Jamh83

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Do you not see we are under attack? Most of the school is asleep by some strange spell, a shinobi marched in and attacked one of our peers and two mysterious figures arrive and would rather brood and argue beneath their cloakes than fess up to their intentions. I do not know about you but I am not going to stand idle and fall into some sort of trap.”

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"I can see very well, however as you put it all these two have done is "brood and argue" since they arrived. If they really had some ill intent don't you think they would have carried it out by now instead of just standing around? Someone cowardly enough to use a spell like that would have attacked when we were at our weakest, which they did. The magics that created that vortex are exactly the sort of cowardly technique I would expect from them." Shadow Pyre explained.

This definitely wasn't like him for the most part he liked to keep to himself and barely speak to anyone, now here he was lecturing a fellow student. It couldn't be helped though as the current situation definitely wouldn't help should they come under attack again.

"Besides if they were the ones who cast that spell how would you stop them? I imagine it's pretty hard for you to fight in your sleep."

Shadow Pyre had only looked away towards the motionless Toru and Ryuu (( where are they? )) for a moment when Kanata struck. He turned back just in time to see him land a blow to the hooded figure's face with the blunt end of his naginata knocking back his shroud. The secret it hid wasn't anything compared to what he had seen in the city before, but he could understand why he felt the need to conceal it.

"Kid, if you don't calm down you're going to have me to deal with. By rule, this is neutral ground so they have as much right to be here as we do." Pyre said, extending his blade so that it stood between the pair.

"Such an impetuous whelp, why do you not leave him to his own devices? Allow him to reep the consequences of what he has wrought?" the beast hissed.

"Though he's a bit overzealous his heart's in the right place. Besides, do you think the whatever demonic forces have been attacking this place are done yet? With the majority of the Dojo comatose and the Wonder Twins over there petrified we may need his strength to help fend off the next assault. he thought back.

"Your compassion could very well be our undoing, however you logic is sound." it grumbled, reluctant to concede the point.

Despite the mental debate, his focus on the pair had not been diverted. Watching the the two closely he was prepared if either made a move, though with the restraint the reptilian had shown thus far he doubted it would be him.

"If you really want to fight the guy that much Kanata then challenge him directly, striking an adversary without provocation is quite dishonorable."

(( Anyone else find it funny that with all the different insignias you can have in CoH, there isn't a single dragon? ))

Shadow Pyre sheathed his katana as the two newcomers seemed to notice him for the first time, despite his earlier words with them. From their mannerisms it seemed as if Kanata had avoided provoking them into a fight, at least for the moment.

"At least you two seem to have cooler heads than our young friend here. Although it's probably easier for you with that lampshade on your head." he said, looking over at Mountain Dragon.

(( Pyre may not be able to win, but he's not going to make it easy for you either. ))

As Shadow Pyre moved down the hallway toward the infirmary he swung his cargo back and for a bit so that it bounced off the walls. Just as he was about to reach his destination he felt something suddenly pull against him. Turning around he found several dark tendrils drawing the body toward another vortex, the same power emanating from this one as the other.

"Back again are we? Whoever you are you've chosen the wrong person to play shadow games with." he said to himself, the crimson orbs returning beneath his helm.

The shadows around him began to swirl and several of his own tendrils shot forward, taking over for his hands. His burden lifted, Pyre drew his katana from its' sheath a burning blue aura surrounding the blade. A single slash with his sword cut through three of his foe's tendrils setting the remnants ablaze in brilliant blue flame before reducing them to ash.

"Time to send a message." he said flipping over the remaining tendrils and landing beside the vortex.

Lifting his blade high he drove it down into the dark puddle that had gathered on the ground. As he did the aura surrounding his katana pulsated energy into the abyss seeking out its' source to deliver a shock that was not only quite painful to demons but eerily familiar as well.

"Now to end this." Pyre said, withdrawing his sword in preparation for a final strike.

Unfortunately, before he was able to plunge home the final blow he heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps echoing from down the hall. Turning to look he saw Kanata dashing towards the pair of newcomers with his weapon drawn for battle. He couldn't believe the kid was rashly charging at two unknown opponents without provocation.

"$#!+." he muttered, knowing he didn't have a chance of reaching him in time to stop him.

Now he had a choice to make, continue playing tug-a-war with an invisible enemy or try to keep the kid from getting himself killed. Letting out a sigh he brought his blade to his side and ran down the hallway, his own dark tendrils rescinding back to the depths from which they came.

"I have a feeling I'm going to regret that." Shadow Pyre thought to himself as he raced to aid Kanata.

"There see? No dark here."

Shadow Pyre could tell that tact certainly wasn't one of the hooded figures strong suits. Nonetheless, the pair hadn't proved themselves to be a threat as of yet so there wasn't any need to provoke them. That of course didn't mean he was about to let his guard down around them either.

"Well, it seems as though classes have been suspended at least for the moment. We should at least help the remaining sensei with the clean-up. Unless you two have something else in mind?" he asked, motioning towards several of the unconscious students strewn about.

Without waiting for a reply he walked over, grabbed the would be assassin by the ankle, and began dragging his face down body towards the building. He was careful to make sure that he didn't miss a single stone or rough patch on his way.

"I'll take this one to the infirmary myself and make sure he's secured. I need to check to see how Yuri's doing anyway." Pyre said as he felt a bump from his baggage hitting another rock.

Shadow Pyre ignored the the pair of new arrivals and knelt down beside the tree that the vortex had sprung up from. When he stretched out his hand towards its' shadow the remnants of darkness that remained surged forward in an attempt to engulf him, however as soon as it took hold of his arm it was immediately absorbed by his own miasma. As the newfound energy merged with his own he suddenly felt something all too familiar.

"Demon." it hissed angrily.

"What would a demon want with that fool?" he thought back.

Standing up he made his way back towards the prone form of their fallen foe. Looking down at him he tried to imagine what anyone would want such a pathetic being.

"I do not know. I too felt the effects of some....spell but it is fading. Now all I sense is dark power. You two wouldn't happen to be responsible for that now, would you?"

Toru's words snapped him from his train of thought as he turned to face her and the newcomers. This was the first time he had given them more than a simple glance and from the way they were dressed he had little doubt that they weren't on the side of the angels.

"I believe part of what you are sensing is coming from me, you have my apologies." Pyre said as he rescinded his shadow from her and her brother.

(( What are you guys attacking? ))

Shadow Pyre glanced over at Ryuu as he drew his second blade. He wasn't sure what he had planned, but his only intention was to foil the escape attempt. Then again, a bit of caution wouldn't hurt either.

"Alright then, stay close to me. Whoever reaches him first try to pull him free from the vortex without getting pulled in yourself." he said as he prepared to move.

They'd have to act fast, as near as he could tell whoever was summoning him was almost finished. He just hoped they didn't get pulled in themselves as there was no telling what was waiting for them on the other side and he really hated surprises.

"Ready? Let's go!" Pyre cried, dashing towards their target.

(( Shadow Pyre is dampening the psychic attacks with his powers. It's a dark miasma thing . ))

Shadow Pyre couldn't help but smirk as he looked over at the prone form of the mysterious assailant, thankful that something had finally shut him up. Suddenly he felt dark energy gathering nearby, it only took him a second to locate its' source as darkness began to enshroud their enemy.

"What's going on now?" he wondered to himself as the energy began to expand.

"It is the beginnings of a teleportation ritual, an outside force is using dark magics to exert their influence." the voice replied, a bit of contempt in its' tone.

"Someone's trying to help him escape, whoever it is is probably responsible for the psychic barrage as well." Pyre announced to those around him.

He didn't know how the others felt, but he wasn't prepared to let him getaway so easily. However, he was also aware that should he move to stop him he would leave the group completely defenseless against the ongoing onslaught.

"I can't reach him without leaving you exposed, however I might be able to focus hard enough to allow one of you to retrieve him. There is also the chance that the magics being used could be disrupted by my own, but the potential effects of such a combination are indeterminable." he explained, wondering if one of them would volunteer and secretly curious about the alternative.

Before he could hear his question answered Shadow Pyre suddenly felt a jolt of pain shoot through his head. Any doubts as to the nature of the recent attacks was instantly put to rest by the psychic barrage.

"Why do you hesitate? If you do not act fast your allies will be overwhelmed." the voice said.

