Blood for Gold Arc - 3rd Entry: Krōdha kī Yakṣa

Dainos' report swells my anger. My eyes begin to glow red as if they are filled with blood and I tell Dainos to stay with Kali and the tirega. "Kali, make sure this caravan arrives at Renrut. The tirega will look after you..." I switch to telepathic communication, "Fear is a beneficial motivator, but if the sun rises before you reach me, then take no chances and kill anyone who tries to stand against you. Protect yourself first and foremost. Don't keep me waiting." I kneel before the tirega and place my forehead on hers to share my thoughts with her. She snuggles against me before she would approach Kali. "Dainos!" The dark sprite appears before me and I look into his eyes and he starts glowing brightly. Even those who can't see spirits would notice a shift in the light around us. Having seen what he saw when he was in Renrut, I float into the air and address the humans, "Kali will lead you to Renrut. Protect her and obey her as if her commands are my commands. Move out!" I would wrap things up with Kali and shimmer out of sight.

Arriving on the outskirts of the village, I slip behind a perimeter guard and release my claws before raking them across his throat severing the jugular vein and discarding his body. In my Dark Kami form, I continue to move around the outskirts to spend more time picking off the perimeter guards while I try to locate a clear path to Kiera. I care very little for any of the mortals from this village. The fact that these weaklings allowed themselves and my empath to be captured angers me even more. I keep my movement quick and focused on my target's location. I don't want to waste time having to chase them. The main beauty about being able to fly without releasing my wings is that I never have to touch the ground. As I've been moving around eliminating guards and scouts, I have been amusing myself by impaling my victims with their spears or sticking them to the trees using their swords. Bored of that, I am now moving on to carving messages into their chests and faces. I have a message to send for any who ever think to attack what is mine.

412

I knew there was trouble... the really really bad kind, even before I came close enough to hear the dark sprite report of events. Once I heard part of what was going on, I was ready to do whatever is necessary to help my friend. As it turns out that task would be to make sure the caravan reaches the city currently under attack. Nodding to accept my orders, and the protection of the Mama Kitty, I keep my response as short as possible once he finishes the mental half of our communication. "I understand and will do as you say. Go to her, Kiera needs you. We will arrive as soon as possible." Knowing this man as I do, I knew the chance of the caravan arriving in time to actually help with the fighting would be slim to none, but at the same time I knew that with the amount of rage and hatred welling up inside of him, he would not need much assistance, if any at all.

After he shimmers from sight, I lower a hand to the head of the Mama Kitty and order the caravan to move out. The soldiers who turned early enough to keep their weapons would be stationed in front of, behind, and in between each of the wagons with the other soldiers and men mainly walking between and alongside the wagons. Mama Kitty and I would position ourselves at the front of the first wagon, just behind the first line of armed soldiers. Setting out on our trans island journey, we take our first steps into the darkness of the night in relative silence. I figured many of the men would have the events they just witnessed and took part in on their minds, as I did along with thoughts of the events occurring in Renrut. The odd feeling that one man had given me was not isolated to only him, there were others who seemed less than ready to take on this journey so they joined the first man on my list to watch closely for signs of conspiracy or mutiny.
352

Walking up towards a guard, he looks at me and my eyes begin to glow and his nose begins to bleed as my eyes lock on his. His body starts to twitch as he drops to his knees and I smile with a twisted delight. What just happened to him? I know I did it, but what exactly did I do? I pause for a moment as I seem to still have him gripped in this unknown power. His mind is being ravaged and it is at this moment of clarity that I realize that it is by me. Now with this realization, I am very pleased to witness the advancement of my mind. It would seem that something in his brain is ruptured as a flood of blood leaks from his cranial orifices. He falls on the ground and I keep moving. I still have yet to find the leader in this bunch. "This is taking too long and the perimeter has been pretty much swept."

My body begins to shift from its humanoid form to my more feral and bestial form tho I would notice that things seem to be different. The darkness seems to be lighter and filled with more red. My wings themselves are blood red and black. The armor on my body and tail are also filled with blood red inscriptions on the silver metallic substance. My eyes glow a deep silver now that looks like pools of molten chrome or steel. My tail is wrapped around my waist like a belt right now until I take to the skies. It's time to just annihilate these dogs and be done with it. I am sure that some of the villagers will die, but with the new villager additions freed from Bivel's village will replenish that stock.

317/729
Train: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (Locked)
Unlock: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (IP)

Over the course of our journey from the warlord's outpost to the village of Renrut I tried to keep track of the men among us who were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the events of the night. Like a complete fool I must have let my guard down somewhat as we closed in on our destination because just as Renrut came into sight in the distance there was a loud yell and then a commotion behind me. Before I could even fully turn to investigate the disruption, Mama Kitty had the original man who tripped my unease meter pinned to the ground beneath her front paws. Once I was facing the two of them, she looked to me with her razor sharp fangs bared as if to wait for my permission to feast upon his flesh. As soon as my eyes notice the dagger clasped in his immobilized hand I nodded my head to let the feline have her fun. The others who were inspired by the man's rash action were now being herded toward the front by loyal men, mainly those soldiers who were still eager to redeem themselves in our eyes.

Ordering the dissenters to be stripped of all weapons or any objects that could be used as potential weapons, I then call for their hands to be bound and for each one to be escorted into the village of Renrut by two of the loyal followers. We could not afford any more delays so they would be dealt with after I can make sure everything is alright with my friend and his people. The remainder of the journey was made quickly, double timing our steps to close the distance faster, until finally the caravan came upon the rubble that was once the entrance to the village, and the collection of bodies lining the perimeter of the hamlet. Calling for everyone to stop, I know that I cannot allow them to enter this place without first assessing the situation. Turning to address the gathered men, I inform them that Mama Kitty and I will enter the ruined village first. They are to wait here for word or some form of signal from either Psyre or myself that it safe to enter or that their assistance is needed. I would rather not watch more innocent lives fall by the wayside if at all possible tonight.
395/747

Leaping into the air, I fly over the village ruins and I look down at the occupying force. I say nothing and make no gesture as I assess the situation. I only cared about Kiera's location and the fact that I currently cannot spot her is upsetting me. Dainos glows radiantly to serve as a sort of beacon. Found them! Good work, Dainos. You will be rewarded for this. I point at Kiera and Dainos and a column of light surrounds them and the villagers around them. My body glows as the Myndius power activates and they are teleported away. The soldier surrounding them seem very confused before a strong bolt of lightning flies from my ring at them. As soldiers rush towards the Hunters, they would knocked back by the initial strong force of wind as well as the debris storm that is kicked up behind it. My flight descends towards the Hunters and my tail and claws slash the ropes to free a small sliver of them to free the others.

In order to draw the soldiers' attention, I bell out with a feral, yet ghastly sounding "crow/roar" that would draw them to me. The villagers, being bound and still closely guarded by armed soldiers, do not move or try to escape. The Hunters now free and fighting find weapons constantly flying in their directions for them to wield. The fiery blood red glare in my eyes intensifies as I start walking towards the bulk of the charging soldiers. Some villagers were being executed, and while I don't really care much, I try to save some of them. As the charging wave closes in, I take to the skies and watch as a Divine Uprising covers their bodies in spiritual flames! I want the Commander! The fool who dared to attack and destroy this village!

