He had to prove to her that he was capable of being serious. His hands were sweaty, but that was probably the only sign of the nervousness and the fear that wrecked him. There were a multitude of reasons that he felt the way he did. He didn't want to fail Naomi, but at the same time, he didn't want either of them to get so carried away that it didn't leave them with the other to protect. He suppressed a shudder, that the thought of losing Naomi elicited.

His thumb idly caressed the finger with the tattoo of her name. He stood by her side, watching the demons as they scurried towards the lacrima protecting the shield. In their obsession to land their teeth and claws into the poor terrified citizens within, they'd missed the quiet presence of the two nekos. He put an arm around his lover and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Also to stop her from rushing in mindlessly, she wasn't the sort to do that... But he knew her rage when it came to demonic beings. He wanted to ask her if she was sure, but he already knew her answer.

He scoured the street once again. He noticed a few humans in the distance and waved with both his hands towards them. A little aid never hurt. He thought he saw spiked hair, a similar shade to his own, and an even lighter shade on longer tresses of another figure, but he couldn't be sure. He then held out his hand a few steps ahead of his wife, visible to the humans too, should they choose to join. Warm golden sands stirred within the box. 'Step in! This should help you hit just a little harder.' He said. Strength in spirit and numbers.

Spoiler:

The town was dead silent, but the only sound of her footsteps walking down the empty streets. Varjo sought to seek answer as to why. Above her, she could see a small rift appearing. Small demons were pouring out of it like some goop dripping from a open wound. It was clear that they were a threat. Her white hair would stand out amongst the crowd or area.

Looking over, there was a large lacrima that powered a shield to protect the town hall. That must of been where the townspeople have been sheltered. These things were smarter than she had given credit for. Very few others were outside. Her emerald eyes saw that there was a neko, waving. He shouted to her and the others around to come help. Varjo ran over to the male neko then saw another neko similar to him. They must be relate somehow or something? Or just are married? She did not know, but how was not hte time. In her limited Fiorian, she could only asked what was going on.

"What's going on" she asked the others in her thick Nordic accent. Hoping one of them was Icebergian or could speak the language. It would aid her a lot into understanding the natives around her. She could gather enough info to protect the lacrima and who ever the shield was protecting from those creatures. That was the main problem at hand!

238/1200

Of course Naomi came to Orchidia the moment she heard the warning about the approaching demon invasion. After all, this was the reason why she stayed back in Fiore and didn’t return to Stella. She had obviously dragged her beloved along and he had come without a moment of hesitation, knowing full well that they were walking into a nightmare and may not come out of it alive. Naomi truly wouldn’t have blamed him if he had said no or tried to convince her to stop chasing her revenge so vehemently. It wouldn’t have worked, of course, and he was probably aware of it all too well.

When they reached the lush town, it was already in shambles. The streets were filled with mutilated bodies and many buildings were burning and crumbling down, succumbing to the onslaught of the small fiendish demons. Naomi hissed in anger and charged towards the nearest demon. The devilish little thing had no idea he was targeted, as the Neko was absolutely silent. It was still busy tearing apart a dead woman when Naomi sunk her sharp claws into its neck from behind, killing it. “Tch!” she spat, as she kicked the demon away.

The Neko presumed the fiend’s yelp would give away their location and attract the rest of the demons in the area. However, she noticed that the other beasts were rushing towards a particular direction with purpose. She turned the corner and found that all the demons were making their way towards the town hall, which seemed to be shielded. The Neko knew what this meant. She had to bite down her urge to charge recklessly at the horde. Her husband’s reassuring squeeze on her shoulder helped. When he asked if she was sure, she simply nodded. Both of them knew that question was redundant.

They needed a plan. Just the two of them charging straight at that many demons was just suicide, especially when more were crawling their way out of the rift. Naomi saw Kyo wave in a direction and noticed that there were a few who still had not become demon dinner. The closest one quickly approached them and spoke in a heavy accent. Given Naomi herself was not too fluent in Fiorian, she couldn’t understand what she asked. But, she could guess. There was only one thing people might want to know given the situation. “We need to find a way to close the rift,” she declared, looking at Varjo and then at her husband. She stepped into the familiar buffing square, and felt the golden dust empower her.

Once everyone else was ready, she would begin their approach towards the horde, while ensuring she wasn’t too far from Kyo. It was time to pummel these abominations back where they came from.

