It seemed this would be the perfect time for Vlad to contemplate on his past; of what took him this far in his life, and what brought him this close to his goals; while he would have loved to share this with those around him, people like Marceline, he doubted it would be worth the time. Not many shared his exact views and even those who did were often those he wished to not associate with; while they had the correct cause for arms, they were often people of a detestable demeanor; they were not the type that one could simply talk to; they were radicals that committed heinous crimes that did very little to further the cause, and often diminished the goals he had; it was with their actions that his goal would seem to be tainted, impure; something that only the most sick of people could wish for; this often saddened Vlad. Why must the incompetent interfere with his plans? Why would they not allow him to simply go about what he wanted, dealing with the problems as they came; if he could do this, then it would be the simplest of goals in the world. Alas, the goal he has is now too corrupted; the others already destroyed the reputation of the goal. Well, it was what it was.
What was his goal? It seemed people often overlooked the goal of those that society had deemed to be evil, nefarious, degenerated. It was such a tragedy; some goals, which held a generally good idea, was thrown asunder; the people seemed to believe the ends did not justify the means? Why was that? Would it not be okay to eliminate a city to stop a tyrannical dictator who would go on to commit genocide? Was it not okay to sacrifice the lives of the few for those of many? Who had the authority to decide one way or the other? This was something that Vlad often ignored; he could not say he had the authority; no man had the authority to decide on the lives of others, though this was the exact statement he disagreed with; it was an odd process; he found himself discovering things he simply did not agree with. Life was odd like that; he was looking for an answer that would further guide him in his struggles to gain the support of a select few for this endeavor, however, he never found the answers he sought. He was beginning to question his goal and whether it was worth all the trouble it has put him through; perhaps he should simply continue on with his life as it is, and simply accept if his goal was achieved. No, he would never do that! It was a boring way to live, it held no real reason; simply doing whatever, whenever to whoever was not his goal; he wanted to achieve something. What was it that lead him to this goal? Why would he be pushed to sustain this goal? To simply complete it? Was it due to his past?
His past, it was nothin extraordinary as some would assume; why did all "villains" have to have some sort of a background that led them to commit the heinous acts they did? Why did they always have some sort of archetype that revealed so much about them, without even speaking much of them; it was a rather boring design for a "villain," especially in this day and age. Originality is what allowed for people to make such a great living, though it seemed none were able to provide this valuable resource! How shitty.
Vlad came from a middle of the road bunch, nothing too impressive; his father was a fisherman, and his mother a seamstress; this was what allowed for their comfortable lifestyle. They were people who were neither zealous, nor delinquent. They simply did what they must to survive; it was what allowed for so many families to live in those times; well, it was a rather boring story he would not enjoy diving into; it was not their actions, or beliefs, that led Vlad down this path; it was not their vision he chased, it was his own.
His vision, his future; these were the two things the propagated him to move forward; he would not rest until he saw his dreams realized. Well, these were not the things he wished to think on at this moment in time; it was useless to simply dream on them; dreaming got you nowhere, you had to earn it. Well, it seemed the female that he had accompanied on this job was acting all high and mighty; why did they believe themselves to be so powerful? He allowed her to simply do as she pleased, talking all the shit that she could desire; words meant little to nothing in this sort of life; who cared for what they said, if they could not back it up? She was the sort to talk? Why? She was so quiet before.
Bloodlust? This was a poor excuse for bloodlust, how could this be anything on the level of bloodlust? Simply because she was attempting to drink the blood of the beast? Sure, that was a type of lust, however, when one spoke of bloodlust they often brought it to mean a frenzy; simply wishing to kill all that were in its way and dominating all sorts of life; this was a bloodlust, not, it was a frenzy. He could do this, if he so pleased he could slay the girl and beast where they stood, he knew it. With her actions, all of which were very inefficient, and use of more energy than she needed, it seemed she would be easy prey; if he was a man of no honor, of no morals, he could do as he pleased; having expended all this effort, and not slaying the monster, she would have to be entering a tired state; it was not very likely that she could do much else than that.
