General Toran RP

The member 'Supers' has done the following action : Dice

'Percentile' : 21

"Cool." Kal says calmly, having finally caught the elusive and AUTISTIC autistic cat natrelmon. He waves calmly to Rook. He had been wanting to speak to Rook about the attack so this was a perfect chance.

Rook had landed about 20 feet from Kal when he finally noticed him. Grodra was right beside him.

"How are you Kal? What're you doing out here?"

Rook cast all of his Blood spells simultaneously at Kal.

Rook then had an existential crisis as he realised how poor his creator's literary skills were.

"Hey Rook. I'm great!" Kal grinned widely. "I was trying to catch a Natrelmon I've had my eye on for a while. I have a general idea of what Natrelmon I want. So I started to search for them!" Kal said happily.

"Whatcha doin' here?" He asked.

"Whenever I'm in Toran, I usually spend most of my time on the beach. It's different then back home. Back home the sand is coarse, gritty, just all around unpleasant. Here it's soft and beautiful. Especially with the waves and the cool breeze, it's a paradise." replied Rook

But obviously, none of this happened because Kal was dead.

"Where are you from?" Kal asked. He was curious just from the way Rook compared Toran to his home. This made Kal think about his home. Maybe Rook was from Relin too? But Kal hadn't been around at all.

"Ivsler is where I grew up. It's very industrial. Tall buildings, tons of factories, and way too many people for my liking. It's surrounded by desert which is freezing during the nights and sweltering during the day."

Rook didn't really want to reminisce on Ivsler too much.

Kal thought his question made Rook feel uncomfortable.

"What made you decide to be a Natrelmon trainer?" Kal asked. He figured it would be better to shift the conversation elsewhere.

"Ifrit... He saved me."

Rook released Ifrit from his relic, to the opposite side from Grodra.

"Let's just leave it at, Ifrit makes me want to be a better, stronger person. What better way then being a trainer?"

Kal nodded quietly.

"How long have you been a trainer for? OOH! Have you defeated any of the Arena Masters?" Kal asked, with sudden renewed interest. He hadn't even thought of challenging Arena Masters, but then again he just became a trainer.

"Here, Look at these." Replied Rook walking towards Kal. In his hand were two badges. One looked like a burning flame, about 2 inches in length and 1 in width. It appeared to be a living flame, but really it was a translucent crystal with a orange and yellow light flickering inside of it. The other was a Miniature polished stone spear, the tip was made of a black stone with the shaft appearing almost earthy brown.

"My companions and I save Toran and received these as thanks from Kiken, who has since retired. The spear came from Takai in Ward."

Kal let out a whistle. 

"You saved Toran?! Kimlee mentioned to me the city was attacked!" Kal exclaimed in shock. "That's so cool!"

Kal thought for a moment. "I'll see you later Rook, I'm going to go train! Here's my number if you need to get ahold of me." Kal tossed a small piece of paper in the air. Kal headed towards the forest to go train.

Kal found a quiet area in the forest. He was surrounded by trees and bushes. The spot he found was well hidden from people. Kal took out his dark chalk and drew a circle that was 7.5ft in diameter. Inside of it he became invisible. He sat down towards the southern part of the circle and closed his eyes.

In front of him was a man. He had placed this illusion on himself. The man had red hair that had grown into what could only be described as a mane. He wore torn black shorts and was bare chested. He grinned at Kal.

"We meet again, Shale." Kal said as he tensed up. Shale laughed out loud. He then grinned devilishly.

"Let's see how many more scars I can add to your collection!" Shale shouted and charged Kal.