The young man was cautious as he traversed the town of Orchidia, avoiding the pieces of wreckage laid out in the streets. It was almost as if the world was ending… rifts filled the sky, dropping creature after creature onto the town of Orchidia below, those same demons leaving death and destruction in their wake. He was twitching. Sweat dripped down the side of his head as memories flashed each time he blinked, the scenes playing out before him so similar to back then. Relax, breathe, relax, breathe—

God, this was reckless. Reckless and hasty on their parts, both he and Idran. Was he ready for this, or would he shy off to the sidelines again? He rapidly shook his head back and forth, a childish attempt to rid himself of the self-doubt. No, he had to step forward. There would be no compromise in this situation, and it was a fact he grimly came to terms with. Even if it cost him everything he had, he would stand tall and strong before this threat. He refused to let the innocent people of Orchidia suffer.

Eventually, the town hall came into view. A shield was encompassing it on all sides, likely protecting the people who were inside. However, from the angle Adriano stood he could make out different figures at the back of the building, along with the sounds of roars. He made a quick gesture to Idran, pointing to the sight before making his way towards it, careful as he did so.

The closer he got, the more he could make out the figures he noticed before. There were a few people left on the outside, two women and a single man (out of the trio, two of them had cat ears and it was a sight Adriano was not prepared for). On the other hand, there were also demons nearby, throwing themselves against… a lacrima? Was that the power source for the shield? His green eyes sharpened at this realization.

Adriano could see one of the nekomata wave them over and he wasted no time in obeying that request, knowing Idran would likely be close behind. He reached only seconds after the woman with white hair arrived. However, more of his attention was placed on the golden box placed in front of them, likely a buffing spell considering what the male neko had said.

Now, he wasn’t the most intelligent out there. His introversion never meant he was insightful nor brilliant. So how they could close the rift? Adriano had no idea. But he needed to offer his assistance somehow… “Whatever you figure out, we’ll follow your lead.” he calmly told the other three, unconsciously speaking for Idran as well. With that, he stepped into the magic square, feeling himself grow stronger. So that’s what kind of boost it was… Adriano crossed his arms into an ‘X’ formation before they dropped back down to his sides, empowering his arms with his magic power, watching as they turned pitch black. Taking in a deep breath, he grasped the hilt of the sword on his back and unsheathed it. He could feel his legs almost shaking, but he’d be fine..

He would waste no time in following the female neko once their attack commenced, steeling himself as he did so. Everything would be just fine.

[555/1200]

OOC:

A way to close the rift, eh? Idran was never good at any strategies or just coming up with ideas in general. He would let the adults bicker with that. He closed his eyes and clapped his hands together, the sound resounding in his head clearing away any noise until there was just silence, he moved his hands apart, the magic circles shielding the front of his hands. It didn't take long for the circles to engulf his hands. the golden aura moving up from there to engulf his entire forearm. He took a moment to appreciate the feeling of strength surge through him. So he did it again, his clap echoing through his entire body, as he moved his hands apart. He opened his eyes to the final 2 circles engulf his forearms. He felt envigored, pumped. This wasn't enough, the demons were fast so he needed to be faster he clapped his hands together, the third echo in his mind bringing the same serenity he loved so much. As soon as he brought his hands down the magic circle encompassed his knees shaping itself into transparent boots of gold. This was enough, it was time.

He ran. The time for talk was over, the time for action was now. Idran had a plan, Kill the demons attacking the weak point. It wasn't a good plan but, good plans are not Idran's thing. The others surely would come up with something, and, if anything Idran would make a good distraction. For now, all Idran could hear was the thudding of his feet on the pavement, and all he could see were the demons ahead. One of which was too far from the pack. Perfect. Idran would isolate it, kill it, tear its head off, and then chuck it at the others. He had no idea if it would scare the other demons but it would get their attention. the image of the demon got closer, Idran's eyes got wider. before he knew it, Idran had slammed the demon into the ground. Idran was unsure if the ground cracked or the demon did.

Idran felt, well he felt great. This was what he was waiting for, his blood pumping through his veins to the beat of the war drum that was his heart. Idran snapped out of whatever trance he was in to hear the rustling under him. The demon wasn't dead yet, Idran made sure to finish his job by slamming the head of the demon on the pavement as many times as he could. Each crack becoming louder and louder. Idran finally tore his eyes away from the dead demon. However, he met more eyes than he was willing to count. Each one getting more closer. Idran started to sweat. He wondered if any of his fellow demon destroyers would help him.

