attempting to wrap around his blade and pushing it to the right if successful. The other two would go behind him. One trying to wrap around his neck in an attempt to pull him backwards onto his back. If this was successful, her remaining tendril would wrap around his torso in an attempt to keep him held down -c-

11:33 AM

to the ground. The shadows were her best friends. It was her primary magic, and one she had honed over hundreds of years. It was what she used to keep herself safe, but even it had a limit. A limit of range, and how many shadows she could manipulate at once. Even if she was successful or not, she would jump about 4 feet from him to get distance. Looking him up and down, she would see the exhaustion. He was at his limit. It had been a long time since she had fought someone so determined and full of fire. It was something she had to respect from him.

@darkkid1000

The shadow would push it the sword to the right, but then the shadow would fade as the sword burst into flames, the light dispelling the shadows that made the tendril. The tendril pulling him back would pull him back but he would brace himself before being pulled down Swinging the blade of firey light around to dispell them. He refused to go down with out a fight. after a couple of swings he would charge forward. His speed was noticibly slower but he was realizing that staying in one spot would only get him tied up. Once getting to her He would let out one last Battlecry. His attack was way to telegraphed and open, easy to read and counter as he hit his limits. If she didn't move the claymore would cut slightly into her before demenishing to the small shiny dagger. His footsteps would stumble before falling forward unconscious and breathing heavily. tightly clutching the dagger in one hand, despite the black all up his arm and over the right half of his face. The stuff would also cover the top part of his chest and appear to be running down his side, even on the side of his ankle. If she did dodge the same events would unfold, only difference with the claymore turning into the dagger mid swing where she was, and him falling face first unconscious onto the ground breathing heavily, on his right side, hiding his face as he laid there. If she block she would hear the sound. His strength now greatly lessoned, the sound would sound like two swords normally clashing with about the same strength. That would be till the sword reverted back to the dagger and Jacob would stand there infront of her panting. Still staring her down with his demined focus. He was refusing to go down. "I'm no hum...human..." he would say sluring his words as his vision blurred. He looked like he would collapse at any second.

1:18 PM

@Kamiko

It seemed he had figured out the trick to her shadows. Too much movement made it harder to snag onto prey. It was more to ambush and capture someone. But the light his fire made dispelled them. It was smart, but she expected as much. Who else would want to challenge a goddess unless they had some sort of plan? Surely he was intelligent in some ways to even think he would have a chance. His movements were slower. Easy to read... easy to follow. She brought her sword up to parry his own. Another ping, but not as loud as before. The sword became a dagger again and she stepped back from him. She dropped her blade into her shadow as she could see this was done. He was fighting so hard to stay standing. Another quality she found admirable. She stepped forward and gave his nose a gentle tap. "Alright, non-human. How about you get some rest for a bit?" If he were to pass out, she would catch him before he hit the ground. She would look back to her temple for a few moments. He could rest there. She hoisted him over her shoulder the best she could. She was only five feet tall, and most people were taller than her. But, she didn't let her shortness get in her way! She would carry him inside, shutting the double doors behind her. The cat's outside using their paws to cover the blackened blood so not to alarm any of the citizens. Anari would go through her hidden door to take him to her chambers behind the paper wall. Inside the room was a few oil lamps and tall bronze candle holders. In one corner of the room was a desk with books and parchment on it. Below the desk was a small stool, with red pillow on it. On the other side of the room was a bookshelf. Lined with books she had gathered over time, including ones about magic and agriculture. There was even rolled up parchments that had potion ingredients for many different ailments on it. On the side was a smaller room that had a soaking tub inside of it, with dried herbs and petals sitting on small shelves inside of

3:08 PM

it. -c-

No doubt where she bathed herself when needing a rest. Even beneath the stone tub was a pit so that a fire could be made to heat up the water. It seemed to have been made for someone of importance a long time ago. In the center of the main room was a low sitting kotatsu table, with four cushions around it. A lovely red blanket was over the table with the black shadows of cats on it, and golden flowers designed on it. There was even another shelf to the back of the room that had jars of liquid and herbs on it. Beside these jars were some rolled up cotton bandages that looked to be hand made by the village. Off to the side were rolled up bedding, one of which she had her shadows unroll just for him. "Let's get this one patched up. I'm curious of him. But how to manage that..." She looked to the black material that had spread over him. It was odd to her. She figured she could wrap bandages over the spots she knew she had injured him. Then wait for him to wake to see if those wounds were reopened or not. She did have potions, but none that she knew would work for him in this strange state.

@darkkid1000

That night would pass, The morning it would appear as if the Black substance was slowly receding. It no longer covered half his face, or was visible on his left ankle but still for the most part remained how he was. His breathing had also calmed, His eyes moving back and forth as if he was dreaming. By mid day the black would be off his face, and lower part of his torso. It would seem the more he rested and recovered, the more the black would recede. The end of the first twenty-four hours it would just be his arms. and chest with the black stuff. If she had attempted to scrape any off it would act like his flesh and not flake or peel off, despite red glowing lines that traced his veins that was able to be seen through his skin. Also the black spots would be absurdly hotter than the parts of his body without the black. She might be able to conclude after careful examination and studying him while he slept that the black was directly tied to his magic. Perhaps one of her assumptions the day before, of "a blade that was embedded with energy too much for a mere human to handle." might of been more accurate as the black that was consuming his body didn't seem to be permanent. It would also pose to reason, with the amount of control, and the ability he had to cast flames before grabbing the dagger, that the two were magically connected, and that he would still be able to wield and harness the power without the dagger now. It would be certain at the very least that the bonding was mutually agreed. Any scratches or wounds that had happened before being covered with the black, were healed as it retreated. Mayhaps with more training he could further harnest the powers residing in the blade to the fullest extent? Only time would tell, but one thing was for certain. He was still at the start of that journey with how fast it tired him. The next day would pass, by evening that day he still haden't woken, but now there was no signs of the black residue on him. The hole she

4:54 PM

had through his chest however, it seemed to be the only place with the black stuff but what looked like small embers dancing across it and through it blinking in existence then out. The wound WAS smaller, but perhaps took longer to heal because of the amount of damage. It was turning to late at night about 53 hours after the fight hand ended. Suddenly Jacob would sit up panting heavily with a start a battle cry erupted from his throat as he sat up. Confusion washed over his face as he realized he wasn't where ever he was in the dream, or when the fight ended. He would quickly pat himself and his face then took inventory of his items and looked around confused. "where? where am i?" he quietly asked more to himself

4:54 PM

@Kamiko

The studies she performed gave her both many answers and many more questions. The black parts were embedded in his flesh. Unable for her to get a good sample. His temperature was higher on the black spots than on what looked to be normal human flesh. It was like the fire literally lived in his veins. The magic was also similar between his weapon and the fire he had used during the fight. This man was indeed no longer truly human. But, instead, something greater than. Much like the hero's in stories that defeated demon lords. Was he trying to be one of those hero's? Or, was he trying to make a name for himself. He had spouted wanting to be called a Lord and be a king over these lands. This had told her he wasn't exactly royalty, but wanted to be something like that. A god among men. With the power he demonstrated, he could probably reach that goal. If a demon could become a goddess, why not a human be a god? As the days went by, she went about her business. Taking requests, completing said requests, hunt, and patrol for other monsters or demons. It was the same as all the other days, aside from her having an extra guest in her little back room. When he finally did wake, it was in the night. She had just finished hunting about an hour or so ago, and was eating her portion of the kill. On a plate before her on the table was some venison, and a tall tankard of beer sat beside it. When he sat up suddenly, she looked over to him with a big piece of meat hanging from her mouth. She quickly swallowed it down so that she could speak. "Easy. You are in my home. I did not expect you to wake." If he would turn to face her, he would find her in much more casual clothing. A nemaki that was cut rather short, the top partially opened. -c-

5:13 PM

It was a deep red in color with two golden dragons embroidered on each side of the opening. Her hair was all down, falling to the middle of her back. Her hair was also messy, with a few locks sticking out here and there. It was very informal, but it was rather warm out tonight. Even with the windows in the back room cracked, it was still a little humid. As for him, he would notice he was no longer in the clothes he had worn there. Instead, he was in a more traditional nemaki robe that was blue in color with white dragons embroidered on either side of where the kimono-like garment crossed. Unlike her's, it was not cut short with the fabric stopping right at his ankles. "I have to admit, you fight very well, non-human. But, you still have a ways to go if you wish to control that power of yours. Won't do you any good if you are passing out in battle with a powerful opponent." she said, lifting up her beer to take a drink from it. She let out a pleased sigh, her tail flicking back and forth on the floor behind her. "Hungry? I'm sure you would like food and drink after being asleep for two days. Your dagger is over there." She motioned to the blade sitting on one of her shelves.

