OOC: This topic carries on from the last pertinent reply. I will copy the relevant posts. Remember to put your name at the top of your posts.

.:Sisteena and Decoy Team:.

Her charge had given strict orders to Sisteena and her squad, but try as she might she couldn't help but find the mission pointless and boring to say the least. While it was noted that the religious order had some of the seasoned veteran warriors within their ranks, she was certain that none of them as much as they try would keep up with the likes of her kinds. Regardless of what she thought, a mission was still a mission and she now had few rookies to look after...

"Ayla here." Ayla said as she took a gulp from her hip flask. Sisteena examined each member of her assigned team with careful study of their appearance and strength. She had to admit this was the first time she was given the task of commanding her own team and perhaps it was this reason that she felt a little uncomfortable with leading the trainees. This mission likely had the least amount of danger as opposed to the last operations as big as this, losing the trainees didn't seem possible if their primary targets were nothing but ordinary renegades.

Looking at Ayla and the rest of the team entrusted to her, it reminded her of the first time she had seen brutal action as a team during the awakened being hunts. Their first huge mission she thought... and without thinking she muttered out loud "Cute." Her thoughts were interupted by Lina shortly after Sisteena had said out loud Cute in front of Ayla without realizing.

"I'm number 41, Lina. I have a couple of questions concerning this mission. Considering we can't kill human, will it be possible to take weapon other then claymores? I'd like to take my daggers with me, they are less likely to bring immediate death over enemies, and are easier to control. Also, could you please give us an advise as to which weapon you find the most appropriate here?"

Lina came off as a more decisive type of warrior than the quiet Ayla who said very little as far as introduction went. Considering we can't kill humans... yes that was correct and any penalty would result having to deal with No.7 Arngrim... After carefully thinking about the best conclusion Sisteena explained the situation and her opinions to answer Lina's questions.

"You've guessed correct 41, weapons and different guises will be issued to us shortly. While its more suitable for us to take weapons that won't distinguish us as Claymores, I encourage the plan of using blessed weapons with the insignia of Rabona to mark us as Igros' sworn enemies. I do not mind the suggestion of using different weapon if however you feel that other weapons would be more suitable for combat." Sisteena remembered the fine swords forged and used by the royal guards she'd encountered once before. Only the sword belonged not to a royal guard but a vagabond who happened to cross swords with her all the while underestimating Sisteena based on her appearance. If memory served her correctly, the sword was light and sharp, much fragile than a claymore but definitely a lethal weapon against a human.

"As soon as we're done here we will move out and prepare ourselves in the new guises. Remember that we're acting as travelling envoys of the Rabona church, armed knights of Rabona carrying with us a fair maiden who we'll identify as a witch and a heretic. That will be my ploy and if the word gets around from the Handler's inside man within the city that we, the knights are carrying one of Igros's citizen off to Rabona for the witch burning, they will send men at arms to detain us or slay us."

It was a makeshift plan she had come up with and she hoped it would work its charms. Only thing Sisteena was unsure about was who was willing to play the role of a damsel in distress dressed in the pretty gown befitting of a princess?

"I must ask now... Who amongst you will play the role of the witch?"

-Lina-

"I must ask now... Who amongst you will play the role of the witch?"

"May I be the one? The reason for it is that leaving my claymore and armor behind won't bother my fighting style, for I prefer speed over strength, thus making my body weight less will not interfere with my fighting capabilities, but will even enhance them. Considering humans are ones we are fighting against, I doubt that the danger of being injured is that high, so armor is not that needed. Also, if I will be wearing a long dress will it be possible to hide daggers or some wooded weapon like bludgeon under it, which is actually even better for it reduces the possibility of killing anyone? Without weapon I would be completely useless once battle begins, which is hardly good.

Right. If battle begins I do not want to be just a lame goal for projectiles, which are botehr to avoid. I need attacking weapon to survive. Even normal humans might be dangerous if taken lightly. Also, this rule about not killing is a bother. How great would it be if i could.... Well, I'll wait for another chance I guess.

It also will be good if one of "knights" would carry two swords, once for herself and the other for "witch", as it may be useful should something unexpected happen."

After saying this, she started to examine Sisteena more attentively. Yes, she definitely was not mistaken. She was as strong as Lina thought, maybe even stronger. Gotta watch her carefully, it is a chance to learn something new for herself, and about higher ranks. Might be useful in future.

.:Mara:.

She eyed Lina levelly, picking her mind apart with her eyes and assessing the plan from every angle. It was not her place to take command of the mission so the final word would rest with Sisteena herself but that didn't mean that Mara was not allowed to have opinions, though typically she did not express any. Nevertheless, this would be a difficult objective and she needed to ensure that the thinking of both her captain and her comrade were sound.

"Perhaps she's not as human as I thought, or perhaps not yet fully developed as a warrior, if she is so dismissive of them as an enemy. When a course is chosen, one should bend their utmost effort towards achieving it."

But no one heard any of this mental discussion and Mara turned her attention back to the task at hand. Lina was suggesting that one of the other warriors carry the sword of the decoy, once again demonstrating the initiative that had so impressed her during the one mission that they had undertaken together. It was an important factor to consider in any such plan.

"Leave that to me. Anyway, I agree that using our own swords would probably not be the best idea though perhaps it would be best to keep them somewhere close. I have a feeling we'll need their strength before this journey ends."

Ayla

She was not paying too much attention at hand, more interested in watching the others around and contemplating the feel of the air. Despite the good mood she was in, should could feel the underlying tension. 'Things are so much more different then I... expected...' She thought to herself. Even though she didn't really know what to expect to begin with.

She was broken out of her thoughts when she heard, "Cute". Or at least thats what she thought she just heard her captain say.

Ayla was about to ask about that, before one of the other team members introduced themself, Lina. Followed by the other, Mara. It seemed it was down to business.

Ayla looked at the captain, having something to say herself, "Crippling humans is fine right? As long as we don't kill them. If that is so, I'd like a Flanged Mace, 2 Long Daggers and a bottle of a paralysis type coating to place on the weapons."

Ayla pauses a moment to think about what she would say next. She looks over to Mara and back at the captain, "Also, I do not plan to stake my life on these weapons being as durable as our claymore, so I am with Mara on keeping our Claymores close by. The person who assigned the teams, mentioned that we are to lead the guards to a designated are. We can leave our Claymores hidden there, if we plan to go with that."

"And finally my other question, will we be wearing heavy armor as Rabonian knights or is there lighter Rabonian gear available, like leather armor?"

Finished with her questions, she unconsciously took another sip from her hip flask.

OOC: Basically a poison coating for edged weapons, but non-fatal and causes temporary paralysis....

My my the young ladies certainly had alot of questions for her.

"May I be the one?" Lina volunteered to the task. Sisteena took a good look at Lina, examining her body and simple features. But then again what need was there for Claymores to look good? They were afterall more attractive to human men than most average human women. So Lina would be the witch or in the Clergy's case a damsel in distress. Only thing that did surprise her even if little was the fact that the girls were much behaved than the lot she had worked with as a trainee before. Considering whenever there gathered 2 or more of her kinds there would be fiery acid spat at from different angles throughout the mission. Not even a single squabble over who gets to wear a pretty dress? She wondered.

"Without weapon I would be completely useless once battle begins, which is hardly good."

