The Outbreak (Event/Phoebe) (Read 761 times)

[HAVEN BLISS]

Zombies, creatures of the undead that had nothing but a sheer craving for human brains, or at least so the stories told by a campfire late at night went. Haven herself had never been overly fond of these types of stories. What use was a small story to put someone on edge when you could show them the true horrors in the world? Why bother doing with words what you can do with actions after all?

An outbreak had been reported recently, an outbreak of something a little different than the normal magics that Haven had become accustomed with. Someone was most probably playing around with some form of Life or Death magic to create such creates as Zombies, but would they actually know the cause? But whatever it was, it had been reported that there had been a few sightings on Galuna Island, the very Island that was below the Airship at this moment in time. It was known as the Island of Demons, so Zombies showing up? Yeah, she supposed it wasn't out of the question to find other things that came from the supernatural.

So now, here she was, at the docks of the island, awaiting her partner for this mission that she had been given. It was to find out the source of what was going on, well at least to explore and examine situations. It was merely because Grimoire Hearts looked out for it's own, who cared if they found the reason or the cure. As long as it helped them stay alive then all was well, the world could pay them for the cure if they wanted to, or they could rot in hell. Haven did not care, all she cared about was staying alive. Hopefully her partner would help her with that situation. Her partner was most probably not from Grimoire Hearts though, so this meeting could be interesting, or it could be a complete nightmare, not including the trivial Zombies of course.

[April Penn]

SAY MY NAME AND EVERY COLOR ILLUMINATES

Galuna Island, perfect for demon hunting! No one would suspect that she hunted down evil creatures with a bubbly personality like she had, unchanged by her sudden interest, but that was before her hammock had been destroyed by a band of roving zombies.

They had been taking over certain parts of towns and wilderness, anywhere were humans populated, and where there were humans, something was infecting them. SHe had no idea of what caused the initial outbreak; it could be experimentation, power hungry mages, a loose pet for all she knew. It wasn't natural for any dead thing to walk, so she had been doing what she could to combat the creatures at her level.

How did they like getting speared by her vines?

She had taken a boat to the island, leaving behind her most precious Bunji, but he had to hold to fort of his guild and she knew she wouldn't be welcomed there if she were to stay in Magnolia. Maybe if she found a way to end the plague, then his guild would accept her, or at least allow her to steal Bunji away from that awful place.

When she arrived, she spotted a dark haired woman waiting around on the edge of the docks. She was the only passenger on the boat ride - she had bribed the ferryman with tales of money and her bouncy chest only helped seal the deal. She scurried off the boat and landed with a grin on the docks. The woman was there all alone and she seemed to be contemplating, so boldly April took a few steps towards her and smiled.

" I've heard the weather reports call for more zombies. How troublesome...Are you after them too?" She asked, leaning forward with interest plain on her face.

HIBOU of BACK TO NEVERLAND

[HAVEN BLISS]

Oh my, and just who was this?

A woman had come up towards her, not even looking like she had just been decapitating zombies and the like all around her. But the stench of death and an aura of decay was surrounding this girl. It was clear that it wasn't emanating from her, so Haven just assumed that it was from the chaos that was coming from down the way. But still, who was this girl who was now before her?

By her outfit, it definitely seemed as if she wasn't ashamed of her body, and Haven could definitely see the reasons why. She too had a rather ample bosom, much like Haven, although it was a lot more scantily clad around that area. She had no class, no elegance like Haven did. Sure Haven used her bosoms to get her own way, what woman wouldn't? Just she had the subtlety of her dress whilst her partners seemed like they were about to burst out of their stringed compartments at any moment.

Before she could reply though, a snake made of pure darkness would wrap itself around Havens wrist, and with a quick and fluid motion, it would strike, dead centre towards Aprils head, until the very last minute where it would swerve to the side and grapple around the head of a zombie that had crept up behind her.

"It seems the Hunter became the Hunted hehe..."

The zombie would write for a moment or two, but with a quick flick of her wrist, the Zombie would be thrown to the side, enough for him to topple over at least. The spell wasn't overly strong, but for something that put up no resistance it was good enough.

"As you were saying my dear?"

A slight tone of playful mocking would come through her words, how would this other woman react to everything? It was a game, or maybe a test even. Haven just wanted to see what this woman was capable of.