@darkkid1000

She would look to her only after being spoken to. "You know... Despite being a so called goddess, you surely don't dress like one, and..." his stomach would grumble, his voice changing to that of a guilty person pleasing their case. "... No! i'm not hungry" His stomach growled again in loud defiance, he would let out a groan. "... maybe a little. though knowing my luck it's probably tainted or poisoned to put me back..." thats when he would notice his clothing had been changed. "HEY! you didn't do anything to me in my sleep did you!" he accused haughty like He would also look around then "also I would expect a larger space than this for a goddess." this time his voice seemed more of intrigue, and confusion, whereas before the fight she could be certain it would of been ment as an insult, now despite it potentially having the same connotations, the tone was changed. He moved to get up, but very quickly fell back down holding his head. It was clear his head was still foggy and dizzy. "Also, I don't know what your talking about passing out during a fight. never happened." he would say trying to deny the ending of their fight. "You just simply added extra force to your nose flick, laced with your shadow magic and it... uh... casted shadows over my mind to make it look like I was knocked out." He would nod seemingly pleased with himself for the excuse before trying to stand up again with the same exact results, only standing just a little longer. @Kamiko

"Even a goddess needs a break. Do you think all gods and goddess dress in those heavy clothes all day and night? I wear it when I am in the present of my people. It shows my status, and It looks pretty." Anari stated simply, followed by a shrug as she picked up another piece of venison with her index finger and thumb. She lazily threw it into her mouth, chewing as he continued to talk. His words annoyed her. Was he truly that stubborn? Her brow twitched a bit as he continued on... and on... and on. Did he really think she would stoop so low as to do things to him while he was asleep? There was no fun in having sex with a pillow prince or princess. It annoyed her further he was unwilling to admit that he passed out from his own powers. "You are very strange. I changed your clothes, and even repaired your old ones. They smelled awful and were dirty. Not something that a supposed king would wear. So you're welcome." She then pointed a finger at him as she scowled. "Furthermore, I think you are delirious. Your memory must be foggy to think that the nose flick had any force behind it. I saw you were at your limit... Stop standing, idiot! You don't have the energy to do so. You'll only fall and make even more of a fool of yourself." With a roll of her eyes, she stood up and went to the window. She poked her head out of the opening and leaned out of it. She let out a whistle, and he would hear the sounds of footsteps approaching. However, whoever was outside, Jacob could not see. "Could you bring me a hot meal for my guest?" There was a soft yes in return from whoever was on the other side. As the footsteps were leaving, she pulled herself back inside. She looked Jacob for a few moments before a thought seemed to cross her mind. Humans needed water. Well, everything needed water. Including herself. But with how long he was asleep, he was probably dehydrated. She walked over to her barrel of clean water and used a ladle to scoop some up. A shadowy tendril -c-

5:52 PM

wrapped around a cup and brought it to her so she could put the clean water inside. She took the cup from her shadow and carried it over to him. "My role as a goddess does not mean I need the biggest home, or the most luxurious of items. But, I feel like the richest being in this village. I don't know who said that gods and goddess that walk this plane have grand palaces and temples. But they are quite wrong in my case. I'm bound to a small village. So my home is small. I would imagine a god or goddess of a larger city would have a bigger dwelling... Now, drink this. Take a bit to center yourself. Because if you fall and break something of mine, I will beat your ass."

@darkkid1000

"I supposes you are right about the breaks and all. I would just imagine you were a bit more... regal, when resting. Although..." he would shake his head and attempt to stand up one more time. He was up for and appeared stable, but when he went to move towards the table lost balance and nearly fell forward but manage to fall backwards. He never did finish the thought out loud. He watched her move around her home, and ask someone to bring him warm food while talking. his jawline set when she scolded him for his outfit being dirty. "First, thank you, and second unlike you I have been out traveling across the lands. I have felled a few demons even before challenging you. Infact there was one outside of your village several miles heading this way, you are welcome." he would say straightening his back "After being in several fierce battles, then going against a relatively decent goddess of the shadows like yourself...." he would lean over as if he was about to get up again, but this time only whisper in a tone flooded with conspiracy. "Some even say your a demon, in disguise." This was in reference to the drunk guy he heard heading towards the hunters guild. Sitting back up and returning to his normal arrogant, but now laced with respect tone. "It would be no wonder why the only pair of clothing I have is dirty. You know it does tend to happen while you are out and about traveling." He would try to get up again. maintaining some balance, just standing there. "I suppose a minor goddess would have a minor abode, as long as the peasants..." he clears his throat "...followers..." he corrected himself "... pay proper respects then I can understand where you have no qualm with helping your subjects... or as you call followers." putting out his arms he would stubbornly take one step forward. However, upon her handing him the cup while he was stand he would fall back with an oof and water splashing into his face. He would let out a growl of frustration, more towards the wat

6:38 PM

er and his lack of balance than her. "I meant to do that, ya know." he would drink the little bit of water left in the cup. "Also this uh dress, robe... thing is difficult to takes accurate steps in and throws off my balance" he would say clearly defencive about it, and trying to cover up any potential perception of uncapability on his part. Refusing to look weak. Holding the cup he would stand, and shifting a bit so now instead of attempting to move towards the Katsu, he would attempt to move to the water, to refill the cup. He really was thirsty now that he had a small sip he wanted more and his body craved more.

6:38 PM

@Kamiko

"I was never told I had to sleep looking as I am awake. Besides, those robes are not very comfortable. They are heavy, and get in the way. Especially when in battle. I honestly hate them. I have other clothing I can move in better, but the humans like it when I dress more regal." Anari explained as she watched him. She made no attempt to help him. If he was stubborn enough to stumble around and make a fool of himself, she was going to let him. There was no point wasting her breath. However, she did stay close enough to protect her belongings. Her little trinkets and jewelry that laid on various surfaces through the whole room. Her room was clean, but had a sense of cluttered disarray due to lack of space. These were things gifted to her by travelers and villagers alike. Things she considered precious as she never received such respect until she took on the mantle of goddess. "Most humans see beings of great power as demons. They talk harshly about those they don't understand. It is due to humans arrogance and ignorance that they speak without understanding." She waved her hand as if to dismiss the accusation. She had grown used to such claims, and lying was all part of her role. It was how she got this far. "As for taking care of a demon heading here, I appreciate it. Once something crosses into my territory, it is addressed and taken care of. Humans are not the only followers I have here. There are also divine guardians that assist me in protecting my home. Beasts blessed with the gift of knowledge and intelligence by me." She spoke with confidence and knowing. Things she had rehearsed many times. When he fell and splashed himself with the water, she couldn't help but to giggle a bit. It was amusing to watch him try to keep up this big boy act. But, she would allow it as he seemed to be more stubborn than the mules that worked the fields. The mules, though, would at least get something accomplished out of their defiance with enough training. Perhaps she -c-

could train this one? "Ah yes, the clothes is what did it. The very light and easy to walk in clothing that you are not used to. If you wanted a bath, you can use mine back there. Don't have to use your cup. As for the bathroom, you will have to use the outhouse out back." She stated as she walked over to the table. She plopped back down on one of the plush cushions so she could resume eating. As she plopped another piece of raw venison in her mouth, she observed him trying to get to the water. "Even though I do not travel far from here, I do face many dangers from time to time. As of late, most monsters and lesser demons avoid this place. However, I do get a few that still come to challenge me. Wanting to kill my followers, or to kill me. Sometimes humans, sometimes monsters, and sometimes demons. It's all quite annoying. I do wish others would leave my home be." She picked up her beer and took a swig of it. Burping loudly, the cat woman would pat her belly with her free hand. "Pardon me. That came out louder than I thought." she stated, with a pleased look on her face. When she was in her own home, she was less refined. She liked to take things casually when she could. "Once you get some food in you, I'll get you some wine or beer. It's better to drink with something in your stomach rather than nothing. Two days without food or water will leave many beings weakened. If you need help, let me know. But, you're a big boy. I'm sure you can manage." The last part came out in a teasing manner. A jab at him to get under his skin since he was doing the same to her.

@darkkid1000

He was more focused on getting to the water than to comment on what she was saying. So he let her talk. Once her some how managed to get to the water with out falling he would scoop the cup directly into it and turn leaning against the barrel. He seemed to be getting his cognative functions back in order. Drinking from the cup with water lightly pouring out the sides of his mouth he would finally sigh like she had in contentment. He would hold up a finger and dip the cup in directly and drink half of it the same. Letting out another sigh of content and feeling a bit more refreshed, he would take in a deep breath. "While I understand people fear the unknown. I also know people know what the fear, and they know what should be feared. I know they don't simply misclass a demon from a goddess..." he would clear his throat "... or god, but in this case a goddess. Especially a good looking one like yourself." He would hold up a finger as he drunk the last half of the cup and filled it up a third time. Dropping the finger, he continued "Also, a simple man, despite possibly being drunk can have a sway over a certain organization of the land that has extreme prejudice against demons, and those that use humans for their own gains." He would hold up a finger again but taking a long pull of the water instead of half, then continue dropping it again. "Also! I have come across the knowledge that if enough people believe an entity as a god or goddess..." with this he would motion towards her and himself. "They essentially are what the populace believes and has the potential to even become more powerful the more followers, or subjects they have...." he would take another long pull holding up a finger. Dropping the hand "This is why despite all your very obvious, and very clearly rehearsed lines of lies I still see you as a goddess, and not the demon you were obviously born as..." he would take a pull of the cup holding up a finger again, examine how much he had left and drink t

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he rest and refill it again before continuing. "I could tell by the type of magic you used. While training myself I encountered a couple demons similar in abilities. Their demon magic has a sort of..." he would snap his fingers in the air as he appeared to be thinking "... TASTE!" he points to her as if she helped. "Some sort of magical taste to it, it was different than mine. These demons were officially classed and identified as demons. your magic shares that taste." He would take a smaller sip from the water. "Also you have rehearsed the lies so much that there are no emotions in them. There is no hint of hurt of being wrongfully accused, or anger for being compared with a lowly scum that is beneath you." He would snap his fingers and point towards her again. "the annoyance I gave you, as I fought to regain my functions. That was real!" he would say. now that he had some water and hydrated it was if he was able to think better. He would take another sip, then use the ladle to top off his drink before walking over and sitting on the opposite side of the Katsu. "also! dont patronize me. I can handle myself, but don't patronize my you two face bitch..." his stomach would growl loudly interrupting him and he would groan dropping his head to the table beside his cup of water. "I was gonna say I can still kick your ass and the end of the fight was a fluke but im too hungry." he groaned. All the way up to this point in time, his words while blunt, and arrogant like before the fight, they however held respect and was clear he viewed her at the same level as himself. . .

