Psyker Landshark

Iris Ascendis

Sniped a quick response in before Nanaya moves us on

Iris Ascendis

Iraleth Kyrios

Finally. Finally. The first bit of reason Ciara had shown over the past day. At long last. Iraleth dared to let loose a breath, her body untensing ever so slightly.

Hildegunde's choice of wording was curious. Another body in the woods? Though that could be anything. Especially self-defense. Still something to keep in mind for later, though. The girl's other question was brushed off for the moment. Too much to explain here and now. Back to Ciara.

The cynic in Iraleth said Ciara wasn't seeing reason so much as realizing she was outnumbered two to one if she tried to persist, even if Hildegunde was opposed to killing her. But it wasn't as if Iraleth was exactly chomping at the bit to. She just had to have some kind of leverage over the witch at this point. That, or Ciara thought she'd lose regardless. Which begged the question of why she was even bothering with the duel.

Some sort of desperate lifeline to delay the inevitable was Iraleth's best guess. Much like her request to have the imp be judged by the faculty.

"Fine." Iraleth nodded her assent, lowering her sword. It wasn't as if Wingram's professors and headmaster would allow the damned thing to run free, after all. "I accept these terms." She moved back a few steps, walking behind the imp and raising her sword again to point the tip at its back.

"You. Hands up and behind your head. Start walking. We're both aware of what I can do should you try anything stupid, and it has already been a very irritating day. Do not test me."

@Sifr @Estylwen

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

Ranbu no Izayoi

"AIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEE" Was the scream that came from several of the gunmen as they were electrocuted by Eve's lightning. Their corpses sizzled and smoked as they hit the ground, with one particularly unlucky one falling off the upper railing entirely. Between Rudolf and Esben's efforts, the remaining swordsmen fell in short order, blade and bullet distracting them from focusing entirely on one or the other.

As the last of the Valheimr squad died, Izayoi came up from the rear, still supporting a heavily limping Hien.

"Forward, then. The less we tarry, the less time Ciradyl's fighters must hold out to support us. A few more steps, and we'll emerge out into the streets."

___

"Stubborn bastards!" The sergeant giving orders screamed in frustration as he fired his rifle, his and his men's shots by and large deflected by the combined efforts of Arton and Robin. Thanks to the latter two, the effects of the killbox were lessened, giving Galahad, Ciradyl, and Eliane clear shots at the Einhanders.

The abominations began falling from the sky, but not before their gunfire rent holes in the rooftops, the rounds their attached guns carried a good deal larger than the man-portable ones used by the common soldiers.

"Damn them! Get me a line to the airship!"

The aforementioned comms man dutifully dashed up to the sergeant, handing a device over attached to the bulky contraption on his back.

"Proudclad, Einhanders are down! Requesting support fire, danger clos-AUGH!" His request was cut off by Miina's Blizzara forming above, icicles raining down and impaling both himself and the comms man in the chest, head, and throat. Unfortunately however, it seemed the call still went through, as a few moments later, cannon shots began booming out from the airship. A dozen thirty-pound shots crashed into buildings around the area, smashing through wood and civilians within.

The first barrage didn't seem quite accurate, largely exploding around the Kirins, though a few rounds did get close. Those with working knowledge of artillery knew that situation wouldn't last: the closer the airship drew, the more on target the shots would be.

Even with this reprieve however, the Valheimr lines were still in disarray from Eliane's disruption and the loss of their immediate command. The infiltration team emerged from the side of the prison just in time to see the Valheimr in chaos and the airship firing upon the district.

"Are they insane?!" Hien choked, his expression ashen as he witnessed collapsing buildings and screaming citizens in the rubble. "They'll level the district if they continue!"

Izayoi's expression was similarly grave as she assessed the situation. After a moment, she shared a look with her former student.

"Even should we bring it out of the sky, it will still crash on something within the area." Her tone implied as if she was asking for permission rather than simply ruminating, and Hien grimaced for a moment before nodding begrudgingly.