"I know." he replied, a bit louder than intended.

On the ground behind him his shadow suddenly began to move, quickly stretching out to attach itself to the shadows of the others. As it connected those being effected would instantly feel themselves relieved of all affliction save for a minor throbbing. Fortunately, this was one of his more inconspicuous powers and would merely look like a trick of light to the untrained eye.

"Is everyone alright?" Pyre asked.

"You feel it too....don't you? Well gentlemen, what is our plan?"

Even though Shadow Pyre was able to keep from passing out he was still disoriented and hadn't even detected that Ryuu's sister had returned. He quickly straightened himself so as not to appear weak in front of her.

"Turu? Is Yuri alright?" he asked, concerned about the young girl's injuries.


(( Quick question, is Hikaru the source of the psychic attacks or is he being targeted too? That last post has me confused about whether or not he knows exactly what's happening. ))

Feeling he had made his position quite clear, Shadow Pyre focused his complete attention upon the ongoing battle before him ignoring the continuing discussion between Kanata and Ryuu. So far he couldn't find any discernible technique to the assailant's movements other than his reliance on speed, however he was well aware that looks could be deceiving.

"It appears someone or something is attempting to drain away my power, yet I can not detect the source." the voice said rather calmly.

"What are you talking about? I don't feel anything." he whispered back, his words barely audible.

"That is because my power surrounds you shielding you from the direct effects, at least for the moment. The force behind this must be quite strong as it seems that those around us are also suffering from the same malady." it explained.

Looking around at some of the students he saw several of them slump to the ground and lay still. Even from where he was he could still see the movement of their chests as they breathed and he realized they were merely unconscious. Out of the corner of his eye he happened to notice something light brown on his left arm. Much to his surprise it was his own skin, his costume was beginning to recede and the color of the tattoo on his chest began to fade.

"What the..." Pyre muttered aloud as a sudden wave of fatigue washed over him.

For a brief instance his real eyes looked through his helm as spots of rust became visible upon it. At his side the hilt of his sword, sticking out from its' sheath, became worn and dilapidated appearing fragile to the touch. Closing his eyes he struggled to resist the invisible onslaught that seemed to bearing down on his mind and body.

"I shall...not..be defeated..so....easily." he said, the darkness spreading back across his form as his helm and hilt were restored to pristine condition.

"I did not catch your name from earlier, but my name is Kanata. I think it would be in our best interest to orchestrate some sort of plan to defeat this villain or at least move this battle away from some of the less experienced students." Kanata said as he approached.

Shadow Pyre saw Ryuu acknowledge the summons and make his way over to them. He waited for him before responding so that he could introduce himself to both at once.

"You may call me Shadow Pyre, as for the intruder so far the only thing he has demonstrated is that his tongue is quicker than his feet. I've had extensive experience battling opponents with superhuman speed ((my main character)) and I have several techniques at my disposal, however they would require an overt display of power on my part." he said, never taking his eyes off the battle unfolding before him.

As he continued to watch the boy attack the unknown foe with his ninjaken, he couldn't help but wonder what effects the powder he had used would have. During his time in the city he had seen similar powders used for various purposes from simple distractions to mystical incantations, sometimes on the receiving end himself.

"For now I would recommend simply observing the enemy's fighting style and looking for potential weaknesses. Although, I have a feeling that his own arrogance may soon be his downfall." Pyre whispered.

((Everything my characters said was in reference to yours, I mean who else would he be calling a coward? ))

"Who said I would pick? You. Pick a contestant. Pick who ever you see fit." the unknown assailant said.

“If you’re so good, why don’t you grow some balls and fight everyone at once? Or at least two at a time…. If I had a choice, you can sit on your sword and spin.” the young boy who had thrown the stones replied.

“You haven’t the gall to fight a challenger? Even after I have readied one of my best naginatajutsus?” the young man who held the naginata countered.

"Indeed, you had no qualms attacking an unarmed girl, yet now that you're confronted by those prepared to face you you've suddenly come down with a case of indecisiveness. How convenient." Shadow Pyre said, the annoyance in his voice clearly evident.

