Saber Lily

This is late, but... Overworld is special to me. It is one of now three roleplays I have ever truly finished in my years of roleplay, my years of making Characters and working with others. Overworld is the most special to me, because of the characters I've met, and with how my writing and my ability to mold a character who grows and becomes...better. I hope that, in Elrandir's sequel, that we meet again...and hopefully, we end with just as much happiness as now.

@Mystics Apprentice Eclaire's mother is from Umbra. Her father is from Vivifica.

Name: Kagura SumeragiAge: 17Gender: Appearance: Court affiliation (if any): SomnusWeapons: Katana - Suzume Grimoire - Oblivion Volume 13 Magic: Ice Water Unaspected Magic Status Ailment: Freeze Personality: Shy, kind, extremely nervous, and prone to stuttering. Extremely loving and kind, and loves warm hugs. Below this hides a big heart, one with a will of GLORIOUS GIPPON STEEL FOLDED THOUSAND TIMES pure iron. Background: Born on the outskirts of Regalia, Kagura is a twin with Kaguya, a beautiful Vivifica magus. The "lesser" of the two to many, Kagura - or Kaga - has been fairly lonely, and in this has gone to Somnus to learn magic. An adept with water and ice, Kagura pays for lodgings through being a Water Dancer, covered in veils and working to be as great as the Vivifica Magus "Princess of Victory" that Kaguya has been nicknamed...but for Kagura, this is a long, and weary road, one the Dancer fearfully treads...but never wanting to tread it alone.

Name: Eclaire de Wynter Age: 19 Gender: Female Appearance: Court affiliation (if any): Umbra Weapons: Thornflare - Magic Rapier Overture - Gunblade Caladbolg - Greatsword of the Abyss Magic: Telekinesis Light Dark Magical Storage System - Armory Personality: Eclaire is a bubbly, sweet girl with a lot of love. After Vivifica's leave, though, Eclaire has found herself scared and a bit alone, save for her mother. Drawing herself in, Eclaire has built up walls around herself, too scared to say she was from Vivifica, uncertain how others will treat her regarding the illegal activity around Itika, and the exile it has placed itself into after the breakaway. Background: A clumsy, yet well-meaning and sweet girl, Eclaire was born in Vivifica's court to an Archmagus. Taught in the Court for many, many years, she left on a long journey set upon her by Court. By the time she had completed her mission and returned, Vivifica had broken off with the other courts, leaving her uncertain of her standing, as well as nervous about how other Vivifica magus would be viewed. Going to her mother in Umbra, she resides there, currently taught by the Umbra Court thanks to petitioning from her mother - who, while fairly poor and only able to provide the bare necessities for her daughter, was able to persuade the Court to accept her. She remains there to this day, training in the art of Dark Magic, wondering what has become of her father... Name: Zion Age: 29 (appears) Gender: Female Appearance: Court affiliation (if any): Vivifica Weapons: Forward Unto Dawn - Greatsword of Sunrise Twin Katana - Dawn and Dusk Twin Magic Revolvers - Sunset Magic: Telekinesis Light Dark Personality: She is a kind, loving person with a strong sense of justice. Sometimes self-righteous, she truly wants to help everyone she can, laws be damned. She isn't one to care about the idea of law and order, but right and wrong...which has gotten her in plenty of trouble before. But she always has that damn smile whenever she does good. Background: An Archmagus of Vivifica, Zion had a rocky path to where she is now. Born with weak mana regeneration, she had to learn to pace herself, and the spells she used, for the longest time. But eventually her body grew and developed, and she rose to be a powerful Light Mage. Conspiracy around her say she has dabbled in the Umbra Court's magic, that she has taken a lover, but while none of that is illegal - anyone jealous of her would make rumor. Truly, the worst crime she might ever commit, is doing the right thing - even if she would be seen as the villain.

-Xion and Rhaedyn Thane: At the Coronation- All around the hall were the remaining Ithurians, with Thane himself in the front row. They were silent sentinels until Jynn said "I Will", at which they all either banged the pommel of their weapon on the floor or against their gauntlets in approval. Thane himself did so. "The real test, King of Kilkis Seres, is if you are able to be King." He mused. Can't just say he'll be great, can you? "Did I ask you, Rhea?" The two bickered a bit internally. Nearby, Xion had come alone with Ask'raziel, Jeremy having overslept and the others with duties to carry out. She didn't see her daughter anywhere. She was wearing a flowing black gown that showed her curves - as if Succubi had any other clothing - and her arm was no longer bandaged. She had asked the Genie to cure Consumption, and now...now her people were free. She was free. No fear of that hateful hunger. She looked at her arm once more, still in awe that she no longer was inflicted. It was as God above had deigned those below a reprieve...for trying to do what was right. All Xion knew...was that Zion was out there somewhere. "...you impossible woman." She whispered to herself, before looking up at Jynn. A pegasus. "May you fly just as high." She said softly. -Eclaire Oathkeeper: Above the Coronation- Eclaire was sitting on the railing of the, watching. She was in a new outfit, all black with some silver decoration. The Castle tailor had made it specially for her. Lightweight and made of magic fiber, it was stylish AND functional...even with a skirt. She leaned against the pillar behind her, smiling as the pegasus formed in Jynn's hand. "Are you not going to join the ceremony?" Behind her was Fiona, who was mostly impassive. Eclaire shook her head. "Nah. I was Shiva's Retainer. I failed in protecting her...Yeah I helped kill a god but...I don't think I belong there. Others might. They're friends with Jynn and Bherna and such. Everyone barely knows me. It won't feel right." "Yet you linger." "I'm watching for her. Well. With her. She'd be watching either way." Fiona nodded. "I see. And nothing I say will make you go down there?" "No." She said softly. "And yes. I know I could make friends. Reasons to stay. But that'd make my plans harder." "Plans?" Eclaire looked up at the roof. "When I walked into that old home in the woods, I expected a creature-infested shack that I could live a quiet, lonely life away from people, so I wouldn't hurt anyone like I had been. Instead of a lonely little hut to live out the rest of my life in, I met a woman. I met a Queen. I feared she would be angry, but she saw something. She saw...potential. Hope for someone so hopelessly lost in the darkness that she was walking in circles. She was the light that led me to now. A mistake turned a hero. A lost girl now found." She giggled. "I'm getting dramatic, sorry. Just...I can't stay. If I do, Fiona, I will dishonor Shiva. She gave me....she gave me life. I just existed. Then....then she loved me, and gave me life. Now I will live that life. But not here. Not where I will pine away in her room, and waste the time she so generously gave. No. I won't make her feelings, her compassion a crutch. She opened my eyes, so I want to see the world once more." She looked back down at Jynn. "He has so many friends and loved ones. He doesn't need me. But even then, I left a calling stone in his room. All he needs to do is hold it tight and think of me, and I shall be as lightning strikes - swift, aggressive, and here before you know it." She brushed some hair from her eyes, then slid off the railing. "Where is your sword?" Fiona raised an eyebrow. Eclaire paused, then motioned with her head to the window. Sighing, the maid stepped up and looked out. In the distance, on a hill overlooking Kilkis Seres, she could barely make out a silver glow atop it. "Shiva will remain where she belongs - overlooking the kingdom she gave it all for." Eclaire said softly. "When I am needed, I shall retrieve it. But until that day comes, the sword of Shiva, now named after, will be atop that hill as a watchful eye. If you ever need me, Fiona, and the calling stone is missing or lost, all you need to do is grasp the sword. I enchanted it, and it works just the same." She smiled, then hugged Fiona. "...for all my words, Fiona...I will miss you. You've been kind, and caring, and have accepted my need to feed without complaints. You deserve the world, and I hope you get it." This time Fiona was ready. She spun around, finger to Eclaire's lips. "I know what you're about to do, and I will demand you kiss me correctly and not like I am some floozy at the tavern!" Eclaire blinked, nodding at once. Nope, not gonna argue with that. She gently cupped Fiona's cheek and leaned in for a proper kiss, as demanded. Fiona had something right. That aether, that lifeforce she was required to feed on...it felt as sweet as the day she took those three seconds from Shiva. Opening her eyes, she looked at Fiona. "Love, you idiot." She said, deadpan. "Now get out of here, I will be happy to not have to clean your particular brand of mess. You have any idea how you twist and turn and throw your clothes everywhere?!" She shook a finger at Eclaire. "Get! Go! If you're so set on not attending the full ceremony, then git!" She slid around and spanked her. Eclaire yelped. "Hey!" She jumped a few feet forward, rubbing her tush. "That wasn't needed!" "I know." Fiona smirked. "But like you. I wanted to." Eclaire just shook her head a bit, then waved. "If Jynn asks, tell him how I feel." And with that, Eclaire turned and leaped out the window. Her aetherial wings flared to life, and the valkyrie-succubus took to the sky, facing the blazing sun. Eyes closed, she basked in the warmth as she gained altitude, sighing contently. "For all our time and our brief goodbye, Shiva...I love you...but I forgot one thing..." And so, as she basked in the warm sun, she said two final words before falling back towards earth, rolling and flaring her wings out to full, and flying over the palace in a shower of aetherial light, a small, yet powerful, aurora forming in her wake as Eclaire Oathkeeper set off to live. Thank you.