Once the hunger pain subsided again he would sit up. "Lets get married." he would say bluntly. "while yes I would like it more than just for show admittedly, you are attractive and would make a wonderful queen in less professional ways. That is not why I am making the proposal." he would say once again holding a finger up to keep her from talking so he could explain. "I make this proposal so any who dare attempt to degrade you will not have one, but two gods to contend with. And that specific hunting guild ... uh... moonies... moonlidite... moonanite.... " he would shake his head waving his hand dissmisively "If they were to investigate you would have a few new unrehearsed to death lines to give, as well as another entity, like myself who will vouch for you as a spouse. Further more, Since we are married, I can help protect the town. Then if anything becomes of it more between you and I... great! If not then you still benefit from all of the above." His hand would drop as he picked up the water and took a long sip from it, indicating he was done explaining. If she would ask what was in it for him, he would jesture to the place. "a place to lay my head, and a place to train in peace, test out my training on real threats, and you and eye can spar to become stronger." would be his short and easy response. @Kamiko

Her eye would twitch as he held up a finger as if to silence her so that he could drink. It further annoyed her that he was dipping the whole damn cup in the barrel, instead of using the ladle that was there to keep the water clean. She didn't want his germs in her water. It was a disgusting thought. Even if coming from a demon who ate raw meat and drank beer. The more he spoke, the more she could see her disguise was not as thorough as she thought. She placed her elbow on the table so that she could proper her head up and listen. As he spoke, she finished up her food. Even going as far as to drink down over half her beer. Each time he put up that finger, she had the urge to break it off. Is this man tone deft to social interactions? And what does he mean I got a taste?! Demon magic has a taste?! she thought before chugging down the rest of her beer. She was too sober for this. Idly, she scratched behind her right ear with her hand as she got up with the now empty beer tankard in her left hand. She walked over to a barrel with a spout, crouching down to get herself another drink. Now with another full tankard, she stood upright and walked back to the table. She sat down and watched as he finally finished drinking and walked to the table himself. Was he finally done talking? The growling of his stomach made her think so. "I'm not a..." her sentence was cut off when he sudden blurted out they should get married. That stupid finger of his up again to signal her to be silent. Her anger was starting to show with her ears flicking back and her pupils becoming thinner slits. Not to mention her right eye twitching as he went on with his explanation. When he finally finished, she said, "Were you dropped on your head as an infant? You must think I'm an idiot to want to marry someone like..." she looked him up and down. "you. I'm going to say fuck no to that proposal." The goddess and politeness had dropped. It was easy to see he already knew what she was, -c-

but was willing to entertain this life she had built. Sure, he made some valid points about having someone to vouch for her during this time. However, she did not know this man! He could very well be trying to steal her power or have some sort of other underhanded tactic. "As for the Moonlight Society, I worry not about them. This village is so small, I doubt they will care about some stupid rumor for an obviously delusional man. I have no fear of them. Demon or goddess, I will protect my home. They need me for protection. I am honor bound to keep this place alive. I made a promise I swore not to break." She stood up and stormed around the table so that she could be closer to him. She brought her face closer to his, her eyes furrowed as they locked with his own. She would then lift her hand and shove her own finger in his face. "If you do this... this one more damn time, I will lose my shit!" she growled out, her tail flicking back and forth. Annnnnnnnd her patience had finally wore thin after drinking so much. She had been drinking before he had woken up, and the last tankard was starting to get to her. "I care not if you are a god, demon, human, monster... whatever the fuck, but do not do this stupid little finger thing to silence me. It's rude. Secondly, I had to rehearse those lines over and over because people kept asking me the same questions over and and over again. I have to have the same answers, or things look suspicious. What else am I supposed to do, Mr. Buttface?" She grunted and moved back her hand so she could cross her arms over her chest. Her tail continuing to flick back and forth along the wooden floor.

@darkkid1000

He would smile at her, watching her finally drop the act. he listened to her berate him with the same smug look. "Mr. Buttface?" he would ask with forrowed eyebrows. "that is the best you can do? No wonder why you rehearsed the lines to death. You can give the same answer just with different words. You can still channel your mood for the day." He would reach up and gently grab her finger she had been shoving in his face between his thrumb and pointer and bends it back not enough to hurt but so it was pointing at her. "This!, This rightious indignation rage you feel right now, Should be dripping and infecting your 'i'm not a demon i'm a goddess' routine." His voice growing high pitched as he mocked her words. "A god would be FUMING at ANY mortal who dared to degrade them to something they hate the most. Then because your a goddess of mercy, you stare them down. With that same hott death glare you are giving me right now. then through clenched teeth you say something like 'do not mistake my mercy of your transgressions as weakness, get out and don't return, or I will smite you where you stand, so help me', then for a little extra flare you show case a little magic." He would look unphased by her rage and her sudden and abrupt change in demenor, for she not only proved him right, but was not admitting to it indirectly. "you should also work on the long game, and the people who push with confidence. The moonlight collective, they will come. I can almost garuntee it, at the very least to investigate. And, they will push and prod like I just did." He would stand up so he would be even and look her in the eye from equal ground. He would wave a hand inbetween them. "this little out burst right here. would have the ENTIRE guild here and on you in a heartbeat. Then not only would they kill you, but they would kill the entire villiage, every adult, and most of the older children for supporting and worshiping a demon, the younger kids either taken and trained to fill ranks,

8:57 PM

sold as slaves, or if they are lucky thrown in an orphanage and forgotten." This last little bit seemed a little too personal and on the nose to be an example. Realizing this he quickly changed the subject. "BUT! its a shame you denied my offer, sure would of like to help with that, and convincing them of the sort. Sure would of enjoyed training with you and pushing you past this... static platform your at. Would sure suck if some pissed off actual god came because a demon was impersonating one of them. would sure suck if a deamon a high class than you was to be roaming around these parts lately, like the one reported three weeks before I showed up." He would stretch. "where did you say my clothes were? I'll just grab them, change and go before hell breaks loose and you get all your followers killed, by sheer pride and stubborness. With the sudden change of subject and tone it would be hard to tell if he was trying to guilt her or manipulate her into his deal, or at the very least asking him to stay. "I suppose I should go find an ACTUAL, and continue training till then. Maybe if she would train with me. I do thank you for your hospitality, and tending to me while I recovered. Perhaps I over estimated you as actually on the road yourself to becoming an actual goddess. NOPE just demon laying claim to some territory and manipulating the peasants for her needs." He would begin looking for his clothing as she hadn't pointed out where they were. @Kamiko

Puffing out her cheeks, she stared back at him. Her tail flicking back and forth more rapidly now to show her displeasure of it all. As he bent her finger back to point to her, she narrowed her gaze. His words were getting under her skin. Her cheeks were even red at this point as she got up and went back to the other side of the table. Plopping down onto the cushion once more so she could enjoy her beer. He did make a few good points. Was a goddess or god supposed to be so angry? She thought that was only demon qualities. "I don't feel right being angry toward my followers over small things. I didn't exactly get a manual when I was thrown into this position... I was just told to protect these people, and do the rituals during festivals. I've never met another god or goddess, so how am I supposed to know what I can and can't do?" she stated with an upset look on her face. It bothered her more when he said the Moonlight Society would come and kill her and the village. She didn't want the villagers hurt because of her existence. They were dying because their real goddess left them here to suffer. To die a slow death through famine and monsters. Lowering her ears a bit, she looked away from him. It took her a few moments to think over his words. Could marrying a mortal really fix this situation? In her mind, she felt it would be worse. "I am not manipulating these people." she stated after a bit of silence. "I do wish in every way that I was a real goddess. So that these people wouldn't suffer. They are the only humans that have ever showed me any shred of kindness. I will keep them safe, with or without you. Even if that means that I die while they escape." She looked to him with a fire in her eyes. A determination that bore deep into her soul. "Do not try to manipulate me. I can not marry you. However, I can tell the people here you are my equal and to treat you as such. You would get the same treatment as myself." She looked to his arms and then to where -c-

8:45 AM

his sword was at. "I can teach you to use that power. That magic is not your own, and your body is not where it needs to be to handle it. I imagine that many gods and goddesses would either try to manipulate you to do their bidding in exchange for it. However, I would only ask that while you are here to help keep them safe. That is my deal to you." she stated as her gaze shifted back to him.

