Hellfire [Caro]

[Ain_Soph_Aur]

Still the same day, but something doesn't feel right. I shouldn't linger in this world any longer.
--

The sun shined brightly to the front of the church known as Notre Dame. It was much quieter above near the towers then it was below, as many people from around Paris had gathered within to pray and confess their sins. While it was only a mild chatter of people that didn't want to make too much noise, it was still enough to wake people from a napping state. It wasn't clear how this world worked but it was clear that everything in this world revolved around the church and for that reason he was not surprised.

For about a hour after talking with Caroline, Ain had rested up against a wall. No one disturbed him as he rested and no one even came up the winding towers which begged the question of whether anyone was actually allowed up here. The bells chimed to signal his wake from world of dreams and he opened his eyes.

It was a short rest, and he couldn't recall the short dream he had.

Ain pushed off the stone floor and hopped to his feet. Immediately pulling up his weight and standing tall like a soldier as he was most used to. He lightly sighed. Sliding his fingers through his short bangs to comb them roughly to the side, he then softly massaged his eyes that were pleasantly back to normal. Had they remained red life would have been difficult as he would no longer be able to blend in to the surroundings while visiting worlds. His eyes glanced from side to side looking for Caroline, it was time to leave while the crowd was formed.

"Caroline, Let's leave at once before something happens." he stated dryly.

[Oathkeeper Emi]

Not a morning person, are we?
--

Caroline had been resting against the opposite wall, knitting. She'd dozed off, head bowed over her hands still holding the needles and the yarn balled up in her lap. It had been so nice to nap a little bit, and it was nice and warm, too. Pity Ain had to wake her up.

When he spoke, she snapped her head up abruptly and hit herself on the wall behind her. "Ow,[/color]" she whined, dropping the needles to press a hand to the back of her head. She blinked a few times and looked up at him. "Yes, we should...[/color]" she started, but was interrupted by a jaw cracking yawn. "...should go on to the ship. Is it safe now?[/color]"

She rose to her feet, sticking her knitting project back in her satchel. She dusted off the back of her skirt and then clasped her hands in front of her. "Hopefully we won't run into anymore trouble before we get there. Speaking of which, are you still feeling okay? Don't work yourself too hard or you might get sick again. Hmm... let's get a move on.[/color]"

She was smiling as she made her way to the exit of the church.

[Ain_Soph_Aur]

I feel a bit dizzy...
--

Though a sense of unease was about him, it was not without a equal sense of relief. As he walked down the spiral tower to the bottom he could hear the gentle mutter of other people growing louder and the closer he got- the more he started to lose his cool. A drip of sweat rolled down his cheek but he remain straight faces regardless and walked into the main hall. The main hall had many sitting in prayer and silently walked past them to the exit of the church.

"I'm... feeling alright. I think." he stated with his unemotional face, though his hands gripped tightly to the point of shaking over being next to soo many people. Before it was just not wanting to get involved, now it seemed different. "Hurry Caroline."

Ain sped up suddenly and opened the doors into the streets. The glare of the sun as he walked blocked his vision as he stepped before finally finding some shade. His eyes open to see that he wasn't alone, in fact he was surrounded by guards that quickly drew their swords. One of the many guards walked forward and stared at Ain. He stated something in french and laughed cockily as he also drew his sword. This was not what he needed right now, he just wished that they would leave him alone. There was no way he would kill them just to escape, what could he do but give up. "Damn." he stated as he glanced at Caroline.

He didn't want to fight these guards but he couldn't let himself get captured by the residents of the world either. His eyes glanced around to see that more guards had gathered and if that wasn't enough the streets were full of innocent people that have now stopped to watch the events unfold. Trying his best to hold bacjk from attack the guards, he took a step back. "Caroline, you make a run for it. This has nothing to do with you." he stated quietly as he placed his hand on his gauntlet.

Meanwhile, Ain's vision started to blur-

[Oathkeeper Emi]

But I thought you said...
--

Caroline's smile fell when she follow Ain outside. Once her eyes got used to the light, she was aware they were surrounded by guards. Slowly, she grabbed Ain's sleeve. "I thought... I thought you said we were safe...[/color]" she said, nervously.