[April Penn]

SAY MY NAME AND EVERY COLOR ILLUMINATES

Her expression seemed to go on a brief haitus as the woman lifted her hand. A dark aura reflected off her skin and a black mist formed upon her arm as if she were to strike. So she was a darkness mage? She had never met one of those before - the half demon she met on her journey used a minor form of such magic, but his real talents laid in alchemy. Her eyes widened as a brief flash of fear erupted on her face, an 'oh shit what did I do' moment before she jerked her head to the side, completely unaware that a zombie had managed to creep up behind her and begin to stir.

The manifestation on Haven's hand erupted forward, snapping with a serpentine hiss as it struck something beside her and she whirled around, hand flashing to her ponytail to retrieve the two pens nestled inside. Her hair, free from the restrain, fell, cascading a river of red down her back and shoulders. Now she understood why that woman had attacked - it was to protect her from the zombie attack! "Thanks for that!" She huffed with a smile.

It might have been true to say that April knew very little about elegance - she hadn't time to learn all that girly stuff when she was growing up, certainly not enough time to practice mannerisms and dress according to her gender, tastefully. But no way in hell would she wear a dress either! Both pens flashed in her hand, creating a long katana like sword from thin air, where it came to life and dropped into her hand. Pocketing them, she swung the sword aimed right at the zombie's head, where it contacted with the flesh right above its brow and promptly crumpled.

She let out a sigh of relief before turning back towards the woman, either ignorant or ignoring the tone in her voice. She wouldn't be bullied here. "Just two thousand more to go!" She uttered jokingly. "Name's April."

HIBOU of BACK TO NEVERLAND

[HAVEN BLISS]

As the zombie would be flipped this way and that, the red headed woman would unsheathe her weapon of choice. Unimpressively, two pencils. Wait, did she just say pencils? Why on earth would she be using something as mundane and useless and pencils, unless of course she was about to write poetry to stop them and we all know how well that would turn out. This woman obviously seemed to not have any experience in terms of not only grace and elegance, but also battle and common sense.

Although what ended up happening was something Haven didn't quite expect, and perhaps even change the mind of the black mistress of the night, but then again she should have guessed there was something odd about a woman who produced two pencils in a battle. She drew something in to creation. Literally drew something into physical manifestation. She was an ink mage of sorts was she? A drawing mage perhaps? Or at least her pencils were quite magical at the very least. It was something Haven had never seen before, but it piqued her curiosity nonetheless. Although she wouldn't admit that.

"Your blades edge seemed a little...crooked...but who could expect more from an amature I suppose?"

Yes of course there was to be a mocking tone to Havens voice, there always was when it concerned other beautiful women around her. She was the dominant one and wanted to make sure she stayed that way, it was a pride thing after all, even if April cared or not.

"Regardless I believe you may be here to assist me in my quest? There has been a recent break out of this, undead epidemic here. We have been tasked to find where it is coming from and why. Are you in?"

Her speech now over, the snake back in to the darkness from whence it came, all she needed was a response from the red haired maiden and the two could proceed.

[April Penn]

SAY MY NAME AND EVERY COLOR ILLUMINATES

Brain matter fell upon the ground, splattering where they had fallen. The red head bounced onto her feet, swinging around at the comment of the taller dark haired female. She was smug, nothing like April, but then again, few women were like her - she was a unique in such ways, a free spirit, unbound by vice or virtue. Even these zombies were only a bad storm, sure to breeze over with time and effort from yours truly and those willing to help her.

Haven was indeed a sour individual, but April wouldn't let her attitude get the best of her. "Oh? And I suppose you could do better?" Twirling the pens in her hand, she put one of them back inside her hair, behind her ear while the other wielded both the sword and the pen. "Now if you're done with your "pleasantries" let get going!" She huffed with an easy smile. It would take more than that to burst her bubble.

" Name's April, by the way. Just in case you need me." Giggling, she swung her katana. Obviously this woman had a poor eye of judgement. Speedy or not, her blade was proficient and beautiful. Their were pockets of zombies all around them, and each one needed to be dealt with, and the people of this island quarantined into safety while hunters dealt with the problem.

HIBOU of BACK TO NEVERLAND

[HAVEN BLISS]

"Oh my dear child, I have a better use of my time than stencils..."

She was starting to grate on her nerves a little, it was true. Then again it really didn't take an awful lot to get on Havens nerves, especially if you were a perky little fiery redheaded maiden who was trying to outshine her. It just simply wouldn't do, but she could deal with it for now, after all she would need a meat shield now and then, and someone who could cripple a zombie like she could might become useful. More so alive than zombie chow.

