One Last Time (Open to All for Mini-Event)

[Hakfu Song]

The Quest to Find Know the True Story
of the Hafku Clan

OOC: This is after the Beast Revolution 2. Note to all: This will be a hard mini-event, and we will be facing some very difficult monsters, just as forewarning to you. This is just the equivialent to a 'sign-up' sheet.

Well, he'd done it. He'd finally gotten the approval he had been looking for. Took Halsephea a long time, a few days, actually, just leaving him hanging there, telling him to come back, until finally, even the headmaster said, 'Oh to hell with it, already, let him go, if he really wants to..'. So, that was it. He'd gotten his permission to go to the Monastary. Well.. now, just had to see. All his things travelling gear was packed, just standing here, in the fields of Babylos, a little whiles away from the portal to the Monastary. But, he had not gone without a word. On his door, and on various different bulletins, he had pinned on a note, which read, as follows:

Hello All,

I am Hakfu Song, a fellow classmate. Either if we've met or not, I've come to say an indefinite good bye to Arcane Academy, as I'm taking a small trip to the Monastary, to learn more about my heritage, and possibly my family's past. However, I have no desire to travel alone.

Should anyone wish to join me in my little.. 'Oriental Knowledge-Gaining Field Trip', please, come prepared with weapons and other things, as, although this will be friendly territory, there is still the possibility of enemies.

I apologize for the informal way this is written, and I ask for forgiveness, if it seems rude, but, should anyone wish to come, meet me in the fields, just south of Babylos, near the teleportal to the Monastary. Thank you in advance, and I'd love to have you join me in my adventure!

Hakfu Song

[Erik Droknar]

When Erik saw the paper he immediately ran to his dorm and grabbed his sword.

Hafku's leaving today... No time to get gear. Just need to get to the fields in time...

It took Erik about 15 minutes to get to the field. He was relieved to find a lone man standing in the fields. Of course, he wasn't certain if that was Hafku or not. Like always, he brought Harken along. People found Harken a little odd, which sort of made sense. Well, everyone there can just live with it. By now, Erik was completely out of breath.

"You're Hafku I presume?"

OOC: Ub3r short but there isn't much to say...

[Onira]

"I have a feeling I'm gonna like this journey."

Onira slowly withdrew a pair of jeans, a black T-shirt, and his white cloak. He placed the jeans and the T-shirt into a bag, and rolled the cloak over his shoulders, letting it sit there loosely. He then tied up the bag and threw it onto his bed. He was clean, dressed, and full. Everything one needed for a journey. The flyer said to bring a weapon, but Onira knew where to grab one. A nice, sturdy rock. There was one just outside of the academy. It was big. About the size of a boulder. But the minerals in it were well compacted, and it could be quite sharp when the need arose.

The young man grabbed the loop of his bag, then amde his way to the door. He turned the knob, then walked out, taking a quick look at the inside of the room before he continued. He locked up the dorm, then continued to leave the academy, excited for such a quest. Especially for the fact that he might get to kill something. That was always a treat.

"Hakfu, huh? Wonder what a Hakfu is..."

Yeah, Onira had no clue. barely even knew why he was going. He didn't want to really know about this clan. He just wanted some excitement. Of course, what did one expect? It was Onira. Loud, sometimes annoying, and possibly crasy person. That about said it all.

He approached the rock slowly, giving it a trusting look. He had used the rock a few times before, mostly just for practice. However, he had been told that this rock was harder than any other mineral, and even stronger than most metals. It was interesting thought, but it didn't really matter. As long as the weapon was brought back.

The violet-eyed student pressed his hand against the rock, the familiar alchemic light showing itself again. Onira's hand slowly moved upward as the stone spear was pushed out of the rock. It was a marvelous white, almost marble looking spear, that Onira could never forget as his most trusted weapon. It was thin, and looked quite a bit like a naginata, except the end blade wasn't as quite as long. It was awesome.

Onira whistled as the light ended, giving the weapon a quick spin before he rested it against his shoulder and began the rest of the walk towards the spot. It was quickly found, and Onira gave a yell to the two people who were already there. He figured one was probably Hakfu. Probably.

"Howdy, guys! Don't mind if I join do you?"

