Ragnarok

[Ren✧]

Watching the nimble movements of his teammates, Quillan longed to help, but the effects of using so much energy to calm the raging storm were now draining on him. He could feel his energy seeping into the air around him. The others had restrained the Dragon God, but it would do no good if they couldn't get a good attack on him. "Don't move." Looking to his side, Quillan noticed Vex. The storm spirit stood patiently next to its Vanguard. "I'll lend you my power. Just know, that I am the embodiment of a storm. Pure chaos. Don't take this lightly." Quillan nodded. There was no other way.

 

Vex's form began to become transparent, tendrils of gray cloud matter drifting towards him. He could feel the energy coursing through his body. Electric currents raced through his veins, sparks actually dancing across his skin. He opened his mouth in a silent scream, but as soon as it opened, more of the clouds entered. He was regretting his choice. If he couldn't get a hand on the power, then he would surely die. He hadn't realized how much power that Vex harbored. Don't give up. Quillan nodded. He had to persevere. If he was to ever make a name for himself, then he had to keep going. The last of the clouds dispersed and for a moment, Quillan didn't move. Bursts of electricity shot out randomly from his body. 

 

Quillan felt like his entire mind was in turmoil. He now knew what it was like to be a storm. Totally out of control, filled with power, but with no means to control, able to destroy the land, yet fragile enough to destroy itself. It was as Vex has said, pure chaos. But then he felt it. The calm. The eye of the storm. That's where the true power was. It was the peace. 

 

Standing up Quillan looked to the restrained god. He no longer felt weak. In fact he felt more alive than ever before. Charging at the flailing beast, Quillan let loose a barrage of wind-shaped projectiles, each colliding against the scales of the dragon. It didn't seem to do much damage, but Quillan was just getting warmed up. Leaping into the air, he called upon the deep power with in. A spiraling twister took shape as Quillan forced his hands outward, palms outstretched. The dazzling storm careened towards the dragon. As the twister left Quillan's control, he slowly dropped towards the ground, his surge of power now go. The rest would have to be left to the others. He just hoped that it would be enough. 

[Super Chaos Sonic]

"LET ME GO!"

 

This roar ran through the entire palace, as he was pinned down. The others were proud of the fact that they were able to pin the Dragon God down, but didn't really see Genzai being supported by both Zeri and Kame, as they made their way towards Ao Kuang. There Genzai looked at the Dragon King and sighed.

 

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki9Jv9Se7eg]Lucid Dream[/url]

 

"Why? ....why did you continue to resist?" Genzai said, still out of breath from the multiple Ryujin Kenbu forms he strung together. "We weren't trying to harm you or anything..." He looked at Ao Kuang and clenched his fists. "We wanted to make sure you didn't do anything stupid! Ao Kuang...if you kept going on this path you were on...it would've ended either you...or the citizens in the Pass."

 

Genzai was at most a strong Vanguard and didn't truly show many emotions, but this time...this time it was much different. "I know in the past you had gone through literal hell...but Ao Kuang please...cease this violence. There are people in that Pass...people that have looked to the East Sea for many generations. I-If their East Sea, their Dragon King...if something happened to him...I-I know without the shadow of a doubt, they would be devastated. I know...because...I would feel the same way if I lost Ryujin-sama." He couldn't say anything else anymore...or at least...his Units stopped him.

 

"Genzai-san! You must take it easy! W-We don't want you to go on us..." Kame said worriedly.

 

Its called he's tired, Kame. Regardless...Genzai-san won't go out on us like this. But please do listen to the turtle, Genzai-san. Please take it easy. Zeri chimed in.

[Hotaru987]

It seemed like through all of their efforts to subdue the great dragon god, it had finally payed off. Nailah couldn't help but grin at their success, but knew that one wrong move and they could be right back at square one. So she tossed up her staff calling out the word, "Muk-Karara." The newly formed hieroglyphs raced up to her staff only to be absorbed, and causing the staff to suspend in the air. In the air around it she created 6 more staffs also free-standing in the air. Each of them aimed at the now contained dragon god, just in case he managed to escape from Leon's and Clair's grip. From above it seemed Genzai was again trying to speak reason with Ao Kuang, and Nailah could only hope this time it would work. All of them were pretty tired, and as for herself she had used quite a bit of Words and she could feel the toll it was starting to take on her. 

 

"This is why I say you should pace yourself Shafiya." Baruti sighed, almost as if scolding a child. Nailah gritted her teeth, not in anger or annoyance, but from the straining of  battling fatigue. "I know, but it was an emergency. Besides I thought I could handle it. Obviously my training hasn't proved to be as beneficiary as I had hope it would be. Perhaps if Thoth would stop reading for a moment to give me some pointers then maybe-"

 

"Shafiya, pay attention to your current task." Figuring Baruti was right, she stopped talking and focused on their current problem.