At least for now anyway.

She laughed slightly at what the woman spoke of, 'pleasantries' and all that, it almost sounded like she knew Haven too well already and wasn't about to let her get to her. She was tougher than she seemed, but it didn't stop Haven's loathing of this woman to begin. Just what was it about this young girl that made her think that she was any better than Haven herself? She really had to learn her place, but not know, no, she needed her alive after all.

It was time to deal with this problem though, but they were tasked with attempting to find the source of the problem? This might be easier said than done. They had no idea what they were looking for and as far as Haven could tell, she couldn't feel any magic coming from these zombies, so just what was happening here?

As the two would start to move, Haven would attempt to bring up her usual style of conversation.

"So, any bright ideas where to start? Surely someone of your....style...must have some inkling?"

So far they hadn't come across anything, but that did not by any means mean that nothing was out there.

[April Penn]

SAY MY NAME AND EVERY COLOR ILLUMINATES

The red head of the short, adorable woman tilt in a questioning direction. "Inkling, you mean...like, a familiar? Yeah, yeah, I do! Better stand back. Hmph, stenciling? Surely she jested, stenciling was a mockery art form, dictating laziness and talentless efforts. April was an artist, for god sake, and this woman was only pushing more and more buttons. If she was wise and wanted her help she'd keep her somehow degrading attitude to herself lest she be forced to draw a muzzle on the woman. That would keep her at a manageable level.

But instead of allowing it to show on her face, she grasped the pen tightly in her hand, before beginning to sculpt a lifeform in front of her, give it a brief moment of life where it could aide them in helping them find and dispatch zombies around them. She mildly wondered if this woman had some sort of familiar too, something made of darkness she could summon. Judging by the type of woman she seemed to be, she didn't seem to do work by herself. Wrinkling her nose in mild distaste, she allowed her hand to flow, her speed increasing as more detail was added. Once she was done her magic settled within the shape encompassing the fierce shape, and the lion stirred.

A satisfied grin widened along her face as the creature shook out his pelt, and gave a snarl, lip curling back to reveal large canines before turning towards April and allowing the length of his body to rub up against the red head. Her hand lowered towards his head, patting him affectionately. "How about you, you got familiars made of darkness, or something?"

HIBOU of BACK TO NEVERLAND

[HAVEN BLISS]

A familial? It was something that she herself had thought of from time to time, but she had her ways and her reasons, of course she had thought this through and her her own little critters she could call upon. One of which this young lady had just seen. It was just Haven wasn't a big flashy woman, well, not all the time anyway. She much prefered doing things the old fashioned way, as well as holding on to her grace and poise. Oh yes she had her ways, but her ways were shrouded in darkness, things to strike with when people were least expecting. She worked best in the shadows of the night, just where people couldn't see you, or her.

Haven could tell that this woman wasn't going to let Havens words upset her, pity that. It just meant this trip was going to get a fair bit more boring from here on out. Oh yes there would still be action, Haven would still act her usual ways, but knowing this young woman wasn't about to let Haven get to her, well in a way that let all the fun out of it. Perhaps she could work harder? Then again if she annoyed her too much, this young lady might just leave Haven to fend for herself. This would simply not do, oh no no no. If anything, Haven was going to leave her behind, for the zombies and creatures of the night to feast upon.

"My my, my dear, aren't we one to show ourselves off...plus that kitten of yours isn't too bad is he?"

She would say it in a cutesy tone, as if she was talking to a small kitten, but of course she would stay her distance. She wouldn't want her to sick that drawn animal on her, not when there were zombies clear out for their flesh. It would serve much better as a meat shield, or an ink shield so to speak, than to attack Haven herself.

"And I can make many things my dear, it just so happens I prefer to be a bit more...subtle..."

She would slowly stroke the snake made of darkness on her hand, but before long she would raise it up slightly, allowing the shadows to reform back into what they once were, also allowing them passage back from whence they came. She did love her little snakey, but he would be back, along with the others...

So, with the pleasantries fully out of the way, what was next for these two women? Would a zombie pop out at them at any time? Would someone be crying for help? Or would there be a demon crying because it was now a zombie calling for help? Anything was possible on this island, after all, it was a bit strange.

