A Festival! No a Ball!

[Deleted]

Ilta wasn’t sure what exactly she should expect when she got over to Alex. A crowd wasn’t an all too surprising. Nor what the wine everywhere. However, the assassin she hadn’t been anticipated. She winced as she watched a guard get stabbed in the stomach. That was gruesome. Best not to get close. She didn’t need to get close though. The castle was one large stone object. She ran to a wall and placed a hand on it, keeping the assassin in sight. This was going to be tiring. With her magic, she reached out across the stone floor. It was malleable to her will. She could feel hundreds of feet on top of it. More importantly, she could feel his. Honestly, it was beginning to give her a slight aching pain in her temples. With her magic spread out this far, she was probably going to have a pounding headache after the night was done.

The lights dimmed and it took awhile for her to regain focus. Mysteria. The room was heavy with magic. Mysteria could probably handle herself. The power surrounding her was almost palpable. Ilta didn’t relent control of the ground just yet though. She could warp the stone around his feet to hold him there, but she also refrained from doing that as well. The one with the syringe was too close in her opinion though. Her eyes watched the scene. The second the assassin moved, she would glue him in place, using the very floor. If he went willing, then maybe she could grab a drink before they kicked everyone out.

However as she watched him and the young girl pop in and out of existence, she looked curiously. He teleported things that touch him. That included clothes, the girl, the syringe. It all went with him. Now, she had to wonder what the limit was to that. She willed the ground to move. It struck out quickly and silently from behind him with stone floor moving almost like water. The green marble would try to wrap around his right leg and grab it tightly, pretty much cementing his leg to the floor. Almost tightly enough to break skin. If his teleportation worked as she thought it did, he would have to take the whole goddamn castle with him. And as far she can tell, that was probably impossible for anyone short of a god. Pressure started to build toward the front of her head now.

[Roland]

Roland sensed that there was some magic attached to the device that had been thrown, but he found himself surprised to suddenly see the white hooded man appear in front of him. As the mark was placed on him Roland begins to gather his magic again. As he did he suddenly feel the sword stab it's way through him. That son of a bitch He thinks as he looks down and then at the man with anger and hatred in his eyes.

As he prepares to attack the assassin that was clearly dismissing him over a simple impaling he the room suddenly goes dark and Mysteria shows up. Well looks like the cavalry has arrived, I suppose I should be grateful. He decides though as the the doll comes over and hands him an elixir he takes it and shoves it in his pocket. "Pleasant as always I see." he grumbles. He lets out his breath over his vest which suddenly begins to apply pressure and hold his wound closed.

The sword strike had damaged the mark so White hood wouldn't be able to use him to teleport and more and with another exhale of breath several of the curtains and a long sink rope come to life and slither towards the White Hood. Roland maintains the shield around the King and begins to gather power for another force strike while paying attention for the signs of teleportation. If the White Hood teleported somewhere within the room again he would find himself with a lance of force jammed up his ass.

[Rivers]

Well things certainly have moved quickly. Rivers finds himself thinking as he watches the events going on around him. The White Hood guy was intersting, Rivers had recieved some assassin training since it fit well with his ability to teleport, but this guy was taking it too far. "Well it takes all kinds to make a story." He concludes then as Aria stands up he reaches out and grabs her wrist.

"Well then milady, I think it's time this charming rogue escorts you away." He says with a smile that disguised the serious tone in his voice. As he begins to leave (regardless of whether or not Aria shakes him off) he dashes to Lia and the kid she was dragging.

"Alright I think it's time to go," He says and picks up Jeon's legs. "Things seem to be turning pretty violent."

[Deleted]

Séanait had not expected the assassination attempt. Fortunately, it wasn't against her, but against the king, and he had good security. The first attack was foiled by one of the fake birds Séanait had noticed earlier. One man, some kind of wizard, yelled for the guards, just as the white hooded assassin vanished. One second he was there, the next he was gone.