[Kyng's Old Account]

Martyxawar, Clair and Leon's hold on Ao Kuang was incredible. Indeed, it could be said that the majority came from the manticore and Clair's sword, as well as two spears keeping the chain in place, but nonetheless their combined efforts were phenomenal. They managed to pin down a Dragon God. This was indeed a very notable and respectable feat to have been pulled off. By words was it effective, as it managed to keep this storm God down even as he thrashed out against the chains in failing hopes to retaliate against the Vanguard.

 

Ao Kuang soon let out a bark of wind by accident when yelping in regard to Quillan's wind projectiles. The sharp winds that struck his scales dead on were, effectively, useless, but some of these winds were sharp enough, and fast enough, to slip against the grain of his scales and break them off, leading the Dragon God to begin to bleed from said wounds. Growling in fury he began to thrash again at the chains, but again to no avail.

 

As such, the Dragon God resorted to having to listen to Genzai's reasoning. The thing was, Ao Kuang didn't really like those whom lived by his sea. He was arrogant with reason and this is why he always tortured them, however he began to think about it: if there were no citizens to offer him tributes, he wouldn't have the treasures of his shrine that he had today, nor would he be able to revel in the presents their gave him. That, and, if he didn't agree to the cause, he dreaded to think what Nailah's staves would do to him. He did indeed contemplate this, before letting out a soft sigh.

 

"...s-so long as this day lays dead...then...then, I will aid your cause." The Dragon God spoke, in hopes that, if these events were not spoken, he would hold onto some of his pride that he held so dear. "...so long as you do not speak of this, but simply say I agree to aid your cause...then, then I will give you what it is that you seek."

 

Leon smiled softly at Genzai, the b@stard managed to reason with an angry God. Sure, he was very much so forced into it, but a somewhat peaceful resolution was better than any. He could feel the chains losing their tug as the Dragon ceased to thrash against them. As such, he smiled to Clair. "Thank you, very much. Without these chains, we would've had to go to much more drastic measures. I am glad you managed to prevent any further violence."

 

Swiftly, a number of Ao Kuang's servants, fishmen, began to rush to the God so as to remedy his wound left from Quillan's winds. To this Leon nodded to him and chuckled. "Nicely done Quillan, for a rookie." He then turned his glance to Nailah and nodded to her with a wink, words not being necessary really. He knew that she would know Leon's faith in her was well placed. So, his gaze went to Genzai as he gave him a thumbs up. "Great work, Genzai. Just don't try anything like that against more irrational Gods, okay?"

[Super Chaos Sonic]

"...s-so long as this day lays dead...then...then, I will aid your cause....so long as you do not speak of this, but simply say I agree to aid your cause...then, then I will give you what it is that you seek."

 

The Shinto Vanguard couldn't believe it. Ao Kuang had finally seen reason...at least in the eyes of the beholder anyway. From anyone else's point of view, it would seem the East Sea was forced into it...but to Genzai...that didn't matter.

 

"T-Thank you, Ao Kuang. This day...will remain between those gathered here..."

 

"Great work, Genzai. Just don't try anything like that against more irrational Gods, okay?"

 

Genzai smiled a bit as he nodded at Leon. "Whatever...the will of the groups leader is...I will agree." he said, as he then...right there and then...passed out due to fatigue.

 

"G-Genzai-san!!" Kame said, seeing Genzai now passed out, being held up by him and Zeri. The turtle gently let Genzai fall to his shell, allowing the Shinto Vanguard to sleep off the fatigue on his Unit's shell. "D-Don't worry about Genzai-san, Leon. He's just worn out from today's mission."

 

Which is the understatement. Zeri cut in, floating beside Kame and Leon. You see, it was a combination of summoning BOTH his Units and chaining the Ryujin Kenbu forms one right after another. Even for a skilled warrior, something like this would make even them fall to the fatigue that is sure to come. The jellyfish sighed. Ryujin-sama even warned him to be cautious about this...

[Tormented]

Antimar stood atop a ridge, the base was covered in small sharp rocks which felt like razor blades digging at his boots. His eyes surveyed the area. He looked as a group of Vanguards fought against a Dragon. He stood in wait-he didn't want to needlessly join a battle which would end in his blood being shed. Although it sounded like a vain way of thinking he had his reasons to be hesitant about needlessly joining battles which originates with no concerns of his.

 

As the battle seemed to draw to a close Antimar turned to face his steed, his eyes evaluated the red markings that laid across it's body.   His boots clanged against the sharp rocks as he made his way over to Shadowborn. His motioned his hand across it's body stroking it's hairs as he made his way along it's back. Not before long Antimar jumped up onto the horse and motioned for it to turn around. Once it did Antimar rode it back down the treacherous path that they had come along.  

 

Shadowborn made it's way down the path at tremendous speeds, the wind could no longer be heard as it jumped over obstacles and turned around corners that would otherwise knock out both it and Antimar. The dust brushed alongside Antimar's face as the last few meters of the track were drawing to a close the sounds of the horse's hooves against the rocks could be heard throughout the valley as it echoed across the walls.

 

As they drew near to the cave Antimar called Shadowborn to stop it's movements. As it tussled to a stop Antimar jumped off landing with a crouched pose to stop himself from taking any damage. As he regained his footing he headed in the direction of the caves entrance and readied Soulstealer in both of his hands. 

[Hotaru987]

Nailah singed in relief that Ao Kuang gave in and chose to become their ally. It seemed that Genzai's words were finally able to reach the dragon god. Of course the the added persuasion from the rest of them, Ao Kuang really had no choice in the matter. Seeing that they had won the fight she released her Word of Thoth, easily catching the now single staff that returned to her. She swayed a little, but Baruti straightened her up. "Thanks. I should be fine from here on." With a nod Baruti left in a brief flash of golden  light. "I should put it back on now." She mumbled reaching back for a mask, but was faced with a problematic dilemma. It seemed her mask was missing. It was probably lost when Ao Kuang blasted her back. "Great...I'll have to have a new mask made." Suddenly in front of her a face mask appeared and she facepalmed. "Right, pictorial words." Tossing the mask she looked towards the others, passing a worried glance at Genzai to passed out. His unit's however were already on the case, and taking care of him. Genzai deserved the rest.

 

After thanking Quillian, Leon nodded to her with a wink. She blushed, but smiled none the less along with a thumbs up. "You did well too. You made a good call back there." 

[Ren✧]

Quillan slumped to the ground, utterly exhausted. Fortunately, it would seem that things with Ao Kung had more or less calmed down. He couldn't make out the details of it, literally too tired to care, but it looked like a mission well done. Vex appeared next to him. The storm spirit nuzzled his arm. "Get up. You don't want everyone else to know that you're a little b****." Despite her words, Quillan could tell that she was generally worried about him. Using his unit as a sort of crutch, Quillan limped gingerly towards the other Vanguards. 

 

"Nicely done Quillan, for a rookie." Quillan could do little more than roll his eyes at the comment. He felt a surge of sarcasm rolling up with in him, but swallowed his words. He was too tired to fight. "Are we done here?" Quillan asked. He was about to faint any moment, and he really didn't want Nailah or Clair to see that. 

[Lunar Origins]

The dragon had finally given in.  Clair gave a little smile, and drew her blade from the ground.  The chains shattered into little sparks of fire, and she sheathed her blade, which was as clean as the night sky.  She turned away, looking at the destruction within the cavern.

 

"Good job, guys."  With a little sigh, she set about to looking for her second glove, eventually finding it a few meters from where she was standing.  "Gods be damned, this is a nice thing to have."  Virgo vibrated in her sheath, as if in response, and she felt a jolt of pain from it.

 

"What be damned, dear Clair?"  A soft, yet sharp and sarcastic voice rang from the blade.  Clair instantly recognized the voice;  she had spent the last two weeks with it.  She placed her hand on her ear.

 

"Oh, my lad-"

 

"No need for formalities, Clair.  It's fine."  Athena chuckled.  "You did rather well for someone with only two weeks of training with me under your belt.  I was surprised, myself;  my trust in Hephaestus something I can say is complete, but I can safely say that without his little creations, here, you wouldn't have been able to do much, and as for your own actions... well, you have more than proven yourself to be worthy of my gifts."

 

Clair knelt, although to anyone else it would have looked like she was injured.  She closed her eyes, and uttered a small 'thank you' under her breath.

 

She stood up and turned back to the others.

 

"I have to be back to Olympus.  Athena has called for me, and I must abide by my god's own wishes."  She gave Leon a smirk.  "I'm still waiting for that duel, Leon."  

 

=========

[Kyng's Old Account]

Chapter 4 - Escort from Elysium

After the events of the battle between the Vanguards and Ao Kuang, the Dragon God allied himself effective immediately, and granted his vast treasuries to the use of the alliance in this large conflict. The large monetary gain was put to good use, as all of the Vanguards were now able to engage in more prestigious training with their Gods, and had developed new skills as a result of it*. Not only this, but as a result of said training, their older techniques had increased in potency, allowing them to develop new qualities and applications*. Finally, Leon had put in a very good word regarding the performance of the others, and as such, they were all granted a brand new unit each*, Leon himself excluding from this in order to grasp this extra bonus for his allies. Indeed, the prosperity given from the generous Tao God was vast in terms of function and use. Things were looking up for the allegiance in general.
 
A number of Gods had convened a Court, and decided to officially deem the group of Vanguards Leon, Genzai, Quillan, Nailah, and Clair as a team. They were donned the Spearheads, in regard to their leader's preferred weapon as well as how the term was somewhat synonymous with the very role of the Vanguard themselves: front-line, and sharp as an edge of steel. As per usual, while not mentioned, it was only logical that Leon would resume his duty as de facto leader. Quillan and Nailah were deemed the offensives of the team, Genzai the defensive and support, and Clair the tactician and, like Leon, a Jack-of-all-Trades, though she was much more adept strategically while Leon was much more adept aggressively.
 
The Spearheads were given three days of rest after their arduous training with their own Gods and this convention. Whatever they did to spend this would be to their own decision. Leon honoured his agreement and managed to tie in his duel against Clair, which he would indeed have to tell to tale at a later date. This sparked quite a rivalry between the two, and would probably see much more influence in later trials. Leon also managed to spend some time with other allies, such as Genzai. the pair decided to go fishing. Genzai managed to teach Leon that fishing had much more technique than impatiently stabbing spears at nearby trouts, but rather patience and focus.
 
Soon, though, they were given a mission. It was a mission of high importance, though seemed very simple. The Spearheads were tasked with locating a number of Greek Heroes from the Isle of Elysium, and were tasked with escorting them back from Erebus to allign with the alliance. Though the task itself seemed very simple, they were also given another member to their group, Antimar Longbeard, their first Nordic Patron Vanguard ally. Perhaps it was because ambush on these heroes would, essentially, reduce the likelihood of victory for the alliance of Gods? Leon knew not. What they did know was that Zeus ensured Hades, their seemingly neutral yet assigned ally, would allow them ease of access to Erebus, to be taken by ferry with Charon. There, they would be on their own.
 
So, we find the Spearheads in Charon's ferry, sailing across the River Styx. Accompanying the six members was a large number of living corpses, whom when entering Erebus would be turned to nothing but Shades. Leon felt somewhat morbid in this company, as would anyone. The dreadful silence was just making things really awkward. With a soft sigh, he looked to the ferryman. "Fair sailing?" Leon's eyes worried when he watched Charon slowly stop rowing and, just as eerily slow, turned to him.
 
"Fair...sailing...?" He slowly spoke with a voice of dread. "The Styx knows not the word 'fair', Egyptian. Nor does it know the term 'rough'. The Styx, just as death itself, is neutral: it comes for those whom it comes for. Murderers, rapists, orphans, elders, who cares? Blood and bone, they are all the same, and they will all die. Don't ask silly questions, and leave me to my work."
 
Leon really felt scolded, but Charon was spot on with what he said. As such he just kept to himself as the sailing continued.[hr]* Max of 3 new attack/techniques
*You can improve as many as your old abilities as you like within reason
*1 new Unit, not much else to say XD

[Lunar Origins]

"He's right," said Clair, motioning towards Charon.  Her stare bored into the stagnant waters of the river Styx.  "Death doesn't care what happens to anything.  Yet it brings me to wonder;  what is death to a god?"  Her brow furrowed.  "Is it oblivion, a complete void, or is it rebirth?"

 

As much as she wanted to trace the water of the river Styx with her finger, Clair knew of its deadly properties and kept herself to the edge of the boat.  Remembering what Athena had told her about the ferryman, Clair produced one drachma from her pocket and presented it to Charon.  "My payment for your guiding oar," she said, bowing her head.

 

She took a look at her hands.  They felt light, almost eerily so, without the gauntlets that Hephaestus had gifted to her.  In exchanged, Athena granted her new, more fitting abilities;  theses abilities, though, she had not mastered, but she felt like they would come to her much, much quicker than those that Hephaestus' gloves had bestowed.

 

Testing one of her simpler powers, she drew Virgo from it's sheath, admiring its new found sheen within the gloomy areas of the underworld.  "Myaló."  With the word she uttered, the blade shimmered with a dazzling light, before shrinking in size to that of a small pen.  She waggled it at Leon, teasing.  "Is the pen not stronger than the blade, my dear Leon?  Because I'm thinking that diplomacy will play a much stronger role in the war than that of the battle."

[Ren✧]

[spoiler=3 Days of Relaxation]

Quillan sat motionlessly in the room. His breathing was steady, in through the nose and out through the mouth. There was nearly complete silence. While his outside demeanour was calm, his inner thoughts twitched and writhed in frustration. "You cannot find the eye by searching." Quillan's eyes snapped open. His patron god, Notus hovered in front of him. The god's ivory wings sat crossed over his body, leaving only his head to be seen. Quillan honestly didn't think he was much to look at for a god. His dark black hair was cut close to his head and sported a short beard. His skin had a tanned complexion about it, reflecting a Brazilian-like look. 

 

"Well then how the Hades am I supposed to find it?" Quillan asked, his anger rising. The god often made comments like this, cryptic and full of 'wisdom'. Recently Quillan and Notus had been standing on a mutually agreed ground that neither would mention the tension that had grown between them. Their connection had never been great, but things were getting shakier. "You have to let it come to you. Serenity isn't something you can force." Notus lectured. Quillan rolled his eyes, he had heard it all before. 

 

"How come I could find it before, but now its like it doesn't exist?" Quillan thought back to the Vanguards' battle against Ao Kung. The experience had been one of his greatest moments, the moment where he tapped into the greater power of the skies, but ever since, the ability to control the heavens had long since departed. "As I said. You let it come to you. Your concern for the people of the village, and perhaps need to show up was like a beckoning call for the power." Notus answered. He knew that this question would long be incoming. Quillan nodded. A solemn expression appeared on his face. The hardened expression that Notus so commonly wore faltered for a moment. "Why don't you go enjoy yourself? It's a great day and you deserve some relaxation time." Quillan's face lit up at the words. Standing up he nodded at the god. "Thanks." 

 

===

 

Quillan stepped outside of Notus' temple. Since the Spearheads' last mission, Notus had, had Quillan stay not on Olympus but in the land that Notus himself resided in. Aithiopia. Or more commonly known as Ethiopia. The land was no longer actually as it once was, but being a god had its privileges. Notus had recreated his land of worship in the skies. From what Quillan had learned, the small country floated above the Earth, slowly drifting upon the winds. All around wind and sky spirits floated about. Aside from a few chosen mortals, Quillan was the only human in Aithiopia. He had heard rumors of others, but had yet to meet one here. Mostly he found aurae and other such spirits. 

 

Luckily, Aithiopia offered more than its old time counterpart. Walking down the road paved with clouds, Quillan came upon a pub. The Winged Sandal. Named after the messenger god Hermes. Quillan had seen the god visit Aithiopia a few times, delivering messages to other visiting gods or to Notus himself. Every time he saw him, Quillan was reminded of Beth. And every time he was reminded of Beth his heart got a little heavier. And every time his heart got a little heavier, he came here. And it was here that he drank. And drank. And drank. He had no idea what it was about Beth that attracted him so much, but the female Vanguard had totally captivated his mind. Sure, he had hit on plenty of other women since meeting, kissed a few, and fondled a few others, but the image of her face often came to him in the middle of the name as he sat on his bed, exhausted from a day of training.

 

Shaking away these thoughts, Quillan entered the pub. He was hit with an explosion of sights, sounds, and smells. "Hey yo, look. Its Q!" A powerful voice boomed across the pub. It fell silent for a moment, attention turning to Quillan. "Watch y'all staring for? Get back to drinking!" This was met with a cheer and things returned to normal. Quillan walked passed the tables of clamorous aurae and drunk storm spirits. Walking up to the bar, Quillan sat down on a stool. Facing the bartender, he spoke. "How's it going, Danny?" Quillan asked, accepting a mug full of ale from the swirling storm spirit. 

 

It hadn't been till Quillan arrived in Aithiopia that he even knew that Storm Spirits took on different forms, he had just assumed that they were all horses like Vex, but apparently there were a wide array of spirits. Most of them resembling humans...if humans were made of storming clouds. "Can't complain, Q, m'boy. Watch you been up to?" Quillan shrugged. There was no use explaining everything a Vanguard did on a day to day basis. "Same old, same old. But right now, all I want to do is drink."

[/spoiler]

 

Quillan didn't like the Underworld. From the moment he had stepped into its confines, he had felt a disconnection from the wind. As if the air beneath the ground, was not the same as the one above. He had a feeling that in the Underworld, things would not be as easy as they were above. 

 

Quillan stared lazily into the river. He stomach heaved and rolled, even though the waters were calm. Did he usually get sea sick? The question stuck on him. Of course he couldn't remember a time getting sea sick, but since becoming a Vanguard he couldn't remember much of anything. Sighing, Quillan lazily slumped back and endured the rest of the ride. 

[Tormented]

As Antimar was about to make his move into the cave the group inside appeared to disappear as if summoned, then he realized that they must be Vanguards much like he is. He gave a deep a loud sigh as he looked towards the sky. "Hemoar, Why did you not tell me before?" Hemoar gave a mild laugh before suggesting to Antimar that he wanted to see how he acted. Antimar shook his head in a small amount of anger but nevertheless moved on.

 

Hemoar then began to let Antimar know that the rest of the Vanguard were sent back to their respective solitude to rest However Antimar disagreed with the thought process of having a "break" at such an life threatening situation but alas he decided to he needed to get some things together back in Valhalla. And so took his rest with care. He knew he had been allocated to help a few younger vanguards, and even if at first he disagreed he felt like it was his job too look over these warriors. He didn't discount their skill that was for sure.

 

As the days went by Antimar continued writing his novel "Smärta och lidande (Pain and Suffering)" His thought process in writing a tale such as this one was to allocate himself time to go over what occurred during the days that had gone by. And it seemed to work, he seemed to evaluate each situation to a certain degree that allowed him to work on better decisions.

 

After a few days of writing Hemoar let him know that they were about to go on their next adventure. Alas he wasn't one for calling them adventures but he still accepted it-he turned towards the exit and headed out to where the boat was stationed. He looked at the fine vessel and gave it a nod before re-adjusting his cloak. He began walking down the stairs and arrived by the plank that led onto the boat itself, he made his way on and made no effort to communicate with the Vanguards just yet. He didn't know these people and didn't want to allocate himself this love of them and then to loose them would just further hurt his persona. And so he just situated himself to look over the edge as they set sail.

[Kyng's Old Account]

Charon looked to Clair with a raised brow at her payment. Truth be told, the Vanguards' fares were paid for, courtesy of the treasury of Ao Kuang. Said Ocean Dragon God had given the Spearheads' Patrons a large sum himself, simply to keep their mouths shut for the very humiliating effort they did upon him. Charon, knowing of this, kept the fare and remained silent. Just as death itself, Charon cared not whether she knew or not about this. Death was greedy, and was selfish with what it was given. Nonetheless, he nodded in acknowledgement of the paid fee and simply resumed his work.

 

Leon sighed. He didn't like the silence of it all. Everyone just had nothing to say. Albeit, the morbid air around them stunk to high heavens, but he felt that they could at least converse. Oh well, each to their own, he supposed. Although with Clair's teasing regard, which he very much appreciated, it brought him to chuckle in regard. "The pen is mightier than the sword...try saying that to one of the Aesir; you're right, though. There's probably so much more victories earnt through the battles clashed with the pen, and simple civil discussion, than a weapon could ever bring about." Then, picking up his spear, he smirked gazing at the sharp tip. "Although, there's a certain thrill one gets knowing when their lives are on the line. The drive of the hunter and the hunted."

 

Eventually, the ferry was docked. They had finally sailed off of the Acheron river. As anticipated, Cerberus was right there, ready to keep his guard on the new walkers of Erebus. Charon ensured the Vanguards were safe as he let them off first, scolding the very vicious and large, three-headed dog as he began to sniff and growl at the Vanguards, and they began their walk through the plains. The sky was dark, grey, and the air was as dead as the region's inhabitants. The Styx, which circled the underworld seven times over, was prominent as the Vanguards walked along the coast, in order to find the Elysium fields.

 

The walk was very long, so Leon decided to look to his allies. "So then, any heroes you guys are looking forward to meeting?" He asked with a smile, in hopes to pick up the mood. With a soft smirk he clenched his spear. "Personally, I lust to meet Achilles. He'd give me one hell of a fight, if the circumstances were right. I reckon that I could learn much from him." He then chuckled as he gave a look back to Quillan. "Before your mind runs around, I doubt Elysium has loose girls who're after a fling. These people tend to be righteous, ethical, and virtuous; you know, classy." His tease made him chuckle, before he added "But, in all seriousness, let's try to keep respectful about this. I doubt Socrates would come to our cause should we act too...well, cheeky."

[Tormented]

As they walked throughout the plains Antimar had a small amount of distaste for this Leon fellow, he just seemed a bit too upbeat and happy about everything. However he kept it to himself, he didn't want to create this sense of distrust throughout the group and let the situation slide. He then looked at the boy as he talked about being respectful towards the gods, alas respect was something Antimar knew people lacked a lot of. "If respect is what you wish you are going to have a long tale boy." Antimar shook his head and covered himself within his cloak.

 

The walls began to get narrower as they reached closer to their destination. "I suggest we take this carefully." His eyes clocked back towards the group as the heat began sneering on the sides of the walls. He didn't want to get involved in trivial conversations such as the ones they were having about "loose girls" alas he understood they were young but even then the conversation in itself was distasteful.

 

 

[Lunar Origins]

Clair nodded at Leon.  "You know, for someone as gung-ho as you, you make a pretty decent leader.  But he's right.  Socrates and the rest of them- the mortal gods, as we may call them- can make or break this war.  Our actions decide the future."  She looked at the group, giving a stern face.  "And if any of you fuck this up, I will deal with you myself."

 

She took the pen and put it into her pocket.  Virgo, now, had many a use;  it could transform into many useful objects at her whim, including, but not limited to, watches, both digital and analog, rulers, scales, magnifying lenses, pencils, knives, eating utensils, etcetera.

 

She noted Leon's want to meet Achilles.  "Achilles was said to have been blessed by the river Styx," she said, gesturing to the river behind her.  "It made him invincible, though it did leave one key weakness, but I think we all know what that is.  Sadly to say, his heroics were only overshadowed by his prime fault."  She shook her head.  "I, on the other hand, would like to meet Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates.  In particular, Aristotle's own thoughts on the newly discovered things that undo his theories.  It's quite fascinating;  I wonder how he will react."

 

She stretched back.  This time, her manner of dress was much more relaxed;  she wore a simple shirt and tie, contrary to her usual donning of armour.  "It's great to have a noncombat mission," she said, almost lazily.

[Ren✧]

Quillan's relief was evident as the ferry docked. Quickly following everyone off the boat, he could've sworn that he saw the nasty old ferryman give a slight chuckle, but then again it could have all been in his mind. As soon as his feet hit dry land the nauseous feeling that had plagued him since the start of the boat ride went away. Following the group, he tagged behind, his face fairly downcast. He wasn't particularly fond of this new Vanguard Antimar. He was too old. Too surly. Another kill joy. This whole mission was getting on his nerves. No fighting. No destruction. Just talking. "So then, any heroes you guys are looking forward to meeting?" Leon yammered on about Achilles and the need to learn from him or something. In truth, Quillan hadn't given it much thought. He had always pictured the dead as ghosts, nothing more than apparitions. The idea of talking to them, fighting with them, or even learning from them were completely alien to him. "Before your mind runs around, I doubt Elysium has loose girls who're after a fling. These people tend to be righteous, ethical, and virtuous; you know, classy." 

