The Scion of Light

Holy Warrior of Light (RP BLOG)

[seliphscionoflight]

Finally managed to recover access to this account! 

I’m officially merging this account to @roleplayersoul, so Seliph will be over there.

Thanks for all the fun, everyone!

[seliphscionoflight]

Merry Christmas everyone!

[seliphscionoflight]

The boy let out a deep exhale, moving back one of his hanging ropes of hair. It felt good, for once. Good, to have someone like you. Someone who was worried about the same things as you. He smiled, letting out a soft chuckle under his breath.

“You mean, all the time? Leaf, if I can confess to you…I’ve felt the same way. Always. When I was in Tirnanogue, I-secretly hoped for a way to show what I could do; What all my training meant! And then I heard one of the raids-I was so scared, and powerless. But I’m not like that anymore. I’ve-killed people. Crushed some of the empire’s legions-a murder. But, I have that…sense of satisfaction, relief, happiness at their deaths. When I kill a soldier, everything feels so bitter and sweet…” The boy shook his head, letting out another exasperated sigh, but another smile at Leaf, before looking back into the sky.

“Sorry, I’m not making much sense, am I? I’m just scared. Scared of becoming a monster, too.”

[princeoflenster]

Was that odd? Leaf has been grateful when he had killed his enemies, even if he had been terrified of killing at first. He still cringed occasionally, but often he wouldn’t look longer than necessary. To date, he had killed more people than Celice had, so if anyone was in close danger of becoming someone like that, it was Leaf. They both had people who wouldn’t allow that to happen, but the younger prince was sure it wouldn’t regardless.

“Killing the enemies who did harm to us should make us happy. It’s normal to be scared, but when you kill someone who made you afraid for you life, I think that’s perfectly fine. If you were to kill someone who you didn’t know at all, someone who was just fighting for reasons unknown to you, and you felt happy when you killed them just because they were your enemy… that, I would worry about.”

Running into one’s camp with their enemy’s head and being proud of it when the enemy was a complete stranger was the problem. Leaf felt no guilt in stopping murderers by using force. He had heard of the disasters that took place in Isaac as well, and the soldiers that had murdered all those innocents quite deserved what they got. Leaf couldn’t help but feel if anyone was too close to becoming something dangerous, it was himself.

“Don’t forget that we’re not… killing people and starting wars because we want to steal what belongs to someone else. The people fighting for who we fight are supporting the thieves who stole our homes and hunt us like it’s a game to see who can kill us first. None of us want to fight. We were forced into this because it was fight or die. I don’t want to close myself off because of everything… but I won’t stop fighting and killing until they stop fighting and trying to kill me. If Fin wasn’t there when I was a baby… I would probably be dead. That tells you a lot about who we’re facing… People who would just kill a baby because he was born of high status.”

[seliphscionoflight]

“You’re right,” the blue-haired youth mused. “ None of us really want to start a war and hurt innocents. I guess I am being silly, after all. I just thought... I just thought I would be better prepared for all of this. I’ve had my whole life to think about this.”

The Empire’s actions weren’t forgivable, Celice knew that. He despised what they were doing, ruthlessly murdering and overtaking all in their path. A part of him felt for the enemy and their soldiers, but the parts that were silent, that the fallen enemies were justified deaths.

Well, no, no deaths were “justified”, in that sense. But Leaf was right. He shouldn’t feel bad, trying to put an end to this.

“...I know it’s not realistic, but I don’t want any of our allies to die. I just hope this can all end quickly. We’ve both lost so many friends Leaf... I just feel like I might lose it if any of us were to die. But that is why we’re fighting. I..

Thanks, Leaf. I think you really will be a good leader, when this is all over. You always seem to know how to make it out of the worst situations for the better.”

[chainsxwsmile]

+1

[seliphscionoflight]

“I guess that’s true. I wish there was a way everyone could just live equally and fairly. I couldn’t imagine anything like killing too much of something could occur in other species, but I guess that’s naive of me. It was hard for me, when I was young, but I’d always get the first food if there was any to go around.” The boy mused, thinking. 

“It’s not endless. That makes sense, but it sure looks endless to me. What’s it like, down there?”

[seliphscionoflight]

The blue-haired youth nodded, letting out a small breath of wonder, staring into the water. It seemed so lifeless, but so-unexplored, mysterious. He normally never had much time to muse over such things, but a part of him wondered-what would it be like to live under the sea? If it wasn’t for what the shark had earlier said, it felt like a perfect place to relax.  And the boy could definitely relate to taking more then one’s share. He knew plenty of people who suffered due to greed-he used to be one of them, despite his current political position suggesting otherwise.

“It does sound wonderful. By the way, is a Great White what you are? You’re very big yourself.”