Idran smiled. If they don't it's more fame for him.

--------

492/1.2k

Spells:

(So I'm just going to assume all you lovely people stepped into my buff)

They were joined by three other people. There were two other strapping guys and a beautifully exotic silver-haired girl. Of course, he didn't really have the time to let his eyes linger on the appealing forms in front of him, there was work to be done. But the company lifted Kyo's spirits significantly. He was the hopeful sort, he saw silver-linings and happy endings everywhere. Five against about fifteen of these fiends? They could handle it. The only problem was, more were slowly tumbling out of the rift. There wasn't even any time for introductions, but it would seem the fellows were intending to follow his partner. They all stepped into the supportive golden hued area, but now he had to make sure he kept them all within five meters of himself range.

While Naomi and party went one way, the clapping boy with hair similar to his went another way. 'Whoop.' he said, dashing between the groups and the boy so he could keep them all supported as they fought. He scrunched up his face at all the Abyssinian blood the boy spilled by cracking open the demonic critter's skull like a coconut. Once more he didn't even have a moment to be morbidly curious about the sight. He had to kick off a demon who leapt towards the neko, he kicked him towards the group, sending the guy spiralling towards the boy with the darkened hands.

That's when he heard a sound of rumbling under the earth. He was particularly attuned to it given that it was his own element. He paused and held up his hands, as if trying to block out all the sound and focus. He figured out where the sound originated just in time, his eyes snapped towards the street-corner closest to the three - the white haired girl, Naomi and the dark-handed boy. From around the bend, something purple and half-burrowed in the earth rolled towards the trio.

Kyo's eyes widened. While the creature moved, it shot a dark clump of energy through the ground towards the boy who had just smashed the demon. 'Watch out!' he warned in the tongue most familiar to him. He wasn't sure if everyone would heed his warning. The creature, then suddenly burrowed deeper and seemingly vanished underground. When it reappeared, it was under the trio and had knocked all of them up upon emerging from the ground.

Stats, mana and The Demon:

Upon arriving, it was not long after there were people coming in from each direction. Each trying of gire out what to do. Though, what caught her attention was a fellow neko that was female. She knew what she was saying. Killing the demons on her way to the small group, she seemed to know the other neko. The neko clearly explained the yneeded to get near to the rift. Verjo looked up at the sky seeing the tear in the sky. Demons were pouring out of it. A few punch to a few demons and twisting their heads instantly killing thme.

She stared at it for a few times. It was very mesmerizing. Everyone who had arrived, seemed to step into the buff circle that belongs to Kyo, the male neko. Varjo seemed ready as her Icebergian blood boiled in the heat of battle. It reminded her of the old days in the village with her mother and training. As the female neko, herself, and another one of hte boys, they became surrounded. Kyo shouted to watch out. Varjo saw the demons as it was too quick for her eyes to catch. Before she knew it, it burrowed underground below the three of them. "Shit" she said in her thick Icebergian language. Varjo tried her best to shield herself with her arms or legs from the creature as it would knock them up, but it caught a few scratches and some damage on her. IT was noting compared to what had happened to her in the past. She rolled on the ground to lessen the damage. Standing on her feet, she would help either the neko or the boy.

Varjo would kick a few of the demons on the head and twist their necks. Hearing the cracks, they would go limp on the ground. Varjo would continue to follow where ever the female neko would go. Just playing follow the leader and all. "Thanks for the warning" she said to Kyo, looking back at him. Her emerald eyes glanced up above them seeing a few demons heading down their way.

"Above! What out! she cried to everyone who was around them.

600/1200

Thankfully, the two Nekos weren’t alone in this fight. They were joined by three other brave adventurers, who seemed willing to put their lives at risk to protect the townsfolk. Still, their odds didn’t look good. There were at least a dozen demons near the lacrima with more making their way out of the tear. Nevertheless, they had to try. Naomi didn’t come all this way to hesitate at the golden hour. Besides, she had a personal vendetta against these abyssal creatures. Saving the Orchidians was simply a bonus.

