First Night: The Silent Noise - The Hunt for the Diadem

[Undying]

The Silent Noise - The Hunt for the Diadem

Enishi Seta's residence

The Wars of the Last Wolves (http://www.supload.com/listen?s=SPRSC21KKLTA)

Enishi woke up to another day in his life. Normally, he cared little to whether awake or asleep - his mind never ceased to function, almost never resting, and even then for such a few short breaks that he felt he never rested.

But today something felt different. Exiting his home, he walked to his usual training yard, ready to begin his usual training. He was surprised to see a young lady standing in the center, staring at him. He approached her casually, holding his sword lightly.

"Who are you?" She asked him before he said anything. Still, Enishi wasn't surprised.

"I'm Enishi. You?"

"Enishi? Enishi Seta?" The woman tried to hug him, but Jinchu pressed to her throat stopped her short.

"What do you want, woman?" He asked gruffly, narrowing his eyes.

"I was sent by my teacher, Hwang. I am so happy that I have found you! We need you help!" Enishi snorted and sheathed Jinchu disdainfully, intending to find a quieter place. The woman flung herself on him and grabbed his waist. "Please! I offer an artifact of great power!"

Enishi slowly turned to regard her. "Artifact?"

"Yes! It will help you find and fight Rave, your opponent!"

Enishi put a hand on his chin. Finding and fighting Rave... he really wanted to finish the duel they started a month ago. The man was in a pathetic condition, giving up his warrior strength for sentimental foolishness. But he seemed to have changed in their last encounter...

"Where is the artifact?"

"Southeast of here. Follow the trail to the ancient Cave of the White Dragon." The woman seemed eager to tell him about the direction now, but Enishi didn't care if this was a trap. He wanted to fight.

[/The Wars of the Last Wolves]

In the Mongolian desert, near China border

Vergil Battle (http://www.esnips.com/doc/8409f5fa-b1e3-4534-a44d-2aee3db234a7/316-Vergil-Battle-3)

Rave walked quietly and quickly in the twisting corners of the tomb he'd found. It was apparently a combination of a battlement, a fort, and a grave. But there was something much more interesting here...

He rounded a corner to find himself facing a giant wolf.

Oh, great! Another oversized chiwawa! The wolf jumped up and Rave rotated on one foot, kicking it in the face, sending it flying head first into the nearest wall. Then he charged forward, drawing his sword and in one fluid motion the wolf was lacking a fair part of his jaw and neck. Sheathing his sword, he rolled his eyes at the stupid creature.

Seriously... it's like the sixth I meet... don't they ever learn?

He continued to walk, finally arriving at a larger hall, and surveyed his surroundings. The first thing that caught his attention was a massive ice-block in the other end, clearly shaped into a three-headed dog.

Oh, no, no no no. This is the most noticeable friggin' trap EVER.

"Ok, cue dramatic and ominous music..." he said derisively, walking into the huge round chamber. Instantly, the ice moved and shattered, revealing a gigantic, three-headed hound with ice blocks covering its muzzles, front paws and a little of the chest.

"Leave here human, the likes of you are forbidden on this place!" The beast roared, speaking in one voice even though it had three mouths.

"Blah blah, blah blah blah. Shut up, oversized dog." Rave took a stance, his right hand hovering his sword, which was held with his left hand.

The dog roared again. "You dare mock me!? YOU WILL DIE!"

Rave was already moving by "mock", and his sword, Zenryu Ashura, was already at the great dog's right head by "you". He was nearly floored by the horrible smell, but the oversized hound had one tongue less to loll.

Roaring in pain the giant dog retreated, but Rave had enough time to kick away from the other head (from the eye), and he landed a short distance away. The giant beast took a long breath. "You... are not like the others... you shall prove your strength before Cerberus, guardian of the entrance-"

Rave used his Judgment Cut, exploding into motion and sending a wave of energy into the dog's second head, slashing away the nose and a fair chunk of his snout. This time Rave didn't give the idiot beast any more chances to make grandiose speeches, dashing forward and slashing six times with his sword, kicked him in the wounded snout, slammed his sword into the ground and jumped, rotating in the air to kick the monster's eyes.

The dog tried to attack with what looked like ice-breath, but Rave was one step ahead and jumped on the creature's back, stabbing Zenryu Ashura through the middle neck.

The dog crumbled to the floor, only one head alive, and Rave sheathed his sword, intending to go through the door behind the monster.

"Wait, small one."

"Say that again and I'll remove your remaining head, fido."

"My sincerest apologies, but I do not know your name."

"Call me Ishmael."

"No idiotic book references, Ishmael."

"Whatever. What do you want, doggy?"

"I will give you my blessing, and a small gift of information. If you go forward from here, you will find a stairway leading down. Do not go there - it is a trap. Go through the northern wall into the treasure chamber. There you will get a mythical item."