A guard approached them. He said something in French but the ambient noise of the plaza and her own disorientation made it hard for her to understand what exactly he was saying. She didn't need to understand because he pulled out his sword. At that point, she knew exactly what he meant. He wanted to harm Ain, or herself, and she wouldn't stand for either.

Ain told her to run. She did not. She wanted to but instead she stepped forward to stand next to him rather than behind him, and let go of the sleeve she was clinging to. Her left hand strayed towards the sword on her hip. When her fingers brushed against it, she felt stronger.

"I won't run,[/color]" she said. She glanced up at Ain, finally tearing her eyes from the cocky guard. "I want to help, not run away and let you deal with these people on your own, especially after being sick.[/color]"

[Ain_Soph_Aur]

...(silence)...

"I'm glad that you will stand with me." he stated as he glanced at Caroline.

It had been a strange day. First a unshakable sickness, then a change that was largely unwelcome and now he was being arrested by guards. The french speak of the guards was nothing but gibberish to him at this point and it was likely he would not be able to convince them that he is innocent of any crime. It was annoying but he did not want to fight them, they were just doing there job by protecting the people who lived around Notre Dame. It was a safe assumption that he would find it difficult to return to this world if he escaped, that is if he was able to escape with hurting the people here.

His eyes locked on a guard that had spoken earlier. His blond hair and cocky attitude was all too familiar, he was sure he met people like him in Atlantica. The man clad in a strange uniform stared across at him, the other guards taking a step back as if to allow this man to handle everything. The man smiled and began speaking the following in French--

"I'm Alphonso of the Paris guard. You gave us a lot of trouble you foolish man, you should have known better then to try to escape from me but it is too late. You sure don't fit the description of a demonic fellow with red eyes but no matter." Alphonso extended his swords towards Ain and pointed it at him. His expression turned to anger. "You have angered me enough for one day. I had dinner reservations tonight with a lovely lady and I missed them because of you."

At that moment, Alphonso dashed forward at Ain and made a heavy slash at his legs in order to incapacitate him or worse. Without a moments notice Ain immediately reacted by extending his blade from his gauntlet and slided backwards with the impact of the enemies blade. In quick secession the exchanged a rally of sword strikes, neither one of them losing any ground.

Alphonso's eyes opened widely at this development. Who was this man and why was he strong enough to match him? No one in Notre Dame had that kind of skill. Alphonso glanced at the other guards who were watching and was greatly embarrassed. Without thinking about what had happened, he only wanted to show that he was still the strongest swordsmen in Paris... even if that likely wasn't true. His blade suddenly went faster then could be seen and Alphonso activated Swift Blow(Strong level)-- his secret technique.

Shocking Ain the motions of the guards blade momentarily overpowered him and cut him across the left arm. Blood dripping from the wound he dropped to one knee and closed his eyes in response to the pain. The blond guard took pride in what he thought was his win and signaled the guards with a wave of his hand to close in and capture him... totally ignoring Caroline.

Ain stayed on his knee for a second as the blood dripped down his arm to the ground. His body shook and his breath started getting heavier. It was difficult to keep his cool, he could not think straight. "I ...feel ...strange, Caroline." he stated as his eyes opened wide revealing the fiery redness once more for the second time. "...Ahhhhhh!"

Without Ain consciously activating his abilities, flames started covering his body slowly just like Aura Rage. This time they appeared to move independent of himself like it was alive. His hand then reached and grabbed his hanging yin-yang necklace. In what seemed to be a fit of rage the necklace was pulled off and tossed aside to the ground. Alphonso stood silent for a second as the changes in Ain took place and as he watched the flame around him he saw a shape in it that resembled a dragon.

Alphonso took a step back as Ain gazed demonically at him. In swift motion, Ain made a heavy cut across Alphonso's body from several feet away and before he could drop- kicked him away into the crowd of guards.