-Eclaire, Xion, and Rhea- Xion looked away. She didn't know Henry, really. But...he gave himself up for her memories. And now, as rememberance of Zion flowed in, she cried. "Thank you....Henry." She said. Rhea nearly flew at him. "NO! THERE HAS TO BE Another way. Rhea was encased in armor...and one mighty step later did Rhaedyn Thane extend a hand. "You will not be forgotten, Henry.You have a heart of true divine iron. May your name never be forgotten." he intoned. Rhea could only scream, her body once more encased in the armor, mere aether to merge and give host to the Ithurian. Eclaire...she had slid down and rested her back against the altar. Her sword replaced in the scabbard on her back, she let everyone else talk. She was mentally drained, and nearly passed out when Henry stepped forward. Her eyes shot fully open, and she was already beginning to stand. "N-No! No Henry!" She kicked off and flew at him, hand outstretched. "NO!" She yelled. "We wouldn't have gotten this far without you! DON'T -" The star hit her. She staggered and hit the ground, skidding. Her hand swiped the air where he once was as tears welled. "Without you...we wouldn't have won." She sobbed softly. Eclaire began to cry as that familiar feeling spread through her chest....those precious three seconds...three irreplaceable seconds. "Thank you....Henry....for....for giving me these.....precious seconds." She whispered, sobbing. "Thank you..." Eclaire just knelt there and cried, joyous that Shiva's three seconds were back, but....so sorrowful. Sorrowful over the loss of someone who saved her life, who fought....who did his utmost to save his world. He may have done bad, but so did she. He....deserved a new life. A new chance...like she did. Like Shiva had given her. Eclaire cried...for the man who had given them back that which was most precious.

-Eclaire, Xion, and Rhea- Rhea yelped as she fell on her butt. "Wow that worked." Genuinely, she was impressed. She got up though, with a hand up from Xion. They turned. "We wish for the world below to be restored, the lives lost returned." They nodded. Eclaire was like lightning. The moment she had her senses, as Yevgeni called forth the Source, she flashed before him, facing Nergal. Should he attempt anything, she would strike without a sense of mercy, the Wish for Power not yet faded. She let everyone speak first...because....she didn't trust herself. She didn't trust herself to throw herself at the feet of the Source and beg for Shiva, to beg so selfishly for the woman she had fallen for...but Odin, screaming about his wife, caused her feline ears to lay flat. She had no right. Shiva may have loved her...but it was not her request to make. She was at peace...and...and Eclaire could not use her as a crutch. She couldn't always think of her. To do that would be akin to betraying her wishes, her memory. She had been given a second chance at life, a new view. Sight unburdened. But. It was not her request to make. And so, she half-turned to the Source, the five figures. "Whatever Jynn, Rightful Heir to the Throne of Kilkis Seres requests, weigh my word with his. I...I cannot ask for anything." She closed her eyes, then turned back to watch Nergal, the silver sword, named after the Queen he killed raised at him. "Move for the source, Queenslayer, and I shall run you through with her name." She promised. And at that, Eclaire felt silent...for she did not trust her mouth to stay still, her heart to stay calm, and her passion to remain tempered.

-Eclaire, Xion, and Rhea- With the battle won and hope gone, the three almost collapsed...but Elia have them hope. Rhea grasped a free hand as Xion grasped hers, both looking to Eclaire. The woman grasped Xion's hand. "I am the fastest among us. I will secure the source, then deal with Nergal. Yevgeni...bind your attack dog." She closed her eyes to add to the power. This idea was insane...but deep down...she knew her mother was watching.