 

"What? Oh," Quillan had been lost in thought, trying to figure out who he would like to meet. He thought of retorting in kind, but in truth the idea of sleeping with a dead girl was enough to send a chill down his spine. "I'll try to reign myself in, but you know, I'm a wild stallion." He said. Did someone say stallion? Vex appeared by Quillan's side. He let out a sigh. The storm spirit was showing up more and more when he didn't summon her. "Would you just get out of here?" Quillan asked. The storm spirit made a noise that sounded like crackling static, the equivalent of her laughter. "No, I ran out of things to watch on HBO." Quillan just waved her off, choosing to ignore her. 

 

"It's great to have a non combat mission." Quillan had feared that his suspicions had been true. No fighting. Fighting was all he was good at. "No combat? At all?" He asked, his voice almost touching whining. 

[Hotaru987]

Like Leon, Nailah also felt a bit uneasy on the ride of the river styx. It's not that Nailah was afraid of death, no she knew death was all a part of the natural order in life. Even so, being so close to the Styx would make anyone unnerved. That combined with Charon's already creepy disposition, Nailah just kept all of her thoughts to herself. Though she did have to stifle a laugh at Charon's reply to Leon's "Fair sailing" question. As they finally came to the shore they would be departing at, Nailah looked wearily at Cerberus. She did not take very kindly to dogs, and netherworld dogs were just as if not more scary than normal ones. "Let's just get this done." She sighed, folding her hands behind her head. Before heading out to this mission she was in the middle of a very interesting book, that and she decided that she'd finally talk to Leon properly after the mission. She looked at Clair with a raised brow at her warning but grinned anyway, "Alright, then the same goes for you."

 

Upon Leon's mention of wanting to have a bout with Achilles, Nailah said, "Of course you think about fighting. Patron of Anhur indeed, and I don't really have anyone in particular in mind...Though if I had to chose...Maybe Orpheus." After Clair's remark to Leon, said vanguard also joked to Quillian about not hitting on the girls. After hearing that Quillian gave his response, in which one of his Unit's appeared unexpectedly. Clair then said it was nice to have a non-combat mission for once. Though Quillian didn't share the sentiment.

 

"Well if you'd like I could smack you around a bit. I got a few new Words of Thoth and I've been dying to try them out." She teased, "Perhaps this time I'll be the one to blow you away." Their new member to the group, Antimar, didn't appear to like the trivial conversations the rest of them shared.

[Kyng's Old Account]

Leon softly scowled to the newbie of the team, Antimar. "I'd suggest you retract prejudiced statements when you've little to no grounds to support said statements: spend some more time with this team, and then I'll appreciate your words, but for now, you're still a whelp in my eyes, so I'd advise you know your place, show some respect, and suck it up." He spat fire as he locked a fierce gaze with him, before taking a deep breath to calm himself as he kept his attention upon the road ahead.
 
Leon then looked over to Clair. "Aww, what makes you say I'm so gun-ho? I thought I had a fair decent grip on the idea of a diplomatic solution." He said such, listening to Nailah's ideal meeting in Elysium, with Orpheus. Honestly Leon hadn't heard of him before, although he was centred in Egypt. Nonetheless, he smiled. "Aww, not you too; just because I enjoy the thrill of aggression doesn't mean I'm an uncultured brute!" With this he let out a merry laughter, in hopes that this dead air would be able to hold its fair weight of happiness.
 
Clair's obvious selection in philosophers included those who'd joint he cause. Indeed, with such philosophers sided with the alliance, their battle strategem would surely be unrivalled, unbested: they would play a huge role in turning the tide of war. Later, Leon took in Quillan's regard with a soft nod. "You sure are a stallion, no better word would define you: powerful, wild, majestic, and definitely one looking to find a mare more often than not!" Following this his spirit came about, and began to tease the wind waver.
 
Soon, the whine of Quillan due to Clair's analytic statement met Nailah's offering of powerful combat. To this, Leon chuckled softly, albeit nervously. "Let's just try to leave casualties to a minimum, and not to attract too much attention to ourselves, okay?" He didn't know, nor want to know what kind of incredibly magical word Nailah had learnt, in fear it would, perhaps, do a lot of unintentional damage. Safe to say, while very fighting-pro, Leon did appreciate the nature of silence, stalking his prey in the Elysium island. Though he didn't like him, he had to agree with Antimar's idea: taking precautions was always a good thing.
 
As they continued their stroll following the coast of the styx, Leon looked ahead, squinting his eyes somewhat as he watched cloud begin to turn lighter, and ocean began to turn more blue. It seemed they were, fortunately, approaching their respective path which they sought. With a soft smile he glanced back to the rest of the team. "We're almost there. I reckon they'll have sweet meats and feasts we could try. I can't imagine how delicious it'll be."

[Tormented]

Antimar gave a loud sigh, the boy may have been strong but he lacked the knowledge and experience that he had. Antimar didn't want to cause trouble and brushed off this Leon's comment. Even though Antimar has turned into a heartless old man in the eyes of many, his true notion is of the kind heart. Nevertheless he allowed Leon to lead. He was new to this group and to sit there and shout orders was something that was sure to get him killed. As he may be skilled but he would not be able to take on 4 or so other vanguards without losing his life and besides these are not his enemies.

