[center][h1]Stand[/h1][h3]Part 3[/h3]
[b]Starring...
[color=00bfff]Yang'Ze, Avatar of Ull'Yang, 42 Might & 5 Free Points[/color]
[color=orange]Custos, Avatar of Kyre, 31 Might & 6 Free Points[/color]
[color=Peru]Goliath, Avatar of Teknall, 25.5 Might & 1 Free Point[/color]
Violence, Avatar of Vestec, 7 Might & 3 Free Points

Butted In...
[color=darkgreen]The Vicegerent, Avatar of Vowzra, 11 Might & 6 Free Points[/color]
Brown, Avatar of Astarte, 34 Might & 6 Free Points[/b]
[/center]

[hider=Good 'ole Summaritan]
Yang'Ze, Goliath and Custos finally manage to catch Violence, but before they can kill him the Vicegerent and his friends arrive. The Vicegerent makes a speech about how Jvan needs to be stopped to save the Universe, but nobody believes him. Violence also butts in, and people care more about what he has to say, and his more concrete accusations against Jvan which were also backed by a reluctant Teknall. Ultimately, the focus returns to Violence. He refuses to surrender. Moments before he is executed, Brown pushes back Goliath, Custos and Yang'ze, and frees Violence. Yet when they refuse to cease their fighting, Brown gets fed up and leaves. The Vicegerent tries to step in, but ends up fighting Yang'Ze, and their duel leads them away from the other avatars.[/hider][hider=Might Summary]
1 Might used by Yang'Ze to unleash might-boosted sunfire rays upon Violence.
1 Might used by Yang'Ze to attack Violence with his flaming [s]bal-[/s] *ahem* bolas.
1 Might used by Brown to push the attacking Avatars away from Violence.
1 FP used by Brown to heal Violence's wounds.

Ull'Yang: [b]40 MP[/b] and [b]5 FP[/b] remaining.
Astarte: [b]33 MP[/b] and [b]5 FP[/b] remaining.
[/hider]

Violence ripped his foot up as soon as he felt roots trying to grasp it and, seeing swords about to hit him once more, let go of Goliath's spear and ducked and rolled under the blades. There was a whistling sound as a third, rather large, blade soared through where he had been a moment ago. Goliath parried the over-swung axe with the weapons in his remaining two free hands, then moved all his arms back into their ready positions.

[b]"Really now. This is just unfair! And I thought Combat was supposed to be [i]honorable[/i] Kyre! You can't even work up the nerve to face me by yourself. Tsk. Tsk. I would love to stay and chat, but unless you'd like to move this fight to the Hain Village I really must get going back to my Horde. Toodles!"[/b] All this Violence said while side-stepping away from crossbow bolts and dodging out of reach of Goliath.

With that, Violence sped off towards his horde. Custos raced ahead, wings bursting out to fly overhead. He dropped down right in front of the wannabe escapist, hunching down slightly to use his shoulder to bring Violence to an abrupt stop.

Violence leapt over the stopped Custos whilst using the back of his foot to kick Custos out of balance and hopefully throw Custos to the ground, as well as to propel himself further away. [b]"Can't stop! No time!"[/b]

With their attempts at slowing down the escaping Violence continuously failing and having to deal with Violence's sarcastic comments all the time, Yang'Ze was beginning to lose his patience. At first, he was going easy on Vestec's Avatar, trying only to capture him and not outright kill him as he didn't have any previous differences with Vestec. However, seeing as Violence was hell-bent on pissing them off, he decided to just go all out.

[color=00bfff][b]"You forced my hand, Vestec!"[/b][/color] Yang'Ze growled. He raised his arms high in the sky, his palms cupping the mid-day sun that was at its highest point at the time. The stellar Avatar's irises glowed a fierce red color, much resembling the color of a star's burning core.

After a split second moment of silence, countless rays of burning sunlight descended upon Galbar, raining down at the location of their battle. Yang'Ze manipulated the rays, guiding them towards the fleeing Violence. Wherever the rays hit, the ground cracked, made devoid of any moisture. The plants, as well as any other life for that matter, were burned to ashes and carried away by the wind.

At the same time as he was controlling the sunfire rays, Yang'Ze's Sunderer flew over him and transformed into a peculiar weapon. It consisted of four, divine essence infused black spheres, all connected with four reddish coloured chains to a small, black metal ring.

This unique weapon started to slowly spin above Yang'Ze's head and after a couple of seconds, it suddenly shot forward towards Violence whilst spinning. [color=00bfff][b]"This is an experimental transformation! You should feel honored to be the first one I'm using it on, Vestec's Avatar!"[/b][/color] Yang'Ze shouted. This form, much like the chain form he used previously, was only meant for binding his targets. However, this form was ten, no, one hundred times better at doing just that. 

Custos was knocked forward by the kick, but immediately regained his balance and made as if to throw his great axe at the fleeing avatar. Instead, he sensed danger from the sky. What could come from the sk- Just in time, Custos knelt down and summoned an ethereal shield, appearing like a bubble over himself to shield him from the sunbeam.

