The Wanderers

[Warning]

Hellhound was about to hit something in her leap but before she did, she was stopped or rather caught by the demon woman. For the moment, she stayed still but nodded to the advice. It gave her a grin, to find out what magical girls were capable of.  Using her own power against her allies. It might be more devilish than what demons did themselves. Still, that posed a problem. Her ear twitched as she heard something but what she heard was not sound. It was within her mind. That felt confusing for a bit but she still listened. Zorn was warning her about that woman, which made the beast girl look toward Alexandrine herself. Was she a Demon Lord buuut for magical girls? Well, a powerful human is what she thought of.

Not only did she have to be careful about portals, thanks to the demon woman's advice, but now she had to be careful about a super human? Hellhound was not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed but it did not make her one without strategies. The demon woman seemed to enjoy her time with that man, whoever he was. So that left her the bunny girl or the other supposedly powerful one. "Don't worry... I will enjoy this.", she left in her thoughts, probably for Zorn to hear. If she didn't do anything, it might make the two other humans want to take advantage. It would not be a fun game if she was not part of it. This time however, she formed a flame with her hand and made her way around the portal. "Let's play with fire!"

Hellhound shouted for everyone to hear, before she lifted her arm above her head and, with a glimmer of some sort coming from the flame she had, she brought it down and blasted the ground at Emi's feet with it, which would cause a blast where it impacted but also a wide spread of flames around the forest, potentially setting everything around in flames. This alone made the beast girl grin in a twisted manner, as if whatever happened to the forest itself didn't matter to her. Her burning passion for a fiery battlefield was where she was best and maybe it would force one of them to make a move that she could take advantage of. Besides, the fire probably would not bother Exzel. Hellhound kept her distance, watching them.

[Chiyako]

Two rounds had been expended. Unfortunately the portal Demon turned out to be just as tricky as she'd figured. She had recognized what was happening before the fiery dog had made impact and had instead used it to avoid her gunfire. If she could tell where Emi was stitching together spaces then that made her probably the most credible threat to the bunny.

Eliminate her first then. Or flee. Ryan appears to be safe now.

The mysterious muscular man appeared to be intent upon facing off against the portal Demon. Was that not a bad matchup? She appeared to be physically powerful. Perhaps it would take both the man and Alexandrine to handle her. That of course meant that it would be up to Emi alone to handle the fire dog.

A rabbit versus a wolf. I don't exactly enjoy that matchup.

It was the portal lady who made the first move. A charge directly towards the muscular man. However the flaming hound wasn't about to stand idly by either, as was evident by the sudden eruption of flames aimed towards her feet. She wondered for a moment if she could avoid it with a plane shift, however then she realized the danger that might be created by ignoring it. Did it explode? Would it also affect her allies?

The ground beneath her briefly shimmered, spreading out wide in an effort to capture the entire fireball. She allowed herself to fall through the stitched space, appearing instead above the fire dog! Emi seemed to pop out and drop towards her foe, both pistols aiming downwards towards her shoulders. The fireball, should it be captured, would rocket off into the sky above. She could only hope that it had some predetermined range before it would detonate, or that it would simply fizzle out given enough time or distance, or that it wouldn't explode at all and was in fact just flames!

BANG BANG! BANG BANG!

Four gunshots. How well would the creature resist? Did she require magic to injure her? Emi was still in the experimental phase here!

[Warning]

Stupid portals again. The fact her fun was ruined by a bunny with too much space started to annoy her. Her senses tingled when the girl vanished and, she knew for a fact that she could not be far. She was there to play, not escape. Feeling the presence above her, falling toward her, she knew there was only one moment to avoid this. If she was going to leap around with portals, might as well become the charcoal to burn this entire place down. For now, either she moved or she would get hurt badly. Hellhound leapt away at the first shot, which she felt grazing her skin before she somehow evaded the 3 other ones. Now, it was enough. If no projectile worked on her stupid portal and she couldn't throw herself... She'd burn.

In a spark of annoyance, Hellhound was herself emanating flames but her objective here was not to shoot anything at her anymore. Smirking a bit, she simply stomped the ground, causing her own blast of flames around the area before she eyed the portal and sent a jet of flames at it and around it to stop any of them from using it. The only thing Hellhound could not be hurt by was her own fire. Even if Emi returned her own fire to her, it would not do much. Aiming a last time, she aimed both hands to send a stream of fire toward the bunny girl. "Go ahead and send that wherever you want! I will make sure you burn. You stupid humans will stop ruining my fun.", she shouted at her, challenging the girl to do whatever she wanted.

Edited May 13 by Warning

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

This was problematic.  Alexandrine looked over the burning forest.  This was getting to a level she perhaps had to do something.  Deal with the fire at least.  Deny it fuel.  Her name was not just something cute.  Both parts were relevant.  The sorceress more than the diamond.  She was more of a generalist.  Others were more powerful than her in specialized areas, but she could do many different things.  But best to keep that a surprise.  She would surprise the demons, and perhaps her allies in a different way.  The one area she had true mastery.  With a breath, a wave of energy spread out through her in all directions.  Targeting the grass, the tress, all the fuel for the fire.  As it past the small portion of the forest had been changed.  Rock, shining.  A literal forest of diamond.  She watched to see if that was enough to put out the fire.  Though if it was more magical in nature, it might linger but without fuel to spread.

[BladeRunner]

As thing's heat up Toshiro was again inching his away except from the portal this time. And it seemed the Goth had the same idea, getting into her own fighting stance. Years of doing martial arts and fighting on the streets wisened Toshiro up to this point in this wondrous schizophrenic episode, it was like having a dream whilst having a fever after watching the Phantom Menace. 

Just as Toshiro recaptured his train of thought the Goth attacked with similar speed to his, immediately throwing a flurry of punches that he would either block or dodge. And for a lady, she hit hard. The punches themselves were tough to even block and indefinitely would leave some bruising, however she kicked up the speed with a high swinging kick. Normally Toshiro would grab the swinging limb and use the momentum to toss his foe however the voice told him to do otherwise. Immediately he ducked and lurched forward, narrowly missing the kick by a hair and delivered a rapid combo of his own. The attacks weren't blind swinging, in fact they were well placed strikes that targeted particular muscles and nerves along the arms and torso. 

Of course what caught the young man off guard in the midst of his barrage  was the other female. There was a sudden shockwave followed by a wave of flames, allowing his thoughts to get sidetracked and ripe for an advantage. 

[Balthier]

"Uhh!" The boy ducked her high kick, and came forward, leaving Exzel feeling exposed briefly, in more than one way. His attacks were precise, and they actually hurt. Gritting her teeth she stumbled back in her dress, just as fire engulfed her surroundings. She made sure to stay clear of the magical flames enough to not be hurt. She was resistant but not immune to fire, especially magic. Soon after she noticed the ground turning to some kind of crystal looking substance.

Dancing through the flames as they covered her movement, she saw Toshiro distracted, the fire catching him off gaurd. Stepping quick with a circular movement that wood have looked at home in earth Bagua style martial arts, Exzel got behind him in a flash and grappled him. Her arms going around his chest, her soft breasts smashing against his back, she executed a thrust of her hips to break his balance. Running one hand lower down his front, she grabbed him, and leaned back further throwing him toward the portal. Leg swinging in a wide circular arc after she released him, she stood up in a defensive stance taking in the situation.

[Chiyako]

One shot had managed to partially land, however the fire hound appeared to be quick enough to avoid the others. That was worrying. Gunfire wouldn't work well enough on its own. Still it seemed to be enough to keep her on her feet. That had its own useful applications, even if it wouldn't do a lot of damage on its own.

Within a very short period of time the creature retaliated. Flames erupted around herself and, more importantly, the portal. Escape was going to be difficult for the others. Heck she would have difficulties with the landing. Then her attention lifted to meet the falling rabbit. More flames, this time aimed in her direction. It was troubling, sure, but she did not allow herself to fall from the sky without a plan.

Right before the flames made impact with her body became slightly translucent. The space that she occupied was shifted. No longer was she set within the space occupied by the flames. As she fell through them Emi pulled her legs and arms in close. Landing on the flame covered ground was going to hurt.

Suddenly the ground beneath everyone's feet appeared to turn into diamonds! The flames disappeared, the ground left mostly flat thanks to the incineration of nearby plant life. It was her lucky break! As soon as she passed beneath the stream of flames which had been directed up towards her Emi's body lost the translucent appearance. She landed in a crouch, wincing at the heat which still permeated the space around her.

If the ground hadn't changed that would have hurt. Close call. Fighting her alone would be difficult.

Pistols raised towards the hound's center of mass. BANG BANG! BANG BANG! BANG CLICK! A barrage of three shots from one pistol and two from the other. She needed to reload. Of course she didn't expect most of the shots to hit her quick foe. No, it was primarily a deterrent, perhaps an attempt to get her to back away.

At the same time she kicked hard against the ground, propelling herself back towards the portal and, therefore, nearer to Alexandrine. It became clear that she had no intention to fight. This was fine. As long as they all made it out.

Provided Toshiro was actually launched through the portal she would aim to hop through herself! Of course she kept her focus upon a specific spot within the forest. A backup in case the portal was closed behind her.

[Warning]

Hellhound was burning everything around her, in a manner of speaking. She was sure that the flame attack would hit and if she redirected it, it probably would not do much. However, things happened fast from there. The bunny teleported again through a gate. It was a little annoying but if she wanted to play chase, she would. But then there was this diamond magic that forced her to leap by instinct. All of her efforts and flames were gone. Mostly. The heat was still there but without most of the fire, it was not going to do much very long. Her attention was driven toward the one responsible before her eyes locked on her target, still willing to fight. Without any choices, she moved to dodge while hearing the shots aimed straight for her.

The bullets felt very close but one, perhaps two, managed to hit her side while she ran from the attack. The impact knocked her back a little but she still stood, albeit not without wounds. A normal human would have been torn apart or burnt to crisp by now. Hellhound did want to find strong humans after all, she had no rights no complain. It was not the first time a human had shot at her. Now the bunny was not shooting anymore. Fire would not spread, thanks to the diamonds, but it would not stop the beast girl from being a deadly heat source. But by the time Hellhound could ready herself for another assault, Emi already had retreated, leaving her to pant softly as she was recovering. She was still grinning, one thing was left.

Hellhound suddenly dashed toward Alexandrine. She was still standing, there was no way she was not going to attack until she'd be put down. She was ignoring Zorn's warning but she needed to fight until the end. She did not plan to die, of course, but the fun was not over while an enemy was still around. What she did however was aim a powerful thrust kick at her. If she'd hit, chances are she'd send her into the portal. If not, she expected this diamond sorceress to retaliate. Whatever the case was, she wanted a payback for the flames the sorceress had put out. She had no idea what her power level even was but her stupidity or misplaced bravery didn't care. The damage made to her by Emi didn't seem to slow or weaken her, anyhow.

Edited May 15 by Warning

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Alexandrine kept her eyes on Emi, and the boy.  She did not know him, but she did not intend to leave him behind.  But, it looked like she had only drawn the attention of the other creature.  Seemed more like an animal than demon, though she was sure it was more or less human intelligence.

The Sorceress turned a portion of the forest to diamond, and that made Hellhound want to play with her more?  Zorn hoped she did not do anything stupid.  He could tell his enemy was not out to kill, but he knew how dangerous she was.  How flexible her power was.  He never saw another Magical Girl or Knight who could do as many things as her.  That was why she lived that day.  Why he and his master lost.  They had lost too much taking out the rest of her team.