"Do I want it?"

"Don't you?"

Rave smashed his sword into the dog's head, silencing it forever. Muttering something about idiot dogs and brainless animals, he moved forward, finding the staircase. Just in case (and he didn't appreciate the wordplay either) there was a trap, he put his sword through the wall first. Nothing happened, so he went in. Inside was a small mountain of glittering gems which interested Rave about as much as the bird crap on the hilltop, and a small earring.

Picking it up, he felt its warmth, and it fit into the hole in his ear (and he got bored of wearing an earring NO ONE has ever noticed, too), so he put the small green cubicle hanging from a tiny silver chain in his ear. Immediately a sensation of warmth washed over him, and his body felt warmer and stronger.

Shrugging, he went out.

A while later, he headed towards his hidden campsite, a small cave not far from this hill where he discovered the annoying mutt (actually he just wanted to shut the wolves up, so he followed them). When he neared the cave, a sudden voice spoke to his left.

"Rave Pendragon?" In a flash, his sword appeared in his left hand and pressed to the neck of the stranger. (http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c39/SankonGanSou/luikang.png)

"Leave."

"I must speak with you." The stranger, a tall dark-haired and tanned man, looked very young - perhaps in his early twenties.

"Leave. I will not tell you a third time."

"Please. I know of a mighty sword technique that can compliment your Seiryuu and Suzaku techniques. However, in order to learn them, you must first find me in the land of China."

Rave moved forward, his sword plunging into the man's throat - or where it was. He was nowhere to be seen.

Ok... now that's interesting.

Shrugging, he went into the cave. Tomorrow, he will begin his journey.

[/Vergil battle]

Other notes:

As much as we'd love to play nicely with you, this thread is solely for the rogues Enishi and Rave.

See you all in China.

[Undying]

"So then, a weird man shows up, blabbers something about a sword technique to compliment what you taught me - and now I need to follow him?"

Rave walked brusquely towards the Chinese border - directed by his sword - and talked to it. Being alone in the last month didn't help his social skills, so he developed a tendency to talk to his sword, despite her annoying personality.

You realize that if he knows about the style I passed to you, he is worthy of checking.

"Right..." Suddenly Rave turned, noticing a shadow pass across the sandy hill to his left. Sure enough, three Akuma were bobbling down to him, all three looking like deranged puppets. They each had a large sword instead of their left arm.

Rave's eyes narrowed. For a month, he's been seeing such small groups of Akuma roam around, but never identical. Figuring that the best way to learn what was going on was to kick their ass, he burst out running towards them.

Battle Theme (http://www.esnips.com/doc/8b31049a-24b9-4319-af84-aed5d5ce24c5/312-Arkham-Battle-2)

The leading puppet swung its large sword/arm around, clumsily trying to hit Rave, who jumped and kicked the Akuma in the head, forcing it backwards. Landing lightly on his feet, he slapped the sword away with Zenryu and then grabbed the joint, and with a single pull ripped the sword out.

Rave turned, just in time to meet the other two puppet's sword strikes, slashing right through their joints and rolling forward between them, then jumping up and beginning to draw Zenryu out. The blade glinted slightly and then, for a second, it looked like a lightning bolt was drawn from the sheathe.

Two puppets fell, sliced in two, and Rave was already rotating to the third, who was rattling in surprise. It's legs fell from under it as Zenryu glinted through and stopped with a hiss right above the ground.

Rave twirled the sword between his fingers and sheathed it. Another puppet rattled from behind him, and Rave glanced at it, standing perfectly still, although his muscles visibly tensed beneath his tattered cloak.

The puppet rattled closer, its blade descending on Rave slowly and surely. Rave moved half a step back and the sword slammed into the ground. Zenryu glinted and slashed right through the puppet's head, and continued its motion to the puppet that tried to hide behind him.

Rave quickly glanced around and then sheathed his sword, apparently turning his back on the true enemy. The Akuma, a large square theater with legs, appeared out of nowhere, trying to smash the Exorcist.

Zenryu's glaring reflection of the mid-morning sun stopped him.

[/Battle]

Rave sheathed the sword and continued walking. He should arrive there shortly.

-----------------------

Enishi

Battle theme (http://www.esnips.com/doc/e452bb43-24ce-4111-b7b3-1a4556d671df/303-Doppelganger-Battle)

Enishi kicked an Akuma up, then ran forward and kicked himself off the wall, somersaulting up and cutting a level 1 in two with a single blow. Riding the blow from the explosion, Enishi landed on a rooftop, and turned with a kick, tossing an Akuma backwards so hard it smashed against another's sharp spike protruding from the chest. The impaled Akuma dissolved instantly.