Why would she put in so much effort? Why was it that she chose to exert such effort? Things like this were meant to be simple, quick, no matter what sort of challenges you faced; a beast such as this? It was nothing in the face of a person who knew how to fight it; fuck, even those who did not know how to fight this beast should surely be able to slay it without much effort! He would have to depict how this was done, it seemed she was not able to handle it all on her own; sure, she would make it seem to be that she could finish it, but he doubted that. These were her actions thus far:
“Just sit back and learn~” the half demoness chuckled at her own antic there, waiting, not even making a single move until the kraken lunged once more, getting close to them, making Jiyu think it was time to begin combat! Before he could truly strike at them again the creature shrieked and retreated slightly, it’s body shaking as it stared at Jiyu, a sadistic smile coming to her mouth at it’s new found fear of her. Anyone who saw her like this? Was going to hate her for it anyways, Vlad already hated her as she was opposite to him in affiliation, so there was no reason to hold back in front of him! The opinion of this man truly did not matter to her, and she felt excited at the prospect of going further than normal in front of someone, especially since any damages could just be blamed on the dark mage later, no one would believe his word over hers!“Hehehe.” Jiyu had things she had to do before she really got to fighting through, covering her elfin ears until they popped into fluffy flat ones, lowering a hand to hover above her tail, flicking it as the wind surrounded the appendage. Lastly? She placed her hands together as if praying, her heels clicking causing from her finger/toe tips to the bends of her elbows/knees to become dog paws and legs, completing the transformation she could currently manage, making her grin happily, fangs bared and tail wagging. She laughed at the misery she’d put this beast into as she grabbed an arrow from her quiver, kissing it and watching her blood run down the blade, firing it swiftly afterwards, causing an explosion to consume the kraken. Her opponent? Roared in pain and she laughed at it straight out, the only one who could see her take pleasure in this was Vlad, and she felt ecstasy putting on such a show for someone. For the moment her arrow was out, she needed short breaks between ingraining them with her magic, so she took to using her power directly now, lifting her hand with this creepy grin covering her lips “Suffer fishy.” her tail never stopped wagging, swaying to and fro, tickling her own legs. Jiyu watched her wind blades erupt from the air, making straight for the only opponent she had on the field, unless Vlad suddenly moved to attack her or get in the way. Honestly, he might just be in shock from the fact a hard working rising star who had promise, could go and behave so crazy, with such a lust for blood. “Oh yeah, any blood it sheds is mine~” if she could get to it reasonably of course, most of this creature's life essence would be claimed by the water, but she’d be sure to get own fair share of it in as well! Considering the beast had been cut, some of it’s blood was on the deck, her hand running through the substance and bringing it up to her lips for a taste. Jiyu did not have enough care back yet to worry over what she was doing as her tongue eagerly lapped at everything taken to her hand, bringing this heated flush to her face, making her feel as if she was blushing due to the mere taste of blood. If she was? It was understandable this time, she hadn’t had any in some time, since she had been careful on what she did, to avoid anyone seeing her like this, anyone else hating her. “Tornado Ball.” her finger pointed out and she flicked it forward, sending this mini sort of folded in tornado at the kraken, watching once more until he lunged again. Actually? He didn’t lunge he spit water at them. “YOU PERVERTED FISH!” she seem enraged, as now you could clearly see the outside of her shapely form through the soaked fabric of her gown, not that it had left much to imagine to begin with, but now it was multiple times worse. Somehow she had to get back at the squid before she let Vlad have his turn, but she had to wait for her next arrow, just a little while longer. That time was confused when she started panting, gripping the side of the boat when she noticed the water actually did damage, hurt her, teeth grinding in anger. “Take this fuck head!” she drew and prepared her next arrow, firing it swiftly and watching as it struck the water, hopping it would work, and luckily it narrowly did due to a rock not far beneath the surface, tornado’s erupting, thought they turned into water sports due to being over the water. Suddenly she seemed to grow bored of the enemy or something.
These were the things he had observed thus far, it seemed she was way too inefficient, just as he had thought. Her motions seemed to be missing something, but what was it? It was something that he had often believed was even missing from this very world; it was something so simple, but yet something that could not be faked easily; elegance. Elegance was something that could only be obtained after many years of training, and not many had decided it to be something worthy of such commitment; these people were idiots, they were unable to understand its importance. This, however, does not mean she was an idiot, perhaps she had just never known this? Well, ignorance was bliss, and who did not enjoy living a simple life? Well, Vlad was one person. It seemed that leading a simple life was overly boring; nothing new would ever occur, and it would become monotonous very quickly; he would not be able to do it for the entirety of his life. Well, this is why he was not living such a life; it would have led him to suicide.
Alas, it seemed that this was not all that he had found incorrect with her movements; she merely went for blood, for some indication of damage; it was not always the wisest of decisions, these things could lead a beast into a fit of rage, causing shit to get out of hand very quickly. Having let out a slight sigh, it seemed he was too little to late to do anything; sure, he knew this already, but it was not something that should be ignored; when attacking such a large beast, especially a kraken, it was not the best idea to be very showy; it simply blinded the attacker in their own pride and ego. This leads to clumsy mistakes that may lead to the death of said assailant. Well, all life must end at some point!
It was as she finished up her little show, and finally walked away, that he would finish this. It seems she took too long on this little fella, and he had not wished to have to deal with this beast for too long. It was a tad bit annoying, he simply wanted to win this damned contest. Looking up the the beast it was a very slippery being; it's skin covered in something that was, definitely, not water. It was, more then likely, something that simply allowed for the beast to move at an accelerated rate underwater. Well, it did not matter; it was nothing that could stop his wrath.