[b]"Well. I'm glad to see you're honorable enough to hold back on this three versus one fight until I've forced your hand."[/b] Violence replied, voice dripping with sarcasm. Sunlight began streaming down, burning everything in its path. A group of shields appeared between him and the burning light, refreshing every few seconds as they melted. Violence took a step, only to hear all of his shields shatter as four balls on a chain tore through them and crashed into him, wrapping his arms and legs. Violence hit the ground with a thump.

[b]"At least buy me dinner first."[/b]

With a flare of rocket jets and a heavy thud on landing, Goliath dropped down from the sky beside the prone and bound body of Violence. Violence was vulnerable. This was its chance. With a clawed foot it held Violence in place, then it lifted up its spear with two hands and thrust it downwards. It clanged off a shield, created by Violence. 

[b]"Come now. I've been a pain this long, surely you won't expect me to just lay down and die!"[/b] Violence chided.

Goliath swung its war hammer, bashing the shield aside, before driving the spear down once more. It clanged off another shield. 

[b]"And I thought Teknall made smart robots."[/b] Violence mused, looking up from his helpless position. The cycle continued, Goliath tearing a shield out of the way, attempting to kill the Avatar of Chaos, only to be stopped by another shield. It sounded like a terrible version of Illunabar's drums.

The sunfire rays stopped raining down on Galbar. Yang'Ze lowered his arms and the fire in his eyes died out, his irises returning to their former cloudy golden color. He walked over to the fallen Violence who was at that moment trying to defend himself from Goliath's spear attacks.

He looked as Goliath mindlessly attacked Violence, only to find itself being continuously stopped by Violence's barriers. For a moment, Yang'Ze found himself agreeing with Violence; [color=00bfff][i]"Wasn't Teknall controlling Goliath from afar? Why is he giving it such simple commands..."[/i][/color] Yang'Ze sighed.

Goliath's barrage of futile attacks ceased. Perhaps it had been hoping to outlast Violence. It still stood poised above Violence, ready to strike at any time.

[color=00bfff][b]"I presume I have fulfilled my part in this, right?"[/b][/color] Yang'Ze said out loud for Teknall to hear. [color=00bfff][b]"I have captured him, and although I would love to crush him right now, I do not want Vestec banging on my door, looking for trouble..."[/b][/color] Yang'Ze said.

[b]"Vestec looking for trouble? He would never! He only wants to have fun, it's you all who cause the trouble!"[/b]Violence called out.

[color=00bfff][b]"As for you, the moment you even think about resisting the restraint of my Sunderer, its protective enchantments will go off and you will probably become meat paste. I suggest you cooperate with Kyre's demands,"[/b][/color] Yang'Ze turned to Violence and said.

[b]"My, my Yangy. You want me all tied up that badly? I'm flattered."[/b] Violence winked before continuing. [b]"It wouldn't be meat more like...I dunno what I'm made of actually. Not meat, though!"[/b]

Goliath's face turned to Yang'Ze. Its expression was unmoving as ever, and the rest of its stance did not change from its readiness to strike Violence. [color=Peru][b]"You have done well,"[/b][/color] resonated Teknall's voice. [color=Peru][b]"I think we can consider your debt repaid in full. As soon as Kyre and I deal with Violence, you may take the Sunderer and part ways."[/b][/color] Its head turned to Custos. [color=Peru][b]"Shall we destroy him now?"[/b][/color]

[b]"Let's not get too hasty here. I'm fun! I can be nice, kind, loving, helpful to small chil-okay, I'm lying but killing me seems like an excessive measure."[/b] Violence spoke, somewhat cheerfully.

The sunbeam gone, Custos' shield vanished and he looked to Goliath. Violence was finally trapped and unable to escape. Walking calmly over to them, he spoke, [color=orange][b]"Yang'Ze, I hope to one day speak with Ull'Yang personally, it would be too long since we should have actually met."[/b][/color] He looked to Goliath, [color=orange][b]"Yes, let's get this over with."[/b][/color] After this, was the village battle, and they did not need their avatars there.

Yang'Ze nodded in agreement to Custos' suggestion.

[b]"By letting me go ri-"[/b] Violence was cut off by another voice.

[color=darkgreen][b]"Let us get this over with indeed!"[/b][/color] came a distant voice, which resonated in the air as much as it resonated within the minds of all the avatars. From the heavens there descended a great turtle. On one shoulder sat Brown, and upon his head sat an innocuous human woman who none would recognise. The turtle landed not too far from Goliath and surveyed the situation.