Alexandrine watched calmly.  Not intending to underestimate the creature, but not worried either.  “Bad dog.”  She continued to use the weapon she just created.  She could do much with the forest as it was.  Diamond branches of the trees stabbed towards Hellhound as she approached.  Each one a spear.  She was not out to kill.  But she was serious, and would do so, if she had to.  But like the other demon, if she fled, or let them go through the portal, that would be the end of it.  This was a first warning though, not to get too close.

[Warning]

Hellhound had moved fast, in the hope to actually manage the attack she wanted to do. The way she was then called bad dog without looking like she was afraid of her... It stirred the beast girl to want to go through this, whatever the cost. The feeling of fighting a strong opponent, even while being hurt, couldn't boost her excitement more. Her instincts kicked in when she heard the attacks come flying toward her, though. She was not pulling back, not yet. Hellhound avoided one, two... She was sure, for some reason, that she might manage a hit. Yet... When she leapt, she was quickly stopped by another spear and whatever following attacks if Alexandrine decided to go all out on her. The words sharp like diamond were felt by Hellhound's body.

A cry of pain finally came out of her as she was stuck like a prey. She knew that she could die right there if the sorceress decided. Her fighting spirit waned but she did not look afraid. If anything, Hellhound was tired but the wounds she stupidly pretended were not fatal were still there. Looking at Alexandrine, she was not even trying to escape her predicament. "A-alright... That was fun... Y-you win...", the beast girl said with a smile even if she winced from the wounds. For sure, she would not try to fight anymore now. Even if she could not hit any of her opponents, she still learned more about them and what they were capable of. The fact that they gave her more challenge than most humans before had been a fun experience for her, at least.

Edited May 16 by Warning

[Balthier]

Fuck!

Exzel watched the demon dog get effectively handled by the daimond sorceress. She thought quickly. She could summon reinforcements, gather her energy and start going all out, but to what end? She much preferred to set an ambush later, and try to capture one then commit her minions to a pitched battle rashly, the only thing to gain was victory, maybe a meal for Zef, but at what cost? No it was time to fade away.

Exzelcryth closed the portal back to the city the girls were so close to, sprinted a short distance at high speed coming up behind Hellhound and grabbed the monster girl. "With me monster! Now!"

She immediately opened a portal to her fortress and stepped through pulling Hellhound with her. No sooner where they through than the portal  closed in a flash. Leaving the magical girls and a knight alone in a dark, starlit daimond oasis in the forest, and a few flames quietly smoldering on the edge, the smell of carbon drifting through the air from a like campfire.

**** At Exzel's fortress ****

The portal opened in the zen garden out back and Exzel stepped through, bring Hellhoumd with her. The portal closed as soon as they stepped out. Exzelcryth took a deep dreath, letting the monster girl go, setting her down on some grass under a cherry blossom.

A large stone stood in the center of the garden, a 10 foot monolith, with runes etched down the sides, an ancient demonic script, marking this a waystone. Serving a homing beacon for Exzel, once you knew what to look for. It was different than sensing a demon or a magical girl, a waystone like this you could sense only after placing your hand on it and attuning to it. It also carried enchantments to mask evil energy in the area, a gift Hagitha had set up for her days ago. It was dark in the garden save for the glow of the waystone and two long buring torches that flickered orange light by the pond.

"They were stronger than I had hoped. That damned Daimond Witch especially. Though the spikey one was also quite adept..."

She brushed herself off, recalling the last time she grabbed the boy as she did. His body was surprising solid for a mortal, though she did manage to find one soft spot to grab when she threw him.

"Is every in order, my mistress?" Asked a deep booming voice. Zef a 7 foot tall red Oni with white markings, baring an iron studded club over his shoulder, walked out of the fortress to the new arrivals.

"I had a run in with the most beautiful girl, Zef. It was all going well until her friends showed up. A tangle with this planet's guardians was unavoidable it seems, but not before I claimed one. But perhaps... I may have found a new ally?" She turned to Hellhound, addressing her in a polite tone,  "You got tangled in my fight, apologies. You fought well, despite the Daimond Witch. I'm am Lady Exzelcryth, might I have your name, monster?"

"Summon the Mazone, I would have this one healed tonight."

[Warning]

Hellhound was laying where she was hit, not realizing she had been released from the attack. The wounds were too serious and she needed a moment to recover. The demon woman then came to her and called to her. "W-who are you calling a monster? Did you look at yourself?", the beast girl just replied, not without a playful smirk. As a portal was opened, however, and she soon was pulled into it. The movement caused a certain level of pain but she wasn't frail enough to complain. She had to remain strong.

As she was finally let go off to lay on grass, she looked around only to see a different kind of place. They probably had teleported to her home. The peace was kind of nice but she was not out of danger yet. Her pride was hurt but her body was in a worse state. At least if she was going to die, it would be in a nice place. Hellhound did not even remember that Zorn might or might not still be around. Even when her life was threatened, she seemed pretty fine with things. The battle had be fun, albeit unfair toward her...

Exzel spoke and revealed what the beast girl already knew. At least when it was about the diamond witch. The bunny was less powerful, more annoying than anything. All about escaping, less about fighting. She could have burnt her if nothing had interfered with her. Another voice spoke, making her look toward it. Merely another demon so nothing very interesting. Hellhound didn't have any real aversion toward demons but she also didn't like them being so patronizing or commanding. Especially toward her.

When Exzel mentioned a new ally, she had a feeling that she spoke about her. Speaking to her nicely was one thing but then calling her a monster again made the beast girl pout. "I'm no monster... You're more of a monster than I am. I'm Hellhound, proud beast of the underworld.", she told her with some effort but the wounds were catching up, as she winced. While she was tough and capable of remaining conscious, she was also losing blood at a rate that would kill her soon or later, even if she remained calm.

Edited May 16 by Warning

[Balthier]

Exzel's voice was calm, even, "I meant no disrespect Hellhound. Perhaps you're more right than you know." She thought back to when she was an operative for Gyumao. Thought about how she used her power through the centuries. All the black ops, infiltration, exploitation and assassintion. Some of it had been for survival. Some it, she had enjoyed some of the work, if it hadn't been under Gyumao, she really might have lost herself in it. She had liked the subterfuge and manipulation best.  "I do not deny it."

She gave a gentle reasurring smile, as she knelt next to Hellhound, her dress having seen better days. "Let me help you for now, if I may? Let us get you healed up?" She could be an interesting friend to have, her offer was sincere.

It wasn't long before Zef returned with the Mazone women, corrupted tree spirits in human form. Standing prepared to assist, but for the go ahead from the beast-girl.

Edited May 16 by Balthier

[Warning]

Hellhound playfully went along with it, even grinning as Exzel did not deny it. Many demons would have yelled at her for the disrespect but the beast girl didn't care. She often dismissed or ignored demons whenever they became a bit too commanding or obnoxious, out of laziness and preference to sleep rather than hear them. As for Exzel, she was being rather nice instead for some reasons so she did not feel the same about her, yet. "A-alright... If you think you can heal me, go ahead and try...", she replied to her offer to help her, smirking but also wincing as she tried to move, soon giving up on that idea. She was feeling tired anyway, just in time. A nap would not feel bad anyway... She would either wake up... Or she would not.

 

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Hellhound had not been dragged off alone.  It was time for the second to reveal himself.  Hellhound’s shadow shifted. A figure, shadowy himself, rose.  Slowly taking a rabbit like shape.  “Do not be alarmed.  I was accompanying this one for dinner, when company arrived.”

An interesting looking place.  “I warned you not to take the Sorceress lightly.”  He reminded Hellhound calmly, then turned to the other demon.  “I am Zorn.  Formerly general of Lord Ulburnus.  Now a master of my own, following in his footsteps.”

”It was too soon to reveal my survival to humans.  Or I might have helped you.  The Sorceress is an old enemy of mine.  The one who slew my lord and fellow generals.  Though she lost her team in the process.”

[Balthier]

"I welcome you here as well, General Zorn." Exzel executed a polite, short bow, not taking her eyes Zorn in case he was up to something.

"Ulburnus, the name was unknown to me until recently, but I have heard rumor of some great exploits, which is what brought me here."

She listened to his explanation, "I would likely have done the same in an unknown circumstance. That is wise. The Daimond Witch is quite formidable. I would like to hear more, if you would indulge me some time, perhaps? Let us attend now to your..." She paused searching for the right word, as she did not know their relationship, "retainer. This way, if you please."

Exzel nodded and the beautiful Mazone approached, lifting the beast-girl and carring her to the fortress. Once there, in a back room by the garden, there was a tub, filled with a warm green liquid, which had a rather pleasant smell. The mazone lowered Hellhound into the liquid bath, the girl would be feeling an immediate warm, and slightly pain numbing effect, as the mixtures and potions began their work.

"Please rest here as long as you'd like. It heals, and boosts greatly your natural healing. Curtesy of the shadow elves."

[Warning]

Hellhound didn't really feel too good to really listen to Zorn's lecturing right now. She willingly ignored his advice before as well but he was still right. She could not even approach her. It was a mistake to even think she could get closer. No wonder Zorn was defeated by her before. It still annoyed her that she was called a bad dog, as if she was just a pet. But thinking anything right now was a problem for later. She remained still, barely conscious, when carried and put down in a tub. The liquid felt strange but mostly because of its color and its effect on her body. Her near death loss of consciousness was soon replaced with her body falling asleep to rest. She would be a little stronger next time. She would have to be.

Edited May 17 by Warning

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Zorn followed and watched what they did with Hellhound.  “Retainer?  Perhaps, later.  She only just wandered into my home.  She’s an independent one.  Though maybe now she has a little more motivation to fight for me.”  Perhaps Hellhound would stick with him now, for a chance to fight their shared enemy again.  There was something he wanted to ask her about the interesting bunny girl as well.  But that would have to wait until she recovered.

”You have seen a hint of what she can do.  But she was concealing her true potential.  Did not know I was there.  She thought she killed me.  She did get very close.  She calls herself the ‘Diamond Sorceress’.  Pay attention to the second word.  I have never seen or heard of another human with such flexible powers.”  As much as he hated her, he respected her power.  He would not underestimate her again.

[Balthier]

Exzel indicated Hellhound with a nod, "Quite an addition to just come wandering in. Chance? Or fate? Either way, a useful addition perhaps, though she seems to have a strong wild streak."

"I could sense power, I believe you." Exzel was pretty sure she did not want direct confrontation with the Daimond Witch. There were other ways, she might have fun with that one. But that was a private thought. "There is no denying the witch has strength. The question then, what are her weaknesses? You are right to investigate before attacking. My compliments to a wise choice."

Exzel watched Hellhound begin to rest, the healing would likely take a day if not days, from such wounds, depending on her natural healing abilities,  amplified as they were now.

"Please join me for a little before you go."  Exzel gestured for him to follow her deeper into the fortress, a small Japanese style castle. She offered a seat to Zorn at a table, and walked into the next room. The sound of clothing hitting the floor coming out of the room as she dropped her dress and undergarments, and emerged minutes later in a translucent, V-neck gossamer gown, that hugged her waist, and stopped just short of her knees. A mazone servant pouring unfiltered saké into wide drinking dishes before the two demons.

"A local drink, I've become quite fond of. If it suits your tastes, Lord General? To new beginnings, Kompai!

Exzel raised her drink in a toast, not taking her eyes off Zorn, mostly because he was an unknown element for now.  She hoped for an ally but that remained to be seen.

[BladeRunner]

//Busy week, sorry//

Just as Toshiro was distracted the crazy Goth manhandled him like a sack of potatoes. She utilized momentum and threw the man through the portal, with the sudden exchange between temperatures evident as he cane crashing into a table. He groaned for a moment before getting back up, theb immediately turned to see others on the opposite side retreating. Huh, they won? Toshiro rubbed his head, pulling his suit off the groukd and placing it back on. 

No doubt, the other people that fought those freaks would have questions for him... 