What had appeared to be a legitimate threat was quickly becoming a non-issue in his eyes. Even his other half who had been thirsting for his blood moments earlier was having second thoughts.

"This human believes himself a warrior, but he behaves as though he were a petulant child." it whispered.

"If you are half the fighter you claim to be then prove it by accepting his challenge, otherwise show how much of a coward you really are and runaway." Pyre declared, sheathing his sword yet remaining on his guard.

Shadow Pyre didn't even flinch at the unidentified intruder's swordplay and his insults only aided in lightening his mood. He had often been told by onlookers that he was untrained in the art of swordsmanship, however those who were brave enough to test their claims never questioned his skill again. The misconception lay in his technique, a kenjutsu born of his own experimentation and forged by his experience, which focused less on fluidity and more on adaptability.

"This mortal certainly has a high opinion of himself, does he not?" the voice asked seemingly amused.

He had to actually make a conscious effort to prevent himself from laughing at its' words. For some reason he couldn't help but feel that this obnoxious braggart would soon meet his match, though whether it would be by his hand or one of the other's remained to be seen.

“So you know who you will be fighting, my name is Kanata of the Datotsuichi clan, masters of naginatajutsu. With the aid of my family’s ancestral glaive, I will not be an easy opponent. But if you do not mind, I need a moment to prepare myself mentally. Alright, I'm ready now.” the young man leaning on his naginata said, reaffirming his wish to fight while preparing himself for battle.

"It has been a while since I've seen someone actually use a weapon like that in a bout, if nothing else this should definitely be an interesting match." Pyre thought to himself, hoping the pretentious reprobate would accept the challenge if only to silence his inane prattle.



(( Just so you know, I'm not trying to make fun of your character Hikaru, Burning_Fang (okay maybe I am a little ) I'm just describing how Shadow Pyre feels about him. ))

"If you wish to make this ‘fair’, then how about a one on one spar? A rule less death match perhaps?"

Shadow Pyre's blood boiled at the opportunity to battle this arrogant fool without restraint, but then there would be no challenge. The only thing preventing him from ending this contest now was his desire to see him pay for what he'd done to the girl.

"I will spar you man to man, but perhaps you can tell us why you are here. What do you want, really?"

He looked over at the young man who had accepted the challenge. The first thing he noticed about him was the over-sized naginata he was leaning on, second was his seemingly unnatural purple hair. Whoever he was he definitely had guts.

"I take it from your hesitation that you are not going to involve yourself in this conflict then?" the voice asked, seemingly disappointed.

"Not unless I have to. I won't allow your wanton bloodlust to cloud my judgment." he replied, desperately trying to resist the overwhelming urge to satiate its' thirst.

His decision made he covered the distance between himself and the injured girl in the blink of an eye. Purposely positioning himself between the unknown assailant and the two young women he took a defensive stance, determined to intercept any further attempts to do them harm.

"Miss, you are Ryuu's sister are you not? This situation has escalated to the point that I am unable to aide your friend directly, I need you to attend to her for now. Can you do that?" Pyre whispered to her, never taking his eyes off the enemy.

Upon returning indoors Shadow Pyre slowed his pace to a walk feeling he had reached a safe distance. He had almost allowed the exhilaration of his battle with Ryuu to feed his annoyance with the boy who assailed his sister, a mistake that could have had dire consequences.

"You would allow your enemy to attack without reprisal?" the voice said, the sound cutting through his thoughts.

"He's just a kid and I would hardly call that an attack." he whispered, hoping that no one was within earshot to hear his seemingly one-sided conversation.

"Though only a child he did draw innocent blood, an act that should be repaid in kind." it sneered.

"I will not give you the boy's blood over an ill-conceived prank." Pyre replied, his voice rising louder than he intended.

He hated being bound to such a blood thirsty being, but it couldn't be helped now. The only solace he took from their symbioses was that its' powers allowed him to further his own ambitions.

"If you will not remit the child's essence, perhaps you would consent for me to partake in a new source of sustenance that has just presented itself? The scent is faint but it has an unequivocally feminine fragrance." the voice asked devilishly.

"Do you really think I'll let you "partake in" the blood of the girl who tried to protect me?" he retorted, no longer showing any concern for potential eavesdroppers.

"It is not her blood I detect, hers has a peculiar tinge to it that I can not readily discern, this aroma is more distinct." it said, speaking as if comparing fine wines.

"Damn it." Shadow Pyre muttered as he rushed back towards the garden.

As he sped down the hallway he silently cursed himself for being manipulated so easily, but what other choice did he have? No matter how deep he sank into the shadows he just couldn't standby as a woman suffered. He turned the corner leading to his destination just in time to see the young asian girl strike at a man he hadn't seen before. Rage coursed through his veins as the stranger used the sword in his hand to shield himself, the steel embedding itself in her skin as blood flowed forth.

"Ah, so it was her scent....heavenly." the voice hissed in his ear.

His katan was drawn and at the ready in an instant, his entire body aching to strike. The menacing orbs returned beneath his helm more intense than before and their gaze fixated upon the unknown assailant.

"I'm in a bad mood right now, so I would suggest that you withdraw your weapon and stand down. If you refuse I vow that my blade will taste YOUR blood." Pyre threatened, his calm voice masking the fury welling up within.

To those whose sight was keen enough to see, it appeared as if the dragon emblazoned upon his chest smiled at those words.

“your powers….do not let the Sensei see you use them here…..it is forbidden….”

"I know, I don't care." Shadow Pyre said, his vision now locked on the boy that had launched the attack.

Beneath the visor of his helm a pair of crimson orbs appeared fixing their gaze on the assailant. He was about to confront him when Ryuu appeared before he could, however he made no move against him not even a word. The boy was lucky he had made it to him first as his blade was thirsty for blood after the bout. Too thirsty.

"I have to go." he said quickly, bowing to the two young ladies before moving swiftly towards the door.

"You grow soft human." an all too familiar voice echoed inside his mind.

"Shut up." Pyre muttered to himself as he quickened his pace.

(( HeroMachine is an online program that you can use to create a basic outline of what your character looks like. I used it all the time to create the look of my heroes before the game came out. ))

Rolling with Ryuu's push Shadow Pyre watched as he began to spin again intent on striking at his back. He definitely was quite skilled with his sword using it as an extension of his being, just as he did, but this was the opportunity he was waiting for.

Moving his foot in the same direction as his opponent was he pivoted his body to follow him circling around to his adversary's front. As he did he brought his katana to bare on his competitor's throat intending to stop just short of the kill.

"I believe this match is over." he said, his blade glistening in the sunlight as it sped toward its' destination.

Suddenly, sensing a new threat, his free hand shot forward with lightning speed. As he brought his arm back he had two fingers extended displaying a pebble between them. Turning his head to follow the trajectory he spotted Ryuu's sister fallen to the ground, holding her side. The young asian girl he had followed earlier was by her side.

"Your sister is wounded." Pyre whispered to him immediately halting his attack.

Leaping into the air, he covered the distance between himself and the two young women almost instantaneously. Stepping up to the young woman he placed his hand over the now bandaged wound. All of a sudden, a black flame appeared in his palm as he pressed it against her injury. A jolt of pain coursed through his side for a few seconds before he removed his hand.

"You'll be fine." he reassured her as he began scouring the area for the assailant.


(( Just so you guys know, none of Shadow Pyre's features can be seen. His entire body is encompassed by shadow while his clothes are all worn over it. See the pic in my sig (not much of an artist so I used HeroMachine) . Also, to Toru the flame would have a cool, soothing sensation upon contact. ))

Shadow Pyre couldn't help but be a little impressed with the ease at which his opponent deflected his attack, however by no means did that mean he wasn't prepared for it. Seeing his adversary spin away after the initial contact, he immediately did the same rotating in the opposite direction. As he did so he switched his katana to one hand, sliding the blade back so that it ran parallel to his arm.

Hidden from sight, behind the curtain of darkness that obscured his features, a smile threatened to creep it's way across his face. It had been quite some time since he had such a challenge and his body was awash with adrenaline. He actually had to focus harder to keep from losing himself to the sensation. Since the day his powers had been bestowed upon him having a semblance of fun was a rare occurrence, but today was one of those rare exceptions.