[color=darkgreen][b]"My my, is this not quite the sight! Let the earth and heavens tremble at the thunderous clash of the gods!"[/b][/color] he slowly sat down and looked at them all, [color=darkgreen][b]"come, brothers, and listen to me, for I have a matter of supreme importance to relay to you. And woe is yours and woe is mine if you do not heed me. The Time has come for you to put aside these differences of yours. The Time has come for you to awaken to the true danger which slowly weaves its subtle web around us all. You all fight one another for no reason at all, you weaken one another while your true enemy grows stronger. Awaken, ye gods, and cease this foolishness! Awaken, [/b][/color][b]Chaotic One[color=darkgreen], and turn your Violence against the one who deserves it. You there[/color][/b] [b][color=00bfff]Blinding Sun[/color][color=darkgreen], what quarrel have you with Vestec? Brother[/color][/b] [b][color=peru]Creator[/color][color=darkgreen], why fight you Chaos and ally with the Jvanic Flesh when Chaos is but what you wield and mould and craft? You there, you[/color][/b] [b][color=orange]Master of War[/color][color=darkgreen], why attack Violence when that is but a face of war? Do you not see that you have no cause for fighting? Do you not see that your energies are best used against a greater foe? Heed me and cease this, and let us here sit in peace as allies today, that we may face our great Jvanic foe together tomorrow. The sands slip swiftly away, so stop and do as I say! Or you'll awaken one day and your lot will be dismay."[/color][/b]

[b]"I like this turtle."[/b] Violence commented.

Goliath's head snapped around to look at the Vicegerent. [color=Peru][b]"Hold up, what's wrong with Jvan?"[/b][/color] Despite communicating remotely, the indignation in Teknall's tone was evident. The turtle looked at Goliath.

[color=darkgreen][b]"Did you never pause, Brother Creator, to wonder why it is that I embedded all beings with a dislike for it? Did you think I was only doing so for play? The Jvanic Entity is the greatest danger in existence and we must unite together to stop it [i]now[/i] before it is too late. Brother Creator, you have united with it in the past, but let that not fool you now. You have but to look at some of what it has done to gain deeper understanding into the monumental danger it is placing all in. It is ill. It must be cured. We must unite in order to do that."[/b][/color]

[color=Peru][b]"What I see is Jvan making artists and wildlife, while you want to fight her for being a little weird."[/b][/color]

[b]"She creates monsters and rapes the mortals Teknall, my dear boy. That's a tad bit more than 'weird' I mean, have you looked into space recently?"[/b] Violence pointed out, watching the two talkers.

[color=darkgreen][b]"Not at all!"[/b][/color] the turtle laughed, [color=darkgreen][b]"Astarte is pretty weird! Have no desire to fight her at all. Vestec is a downright nutcase too, but I'm fine with him. For no- uh, for the most part. Fighting Jvan is not something I wish for, I take no delight in it, and I do not do so because it is 'weird'. I do so because I can see the Time-Stream and know that she is a danger just as clearly as I know that Vestec, whom you fight so passionately now, is no great danger to the universe at all. The only danger comes from your over-reactions to him. Jvan, however, is a completely different creature. She must be cured, or else..."[/b][/color]

Yang'Ze had been standing silently beside Violence and hearing everything that was being said when he decided to intervene. [color=00bfff][b]"Vowzra, long time no see. Since the last time we two met, millions of years have passed. You did not seem to bear this hatred towards Jvan at the time, so what changed? Why do you seek our help in committing such a grave sin as fratricide?"[/b][/color]

[color=darkgreen][b]"Fratricide!?"[/b][/color] the turtle seemed rather startled by Yang'Ze's interpretation of all he had said, [color=darkgreen][b]"not fratricide! Though, of course, it is not something I would not do if the Fate of the world depended on it. No, in this case, we need not do anything but cure the Jvanic Entity. It is ill, gravely deformed. It has always been gravely deformed and I have always wished to cure it, brother. But my Sight was not always clear and I did not always know how to do it. And now I see with a clear and piercing Sight, and the Timeline dictates that I turn to you all. So will you not join your hands with mine for the good of all - including the Jvanic Flesh?"[/b][/color]

Yang'Ze could not believe what came out of Vowzra's mouth. [color=00bfff][b]"You actually admitted in wanting to commit this vile act?"[/b][/color] Yang'Ze bitterly said, a hint of anger concealed behind his words. [color=00bfff][b]"This 'curing' of yours; Have you ever thought of the possibility that It's in Jvan's nature to be how she is and act how she does?"[/b][/color] Yang'Ze asked with an increasingly loud voice.

[color=00bfff][b]"You said it yourself! Your Sight is not always clear! There are countless possibilities and thus, an infinite number of futures! Why must you be so absolute, oh Brother of mine?"[/b][/color]

[b]"This is rather high and mighty from someone who just threatened to crush me into a fine paste. As for Vowzra, I don't quite think you're listening, Yangy. He said he doesn't [i]want[/i] to, but he [i]will[/i] if he absolutely has to. Like how you don't [i]want[/i] to kill me, but you [i]will[/i] if I try to break your bondage."[/b] Violence spoke up from behind his shield, eyeing Goliath's spear.

For the first time, the Vicegerent seemed visibly angered by what was being said and the accusations levelled against him by Yang'Ze.

[color=darkgreen][b]"Listen, brother, for you speak less than you know and nothing good can come of that. What are these 'infinite' futures you speak of? Have you seen the Timelines that you can declare there are an infinite number of futures? Have you travelled within them and become one with them as have I? What right have you to speak of that which you have little knowledge before one who has greater knowledge? And along with ignorance you disrespect me and accuse me of what I have not done or said. To protect you all there is nothing I would not do, even fratricide! I admit that without shame or fear, for the protection and safety of all far outweighs the interests of one,"[/b][/color] with this said, the Vicegerent seemed to calm down. Then he continued.

[color=darkgreen][b]"What we see before us as Jvan's nature cannot be its nature - for it is not natural! All I seek is to cure it of what is unnatural, of what endangers everybody. And even if that were its nature, is it not better that its nature be changed into something that will not endanger you, and you, and you, and this one on the ground, and this one on my shoulder and this one on my head, and the very earth we stand upon and Universe we have together brought forth? Why do you point accusing fingers at me and vilify me when all I wish for is your wellbeing? Is this how you greet the messenger warning you of the awful catastrophe which this way comes? By accusing him of being the catastrophe itself?"[/b][/color] the turtle looked visibly offended, though part of him had known that they would react thus.

Yang'Ze stayed silent through all of the Vicegerent's argument. Indeed, when it came to Time and Fate, there was no one more knowledgeable about the subject amongst them siblings than Vowzra. What Yang'Ze uttered about infinite futures was just a theory of his, something he used to ponder a lot back when he had secluded himself inside the vast Deepwood.

But having such knowledge does not give one the right to commit fratricide, the act Vowzra so brazenly admitted in front of six of his siblings - Yang'Ze had already noticed the familiar essence of Astarte that surrounded the female sitting on the turtle's shoulder. 

[color=00bfff][b]"What you deem natural might not always be so, Vowzra,"[/b][/color] Yang'Ze said calmly, evidently by the tone of his voice. [color=00bfff][b]"I agree that we, as gods, should do everything in our power to protect the Universe from external as well as [i]internal[/i] dangers,"[/b][/color]  he said while looking at the Vicegerent condescendingly.

[color=00bfff][b]"However,"[/b][/color] he walked forward. [color=00bfff][b]"That does not mean that we should point fingers and vilify, as you said and for which I am sorry. Have you thought of the possibility of resolving this hatred between you and Jvan peacefully?"[/b][/color] Yang'Ze asked Vowzra through his avatar.

Custos, standing between them, waited silently as the others spoke, always keeping an eye on Violence. The only change in his stance was pretending to cover his ears when voices were raised and a sense of annoyance emanated from him. Finally, he had a turn to speak, and so Kyre spoke, [color=orange][b]"Is there not a way to [i]cure[/i] Jvan without killing her? What is her affliction in the first place?"[/b][/color] A pause before speaking again, [color=orange][b]"I have not seen anything that would make me want to fight her. But neither have I been traveling in this world."[/b][/color]

[color=darkgreen][b]"I doubt anything I can say can truly sway you. This is purely a matter of trust. If you trust me, then take me by the hand and let us, all of us, unite to protect the Universe. Suffice to say that there is much which, if it became visible and clear, can no longer be prevented. We must act now before the Cancer becomes bloated and beyond healing, let us at it together. Come, let us,"[/b][/color] he extended a clawed hand out to his brothers and waited on their final verdict.

[b]"She RAPES MORTALS and turns them AGAINST THEIR WILL into MONSTERS. Vestec does the same thing, minus the raping bit, and you all throw a fit and are up in arms. It's because she's 'a bit odd' isn't it? You feel bad if you prosecute her. Double standard!"[/b] Violence spoke up again. 

Seeing as Vowzra refused to answer his question and continued to push the notion that Jvan was Ill and in need of a cure, Yang'Ze shook his head and sighed dejectedly, before walking back beside Violence and sitting down.

[color=00bfff][b]"You delusional brother of mine,"[/b][/color] Yang'Ze whispered before closing his eyes and entering meditation. He would argue with Vowzra no longer, lest his anger consumed him, threatening to turn him down the path his brother oh so strongly wished to tread.

[b]"Hey, Hey! [i]I'm[/i] the delusional one."[/b] Violence spoke indignantly. 

[color=orange][b]"Explain more what you mean by cure, Vowzra. You will never get an answer from me at this rate."[/b][/color]

[color=Peru][b]"So far your only justification for what you do is from visions only you can see. So far you have given us little reason to trust your version of events-"[/b][/color]

A verifiable host of weapons suddenly rained on the gathered Avatars, seeming to purposefully aim for their heads. All the edges were dulled and it was all rather merely annoying rather than harmful. 

[b]"Do I have your attention now?"[/b] Violence asked in a false sugary sweet voice. 