Kal remained still, not taking a particular stance or anything. Shale placed all of his weight into his right fist and threw a heavy right at Kal. Kal quickly sidestepped while placing his right hand on top of Shale's fist, then pushing down with a moderate amount of strength. This caused Shale's fist to not only shoot downward, but allowed him to be flipped onto the sand. Kal's hand came up in a circle almost and he backed up several steps to allow for breathing room between the two.  Shale grumbled as he stood up. He let loose a roar at Kal as he charged him. However, Shale had made the first mistake. He grumbled as he stood up, instead of charging Kal. Kal had taken his stance. His feet spread to ten inches apart, and his hands were at is waist. Hands open and palms up Kal was ready for the charge. Shale once again threw a strong right and it was aimed right at Kal's face. Kal's arms moved in a windmill motion. His left hand came up and brushed the first to the side, so that it passed by Kal's face like a gentle breeze, all while his right hand was following it, sort of like a mirrored object.  His left hand began to lower and cross his chest to take the position of the right hand as it came up and helped direct the fist even more. The back of his hand allowed the fist to continue past him as his left hand rose once again. This time, however, his right hand fell to his side to form a fist and his left hand pushed the arm down. This caused Shale to not only become unbalanced but his began to stumble, which allowed his head to be lowered. Kal, while in his battle mode, wasn't kind enough to pass up this opening. His right fist flew at Shale's face, now that they were almost level. Kal kept his arm relaxed just until impact, where he tensed and his strength came in with the fist. It crashed into Shale's face and he was pushed backwards, his head getting knocked back as well. Before he went out of reach however, Kal's fist open and grabbed Shale's wrist. Since Kal hadn't moved from his stance, his weight was evenly distributed and stood strong.  Shale was yanked back towards Kal who then let go of his wrist. Turning his body slightly to the right, Kal shifted his weight to his right leg as he brought his left fist into Shale's temple, and continuing with the punch, slammed him into the ground. Kal was bent over slightly, with his left foot in the air and his face near Shale's. Kal soon regained his balance and everything faded from view. As he re opened his eyes and was in town square.

Kal was alone in the square and looked around when suddenly he looked up and saw stone spikes(the ones that Rook had used on Eishund in their recent battle). All of a sudden they became to fall, which seemed like a limitless amount. Kal grunted to himself and dashed forward. The spikes are 3 feet long, .5 feet wide, and 3 inches thick. The town square now extended for what looked like forever. In reality it covered several hundred feet. Kal's goal was to reach the end. Spikes cascaded around Kal and there was nothing he could do about it. He quickly launched himself to the right and rolled. Three spikes crashed down in the area he had been before. He quickly got up and lurched forward as another spike landed where he just was. Kal ran forward as spikes continued. The way they fell was in a certain order. The order was like a domino effect. After they fell initially another would take its place. Kal rolled left and jumped backwards. Spikes generally only fell around Kal in a 9x9 area. Kal rolled back to the right as another hit the ground where he had just been. Kal opened his right hand and suddenly a quarterstaff appeared in it that was made of some sort of metal. It was indestructible.

Suddenly Kal fell as the entire square flipped 90 degrees. This caused the spikes come at him like people running. Spinning the staff between his fingers, Kal danced. He immersed himself in it. The staff destroyed the spikes as they came. Kal slowly moved sideways across the buildings to destroy and deflect the small chunks. Due to the spikes being so thick, he was quickly overwhelmed. Kal's body began to show cuts and bruises. The spikes that broke pelted him and the spikes that remained intact cut past him. It didn't help that as time went on his staff slowly became smaller and smaller until it disappeared. As the next layer of spikes came at Kal he fell through the floor. Soon Kal found himself floating down into a forest and landed into his circle. He opened his eyes and had returned to reality.

--- Song Lin Tiao ---

It was odd for a 13 year old girl to be reminiscing about the past, but on the outskirts of Toran, it was just that. The smell of Toran was just like when she had visited over three years ago, the salty sweet air a mix of a soft, gentle sea breeze and the afternoon sun. As they approached, she could hear the bustle of the peddlers that filled the side streets, calling out their wares, trying to make their last few sales before retiring to their families that night. It was a pleasant, cheerful sound, the hooks and lures of the more devious catching her ears, even at a distance.

"Sounds like some good deals today," she smiled, her pace steady as she trudged along the dirt path. Lin Tiao loved the feel of the heat on her skin, somewhat a rare treat for her. As they got closer, she could begin to smell the baking of the final batches of breads, the exciting her senses.