[chainsxwsmile]

“Aye, I’m a great white,” Bruce replied with a nod. “Though, I’ll admit, I’m on the big side ‘f the spectrum, ‘specially for a male. Females might reach passed twenty feet, but only those who are able to survive that lone,” he explained. “Most males stay ‘round seventeen or eighteen feet, I s’ppose. Reckon I’m just lucky to ‘ave survived this long as well.”

[seliphscionoflight]

The boy's eyes turned to the dark but sparkling sea, thinking.

“I lived close to the shore when I was younger. It was only a few miles away-it was how our town prospered despite the dry conditions. But-I rarely saw it. I was usually stuck inside the confines. I never had so much time to enjoy it so closely, not this long. Though I suppose the only reason I can enjoy it and not fear it is because I’m with you.

So, I wonder. Have you ever coveted to explore the land, as I am the sea?”

#the ocean surface doesn't compare to the depths huh,

[princeoflenster]

seliphscionoflight:

The boy sighed solemnly, and followed Leaf, eyeing the crowd. “Yeah, sorry. I guess I’m not built for dancing.”  After all, dancing was never a part of fighting, fighting which he had trained himself (And with help of others) for.

Guided by Leaf’s arm, he stepped into the silent room, doing another deep sigh. 

“Sorry. Guess I’m not a good dance partner, huh?” The boy let out a laugh, itching the back of his neck, unsure of what to say. He put out his hand, trying to start another dance, but wasn’t exactly sure himself what dance to do.

“No, it’s not you…” It was Leaf, and he knew it was himself, but Celice was still offering? It should have been clear enough by now that the brunet lacked in this field entirely, and while practice was one thing, he knew truly getting the hang of it would be a ways off. Actually, he couldn’t even tell Celice’s level with this after how bad Leaf himself had messed up.

There was hesitation, but they were alone right now. Even if he embarrassed himself, it was only Celice… and vice versa. Many times Leaf had done things in front of others that made him want to just remove himself from the moment, but there was surely no reason to get that nervous here. In part, it was indeed that he was too self-conscious that had led them here, and screwing up so badly with someone so important felt pathetic. But then, neither of them saw themselves as very good, did they? There was very little if any reason for him to worry, though it was a habit he still had yet to break out of.

“…If you’re okay with it though, I guess. I was probably worse than usual out there because I was too nervous.” A calm place like this… That was what he would need if he was going to learn anything like this. Was this supposed to be a common thing for royals to know? If he was supposed to know, saying he didn’t would be an understatement. He took the offered hand regardless, aware he would feel rather bad if he turned this kindness down. “I’m not sure how to start though…” Well, they could always find another way to pass the time if they had too much trouble, but Leaf supposed he could leave that to Celice for now.

[seliphscionoflight]

"That's nonsense." Celice shook his head, his face dawning a confused expression. If he himself could barely handle a spin, shuffle, or twirl, then it certainly wasn't just Leaf who had problems. Leaf had always been hard to get to, at times-he took many things to heart, and wanted to make a difference with his own two hands-and hardly blamed anyone but himself for mistakes. Noble, to be sure, but blaming himself for messing up a dance? Celice wasn't quite sure what to say that hadn't already been said. He racked his brain, trying to figure out how to make Leaf more-open. No, this wasn't fair at all.

"I'm sure my tripping showed just how good I was, too." The blue-haired youth said, giving a bit of a shy smile. "If we fail, we fail together. If we have to, let's just take it slow. Do it-our way. I guess that's how we do anything around here, huh?"

Awkwardly, Celice gave a little twist of the hips, in a vague dancelike manner. He offered one hand, casually outstretched to his dance partner.

[seliphscionoflight]

Serlis capped his Silver Sword as he relished swinging his blade into Leaf’s, over and over-he clearly wasn’t aiming for the body, as his candle of hope still lingered-though it was melting, and the stick was getting more charred by the second. 

Serlis had goals to worry about: Get Manfloy, get Julius, and somehow save Leaf. He kept thinking on ‘What would he do?’ and that didn’t just apply to Levin, it also applied to Leaf. All options settled on the youth he trusted right in front of him-but the youth was different, and opposed him. Both were tense out of there wits, and Serlis knew that. If the fight continued like this, someone was going to get hurt and probably killed-but how could it get better? If he tried to halt the battle, reinforcements would come, and eventually, the inevitable.

“The man who saved you is a lie! Haven’t you realized what’s happened?! He might be trying to wipe out what you call traitors, but he is Death! All are killed before him! He’s killed people of all ages, and I’ve seen this first-hand! If you leave now, he’ll kill you, and, and, and….If you can’t believe me, then…” The words fluttered out of his mouth without thinking. “Let my friends and family speak with you! Lana, Fin, Sety, Delmud, Faval, Tinny, Nanna, Hannibal, Altenna, your sister! If you can’t believe us, then step aside, and see it for yourself!  