Custos summoned a small ethereal shield to deflect them out of instinct, annoyance once again emanating from him. [color=orange][b]"What!?"[/b][/color]

Every weapon that touched Yang'Ze's body melted with the molten metal trickling down his body and on the ground. Yang'Ze opened his eyes and looked at Violence next to him. Meanwhile, the ones that landed on the Vicegerent's head just bounced off. The big turtle rubbed his head and looked at Violence expectantly.

[b]"Good! Since I don't want to go over what I've been saying for the past five years, let me sum it up. Jvan is raping mortals and turning them into monsters against their will. The 'sculptors' often don't want to be what they are until their very minds are changed to think this is a good idea. She's crafted monstrosities in space to hunt down Zephyrion's Djinn. That's not even considering whatever she crafted in space. It's a breeding ground for her little...creations.

"The Rovaick are filled with unwanted halfbreeds. Jvan raped them into existence. I do any of these things and you all try to kill me. As evidenced by this bondage. Jvan does it and you're all suddenly protective. 'But you can't harm her for being who she is!' you cry out against this, rather nice, turtle. He mentions something he will do only if absolutely necessary, and you assume it's his only solution. For shame! For shame I say! 'Cure' could mean anything, it's Vowzra, but he specifically said it's not murder unless absolutely necessary. So calm down and LISTEN."[/b] 

Violence paused, looking at them. [b]"Not having to breathe is wonderful for a long stream of words, wouldn't you agree?"[/b]

Custos' eyes would have narrowed, if they could, [color=orange][b]"Vowzra, can you prove if what he has said is true or not?"[/b][/color]

[b]"You're an omnipotent God. Look into a sculptor's mind and memories. Like what I did with that Pronobii! You know, the one you told me to just genocide his entire race?"[/b] Violence said.

[color=orange][b]"I may be omnipotent, but I've only been to a couple places on Galbar, and you've been quite the distraction, so shut i-"[/b][/color] He had agreed to the genocide of an entire race... All because he...

The turtle sighed, unable to fathom why any of what Violence had said was of any great significance. Had they not been listening to all he had been saying? But Kyre seemed like he had been swayed by something in Violence's words.

[color=darkgreen][b]"Of course, it can be proven. All that we do is recorded in the Cube. Everything is in the Cube. But why is any of that so important? Have you not been listening to me? I have seen what Jvan has been doing, and I have seen what it will do, and I come warning you and beseeching you to awaken to the danger and aid me in curing it."[/b][/color]

[color=Peru][b]"Have you actually any evidence of this 'danger'?"[/b][/color] Teknall said to the Vicegerent, [color=Peru][b]"So far, though I hate to say it, Vestec's words carry more substance than your own."[/b][/color]

[color=orange][b]"We have in fact been listening to you, but words alone are not enough, and you know this, yet you refuse to show proof of any kind,"[/b][/color] A casual hand wave directed towards Violence and Goliath, [color=orange][b]"While this annoyance here, on the ground, has no reason to lie in this situation. I am loath to believe him, but Teknall is right, his words carry more than yours."[/b][/color]

[b]"If you just let me go. I can grab a Sculptor and you can just read it's mind and memories. There's a Rovaick that was the first victim of Jvan's rape that should still be alive. Killed her bastard child by bashing it's head out! Lets seeee, I can even grab one of her Djinn killers. That proof enough that she needs to be put in check too?"[/b] Violence looked pointedly at Yang'Ze.

Yang'Ze looked back at Violence but after a few seconds he turned his head away from the avatar and closed his eyes once more, completely disregarding Violence and his question. However, hints of doubt had already been planted inside Yang'Ze's head by Violence's words. Long had he distanced himself from the world. He would have to see with his own eyes and judge with his own mind that of which Violence spoke about.

There was a dejected sigh from Teknall, although no movement was made by Goliath to indicate it. [color=Peru][b]"There is no need to release Violence. His accusations against Jvan are correct as far as my knowledge goes, although I haven't visited space recently to see what she has been up to there. Perhaps Jvan does need some talking to...'[/b][/color]

[b]"Waitwaitwaitwait."[/b] Violence stared at Goliath in indignation. [b]"You KNEW about those things and did nothing. But when I start doing similar things, you start ambushing and trying to kill me! And I thought you weren't a biased god."[/b]

[color=Peru][b]"I just hadn't looked at it like that before..."[/b][/color]

[b]"You're the craftsman God, remember? Look at something from all the angles before making a thing to solve it? And you Kyre 'protector of the sentients. Unless, of course, you don't like them. Then you're perfectly willing to let me kill them."[/b] Violence's voice was harsh with scorn. [b]"I may be a monster, but at least I'm honest about what I am. No on-"[/b]

