Scene #4434: Into The Sunset

Owner	Pose
Konoe Kanno	It's been some time since Konoe first resurfaced, and this world appeared. A lot of strange things happened. Shadows mumbling of the past, Wakahirume saying that there was little time before vanishing, and that Konoe had to figure something out before it was all too late. Even while staying with friends, and in the oddly abandoned Amaterasu Shrine on Gensokyo, she couldn't stop thinking about it. Despite other's wishes, she decided to head back into this silent, dead world. There was something here that she needed to find out. And she would do it one way or the other. And it's with this, that she arrives, and plods her way forward. "......" Silence follows, and then she pulls out an ofuda, the strip of paper glowing as she spoke into it. "...I'm going back into that place. If any of you want to help... you know where to find me." The ofuda burns up into nothing at that, and Konoe returns to silence, staring out across the somber battlefield. Her red eyes closed after a while, and she chose to meditate, taking in the lingering feelings of these dead spirits. All horrible vibes and hateful, angry regrets. What happened here?
Reimu Hakurei	So far, Reimu was a bit frustrated while she swept up the shrine grounds. She still didn't have any idea what was going on and it was actually rather strange. The Amaterasu Shrine was apparently abandoned for some strange reason, and that place was different from any other area that she ever came across in her life. Why was that world practically dead and why were vengeful spirits there? Something about those spirits was odd as well. They seemed like they came from someone else's memories. Unfortunately, she doesn't have enough time to contemplate the existence of the area since Konoe's message was received. From there, Reimu stops sweeping and places the broom against the wooden wall of the gate and she flies off toward the nearest warp gate. As she flies on through, four red and white orbs come into existence at her sides. As soon as she steps out of the warp gate, she flies onward throuh the empty battlefield.
Princess Luna	Though she hasn't had any experience on this world, or met any of the inhabitants, when Princess Luna heard the request for help she made all haste to the indicated place. With Nightsong in hand, Luna flies through the warp gate then slows as she passes over the area, looking for the person or persons responsible for the message. The princess of the night would perhaps seem unusual to the inhabitants of this world, and it also might be hard to pick her out against the blackness overhead. It feels...wrong here. Luna shivers a bit as she flies over, trying to see anything that might give her a clue. The only things she does see are Konoe and Reimu, so she starts toward them. "Greetings to thee. I am Princess Luna of Equestria. I heard thy plea from the darkness and felt as though I might be of some assistance. If thou art willing to accept it."
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa has been very worried about Konoe since her sudden return. Something was wrong for her friend and she intended to find out, but she's stumbled into events dealing with things far above her in the cosmology of things, how that happened. It'/s just something she's had a habit of happening to which she's long accepted. When she's asked to help she doesn't think twice about the contents of the message. It burning up was not expected but the young cyborg had suited up and went for the nearest warp gate and arrived ready for trouble. She sprints with inhuman speed a bit after Reimu arrives heading for the same location, if there was somewhere to start? It would be there.
Kirito	Much as he intellectually feels Gensokyo and Konoe just aren't really his problem... Kirito's not one to leave something half-complete. The mystery of this wasteland simply nags at him, and the look on Konoe's face will probably haunt him if he just ignores it. What a bothersome mess they've landed in here... The Black Swordsman manages to meet up with Reimu at almost the last moment before she reached the last warp gate on her stop, and emergences behind her about five seconds later... held aloft on translucent, shimmering black fairy wings that sparkle in the heavenly light. The swordsman swoops down in a lazy spiral towards Konoe and tucks his feet in... managing a surprisingly gentle landing that kicks up only a tidbit of dust. The wings simply erode away the instant he turns towards checking his gear and looking around. "A troublesome mystery, and it was just dropped in our laps..." His tone's disgruntled, but rather serious.
Konoe Kanno	And when people start arriving, Konoe opens her eyes slowly, turning slightly to look. First there was Reimu, who gets a silent nod in greeting. Konoe never did really get over 'that' stuff. But it wasn't as bad as it was before. She could be civil to the Hakurei Miko. Luna's arrival is met with a curious look forming on the cat's face. Never seen this one before. Awfully formal manner of speaking as well. ...Well, help was appreciated. Konoe smiles and nods. "Hello Miss Luna. Thank you for coming." She honestly didn't expect random faces to show up. But more heads couldn't hurt. Kotone arrives next, and she gets a small wave from Konoe. "Hi Kotone." Of course the cyborg would come. She always did seem to come through, even when it seemed like it would have been inconvenient for her. What a bro. Kirito is right in that Gensokyo and Konoe aren't his problem at all. So why is he here? To solve this mystery? Well, regardless of why he's come, his skills will certainly come in handy. Konoe's tails flick faintly in irritation, and she turns away. "Just dropped into our laps is right. I have no idea what this place is supposed to be, and-" Suddenly, off in the distance, black and gray clouds that were obscuring the distance gradually clear up, revealing what looked to be the standing ruins of a feudal lord's castle. The kitty miko blinks slowly, and then rubs her eyes and looks again. "...That wasn't here last time." She mutters, body rising up and off from the ground. "I think I know where we need to head next. Be careful, everyone. Those shadows might get angry again." Nevermind that her little comment last time caused the whole debacle. No, nevermind that. Konoe ascertained that everyone was ready, and then burst forward, flying low to the ground to keep proximity with everyone else. They'd find out what was there. If anything.
