Erebus had been drinking at the Swineherd Pub and in all fairness shouldn't have peeped any chatter from the room he was passing by, as he awoke that morning he was still kind of drunk. Ko had made Erebus into an alcoholic, with a growing interest in the hedonistic town girls. He still hadn't met the Tavern owner Odin, like Ko and Steel had assumed he would quickly, and so he doubted it was allowed for him to invade guest rooms. But the sheer amount of loud cursing and foul language pulled the thief's attention to the situation. Plus uh, he's a thief, so invading rooms was like second nature to him anyways, allowed or not. His hand spun the knob and a green-haired Rogue was soon stumbling into the room gandering at the trio from the doorway, three heads in his direction.

From what he could add-up, this was none of his business. Yet, here he was-- staring something in the eye that should have made others run off and hope they wouldn't be traced. Erebus noted the anti-magic chains after a moment to process what he was looking at. Everything bled into understanding pretty quick. He was allied with other criminals, and this was one of their crimes, this pretty boy on the floor must be worth a pretty penny.

"So uh, is this the prisoner?" He asked without clearly knowing what the hell this dude Ezekiel was actually here for. Just that he was here and obviously tied down for a good reason. Seeing no hint or necessity to mention that though, Erebus merely kept prodding to see how far he could go. Maybe he'd make a new friend here today.

"Would you like to go outside and train with me?" Erebus spoke at the guy, he noted how pretty upset looking he was on the floor, and Erebus was naturally empathetic to people who get captured. Erebus hated jail, so that much he could relate to how this elf character must be feeling.

Perhaps his kindness was too obvious there for a second, as then Erebus noticed the dumbfounded expressions plastered over the thugs' faces, unsure where to go from this point. He decided to quickly readjust his center in the conversation and get that suspicious vibe off of his neck. Thankfully, or unluckily really, these thugs clearly knew him. He didn't have to do much for them to comply to what he said, Erebus had a reputation that didn't slip mosst people in Fiore anymore. He was a national disaster, and was known far and wide to be a master of stealth. Legends were beginning to be told of him, even rumors so crazy to say that he robbed the King of a mere storybook simply to send a message he could snuff their souls out at any turning point in his lifetime.

Whether you believed these folktales was up to your imagination, but the man himself was certainly real, "Er, I mean.. Get our slave to the alley behind the bar. I'm going to teach this punk a new lesson in pain for the boss. Messing with our guys? Big mistake buddy, tsk tsk." Erebus spat on the ground, in his usual acted-out flare in full send.

This time he envisioned himself like a confident western cowboy, a shadow of the much different version of himself he once was, growing up on these streets. Except, he was always this strange and weird so cool was up to the beholder, Erebus was usually quite silly and awkward despite his enormous strength. People just didn't invite his deeper sense of self into the picture; most of the time, they'd be opting for his serious assassin-like abilities to show out more than his personality.

That was okay though. At least that way, he could be judged by his actions over his words. In a weird way, that was a respectable quality. Something he trulyfelt a sense of pride over... Anyways, with not much left to do or say, the Rogue glanced up only for a split second to wink at Ezekiel. Then his form turned back, he left for the door which he'd came through, snapping his finger, "Alright ship shape, let's go boys." He waited in the hall, they were already on the first floor.

One way or another, Erebus wanted someone to train with. He would put the captured individual back in the room afterwards of course no harm no foul. Assuming Erebus could actually defeat the guy, and not let him escape since this would jeopardize whatever Odin had going on of course.

Erebus didn't much care for that though since he didn't even know Odin yet. Life is about the gamble anyways, and clearly Ezekiel wasn't dead yet, so he still had chips to throw on the table. Erebus was not far off from being in the exact situation the Desiertan was in, granted he was on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Erebus was a wanted man all over Fiore at this point. He was not too invested in other criminals, like this Desiertan here, without a fun game of chance running the tightrope. He was more tied-up in improving his own skills, and giving other's their own win conditions, should they be deserving of such things. This fella here in the chains was about to offer the Rogue the entertainment he needed for growth. The Rogue, was offering the elf the means to escape; though that much was left unsaid.