Tears fell cleanly from his face as his sword’s slashes kept getting sloppier. “I…I can’t  fight like this anymore!!!!!!!!”

[princeoflenster]

If he successfully held these guys back, what reason would the prince have to kill him? Leaf wanted to believe he would welcome him back, and allow him to remain with him until he could get home. He’d helped Leaf when he lost his memory, so how could that have been a lie? Maybe at the time, the brunet couldn’t tell the difference between truths and lies? It was true he was very disoriented at the time, and he was ready to cling to almost anyone who would help him.

At first, Leaf had started to hold back when he realized how genuine the other’s panic was, and while he would’ve only repeated the same words about Fin, he comprehended as far as Delmud before the string of names became a blur to him.

…Sety? It sounded familiar, but it also stung. It was almost frightening how close he felt to remember something, but he did know that name hurt. It wasn’t because he recognized the name to be something he associated bad memories with, but because he knew there was no Sety on the side he currently fought for. He knew that name, but if there was nobody on this side who had that name, did that mean this person he’d declared his enemy was on the correct side? As much as Leaf didn’t want to think he’d been saying all these things to the wrong person about the wrong people, the spoken name had glued itself to him, and he was left trying to form an image of the person in his head. The name of a person who was… very important to him…

Seeing the tears on his cousin’s face, he stopped movement completely, not even sure what to do now. It also hurt to see this, and he didn’t understand why. His sword arm was pushed back by the force against it, and he didn’t do a thing to stop it. His arm had been slightly cut from it, but he was so distracted that he almost didn’t notice.

“What proof do you have… that everything you’ve said is correct?! You can claim you’ve seen it all you want! Words are useless if you can’t prove you’re right! Why… Why are you crying?! Someone shouldn’t shed tears for his enemy…” But those tears were real, and it wasn’t hard at all to tell. If they were truly enemies, would there really be a reason for that? If they were really enemies… why was this Sety person preventing him from continuing this fight just by name alone? He… wanted to see him. If he saw him, perhaps he would remember something and get answers. “Don’t… cry in front of me like this… You make it seem like… I matter to you… even though we’re enemies… Even though we’re supposed to fight, and kill each other…! We’re supposed to fight, and yet… you’re crying…”

[seliphscionoflight]

"Agghk!" A pathetic noise blubbered out of Celice, who was huffing and puffing, trying to get past his emotions, but instead getting swamped in them. He-He wanted to do something. NEEDED to. Leaf was one of his best friends, and now he had been-manipulated. Was he confused? What did he feel? Celice had, despite everything, become powerful. He knew this. But was he even strong enough to save the people he loved? Was he really so useless? "Haa..."

"I-I..." Had Celice not been prepared? He had thought saying something, or even his combat style would trigger something, but nothing seemed to be working. Nothing...! His cheeks looked swollen and red, his face hot with emotion. He couldn't even comprehend what Leaf was going through-not that he was really registering what Leaf was saying or acting, only catching small bits.

"I really don't want to kill anyone..." Celice said, trying to make out the blurs through his tears. That was an exaggeration, if not a complete lie. The blue-haired youth remembered that dark mage's boast before he entered the castle; Celice had all intentions to rush to the top and slaughter him. He was one of the few people that Celice could never forgive. Not ever.

Celice stopped moving his sword, wiping away his tears, mumbling. "You reaaaal-really, haaa, you are important to me. Don't you remember our promise together? To continue before our fathers before us? Please, Leaf. Please come back with us... Even if you have to sit back and think, I'll protect you from anyone. You'll never be my enemy."

Helplessness. It overwhelmed him. Could he-could he push through if Leaf still denied him? He had to beat Manfloy to make progress, but, Leaf....

[seliphscionoflight]

The Manster District needs better names. Le(o)nster, Manster, Alster....I get all of them confused and mixed up.

Oh, Conote’s there too.

[seliphscionoflight]

Celice moaned in pain as he heard footsteps. Another enemy, ready to finish him off? That is, if he wasn’t already did. What was the matter? Oh right, dying. He couldn’t think straight. He glanced his eyes up, seeing who was moving towards him.

Wow. Leaf’s hair looked different today. It was very red. Red. Red…

Oh. This was Celice’s own blood. He had just hurled up blood, which had splattered across his entire body. The large wound was also spitting blood, turning his sea-blue robes into a night-sky purple.

The boy glugged, trying to speak, which only resulted in more blood dripping out of his mouth.

He couldn’t think. Was this death? He could feel himself slipping, slipping away, just barely hearing what Leaf could say. Was he really….

A sensation warmed over him. A staff…He couldn’t tell what was happening. His blood loss was slowing down, but he couldn’t tell. He gripped onto Leaf’s words-whatever they were. He couldn’t think-

And then, Celice closed his eyes, unconscious.