Despite herself, Séanait took half a step backwards. Magic terrified her worse than a dragon or a cavalry charge. In fact, it's use almost paralysed her with fear. Almost was the key word. Séanait recovered herself and roared at the crowd as she spotted guards struggling to move through the press. Fear had been replaced with rage and a need to act against the magical assassin.

"Stand aside! Stand aside! Guards, to the King! Guards, to the King!"

She was using the same voice she used in battle, harsh and loud, and it cut through the hubbub of the crowd like a hot knife through butter. To the considerable surprise of some who found themselves moving, a couple of lanes began to open up around her. They opened much faster when she lifted her skirt well above the ankles and drew her langseax, the short sword glittering in the light.

Séanait continued to yell 'to the king' as she brandished her weapon above her head and looked for the assassin. Unfortunately for her, the guards pouring through the corridors she had found opened up only saw a madwoman with a sword and acted accordingly.

Finding herself ringed with steel, Séanait regained enough composure to lower and dropped her weapon. She didn't see the club that took her from behind, and so missed out on all of the action when the assassin returned.

[Deleted]

" We will speak later Jeon..."

Jeon cringed. He looked right into the burning eyes of Noku in all their brilliance. More than his life was being threatened here: it was his freedom. Just as he was watching Aria recovering he felt himself being picked up. He looked up into her eyes. Her strength surprised him, but he was small for his age. The whole scene before him became a forest of legs. He was absolutely confused less by what he saw, but more of what he sensed. There was a hustle and yelling about guards, and magic, a magic that was at one place and then appeared elsewhere. Before he could completely register it, he felt his legs being lifted up,"What are you doing?" he asked with stern confidence. He was amazed he could even talk because of the fear running through his head,"I thank you for the gesture, but I feel I am needed,"Jeon then jerked his body for release. The first grip loosened was his upper body. His head slammed hard against the floor. His feet quickly gave way too.

Jeon was now on the offensive. His senses flared as he stood up and ran through the crowd. His eyes caught onto a scene of an injured Roland and a shield protecting the king. Next, his eye fixed on a hooded figure. The crowd had dispersed away from him, so Jeon assumed he was the perpetrator. Then the lights dimmed almost to nothing. A huge wave of power pushed against his face,"...Mysteria,"he muttered under his breath. He recognized this presence from a mile away. Her power was ancient and next to omnipotent. The elegant figure made her toward the group. 'Only she could take this lightly,' Jeon whispered to himself.

The next few moments were a blur. Mysteria's 'dolls' helped Roland and threatened the hooded figure. What happened next confused him. This magic that this man used was new and confusing. It only happened for a second so Jeon couldn't fully take it in. All he knew is that the figure that was holding him at 'syringe point' before was now gone. He gasped. What was this?! That's impossible!

"Put down your weapons down assassin! This is an order! You will only embarrass yourself among the people in the royal court. As a member of the royal family I can attest to the strength and capability of the guard: soldier and mage. Your mission is a folly one! Surrender or we will be forced to surrender your life for you!" There was passion behind his voice. He didn't put much thought into what he was saying. As usual his words would probably come back to bite him. He prepared himself for a fight by tangling the tree with his magic. He could feel each of its branches and bristles. It was dying being away from its nutrients, but it still had a lot of life and strength. He slowly bent the limbs so that they were ominously aimed toward the assassin. Some of the guests standing near the tree became frightened and quickly stepped away from it. This spell took a lot of concentration, but he was prepared for anything thrown his way.

[Deleted]

The White hood had suddenly awoken heroes from all corners of the room and rolled his eyes behind his mask. He knew the woman that had entered in the purple and black dress was more than he could handle, he could tell by the way she would carry herself , something about her demanded respect. Just as he used his hidden blade to kill more guards a woman ran on the walls of the castle. It looked confusing for a second, If she wanted to attack him she shouldn't have made herself so obvious but then there it was, Her real ability was shown.

The White Hood felt the ground wrap around his feet and legs rather tightly he instantly pulled back his hidden blades and began to clap his hands. "I must admit, that was genius." He still seemed too calm even though he knew he was most probably caught , he was anchored to this dimention since it was impossible for him to teleport with such a large structure. Not to mention he could only fight with his hands now instead of move around as he pleased. He was still able to smile behind his mask I accept defeat, his tone was still completely at ease and he spoke in a playful manner.

"May I atleast know the name of the warrior that managed to stop me malady?" He looked towards the female that managed to manipulate the ground , He wasn't familiar with that type of magic at all, had he been aware of it he would have taken precautions but what's done is done He lowered his head and gave a bow towards all the guests. "This was fun, Maybe if I survive we could play again sometime"

[Deleted]

As soon as the first throwing star whizzes through the air, Lia went pale in fear. She had no clue how to deal with this. She watched things unfold before her in complete horror. Like much of the crowd, she felt completely powerless to intervene here. Offensive power was never her strong suit. Actually, neither was defensive magic. Her running ahead would probably end just as poorly as the poor man who got impaled on the sword. It seemed so surreal, but Rivers’ voice reminded her to keep running toward the exit. She looked at the poor boy that they seemed to be dragging out of here. “Can you walk?” she asked, while moving toward the exit. However, she looked down as Jeon as wiggled himself free. “Sorry!” she said as he hits the floor. “Be careful.”

She was pretty surprised to find out the boy was royalty and even more so to watch a tree become animate. It probably would have been better for the royal to have kept running out of the area. The king himself was already leaving. She kept moving toward the exit when the action finally stopped. What happened? Did someone die? Trying to look around crowds of other people, she sees the man is stuck the floor. Now, she was growing incredibly fearful that someone had the power to animate the ground itself.

[Muse]

The small crow flew off the ground and onto Rivers’ shoulder. She stared at Aria as he spoke to her, and threw her head back toward the exit. Yes, yes, time to leave.

The young boy they seemed intent on dragging appeared to be a noble at least that’s how his manner of dress appeared to Muse. She expected the boy to be happily whisked away, but is somewhat surprised when he chooses to stand and fight. People will surprise you every time though. She sighed as the boy announced himself to be a member of the royal family. Way to make yourself a target.

The tussle with assassin ended abruptly however. She turned her head in confusion as she assessed the situation and the back to Rivers. What now?

[Deleted]

Ilta removed her hand from the wall, happy with her handiwork. She was about to grab one last drink off a nearby table when the assassin asked to the name of the person who did this. Now, assassins had no honor, and she half expected him to get free. Yet, it was a fair request. A completely fair request. And considering he was looking directly at her like he knew, a name was worth less than a face. If he escaped he would find her whether she gave her name or not. It’s not like was good at blending in.

She walked through the crowd and to the assassin. She looked down at her leg, beamed with pride, and looked back at him. “Ilta.” If he managed to escape this, he was a damn good rival and enemy. This wasn’t anything personal, she didn’t know the king to hold him in high esteem. She just didn’t like assassins much. Too much secrecy and skulking about. She shook her head as he took a bow. “Has anyone ever told you that you are incredibly showy for an assassin?”

She then looked around for drinks. Spotting one nearby, she grabbed a glass. All she wanted to do tonight was eat and drink. Actually, she was angry at the assassin for that. He completely fucked up her plans for the evening. Now, she would have to continue them in some shitty bar with shitty alcohol. Well, one last one before they all had to hit the road anyways. She took a sip and looked over to the guard who got impaled. He looked better. He could probably handle this from here.

[Deleted]

He registered her name before looking at the loud young noble that had announced himself rather brashly. He shook his head slightly " Well...Itla nice to know you, if having good manners is showy then I am indeed showy but please don't call me an assassin, I simply render a service to people who need other people killed I am no different than a soldier or one of the guards surrounding the king he pays them and in return they kill for him or protect him. People are just too closed minded to see certain things from all perspectives". He then looked towards the young royal manipulating the tree "that's really brave, picking a fight with someone that is bound by the ground.." Lia was not too far, He saw how she rushed to the front and assumed she had a weapon on her. So he focused closely on her and anyone else that moved closer as he made his sword teleport from roland to his hand then slid it back to its sheath.