@darkkid1000

Sitting back down his voice becoming soft as he spoke. "I know you're not, and as I said the power of a god comes from those who believe them to be as such. However, other outsiders most likely don't see it that way, if they knew the truth." He was looking into his water as he spoke "They tend to get their mind set on a specific label, and that is what you will always be until you force the difference down their throat. Something like this, with those people... they don't give you the chance. to prove otherwise." He would then turn his gaze up to her and drink from the water. "I accept your offer, but I ask if it comes to it, even if it is just empty words to get them off your back for the time. You play along with that notion. I force you to actually marry me. It's just to keep them from hurting the people who loyally follow you as their goddess. The fate otherwise, I wouldn't wish on anybody or any child." It seemed as if she had found a soft spot under the hard exterior, and if she watched his eyes and body language she might detect a bit of pain lurking burried under his words. Perhaps something he was either running from, was the source of his arrogant ways as a coping mechanism, or using as motivation for his façade to make a change he otherwise couldn't. It would be hard to tell, because it would be clear he kept this part burried and if pressed would cover it up. @Kamiko

His shift in tone caught her off-guard. This man that came to challenge her so boldly looked so sad in this moment. Was there a hidden reason as to why he sought godhood? It seemed it wasn't just out of arrogance or power. Instead, it showed her he wanted to make some sort of major change in this world. A world where differences got you killed or used. "I will accept that. Teach me how a goddess should be, and I will show you how to reach your full potential." she stated with a bit of a soft smile. Standing up, she looked to the window. Footsteps were returning, and she could smell the scent of meat, broth, and vegetables. A stew just for him. She walked over to the window and leaned out of it to take the bowl from the unseen person. "Thank you." She leaned back into the home and carried the large bowl of stew to the table. She sat it down in front of him, a spoon already resting inside of it. The smell from it was heavenly. It was hearty soup made from beef broth, and chunks of beef inside it. There was also wild mushrooms along with potatoes and carrots that were grown in the lands. The seasonings were simple: salt, pepper, basil, and garlic. "Here you are. Food fit for a king." she said, followed by a chuckle as she returned to her own spot. She lifted her beer and took another big drink from it. Letting out a sigh, she looked back to him. Her anger having faded long ago. She was like a fire cracker. A quick outburst, followed by a calm. She had worked hard to train herself to keep her anger in check. "You speak from experience from what I can tell. What label did you get stuck with? From your grand entrance two days ago, I assume it wasn't king or god." she inquired with a curious tone.

@darkkid1000

He seemed to of forgotten about his hunger. While Anari went to the windo and attained his food, he seemed to be lost into his thoughts as he stared into the water. He didn't blink or break stare eye contact with the one eye stariing back from the reflection of the water until she sat down. Blinking her would look around his voice now seeming stripped from all sources of bravado. "Huh... oh... yeah you can assume not." he would half chuckle. " You were actually pretty close, with the accusation with the state of my clothes. much less to say I know the prison of the capital like a spider know's it's web. A thief and street rat, just to survive." He would start to slowly eating the stew as he spoke. "I vowed after one day of being harrassed for no reason that I would be in that palace, and help the others like me, so they didn't have to suffer. Also change the system that only a god could change... One built on hatred towards demons, and purging any who made the mistake of following or worshiping one as a deity." He would shake his head "Never mind if it was a mutual exchange, or not. the current system is built to purge the reaches of the demon, and the demon. I barely made the cut off." his eyes would harden as he reburried his emotions. The rate and demenor of eating changing as well. "It doesn't matter, that is the past and I am changed now thanks to the ancient flame deity I found locked into the blade. I am willing to accept your offer. I will reteach you how to be a goddess, and help out, in exchange you tell your followers I am your equal, and train my body to handle the power. Also, before you ask the Fire Deity is one of nature and not one of the holy ones that are directly oppose to you. Think of it as being an embodiment of the element fire, and once I am able to train, and harness it fully then I would be able to ascend into actual godhood... or well take it's place as the element, but in an immortal body, and not bound inside of the dagger." his sto

11:34 AM

mach would growl at this point and while waiting and listening to her response he caved to the hunger that he craved, that his eternal fire craved for energy and with a simple "Pardon me for what you are about to see." started eating with no regards to manners.

11:34 AM

@Kamiko

"Huh... That is quite the big goal you have. With how you busted open my doors, I figured your aim was for power. Who knew you actually had an admirable ideal." Anari replied as she watched him eat. It seemed whatever was on his mind was stronger than his hunger. It wasn't until his emotions seemed to shift that he started to eat even more. Was he hiding from his own emotions? "Ah, A fire guardian... It's what we demons call them. You humans use the word deity and we use guardian, but they are the same thing. They are as you explain. An elemental with great power, usually associated with strong ties to nature. Their magic is not something to use fool-heartedly, as many a human have died from making such deals before reaching their full potential." She got up again and walked to her bookshelf. She looked over all the books, some looking fairly new while others were so old that the bindings were cracked and falling apart. She grabbed one of the older books and brought it back to the table as he was scarfing down his stew. She didn't mind the feral-like manners. It was natural to her, seeing as she was a beast-type demon herself. Sitting back down, she flipped through the very old book. It was written in elvish, with some of the text faded due to time. "There is mention of these type of beings in this book. People with great willpower and strength would often times seek out these deity's for power. However, very few survive the process. In order to fully become the new guardian, you have to train your mind, body, and soul. It's easy to train your mind and body, but the soul is quite different. It is where your resolve comes from." She turned the book around so he could see it. There was a picture of what appeared to be a human, but they had a strange trident in their hand with what appeared to be a water deity standing behind them. "To become one with your guardian, you will have to match the wavelength of their soul and allow the magic to cycle through you -c-

8:07 AM

without any resistance. All creatures have limiters to their magic. It's to protect the body from major harm. To ascend further, we have to break those without killing you in the process so that you can harness the full power of the fire guardian." She looked to him with a shimmer in her eyes. She figured this would be an interesting experiment to see unfold. She had never met someone who was trying to become an embodiment of a guardian. It was a fascinating concept. One that she would like to see come to fruition.

@darkkid1000

Almost slamming the empty bowl down he would sigh with contentment "That was good... I'm still a little hungry though" were the first words out of his mouth giving at first the impression he didn't listen to her. He would finish the rest of his water and put that down normally. his eyes closed for a little after. Opening his eyes he would look at her and nod. "I'm ready when you are. Although, I do warn you... I find the more I train and push, the larger the hunger. I think it's linked, and the hunger is like the endless need of energy or food a flame requires for food." he would posturize. "However, I am ready to push as far as I need to. I won't fail!" As he made these statements, he would look at her with the same fiery determination as when he had challenged her the first time. "Don't misunderstand, I am attempting to get power. But, not for the same reasons most men seek to attain it. I seek to attain this power so I may make the changes this world needs, that I won't be able to change otherwise." It was clear he had shifted back to the arrogance, and confidence from before, definitely re-hiding the more softer emotions that slipped out earlier. "When do we start!" he would say brimming with more energy than he had before the food.

8:36 AM

@Kamiko

At first, Anari frowned as she thought he didn't hear a word she said about what he was trying to become. But, after a moment, she realized he had been listening for the most part. His words about hunger was interesting to her. Just like a flame, he needed constant fuel! She slapped the table and said, "Of course! That makes sense. You're a flame guardian. You need constant fuel to burn brighter. That might be part of the key to having control. What happens if you don't eat? Do you become weakened? Or does it use you for fuel?" These were the things she would have to test and find out in time. For now, she wanted to drink and relax for the night since she had been up since he was unconscious. Like most demons, she could stay up for quite a while before needing sleep. In her case, 5 days was her limit before she needed a long rest. Here, though, she had been sleeping an hour or two a night so not to become fatigued in the least. "We will start tomorrow. If you want more food, I can have more brought to you. Right now, I would rather drink and relax the rest of the night before I take a nap." She curled her tail around herself so it was out of the way, just in case he wanted to look around the medium-sized room. "What would you like me to tell the people tomorrow? I was thinking I will tell them you are a fire god reincarnated in human form, coming to test my strength? Since I bested you, you've agreed to help the village and stay for the time being. I think that might be the best explanation. What do you think?"

@darkkid1000

As she made inquiry he would look at his hands. He warred with himself on whether or not to tell of his current weakness. However realizing that she was going to be training him, and she was smart so she could probably figure it out quickly. "Well I'm on a timer when I start going full force." he would admit "Each time I push myself to the point where I pass out, the timer extends a little, but the black you saw before takes up more of my body. The further I push the further it goes. The amount of time i'm out of it, varies and is never the same. some times, it's longer, some times it's shorter. The longest I've had was two weeks, while the shortest was thirty minutes, both at different random points of my training. I can't say it's because i'm weaker or stronger. I Just know I wake up starving and really thirsty. The stubborness you saw with me trying to stand, isn't me acting a fool. It's me forcing myself up, and to move. Normally, up to now my training has been in solitude at the ancient ruins that started this. As you can assume, there is no people to help when I am in that state. So it is either parish there on the ground, or get up and find food and water." He explained. "I consider it another part of the training. If I don't get up, I die and I'm not worthy." he would say looking towards the window she had gotten the food. Holding up the bowl towards her "If you wouldn't mind, another bowl might be enough to hold me over." He would ask. "I as for training tomorrow." he would look a little dejected but nod "Sounds, fair you should get your rest as well. And, I can explore the town, at least learn the layout." He would say. It was clear he was full of energy and would be willing to dive head first into the training now that he had some food and water. Listening to her explanation to get the story straight he would nod. "And, You would be undergoing some additional training so you may better assist travelers, and quell their doubt of your status. You can ass

9:22 AM

ure them that nothing will change and business between you and them would be as usual, That way they don't get the sense of fear that their status quo is going to be upset too much, but if you have to close requests early, or on slow days seen out where we fought training me then there is a guided understanding, and no concern is raised. You can also assure them that you will still take emergency requests if your request hours are closed, for further peace of mind. Going from one god to two, can be jarring, even if temporary. ummm, if they ask, I don't expect offerings, but will never turn down food." he nods content with that "It should allow them not to be worried about trying to appease two gods, and if they have food to spare they don't have to offer, but if they do I won't turn it away and thank them. Also would allow for extra fuel for training." he added the last part as way to bring the thoughts around for it to be a win/win/win scenario for all involved. It may be the first time she has seen him thinkng about the followers that might be under him. Though by his entrance when they first met, she could guess there wasn't a single person under him at that point in time. If she were to ask for more food to be brought. He would wait patiently and take the time walking around the room analyzing the trinkets and organized mess of her home. seeming to admire the polished stones and amulets, but passing over any fancy jewlery. Another part of her home that held his attention would be the books, He couldn't read most of the books due to not knowing the languages but he would still admire them and show more respect to them.