The turtle chose this point to interrupt Violence. [color=darkgreen][b]"I think...that will be enough of that. I must say, and I say it without shame, that none of these things that Jvan has been accused ever caused me much distress. Vestec has done things just as terrible, and here I stand beside him, prepared to aid him against you should I need to. For what Jvan has in store for the Universe is more terrible than anything Vestec has ever and will ever do. You are seeing it all wrong. This is too narrow a lens, you must widen the spectrum. See the bigger picture. Of what consequence are the little things in the long run? What does it matter that some Hain should suffer at Jvan's or Vestec's hands? It is of no significance. What matters is the Fate of the Universe. That is what we must be looking towards, not this narrow game of blame using subjective moral standards. See better!"[/b][/color]

[color=Peru][b]"So Vowzra, the only reason you have to gather this mob against Jvan is your vision of the future which only you can see?"[/b][/color]

[color=darkgreen][b]"It is not a future only I can see! It is a past you have seen before! It is one we have seen again, and again, and yet again. We repeat the same mistakes, we are stuck in this eternal cycle, blind to the truth - just look to Logos. And though he is misguided, yet he Sees better than you and seeks the truth with earnest. You have but to look behind you to the worlds and Universes that have passed before: do you not question? Do you not think that they who brought you into this World did not bring you forth into others and will not bring you forth in more? Do you not explore the screaming vacuums of your essences? The answers, or what may be the answers, lie there. Now I do not claim to have full knowledge of the Truth - for are we not all seekers here? - but I do wish that we break free of this vicious cycle and take a step closer to understanding. And the only way we can do that is by not repeating the mistakes of the past. We must reach the Dignified Fate, even if that means making the most difficult decisions."[/b][/color]

[color=Peru][b]"Look, this is interesting, and probably quite important [i]if[/i] true, but it's all rather fluffy at the moment. What is concrete is that Violence here is an immediate threat to the lives and societies of many sentient creatures."[/b][/color] At this, the Vicegerent shook his head sadly. Such a narrow understanding of what the true immediate threat was.

[color=orange][b]"Whether the nearby horde is allowed to continue running rampant or not is to be determined in the next few days. With him gone, the village will have a fair chance to win. Once this conflict is over, then we can decide about Jvan."[/b][/color] Custos looked toward the Vicegerent, [color=orange][b]"Are you really going to risk making long-term enemies of us over an avatar?[/b][/color]

[b]"Hey now! What happened to stopping Jvan? You know, checking up on her? Being able to stop her? Finding proof? This is all rather sudden..."[/b] Violence protested.

[color=Peru][b]"This has been our objective for the past few days. The Jvan business is sudden. We can deal with you first, then Jvan."[/b][/color]

[b]"No. What is sudden is you realizing what hypocrites you are. Except you Yangy. You haven't done anything to be hypocritical yet."[/b] Violence narrowed his eyes at the Avatar of the Sun god. [b][i]"Yet..."[/i][/b]

[color=orange][b]"Yes, we are hypocrites, that cannot be denied. But I will aim to fix my mistakes, and I know Teknall will as well."[/b][/color]

[b]"You know a good place to start? Mercy. Mercy is a great way to start."[/b] Violence gave his best, winning smile.

[color=orange][b]"You want mercy? Then go back to Vestec, and Vestec is not to do anything more with this fight. If you can promise that, then you get mercy. If not..."[/b][/color]

Violence shrugged. [b]"We both know I'd be lying."[/b]

[color=Peru][b]"What if we bind you by oath before Amul'Sharar and Fate?"[/b][/color] suggested Teknall.

[b]"No thanks. Already did that for you two remember? Just try to kill me already."[/b] If Violence had had access to his hands, he would have made a shooing motion.

Goliath had been statuesque this entire time, nothing but its head moving. Yet it had simply been waiting for a command, to disengage or to strike, and now the command to strike was issued by Violence's own lips. Goliath hefted its spear once more, but this time, it burned with a divine incandescence.

[b]"IAHH!"[/b]

Brown's scream was followed by a great shockwave of energy that warped the very air. It blew everything in a thirty-meter radius away. Everything, but Violence, the Vicegerent, and the innocuous human woman.

Yang'Ze's eyes bulged at the sudden outburst from Astarte's avatar. He felt the magic unleashed by her shout undulate and cracking the fabric of space and so he instantly retracted Sunderer from Violence's body; The strange weapon flew in front of Yang'Ze whilst the balls hanging from the four chains flattened out, creating four separate discs that helped disperse the shockwave and bear most of the brunt of the attack.

In the blink of an eye, the panting Brown ran over to Violence and pulled him up. In a moment, she'd placed her hands on the Avatar's shoulders and a white light enveloped him. The light healed his wounds and lessened his fatigue.

With that done, Brown retracted her hands and turned to look at the recovering Avatars.

[b]"You're all [i]children[/i],"[/b] Brown spat, venom dripping from her words, 

[b]"Fighting amongst yourselves to stroke your gigantic egos, to prove that you're the strongest, to prove that your little toy mortals are the prettiest and most resilient of all."[/b] Brown huffed and turned toward Violence.

[b]"And you, Violence, are interfering with mortal affairs. I came on behalf of Astarte, as she seems to like Vestec, but keep interfering in the mortal world and manipulating these childish Gods into fighting these petty battles, and I [i]will[/i] destroy you."[/b] She huffed and turned her gaze back to the attackers. Arcs of raw magical energy ran through her arms to show that she was ready to defend herself.

Violence stood up, rubbing his arms. [b]"Not that I don't appreciate the help, but I would like to point out that it is in both mine and Vestec's nature to cause chaos. Asking me to not interfere is like asking Teknall to not craft. Or Kyre to not do war things. Though to be fair Reathos and I have had to pick up the slack."[/b]

He looked at the remaining avatars. [b]"Shall we keep fighting or listen to the lady?"[/b]

Custos, to defend himself from the blast, made roots grow out of his feet into the ground and summoned another ethereal shield. Unfortunately, the blast was more powerful than originally thought as his roots tore out of the ground and he was forced to expand the shield.

He rolled a fair distance away.

Goliath was flung away like the rest by the blast, and in a flurry of tangled limbs eventually managed to get back onto all four feet. Its face looked between Brown and Violence, before settling on Brown. [color=Peru][b]"You heard him yourself. He refuses to leave the mortals alone. Step aside so we can destroy him,"[/b][/color] Teknall said.

Custos recovered, quickly growing dual swords to wield and began to advance towards Violence. In the back of his mind, he hoped Astarte would yield.

[b]"Oh, I see. [i]I[/i] don't leave the mortals alone and I have to be destroyed. [i]Jvan's[/i] avatar doesn't leave the mortals alone and you go 'Leave her alone! She's just a bit odd! Hypocrite."[/b] Violence called out, idly twirling daggers between his fingers.

Custos advanced.

[color=Peru][b]"The difference between you and Jvan is-"[/b][/color]

Closer.

[b]"Is that I don't rape. Yes."[/b] Violence interrupted.

Closer still.

[color=Peru][b]"-is that she doesn't seek to destroy, but create. But enough of this. We are here to deal with [i]you[/i]."[/b][/color]

[b]"Awww, would you look at that. I love it when someone finally gives up on trying to be righteous and just feeds themselves lies to make themselves feel better. What's next? You going to attack Niciel to because her Angels destroy some things but don't rape creatures against their will to 'create'?"[/b] Violence mocked, the dagger disappearing from his hands. [b]"I see you Custos. You're not sneaky."[/b]

Yet Teknall had tired of Violence's taunts. Goliath's face turned to Brown, as though silently asking her to make her decision as to which side she would choose. 

At Goliath's gesture, Custos paused, close enough to zoom in to strike at Violence at a moment's notice.

[b]"As I said, you're all children. I suppose I should let you act as such until you grow mature enough to realize how much of a waste of time this fighting is. I'll be leaving now."[/b] Brown huffed and walked away, disappearing between the trees in no time.

[b]"Huh. That was...Anticlimactic."[/b] Violence noted, before eyeing the two other avatars. [b]"Now. Shall we continue?"[/b]
[hider=Meanwhile...]
Seeing that things had fallen apart completely, the Vicegerent knew that the best thing to do was to get some of the belligerents away from the area. He would just need to get close enough to teleport Violence away. He began taking a step towards the mischevious avatar. If he would not end this, then the Vicegerent would.

Yang'Ze took a moment to recollect himself following the attack from Astarte's avatar. He searched for his other two companions; Goliath had already gotten up, with Teknall already talking once again. Yang'Ze shook his head. Negotiations had failed and they knew that. Only fists mattered now.

Yang'Ze lamented the fact that he had to release Violence in order to protect himself, effectively undoing all his previous efforts, but the past was the past. The Vicegerent was making his move, walking towards Violence. Yang'Ze knew that Vowzra's Avatar was strong and could turn the tides in a battle like this. 

Yang'Ze looked at Goliath and with a nod of his head, shot forward in front of the Vicegerent, blocking his path. He started swinging his staff in a circular motion, indicating he was ready to fight to the end.

The turtle looked at Yang'Ze nonchalantly. So it had come to this? He doubted asking him to let him pass would achieve much, and he seemed bent on ensuring he would not be getting anywhere near Violence and Brown. Looking from side to side, the turtle stood to its full height and the woman sitting on his head suddenly began levitating. The Vicegerent looked at her and smiled.

[color=darkgreen][b]"We won't be seeing one another for a long Time, Bel. But wait on me,"[/b][/color] and with that, the unknown goddess disappeared. With her gone, the giant Vicegerent looked down at Yang'Ze and took up a battle stance, his claws at the ready. Then he struck out, with a bullet-like clawed hand, at Yang-Ze's head.

Yang'Ze's eyes sharpened as he watched the turtle's hand coming towards him. He leaned backwards, bringing his back almost parallel to the ground and effectively dodging out of the hand's way. Immediately after dodging, Yang'Ze retaliated. He struck out with his staff with force towards the turtle's lower region. The rod's body lengthened, adding a surprise factor to his attack. 