In response she replied "41 Lina, if you've noticed your role in the decoy mission you would know well that being the hostage you are likely to be 'saved' than to be killed on sight." It was difficult enough to find knives suitable to do sufficient damage to a well armored guard without having to kill them or cause fatalities, unfortunate but true the Organization never really paid much attention to what appealed to human women... Fashion. Sisteena if given the power would have slapped her superiors for being such a tasteless old fools. "The 'Dress' you'll be wearing won't be able to hide anything solid under the hems. As such you are to play the role of a good hostage until you are within close range to a soldier of the Clergy to steal and make use of their weapons if need be."

Soon enough one by one others of the different sections began to leave towards their destination so the leader of the Decoy team stood up and began to motion her troops to follow. "Our swords will be hidden inside the caravan. More will be explained the moment we get to our destination. This decoy mission must not reveal who we are, nor are we allowed to kill of a single enemy according to Agatha, not that I expect any of you to forget our testaments. "

Turning a quick corner she and the rest of the rookies approached a steep cliff. It was unheard of that a Claymore died while jumping down from one but it was a common occassion for those who had little experiences dealing with the wilds. Namely the trainees who had no ranks as of yet. Looking back at her team she answered the last question posed to her before preceeding with the jump. "Our attire are likely to be loose fitting robes or shawls Rabonian knights wear over their suit of arms during their prolonged travels." She knew for a fact that two of her members were infact ranked warriors which left Ayla the unranked one to be questioned... A jump this high may have killed trainees from the past but time was running short before they were needed in their designated area and a longer route was often than not an option with all things considered.

"We are going to jump down this cliff to save us time. Anyone who wants to back down can take another route towards the destination but bear in mind that we're running short on time. So all things considered, I'll see you ladies at the bottom."

She jumped

OOC: lack of time, lecture will start soon so gtg will be back to add more. Sorry guyz ^^;;

-Lina-

"41 Lina, if you've noticed your role in the decoy mission you would know well that being the hostage you are likely to be 'saved' than to be killed on sight. The 'Dress' you'll be wearing won't be able to hide anything solid under the hems. As such you are to play the role of a good hostage until you are within close range to a soldier of the Clergy to steal and make use of their weapons if need be."

"Ouch, thats not nice. Seems like orders in Organization are no better then in my hometown. Its bad to kill humans, but its OK to steal from them... And I thought that I've closed my criminal record the moment they took me in..." The whole situation was so funny to Lina it would have made her laugh out loud in normal situation, but because she had already entered the "emotions restricted" mode she only let herself smile. "I wonder how much those swords cost in black market. If I manage to steal a good one it may make me some cash." Well, and then at least some use will be made of this mission. Look like Sisteena has really great foresight, if she was able to think of this plan. If everything goes well, all of them will be able to gather a great deal of expensive swords. Although there is no way they'd be able to spend money anyways... Pffft, right when she rised her hopes, reality came and crushed them away. Buuu.

While Lina was having her inner monologue, the team approached the cliff. From here, a great view was being opened - river and the city could have been seen clearly if not rain, that created a wall of water, masking almost every detail of scenery. Lina has almost regretted the fact that it was raining. Well, for at least 5 seconds she thought that she'd love to have a clear view on this place, for it seemed as if it should be beautiful. What ended her regret was Sisteena's speech.

"We are going to jump down this cliff to save us time. Anyone who wants to back down can take another route towards the destination but bear in mind that we're running short on time. So all things considered, I'll see you ladies at the bottom."

And she jumped. Not bad. Hopefully, there is no big puddle right under the cliff, because if there is , they'll become quite dirty...

Thinking that, Lina followed her commander. Air, full of rain, was so nice....

EDIT: Grammar.

.:Mara:.

First Sisteena, then Lina disappeared from view as they leaped over the edge of the cliff towards their destination below. The rain was hammering down on Mara's head and causing more than a little irritation for her now - she would have been grateful to get out of it or at least have something to cover her head. Nevermind, no sense in being unhappy about that now. It would be the day that yoma weren't hungry, however, before she was outpaced by the other warriors and turned to face her remaining teammate.

"Please", she said in a voice without condescension or malice, or much of any other emotion really, "try not to get left behind."

With that, she vaulted over the cliff and was gone.

Ayla

Following the group before her, she realized that she was weaker and slower compared to any of them. Why did they choose her of all the others, a trainee for this mission? She didn't have any special abilities that could be used, did she? There were others she knew, who recieved special training, who would be of better use here.

Her thoughts were interrupted when they turned a corner, Sisteena just then addressed her last question. Then she indicated that they would be going down a cliff. She felt that something was left unsaid, for what reason, she did not know.

They did not stay long, Sisteena and Lina quickly jumped off the cliff, one after the other.

Mara lingered a moment only to say with what Ayla could only decipher as contempt, "Please, try not to get left behind." Before she jumped off the cliff after Sisteena and Lina. That was what the captain left unsaid...

Ayla decided then and there that she did not like Mara. Her previous elated mood, quickly washed away with the rain. Only to be replaced by determination and a distate for her comrades.
She'll show them that she can keep up with them, despite what they think of her.

She looked down the cliff and took a deep breath. Exhaling, she followed the others in jumping off the cliff.

.:Sisteena:.

So all of them were competent enough to follow her at this speeds. Her eyes shifted from side to side seeing Mara and Lina travelling on either side of her. Ayla wasn't far behind either trailing Mara closely and showing that despite her still being a trainee yet to be ranked there was enough training built into her. Sisteena wanted to ask the two closest to her, how many awakened beings have they came across up to now if they had encountered one. One can say in her experience that a Claymore was only considered a true warrior only after they've survived an encounter with the creatures they were built to slay. A faulty goods of their creators, a senpai and a ex warrior who defected from the ranks. Voracious Eaters that was the official name given to the outsiders while Claymores recognized the creatures as Awakened Beings. Their slender forms darted into rockface below, all landing softly crouched before being able to stand again as if nothing had fazed them much like in the manner of cats.

"Now that we're far away from our superiors..." she paused trying to sense for any yoki close to them other than their's. Sensing no response from her radius she proceeded. "I want to tell you all to be cautious. The mission seems like a simple man hunt and while it looks like a easy mission, I'm sure you've noticed there are quite a number involved only to behead two deserters." The rookies may have heard or perhaps they were still too new to have noticed. No.7 Arngrim was the man the organization hired to kill off deserters and the likes yet they've heard nothing of him nor seen him lift a pebble with those great hands usually glued to the giant of a weapon. Whichever way she looked about this mission the signs were there, the very same signs that brought memories of the last big mission. Decoys.. thats right that was their team's callsign yet piecing the subtle signs she couldn't help but get the feeling they were aligned to run into yet another trouble much like last time. "A wise saying, to catch fish you have to use bait. Be weary of the mission ahead of us."

.:Mara:.

She paused to take in Sisteena's warning and slowly thought it through. It did appear to be a rather large gathering of warriors for two simple fugitives but she had already judged from the earlier meeting that this would be no simple task. One did not simply order a third of the Organisation's warriors away from their assigned areas for the purpose of tracking down two renegades. In fact, it was Mara's experience that renegades were often the most dangerous ones with nothing to lose and were often far more than what they seemed. Memories surfaced unbidden of her final test to be accepted into the Organisation's ranks and the horrors that she had to endure along with all those of her class. To this day she considered it to be her greatest failure and although she had long since proved herself worthy of her rank, she hated having to think about the things she had to do to survive in that situation. Unspeakable, hateful things. She would hunt him down and punish him in time.

