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…The Sun Has just risen when the boat hit the shore….

First jumped off the black dressed warrior with two scabbards on his belt and a claymore sword on his back. Then the trainees – the warriors who just rushed from the ‘farm’ for their first real mission, first experience with true enemy.

The excitement in the air of the mission rose when the trainees saw what the island consisted off. A great dense jungle, which hid darkness in yet so bright morning, rising up to the great mountain which was in the middle of a island. The island itself wasn’t the biggest one, but it would probably take a whole day of walk to get to the other side.

Some trainees already noticed one of the bothersome part of their further mission – flying bugs which was biting their sweated bodies – they were rowing for some time, their main ship which brought them here was a kilometer from the shore. The second most bothersome part of their mission was their leader

”Greetings, I am Number 20 Rabant sent by chief Rimuto on a simple mission for those of you asipiring to be a Claymore soon."

The man who called himself ‘Rabant’ looked at the bunch of gathered training, giving special emphasis on the word „simple”.

"You guys are going to be assisting me in recovering one of our colleagues from this jungle – for a specialized claymore like me it will be a matter of minutes…if we were to sent you alone, you would probably got lost and some of you would cry for your mommy – I’ve seen such cases . As you all must know, resisting your instructions and any rebellious actions will warrant swift death – most likely not from me but from our enemies ahead ."

He looked at the trainees and concentrated – Rabant’s yoki rose In their eyes ,a true expert of using his skill..they felt like they were just..scanned by someone.

”I think I have general idea or where he is, you will fallow me – please report to me. In the same order you will report, we will enter the jungle”

OCC: Simple, isn't it ? Have fun

OOC: I'll be helping Kolox with the mission as well.

[Cornelia]

From the main ship Cornelia looked ahead at the shore. The sea breeze caressed her face and body, it was a lovely feeling. Something so simple yet so comforting was rare in this world.

"We're ready to go." A half naked (from the waist up) man said, as he lowered a rowing boat into the water, still strapped to the safety restraints.

"Ok, let's go then." Cornelia replied, she began to lower herself into the boat, and sat at the far end. Pointing away from shore. She closed her eyes and blocked out the sounds of a few other men getting into the boat and preparing to launch to shore. She saw dim blue waves in the darkness, slowly radiating from her body towards the shore. In a few minutes, the entire island will be covered.

She felt someone gentle (more like cautiously) tapping her. She opening one eye a little and raised her head.

"We're here now." The half naked man said.

"Give me a little more time." Cornelia replied, she was about to intensify the waves and get an accurate layout of where everyone was.

"So there he is..." Cornelia said softly, rising out of the boat and coming ashore "They should know where it is by now."

Cornelia looked around, the beach she was on was prestine, very clean and calming. Though the jungle looked like the exact opposite. Dirty and grungy.

"They certainly like to torture me." She said with a sigh.

Cornelia started walking slowly towards the group, making sure to keep her distance.

- Cornelia -

Upon approaching the group she felt the cold eyes of Rabant, checking her, not hiding his wrath with her presence here. It was obvious why Rabant felt insecure about Cornelia presence, he was a proud warrior who went through many difficult missions yet he never gained as glorious rank as her. She didn't fall back nor she much cared about Rabant stare. He knew that, that's why he approached her

"We both know why your here and it's not my place to question organization order, but this mission is lead by me - from all here gathered I expect you to know the drill" although the way he said it was rather calm and unexpectedly polite for Rabant, great amount of spite and anger could be felt with each word Rabant left from his mouth.

"Trainees - report yourself, if you have any questions or you want to go back to your mommies, it's now or never"

Ayla

"Land!" Exclaimed Ayla as she leaped from the boat. "Sweet solid land. Why did I decide to take this mission?!" Ayla loudly asked herself as she reaquanted herself with the land by kicking sand into the ocean. "I could have just waited for the next one."

She then felt something odd, as if someone was scanning her. Ayla turned to Rabant, the Claymore leading the expedition, suspecting that odd feeling came from him. 'Aye, may as well get this over and done with.' She thought to herself as she walked over to Rabant. Annoyed by the fact that she would have to get on the boat again to leave this island.

"Trainee Ayla reporting in."

White foam rushed by the sides of the boat, sending sprays of water droplets that showered onto the trainee’s face. Her eyes were closed; she embraced the sea breeze and the cooling shower with much glee. She would have loved to trail her fingers in the water, but the need to row prevented that wish from happening. An idle thought that they were reaching land floated into her mind, carried by the rhythmic waves, as they had reached shallow waters. And finally, there was a faint ‘bump’; the boat hit land.

The full-fledged Claymore who was riding with them jumped off. Too anticipating. She rolled her eyes. Easing her way out calmly, the trainee’s feet touched solid, hard soil. She walked off to a side, inspecting the forest before her. Already she could see the most pressing problem so far: flying bugs! She scowled. Listening to the Claymore’s rant about the finer details of their mission did nothing to improve her mood. They were going to hunt for one of his colleagues in this bloody jungle of trees where there were bloody bugs which had nothing better to do than spend their miserable lives biting away at any skin they could find? Not exactly her ideal mission. She wondered what had possessed the organization to send her to this God-forsaken place of bugs to hunt for some other Claymore she really couldn’t care about.

Rabant’s Yoki rose in his eyes; he seemed to be scanning them. She met his gaze with her own emotionless silver ones, almost glaringly. You don’t daunt me. Her dislike for him was already accumulating at a rapid rate, not to mention the way he taunted them while lecturing on the mission. Too arrogant. He would probably top her list of hated people among everyone here, without much effort, too.

It felt strange then, that another Claymore would come along and repeat the same thing Rabant had said: Report to them. She smirked. They didn’t need that many Claymores and trainees just to hunt down one of their comrades, did they?

Anyway… “Trainee Saphira, reporting.” To God knows who, were the cynical words she just barely stopped herself from adding.

[Lenneth]

As the first rays of the sun hit the ground, Lenneth glanced around, taking note of the people around her...

The one who stood out the most perhaps was the man who bore the symbol of warriors of their organisation; a claymore. Lenneth stared at him, focused upon his sword, determined to attain that level of achievement and one day swing the blade to slay her enemies. For now, she had to listen and obey the likes of these people.