The moon would be making its descent from its throne in the sky soon.

337/66
Train: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (IP)
Unlock: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (1000)

With daylight growing nearer, the maternal feline and I rush into the ruins of the village to get an idea of what had happened and what was possibly still happening. We did not have to travel too far to witness the tirade being belted down from above. Knowing that calling in the men from the caravan would more than likely add to the chaos and pose an unnecessary risk on the lives of those men, I do not signal for them just yet. Mama Kitty and I hold our positions on the edge of the melee, taking out any soldiers who dare stray too close. Even though I could see bound and guarded villagers along with freed hunters taking up arms to battle the soldiers, I did not enter the thick of the melee just in case the winged avenger had some sort of aerial area attack up his sleeve to let loose. The last thing I need with the dawn fast approaching was to get caught in some cluster f*ck that man felt like launching down on these mortals.

180

My eyes glow more and more radiant as I ask the charging soldiers, "Where is your Commander?! Bring me your Commander!" There are splashes and splatters of blood on the ground and around the scattered debris and rubble. There are limbs, straps of flesh, severed heads, small and large intestines, stomach muscles, fingers, and more scattered about the ground serving as a trail to follow on this wake of destruction. My powers unleash on a level of uncontrolled rage that I have not felt before.

Now at this very moment, I understand why Kiera was so afraid and why my mother feared so deeply for my father losing his temper. Why she gave up everything to stay with him as his faithful servant? As the fires begin to spread and the pools of blood soaking the already damaged soil of this village continue to grow, I understand. The soldiers trying to retreat are cut down by wave after wave of my spiritual energy discs. The villagers who come too close to me are also cut down. Psyre as he may have been known was no more. That young man is no more. I embrace my role as Krōdha the Demigod of Fury! Looking at my claws, they drip with both blood and entrails.

Walking closer and closer towards the center of town, a squad of soldiers try to surround me. I do not stop and suddenly they all dash forward to attack at once. I am not quite sure what possess them to think this would work, but two words are spoken before the first blade can actually reach me... "Atma Visphota." A symbol that I have yet to see before but looks somewhat like a shuriken or a whirlwind appears beneath me and several pulses of raw spiritual energy push out from my position. Thanks to the Slowdown power, it seems as if their bodies are levitated first and then knocked around by the pulses. I watch with a dark smile upon my face as the waves of spirit particles rip into their flesh and the tears remind me of the way paper or fabric tears. It looks so jagged on some of them and others look like they were hit by buckshot shotgun blasts. Through all of this, I can't seem to stop realizing how much fun this is and how good it feels to watch so many die. So much destruction and chaos! So much carnage. The fear flowing thru those watching would normally stink, but it smells so refreshing.

My steps bring me within viewing range of the town square where the Commander and many of the Grey Whisper's acolytes are. One of them notices my approach and I lock eyes with her. Even from the distance I am at, I can hear her scream out in pain as she clutches her skull. I seem to be getting better at this. The blood red radiance of my eyes glow with what seems to be a silver pupil as the acolyte's mind is ransacked. Unfortunately for her, I'm just focused on inflicting pain or they may have been some structure to this search but I find myself bringing up painful memories, causing sharp pains in brain muscles as well as contracting or bloating blood vessels in her brain along with sacs of cranial fluid. This new power allows me so many freedoms that it's simply beautiful what I can do! I chuckle as I continue and the Commander looks at my blood soaked form with bodily fragments draped on my armor. "Looks like I have found you... haha ha ha ha!!" Spears fly into the wagons wheels to jam them into place. "I want you to stick around and show me everything that I want to see." My mind continues to lash out at the pawns, since they didn't have much information that I was concerned about damaging.

681/747
Train: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (IP)
Unlock: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (1000)

Once the major assault on these poor mortals gets underway, Mama Kitty and I both stand in awe... hers more of an appreciative sort while mine was definitely teetering on horrified, I may have killed a good number of people in my business but even I have never seen anything quite like this. To avoid being caught in the backlash, I turn to make my way back to what is left of the village gate where I had ordered the caravan to wait. With dawn beginning to brighten the horizon even the overwhelming scent of gallons of blood staining the ground could not entice me. Upon reaching the caravan, I shake my head to the soldiers and workers gathered there then I take a seat against one of the wagons. Here I would patiently wait for whatever my friend had become to finish his tantrum and find his female.

149/1076

The Commander sees no choice but to throw down his sword and kneel in surrender as he pleads for the lives of the warriors under him and the acolytes. My hand elevates and with it so does the body of one of the acolytes. With more control, I enter her mind to find out where the Grey Whisper is currently at b/c it would seem from them being here with the enemy and not in any form of binds. Such treachery is what makes the blood of these mortals bearable to drink with my wine. Heroes and villains are the only ones with acceptable tastes. Her screams do not bother me as I ransack her mind for the information that I want to know. Searching and searching thru the pathways of her mind, I grin and telekinetically toss her body to the side like a useless carcass. So the Grey Whisper has already fled. Well now that's annoying. I suppose I will have to wait for a while before I can extract some revenge from her. The Hunters bloody and free approach my position and surround the Commander's surrendered troops.

Nurx looks at me and keeps his men back. He approaches and I turn my head to look at him. He keeps walking though I can see the caution in his steps and the worry in his eyes. "You are the Yaksa that I have heard about when I returned to the village, yes? We are yours to command, Krōdha kī Yakṣa. Command us as you will." I nod to him and as my body glows amidst the red drips of blood from my hair which used to be silver in color. The enemy soldiers' weapons fly past me and Nurx and land on the ground in front of his Hunters and the other villagers who rose up to defend their people even when their village had been destroyed. They looked at me looking for leadership and guidance. I looked at them and could care less about their lives, but saw pieces to be maneuvered. I would find a purpose for them until my allies arrived to serve my new plan and regime. Pointing at the acolytes, I tell the Hunters to seize them and bind them, so that they are easy to transport. Nurx asks about the soldiers and I smile, "They are cowards, so skin them alive and make their Commander watch, then bring him with us." Nurx looks at me and asks, "You want us to skin... people... alive?" I look at him and reply, "It is either that or impale them, so that they can be left on display. Renrut shall serve as an example to any who would ever think to attack us. This requires great fear be instilled in any would be enemies. They must see that our resolve to do harm goes far beyond anything that could fathom being done. So decide and get it done." Nurx calls for his most hardcore, borderline psychopathic Hunters and they huddle up while the other Hunters start patrols, secure the prisoners as ordered, and prepare to depart the ruins that used to be Renrut.