Mara's normally expressionless face cracked slightly and revealed a mind full of anger and hatred, and yet there was something even deeper for those who tried to look. A hint of terrible malevolence at the mention of the word "deserters". Yet, as soon as it had appeared it was gone and the blank, empty facade returned once more. Those who saw might think it was a figment of their imagination. She hated the feeling of failure that filled her whenever she thought of those memories and clamped down even harder on her emotions - they were nothing but a weakness that reminded her of a time when she did not understand.

After the instant it took her to regain her composure she replied, "It doesn't really matter does it? Without the bait, the fish will never reveal itself. Anyway regardless of how strong these traitors are our mission is clear. We will find them and kill them."

"...and no taking them alive this time. No, this time I will have my revenge."

-Lina-

"Right, just as I thought. Now it is being confirmed. She is experienced warrior, so the information received from her is most likely trustworthy." This is more to this mission then her superiors told her. Probably. No, wrong word. Most likely. Yeah, this is better. She was sure, simple logic and analysis of the situation told her that, now her captain said the same. And considering it is always better to wait for the worst case scenario to happen, it was safe to say that situation is hardly good. Rather, it may even be close to horrible. "Well, hopefully the main mass of problems will hit other teams. It's hard to expect humans to come up with something extremely dangerous for Organizations' warriors, especially considering that they won't have much time to prepare those special weapons."

Rain became lighter. Its drops were not hitting Lina's head as hard as before, and when the difference has become significant, she has finally noticed it. She wondered, if they'll be able to begin the battle before sun appears and starts harassing them with its' annoying light, extracting powers and stamina out of them, as if it was on humans side. Well, usually it's taking Yoma's side. Or is it just because Lina was the one fighting against monsters? Well, it didn't matter now. Hopefully, temperature won't rise to high, or else it will become a real problem, for stamina was a crucial factor in the long fight. And the upcoming battle was bound to be long.

"Wait, I'm surely missing something. Something important..." - this annoying feeling, it always comes in such times, when you are sure that you know the answer and yet can't remember it right away....so irritating. Oh, here it is! - "Thats right, nobody told us the status that those renegades have in the city. It may be that citizens do not know who they are and renegades are simply hiding there like scared stray dogs... Or... Could it be that they have negotiated with City Council and were allowed to stay there for a payment... which would be...mmm.... Right, what if Council hired them as guards from Yoma? Yes, it can be it. Thats a win-win situation - Council gets anti-Yoma defense and will not encounter any problem in this field in future and renegades gain protection from organization - we are not allowed in the city after all. If this is true, the guards have surely prepared something special against us. And out infiltrations will not be a complete surprise to them."

This seemed real, to real.... Yet, this was just pure logic, with no real proves to back it up with. Meaning, it should be taken into account when planning.... But, it doesn't hurt to be careful. Extremely careful. Like never before. It is better to be alive and paranoid then dead, right?

"Now that we're far away from our superiors..."

What a strange phrase.... Is sounds as if number 10 does not trust her superiors. No, it is not seems. It is for sure. And this too should be taken into account. Not that Lina didn't assume this long ago. But now her thoughts have got a prove, and this was astonishing. The world around her was still as hellish as always. Nothing change, ever. Same with this city, and it's warriors. No reason to take them lightly anymore, huh? The worst things are to be awaited. For sure.

"Thank you commander, I'll be sure to take this into account.

Lina smiled. Of course. In any conditions, surviving comes first. Right?

Ayla

She did not really know what this mission was about in the first place, having missed much of the explanation by what looked to be the one leading this expedition. 'Deserters? They must be strong.' She naivly thought, just before Sisteena added, "A wise saying, to catch fish you have to use bait. Be weary of the mission ahead of us."

She understood what her captain meant and she didn't like the very idea of being expendable bait one bit. Especially being the weakest one. Probably out of all the others here for all she knew. Just a trainee. Infact, she was the most ordinary one out of the group of trainees she trained with. She had no special skills or abilities like the others, nor did she excel at anything. Just average.
What was the hip flask given to her for? Good-bye? Ayla, already making her 2nd decision on this mission, decided that she is going to accidently burn her trainer the next time she sees him.

Bringing herself back to the mission at hand, she gave a grunt, to show that she understood and was not happy with the arrangements.

.:Sisteena:.


The rookies didn't seem surprised by the cold facts of being used as mere cannon fodder soldiers unlike her who had to experience through a living nightmare of a mission before realizing the world was not as kind as she had hoped. Unnaturally calm they were although she thought she caught a glimpse of malice from the girls and if so it was brought under control just as quick as it surfaced. Their destination was not far and upon reaching it, she assumed she'd need to wait a little while longer for the supplies to reach by caravan and even longer for her messenger to instruct them of their next move. Many of the high ranking warriors took up the habit of being able to read one's strength through reading the yoki but Sisteena preferred a cruder method to determine one's strength. A mental note went through her mind... that this was a good opportunity to find out her team's strengths and weaknesses.

"We have some time before we need to move out." Sisteena drew her sword and held it loftly in one hand without much of an effort you would normally expect from holding such weight... at least for a human anyway. Even so, it was almost as if she held it with ungoliant strength in turn allowing her to wield it as one would wield a knife.

Suppressed yoki dispersed into her awakened right arm but not to the extent that it will awaken it fully like she had in many previous encounters with danger. Over the year she had brought it under control to the extent it does not exceed that limit yet produce a formiddable strength. "I would like to see each of you at full strength against me as the opponent." And with that said she brandished the evil sword towards her squad bearing no malice or showing emotion on her cold icy stare.

"Come..."

-Lina-

As much as Lina was not surprise by the previous statement of Sisteena, the last one amazed her greatly. And she thought she was aware of everything, ready for any turn the fate could make.... Yet, her life once again took of the main, comfortable road and was running into deep repugnant forest like crazy.

"Eeee...what?! Isn't it a covert operation? Aren't we supposed to NOT show our Yoki off, to hide it, to creep in the shadows? Now what is that? We are being asked to release from 30 to 50 percent of our Yoki... Isn't it obvious that we'll get found out in three seconds after that? Considering she has just said that those renegades are stronger then we expect them to be, is it likely that they'll notice us? I just can't understand her logic. Maybe.... does she want to make us fear her, acknowledge her superiority? I've seen plenty of people like that, its not rare, regardless of social status. But she doesn't seem like this type. Hopefully, she really wants to test our strength here, because if there are other motives... " Other motives then a simply test of strength would be foolish. And fighting under the command of someone like thet woud be way too dangerous.

Lina was shocked for good 10 seconds. By the old habit this time was maximum allowed to her to not pay attention to reality. Allowed by herself. Now, time to follow orders. No matter how weird they seem. Lina took out her sword, holding it with both hands. If she wants to fight at full power she'll need strength of both hands, this was her movement will be faster. It is heavier then daggers, but also way more destructive. Not that her goal now was to kill anyone. Thats just that.... well, she was ordered to fight with all she got. Meaning, at killing state.

The plan became real in her mind almost instantly, as something natural. And it really was, for its' whole structure perfectly fitted Lina's personality. She turned her head to Mara, smiling.



" Will you please attack first? I will follow you shortly afterwards." About Mara she was confident. Lina has already seen her in action, making logical and wise decisions. Lina was sure - Mara will understand her plan without need for more words. After saying that, Lina prepared to run at 20% release right after Mara engages.

OOC: Basically, the plan is for Mara to attack Sisteenas sword side and once commander blocks it, Lina attacks her left side, which should be opened then. Thus Mara's attack should be done the way for Sisteens left side to be oped for a bit after that. Since Sisteena will block Lina's attack too, hopefully not easily, Zangi should instantly attack whatever part of body will be opened then. If you do not agree please say so in Lounge.

.:Mara:.

"Where...where is all that yoki coming from? Her arm... Just what is the power of our captain? What number does she hold?"

"It doesn't matter. Regardless I won't fail."

Mara returned Sisteena's stare with one that was similar and yet different. Sisteena appeared to all like she had the situation under control and was ready to direct it to her will - the kind of calm and reassurance that comes from being strong. Her emotions would give her strength but at the same time she kept control and acted the part of the fearless leader well. In Mara's case, it was like staring into a void, lifeless and empty. Instead of being fearless, it was the absence of fear that characterised Mara's expressions - she had severed the link to her emotions for battle and her focus narrowed to the single path between Sisteena and herself. She only vaguely heard Lina's words and they sounded like they were coming from the surface of a deep, cold lake while she was underwater. If the captain wanted to test her ability to hunt down and slay the traitors then she was more than happy to prove her worth.

No, not happiness, rather its echo in her current state, something she would later struggle to recall. Almost unbidden, the yoki began to flow to her entire body until her eyes began to burn with gold cutting through even the driving rain. Her face began to distort into the features of a nightmare as her yoki climbed from 10 to 30%. As if it were someone else in control of her body, the sword was drawn from its sheathe, a motion that she didn't even think about yet it happened.

In a hollow voice she stated, "Let's begin"

Mara opened the fight with a short dash forward to close the distance between her and Sisteena, her body automatically snapping sideways, right leg in front, to lengthen her reach and present less of a frontal target to her opponent. Her claymore briefly recoiled in her hand, then spat forward as a high thrust towards Sisteena's right arm.

-Lina-

"Great." She was not mistaken. Mara had attacked that right arm, that was radiating brute force and extreme danger. Good, hopefully at least for a couple of seconds that will keep her occupied.

The analysis was based on assumptions and a bit of experience, but Lina was sure in her conclusions. That right arm...it has changed shape. Aside from it, a huge amount of Yoki was obviously out in it. So much it almost exploded with Yoki. Meaning, it takes a lot of power to control it. Thus, her left side is now opened. Even a bit. A very tiny bit. But it is still opened, and this is a site for an attack. If not a grave one - HA, she never expected Sisteena to create an opening available for a grave attack - but a very serious one. And after that it will be Ayla's turn. Hopefully, a trainee won't fall behind.

Right after Mara has engaged, Lina started her attack. Increasing Yoki release to 30% percent, she focused it in her legs, rushing towards left side of Sisteena rising her blade simultaneously. The second she reached the distance perfect for attacking, her Yoki was thrown in hands, and rised to maximum level. Releasing 50% of her Yoki, Lina dashed with forward, attempting to attack the left shoulder of Sisteena with a vertical slash. "I wonder, just how good her self-control is. How good her left arm is with that huge sword."

EDIT: Added minor details.

Ayla

Something wasn't right, Ayla could sense it from Sisteena, being so close. Her right arm to be exact, she could not tell why.

"I would like to see each of you at full strength against me as the opponent." It did not look like Sisteena was going to go easy. As Sisteena brandished her sword before them with a cold icy stare, Ayla took a step back, recoiling from the apparent power and mastery of the #10 warrior.

Ayla stole a glance toward Lina and Mara, to see how they were doing compared to her. She saw the calm exchange between them, as they quickly prepared for battle. An exchange which Ayla was not a part of since she did not know what was unsaid between the two.

Mara was the first to make her move, with Lina close behind. Ayla was dismayed with herself, here she was mesmorized by Sisteena's power, while the other two were already fighting. Bringing herself back, she unsheathes her claymore and released her yoki to what she believed was her half way mark. When in reality, she releases only 30% of her yoki.

Unsure of what to do, at this point but not devoid of basic team tactics, Ayla takes a defensive stance, circling around to Sisteena's right side, watching for something, anything that can be done.

3 against 1. Already she could see that both Mara and Lina worked well as a combination duo bearing witness to what was happening right before her very eyes. A pincer attack, one aimed at her weaker arm while the other tried to hold her down with and attack towards her powerful right arm. The simple tactic was enough to prove the two had sufficient combat experience dealing with average yoma. Whilst she knew nothing about the powers of the ones they were ordered to dispatch if the ranks of the deserters prior to their departure was of any indication, this tactic may work fine since by then as their commander she would play a part in the flank too. Mara and Lina's face distorted as their power rose with 30% of yoki released into their limbs changing the color of their eyes from silver light shade into a primal gold much like the yomas they were designed to hunt.

Mara was the first one to attack, approaching Sisteena and closing the gap with speed. Her attack had little to no flaws and executed well much to Sisteena's pleasure. She only hoped that this feat would manage to hold down the deserter's swords if only for brief seconds before the next wave of attack clashed with them. It was hard to tell, she just never had the chance to work with the deserters hence she couldn't conclude if it was a useful strategy or not. Regardless it was worthy of a praise not only because Lina thought ahead knowing how Mara would make her attack to coordinate her own but because the two warriors showed no indication of fear even whilst crossing swords with their superior. 'Good' she thought. 'They'll hold their own against the enemies regardless of their powers.'

Unlike her subordinates, although it was apparent that she was releasing a large amount of yoki, the rest of her body remained almost at a none release state. Only the right arm possessed a frightening amount of yoki almost seemingly that it may break free from Sisteena's control and awaken anytime soon. Without hesitation, Sisteena darted towards Mara with her sword shifted from her left hand to her overcharged right hand ready to cut the edges of Mara's claymore with her own sword. A sudden burst of yoki discharged from the center of Sisteena and into the right arm bringing the arm very close to awakening for seemingly a split second to produce a sudden gush of incredible strength. 2 indestructable steel sang a high pitch cry extending half way up the cliff they fell from as Sisteena's sword clashed with Mara's. And in that exact moment she released that sudden outburst of power into her right arm while tilting the angle of her blade resulting with pushing Mara back towards the direction Sisteena sensed Lina was coming from. A sudden shift in Mara's center of gravity shocked her away from Sisteena's form now quickly trying to take defensive stance in order to greet Lina's sword.

Pushing Mara's body in the general direction Lina was approaching from had it's merits since she was few seconds delayed giving her commander the time necessary to either swat Lina's sword off coarse with the swing of her Claymore or greeting the charge with a kick in the stomach.

Lina's sword came down harder than she expected, only then realizing her subordinate was using close to 50% of her release which far exceeded what was recommended for rookies. Sisteena was slightly taken aback that despite them being rookies she was not expecting Lina to have such a refined control of yoki as it shifted from her legs and into her hands bringing the blade down. At best the sword swung down heavily and Sisteena just managed to clash her sword to stop the blade from sinking into her left arm. She was beginning to build up the strength again before throwing Lina to one side by slamming her sword into a arc.

.:Mara:.

The impact was not entirely unexpected - but Mara had no idea that her captain's demonic right arm was capable of such feats of strength, she had been thrown away from the melee as if she were nothing. Pivoting in midair, she tried to land with some measure of balance but it was very difficult with her center of gravity completely off. As it was, Mara managed not to land in a completely awkward position. In the split second it took her to gather her bearings as she was pushed back she saw Lina making her move to attack. Sisteena had left herself exposed but was still able to bring her sword about and parry the other's maneuver and no advantage would have been gained. With the energy they were expending, they could not afford simple draws.