"Acid? You disgusting little freak of an Akuma!" Enish ran forward and jumped up, avoiding a sudden spray of acid and tossing his sword at the Akuma. Jinchuu slammed in but stopped after a few millimeters, making the Akuma grin and open its mouth.

Enish landed on the sword hilt, smashing it into the Akuma's body.

"Not interested," he said arrogantly, then landed and continued walking. According to the map he mysteriously found in his back pocket, he was about a day's walk from a cave where he will meet Rave.

[Undying]

China, undisclosed location

Enishi

"**** you!" He hissed, kicking an Akuma hard, sending it at the building wall. The thing fired a bullet that scraped Enishi on the shoulder, but he avoided most of the poison. He was still beginning to slack, though. Sleepless nights spent traveling showed their signs on him, but he was obsessed with arriving here before time to meet with Rave.

And kill the bastard.

He slumped against a wall and leaned back, looking at the sky with dreary eyes. "Are you watching me, sister? Are you pleased with what I'm doing...? I'm doing it for you..."

"You sure like to talk to yourself, don't you, Enishi?"

Enishi turned.

"YOU!"

-----------------------------

Prior to Enishi's arrival

Rave

We should have turned east there.

"Shut up, I'm not interested. I need proper clothing and food."

You won't find any here, and you don't speak Chinese anyway.

"**** you and your logic."

Rave looked around and noticed a particularly low roof overlooking a food store.

I would -

Rave ignored the annoying woman and quickly climbed up, looking down at the food store. Fish, fish, more fish, some more...

God, don't they eat anything else? He thought to himself just when he noticed the vegetables.

You could always live on those.

**** you!

The shop owner was nowhere to be seen, so Rave locked his legs around the edge of the roof and leaned down, then grabbed a few of the vegetables and pulled himself back up.

He didn't bother cooking the vegetables but simply ate them raw - he was too hungry. Finishing his "meal" he observed the small village for anything that was clothing related. Apparently they either made their clothes themselves or just didn't wear anything, as there was not a clothing shop in sight.

Sighing and looking at his torn Exorcist shirt, he rolled his eyes. One month of heavy training to increase the speed and power of his weapon along with a few rather deadly techniques - to himself as well - didn't look well on that shirt. Torn and tattered, it was a miracle that it stayed together and still covered him.

Not to mention that he has gotten much more muscular since a month ago, so he was not barely contained in that shirt. His hair blackened too, so now he looked much different from the original Rave everyone knew.

"I wonder if they recognize me."

You better hope not, or else...

"Have I ever told you that you're damn annoying?"

This month? 512, actually.

Rave shook his head.

Well, one month of ten, he still needed to find that weirdo and kick his ass for avoiding him the first time. Suddenly he noticed a familiar figure entering the town; white hair and glasses, along with a long sword.

"Enishi..."

He got off the low roof and walked towards the man, who slumped against a building and mumbled to himself.

"You sure like to talk to yourself, don't you, Enishi?"

Enishi turned.

"YOU!"

----------

Current time

Jinchuu slapped against Zenryu, forcing it aside, and Enishi charged in, intending to ram into Rave. Unfortunately, in his dazed state he was slower and not as fast as the fresh Rave, who jumped aside in time, avoiding Enishi completely. He even went as far as to slap the white-haired man on the back of the head in passing. That enraged Enishi and he turned twice as fast, swinging his blade in a wide arc, but it met Zenryu's sheath, and Zenryu itself slapped against Enishi's hand, leaving a razor-thin line of red on the forearm.

"Damn you!" Enishi moved in, but Rave kicked him.

"You're a sad sight, Enishi. Look at you; you're tired, half asleep, half starved. There's no point in fighting if you can't even fight properly against me, and I'm not even trying to right now." Rave sheathed his sword. "Come. We'll get you a place to rest and recover, and then you can explain what the hell are you doing here."

Enishi's shoulders slumped.

-------------------------------

A day later

Enishi woke up to see Rave sleeping on a chair beside him, Zenryu in his hand. Even in his sleep, Rave's face had that annoyingly arrogant, "I am better than you" expression. Enishi rubbed his temples. He slept for over fifteen hours and was still dreary eyes and tired, and hungry.

A half eaten meal was on the table, cold fish and bread. He remembered drowsily slurping the food down and then falling asleep. He could barely remember Rave finding this abandoned hut - something about ghosts and the owner running away - and producing food from an unknown source. It was obviously stolen, but Enishi could care less.

"Sister..." he muttered, quietly rising from the bed. Quiet as he was, he made a subtle noise, and Rave's eyes popped open, stared at him for a second, and then closed. Not another muscle moved in the man's body.

Now that Enishi was more awake, he noticed that Rave has changed. He was muscular, his hair was black, and his metallic arm now had two green gems in it, one on the elbow and another on the back of the hand.