With the same flowing movement as his initital strike, the Vicegerent allowed his body to lift off from the ground and the rod to pass easily beneath him. With Yang'Ze directly below him, he struck out once more with surprising speed towards the ground.

Yang'Ze did not expect that Vowzra's avatar would be so nimble as to take off the ground to dodge his attack so when the Vicegerent did just that, Yang'Ze was caught uprepared for what followed. Nevertheless, he remained calm, enabling him to figure a way out of his predicament.

As the Vicegerent's claws threatened to tear him apart, Yang'Ze motioned his staff towards the ground in an angle. The staff elongated, striking the ground and shooting Yang'Ze away from the incoming claws. 

The turtle, seeing as his attack had been dodged by Yang'Ze, swiftly used its grip on the ground to get its feet back on solid earth, now with its back to Violence, but even closer to him then it had been before. With some level of disappointment, the Vicegerent realised that his plan to get between the others and teleport Violence away was not going to work as they would now be on their guard against him. And Violence would not exactly wish to cooperate...

Immediatelly after landing, Ull'Yang's Avatar darted to the left side of the Vicegerent, who had by now landed as well. Yang'Ze raised his staff over his head and, with a loud shout, swung it forward whilst at the same time transforming it into a giant hammer. He infused his divine essence into the strike, something which caused the hammer to burst with flames, as well as activating the weight enchantment on it, greatly increasing the power of the strike.

Without so much as turning his head, the Vicegerent ducked down and turned his back to the incoming strike, planting his knees into the ground and preparing to roll over with the strike. He did not feel overly comfortable with his back, however, protected it was, being to Goliath and Custos, and getting away from them was for the best. What better way to do so than to used the very strike of his opponent for that purpose? And so, when the heavy hammer struck his shell, he rolled over (far more violently than he had anticipated) and went some fair distance before he came to a halt and turned around. 

Once more, he stood up and took up his battle stance. His shell felt like it had caved in the slightest bit from the power of the blow, but yet he smiled at Yang'Ze and gestured for him to come closer if he dared. At the ends of each of the Vicegerents four claws, little black orbs formed. Once they had grown, they began to drip over until they covered the entirety of his claws. His claws covered in the weird energy, he was once again prepared.

Yang'Ze, as if complying with the Vicegerent's little taunt, did not sit idly. He shot forward towards Vowzra's avatar and once again raised his hammer to strike, In reality, however, the strike was a feint. Yang'Ze would keep the hammer raised and slightly change his trajectory, flying past the turtle, making a swift turn and once again attacking the Vicegerent from behind. This time, however, he aimed at the back of his head, aiming to stun the beast before he could do anything with those claws of his.

The turtle's eyes watched the other avatar, and that same black energy seemed to flow within them even as Yang'Ze flew around him. Smirking slightly, the Vicegerent's swift arms quickly moved and his hands formed a web-like protection around the back of his head. As his fingers and claws formed the web, the black energies intermingled and burst outwards, hungrily eating at the hammer's flames. Whatever those energies were, they seemed to slow the very atomic structure of the flames and so caused them to rapidly cool. 

The hammer, due to the energy, did not even make contact the turtle's webbed hands. [color=darkgreen][b]"Underestimate me will you, Yang'Ze?"[/b][/color] the Vicegerent asked. He ducked down and turned around swiftly, before launching himself up and sending a clawed uppercut at the little avatar. The black energies left a lazy black trail behind as his hand rose skyward.

Even though he watched as the turtle's hands clad with some kind of black essence were raised over the Vicegerent's head, Yang'Ze went through with his attack. The hammer descended with an oppressive force, but whatever that black energy was, it managed to slow down his hammer to a stop, even going so far as to extinguish his flames.

[color=00bfff][i]"He managed to overcome the weight enchantment!"[/i][/color] Yang'Ze thought, inwardly surprised, something that caused his reaction time to be a second too late in defending against the Vicegerent's uppercut. Yang'Ze retracted the hammer as best as he could, transforming it into a shield to protect himself and prepared to bear the brunt of the attack.

The claws struck the shield a mighty blow, but rather than fly away, the black energy gathered before it. For a few seconds, all was silent and still and...ever so slow. The black energies gathered just before the epicentre of the shield, inside the Vicegerent's palm. A small smile spread across his face, and then the black orb exploded mightily onto the shield and blasted Yang'Ze into the sky and far away. The force was so great that even the Vicegerent was forced a few steps back. The turtle looked up and watched as the other avatar descended back to the Galbarian earth in the distance. Taking one last glance behind him at the others, he sauntered after his opponent.
[/hider]
[hr][hider=...][color=PaleGoldenrod][b]He demanded swiftness.[/b]
[i]He demanded its swift death.[/i]
[b]We cannot let it be protected further.[/b]
[i]Patience.[/i][/color][/hider]