I release a feral roar of victory into the sky as the dawn begins to break the horizon. The Mama Tirega would answer in kind and look at Kali before she starts padding towards me. The acolyte whose mind I have already ravaged curls up into a ball on the ground as I walk over to her. She looks up at me in fear and I grin as my eyes glow again and she cries out in pain as her hands fling to her head to clinch as pain begins to fill it once again. Yes, scream and cry out in pain, so that the others can have a glimpse of what I am going to do to them! Suddenly, the image of my Shyr Beis enters my head. I stop attacking the acolyte and smile with dark and twisted intentions flowing thru my sinister mind.

707/1454
Train: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (IP)
Unlock: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (1000)

Just as the first official lights of day break over the horizon, lights I do not even have to see to feel their draining effects on my body, I hear the bestial victory cry rise from the center of the ruined village. For the most part the wounds I picked up in the earlier battle had managed to knit themselves back together, but still as I rose from the seat I had taken against one of the caravan wagons, there were a number of deep aches littered through my form some sharp and others dull. Biting back the groan that threatens to escape my lips, I force myself into a full standing position and head off after the Mama Kitty, assuming that the man's roar was also meant to summon the two of us to him for our next orders. Since most of the journey would be either in view of the men waiting with the caravan or the surviving men gathered with their new savior (master, judge, jury, or executioner would all work in place of savior as well), I do my best to ignore the complaints from my daylight weakened body and avoid moving as if I am an eighty year old arthritic woman.

I was not sure what I would see upon reaching the man, though I was willing to bet my life there would still be an overwhelming display of carnage to behold, so I tried to steel myself against any gore I could come upon. The Mama Kitty reached his position first, of course, she probably isn't affected at all by the change from night to day, lucky bitch, but I arrived soon after. The rest of the caravan had been left at the ruined gates for mainly practical purposes. What was the point in having them trek through spilled blood and littered body parts only to turn back around when we leave this desecrated place? The screams that had led me to the Psychopath's location stopped abruptly just before I was close enough to see any detail, I assumed that to be because the victim's body or mind had finally given out under the scrutiny of agony.

Since the day had begun, and my night based enhancements were no longer active, the stench of congealed blood or burned flesh no longer appealed to me but instead made my stomach somersault dangerously. Refusing to toss my cookies in front of the surviving villagers, hunters, and anyone else present with the exception of Psyre (he'd already seen me in worse condition so there was no point to trying to save face in front of him), I swallowed hard and breathed exclusively through my mouth as I came to a halt near his side.
457/1533

Nurx did not like the options given to him. He felt it was extreme to make them suffer like that before they died. I, on the other hand, did not. He interrupted me while I was about to use the new power I had unlocked or manifested, which I have dubbed "Mind Reaver." That alone annoys me, but to compound it with refusal, threatens to turn my ire against him. Looking at him, I shake my head, "You disappoint me, Nurx. I had hopes for you, but very well. I no longer have need of you to lead my forces. You will return to a simpler life. One where your hands are no longer stained with blood. I will teach you to teach your men how to truly provide more than scraps for the village. All of you who have not the fortitude to serve my force will no longer need to. You can all live simpler lives soon." Nurx feels the symbol of his leadership stripped from him and seeing as how I will need the execution to be carried out. I look to the prisoners and ask if there is one of them willing to carry out the execution order in exchange for their life. Four of them jump at the chance and I nod to them. They waste no time impaling their comrades and stabbing them into the ground. Blood and excrements pollute the ground and I look at them while they work.

The Mother Tirega approaches first and she instills even more fear into those around me. I kneel down and run my blood soaked hands over her fur and she licks blood off of my hands, which causes me to smile. I look at her as she walks over to the mentally fragile acolyte that I have been torturing and I tell her, "My plan is to break each of them to the point of complete loyalty and devotion. I will shatter their minds and inflict great pain on their bodies so that I can rebuild them to be what I require of them and in much shorter time than it took my father to create his elite warrior women. You acolytes will become my first class of Khūna Apsarā. I am going to take great pleasure in your training. My mind opens to the women as I lash out one by one to give them a glimpse of what is to come. The pain that is unleashed upon their mind causes a loud wailing to sing with the rising dawn. I stop when I finally realize that Kali is near me.

I turn to her and smile with my visage covered in blood. "How do you like my display, Kali?" While I am talking, the procession of impaling continues as music in the background. If they did not fear me as a Yaksa yet, this is sure to set that in motion. A moment of sorrow hits me as I look at the Mother Tirega curling herself around my legs and I realize that I will have to return her soon. I look at Kali then at the tirega and remember that I have the male cub whom I will personally train to become a devastating hunter, guardian, and predator. Still, she and I have bonded together. My vision guides me around the ruined village and I realize that I will need to find a new village for everyone to live in until a permanent home can be found or built. Looking over at Kali, I realize the sun has risen and its effect on her. I speak telepathically to her, "Are you alright?"

642/96
Train: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (2000)
Unlock: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (1000)

When the blood covered man finally noticed my presence and addressed me first aloud and then within my mind, I merely nodded my head slowly to answer both questions. Of course I would enjoy the display more if dawn had not broken but even with the blood lust drained from me for the time being I could still appreciate the artistry in the savage mutilation. As for the second question there was no use in trying to lie to the man who could read my thoughts should he try hard enough, he would be able to merely read my face and body stance to see that I was fighting the edge of exhaustion and would need to find a safe place to rest soon. Any wounds suffered had healed enough to be closed by now but the deeper ones, like the blade wounds cris crossing my bare arms were pink and slightly shiny the way very recent healing appeared in the early morning light. I had used much of my strength in the course of the night's activities. First with completing the cub acquisition mission and then with fighting the warlord's men. It was a blessing that he had this situation under control by the time I had arrived with the caravan, that was truly the only reason I was still on my feet at this moment.

"The men will need rest soon." As will I, but that remained unspoken of course. "I fear you have not left enough here to salvage for shelter so may I suggest we head out to find some elsewhere?" I was trying to be as polite as possible, despite how cranky I normally would have been given the circumstances. The effort to keep my voice even barely showed in the almost invisible twitch of my jaw as I offered my suggestion.
307/1840

Noticing the wreckage of the village, I nod to her before I comment, "Do not blame me for this. The Commander and his forces caused this damage as Dainos reported to me, I merely made the earth inhospitable to those with weak stomachs. We will require a place to make camp though." I walk over to the bound acolytes and scan their minds. I pick the one who is most frightened of me and speak directly into her mind. "Where can we go to find shelter?" I tell her that this can be painless or I can fill her with enough pain to make her scream for weeks upon weeks. She looks at me and tells me that there is an abandoned outpost not too far from here to the northwest and it is by several cliffs near the shore facing the mainland. There is also a temple, but it is in ruins. I enter her mind to retrieve a full visual of this outpost and its location. I would wait a while longer to watch the last of the impalements carried out before turning to the 4 prisoners and nodding to them. "You can return to your current master or you can choose to serve me, Krodha ki Yaksa! The choice is yours." I turn to address the others, collect my cargo, we're heading to this new outpost to set up there for now. Everyone moves and while Bivel was to the north of Renrut, I would lead everyone to rendezvous with the group from there before we make our trek towards the new outpost. The Tirega stays with me as I tell Kali to prepare the other group to move. She didn't seem to enjoy this scene during the day time as her night time self would. The prisoners elect to serve me and I tell them that they have made the right decision. I also tell them that I want them to serve as my Executioners. It would require a little development to be administered by me, but for now, I'm glad to not have to waste such good talent and steel nerves. They are covered in blood and don't even seem to care. It is magnificent! I would lead the collective group to the north "gate" of the ruined village to join up with Kali and the group from what used to be Bivel's territory. Those who are friends or family from the two groups would be given their opportunity for reunions later. For now, we needed to move. With Kali and the Tirega at the head of the caravan with me, I ask Kali if she is in need of anything. "I can see the pain on you, Kali. I need you to be at your best. You can absorb the energy you need from me or I can give you something else that will restore you. The food of the divine."