Reimu Hakurei	Reimu glances to the three new arrivals as she follows closely behind Konoe. The equine princess draws more than a few cursory glances, but she doesn't really mind the Princess's appearance. After all, things have been stranger and any help is better than no help at all. As for Kotone, she nods to the cyborg and smiles, "It's nice to see you here, Kotone." As for Kirito, she looks at him, shrugs and keeps going, "Luna and err, swordsman, thank you for the assistance." From there, she speaks, "It's going to get rather uncomfortable as we keep going and there is a chance that we might get hurt." She looks towards the castle ruins and smiles slightly, "If you need any help, than feel free to yell for my name. It's Reimu, and it is very important that you aren't in front of me when I start attacking. I don't want to risk harming others who can help out."
Kirito	Kirito can only smile at Reimu's introduction. "The name's Kirito. Hard to imagine most of you needing it, with what I've seen. Your magic's in a whole 'nother league..." He answers a bit modestly... only to turn and... That's a castle from bloody nowhere, alright. This gets him frowning. "A world that's trying to be an epic quest..." Really, that's plain terrifying. It shows a bit on his face, teeth clenched. His own wings appear when Konoe takes off, and Kirito just takes a step forward, bends low... and also takes off. He's flying slowly though, and making sure to not be directly in front of Reimu if she does take off.
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa is glad to see Konoe is physically okay or so it seems and more and more people arrive. Good they'd need help and she pauses looking about nervously the shadows would be an issue hopefully they could be fought like last time. "Its good to see you as well Reimu. Kirito? Luna? I'm glad your here as well, my experience with the supernatural tends to be learning what not to touch or step in." She notes as she makes ready to fall in with everyone else.
Princess Luna	Luna bows to all of them as introductions are given. "It is nice to meet all of you." she says before looking over as those clouds part to reveal the foreboding castle. She is about to comment herself when Konoe takes off. Luna's majestic wings spread wide, ready to follow Kanoe. But then, she notices Kotone seems to have no means of flight. She smiles gently to Kotone, then holds out a hand toward her. "Come with me if you want to fly." she says, then her horn glows a lovely midnight blue before that same glow surrounds Kotone. It would be easy for Kotone to refuse the spell, but if she doesn't, Luna takes off like a shot after Reimu and Kanoe, and Kotone is pulled into a wing position with Luna. Luna's wings barely have to move to keep the princess aloft, and it takes no effort from Kotone for her to stay aloft. After hearing Reimu's warning, Luna stays behind and to the side of Reimu. She doesn't know what Reimu's powers are, but those four orbs floating around Reimu give her some idea of the power that the miko might posess.
Konoe Kanno	"You could just adjust your style instead of making other people work around you." Konoe mumbles aside at Reimu as she flies forward, heading up the group. "Not everyone and everything is going to neatly stand still or flit around in a recognizable pattern for you to shoot down." Maybe she was being a bit catty...ha ha, but that was Konoe for you. Kirito's comment is met with a sigh. "An epic quest? ...I somehow doubt that there's anyone here with the energy or capability to pull off a charade like this." She falls silent and tilts her head a bit. "...I think. Maybe my sister is being stupid again." She shook her head. But she seemed serious last time, so... I don't want to think that." Once everyone fell in, and they made their way off, it only took a moderate bit of time to cross the battlefield and make their way into the distance, finally approaching the castle gates. A wooden bridge crossed over a still stream, that led to the ajar gates. The roofing was also partially destroyed, allowing any with the inclination to fly up and approach from above. It was only three stories high. How will you do this? Konoe, for her part, lands onto the ground and crosses the bridge, approaching the front openly. Looks like she's not going to bother 'investigating' first. Surely nothing will blow up in her face for it.
Kirito	Of course Kirito can only critique Konoe's doubt by pointing at the decrepit castle. "Before this was empty plains. It's a castle now." Because yeah, castles are so easy to miss. All he can really do is let his observations be known, really. How to approach indeed though? Kirito speeds up as the group nears, and unsheathes his blade while diving in to perch on the castle's destroyed roofing and have a look inside...
Reimu Hakurei	Reimu frowns slightly and grumbles under hear breath as well, "At least I can realize when it might not be a good idea to just charge in. As much as I really like doing that." She sighs and glances to the rest of the group, "Well, I better go after her since. The last time she did this, we got attacked and something tells me that I'm going to have to help out. Go check the roofs to see if anything is up if you want." As she rushes after Konoe, she neglects to tell Kotone and Princess Luna about what might be suspicious. Hopefully, they will be able to figure out where any possible ambushes might be located.
Princess Luna	Once they have reached the bridge, Luna releases Kotone from her magical hold. She giggles a bit at Reimu's frown and warning. "Well, both of thee made it through last time, so we must have a good chance of success." she says, then joins Kirito in scouting. The two that seem familiar with this world are the best choice for entering from the front, so Luna flies slowly and looks through windows and broken roofing as she moves up to land at another hole in the roof and peers inside. Luna's eyes glow softly as she activates her night vision, trying to pierce the darkness inside and see any threats that might be waiting in ambush for Konoe and Reimu.
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa would have to be trying to dash along with a few things she has but the offer of flight gets a welcome offer to fly. She doesn't mind at all as she willingly accepts the spell. She'll find herself flying along side the princess and is very thankful for that. "I owe you one, I'd be lagging behind if now for you." Also flying like this is amazing to the cyborg the human urge to fly is pretty strong. She does start looking about to see what's ahead of them and she tilts her head a bit. "We could fly our way couldn't we Luna? She then lets a small drone out of her pocket which takes fligh and goes ahead to scout the castle out to help cover more ground while they scout out another way. "This is a dead world of silence...but why..."