Was he dead?

[princeoflenster]

Even after a day had passed, Celice hadn’t woken. It had been enough to concern everyone in the army despite that he was breathing, but Leaf had been avoiding most people during that time. If Celice ended up dying like this anyway, didn’t that mean his effort was pointless? He had managed to keep Celice alive originally, long enough for further medical treatment shortly after, but between then and now, the wait for him to wake up had been agonizing.

Waiting was painful… and he didn’t want to do it anymore. People had been taking turns looking over him and healing him every so often, and many of them had thanked Leaf. If he hadn’t been there, sure, they might really have lost him back then… but what good did that do if it failed in the end anyway? It was entirely probable that the prince was just overthinking this, but after everything he’d seen since he began fighting what felt like ages ago, it didn’t feel too off to think that the worst really could happen even now.

Deciding better of just sitting around while others took charge during various points throughout the day, Leaf moved from his place outside the tent Celice was kept in. Maybe, just maybe, he was taking this whole responsibility a bit far, but he was still attached to the older teen. There was something else there besides being close friends, and after a while, he’d figured out what it was. Besides for that… he’d lost many things in his life from being too weak, and he couldn’t lose someone so important because of the same problem.

It was the same as usual when Leaf was there, doing little besides keeping a close watch on the other’s breathing and working with a staff occasionally. While he didn’t mind moving slightly away for other varied purposes so long as he remained in the tent, he always found himself looking back. He hadn’t realized how much time had passed until Sety had gone looking for him, making it a point to check on him several times afterward to make sure he hadn’t passed out overworking himself or anything of the sort.

After another long while, though shorter than what it felt like, Leaf moved back to stay beside the other teen. The army’s leader looked so… helpless like this, and he hadn’t seen something like this since he’d joined him in this fight. Granted, the battles were getting tougher, and he should have expected something like to happen someday. It was at that realization that he knew he needed to calm himself, knowing there was plenty of help around. He… didn’t need to worry about this alone, right?

[seliphscionoflight]

It was snowing. That's the only thought that crossed Celice's mind. It was raining, pouring, soft, gentle. He didn't understand what was happening. Swirls of color surrounded him as he lay on a petal and snow-filled plain. A gentle breeze made snow and white petals frolic in the sky, eventually gently landing on him and the fair-colored ground. It was so quiet and peaceful, and the scent of the air was pure, like nothing he'd ever smelt before. He could stay here forever.

Every once in a while, he would a whisper, but it faded out like a singer's song. It was such a gentle, voice. A part of him wanted to ask "Could you please speak again?", but he remained quiet, staring at the infinite expanse of space, land, and sky. He could sleep here, but he wanted to see how pretty it all was before leaving. After all, someone like him had to get up and moving often nowadays. Sitting him, a pleasing crunch spilling from the warm snow due to his movements, he picked up a petal.

These petals were so small. So fresh. They didn't deserve to be blown away by this wind, as good as it was.

As if on cue, the blank slate of color twisted before him, wind, snow, and plant life kissing his face. Still at peace, just-less so then he was before. He could make this work. He could stay here. He just needed some food, housing, company... The snow felt increasingly bitter. For a brief second, dancing blossoms became ancient oak leaves, snow becoming an entaglement of colors and smells, all familiar. But, like normal, it faded into a black blink, and now he was somewhere else.

All white was green, and he heard a voice. A woman's? A young man's?

His body, his real body, released a big breath, and took in a big exhale, a slight twitch forming on his face, a spark of hope-but it soon faded away like time, a body more stagnant then before. Blue hair, body taken care of as well as it could, and a friend at his side. He didn't want to wake up yet, though.

[seliphscionoflight]

Celice smiled wide at Leaf’s consideration. Celice might have had consideration of his own, but Leaf was just so good-hearted and always did his best, despite everything he had been through. The blue-haired boy was proud to call Leaf a friend, and could agree at nearly everything Leaf said. Emotional support, like Leaf said. Leaf really was another person Celice could lean on, and vice versa, the young warrior hoped. He spoke nothing in regards to Leaf statement, ready to move on, but he still had a firm smile.

His patient smile broke out into a teasing grin, afterwards.

“Well,” he playfully considered aloud. “I never would have considered riding my father into battle.”

He laughed at his poor joke, but waved his hand-it was friendly, just like Leaf himself was to Celice. Celice envied that. How did people view him? A leader? A friend? Or perhaps something different? He could never be quite sure, but sitting here, with Leaf… Peace. He wanted this peace to last forever, not before the next eventual battle.

“No, I’m no better.” he replied again, putting on a more serious look. “I was actually going to name mine after one of my father’s old knight’s, provided I get one. I’m not sure why-just in memory of the people who fought at his side-I’m sure all of them were important to him.”

