Saga On High Part 2

[Phantasma]

4 AM, Lovely Street

     That had been a lie, Kite admitted. Mentioning the unknown faction bit was a red herring. Something to get the Prince to go further off balance. Prince Dezda's instability was easily exploitable, or appeared to be. It was a best bet all things considered. And Kite really couldn't afford to get creative with all these battle-drunk Drazians. 

    Instead of going after the Skypieans, folks close like Gen or even Kite, they pointed their weapons above. It was chaos when the first body fell and it got Kite to stop formulating an escape. His attention and plane making stopped when he saw it. Whatever the black shape was it happened to be massive. In the dark sky it completely consumed the naked stars. Hurtling down like some massive blob with bodies trailing after it. 

    Some of those falling men happened to pin down a handful of Royal guards. Superior numbers consequently mattered little. They couldn't afford to keep a trained eye on the prisoners. This lapse in reach is what motivated Kite into moving, his eyes falling to the skies and remarking on the guards. 

    His smile returned even wider. 

    "I'd love to play hostage some more," He dashed again moving behind Gen, clotheslining a dazed guard. The unfortunate Drazian slammed into a nearby house with enough force to momentarily shake the wall. 

    "Except well, you're such a sloppy performer. Prince doesn't really suit you. Maybe a jester?" Kite chuckled and kicked the air continuing to fly back. He was gone into the darkness quicker than reinforcements could wall him off. 

    They had tried chasing him when it was clear he moved. The prince was left stunned with a sword falling right where Kite had just been. His entire body shaking, hair hiding his expression while heaving breathes broke the silence. He was illuminated by various beams shot into the sky by the royal guard, looking pretty despite defeat. 

    "I will not accept critical words... from some serpent in the darkness! Fight me you godsworn coward! Damn you!"

    "Lord, the prisoners...!"

    It wasn't something he could accept, doubly so because it happened right in front of his face. That's why this was being done, and why Kite didn't immediately run back. No, Kite instead crept along buildings keeping to the shadows with his chest barely rising and falling. Moving like this wasn't any trouble and he was well aware of his stamina. He knew when to conserve it. He also knew when to let the Drazians handle a massive falling stone. 

    Stone or no stone the pillars of electric blue did stop the shape from hurtling down. The whole thing veered off to the left and shot higher into the air. It spun several times in wild arcs until it came about even where the largest concentration of the beams had shot from. A column of flame spilled it from the orb, made the whole creature visible in brief flashes. 

    Those terrible episodes of light also nearly blew Kites cover. Zooming across the street like a human bullet catching Tyr, then Gen and finally Corinna. Depositing each of them just out of ear shot. It didn't matter if they were fighting, he'd do his best to avoid rubberbanding their momentum or throwing them too harshly. Collecting information took precedence over exacting revenge, or slaps or kicks to the groin. 

    "Looks to be from the depths... Clearly is not," Kite said, setting down the last of the ground atop a nearby shop a few meters from the Drazians. Far enough from immediate danger.

    It was a shell, kind of like Dials. A tough mollusk exterior, deep midnight shades dyed it so it nearly blended seamlessly with the nights sky. Several spikes jutted out from the oval like shape. The flames started at those flame tips, the spinning distorted the shape and concentrated the flames right onto the Drazians. The reaction was pretty dramatic too. 

    Seas of flame drowned more inexperienced Drazians, the others danced around the edge or catapulted themselves to higher ground. The roads and low ground became a veritable death trap. The temperature was so extreme it evaporated the moisture and sweat right off your body, the sensation of it near skin was an agonizing warmth and it painted this section of Lovely street a hideous shade of orange and yellow. A total 1/5 of the entire street was in a new state of ruin. It wasn't a question of If lovely street would burn, just when. Every second the fires raged the more they dripped towards that doomsday.

    "There goes thinking it would clean up the toy soldiers and mad child. Tyr, Corinna, Gen, I won't ask you more than you're able... we need to stop this fire and whatever that beast is," He turned around with his back to the flames, cinder blowing past him and ruffling through dishelved grey hair. 

    "I've some experience with beasts and there's hope attacking head on will get the Drazians to focus on me, only me. Coordinated strikes, if you can. Look out for folks trapped in their homes or in the line of fire," He breathed, letting his shoulders slightly drooped before Kite rolled them. 

    "I trust your judgement either way. I'm not about to lecture brave warriors while a fight is going on," His frown was still there, deep set. But there was something about his tone that sounded a hint softer. Something Kite couldn't hide with all this pressure pushing in on all sides.

    It couldn't be attachment, he reasoned. Miu and Pluto... that Fiasco. His hands unconsciously gripped his weapons harder to the point of strain. It didn't last long, other people came to mind and got Kite to relax a fraction. Bryony, Gemma, Watcher, Gaunt and even people like Dagon, Octavia and Athena bubbled up in one wave of nostalgia.

    Getting close hadn't been all bad, he quickly corrected himself. 

    He kicked off again, jerking around midflight and continuing to zoom back towards the fire. Blades twirled free of their sheathes and swatted away flames in a human sized tunnel. The way he was moving and with the speed it was like the fire had turned to water and was rippling while he traveled. Several Drazians were also swatted to the side, a consequence of how each blade was being brought out and swiped back towards Kite. He was making a beeline towards where some of the Drazians Royal guards were still shooting skyward. 

    "White snake!" Kite tried to look over his shoulder but it was too late, a shortsword slammed into his flank sending him into another building. He had about ten more Drazians taking turns firing and swarming the smoking ruins of the cornerstone house. 

    Dezda wasn't a step behind, longsword zooming off only to fly back with the prince holding onto the end. Intent on investigating the home he threw Kite into. 