As she executed the next phase of the attack she remembered the third one, the trainee warrior, and that she was going to follow through as soon as there was an opening. Hopefully in the chaos of her attack Mara would get a chance to do something.

Mara hit the ground rolling, intentionally speeding her fall so that she would be able to get around and behind Sisteena, attacking her from a blind spot. It was her preferred method of attack, to use her speed to outflank the enemy and further compound the advantages of positioning and terrain in her favour. Even if she could not launch an attack of her own the very fact that a warrior had a target moving around in their blind spot was a liability that few could afford, whether they were human, yoma, or warriors of the Organisation.

However even with 30% of her yoki being released, Mara had sorely underestimated Sisteena's abilities and would certainly have to match or even exceed the 50% that Lina was currently using. It would not do, from a tactical standpoint, to do things only half-heartedly. She came out of the roll running and increased the flow of yoki around her body to what she thought was about 50%. As fast as Mara could manage, she swung her sword in a horizontal arc towards Sisteena's midsection. She kept low to the ground, fully expecting her opponent to jump or attempt some sort of dodge from which a counterattack could be launched. Even now, in the heart of the beast's power, her defensive instincts still kicked in.

-Lina-

"Good news, very good in fact. She's as strong as expected, this monstrous amount of Yoki in her right hand did not lie, but her skill surpasses my predictions by far. I didn't think she'd be able to push Mara back just like that." And now Lina was the one about to be pushed back. Whats worser, the danger of being attacked in the abdomen by Sisteena's right had was present - Lina sensed the flaw of Yoki coming to her left hand, so it was obvious what happens next - Lina's blade will receive a strong push and will be sent flying in the skies in worst case, exposing her whole body. And this is where right arm comes and crushes her stomach. As obvious as it was, this scenario hardly satisfied Lina, so she decided to change it a bit. Her Yoki was once again sent in her feet, preparing for the jump. The second Sisteena pushes Lina's sword back with her power will be the second Lina jump back, trying to avoid being strike into abdomen. And this is when....

"No, she should come a bit earlier. The ideal time to attack should be the moment Sisteena concentrates on me and attacks my sword. In this second should Ayla strike. Hopefully, she does realize that. Hopefully, she is ready for that, because if not...." If she is late by 2-3 seconds Sisteena will be ready to defend, no opening will be there. Such a skillful warrior will not stay all opened for a long time. This is why the timing of attack is critical.

There was no time to think anymore, and Lina have fully concentrated on her Yoki control. Moving so much Yoki in an instant was still hard for her.

Ayla

She saw her chance in that one moment, when Sisteena began to gather her strength to throw back Lina, the opening was short, if anything, the captain would be hard-pressed to repel the next attack from either of the other two.

Her yoki still at 30%, she dashed forward. Estimating that Lina would be thrown toward the captain's left, she adjusted herself so that should would come at Sisteena from a right arc. At the moment Lina is thrown, she unconsciously boosts her yoki to 40%, increasing her speed. Ayla's intended attack, an upward diagonal slash from the right to left at Sisteena.

EDIT: Changed horizontal to diagonal... >.>

.:Sisteena:.

If she had noticed Lina's build up of yoki flooding down into her legs, she paid no mind and allowed her to believe she took no notice of it. Sisteena's strength blasted into full motion a brandished arc to throw either only Lina's sword away from her clutches or both well away from Sisteena's range. The timing was crucial for Lina and slight miscalculation of her jump proved to bring fatal consequences. Unlike foreplanned, her jump came only after a fraction of a second into Sisteena's motion of hr sword, knocking away Lina's claymore instead of them both having to face the same punishing blow. The escape was executed nontheless if not slightly bent away from her intended coarse only problem was she now had no weapons to fight with, lest she dared to pass Sisteena to try and pluck her sword out from the boulder it had imbedded it's lengthy blade into. As far as she concerned herself with the others, Lina in Sisteena's point of view was out of the picture for the time being.

Ayla came just at the right time, while Sisteena had been distracted with the other two. It was a perfect time for her to show the other two that she was no mere trainee, setting herself in a full dash towards Sisteena with her form aligned perfectly for a diagonal slash. Little was known and expected of the unranked trainee and neither Mara or Lina had come so close as Ayla in harming Sisteena yet. All was perfect and given the situation, the attack was set in motion ready to connect hard edge claymore wth the soft creamy skin of Sisteena's right arm. Only thing Sisteena questioned Ayla mentally wasn't how the assualt was performed but the very target she decided to approach. The same target both Mara and Lina took notice of and tried in vainly to avoid yet this trainee jumped right towards the fire, with her sword already in motion and ready to hack away the demonic arm that held the evil sword. Was she fighting blindly? Had she not noticed that an attack from Sisteena's right side was naught but in vain? Sisteena gave no mercy to her subordinate as she came closer and closer at frighteningly fast speed and at the same time a large emition of yoki was well noted by Sisteena who naturally assumed Mara was already back on her feet ready to charge her from behind. Both of these warriors had failed to acknowledge the fundamentals of a sneak attack would prove less potent as far as the attack was made to the heavily defended area. Least in Mara's case she did noticed where not to attack, but failed miserably to notice that a sneak attack was no longer a sneak attack if the one assaulting was emitting high levels of yoki, instantly broadcasting to Sisteena where she was.

Ayla was the first to reach Sisteena and though her blade flashed before her eyes and turned a full swing in a clean arc, the blade drank no blood if at all. Instead there was yet another loud clash of steel ringing at Ayla's ears much like the sound Sisteena's claymore had made upon contact with Mara's own earlier. The tight grip on Lina's claymore began to feel the recoil travelling from the blade and into her arms. Her eyes immediately fixed themselves onto a monstrous armored claw materialized already in its full manifestation replacing Sisteena's human looking right arm.

She'd changed the grip from her right to her left hand as she pumped wild untamed yoki into her right arm only to have the arm turn berserk inside within the flesh. It took almost a blink of an eye before the arm had been raised up, meeting Ayla's slash as it had materialized near impenetrable armored arm growing in size even as Ayla had completed her assault in that one fell swoop. It left a fine line tracing the attack no deeper than nail's length.

Ayla felt a bind tightening their grips around her chest and waist, before having the time to react, her body was draped in Sisteena's abominal claw, unable to break free from the evil clutches right until she was released from her bind by Sisteena when she suddenly turned around to face Mara speeding towards her with a large amount of yoki flowing from her being. Without a moment's hesitation Ayla's body was thrown from her capture with a immense force despite Sisteena's efforts to tone down the power to 1/4th of her full strength. Mara wasn't too far away from Sisteena and Sisteena very much doubted Mara developed skills to change motion from a full charge. At the rate she was travelling, it was harder for her to avoid a object travelling at almost the similar speed as Mara when thrown with very good accuracy. The two warriors greeted each other promptly as the two clashed back the way Mara came, tumbling and rolling to a halt. Unharmed with only mininal scratches here and there much to Sisteena's relief. It would have been very inconvenient if she had managed to effectively remove her subordinates out of commission so early in the mission.

"While it was commendable efforts I have both praises and criticism for you all to improve on."

.:Mara:.