9:22 AM

@Kamiko

"I see... when you are out of fuel, it compensates another way. Then when we train, I will ensure you eat plenty beforehand. To make sure you have enough fuel to feed the fire inside you. This will help you go forward. We will also test out days where you fast and push yourself. I want to see the differences, if there are any." She replied, lifting her tankard to finish off the rest of it. With a pleased look, she pushed the empty bowl and tankard to the middle of the table. As he offered his bowl, she would take it from him. She stood and walked over to the window like before, the bowl in hand. She leaned her front half out of it, whistling like before. Footsteps again, and she mad her request. She would pull herself back in, yawning in the process. The bowl she had given to whoever was bringing the food to them. "There will be plenty of times were you will have to get up on your own. I can now understand why you were doing what you were. Life is about struggle. The strongest and smartest survive." She went to get the other rolled up bedding, unfolding it so she had her own sleeping mat on the floor. Full of beer and food, she laid down onto it. Stretching out, she rolled onto her side to look to him. Her tail now slowly going up and down, making soft pats on the floor with every downfall. "I think this will work in both of our favors. My followers will accept this arrangement. It benefits them too, like you said. Having more gods means more protection to them. I have a place we can go to train. There are days I am not present for requests. I usually have a stand in on those days. People are free to make requests at anytime. I just have my companions take note for me to read later on what needs to be done." Another thought entered her mind, causing her ears to perk. "We have a festival coming up in a couple of weeks for the harvest. It is something I must be present for and do a ritual for... Hmmm I think there is a ritual that involves two gods. -c-

9:51 AM

I'll have to look back in those scrolls for that. If there is, you will have to learn it. It would look weird to the people if only one god is performing, and the other is just sitting by idly. Do you agree to do so?" she stated with a tilt of her head. She felt that he might be eager to take on some godly duties. It would make the people worship him even more, helping him toward his own goal. But also helping lift some duties off of her at the same time.

@darkkid1000

Jacob would nod. "I suppose that makes sense to test the boundaries... I just kinda went at it, then when I got tired and drained kept pushing. When That became hard I just pushed a little more." he would explain his process "I never considered experimenting, well except for learning and practicing new attacks... Like the opening move where I cut your back." He would watch her walk to the window and make the request. he did admire her beauty, but then quickly turned his attention back to the books when he noticed herself pulling self back in. "More protection, also means possible expansion, more harvest, more successful hunts." He would pull out one of her newer books partially just to glance at the cover before returning it. "Also can tie into an expansion of this temple. And potentially more subjects... err followers." He would correct himself again, clearly trying to correct himself to use the proper terms for her, and what the villagers are use to. "Depends, It could me that one god is just watching to make sure the other is doing it proper. Or the other god has different duties, or its just not in that gods personality." He would respond to her on doing a ritual with her. He would pause a bit and pull out one of the older ones, like it was one of the newer books, after glancing at the cover he would put it back, then continue. "But, I suppose I can do it with you if there is one... ... I wont have to but the end quarter of an animal on my head and dance around like a baboon will i? Because stupid shit like that is out of the question, you're on your own" His comment was half joking. He doubted he it would be something that degrading and stupid, but it did let him make that clear line that he wasn't going to do any degrading things. He would eventually walk back to the table. Grabbing the cup he would walk it over. This time instead of dipping the entire cup in, like he did when dyeing of thirst and didn't care. He would fill it up with the Ladle. before wa

11:24 AM

lking back over and sitting down. He was closer to her now and turned so he wasn't sitting with his back to her, but his side was still to the table so he could drink the water. "what should I expect to do to help the people, and make the announcement?" he asks he had a look, like he was lost in thought while listening, like he was constantly planning, then adjusting plans with new information. @Kamiko

Anari chuckled when he finished speaking. It seemed he had a lot of assumptions about the ritual, but also had good idea's on how to explain things to the followers. She felt he would get the hang of things in due time. For now, she figured he should eat and get some rest. Tomorrow was going to be a full day. She heard the footsteps outside the window once again. This time, instead of getting up, she had her shadow move across the floor to the window. It stood up in the shape of her and leaned out to get the bowl. The shadow figure of herself would carry the bowl to the table so he could eat. "I will show you tomorrow. I'll have to figure out how to divide the duties up so that it will make things easier for me, and will be simple for you to do to prove your godliness. I hope you are ready to get your hands dirty, Jacob. After tomorrow, we will train... Eat that and go to bed. We are going to be busy. Also, figure out what your god name will be, unless you prefer Jacob." She yawned a bit and rolled over away from him. She snuggled under her blanket, her shadow falling back to a 2D blob on the ground and returning to her. "Goodnight... I'll see you tomorrow" And so, the demon went to sleep. Leaving him free to do what he wished for the rest of the night. Before the sun even rose into the sky, she was awake. Having only slept a total of 4 hours into the night. She put on her fancy-looking kimono. Once she had finished getting ready in the traditional-looking attire with adornments, she would wake him so he could get ready himself to be presentable to the people. This included a new outfit just for him. She had one of her special followers bring him a fancy looking kimono that would be fit for an emperor. It was then he would learn about these special followers that lived inside the village. 6 other cat demons lived within the village, disguised as domesticated cats during the day. At night, they would take their normal forms and appear much like herself. -c-

Humanoid bodies with cat ears and tails. Their hair colors and tail/ear patterns changing from each. Four were female, and two were males. They did whatever Anari instructed them to do for the day or night. That included fertilizing the fields, patrolling the borders, and gathering things from the forest. They each had their own magical abilities: One with water, two with illusion, two with earth, and one with lightening. Their magical abilities seemed to be limited to minor level spells, but they used them to support the village and their leader. After introducing him to her 'guardian beasts' as she called them, she would ring a large bell that hung from the top of the temple. This would cause people to gather in front of it. She would introduce him to the people as a God reincarnated in human flesh for the benefits of the people, using whatever name he wished to be called by them. She would explain that he had come to test her by request of the other gods, and had decided to stay to help with the growing village. She even said he did not require offerings, but would appreciate food items for favor. The villagers took to this warmly, and let out shouts of joy and appreciation. The day would continue on with a tour of the village, and the boundaries of the lands. Including the expansive forest that surrounded the south side of the village. The north side of the village was mostly open fields with a dirt road leading toward other cities and villages in the far distance. When the day became dusk, she would give him reading materials in common tongue about the village history. She figured he would need to know this information in order to excel in his new role as God. Throughout all of this day, she would have had him eat very little. ----Day 2---- On the second day, she would wake him up early. No breakfast to start their day. It was time for training. She wanted to see how far he could go without food today. A way to test his limitations, and so they -c-

could build upon the weaknesses. Everything had some sort of weakness. It was important to learn what those were and figure out ways to work around them. That was her goal for the day. "C'mon... Not much further now." she stated as she was walking through the forest. It was still morning, but well past dawn. Today, she had one of her beast followers be a stand in at the temple so she could do this training. Instead of fancy garments, she was wearing cloth shorts and a plain green tunic with no shoes on her feet. Comfort and movability was her priority today, and no human followers were going to see her. Besides, it was hard to train in those thick kimono's. She had his own clothing repaired and cleaned by her demon followers so that he could wear them today if he so chose. However, she even had other clothing brought for him. Short's, pants, tunics, and kimono's for him to chose from. The forest opened up to a wide river with a waterfall crashing down from a tall cliff. She looked up the cliffside and said, "And here we are." They had hiked about 5 miles from the village to get to this point. The air was semi-humid, and it was already warm in the day this early on. "This is where we will be training today. I want to test your endurance without food. See how far you can go before you reach your breaking point. It's why we didn't have breakfast today. If you want to eat today, you have to make it aaaalll the way up there." She pointed up to the almost 250 foot cliffside. "Easy, right?" She smiled a bit, her tail swaying back and forth.