    Electricity continued to aggravate the beast, so much that it slammed down ontop the nearest group of soldiers, resting atop the direct opposite to Kites momentary prison. It really was like some messed up looking clam shell, only more oval like and flatter. Like a skipping stone. It wasn't long before it started spinning on the buildings roof knocking clear some royal guards that had jumped on its shell. The whole time it was spinning the flame spouts stopped. 

---

Monster Index

Drazian Initiate - Hexcode 7e9280

• About E Class, reasonably strong by even those standards. 
• Weapons they use are probably a rank 2, they're tough.
• Intelligent when it comes to straight up battle, their lack of strength is made up for by their strategic counters. 

Drazian Royal Guards - Hexcode fdfda2

• ? Class
• Weapons are rank 2 with usually a sidearm. A dagger, shield, you name it.
• Tried and true, not much for talking. Their armor is exceedingly tough and their fighting style makes up for a lack of superior physical might. Beware their combination technics. 

Drazian Prince - Hexcode ffffff

• ? Class
• Weapons are ? rank. Dezda uses a shortsword and dagger. 
• Dezda's need for respect means he can be exploited through continued insults. He's fast enough that a surprise strike caught Kite off guard... even though he yelled moments before. 

Weird fire shell - Hexcode ffc737 (It mainly makes a noise like FYSHUUUUU)

• ? Class
• Breathes freaking fire and can fly, what the heck it's a CLAM THIS DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.
• Seems to get annoyed even if it's not physically injured. Has perched atop a nearby building and gone into beyblade mode. 

EXTRAS

TL;DR/Refresher: We need to do something about the fire, defeat the drazians AND DEAL WITH THIS WEIRD CLAM. 

...
..
.

I worry this was way too long. Lemme know if it's confusing.

[Sam]

Part #1

---

Gen flinched. It was all he could do after he was hit with the smell of ozone wafting against his face. The man before him, the one who Tyr had injured simply got vaporized into a bright light before him. Of all the things Gen had seen in the Grand Line, ranging from water manipulating mermaids, cats who could summon flames, hypnotic musicians, and turtles big enough to be islands or men who could turn their body to iron... Gen had never seen this specific phenomenon in his life.

His eyes looked onto Prince Dezda with different mixed emotions that were not there before. This man, this brat before him likely born with a silver spoon in hand was the type of man... no... he was not worthy of such a title... this was the type of creature who Gen despised the most. Pure range bubbled within the Tengu as he felt his rage boil his very insides. Taking in a deep breath the Tengu remembered the wise teachings of Master Yama, an old wizened Guru who he'd met in the North Blue.

A man who'd showed him that the cleanest path to victory was through tranquility. Now was not the moment to burst, now was the moment for tranquility. Letting out a repressed sigh the Tengu closed his eyes putting on a blank face. When the Prince came to inquire the Tengu simply didn't answer. There was simply nothing he had to say to this creature of malice. That's when it happened, the ground seemed to rumble as something surfaced... something large... something that blocked out the stars in the sky and smoldered the flames somewhat. Its dark shadow loomed in the distance made to difficult to see by the contrast of lighting.

"By the gods... the beasts have come to play?"

This entity seemingly distracted the guards enough to let Kite make a quick escape. Like the wind the man was soon gone, dispersed. Taking the opportunity Gen stood up unsheathing his sword, his eyes trained on the flames and on the shadows that wildly danced behind them. It was all like staring at hell, if Gen had to imagine it looked like... this was it. He felt his breath speeding up as anxiety crept up but again he remembered the guru's training. Expelling another repressed sigh he turned over to Corinna and knelt before, his back turned to her. His nameless sword gently placed over his shoulder.

"Stand low and stand behind me."

He commanded, for the time being, he wouldn't leave the spot and even less leave the child behind. Such a thought was inconceivable, if Tyr wanted to go around beating up the remaining Drazian's who ran like madmen then he could be the Tengu's guest. For his part, he'd simply hold his ground protecting Corinna meanwhile Kite did whatever he was doing. If he even came back... the man was strong. But this war-torn environment was difficult to navigate even for the strong. Especially now that beasts prowled.

*zoom*

Gen spotted Tyr being swept away by a dark shadow one too quick to properly spot. Was that another beast who came out to take part in the bloody parade? Perhaps some sort of vile flying beast?

"Stand low Corrina, an Itsudame is about sweeping souls up. Soon we will hear its dreaded cries mimicking the suffering of those who have passed."

He turned to look at Corinna, his voice soft in an attempt to calm the young one.

"It'll cry it's own name, itsudameno... until when... how much longer? How long will this suffering go unnoticed? It asks in its shallow mockery of humanity."

The Tengu simply continued in a calming voice, the truth was his eyes were trained on the flames before him. Ever watchful of what may come for him or the girl behind him. He slowly felt his heart sink, but he kept reminding himself of his place in all of this. The Tengu had to keep his composure if he wanted to get out of this one alive or at least make sure the child did.

*zoom*

He was taken.

"Unhand me foul demon!"

The Tengu yelled wrestling a bit, that was until he noticed it was simply Kite pulling him away. That at the very least calmed him down.

"Oh, it's you Kite... but the child?"

He questioned, but just as he did Kite dropped him off along with Tyr. Dashing away the white-haired man left for Corinna presumably.

"Tyr did he tell you anything?"

The Tengu inquired, but as soon as he asked the man returned this time with Corinna in his hands. Letting out a sigh of relief he turned his attention back at the destruction feeling the heat of the flames in his own eyes. If he wasn't used to staring at flames he'd very well be tearing up from the sheer heat. Even as he stood squatting on a shop's roof he could feel the intense heat, his eyes gazed across the scene spotting the terrible creature as he listened to Kite speak. The man had a point, they had to stop that beast... by the way, it played with the soldiers it proved to be even more dangerous than them. This was it, proof of their hubris... in their pursuit of power, they awoke something greater than them.

"Count me in Kite, it won't be easy... but count me in."

Gen simply replied staring at the mollusk like creature. He'd fought beasts before, but somehow this one was different. It felt different, the other beasts had been wild animals... but this one didn't feel like that. One look at its eyes and you could feel its deathly aura. Quickly, Kite sprung into action leaving them behind once more.

"You heard the man, let's coordinate."

---

Gen #ee1d41

[Die]

Tyr looked up through the mass of hair that obscured his eyes, watching the man he had broken become vaporized by a beam of light. Thankfully said hair in front of his face also somewhat mitigated just how incredibly bright that was, especially considering that he was mere inches from it. He also was no stranger to the sharp, pungent smell of ozone, nor was he a stranger to the smell of the remnants of burning hair and flesh that mixed itself in. The near-giant maintained a stoic face. ”Huh...so that’s what that does,” he said to no one in particular, giving off a sense that he was more intrigued by the mechanism of execution, than the fact someone had gotten vaped right in front of him. To Tyr, the basics were all there, nothing new. He had seen, fought, and executed members and leaders of any number of regimes so quick to kill one of their own for perceived incompetence or uselessness. Playing the long game, he had a feeling this short...thing sat in a castle built on pillars of salt and pillars of sand. Tyr stifled a snicker as he listened to Kite attempting to manipulate the mad prince. He would love to be the one to execute Dezda when this was all over. Though, his own musings on the matter would have to wait as he and the others were dumped off of whatever this flying barge...throne was.

”♫AND AH’M FREE! FREE FALLIN’!♫” Tyr belted out as he fell through the clouds. The least he could do was annoy the aggressors on the way down, right? At least until Kite came swooping in and snatched him out to safety, along with Gen and Corinna. ”Oof. Thank yeh fer tha save,” he thanked Kite. Soon as he did, his attentioned was grabbed by whatever strange wildlife had decided to raze the rest of the street. The flames didn’t seem to bother him too much, having been used to the fires of a forge long ago, but that didn’t stop him from sweating and breathing heavier.

"Tyr did he tell you anything?"

”Nuthin’ you ‘adn’t ‘eard already.” Tyr replied, before focusing his attention on the firestorm at hand.

”Righ’...s’much as I’d like ta watch tha giant spicy clam decimate tha Drazians n’ make ‘em easy pickin’s fer us, we cannae let tha thing run amok n’ burn down what’s left o’ this island. That shell looks ta be a right pain in tha arse ta break through, but that gives me an idea…” Tyr said as he reached into one of his pouches and pulled what looked like a large sharpened metal stake, with a widened end as though it was meant to split tough logs.

Turning to Corinna, Tyr held out the stake for her to work her Devil Fruit magic on, ”Oi lass. Ah’m gonna needja ta work yer Devil magic on this splitter. Think yeh can rig it so tha sound’ll come out o’ tha pointy end n’ not tha flat end?” Waiting on her answer, Tyr looked to Gen, ”Seems like yer faster than both o’ us, gonna need yeh t’find a way t’get it ta stop spinnin, n’ stay still long enough ta get this stuck in its shell. Might take all o' us fer that part. Ah'm gonna use tha maul side o’ me axe to drive it in, n’ mebbe tha sound’ll shake it apart or summint as soon as ah crack tha shell.”

Tyr drew his greataxe as he watched the thing spin right round on the rooftop, “Dunno ‘bout yeh lot, but ah’m suddenly hungry fer clam. N’ if yeh find a Drazian burnin or knocked out or summint, leave ‘im. We need ta deal with that beastie firs’. Dealin with tha invaders or damage control after that, whichever ‘un tha both o’ you think’s more important.”

[Suriko]

The young musician had still been glaring at the drazian prince with a fury that seemed out of place compared to all the early interaction the rest of the group had with her. she could not believe anyone could that cruel to one of their own men, especially one that had shown nothing but loyalty and respect. As Kite went on, she knew he must have had some kind of plan, her emerald gaze scanning the street for anything, any kind of opening. It was about this point that all the drazians' attention seemed to turn skyward, towards some unknown foe. Maybe Kite hadn't been lying about the backup, but who, and why hadn't he called on them before. As she turned her gaze to the sky, able to do so while the soldiers were distracted with the new enemy, she could see the shape of it. There had been nothing like it in Skypiea. It was massive. It was menacing. It was a giant mollusk...

And then Kite was gone in a flash and a quip, seeming to disappear into the inky darkness of the shadows that dotted Lovely street at this time of day. In the chaos of the giant clam and the white-haired swordsman's escape, Corinna had managed to get to her feet. Her focus landed on her target once more, the drazian prince with his gaze upwards appraising their new target as they redirected its movement. She began to rush the leader, no plan to speak of to deal with him, but she just felt the strong urge to connect her hand with his smug little face. But before she could, she found herself blocked by the tengu, Gen, Who seemed intent on keeping her safe. She fumed a bit, her cheeks puffed up into a pout as she lightly batted at his shoulder. it was long after that he disappeared, confusing the heck out of her before she was spirited away by kite as well. She listened to most of his words as she watched the ensuing battle between the invaders and the new creature fighting for dominance. And Skypiea was once again in the crosshairs of two forces. Enough is enough!!

Once Kite was finished talking she offered a thumbs up to him as well, in agreeance with the red man next to her and the hulking warrior. Once they turned to each other to start their planning, the young fruit user would look to Tyr, trying to think about what he was asking and if she would be able to do that, before a proverbial lightbulb lit. She pressed a hand to the blunt end of his greataxe, a knob forming on the side. she turned the knob to its max setting, giving the hulk's weapon the slightest tap as the sound from it would reverberate all the way to the hand that was gripping it. She hoped this would be what he was looking, as her jade eyes shifted to the spreading embers and fires spread through Lovely street. She was trying to think of what else she could do. there had to be something she wasn't thinking of.

But Gen and Tyr were right, the clam was the first priority here and, they needed to try to stop it before it causes more havoc. And she was pretty sure she had a way to make an opening for the massive fighter. It was going to be loud though, one of her trademarks. and likely to draw attention, though hopefully, it wouldn't pull the prince's wrath from kite while he was doing his best to be their cover. She would rush through the alleyways and roads of Lovely street, trying to get under the giant mollusk as it hopped from building to building and spun. She would run each hand over the back of the other hand, similar volume knobs to the one on tyr's great-axe forming. Soon finding herself under the giant clam, or at least as close to under with a roof over her head. She took a deep breath before she pulled her hands back and then brought them forward against one another as hard as she could. the resulting sound would be familiar to any skypiean as it echoed out, the sheer sonic force ripping and tearing wood and stone asunder as a thunder-like shockwave echo and disrupted the footing the fire shell had to spin and move. Hopefull this would have been enough to stop it momentarily and allow an opening for the two warriors.

[Phantasma]

Kite #2

---

    The now airborne otherworldly mollusk rocketed off to the right. No more solid surface meant a clockwise spin would send it tumbling, the fire was a propellant now. The impact was a fantastic splattering of wood splinters, shattered stone and brick alongside flecks of mortar. The cratered building was pretty much ramshackled already from the fire, the clam stuck in it ruined any hopes of a quick repair though. The spiky, now glowing pink shell hummed and buzzed in clear frustration. 

    Stuck like it was in the ground no amount of fire or spinning would help. It kind of looked like a curved chip stuck in dip or a massive hangnail. And like any hangnail it was going to come off painfully. The fire stopped, the humming stopped and a steady hissing noise rose up in their place. The bricks scattered on the road below shuffled, the two walls left standing fell away leaning on nearby houses. The mysterious hissing was getting louder and louder. 

    For the moment it seemed stuck. Shouted orders and blue lights flinging towards it told you that it wouldn't be long before the Drazians swarmed it like ants. But there should have been more, right? Only a few streaks of lightning flew off at the Clam.

    For the moment Corinna had won you the opening we all desperately needed. 

    The night sky was starting to turn red. Was it already morning?

---

    It hurt. For the first time in a long time, that had genuinely hurt Kite. Stranded in a house underneath rubble that was the first thought he had. A good many after that were pretty mean and exclusively directed at the fast approaching prince. The remains of the wall shook and gave way to a very not-happy Kite Kalisto. 

    Kite swung his swords up near his face in a flash of silver metal. Dezda's flying blade impacted them in a shower of sparks, the prince howling with gleeful laughter. 

    "So you ARE durable! Fitting for such a wheedling insect. Shall I pluck your wings next?"

    "Look do you... are you even hearing yourself? Insect? Wheedling? You're speaking in cliches," Kite grunted, trying to inch forward and force Dezda to lose the clash. 

    "Such a silver tongue! You've convinced me to leave no survivors! You're being VERY persuasive," He spat, beautiful features turning into an ugly snarl. 

    "Cliches" Kite huffed, rolling his eyes and dropping his guard, sweeping under Dezda right as the gemstone roared to life. He could feel the thing vibrating long before that point. 

    Dezda couldn't even coherently scream as he went flying forward into some innocent table. Wood exploded into sawdust. Kite backpeddled and launched himself towards the hole in the wall, turning his whole body off where Dezda went. He stowed away both swords for a moment, using now free hands to snap over and over. Alongside the roar of clicking and clacking a series of menacingly ghostly orbs flew from his fingers on a flight path for Dezda. 

    The white-haired fighter was well out of the building before they detonated. Looking forward, eyes marking each approaching warrior. Quick legs took him to the sky, bricks and wood exploding outward and blanketing his part of the street with smoke. 

    By the time the smoke had cleared Kite was advancing towards an emplaced party of royal guards up atop the roofs that were pelting the clam. They were starting to pack up when he descended upon them. Dual swords knocking aside the warriors he took by surprise, the greenhorns, while he had to avoid the thrusts and jabs of the seasoned raiders. 

    A very angry and dirty Dezda emerged from the ruins of a now collapsed house. Blade pointed at Kite, hand collecting blood from his busted lip. A fierce gaze appraised the spilled vigor before Dezda's hand turned into a clenched fist. Every drop of his royal blood SCREAMED for the death of the swordsman and his compatriots... the giant one, the red one and especially the little girl! They'd all pay! Pay!

    A bright crimson light enveloped his blade point. 

    Seconds later a massive red beam fired off hurtling towards Kite. It was the size of the houses it consumed to close the distance.

    Dezda's howling laughter was drowned out, he didn't even care he was forced to take a knee while doing this. The noise of the blast was deafening... like the scream of a trumpet orchestra mixed with a weather warning siren.

    Some of the houses in the way of the blast had people inside. 

    Many small blue lights joined the beams path, the remnants of the raiding party. Those that weren't going after the Clam took the hint and tried taking out Kite. 

[Sam]

Gen gave a single nod, his eyes locked on the bristling flames ahead. He heard Corinna and Tyr's exchange only speaking up once Corinna had done her thing. Slowly turning around Gen looked up at Tyr from his crouching position... black strands of hair fluttering about among the cinders of flame which painted the dark sky in an orange glow.

"Aye, I'm not as fast as Kite, but I too can fly. Leave it to me."