516/612
Train: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (2000)
Unlock: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (1000)

Stifling a laugh at the man's weak explanation and claim of innocence where the destruction was concerned, I just nod to accept his comments and avoid drawing that part of the conversation out any further. I was tired and achy, not in the best of moods to hash technicalities with the new demigod on the block, maybe I will give it a shot later on tonight but definitely not right now. Once I am given my next command, though I did not see it as a command that is just the easiest word to describe it, I head back the way I had come to let the men of the caravan know we would be moving out soon. While the men prepare to leave I take the brief amount of time to rest my bones atop the front wagon. I would not ride during the journey to the outpost, it would not reflect well on my leadership capabilities, so I would take what little time I could now to summon energy for the trip... besides what did I know of readying a wagon for travel? Ok so ignore the fact that I used to move from city to city with a very similar wagon loaded with wares to sell, I didn't feel like readying this particular wagon at the moment when there were plenty of strong capable men to do it for me. I would much rather give my aching body a bit of peace, so sue me.

Once the wagons were ready and the man arrived to take his place, with the Mama Kitty and myself, at the head of the caravan we were off in search of the abandoned outpost for the days shelter. While I fully appreciated the offer of energy rejuvenation from my far too chipper friend, my first reaction to his offer is to cut my eyes in a sort of glare in his direction. Shaking my head I wonder how best to refuse his oh-so-kind offer. "No offense, but for me to recoup energy from you would require using my mouth on your flesh... seeing as how the only parts of your flesh not caked with drying blood are the more intimate parts, I must respectfully refuse your offer, though I do thank you for asking." That last thing I wanted to do in the harsh light of day was suckle on the flesh of a man I will have to face afterwards, especially when sex is not part of the offered package. He'd also offered food, but with the description including 'of the divine' I wasn't too keen on finding out exactly what that meant. "I will be fine once we reach the outpost and I am able to get some rest. The pain is not great, more irritating than anything. It isn't easy to feel so weak after being the opposite mere hours ago."
482/2322

My telepathic voice speaks out as I call for my dark sprite, "Dainos! Appear!" The dark sprite appears with Kiera and looks at me. He speaks with reservation in his voice, "Yes, Master?" I look to my shoulder and he lands on it. Speaking to him telepathically again, I tell him to give Kali a piece of ambrosia to help with her wounds. "If she refuses, just teleport it into her mouth after you get a visual of it." I am intrigued by her response and refusal. I take no insult in it but it furthers my thought that she has a day time and a separate night time personality. I still haven't gotten to fully understand how her dual power structure works. Dainos flies over to Kali and offers her ambrosia. If Kali looked at me, she would notice that I am scanning the area in preparation for any sort of an attack or anything. If she looked at Kiera, she would find the woman shaking her head at me and my appearance, but would also find that if the two women locked eyes on one another, Kiera would encourage her to eat it.

The trek to reach the outpost takes about three hours of steady travel. Entering the outpost, I look around and nod. It will have to do for now. I don't like it's position from a strategic standpoint or an aesthetic one for that matter. Temporary is an understatement for this place. As my prisoners are placed in confinement, Kiera notices that all of the Grey Whisper's acolytes have been captured and Kiera asks what I plan to do with them. I tell her plainly, "I am going to break them and then train them. I have discovered how to make a new breed that may very well surpass the Shyr Beis. They will be known as my Khuna Apsara." Kiera looks at me and the stoic visage that she witnesses brings a sadness to her heart. "They will be my most loyal servants after I am done with them. See that everything is unloaded properly. Dainos, return to your mission. Lady Vaishya, do you still require rest?" I look at the Mama Tirega and look at one of the wagons that came from Bivel's village. "Kali, the former owner of the tiregas that we acquired... what kind of man is he? What else does he covet besides exotic animals?"

431/1043
Train: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (2000)
Unlock: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (1000)

The offered ambrosia would be taken, but only after meeting the eyes of the woman and being encouraged. She wouldn't allow me to eat anything harmful, at least I hoped she wouldn't. I still eat the bite suspiciously, holding it in my mouth long enough to be certain that it did not burn my insides or make me feel ill. It actually did quite the opposite. It looked and tasted like an exotic fruit of some kind, sweet and juicy, but there was an otherworldly sense to it the instant it touched my tongue. I could feel the effects almost immediately, my aches were waning like the tide heading back out to sea. The pink flesh of my healing arm faded to leave only the light shine of a scar before my eyes. This stuff was even better than blood would be at night. Ok so maybe I shouldn't have been so paranoid when first offered the help, I'm a loner most of the time, it kind of comes with the territory.

After swallowing the bite and letting the healing effects continue to boost my energy, I thank the sprite but cannot quite bring myself to extend the same to the man who ordered the food be given to me. The rest of the journey was a cake walk for me physically, I felt like I had been drinking men left and right for hours. Seriously I need to find out where to get some of that fruit. When we reached the outpost I looked to my friend for clues on what to do next so I was watching him when his little comment was uttered. My eyes narrowed automatically at being called 'Lady Vaishya'. He knew full well that I hated it, which is of course why he did it. "Lady Vaishya is my mother, as you know, but no I am fine now." I thought about how best to put the answer to his question of the man we'd stolen from the night before... that seemed as if it were weeks ago rather than hours. "He is a collector by very definition. Exotic animals, women, servants, jewels, coin, art, you name it he probably collects it, or will if he does not already. Why do you ask? Are you considering not returning the mother feline after all?"
389

Kiera walks off when I turn to address Kali and sees to the unloading of goods and appoints villagers of Renrut to oversee different functions of the process. While she watches over everything, it is clear that Kiera's primary focus is on the establishment of an infirmary. She wanted to begin treating the wounded and sick. She wanted to prevent as much death as possible. The lieutenants from Bivel's village make their way towards where Kali and I are talking. Nurx instinctively starts looking towards the defenses of the outpost, which are few and far between. My Executioner team stands guard over the acolytes while the enemy Commander is taken to a separate building. The building isn't large, but it's the obvious selection for the outpost HQ while we are staying here. Dainos delays returning to his mission of getting word to the different mercenary teams that I want to come aid me in my campaign to unify this island under me, opting to remain in order to instruct the villagers on how to set up the HQ building. Everyone is working right now to make this place their current home. One of the female villagers approaches asking how they can serve me and I tell her to round up all those who are capable of playing music or singing and have them fill this outpost with lively sounds in order to boost the morale of the people gathered. She looks at me for a moment in mild surprise it would seem before she nods to me and walks off.