She was quick but not nearly quick enough. Not to mention Sisteena had been able to detect the release of her yoki as she moved in for the attack, and she had mistakenly assumed that she would have amassed enough force to bypass any defense that could be mounted against her. No...it was more like she hadn't expected her opponent to mount any sort of credible defense. Once again she had underestimated who she was fighting and once again she had paid for it. The attack itself was full of contradictions - what was a sneak attack if it could not hurt the enemy or wasn't fast enough to exploit a flat-footed target? At the same time how could one achieve such speed without compromising the offensive power of the attack? Short of improving her ability to fight without the use of yoki, Mara could find no answer and that was probably for the best.

Still she never took her eyes off her captain, staying crouched on the ground like a hunting animal, even as she let the flow of yoki throughout her body subside.

-Lina-

Lina smiled. Not bad, considering incomparable difference in ranks. "I wonder what did she expect, releasing this monstrous form of arm against us. There is no way we could appear this strong." The second phase if battle proved Sisteena even stronger then Lina have though after the first part of it, making the future look brighter then it was before this test. After all with such a reliable commander they might be able to survive should something unexpectable happen.

Lina's failure to control Yoki as planned did neither surprise, nor upset her. She was fully aware of this weakness, so the only mistake here was making a wrong decision. Although were was the right one? Lina could not tell.

Her sword look lonely, sticking out of the rock like some grotesque, unnatural tree. Lina decided to erase its' loneliness and with this purpose walked towards the rock.

Ayla

She had no clue what the captain's right arm could do. Despite the fact that it radiated strange yoki, Ayla believed it could be cut off like any other regular limb.
Instead, something unexpected happened. The captain had stopped her attack, with something. Emitting a loud clash as if her claymore had just hit another, but, it was not. Ayla looked dumbfounded at the offending object, which had materialized before her, having fully replaced Sisteena's right arm.

Instinct told her that whatever this was, it was dangerous, but before she could do anything else, to even react, the arm, had her in it's grip. Struggle as she might, she could not escape its clutches. Waves of the strange yoki washed over her, its sinister self restrained, but calling out for her death. Blind panic began to sieze control of her. Acting upon her panic, she was about to attack the arm, when suddenly she was thrown.

The sheer force of the throw took her by complete surprise. Unable to adjust herself in time, she hit the ground rolling. Finally stopping as she hits a tree with an Oomph.

Claymore still in hand, she quickly got up and looked at Sisteena with wary eyes, a sheen of sweat can be seen on her. What was that?! The question shouted back and forth in her mind.

The battle was already over, but, still unnerved by the experience, she cautiously made her way back to the captain, holding her claymore before her.

OOC: I guess you blocked with the arm...

.:Sisteena:.

After carefully analyzing the events up until now Sisteena smiled at her subordinates because despite the big differences none of them performed below average, each warriors had adequate skills and powers suited for the hunt with minimum errors which could be easily mended as far as she knew how. Although the effects had been short, the trio somewhat managed to lead the battle to the point Sisteena had relied on the power of her awakened right arm. A sight which was rather rare to see since she usually dealt with Awakened Beings without the use of her own malicious powers. Each time she summoned the power of awakening she took note of how little by little the arm became accustomed to the rapid changes almost as if it openly accepted the yoma and rejected the humanity. Truth be told at this stage of her growth, awakening her right arm was infinitely easier than trying to override the temptation. Lest she forget it took a lot of strain each time she reverted the arm back to its original form. A complete opposite of her former self who had to try very hard to draw out the power but rather the same efforts we put into place in order to seal away the awakenend arm.

The once grotesque abomination slowly shrunk away as if to withdraw into her soft flesh seeming like nothing had happened on her right arm. Only when the arm had completely returned to the original flesh and blood much identical to Sisteena's left arm could she afford to sigh in relief for yet another transformation and revertion. It would be an understatement to say that the transformation took alot out of her, it was afterall a evil technique that relied on what they were told to forbid themselves away from. A double edged sword, a devil's contract that granted her unparalleled strength and thick hide much like the stronger class of awakened beings but in return the temptation was strong in her. The very temptation that will one day be her undoing demise warranting her with a firing squad.

Soft drizzle of rain washed away her thoughts as she basked in the cool rain shower with her eyes softly closed. None of her subordinates talked but approached her with caution. She turned to Mara and quickly scanned over her body to scope out any fatal injuries she might have inflicted on the girl. It was Mara who attempted the attack first and she took note of Mara's initiative among the three girls. Possible leader in the making she thought. "You did well to get behind me, but releasing so much yoki is bound to get you noticed easily even if your target does not excell at yoki reading. I can see you've made commendable efforts with the pincer attack later followed by a sneak attack. A sneak attack is best approached by trying to hide away as much as your yoki, only to release the intended amount of yoki into the adequate limbs just before you make contact with the target with the sword. A simple sneak attack has many different level of difficulty if you think about it like that."

"In other words, you just need more practice." She grinned at Mara noticing the girl had no real fatal injuries she can observe immediately.

Sisteena looked around to search for the next numbered warrior to give her advices only to notice that Lina had already walked off towards her sword in the stone. So instead she approached Ayla and patted her back, removing the grains of hard earth and bark off her back and stared at the unranked trainnee...

-Lina-

Now it was happy. Like a simple-minded dog who is rejoiced because his master came home, it looked as if is would bark and jump aiming to lick its' owners nose, cheeks and even forehead. But Lina would hardly appreciate this now. She didn't not want her face to be covered in bruises, for the only way of licking others the sword has was with it's edge. "I'll just let is lick human later, or maybe some one else should they appear. And keep myself away from this pleasure."

She has taken her sword off the stone and approached Sisteena, who has finished her dialog with Mara and was about to talk with Ayla. None of the two looked injured; at Sisteena Lina didn't even put her attentive glance on - she could not expect her to be injured in a fight like this.

Lina stopped near Mara, waiting for commander to talk to her. The problem of her last move was yet to be solved, she actually was not anywhere near finding the right answer to it. Hopefully, Sisteena could give her an advise concerning this.

OOC: Hee hee....I see what you did there Riful. The reference makes me smile. ^_^

.:Mara:.

She was taken aback by Sisteena's appparent camaraderie in light of the fact that they had just been opponents, so completely at odds with her own ethos of not showing any mercy to the defeated. On the other hand, the fight was already over so perhaps one had to divorce one's "self" from the battle in order to have a measure of humanity. In that respect, perhaps Sisteena was not so different from herself, though they seemed to have chosen two different paths in life. While the captain had mastered her emotions, Mara had cut herself off completely from them during battle and she wondered now which was the better approach. She began to doubt herself. Was there a way to become stronger without truly losing sight of what it meant to be human? Was it possible to destroy yoma without sacrificing everything you thought you held dear and fighting without restraint?

Of course, she was one of the top-ranked warriors in the Organisation. That had to count for something right? The advice of her superiors was always of value in the effort to better herself. Slowly the emotional part of her psyche that was sacrificed to the whispering death began to return and she decided that perhaps her demeanour did not have to be so cold and hollow all the time. "Th...thanks..." she replied haltingly, having almost forgotten how to express gratitude at being helped, "I will definitely think of what you have said and become stronger for it", she then added mentally. She had always seen her failures as proof that she was too weak to get by without the help of others but at the same time she was a pragmatic warrior and not constrained by any notions of honour or justice. War was brutal, and the more brutal it was, the quicker it was over.

When Sisteena had turned to address the trainee (Mara still didn't know her name, oddly enough. It had never occurred to her to ask...) among them she sighed and shook her head. A slight smile appeared on her face for the first time since she had suffered that grievous wound at the hands of the yoma they called Meagre, so long ago. She certainly was a halfbreed full of contradictions. How could one live as a paradox in a clean-cut world of kill and be killed, she had no idea. As she sheathed her claymore once more upon her back and began cleaning off the mud from her armour , she had already stopped thinking about it.