[Keiya Tenpouin]

Such a strange new city… Keiya had just recently found his way to the floating city and its difference from the world below intrigued him. But not so much, that it would deter him from his goal of enrolling in their Academy. He approached its large doors, and stepped through the archway, his goal to enroll in the academy as soon as possible. He craved greater power… And earth was not the place he would find it. Across the back of his neck lay a black cat. It seemed bored and uninterested with the place. “What do you think Emmy?” He asked aloud as he continued on down the corridor.

“I think it’s another large building in which you’ll find ways to cause trouble…” She sighed, much to the surprise of a few younger students walking the other way. Emerald was a strange creature. She seemed quite obviously a normal cat. And, biologically speaking… She was. There seemed to be no level of magic to her. Except for the fact that she could talk… No one was really sure where or when Keiya met the feline, and even less had the ability to discover what she was. She was a paradox in and of herself.

“Come now Emmy… You don’t give me enough credit.” Keiya said with a grin. Emmy did not reply however, as she had returned to staring dully at the wall. However it was not long before Keiya stopped in his tracks, causing Emerald to snap out of whatever fantasy land she had escaped into. “Hmmm… Now that’s interesting…” He mumbled to himself. One glance at the door, and Emerald knew just what was going through Keiya’s mind. Hastily, she leapt from her perch and stood in front of him.

“No way Keiya! You came here to join the academy, not go on some stupid journey!” She hissed at him.

“Who really cares Emmy? I’m here to get stronger. By any means necessary. And it just so happens that this is the best means available at the moment. The academy can wait.” He told his companion with a grin. “Think of this as the… Preliminaries…” He said as he turned heel and headed towards the city again.

“It said to bring a weapon Keiya…” She urged him, hoping to have exploited some loop in his logic.

“What do you think my deck is Emmy? Blank business cards?” He snickered as he teased the cat. Emerald huffed indignantly and without another word, followed the arrogant 20 year old to his destination. Although she hated admitting it, he had a point. This would indeed be a n interesting test of his skills in combat. An entrance exam…

It took the pair a short while to find the meeting location, as the terrain was all still new to them. Although Emerald seemed to have a strangely keen sense of direction that helped find the location much faster. Three people stood in the field, one with a rather obvious spear in hand. It seemed obvious that this was the beginnings of the group that was to set forth on this journey.

“Seems such a rag tag group of people… This may be interesting after all…” Keiya commented as he glanced across the people already there. “What you think Emmy? They seem like they could survive a decent fight?” The cat however stayed silent, leaving Keiya to grin and approach the three, becoming their fourth.

[Fukushuu no Mumei]

-At the Dorm

~A while back, when Tenshu walked by a dorm, he saw a bulletin in between two doors. It was a note from that student that Tenshu noticed had such a strong soul essence. He read that he ahd left, but why was his soul still so strong from quite a distance? Tenshu wanted to investigate this. Souls were one of his main priorities, especially with Kyoden. If he ever wanted to finish him objective of coming to the Arcane Academy, he would have to find a strong enough soul. That student, Hakfu, he would do just fine, but he was leaving. Tenshu had no choice.

"Kyoden..." Tenshu signaled to him in the almost empty dorm, "We're leaving." Tenshu said, his voice glowing with such certainty that his plan would work, but that he was still thinking.

-"Understood..." Kyoden's dark, deep voice rumbled. "Master Daigotsu, you know location of the soul. How will we get there? Riding a flying lesser oni spawn?"

"No, Kyoden. We will save that kind of power for when we need it. A great soul won't travel without danger. Do you remember the blood requiem portals we used to get here...?

-"I still smell human blood."

"Yes, we will follow those." Tenshu was referring to human blood. When exposed to oxygen, it turns from a deep purple to a crimson red. Take away the oxygen, and you just have the blood. If compressed, a magic essence in the human blood creates a small portal. "But whose body shall we use..." They left the apartment, traveling where Hakfu had gone to. It would take them some time to get there though.~


-The Fields of Phyrric Victory

~Kyoden and Tenshu had walked in the direction of Hakfu's soul. Not one human was spotted on the way until they stopped, how ironic. "Kyoden, bring me our martyr."

"Hm..." Kyoden nodded and complied. His slow walking armored body clanked, while he made his way toward an unsuspecting man. Kyoden simply knocked him on the head and he was unconscious. Now that they were away from the Arcane Academy and most sustaining life, it was less likely that they would be caught. Kyoden carried the body over in his right hand, lying it on the ground at Tenshu's feet.

"Excellent..." Tenshu first took his hand, killing the man by pressing his thumb on the back of the man's head, destroying his vertibrae and spinal chord. He then took his crude blade and released the man's soul by thrusting it into the man's heart, binding it to Kyoden. "He was only a statistic of ours." Using the kaze-do, a martial art that uses the wind as its chi catalyst, he created a small whirlwind over the man, compressing most of the man's blood so dense that the magic substance in his blood opened up into a portal. "It was hardly magic, Kyoden. You must learn, as well." Tenshu put his hand towards the portal as it turned from a light blue to a dark purple and black. "Step in, Kyoden. Our destination will bring us close to the man's soul the faster we do this."

Kyoden stepped in, still slowly, but he couldn't help it. Tenshu followed after him. They appeared just outside of a field where Hakfu had left. He could sense Hakfu's soul presence quite close, and they walked. One soul was all they needed, but the rest made it so strong to believe that one was such a great statistic. Would Tenshu find Hakfu dead, his soul stolen, or would he have to do it himself? Either way, he took the liberty to leave many destinations to find such a soul. It would belong to him, no matter how many lives would be taken. They are statistics as well, but most everyone loses track.~

-=}N{=-[/i]

[Lienn~]

It had been another typical day for Lienn Deveraux when she stumbled upon a notice, which upon further inspection was from her friend Hakfu. Or, at least she thought they were friends, after the whole half baked figure-out-what-the-gman-is-hiding plan that never was set into motion. Intriguing, he's going to find his family? Lienn pondered this for a moment, biting her bottom lip as result of habit. She could use a break, go help Hakfu find his family. It could be an adventure, yeah, and she could be a hero...well, heroine. And above all, she could finally unlock her powers, find the strength that seemed to be missing.

Returning to her room, she packed a few essentials: a second set of field clothing (not her normal skirts and flowy nonsense), a water pouch, some natural ground healing balms and bandages...hmm, what else? She thought, casting a glance about her room. As for weapons, he dagger was as always stowed at her left shin, which was more than enough, as her telekineses could turn practically anything into a weapon. Good. All in all she wasnt carrying much baggage, which was essential when travelling and possibly fighting. Nothing to weigh you down.

Checking her room one last time, she exited her room, and the school, and headed in the direction of Hakfu's directions..south of Babylos, near the teleportal..Upon arriving at her destination, she realized she wasn't the first one (or the only one) here. Four other men stand waiting..and she recognized none of them. And on top of that, she seemed to be the only woman so far..lovely. Wordlessly, she approached them, nodding polietly in greeting. Her face was blank, save for a glint of determination in her lucid blue eyes.

Now all she had to do was wait for something to happen...

[Hakfu Song]

OOC: I'm assuming that Tenshu is searching for me, but hasn't found me yet. Thus, I'm not greeting him.

"... Ayep, I Lied."

Waiting was never one of Hakfu's strong suits. It's how he ended up in Arcane Academy, after all. Grinning at the funny little incident, he leaned back, his hands holding one another behind him, as he stretched out, making suggestive noises, making his voice higher and higher, horribly imitating a girl's climax from the one and only porno he had ever watched, thanks to a bet. And honestly, it was crap, couldn't even get it to rise; he was laughing so hard. Most of the time, hedid this only when he was bored and alone. But he wasn't truly bored. Actually, Hakfu felt nervous, nervous as hell. He just knew that saying it was an 'Oriental Knowledge-Gaining Field Trip' was probably not one of the best things to l- His track of mind was cut off, distracted as his ears perked up, hearing footsteps rushing towards him, accompanied by heavy breathing. It was either a campus rapist giving him a "farewell" or someone to join him? Giving into curiosity, he turned around in three steps to see a panting young man dressed in a cloak and a hat, accompanied by what appeared to be an imp. Looked sort of like a Filipinio.