-Zion, Goddess of Light and Arbitrator of Balance- Zion touched the ground, letting out a heavy sigh. She stepped forward and out of Eclaire, who yelped at the feeling. Zion then turned and raised her hands to the heavens. "Oh warmest light, heed my call. Heal their wounds, soothe their aches, repair what is broken, and replace what is lost. Ninth Seal of the Goddess: Repentance of Light!" A pulse of light rippled across everyone, healing them, replacing what they had lost, soothing what ached, returning them to full health. She smiled softly. "Oh champions mine, I am so proud. Through all your trials and tribulations, you forced him to a point that allowed me to give you the final push. I may have come to finish off the mad falsity, but it was you, champions, who forced him to such a corner. But this is where my time ends, where my intervention can go no further. The veil is regenerating and I will be pulled back to the Divine Plane, where I can only influence events, but never intervene unless the world itself is on the brink. Your jobs are not yet over." She paused, then reached out and gently stroke the side of Eclaire's face. "You have everything you need, warriors. You but need to come together." She pulled Eclaire in for a hug, holding her tightly. "Clary...Oh my sweet Clary....I am so proud of you." She whispered softly. "You are the greatest thing I will ever have brought forth, the greatest gift the world has ever given me. Now go. Let go of your sorrow and despair...see the world with new eyes." She kissed Eclaire's forehead, then moved past, patting Rhea on the shoulder. "Thank you, Rhea. Don't let Thane push you around!" Then Zion turned to Xion. "He-" Xion slapped a god. "I seriously don't know why I wanted to do that, but if you're Clary's mother than you probably deserved that." "...yeah, yeah I honestly did." She surged forward, wrapping Xion in her arms, her wings, her entire being. They were obscured from view, and what was said was unheard. When the wings pulled back, all that could be seen was the endings of a kiss. Zion pressed her forehead to her beloved's, closing her eyes. "I love you, Xion. One day you will pass from this world...and that day I will be waiting for you. That is my oath." She slowly, reluctantly, pulled away, then turned to the others. "I cannot stay longer. I cannot offer more than succor and the promise I am always watching. There are rules, laws, and restrictions. My time is coming to an end. I am sorry I could not come sooner." She smiled though. "Farewell. And remember - even after the darkest of nights, morning still comes." Her body began to fade away from the feet and wings first. Her eyes closed, her head tilted, and she gave them one last blinding, beaming smile before the Goddess of Light left the Overworld once more. Eclaire had stumbled over to Xion, and the two had collapsed to the ground from the mental exhaustion. Eclaire was curled up, head on Xion's lap, the Succubus Queen gently stroking her daughter's hair. Rhea sat down, still not sure if this was a trick or what. "It...it's over." Xion said. "Ahriman is gone. Now....now what?"

-Eclaire Oathkeeper, Daughter of the Goddess- As the world devolved into chaos and she was dragged into the maelstrom, the beam appeared to pierced her chest in that moment, her flight yanked asunder. She cried out, her vision going black....then fading into shades of grey. She stood there, unhurt, confused. Was she...dead? Was she in the Great White before her fate was decided? "I am so proud of you." She spun around. "M...Mommy?" Zion smiled warmly, and opened her arms. Eclaire began to cry and rushed into them, holding onto her lost mother so tightly. "I....I missed you....I missed you so much." She sobbed. "I know, Clary. I know." Zion whispered. "But I always was here. I guided Takao, I asked Luciana for her blessing to you, I entreated with the First Succubus. I have always been here, not just for you, but the world. For it is my duty....a duty that, in this battle, I have given my all to influence. But Ahriman has grown to threaten the balance of everything, to destroy the very gods through his actions, to rend this dimension to his whims. The field made it difficult....but it is now gone, my daughter. So I ask you. Open your heart to my light." "Always." Eclaire said immediately. "Always." Eclaire fell, the beam seeming to not pierce but enter her, as her eyes and mouth opened wide to emit light....warm....beautiful light. As everyone began their attacks, a new voice ringed across the rend between worlds, for in this space was the veil torn. "The dreams of men and fey are fleeting, and must be embraced if they are to flourish! And embrace them I have, oh champions mine! Do not falter, for the Light has not forsaken you this day!" Eclaire erupted in a font of pure Light, a pulsing sphere radiating from her, striking the maelstrom and breaking it for those who charged. Eclaire was engulfed by the Light, and eight white wings erupted from her back, her body became pure light, and then someone new was there. Her dress, the softest gold of dawn, her hair the fiery sunset, and her eyes like the warmest gold of the rising day. She raised her hand. "Century become second, millennia become moment, eon become instant! Throw wide the gates of the promised day, come forth....Forward Unto Dawn!" The girl roared, and in her hand erupted a blazing sword of gold, massive and radiating with divine power. "Together, my champions! The veil is torn, the gods deny his claims to divinity! You will survive this day, you will carry on!" She leveled her sword, and it glowed with the light of a newborn star. "I am the Arbitrator of Balance, She who brings the day, Lost Queen of the Valkyries! I am Zion, Goddess of Light, and their dreams shall flourish! I shall protect that new world, the world of infinite possibility we call tomorrow!" Around her opened gates of light, and from them appeared more swords. "I am the Coming of the Dawn, and I invoke the power of Avalon Salvation!" She thrusted her sword at Ahriman, and from her erupted Avalon Salvation. "Forward Unto Dawn, help my champions! End this evil night!" From her myriad of swords erupted Avalon Salvation, cutting at Ahriman. His tear in reality was a tear in the veil, and the errant goddess of Light had taken this opportunity, this critical moment, to manifest using Eclaire and do her duty...the duty to ensure balance, and the continuation of this world.

-Eclaire, Xion, and Rhea- Xion cursed and backwinged, riding the explosion up to gain altitude and unleash a few Dark Firas, peppering Ahriman. Rhea did the same, holding Bradamante with both hands. "Holy Spirit!" She cried out, sending a blast of light at Ahriman to mix with the Dark Firas. Eclaire...her instincts saved her. Her mind frozen in shock at his suppression field destroying her last offensive option. But then the laser banked around, and she had to move...and everything just...clicked. "IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE, AHRIMAN? FOR THE ASPECT OF DESTRUCTION, ALL I SEE IS A LITTLE LIGHT!" She roared. "This is just some exercise! Can a God only manage a single bolt? It makes sense, you needing to suppress my power! You fear our full wrath, our full might! You must resort to trickery!" She laughed, oh did she laugh, dodging the laser. "If this is your best than why did I ever worry!?"