Konoe Kanno	Konoe's ears flick, but she doesn't respond to Reimu. She just pushes on ahead to the gates, approaching them, and pulling them open slowly. Inside, the castle foyer is revealed, and what they can immediately see are... well, shadows. Vague approximations of human shape moving through the ruined castle grounds. The outsides of their shape seem to indicate that they're feudal guards, servant staff, and such. And here they are, moving about as if they were still alive, fulfilling a duty that no longer needed to be fulfilled. Refusing to move on. From up above, Kirito looks on and spies what seems to be an audience chamber. It's empty. Nothing is in there, save for the throne at the back, pristine despite the ruins of the palace otherwise. ...And in the center of the chamber is a sword. But not just any sword. It's huge. Several feet long. But more pertinent than its length is the fact that is has color in this grayscale backdrop... But no one appears to be here. Why is it there? It looks out of place. Luna's vision would reveal to her...no threats. At least nothing immediately hostile. Shadows moved about as if they weren't even there. But given last time, they might act if interrupted, or addressed. Kotone's drone flies out over the castle from above, seeing much the same sight at Kirito was. And Konoe opened the gates further, stepping inside. "More of these things..." She mutters, making a point of not talking to them this time.
Reimu Hakurei	Reimu continues to fly along after Konoe. She merely moves about at her own pace once she stays low to the ground. Soon, she lands and walks along after Konoe, the four orbs follow after her as well. Everything is too quiet at the moment. It feels like an incredibly obvious trap. but for now, she stays her course. Any support is better than no support and leaving her alone here is a terrible idea. As they walk along, she glances at the various shadows. All of these spirits seem like they are trapped in the past. As she looks at the shadows, she sets her attention onto the feline miko. Could Konoe be undergoing the same thing?
Princess Luna	Luna listens to all the chatter and to the warnings about the shadow creatures. Those creatures she can see are simply wandering around. Somewhat like zombies, she thinks to herself. Then she realizes that the guards are still patrolling, the servants are still serving...what sort of shadows continue working when everything else has been destroyed? Trapped souls? Imprints? Created creatures given no purpose beyond 'act like you belong'? While Luna ponders this, her ears perk as Kirito mentions a sword. She spreads her wings and flies over to join him, trying to get a good view. But, the view from there is limited, so she starts to slip in through the roof if possible. "We will not find out what sort of sword it is from here." she says softly to Kirito, and over the radio to the others.
Kirito	Not only is it out of place, Kirito's personality is the sort that just simply has to investigate something like this. Luna lands nearby... and he ndos to her. "Keep your eyes peeled!" He leans forward, wings spreading... and just leaps down, using his fine control over Voluntary Flight to thrust down and slow his fall at the last moment, coming to rest near the sword! But before he even closes in further he turns around in every direction, scanning for any change or sign of enemies...
Konoe Kanno	As long as they don't directly address any of the shadows, it seems they won't attack. The guards don't even stop them. It's like this place is frozen in a bubble of time. Up the stairs, weaving through shadows, and eventually, Konoe and Reimu find themselves nearing the large audience chamber doors. She didn't notice Reimu staring at her questioningly. It's not like she knew anymore about this than the others. From inside the chamber, Kirito lands near the sword, with Luna and Kotone surely not too far behind. A cursory glance around reveals.... nothing. No one is here. That's before the sword stuck in the floor suddenly bursts into blue flames and draws itself out of the ground. "Heh. I was wonderin' how long it was gonna take for you people to show up." A voice says, echoing outwards from the blade. It lifts, and then turns, coming to rest at an angle. Blue flames spread, and a figure comes into view in their wake. Wearing azure robes, black pants and shoes, along with a red overcoat, is a male figure with long black hair left to flow freely. He has three tails and a pair of ears atop his head. That sword is now clearly in his grasp, resting on his shoulder. He grins and gives Kirito and the others a casual salute. "Yo. Been a while, huh?" At least for Kotone and Kirito. Never met Luna before. ...It's Kumanikusubi, the Azure Blade of Takamagahara from the last incident. His intentions aren't clear just yet. He could be friend or foe. How will you approach this situation?
Kotone Yamakawa	Luna has proven to be a good partner for this aside form the flight spell she does see some more of the castle and sees much as Kirito does. Its interesting. "It looks like there's a central area with a sword, odd.." The cyborg was curious about the nature of this but it almost felt like a trap to her. S Hell move to follow with her and join Kirito ass she wonders about the blade. "We'll have to go down and check it out directly watch out for traps and the blade it self might be a trap in and of it self, Princess." She's not too far behind as they come in for a landing but then comes the burst of blue flames. "Wait who goes there? Oh it's you! Just what are you seeking today Azure Blade?"
Kirito	well THAT sure gets Kirito's heartbeat racing instantly. He doesn't wait for Kumanokusubi to appear and instead just leaps backwards a good fifteen feet, skidding to a halt and leveling his blade at whatever it is... it remains warily upraised even as he vaguely recognizes who it is. "I thought that weapon just sticking out of the ground there was odd. An enshrined weapon would have some kind of... pedestal, altar, whatever... yo. Friend or foe this time around?" He bears the warrior no hostility, the question's delivered ALMOST casually.
Reimu Hakurei	Reimu looks at the pair of doors and three of the orbs dematerialize from thin air. They would only get in the way of pushing the door open. The young miko walks over to left door and glances over to Konoe. She nods to Konoe and makes it rather obvious as she attempts to push the door open. As she attempts to push the door open, she whispers into the Yin Yang Orb, "Did anything happen right now?" As it turns out, the Yin Yang Orbs function as a bit of communication device and can apparently pick up radio frequencies. For once, Reimu is happy that they have this ability.
Princess Luna	Luna lands not far from Kirito, and likewise leaps back when those flames erupt around the sword. She gives her scythe a spin before leveling it at the blue flame creature. But, when he takes such a relaxed stance, Luna lets her weapon lower as well. "I take it this creature was present in previous encounters. Was it friend or foe then?" she says to Kirito and Kotone, who both seem to recognize the Azure Blade. Though the Blade takes up much of Luna's attention, she knows that a time such as this would be a perfect time for those shadow creatures to strike, so she keeps her eyes on their surroundings, especially on doors and stairs that might be in the room with them.
Konoe Kanno	Konoe glanced at Reimu and nodded. "On three. One....two....three!" Push! The two started it on the double doors, creaking as the ridiculously large contraption opened...just slightly. But it was enough for the two miko to slip through. The suddenly appeared swordsman grins, watching as Kirito landed a ways away, sword pointed. "Nice reflexes, flyboy. Bit paranoid, but ya gotta have a healthy bit of that if you plan on livin' a long time, eh?" He glances at Kotone and shrugs his shoulder. "What am I doin' here? Simple." He points to his head, poking it to indicate the brain as he spoke. "The damn clock's tickin'. I don't got a ton of time left, and I ain't super smart. I'm here to jog someone's memory is all." And a glance at Kirito. "If that makes me an enemy or a friend? ...That depends on you people, don't it?" The audience chamber doors creak opon slightly, and in file Reimu and Konoe at last. The latter blinks in surprise as she steps up beside Kirito. "...Huh? Kuma? Why are you here?" Okay that was a dumb question. She revised it. "Okay, better question; What do you want?" In the meanwhile, something strange begins to happen. Shadows filter in through the very walls, affirming Luna's worries as the outlines of palace guards step in, forming a perimeter around the throne room. But they don't act. ...Yet. Kumanokusubi glances aside to note this. "Heeeeh. Looks like we've got ourselves an audience. How 'bout that?" And then his blue gaze lands on Kirito, Reimu, and Konoe in turn. And finally, he hefts the sword from his shoulder, and points it at the three. "Sis. I'm here to make you remember. I ain't good at talkin' and plannin' like Waka and Masa. I speak with my sword. And it's time to tell you somethin' important! All of you!" ...Really now?
Reimu Hakurei	Reimu lowers her shoulders and groans audibly as the four red and white orbs materialize around her sides. "Honestly, I'm not remotely familiar with you, but I'm not sure how a duel is going to remind anyone of anything unless it's linked to some sort of suppressed memory." From there, she levitates off of the ground and stares directly at the blue sword wielding man. She continues in rather blunt tone, "Just get to the point if you don't have much time."
Princess Luna	Luna's wings and ears both perk up and her feathers ruffle as those shadows flow into the room. "...it would seem that we art not the only ones interested in this confrontation." she says to the others as she makes a slow turn, taking stock of the number of shadow guards. They are not attacking, so she does not attack either. She merely stays clear of the Azure Blade and his apparent sister. "So, the two of thee art going to battle in order to...communicate? That seems a rather inefficient and dangerous way to deliver a message." the pony princess says as she raises her scythe to a ready position, just trying to stay ready if the shadows attack. "Should we assist you, Lady Konoe?"
Kirito	Kirito answers the sword being so hefted and the challenging words by dropping into a combat stance, gaze hardening instantly. It seems he can respect that style of doing things. "Can't say I see how that's going to jog anyone's memory, but I've got a feeling you know what you're talking about. Alright, let's see what you've got this time!" A glance is cast at the others filtering in. More Shadows. "You got anything to teach them, as well?" Kirito gestures over his shoulder, pointing reluctantly and sweepingly at some of the Shades. Pointing's kinda rude, after all. "What do they want this time..."
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa says "Ya we fought him before and he's looking a lot better than how he ended up the last time too." It really was nothing personal as she looks at the swordsman. she gives the man a look for a moment and she tilts her head a bit at his reply. "So you need to fuight to make her recall something?" Kotone seems a bit shocked and she moves to draw her wepaon now he SMG is pulled from the folds of her coat. "Let's go then."
Konoe Kanno	Konoe frowns. "Seriously? A fight? Come on! Why is it always a fight?" She grumbles and a shakujo appears in her grasp, held ready and golden rings jangling. "I don't know what you're planning on doing, but I'm not going to just let you attack me!" These people just doing whatever they wanted. It certainly ran in the family, didn't it? Luna's question is met with a glance from the miko and she sighed again. "...Try not to get hurt. This idiot just does whatever he wants." Kumanokusubi glanced at Luna, then Kirito, and then the shadows. "Those things? Forget em. They're memories of a time long past. Ain't got nothin to do with what's gonna go down right now." He smirked and brought his sword in front of him, free hand running up along the surface. "Last time, I held back cause Waka said to." That draws a curious glance from Konoe. "This time? I'm gonna decide everything in a single moment. So you people better come at me with everything you've got right from the start!" Azure flames ran up along his weapon, causing it to flare to life as he then angled it inwards, as if to draw the weapon from a sheath that wasn't there. The pressure in the room suddenly intensifies by multitudes as the azure robed swordsman's eyes steel in a warrior's focus. There's no more grinning, no more bravado, he looks deadly serious. Reimu was going to get her wish after all. He was getting straight to the god damn point. A strong wind kicked up right then, swirling around Kumanokusubi's form, and sending his robes billowing outwards rapidly. This was completely different from last time, in every way. Suddenly, all of the built up pressure, all of the wind currents, just plain stops. And with a blue of movement. It might seem like he just plain vanished, but actually? He was speeding across the length of the audience chamber at breakneck speed, flaming blade still held ready to draw...! The decisive moment was coming. Konoe frowns and her staff takes on a white glow as she prepares to defend herself. The end is slammed into the ground, forming a barrier around all present, just in case. There were so many other fighters here, she'd support them, and then get the truth out her stupid brother for sure.