"I don't know how you can, but do it. At this point, it's preferable to allowing that frigate to keep firing unimpeded."

"Understood." Izayoi turned to the other three Kirins, her expression set in a grim mien.

"Eve. Remember what we discussed?" Megaflare. Her gaze turned towards the airship. "Can you bring it down?"

"Esben, Rudolf. Cut through to Galahad and the others. Lord Hien is secure. We need to regroup and begin our retreat, airship or no." Her eyes looked over to the still-disorganized Valheimr on the ground. "Enjoy yourselves."

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Renar Hagen

One challenge complete. Two to go. Renar took the introduction of the second round in stride, already analyzing the ascent up. He took Sir Rolan, Gerard, and Fanilly's words into account, pacing around the hill as he examined every approach up. After he finished, he returned to the others, wrapping his poleaxe up and slinging it over his back.

"Reporting. We have three viable routes up: the ascent we're currently facing, a steep cliff face to our left, and the back climb. Each of these has either cover or angles that anyone up top isn't able to see." He paused as he glanced up, ears picking up the buzzing.

"This all said, the mage up above will know what we're up to the moment we begin dividing into groups. Suffice to say that the group making the first climb up where we are here ought to be small, so as to take better advantage of the boulders and foilage on the path upward. The rear approach ought to be where our most serious effort is placed, given how poor of a sight line the peak has to it."

Renar paused, inclining his head towards Fanilly.

"We await your orders, Captain."

@VitaVitaAR

Iris Ascendis

Iraleth Kyrios

Iraleth snapped. Ciara's last, stupidest possible course of action was just too much for her to tolerate. Her sword came flying back out of its sheathe, and with a wave of her other hand, the blade began to shine with radiant light as Iraleth plunged headlong into the sphere of darkness, illuminating the area and trying to balance out the shadows.

The half-elf interspersed herself between Ciara and the shadowy imp, her sword of light stopping to point at the witch's throat.

"I have given you every. Possible. Chance. To simply be more than what I feared you were. You want me to treat you like an Umbralist so badly? Fine. We can have our duel right here and right now if you persist. But I warn you now: I would have spared you and left your fate to the faculty should I have won officially. Here? If you lose, I will put you down. This is your last opportunity to abandon this madness and walk away."

Her tone turned almost pleading, if it weren't for the undertone of fury still lacing every word.

"Stop making me have to try to kill you. I never wanted this to end in violence, you absolute idiot."

@Sifr @Estylwen

The Envenomed

Salvator Rasch

Salvator's frown didn't fade. He should've figured it'd be something like this, but that didn't make the bait-and-switch any less galling. To say nothing of the fact that while he understood the objectives and outcomes of the op, he didn't agree. Peace talks? He wanted the occupiers and colonizers gone.

Of course, what Salvator wanted was far different from what he understood was realistically achievable. Which was just about the only reason he didn't protest further. This sort of outcome was the best the Intrasigence could hope for on an average day. So he just gave the command unit a curt nod, showing his understanding of the matter. Moving on.

King, eh? Hardlight construct was interesting, and-

Did the commander unit just make a fucking joke? Wonders never ceased, apparently.

Getting back on topic, the hardened insurgent inclined his head towards King.

"Salvator Rasch. Good to have you on. Evidently I'm in command, since no one protested otherwise."

Rise of Rasalhague

Jaromir Zhu

Hamazasp's machine gun shots turned the jump troopers on Jaromir's Trenchbucket into bloody paste, and the ex-Capellan let out a sigh of relief. Alright, he wasn't giving that guy any shit again. That, and he really should look into trying to replace the SRM-2 on this thing with a pair of small lasers or something. Wasn't as if he was using the former much, if at all.

"Appreciate the save, Sulser. Drinks are on me when we get back."