... Definetly a rapist.

Holding back a laugh, he managed to give a convincing smile, very much toned down from the one he was resisting.

"No, but I am Hakfu Song." was the amused response. "Yes, I'm Hakfu. A pleasure to meet you."

His attention, or more rather, their attention was called a ways from behind the Filipino. Hakfu swiveled his leaning to his left food, to see behind the Filipino to see what he recognized to be a white-cloaked man with even longer and wilder hair then HAkfu's (when it wasn't messily bundled up into his little Summoner's Hat that absolutely screamed "ASIAN" or "ORIENTAL". But still... 'Howdy'? 'HOWDY'?! Ugh. Brokeback.

The response?

"In bed!"

Oh yea. Twenty-seven years old, and he was still acting like a freaking 'tard. As the young man with rather 'Asian' looking spear came closer, though, Hakfu's eyes widened. Pictures of the newspaper flashed before his eyes, as pictures of a crazy-looking boy with violet eyes almost gave him an epileptic seizure. Damn flashlights. With a sudden smile, he waved the man over, beckoning him to come close, his right hand resting complacently on his Jian.

"You... Onira... you're the kid who jumped off the God damned place, aren't you!?" Laughing suddenly, almost happy for no reason, he doubled over, slapping his left knee. "By God, looks as though this place just doesn't know how to quit you."

Half of him wanted to laugh at this, the other wanted to shudder horribly. That quote had scarred him for life. Brushing himself off with both hands as he straightened back up, he nodded at his newly acquired, suicidal companion.

Before he could turn to see the Filipino again, to finally ask his name, another person came walking through the fields, the tall grass swishing after him, a cat accompanying him... Maybe it was just his imagination, but, was he talking to his cat? Shaking his head, he waved his hand over at him.

"Hey there, welcome! By God, you look older than the other students here," Hakfu remarked with a pleased smile.

It was true. Other then Hrolf, the Priest, and a few others, most of his schoolmates were a decade younger than he was, more or less. Maybe he wouldn't have to act like such an idiot. Putting his right hand before himself, across his waist, he bowed more formally and respectfully, almost acting his age, for once, identifying himself apart from the rest, although the Summoner's Robes he wore, that were his father's probably would've given himself away as the Oriental Chinese of the group.

"I'm Hakfu Song, the one leading this crazy expedition. May I know what your name is, stranger? ... Actually..." he said, whirling around to the Filipino, "You still haven't told me your name either," he said with a smile.

Of all people, Lienn walked into the group, identifying with them, only recognizing him. He smiled, making a small wave, remembering the G-man thing. Ah... he would've loved to persue that, but... ah well. Taking a few steps back, to get their attention, he hoisted up a brown bag, which made plastic clacking noises, hinting to the contents inside. There was still a smile on his face, but... it looked more grave now. Clearing his throat, he nodded to them all.

OOC: I'm assuming that Erik and Keiya will post introducing themselves in response to this post.

"Ah... Erik, Onira, Keiya, and now, welcome Lienn, (how's the Priest doing?)! Welcome! Ah yes... before we begin on our little 'cultural expedition' about the Monstary, I want to to make this perfectly clear-" he said, closing his eyes like a chibi, making a cute smile, slapping his hands together politely, as he leaned forward for more emphasis.

"I lied."

Any pretense of false hapiness and joking around, any nonsense crap he had on his face, or in his mind, fell away. What was left in its place was suddenly a look of very old man, deep wrinkles on his forehead, deeper ones seen below his eyes. Many sleepless nights had found this man, hours of unreasonable frustrations, on a daily basis. Covered up, covered by his childish happy-go-lucky attitude. No, what was before them stood a weary man, being driven to the brink. His jaw was slightly slack, his teeth almost bared in a scowl-like grimace, his eyes opened only partially, of which the mood could not be told, being slightly hunched over. It was obvious he was tired, tired of something, and although his mood was unreadable... the one thing that was for certain was that this was very foreboding. Out of old habit, he scratched the back of his head.

"Heh, sorry, but, I just feel tired... but let me reaffirm! Yes, I lied to you," he said, his head arching back, his glazed eyes up in the stars. Almost night time. "Yes, we're going to the Monastary, and yes, we're going to learn about my... family. But not by being guided by Monastary instructors. We are going to be on our own, in my selfish desire to find out who I am, and why a 'demon' seems to tell me day after day that I will kill myself and bring him forth..."

Quite a mouthful. He shook his head wildly, putting the smile back on his face.

"Needless to say, there is a possibility this could be incredibly dangerous... now's the time to turn back, if you still want to. If you're crazy like me..." and the smile became more wicked, his eyes hidden by the shadow of his wrinkly forehead, "I have approximately six mana candies I stole from Halsephea's office," he said, opening up his bag, holding his disgracefully earned pieces of material, "... and four mana enhalers that I managed to keep, while sneaking around the training area's equipment area and getting caught. Sorry.. no health restoring equipment."

With a lax shrug, he gave away his misdeeds. Honestly, he didn't care anymore. Just wanted the damned thing in his forehead out. There was a desperation in his eyes, pleading, despite his smile. With a quick hand movement, he zipped up the small, brown carrying bag, and slung it over his right arm. Hadn't told them about the letter the Monastary had sent him, nor did it anyways mention that they'd offere any assistance. Therefore, this was a personal question, for sanctity of mind. Completely out of Arcane Academy's rule of jurisdiction.

... And undoubtly, this would test the mettle of all their skills.

"... So... still in guys? I'm going with or without."

A smile. A sad smile.

[Onira]

Onira raised an eyebrow and puffed his cheeks, a mix of surprise and intrigue finding their way into him. In bed? What an odd thing to say. Not exactly the most formal of responses. It was awesome. Memorable, even. One couldn't help but laugh.

"That's wicked!"

He walked closer to Hakfu, appearing to be welcome over by his gesture. Fair enough. Onira approached, hearing Hakfu's words about his appearance in the newpaper. Ahh... yes. His suicide off of the edge of the floating island. It seemed news hit fast. Then again, it had been over a month ago. Meh. Whatever. Not like it mattered all that much anymore. He was alive, and not even in a wheel chair. Not many who fell from the top of the Earth could say that.

"Well, I expect that the Academy will have to keep me for quite a while still. Of course, that really depends on this little expedition."

Onira smiled, knowing that beneath his comfortable and relaxed words the meaning still rang true. The journey would be deadly. It was very possible that one or even all of them would die along the way, which was something everyone had to remember. If it wasn't, one would not be forced to bring along a stone spear, now would they? Of course not. That would just be plain dumb. Then again, depending on the outcome, it might be more smart planning than dumb thinking.

Onira's face became in some small way serious as Hakfu begun to talk about the expedition itself. It didn't start out very uplifting.

Lying? Oh, crap.

One had to wonder as Hakfu continued, his immature expression seemingly fading away to reveal an aged and sleepless face. Like someone had sucked away about ten or twenty years from Hakfu's life. It was kind of creepy. But, Onira remembered to think about the words, not the face.

"YOU WHAT?!!"

For one of the first times in his life, Onira's voice was strong and harsh, his arm tensing and driving the sharp end of the naginata-like spear in the ground before him. His eyes were not just sharp, but actually cold, looking at Hakfu with a fierce and intense gaze.

"YOU EXPECT US TO GO WITH YOU JUST BECAUSE OF YOUR FAMILY AND SOME HALLUCINATION OF A DEMON?!!! YOU'RE INSANE!!!"

Onira breathed heavily, his face shadowed over for a moment. The area seemed silent. Stunned, even. A little surprised at this outcome.

"Of course we're coming!"

He put on a big toothy grin, amused now.

"Gotcha there, didn't I?"

[Fukushuu no Mumei]

~Tenshu and Kyoden stumbled upon the group. He heard bits and pieces of the conversation. The part where Hakfu was lying and "...So... still in guys? I'm going with our without?" Tenshu was still walking towards them, about a good twenty feet away while eavesdropping. Kyoden stayed back. He was quite impartial to humankind, but why had he stayed with Tenshu? He also resisted because of Hakfu's strong chi versus the hudreds of thousands of souls that Kyoden contained. An eatheral force versus an atral force would not combine. Not yet, atleast.