@darkkid1000

Jacob would spend a little bit of time having slept for two days, he wasn't feeling very tired. So instead he would sneak out of the window after finishing his food. He would stalk in the shadows learning the village the best he could by himself. Every once in a while glance through the window, just to see what the living of the people was like. But eventually would make it back to the temple. Crawling back in the window and falling asleep. --------------- The next day he would have himself introduced by his name. He wasn't one for giving himself nicknames, and would be curious what the people themselves would give him. When the village cheered at the announcement, and the fact that he wasn't looking for offerings, just food it caught him off guard. He was actually expecting a bit of an opposite reaction and grumbling "oh great another deity.", or comments like that. He however played this off with a smile and wave at their acceptance. He would follow Anari around through the day, taking more mental notes for himself, but really working on remembering her guardian beasts and their abilities. he felt that was going to be the hardest part for himself. He opted to wear the clothing he arrived in whenever he could, or if Anari could have something fashioned like it, he would change into the cleaner of the outfits. It was comfortable to him, and the only thing he really kept wearing day after day would be that noose around his neck, and the dagger. By the end of the night he was complaining for food that was denied to him because of Anari's plan. That night once he could get past the loud grumbling stomach and hunger pains he would finally sleep. ------------------- When Anari finally woke him up and drug him without breakfast he would groan. "you're enjoying this aren't you" he grumbled his eyes moving around looking for a blueberry bush or some wild foods that he could quickly pluck and chew on. once at the waterfall and given his task he would look at it. "y

10:13 AM

ou want me to climb that... and thats it?" he would ask pointing to the top. "That is too easy, i thought you were going to challenge me" he would say walking towards the water's edge. Lifting up his voice so he could be heard over the waterfall "I'll even climb INSIDE of the waterfall" he would declair before leaping up about three feet and over into the waterfall catching the rocks under neath and starting to climb up with out a moments hesitation. The water beating down on his shoulders caused him to strain a little more than normal. But he was trianing, and if he didn't push himself then he wouldn't be able to get stronger. At least that was his thinking as he quickly started making his way up the wall. He assumed it would take him a good thirty minutes, maybe an hour at the pace he was going. If he wasn't stopped or interfered with it would actually take about that time with him panting as he pulled himself out of the waterfall and over the cliffs edge. If he was interfered with he would deal with it as it came.

10:13 AM

@Kamiko

Smirking a bit, she watched him go toward the water's edge. "I think a hike in the woods is very enjoyable. And yup, that's all I need you to do." she stated, following him to the waters edge curiously. She leaned over, watching as he jumped over onto the waterfall to hold onto the rocks that the water was crashing against. This situation was far more perfect than she had hoped for. With a mischievous grin, her eyes would glow slightly as the shadows beneath him would start to quiver. As he reached for the next rock, a shadow would cut out into a spike. If he didn't notice, the spike would cut him. As this was happening, another sliver of shadow would move up and start dislodging rocks that would start to fall down on him. The rocks would range from the size of baseballs to volley balls in size. It was to give him obstacles to deal with on his climb up. While he was dealing with her shadows messing with him, she would begin to climb up the dry side of the cliff. Her claw-like nails digging into dirk and stone alike to give her leverage. She wanted to watch his journey up the waterfall. Not only to deal with the pressure of the water, but with whatever obstacles she decides to throw at him along the way. "Use everything at your disposal to get to the top. Abilities, weapons, or the very nature around you. Prove that your body is strong enough to withstand the embodiment of fire that runs through your vein. That you are worthy enough to become the next God of Flames. A guardian in your own right." she called out to him over the crashing waterfall. She would pick up her pace climbing to get ahead of him a bit. She was so nimble and agile. In nature, she could truly shine and play with her abilities. She could do far more out of the eyes of her followers when she was left to her own devices. To do what she pleased when she pleased to do so.

@darkkid1000

As the spike jutted out he would pull his hand back at the last second and growled. "Watch i..." a rock hit him on the back of his head. He would shoot her a glare, before she started climbing. Steam would now start raise off his body as he growled and grumbled. he would have to keep moving so he could avoid the larger of the rocks. However with shadow spikes lashing out at him he seemed to only get angrier. Her interference caused him to move at a slower pace, caused him to move and manipulate himself so as to avoid more of the dangerous things. Which he himself nimble and agile could do. The water falling on him weakened his powers and prevented an out right counter attack against Anari mostly. On occasion his when his hand was behind the fall due to an outcropping he would channel some energy into the cliff face. Her only warning would be a half second glow of the rock before a small jet of fire and magma would errupt out towards her. The target would be her face, or any of the points of contact with the wall. Eventually one of her spikes would go through his hand. Jacob would scream out in pain. His golden eyes glow with fire. "THATS IT!" he growled. The light steam rolling off of him would turn into a large cloud, as a shield of fire would circle above him. The water hitting it constantly mad it really difficult to maintain. Any rocks that would fall to him at this point would hit the shield, turn to magma and harden into obsidian. His flame shield would then use that obsidian as it's own shield against the water to make it a little easier for him to maintain. As he climbed now using this tactic Anari might see his black starting to spread across his body. Starting at the finger tips and spreading to his hand, then slowly traveling up his arms. She would notice that it would start taking effect faster than before. However possibly unable to tell if it was due to the strain and relentless nature pounding on the fire shield, or lack of fuel in his body. Als

11:23 AM

o now that the water wasn't pouring on him as much he himself would have opportunities to counter attack with the jets of flaming magma at Anari in his own attempts to distract her, and possibly make her fall. He would for the time being ignore the hole in his hand as he continued to use it to climb.

11:23 AM

@Kamiko

There it was. Just what she wanted to see. Him getting angry and pushing himself even more. She had noticed that his emotions seemed to trigger the energy more. Making the black starting to show. She continued the climb, not trying to go ahead of him at all. She was climbing at his pace, watching how he would deal with the obstacles in his path. She noticed quickly a glow of fire and magma as he threw a rock at her. Letting go of the cliffside so she would drop suddenly and grab back onto the cliff to dodge the attack. Quickly, she would climb back up to where she was. He would notice in these moments of attack, the shadow spikes would continue to poke out at random, but the rock throwing would temporarily stop. "That's what I like to see! Keep pushing forward. You want food, you got to get to the top!" She watched as a shield of fire circled above him. That was interesting to see. How long could he keep that up against the torrent of water crashing down into it? It did seem to make him move a little slower. With the black spreading, she continued to climb and observe him. They were getting closer to the top, so it was time to pick up the pace. She held out her own hand and summoned three black balls of fire... hell fire. Flames that were more associated with dark magic than nature. She threw the three at him, aiming for his side, shoulder, and thigh. It would burn away at cloth easily, and leave 2nd degree burns on the skin if hit. Unlike a normal fire, the burns on the skin would feel like they were constantly ablaze for at least an hour. Making it agonizing for her victims. However, she knew he was not a normal human and the pain might help with his drive. As jets of flaming magma was thrown at her, she climbed ahead quickly. One did hit her side, causing her to hiss from the pain. Her clothing burned away from the spot, and it left a mark on her skin. A second one hit her bare thigh, causing her to pause and shake her leg to try and get off any of the -c-

9:29 AM

molten debris. She growled a bit, but these distractions did temporarily stop the shadow spikes. She had given up on throwing rocks at this point as it only hit the shield. "Is that all you got, boy? Are you going to fail at such a simple task?" she stated, trying to drive that anger up. To force him to use more energy than usual. She wanted to see if she could push him past those limits.

@darkkid1000

When Anari threw the hell fire at him, she would see him take a deep breath and gripp onto the slick rocks tighter, causing the rocks to glow and seemingly sink his hands into them. Then the shield of obsidian and flames on the edges would shift. This caused sever things at once to happen. catching the second one on the side of the sheild the flames would turn from normal orangish/red in nature, to the same color of her hell fire. The third would hit the obsidian before the slab of rock fell with the new rush of water that caused Jacob to vanish. She might be able to see the first fire ball the one aimed at his thigh make impact, and him slam his forehead into the cliff face in pain before vanishing under the torrent of water. The shield disappearing as well Her tauntings and words after would seemingly go un-answered. If she looked down below she would not see his body in the water. It would seem as if he just vanished. The jets of magma would stop attempting to hit her as well. It would be just as if he vanished into a puff of steam. Silence aside from just the waterfall roaring would be heard, as well as the natural animal sounds. Seconds ticked by, minutes seemed to extend, all with no sound of Jacob. suddenly one final jet of magma would form near her stomach area if she was still on the cliff. Only unlike the others, which would simply melt to cover up any existence that an attack would happen, a lava channel would remain. If Anari listened close enough she could hear panting coming from this hole followed by a "fucking bitch" that was mumbled in complete anger. Then the sound of cracking could be heard, almost as if glass was being broken slowly through pressure. The waterfall would start to glow where Jacob once was. Then in a flash of light and with a loud scream there was suddenly no water falling. Jacob would be where he last was, his head just now bursting from the rock. Both eyes were glowing golden, with fire red where the whites of his eyes were

4:31 PM

. His entire head was covered with the black stuff. She would see through the partially burnt portion of his clothes that it was black under it. what she might not see do to the clothing covering it, was that the entire leg she had hit was consisted of the black stuff, both arms, and almost half of the leg on the other side was black as well. His torso and bottom half of his other leg wasn't. It would appear that now just above the rope that was around his neck was a necklace of obsidian, he would rip one arm then the other out of the wall of the cliff leaving a thick braclet of obsidian around each as well. he then would shoot a deadly glare towards Anari. His teeth bared. They looked sharp and fanged. He would then seemingly, like a wildfire rushing through an open dry meadow, swiftly move up the rest of the way diagonally, away from her. Not giving her a chance to react. Once he was on the other side of the waterfall it would seemingly start to trickle at first then Burst almost like a damn with a bunch of water being held back burst forward in an extra powerful surge of water before returning to normal. When his hand touched the grass on the other end of the river on top it would burst into flames which would continue to grow higher as he pulled himself up. Once ontop he would let out an animalistic roar as a large plume of fire surrounded him. Throwing a hand up to the air as his glowing fire gold eyes stared at Anari. It would appear as if there was something in his hands. The fire would then die out moments before he collapsed, safely on the other side of the river on top of the cliff.