And his instincts were sharper. Enishi wasn't the only one hard at work for the past month. Grinning happily about it, he searched around until he found a bucket of clear water - Rave probably brought it in - and washed his face and hands. He'd love to bathe, but with there was no way to do so here. He returned to the main "room" to see Rave awake and standing by the "window" - although it was literally a whole in the clay wall, misshapen and broken.

"So, you treat me, feed me, and what now?" Enishi asked, reaching for Jinchuu.

"Put that away, we're not fighting yet," replied Rave coolly. "I need to know first what brings you here; I was told by a man in the wasteland that he knew of a mighty swordsmanship technique to make me more powerful."

"A man? I was... asked to come here by a woman. She..." What did she look like? Enishi was shocked to realize he didn't remember. She simply resembled... someone.

Rave lifted an eyebrow. "Can't remember what she looked like? Because I can remember just fine how the man looked like - Chinese, with long black hair. He was very muscular."

"Wait." Enishi lifted his eyes in a sudden realization. "Did he have a pair of red forearm bracelets?"

"Yes, he had. Why? Do you know him?"

"Fool. I'm a dratted fool!" Enishi punched the wall wryly. "That man's name is Hu He. He is the boss of a mafia here... the mafia I used to head."

Rave whistled. "So... now he wants me and probably you too. What for?"

"My guess is he wants to fight against us."

Rave shrugged. "Well, it doesn't change anything, really. I need to kick his ass, you probably want to fight me, so... we can beat him, wrap your story up, and then deal with our little... competition."

"Agreed."

The two men headed out. They mistrusted each other, and still couldn't stand each other, but they had no choice. They had no interest in letting someone control their actions, so first they will dispose of the mastermind. Then they could handle each other.

------------------

A while later - approximately at the same time as the Boss VS Dies fight

"So, that's the HQ? Not a very serious place..." Rave looked at the run-down building, observing the broken window-frames and the torn away paint on the walls.

"Of course it's hidden, do you think we're morons?" Enishi sneered derisively. "The building is a front. The actual HQ is hidden mostly in an underground palace."

"Woah, a palace? How much money do you people have?"

"A lot."

Rave shrugged. "So, what can be giving Hu He the power to rule over the mafia? You, I can understand; you're insane and you have an Innocence of significant power. I can hardly imagine a simple man replacing you."

"He's nothing of a simple man. He wears a diadem and uses a sword that are specially made. I suspect they are either Innocence, or heavily magical."

"Sorcery? The only sorcery I have ever heard of was from General Cross..."

"Yes, Cross Marian is indeed the only sorcerer within the Black Order. But this is China, things here go back thousands of years. Some knowledge which even your precious Cross does not have has been hidden here... those that know where to look for it know, you idiot."

Rave rolled his eyes and looked at his sword, telepathically communicating with it.

I don't suppose you're from here, too?

Close, the silent answer came in a surprisingly distant voice, as though she was remembering something. I was "born" somewhere near here, too.

Wonderful... next thing you know, I'll be half Chinese.

No, I can assure you you're not. Not even a little.

I was being sarcastic.

------------------------------------------------

Inside the HQ

Jarlaxle and Yase

"He's here." Jarlaxle looked at Rave, standing outside the door. He was the very embodiment of arrogance, complete with a small smirk as though he was finding the situation extremely amusing and could care less if anyone got killed. Just the type of man Jarlaxle would have loved to use. Smart, powerful, and arrogant.

"So, what shall we do?" Yase leaned on the wall with a small smile, looking at the ghostly mirage standing at the door. A perfect replica of Enishi's long-since-dead sister. Their tool, and one of the many important things they will use to fight against him.

"We let them duke it out," stated Jarlaxle, amused. Yase nodded; this went along with the plan, Hu He was a nuisance, a burden. He was powerful, to be sure, but his plans simply didn't fit in with the two Akuma masterminds. They still had one use for him; weakening Rave and Enishi enough to allow them an easy fight.

Which was precisely what was going to happen now.

--------------------

Next time - the finishing battle.

[Undying]

Mafia HQ - front entrance door

Enishi and Rave

"So, how do we get in?" Rave was apparently in a state of sleepy indifference, his eyes half closed.

"We need to find the right hole."

"I see plenty of holes... this entire wall is, in fact, a huge hole." He was near;y right; the gray wall was punctured in many places by what seemed to be needles. Some of the holes were larger, as though they were made by a larger object, and now that Rave looked closer at them, they formed a perfect semicircle above what should have been the door but was only a large square-shaped clay block.

"Exactly. We need to find the one that has the switch for the door in it, dimwit." Enishi was looked carefully at each hole, trying to discern whether there was something within their grayish depths. Rave lifted an eyebrow and fingered his sword's guard.

"Can't I just slash the building into pieces?"

"No, you fool! If we break the switch that door will close itself until someone inside opens it!"