Reimu Hakurei	That was all that Reimu really needed. The four orbs immediately move behind her and she smiles Immediately, she brings out a spell card and smiles. "Spirit Sign: Fantasy Seal-Concentrate." Large glowing, rainbow colored orbs of energy flow forth from Reimu's body. As Reimu is already behind the barrier, she can easily send forth the rainbow orbs directly over to Kuma. As the many orbs of divine power home in directly toward Kuma, it becomes increasingly obvious that they are going to burst upon impacting his body.
Princess Luna	Considering Konoe has formed a barrier, Luna goes on the offensive. "I suppose we shall be helping, then!" Luna exclaims as her horn starts to glow brightly in that midnight blue light of hers "Stand clear, friends!" Luna shouts out, then she fires a beam of energy from that horn. The blue-white beam is as thick as the moon in the sky, the powerful beam lances forward at bullet speed, aimed at Kuma's midsection. Luna has had centuries to perfect her aim, so as long as none of her friends get in her path they should be free to flank Kuma without being in danger of her attack. The impact of that beam would be similar to a massive laser, no doubt causing an explosion of energy when it hits. And Luna sustains the beam for several seconds before it tapers off.
Kirito	THIS turn of events has Kirito's blood running ice-cold. Nowhere in Alfheim Online or the Multiverse has he witnessed such SPEED. Fighting spirit's debatable, but this warrior's top-notch. His instincts are quick to tell him... he might just be COMPLETELY outclassed here. Oh CRAP... Which is why, in a frantic panic, he blitzes through a system menu that only he can see, fingers poking the air in a hurry. Before a second's passed light flares from his back, forming into a SECOND sword. All but identical to the first, both a shiny black - the shade of obsidian, and probably sharp as it. Barriers form around him, but for Kirito... he doesn't leave it. No, instead he flourishes his blades and drops into a deep fighting stance. His gut trembles with worry. Have his skills rusted when he really needs them?!
Kotone Yamakawa	So this was it? things had hit the fan she has her SMG out she's not much much of a melee fighter after all unlike many here, it's a weakness that could get her killed one day. For how though she's making ready to open fire on Azure the moment she had an opening. She breaks into a run and flips trying to keep to the air as long as she can and at the apex of the flip she opens fire on him. While others are forming barriers to protect others? She's moving in to time her shots with the others as she comes in for a landing. she doesn't have fancy magic or moves right out of a kung fu movie or video game? Yet she's as stubborn a they come. She lands with a crunch and starts moving again leaving the floor cracked from the force of her impact. She's going to keep moving about hoping and praying she can be of use for everyone here. Hopefully Kotone either will do some damage and not attract the direct wrath of this guy, for as she is? She knows how that would end for her.
Konoe Kanno	Fantasy Seal Concentrate. Kumanokusubi's seen this card before. But back then, it was called Prominence Seal - Concentrate -. Reimu could blame Konoe for that one. But that doesn't mean he doesn't have to work to dodge those colorful homing orbs. His feet blur across the ground, and it seems like he's nearly teleporting as he crosses the distance, appearing at one side, and then another. Orbs fly in, impacting the ground where he once was, just barely missing the Azure Blade as he focuses supremely on this one extreme moment. Several more orbs fly in, and one finally striks the ground before him. He's sent flying into the air, but he is not deterred. He lands upside down on the CEILING, and then vaults downwards, right is Luna's energy beam fires. Along with Kotone's high flying shots are ringing off. It's like a minefield of bullets and energy, and the swordsman is so blisteringly fast that he's managing to skate by without taking any hits that would hinder him from his goal. That becomes clear when he skids to a stop in front of Kirito in a crouch, Konoe is a short distance behind the black swordsman, maintaining her barriers. Time seems to slow down for a split second, as Kumanokusubi looks up, and grips his weapon. "Rising Sun Style" "Banishing Blade of Dawn." Suddenly, the blue flames covering Kuma's already overly long sword EXPLODE to life, and extend outwards, growing nearly the length of the room in a fiery extension. And then he draws, driving right past Kirito in the blink of an eye. Right past Konoe. "......" He straightens up and 'sheathes' his sword, and with a clink, it happens. There is a FLASH of searing blue flame that blossoms throughout the audience chamber, banishing the shadows in it's light, before suddenly, the castle floor shakes. Then, their surroundings begin to ....slide? No, the entire upper half of the palace is sliding forward above their heads, neatly falling over te side, and then CRASHING to the ground outside, exposing the entire chamber to the open, gray skies... Konoe stands there, shocked for a moment, and then she unceremoniously falls over facefirst, planting into the floor. Oops.
Reimu Hakurei	Reimu watches as the walls are apparently sliced in a clean slash. After watching the upper half of the palace slide over to the side, she turns to stare directly at him. "Well, that's what I get for not using Blink instead. Thank you for getting rid of the guards though." However, for now, she flies over to Konoe who is apparently still on the ground. She shrugs her shoulders and offers Konoe her hand, "Konoe, are you okay?"
Princess Luna	Luna's teeth clench as her beam just can't seem to find its mark as the amazingly fast. "Hold still!" she demands in a voice that causes a slight tremor to run through the castle. When the Azure Blade conjures that huge sword of fire, Luna's eyes widen in surprise and fear. "By the moon!!" She quickly holds up her hands and her horn glows as she forms her own barrier. Whether her barrier was effective or not, Luna may never know. Either way, it seems the pony princess was not harmed by the attack. But, Konoe! She is down! Luna rushes toward her, but slows when Reimu approaches so casually. "Wh-.." She comes to a stop a few steps away from Konoe and Reimu. She supposes it makes sense that if she is okay then Konoe is, but...there is the whole missing half of the castle, the banishment of the shadows...it seems that sword strike is very selective, and for all she knows Konoe may have been slain! "Kirito! Kotone! Art thee both alright?"