Coming closer, he put on a smile. He didn't want to smile, but he could really fake his emotions. "Hm... it's good to see so many people here." He was sure that he was the only one here for Hakfu's soul. "Demons... are a specialty during combat in the Shadowlands. I could help you channel this being, if need be." Tenshu could not take Hakfu's soul now. There were too many people around to attack him. Tenshu was strong, but how strong? How strong were these others? He had heard of the notorious Riekana Onira surviving a fall from Babylos Island, so he didn't want to take chances. Being as tactful as he was, he didn't stray from his normal attitude, but he lightened up a bit to shadow his true intentions. His dark essence filled the surrounding, regardless. He could stil control his Shadowlands taint so that it would not corrupt another. Doing that would create chaos that Tenshu could control, but would wear him out easily. Instead, he left those people alone, and only picked on the strong and the offensive. Would these people be fooled? They could, they had no reason not to. No one knew anything about Tenshu, so this would be the impression he gave them. Still, if they saw him for what he really was, it was better to see it later than now.~

"I've wanted to see what this monastery really was like. It's better to go, being able to protect ourselves with allies among the group, correct?"

-=}N{=-

[Keiya Tenpouin]

As Hakfu bowed, Keiya spread one arm across his chest, extending his other out straight to his side and returned the very formal bow. As he was asked his name, he smiled. “My name is Keiya Tenpouin. And this here is my cat Emerald.” He said, giving the brief introduction requested of him. After a few moments, Hakfu decided to impart some wisdom to the group. He had lied. The task at hand would be far more tricky than originally anticipated it seemed, and not only that, but Hakfu seemed to age considerably in a matter of a few seconds. Keiya’s eyebrow rose slightly at this, but he took it in his stride, otherwise showing no reaction to the act.

“Interesting…” Keiya said with a small smile. “If what you say is the real truth, then I could not be more glad to oblige…” He confirmed, folding his arms and smiling. Keiya had wanted a challenge, and by god he was going to get one. “Lead the way, and we shall follow” He added with a cheerful face.

“Don’t act so carefree Keiya! This is dangerous!” The cat spoke aloud as she jumped onto Keiya’s shoulders.

“Oh don’t be such a sour puss” Keiya said in a relatively tongue and cheek manner, obviously intending the pun and slightly annoying Emerald, who refused to dignify the comment with a response.

[Lienn~]

A rosy tinge appeared on the young woman’s face and she glanced at the ground when Hakfu mentioned the Priest. She hadn’t so much as heard a word from him since…well, for a while. She was sure Hakfu hadn’t meant to poke at a sore subject, but it set her off guard all the same. Not even a moment passed and Lienn’s expression was back to its alert determination, she could worry about trifle matters later. Her attention was caught again as Hakfu began to brief them, but there was something in his voice that sounded more like a confession than instructions.

I lied..

What? Why would Hakfu lie? The young blonde woman frowned, lucid hues staring at Hakfu in confusion. So what were they going to do? Apparently still find the truth about his family, and something about a demon. It sounded dangerous, but you more or less asked for it enrolling at Arcane Academy. Lienn pursed her lips together thoughtfully. She saw no reason why she shouldn’t still help Hakfu. He was her friends after all, and apparently this quest for his family meant a lot to him. Granted, she was the only female, but she could deal with that. It would only prove her strength if they were to succeed. Taking a steadying breath, she took a step forward and nodding at Hakfu, a determined glint in her eye.

“I’m still in.”

[Erik Droknar]

Mana Candies? Mana Enhalers? These were new to Erik but he knew what they were supposed to do. Nevertheless, if it was supposed to just be a trip to some old monastary then there shouldnt be a need for the equipment. Of course, Hafku did mention something about a demon. But, of course, Hafku seemed a little... weird...
It was clear that most of the group was a little odd but Hafku and Onira seemed to stand out.

Erik glanced at Harken who remained silent the entire time. "Well, I dont see much point in not coming, and it doesn't seem like anyone plans on leaving. I'm especially interested in your 'demon' here. He smiled. "So, are we leaving or what?

OOC: Forgive me for my lateness Ive been flying all over the country and i get sidetracked.