Inquisition (Plot Villain)

[Veran]

DK summoned a cloud of fog over the area, again obscuring the battle zone. The black skinned Zora dissolved into the fog completely. But there was no calm as the second both Zora were within the white mist, DK came from below Kulau and attempted to uppercut with its finblades at Kulau's chest.

Being so close, Fane of course used this to his advantage. But possibly Fane's assumption was that these clones were stupid. That they were summoned to merely be a distraction. Far from it. Showing an intellect akin to Fane, the monster was ready for him. Still with the gun hanging from its finger, DF had its palm fully open in front of its chest. Just as Fane blasted a Demonic Pulse, so did his shadow. The blast of red and white energy colliding was so close between them that there was a rebound, forcing Fane and DF in opposite directions before Fane's blade could make contact. Because of the angle, Fane was forced skidding backwards into the earth and DF was shot the opposite direction in the air a little, but quickly landed about 20 feet away from Fane. Neither party was injured, but their bodies would sting a little. Immediately the guns were back up, pointing directly at Fane.

Volkin's illusion went for Dark Volkin's chest while he really went for DV's backside and neck. It was a scissor move that proved successful. Volkin's blades burst through the front of DV's chest and neck before shifting and tearing the monster apart. It gave a squeal much like a pig and then disappeared into nothing. Immediately Volkin felt a horrible stinging in his shoulder. An arrowhead was sticking out from his shoulder and its tailend from his back. Upon turning around, he would see Dark Volkin about 10 feet away, snickering darkly as he loaded another arrow into his bow and fired it. In the game of illusions, two can play. In the game of copycat, no one beats their shadow.

Youkai on the other hand was apparently pretty beast. While everyone else struggled, he got lucky and defeated both his shadow and Swift's. Lucky indeed. He immediately faced the Black Knight, preparing for the worst of the battle.

The Black Knight ruffled the plume on his helmet with his hand. "My, what a turn of events... But if you thought this disruption would be the end, you are wrong. So very wrong. Won't you move aside, so that I may continue my search?"

He pointed his long sword at the man and his wolf, flicking it to the left in short arcs to show that he should step aside.

[Youkai: As there was some minor confusion, I will clarify. The shadows are NPCs I control as this is essentially a quest. I'll let this one slide as it was an accident and actually benefits me in the process.]

[Volkin]

Volkin grimaced and pulled the arrow out of his shoulder, realizing the problem with going up against oneself. His eyes lit up as he seemed to get an idea and he grinned before using his minish ability to disappear.

Instead of going for his shadow once again, Volkin rushed toward dark Fane and lashed out at him with both swords, aiming to incapacitate his arms with his swords before delivering a strong headbutt to his chest, aiming to knock the wind out of him. He then gave him a swift kick before getting out of the way, hoping that Fane would not attack if he saw the dark one taking damage.

[Kulau]

Kulau noticed the fog rolling in. So his shadow had his abilities as well as his appearance. By the time DK started came around for the uppercut, there was nothing Kulau could do to block it. So instead, he decided to swipe DK with his finblade, hoping his could hurt the shadow just as much as the shadow would likely hurt him. Luckily, Kulau's abilities weren't combat-based, except one. But he would save that one until later on, when he really needed it.

[Fane]

As the shadows clashed with Fane, perfectly mimicking his attack, the explosion was fierce and quite distraught. Stunned from the surprise, Fane sprung back from where he was, skidding across the ground and feeling a light sting jolt through his body. Even now Valen kept silent; they were more powerful then Fane had expected. What could this knight be using to replicate his exact entity?

As he slid back, he drew his sword back down and sheathed it. Aarondite would have to wait. For now, he needed to make sure this Shadow shot its bullets and missed. Once it did, he could keep it on a blade to blade basis and push his luck there. He would just keep it from reloading….then it hit him, almost literally. As he slid to a stop, he landed in front a couple of trees, under their shadows. He was either preparing a suicidal trip where the shadow would enter and become one with the tree’s and kill him, or it would dissipate due to not having the sun on it or something along those lines.

Squinting, he drew Veritas and Aequitas, then leaned back and faded behind the tree’s. Resting against one, he peeked as discretely as he could out from the tree and watched the shadow. It was only a matter of time. Fane, what are you doing?

Shut up damnit.

Fane watched as the Minish attacked his shadow, and he shook his head. What a good idea that he didn't think of. Then again, Fane was disappointed in the fact that he had no way to test his idea. Watching Volkins Shadow, he knew he was to far away to sprint and attack. Reaching out from around the tree, he was at the coast of his range. If he was lucky, both bullets would hit. He had a good chance at just one hitting though.