"Well, great, we blast their front door apart, and they will come out to see what happened."

Enishi threw up his hands at this idiocy and continued his inspection, while Rave looked around for any noticeable signs of an underground passage. After a few minutes, both noticed a subtle noise in the air, a buzzing of sorts, a though several huge bees were closer. Very close. Both turned to see at least a dozen of giant bees with skulls for heads heading their way.

"Since there weren't any bees around here before, allow me to throw in an educated guess... these are Akuma?" Rave switched from sleepy indifference into cold awareness, azure eyes staring at the bees coolly.

"Oh, really? Captain Obvious, I just didn't notice! Aren't you the sharpest tool in the shed!"

Rave smirked arrogantly and activated his Innocence. The bees tried to outrun the petals, but they were surrounded and shredded in a few seconds.

-----------------------------------

Inside the mafia HQ

Jarlaxle and Yase

"So... interesting weapon. Completely inescapable, and nearly unblockable. I shudder to think what would happen if he were to become a Critical." Yase nodded his approval. This weapon, unlike the blatantly linear powers most others had, was actually noteworthy.

"It would be difficult with this type of Innocence," Jarlaxle crossed his hands on his chest. "From his demeanor, I'd say it requires him to be arrogant and condescending all the time to work. He literally needs to become more arrogant than he is now."

"And is that even possible?" Yase lifted an eyebrow. Rave was certainly being plenty arrogant outside, with that expression and condescending "I am better than you" look.

"Well..." Jarlaxle smirked when he noted a movement on the map. Hu He was going out to meet them.

"Excellent. If Rave and Enishi are weakened, we can launch our second phase easily and dispatch them."

Yase nodded and continued watching.

----------------------------

Outside the HQ

Enishi, Rave, and Hu He

Rave leaned back slightly, his eyes following the trail of destruction as each bee fell down, shredded into pieces. Some literally exploded in midair, spewing an unidentified liquid to the ground. Rave shot Enishi a smug and superior look before turning to the building, when suddenly a pair of feet planted them in his face, tossing him back. Rave flew backwards and managed to stumble back into his feet.

A [ur]=http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c39/SankonGanSou/luikang.png]man[/url] stood right in front of him after having kicked him in the face.

"So, we meet again... I'll assume you're Mr. He?"

"Yeah that's him all right, I'll never forget that ugly face!" Enishi charged in, slashing with Jinchu, but Hu He seemed to be liquid. He simply slid around the sword.

"Damn you! Since when did you get so much more powerful?" Enishi roared and charged back in, slashing and stabbing so quickly it seemed he had several swords.

Rave stayed back, looking coldly and seriously at the fight. Enishi, although it seemed he was simply going berserk, was testing to see Hu He's powers. What they saw wasn't very pleasing. Hu He seemed to be moving faster and faster very easily.

"Let me guess..." Rave stood up and gathered his Innocence around him in a dense cloud; "fake Innocence?"

"I prefer the term modified godhood matter." Hu He seemed relaxed, he didn't know Rave's Innocence just yet.

Rave smirked and sent the petals flying, launching a single linear wave of petals at Hu before splitting it into six different paths. Hu He tried to dodge, but inevitably got in the path of one stream. As soon as he was in the path of one, the petals smashed around him and within seconds, he was in a sea of shredding metal bits slashing and cutting.

When the petals dispersed, Hu He was lying in a crater, bleeding severely. Rave crossed his arms on his chest. "Do you want me to repeat it? Because I doubt you'll survive another hit."

Hu He spat blood and slowly rose to his feet. "Interesting... your ability is very unique... impossible to dodge, virtually impossible to block, nearly beyond what anyone could defeat with sheer force... amazing indeed." Hu He pressed his palms to each and suddenly began transforming. "But your power is useless... for I possess the power of the gods, far beyond yours!"

Hu He transformed, growing wings, and he started to shine. His new appearance (http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c39/SankonGanSou/Angels__Michael_by_Wen_M.jpg) resembled an angel more than anything.

"Heh, check it out! He's glowing! You can be a lamp stand for yourself..." Rave grinned and lifted his hand, intending to continue attacking, when Enishi stepped before him.

"This is my fight, Rave! You will stay out of this!"

Rave lifted an eyebrow but didn't argue. If the idiot wanted to get killed... "Ok, I'm cool with that." He shut down his Innocence, the petals vanishing, and the sword reappeared in his hands. He walked away a few meters and sat down, half laying on the floor.

Enishi turned to the glowing Hu He.

"Ok you moronic looking lamp, let's see if you are really as superior to me as you think!" Enishi slashed one mighty arc with Jinchuu, sending out a wave of power. The Opening of Hate slashed right through the building and the ground right before it, leaving a large gash. Hu He dodged the attack and was now floating above him.