[princeoflenster]

All the knights who had risked their lives for Leaf were important to him, so of course that made sense. Not necessarily all the people who had been in his last army… but the ones from Lenster? All of Fin’s friends held some significance to Leaf at the very least, but for something that would be by his side so often, he wished for the name to have a very strong meaning.

Not only that, but this looked like it was going to be a lengthy war. Not necessarily in years, but the days to get through even a year would be harsh and wear them down. Even if Leaf had managed to grow from his last war, even if he had managed to change so he was no pushover now, how could he be sure of how he would end up by the end of this? He could be even more violent by then, or just terrified of so many things. Not knowing how he would end up growing and changing from this was almost frightening.

“Hey, have you… ever been afraid of the future? What you might be like in the future? I’ve just… already changed so much, and before, I was grateful for any assistance I could get. Now, I’m really upset with the people who left me despite the wars not being over, and I’ve been so much more ready to kill people. I wasn’t like that before… Do you worry that you might be… colder someday?” Maybe to Celice, it would sound odd based on the lead in conversation, but Leaf was sure he wasn’t the only one who was going to change.

Fin had changed plenty from his teen years, so Leaf was told. Of course, Leaf didn’t intend for all his companions to die to cause that kind of change in him, but Fin hadn’t planned for that at all either. Not for both armies he was in to be destroyed… “I know people change as they grow up and that’s normal, but it wouldn’t be normal to grow into someone unrecognizable. Honestly, if I were to name a horse that was always at my side Fin… it might even help me from becoming like that…”

[seliphscionoflight]

The boy let out a deep exhale, moving back one of his hanging ropes of hair. It felt good, for once. Good, to have someone like you. Someone who was worried about the same things as you. He smiled, letting out a soft chuckle under his breath.

"You mean, all the time? Leaf, if I can confess to you...I've felt the same way. Always. When I was in Tirnanogue, I-secretly hoped for a way to show what I could do; What all my training meant! And then I heard one of the raids-I was so scared, and powerless. But I'm not like that anymore. I've-killed people. Crushed some of the empire's legions-a murder. But, I have that...sense of satisfaction, relief, happiness at their deaths. When I kill a soldier, everything feels so bitter and sweet..." The boy shook his head, letting out another exasperated sigh, but another smile at Leaf, before looking back into the sky.

"Sorry, I'm not making much sense, am I? I'm just scared. Scared of becoming a monster, too."

[seliphscionoflight]

"Too tired. too hot... Don' wanna go further..."

“N-No! You can’t collapse here, we have to-”  This was the worst possible thing. They had gotten lost on their way back. Why, why, why, why, WHY did this have to happen now? He had little water on him-he wasn’t thinking about this. He didn’t know much about survival tactics in the desert-he had only been here once before. “Please, breath, listen, listen to me!”

[seliphscionoflight]

“No, no, you’re fine!” Celice gave a small giggle along with her, delicately putting his fingers over his mouth as if to stifle his own. His eyes went wide at the shout, hand instinctively going for his sheath, but he failed to pull anything out, still in a small shock. The sudden blare of fire kicked himself back into gear, not to mention Silver’s dive landing him into the ground.

“Loptosu sages!” Silver had screamed. Those words triggered in Celice, a suppressed rage leaking out onto his face. If there was one internal change Celice acquired from his journey that could be considered foul would be revenge. He wanted to murder every last one guilty Loptous cultist. They took everything away from everyone! Nothing like the war would ever happen again.

Yet, he feared for the girl’s safety-she wasn’t in her standard battle conditions. He thought quickly, eyebrows knitted. They could run for it, but if they continued chasing them into the desert, it could be the end, the last thing he wanted. But if they charged in, they’d get swamped. And if they had a Fenrir tome-they had to hurry.

“Silver!” He yelled, ducking from another fireball, running to his horse, pacing around frantically. “Do you know how to ride?!”

[suicunerider]

Silver, panicking, and shimming along the sand on her belly like a writhing snake  sputtered, “Ride?! Of course I can ride a horse! I’m on one’s back all da-a-a-a-ah!” A stream of embers licked at her exposed hands as more fireballs, smaller than the one before that threw them off guard, plummeted to Earth.

One of the Loptosu mages kept Silver in his sights. She was far more vulnerable to attack, and without a mount, it would be extreme difficult for her to dodge properly. Not even the equally scorching orange sands could provide cover. He looped his free hand in a full circle, conjuring a stream of red fire and sent it skyward, and with another quick grab of the air he launched the stream at the teens– the flamethrower shot at their feet, crashed to the sand and sent bits of black ash into the air, and Silver covered her eyes as soot rained down on her.

The Mage chuckled and balanced the heavy Elfire tome on his wrist.

“That’s right, kid, dance for me,” He snapped his fingers and produced three more fireballs, juggling them in his hand. He hurled them at Silver again, and suppressed a sickeningly childish giggle and she dodged, weaved, and jumped to avoid them, completely scared out of her mind.

It felt like an eternity before Silver managed to mount Arden safely. She clawed her way onto his saddle. Her heart pounded in her ears and sweat dripped down her face in a flood. She stared at Celice, eyes wider than dinner plates, and mind racing a mile a second for their getaway plan to be put to motion.

The other mages rushed over the cracking cobblestone walkways of the shrine. The sand would slow them, but with range at their advantage, they’d have the kids like sitting ducks in little time. More fireballs zoomed through the air in rapid succession and hit the ground around Arden’s hooves. He whinnied wildly and charged for a cliff ahead of him, and on the far west side of the palace. Silver screamed and fell forward, scrambled into Arden’s stirrups and shoved his reins between her teeth as she struggled to hold on.

[seliphscionoflight]

Celice drew his reflective Silver Sword, breathing heavily, witnessing the events unfolding right before his eyes. This was bad. Was his plan going to work? His cape was catching on fire now. He ripped the cape off, unsure of his movements. No..No. He had to have faith. Even if the flames charred the land, he would win. He had to....eliminate these threats. Threats to all, including them. It wasn't an option anymore to flee, he knew that.

Running forward, as fast as his boots would carry him into the sand, ignoring and attempting to dodge each fiery blaze. He had to take more of this. He-he couldn't peter out. Why? Why was he so scared? Hopefully, Silver being a distraction worked out. Charging straight at one of the mages, he thrust his blade, aiming deep for the dark mage's midsection.

[seliphscionoflight]

"Too tired. too hot... Don' wanna go further..."

“N-No! You can’t collapse here, we have to-”  This was the worst possible thing. They had gotten lost on their way back. Why, why, why, why, WHY did this have to happen now? He had little water on him-he wasn’t thinking about this. He didn’t know much about survival tactics in the desert-he had only been here once before. “Please, breath, listen, listen to me!”

[seliphscionoflight]

The boy sighed in an odd manner, huffing. “Alright, alright.”

“Well, at a time, we had a bunchload of thick, bright pink string. Too thick to patch up holes, and we had plenty of rope. We also had a door that opened outwards of-Oh. This when I was a young. I lived with some other people my age.”

“…I opened the door,  and tripped. It was a…tripwire, they called it. I busted my chin. Pretty silly, huh?”

[suicunerider]

Silver stifled a laugh, and it came out as an ugly snort instead. “I’m sorry!” She settled down and shook her head. “I shouldn’t have laughed like that. it sounds like it hurt–”

“Hey!”

A masculine cry broke them out of their fun. Silver turned around and stared up at the golden walls, only to lock eyes with a hooded figure, tome clutched at his side.

“Intruder!” he screamed, waving a hand to an open door nearby. “Intruders on the south wall! After them!”

‘Shit!’ Silver thought. A second hooded figure pulled up next to the first, wisps of brightly colored orange energy pouring from the open page of his own tome. “I got it covered here.” he told the first. “You block them off at the main exit!” His superior nodded and raced to the far end of the floor, bolting down a thick wooden ladder along with three other powerful looking mages.

“Loptousu Sages!” Silver cried. She hadn’t any time to react, as a barrage of small fire balls whizzed passed her head. They scorched her hair line and she yowled in pain, diving for cover in the sand, and taking Celice with her.

[seliphscionoflight]

"No, no, you're fine!" Celice gave a small giggle along with her, delicately putting his fingers over his mouth as if to stifle his own. His eyes went wide at the shout, hand instinctively going for his sheath, but he failed to pull anything out, still in a small shock. The sudden blare of fire kicked himself back into gear, not to mention Silver's dive landing him into the ground.

"Loptosu sages!" Silver had screamed. Those words triggered in Celice, a suppressed rage leaking out onto his face. If there was one internal change Celice acquired from his journey that could be considered foul would be revenge. He wanted to murder every last one guilty Loptous cultist. They took everything away from everyone! Nothing like the war would ever happen again.

Yet, he feared for the girl's safety-she wasn't in her standard battle conditions. He thought quickly, eyebrows knitted. They could run for it, but if they continued chasing them into the desert, it could be the end, the last thing he wanted. But if they charged in, they'd get swamped. And if they had a Fenrir tome-they had to hurry.

"Silver!" He yelled, ducking from another fireball, running to his horse, pacing around frantically. "Do you know how to ride?!"

[seliphscionoflight]

i return

[seliphscionoflight]

School is a pain. Will reply still!