Ayla

With Sisteena's arm reverted back to normal, Ayla let out a sigh of relief. She put her sword point down, but still held it in her hands as Sisteena spoke to Mara.

Then, Sisteena came up to her, patting off the debris still on her. Sisteena's touch, caused her to involuntarily shiver. Afterwards, stared at Ayla. Ayla stared back at Sisteena, more specifically her right arm. She had no clue what her captain could be thinking, as they stared at each other. After a moment or two, Ayla finally blurted out-loud. What the hell was that?!

OOC: Hmm... a little short... but will do I guess...

.:Sisteena:.

What the hell was that?! It was clear to Sisteena that her sudden transformation had shocked her youngest subordinate. Perhaps she never seen a actual awakened being before, not that she was one but she would have naturally guessed anyone experienced with Awakened Beings would immediately register that her technique resembled a awakening much like any warriors when they lose control of their powers. Perhaps a explanation was in order... afterall they were her liability for this mission.

She opened and closed her palm trying to relax the muscles still to re-adjust to her human body from the arm transmutation performed earlier. "This is my power." She said, but she knew herself that this was no regular power. It was more or less like a curse, an addiction that will one day take control of her whole body, mind and soul. An evil power which relied on the strength of the power over the forbidden boundary "It requires high level of concentration and yoki control within one's body to maintain a arm that fully awakens into the very state you would expect from a full blown awakened being." That was the end of that, she desired no more to talk about her forbidden arts to the rookies still fresh out of the academy lest they became infected with the same cursed blessing.

There was no point thinking about it anymore than necessary was there?

It wasn't long before third and last member of her team approached her for her review on what could have been improved. Plucking her sword from the boulder she strided towards Sisteena, a look of genuine curiosity reflecting on her face. Contrary to what she wished to hear there was no other explanation nor advices for it other than a good practice was in order. "A fight with no armaments against a opponent with weapons already put you at a great disadvantage. My only suggestion to you is that you could try and improve a method of unarmed combat or in earlier situation you could have tried to hinder my movements."

Rain thickened and the clouds began to look even less merciful than they had been before. She expected the time for their arrival was in her best of interest...

"Move out!"

-Lina-

The rain has almost ended, but Lina didn't mind, for it has already fulfilled its' duty, washed away all the fatigue from the test battle. None of the warrior will most likely feel any tired in the upcoming fight, none of them will be affected by those monstrously strong releases of Yoki that occurred just several minutes ago. Perfect, nothing could be better. Could it be that the effect of rain was predicted by commander way before?

Lina was still wondering whether renegades have noticed their Yoki or not, some of them released up to 50% after all, so it won't be surprising if they've discovered themselves. Whatever, this have become the problem of the other team by now anyways, the once who are searching for deserters inside the city now will have harder time finding their target, Decoy team won't meat any hindrances on their way to success, for they have to fight human soldiers anyways, regardless of situation on other fronts. The only thing worth being worried about now was accuracy and carefulness. At any cost harming humans should be avoided. Or else.

Finally, Sisteena have finished her talk with Ayla and approached Lina, who was ready to hear an advise from her superior.

"A fight with no armaments against a opponent with weapons already put you at a great disadvantage. My only suggestion to you is that you could try and improve a method of unarmed combat or in earlier situation you could have tried to hinder my movements."

"Thats what i know, thanks you. So it seems that she didn't have a solution to this problem too.... This may mean that the tactics was incorrect to begin with, or that I need more practice as she said, which is true in any case. Hopefully, it's the second one.

"Move out!" Sisteena commanded the beginning of the real mission. Now, they will have to find the carriage with their new outfits and get ready for the performance. Hopefully, the mascaraed would be successful and I'll get a chance to steal a sword. If not It'll be hard to support them without taking too much of a risk. With her mind filled with unpleasant thoughts she followed Sisteena.

Ayla

'Awakened Beings?' Ayla thought, ready to ask another question. But, it looked like Sisteena did not want to say anymore on it, already walking away. Leaving the rest of it for her to puzzle out.

'What did she mean by Awakened Beings?' Ayla wondered as she tried to piece information together. She then recalled, it was the fate left for everyone to fully convert into a youma and lose their humanity. Going over one's limit, makes that day come faster. A fate every one of her kind does not want. It is a mercy to kill them before they lose their humanity. 'But, that, was that truly what Claymore become? More then mere youma? Awaken--'

"Move out!" The captain said. Breaking her out of her thoughts. 'What were we doing here again?' Ayla thought, as she looked up into the sky. It was raining, harder then before. She had forgotten about it. She let it wash her down, taking a moment to savor the feeling it brought her, before she sheathed her Claymore and moved to follow.

.:Mara:.

The rain's fury was starting to abate, it lost much of the hatred it seemed to hold towards life on the ground below. She didn't like the rain but these were the things one had to expect when out in the wilderness and on a mission. She endured it with the stoicism typical of warriors, the same attitude that humans often mistook for cold-heartedness or simply being unnatural. Though her half-yoma flesh protected her from the worst effects of exposure to the elements, to say that the falling water was uncomfortable was an understatement and it was definitely affecting the overall mood, at least to her mind. The other warriors seemed to become more morose and contemplative now that the fire of the brief skirmish had died out, perhaps absorbing their captain's words or examining for themselves their own strengths and weaknesses for the trials that would certainly follow.

Even Sisteena herself looked troubled by something and Mara's attention was repeatedly drawn to that terrible right arm - she had borne witness to its transformation and though she had no idea of the true nature of that power, she had felt the wrongness of that abomination and wondered if her captain was tapping into powers best left undisturbed. Still, it was a warrior's power and if it helped her survive then there was nothing to be concerned about. Mara sighed and retreated into herself once more, feeling the seething wellspring of her yoki. Inwardly reciting the mnemonics and breathing patterns she had been taught during training she was able to quiet it to a greater degree than other warriors of her level by actively screening it from others. Her power became a flicker on the awareness of those around her as she practiced her own unique brand of concealment.

Then it came, the order to move. It seemed it was time to break camp and make their way to the agreed meeting point for their assignment. First Lina, then the trainee, began to move with Sisteena in the lead. Mara stood in the same spot for a brief moment, her eyes scanning the rocks for something she would probably never see. Then she turned and brought up the rear, walking at that same slow pace.

OOC: Extremely sorry for the wait, Riful has been busy and couldn't post. So I'll be moving Decoy Team along in a 3rd party capacity.

[Signal]

The Decoy team stood alert, the rain was clearing up and mere droplets tapped them on the head. To the west of the team, a pillar of smoke could be seen coming from the town. It was time for the Decoy Team to start their mission...

OOC:.........

Well, OK.

-Lina-

The rain was almost gone. Lina was disappointed by this fact a bit, for rain was one of the few things in this world she as always loved. Her dream of completing this mission under the wall of water was now crushed, only a pleasant memory was left. There was an option of drag soldiers into the water and making them fight there, but this would lead to Lina not being able to use the advantage of speed to its full potential, so she dismissed this possibility.

The smoke. The pillar of smoke. It appeared on the west, changing the whole situation completely, including Lina's thinking process. Not all unrelated things were being thrown away, only one remained untouched. They have to hurry. It will take some time to change clothes, to get to the city gates and to start the fight. It will take some time, but there is no reason tot think that they do have this time at all. Recon team was the one determining when to begin the action, thus all of others had to synchronize with their pace. Meaning once they have requested assistance its' delivery couldn't be delayed. And yet, Sisteena's team was not ready to engage immediately.