Jaromir busied himself with raising his Trebuchet's arm to wipe the blood off the cockpit view as Alvin went on his little spiel, and he resisted the urge to sigh.

"Why don't we talk about this after we're out of the field? Not done until we're back in the DropShip." Was the most polite way he could put it. Taking out a bunch of pirates in shitbox Mechs wasn't any indicator of future success. Considering most merc companies didn't last past the half year mark, one or two engagements meant nothing. Hell, one could argue that a few successful missions starting off caused a lot of mercs to get cocky and bite off more than they could chew with the next job, thinking they were the next Highlanders or Dragoons.

"Returning to position. Awaiting further orders, Boss."

Final Fantasy: Lightseekers

Ranbu no Izayoi

Between Rudolf and Eve, the remaining squadron of Valheimr were quickly mopped up, though not without the mishap of the alarm sounding. Inevitable, considering what they were up to. Izayoi ignored it, simply flicking blood off of her blade and sheathing it as she nodded to Esben.

"Understood. Forward, then. We've no time to waste."

All the while, Ciradyl's agents saluted Esben and stacked up to defend the entrance, though not without one slipping a map to Izayoi.

"For you and Lord Hien's escape, General. Your exfiltration route is marked. We will distract any reinforcements as long as we are able before we retreat. Godsspeed."

The Mystrel bit back her instinctual retort and simply nodded, checking the map briefly before handing it off to the others. They sprinted into the prison's secure zone with the aid of directions. Fortunately enough, it seemed any sentient security within the deepest bowels of the makeshift fortress was absent, with only the squadron at the entrance having been the apparent interior guard. A stroke of fortune. As a result, it wasn't long before they found the cell they'd been looking for. Its occupant was a young Osprean man with a beard and a high ponytail, tall and broad of shoulder. Though he was in a terrible state. Covered in bruises, one eye blackened, and his once proud garb stained in blood. Izayoi recognized him immediately, even through the sands of time and his wounds.

"It is him. Stand back." Her hand fell to her sheathed sword, and she sucked in a breath as she focused. Visualize the line. Draw. Cut. Izayoi's strike cleaved through the cell's lock, the door swinging open as Hien looked up blearily.

"Is that...it can't be." He chuckled hoarsely as he remained sitting against the far wall, unable to stand, much less move under his open power. "Tell me, am I dreaming?"

"Unfortunately not, young master." Izayoi quickly knelt and bowed her head in deference as protocol dictated before rising, wrapping one of his arms over her shoulder and helping him up, slipping her sheathed wakizashi into his other hand. "I see you've grown sloppy in the absence of my instruction."

"Ahahaha...ugh. Blast, it hurts to laugh." Hien wheezed as he was helped up, Izayoi leading him along every step of the way. "Never mind, of course it's you. I'm a man grown now, you know. No need for the 'young master' talk. Especially in front of your friends." He shot Rudolf, Esben, and Eve a brief, pained grin. "Speaking of friends, how are my men? How many survivors?"

"We can discuss this when you arrive at safe harbor." Izayoi shot his request down, looking to the other three Kirins with her. "You three must clear the path. I will keep him safe."

The route Ciradyl's people gave the infiltration team led them from the cells towards something marked on the map as a "shower block". Whatever that was. Upon arrival to the entrance of what looked to be some sort of bathing area, though without tubs, an explosion could be heard from the other end.

"Breach and clear! Forward! We'll pin the intruders from the other end-" The commander in front halted his charge as he emerged, a dozen men in tow, staring gobsmacked at the aforementioned intruders.

"CONTACT!"

Half the Valheimr drew swords and charged, with the other half clambering up to higher ground in the shower block and taking aim at the Kirins.

___

Out in the streets, more soldiers poured out of the prison, a quarter of them still with guns trained upon the makeshift fortress's entrances while the others rushed to engage the interlopers.

"The mage! Kill that witch!" A particularly bright sergeant screamed, bullets whizzing from lower ground to try to hit Miina as she continued to throw spells.