Enishi turned, getting his teeth, and jumped. Just as he reached the peak of his jump he forced himself up again, jumping up again. Hu He, who could actually fly, rose slightly higher and dove down, his sword slamming against Jinchuu. The fake Innocence and the real one created sparks and a strong shockwave that lifted dust into the air. Both combatants landed and turned to regard each other. Neither seemed affected by the force of the blow.

Enishi flipped Jinchuu around and charged at Hu He, who jumped up and started flying, while Enishi formed seven Innocence swords around him which fired at Hu He. The flying man dodged by diving, and met the rising Enishi who slashed using the Opening of Hate, sending out a wave of chi which hit Hu He in the shoulder. Glowing blood shot out in a small line, and Hu He turned in midair and slammed his foot into Enishi's shoulder, blasting him backwards to the ground, where he landed and crouched like a tiger, twirling Jinchuu around to launch a devastating strike.

Hu He began flying around, quickly slashing at Enishi and retreating. Enishi answered by swirling Jinchuu around him, creating a dome of energy around him. The dome emanated powerful wind, forcing Hu He away. The latter flew backwards and leaned back, and just as soon visible ripples appeared around him. He was collecting energy for something.

Einishi canceled the Opening of Suffer just in time as Hu He fired a beam of pure energy at him. He dove to the side, dodging it narrowly. The beam seemed to exhausted Hu He, as he slumped in midair, and his glow diminished.

Enishi used the chance and opened the Opening of Deception, slashing twice with his sword, and the blade slashed right through the dimensions. Two gashes appeared on Hu He's body; more golden liquid spilled to the ground, and he finally managed to move, jumping away. Enishi stopped the attack and twirled his sword, charging forward, apparently swinging mindlessly again. He had a plan, though.

It was something his sister taught him when catching as especially elusive fish; you needed to make the fish believe you were attacking from the sides where you didn't want it to be. Then when it ran into the place where you could just snatch it up...

Ah, sister... are you watching me now? I am trying... trying to stop the fools that inherited my sin...

He remembered when she was teaching him; they were younger, more innocent. He remembered...

She had a beautiful, slightly oval face with a small nose; he lips were well defined and relatively thin, but still fit perfectly. Her eyes, though slightly slanted, were large and oval by nature, and her slick black hair fell into the water in straight, long blue-black waves.

"Here, Enishi. You try it. Move your hand through the water, right on the left side of the fish."

"But sis, why do I want to try and catch the fish from there?"

"You don't, but the fish doesn't know. Since it thinks you're coming at it from another angle, so it runs to the place you want it."

"Oh, I get it! Thanks sis!"

Enishi slashed, constantly pressing to the left, slashing quickly and altering between speedy stabs and arching cuts. Hu He, whose flight seemed damaged by the wounds on his shoulder caused by Enishi's former attacks, was on the defensive, but Enishi could see his wounds slowly closing. The bastard was regenerating! He sped up his attack, his sword becoming a blur again, surrounding his body with a globe of silvery-blue metal. Hu He dodged and rose to the air, and Enishi cursed, he couldn't effectively follow Hu He into the air, but then something passed by his right ear.

A ghostly white sword whizzed past him and slammed into Hu He's right wing, then another whizzed into the left wing. Another and another came in, digging deep into his body.

"I'm sorry, show's over!" Rave walked towards Enishi slowly, emphasizing each step. "This is pointless. Wasting your time with this guy isn't going to do us any good!"

"What do you know?" Enishi turned to him.

"I know one thing, and that's that the diadem on his forehead is gone. He used to wear one when we met. Judging by the fact he hasn't been making much progress against you, I'd say he lost his primary power. Is it true?"

Hu He spat, and Rave nodded.

"He's all yours to fight, without the wings." He waved his hand and the swords shattered, leaving the wings slumped. Enishi shrugged and walked towards Hu He, who lifted his sword.

Rave smiled as he heard the clanging of blades.

One would die, another would live.

But the diadem... that was what made Hu He powerful, he was sure. A piece of magic? Or a piece of Innocence? Either way, he had to know.

-----------------------------------

Arc over etc. I'll elaborate more over the actual hunt for the diadem in the next arc I get to RP with more people than myself.

Can a good GM hand out the EXP and close this thread please?

[Undying]

Mafia HQ - front entrance door

Enishi and Rave

"So, how do we get in?" Rave was apparently in a state of sleepy indifference, his eyes half closed.

"We need to find the right hole."

"I see plenty of holes... this entire wall is, in fact, a huge hole." He was near;y right; the gray wall was punctured in many places by what seemed to be needles. Some of the holes were larger, as though they were made by a larger object, and now that Rave looked closer at them, they formed a perfect semicircle above what should have been the door but was only a large square-shaped clay block.