Kirito	It all happens so terrifyingly fast that Kirito can barely TRY to react. One split instant his foe's standing before him and Kirito brings his weapons around, sword shining emerald as he readies SONIC LEAP-- Too slow. The next instant, Kumanokusubi is GONE from his vision... and the entire world floods crimson. PAIN. Excruciating, mind-searing pain explodes across nearly his entire body, shoulder to opposing waist. Oh, his avatar's intact - there's a long, glowing red line showing where the flash-strike cut through, but that's nothing. The damage decal will fade. It doesn't even hinder the avatar... But, visible only to Kirito, his health meter plummets sharply and doesn't slow. In reality, it's just a second or two. But for him... Searing, unbearable pain. Impossible pain. He shouldn't be feeling anything beyond a buzz, but instead... Instead, that injury... it feels like he's doing to DIE. Bleeding out, torn to ribbons. Every nerve that shouldn't be firing right now... is. His heartbeat races, but he ignores the AmuSphere's warning window, hardly seeing it. His HUD shows crimson at the fringes and blares an alarm from critical HP, but he can't hear it over the thundering of his own heartbeat. Kirito collapses to his knees, leaning on the blades, gasping and panting. WHY? Why does it hurt? The last sliver of red vanishes from his HP meter in the corner of his vision... and three solemn words pop up in front of him. [YOU ARE DEAD] Kirito's body seems to waver and frazzle, its fringes igniting with blackish-purple light. No, no, he can't die like this. He's got a family to return to. A loving sister. A group of hard-earned friends he'd stick with through anything. He's got ASUNA to return to. "Kch.... UuuuuuuUUUUUUUUOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGHHHHHRRRRRRR!!!" The Black Swordsman awakens. The 'YOU ARE DEAD' message is disregarded as, fighting his avatar's urge to freeze up and transform into a Remain Light, he slams a foot down and springs back to his feet, unleashing a bloodcurdling, bone-chilling battle cry sure to send the fear of death down the spine of every listener around. The black-purple flames recede, and in Kirito's sight his HUD reappears, along with numerous System Error messages that fizzle out into unnatural static. His Status window reappears, health REFILLING dramatically up to about a third, with Battle Healing working again. He turns about to face Kumanokusubi as the building collapses around him... And he's unfazed by that. Or perhaps it's more accurate to say that... right now? He can only see an enemy before him that he must defeat. MUST defeat. If he is to survive... In those few moments... anyone looking at his face who isn't forced to flinch away from the outpouring of crushing swordsman's spirit flooding from his presence might have to wonder, have his eyes turned gold, or is that just a trick of the light? "It's not over..." Not that there's much time to ponder. The very next breath, Kirito's wings appear and VVVVVVWHIP! "It's not over YET!" He's bloody GONE. Or perhaps not, as in the next split-second he's right up in Kumanokusubi's face, arms moving with impossible speed to slash and slash and slash. No fancy System Assist and flash Sword Skills behind it, but each strike in the relentless lightning-quick barrage thunders with insane force akin to them! Every movement the boy makes is done with a freakish precision, and one look into his eyes is enough for an experienced warrior to tell what's going... It's a kind of battle zen, fighting on pure instinct with a singular spiritual focus. No extraneous thoughts, no hesitation, no need to think strategy. Just survival.
Kotone Yamakawa	As the battle comes to an end as an ned he rshots do better than she thought they would and she flips back awya as Azure starts using some more serious attacks. This r4eally is a martial arts movie to her as she backs off she looks to Ktoone, Reimu, Luna and Kiurito. "is everyone all right? I'm fine Luna!"
Reimu Hakurei	Reimu checks to see if Konoe is okay and so far, she finds no signs of harm at the moment. From there, she sends her attention directly over to Kuma in the hopes of being able to shoot him with needles. Unfortunately, since Kirito is apparently having a sword fight with Konoe's sibling, she can't exactly do that without filling Kirito with needles by accident.
Konoe Kanno	Konoe is down. But not out. Reimu's approach causes her to twitch, and then she groans and reaches for the offered hand. "Urgh..." She stands shakily, and looks on as Kirito... "Kirito, are you-" He's not okay. He looks like he's going to die, but... he doesn't. He stomps his foot, and /survives/. "......." And she can only watch as the Black Swordsman rushes forward, disappearing from sight. And Kumanokusubi, who stands seemingly at rest. He turns his head as Kirito utters 'I'm not over yet'. "Heh." He cracks a smirk, hand gripping his blade anew. "Course it ain't over. Show me what you've got then, Black Swordsman!" And he turns, drawing his sword and lashing out with a furiously fast strike, clashing against Kirito's initial rush. Sparks fly, and scatter across the floor as steel meets steel. And then again. And again. And again. Black and Azure meet in a furious blur of swordsmanship and pure, fighting spirit. It's impossible for anyone to get a move in between the two, and the impossible speeds at which their blades clash time and time again kick up a raging sword that billows through the open chamber, strong enough to blow back anything not rooted down. Nicks, cuts, and other slashes appear on the form of the Azure Blade as the clash of wills continues on. But he gives just as much as he's getting. So this must be what it's like, watching two master swordsmen go at it with everything they've got. Konoe can only watch in awe. And as she watches, something stirs in her. "....?" A headache twinges, and she brings a hand to her forehead. "Ugh.....?" In her mind, visions flash by. Muddy, and not too clear. But she can feel the emotion in them. The endless fighting spirit of countless individuals coming together for a common cause.... For Phantasmagoria's freedom. She rapidly blinks and stumbles back, unable to focus on the clashing swordsman now. "It's time to finish this!" And then it came. Kumanokusubi's sword burst to life, and as if things suddenly slowed down to a crawl, he swung, aiming to cleave into Kirito's side and decide this battle once and for all.