His eyes wildly glanced from side to side at all the guards then to the closest person to him-- Caroline.

[Oathkeeper Emi]

Battle Music: Sanctuary!
--

There wasn't much she could do. There wasn't any time to react.

Caroline drew her sword and took a step forward, lifting it like she was going to attack but then she stopped. They were ignoring her, anyway. If she tried to go now, she would just be more trouble than she was worth. She lowered her weapon, watching the two men fight. Her left hand curled into a fist and she followed Ain with her eyes, silently rooting for him.

When Alphonso cut him, Caroline cried out and ran over... her sword fell to the ground and clattered against the cobblestone, completely forgotten in her mad dash to help him. "What's wrong? Ain! What's wrong...?[/color]" she shouted, trying to get him to answer her.

She caught only a short glimpse of his eyes before backing away from him, not sure if the flames would burn her. She jumped when his necklace landed at her feet. Bending down, she snatched it up and when she looked up again... it devastated her. She was just in time to see Ain kick Alphonso into the crowd of people and then turn to look at her.

She froze. The look in his eye frightened her. This wasn't him... so where was he? To her, it seemed that he didn't even recognize her. Taking a small breath, she decided to trust him. Certainly, he wouldn't ever hurt her... she closed her eyes and turned slowly, walked to where her sword lay discarded and picked it up.

Running footsteps, coming right for her but she just bowed her head and lifted her hand to her throat, picking at the charm on her necklace. Ain's necklace still dangled from her fingers.

Time seemed to slow and then cease to exist. Once again, she found herself in a limitless white place... this time she was not as alone. When she opened her eyes and looked up... she immediately fell to her knees, afraid and ashamed of herself.

Out of nowhere, the burden of what she had done back home in New Orleans weighed her down so much that she could no longer move. She wanted to rip away the necklace on her neck just as Ain had done, though for a completely different reason. "I... I killed someone! I can't have this.[/color]" The peace, the strength, all that she now possessed... it was suddenly so clear to her. With that knowledge came the unbearable guilt, and suddenly the soft light was blinding. She lay there for what felt like hours, flat on her face, hands outstretched and searching for something.

Caroline. Your strength is not your own. You were chosen for a reason. On your feet.
"But, I...[/color]" She started to argue but then stopped and did as she was told. She kept her eyes low, afraid and ashamed to face the light. In that space, the light was made real and in the form of a seraph. Caroline heard the rustle of feathers and that voice, the same one that was quiet in her heart, spoke loudly enough to make the ground shake under her feet. She was commanded to look up, and assured it was safe.

Two white wings covered it's feet, two covered the feet and two were folded behind it. It carried something in its hands... a hot coal. The seraph took two steps towards her, and she did not flinch when the coal was pressed against her lips. It did not burn; it did not hurt.

Everything you have ever done up until this moment means nothing and has been completely erased. Now go, and keep your heart open.

Without any kind of transition or warning, she was suddenly back in the real world. Once again, she felt tears well up in her eyes, mourning the loss of that beautiful place... but there was work to be done. She shoved Ain's necklace into her satchel and spun on a heel. There was a small burst of light, and when it receded, Caroline was changed. She was lifting her sword into the air- showing more skill with it than she ever had previously- and ready to meet Ain's attack with defense and not retaliation. The most obvious change, however, was the fact she was now wearing an almost completely suit of armor. It was missing only the helmet.

"Stop now,[/color]" she said, firmly. She didn't even know if she could hear him.

--
Battle Report
Caroline used [Knight Drive]!
In affect for the next 2 posts.
Strength doubled.
Magic Defense doubled.
Physical Defense doubled.
Speed halved.
3 posts until next use.
1 use left.

[Ain_Soph_Aur]

Hate and destruction.

The advent of Caroline's armor did nothing to alter the deadly stare Ain gave Caroline.