Along her side were two others who had reported themselves. They were all trainees awaiting their ranks. Hunger for ambition shone in their eyes. Who might survive or fail in the mission? Only fate held the cards. But already Lenneth felt something she shared in common with the two others; distaste at the man who called himself No. 20, Rabant for using his yoki to scan them.

Lenneth stepped forward with resolve and spoke aloud, "Trainee Lenneth here."

As the boat hit land, Alanna almost instantaneously jumped off of it.

"Yay! Land!"

She, not so silently, cheered to herself as her fellow trainees ignored her. She quickly scanned her surroundings, approving of the beach she stood on. Its sand sparkled in the sunlight and shells lined the coast, riding in and out with the tide. She mentally approved of it in her "Like list." The jungle, however, was drastically different. It was dirty and grungy, filled with annoying bugs that bit at any trace of flesh. She kept it away from her list, and went to join the other trainees.

Falling into place among them, she noticed a change in her leader's, Rabant, eyes. His youki palpitated within his pupils, fluidly moving back and forth. She, as well as the others, could feel him scanning them. He received many glares in return, but Alanna just ignored it and happily hummed to herself. She then noticed many of the trainees introducing themselves, so she jumped at the chance to do it herself.

"Trainee Alanna, reporting for duty!"

The water swished on the wooden boats, Cheri enjoyed the scenery, it seemed too peaceful. Suddenly with a lurch the boat landed in a place she would of considered a place where pirates landed.

Maybe there's treasure, she though excitedly as she got off.

She gazed over at the other trainees and couldn't help but give a sad sigh. She was from a totally different class as they. She didn't get a rank on the first graduating mission, totally missed the second that was offered to her (she actually didn't totally miss it, she just was training severly on her techniques and everything), and now this was her third one. It wasn't just her, she spotted several other trainees from her original class and waved at them. They looked at her sourly and went back to look at the single man in the middle.

Rabant.

Again, the Number 20. They should promote him, she thought. He didn't seem happy, well he never did, but how would you exactly feel if you had to lead a bunch of newbies?

From the first training mission, she had become a heck of a lot better at being what others called 'professional', or as others said, 'intelligent'. She also had become stronger, and her techniques and sword skills were a whole lot better than before. Therefore she shouldn't be looking at the negative, but rather the fruitful chance of becoming a ranked warrior.

She gazed back at Rabant, and in her cheerful voice she spoke loudly, "Trainee Cheri reporting!"

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- Rabant -

"One..two..three..four..five..you look really cheerful ? Did we met before ? Well, doesn't matter " said Rabant when taking his eyes from Cheri.

"I decide on formation so organize and keep with him - two at the front will Saphira and Ayla" pointed Rabant at two huntress in front row. "You will be fallowing my lead, we will travel as fast as possible - time is running short so for god sake don't get lost or trip on some branches"

"Two scouts - left side and right side will take Lenneth and Allana, the rear will take Cheri with Cornelia - the area is really dangerous and we are bound to meet with enemy. For now, we can fight normally but once we find the wounded companion, we are to minimize the fights. Is that understood ? Then let's proceed"

- Dispatch -

Rabant was running with great grace and experience through extremely dense jungle. The natural maze of nature barely left any free spot of ground, everywhere there were enormous trees. 20 or more feet tall. Vines where blocking any vision and odour of something composting was making all of them dizzy. Not to mention some kind of small, flying, creature who like crazy was biting on their skin.

..Basically, if it was a paid vacation trip, all of the members of it would like their moneys returned immediately.

It wasn't easy to keep up with Rabant, he seemed to show little concern whatever the trainees can keep up or not. He was just jumping from right to left, on diagonal and then straight...in this jungle, there were no means to rush at front.

The eyes of huntress, like crazy, were adjusting to both darkness and brightness. Mostly it was dark in the jungle, but there were spots where bright light of morning was coming to them...

..there were no animals what sort - some birds were on the branches, eating the annoying bugs. The domination of various plants was obvious - plants with all colours of rainbow, flowers with spikes, bug eating plants with jaws like of shark. Vines and blushes. Seems there wasn't much fruit plants there..and everywhere a mixed aroma of all those flowers made anyone dizzy who took a while to sniff it - after experiencing that, all huntresses and hunters decided to not take deeper breaths.

- Emerging -

So signs of human hand was seen, as Rabant stopped before a crack inside the island. A crack which was made by a ocean river, about 60 meters below. Crater seemed to have no end..maybe it was running through whole island and the other side was too far to be jumped - aproximately, about 50 meters to another side.



And there it was the human of hands which somehow helped them there. A suspension bridge..there was quite although quite bothersome thing ahead.

A green and yellow yoma, quite of enourmous size, was sitting next to eat, sleeping. Some bones where around it but it was hard to tell whatever they were of human or animal. One thing was certain, entering the rope bridge might wake him up but there was no other way around.

Rabant faced the claymores and simply said "Go to work"

- Cheri -

Some signal of yoki appeared behind her. It was too intense to be claymore.

- Lenneth -

Several signals of yoki could be seen from the west (the bridge is at north). The yoki was getting closer.

Ayla

Ayla looked across the bridge where the Yuma was napping. The first enemy, the first battle. She quickly scanned the faces of the others, finding only strangers. She then made a signal indicating that she was taking point and drew her Claymore. Her hands trembled in anticipation. Doubt formed in the back of her mind, of wether or not she will get off this island alive. If she would pass this examination.

She takes a step forward, at the same time suppressing her yoki as best as she can. hoping the youma hasn't been alerted yet. Without a visible change from the youma, she takes another.
She dared not look back, else she may show the others the doubts racing thru her mind. Another step forward.

Ayla suddenly pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath and exhaling, pushing away the doubts from her mind. Purging them. She then continues forward.
For each step she took across the bridge, her pace quickened and her resolve hardened.


OOC: Edited, cause I forgot that Claymores didn't refer to themselves as Claymore.

Edit 2: Changed youma to yoki in 2nd paragraph...

It was only a quick, accidental clamping down of teeth on the tongue, accompanied by a pressured and fast exhaling of air, that managed to stop Saphira from yelling, “What?!” when she heard what Rabant said. A bug had tickled her nose, and she had fate to thank for having stopped her from blurting something disastrous out.