Reimu Hakurei	Reimu doesn't even bother to waste anymore time. Considering how ridiculous this is starting to become with the ringing shockwaves, it's best to bring up a barrier now. She waves her gohei and a barrier of the form of a large talisman directly in front of Kirito's side to hopefully save the young man's life. She grits her teeth as the barrier is projected forth and she shouts to both Princess Luna and Kotone, "If either of you can make a barrier, now would be a good time to do it. Kirito is not going to be able to survive that if it hits." From there, she begins to frantically swing her gohei in order to make more barriers in front of the incoming slash. With each swing, another large red talisman is sent in front of the impending slash of Kumanokusubi.
Princess Luna	Kirito...was hit? And survived? And Konoe seems none the worse for wear. Luna is baffled by this, but not awestruck thanks to a lot of experience with magic. What does leave her awestruck is the clash between the two sword-wielding titans. Her eyes go wide and her ears lay back slowly as she watches, unable to even really see all the movements and strikes. Her mouth ends up hanging open a bit right up until Kuma exclaims that he is going to finish it. Luna finally moves again, and reveals she isn't slow by any means. With one beat of those powerful, majestic wings, she covers the distance between herself and Kirito just before things start to slow down. She comes slowly spiraling in, one hand outstretched, her horn glowing brightly. A shield of blue energy forms in front of that hand, much more focused and powerful than the one she used before. She doesn't know if it will be enough, or if the selective nature of the Azure Blade's strikes will negate her shield, but she moves in to place that shield between Kirito and the incoming strike. Her hooves skid across the stone floor a bit as she slides to a stop, and Kirito and Kuma might notice that with her other hand Luna is swinging that scythe around behind her. With it's long reach and curved blade, she plans to reach around Kirito and strike the Azure Blade from behind with her attack. Perhaps not as impressive as a super speed sword exchange, but it should still do the job, she hopes!
Kirito	Words. Expressions. It's all meaningless to Kirito right now. All that matters is... can he drive that warrior off, if not carve clean through him? Sword clashes against sword while Kirito unleashes another tremendous, nearly endless battle cry. To those watching... this probably does indeed seem out of nowhere. Almost nobody in the Multiverse has seen him like THIS before. Just what the hell HAPPENED?! In his ever-sharpening mind's eye though, the entity before him is a lethal obstacle... with ever seeing Asuna again on the other side. All other thoughts have fled from his mind. For this brief span, rational thought isn't there to plead with, to reason with. He doesn't speak, letting his blade do all the talking. And speak they do. The clang of metal on metal rings loudly enough to defean, sparks flying from nearly eight impacts a second. FASTER, EVER FASTER. the pair's movement about the battlefield is much like a wild, uncontrollable tornado. Almost too fast to follow, definitely too dangerous to approach. Lines are etched in the ground from the razor winds cast by the clashing blades! It's two swords on one, yet the fight seems even. For every nigh-meaningless cut Kirito lands through Kumanokusubi's defenses... another's landed upon him. He's swiftly covered in glowing decals all over his extremities and one glowing scar across a cheek that does nothing to mar his wild, murderous expression. Nothing at all. The moment the barrier forms around him, he makes use of to DUCK FORWARD and slip and through Kumanokusubi's mighty guard, although the warrior's blade cuts along his side in so doing and drops his HP to a scarily tiny margin left... A look gleams in Kirito's shining eyes... a look that clearly says, 'checkmate!' "UUUUUUUUAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" Because his sword's flare with power again and again! He begins with a left diagonal-upwards slash that sends a frosty wave of ice through whatever it strikes... but as the Sword Skill should come to a stop and leave him stunned, his body moves again and crimson power fills the right sword! This one lashes out in a flurry of slashes that ends with a downwards CHOP, unleashing a ceilingwards PLUME of scorching flame. Before the flame's even dispersed though, ARCS OF CRACKLING ELECTRICITY pierce through it and Kirito's opposing sword engages in a shocking thrust that calls lightning to strike from the surroundings! Mighty winds follow, emerald light shining in the again-opposing sword as the continuous skill-cancel switchoff combo from HELL ITSELF continues unabated. Kirito's form blurs PAST Kumanokusubi in a manner much like the warrior did earlier... but instead of remaining motionless afterward Kirito's idle blade ignites with black-purple light and whips around in a rising whirlwind slash ending in a downward chop! But there's no time to catch breath. With one final furious yell... He crosses his weapons, and BOTH light up at once, a shining white light filling the chambers. "THIS ENDS NOW!!" Ducking forward, he simply LUNGES in, both blades slashing back and forth for the gut like freakish scissor blades, casting waves of radiant light. It transitions into the blades held at either side, swung like sideways propellers to chop and saw with dozens of consectuve strikes... and the technique ends with a smooth, dizzying whirlwind slash that sends a wave of rippling, fading white light in all directions!
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone had the idea to try to get between the two but it's far too late even with her speed she can't make it. She sees Kotone isn't doing so good and tries to make for her. "KONOE!" Even if she's too late what else can she do? Then Reimu has a better idea. "I can't!" She has no magic and such energy tech doesn't exist, wait shes' got freezer form for what good the riot control weapon will do , she lobs it to add to the barrier Reimu is making it will restrain those who get caught in the goop. Kirito has also freaking lost it and she's more than a little scared from seeing something like that. She's rapidly online trying to pull up information on kirito but having no luck, any idea how to help stop this insanity but there's one thing. Kirito is just a terror in close combat and he's rivaling a god so far as she understands it.