Before he could dash out into the night Corinna sent out a massive blast of sound. It must have done something considering the beast wasn't having a good time... perfect! This distraction could enable him and Tyr to get closer to the beast. It was now or never! Using his special "stumbling to heaven technique" Gen set out into action as he hopped through the air almost as if to hop from invisible clouds or steps in the sky at great speed. His legs stabbing into the air like spears as he soared about.

Finally, he arrived at the beast's location, letting himself fall on it with full force further pushing it into the dirt. Grasping at its shell he held on tight gritting his teeth, his black beard swishing around as the creature angrily bucked at him. Cinders fluttering around him, veins popped around Gen's forehead showing off his strain, he was strong but so was this foul beast.

"Any time now Tyr!"

He exclaimed as he tussled with the beast adding on to the distractions.

---

Gen | Crimson #EE1D41 (Post Count: 2)

[Die]

Corinna got the placement sort of right, putting the dial on his weapon itself, and not the splitter he was intent on driving into the shelled beastie. Either way, the effect was hopefully going to be the same. The non-giant giant could feel the vibrations ringing through the leather of his gloves, into his bones when Corinna turned the dial up to max and flicked his weapon. This is probably going to hurt him, but likely hurt the creature even more. With the preparations complete, Tyr watched as Corinna ran off to give him and Gen the opening they needed. The viking took off shortly after her, knowing full well that Gen would be speeding past him in the time it took for him to reach the clam. Tyr firmly grasped the splitter in his hand, making sure everything needed to see this plan to fruition would make it there. Seeing his new mute friend run in like that, and unleash a sonic blast to disrupt the flaming clam brought a tear to his eye, feeling proud of her.

Finally, it was Gen’s, literally taking off after it to lock it down to create an even bigger opening for Tyr. The giant himself continued to pick up speed like a freight train towards the clam, crashing through what remained of some houses and barreling over whatever Drazians were still engaged with the clam without being slowed down. In fact, he only seemed to be gaining momentum as he held the splitter reverse grip in one hand. Tyr kept his eyes on the prize, though observed Gen stepping through the air to land on top of the clam, slamming it into the ground and firmly grasping what he could of it to keep it locked place.

Tyr grinned and huffed as he continued on his straight-line warpath towards the creature, cupping his other hand over the flat end of the splitter. The viking merc found an opening in the clam’s armor, slamming into it full force and driving the splitter in. The impact was enough to roll it back slightly, angling the splitter slightly upwards, perfect positioning for what came next. He stepped back, drawing his greataxe and flipping it in his hands to lead with the hammer side. With the dial placed by Corinna turned to max, he raised his weapon over his head, winding back before lunging forward, and unleashing a devastating downward swing, combining his strength with the weight of the weapon and gravity to maximize the impact of the hammer into the splitter. A resounding, earsplitting ring erupted at the point of impact. Tyr grit his teeth and grunted as the vibrations from the impact hurt and numbed his hands, but he still kept a death grip on his weapon. He’d likely be hearing the ringing in his ears for a fair bit after this was all said and done. He could only hope, with their combined efforts, that this would do the trick.

[Suriko]

Despite the loud concussive blast of her own ability pushing most of the debris away, Corinna still found herself under a rain of debris, bobbing and ducking as best she could to get out of the now-wrecked house. Her emerald gaze searched for more enemies first, scanning as she watched the blue streams of energy focused on the clam now that it was caught off-balance. The small musician then focused her gaze on her two new compatriots, watching as gen sped through the fire-drenched battlefield towards the menacing mollusk. She pumped her fist in the air as he managed to mount the beat and work out an opening in its shell, preparing for the fruits of their combined assault. As Tyr planted the splitter into the opening and slammed the vibrating great axe against it, the rocker covered her ears, knowing this was not going to sound good at all. And the ringing that still managed to permeate past her palms confirmed that. Shaking her head, trying to dispel the noise, she didn't wait t watch the aftermath. The skypiean admittedly found herself worried about her home, still seeing the fire as she panicked on how best to put them out.

Rushing to the nearest blaze, she immediately recoiled from the sheer intensity of the heat radiating from it. The hellish scene made her heart sink as she tried to think of some way to resolve this. But this was Skypiea, the only water they truly had was all the way in Upper yard. Dropping to her knees, the fruit user let her palms fall to the ground to catch herself, nearly giving up until she felt a protrusion rise from under her hand. Looking down, she saw a familiar sight, one of her dials. But she had no idea why or how. Curious of what it affected, she would turn it up only slightly, flinching as she felt the intensity of the heat only grow as the flame rose. As she pulled her palm from the dial, it was turned back down, watching as the flames died down.

This had caught the teenager of-guard, staring down at the dial as she turned it down further. The result was the licks of flames slowly diminishing into little embers before finally dying out. Realization hit her face as a gleeful smile formed, despite their situation. She had just figured out a new use for her power, and at the right time to. Unfortunately, she was broken out of this moment as a deafening blast echoed through the street, the crimson beam demolishing building and adding to the damage as the fight raged on.

[Phantasma]

Kite #3

---

    Three ear-shattering sounds pierced the night's air. 

    First was the triumphant downward ax-kiss Tyr planted on the clam. Shale-like material sloughed off the surface in a 2 foot wide dent. Gen had made the Clam hold still and endure the punishment of the strike and Corinna's percussive echoes. Through devil fruit trickery whatever damage Tyr had managed was magnified, the clang of the downward bonk grew deep in resonance. Eventually the Clam didn't even need to be held down as the sound combined with blunt trauma appeared to have stunned it. 

    Seconds after that small victory came the devastating sight of the marauding prince's beam. Swollen and painted an ugly shade of red. Swaths of destruction gave way to it as it chased after Kite. It was some distance off but it was closing in. It sounded like the roar of a wave, but it crackled like a living bolt of lightning. 