STR || 151(101) S
SPE || 141(81) S
CON || 121 S
END || 161(121) S

• Faruz Earrings +20 STR
  
• Great Stealth Cloak +30 SPE
  
• Phantom Dancer +30 STR, +30 SPE
  
• Judgement Aura +40 END
  

(Sorry, my cloak actually should say +20 Speed not +30)

Erebus retrieved his dagger in the hall with clear intent towards the backdoor. His hand left from it's place on his waist-sheathe before exiting the building, so that he could hold it carefully and precise for the game ahead. The butt of the handle acted for pummeling and guard, the blade aimed down and away from his pinky, though was also able to guard and move elegantly with the wrist, if taken to stance, he could still point the daggers sharp edge forward, by pulling the elbow far enough and high enough over his head for a rapid puncture motions.

Erebus seemed to bounce in nimble strides as he exited-- obvious signs of excitement painted up with unrest. He turned around at the exit door throwing himself around in a one-eighty just so that Zeke could see him leave at the same time Zeke would be put into the hall, he backed up a total of twenty meters unless preventative measure was displayed or hostile action prior to this distance was reached, Erebus would react if need be. Engaging into stance instantly; a slight bend at his knees for sliding into and out of point-blank attack. He watched the guards put Ezekiel to the ground in a rough, disgusting manner, to which Erebus felt annoyed and put to a loss of his integrity as a fighter against Zeke. Should Ezekiel not have ambushed him before this, it would happen moments after Erebus was ready, stanced, and attuned to the fight at hand.

Tall buildings were to the right and left, with an eight meter diameter separating these buildings. The fight should be fought fairly enough, though Erebus was willing to move for the training if it proved too advantageous to really learn anything for himself or the opposition.

"Hey careful!" he would say, only if given the chance; clearly talking to the guards. "You can go away now, I'll take it from here." Erebus said shoo-ing the men away. He then shook his head. He cracked his neck and started the game for real. "Sorry about that... Bitter situations can sometimes bring on better situations. If we let them, things can show us funny patterns of happening for a reason. So whatever's going on with you here, don't let it get to you, just get stronger!" Nodding to close his statements, he awaited dialogue or attack from Zeke.

OOC:

Erebus was ready to move at any turning point, which would get him around safely. Moving to his place and with ten meter distance it seemed Zeke arrived as Erebus made it twenty meters with him at the ground, he allowed Zeke to respond. When Zeke began talking, Erebus would lose depth and color, as he fogged over and became near-invisible. In broad daylight, he could be noticed if the enemy was a profound sensory type, just not without obvious squinting and adjusting really in the shade Erebus could be assumed 90% invisible, in the light 75% invisible. Erebus lunged outward and to his right, aimed at drawing closer in each dash which was combo'd instantly off each other-- thus moving him into the nearest 10 meters and then beyond from there, he didn't have the brightest idea about how to defeat Ezekiel just yet other than to swing and time accordingly, but felt his advantage lied within the tall building's side so he would most certainly manipulate them. After all, they gave Erebus a wall to kick off of, and the shade underneath was handy in order to find a retreat in case he got desperate.

The two buildings had a narrow fighting arena within where the two men were going to start their duel. Erebus figured he could lunge twice, and be behind, as well as across the wall from his first lunge point. He moved like lightning with his physical prowess, his lunges, and he was into the position of moving around Zeke after only pushing against the ground twice. Slipping into the back side of his foe made things critical to a prey's survival and a predator's kill, as with Erebus would now have an added sneak factor and damage boost.

Ezekiel must have thought Erebus the sweet type as his dialogue suggested so but in those words Erebus was setting up for his chance, and in reality; Erebus had trained to deserve the respect of an assassin, that much he'd left in the minds of others. He would no sooner prove that very thing, as he engaged into his move set. He offered no more words for his next sequence, taking advantage of his silent steps to set a capable first-turn board. Erebus, unless stopped in his first two lunges, would have created a "V-line" from his previous spot or simply "zig-zagged" to get around his training partner, from Erebus destination, and now behind him; The unavoidable Erebus moved to test what Ezekiel's gutsiness was really like. Thus making two lunges, Erebus wouldn't have moved until after he was invisible in the beginning to thus not be vaguely manipulated into having revealed which side he'd be coming in from now, and have taken off towards Erebus' own right side originally, Erebus would inevitably arrive behind Zeke's left in the second, Erebus would hope to have been right on Ezekiel's back, in a fluid and much more graceful form than he'd started with some months back. As if to show how far his progress had come, at the bare minimum to himself, if not for captive to see in full contrast.

Erebus, with his knife in ice-pick grip as said earlier, would already have the dagger drawn for his striking lunge. The dagger was focused on the Bio-Wizard's vital areas, first coming at Zeke's neck downward, though the slightest bend of the wrist would allow him to block or damage from this location again. Erebus moved to finish his combo with added grace, using the dagger's butt he tried to strike deep S-rank bludgeon damage into the exposed kidney at the man's lower back and use pressure to push Zeke off balance. This would occur as his blade either landed or missed it's first strike, and did more than just damage but forced the point-blank radius to extend longer.

To further this narrative, Erebus would jump like the daggermen of old, almost bouncing with his 'pushiness' and 'panic' which was really a skill that allowed a rogue to fence precisely. As all this occurred, that same footwork would move to keep such a close striking range on Ezekiel, that with his free hand, Erebus would attempt locking an arm-bar hold under the mage's free arm (this would be Erebus left- so behind Ezekiel, also his left) Erebus would've made sure that the hand itself was pointed so that it couldn't have a valid trajectory at him; and since he had his arm ready at the side, to punch with in case an interruption occurred, it would likely be freed and able to grab the Wizard. Restraining the Bio-Wizard would be efficient to 121 STR vs 1 STR, a clear physical bind. Unless stopped ahead of time, Erebus would display enough strength in this endeavor to completely close off an escape for Zeke, and keep Ezekiel within that point-blank attack radius. Ezekiel could try to swing his staff, but Erebus had the invisible factor, and potentially the element of surprise on his side, so he had the chance even now to follow in a reaction of avoidance and move with Ezekiel's own body (to avoid getting whacked across the head or body); unless there was something Ezekiel could do to stop Erebus and his pressure, then the Bio-Mage would find himself helplessly restricted there and then to a grapple, and in this situation Erebus had all the advantage in a grapple, and at this very moment the world. Meanwhile, after jabbing toward the kidney earlier with the butt of his item, Erebus was primed for his next offensive or defensive measure. Assuming his methods of attack were successful, Erebus would not pull any of his punches and fight as if life and death were on the line.

Spells:

OOC:

Before Erebus would have dashed again, he'd kept his eyes on Ezekiel. The Mage was smart, probably the smartest opponent Erebus had ever faced. Due to the fact Zeke moved on instinct, and knew what Erebus could do, and Erebus was lost as to what Zeke could do. Zeke already extended a hand when Erebus had halted, and expecting a beam of energy the Rogue had to think as fast as his toes could let him.

The Rogue panicked as he expected something immense just because of his bounty-- he knew mages weren't the type to let him have his first turn attack, it made the game less fun for him. But admittedly, more challenging. Forcing his body to propel backwards in a lunge, just before a green energy blew up five meters ahead of where he was prior, and followed him outward. Erebus watched as a wall of green light emerged and followed him back through the doorway, only stopping by some 5-10 meters before he did.