Konoe Kanno	The decisive flaming slash cleaves through the air...but Kirito is gone. No, below! Kumanokusubi looks downward, just as Kirito starts in, beginning a furious elemental combination. Ice turns into Flame, which turns into Lightning, which begets Wind. The power of the elements cleave into the Azure Swordsman, unable to counter this relentless rush of sword skill after sword skill. But it doesn't end there. Kirito blurs past him, and then steps back in with a raging whirlwind cleave, followed by a dual bladed overhead slash that slices into Kuma's form from shoulders to torso in an X. There's a flash of light, and then...everything fades back to gray. "Heh......hehehe..." The Azure Blade chuckles. "...Ha! HAhahahahaha!" And then, despite his wounds, he bursts out laughing raucously. "Yes! This is the duel I've always wanted!" He looks across at Luna, Kotone, Reimu, and Kirito in turn. "Well played Black Swordsman. And the rest of you as well." At that, his form began to waver a bit, fading in and out of existence as light streamed from his wounds rather than blood. "Heh..." His blue eyes settled on Konoe. "...The enemy you had to defeat? It ain't me." He pointed to his head with his free hand, sword lowered at his side. "It's you. You gotta beat yourself. Remember. Remember more, sis." And then he fades out of sight, his body vanishing, and his voice leaving only one last statement behind. "I ain't got no regrets now." And with a clatter, his sword falls to the floor, the only thing remaining as proof of Kumanokusubi's existence. ...It's over.
Kirito	The combat stops. Kirito lurches forward the moment he no longer has a target to support his weight against, stumbles and staggers a few few forwards... his whole body trembling. The avatar's covered in bright glowing lines and marks that the sharp-eyed might see contains grid patterns... but... it's not blood. Then he topples down to his knees again... the way his body's shaking and heaving... Hyper-ventilating? It's the only decent explanation. He's suffering panic, and the trembles all at once. But he raises his head just in time to watch the Azure Blade's last moments... Watch him fade. Watch him die. Sense seems to have returned to the Black Swordsman the moment the blows stopped flying, but still... he can't find words. He completely chokes up. And as that happens... As that happens, his own body just comes apart at the seams, engulfed in a black-purple pyre. The flames consume the Spriggan, leaving nothing. They die down briefly into a hovering flame... then even that's gone in a moment. Uh. Well. You can't heal what isn't there, unfortunately... What happened to Kirito?
Reimu Hakurei	Reimu ceases with the quick barrier creation. She takes a nice look at the expression on Kirito's face. The young miko recognizes that face. It's the same expression she had at the start of her career. It's been a long time since she had to see that again. Unfortunately, he erupts in a burning flame and her mouth is completely open as she watches practically vanish. A small tear comes from her left eye, but she wipes it away with her left hand, "Luna, Kotone, I have a feeling that he might be alive." She turns back to face the two of them along with Konoe, "If he were dead, then something would have been left behind. Flames leave ash when they burn something." From there, she nearly begins to cry, but she manages to hold it back once more since she can't afford to reveal her emotions in front of everyone. After all, the last thing they need is to worry right now.
Konoe Kanno	"........" Konoe solomnly looks on as both Kumanokusubi vanishes, and Kirito bursts into flame. Silently, she regards the sword on the ground, as well as the spot where Kirito was previously. "He's alive. ...I can't be one hundred percent sure, but... I have a feeling he's alive." Reimu is given a look, and a nod. Then she takes a deep breath, a hand still to her head, as she regards Luna and Kotone. "...We should get out of here. I don't think we can make more progress like this." That, and she's got a KILLER HEADACHE. Ugh.
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa has no idea what happend to kirito she stares in abject horror as he seems to be consumed by flames as he goes down. "No ... I don't think he had anything that would brun in the first place. She stares in horror but there'ds little she can do she looks to Reium and feels almost hte same way she's also terrifed for Konoe, she'll move to check on her friend and moves to make sure konoe is all right but she will pause to get the fallen blade on the way out. "We should go then...we should give you what help we can and staying here isn't a good idea. I hope your right Reiumu, Konoe. I have /never/ seen anything like that before."
Princess Luna	Princess Luna's barrier...is apparently of no use. Kirito isn't even there when the finishing blow strikes. Or doesn't strike, as the case may be. Instead, Kirito is still going. Luna quickly pulls her scythe back so that it won't accidentally hit Kirito in his super speed. All she can do is watch as the two powerful warriors deal their final blows. And then...Kuma starts to fade away. Luna's hands immediately go to her mouth in shock and dismay. "N-no! Thou hast to survive! Thy sister is still here!" she demands, then tries to reach for the Azure Blade. But, he is gone. All that is left is the sword. Luna just stares at it. Even though it isn't her brother, she can deeply feel what Konoe may be feeling. While Luna didn't actually lose her sister, she was basically lost for 1000 years. And the loneliness that came with Luna's banishment is something she would never wish on anyone. Not to mention that they apparently lost an ally. But, that is quickly countered by what Luna hears on the radio. Still, Konoe wants to leave, and must surely be deep in shock. "Yes, let us depart. We shalt all require medical attention, and it sounds as though Kirito is in quite a bit of trouble wherever he is now." she says. She then places a hand on Konoe's shoulder. "Do not let thy brother's loss be in vain. If he was willing to die to teach thee something, thou must learn it." Luna is very solemn as she says this, then without another word she spreads her wings and heads out of the castle with the others.