    And right at the head of that wave was Kite. Little more than a darker spec. 

    He was zipping around the head of the beam darting in and out of view. One moment to the left, another to the right and for a brief second atop a buildings roof that lay just ahead of the attack. Sharper eyes could pick out what he was doing, yet more critical eyes would notice his slowing pace. 

    He was moving people out of the way, making sure no one would get hit by the blast. Sometimes he was even trying to deflect it only to get nearly swallowed whole. Continually forced back-- forced forward to where the clam was. 

    Kite was struggling. Moving this fast and at this height was something new-- even if he was somewhat accustomed it was still additional strain. Sweat was soaking his brow, carried away by the blasts of wind he stirred up. His mind wasn't exactly preoccupied but, well, jitters. There were a lot of people to save and it required so much precision.

    However, strain of the body and mind wasn't something new. 

    This wasn't the first time a fight had boiled down to needing miracles-- and if it really came to it he'd make those miracles. It might really suck to die here but at least it wasn't in jail-- and at least it was saving others. If anything it would make for a touching eulogy. 

    And there he was. The beam was right ontop of the group, Kite whirled around to intercept the attack one last time. Didn't offer any glances over the shoulder or any parting words. There really wasn't anything he could've said-- or so he thought. Like so many times before his body was moving mechanically. 

    Like a trumpet mixed with a tuba, a third sound rippled through Lovely Street. 

    Maybe it was fortunate he hadn't said goodbye. 

    Because the fight might've been over, but it wasn't over for the swordsman. 

    The clam shell shot out like a discus from where it was vibrating. Built up pressure from Corinna's sonic assault mixed with the damage inflicted from Tyr was to blame. With the grace of a cannonball the mollusk intercepted the beam during the split second Kite was preparing to take the killing blow. 

    Impacting like that so suddenly had the side-effect of stirring up dust from the rubble and obscured what happened next for a lot of people including the prince. But the play by play boiled down to the Clam hitting the beam head on and not only tanking the blast, but being knocked so far away and so quickly away by the energy it hardly made a noise. It was just there one second and gone the next, not a pop or whoosh to announce it was gone. Just a slightly oblonged dust-cloud. 

    Had Kite not ducked the last second on instinct, he might've gotten swept up too. He stayed on the fluffy floor for quiet some time, heart catching in his throat and brain screaming various ways he could've died. All he could do was breathe for a solid few seconds, shakily rising as the dust settled. 

    "I--"

    "Well! It appears my marvelous stratagem not only disposed of that warbeast but fell that obnoxious rat-fink swordsman."

    "Yes... sir... but the men--"

    "Yes yes yes-- a feast once we round up the vegetable, the giant and the maiden. I have plans for those that would defy my birthright."

    Dezda's entitled voice was unmistakable. As was the gruff, animal-like tone his guards adopted. In favor of gaining a chance to surprise the Prince the white-haired warrior remained silent. Concealed himself against nearby rubble. Squatting low behind stones was quick enough that he made little noise, and only earned a glance from the Guard. 

    The lack of more men told Kite they might be nearby-- it was inconsistent-- the raiding party was large but had they really knocked them out? Disabled that many? Dezda wasn't ALL talk... surely... surely they were nearby? 

    No. Take out the prince. The drones will fall. 

    His foot slipped, disturbed a pebble. 

    Crap.

    "Why don't you just announce your presence already rat-fink!" Dezda shrieked, leveling another bolt from his sword ontop of where Kite had been. In a shower of sparks the two clashed, Kite grunting as he slowly pushed the Prince back with both blades atop the sabers edge. 

    "Attack his friends! Quickly! Break his resolve!" Dezda forced Kite back briefly, surprise shot across both their faces.

    Dezda's features twisted into a menacing grin, Kites features darkened.

    "DON'T YOU TOUCH THEM!" Kite shouted, emotions getting the better of him. 

---

    Yea. Beat that guard up guys. Show Dezda he's a little punk >8O! Last of the combat phase, promise. 

Kite - c24f4f
Dezda - ffffff
Royal Guard - fdfda2

[Sam]

Their plan worked! Gen could hardly believe it! But their plan worked! With pure ingenuity the team had busted through the clam's defenses. Pieces of shale like material flew off in every direction! Gen hopped off the now stunned beast allowing for Tyr to crash in his strike with his inhuman prowess. But the celebration was cut short.

A streak of red that hazed across the skies covering it in a shadow of crimson. It was a glare and behind it was none other than Kite, hardly staving off the maddening beam that Prince Dezda had created. It all culminated in the shell beast! Gen quickly hopped out of the beams way as it crashed itself into the clam, effectively vaporizing it.

"There goes my plan of having some clam and booze after this ordeal."

Gen grumbled, hiding behind a pile of rubble. He poked his head out to see Prince Dezda and some Drazians. Speaking almost of it Kite had well, perished. Gen raised a brow, he could hardly believe that was a fact. Kite had proven to be formidable. That much Gen could admit. Even so the confidence that the Prince exuded was rather convincing... but as things would have it.

Kite was simply hiding much like Gen, turns out the 'rat-fink' as Dezda called Kite was very much alive. Unsurprising to Gen to say the least. That however made Dezda change his plans. What was his plan? Well to kill Gen, Corinna, and Tyr to put it simply. Gen raised a brow, he might not be as strong as Kite but he sure as hell wasn't a pushover either.

"You and what army?"

Gen announced, hopping over the pile of rubble... his body was tangled up in the blue flames from before. His sword unsheathed, held in his right hand and on the left he held a bottle of booze.

"I've cleaved plenty of your men, and I shall cleave more. Cowards like you, love to hide behind them."

Shoveling as much booze as he could into his mouth, he took in a deep breath through his long nose and let out a deep seated breath. Mingled with alcohol and fire, Gen used one of his techniques! Sour Sunrise! Like a dragon he blew flames on Dezda and the incoming party of Drazians. He was certain this would hardly harm Dezda... but the Drazian soldiers would surely not go unharmed. Right?

---

Gen | Imperial Red | #ED2939 | (Post Count: 3)

[Die]

Tyr grinned and cackled. His plan worked. It just worked. They were going to eat good t-

Aaaaaaaaand it’s gone! The clam vanished, struck by the red beam of light. Tyr hopped backwards to stay out of its path, and as the dust settled, he looked around trying to find it, but to no avail. “Fohk me...was lookin’ forward t’ clambake…’n chowder,” he grumbled to himself as he looked to Gen. Apparently he was thinking the same thing, but all Tyr could hear was ringing in his ears. Looked like that gambit had done more than hurt his hands with vibrations. And so he gave his head a few smacks, shook it a little, and then cupped a hand over to Gen and shouted, “WOT’S THAT!? AH CANNAE ‘EAR YEH OER THA SOUND O’ ‘OW FECKIN’ AWESOME THAT WOS!”

Tyr quickly reoriented himself as the ringing faded and others' voices were able to be heard again. He squinted at the lone guard they faced, scanning the surroundings for where the other Drazians might have gone, now that Kite had engaged Dezda. Upon failing to spot them, he figured either they were in hiding, somewhere else, or simply vaporized along with the beam. But for now...the viking picked up his greataxe, shouldering it and sneering at the lone guard they faced, like a lamb to the slaughter. The Nord attached the chain to the end of his greataxe and started swinging it into a spin, building up speed and momentum before launching straight for the guard’s chest, intent on crushing the armor and making it very difficult to breathe, and then reeling it back into his grasp.. Now was the time to make as much of a statement as he could, even if the Prince was as delusional as they came, and likely not to get that message. Tyr was very intent on breaking this guard within an inch of his life; demoralize the other enemy combatants. Maybe the other guards would get the message instead: “Fuck around and find out.”

[Phantasma]

Kite #4    

---

    The fight was decided in seconds. Flames washed over what remained of the entourage of soldiers, those that dove out of the way were grabbed and beaten to pulps by a pseudo-giant. Whatever Drazians had in the form of medicine, if they had that much, wouldn't fix what the Tengu and Warhound had done to them. Not in a timely kind of way.

    Dezda was mortified. His prideful demeanor shrunk under perhaps more pressure than Kite could even muster. His grunts more desperate, body twisting as he tried to press his leading foot forward to try and knock Kite away on a swing. 

    It didn't work.

    Sensing the strain Kite pressed his own assault and in a moment of pure unrefinement swung a leg up at the prince. It connected with the tyrants knee, the leg he was leading with. Perhaps calling the noise he made a 'shriek' was exaggeration, but he certainly howled. Fell off to the side with his blade clattering out of reach. A sliver of metal to his throat well before he could scramble up to get it. 

    That prince would've found a foot weighing down the blade anyway. Kite was standing on it. 

    "That... was... was-- You dare to call me a coward and you did that!" He looked to Gen then to Kite. 

    "And you! You dare touch us! Throw us! Break our bodies! You in particular should REJOICE with our arrival we are warriors supreme!" He swung his gaze towards Tyr. 

    "Unhand me and my weapon, half-measured swordsman!" He landed his gaze upon Kite once more. Somehow even flipped on his back like he was that Prince still pulled off a fairly impressively indignated tone.

     He thought he was the one being wronged here.

    That got Kite to smile. The sort of cruel grin you might find drifting on when someone gets hit by a tree branch right after they mouth off to you-- or perhaps tripping and falling right after they brag about something inane and pointless. 

    "You're unbelievably spoiled. You've never been faced with failure before."

    "This is not a failure! This is a mere setback!" The prince was rigid.

    "It terrifies you," Kite confirmed, eyebrow lifting and blade easing on the neck of his foe. 

    "ATTACK! KILL!" He howled at his men. 

    No one answered. 

    "I wonder how your culture accepts such devastatingly incompetent failure. From royalty no less."

    Dezda was practically foaming, entire body struggling to get to that sword under Kite's heel. 

    "You two able to stand? No lasting harm? If you're able to stand you're more than owed speaking to this... failure," Kite enunciated each letter painfully slowly letting it roll out of his mouth like a poison. 

    "Such devastation," He muttered, an aside. Eyes flicking from building to ruined building. The scenery was reminiscent of a natural disaster with flames cooling in the streets and a few stray bricks plummeting from wounds in the buildings. It made ugly memories surface and forced brief hesitation, momentary insight, into the warrior. 

    "Need to check on the townspeople," He confirmed aloud. If Gen, Tyr or Corinna volunteered to watch the prince that's exactly what Kite was going to do.

---

Kite - C24F4F
Prince Dezda - ffffff

[Sam]

The Tengu watched silently as Kite demonstrated his power of the now downed Prince who pathetically called out for his soldiers. It didn't make sense to Gen, how could he be part of a proud warrior culture? Everything he did or stood for seemed far from being par for the course on that. Kite was right, the Prince was unbelievable spoiled.

"I care not speak to... this supposed Prince."

Gen turned to the devastation, he hadn't gotten time to admire the destruction. His dark eyes shined slightly against the flaming curtains that surrounded much of the city. It was in his nature as a healer to go out and find healers. Besides, he didn't want to be anywhere near a person like Dezda. Not to mention he could cover more ground than either Corrina or Tyr. Only surpassed by Kite's inhuman speed.

"I'll go look for survivors too. Maybe Tyr would rather do the gaurd duty."