My attention is returned to my companion and the Tirega. I kneel down and pet her again and I call to one of the warriors unloading the wagons carrying the spoils of my victory over Bivel. When he approaches, I tell him that I want him to find a few of the merchants and have them select items that we can part with that equate to double the value of an adult tirega. "If we brought exotic animals that we can't really utilize for any sort of labor or hunting or farming purposes, then those are the first to be selected. Tell them to be quick about it." He bows to me, "At once, Yaksa." I turn back to Kali and tell her that I have grown fond of Mahila. "Besides, Raja will need his mother to make him a powerful predator. A boy needs his mother." My voice sounds a bit softer when I speak those last words and I look at Mahila, as I have named the Mother Tirega, and caress her face.

My hair swings in a sort of clump due to the caked blood and fragments of who knows what as my eyes are brought up to meet my companion, "Kali, I have something that I wish to speak with you about..." Before I can finish speaking with her, the lieutenants arrive. "Yaksa, the outpost is clear and secure. There are some provisions left that are still usable. We have begun setting up patrol teams and assigning them shifts. We have some of the former prisoners helping out as well. What is your Will, Yaksa?" I look over each of them and scan their minds and their thoughts were genuine in trying to make their service to me work. Some are based on pure fear of both myself and also Kali which I like to see. Others truly believe me a lower god or weakened god, which I don't mind either I suppose. Though, if my subjects are going to revere me in such a way, I need to train more to strengthen my powers. I need to enhance my movement and dexterity for starters. I think back to my deeper memories of my time that seems like ancient history when I believed myself to be a human and I remember having abilities that would enhance my ability to move faster than any human. I must unlock those powers within my true form. Looking over at Kali, I ask of her, "Kali, what would you suggest to them as orders if you were in charge?" I knew full well, what I have planned for them to do, but I am curious to see how she would manage affairs if they were left to her.

752/1795
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I could not have hidden the smile on my face if I had wanted to as I watched the man give orders for items and goods equal to double the price of a female adult tirega be collected. Of course I did not want to hide the smile, I was pleased with his decision to keep the mother kitty, he was not the only one to grow fond of her over the course of this night. "You are right, Raja will need his mother, as will Shere. I hope allowing me to bring her around for visits will not be out of the question. No creature deserves to suffer through life trapped in a cage, no matter how gilded it may be." I avert my eyes during the tender moment my friend shares with his new feline companion, there was too much emotion welling up inside me after his words and mine for me to withstand the careful caress as well.

When he looks up I feel his gaze fall onto my form and look back to him. For some odd reason seeing him in that position, lifting his eyes to meet mine with his hair matted and marred by bloody remnants, I am forced to fight back an urge to tend to him. While I consider the man a friend, and place him at the very top of my list of people I would want at my back in battle, I have never had any sensation for him like this. It is not like that of a lover's need nor is it that of a mother's, I suppose the closest comparison I can make is that of a sister. To want to clean the blood from his hair, to return him to his former glory, to wash away the gore. To hear him say that there is something he wishes to speak with me about only complicates this urge further. Thankfully the impending conversation is momentarily interrupted by the arrival of the lieutenants with a report on their activities thus far.

In reality I only half listen to what the men have to say, I am too busy forcing those strange feelings and thoughts out of my mind before the uber powerful man can pick up on them and add them to his already seemingly endless arsenal of things to tease me with. When my friend puts the question of further orders for the men to me, I first glance to him with a blank (alright more like caught red handed expression) stare and shrug my shoulders the slightest bit. "It sounds like they are on the right track so far. I would have the men queued for the next watch get some rest so they will be fresh and alert when their shift begins. Those who are left could be most useful lending themselves and any prior experience to the villagers currently seeing to the various tasks required for this to become a useable outpost. Kiera seems to have the unloading of the wagons, gathering supplies, and infirmary set up under control but the villagers working on shelter and repairs could probably use strong backs and guiding hands." I hoped my answer was good enough for the man, which made me curse myself a bit inside. Since when did I care if my answers were good enough for Psyre? Since when did I feel as if I served him in some way? Oh, right, since he reappeared as this fearsome warrior who could squash me like a desert beetle should that ever tickle his fancy.
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Listening to her answers, I smile as I look over at her. "Each of you, what are your specialties?" Each lieutenant names off a different area and some overlap, so I nod to them and tell each one to take their units and oversee that aspect of the habitation process for this outpost. "Each of you will report to Kiera as if you were reporting to me." I turn a specific lieutenant who led a group of scouts and had not received orders yet. "Your orders are simple. Find out what's around us. Find out what is of use to us and what can be a threat to us. Also, find out where we can set up a new village. This outpost is inadequate for our needs. If you can develop a working map of the region, then that would be even better." The Scout Lt nods to me with a "Of course, Yaksa. Your Will be done." I nod to him and he walks off.

Alone with Kali again, I ask her to walk with me and Mahila. One good thing about being on a jungle island is that there is the Great Sea as well as creeks and such all around us. Since we are elevated, I decide to simply walk out with the two females to the nearby creek. "I want to get cleaned up, but they don't move themselves to action." Once we reach the creek, I wash off Mahila's face first before I start cleansing myself and my armor. "This is one of those times that I wish I had servants still. I'll have to recruit some because this is annoying trying to get this much blood and fragments out of my hair and clothes." I pause for a moment before I would turn my attention to Kali fully. "About what I want to discuss with you... I want you to work for me, Kali. I need someone powerful that I can trust. Also, you have connections that can benefit my interests and I have clients and mercenaries who can aid in your endeavors. You will be free to continue your enterprise, but I want your help in creating a stable and powerful Mandira. That is what this island will be known as. You don't need to decide now, but this island could give you a home to flourish from." I continue rinsing my hair after removing my armor and clothing. Washing these clothes is a waste of time, but one that I have to endure since I don't have a change of clothes ready for me yet. You know... I wonder if I could cleanse these by moving really fast and flicking them while they are soak and wet to try and drain the blood off of the fabric. Hmm... first I have to remember how I was able to move so fast before when I had my Seer powers.

515/2310
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Listening as he doles out the orders to the gathered men i was only mildly shocked that my suggestions were not entirely off the mark. Having spent the better part of my career working solo I wasn't accustomed to finding things to keep this many men busy or productive. When they turn to walk off, having been given their orders for now, I look expectantly to the lone remaining male in the area. He had mentioned wanting to talk to me about something before we were interrupted and my mind was still wondering what that could be.