-Eclaire, Rhea, and Xion Divolves to- "Do not stay yourselves!" -2 minutes ago- Rhea and Xion were engulfed by Light and Dark, respectively, before both were revealed - Rhea, looking older, with four golden wings, and Xion - looking a bit taller. Both exuded power, with Rhea having ascended to a Valkyrie Councilor while Xion now held the power of a High Succubus. But that was nothing compared to Eclaire, who had been surrounded by both Light and Dark, and the egg of this duality broke apart as she appeared, her pink hair now streaked with blonde, her head now adorned with High Succubus Horns, and with six aetherial wings. Her power had mixed, and the divine power of a Fallen Seraph now glowed. -Present- "The Spriggan is dying! He is giving himself up so we may strike! Do not insult him by holding back!" Her wings flared and she shot up. "Mother! Spell Transferance Runes, now!" She looked to Helios. "I will not let your sacrifice be in vain, nor ever forgotten!" "I'm on it!" She drew a rune before her, then another. "Duplication Rune!" She slashed the air. "Shadowstele!" She then slammed the ground, and tendrils of darkness flew across the floor and to everyone who had a weapon, placing upon them the Spell Transferance Rune. Rhea, who now had the lamp, shot over and shoved it into Henry's hands. "MAKE YOUR THREE WISHES COUNT." she shouted, now inscribed with the runes. Her twin swords now had formed a Holy Spear - Bradamante, the Spear of the Councilor's Paladin. In her other hand she held Geirskogul, which now was tossed to Eclaire. "USE IT WELL!" What's in a name? As Eclaire shot into the air, within her mind did flash that day. A name, Eclaire, is power. To invoke a name, is to invoke that very thing. To name a sword is to invoke that sword's very being, to invoke a person is to call upon their very existence. To men and fey, names are given for whatever reason. With little ritual, or sometimes little care. Nay, for us of the Divine Light and the Deep Dark, we see names as a power, a force all themselves. So when you name something, you create an existence. When I named my blade Long and Dark December, it's existence was made on that idea - that winter is long and dark, but it is in this long and dark time that we find out joyous times. When Zion named her great sword Forward Unto Dawn, she named it's existence just that - the drive to always move forward. Always....to a new day. To a new dawn. So if you forget anything, I beg you, Clary. Do not forget this: Names are power. Even, if the power is to just bring a smile. "Full Bloom Amaryllis." Eclaire threw her arms out, and all around her did she summon her entire armory. "In Paradisum, Fifth Configuration!" She roared, spears surrounding her. The blades formed a circle, all pointing to Ahriman. And she began to chant. "I stand not alone, but together! Their joy is my armor. Their happiness is my shield. Their kindness is my blade. By the will of those who fight for life, who brought forth Light from where there was none, by the souls of all who fell, fall, and will fall, we are the Light of Promised Victory!" . "Nobless Oblige - World-Saving Light! Let us play a song - an Arpeggio of Endless Starlight!" All around her, light began to rise from the ground, and from the high up ceiling, began to fall. "By our conviction we save worlds! By our courage we uplift the lost, and the downtrodden! By our sacrifce, we give way to the future! Together I summon forth the embodiment of the noble obligation to help the weak, and lay low the strong who misuse such strength! Together I call for....Avalon Salvation!" Xion lifted her sword. "Invoke the name of your weapons! Use the spell or use it's power, it matters not! Eclaire has channeled it, now it is up to all of us!" She had seen Rhea run off to give the lamp to the human...now...all he had to do, was make the right wishes. "Long and Dark December!" Xion roared, unleashing a blast of dark light at Helios and Ahriman. "Bradamante!" Rhea shouted, a beam of pure light fired at the mad god. And above, all of Eclaire's weapons glowed, as the - at least temporarily - Fallen Seraph unleashed the full force of her power, her weapons, and her heart. "Caladbolg! Geirskogul! Overture! Kusanagi! Spear of the Eidolith! In Paradisum! Lightbringer!" Her cry echoed as she unleashed Avalon Salvation upon Ahriman and Helios tenfold, crying out the names of her magic weapons, the contents of her armory - the weapons that had carried her to this day.

-Eclaire, with Shiva- The intrusion by Leviathan was not missed by the retainer, who scarcely got to hug back before Leviathan intruded. Tail bushy, ears up, and brow furled, she looked on jealously as Leviathan planted three kisses on her Queen, one for each cheek and one for her forehead. The jealous feelings fueled the dark succubus side, but she took in a deep breath to keep it down. Stepping forward, she slipped her arms around Shiva, hugging her stomach tightly, but not enough to cause any discomfort. "Thank you. I forgot my scarf though." Her eyes softened, the catgirl trying to not glare Level 5 Death at the woman before them. "And...they...may be old and cherished, but they do not match your....beauty..." She frowned and moved over, running her thumb over the corner of Shiva's eye, to wipe away the tear. "...I am sorry. Was my hug too tight?" Her ears drooped a bit, tail slack, clearly not realizing the tear had been there before her jealous hug. -RHAEDYN THANE- The door to the hall, though, burst open with a flurry of snow. The sound of metal greaves against the ground echoed as the Iron Lord of the North, Sovereign of Ithuriel, Herald of Winter and Bringer of First Light, to the East Dragon of Death, and to the West the Rising Sun, Deliverer of Toys, Bane of Cabbages and Smiter of Weeds; The Wall upon which Darkness Breaks, the Last King of Ithuriel, He of Many Names but One - The Lord of Iron - strode across the threshold, lugging a massive woolen sack the size of a sleigh. In one hand he carried a massive wreath of the freshest ferns, laced with mistletoe, with four live partridges merrily singing within. His ragged fur cloak, adorned with the Ithurian Wolf, now was changed for the deepest red cloak, and atop his head was pertched a Santa hat. "Rhea insisted I wear the hat." he intoned, striding forward. He lifted the wreath and presented it to Shiva, though with the height difference it was above her and Eclaire. "To which door shall I hang this mass of ferns and mistletoe? Rhea made it herself before I once more willed my Ithurian armor." He sounded both confused and amused at the contraption. "Also she insists I say one more thing loudly." He cleared his throat. "HO HO HO!" He bellowed heartily, holding the wreath even higher. This caused one patridge to panic and fly off with mistletoe, where it jauntily perched above Athena and Arthur. Clearly, a certain Valkyrie had decided to cause plenty of harmless chaos this Christmas time.

-Rhea, The Unaging Valkyrie- She saw the attack thrown at the wall. Seeing the mass of people charging to enhance and augment the defensive wall, she threw herself down at the so-called god, light-enhanced blades slashing a storm of Light Slash Waves at him as she descended. Her wings flared with light as she spun, a storm of feathers surrounding her. "Feather Blade!" She roared, continuing to pelt Ahriman with everything she had. -Eclaire Oathkeeper: A Wish- Eclaire turned. As everyone began augmenting the wall, she stepped forward. Holding her hand out as the attack struck all the barriers, the wall would shatter...but it would be as snow, and a hole now formed. Without the quick actions of the others, Eclaire truly did not think she'd have been able to protect everyone and herself. But now she was in full view of Ahriman...not that it mattered now. She tossed her sword skyward, glove shattering into light before she ran the back of her hand across the lamp, making it sing before her hand left it's surface, shooting out to snatch her blade before it would fall to the floor. She had the lamp. And now, she had wishes. "Rufus.You said you would lend me your power." She held the lamp tightly, her eyes piercing the distance between herself and Rufus. "I saw the end of you and your comrade. I have three wishes, genie of the lamp! I wish, Rufus, for power. The power to defend the weak, to lay low those who misuse strength! I wish for the power to protect everyone and everything I both love and hate. My mana multiplied, my power multipled! To go beyond my circles and my magic, to become the hero I dreamed of! I wish for the sword I have named Shiva to be unbreakable, to never weather, that it may stay sharp and never break." She took a step forward. "And I wish that my friends...my comrades...are given the same wishes. Given the power to defend all they love and hate, their weapons strengthened beyond measure. These are my wishes Rufus! You said you would lend me your power! So I ask, I wish of you - lend not just me your power, but all of us! For the world we all want to save! I wish for power, for my sword, my oath to be unbreakable - and I wish for my friends, my comrades who stand against this foe, to have the same!"

-Eclaire, Retainer of the Queen- The girl had been up since before the dawn, working tirelessly. She had gone to bed early on that Christmas Eve, needing plenty of time to finish her gift. It had been hard and took longer than she wanted, but now she was almost done. As the first rays of dawn crept over the hills and bathed the palace in radiant light, the pink-haired catgirl slumped in final relief. All of her hard work, her hunting and her bargaining, finally paid off. In her hands was a pendant, mixed with Lightforged gold from Mare Luxerion, and with the shiny black obsidian mined from the depths of Mare Luxuria. The cord was made of linked gold and obsidian, alternating between links. In the center though, was the real toil - a bright pink amethyst, forged from a bit of her aura. The entire pendanct was about the size of a silver dollar, with a bit of weight to it. Eclaire laid it in the small, simple box before wrapping it, finishing with a simple red ribbon. Picking it up, she snuck downstairs and slid it under the tree, next to the other gifts she had gathered - none with as much work as the pendant she made. Done, she decided to go for a walk to loosen up after her hours of work. Of course, by the time her walk around the garden had ended, everyone was awake and arriving...and there she was. Shiva stood before the tree, clearly delivering presents. The girl's tail flicked and swished happily to and fro, and then she walked up behind her, resisting the urge to wrap her arms around the Queen she loved dearly. "Merry Christmas, my Queen." She said, a soft smile born on her lips. Most likely the queen would have been alerted to her presence by the soft jingle that accompanied Eclaire, courtesy of a Christmas bell she had put around her neck. She even had dressed for the occasion, thought forgot her scarf upstairs. "The tree is beautiful." (Eclaire's christmas outfit, minus the weird thing on her hip)

-Eclaire Oathkeeper: One who stands against the Storm- Eclaire shot off, leaving a magic shield behind her to assist Rufus. "RHEA!" She roared once more, skidding to a halt, sword in the ground. All her weapons had been used up against Ahriman's arm, leaving only Rhea's two and Caladbolg, along with Shiva. Those currently had been tossed to their owners. "WALL." Was all she shouted, now next to Aura. Rhea was torn for a brief moment. Which way? Go, and leave Xion? She was not yet out of the woods... But Xion's hand found her knee. One slight nod was all Rhea needed - winging up, she threw her spear into the ground before Eclaire and the humans. "LAND OF THE KING." She cried out. A wall of ice sprung forth between the battle,and those who were harmed. Divine down, twin swords in hand, she slashed the air, sending waves of Light at Ahriman during her descent. One sword then burst into flames, while the other froze into aetheric ice, with which she slashed at Ahriman's new arm. Eclaire, now blocked by the ice, extended a hand to Aura. "You have heard the call of my heart, and the ringing of my voice. So I ask you, human....I ask for the lamp."

-Eclaire Oathkeeper: One who stands against the Storm- She could feel it. Rabiyu's magic, the broken seal. It was a losing battle. At first she felt herself falter, Her ears lay back as the oppressive forces came up. The girl grimaced and took a step back on instinct, her body crackling with lightning. She had expected the attack, and only was saved by her arcing lightning storm to be turned against her, throwing her back and to safety, Ahriman's slashing narrowly missing. Hitting the ground and rolling, she got back up, wincing. "Dammit..." She stayed up, before she heard skidding. At her feet were three swords - Rhea's twin blades and Caladbolg. "Don't you dare take another step back!" Rhea shouted. She was busy stabilizing Xion, who at least was breathing.Rhea grimaced as she glanced to Elia. There was nothing she could do right now. And she knew that Eclaire was low on power, having used most of it. "She believes in you! Your mother believes in you! So...so believe in yourself!" Nodding, Eclaire's wings flared to existence. That hesitation...oh, did she have a plan. She grinned, her cat-slit eyes gleaming. "Hey. Ahriman. You missed." Eclaire shot skyward, into the storm. Suddenly her wings were covered in blades and spears...every single weapon she had held, from Overture to Kusanagi, Shiva's Spear, In Paradisum in Fifth Configuration. And oh did she smile. Because she had seen something...and now....she knew what to do. And she threw her left arm out, and the weapons rained down...everywhere but Ahriman. "Rebound Glyph!" She roared, suddenly diving down. Simpler and far easier to use than runes, glyphs could do simple things. The glyphs she used would rebound whatever hit them...and they were on the weapons. suddenly was there, slashing at Ahriman's new arm, the one that hesitated...and rebounded off the glyph below her, and it shattered...but she was now flying at lightning speed at another weapon, and rebounded. Kusanagi in hand, she rebounded at Ahriman, executing Zantetsuken at his arm, letting the blade shattered to light after the strike, rebounding back with Overture for another powerful light-augmented slash, using the very existence of her weapons to empower her strikes. The rebounding was speeding her up, making after images appear as she now grabbed Caladbolg, attempting to cleave his arm off with the dark-enhanced greatsword before she now moved onto the In Paradisums and Shiva's Spear, slashing and stabbing at his hesitating arm with merciless precision, before grasping Lightbringer, the true name of Takao's sword. It glowed fiercely, a line of cerulean light left behind as she slashed at that damn arm. And then...the final glyph. There was no weapon. There was only the glyph. And once she struck it, she used one of those two seconds Takao had saved her. Her sword glowed...not with the fierce white-blue of lightning, but the cool colors of ice. "I see my foe before me. He is not good, nor evil - nor am I good, or evil. Like him, I see fear, I see hope. Before me I see not a foe, but an equal. Not an equal, but a better. I am the steel that creates my blade, the leather that wraps the hilt, and the song that sings through the wind." He glowed. "Noblesse Oblige - Anti-Foe Ancient Magic: Kugane Tragedy..Shiva - herald the frost of a new dawn!" And so she struck once more with Kugane Tragedy upon his new arm, before skidding on the ground and spinning, stabbing Shiva into the floor to come to a stop....right next to Rufus. Her attack was known...as Flash Raid. "...so...did that little fight of yours give you anything, Djinn?"She asked, standing. She glanced around, then spotted Aura. "Does she have it?"