"Exactly. We need to find the one that has the switch for the door in it, dimwit." Enishi was looked carefully at each hole, trying to discern whether there was something within their grayish depths. Rave lifted an eyebrow and fingered his sword's guard.

"Can't I just slash the building into pieces?"

"No, you fool! If we break the switch that door will close itself until someone inside opens it!"

"Well, great, we blast their front door apart, and they will come out to see what happened."

Enishi threw up his hands at this idiocy and continued his inspection, while Rave looked around for any noticeable signs of an underground passage. After a few minutes, both noticed a subtle noise in the air, a buzzing of sorts, a though several huge bees were closer. Very close. Both turned to see at least a dozen of giant bees with skulls for heads heading their way.

"Since there weren't any bees around here before, allow me to throw in an educated guess... these are Akuma?" Rave switched from sleepy indifference into cold awareness, azure eyes staring at the bees coolly.

"Oh, really? Captain Obvious, I just didn't notice! Aren't you the sharpest tool in the shed!"

Rave smirked arrogantly and activated his Innocence. The bees tried to outrun the petals, but they were surrounded and shredded in a few seconds.

-----------------------------------

Inside the mafia HQ

Jarlaxle and Yase

"So... interesting weapon. Completely inescapable, and nearly unblockable. I shudder to think what would happen if he were to become a Critical." Yase nodded his approval. This weapon, unlike the blatantly linear powers most others had, was actually noteworthy.

"It would be difficult with this type of Innocence," Jarlaxle crossed his hands on his chest. "From his demeanor, I'd say it requires him to be arrogant and condescending all the time to work. He literally needs to become more arrogant than he is now."

"And is that even possible?" Yase lifted an eyebrow. Rave was certainly being plenty arrogant outside, with that expression and condescending "I am better than you" look.

"Well..." Jarlaxle smirked when he noted a movement on the map. Hu He was going out to meet them.

"Excellent. If Rave and Enishi are weakened, we can launch our second phase easily and dispatch them."

Yase nodded and continued watching.

----------------------------

Outside the HQ

Enishi, Rave, and Hu He

Rave leaned back slightly, his eyes following the trail of destruction as each bee fell down, shredded into pieces. Some literally exploded in midair, spewing an unidentified liquid to the ground. Rave shot Enishi a smug and superior look before turning to the building, when suddenly a pair of feet planted them in his face, tossing him back. Rave flew backwards and managed to stumble back into his feet.

A [ur]=http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c39/SankonGanSou/luikang.png]man[/url] stood right in front of him after having kicked him in the face.

"So, we meet again... I'll assume you're Mr. He?"

"Yeah that's him all right, I'll never forget that ugly face!" Enishi charged in, slashing with Jinchu, but Hu He seemed to be liquid. He simply slid around the sword.

"Damn you! Since when did you get so much more powerful?" Enishi roared and charged back in, slashing and stabbing so quickly it seemed he had several swords.

Rave stayed back, looking coldly and seriously at the fight. Enishi, although it seemed he was simply going berserk, was testing to see Hu He's powers. What they saw wasn't very pleasing. Hu He seemed to be moving faster and faster very easily.

"Let me guess..." Rave stood up and gathered his Innocence around him in a dense cloud; "fake Innocence?"

"I prefer the term modified godhood matter." Hu He seemed relaxed, he didn't know Rave's Innocence just yet.

Rave smirked and sent the petals flying, launching a single linear wave of petals at Hu before splitting it into six different paths. Hu He tried to dodge, but inevitably got in the path of one stream. As soon as he was in the path of one, the petals smashed around him and within seconds, he was in a sea of shredding metal bits slashing and cutting.

When the petals dispersed, Hu He was lying in a crater, bleeding severely. Rave crossed his arms on his chest. "Do you want me to repeat it? Because I doubt you'll survive another hit."

Hu He spat blood and slowly rose to his feet. "Interesting... your ability is very unique... impossible to dodge, virtually impossible to block, nearly beyond what anyone could defeat with sheer force... amazing indeed." Hu He pressed his palms to each and suddenly began transforming. "But your power is useless... for I possess the power of the gods, far beyond yours!"

Hu He transformed, growing wings, and he started to shine. His new appearance (http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c39/SankonGanSou/Angels__Michael_by_Wen_M.jpg) resembled an angel more than anything.

"Heh, check it out! He's glowing! You can be a lamp stand for yourself..." Rave grinned and lifted his hand, intending to continue attacking, when Enishi stepped before him.

"This is my fight, Rave! You will stay out of this!"

Rave lifted an eyebrow but didn't argue. If the idiot wanted to get killed... "Ok, I'm cool with that." He shut down his Innocence, the petals vanishing, and the sword reappeared in his hands. He walked away a few meters and sat down, half laying on the floor.

Enishi turned to the glowing Hu He.