Once Anari got on top, she would see that both banks were turned to glass from the heat of Jacobs fire, and burst of energy at least fifty feet up from the edge. any vegitation along the edges of the bank black and burned away. Jacob laid in the center of a black circle of burnt vegetation breathing heavily but unconscious. Both of his fists were clutching as if holding something. If Anari made it to his side and opened his hands she would find that he was clutching in both hands some freshly made pure diamonds. His neck and wrists encompassed with an inch and a half of Obsidian from molten rock being cooled around him them to hold him in place as he let the waterfall crash on him. At least 51% of his body (as described above) was covered in the black stuff. The hole in his hand was whole but much like his chest was before, embers danced around inside of it as it healed.

4:38 PM

@Kamiko

He... vanished? Anari was quite confused as she looked to the waterfall, and then down toward the waters. "Oh... oh fuck. That wasn't the plan." she said, her eyes growing wide with worry and concern. She never had intentions of causing major harm to the fellow. All her words and actions were to help drive him. Perhaps he was human after all? "Jacob? Jacoooooooooob!" she called out, hoping he would answer. She leaned back a little from the cliff-facing she was on, focused on the waters below for movement. Do I dive in? Did he drown? There are rocks under the falls... Fuck, did he get crushed? she thought, her ears twitching as she was trying to listen for any signs of him. Gurgals, yelps, wimpers... any sign of life outside of the nature that continued on without a hitch. Her ears perked as she heard something strange, and a jet of magma jutted out from beneath her stomach. She let out a startled yell as she gripped her stomach and dropped from the cliff. Her shadow quickly formed into a net, catching her about 10 feet below where she had been. She looked down to her stomach, the clothing melted away and her skin burned from the impact. "Gaaaaah, why?! How?!" she exclaimed, looking upwards to the lava channel that remained in it's stead. She sat upright on her shadow net, and noticed something had been behind the hole. The waterfall was glowing and she looked to see a flash. It was Jacob, and he was bursting from the rocks. He was completely covered in that black substance, and it was strange to her. She smiled a bit, watching as everything unfolded. She was impressed he was able to fight against the power of the water, and make it to the top. She stood up on her shadow and jumped up about 10 feet before grabbing ahold of the wall. The shadow returned to her and she climbed all the way to the top herself. By the time she got there, he had collapsed. The ground around him was black from his flames, and the top appeared glossy like a glass. She moved -c-

9:28 AM

to his side quickly, observing how different his body was. He was breathing, but his body was covered in that black stuff. What was even more impressive was the diamonds in his hands, and the obsidian. "His body becomes the fuel when he had no food..." she mumbled as she scooped him up in her arms. She as unsure how long he would sleep this time. However, she knew she would have to be true to her words. "You did good, Jacob. I'll make sure you have a feast of food when you awaken." She walked over to the edge of the cliff and hopped down the side of it. Her shadow would reach out and slow her fall for her so she would land nimbly on her feet. Her tail swayed as she carried him back to the shrine. If he did not awaken on the way there, she would sneak into the shrine through the window and put him in his bed roll. It seemed requests were over, and her 6 'beasts' were taking care of things around the village in her stead. It would just be the two of them. Like the first time he came there, she would undress him, use a sponge to clean him off, before putting him in clean clothes. His clothes were in rough shape, but she knew the seamstress in town could repair and patch them up. Now... to wait to see when he would wake again.

@darkkid1000

it was hot, unbearably hot. Why is it so hot? The crackling of flames and the heat they produced surrounded him. The hot winds blow around him as they displace the cooler air. What cooler air? The air that wasn't as heated as the rest. Gods it's so hot his eyes would flutter open. He wasn't under the waterfall like he last remembered. He wasn't channeling his energy into rocks to shoot back at that shadow bitch. how did I get here? Surrounding him was nothing but flames. Above him the sky was on fire, below him fire, from horizon to horizon was fire. "Pathetic human!" cam a grumbling voice from the flames. "What makes you different from the others, who wish to wield my blade?" "I'm no mere human! You know this, we've been her before!" "You seek my power, you give yourself to it constantly letting it burn into you. Burn into your soul. Look at what has become of your soul now! It is consuming you. You are like the other mortals! seeking what you can't control. Being consumed by what you wish to possess." "YOU ARE WRONG! I am seeking to better myself, Harden my body so I merge and consume you! This is what you wished for! this is what you wanted! To be free from the chain that bind you!" "You have no control. No control of my power, or yourself. You lose yourself to easily! by now most men who have attempted and failed have stopped passing out for days at a time. They have learned not to push their bodies unless they have enough fuel in them to use the powers. They have stopped my power from consuming their bodies. Yet you, you allow it to consume you! you push yourself to pass out consumed by the power that burns away your body, your soul." "I push past where other fail! I can tell, Every time my body succumbs to the power, eaten as you accuse. when it fades, my body is changed and altered. I know to eat to stave off and feed the fire. I know the more calories I have, the stronger, and longer I can use this. YOU! have been bound so long, and must of seen

11:13 AM

so many failures that you don't realize what's actually happening! Yeah, the others before me wanted to control the power for their gain, Yeah so do I. BUT! Unlike them, I don't seek to just control the unbridled flames, fearing it the pain, the burning that it gives. I don't hold the power at an arms length fearing that it will consume me! I embrace it! THIS..." he throws out his arms out to gesture to flames around him. "... THIS is me now! THIS is my world, my comfort. Yeah! it's fucking hot as hell right now. Yeah i'm surprised that the flames burn. BUT! I embrace it! How else am I supposed to embody and become the god of fire! How else am I supposed to take your place, if I don't give myself to what many fear!" The flames that surround Jacob would grow pure white and hotter "Is that your answer human? You refuse to change your ways!" the would echo in the roaring of the flames. In front of him a white spinning tornado of fire would raise up, reaching to the sky, consuming all the flames that surround him leaving him in a charred void. His entire body a burnt husk. crackling with embers dancing across his skin, only his face remained unscathed. . .

"I told you, I'm no mere human AND i'm not like the others. I won't change my approach because I embrace the gift, the power. You accepted me for a reason. You know of my passion, my desire, my stubbornness, my drive, and and my will. I told you I would be willing to give my entire essence if I had to, in order to become the embodiment of flame, to take your place and become a god. Now that I have shown my resolve, and commitment do you recoil? Are you rejecting me, because you see unlike others I embrace the negative with the positive? I embrace the burns and willingly give myself to the pyre to merge and become one?" The white tornado looming over him would form red glowing eyes, and a jagged red glowing mouth. "you challenge me! while your soul is nothing but ash waiting to blow away in the hot winds? That is your answer?" Jacob would only continue to glare up at the white spinning mass of flames. "That is my answer, I accept the flames, and I am willing to merge! Burn me and end this, if you don't think i'm fit to take your mantle! I'm not going to bend and yield like water does. I'm not going to stay stiff and ridged and break like the earth. And i'm not going to change directions on a dime and be influenced by the smallest thing like the wind. I refuse to be the opposite of who you met when I first pulled your prison from the stone like the shadows. So you can either kill me! OR stop doubting me, and actually help me for a change instead of letting me burn myself out constantly learning how to properly control the flames you lend to me." "So be it human!" Jacob would feel the air temperature rise, as the embers that danced across his body now made their way to the edges of the ash, burning away his face in a slow painful burn. He would clench his teeth refusing to let out a scream of pain, refusing to give in. Only once his soul and essence was encased in this ash would the white spinning column of flame speak again. "You are worthy. When you wake, as you c

11:36 AM

laim, already you will no longer be human. You still must forge and burn with your own flames. I cannot help in any other way, but to lend you my flames until you are able to consume and merge with them yourself." With that the white spinning column vanished, leaving the black charred statue with it's arms extended. What once was Jacob a stone fragile statue, able to be blown away if there was wind here. but there wasn't. this was his soul, now nothing but black charred remains. -------------------------------- . .