-Rhea and Xion, before the "god' who calls himself Ahriman- Rhea skidded back from the explosion. Upright, she watched in elation as Eclaire struck with all her might, but that elation turned to despair. Nergodin lived, and within moments he was whole. Lysander shattered, but still did the man stand. She sunk to her knees, not even the strength of Rhaedyn Thane could have given her the hope needed. He was too powerful...if not even a new spell, a far more powerful Avalon Calamity, could not strike him or would him grievously...what could? He barely stood scratched, he barely even winded...yet there were tired and weary, low on power...and all he did was grow stronger... "What...hope do we have?" She said. "What do we have left...a demigod...against a being who...sighed off an attack meant to destroy castles?" Xion landed by her daughter, the catgirl having been knocked unconscious from the landing. She looked at her, then the lightning that was cracking. Without a second thought Xion held her daughter to her chest and thrust Caladbolg skyward, the greatsword becoming a lightning rod that the divine dragon's thunder would be drawn too. And drawn it was, through Xion's blade, her body, and into Eclaire. She gritted her teeth, a strangled cry barely heard over the din of combat. They had been to the side of Ahriman...and as the lighting faded, Xion fell, Caladbolg clattering to the ground. Her eyes had been burned, her body smoking. All she saw was impossible black...and then a spot of gold. Beautiful, brilliant gold, that grew and flowed like...like hair. "A...are you...her mother??" She croaked, her hand extending. Then everything was white, pure, radiant white, as she now stood whole before the white-dressed girl. The girl gently took her hand, pressing it to her cheek. "I cannot pierce the veil for very long. For moments, on the edges of death, the twilight between your life and your passing, I can speak. Oh how I've missed you." "I...I'm sorry. I...I've failed...failed her...failed her mother..." "No...you haven't. You mi-stepped...you went astray...but when the moment came you did not hesitate. You gladly risked your very life, gave up all you loved, to make amends." "Who...who are you? How do you know...everything? My pain...my sorrow...my regrets..." "Because, Xion Izanami...Ruler of The Sea of Lust, Mother of Eclaire...beloved wife of mine. You never disappointed me. You made me sad, and upset, but I knew your heart...I've always known your heart." She paused. "I must go. Tell Eclaire...tell her our beautiful, beautiful daughter my love never stopped burning for her. It is as bright as the newest dawn." "...What....what is your name?" The answer was given with a simple press of the lips. A single name flowed into her, before the black once again took her. She dimly heard Eclaire, begging her to answer as Ahriman gave his grand speech, his offer to surrender, to kneel. "Eclaire...Zion's love...forever burns." She struggled to sit up, then slid to her knees. "I am a Queen...I bow...I bow to no Fey, not Queen of Ice nor King of the North. Go to hell." Xion whispered. She coughed, feeling the blood come up and splatter the ground. Great. That hurt. Her strength spent, she fell and laid still, eyes closing. She just...needed a rest...but Xion could feel beside her the cackling electricity. She had her final laugh. -Eclaire Oathkeeper - Speaker of Epic Speeches- "Zion's love...forever burns." Those words were the herald of her waking. Her body coursed with electricty, painful yet powerful. She rolled onto her stomach and struggled to get onto her knees, coughing. Then a warm hand pressed onto her head, and another on her shoulder. Looking up hazily, she frowned. "T...Takao?" The Succubus smiled. "Just two seconds. All I had left after I had fulfilled my purpose. I hid them within the sapphire...just in case." Her aetheric body looked up at Ahriman. "Smile, Eclaire. A smile better befits one who wishes to be a hero." "No." Eclaire rose up, lightning crackling around her body, her eyes aglow with her pink aura. She briefly glowed a deep cerulean blue as she devoured the last two seconds of Takao's lifeforce, and she took a step forward. Her eyes blazed with the sakura pink hue of her aura, her armor shattering and fading to light, leaving her in her traveling clothes. The red half-cape fluttered briefly before going still, Shiva held aloft as it too glowed with that cerulean blue. "I stand against all you are. Against your destruction, your false rebirth, your false claims of sovereignty and divinity. If I am to be one to stand against a god then so be it...because I refuse! I refuse to kneel to you, to become part of your plan! Rename yourself a thousand times, create the world a thousand times over. I swear - I promise - that there will be an Eclaire Oathkeeper in every generation. In every world. I will stand against you until the gods deem this universe's end. Because you do not bring a true peace or true happiness. You refuse to listen! You bring a hallow peace, an existance without the feeling of true joy or elation! It is our sorrow, it is our pain, that makes us real. It is the very flaws in our hearts that bring forth the indomitable will to strive for change, to find the strength to stand against the storm. I do not stand alone either. I stand with family, friends, comrades! I stand to find the true peace, our true destiny! I have no questions, only promises. The promise to uphold my oaths, up protect Jynn until I die, and never forget the woman, the true Queen, who saw hope in the lost, saw strength in the broken, and love in the downtrodden. You are so blind, that even the human king could see! Could see the unity we show. Bring your divinity, your destruction, your misguided lies. For we have won a thousand battles by merely standing against you...shown a unity that is beyond you. you must turn us against each other with trickery and magic. Yet we came together with barely any words, with barely any hesitation...for we knew that above all else, you were the greatest threat. The greatest villain amongst us. So keep your offers and your gifts. I will stand against you, I will fight! Because a flawed woman saw another...an imperfect Queen, and a faltering mother...showed me that this world can be healed. Not through forceful rebirth...but by extending your hand to one who needs love." Tears ran down her cheeks as she raised Shiva. "I shall take your head and your heart, Ahriman. And maybe then, shall you understand the true power of mere mortals. For Life...for a new dawn...We shall fight. Together."