[Deleted]

Diamond saw Shy slink away and had to laugh a bit since he was somewhat expecting that to happen. As he got a drink panic had happen as there was a assassination attempt on the king. He had caught a cup before it fell off a dish and for him it was just a normal event in his line of work. It seemed the assassin was a bit too showy although raised an eyebrow as he saw the shuriken. But it seemed that this guy was a real showy one and rolled his eyes slightly. As that was not a professional way of doing things. One should have blended in and then got rid of the target quickly. He was going to act but it seemed that the King had very good security. Since things were taken care of in a short and almost timely manner. But had to worry about himself as he was dressed in his normal attire which could have been considered odd. So he might have been bunked with the assassin. Out of the corner of his eye he sees a group running out of there.

It was a group and did not want to cause more attention to them, so he slinked away into the crowd and got into the hallways of the castle. He makes his way to the servants area and leaves through one of the servant exits out of the castle. Using the chaos of what happened to get out of there. "Well....that was one hell of a party" he said while leaving.

[Mysteria]

Stella grinned from ear to ear once Aria had finally stirred and began to come back around. So her slap to the face had done it's trick, good, at least no one now had to worry about miss sleepy plants being stabbed to death. However, her grin didn't last long. The moment Aria had mentioned her name. Tiny purple eyes locked onto the red head woman with a stern, yet questionable stare. Once again this woman addressed the twins like she new them. Which made Stella a little more suspicious about this Fate'd girl. How did she know her name? Did she also know her sister's name? Had she over hear Mysteria speak out their names before in the woods? Where or when did Fate take her from for her to know such things?

Stella was rolling with questions, until her attention was brought back to the Assassin. Her head turned to one side as he spoke to her in a strange yet polite manner.

" How come you have to hurt Sir. Rollie? Did he do something to you?" Stella asked, her head now turning to the other side to rest against her shoulder. " If I don't heal him, then the punishment I would receive for not obeying would be far greater." Stella sighed, her tiny feet marching forward to stand just a little ways in front of Mysteria. In a more strait defensive stance.

Meanwhile Mysteria remained still and kept her eyes on the Assassin. Even when he addressed her; she remained silent and unmoving like a dark statue within the room. The melting pot of blues and purples that made up the colors of her eyes began to narrow causing her pupils to dilate into a thin slit. Her Dragonic Kray blood was beginning to show….

The scene before her would unfold slowly; as if time was moving at a snail's pace. Bella was holding her ground, the man grabbed her hand and then; poof both were gone before her eyes. It would be another second before the Assassin would appear again. This time empty handed.

Mysteria remained calm, collected, and above all unwavering. However, on the inside a beast that had laid dormant was waking and beginning to test the woman's will. The beast was her temper. A rage that was thrashing inside and just dying to be let out. That was until Mysteria's eyes fell upon the child before her. Stella who had remained motionless and very unusually quiet through the entire ordeal.

A smile gradually reappeared on the woman's lips.
" They look like children, they may even act like one…" Mysteria sighed, her tone rather soft.

Mysteria's gaze turned back to the White hood. A devilish grin crawling up her flawless features. " I hope you don't have anything precious where ever you have taken her…. " She chuckled.

Meanwhile inside oblivion Bella had first began to panic. She was away from her sister and above all this place was rather large and confusing. Thankfully she wouldn't have to worry about sleep, food, or water to drink. After all, she wasn't a true living person. Like her sister she was a fake, created by their master to serve…

So inside this personal hell she would call, this oblivion, wasn't a total loss. In her wonderings she did come across a few neat things. Weapons, bows and arrows, grappling hooks and ropes. A playground of all sorts of equipment! " Well looks like I'm here until I can get out…… I guess I have nothing better to do now other than to 'play'." An by play she really meant completely destroy anything that her little child like hands could grab onto. The first thing she would break would be some arrows she found a few moments ago when the assassin had teleported her here. After the arrows were all broken she then moved onto something else. A chain blade in which she danced and played along with in her time away from the ball, sister and master.

