The War For 63's Soul (Speed event)

[Bailey Oleander]

She closed her eyes as she felt his arm wrap around her, treasuring the warmth of a living person, someone she knew and trusted, amidst a sea of death and sorrow. The scarred side of her face rested against his chest. She thought she knew the cost of war, but this was higher still in terms of death.

Maybe she should have stayed home.

Then his lips were on hers, surprising Bailey for a moment to the point that she tensed, white-eyed, and relaxed into it. It ended swiftly, a very unexpected reaction from Blake, but not an unpleasant one. Her cheeks heated somewhat, but his words brought a small, rueful smile to her face that did nothing to mask the sadness.

"Maybe," her words were slightly slurred as she looked up at him. "But then, if things go the way we hope, this could be my home." Another hug, remembering this time how close it had been. Not close, she had been dead. Blake had brought her back.

"Thank you."

[Blake Oleander]

He'd step back, swallowing the lump forming in her throat when the kiss ended after he second hug. He'd hold out his arm as Dante shifted back into the Scythe. Tightening his grip on the weapon. He wanted his people to live, to prosper, and to remain at peace in this world. He didn't want to get dragged into this war with the accords. And yet, it seemed like it was not to be.

This Scythe. This symbol of death. Maybe that is who he was deep down. Who he was meant to be. Jake had found a way to shield people with his blade. But Blake was still cleaving them asunder. People dying around him in all directions. Maybe he really was death. In a cruel twist of fate. But he'd saved some people. Including one of those most precious to him. He needed to hold on to that. That was a sign of his humanity there. The beast had not won. Death had not won. Not today.

"It's what I am here for."

[Bailey Oleander]

Her hold loosened to let him step back without breaking the hold, needing something familiar and solid, something grounding. She looked out over the field again, knowing that it would need time to heal and clean up from the weapon that had destroyed so many.

"You do more than you think." She shook her head slightly, the motion disorienting as she leaned against him. There was a moment's hesitation before she reached up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek briefly before looking away herself and returning to stand fully.

"I'm glad you're okay. I know you're capable of taking care of yourself, but still."

[David B.]

Blake is able to bring back 82 allies.

The High Queen of the greater north could be seen, Kneeling, sword plunged into the ground as she offered up prayers to the gods. To the souls of the men who died here and were on their way to Valhalla. General Akrin, coated in blood, approached. His words were tight and measured, a vast majority of his men gone but still nowhere near the level of devastation that was visited upon Those from territory four. Still, he offered his hand.

"Today, we are warriors tempered by the steel of war. Our countries will align, and show true promise toward a greater future."

[Blake Oleander]

Unfortunately for Bailey and Blake time does not stand still. And their private moment stolen would end as he was approached by the General. He would give Bailey a small nod, acknowledging what she said, but not agreeing or disagreeing with her on it.

Blake stepped forward to meet the General. Taking his hand and giving it a firm shake, meeting his gaze unwaveringly.

"A heavy price was paid for our victory today, and I will not forget your sacrifice. Or that of your peoples, both of your peoples." He'd say, glancing toward the Queen.

[Bailey Oleander]

With the approach of the Generals, Bailey would nod to the three of them, leaving to help tend the wounded as she could.

[David B.]

He nodded, then turned to look at the high queen.

"She paid the heaviest price. I cannot imagine losing thousands on the field as she has today. But one must sacrifice for the greater good, and nobody knows that better than she."

He would sheath his sword.

"We start the march back today. We will contact you once there to discuss terms."

[Blake Oleander]

"And what will you tell the other leaders of your home? Of the weapon, they used here? Of who is pulling the strings."

[David B.]

He stared.

"Everything."

He gave a nod...and started back to his men. Only four hundred remained.

[Blake Oleander]

He nodded.

"Good. The snakes think to hide in the shadow."

Shine a light on it and watch the bugs scatter and force their hand.

[David B.]

He grinned as he stalked away, speaking loudly enough for Blake to hear.

"Than we shall light the flame, and burn them out."

[Blake Oleander]

Blake would not smile, despite his victory, and his people all safe. There was little if anything to be happy about today. But he would nod in agreement.


Name: Promoted

Requirements: 600 posts, At least 1 Event

Job: This job can only be done one time. You must make a 500 word post minimum (May be done as a thread instead, in which case must last at least 5 pages). A dangerous ex-war veteran is on the loose.

Bonus: Work with squad partner, gain a scar or the permanent injury.

Payout: +4 exp, +$500

[David B.]

Rewards:

Leon gets squat.

Blake Oleander: "When did that happen?": At some point in the battle, Blake got a cut on his skin from the shattered stone of the final solutions. All stat caps are increased by 1.

Bailey Blake: Leggings of Chaotic Absolution: All damage done with Chaotic energies gain an additional +10 damage. (Requested this be turned in for Qi unlock. Approved.)

Tina Bennet: Empty Qi stone: This item to be unlocked by GM

Avice Locke: Anarchists Pants: +1 to all stats
Ability: On activation, increase wearers speed by 1/2 energy for thread. May be used once per thread.

[Zack Asiv]

Blake promotion passed!
Bonus achieved

+2 exp
Blake and Bailey may now use each other's Zero Ability.