Upon seeing the familiar buffing square of her sweetheart, Naomi stepped into it instinctively and felt her strength grow a notch. Buffed and ready, the female Neko charged ahead and began her onslaught on the filthy monsters. Naomi had no weapon, but that didn’t stop her. She was more than happy to pummel the demons with her bare hands. While it worked the first time when she caught one by surprise, it was soon proven to be a bad idea. Unsurprisingly, the demons had extremely sharp and metal-like claws for hands, and the Neko’s soft paws were no match for those.

The auburn-haired Fairy’s rage against the cretins was the only thing that kept her going. There were several deep cuts and scrapes in her arms, but she didn’t stop. She simply had to get creative and avoid the sharp edges. Swarmed by three of the monsters at the same time, Naomi could not afford to turn and look at the incoming danger that Kyo had warned about. She was in the middle of breaking the leg of one of the lesser demon and using it as a shield to defend against the attacks from other two, when she heard the rumble underneath her.

Naomi knew nothing good was going to come out from the ground. So, she swiftly pinned the demon she held down under her. When the burrowed monster came out, knocking her up, her meat shield took the brunt of it. Unfortunately, she was in mid-air and knew the creature would strike a lethal blow if she fell down right on top of it. So, she swiftly extended her hand in front of her and cast her Propel spell, which helped her dash away from the area. As she landed a safe distance away from the monster, she noticed that the demon had extended its enormous tail outwards and was about to swirl it around to strike down anyone within the area.

The Neko wasn’t going to have any of it. She pointed both her palms towards the demon and flicked them towards it, casting both String and Flurry at the same time. The sticky purple feathers struck the demon, slowing it down and ensuring it didn’t dodge her flurry. Once the feathers made contact with the demon, it exploded into a small explosion, dealing damage not just to it, but also the lesser demons next to it. The clever demon knew it wasn’t going to get any targets this time and swiftly burrowed itself underground again. “This is going to be a pest,” she muttered, frowning.

Meanwhile, more of the goblinesque demons were pouring out of the tear and making their way hastily towards the lacrima. “Don’t let them get any closer to the power source,” she yelled, lunging straight in front of the horde. The demons didn’t care and were ready to overrun her, but she wasn’t going to allow that. Naomi gulped. She had no plan. This wasn’t like her, but she didn’t know what else to do. As the demons closed in, she could also feel the ground rumble—which was clearly the doing of that monster they fought just then. This fight was far from over.

Spell(s) Used:

A lone hand gripped the hilt of his blade, adrenaline slowly flooding into his system despite his head slowly became blank a slate. Breathe, relax, clear your mind of all unnecessary distractions. Open your ears, your nose, all of your senses. Be one with nature, be one with the world. Let it guide your actions. Guide your movements to become beautifully terrifying, yet graceful all the same…

Alyx’s words echoed through his mind, and they comforted him. They helped him remain steadfast in his decision, and he let it run throughout his conscious like a mantram. Unfortunately, he was still much slower than he remembered, likely due to his skills beings rusty, as well as holding a weapon unfamiliar to him. Perhaps if his older sword was stronger, powerful enough to deal damage to these fiends… Oh well. Regardless of the minor hindrance, the brunette still attempted to slash the demon closest to him. Green eyes watched as the blade sank into the creature’s flesh, creating a deep red slash. Unfortunately, it was not enough to take it down. In defiance, the young man was met with a roar… but he’d already chosen his path. He was no longer able to turn back from what he started.

“Hyah!” with his shout, another slash came down upon the demon. This one had more force placed behind it, more intent to destroy than before, and the effort had paid off. With a screech, his adversary fell to the ground. Finished. Defeated. A surge of confidence overcame him then, urging him to keep on the offensive. In seemingly no time afterwards, he forced two more demons onto the ground, but he was not able to feel victorious for long.

Yet another creature was kicked in his direction, and he was lucky to hear its cry just in time to slash outwards. After it fell, Adriano made sure to finish the job. With a small burst of speed, he impaled the demon with his sword while it was recovering, watching the life seep out of its body. Adrenaline was flowing through his veins and his heartbeat was loud in his chest. He was doing it though. He was fighting, he was helping, he was fighting. The youth was so focused on what he’d just accomplished that he almost missed the earth rumbling beneath him.

It wasn’t until the monster appeared and launched an attack at Idran did he become alarmed. However, there was not much time to properly respond, for him and the two others were thrown into the air.