-Xion: Fighting Nergodin- Xion kept up her barrage....then Henry. Seeing him charge, Xion darted to the side. Her body began to glow with black-purple energy. "Dark-Binding Chains of the Mare - Ouroboros!" she roared. Small magic circles appeared around her body, and purple chains erupted, aiming to assist Henry in binding Nergodin. She didn't need to yell for her daughter to attack....for the dome, at Henry's shout, exploded with a massive pulse of energy. The ice dome shattered as...the ground began to rise. -Eclaire and Rhea: Ultimate Attack of Ultimate Destiny- The Circle was rising. Born on pillars of ice, the very circle was being thrown upwards by Rhea, who would then stab her spear into the ground, causing an explosion that propelled the magic circle - and Eclaire - towards Nergodin - platform, circle, everything. She stood fast, held to the ground by her spears. Her eyes pierced Nergodin, the beautiful teal aglow with the warm, rose pink aura. Eclaire knew that Nergodin was fast. And as such...she chose the best course of action. To not miss....she would need to bring the magic circle to him. Rhea had melted around the circle and gotten under it, and used both ice and a massive eruption of Fire mana to propel it towards Nergodin. "Her joy is my armor. Her happiness is my shield. Her kindness is my blade. By the will of those who fight for life, who brought forth Light from where there was none, by the souls of all who fell, fall, and will fall, I am the Light of Promised Victory!" She raised the blade up, as thousands of points of light rose from the ground. "Nobless Oblige - Sword of the New Dawn!" She roared, her blade engulfed with the light of a newborn star, cutting through the battle. "By my conviction, I will save kingdom! I will protect worlds! I do not strike alone, but as one with those who stand against you! On the name of thy sword, I bring forth a spell for a new era! I bring forth Avalon Salvation!" The Light grew fiercer, brighter, as if a Newborn Star erupted into the most beautiful sun, a celestial marvel as Eclaire grew closer at a face pace, and brought the Sword of Light down upon Nergodin, a single word shouted - the name of her sword, a sword named after a Queen gone, a mother lost, and a love ripped away. "SHI....VA!" her roar echoed in the chamber as the Retainer of Shiva, the lost girl who once felt alone, now surrounded by many she knew that, one day, she would see as friends. Her rose pink hair, buffeted by the magic, was torn in the wind as Shiva, ten times it's side, cut the air. Eclaire brought it down upon Nergodin as the name of Shiva echoed, the silvered blade unseeable through the brilliant light of a newborn star...a newborn spell. A new obligation, from those with power. A Noblesse Oblige, to bring the new dawn. One marked by a sword named for a fallen Queen, and a massive magic circle about to smash into Nergodin.

Eclaire, Xion, and Rhea: Setup Eclaire braced herself, crying out as the world exploded around her. She grimaced and looked up - the shields the others had put around her had saved her. Spears returned, the ones she had set up began to move at a rapid pace, creating a magic circle at a rapid rate. She was finally ready. Rhea landed in front of her, slamming Geirskogul into the ground. "Ice of the great North, heed my call! I am the last remnant of the King, and I demand your resilience! Fire of the West, Fire that scorches the sky and the stars, give me your power, in the name of the Dragon!" A dome of aetheric Ice and fire erupted, creating a massive dome of protection around the circle and Eclaire. Rhea was holding fast, putting everything she had left in this great defense. This final bastion. "Rhea." Came the somewhat choked voice of Eclaire. "I have one last idea for you." Moments before, Xion had pressed her back to Rhea. "Twofold Defense!" They shouted, the beams from Nergodin causing minimal damage as they worked together. As Rhea landed and formed the dome, Xion held Caladbolg and Long and Dark December, darkness channeled into both. Letting go, she let them float behind her, before copycat blades formed, and she now flew towards Nergodin with wingblades. "Abyssal Drain!" She threw her hand out, the magic glyph she conjured firing a jagged, spiked orb of red and black energy at the being. She peppered him with fire, then looked to Typhon and Helios. "If you two have a plan, do it now! Eclaire needs time, and she needs him as slowed as possible." She roared, before multiple glyphs formed around her. "UN....MEND!" she shouted, peppering Nergodin with more darkness. Once close, she twisted, slashing at him with her aetheric blades, before dancing out of range. Unmend, Abyssal Drains, and her blades, a clashing flash of dark intent and jagged purpose. Every twist, though, her steele flashed, marking her body with runes. To what end, was only known by Xion for now. And she swore this bastard would die.

Eclaire, Xion, and Rhea - We gonna go full DBZ her Eclaire felt the wind buffet her. Jynn held the attack back, but there was nothing they could do. As Jynn and the others attacked, more spears now appeared before those who held back. "Give me what you can spare!" Eclaire roared. "I'll only have one shot, and I'll need everything I can get! Jynn and the others can hold him off, maybe even wound him. But we need to strike him down before he gains more control over the source!" She stabbed her sword in the ground, falling to a knee. To create so many spears took it's toll. She needed to bring them back soon. She couldn't begin the circle...not without their power. Xion kicked off. Having already spared power, she flew towards Jynn, landing beside him. "Jynn. We need to hold him off. Do as much damage as we can." She looked at him. "Eclaire needs time to prepare an attack. Before, we were ready to pierce the winds and reach him. Unleash everything, Prince of Kilkis Seres." Her steele flashed, adding to him a rune - that of power. "The horn granted us a boon, and I have doubled it to you. Do what you can, Prince. And when the time is right...make sure we don't miss." She winged back quickly. She wouldn't be able to attack, not without losing precious mana. Landing already, she got on her hands and knees and began to draw more runes around Eclaire. Rhea flew before them. "Elf! I will hold back and defend. You and the angel spared what power you could - Do whatever you can now. Regain what you can." She held Geirskogul out, Ice and Fire flowing off it. "I shall ensure Eclaire's attack is not forestalled."