Aiming at Volkins shadow, he let both bullets rip forth, directly at the torso.

[youkai]

[Wow.... I feel like a complete ass now... It wont happen again!]

As his cohorts continued to struggle with their shadow counter-parts Youkai, as well as Swift, stood face to face with that Black Knight they had attacked. It would now seem that he was offering him a way out. Requesting that he stood aside. Youkai felt somewhat confused at this. This man clearly had the power to be victorious against himself and the others so why would he make such an offer. Finally it was time for the young Knight to do what he should have done in the first place and ask questions.

Looking at Swift and then glancing over at each of the others Youkai decided that he might as well help them. Youkai was lucky that he was able to get the upper hand of his shadow so easily. Years of training as a Knight proved to be incredibly helpful to him. Nodding at his companion it was as if Swift could read his masters mind. He dashed off toward Volkin's shadow while its attention was focused on Volkin himself, who appeared to be attacking Fane's shadow. Lunging up at Dark Volkin, Swift looked to bite at its arm, hoping to rip it to shreds.

Youkai had smirked when he noticed Volkin. It thought it was impressive that the minish could assess the situation and realize it was a better idea to fight someone else's shadow. However, now wasn't the time to be distracted. Youkai stood in a open battle stance gripping the two back blades of his howling fang tightly as the other blades floated around him. "And what exactly is it you are searching for? Why have you attacked this great lake?" Perhaps his question came late. Better late than never right? It was something he should have done before attacking, but you can't change the past... Or at least Youkai couldn't.

[Veran]

As DK's fist smashed into Kulau's stomach, Kulau was ready with a strike of his own. His finblade crossed DK's face and it retreated back into the mist from the pain. Realizing its foolishness to be fighting on land, DK darted out from the safety of the fog and dove into the lake. Sure, the pillar of flame was still shooting up from its center, but DK was still safer in the water than out.

And then Volkin had an idea! Why fight your own shadow when you can fight others'?! While this might be a good idea on paper, he was now choosing an opponent that he had no idea what their abilities were, so he may learn to regret that. Unless Volkin and Fane were best buds and thus knew each other's powers, but...

Volkin blasted over to Fane's shadow and unleashed hell. Strikes to the arms, then a headbutt, then a kick! All while Invisible. Dark Fane wasn't even paying attention, still focused on its original, so there was no chance for it. The invisible blades cut off its arms and they flopped to the ground. Before it could whine, the shadow was headbutt in the chest and then kicked. It was instantly knocked to the ground where it rolled for several feet. It didn't move; knocked out.

That isn't to say that there was anything to celebrate. Volkin had done the oh-so-silly thing of turning invisible. As if his shadow would let that go unnoticed! It too went invisible the moment Volkin had and darted after him as bullets whizzed by harmlessly. Redirecting its target to Fane, it began to move toward him, but just as it did so jaws clamped right by its head. Swift had arrived. Although no one could see Dark Volkin, the wolf could certainly smell it. It continued to chomp at the air since DV was dodging. Time was running out, so DV plunged an invisible arrow into the wolf's belly. The wolf collapsed right there after a cry. Not dead, but probably needing some attention from its master.

With precious invisibility time ticking away, DV switched gears. Having taken care of Swift, it threaded another arrow onto its invisible bow and shot it again into Volkin's backside. That'll teach its original to turn his back on an enemy.

"I have not attacked the lake, silly boy," the Knight replied to Youkai. "But it would seem as if the time for talking has past." He made a motion to Swift who was now incapacitated.

As Youkai looked, the Black Knight dropped into the earth as a shadow. The shadow crawled along the earth past Youkai and the other heroes, across the surface of the lake, and then rested upon the bridge resting over Lake Hylia. It was here that the Dark Knight rose from the shadow, looking at the pillar of flame that connected the lake and the sky.

"Hurry... Hurry! I have done just as I was told... Respond to your master!"

[Sorry for the late post. Comcast is a tyrant.]

[Kulau]

Kulau reeled for a moment, the fist was certainly unpleasant, but he struck his shadow. Then there was a retreat and a splash. Kulau knew it was inevitable that one of them would jump in the water. His strengths were there: Water Cloak, enhanced electro-shield, Zoras were made for submarine combat.

Which is why Kulau didn't jump in.

Instead Kulau took inventory of the battle. Dark Fane was down, Swift was down, Dark Youkai was down, Dark Volkin was gone, and the Black Knight was on the bridge calling out to someone.

He stook battle stance towards the lake. He knew water cloak dispersed immediately after he left the water, so he wasn't about to jump in where an invisible force was just waiting to strike, or worse, fry him. "My shadow is submerged, beware of the waters!" He called out to the group as a warning. "You ok there, weasel?" He asked Volkin, taking note of the arrow in Volkin. Youkai was likely going to notice and care for Swift, he'd take care of that later.

[youkai]

Youkai listened to his opponents reply and as was expect turned to face his fallen friend. His eyes widened for a brief moment but was able to push his emotions aside for the time being. Ready to confront the Knight he turned to face him, but he had seemingly vanished. Youkai had not seen him turn into a shadow and slide past him. Turning around to see the Black Knight standing on a bridge, Youkai took this chance to check on his canine friend.

Running over and kneeling next to Swift he let his swords fall to the ground around him. He placed the two back blade he held on the ground and gently examined the wolf's wound. He was surprised to find an invisible shaft running out of the wound. Youkai had noticed earlier that Dark Volkin had arrows, and that he could go invisible, so he put two and two together and realized what had caused the damage.

Luckily the wound was not fatal. The arrow did not pierce deep and his wolf had only fallen from shock. Swift tried to get up, ready for his revenge already but Youkai gently held him down carefully pulling out the arrow. The stubborn wolf tried once again but a stern voice from his master commanded him to stay put. Youkai and the others would now handle the fight.

The others were still fighting their shadows. Kulau had noted that his enemy had gone into the water which made the Lake a dangerous place on this battlefield. Youkai still wanted answers from this dark man and he would get them. Picking up the main blade of the Howling Fang in his right hand he began to float up wards into the sky, taking the other swords with him as they once again began to float around him. When he was a good 30ft in the air he advanced closer to the Knight, who had opted to ignore him earlier.

"Don't ignore me!" He shouted out as he charged V from the sky. He used his [Air Compression] ability on his sword, compressing air around the edged of the blade giving it a sharper edge than normal. The air moved along the sword like a chainsaw ready to cut through anything it touched. Youkai was expecting V to counter, so he prepared to adapt to what ever he through at him. He didn't want to kill the man. He wanted answers. That being said he didn't mind hurting him. The man was responsible for wounding his best friend after all.

[Volkin]

Volkin had been partway through turning when the arrow entered his back, knocking him slightly off balance but doing little more than delaying him for a second before he was back into the turn and charging toward dark Volkin. For once in his life he was happy that his bow was a homemade piece of crap.

volkin quickly closed the distance between himself and the shadow, raising his sword in case the other him might try and draw his other weapons before Volkin made it to him.

Once he was in attacking range he used his dagger to try and deflect any incoming attacks while he used his sword to try and run the shadow through before ripping the sword out and stabbing him again through the chest.

(Had two better posts before this but even my phone's internet reception is near non-existant where I'm staying)

[Fane]

Fane was unsure of what to do exactly. In this situation, he had no preferences and Volkin just opened his back completely to aid him. Had Fane of known that the Dark Volkin was charging to hit Volkin in the back, Fane would have stopped any attacks with his blade. However, DV was invisible, thus rendering the snow haired man to one resort. Reloading. After he did so, he placed them back in their respective holsters, and moved.

Stepping out from cover of the tree’s, he placed his hand on his blade, ready to draw. None of the shadows were focused on him, and it seemed no one else was paying attention to him either. Great, it was time to end this battle. Stepping back, he walked around and stayed on his defense’s while plotting the best course of action to take against the Dark Knight.

[Veran]

Volkin ran his blade through his shadow without so much as an effort. Luckily for him, DV had been focusing elsewhere, so it didn't even notice the quickly approaching Volkin. He was met with no resistance. When the shadow was defeated, it melted back to the ground where it returned to being a regular shadow; just like the others defeated before it.

On a mission to beat answers out of the Black Knight, Youkai charged at him from the sky. He was moving quickly and using an ability to enhance the cutting capabilities of his sword. "Don't ignore me!" was his battle cry.

The Knight turned his head and responded simply: "But you are nothing."

Just then Youkai was met with red eyes. Dark Kulau had burst from the waters like a Great White Shark getting ready to chomp down on its prey. Youkai's blade bit into DK's body just as it activated Water Dweller. Like an eel, a yellow orb formed around the black monster and struck Youkai with such a high level of electricity that he was momentarily paralyzed and possibly would begin to freefall into the lake below.

But his attack wasn't in vain for he had cut through Dark Kulau entirely. The shadow dissolved and reappeared on the ground beside Kulau; everything was normal once again.

With all shadows defeated, the Black Knight spouted a light sigh.

"My, what failures. Even your shadows are useless. Now that you are all tired and beaten, won't you leave me alone? I have more important existences to snuff out."

[Kulau]

Kulau had warned him, but now Youkai had begun a freefall into Lake Hylia. Instinctively, Kulau began to run after him, diving into the lake so that he could bring Youkai out of the water. Normally he would trust Youkai to swim out on his own, but Water Dweller left people partly paralyzed, so that wouldn't be as effective.

After making sure Youkai was safe and all existences were accounted for, Kulau's attention shifted toward the Black Knight. "Leave this area, fiend. You've done enough."

[Fane]

Fane shook his head in bewilderment. Moving directly behind the Dark Knight with apparent ease, and with his focus being completely on the others, he drew his blade and pierced it into the ground before him, so that the handle was sitting up at about chest level. Drawing Veritas and Aequitas, he examined them, only to return them to their holsters. He would use them as an escape purpose if danger got to close.

Immediately grabbing the sword, he charged forth and let loose his ability once more, Demonic Pulse. As the demonic swirl of pure energy rippled around his hand, he gave a strong and powerful thrust at the Knights back aiming for the section between the torso and greaves, where armor typically separated. As he did this with his right hand, his left flew forth to release demonic pulse directly onto the Knights back.

It may not kill the knight, but hopefully it would leave him looking and feeling pretty rough. Demonic Pulse was most likely strong enough to rip away at most of his armor, and perhaps remove that blasted helmet. If it did, it might reveal what is inside, and what this thing is.

[youkai]

Although Youkai was aware that Dark Kulau had made his way into the water, he had briefly forgotten just how high Zora's could jump out of the water. This small memory lapse would turn out to be a costly mistake. Youkai had been ready for any counter V would have thrown at him, but the dark Zora was another thing entirely. As his eye met the blood red of the evil creature Youkai did what he could to maneuver himself in the air in a panic. He knew there was nothing he could do, but his instincts took over as his body twisted to the side with the wind which was now pushing him sideways. It was to late however as his body was engulfed by a yellow glow.

Just before impact Youkai could almost taste the electricity which was about to hit him. His hairs stood up and as the orb hit him, every muscle in his body tensed. His passive ability [Air Compression] ended as Youkai's focus had been interrupted. Every muscle in his body felt as if they were continuously being beaten by blunt objects over, and over again. Through all of the pain and contractions Youkai was able to to notice the wind had calmed around him. The lake rushed for the young knight as he and his swords fell through the air.

Luckily he had a friend in this battle. He and Ambassador Kulau had met before and Youkai was grateful for his friend's assistance. Surely he would have drowned. Youkai was ashamed of his carelessness. How could a high ranking Knight, loyal to the royal family of Hyrule, fall so easily. At least it wasn't in vain. Youkai had disposed of the damned shadow in a last ditch effort to survive.

As he now lay on solid ground, his swords scattered around him(Assuming Kulau had brought them...or at least one of them with Youkai), he could feel his muscles begin to relax. The tightness was fading and he was regaining control over his body. The pain had gone, however any major movement would no doubt cause a violent spasm if he wasn't careful. For now he was out of the battle. He, and his damaged pride would have to sit out while he waited to recover from the Dark Zora's ability.

He cursed to himself as he slowly sat up. His eyes fell on V. He couldn't read the man. His intentions were still unknown and he had technically only been fighting them because they had attacked first. Swift had slowly made his way to his master. The wounded wolf nuzzled against Youkai for a moment before laying down next to him. Youkai once again cursed to himself in frustration.

[Volkin]

"What kind of existences?" Volkin stepped forward, sheathing his swords although he doubted it was a good idea. He wanted to know what the knight planned on doing, and he knew that violence would not work. Moving over toward the knight, he knelt down and placed a fist over his heart with his head bowed in a show of respect. He kept his eyes open, however, and was prepared to dodge should the knight decide to simply attack him.

"Please, this lake is my home, I humbly ask you who it is that you plan to eliminate." He wasn't sure it truly mattered but he needed to know just what level of danger his parents might be in.

[Sorry for the delay but I'm finally home now so posting will go much quicker for me.]

[Veran]

As the group recovered and Volkin called out his question filled with worry, Fane was on the move. Somehow he had moved rather quickly from the trees and to the bridge where the Black Knight now stood. The Knight's body language seemed to show that he was about to respond to Volkin's question, but Fane wouldn't allow such a thing. In a burst of metal that looked and sounded like a car wreck, the Demonic Pulses shredded the Knight's armor and sent the Knight bouncing along the bridge. With each bounce more metal was left behind and when he finally came to a stop there was no movement from the Knight.

Amongst the skidding, the Knight's helm came off! It rolled to the side and the Knight's face was revealed. And it was...well, the identity of the man was unimpressive. He wore a long mane of brown hair. His face was muscular and covered in scars. A fairly average look for a Knight. Though the swatch of red on the one side of his hair from the bullet wound did set him apart.

Ever since the bullet had passed through the Knight's head, they had been fighting a corpse.

A feminine laughter without origin entered the air.

[Fane]

As the Knights armor tore off in several places, as Fane expected, the helmet was removed. He took a second to watch, however did not hesitate. Valen’s bloodthirsty spirit was still a part of him, rather he suppressed the being or not. The white haired man’s intentions were obvious. Kill the Knight, ask questions later. Besides, that sword would fetch a hefty price in the markets. Immediately sheathing his sword, he walked forth, approaching the knight’s body. He took a bullet to the freaking head before, Fane was not here to ask questions and await for him to recover again.

Third time’s the charm; as he drew his two pistols, Veritas and Aequitas, Fane came within clear closing distance of the knight. Pointing them both at the Knights head, he shot immediately after the feminine laughter erupted. Both bullets would almost definitely demolish this Knights face, however a luring sickness overwhelmed Fane as Valen communicated a newfound theory he recently had upon the discovery of the man underneath, and the vicious laughter that came upon their ears.

This man may be bound to a poe, as you are to me. This poe however, I feel a dark sadistic aura looming forth. I may be wrong, but I am only to wonder if what I say is true; it would explain most of this, and the poe must be greater than I ever had been. Be careful.

Fane and Valen were on the same page; sealing this poe into an object might perhaps be the only way of stopping it. That sword he wielded…that would be a valuable target. Even so, this was all mere speculation. This situation was full of surprises, and Fane wasn’t ready to believe in any of it yet. For all he knew, a pure God was controlling this man, or he had simply fondles the corridors of dark magic and gone too far. After the shots, he would place his guns back into the holsters, and prepare to draw Aarondite if anything were to happened. If push came to shove, Fane knew that Aarondite had the ability to suck life from another being. He would be forced to allow Youkai to use it on him, so the Hylian knight could be back in this battle. If it wasn’t over yet, then they would need him.

[Kulau]

Kulau watched as the man called the black knight collapsed in a heap. Did that mean the battle was over. Not quite, as it would seem there was another in the fray, one who can be heard but not seen. Kulau called out to the voice.

"Show yourself, we do not fear you. You will not get away with what you have done to this beautiful lake." He knew his words carried no weight here, unlike what he was used to. But he had to say something, for this heinous act could not go unpunished.

[Volkin]

Volkin relaxed slightly when it became apparent that the knight would not attack. This only lasted for a second, however, as he noticed Fane charging toward the knight. "No! Wait!" He sprang to his feet and tried to stop the attack but he was too late. It wasn't that he didn't want the knight eliminated but he wanted to know his objective. If this one came there might be more. Knight were like that, they traveled in packs.

"What'd you do that for?! He was going to tell me what he was doing!" Volkin yelled out with a level of anger that surprised even himself. He began to move toward where Fane and the knight had landed but stopped in his tracks at the sound of the female voice. His frustration started to fade as the potential for someone else to question arose. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

[youkai]

Youkai watched as Volkin the minish finally seemed to be able to talk with the Knight. He prepared to listen closely to V's words however just as he was about to speak Fane had come out of no where and completely devastated him. Youkai stood up quickly, only for his legs to tighten and cramp. As he fell back down to his knees in pain he could only curse Fane's name to himself. That was the second 'fatal' blow that damned human got when he really shouldn't have. It angered Youkai beyond description.

However the anger quickly subsided as the feminine voice made itself heard. Youkai was starting to think that Fane had the right idea. This thing seemed more and more evil with every passing minute and perhaps the reason why was no longer important. He...she... IT had to die!

Slowly he rose, making sure his muscles remained relaxed. When he was finally standing he faced the corpse of the downed knight, main sword in hand. He chose not to say anything as the others seemed to be saying plenty. He simply focused on shaking off the effects from the electric attack he had suffered. If this was a dark spirit, his holy flair would certainly come in handy very soon.