[Deleted]

Aria blinked as Rivers suddenly grabbed her arm, she followed him for a short while before slipping from his grip. She blinked at Muse, so she did get fated here. Aria turned back to Rivers.

”I’ll be alright Rivers, get who you can out. Less people around the better. Also…sorry about the dress it would seem somehow it got ruined….I don’t even remember having any wine…Though now it’s partly the red you wanted…”

Aria nodded towards Lia a greeting if any.

”Yours and Rivers performance was entertaining; well for what I saw…..”

She ran a hand over her face.

”Can’t believe I bloody fainted; I’m no longer use to crowds it would seem….I’m going to find a nice secluded spot and curl up and go to sleep. Good night, and good luck Rivers….Nice to see you again muse, I hope we have the chance to chat”

Aria bowed and went to weave her way through the panicked crowds. She exited the castle in the confusion and headed to the barracks….a nice bed sounded great right now…

[Roland]

As the assassin seemed preoccupied and ignored the silk rope it slithers up his leg and wraps around his neck, then it starts to tighten, slowly cutting off airflow. When Jeon suddenly announced he was a member of the royal family Roland gives a hand sign and several members of the guard begin to gather around him as well.

Just what I need, a fating royal announcing himself to an assassin who obviously is targeting the royal family. He grumbles inwardly as he continues to draw magic and be ready to attack if the assassin made any moves that were strange or if he sensed the assassin begin using that teleportation ability.

"Well Mysteria? How do you want to deal with him?" Roland asks, eyes blazing with violet light.

[Mysteria]

Mysteria's patience had run out. The Assassin had remained silent for far too long and obviously not in a situation to bargain one's freedom any longer. The Advisor turned to watch as the entire ball room seemed to empty out. Most of the guest had either ran or fled the scene in fear of a fight to break out. What a pity. The ball was a bust and now more than likely she was going to have to answer to Noku sooner or later. All ruined! Ruined! Ruined! Ruined! It wasn't fair the kray woman sighed heavily at the thought. Maybe the next celebration there won't be a assassination attempt on the young king's life to where he can prospect.

However, it seemed now those who remained were either involved or not fearful of what was going to happen next... Then suddenly Mysteria's hands began to slowly clap together. A wide grin on her pale features, stepping past Roland and to the trapped obviously Fate'd assassin. " Here there are rules. You stranger have attempted to assassinate the King of Nova. Lord Noku Noru, a crime in which would not go unpunished by the royal crown. You will be flogged than put into the dungeons until the Royal Majesty decides your fate. " Mysteria announced guards now surrounding the white hooded man, They would shackle him with runic clasps designed to cancel out magic. A new device crafted by Mysteria in order to keep mages from using their powers in escaping the dungeons.

" You, The one who made the floor sink. Nice work, we could use someone like you in the guard. Mind letting his feet go so that the guards can escort this filth to the dungeons. " Mysteria turned to look at Itla, her tone rather light and charming compared how she sounded just moments before.



Meanwhile, towards the tree Stella stood pacing frustrated at the lack of action begin taken place. That man had just stollen her sister! Why wasn't there any real punishment going on! Bash his head in for gods sake, force him to bring Bella back! Stella recklessly thought, her teeth grinding at each second Bella was not in eye sight. Completely not aware of their master's sudden change in demeanor. Mysteria's eyes began to glow, having sensed Stella's on growing stress. Her hand lifted up just above her head, A black plasma shimmering goo began to pour out from her palms and down her arm. It then traveled all the way out from her dress where it than began to pool into a strange rippling puddle. When the black shimmering plasma stopped flowing, the puddle began to suddenly take shape. In a matter of minutes, the little girl the assassin had teleported away was standing where the puddle had originally settled. Now in the form of Bella, who was smiling dearly as the last minute touch ups were being finished.

" I'm back!" Bella announced, giving a light curtsy as she stood beside her master. " That was a weird place, master. I don't want to go back there." Bella mentioned, looking up at Mysteria with a smile before returning to her now static sister's side.