I follow him to the nearby creek and hesitate when he begins to clean up the Mama Kitty. Had he picked up the previous thoughts from my mind? Had I been too slow at forcing them away? No, he couldn't have, he would have shown his hand by now, made some teasing face or gesture to let me know he knew. The man was too obvious to let a ruse go so long without him being able to openly laugh about it... at least I hoped I was right. Once he finished washing the feline and moved on to cleaning himself up, I turned my body slightly away from him and focused my eyes on the water just beneath where I had settled into a crouch. At first I wondered if that servant comment had been meant for me, it would make sense after the thoughts I had just pushed from my mind but still he showed no outward signs of teasing so I became even more confused. It was like I was crouching there by the cool creek water waiting for something large to drop from the sky. I felt like something was coming but had no idea what it would be or how I would deal with it.

Still not facing him fully, because washing is a very private act for many people myself included, I listen as he continues to speak. I could feel when his attention was focused on me entirely and instinctively rolled my shoulders under the weight of it. When the words finally left his mouth and clued me in to what he wanted from me I was glad that he could only see the profile of my face and not what my eyes undoubtedly showed. Giving him my back, not to be rude but to allow me to finish washing the blood off of my own flesh, hair, and clothing, I took a few even breaths as I listened to him finish up his offer and return to washing his own clothing. He said I didn't have to decide right now, but I didn't need time to think, I already knew my answer, I'd known it before the words had even begun to flow from his mouth.

When I finished, feeling much cleaner than before, I rose to my feet and stepped back from the creek. I still did not turn to face him just in case he was not decent, but I did clear my throat and give him my answer. "I accept. I will work with you to build this Mandira." I hadn't agreed to call it home, that decision would have to come later, but so far I believed in what he was trying to do for the island and the people living here. To be asked to help build it into a stable and powerful place was an offer I wasn't about to turn down.
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I notice that she does not look at me while I am cleaning myself and I jokingly remark to Mahila, "Suddenly, the succubus is bashful and shy, Mahila. Perhaps, looking upon a naked Yaksa is too much for her to handle." I chuckle as I continue to rinse my hair out. It is still not returned to its normal color, but I manage to get most of the fragments. Looking to Kali, I nod to her, "Good. I am glad that you accepted. All I ask is that you trust my methods as you did last night and today. I am going to do some terrible things to my enemies and those acolytes, but you will understand my reasoning after I am done. In other matters, do you know how to get blood stains out of clothes? I missed that day at Demigod Survival Training." My thoughts go back to my speed. I can't shake the feeling that I need to get faster and more agile. My mind thinks to Imetri and his lot and how I could not best them. More importantly though is that figure whom I gazed upon. Who was he? I must get faster. I must get stronger. Master my elements and perfect the flow of my spiritual energy. There is so much that I must do. I also need to focus on finding... "Aackk!" I drop to a knee and clutch at my head. My entire body would begin to seem as if it was vibrating. I can't stop this feeling. I place my hand on the ground in the creek. It begins to glow with a deep silver radiance. The water begins to sparkle with the terrain around the creek starts to get more life returning to it. Grass and flowers start to grow around the creek bed, which seems to result in more pain for me. Twigs seem to mend themselves and when I look at my left hand which was still tightly gripping my garbs, they are fairly clean with some stains still present, but it would seem as if they were partially restored to their former condition before the battles. I am deeply confused and I look at Kali trying to figure out if she had something to do with this. What just happened here... and what just happened to me?

419/329
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Still not turning to face the man, I shake my head and supress a laugh at his comment. "Just because I can use lust to my advantage does not mean that I am impervious to it. The very last image I need floating around in my mind is one of you in the nude. I can function just fine without ever knowing the intricate details of your endowments." I listen as he elaborates on the basics of his furture plans and nod to communicate my understanding of the matters mentioned. When he asks if I know anything about getting blood out of clothing I almost turn to offer him a hand before I wisely think better of it. Before I can offer some verbal advice on how to work the worst of the stains out of the fabric I hear the men let out a strange sound that implied some form of pain. I couldn't be sure that he wasn't just trying to mess with me to make me turn and view his naked form, but I also couldn't risk taking the chance of letting him hurt without helping.

So obviously I turn and try like hell to keep my eyes on his face and head rather than the lower parts of his body. It seems to work fairly well as I move over to where he is. I almost reach out to touch him until I notice the subtle changes in the scenery, and in the clothes grasped within his fingers. Throwing caution to the wind, and my own well being if whatever was happening to him could harm me, I kneel before him and take his head between my hands. When he seems to come out of it I am looking upon him with an expression of deep concern. "Are you alright?"

Looking at Kali right in front of me and still very confused about what just happened, I remain silent after her question about my condition. I actually don't know if I'm alright or not. I feel fine, but all I can manage to utter is, "How did... what just happened?" In the midst of my confusion, I do not notice that I am telepathically broadcasting my thoughts at the moment as I question things, "This does not make sense to me. What is happening to me? I could not have done that. I know my powers and I am quite limited as it pertains to illusions, so she had to have done that, right? Though why would her power make me shake so? Bah, why would MY power have such an effect on me? It has never done so before... Settozai! Emerge!"

The back of my right hand glows as the Onisu Rune illuminates and a young man completely clad in gold and platinum appears next to me. He smiles at Kali before lifting me up without regard for the fact that the woman is kneeling before me. "Oh really? You go thru an entire battle without me and now you wish to summon me? You do realize that I am quite formidable in battle, don't you, my lord?" I growl in a completely feral manner, "Not the time, Settozai. What is happening to me?" He looks at me and snaps his fingers causing my clothing to appear on my body again. "You are evolving, young Master. Your powers are growing and new powers are manifesting. I have nothing to do with this though. There is another that you keep very close to you and perhaps, she might know more. Consult her." I look at him then back to Kali. "Settozai, take charge of insuring that everything is accounted for properly here. Arrest anyone who is caught stealing, so that I can execute them when I return. I am not changing in the way that you think. I crave blood, not weakness! Go!" The command of dismissal is accompanied by a deep growl at the Onisu, which he simply nods to with a smile on his face. He starts walking towards the outpost as I am left with Kali and Mahila.

I pace back and forth as I try to figure out a better explanation for what could be happening to me. I look at Mahila and look into her eyes for a moment. I nod to her and gesture for her to return to the outpost and help Kiera. She pads off towards the outpost and I look at Kali. I walk over to her and tell her to take a deep breath. Once I see that she is ready, a column of light would form around us as we shimmer out of sight. Moments later, we would emerge at the hideout to retrieve our Tirega cubs.

522/851
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"I don't know." That is all I have time to say before the man's thoughts start to batter my poor mind. Pulling my hands away from his face, I squeeze my eyes shut and cover my head with them as if they would provide any sort of protection from his unintentional barrage of mental power. Just as I am about to scream for him to stop, he calls for something to emerge. Since I know he isn't talking about me, I open my eyes and look to see who he was commanding. I barely notice the glow emanating from the back of his hand before there is suddenly another male present with us. The new male smiles down at me, though I am too shocked to do any more than gape open mouthed at him. A sprite I could have understood, I'd seen my friend command one of those before but how strong does one have to be to control a full sized male?