The only thoughts that he was even remotely able to make out in his mind as his blood boiled to his head were ones of a broken mind. Like a animal- no, a monster in human skin he only wanted to tear apart those around him. It did not matter who or what it was at this point, everything just needed to die. As his body slouched and hung his arms low to the ground, his eyes stared endlessly at Caroline. More and more fierce did his body become as she lifted the yin-yang necklace from ground and placed it inside her satchel. A part of him snapped, the question of why was largely known but his blood boiled much more.

The surrounding guards stood there in shock unable to move from the one spot. What exactly could they do if Alphonse could not do a thing against that demon?! So they stood there and trembled with their swords in front of them.

A echo deep within stated simply, "Run... Stay away.", but it would not be heard by anyone.

Ain was not himself anymore as his teeth clenched and he ran at Caroline without hearing even a single word from her mouth or to be more exact he just couldn't hear anything. His stance was hardly human to the point of nearly falling over with each step but at the same time never falling. A angry look on his face plastered his normally emotionless face. Without any mercy he slashed at Caroline with his blade already extended from his gauntlet and paused... before swinging the blade wildly at Caroline with reckless abandon. The flame flowing through and surround his body appeared as a dragon made of flame, further extending his attacks by several feet.

[Oathkeeper Emi]

I can't help you when you're like this.
--

The blond haired knight choked on her disappointment. She had been hoping maybe, just maybe, he would hear her and stop and he would calm down and they could go back to the ship and forget this ever happened.

She blocked his attacks with her sword and when that failed, his weapon scraped across her armor. That isn't to say it didn't hurt. Even with the armor protecting her, she would still have bruises. She stumbled, caught herself. It hurt her body, and, at the same time, her heart. Things were going to be different now, and she hated that.

Despite his relentless, animal attacks, Caroline did not strike back at Ain. She defended herself and when the time was right she retreated, skipping away as fast as she could. While she had a few moments, she closed her eyes. I need help. Please.

Opening her eyes again, she turned and faced Ain head on as rushed towards her, ready to hurt her... kill her even. Without shaking, or fear, or insecurity, she outstretched her hand. There was no flash of light or any other evidence of some kind of magic. The only one who would know what was happening would be Ain, when the world went black around him.

--
Battle Report
Caroline used [Hands of Elisha]
Ain is blind for 4 posts.
3 posts until next use.
No uses left.
[Knight Drive] in affect for 1 post.

[Ain_Soph_Aur]

..humans are the enemy?

A mind filled with nothing but rage. There was no why, no thought to express any meaning and no meaning to express his actions. Like a beast roaming on the edges of reason, operating merely on the instinct to survive and that meant to kill anything that would stand in the way of that instinct.

No mind to dwell on his actions. Only death and destruction would be awarded to those that stood in his way as he was now only a shell of what he once was.

The world then went black. A lose of a sense through means unknown stopped his movements and only his loud breathing could be heard from him. His feet scratched at the stone walkway below his feet and drooped down to feel the stone with his fingertips. Scratching at the ground with his left hand, the skin peeled slightly from the tips causing them to bleed as the dragon-like flame swirled around him. Though his movement was halted, it was clear that he was still searching for his target... for Caroline.

Ain stood still for a good while and listened. The faint murmurs of the surrounding people could be heard and with that he dashed off to the side forgetting about his target. Slashing wildly at the guards direction, he cut them with reckless abandon without knowing exactly where they actually stood. His blade on his sword gauntlet cutting into the stone walkway as well as the bodies of the guards, mixing the blood and stone on the ground. There was no reason to attack them, but hearing their voices seemed to provoke the instinct to kill... to kill humans. Why did he feel the need to kill humans? Such thought was beyond him as he wasn't able properly address anything rationally.

The stone dust clouded the air as the people around had finally started running away. A tad too late as Ain had already started his rampage, attacking anything that made noise.

[Oathkeeper Emi]

You made me do it.
--

For a moment, Caroline thought it was over. Ain seemed to calm down, and she was sure that any second he would go back to normal and they could leave. She lowered her hand, hesitantly, and took a step towards him. "Ain...?[/color]" she said, quietly, and took another step.