[April Penn]

SAY MY NAME AND EVERY COLOR ILLUMINATES

The lion was rather childish itself, if not extremely protective of its mistress. It would paw at the debris floating around in the streets and growl in a ock purr towards the red haired girl in an attempt to catch her eye. He batted away a single zombie with a heavy paw, claws slashing through the shallow rotted exterior to get to the brittle bone beneath. It gave a roar, shaking its mane before trotting back towards the women.

It eyed the dark haired one with suspicion before inclining his massive head over his shoulder to stare down the opposition that was slowly closing in. There had to be at least 30, all shambling forward on unsteady legs and parted maws eager to taste human flesh. Berry followed its stare and grasped a fist before bringing it down excitedly. "Awesome, look at all of them! Just be careful not to get bit!" She warned as turned from the woman and upon the closest group of zombies, five.

The feline arched it back before springing forward, its inky black pelt would recoil at the touch of the dead, but their bites would have no effect. They almost seemed disinterested in fighting it, their instincts informing them it wasn't entirely real. They shambled as best as they could under the attack of the lion.

April, meanwhile, turned her attention towards two zombies making ground. Her pen flashed between her hands, before her detailed etching of twin beanstalks lashed into the fabric of reality, tearing through their skulls.


[zombies killed: 3/30

HIBOU of BACK TO NEVERLAND

[HAVEN BLISS]

So, she had no retaught after all then. It seemed as if her last comment had no effect on this girl as she either shrugged it off, ignored it completely or just wasn't paying attention to the small quips that Haven was giving out. No fair, how could Haven hope to get any fun out of this if she wasn't going to cooperate with her? What an annoyingly, hard headed woman. It also seemed as if her drawn animal of choice was the same way as well. Plus a bit on the childish side, which this woman also seemed to be. Honestly, just what was going on here. Haven didn't really know which was worse, having to be around this woman or having to deal with a zombie threat?

Then again, one was a creature bent on destroying her body, whilst the other was bent on destroying her mind. She rather liked her body though, so Haven, for now, would side with April being the better of two evils.

As she watched the woman and creature rip into zombies in turn, it actually stirred something up in Haven. This woman wanted to show she was better than Haven, didn't she now? Oh no, that simply wouldn't do. She was three zombies up on her and a woman such as Haven could not let this go. Oh no. It would be her to take down most of these fowl beings, not this other woman.

"Not bad, not bad. Now, lets give this a try..."

She had been working on a new spell for a while now, it only seemed appropriate that she unveil it in this little game they had, even if it wasn't even a game.

"Black Edge..."

The shadows would once again twist and turn themselves, shaping themselves with Havens will. This time in the form of three blades, each one the size of a normal sword, but each one dripping with darkness and malice. As she would move towards the fray, the blades would lash out, this way and that, taking down zombie after zombie. Unfortunately it was still a new spell so it was a little hard to control, so most of the zombies she struck didn't overly stay down long. But she didn't mind. She was perfectly happy hacking away at their bodies. Legs, arms, torsos and a head or three would fly through the air until the zombies would stop moving. Although using all three at once like this was possibly not the best idea, she had to control it lest it get the better of her.

Regaining her composure after a little bit, she would retract one of the blades towards her hand. Now only having to control two blades would be easier than the third, plus if any of these godforsaken creatures got too close, she could easily slice it's head in twain.

"Now the party really begins..."

[April Penn]

SAY MY NAME AND EVERY COLOR ILLUMINATES

The stalks would recoil, winding around a particularly hellbent zombie as it tried to latch onto April's foot. She gave a little shriek of anger before her muscles kicked into motion, sending the girl to bounce into the air before hastily stomping the creature before the vine had its way with him, squeezing through his soft cranium.

She heaved a sigh, signalling to Leo to swing back around and keep close to her so they could have each others back. The cat gave an ear shattering roar, which did little to impede the undead, but riled a whoop from the girl as well as she lunged forward with a vine in tow, knocking one off its feet.

Leo, in turn, leaped across to Berry and promptly fell upon it, tearing it to shreds with his sharp claws and persistent predatory instinct. Straightening she threw her large ponytail behind her shoulders with a sigh, chest heaving. "Phew, good job, Leo. Say hi to the guys for me." She instructed playfully before the lion leaned back on its large haunches and peacefully faded away back into the imaginary recess of April's mind.