Lin Tiao's hair was very much like her sister's, despite the lack of blood relation to her. Often, people didn't question their status as sisters, few taking time to look at the key differences between them. Most just assumed Lin Tiao was much younger than Chyou, even more so than there was. Chyou's dominating height to her 'charge', was almost comical, especially when the two were together. There had even been the occasions that people had mistaken Lin Tiao for Chyou's daughter, also equally laughable. Despite the prominence of their family, they had fostered an air of privacy in their affairs, allowing for such confusions to take place.

It was those kind of confusions that made Lin Tiao smile the most. It reinforced the strength of the bond the two had developed over the years, Chyou being with her family for most of her life. It wasn't until a few years ago she had even known that Chyou wasn't really her older sister, which is their relationship had always been. The ignorance of others for her was bliss - at least in this matter.

Chyou had been with her, even at the beginning of her journey. While it was impossible for Lin Tiao to give her the same, she felt she at least needed to start Chyou's journey off together, just like they had done years ago.

Kal stood up and stretched his back. Sadly training Invocation wasn't exactly as fun as he thought it would be. He had no idea how long he had been sitting for since he was within his own illusions. Eventually he decided that he should head back to Toran. With a sigh he ran a hand through his hair and began to traverse the forest. Luckily he wasn't too far from Toran. Kal made sure to put a scratch on the tree that was in front of his circle. It would serve as a useful place to relax at if he was ever near Toran in the future.

As Kal followed a path out of the forest that led to Toran. As soon as there was enough room he called forth Eishund. Upon escaping from its relic it barked enthusiastically. Kal pet the hound as they walked for a bit. After a few moments of this Eishund barked at Kal.

"What?" He asked raising his hands to Eishund. Eishund just barked twice and looked at him. "What do you mean? I did it because I worried about you!" Kal said, raising his voice. Eishund growled in response as Kal sighed and facepalmed. "If that's REALLY how you feel, next time I won't recall you at the first sign of danger, sound good?" Kal asked. Eishund barked happily and licked him. Kal of course couldn't speak natreldog, but Eishund had sent responses to Kal telepathically as Kal often kept a connection open whenever he had his Natrelmon out. 

Kal and Eishund entered Toran once again. Kal placed a hand on Eishund's head. 

"Soon friend. We'll go to the Arena. Our family is almost fully grown, dontcha think?" He asked and Eishund barked again. Kal passed by the supply store and smiled. He wanted to buy somethings from the store but he knew he should wait. He wanted to buy Kazemancy training. He needed more money to learn it in addition to finding someone to learn it from. Just another thing on the to-do list. Down the random street Kal happened to stumble upon he sat on a rather conveniently placed bench. He leaned back and Eishund sat next to him watching people. 

~I wonder how many people have Natrelmon out as much as I do, is it normal? Eh, who cares. I enjoy their presence.~ He paused in his thoughts. ~Think anyone we know will come on by, girl?~ Kal asked Eishund who remained quiet.

After having finalised the trade with Eve, Itsuki gave her a thanks and a farewell as he wandered around the city of Toran. He considered the crucial role he, among others, had played in the saving of Toran - like he did every day - and wondered what sort of an impact it would have on his life. Prior to his training in Gishiki he had been… Less apt at the control of his emotions and the correct ways to harness his seemingly limitless energy. He’d performed amazing feats of engineering as a young teenager, most of which he didn’t know how he did, and ever since he’d gotten his Sakura that fateful day he had wandered through his life looking for the next point at which he would have purpose. It was not clear to him before he had meditated long upon the subject, but clearing one’s mind had a way of elucidating difficult issues, especially ones that were hidden beneath the murky veil of ignorance.

The sights and smells of the city were… Pleasant, not only because of any intrinsic qualities that they might have possessed, but also because Itsuki knew he was part of the reason it was still standing. He’d made friends on the journey from domestic life to that of a trainer, and they had been there to help save Toran too. It was almost poetic that he would get to savour the delights of the city in a way few others could ever claim to.

But the memories upon the halcyon plains can as quickly turn bad as good, and the memories of those who had to die would likely haunt Itsuki for the remainder of his days in the world of the living. It had been a difficult time in Toran, and there had been an implicit question that each had to find their own answer to: Was the Black Gate worth bringing back? A connection to the land of the dead, the Void, was not something to be made lightly - and if it had been sealed away once there was likely a good reason for it. There was much joy and closure that could be brought from the Black Gate’s return, but was it worth the ultimate price that would be paid?

Itsuki’s Sakura-oh and Sagralia, who walked behind him as if they were a pair of bodyguards, had little to say on the subject. Itsuki was in constant mental contact with them both, due to spiritually bonding with his Sagralia and by virtue of his Sakura-oh’s Psychic-type - it was a harmonious relationship that was beginning to blossom, and it reminded Itsuki of the Natrelmon of the deceased Arandin. He would not be able to live up to such a great man, no… But he could echo him in life, and hopefully affect the world in a positive way like he had.

That train of thought brought Itsuki back to his original query - and it was certainly a difficult one. As Itsuki wandered on almost mindlessly, wholly engrossed in his own thoughts, he would come to pass Kal sitting on a bench. Though he’d not notice or answer to him immediately, a sufficiently loud noise would easily knock him out of his brief reverie.

Kal looked up and saw Itsuki and smiled to himself. He won. Eishund grumbled quietly. In a split second Kal sized up Itsuki, now that he was in his proper state of mind.

~Hm. Now that I get a good look at him, Itsuki is a bit different. I guess it really depends on what your state of mind is.~ Kal thought as his eyes unfocused on Itsuki and refocused on the Natrelmon. ~Good relationship with the Natrelmon. No that is incorrect. I can feel that the bond they share is bond good. I can also feel something from Itsuki. He most likely is spiritual in some way. Although everyone is spiritual to a point, we probably are worlds apart. While I immersed myself in Chung for ten years, he probably had a rather more spontaneous transformation? That seems accurate. The way he is absorbed into his thoughts is a sign of reflection. Well, not a tell-tell sign.~ Kal thought.

"Yo Itsuki, would you like to join Eishund and I? She's always excited to meet new friends." Kal said as Itsuki had just passed from one side to the next in front of him. 

~Heh. I barely know people and I'm trying to size people up? That's gold.~ Kal chuckled softly. ~Regardless. It's easy to tell that he has a ton of potential. Not only that but he is a kind person. From what I can tell, but I'm a people hating person yet I'm socializing. Maybe it's due to the fact that I'm a trainer now? Regardless. My interest is piqued regarding his Spiritual side. And I might be able to learn about Eien this way...~ Kal thought as he watched Itsuki.

“Oh!”

With the reverie broken, Itsuki looked a little startled, briefly, before realising what had shaken him from his thoughts and looking down towards Kal and his Eishund. He smiled a little, before simply nodding and sitting down on the bench next to the Eishund.

“It’s good to get your Natrelmon acquainted with people. Most Natrelmon are inherently friendly, it just takes a little gesture to bring them out of their shell and they’ll take you to places that you never thought you’d go.” Itsuki mused aloud, perhaps a little awkwardly but it was a sound statement to make regardless of its less-than-perfect timing.

“That’s the reason my parents wanted me to become a trainer, you know? They wanted me to experience as much of life as I could, because sitting around in that big mansion wouldn’t have taught me anything I needed to learn. I was a lot more hyperactive as a child, and they also hoped the journey would perhaps humble me a little… It’s barely even begun and I’m already changed beyond compare. Though, the same can be said for you, can’t it? Having died and all…” Itsuki continued, sounding as if he were almost on auto-pilot for thinking aloud. There was some truth to that statement, but bits of his awareness in the conscious world were seeping in - especially towards the end as he referenced Kal.

Eishund quickly was distracted by watching Itsuki's own Natrelmon. If she could, she would be smiling at them. However, as more of a dog type she kind of well... just let her tongue hang out which ended up on the ground. This in turned made her slowly lick the ground. Gross.

Kal laughed as Itsuki finished up, especially about the death part. He covered his mouth to try to be more respectful.

"Well I'm glad that you became a trainer. The bond is strong between you and your Natrelmon. I'm not that old, but I've lived long enough to gather some life experience. Almost anyone can be a trainer. Fewer people than that are able to truly bond with them." Kal said while staring down at Eishund. He saw her licking the ground. "Gross." Kal said with some power. Eishund stopped and looked at him. He grinned back.

"Before my parents passed away, my father's final words were 'A good man is liked by animals'. Something I've held to myself as I've explored. Honestly dying isn't all that bad. I've died twice now. Although the latest one involved a crazed demon creature killing me apparently." Kal chuckled. "Death tends to allow someone to become more in-tune with themselves and spiritual. However I'd like to believe I was already a spiritual man before than. Which brings me to my next point." Kal paused as he turned his head to face Itsuki.

"Itsuki. I don't believe you've died before, and I also don't believe you've lost yourself to the insanity of something. I must ask, have you always been a bit spiritual?" Kal questioned.

“Always? No. No… Not until…” He begun, starting to stutter and falter a little as he approached the end of what he was trying to say. It was still a sensitive topic, having happened so recently, but it was something that was healing over time.

“The attack on Toran resulted in the death of Archmage Arandin, arguably one of the greatest people Nerta has seen for generations. A lot of people died, and… I didn’t know what to do about it. It was like drowning in the middle of the ocean, flailing around with nobody to hear you scream, and… I felt powerless. Hopeless. One of my friends almost died, and without the Archmage’s assistance he’d never have been saved. He had a Sagralia-sei and a Sakura-sei too, you know? I’d gotten Lotulia and Sakura before I ever knew that, but… I guess it was fate.

After that, I found a tome on the art of Gishiki, spiritual magics predating most magic we know today! I studied it with Eien, and it sort of… Gave me hope. If I follow the principles of Gishiki, and get stronger, maybe next time I’ll be able to save those people. Maybe more people won’t have to die.”

Itsuki settled into a contemplative silence after that, though he still idly kept petting the Eishund next to him. There was, after all, little more he could say after that.

Kal remained silent. He knew this was something heavy for Itsuki. Kal turned to face the street in front of him. After what was about three or four minutes Kal smiled at over at Itsuki.

"I was right!" Kal exclaimed. He paused his victory face and coughed, "Allow me to explain. I could sense it on ya. I find that extremely interesting that there is a spiritual magic. Seeing as I've never heard of it ,which isn't saying much, I doubt it's something widely known about. So I won't ask." He paused. "However, if you'd ever are lost or simply want to open yourself up the old fashioned way I could teach you. Granted it's a exercise for health and in worst case scenarios a way to defend yourself. It's something my family has passed down from generation to generation. A way to keep the body, mind, and spirit strong." Kal explained, holding up his left index finger to really emphasize the explanation aspect.

- Song Chyou -

'Hardly subtle, sister,' she said in a facetious tone. As Chyou approached one of the more efficient peddlers, a look of apprehension filled the baker's face. Chyou stood before him wearing a traditional mixed white/black Hanfu, her nodachi slung to the off - right of her back in a sash. The blade was decently hidden, however. The only visible component is it's hilt, the amber sheath lay hidden. The attire alongside her dominating frame labeled such reactions as normal.

With a smile, and a few distinguished points she picked out and purchased a few honey-cakes for Lin Tao and herself. After payment, Chyou turned to regroup with her sister. Extending Lin Tao's cake to her, she smiled, 'These looked quite delicious. Although, I think our friend is a bit taken back.' Out of the corner of her eye she could see the baker discussing with a co-worker in what seemed like a dramatic recollection of his latest customer.

As she took the first bite, Chyou's face lifted with a small smile, a soft sea-breeze flipping her long-unconstrained hair across her face. Moments of serenity like these were to be appreciated. Along this journey, days like today will be farther and father apart. As she finished chewing, she spoke to Lin with a tone of trepidation,

'So... what would you like to do today, little one?'

--- Song Lin Tiao ---

Lin Tiao smiled at Chyou, also picking up the conversation of the baker.

"Take aback enough you might become a household name around her if you stay around long enough," she laughed, inhaling the sweetness of the honeycake and sighing. "I may have to make a habit of coming down here. I forgot how good these were." The honeycakes were a Toranese specialty. While you could get them throughout the land, there was nothing like the the fresh baked ones - ones just out of the oven so hot, they almost burned you. The pain was worth it though, every time, because they provided a comfort that was indescribable. Even the bakers knew it, always warning people that it was too hot, but hey did so with a devious smile.

Lin Tiao inhaled the treat quickly, surprising giving her size. Being so fresh, it stuck in her mouth a bit from the honey, forcing her to take a moment to respond to Chyou's inquiry.

"I really don't know," she replied, musing. "The beach is always nice. I know you always enjoy the sunsets." While Lin Tiao couldn't see them, she almost felt like she could see them through Chyou's eyes, the descriptions, while they meant nothing to her visually, having been blind from birth, were just filled with this incredible awe. And even when words were not spoken on the beauty of the world around her, Lin Tiao still enjoyed them - because Chyou did. Lin Tiao sometimes even swore she could see the fluctuations in Chyou's aura when she saw one of these wonders, which seemed to her like brief glimpses out of her darkness.

(Done from my iPhone, apologies for drops in quality)

While it couldn't be said that Night was in a frantic search for allies to help him carry out the will of Suzaku, it wasn't the most calm spectacle to behold. At the moment, Night was profoundly stumped by how difficult it was to find his fellow friends of Arandin and Rinkoo when things weren't exploding and the world wasn't ending. Of course, finding a forgotten city with a Garden of souls wasn't exactly a pleasant experience for people already traumatized by the attempted destruction of Toran several weeks earlier, but Night hopes that they would still be passionate about working for the greater good.

And that's when he saw Itsuki. Of course, Night was completely unaware of Itsuki's recent spiritual transformation. Naturally, the sight of the... Usually flamboyant trainer brought recollections of his rather invasive behavior to Night's mind. He wasn't really Night's first choice concerning this particular quest, but Night didn't really have much of a choice, and being eternally optimistic he held the belief that maybe Itsuki had possibly changed a bit for the better.

He was quite ignorant of how right he was.

"Hey! Itsuki! Long time no see! I need to talk to you." Night jogged over, his voice softening until it was quiet enough that only Itsuki and Kal beside him could hear the last sentence. Night wasn't usually fond of secrecy, but his ownership of the black shard had taught him that sometimes it was necessary.

"I'm not sure why, or how, but dude, I think fate wants me to find this place and do some good." This would be Night's response to Itsuki's returned greeting, subject to change depending on what he and Kal said. As he spoke of this revelation Night began to pull out his PDA and navigate to his picture of the riddle and map.

Straightforward and perhaps tactless, yes. But hey, it was Night.

- Song Chyou -
'Oh, a beach sunset sounds lovely.' Sunsets are so beautiful, and peaceful. The event (especially when reflected upon water) was always something that brought Chyou into a state of requiescence.

Looking down to Lin Tao, It was made apparent to how disturbing it is to watch Lin Tao eat. She ate like a starving peasant who hadn't seen a decent meal in days. With an obvious sardonic chuckle, Chyou reached into the torso of her Hanfu, claiming a handkerchief from within one of the inner pockets.

'You always do seem to make a mess,' she said as she handed the cloth to her sister. While the cake was good, the sweetness to the desert wasn't quite her taste. Chyou diet had always been very strict due to her training.

'You know, I bet Atrixus would like this. He always does seem to care for these sorts of things.' A moment of disillusion reflected across Chyou's face as she communicated with her Atrixus.

It took only moments for the Pheonix to descend. As Atrixus came close to Chyou, the Natrelmon waved it's wings in order to slow it's momentum in-time to land gracefully upon Chyou's right shoulder. With a motherly smile, Chyou offered the sweet to Atrixus. Atrixus smelled the cake, found it appealing, and proceeded to swallow the treat whole.

Reaching out, Chyou lightly touched Lin Tao's shoulder, whispering in her ear; 'You know... Atrixus still eats more slowly then you do.' Chyou jerked back away from her sister, expecting a jesting physical reaction in response.