The all hell broke loose. Probably literally. She couldn't see for the cloud of dust, kicked up by the running and screaming people. Caroline had been so sheltered before, and now all this screaming and the heavy smell of blood shocked her. She coughed, trying to get her bearings through the confusion.

People ran past her, trying to get away from him. Those who weren't running were already dead. Still Caroline stood still, either out of fear or determination... she couldn't even tell which. The only thing she knew is that merely defending herself wasn't going to cut it anymore. She was going to have to hurt him, and it killed her to even think of it.

But first, she had to distract him. "If you're looking for me, I'm over here![/color]" she shouted at him. Hopefully that would be enough to get him to stop attacking the townspeople. One less thing to worry about. Meanwhile, she was lifting her sword into the air.

The late morning sky darkened, and the plaza seemed to take on an orangeish haze, like a bonfire lighting a dark clearing. The smell of smoke filled the place. Caroline never took her eyes off Ain. Come and get me, she thought. She dismissed the blinding spell at the last second before a column of fire fell from the sky and engulfed Ain. She wasn't worried that it would kill him. She knew it wouldn't some how.

Before the fire could dissipate, Caroline suddenly clutched at her chest. That was the strangest feeling, in her heart, she... had fallen to her knees, with one hand still on her chest and one hand still in a death grip around the sword. She was back in her normal clothes, and felt... weak. Weaker.

--
Battle Report
Caroline used [Heavenfire]!
Strong damage to Ain.
[Hands of Elisha] dismissed.
[Knight Drive] deactivated.

[Ain_Soph_Aur]

Why....
--

Ain halted his advances towards the innocent people when he heard Caroline's voice. The blade on his gauntlet dripping with blood from a guard he had just killed rather brutally, his head turned to look with blind red eyes. Though he could not see Caroline, from his other senses he now knew where she was and no one else mattered. The angry rage was now focused only on Caroline and despite not being able to see his red eyes glared right at her. His breath grew harder as he started to run in Caroline's direction- ready to slash her and even kill her.

Suddenly the column of fire came down on him and blasted him hard where he stood. The flames burned at him and forced him to his knees with great power. The fire soon dissipated leaving him on his knees among charred stone- his clothing burned and ruined. The flames of his Dragon Rage gone with the Heavenfire itself, though he was still acting the same. Like a beast without reason he stumbled to his feet without taking the time to heed the pain of the fire.

With a lot of trouble he walked over to where Caroline was and grabbed at Caroline's neck. Holding her tightly he aggressively threw her to the ground while still choking her, his body hovering over with intent to kill her. His right hand rose and aimed the blade of his gauntlet at Caroline-- ready to strike the final blow. His body suddenly tensed up as he got ready to end it.

His right hand shook violently. It appeared like he was trying to thrust it down on her and stab her with the blade but couldn't. For a good minute he stayed in that position his face no longer filled with rage but instead looked incredibly troubled. His hand shook more and finally the blade retracted back into the gauntlet. "I---I don't...." Ain managed to say through a lot of effort and released Caroline's neck. "...Want this."

Rolling away from Caroline he laid flat on his back next to her. His eyes teared up. "Caroline... what did I do?" he stated quietly as he laid still. Everything was a blur but he still had memory of it.

[Oathkeeper Emi]

I just want to go home.
--

Caroline had never been so afraid in her life, Even when Jericho was Amplifying her fear, even when those men in her house were closing in on them... nothing quite compared to being pinned down by her now only friend, completely helpless to stop him from killing her. She went completely still. It wasn't even worth it to tire herself out trying to fight against him.

She looked up at him. Well, if this was how she was supposed to die, she figured she was okay with that. She'd rather him kill her than something else. She was afraid for him. What would happen to him after she was gone? Would he snap out of this fit and realize what he'd done, or would he be trapped like this forever? At least her suffering ended now...

Or not.

He collapsed next to her and she took a deep, gasping breath. Sitting next to him, she tried to keep breathing but quickly broke down into tears. "You're okay,[/color]" she wailed. She was happy about that, but certainly didn't sound very happy. "I'm so sorry I had to hurt you. I didn't know what else I was supposed to do...[/color]"

She buried her face in her hands.