Without waiting, even a fragment of a second, Rabant had turned and charged into the depths of the forest like nobody’s business. The trainee was startled into action, and she sprang after him agilely while swatting the bugs away. She couldn’t give a damn about the others; it was hard enough trying to follow him. She did not follow his every move, occasionally veering to the opposite side, for she simply couldn’t stand tailing him like a damned dog would. And female dogs were known as bitches.

Darkness encompassed the jungle mostly, but it didn’t daunt the trainee one bit. She simply let her adjusting eyes wander, sometimes noticing a few birds gobbling the annoying bugs ravenously. And she thanked them, albeit silently. Some animals were certainly more useful than others indeed. Various plants leapt out at her, and a mixed aroma of their flowery scents drifted enticingly in the air. At first she breathed calmly, but the lovely scent was too tempting. She deeply inhaled, and regretted it after a temporary wave of dizziness struck, whereby she very nearly knocked right into Rabant when he stopped suddenly before a large crater.

Saphira opened her mouth to ask him if he was going to stand there all day, but closed it when an unfamiliar aura wafted across her senses. It felt like one of them, yet most definitely wasn’t. Walking to the side, she saw a damn, damn fat Yoma lazing at the entrance to the bridge. The sight of its green and yellow skin made her stomach do a complete flip, and she took a step back repulsively; a sudden Buddhist detachment had overcome her, she seemed to be staring at the entire scene from high above in the sky. Uncivilized, the whole lot of them!

Then the leader’s words echoed, a far distance away, and she found her soul back inside her body. And somehow she knew what he had said. She withdrew her claymore as well after seeing another trainee take hers out, beginning to walk towards the Yoma.

“Let the blood flow,” she murmured with a sardonic smile, and her emotionless silver eyes gave way to gleaming gold. The pain of deforming bones hit her hard, but by then she had already braced herself for it. She chose to follow Ayla over simply leaping and landing next to the Yoma to deliver a strike, deciding the last thing she needed was to be pushed over the edge and into a crater of death.

Rabant started the mission briefing and orders albeit... it was an informal and extremely short one. So it seems Lenneth was to take left flank. She huffed slightly at the choice but gave no sign of displeasure. Without any time to spare, Rabant simply leapt ahead and began bashing through and dodging side ways in utterly random order merely to avoid obstructions.

The flora and fauna of the place was... horrible to say the least. Huge trees stood tall and menacing while their canopies blocked most of sunlight and made the jungle felt like night but where areas were lacking, the rays of the sun broke through the canopy. Huge roots bulged and sticked out of the ground like boulders. Plants that stood out with bright colours or pretty flowers were seemingly harmless but the combined overall scent that made everyone dizzy upon breathing it in deeply. Even worst was the unnerving insects that boggled them, seeking every inch of skin and leeching their blood. The group followed Rabant's movements. Jumping to the left and right, ducking down, bashing on forward soon became the norm. It went on for quite sometime till Lenneth felt very much irritated and would have decided to draw her sword and cut a path for herself. Only self-restraint kept that thought from becoming a reality.

Finally they broke through the layer of jungle to come upon a crack upon the land. Already before they saw it, everyone felt it. The yoki of a yoma. But this one was seemed particularly useless. It slept soundly in broad daylight. Lenneth's thoughts were interrupted by Rabant's words, "Go to work"

that's it? no fancy speech or warning words? already it does seem like we're all expendable..

Lenneth raised her hand to the hilt of her sword and drew it silently. It was a very simple act but yet she focused deeply upon it for it was the foundation of her vital skills. She did not intend to use her skills unnecessarily and decided to fight normally while taking a back seat to watch the others. Several trainees should be well and sufficient for one fat sleeping yoma. Already others had done similarly and even using yoki to augment their bodies for battle. Lenneth became alert to the yoki presences and that was when she felt it...

Several signals of yoki from the west. The yoki was getting closer. She turned to face them trying to discern how many and what manner of being they were. Unfortunately she still wasn't able to despite focused intently upon it. She decided to issue out a warning looking at Rabant, " There are... other presences from the west. Are they friend or foe?"

Alanna's emotions bubbled over as Rabant finished speaking. Her mission was beginning. Her body emanated excitement and her eyes began to glow. The emotion was enough to silence any complaints she had about the forest and she ran in without complaints. The plethora of fragrances hit the group immediately and their consciousness wavered for a split second. They began to control their breathing so as to avoid that consequence.

The thick flora made movement within the forest difficult without a sense of grace. There were plants of every kind within the dense forest. Loud colors blared at the group from all directions. Mossy trees grew randomly, leaving no definable path through the forest. The tree's roots bulged out of the ground, the thick tendrils grasping at whatever neared them. Exotic plants attacked the annoying insects, ensnaring them in their vice-like jaws. Along with the flora, there was a diverse group of fauna as well. Small birds, all with unique feather colors and patterns, ate the insects as well, ripping through their exoskeleton with their beaks. Alanna sighed her thanks to the futile effort at extermination made by them.

Alanna was assigned a position on the east side. She was the only one over there, so her determination flared. She wanted to protect her comrades, her new friends, from any danger that would appear. The danger she wanted to stop appeared quickly, but not from where she was. In front of the group was a Yoma. It was gluttonous with green and yellow skin. It slept for now, but would soon either wake or be killed in its sleep. The 2 trainees with Rabant had begun to move, readying their weapons and battle abilities.

OOC: Hurray for nothing to do! :)

- Saphira and Ayla -

Ayla approached the bridge...carefully, without making much of noise unnecessary..but when Saphira entered the bridge and the went half way, there was one thing certain

.. The person who made this bridge is a ******* ******...and smells.

The bridge was most definetely not made for two people to be on it at the same time, a large creek was nowhere near assuring and further more, it was loud enough to scare off lot's of birds in area - well, the wood and rope was making extremely strange sound, like someone was stuffing forcefully a lamb with food while it was still alive..

..and the yoma awoke..and his face did not hide surprise and panic, when he saved two silver eyed huntress just 25 meters from him and another horde of them on the other side.