In the physical world. Anari would notice over the course of the next two days, instead of like the first time, where the black substance slowly retracted. Instead it continued to grow across his body. Starting with his leg that was already half consumed, it would continue to spread. Once both legs, his arms, and his head were covered, his breathing would begin to slow as the black would spread across his torso. If any water was attempted to be applied it would hiss, sizzle and steam. Ice would instantly melt then repeat the same as water. The body temperature would seem to increase. As before if she attempted to peel it away, it act like his actual flesh. If the Obsidian was still around his neck and wrists, they would begin to glow, and melt starting with the parts touching his skin. If they were removed, nothing extra would happen. The clothing she dressed him in, wouldn't catch flames, but would become extremely hot and dry. By the end of the second day his Torso would be encased in the black substance as well. She would also notice at this point it would start affecting and even turning his blonde hair to the same black. His breathing would slow more, then stop, at the same time the tips of the last strands of hair were turned. The glowing veins would pulse in rhythm of a heart beat all through the third day. Before just before Anari went to bed that night, if she did sleep that night, if not it would be about the time she normally did, The glowing of the veins would dull and turn to black. Jacobs skin would be as hard as stone. Almost as if he was a statue, made perfectly in his image out of black marble, or obsidian. The only remnants, or resemblance of life left at this point was the fact that it would remain burning hot to the touch, unable to be cooled in any manner, yet not setting fire to any clothing. This is how he would remain for the remainder of the six days since the waterfall training exercise. one hundred fifty-four hours after he collapsed,

12:06 PM

loud cracking sounds could be heard, echoing from the her living quarters of the shrine, through the village. Sounding almost as if the sky itself was cracking. Possibly waking the sleepy village up. If Anari was to look at the statue, center of the chest would have a point an inch in diameter glowing. This glowing would be the focal point for the first cracks. The glowing would trace the cracks as they formed. ------------------------- The statue in his soul, would flake away. small flakes of ash, first revealing his blond hair, then his closed eyes, then the rest of him. He would open his eyes in the place that represented his soul and mind. The whites of his eyes fiery red with the iris glowing a fiery gold. Almost instantly the flames in this black wasteland would ignite with a new found intensity. His arms dropped to his side. "Then, I will burn my own path, using the little help you give to grow my flames." He would raise a hand and close it into a fist. The flames that surrounded him vanish. Leaving behind him standing in the center of this quiet little village. A soft smile crosses the lips of his soul. "interesting." is all he said ---------------------------- . .

The cracking over this hour would continue to grow and spread. A burning glow tracing all the cracks. at the end of the one hundred fifty-fifth hour, or six days and eleven hours after he passed out on top of the waterfall the black statue that was Jacob, would start to shake. The glowing would vanish in the blink of an eye a low grown would be heard. Only distinguishable by those closest to him, or with really good hearing. It was one word, drawn out over the course of several seconds "Food!" A second word would then be uttered as the stone statue shook more and a softer sound of cracking could be heard. This to was drawn out for several seconds and was one word. "Water!" Then one piece would fall away from the arm, revealing Jacob's skin muscles moving as if he was attempting to move it from the confined space. Another piece would fall away. This time from the face exposing one closed eye. The eye would slowly open as the mouth would slide away next. "sooo hungry" he would groan. If Anari was around, the one exposed eye would find her and lock on "you promised food." he would say a soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips. The pieces would fall away faster now, until he was in the middle of a bed of rubble.

12:14 PM

@Kamiko

They days all seemed to blend together. Her first and only pupil was now made of living stone. Of course she would turn a human to stone! It was just how her luck was when it came to tending to people. They either died, had fucked shit happen, or somehow made it through life normally. That's how her mind perceived this whole situation. Sleep did not come easily for the cat demon. She would stay up 3 days at a time, all the while doing her duties for the village. Tending to their requests, and keeping everything as normal as possible. She made sure to collect all the offerings, especially of food for Jacob. This would go on day after day, until there was finally a major change. A cracking sound that echoed through her home, and the village. It was on this day she had seen the first cracks from a small spot in his chest. Something different from the days of rhythmic pulses behind the stone. She would sit beside his bed roll, her head tilting left and right as if trying to comprehend what was happening. It wasn't often people turned to stone, or came out of them. She had really thought the fire spirit had finally consumed the boy... but now, she was starting to wonder if he was like a pupa, ready to come out different. During this time, she would stay at his side. Closing the temple for the remainder of the day, using preparation for the harvest festival as the guise. Over the last hour, the cracking spread. It was strange to witness, even for a demon. Even though she had heard of these humans become new elemental guardians, she had never seen the full process of it. Only read stories from the books she had, or the tales told from travelers and merchants before she landed in this village. "Food?" It was the first words she had heard from him in all this time. Her ears perked as she sat up more on her knees, leaning forward to be over his face a little. Her orange locks falling down over his chest and neck, as well as the top part of his head. Effectively -c-

4:55 PM

making a canopy over his face to shield him from everything else around them. The stone shook more, and she heard another word. Water. He was hungry and thirsty. That made sense with all things considered. However, was she stayed in her spot until the stone was falling from his face. She looked down at him, her eyes locking with his curiously. She had indeed promised food. She smiled, leaning away from him. "Of course. I did promise you a feast. You did as you said you would." She stood up now, pulling her hair back into a bun as she did so. She walked over to the window and leaned out of it. She whistled a little tune, and quick footsteps approached. "It is time. Get everything fixed and brought to him... Thank you." She pulled her body inside and went to the barrel filled with water. Grabbing a glass off the shelf with one hand, while the other opened the lid. She grabbed the ladle, filling up the glass with clean water. Carefully, she would carry the full glass to him. Sitting on her knees once more, she would use her left arm to lift up his torso, the right hand bringing the glass up to his lips. "Drink. There are plenty of snacks to feast on until your dinner is ready. It will take a bit, considering we were not sure when you would awaken. It's been 6 days." she explained with a curious touch to her eyes as she watched him. He didn't seem to be in rough shape, but her home was now covered in rubble. That bit was annoying to her.

@darkkid1000

By the time she came back with the cup of water he was already attempting to sit up. He would look to her with a glance of appreciation, with a hint of annoyance, but he wasn't going to argue or deny the help. After draining the cup he would sigh and move to get up. Like before he would fall back down. with a scowl more towards himself he would start doing the proccess like when he first woke up the first time. "Really six days? " he would say after his fourth attempt at standing. "you must of been really worried... you let debris and large bits of rocks clutter the area" he would say commenting on the rubble that had just broken off of him. He seemed oblivious to the state he was in. The gold in his eyes seemed to be slightly brighter. almost as if they gave off the faintest of glow. The fifth attempt he was actually able to stand, however the moment he would make a motion towards the water barrel he would again fall this time forward onto his chest on the floor. He kept the cup held up so it didn't break. A soft growl would come out of him, again it was directed at himself and his body as he now struggled to pull himself to his hands and knees, the cup gently set aside while he focused on this feat.

8:09 AM

@Kamiko

Here we go again. Anari thought as she watched Jacob attempting to stand once more. She moved back, to watch him try to stand and fall. It was his process, and figured he would not endure any significant harm if he stumbled. However, she did keep careful watch of him as he attempted to get to the water barrel. While he spoke, she went to the barrel to get herself a cup of water to drink. "I was concerned I may have done too much on our first day. I did learn a lot from observing what happened about your powers, and I also studied more from the books I have about what to expect. Usually people die during that part of the process." she stated, trying not to show concern about it. She waved her hand, leaning up against the barrel so she could watch him. He looked the same, other than the glow to his eyes. Perhaps a sign of more to come? "As for the mess you made, you will be cleaning that up. I don't expect either of us to live in a barn-like state. Besides, you're the one that did that." A playful smile was on her face, as her own eyes watched him work to stand again. As he fell, her smile faded a bit. 6 days of no movement might have been a bit hard on his body. Perhaps he would need some sort of assistance till he had food and an adequate amount of water in his system. "Is it important for you to stand and fall repeatedly? I know you mentioned in the past you had to in order to survive, but as you can see-" she would motion to the room they were in with one hand, "- we are not in a forest or outdoors. Are you sure you don't want some help getting to the barrel? Is this stubbornness, or something actually significant you have to do alone?" She still didn't quite understand why he made himself struggle when it was unnecessary for him. Then again, she found it hard to seek help until she desperately needed it. Now she understood the importance of it.

@darkkid1000

Jacob gloured up at Anari like she had insulted him. "I can do it myself." he growled lifting himself halfway to his hands and knees before his chest dropped back to the ground. "If... I can't ... Get.... up then... I'm ... not... struggling... and pu... pushing mys....self to be better" he panted before managing to lock his elbows on the second attempt. From this position he would allow himself to drop his butt onto his legs dragging his arms with the rest of the body then pushing up to stack his spine so he was in a proper sitting position. He looked up to Anari standing by the water and smacked his lips. "I didn't bring rocks into your living area" he would retaliate jumping back to the cleaning subject as he motivated himself to attempt standing again. "i don't know what rituals you did while I was under. I think it's your mess and you're just trying to push it off on me!" he would huff This seemed to be his motivation to grab the cup and stand he would then take one stubborn step towards Anari and the water then another and another. His legs trembled, but now he was properly fired up (pun intended) and was using it to fuel his stubbornness and drive, like he did in their first fight. His eyes with the faint glow burning as they remained locked on Anari as he approached her. Then reaching past he dipped his cup in the water. He remembered the look she gave the first time he woke up after the fight when he did this. This time it was spite that lead him to do it, instead of desperation of a drink. He would drink the contents of the cup his eyes locked on her still and refill it again in the same way. then lifting the cup to drink it and started to reach a third time, this time expecting her to be recovered from the shock of his audacity, to react if she didn't he would do the same thing a third time.

12:04 PM

@Kamiko

((

hey there @darkkid1000 , your RP partner for this RP has left the server. Would you like to keep it open to find another partner or could we archive it? All archived roleplays are eventually uploaded onto http://rphq.me/ and can be viewed there. If you wish to archive this roleplay, you can request this with the archiverequest command in #channel . If you want to keep this open to find another RP partner please can you respond to this message and ping me within 14 days, otherwise the channel may be archived. ))