OOC:

When flying past the guards from earlier they covered their face when the light passed by them. Inside the Swineherd Pub, the guards were blinking trying to adjust themselves to both Erebus and Zeke's speeds. They would either feel a rush of pleasure like that of Morphine, or their skin would begin to decay. Meanwhile Erebus hastily removed a pipe. Inhaling the fumes Erebus had to think quick, assuming Zeke would just keep firing AoE spells, that mean Erebus would eventually likely have to tank one of those spells. Ultimately though, Zeke's spells didn't appear to melt the windows since they were healing spells, and the doorway was thin so shooting through it would definitely be difficult. If Zeke wanted Erebus to quit avoiding him, then he'd have to play into the Rogue's rules. Better in, if Erebus had to go outside, he would make sure that Ezekiel expended more mana by comparison.

Erebus remaining invisible ran around the room adjusting himself for an ambush if possible.

Spells:

Hermit's Pipe - Equipped

OOC:

As stated from earlier, Erebus used the 5-10 seconds to ready his ambush, there was about a meter separating the exit from the walls beside it, since other bedroom doors lined the walls going back ten meters Erebus was probably expected to have entered one, in reality he had already came back to the doorway in silence, inside his detection was intensely more difficult to track, what with Odin having kept it noticeably dark and lucrative like most of Oak Town. Erebus beside the doorway, above him was a small window, but he was crouched so that only he could peer through it and duck when needed. Erebus had been using this window to keep tabs on his opponent, having seen him drop from the sky he knew Zeke would come play into his trap, thankfully Erebus was use to keeping harsh smoke in his lungs for extended time. In this space beside the doorway that could hide him, Erebus got right against the edge and for a split second blew smoke forward before pulling backwards and adjusting his posture to back up and align it better. From this spot, he could still use the cover at a moment's hesitation, it allowed him to keep a direct path forward on his foe but he could roll behind cover when needed, in the Swineherb Pub, Erebus was more difficult to detect as well (shade + nearly invisible) so he doubted Zeke could beat him in terms of speed at releasing spells this time around, at Zeke's distance there wasn't much escape for this next move.

A torrent of smoke moving at 20m/s would fly forward at 5 meters. Assuming Zeke dodged or took to flight again, Erebus would steer his head to make sure his spell gripped Zeke in an instant. The spell would instantly tighten around Zeke's body. Locking him in place because of his low strength. Assuming it did, Erebus would have flipped Phantom Dancer around so that the blade pointed forward. The exact moment Smoke Binding Cross Prison collided, and only if it collided against the target Ezekiel; would Erebus launch forward instantly having used the one second interval to prepare his Phantom Rush, placing him right on a binded foe, where he would follow into jabbing Ezekiel through the heart to win the spar. Assuming Ezekiel got away somehow, and Erebus hadn't landed his smoke spell, Erebus would casually lunge backwards again to the far back of the room at 15m, maintaining he was always as far as possible from the opponent's spells and forcing the environment against Zeke once again should Zeke have hoped to win with range. Erebus would inhale his pipe once more, plotting for the next turn of events, should he come to that.

To note, Zeke standing by the door, Erebus had taken the initiative while Ezekiel had taunted and not after. More over, Erebus was an assassin, he had to remember how amazing mages were if he ever wanted to keep up with the ones at his level and beyond. In Erebus opinion, Ezekiel proved he was beyond the rogue in terms of raw power. But Erebus, being one who relied on skill over power, would not stop until his enemy was down. Hard-work vs Natural Gifts.

Spells:

OOC:

Erebus continued his action of inhaling from his pipe, as he slid up to the window, Ezekiel was nearby, approaching. Just when he was 5 meters outside the door, wasting no effort in his endeavor Erebus pushed his freehand against the door and released a wave of mana from Ezekiel's flank. This smoke would catch Ezekiel before his actions could finish, disallowing him a lunge. Erebus moves into the opening doorway ready to lunge however, before the spell could officially bind Ezekiel's arm with the staff, a ball of green mana was released that would inevitably hit the ground between Erebus legs, as he moved forward to end the fight. Just as he took a step forward, and ready to leap, the explosion detonated. Frying his armor in Anti-Heal, the damage didn't deter his assault, sending him forward in his lunge. He couldn't feel the S-rank damage thankfully, since his armor ate it up entirely. However, there was this intense weakening feeling, which made him Erebus ache and want to throw-up-- his stomach was strong thankfully, digesting the debuff in fast resolve.