Despite not expecting the attack, Adriano was still able to manage a landing, albeit a rough one. Instantly he was back on his feet, clothes dirtied and sweat rolling down the side of his face. Yet his eyes were sharp, focused and full of life. Still raring to go. Blade in hand, he took a moment to analyze the situation. Demons were continuously emerging from the ripple in the sky, spilling like blood from an open wound. On the other hand, the cat woman was quick to strike down the earth creature… only to charge headfirst into a horde of demons. The brunette’s eyes nearly bugged out of their sockets.

Help her!

He made a gesture reminiscent to hand gun, releasing a small beam of darkness magic towards the pack of enemies. Thankfully, the attack hit one of them square in the head, forcing it to fall forward. However, immediately after launching the spell, the ground rumbled again. The monster had emerged from its hiding spot directly next to Idran this time.

But this time, he was prepared. This time, he’d managed to catch wind of the creature’s attack. Moving swiftly and gracefully, Adriano extended his arm outwards before making a horizontal slashing motion. The arc of darkness was quick to hit its mark on the demon’s back, forcing said creature to falter and cease its next action. “Idran!” he called out, perhaps the loudest he’s ever been around the white-haired man. But with that call, surely his partner knew to take advantage of the opening.

[1237/1200]

OOC:

Idran did not have time to check on his fellow mages as another demon leaped at him, the demon's claw raised behind its head poised to attack. Sloppy, it left itself wide open to an attack. Idran would show him to the error of his ways, as he retracted his fist waiting for the moment to strike. It was like slow motion, the demon slowly opening his chest to Idran. It was revealing more and more, Idran couldn't possibly wait. There, Idran's body moved with the speed of a predator his fist colliding with the open chest of the demon. the demon's other limbs trying to stay where they once were only to get pulled back violently as Idran's solidary punch slammed it against the ground. The ground cracking under the weight of Idran's fist, and the demon's body of course. Idran looked down on his opponent now breathing as violently as Idran's fury. Idran could not waste his time with the demon anymore than he already had, He raised his foot and brought it down on the Injured demon caving its skull in.

Idran was prepared to charge into the ranks of the demon band, but unbeknownst to him, the monster that had targeted his fellow adventures had shot a blast of energy towards him. it wasn't until a companion of his, the male Neko, had shouted towards Idran, that Idran tore his eyes from the demon horde to see the monster. A pain suddenly erupted into the young man's side as his sight became chaotic the world seemingly spinning until all he could see was gray. More specifically, grey brick. Idran lay sprawled against the pile of what was once a brick wall, It took Idran a matter of moments and a helpful hint from the burning wound in his side. Idran looked over the wound in his side, it had dug into his side creting a wound that looked like Idran rubbed a ball of nails on himself. It was bleeding, but it wasn't that bad Idran could fight, and that is what is important.

The blow to Idran did not go unnoticed, as Idran struggled to get up from the pile of bricks two demons pounced on him trying to use this to their advantage. They dashed head first trying to hack at Idran before he could get up. Idran could only wonder if demons even knew how to fight. He quickly lunged at the both of them, quickly grasping the sides of their faces with his palms and slamming them together. The two slunk down, not moving but still breathing. Slowly Idran reached for a rock the size of his head. He had to finish this quickly. The blow was swift and short, dealing the damage that was needed.

Idran could not rest, the time for rest was yet to come. He took steps away from the wall and the bodies his injury reminding him that he must hold back from now on. Silently he cursed whoever had done this to him. He would find the beast and show it that nothing can stop Idran. As if in response to his wish the earth rumbled and shook beneath him. He froze, trying to locate the source. All he could hear was the sound of his body thumping against the cold concrete he stood on, and all he could feel was the burning pain in his side. He couldn't concentrate. He felt trapped, surrounded by an unknown enemy, while weakened. Yet from his trance of fear came a clear crisp voice yelling his name from behind him.

Adriano.

As he turned he saw the beast howling in pain as its chest thrust forward from the damage delivered by Idran's companion.  Idran lost all sense, the instant the beast met Idran's gaze, Idran could only feel rage, he only saw rage. Idran launched himself at the beast, putting his foot in the side of its face launching him into the same house Idran was launched into not too long ago. Immediately, Idran pounced on the beast, tearing through any defensive attacks the beast had come up with. In the darkness of the once-lit and happy home, Idran tore the beast apart using his brutalized strength. It wasn't until the beast was a stain decorating the interior of the house did Idran come out of his bloodlust-filled rage. His magic aura dissipating around his limbs. Idran fell onto his back, his breathing labored. He cursed himself for not doing much, but he would not kill himself, the minor demons were not worth it. as he dragged his body to rest against the nearby not destroyed wall, he wondered if everyone else was going to be ok.