Whipping his head around as he moved Pyre caught sight of the horizontal strike aimed directly at him. Tightening his fingers around his hilt, he moved his arm up so that he was holding his sword vertically as he met his foe's attack head on. A flurry of sparks flew as steel met steel, streaking towards the Earth like shooting stars. Their blades now crossed neither fighter seemed prepared to give even an inch to the other.

"Your name." Pyre demanded of his newfound rival.


(( Hope I didn't auto too much for you there at the end. ))

(( Sorry for posting so late, it's been a pretty busy day today. By the way all of my characters were created with the pre-Archetype City of Heroes in mind, it's not my fault Scrappers didn't fit the build. ))

"If you wish."

Shadow Pyre was a bit amused by the young man's non-chalant attitude as it reminded him of his own. Drawing his sword with a basic battojutsu he moved into an inside guard. As he stared at his opponent through the darkness that masked his face silence encompassed his being denying him the effects of any potential distraction. His ever expanding focus allowed him to take in his surroundings to accommodate for the outdoor terrain, so that not even a stray pebble would escape his notice.

"I issued the challenge, I might as well kick things off." he thought to himself as he tensed himself for battle.

Without a word to his adversary he dashed forward swiftly covering the distance between them and all the while maintaining his guard. However, just before he entered striking range he quickly switched to a back guard and leapt into the air. Propelling himself forward he started to rotate his body mid-air to change his current orientation. At the apex of his revolution he began to bring his hands forward, using his own momentum to propel his blade into an upward slash aimed at his opponent's exposed back.

"Show me your skill." Pyre thought, his katana slicing its' way through the air towards its' prey.

Shadow Pyre was roused from his fury by the sudden sound of footsteps coming from behind. Instinct immediately took over as he spun around to face the unknown presence, mentally prepared to strike at the slightest hint of provocation. He was slightly disappointed to find the source of the sound to be a young asian girl heading towards one of the classrooms.

"Hmm, that's the same way that screaming lady and her brother went." he muttered to himself, his curiosity piqued once more.

With nothing really better to do, he decided to see which class it was that seemed to be drawing so much attention. It only took him a few moments to retrace his steps and make it to the room the new student had just entered. He cringed when he read the name of the course over the door.

"Aikido?! Hmph, no accounting for some people's taste." Pyre thought to himself as he quickly moved on.

There was only one martial arts he was interested in none others mattered. Fortunately for him the Dojo was one of the few places on Earth that actually had an instructor for Toso Kune Do. In fact, it was the only lesson that he regularly showed up for.

All of a sudden, the sound of clashing steel drew his attention towards the garden. Normally the kenjutsu classes didn't hold any interest to him as he already considered himself a master swordsman, but when he noticed the young man he had met earlier was the one sparring he made his way over to examine his technique. Unfortunately, the match was over too fast for him to really get an idea of skills although the fact that he was allowed to wield an actual sword was testament that he was at least somewhat proficient with a blade. There was only one way to know for sure.

"What style do you practice newcomer?"

"Yagyu Shinkage Ryu."

"Would you care to elaborate on that?" Shadow Pyre smirked as he stepped out into the open, his hand resting on the hilt of his katana.

Shadow Pyre looked on as the young woman proceeded to slam shut her locker and make her way towards him. As she approached he noticed her gaze was fixed on him and her eyes narrowed as if in anger, instinctively he readied himself for an attack. None came however as she merely passed by him and strode down the hallway toward her unknown destination.

"no need to worry, she just had another episode." her brother said as he turned back to face him.

He gave no reply as the young man exited the locker room following after his sibling. His curiosity piqued he momentarily contemplated pursuing the pair but thought better of it. Dismissing the encounter he proceeded back to whence he came to continue his meditation. As he passed through the corridors he could hear the sounds of several classes in progress emanating from the walls. In the back of his mind he knew he was probably supposed be a part of one of them, but to him his attendance was at his own discretion and no one else's.

"Why am I even here?" he muttered to himself as he continued his solitary march.

In fact he knew full well what had brought him to this place, he simply hated to admit it. He had grown complacent, relying more and more on his powers rather than his own skills. The Dojo was a place where he could change all that, a place to restore his fading prowess, a place to help him achieve his ultimate goal...

"Vengeance." Pyre growled, his fist clenched in rage.