With that Gen shot himself into the air with a leap. Landing ontop of a building, he put a hand over his brow and began to squint looking around for any survivors in the vicinity.

---

Gen | Imperial Red | #ED2939 (Post Count: 4)

[Die]

Tyr nodded as Kite and Gen moved off to sift through the rubble, ”Aye, ah’ll play guard dog fer this little failure,” he said. With those two underway, the Nord looked down at Dezda, picking up his greataxe and…laid it down on Deza’s chest. The weapon was far heavier than it already appeared. Just how was the pseudo-giant able to swing and throw it like it was nothing? Either way. If Dezda had any thoughts of escape, there was no chance of that now. For added humiliation, Tyr then placed a foot on top of his weapon, on top of Dezda’s chest. He eyed Dezda’s men scattered all about, all eyes on him while they clutched limbs, sides, etc in pain. Tyr reached into a few pouches, pulling out first aid supplies, and tossing it at the nearest soldier, who caught it. ”Oi, ‘ere. Use ‘em t’patch yew ‘n yers ohp.” The men exchanged glances, unsure if it was a trap or not. This was not lost on Tyr. ”Oi! If ah broke yew lot this easileh, yeh think ah’d go through tha trouble ‘o poisonin’ yeh? S’nothin’ personal. Yeh jos ‘appened t’be in mah way.” Now they exchanged murmurs, seemingly accepting Tyr’s logic as sound, and went about patching each other up. The Nord picked up Dezda’s discarded weapon, its power stone still firmly slotted in place. He examined it closely, holding it over his head, giving it a few waves. It felt like there was an invisible string attached to it, tugging it in a certain direction. He kept a firm grasp on it. Fucking magnets, how do they work?

He then looked down at the sad, defeated form of Dezda. With his height, and back strategically placed in position with the lighting, he appeared taller and more menacing than before. He hadn’t forgotten the words Dezda spat earlier, ”Rejoice? Warriors supreme?” he said, before breaking out into loud, raucous, ugly laughter. ”If yeh lot were truly warriors supreme, yeh wouldn’t be lyin’ ‘ere broken now, wouldjeh? Yer men…maybe former men now, wouldn’t ‘ave been beaten ‘n broken so easileh, ‘n tossed like a child’s toy!”

The Nord squatted down to get a closer look at the broken prince's face. "Yew lot dropped down 'ere, put on a show, 'n wreaked all this wanton destruction thinkin' yeh'd roll through 'n be back 'ome in time fer dinner eh? All it took t'dew yeh in wos four 'o us. Wot's that say about yew 'n yer lot eh?" Tyr brought his arms up, pointing to his own head in a dramatic fashion. "Think, Failure! Think!"

[Phantasma]

Kite #5

    "Enough! I will not tolerate such poorly enuncia--" Dezda made to squirm away from Tyr but was solidly married to the ground with a satisfying thud. 

    His eyes bulged out of his head and several very undignified noises radiated out. He was like a book for a moment, each emotion written plainly on his otherwise perfectly preened and now sullied face. Fear, anger, sorrow and above all else a deep seated anxiety that peaked just as he realized breathing was even more difficult with that weapon planted on him. 

    Throughout Tyr's little poke at his expense, if the warrior so chose, he could lift the greataxe aloft princely flesh to hear the following. Although, either way, if he didn't it would come out muffled all the same. 

    "We will not be alone. And... in haste to see... see us stopped you ignore enemies unknown. We will have revenge, even if not by our own blades. Conquest has come to this shore and you are... leaves before the coming storm," He let loose a weak, but sure smile. 

    That was before the pain set in. At which point he started turning pale. Perhaps he was in shock or that little speech tore something? Either way he went to groaning and his eyes rolling around in the back of his head. 

    His men, confused and clearly not concerned, slowly treated their wounds. But made to also attempt to check on the prince after a matter of course. Though they clearly had some hesitation, though the reason as to why wasn't readily clear. Had combat really won them over or did it go deeper?

    Gen for his part spots a variety of people. Those milling about buildings or spilling out to try and move rubble. It would appear that many more survived than perished in this wanton destruction. Several children, even, appeared on the verge of tears only to be embraced by battered or scantly wounded townspeople. It was a sight that would cause even the kami above to weep. Truly this skyborne isle was not a place deserving of such pain. 

    Should he choose to flutter down to the ground below he'd find all manner of work to be had. From search and rescue in the still-burning buildings to the various wary Drazian's who looked to be on a knifes edge between putting down arms to deciding to go for a cowardly stab into the people that steadily neared them. The brave townspeople and guards, for their part, wore inscrutable expressions of righteous fury. Though they were not armed, some did brandish typical weapons like polearms or burning kindling. 

    Whatever the two decided people would express their thanks. Cheer for them. Flock to them over time. Not immediately, perhaps, but over time pending what they decided to do. The people of Skypiea were ever quick to thank their saviors who beat back not only the mad prince but the strange beast that had accompanied the armada. 

     Kite was nowhere to be seen... no... rather he was weaving between buildings at a speed that made him appear to have vanished. A ripping of air here, a harsh hiss of vacuum there, he was searching for the truly desperate situations resulting in this crisis. Whole sections of walls were cut away to allow survivors choking in smoke to flee, bewildered and caught aback by sudden open space. But nonetheless rushing outside to greet their rescuer only to be met with a blurred silhouette. 

    And in his haste to rescue the near dead Kite realized Corinna had disappeared. He looked for her too. Convinced that she must have fled in the ensuing combat. He wouldn't forgive himself if something happened to her. 

    His expression hardened to a degree not unlike steel. Mouth thinned, scowl planted firm, a product of focus rather than anger. He extended his senses as he dashed further from the calamity and checked the perimeter of the settlement in mere minutes.