[Ain_Soph_Aur]

I feel terrible, like a huge pain in my chest.
--

The thought of killing Caroline was still firm in his mind like the chime of a bell. A sound that rung deep and echoed from one corner of his body to the other. He did not know why he would think of such a thing, nor did he ever want to think of such a thing ever again.

A moment of uncertainty passed within him for only a few seconds but to him it seemed to last for much longer- maybe hours. Though the world around was heavy with the noise of people, screaming and patter of footsteps- he could not hear anything.

Ain stared blankly up at the sky from the stone walkway that he laid upon, the redness from his eyes fading and changing until finally they were dark brown once more. His burned clothes only now cooled and some small pieces fell from the fabric to the wind. The sounds slowly returned as a gentle murmur at first then suddenly exploded into the chaos that he brought. The voice of Caroline sent his mind that was ready to suddenly break back to some semblance of ease. "It's alright." he stated quietly in response to the concern of Caroline. "I did terrible things..."

Rolling to his side, he slowly pushed his body up. Flinching slightly at his bleeding left hand he got to his knees and stared at Caroline. At this moment as his eyes rested on her, he was disgusted of what he became and what he did. Reaching over he tried to pat Caroline on the shoulder with his hand but pulled back at the last second and looked away.

He was the cause of this. He did not have the right to comfort anymore. Without thinking however he just wanted to escape with Caroline, right now he just didn't want to be alone.

"Let's ...go." he stated as he stood up and looked around. The crowd was big enough that no one was paying attention to them anymore, if they were to escape now was the time. "Please."

[Oathkeeper Emi]

Don't make me raise my voice.
--

There was no need to tell her twice. She would have run all the way back to the ship if she wasn't afraid of leaving Ain behind and getting lost... and if it wasn't very unlady like. She picked herself up off the ground, and winced. She was already bruising, but that was the least of her worries.

In all the chaos left over from their battle, Caroline was able to slip away into a back alley and wait for Ain. When he joined her, they moved as fast as they could despite the limps and gashes. Caroline had never been so glad to see the gummi ship, but she didn't take any time to rest. She took only a few moments to clean off her hands, all the way up to her elbows, and face and pull her hair back. Then, she pointed to a kitchen chair. "Sit,[/color]" she insisted, and didn't have the strength for anything more. Hopefully, the pleading look on her face would be enough to convince him.

While she waited for him to stop being stubborn and sit down, she also held out her hand. "Coat.[/color]"

[Ain_Soph_Aur]

I acted like a beast- no - maybe something else.
--

The next hour was a blur to him. Together he returned to his gummi ship, The Graceful Light that was hidden away in the graveyard on this world. Not once as they returned back did Ain say anything, it was awkward enough without words to say it and now wasn't the best time to relax. The return to the gummi ship was something he wanted very much, but couldn't focus on it longer then a minute. Today was one of the worst days he had ever had and he was surprised that Caroline was still willing to travel with him.

Ain followed Caroline into the kitchen without a word. The high tension was apparent to him, and didn't want to do anything to make it worse. His body was pretty sore- filled with burns, a deep slash on his left arm and cut fingertips. A normal person would not be standing but he was standing even if he wanted to fall over and rest. It had always been that way, he was more resistant to injury then most for some reason. Maybe he wasn't a normal human...

When Caroline told him to sit, he didn't want to and pulled back a little. After a minute however he sighed and took his seat just the same. His dark eyes glanced up at Caroline, unsure what she was thinking at this moment but when she asked for his coat using only one word again- he started unzipping it slowly.

"Are-- are you alright?" he asked in a dull tone with a slight stutter due to his current shaking state. His body felt numb and his vision was a bit blurry as he removed his burned up jacket to give to Caroline.

The fabric on the jacket had big burn holes and burn marks that showed where on his body he himself got burned by that fire- not to mention the cut made by the guard along the sleeve that was now covered in blood. The burns on his chest and arms weren't anything bad but they were a bit bloody and tender.