He was sure they would survive. He hoped.
-------------

1305/1200

There was one drawback to him being who he was. He'd spent much time honing his abilities as performer. He rehearsed his songs everyday, he perfected his acts every time he was on a tour. Even more time had been spent, learning the art of collecting stories, so that he may share something worthy. In retrospect, given the situation they were in at the moment, it felt less like time spent training and more like time wasted. In the given second, he hated who he was, he hated that he was an artist, that he was a singer and a purveyor of stories.

He hated everything about himself because he was relatively useless. He watched how they all hacked, slashed and slammed their way through the demonic forces. While he just struggled to keep pace. It took a lot of effort for him to manage to dodge, he hadn't even really had the chance to hit back yet. Ever so often he'd knock away a critter with his bare hands, but they had claws, teeth and all other manners of protrusions and processes that they employed so easily as weapons. He was all slashed up already. He could put up a brave face and that was the only manner in which his acting skills helped.

He continued to smile through the pain and through the adversity, simply because he didn't want to distract his partner. They were already dealing with the burrowing menace, he did his best to kick and shove away the lesser demons and hoped that was good enough. The neko could feel the drain of his magical energy as he struggled to at least keep his fellow mates empowered. He knew it wouldn't last much longer, It just brought upon more shame and a sense of guilt.

He noticed how despite all the differences they all at least managed to work together, he flashed a toothy grin at the girl who had thanked him for his warning, before it turned to a grimace as he parried another hit aimed towards him, but it still grazed his shoulders while another nifty one scratched his flank, leaving a small gash above his hip. In an aim to somehow still be useful, he threw himself towards the demons that had gotten by and were preparing to launch themselves at the heart of the lacrima guarding the building. His motions in tandem with his lover's request.

They would all have just a few more moments of his empowering magic, sustaining it for all four of them had drained his source entirely. The golden hues of his sands flickered as they slowly began to fade. Grime and dust covered him as beads of sweat rolled down his body in rivulets, leaving a train in their wake. While they were still not done, the numbers around them were considerably smaller. Unfortunately for him, he'd jumped too deep too soon, with not much left to combat the Abyssinian creatures that overwhelmed him. Keep going!

Stats, mana and The Demon:

Varjo was reminded of the training she had endured with her mother in the harsh winters of Iceberg. It was unforgiving, but made her survive. She was a fighter and people knew that. She would not go down without a fight. The overwhelming numbers were the threat here. Killing one of these goblins demons were easy enough, but killing a million or so at once. She would probably be crow food at this point. There were basically no spells she could pull of at this point that she could come up with. All she had was the little boast in energy given by the male neko and her mother's teachings in hand to hand combat. The crowds of demons came closer to them. The female neko started to panic as they reared closer to them.

From the back, she felt a deep painful scratching sensation from the back of her leg. Kicking the rogue demon from her, she stomped its head till it looked like a smashed pumpkin with spilled out guts. That was only one demons out of many. Her emerald gaze studied her wound for a moment. It was a deep gash into the back of her left calf muscle. It only caused her a dull pain, much like a headache. It would disparate over time after some minor healing methods. Though, she could not really do much at this point to really tend to it. It was either her leg or her lift at stake. Or LIVES at stake. She was not going to take the chance. So, she remembered an old trick from Icebergian methods.

Anything could be a weapon. She looked back at the female neko. Nekos have claws. They could use their claws. Why did she not think of that. "Use claws for damage" she said in her limited Firoian. It proabably was broken, but she tried her best. The icebergian took her small old wooden board by her feet. She picked up the splintered wood into her grasp. With a hardy swing, she was knocking out demons left hand right.