"Guys ! We have trouble" yelled the yoma, but it looked kinda pathethic when he noticed he was all alone. He had yet to understand the situation after just woking up, perfect occasion for two huntress to take the initiative.

- Alanna -

Alanna hears perfectly what Lenneth says and what Rabant replies. She searches for the yoki reading which Alanna mentioned and can feel it perfectly..although for her, the yoki analyze which for the first time she started to use in real mission was still unclear to determine what was happening. Thankfully, Rabant made it quite clear..

- Rabant and Alanna -

Rabant looked at young trainee without expressing any emotions and simply replied "Foes, three of them, quite big yoma - I think each 2 meter big. But I presume they are quite young so they shouldn't be troublesome. Their probably young because they have yet to learn how to hide their yoki. With the speed their proceed, I think the encounter will be in 5 minutes, unless they realise that we already know their position - then they will stop this stalking facade and simply attack us"

Then Rabant went near one of the poles which was keeping the bridge secured on the ground and grabbed it "Some idiot made this bridge, honestly.."

- Cheri -

The single power yoki was coming into their direction, at this point - it was not only Cheri who felt it.

"Foes, three of them, quite big yoma - I think each 2 meter big. But I presume they are quite young so they shouldn't be troublesome. Their probably young because they have yet to learn how to hide their yoki. With the speed their proceed, I think the encounter will be in 5 minutes, unless they realise that we already know their position - then they will stop this stalking facade and simply attack us"

I see. So that's what yoki from a yoma feels like... hmm Lenneth's thoughts wandered for a moment. Shaking her mind free from such idleness, she closed her eyes, concentrating, memorizing the sensation of such yoki. Already she could also sense another from behind them though Cheri seemed to have already felt it.

"So since they are young ones but outnumbering us, i don't suppose we could get any help from you? Do the organisation allow direct one on one combat with yoma for a trainee or am i mistaken about that?" Lenneth asked, locking gazes with Rabant. Aside two other trainees have already woken the yoma at the bridge. The yoma's call for aid had been loud and clear, Lenneth wondered if the two trainees would face any troubles or if aid will come... for the yoma.

Back at her own issues, she looked towards Alanna. "Direct mindless combat or would you have something else in mind?"

- Isley -

Rabant turned his eyes at Isley and simply replied ""Basically, the more experience you gain and more battle you will survive, I will have more to report to organization and hence getting you a best impression from them - I think it would be best if we prevented them from getting to the bridge, I will stand here and don't those other two be ambushed from behind. You..I guess either you set a trap or just go after them. Killing a yoma is something you need to learn later or sooner."

Then Rabant pointed at Cornelia and said, without hiding spite "You could take miss high and mighty with you if your not sure you can defeat them"

Cheri gazed at Lenneth, Cheri first felt a rather large yoki behind her and had just put it aside as her imagination. Yet it was getting stronger and Cheri swore that Lenneth had just felt it too. The yoki was getting to the point that everyone could feel it and Cheri knew that it wasn't just her imagination.

"No Lenneth," she spoke in a serious tone that didn't sound like her. Cheri glanced at the ground remembering what happened last time. "Cornelia might be a better warrior, but if she helps us kill if the yoma this will count against us. If you want help I will go with you."

Ayla

She quickly turns her head toward another presence moving toward the group behind her.

The yelling of the Youma ahead of her snapped her back to her goal. "Looks like theres no turning back." Ayla said aloud, more to herself then it was for Saphira.

Ayla stops her movement and begins to release her yoki, while taking a deep breath, still unsure of how much she is actually releasing. Her eyes change into a cat-like yellow and bloodlines creeps across her face, arms and legs.

Not waiting to check if Saphira would be behind her or not, she releases her breath, putting her sword behind her as if preparing for an upward slash, all in the same moment of time, she makes a leap dash toward the youma, ready to cleave it in half.

OOC: I'm trying something different here, let me know if it's to confusing =P

[Cornelia]

Cornelia was used to abuse. She had been a warrior for many years now, so acting in a way that pleased the Organisation wasn't foreign to her. No matter how she acted, she could never pretend to not be bothered by her surroundings. Every step felt like walking in excrement. The ground pulsed and enveloped her greaves with each step. It was visibly obvious that Cornelia was uncomfortable. Rabant's words did nothing to ease her suffering, in fact, he was probably getting off on it.

Men really were disgusting.

She heard the rookies talking about something, but between trying not to step on any dark spots on the ground and dodging whatever insects flew her way she didn't really hear what they were saying. But she felt...

[Ayla]

A rookie attack. Her emotions seemed to get the better of her and as she released her power the waves surrounding her turned violet. The waves lifted up and crashed down violently, but the large green and yellow waves seemed to anticipate the movements and dodged out the way.

The rookie's strike was unsuccessful, as she recovered from the assault she was unprepared as the Yoma struck her back sending her flying through the dirt...

He was big, but his reflexes were good. He faced the silver eyed witch, exposing his back foolishly...

[Cheri and Lenneth - Encounter]

From the void of unknown, a party of grey energy approached, 3 infact, though the waves were naught but ripples in comparison to what they faced. Still, safety in numbers...

"Basically, the more experience you gain and more battle you will survive, I will have more to report to organization and hence getting you a best impression from them - I think it would be best if we prevented them from getting to the bridge, I will stand here and don't those other two be ambushed from behind. You..I guess either you set a trap or just go after them. Killing a yoma is something you need to learn later or sooner. ... You could take miss high and mighty with you if your not sure you can defeat them"" Was simply Rabant's advice.

"No Lenneth, Cornelia might be a better warrior, but if she helps us kill if the yoma this will count against us. If you want help I will go with you." Cheri spoke up suddenly in a different tone from the one she used to report. Far less annoying but yet it did seem as though she was calculative and had been weighing the odds.

no matter... as you wish Lenneth stood for a moment or two. The yoki (plural?) were getting much closer, she felt uncomfortable knowing that while enemies stood upon their doorstep, here they were in hesitation about the fighting plan. But then what could be expected? It was their first encounter with a yoma not some stipulated plan in which you had safety back-ups.