 

He still awaited the arrival of their location and nevertheless he carried on waiting, like he had done throughout most of his life. 

[Super Chaos Sonic]

3 Days of Relaxation

Teaching Leon fishing indeed was something interesting. Half the time the Egyptian Vanguard wanted to charge in head first and stab the fish with the spear and be done with it. Apparently Leon's fighting spirit wouldn't be left on the shelf...even if on relaxation times like this.

 

"Leon...you mustn't just impatiently when fishing. There is a specific art to it." Genzai said with a smile, as he began to show him the ropes. "Patience and focus is the key. Take it like a normal battle strategy...stay ahead of your prey." With that, the Shinto Vanguard began to actually teach Leon how to fish properly.

 

Present Time

Genzai's thoughts of then came to a halt: Elysium Island. He remained silent through the entire trip...keeping a sense of respect to those who lay within the River Styx. Nevertheless, the Shinto Vanguard kept his composure and kept following the group.

[Ren✧]

Quillan's stomach growled at the prospect of food. He hadn't realized how hungry he had been. "Perhaps this time I'll be the one to blow you away." Quillan smiled at the comment. "Will you ever let that one go?" Quillan asked, regretting ever having said those words. Why should she? I won't. Vex taunted, shooting a small burst of electricity at Quillan's feet. The Vanguard danced awkwardly to the side, avoiding the attack, but looking quite the fool. Shut up you [acronym='emphasis on the first part of the word']horse[/acronym]. The storm spirit disappeared with another clap of thunder, the remnants of a chuckle left in her wake. Leaping into the air, Quillan floated downward, angling his body so as to appear as if he was relaxing peacefully in a hammock. He glided along his teammates, occasionally offering a gust of air to keep himself aloft. Despite his relaxed exterior, he was becoming more and more aware of the lack of power in the Underworld. The technique he was performing should require no effort at all, but he found himself secretly straining to accomplish the task. "So Leon, it won't be like dead people food will it? I mean not like in that Harry Potter book right? Because I won't be eating any spider webs or maggots." Quillan said, referring to a novel that he had read recently. He had borrowed it from a wind nymph, who was just infatuated with the books. 

[Hotaru987]

"Yeah, yeah I suppose you're right." Nailah agreed, before returning to her thoughts. It wasn't long before Leon mentioned that they were coming close to their destination, which was bound of have a feast that they would be able to partake in. "Sweet, I've been pretty hungry since we've got here." She didn't want to admit it, but all of the discomfort and uneasiness from being in this place was wearing her out, and getting some food in her system would be a great distraction. "I wonder if they have smoked turkey." She mumbled to herself as she imagined herself digging into a large turkey. Though that was until Quillian's question on whether it would be dead people food and filled with spiders and cobwebs just like the a Harry Potter book he read. Suddenly her turkey became infested with spiders and maggots. Nailah shuddered. "I would hope not..."

[Lunar Origins]

Clair giggled as she admired the sights of the underworld.  It wasn't actually all too bad, in her opinion.  On the mention of food, her tummy grumbled and she pulled out a wrapped biscuit from her pocket, and she nibbled on it as they walked.  "If I were you guys, I wouldn't touch the underworld's food," she said, sighing contently.  "If you all researched its history, you'd do well to remember what happened to the beautiful Persephone."

[Kyng's Old Account]

It was without question that the Vanguards would mull over eating now, what with Clair's insight giving them an idea. Death was very greedy, and Hades might be inclined to trick them to remain in his plane. This concept managed to starve Leon's mind away from the idea of food. That was a good thing indeed, because what would eventually come ahead would likely give much more worry to the Spearheads and their tag-along that was Antimar.

Indeed, Elysium was the paradise it was made out to be. It was a beautiful island, grass the most beautiful shade of emerald as it glazed over the paradise. A number of shallow, and soft hills occupied the majority of the mainland, which contrasted beautifully with the golden sands draped upon the shores of the island. A single, sole mountain stood up in the centre of the island, so beautifully, it was even slightly snow-capped. Argueably, this was an unrivalled beauty in this world, and would be a damn good contender in terms of the world above.

However, what brought a worry to Leon's eyes was the presence of a Harbinger of Ragnarok, Nidhogg. The Dragon, usually present and gnawing at the World Tree's roots, had arrived and was pissed, it seemed, as it unleashed vicious fire down upon one of the many settlements upon the island. This Dragon, unlike Ao Kuang, was a neutral entity, and was certainly no God. However, indeed it was giving the Greek Heroes whom were warding it off a run for their money as it was agile enough to dodge a number of the attacks they threw at him, including arrows and especially catapulted boulders.

 

Leon, frowning softly, looked to Quillan. "Looks like there's plenty of fighting for you today. Be steadfast in taking him down in the air. I'll bring out Shar to allow me to take to the sky with you, if you want." He then looked back to the rest of his companions. "Otherwise, let's get to the sight, quickly. Elysium's protection no longer exists since Ragnarok, just like any God's immortality. We need to ensure minimal casualties, as soon as possible."