Using his acrobatics, Erebus used the moment, which didn't stun him all too much, to lunge forward before Ezekiel would break the bind, unstopping in his attack Erebus aimed to put a dagger on Ezekiel's neck. He held it there, any further action that seemed hostile would mean Erebus caved it into this vital region. Simply proving the two of them were equal, though, with his tact Erebus held this moment's advantage. "So you forfeit?" Erebus would attempt breaking the staff with his spare spare fist, gripped around the pipe, if it were able to move in front of him at all, but it should be restrained due to the Smoke Binding Cross Prison.

Spells:

- Armor Broken (Erebus)
- Debuffed Constitution (Erebus)

Erebus released a heavy breath, in reality, he wouldn't consider this an easy victory. Ezekiel was a monstrously talented Paladin. In their own environments, both could be considered exceptional masters. Moving his dagger down to it's sheathe, the rogue nodded, and used his free-hand to wipe sweat off the brow of his face. He stretched his back, allowing a soft popping noise. He'd probably have some tavern girl massage it later, since having to move so quick around in this fight had truly pushed his limits to the next stage. Whereas, in most fights Erebus was privy to executing quickly, stamina played a vital role here, perhaps to become a master daggerman, stamina was the next key to his weapon mastery.

"Whew. That was no joke, you're a scary guy." Erebus made a sweeping motion with his hand and de-spelled the bind instantly. "Your spells are interesting, they didn't blow the walls into pieces the first time you attacked me. So my question is, are they not offensive in mechanics? If they aren't, and they're simple hexes. Then when did they destroy my armor back there I wonder." Erebus brought his hand to his chin, curiously. "Finally, a real magician." He had to admit. "and for a split second there, I thought you might've been bluffing me, and these were just illusion spells or something. You got a whole stinger there. Just like Phantom Dancer here." Erebus patted his dagger, amused, he turned around and headed towards the tavern after Ezekiel too, would've moved to go in that direction with him. He could use some liquor, perhaps a shot or so.

Maybe he could uncover this stranger's story, and a few details about his tricks or abilities. Knowledge was a bountiful fruit to the Rogue, and Erebus fancied both. Ezekiel was a ranged combatant with apparent damage and debuffing talent, but there was certainly more to this man than just that, he had a good attitude on his shoulders for having been locked up in the Swineherd Pub's goons. That was for sure, Erebus decided he would probably free this guy, Eternal Nightmare had still not been made and so, Erebus would not yet really know Odin Morningstar to begin with... Hmm. Erebus needed to know more.

"What do you drink?"

Erebus listened to Ezekiel, a grin over his face as the excitement of battle was all that entertained him in this world. Ezekiel was a deftly intelligent foe that wouldn't go without caution if they fought again. He mentioned the trick to his mechanics, and Erebus hastily soaked that knowledge up, some kind of healing and burning effect via the spells, with an added ability to debuff at minimum. Special... Erebus knew that was a lot of power for single spells, as most people can only do or two of them per spell casted. He paused, noticing Ezekiel wobble, and when the man would fall Erebus would slide quickly under the mans back and catch him.

Curious and panicking, the rogue heaved ezekiel on his shoulder and went back into the tavern, something amidt he thought. Perhaps he would pay 'Odin' a visit and figure this whole charade out for himself. Erebus walked into the tavern, and strode the ten meters away he had too once going inside. On top of that, Erebus carried Ezekiel to a bed and tucked the mage against the blanket, Zeke was an honorable fighter to put it lightly, to Erebus, this would remind him never to overly exert his mana, as the re-precautions caused comatose states. Erebus left some jewels on the table with a hope this would go towards a healthy meal and not booze or drugs.

Erebus left the inn and headed for Oakland Church. He had some hours to kill, so he'd go breaking and entering til the time elapsed. Erebus... He loves to snoop through people's homes. After that, he'd begin his mission for the 'morrow morning.

"Hope to see you again. It was fun."