Just saw! I already voted

-Eclaire, Rhea, and Xion: After the Storm- Xion stepped back, shaking. This....this thing was emenating power. Control. It was fully in control and it knew it...and all she could do was fall to her knees in defeat. Queen of the Succubi, on her knees...afraid. Afraid of the thing before her. Even Rhea took a step back, Geirskogul shaking in her hand. Failure. They both had failed. Xion, her people. Rhea, Thane. And now they could only watch in fearful silence, as madmen controlled the source. Not even the words of the others broke them as yet...but the sound of a sword, sheathed in preparation for a daring plan, broke the momentary silence. "In Paradisum, Fifth Configuration: Storm of Spears." Around Eclaire did the spears slam, at apparently random...yet deliberate...intervals. Eclaire did not falter. She did not fear. She was done running....she was done losing. "Everything is temporary. Harmony, peace, war, revolution, love, and loss. To dismiss the temporary is to dismiss life itself. Because that is what you desire. My comrades...my friends...they have said it, so I must as well!" She stood tall. "Uniformity will destroy individuality, and consolidarity will destroy free will! You do not want life, but existence! You stand there as a god, and in that you have lost the very thing that drives us all to reach our fullest. The looming threat of the end. The looming promise of the afterlife. You have thrown away your greatest gift for power - your endless ambition, your atrocious atrophy, twisted into something that wants to unmake reality, that wants to reforge us all into one image. I will not stand for this!" She roared. "Your flawless unity is at itself flawed, as you remove the very thing that gives us life! You stand there offering to make us better, when all you do is preach mere existence! I have existed for thousands of years, but I have yet lived!" She took a step forward. "You wish to remove war, strife, and hate. You will remove sadness and despair, you will remove crying. You will remove tears!" She had to wipe her own away, as memories of what she lost bubbled up. "I refuse to lose my tears. Tears are the truest way to show your heart! Because without sadness, how will you know happiness? Without despair....how will you know joy? If you do not cry, how will you know laughter? You wish for flawless unity, but unity relies on individuality. It relies on the idea that everyone is different." She put a hand to her heart. "I was born but a mistake, but no longer! In uniformity, I would not be here! It was the love of a woman, who saw a broken girl on her threshold, and said 'You are not a mistake!' and held her hand out. It was the free will of Shiva that gave me purpose, that gave me hope! And to remove our will, to remake the world into one mind, one thought, is a fate worse than death. I had nothing to live for, Odin and Nergal. But now I have everything to die for." She raised her sword to him, the sapphire shining. "Around me are those I have followed and fought. As you sat in your tornado, did these brave souls entrust me with their power to pierce such magicks and attempt to stop you! Shiva's ideals of true peace are fleeting, but so are the wars that follow! The seasons come and go, and people live and they die. But I will not let you take their laughter, and their joy. Their relief, their sadness. I shall protect their tears! My blood lusts for a new dawn, my body yearns to protect the sunset. Your world will never be better. It will be a coward's creation. It is braver to fix that which is broken then start anew. And I do not stand alone. One by one do my comrades call out against you, call out against your insanity. The power of friendship is a joke within tales of yore, but all tales, all stories, are ground in truth - and this truth, is that one need not stand alone. I stand with Jynn, with Henry and the angels. With the elves and the Succubi. Even humans" She pounded her chest. "I am not a mistake! And I will not let you take away the life I have created! The lives everyone here wish to create, and continue! I refuse to merely existence anymore! I will live, not just for me, or for Jynn, or my mother. I will live for Shiva. For the woman who gave me hope." her eyes began to glow. "So do not speak her name again! Her ideals of true peace shall be forged, not in reforging everyone into one mind, one shape! But by reaching out and saying you matter! That your tears and laughter matter!" She shook but did not waver, cried but did not crack. "I am Eclaire Oathkeeper, daughter of Queen Zion of the Brightest Dawn, of Queen Xion of the Traitorous Night, Retainer of Shiva de la Alexandria. I was born from the love of two realms, that broke from their uniformity, destroyed their consoldiarity! It is the love of a Queen who believed in me, that I now can truly fly. It is the support of all around me that I will stand. And if I must, with an oath to keep with final breath, if I must - shall I be the one to drag you across the threshold to the doors of death!" Her piercing teal eyes were as if In Paradisum itself were now piercing the man before them. "I will forever stand with those who wish for a brighter future, not reforged with ancient magic but forged in the hope for a brighter future. And you will not take the dawn from us!"

Add another tally for Dark Mode! Personally I will miss forum signatures. I had 4 of them on rotation, 3 of them made for me by Javelin434 to go along with his own. I will miss them dearly and really would love my signature back.

-Eclaire Oathkeeper, Rhea the Unaging, and Xion Izanami- before the storm- Life was strange. Eclaire stood before a vortex, shocked still by the sudden betrayal. Henry wounded, Typhon trying to save him, the group both in disarray and distraught. Raiden...no, Odin...had betrayed them. Nergal and Odin One-Eye now were in a vortex, the Source of All Life in their grasp. Even Yevgeni was shaken. Eclaire's sword dropped, scraping the ground. She turned slowly to look...to look at yet another failure. "Shiva..." She whispered. No. Not again. She'd not fail again. Not while she remembered that last word, not while she had her mother and her friends...and yes...not even while her enemies looked before her. She refused to fail again. She wouldn't. Sheathing her silver sword, she marched over and hauled Yev up, right to her face so she could glare into his eyes. "I hate you with every fiber of my being. You dislike me for a myriad of reason. But right now, I need your help." She loosened her hold, making sure he didn't lose his footing, and raised her voice. "I need everyone's help right now." She turned, a plan forming. "I need everyone to gather what power they can..." She held out her hand. "And use it to charge In Paradisum. The chaotic mass of energy should be enough to break through the barrier, but I'll need more than it." She looked at Alastor. Yevgeni could use his light to charge her...but she needed to get above the vortex. "Man of Lightning. With how much power can you throw me?" She asked, letting go of Yevgeni. "The top of the vortex should be thin enough, but I need speed and power. Can you get me high enough, with enough speed, to reach a rune my mother can create?" She then turned to the others. Friends. Foes. She would let Alastor answer, then extend her spear, resting the end on the ground. "We all are here for different reasons. For different purposes. Some of us want to restore a world, others have ambitions. But right now, we have been betrayed. The Source is taken by a man who not only tried to kill Henry, a man who has more honor then I ever will, and now resides in that vortex with a Queenslayer. I'm not asking anyone to ally with me. I'm not asking anyone to promise anything. I'm asking for your help, your trust." Her hand slid up, resting on her heart. "I don't want the source. I just wanted Shiva. But she is gone, and bringing her back would be wrong. She and I had a final word, and she passed on peacefully. I am here to ensure the Source is not misused. That is my promise....not....that is my vow." Her ears slightly raised, and the girl found her heart. "So please. All of you - friend, foe, ambivalent bystander - I ask you for your help. We don't know the ambition of Odin or the machinations of Nergal...nor you, Yevgeni...but this is beyond our fight. This is beyond our differences. Within that vortex could be the end of everything we have fought for or want to create." She seemed to shake. "I could die trying to pierce the vortex. And I am okay with it. I...I have feared dying. I wished to die but ran away. I was a coward. But today...today I...I will stand." her voice nearly cracked. "So please. Help me. If not for what I stand for, then for what you stand for.For what you wish for." She turned to Yevgeni. "Help me ensure that there is a world left to save." She asked softly. "Please." Xion and Rhea alighted beside her. "Don't have to ask us." Xion said. "I'll begin the runes." She kicked off and began to fly, already inscribing the air with acceleration runes. Rhea grabbed In Paradisum. "Take what I can offer. Fire, Ice, and Light. The wrath of Ithuriel." Eclaire nodded, then looked at the others. It was their choice to help or not. Either way, she'd need to be thrown higher and higher, then someone would need to maintain her acceleration and help her into the descending line of acceleration runes. Then...she would succeed to die hitting an impenetrable vortex at high speed.