Hefting her blade, Lenneth turned and walked into the direction of the yoki. She spoke with her back facing everyone else, "i'm going ahead.." Fully intended on seeking and slaying the yoma, she took off making use of the speed that was implanted into her via blood of beings that she was about to slay.

Nothing will stand in my way..

"Direct mindless combat or would you have something else in mind?"

Alanna stiffened at the question. Yoma were approaching, her first real battle was about to begin. She drew her Claymore in a single, fluid movement, but she couldn't respond to Lenneth. Nervousness had grasped her senses, constricting he thoughts. She stood frozen. Her idleness was taken as a sign of unpreparedness, and she was ignored. Cheri began talking to Lenneth and Alanna was left completely forgotten.

Their words didn't reach Alanna. She had realized that she wasn't ready. That she didn't want to fight. In her moment of realization, however, she realized that she had to fight. Her grip tightened on her Claymore and her eyes narrowed as she focused. She saw Cheri and Lenneth prepare to fight. Strengthening at their resolve, Alanna brought up the courage to speak.

"L-lenneth! I...I can fight too! I'm ready."

OOC: /imposing. :)

Cheri looked at Lenneth as the other warrior began running at the direction the yoki was coming from. "NO!" Cheri screamed out, but to no avail because Lenneth didn't stop charging.

Cheri took out her Claymore holding it with both arms and prepared to go help the other warrior. The once cheerful face was replaced with a fierce face of an experienced warrior. Inwardly, it was her fault that she didn't discuss anything with Lenneth, they should of talked about making a plan. Sadly, Lenneth was making a mistake she did on the first mission-acting too hastily. The attack could easily fail, and then the yoma-even if they were newbies could gang up on her and overpower her in a second.

Suddenly another Claymore in a trembling voice spoke out, "L-lenneth! I...I can fight too! I'm ready."

Cheri looked at the other girl, she seemed frailer and meeker than Lenneth. Even so she seemed to be strong enough to be able to overpower a yoma. Cheri ran over to her as fast as she could gripping her sword in her hand and started screaming, "IF YOU WANT TO FIGHT FOLLOW ME! WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO STOP LENNETH FROM A ROOKIE MISTAKE! YOU AND I WILL ACT AS HER BACKUP!"

----------------

Cheri isn't as stupid as before. Hopefully.... :(

- The strike team : Lenneth, Cheri, Alanna -

Lenneth was running through the forest. As this part was near the crater, it was the least dense part of this whole annoying jungle - the only part in which you actually could run without taking road resembling snakes movement.

The yoma were there. Three of them, close to each other.

Lenneth was already next to them but something was wrong...although she rushed so suddenly she dodged it..

A tree was cut clean off - it was probably cut before..but where it cut by those yoma.

Well - the tree before here wasn't a trouble, she could get pass it and about in time that her comrades came. It took them quite a time.

Cheri was already prepared, Alanna scanned area with her eyes. On their left, they were really near the crater, on the right - just more jungle. Behind them - a yoki approaching Rabant and Cornelia and in front of them - a fallen tree and three yoma.

The middle yoma spoke

"Look guys, free fresh meat - it was a while - reminds me of that other claymore".

The yoma weren't waiting long, each of them, big for 2 meters, jumped on the fallen tree and prepared to attack..Alanna.

----------
Saphira
----------

Saphira rolled her eyes at the Yoma. Whatever it was thinking, it certainly wasn't performing at its best. And it would have been the perfect chance to make a surprise attack, had the other trainee not moved first. She regretted laughing at him before deciding what to do, she did.

The others had disappeared, probably to find some other Yoma; Ayla had been struck, and Saphira sure didn’t know what the hell Rabant was doing with the bridge. It was fragile enough as it was without him grabbing the poles violently. Not even two of them seemed able to stay on the bridge at the same time; with his grip that utterly lacked fragility, the pole might as well have shattered under his grasp and Saphira wouldn’t think it strange at all. In fact, she would expect it. She turned away, back to the Yoma, whose reflexes weren’t at all shabby, she noted with interest.

Rabant had been saying something about the bridge – or had he? It didn’t matter now. The world suddenly revolved only around the Yoma and herself.

It had foolishly exposed its back: the trainee saw the possibilities. She dashed with a smooth, effortless agility, the ground seemingly helping her along, towards the ‘blind spot’ of the opponent. Her golden eyes glittered with malice as she plunged her claymore into its exposed back, hoping to feel it grate through flesh and bone.

More so than the grating feel, though, she looked forward to the beautiful dance of blood when she yanked it out.

Ayla

Despite the hit she just took, Ayla quickly stood back up. Lucky that the youma didn't use a more dangerous attack. The next time, she may not be so fortunate.

Ayla noted to herself that this increase in strength and speed due to the release of her yoki, was harder to control. Something she was unaccustomed to. Not wanting to give the youma an opening, she leaves it as it is.

The youma's attention was clearly on her. It's back was turned to Saphira, who was about to make her move. "Hey, shitface, what was that? I barely felt a thing. You call yourself a youma?" Ayla taunted the creature, hoping to keep it's attention on her. "Well, doesn't matter does it? Because I'll end your pitiful life today. You don't have to thank me. Your death is thanks enough."

Ayla makes an elaborate show of readying herself to attack the youma, at the same time putting her yoki down to a more controllable level, to the point where only her eyes are different, yellow. Once Saphira's attack lands, either on the ground or the youma, Ayla will follow up, giving it no time to recover. A jump attack where she would try to swipe it's head off.

OOC: sorry about the delay guys. I will be your GM for a while Zangi and Noelle.

[Cornelia]

Face front! Cornelia suddenly spun around, facing towards the bridge. The bridge looked awful, better days would be had if there was an alternate path. It was filthy as well. Surely they didn't expect her to cross it. But, while that was a very pressing matter (hygiene is no joke) there was something else that proved troublesome. The rookies were surrounded on both sides, but according to her mission statement, she wasn't to assist until the situation was dire.

"Looks like the young ones have got trouble ahead, it will only get harder for them..." Cornelia whispered to herself. She closed her eyes, and as soon as she did, the waves became crystal clear...

[Saphira and Ayla]

The Yellow and Green aura had its back facing the Blue aura. The strong Violet aura had softened, but the energy was still vibrant and the Violet one readied herself for an attack while taunting the Yellow and Green. The Blue aura had a sense of calm about her, the brilliant blue waves surrounded her and her opponent, the focus this one had was extreme. The Blue lowered herself and a brilliant blue wave glided to the Yellow and Green. The colours clashed, as the Violet suddenly engulfed the Yellow and Green...

Saphira's sword had dug deep into the Yoma's spine. A satisfying crackling noise rung sweetly in her ears, shortly followed by an even sweeter sound - the sound of a Yoma, screaming in agony. Saphira tried to pull her sword out, eager to see a fountain of blood. She tugged once, twice, thrice! But to no avail, her blade was stuck in the Yoma.

Ayla at that time had begun her attack. After seeing Saphira plunge her sword into the Yoma Ayla follow-up, hoping to cut the beast's head clean off. Little did she know that Saphira was stuck, but this was of little consequence to her action, as she leapt into the sky, her sword whistled intensely due to the speed at which she brought it down. She aimed for the Yoma's head, and hoped that accuracy was on her side.

Little did she know that it wasn't really on any one's side. Her blade had missed the Yoma's head, but unintentionally hit Saphira's sword, the force of which brought it towards the floor, dragging blood, guts and Saphira to it's warm embrace. The Yoma had been cleaved vertically from the chest down. Splitting it's body almost in half. It coughed, spat and dropped to the floor violently.

The chaotic waves seemed to consume the Yellow and Green. As the brawl came to a conclusion, the waves calmed, returning to little more than ripples in an ocean. But as little a time they had to rest, more waves were moving freely underneath the bridge. It seemed like the newbies would have to tread carefully...

----------
Saphira
----------

A thin smile eased its way smoothly over her lips as the sword grinded and cackled through the corpulent mass of yellow and green. This feeling; she hadn’t expected it to be like this. Time and again she had imagined how it would feel to run a sword through a Yoma, but she had never thought it would be so beautiful, so harmonious. The cracking of the bone, the ear-piercing yet satisfying scream of the creature; it all played mellifluously together in a sweet, yet exhilarating harmony.

Though, probably due to distance’s intrusion, the scream was engulfing all other melodies of impending death. She made to tug the sword out, and enjoy the lamentation of the living, but something was flawed. A wrong note in the requiem of death. She tugged again. Nothing.

Frowning, the trainee glanced down at her sword, giving it yet another tug. The wrong note sounded again. She now knew what it meant. Before she could properly comprehend the situation, however, a rush of Yoki rippled across her senses; she looked up, saw nothing but a flash of pink and silver, and something hard hit her claymore with all the force of gravitational acceleration.

The vibration that rang through the sword was so strong, Saphira lost her already-slackened grip on the weapon. It slid vertically through the Yoma, the flesh screaming as it was torn apart. As the kinetic energy ebbed away the trainee looked down, into the mirror of the bloodstained sword, seeing her own silver eyes reflected back at her amidst blood and unmentionables. Innards were twisted around its blade; a pool of blood creeping along in its wake.

She looked at Ayla, then at the Yoma, who had dropped motionless onto the ground, then at her weapon again.

She repeated that action a few more times.

Finally, she picked up the claymore by the handle, lifting along with it a mass of tangled Yoma guts. She grabbed the guts and pulled them off the blade, one hand maneuvering the sword to cut smoothly through the guts, and the other peeling off whatever decided to hang on to the silver with what little life it had left. She tossed the gut pieces onto the ground, flicked the blood off the blade and wiped her stained hand on her clothes, left with not much choice. As she did so new Yoki signatures from below drifted across her senses, and she readied herself cautiously, though the expression on her face was still unfathomable.

Then she looked at Ayla again.

“Well, that was certainly something.”

OOC: Okay. :D

Ayla

Ayla leapt into the sky, her sword whistling in the air. She expected to see her claymore slice thru skin and bone, but instead, she heard and felt the unexpected abruptness of the vibrating clang of metal on metal. The force of her attack on Saphira's weapon split the creature in two, while she bounced back from the recoil.

She stood there for a moment, taking in the situation before her. Then finally, she turns to face away from Saphira, before slams her Claymore into the ground and dropped her yoki back to normal. She realized her hands shook. A smile crossed her lips as she whispers to herself, "So, this is how it is... What a rush..."

Regaining her composure, she turns back to face Saphira, at the same time pulling her Claymore back out of the ground.

“Well, that was certainly something.” Saphira said.

"Yea it was, but, what were you still doing there?" Ayla responded quizically.

Ayla then senses the youma under the bridge. In response, she suddenly puts her Claymore over her shoulder in a resting position.

"It looks like we may have some trouble getting back with the others now..."

Rabant and Cornelia

The dynamic duo had crossed the bridge, Cornelia feeling a little lightheaded due to reading waves and trying to get Rabant to cross the bridge with a little finesse. They had both turned around to see how the trainees were doing, it seemed as if the two at the other end of the bridge had dispatched the fat Yoma.

At this point, whatever the trainees did would not interfere with Rabant's goal. Ultimately, it wouldn't interfere with Cornelia's either for in the end, they both had no choice but to complete their mission. Whether they felt empathy or remorse for the trainees was not important. The Organisation demanded their souls.

From the depths of the abyss, something rose quickly cutting the bridge on Cornelia and Rabant's side.

"Ugh!" Cornelia squeaked, instinctively diving for the cut ends, grabbing both of them in an attempt to hold them up.

"What the hell are you doing you fool?" Rabant scolded. "We aren't suppose to help them this much."

"It shouldn't even be questioned..." These words ran quickly through Cornelia's mind, it was this conflicting action and personality that the kindest of warrior had to go through. Eventually the actions - a need to survive prevailed.

"J--just help me-- hold the bridge Rabant!" Cornelia struggled to say, while the bridge wasn't heavy especially for her strength, it was awkward to hold. She slid violently from side to side. Rabant, reluctantly helped her.

He stood in front of Cornelia, kicking back dirt into her face whenever possible. He smiled knowing what reaction she would have to that, as he did he grabbed the higher portions of the bridge that collapsed and pulled back. Kicking back more dirt every-so-often.

"GET YOUR ARSES OVER HERE, DOUBLE TIME!" Rabant shouted, "I WON'T BE HOLDING THIS BRIDGE FOR LONG!"

It was obvious that the trainees had to get across the bridge quickly, while being assaulted by...

[Ayla and Saphira - Encounter]

Two flying Yoma. Quite a rarity indeed. The Yoma laughed as they had seemingly incapacitated the stronger warriors, now they had time to focus on the real meals. The swooped down gracefully, approaching the trainees.

What were they to do, fight on safer ground and risk getting left behind.

Fight on dangerous ground (the bridge) and risk falling 40 meters.

Or run quickly to the other end of the bridge, risking getting assaulted and possibly falling.

Or, was there another option? No matter the choice, time was no on the trainees' side.

"Look guys, free fresh meat - it was a while - reminds me of that other claymore".

The other Claymore? Could another Claymore have died in the yomas' grasps? Cheri didn't have time to think about what one of the yoma just said because both were jumping toward Alanna.

Alanna didn't seem like the type to be able to defend herself from one of the yoma and Cheri decided to lunge towards one of them, closest to her. She aimed towards to torso hoping to split it in half and then kill the other yoma. Alanna might be able to defend herself from the other one for the time being, but Cheri didn't know for how long.

Let's hope this works, she thought.



--
Er...So basically Cheri is aiming for one of the yoma and she hopes Alanna can defend herself from the other yoma. Then after she kills the first, she'll team up with Alanna to kill the second. I hope that is ok?

Saphira opened her mouth immediately, pausing a moment to select between foul words or sweetly intoxicated ones. “What do you expect me to do, run across the bridge?”

Which was exactly what she intended to do, when the pulsing waves cast a shadow over her senses, and which she identified as flying Yoma from sight. The Yoma were laughing mockingly, and that only served to fuel the raining cloud over her head with more energy to continue. She turned to look at the bridge, then peered over the crater. The drop was at least 40m. And the two Claymores, however much she hated the male one, were at the other side of the bridge. “Bloody asses,” she mumbled. “Leaving us behind to tackle the Yoma while running happily to the other side first…”

She turned to Ayla. “Wadchaa gonna do, girl?” Then she decided not to wait for a reply and released the dam on her Yoki. It rushed forth like a wild animal, racing through her veins and turning the silver eyes of a half-human into the golden ones of the beast. Again she gripped the twisting, thrashing flow, grappling with it and forcing it under control, into the bones, where it took out its frustrations furiously. But she didn’t mind.

The trainee took one look at the Yoma, and began dashing across the bridge recklessly, her strides long and smooth. The wobbling bridge was not doing much to help, but it was all she had to reach the other side. Either that or fall some 40m to her death. Life could be such a pain, at times.

Her heartbeat tripled as she raced across, occasionally looking back at the Yoma; she was tempted to just close her eyes and run. But she didn’t, and gripped her claymore tightly, her arm ready to lash out and strike at any idiot which tried to rob her of this only opportunity to go on.

Her elation from her first victory quickly vanished. Come up with what seemed like a suicidal situation offered in exchange for still being alive.

A quick look from Saphira asking, “Wadchaa gonna do, girl?” Only for the smaller woman to release her yoki and dash ahead. Not waiting for a response from Ayla.

"Bastards!" She yelled at the top of her lungs across the bridge.
Out of frustration and anger, she shifted her weight and held her claymore up like a javelin, at the same time released her yoki, to the point where her bloodlines creased across her face. Taking aim over the bridge and timing it so that it would take one of the youma out as it flies over and also making sure it would land in the vicinity of the 2 examiners, she throws the Claymore in an arc toward the other side of the bridge.

Undefended, but lightened, Ayla rolled to a dash with the forward momentum of her throw, quickly making her way across the bridge in with an all or nothing determination. Someone was going to pay.

[Cornelia, Rabant and the Bridge]

"This was incredibly stupid Cornelia!" Rabant shouted, swaying a little to the left.

"I know, but I couldn't help myself..." Cornelia replied, also swaying to the left. "We're here now, so might as well do whatever we can."

It seemed like the watchers were having equally a difficult time as the trainees. Cornelia for having to be in a grimy jungle and having dirt flung in her face. Rabant for having to put up with Cornelia. Dealing with trainees was fine for him, since that's all he really did. But Cornelia served just to get in the way of his job. If only he didn't need her to find the boat on the way back.

The bridge swayed violently as two trainees scrambled across it clumsily, at this rate, it wouldn't hold much longer...

[Ayla and Saphira]

Panicked and unsure of the outcome, the two trainees ran across the bridge hastily, under them a grey void of jagged rocks. If they fell from this height they would certainly get injured, but they would have to be unlucky to actually die. The bindings wailed and screamed angrily at the sheer activity of what was going on pushed them to the limit. Some gave out under the rookies' feet and some had given up long before anyone had even stepped on the bridge.

[Ayla and Winged (1)]

Ayla was behind Saphira, meaning she had to be even more careful. In anticipation she threw her claymore towards the other side, it span viciously, nearly hitting Rabant as it landed (unintentional? Probably not). The Winged Yomas had swooped down to intercept the trainees as they ran across the bridge, as Ayla's sword travelled through the air the Yoma she had aimed for (as a secondary target?) dodged out the way, effectively covering Saphira's advance and giving her a chance to get to the other side. However, in doing this she left herself more than vulnerable.

[Saphira and Winged (2)]

In a mad dash Saphira had hoped to make it to the other side safely, not waiting to see if her comrade was behind her the only clue she had to whether she had followed was the shriek of the Yoma as it moved away from Alya's aggressive sword throw. The Yoma who dodged Ayla's throw was to Saphira's right, still leaving her left side to cover. This would be easier than having to cover both sides if both had focused on her. However, with Ayla throwing her sword the situation had changed and Saphira was no longer a candidate for the easy target awards...

[Ayla and Winged (1+2)]

Though Ayla was unarmed she could definitely run faster without a claymore, and with the aided power of Yoki, she was moving at incredible speed. The first Yoma flew down, cutting more ropes on his was to meet Ayla, the bridge fell to the right as gravity took ahold of Ayla, slowing down her crossing. She lost her balance and gripped on the supports to the left, still moving quickly, but not for long as the second Yoma kicked her to the right sending her flying off the bridge.

Just in time was she able to grab a piece of rope that had been dangling over the edge and she swung under the bridge, clinging for dear life. As she hung there helpless, what was going through her mind...

[Rabant and Cornelia]

"Holy shit!" Rabant yelled as the claymore the rookie threw landed right next to him. "What the hell are you doing?!" Rabant screamed in rage. If it wasn't for the circumstances Cornelia would have laughed herself silly. But having witnessed the exchange that just took place, she was less than happy.

Saphira could make it to the other side easily now, without any resistance, but leaving Ayla could lead to her death, unless Ayla manages something on her own...

OCC : Since Isley and Useless are inactive, they will assist Asura/Cheri

- Cheri -

All three trainees launched their attacks - the best defense was offense, or so some people say - but it wasn't really the case here. It was about the lack of other options, since showing their backs and running in this hard to pass forest would be rather reckless.

Cheri jumped forward, passing Alanna who was just in front of her few seconds back in time.

..and a very unnexpected thing happened. While other two yoma were occupupied with her comrades, the one she attack was fully concentrated on her, Cheri swung her blade but it was caught by yoma. His hand was bleeding but he wasn't the one to give up or even make any sound of pain about it. He opened the palm of his left hand which wasn't holding the sword and he was about to strike Cheri, most likely aiming at her abdomen...

..the footing for both Cheri and yoma was quite unstable since there was some branches and lodges and wet plant like things, but there was quite a lot of place to move around. Also the other yoma went to respectetive trainees but Cheri couldn't keep track of what others were doing.

Lenneth

Watching Cheri move into action, Lenneth picked the yoma closest to her and stepped forth to it. Taking advantage that her skill was meant for combat and even better for a one on one combat, she took to sheath her sword and focused her own counter attack for the yoma while taking care to allow room for herself to dodge his attack. She fully intended to finish this is one fell swoop if possible.

Cheri had already made her move on one and with Lenneth's attack now, only one other yoma was headed in Alanna's way. But Lenneth couldn't really keep track of all three battles happening. All she did was focus intently upon her own foe and hope that they could hold on or even better defeat theirs. While for her part, she will do all in her power to cut down her opponent.

ooc: wasn't really away, i did log in daily to read any new happenings just waiting to decide on the course of action. sorry :(

OCC Kolox : 5 days is too long - I killed Alban for that

The bridge wobbled, with every intention to throw both of them off. It would certainly be more than happy to do so, thought the trainee as she dashed across the bridge, skipping the holes and the perilous-looking ones – or what she was able to register as dangerous planks. The ropes were screaming, only serving to increase the foreboding surmise that she wouldn’t make it across the bridge. Especially with a winged Yoma apparently zooming in on her.

Something whistled past her; the Yoma swerved and dodged it. Above the screeching she heard Rabant screaming “Holy shit!” and knew whatever whizzed past her had almost struck him. Or maybe had struck him. The thought dragged a reluctant smirk to her face despite the circumstances. The bridge tilted dangerously to the right; she nearly slid off, but managed to get back on her bearings. She continued to dash on; when she found no disturbance from any Yoma she turned behind, and saw Ayla hanging onto what she could of the bridge for dear life.

The trainee stopped.

She was almost to the other end, and Ayla was more than just a few feet away from her.

She looked at the end, where the two Claymores were struggling to hold the bridge. Then she looked back at Ayla. She contemplated running back to help the trainee. But it simply wasn’t convenient; besides, Saphira felt no inclination or obligation whatsoever to aid someone she barely knew. Barely trustworthy. Who knew?

To heck with it.

It was her problem. She’d deal with it. Saphira yelled a few words of encouragement to her, saying she’d wait for the trainee at the end of the bridge, and started to clear the final ‘lap’ that would send her across the finishing line.

Hopefully.

What momentarily crossed Ayla's mind, as she hung from a rope attached to a bridge being held up by her two examiners, while 2 youma intent on ending her life hovered around her. Was that 'Things were just going great.'

Unarmed but for the strength gained from her released yoki and her frayed wits, she did not have much she could do except wait for the youma to come at her. Ayla decided that they would have to work for their kill. She begins to try to swing on the rope, back and forth.


OOC: Swinging Diagram Goal

````````| <-- Swinging
------------|-----------
------------|----------- <-- Bridge
````````|
^
Wouldn't come out right, ignore these.

OOC: Ayla has 2 Winged Yoma on her, 1 is to her right, 2 is to her left, past the bridge

[Quick reactions - Ayla]

"Amazing! What luck she has!" The first Yoma proclaimed. Diving in for a quick and easy attack, he carelessly tried to stab the dangling trainee from below with his left claw.

"Leave me a piece!" The other shouted.

OOC Edit: If you're going to use Yoki please mention how much, 10%, 20% etc. That helps the GMs more than you could know.

Ayla

The first youma dived in at Ayla, intent on taking her from below. Reacting, Ayla twists toward its left, hoping to dodge his swing completely.
She looks for an opening to 'step-up' on its face/head, using it to jump boost herself up to the bridge.

EDITED 2nd line

[Results]

The Yoma had gone to stab the trainee, but was careless about it. Not noticing the trainee had unleashed some Yoki, she was at least a little prepared for some sort of an attack. The Yoma's taunt did nothing but serve as a telegraph for his attack, twisting skillfully Ayla managed to avoid the Yoma, but not completely. The claw grazed her skin, cutting in quite a bit. Blood poured out, but at the same time the wound was slowly mending itself. Still, this put more of a strain on Ayla.

As she evaded the attack the adrenaline coursing through her body served as a painkiller. She wouldn't feel the pain for a while yet, as the Yoma glided by humiliated, Ayla placed one foot on his head and pushed down slightly while putting the other on his back, which had raised up slightly from being push in one direction. Repeating the action she barely managed to cling onto a couple of wooden planks on the edge of the bridge. She was nearly safe...

[Reactions - Ayla]

Seeing his partner fall uncontrollably into the grey void, the second Yoma flew quickly towards Ayla, he was barely in range when he drew back both of his hands, attempting to cross-slash Ayla's already bleeding abdomen.