[chainsxwsmile]

+1

[chainsxwsmile]

“It ain’t a worry, mate. Never too late to learn, after all,” the shark replied, glancing back at the other. “To be honest, my knowledge ‘f the land’s limited at best. But the only problem lies when people think the ocean’s fish are boundless- that there’s no limit to how many fish they kill. Sure, the ocean’s big, but not endless.”

[seliphscionoflight]

“I guess that’s true. I wish there was a way everyone could just live equally and fairly. I couldn’t imagine anything like killing too much of something could occur in other species, but I guess that’s naive of me. It was hard for me, when I was young, but I’d always get the first food if there was any to go around.” The boy mused, thinking. 

“It’s not endless. That makes sense, but it sure looks endless to me. What’s it like, down there?”

[seliphscionoflight]

The blue-haired youth nodded, letting out a small breath of wonder, staring into the water. It seemed so lifeless, but so-unexplored, mysterious. He normally never had much time to muse over such things, but a part of him wondered-what would it be like to live under the sea? If it wasn't for what the shark had earlier said, it felt like a perfect place to relax.  And the boy could definitely relate to taking more then one's share. He knew plenty of people who suffered due to greed-he used to be one of them, despite his current political position suggesting otherwise.

"It does sound wonderful. By the way, is a Great White what you are? You're very big yourself."

[chainsxwsmile]

+1

[chainsxwsmile]

“It ain’t a worry, mate. Never too late to learn, after all,” the shark replied, glancing back at the other. “To be honest, my knowledge ‘f the land’s limited at best. But the only problem lies when people think the ocean’s fish are boundless- that there’s no limit to how many fish they kill. Sure, the ocean’s big, but not endless.”

[seliphscionoflight]

“I guess that’s true. I wish there was a way everyone could just live equally and fairly. I couldn’t imagine anything like killing too much of something could occur in other species, but I guess that’s naive of me. It was hard for me, when I was young, but I’d always get the first food if there was any to go around.” The boy mused, thinking. 

“It’s not endless. That makes sense, but it sure looks endless to me. What’s it like, down there?”

[seliphscionoflight]

“It’s what makes me great…Well, Levin helps, but…It’s just hard to think myself as a leader, sometimes. A leader’s is one who represents a team, right? I’d rather make Shanan or Oifaye a “leader” if that was the case. And you’re right about living a normal life…I agree it’s wrong, and it feels like things should be very different. I’m just not sure what this normal is, you know? How would I make things ‘normal’ if I don’t even know what ‘normal’ is?! It’s just…”

Seliph took a deep breath. Right, topic change.

“Really? Fin is…a nice guy. I wish I had more to bring up with him, sometimes…he protected you through thick and thin..I guess he’s like your ‘Oifaye’…Ugh, sorry. I shouldn’t say things like that.

You know though, that would be amazing if you could train yourself in every weapon. That would be a big help…I can’t say I don’t want to force it upon yourself, honestly. I want you to do as much as you can…for all of our sakes, honestly. Including your life.”

“You know, I always wondered if horses were a good thing:I know Oifaye never ever gets off his horse anymore, but…our troops had to cross the desert, and everyone lagged behind. Levin said he’d get me a horse when I got more accustomed to fighting, but I want to use both styles of fighting-especially if the horse got injured.

I’m rambling, sorry. You have any ideas for names for your horse?”

[princeoflenster]

If a leader represented a team, of course he was much better at it than Leaf ever was. It was true the adults were better off leading them more than just guiding them, but it was always the two of them thrown into this leadership position than neither felt they could handle. Leaf found it worse in his case, always thinking of himself as immature and unworthy. How could he lead anyone into a normal life if he couldn’t lead to begin with? Actually, how could he lead people into a normal life if he, and apparently not only himself, didn’t know what a normal life was?

Perhaps it should have been Fin who took over for Cuan. Leaf was only bound by some duty that was invisible to him. There were things he wanted for his country, but for him to rule? That duty was given to him by birth; not by choice. Sometimes it made him want to back out of it, and just run away from what he was supposed to do. It was far too pressuring; especially for someone who already had enough on his mind.

“No, it’s okay. Fin really is like Oifaye in that sense, I guess. Besides, he’s the one I trust to help me when I get stuck or need emotional support. You too now, but Fin’s been with me since I was born. He’s… basically my father. I just hope he believes in me enough that he’ll let me try using every weapon I can. Being able to only use a sword isn’t very convenient, even if I can attack from a distance with magic swords. Besides, I don’t have major holy blood from either side of my family. I need some kind of advantage when I fight.”

Would Leaf have a horse someday? Hearing about everyone going through the desert on horseback and lagging made him tense. The story went that that was exactly how the Lance Ritter that included his parents was decimated. The desert was nothing good for people on horseback, and if something like that happened to the people in this army too, Leaf knew he wouldn’t be able to handle it. It was just… another reason he had to grow stronger. Much stronger.

“Ah… A name… I hadn’t thought of one before, but maybe I’d end up going with Fin? Or maybe one of my parents’ names… I want the name to mean something if it’s going to be with me in every battle. I need a name I can trust, and something that’s important to me. Have you ever thought  about naming yours after your father?”

[seliphscionoflight]

Celice smiled wide at Leaf’s consideration. Celice might have had consideration of his own, but Leaf was just so-good-hearted and always did his best, despite everything he had been through. The blue-haired boy was proud to call Leaf a friend, and could agree at nearly everything Leaf said. Emotional support, like Leaf said. Leaf really was another person Celice could lean on, and vice versa, the young warrior hoped. He spoke nothing in regards to Leaf statement, ready to move on, but he still had a firm smile.

His patient smile broke out into a teasing grin, afterwards.

“Well,” he playfully considered aloud. “I never would have considered riding my father into battle.”

He laughed at his poor joke, but waved his hand-it was friendly, just like Leaf himself was to Celice. Celice envied that. How did people view him? A leader? A friend? Or perhaps something different? He could never be quite sure, but sitting here, with Leaf... Peace. He wanted this peace to last forever, not before the next eventual battle.

“No, I’m no better.” he replied again, putting on a more serious look. “I was actually going to name mine after one of my father’s old knight’s, provided I get one. I’m not sure why-just in memory of the people who fought at his side-I’m sure all of them were important to him.”

[seliphscionoflight]

i return

[bobosmith01]

Another Awakening Rant

This is a positive rant about Awakening, or…sorta. Again, you’re free to your own opinions.

A lot of people bash on Awakening for “cliche/trope” characters. While it’s true it’s *seemingly* less prevalent in the other FEs, this is SOLEY because Awakening is a Fire Emblem where TONS of dialogue is incorporated. In addition, there’s also voice acting. That seems like an excuse, but the “tropes” is how you remember these characters by. In addition, in ALL FEs, including Awakening, a LOT of characters are trope mixed with some pure characterization. Let me give a few examples.

Midir, from FE4: Duty is everything, I must protect my lord and rescue her. “Oh, but that’s not a trope!” Sure, it doesn’t SEEM to be executed as quote on quote badly as Awakening is….But after his chapter is done, what happens barring a few conversations? Nothing. He gets hardly any talking events. I think you might be able to see what I’m getting at. If he had more dialouge, it’d be obvious at how “I’m a knight” is. 

Lute, from FE8, whom a lot of people seem to love: I’m the best, and will know everything. Now, take her support with Ross, specifically, her B support. She tells him that he should be how he feels like how he should be. Wow! Great characterization! ….And then she’s the best again, at least to herself.

Jagen, FE1/11/3/12. Teacher/Knight. Not much else. Same with a lot of the Jagens, especially Marcus. Again, characterization is mixed in in later because of supports.

Volke, FE9/10: Badass guy who then reveals himself with money. Money trope is played in a lot of FEs, same with the Badass guy. I hear he does have some characterization moments, but I have yet to finish FE9/10.

Now, to Awakening. 

Lon’qu. Badass, detatched guy. (Sound familiar?) Still, he seems afraid of women. This is explained because his girlfriend was killed right before his eyes, and he could do nothing. He doesn’t want a relationship with any women so he doesn’t have to suffer loss.

Yeah, totally bad characterization. (Sarcasm)

Henry. Crazy guy who speaks with animals, and always smiles. It’s revealed in supports that his smile is hollow because he was neglected as a child, and any animal friends he tried to make were killed, or uncommon, like ravens.

“Oh, but he still acts happy!”

Yes, but we already established why. In addition, this is also because of the English version, in which he laughs and jokes a lot more then the JP version, which he is more backstory based. Well, comparatively, at least.

Speaking of that, that’s why Walhart comes off as a total dick.

He’s more of a detached and get it done kind of character in the JP version, while in the English version…

“I should stick a sword in you and be done with it!”

Ouch.

But even then, we still have plenty of characters who are according to non-awakening fans, tropes.

Tharja, a character whom I personally dislike, but I will still give her credit.

Frankly, she’s a yandere. She enjoys pain and suffering, and wants what she wants (though she isn’t nearly as crabby about it as *cough*maribelle/severa*cough*). Still, while she does threaten and eggs on others, if someone TRULY does not/DOES want something, she’ll understand and do nothing/help out, as seen with her supports with Libra and Lon’qu. 

Tropes are everywhere in FE, and characters who seem one minded really aren’t, in all games ever.

People who say characterization is an issue in Awakening and just that are being naive. If you don’t like the characterization, you know what, that’s fine. It’s not nearly as plot incorporated as some other FEs, like FE4, but saying the characterization is flat out terrible is again, naive. 

Man, that took a long time to write. Sorry about the rant.