I watch as the new male wastes no time in stepping forward to pull his master to his feet. AS is the case whenever someone directly in front of you rises, especially when they are close enough to potentially smack you in the face on the way up, you turn to look to make sure nothing would be hitting you in the face... which I did much to my dismay. Though once my eyes turned to behold Psyre in all his glory... and I do mean ALL, as in holy shit there is quite of bit of glory going on down there... I am left on my knees with a perfectly unobstructed view of his certifiably demigod worthy attributes. I have to admit that there was a heartbeat or seventeen of total weakness from me... so my mouth may have dropped open like some silent plea to be filled and I might have entertained a thought or two about the plethora of possibilities associated with hardware such as that... but eventually I remembered who I was and whose junk I was borderline drooling over. That's when I threw myself back from his dripping form and landed hip deep in the chilly water. My ass may be freezing now but at least I wasn't a breath away from having his.. you know... in my damn mouth.

Thankfully the summoned man magically covers Psyre's form so I was safe from having to find somewhere else, anywhere else to look. I missed half of their conversation, though no woman with a pulse could blame me for being just a bit distracted, but recovered in time to hear what the summoned man said about my friend needed to consult a woman he keeps close. I figured he was referring to Kiera, which made a lot of sense. I didn't speak a word until after the summoned man and the mama kitty had both left us at the creek. Even when I felt like I could speak again, after finally recovering from the lingering shock and jello knee syndrome, I didn't get the chance. My friend, who I now could only see a part of in my mind, came to stand over me and told me to take a deep breath. Since he was now clothed again I felt it was safe to open my mouth so I did as told. The light captured us once more and transported us to the hideout where we had left the cubs earlier in the night. Once the light faded and I saw where we were, I let out a long sigh of relief and softly called for Shere. If I was going to feel awkward around my friend now I at least wanted something warm and fuzzy to hold on to.
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I say nothing when I appear in the hideout, the scent of blood and battle is still about me and the lone male tirega, Khan, approaches. I look into his eyes and he into mine and release a light growl at him. His head retreats before he gets excited and growls back. I smack him over and look at him. He dashes back at me and jumps at me to pounce on me. I let him knock me down but block as he goes to take a swipe at me. I push him off and drop into a crouch. Nodding to him, I speak telepathically on a broadcast, this one intentional, "Good work, Khan. You will be a mighty warrior. It is time for us to return to the island that will be our home now. Good pounce and excellent instincts to finish. Come." Khan walks over to me with swagger and pride in his steps. He will be noble indeed. I rest my left hand on a shield while I wait for Kali to get her cub, Shere I believe she called her, ready to be teleported back to Mandira Island. While not paying attention, the rinky dink shield is restored to pristine condition and I grow even more angry at the accidental use of this new power or annoyance. I don't understand it all and it is really starting to piss me off! I also don't notice that my body is shifting from a dark to light silver aura. "Are you ready to return?"

274/125
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Train: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (2000)
Unlock: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (1000)

At my call, the cuddly female cub comes padding over to me from the far corner of the room. She and I both are momentarily distracted by the interaction between our male counterparts but after watching them rough house like normal 'boys' my eyes once again find those of my cub and we share a very feminine shake of our heads. She continues her walk to me and climbs happily into my open arms. I scratch behind her ears as I snuggle her close to my chest. I hated to admit it but I was still unnerved by the events in the creek... and seeing that my friend restored a perfectly crappy shield without realizing it was not helping the matter any. Rising to my feet with the cub securely in my arms, I look to the man with a raised eyebrow. "Are you sure you should be teleporting all of us with that new ability going haywire?" I was not only concerned for myself and the two cubs but for him as well. I knew how fickle magic can be and did not want him to suffer ill effects because of us. I knew he would most likely brush me off as just another silly worrying female but I had to at least ask the question. I stand ready to leave whenever he is, though I wondered if his new powers would do anything to me in the process.

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A grin slides over my face at the sound of her concern. "The Void is comforting and welcomes me as one of its children, so I will not lose control over it. Timatimana." The column of light surrounds us and holds for a moment as I focus my mind on the outpost, but my mind keeps wandering to that damn creek and those flowers. I don't give a damn about the stupid flowers or the roots that were repaired. Damnit, focus! I hear a soothing song in my mind and our bodies would shimmer out of sight again. Moments later, we would appear in the outpost and the people are both happy to see us and even more frightened that now there are two tirega cubs in the outpost now along with an adult mother. I close my eyes and reach out to feel Mahila's presence to let her know that I have returned with the cubs. When Mahila arrives, she seems to lead the cubs on a tour of the outpost and down to the creek.

Standing alone with Kali, I feel my body start to vibrate again. I hear the music again, but I am unsure of where it is coming from or why. I hear battle drums and everything begins to take on a lighter appearance. My voice is weak as I speak directly into her mind, "Kali... find Kiera. Find me. Bring her... to me." I shimmer out of sight and suddenly appear laying in the creek about a mile or so from the outpost. Water surrounds me and covers me. I also feel the breeze of the wind. The song that has been in my head is now singing on the wind. "What is happening to me?" I see an image of a woman but it fades away too quickly for me to recognize it. A wind spirit? There are so many lights dancing around me. Unknown to me, my hair shifts between its normal blackened silver color to radiant golden silver. My eyes glow and burn as I try to look around me. The vibrations in my form get worse and worse to actually cause minor tremors in the earth itself. This feeling to me is like the gates of Onitoshi are like a mouth trying to suck and swallow me back into the underworld where I seem to belong and the Heavens are trying to capture me to punish for all the evil that I have done and will continue to do. My body floats over the creek as if I am laying on a bed or a altar. The water below still ripples as if vibrations are flowing thru it. What is happening to me? Why can't I regain control?!!

488/613
Unlock: Support - Restoration (1000)
Unlock: Physical - Movement Package (2400)
Train: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (2000)
Unlock: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (1000)

Even though my question earned a grin and a quite confident answer I did not seem nearly as certain about this jaunt as I had the many others we'd taken. Uncertain or not, I did not protest further, instead I stood by his side with Shere in my arms, petting her furry little head to comfort not only her but me too. Arriving at the outpost I let the cub down so that she can go with her mother and brother on their tour of the surrounding area.

Before I have the chance to get too comfortable, or really even get comfortable at all, the man beside me begins to have some sort of fit. He tells me to find the woman he'd gone through so much trouble to save and then to bring her to him wherever he was going. After that he disappeared from sight and I didn't waste any time in searching for Kiera. It only took asking three men on my way through the outpost to find where the woman was, the one who pointed me in her direction was rewarded with a half smile and a rushed word of thanks before I was off in a flat run.

Since I didn't know the woman very well I wasn't sure how best to approach her, but given the urgency in my friend's order I wasn't going to twiddle my thumbs until I figured it out. It scared me to see him that way, it takes quite a bit to scare someone like me and he managed to do it worse than anyone else ever had. I knew I could find him by feeling for his power, there was no way I could miss what he was putting out right now unless... no, best not to think of anything along those lines.