Actually, Lina could care less about this whole mission, renegades, Holy City and whatever. What bothered her was 5th strong Yoki, the one inferior only to Strike teams leader's; and the only one which wasn't included in any of teams. Which meant one and only thing - he was here to punish those who fail. And Lina didn't want to be included in this list of his.

Now that factor of time worked against them, Lina decided to rush forward to the cart, not waiting for Sisteena's order. This decision was an obvious one to make, thus Lina expected commander to do so anyways. Waiting for order was just loosing more time then necessary. Even if a tiny bit.

The wet air smelled nicely, small pools which she was running through spilled the water all over her, and Lina's mood improved even more then it did because of rain. Maybe this mission will bring some kind of fun. Even if a sadistic kind of it. She could run like that for hours and not get tired, but the road ended very soon, for they have reached the cart where their belongings were hidden.

Finding the witches clothes didn't take much time, dressing up was finished soon as well. Now, only one question remained.

"Where do i hide my sword, commander?"

.:Mara:.

The rain had stopped, for the most part. Not only that, there was a pillar of smoke rising from the western sky, the signal to move that the warriors had been waiting for. Their mission was to draw out the city's defense forces so that they could confront the two traitors on their own terms. Mara felt no shame at not being included in the Strike team, being the decoy had its own kind of peculiar honour, because without them the opportunity would never present itself. Of course she harboured doubts that her skills were being wasted on mere humans, even if they were soldiers of considerable ability in the art of combat, but she was a soldier herself and a soldier always obeyed her commander. Only when she was a commander herself would she have any say in what missions she could undertake and even then, she still reported to the Organisation in the end. It was they who had the final word.

Now they had commanded her to draw out the forces of the Holy City Fara and she would bend all of her abilities to the task at hand. Making her way to the hidden staging point along with the other warriors in the Decoy team, she moved to procure one of the uniforms worn by the knights of the Holy City Rabona, a rival sect known to be hostile to the followers of St. Fara. In addition she inspected the cart for a cache of blessed weapons or at least convincing imitations. It would be unwise to carry her claymore as its unique heraldry would mark her out as a yoma halfbreed and the plan would fail. Unsheathing the blade, she looked up and down her cherished weapon, a simple two-hander with no adornment save the symbol that identified her among those that the humans called Claymores. She then prepared to discard it in favour of a less conspicuous "blessed" weapon.

Ayla

The rain quickly died down as soon as it began. It seems the skies wanted to dump what rain it had left over, in favor of moving on to another place.
Soon after, Ayla saw smoke in the sky, over the city of St. Fara. A fire. The others had noticed it also, the pace the group moved at was quickened. Was that supposed to be a signal?

Finally arriving at the cart, she looked over the gear provided to them. She picked out some Rabonian chainmail and some cloth to go under it. Ayla stripped herself right there, flinging the armor and clothes indiscriminately into the cart and dressed herself up.
Afterwards, she walked in a circle, moving her limbs around to test her flexibility and to see how much of a hindrance it would be. Satisfied, Ayla picked up what looked, in her eyes to be the fanciest Rabonian cloak out of the selection. "May as well trounce about in style." She muttered.

Finally she picked up a Rabonian Kettle Hat and a face guard to cover her face and make it harder for anyone to really see her eyes. As she was about to put the mask on a random thought occurred to her, 'Like playing dress-up isn't it? Like back then...'
Memories she had locked away rushed into her mind. Memories she did not want to remember, to acknowledge. Something she could never go back to.
Her movement froze in place as her body began to tremble, barely hidden under the Rabonian cloak.

After a few moments, she finally placed the mask on. Taking a step forward, she stumbles, stopping herself on the cart. Straighting herself she reaches out, grabbing a Sword Breaker and a Flanged Mace.

Stowing both weapons on her person. She walks deeper into the woods by herself. "Call... when ready..." She whispered in a strained voice, barely audible to human ears.

OOC: Hmm... as per Ayla's bio... past memories bring about instability...
I figured at least the flanged mace is available... if not the Sword Breaker... type weapons..

[Mission Start]

With the Decoy Team ready and waiting to go, the rookies anxiously awaited the time when they could start causing havoc. Sisteena decided to let the rookies themselves decide the best place to hide their claymores, somewhere hidden but close to where they were fighting in case they need it. Once their weapons were hidden and they were ready, Sisteena requested that her team begin the operation. Lina to enter the town first, followed by the rest of them who would charge in loudly to apprehend her, declaring her a witch to be burned by Rabona's holy flame. The goal was to provoke as much of a response as possible.

-Lina-

She felt extremely light. Firstly she felt as if she was naked, but soon enough this feeling passed away, for she got used to her new dress. It has been so long since she's weared anything beside her armor, changing clothes now was nice and refreshing, even if she felt kind of uncomfortable without extra protection that armor offered. "Well, this is a pretty little price to pay for such a joy. Although the time of real payment is yet to come. Not much time will pass, and I'll be bound to pay the full price for it. And I'll do everything to make is as low as possible."

It was pretty hard, to erase a smile of the face, for she had to look troubled. No, not troubled. Desperate. She had to look like a woman who is trying to escape an unavoidable death, and knows that she has no chance. And yet tries. Just like Lina for the last 17 years.

She ran. The dress was not designed to take part in a race in it, but Lina changed it's shape a bit so no problems were encountered now. And no will arise later, for now it was perfectly suited for battle. She ran, not fast, for it would be unnatural for a woman to run fast, but her pace was enough to not prolong the act for too long. At some distance beside her she could hear her enemies. Their screams were pretty loud and felt kinda nostalgic, for some of the words Mara was shouting reminded Lina of her home town. Mainly it's port. So, she has passed the forest area and entered the field, only town gates were before her now. There was still some distance to cross, not much though. Guardians of the gate could probably see her now. So, it's time to begin the major act.

"Help me, HELP!!!!! The filthy heretics are after me, the follower of Igros church. The want to burn me for refusing to accept their heresy! Help me. please!"

Shouting in this manner, Lina ran towards the gate. A couple more seconds and she would reach it. A huge hood was covering her head, creating a shadow that prevented the guards from noticing her eyes color. In case they would want to check them Lina prepared to pretend to be blind with her eyes closed forever.

.:Mara:.

She set off in half-hearted pursuit of Lina who had volunteered to be the "witch" for the purposes of this mission. Mara had exchanged the traditional armour of the Organisation for a simple set of chainmail, almost identical to the one that her comrade was wearing. The cloak that she had chosen seemed to hang about her like a robe, giving her the appearance of some ancient warrior-monk, a more sinister and terrifying figure of holy power than the other "knights" who stood with her. She could even be an inquisitor of some sort, such was the pall that was cast over her features, and if she could draw attention to herself with this fact, then so much the better. It might make them fight harder to slay her. Though she held no illusions about who was in command, it might help their cause if the enemy believed she was the commander, thus disguising their true intentions even further, beneath layers and layers of lies.

Drawing a rather ornate-looking longsword from its sheath at her side, Mara held it in a vertical salute, slowly adjusting to the lighter, unfamiliar weight of the weapon, before thrusting it skyward in challenge. Her vocal chords shattered and reformed, mimicking a more masculine voice though she could never fully disguise her true gender without extensive preparation.

"REPENT, FOR TODAY YOU DIE!"