"Use environment as advantage" she would call out to them. It was the only way for people without spells or magic to survive. That's how the Icebergians learned in the early days of their lives. Magic was a hard thing to learn, so basic hand to hand combat techniques were useful. With enough team work, they were able to clear some of the demons that had surrounded them. It was only a few moments she was given to catch her breath and to take a break. Though, it was not long before more came. Shaking her head she went back to doing more damage and using the old, splinter wooden board as a weapon. It was demon after demons. Only being in Fiore for about a week, she already met a Lich and an elf then fought demons with a few other people. This was proabably a story her father would love to hear next time they would see each other. After all, they did have a lot to catch up on after he would get back from his duties as a king's guard or whatever title he was. She never understood the rankings for the Rune Knights. It was just another foreign faction for them. Her focus was on these demonic pests and to exterminate them. The circle of protectors spread wider and wider. The numbers of demons were growing small and smaller as they were driving a lot of them from the power source. Hopefully all of this would end soon. The wound was not helping with her limping and everything. It was limiting her movement in fighting as she could only limp and drag her foot about.

1227/1200

As bravely as she threw herself between the approaching demon horde and the lacrima, Naomi wasn’t sure if she really could stop them from bringing down the shield. But she knew one thing. There was no way she was going to allow that to happen so long as she was capable of moving a single muscle in her body.

The auburn-furred Neko watched her beloved put on a brave face for her. She knew Kyo wasn’t a warrior. He was a bard; he enjoyed performing. This was not a performance by any stretch of the imagination. And yet, there he was, grappling with the abyssal creatures with a brave smile on his face. He reminded her of why she was fighting. It wasn’t just to avenge her dead village. It was to defend the living as well. He may think he was useless in that battlefield, but that was far from true. He simply did not know the effect he had. While his magical buffs made her physically stronger, his mere presence and that handsome smile of his made her mentally stronger as well.

Naomi stood her ground; ready to fight the demons. She knew Kyo couldn’t hold his buffs for much longer. All the more reason she needed to go all out. But would she be able to take them all on at the same time? Besides, there was that nasty demon that kept popping up from the ground for surprise attacks. Thankfully, she didn’t have to fight them alone. The Neko couple had competent allies.

When the demons were a few feet away from her, one of them suddenly dropped dead on the ground. Naomi noticed that it was hit by a spell from the brunette swordsman. The sudden attack from behind startled the entire horde and the Neko woman took advantage of that. She ran straight into the horde and drove her fist hard into the closest demon’s head. Right when her punch connected, another demon swiped its claws into her left hand. It hurt like hell, but she didn’t care. She caught the demon by its limb and pummelled it. And while she did that, another one scratched her right leg. She kicked that one away real hard.

They kept coming. One after another. And she kept kicking and punching. Her claws didn’t help much. The monsters had a hard exoskeleton and attacking them with her short claws would only break them and hinder her. So, she relied mostly on her strength, which was buffed by her husband. The two boys dealt with the underground monster while Naomi dealt with the horde approaching the lacrima along with Kyo and Varjo. By the end of it, there wasn’t a single part of Naomi that wasn’t either cut or bruised. After striking the seemingly last lesser demon down, she stumbled behind and fell on her back right next to Kyo, breathing heavily.

Her vision blurred as she looked up at the rift. It started pulsing. She wasn’t sure what that meant. Was there going to be more?! Naomi gulped. She turned towards her husband and inched closer to him. If she was going to die there, she wanted to be as close to him as she could be. She wanted to kiss him and tell him she loved him. But the poor Neko couldn’t muster the strength.

The member 'Naomi Hisoka' has done the following action : Spin

---

'Dice 100' : 25

His lids were threatening to droop over his eyes, to take away the one consistent sense he had going from him. The howls of the creatures and their screeches had temporarily deafened him. There was an overwhelming stench of blood, decay and death that had already begun to grip the atmosphere around them. As he lay there, it seemed some of the demonic critters assumed he was dead and decided to deal with the more imminent threats. It felt terrible to be so weak that the enemies didn't even consider him a formidable opponent, but perhaps that was in his best interest.

His sight was riveted on his lover as she gracefully slayed the monsters, she was so much more competent than him. Maybe it was time for him to drop his silly endeavours and dedicate his life to hers entirely. That is what their union was supposed to mean. Despite his natural struggles, he truly wanted to give her his all. Each time she took a hit, it stole away from the male neko's false bravado. But, they had help and they seemed to have won the battle... Though Kyo was not entirely sure about the war. Side by side, they lay there and watched as the rift closed. Simultaneously, so did Kyo's eyes, but his hand reached for Naomi's closing around her palm, his fingers burying their way into her fist till they were entwined together. 'We did it.' he said...