Looking around the area, Vladimir simply smirked, this would be perfect. A place to showcase his new abilities, hell, he would enjoy this! Cracking his knuckles, he would simply look at the being, it took no more than this. Smirking a bit, Vladimir would simply begin to channel the souls of the damned, of the long departed, of those that could not find salvation; it was these wandering souls that he would use today, they would be he best catalyst for these spells, and the location they found themselves in gave no better choice. It was an amazing stroke of luck, really. "Damnation comes to all those who believe themselves better than another; I've accepted that I am damned, but have you?" He chuckled, looking over to the Rising Star; it seemed she had taken a back seat and would simply allow him to continue what it was he was doing. It was as he spoke that figures would rise from the water; all having different bodies, shapes, and faces the only similarity bewltween them all was the fact that they were semi-transparent; through these beings one could see the rides begin to grow in size; the ocean was crying out, pleading for the souls to return to where they had lay. However, it was too late. They broke free, being commanded by their truest of masters; Vladimir. It seemed he held total domain over these beings and saw no need to hold back with his onslaught; he would be sure to allow these souls to return to where they lay, after he was done with them.
Souls were expunged from the sea, being thrown into the air; it was as they flew upward that it became apparent that they were forming a shape; something that was very vague at first. There were holes in his outline, there were not enough souls yet, though the effects could be felt. The souls were drawing energy from the beast. It was clear that the beast was experiencing this, it was something that it could not avoid! The souls took shaoe, a dome had formed around them all; it seemed that the being was more focused on the pain it was feeling, rather than the boat. Thrashing in the water, the waves became more hostile, uninviting. Crashing against the hull of the boat, it was doubtful that many would be able to stand; vlad, however, stood; he was uneffected by this showcase. It was going to die, so why give a damn about what it did? This was the beasts finale; the crashing of the waves a serenade, lulling the beast to the cold embrace of death; it seemed that this would not be all that Vladimir would have this animal accept.
As it writhed in pain, being unable to cope with the loss of health to these souls - which would be returned to Vlad- he decided to settle the beast; it was not as though he was unable to stop it where it was! It was a simple task, something someone of his caliber would have no problem dealing with! A more nefarious smile would envelop his face as he looked over to the Rising Star; this spell targeted all that were not Vladimir. There was no differentiating between friend and foe; she would feel the entirety of the damage the beast felt, and he was overjoyed. Perhaps this would teach her the true pains of a mage, what it meant to be unable to move on; would she feel the pains of the damned souls? Those who fought so desperately to return to the world of the living? She damned well better be; these lives were often lost to those of the "legal" mages. Simply killing as they pleased, all in the name of justice; it disgusted Vlad. Well, she would probably survive this. Hell, it was not a concern of his at the moment; right now all he cared for was this beast; towering over the boat it must have known it was doomed; it wanted to kill all those who had hurt it; to drag them to Hell along with it. As though Vlad would allow this. As the creature raised its tentacle, Vlad simple chuckled; he enjoyed the view. Watching the beast fight tonsurvive, and live what measly a life it had, was something he was enjoying. Perhaps he would be able to see a bit more of this!
Swinging it's tentacle diwn, the beast was attempting to live. It fought for survival. It was doomed, in the end. Nonethless, it was a valiant attempt; if this was a human he would respect it; the average human merely begged for their life; having no fight in them, they would drop to their knees and grovel before him. It was pathetic and he disliked it; did they have so little self worth as to simply beg for their life? Why not fight to survive? Why were people so pathetic? Well, he was no longer grouped with those disgusting beings, so it was fine. He did not have to be lumped together with the weak. It was at the moment that the creature launched its attack that Vlad simply moved his hand; gesturing for the being to leave them be. It was with this motion that he would look over, yet again, to the rising star. "I have experienced many thinhs, but the most interesting has to be the way the soul will grip to what it believe could help it; help its own survival. I love seeing those chains rip up and bind people." He chuckled, turning his head back to the beast.
From the water shot a chain, much like the souls; it was semi transparent, however, it was a physical object. The manifestation of the soul was a fun thing; it took a plethora of shapes that he could use. He simply had to bend it's will. This chain would wrap around the tentacle of the beast, halting it's movement; another three chains shot from the water; it completely bonded the being in place; the chains wrapped around the body of the beast, and blind the tentacles together; it seemed the being was helpess, left to the will of Vladimir. "Well, I suppose it is time to die..." He chuckled, looking over the beast.