Barging into the infirmary without a second thought, I scan the area to find my target then move in a direct line for her. Since the majority of others present were men I hoped my natural charms would have them more interested in appreciating my curves and less focused on the words coming from my lips. The last thing I wanted to was cause a panic among the injured or sick. "Lady Kiera..." I begin with since I don't know what else to call her and do not feel that informal first names would be appropriate for one of her station. "... I need you to come with me. Psy... umm... Krodha needs your assistance." Hopefully the look on my face would convince her more so than my choice of words.

Evidently something convinced the woman to accompany me without asking questions.. good damn thing cause I hadn't the foggiest what to tell her if she had asked. Instead I took off for the creek... I knew he wasn't in the outpost and that he couldn't have gone too far while expecting me to bring her to him, plus the creek had been awakened or revitalized by his first outburst, it seemed the most logical place to go... with her hot on my heels. As I drew closer to the creek, and moves farther from the outpost, I could feel his power calling to me. Not with my ears but with my entire body. That much power would call to anyone able to sense it, it was that much stronger if there was some sort of actual connection with the person. I led the woman to his location with ease, but I stopped short when arrived. He needed her, not me, I was just the vehicle to get her to his side. I would stay close by but would not interfere.
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The song starts to soothe me and I stop worrying about the confusion and the pain. My floating body continues to emit large powers of energy which would allow it to be easy for the two women to find me. I growl when Kiera approaches. She steps closer to me and my eyes start to glow brighter. "What do you want, Empath?" My voice is different, even the accent is different. It is not the normal Eastern European, but this is richer and almost regal in his tone (imagine a male version of Akasha's accent from Queen of the Damned). "Why is he so weakened and why has he not been brought to me yet? What have you been doing, Empath?" Kiera seems very confused. "Who are you and how did you manage to take control of Psyre?" My body chuckles, "You are not her. You are not worthy." My hand reaches up and telekinetically grabs her by the throat and lifts her off the ground choking her. "Where is MY Empath?!" Kiera struggles to break the hold, but she can't concentrate long enough or grab enough air to chant. She starts to fade when a shining light wraps around my hand. Kiera's body falls to the ground barely conscious and trying to collect air. The light reveals a hand covered in bronze. A female figure seems to step out of pure light and stand before me, well my body because I am not in control. "You have called, Master. She is unable to emerge yet, so I am here to speak for her." She looks into my eyes and her eyes glow in response to mine. "Why does she not answer my call?" The female responds, "You are speaking the wrong way." She pauses for a moment before she continues, "She says that you were impatient. She was trying to prepare him when you interfered. You were dormant for a reason. Now the lie is a truth and he is broken." My voice responds, "You blame me? He should have been awakened by now! I should not have had to emerge. How long has she been with him? How long since she met him and spoke to him? She was supposed to prepare him so that he could free himself and realize what he truly is and who he truly is. Obviously, I cannot leave such tasks to others. When he awoke, she did not seek him out and even let him believe that he was human, a mere mortal! To make it worse, she then let him believe that he was a Dark Kami. Really? He has been asleep far too long. So now, I have set in motion the events that will awaken him to his birthright and restore him to what he should be." The female pauses for a moment before she replies, "Mistress Sodine speaks... Calm yourself, Rasekh. This Krodha is your doing, my lord. I could not break their influence on him so I made sure that he would encounter Lucia. I knew that she could aid in his awakening and lead him to the truth. His mind is powerful and unfortunately manipulatable. I apologize for the delay in waking him up, but your emergence has created an even bigger delay because now he is experiencing his Krodha while having no clue at all how to control it. On top of that, since he is not ready to awaken, he is unable to enter the Lara'i Dhyana. You trusted me with finding and looking after him, so continue to do so. This girl will ensure that he makes it to the ruins soon enough, but you must be patient. He has slept for longer than this before. What is your rush now, Rasekh?" My voice responds, "The order of the heavens is off now and things have changed. I need him ready to handle that change. He is of the Kunashi and it is his time to serve in the battle against the Dark Ones. Sodine, bring him to me." The female nods, "Yes, my lord. As soon as he is ready."

My body falls forward towards the ground of the creek and the new female catches me. She looks over at Kali then down at Kiera. She nods at Kiera and lays my body down next to Kiera's. She chants briefly before my body gasps and a rune appears on my left inside wrist bearing the old symbol of Sodine, the Goddess of Light. A matching rune appears on Kiera's left inside wrist, but also on her right inside wrist as well. The female nods and lifts me back up and curls under my frame to support me. "Take her to the outpost and allow her to rest. Please oversee things at the outpost while he is away. I must begin preparations with him." She floats into the air with me before we are surrounded in a bright moving light.

- EXIT RP -

892/505
500 Words = 5 Workers = 5 Merchants
Unlock: Beast Melee - Sonic Claw (1000)
Unlock: Support - Restoration (1000)
Unlock: Physical - Movement Package (2400)
Train: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (2000)
Unlock: Psyche Custom - Mind Reaver (1000)

PWC (Lord) = 7905
EXP = 505

Standing back, far enough away from the bank to not get caught in the private moments between Kiera and the man lying in the creek, I try to find other things to focus my attention on so I would not feel like I was invading their moment. I honestly thought I was bringing her here to help him, to fix whatever was wrong. When I allowed myself a small glance in their direction it didn't exactly look like that was happening. From where I stood, just out of hearing range, it seemed as if the two were arguing over something. They sure picked a strange time to have a lover's quarrel, of course I had no proof they were lovers, I just couldn't imagine the man keeping a woman so close and fighting so brutally for her without her meaning more to him than just a convenient associate like me.

Right before my very eyes it looks like the man strikes out against the healer woman and begins to choke her mercilessly. I take a step forward, as if I thought I could overpower him and save the woman, but before I move far the woman is released and falls to the ground of the bank. I stare slack jawed for the second time in as many hours as another female figure appears. Where the hell is he summoning all these other people from? How can he possess the power to make it even possible, especially when another power was running rampant through his entire body? It all made absolutely no sense to me, but I wasn't about to step closer to try and figure out what was going on.

The new female figure and the body of my friend carry on a conversation of sorts before I see him go slack and fall forward toward the bank. The female catches him and lifts him up beside Kiera. There is another strange light, which was beginning to make me think only strange things happened when the light showed up, and it looked like both Psyre's and Kiera's bodies were marked. Just when I thought things couldn't get any stranger, the new female turned her attention to me. I didn't think she'd even realized I was here, but obviously she had. She tells me to take Kiera back to the outpost and oversee things while she rests and Psyre is away. All I do is nod to her to let her know I understand and accept her orders before she lifts my friend and disappears with him.

Since I can't do anything about everything I witnessed I simply move over to the woman, lift her into my arms as easily as possible and carry her back to the outpost where she can rest and I can try to keep everyone else on task while Psyre is gone... however long that will take. Good thing I accepted the offer to work with him on this project, otherwise I would be slightly miffed by now.
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Updated

» Blood for Gold Arc - 1st Entry: Settozai
» Blood for Gold Arc - 2nd Entry: Savior or Destroyer?
» Blood for Gold Arc - 4th Entry: Back to Business
» Mukhya Arc I: Awaken, Yaksa
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