Her turned her head just in time to see the dark haired woman dispatch a shadow array of blades to her disposal as they hacked through undead bodies. She gave a smile. "Not bad yourself! But I daresay it lacks a certain creativity..." With a grin, another vine swung low, knocking over three zombies - easily targets for the woman swinging around shadow blades.

[zombies killed: 9/30

HIBOU of BACK TO NEVERLAND

[HAVEN BLISS]

This little woman seemed to be completely shrugging off her insults now! Honestly, where was the sport in this if she wasn't going to participate? She was a complete spoilsport and no fun at all. At least she knew how to fight though, that was something to give her marks on, right? Well, at this moment Haven didn't care, she was in a world of her own and she didn't really intend on playing nice with anyone, especially a red headed brat with an overly large bust with overly small clothing.

But for now, she was playing the good part of a little soldier/meat shield. She was already taking out a fair few of the zombie menace, leaving Haven to play with stragglers and such. She could completely deal with this set up, after all the less work for her wall the better. Less work, but still all of the glory, that was Haven's way. Well, it was one of her many ways but this one was most fortuitous for Haven, as she wouldn't have to do alot to still reign in the rewards afterwards.

Even as April would send those three zombies Havens way, they had already been mostly dealt with by either April herself or her inked up kitten. A quick snicker snack of her blades would cleanly slice off their heads from their respective necks. She really did hate fighting up close and dirty, but if she could do anything to show off to this April, then of course any given chance was taken.

"So...do you do this often?"

Why not put up a small spot of chat? She spoke as if this was nothing to her, which in truth it was. Although it did feel nice to be able to spread her wings, so to speak, and destroy all of civilization. Even if it was only a small zombie civilization.

[April Penn]

SAY MY NAME AND EVERY COLOR ILLUMINATES

Dealing with zombies was like swatting overgrown flies, and April had just about enough of these pests plaguing earthland. Their efforts would only be so much, but at least they could dwindle down their numbers until they could find a way to destroy the source of the outbreak.

Small steps first, plus steps that would avoid the monsters where they walked, shambling through the streets like they owned the place. Luckily the island wasn't a highly populated area and had been contained by the demon populations there, but it didn't solve the problem. And now they were here to deal with the strays.

The woman's vines bent forward to catch the two who had tripped, knocking their heads together before they burst. Then, the stalks barely broke loose from their momentum, and wriggled back towards their mistress, one falling prey to a zombie's bite before it melted back into the ground.

April turned back towards Haven with a smile. "No, not often, but it seems kinda fun. It's not everyday that I hunt zombies, or do much of anything really. I prefer lounging around on my hammock or traveling around Earthland, but this? Not, not often."

It was true, and now she had more freedom. She wanted to change her seditary lifestyle once more - going out and seeing new place. That what living was all about.

[13/30]

HIBOU of BACK TO NEVERLAND

[HAVEN BLISS]

Fun? Smashing in the heads of the undead seemed like fun to this woman? Well, in all honesty there was a certain satisfaction to crushing their puny skulls. It was satisfying as she watched the helpless zombies writhing all other the place, clambering over one another to try and take a bite out of their bodies. There was no way she was going to allow one of these, these creatures to partake in her flesh, oh that was simply out of the question. Instead, she would be taking an unhealthy chunk out of them, as that way she could make sure she would prolong her life, as well as cutting down the threat that they posed to her and her kind.

But what now? Where were they coming from? What was creating these things? For that matter, where were all the demons who supposedly lived on this island? The Grimoire Hearts ship was above this island for now, but she hadn't once seen a villager, but she did rarely come down to the island in the first place. Still, she was surprised to be seeing only human zombies here, perhaps the demons couldn't get infected? Or perhaps they were fending them off as well, using their demon abilities and such? Who knew, but for now they had a bunch of zombies to deal with, and deal with them they shall.

No sooner had she said that, did another two attack her head on. They weren't interested in her thrashing blades or the threat they posed, oh no, they knew where the flesh was and they wanted it. Luckily for Haven, she did know where her blades were, pointing directly through their skulls, slicing them apart with each strike. Still, more were coming and soon they were going to be overrun if they weren't careful.

"Where are they all coming from?!"

Snicker snack went her blade, felling another two zombies that lunged at her, but the distance between her and them was starting to close. She didn't know how April was faring, plus little did she care, but she wasn't about to start fighting these things on her own. If it came to that, she was only going to high tail it out of there, back to the safety of the ship. Still, so many zombies in such an underpopulated place. What was happening in the world?