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Zorn followed Exzelcryth.  He was a guest here.  Even as a pair of demons, he could be a proper guest.  He considered her a potential ally as well.  They would figure out if they were a pair that could work together.  “I had been rebuilding forces, drawing demons and other creatures in the area.  Building a force that will eventually be strong enough to fight.  She was curious, came to investigate.  She had never heard of Magical Girls or Knights before.  Was hoping for a chance to, as she put it, ‘play’ with them.”

He took the seat.  Curious if she just dressed like that normally or was doing it for him.  Like with Hellhound, he would wait for more signs of interest, before attempting to do anything like that though.  It was only his enemies he forced himself on, or aggressive with.

”It is hard to put the limits of her power in words.  Some are more powerful than her in specific areas, but she can tap into just about every variety of power.”  All the elements, various other things.  She had surprised him more than once in the past, with what she could do.  He was not sure if there was anything she could not do.

”She appears to be building another team.  That is probably her greatest weakness.  I do not think she could handle losing another one…though I do also want to investigate the rabbit-girl some more.”  Was she who he thought she might be?  He wanted to learn a bit more before he was sure, or said anything about it.  “Capturing her would be incredibly difficult…but teaching her our ways…to serve me…would be appealing to.  It had been done to others.”  To make her what the humans called a ‘Broken Girl’.  A weapon who served him.  That would almost be a better victory.
 

****

They were gone.  Now it was just the three of them.  Herself, Emi, and the boy.  They would have to find Elie and get in touch with Ryan soon.  But for now, they had some peace.  She walked to Emi first.  Looked her over.  She seemed to be okay.  “Good job.  I need a minute to return the forest to normal.”  Naturally, she could not leave it like this, a small patch of pure diamond.  “If you are okay with it, check on the boy…he appears to be a potential Knight.  His power semi-unlocked.”  She would not force Emi to do it, shy as she was.  But it was something she could do, as Alexandrine began the process of returning the area to normal.

[Balthier]

*****

Exzel did like to look good, she felt most at home, in a good dress. So she did dress like this often. She did, however wear this one, for her guest. Not because she was trying anything per se, but just to see if there was any interest in his eyes. She didn't like to match power for power with strong beings, she did like to use soft power, if she could find an advantage however.

"About that girl..." She looked at him, his features. Recalled the girl. "Is she... related somehow?"

If he had claimed some of the Diamond Witches old team, for had some fun with a girl back then, that little bunny girl appeared to be around the right age. It was only a suspicion, wild speculation for the moment, but the pieces fit enough to spark her curiosity of the possibility. A magical girl-demon hybrid, that would be challenging, but interesting, if that's what she was. It would explain her aura though. If she could be turned and used as a weapon, Exzel thought that would be delightful.

"Investigating further, sounds like a good plan. Perhaps we can work together? All I want is dominion around this fortress, a city of humans near ripe to explore and exploit, and feed on their energy. I should see no reason I would interfere with your plans. In fact, perhaps we my join strengths when necessary?

 

Edited May 17 by Balthier

[Chiyako]

Emi had tried her best to exit the portal, had hoped that all three of them could make it. Alas the Demon lady had other plans. It had closed right when she was about to slip through, sealing Alexandrine, the muscular man, and herself off from Ryan. Their method of retreat was gone, but at least it meant her friend was safe. Now she had to focus on the foes before her.

Or that is what she might have thought if it were not for Alexandrine's impressive performance! The hound had made their attack, a direct assault towards the Diamond Sorceress. She in turn lived up to her name and ended up skewering the hound with long sharpened crystalline spears! Emi almost felt sorry for the creature.

Left in a one versus three scenario the portal Demon had decided to rip the fire beast free and flee, leaving the three of them in the middle of the forest. As much as she wanted to pursue, to make certain that their foe was taken care of, Emi also understood that this had been a win, potentially even a close one. Both pistols were holstered at her sides as Alexandrine stepped over to inspect her. It had been a close call with the beast's flames but, thanks to Alexandrine's diamonds, Emi hadn't been hurt.