"Orders from Captain Reisa!" A soldier in common enlisted armor shouted, the large contraption upon his back evidently some sort of communications equipment. "She's arriving with reinforcements upon that airship soon! Einhanders deployed! We at least need to keep them tied up until the airship is in drop range! And keep guns on the entrances still! The rebel leader can't be allowed to escape!"

The initial soldiers on the rooftops were quickly being cleared out, but the influx of reinforcements arriving from the prison were proving to be a problem, footmen bracing with shields to cover riflemen who took potshots at those up top. All the while, screeches were heard from the air as several winged shapes came flying from the approaching airship at high speed. As they drew closer, the shape of great horned birds, guns somehow fused to their bodies, could be made out.

The Einhanders began to fire as they dove in, their gunshots creating a pincer attack on the extraction team as the Valheimr in the streets continued to shoot as well, creating a killbox that would prove to have lethal consequences should it not be disrupted quickly.

Iris Ascendis

Iraleth Kyrios

The beast...surrendered? The Inheritor's armor paused in surprise, but didn't lower its weapons, holding steady in a ready stance as Iraleth narrowed her eyes. What game was this?

Its words drew greater cause for concern. Solidarity with the shadow witch, and dubbing Astra a false god? Iraleth tightened her grip. It dared to invoke rights? Umbralists lost their rights.

She stepped forward, having no intention on honoring the imp's pleas. Best to deal with this now. Or at least she would have, if Ciara didn't step in to intervene.

Ciara challenged her, and Iraleth legitimately debated the merits of ending this here and now. Forget the duel. Forget what they'd already arranged. Would it not be better in everyone else's interest if she just ended this farce before it had a chance to grow fangs? It would be so easy. Fly. Close the distance. Bring the blade down. Ciara was proving more untrustworthy by the second.

But that wasn't who she was. Iraleth had sworn an oath. And she would honor it. Her Ethos released, and the Inheritor faded away to reveal a furious half-elf glaring daggers at both Ciara and the imp.

"You just can't help yourself, can you?" She spat, her sword still clutched in one hand. "Damn yourself further, for all I care." Iraleth turned away, uncaring if her back was exposed. If Ciara attacked her now, that would end her case definitively. And if she was that far gone, why shed tears for the girl's fate?

In the meantime, Iraleth moved next to Hildegunde, starting to inspect her.

"Are you injured? You did well to survive before we arrived."

@Sifr @Estylwen

SPIRITUM

Kalina Kovalic

"You're not even in uniform." Kalina shot back to Silje, her retort just as clueless as the mage's question. "Don't think wearing civvies is going to impress royalty."

Everyone piled into the truck, and Kalina gunned the pedal even as Gerard shouted at her to. First shot was fifty meters off against a stationary target. Even accounting for splash from the explosion, that was sloppy of the enemy's gunnery officers. She checked the rear view mirror as she urged the vehicle forward, briefly nothing the princess before focusing on what was important: the dreadnought airdropping more robots even as it fired.

"Hold onto something back there. And keep that prisoner secure." Her tone didn't waver even as she spun the wheel, whirling the truck around into a drift as she sought to throw the airship's aim off. The gambit paid off, as the next shot landed a good distance away, though she'd lost a chunk of speed doing so. Right. So that was about how much reload time they had between shots. Useful to know.

Kalina barely batted an eyebrow as Valerie dragged Silje out of the passenger seat, replacing her with herself and starting to juice the truck with her magic. Worked for her. No need to bother with tricks for the next few moves. She aimed for full speed in a straight shot forward, banking on the sudden change in acceleration taking Vangar's targeting off-balance. As they started to clear the crash site onto open road, Kalina made the executive decision to drift the truck around to head north.

"Making for the forest. We won't accomplish anything by dragging the town into the line of fire. Didn't spot any AA installations back there."