"Ok you moronic looking lamp, let's see if you are really as superior to me as you think!" Enishi slashed one mighty arc with Jinchuu, sending out a wave of power. The Opening of Hate slashed right through the building and the ground right before it, leaving a large gash. Hu He dodged the attack and was now floating above him.

Enishi turned, getting his teeth, and jumped. Just as he reached the peak of his jump he forced himself up again, jumping up again. Hu He, who could actually fly, rose slightly higher and dove down, his sword slamming against Jinchuu. The fake Innocence and the real one created sparks and a strong shockwave that lifted dust into the air. Both combatants landed and turned to regard each other. Neither seemed affected by the force of the blow.

Enishi flipped Jinchuu around and charged at Hu He, who jumped up and started flying, while Enishi formed seven Innocence swords around him which fired at Hu He. The flying man dodged by diving, and met the rising Enishi who slashed using the Opening of Hate, sending out a wave of chi which hit Hu He in the shoulder. Glowing blood shot out in a small line, and Hu He turned in midair and slammed his foot into Enishi's shoulder, blasting him backwards to the ground, where he landed and crouched like a tiger, twirling Jinchuu around to launch a devastating strike.

Hu He began flying around, quickly slashing at Enishi and retreating. Enishi answered by swirling Jinchuu around him, creating a dome of energy around him. The dome emanated powerful wind, forcing Hu He away. The latter flew backwards and leaned back, and just as soon visible ripples appeared around him. He was collecting energy for something.

Einishi canceled the Opening of Suffer just in time as Hu He fired a beam of pure energy at him. He dove to the side, dodging it narrowly. The beam seemed to exhausted Hu He, as he slumped in midair, and his glow diminished.

Enishi used the chance and opened the Opening of Deception, slashing twice with his sword, and the blade slashed right through the dimensions. Two gashes appeared on Hu He's body; more golden liquid spilled to the ground, and he finally managed to move, jumping away. Enishi stopped the attack and twirled his sword, charging forward, apparently swinging mindlessly again. He had a plan, though.

It was something his sister taught him when catching as especially elusive fish; you needed to make the fish believe you were attacking from the sides where you didn't want it to be. Then when it ran into the place where you could just snatch it up...

Ah, sister... are you watching me now? I am trying... trying to stop the fools that inherited my sin...

He remembered when she was teaching him; they were younger, more innocent. He remembered...

She had a beautiful, slightly oval face with a small nose; he lips were well defined and relatively thin, but still fit perfectly. Her eyes, though slightly slanted, were large and oval by nature, and her slick black hair fell into the water in straight, long blue-black waves.

"Here, Enishi. You try it. Move your hand through the water, right on the left side of the fish."

"But sis, why do I want to try and catch the fish from there?"

"You don't, but the fish doesn't know. Since it thinks you're coming at it from another angle, so it runs to the place you want it."

"Oh, I get it! Thanks sis!"

Enishi slashed, constantly pressing to the left, slashing quickly and altering between speedy stabs and arching cuts. Hu He, whose flight seemed damaged by the wounds on his shoulder caused by Enishi's former attacks, was on the defensive, but Enishi could see his wounds slowly closing. The bastard was regenerating! He sped up his attack, his sword becoming a blur again, surrounding his body with a globe of silvery-blue metal. Hu He dodged and rose to the air, and Enishi cursed, he couldn't effectively follow Hu He into the air, but then something passed by his right ear.

A ghostly white sword whizzed past him and slammed into Hu He's right wing, then another whizzed into the left wing. Another and another came in, digging deep into his body.

"I'm sorry, show's over!" Rave walked towards Enishi slowly, emphasizing each step. "This is pointless. Wasting your time with this guy isn't going to do us any good!"

"What do you know?" Enishi turned to him.

"I know one thing, and that's that the diadem on his forehead is gone. He used to wear one when we met. Judging by the fact he hasn't been making much progress against you, I'd say he lost his primary power. Is it true?"

Hu He spat, and Rave nodded.

"He's all yours to fight, without the wings." He waved his hand and the swords shattered, leaving the wings slumped. Enishi shrugged and walked towards Hu He, who lifted his sword.

Rave smiled as he heard the clanging of blades.

One would die, another would live.

But the diadem... that was what made Hu He powerful, he was sure. A piece of magic? Or a piece of Innocence? Either way, he had to know.

-----------------------------------

Arc over etc. I'll elaborate more over the actual hunt for the diadem in the next arc I get to RP with more people than myself.

Can a good GM hand out the EXP and close this thread please?

[edit] And I absolutely hate it when my creativity runs dry in the middle of the post, I lost the train of thought and had to cut it in the middle of the fight! Damn you! *shakes fist*

[Fect]

Exp Awarded:

Rave: 7
Jarlaxle: 1
Yase: 0
Enishi: 0