"You were amazing" she spoke, voice a hint excited. Her tail was wiggling behind her. Adrenaline still flowed through her body. Per the woman's request Emi nodded and turned, making her way over to their companion. A knight. Potential semi-unlocked.

Wait. Does that mean. . .?

Cheeks glowed a soft pink at the thought. Was Alexandrine suggesting that? For her to do for him what she had done for Ryan? Checking first was probably for the best.

"Hello" the rabbit spoke softly, approaching the man. Purplish eyes swept across his figure, primarily to seek out any injuries but now that they had some time also to sate her curiosity. "My name is Emi." Wait, why had she used her name? She was still new to this sort of thing. It would be okay though. Probably. He might have been like them already! And besides nobody was going to get much in the way of information for searching for her through that name. "Are you a knight?"

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

She was pleasing enough to look at.  He did not bother hide the way he stared at various parts of her body.  A demon did not feel shame about such things.  If she wanted to offer herself for the night, to make the arrangement official, Zorn would easily go along with it.  But it was not something he was desperate for.  He was curious if she had that thought. 

A relation was the suspicion.  It was not impossible.  Zorn had ideas how it could have happened.  He wanted more information to confirm it though.  The question he had for Hellhound would be a little more evidence one way or another.  When he met her it would probably confirm it one way or another.  “Maybe she is, maybe she isn’t.  I intend to find out.”

”Your fortress is yours.  I do not consider you a rival.”  Of course, being a pair of demons, he would not let his guard down completely, but as long as she did not cause him trouble, he would not attack her home.

As for the city….”When I am strong enough, I intend to attack.  Give myself an empire in human lands.  But I’m sure we can come to an agreement.  Leave some just for you.”  He could respect her needs there.  She could potentially be a valuable ally.  They could each help each other.  “What sort of exploiting do you intend?”  He was curious, suspected she might have goals that were both similar and different to his.

 

****

Alexandrine was not actually suggesting Emi do that with the boy.  But like with Ryan, she would not be bothered if they did.  It would help him draw the rest of his power out though.  She could potentially do it too.  She had mostly been making an observation.

She closed her eyes, focused on her surroundings.  Changing things back was actually more difficult than the original change.  It would take a bit of time.  Maybe be a little draining.  That was one of her limits.  Another way she lived up to the sorceress name.  She could only use her power so much in a short period of time.  And she had just used it in a rather drastic and showy way.

[BladeRunner]

Once the dust was settled did Toshiro pat himself (disregarding the portion of my last post where he's in the building) and gave himself another once-over. It was obvious he had some gashes and bruises on his arms, especially when the crazy Goth chick definitely had some strength behind her. He almost had her if not for his imagination, had he not gotten caught off guard by that plume of flames he would've dealt more damage. It's not like he could or would change things now. 

"A knight in shining armor? Not realky," Toshiro replied bluntly getting a few kinks out of his neck, he had to wonder what this girl meant by a Knight, "I actually got around there to do some sort of one on one meet and greet with..." 

Toshiro pulled out hos wallet which contained a silver ticket that he slid from the leather confines. It was obvious he had no idea of what the rabbit girl was talking about regarding the knight question. Regardless,  he read over the ticket then handed it over, "Ee- Eel- Emu Catapult. Apologies, I can talk English perfectly I just cant read it very well. Oh!" 

The strapping young man pulled out a tablet of sorts ans quickly swallowed it, finding sone obvioys relief in it. Immediately seconds later did his power substantially dwindle to that of an average man's,  however his strength still showed signs of pulsating, being that of a professional athlete's, "And apologies for that. I left some medicine at home I completely forgot I had an emergency pill. Regardless of that, is the girl who was being assaulted okay? I didn't get a good look as to who it is, if I'm being honest... I wished I had gotten there sooner."

Following that statement did Toshiro kick himself for not doing as he said. If not for the flight delays and terrible taxi service, he could've made it to the scene before all that had unfolded.