It was as he said this that the air around him would begin to smell of an older age; the smell of alcohol and perfume would fill the air; yes, this was what he had done. The beast, and the rising star, would both begin to be affected by this aroma; it would lure the people in, just as it had many centuries ago; luring them in, whilst killing them. It was spectacular; it was not only this! They would become more sensitive to everything, including damage. Yes, this was a beautiful three prong attack that would, surely, destroy the beast. It was over the period of a minute that one could watch as the beast attempted to escape the cold embrace of death, until it had finally decided it was not going to escape; it merely accepted it's death; with this, Vladimir would cut a piece of the krakens tentacle and begin to devour it; with this, Vladimir was able to feel the power of this beast flow through him; it was now under his control. How useful this would be!
Watching as the beast simply floated there, within reach, he chuckled; opening his pouch he would allow the soul to run over his body; it began to alter his appearance, it allowed him to continue as he had in the beginning. Looking around, he would simply smile. "I believe we have won this little challenge." It was with this that he would simply walk over to the chair which he began in. Taking a seat he would smirk.
"Well, it seems this was too easy a challenge for someone of my standing. Why expend a large amount of energy to slay a beast that has such a basic composure? It is ridiculous! Perhaps you need to reevaluate what you wish to do? Can you handle this life? Will you be able to deal with even greater monsters? I'm not entirely sure you can? Did you see the grace with which I handled this situation? It was how any amazing mage would handle this; I shall not falter in my approach to greatness! It seems you are already stumbling along your path. You innards do not match your external. Can you continue this farce? Will you survive? Why must you humans put up such a guise? Why do you not simply live and enjoy who you are, what you are? Do not answer me with anything that would deal with morality, loyalty, or even the law. These are merely constraints you lay upon yourself. Now, can you even answer me?" He chuckled, simply looking at the sky. It was a beautiful day after all.
Watching the sky he would simply sit there, allowing the boat to move as it may across the sea. Perhaps they would arrive back at the dock in a matter of minutes, perhaps hours. It was not something that he could care to control, at all. Sure, a person could simply force waves to occur and allow for a faster movement, or even control the wind to do as they command, but why? Why not simply allow for it to do as it must, allow for nature to drift them to their destination; they were done with this job, after all, and it's not as though he could not relax now. He had earned this little bit of rest.
As the boat drifted through the ocean he simply sit there, allowing his mind to wander for a while; if he were to be threatened, or attacked, in any way he would know. It's not as though he would be totally defenseless just because he was taking a break; he was always aware of his surroundings; the Rising Star was probably going to be angry by the mere fact that he had attacked in such a way as to hurt her as well. It was what it was; he couldn't change the past, nor would he even if he could. He did not regret his actions, and he enjoyed it. Sure, it was slow, but not everything in life was as fast paced as it could be.
As the ship docked in the harbor, Vlad would exit without any hesitation. He simply approached the male, and collected his reward; while it was not very much, it did not mean that he was unappreciative. He would always accept the cash, it was something that could sway any amount of power. Money was power, it was success. It allowed for so much to occur.
It was shortly after this that Vladimir would walk through an alleyway, his regular appearance returning; he was on the prowl for something good; it had been too long since he had last enjoyed himself. Entering into a bar, he would simply walk over and grab a shot of whiskey; the alcohol moved through his system and allowed him to feel a bit better. Leaning over, he would begin to whisper into a females ear; it mattered not what her appearance was, it simply seemed like she could offer him what he had desired.
Escorting the female out of the bleak bar, he would allow her to grant him entrance into her apartment; this was amazing. Hunting with this gift was easy as ever. Entering behind the female, he would close the door and allow her to lead him to her chambers. As she passed through the doorway, Vladimir would simply grab the side of her head, slamming it into the wall.
It was with this that she would enter the unxonscious, her body falling into his arms. "Naive people. The powers of an incubus are amazing. Why did I not find this earlier?" He chuckled, throwing her onto the bed. Walking through the house, he would simply grab one of the knives that she had used the night prior. It seemed sharp enough.
Running the blade down her leg, he simply smirked, a sacrifice was amazing. Tearing off her skirt and flannel shirt he would look her over; she was nothing special. B cup at best. "Well, I do appreciate you being such a gracious sacrifice! In the name of Eris, I condemn you to the burning abyss." He chuckled, slitting her throat.
This was the end his objective was met and he was thrilled with what progress he had made today. The amount of knowledge he possessed was growing at such a rate that he was proud of himself. He loved it. He was amazing. His dreams were within reach.
@tag
Complete
HP:300| MP:100|§:100 V.HP:1250
Vlad's Defiance: +30% dmg resistance
Death's Blessing: +25% dmg
Soul Resonance: +10% dmg
Deaths Consumption: +3% MP/post
’Til I Die: -5% MP per spell
Affinity for Death: +25% dmg resistance
Soul Link
Abilities used: