Riptide [Manzo]

**Atani** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 9:55 am

Epithet :

The Sylvan Fay

Guild :

Rune Knight

Jewels :

4,840,250

Rank :

B-Rank

Race :

Athlas Elf

Experience :

154,625

Reputation :

9,300

Class :

Paladin

Magic :

Yuan, the Goddess of the Mercy

Aura :

Empress

Strength :

1

Speed :

13

Constitution :

61

Endurance :

9

Intelligence :

211

Mana :

2,975

Body :

Fafnirskin

Cape :

Heart Cape (ↂ)

Ring :

Ring of Hrava

Modification :

Divinitas (Permanent)

Atani Tathvir

Bâd gurth vi ngalad firiel

- 264 | Bikini | @ Manzo -

It was rare that the young Wood Elf had time to relax. After the events that took place in Bosco, Sayha knew she needed a vacation. And what better way to spend it than on Hargeon's beaches?

Atani flexed her toes gently against the warm sand. The soft grains acted as a miniature blanket in the heat. To cool off, the elf held a ruby drink in her hand. The chilled glass was filled with a mixture of champagne and pomegranate juice. Only a couple ice cubes floated to the top. She swirled it before taking a sip of what she recently learned was called a pomegranate mimosa-- not the traditional flavor evidently, but it was the one she was most familiar with. The drink went by a different name from where she came from, and it was made with a different sort of sparkling wine; however, she did have to admit this human variant had a certain je ne sais quoi to it (that was a phrase she learned came from Minstrel, the same country the champagne was from).

While the introverted Wood Elf looked to be in a state of utter bliss by her lonesome, she was to meet someone that day. Another mimosa was sitting in the cooler awaiting his arrival. They had not seen each other for quite some time due to the foreign discourse, and there was much to discuss... Particularly of a matter regarding the guild, though she had not yet mentioned that to him. And she was hoping to put that off for as long as possible.

bloop ♡

template by punki of adoxography

**Manzo** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 11:02 am

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Contract :

2,000,000

Jewels :

2,746,250

Rank :

S-rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

718,875

Reputation :

9,400

Class :

Hunter

Magic :

Third Generation: Woodland Dragon Slayer

Strength :

203

Speed :

131

Constitution :

93

Endurance :

33

Intelligence :

73

Mana :

3,250

Weapon :

Jigoku blade (Darkness)

Off-Hand :

Kimetsu Blade (Light)

Head :

Tobi's Mask

Body :

ↂ Fafnirskin

Azure beach, a place Manzo usually came to alone in times such as these. Not for any particular reason, he just preferred solitude and the sound of waves. It helped bring him ease in times of struggle. Having just recently returned from civil war in a distant land. This was something he could certainly use right about now.

Though that was not to be the case today. Upon returning home from war, he received a letter from Atani the wood elf. Requesting that he meet her on the beach at this date and time. It was rather odd for him to be the one invited to such a place. It seemed as though they would have the sands all to themselves today. Which was odd considering the time of year.

Though perhaps this was just an off day, which was fine, he preferred to not have any interruptions when he was summoned, he didn't have the foggiest of what it is she could want, or how long they would be together, so he put happy in charge back at the shop. The little blue bean was rather good at manning the fort.

A few minutes of walking passed and he found himself face to face with the woman who looked of his former paramour Kerri. A small smile crept upon his face as he made his way over to her.

"Atani." He called out with a chipper tone to his voice. Hoping she could hear him, and would return his enthusiasm with her own.

**Atani** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 11:41 am

Epithet :

The Sylvan Fay

Guild :

Rune Knight

Jewels :

4,840,250

Rank :

B-Rank

Race :

Athlas Elf

Experience :

154,625

Reputation :

9,300

Class :

Paladin

Magic :

Yuan, the Goddess of the Mercy

Aura :

Empress

Strength :

1

Speed :

13

Constitution :

61

Endurance :

9

Intelligence :

211

Mana :

2,975

Body :

Fafnirskin

Cape :

Heart Cape (ↂ)

Ring :

Ring of Hrava

Modification :

Divinitas (Permanent)

Atani Tathvir

Bâd gurth vi ngalad firiel

- 212 | Bikini | @ Manzo -

A gentle breeze came, kissing the elf's cheeks as it blew past. Atani took off her straw hat and set it in the sand to feel the wind through her hair. With it came the scent of the salted azure sea. Now this was something she could never experience in her homeland.

"Atani," a familiar voice called out. The elf's ears perked up. Not a moment later, she could all but feel the person's presence. It was unmistakable. There was only one man Atani knew of who could remind her so much of nature itself... The Woodland Dragon Slayer. The Ace of Blue Pegasus... The man Atani feared she had a connection to in her forgotten life. Manzo Mattori.

She waved a hand from her spot to flag him down. "Man- zo?" she called back, twisting around to see her friend; however, this 'friend' was someone she had never seen before. He had a head of silver hair and eyes as blue as the sea. It was a stark contrast from the Manzo she knew. By looks alone she wouldn't believe it was the same person, but here he was. Speaking in Manzo's voice. Giving off magical energy only Dragon Slayers could match. But still, she had to ask. "Is that you?"

bloop ♡

template by punki of adoxography

**Manzo** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 11:52 am

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Contract :

2,000,000

Jewels :

2,746,250

Rank :

S-rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

718,875

Reputation :

9,400

Class :

Hunter

Magic :

Third Generation: Woodland Dragon Slayer

Strength :

203

Speed :

131

Constitution :

93

Endurance :

33

Intelligence :

73

Mana :

3,250

Weapon :

Jigoku blade (Darkness)

Off-Hand :

Kimetsu Blade (Light)

Head :

Tobi's Mask

Body :

ↂ Fafnirskin

The mountain of a man before her smiled as she asked such an innocent question. Was it really him? He often forgot that she could not smell him, not being gifted with the senses like his. This was something he constantly had to remind himself about seeing as there were not many like him just strolling about the streets of fiore.

"The one and only." He said with a playful smirk as he closed the distance between the two of them. He now standing directly in front of the elf. All six foot five inches of him radiating a life giving magical aura. While the gourd on his hip, emanating that of pure hunger and destruction.

Most would find it odd, that such a weapon would find it's home around the waist of the greatest green mage in all the continent. But that was the balance of life. Everything had a beginning and end. But the cycle starts over. The mage of both life and death rested his hands in his pockets.

Giving the buxom blonde elf a glance over, as if he was studying her like the roots of a tree. His crystal blue eyes keeping their hue, no need for his visual prowess here. She need not know what was done to his eyes, or the lengths he had gone to to procure such a thing.

"You look beautiful." He said in her mother tongue. He being of the earth, was a master of all languages, dead and living. He knew she enjoyed seeing and hearing someone else speak her tongue.

**Atani** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 12:33 pm

Epithet :

The Sylvan Fay

Guild :

Rune Knight

Jewels :

4,840,250

Rank :

B-Rank

Race :

Athlas Elf

Experience :

154,625

Reputation :

9,300

Class :

Paladin

Magic :

Yuan, the Goddess of the Mercy

Aura :

Empress

Strength :

1

Speed :

13

Constitution :

61

Endurance :

9

Intelligence :

211

Mana :

2,975

Body :

Fafnirskin

Cape :

Heart Cape (ↂ)

Ring :

Ring of Hrava

Modification :

Divinitas (Permanent)

Atani Tathvir

Bâd gurth vi ngalad firiel

- 210 | Bikini | @ Manzo -

The response the man gave was characteristic of Manzo. Likewise, it was still in the same voice. As he drew closer, the aura Atani felt pulsating off the man grew both stronger and clearer with every step. In every way but physical, this man did appear to be Manzo, but how? Atani had heard of potions that could alter appearances. Beauty products such as those were often sold in close proximity to Blue Pegasus (the guild that valued physiques, go figure), though Atani had never taken Manzo for the kind to take such a tonic.

"You look beautiful." That was the meaning of the words he spoke, but what came out of his mouth was Ci bain. Val'Elvarin. He spoke her tongue. "Le hannon," she thanked the Slayer. With having exchanged phrases in the Wood Elven language, there was no doubt in her mind that this was indeed the man she knew. It would be too rare of a coincidence for it to be otherwise.

"And you, you look... different. Very different." She meant him no offense, for he certainly retained his handsome looks, but they were expressed in an entirely new fashion. "What happened these past few months?" She handed Manzo a mimosa and gestured for him to sit.

bloop ♡

template by punki of adoxography

**Manzo** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 12:47 pm

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Contract :

2,000,000

Jewels :

2,746,250

Rank :

S-rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

718,875

Reputation :

9,400

Class :

Hunter

Magic :

Third Generation: Woodland Dragon Slayer

Strength :

203

Speed :

131

Constitution :

93

Endurance :

33

Intelligence :

73

Mana :

3,250

Weapon :

Jigoku blade (Darkness)

Off-Hand :

Kimetsu Blade (Light)

Head :

Tobi's Mask

Body :

ↂ Fafnirskin

While it was true that he had changed, it was for a good reason. One he would gladly tell her, he could only hope that she would understand. For his life was not a simple care free one, without putting in a lot of effort to keep it that way.

"I have done, a great deal many things in my life. Some of them, do not belong in the light of day. So every now and then. I have to change my face." He said as he took his seat beside her. Unbuttoning the shirt that he was wearing in order to get some heat on his bones. Third generation slayers often take on many of the characteristics of the dragons they learned from, as well as devoured.

It just so happened that he needed a bit of sunshine on him to get him going. This of course would be no big issue given the fact they were in the sun now. He gently took the mimosa from her hand and put it up to his lips. Taking small sips of it while she asked her questions about the past few months. It was a simple answer to say the least.

"Alisa and I were called away to serve Princess Cassia of Bosco. Should be queen of Bosco, but the ball doesn't always bounce your way." He said as he set his drink down and put a cigarette to his lips. Snapping his fingers to light it, taking in the smell of the ocean.

**Atani** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 1:08 pm

Epithet :

The Sylvan Fay

Guild :

Rune Knight

Jewels :

4,840,250

Rank :

B-Rank

Race :

Athlas Elf

Experience :

154,625

Reputation :

9,300

Class :

Paladin

Magic :

Yuan, the Goddess of the Mercy

Aura :

Empress

Strength :

1

Speed :

13

Constitution :

61

Endurance :

9

Intelligence :

211

Mana :

2,975

Body :

Fafnirskin

Cape :

Heart Cape (ↂ)

Ring :

Ring of Hrava

Modification :

Divinitas (Permanent)

Atani Tathvir

Bâd gurth vi ngalad firiel

- 221 | Bikini | @ Manzo -

Atani arched a brow at Manzo's explanation. She knew some details of his past. Nothing specific, but enough to know that he had dealt with more than his fair share of tribulation, most of which he wished to leave in the dust. To do that, in Manzo's mind at least, that meant he had to change his appearance. Though it was not something Atani agreed with in her heart, it was not something she had personal experience with. At least, not to her recollection. She had no say in the matter.

"So this isn't the first time then, huh." Atani took a sip of her mimosa. She licked a dribble of the red liquid that remained on her bottom lip. "... And I suppose it won't be the last." It was a shame. Though this new appearance would take some getting used to, she quite liked it.

It seemed that Manzo had been up to similar ventures as herself in Bosco. "I the same, but for Hildegard." She would ignore the remark he made about Cassia. They were not here to talk about politics.

"I assume you changed while in Bosco then? I hope nothing too serious happened." Their ties to the civil war weren't as close as the native Boscans', but that didn't mean things couldn't have gone south his way.

bloop ♡

template by punki of adoxography

**Manzo** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 5:12 pm

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Contract :

2,000,000

Jewels :

2,746,250

Rank :

S-rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

718,875

Reputation :

9,400

Class :

Hunter

Magic :

Third Generation: Woodland Dragon Slayer

Strength :

203

Speed :

131

Constitution :

93

Endurance :

33

Intelligence :

73

Mana :

3,250

Weapon :

Jigoku blade (Darkness)

Off-Hand :

Kimetsu Blade (Light)

Head :

Tobi's Mask

Body :

ↂ Fafnirskin

While the two served on opposite sides of a war, he would put that behind him. He could rest easy at night knowing the bastard didn't sit the throne. Especially considering what it is he would have done with the country and it's resources. All the same, he figured she'd rather not speak of the outcome.

It warmed his heart to know that she did hope that he didn't get into too much trouble. If only that were true. He had done nothing to anger Hilde, him wanting to keep his employer happy. That was of course his first priority while there.

"I lived among the people, in small villages for months. Often times it felt I was the only thing that separated them from death." He said as he put the cigarette back to his lips and let out a cloud of white smoke from his lips. It was true in some instances, well most of them.

"The opposition had a name for me, Hitokiri in my tongue. In theirs it meant man slayer." He wore a mask most of the time, which meant that none of the other monarchs, aside from Cassia knew it was he. While she did not approve of his methods, she knew blood would be spilled. It was how wars were won, something he knew all too well.

He was a veteran of war, at this stage he had fought in three, this was the first one he had lost. Something he would learn from.

**Atani** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 5:34 pm

Epithet :

The Sylvan Fay

Guild :

Rune Knight

Jewels :

4,840,250

Rank :

B-Rank

Race :

Athlas Elf

Experience :

154,625

Reputation :

9,300

Class :

Paladin

Magic :

Yuan, the Goddess of the Mercy

Aura :

Empress

Strength :

1

Speed :

13

Constitution :

61

Endurance :

9

Intelligence :

211

Mana :

2,975

Body :

Fafnirskin

Cape :

Heart Cape (ↂ)

Ring :

Ring of Hrava

Modification :

Divinitas (Permanent)

Atani Tathvir

Bâd gurth vi ngalad firiel

- 208 | Bikini | @ Manzo -

Atani sipped on her pomegranate mimosa while she listened to what Manzo had to say. She nodded her head gravely as he mentioned his experience living with the townsfolk. "It was a scary time for them," she sympathized, "I lived among the Wood Elves and demihumans for the most part. Brunhilde burned down their homes and shrines. I can't believe there are people who side with that huil."

In the name of Illumin my ass.

"But that's all behind us," she sighed. "I also did things I wasn't proud of when I was in Bosco. I'll admit that." Her green eyes darted away as she reflected back on the Boscosi girl whose death was ultimately on Atani's hands. The elves who witnessed it might have said otherwise, but she knew the truth. Her magic went out of her control. When it came time to try and save the girl, her magic refused to cooperate. For what reason, Atani did not know, but deep down she feared it was because she didn't think the girl was worthy of saving. And that was a terrifying thought.

"We're back in Fiore now though. Back where there's no civil war to fight in. Back where we can just relax for the summer."

bloop ♡

template by punki of adoxography

**Manzo** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 5:41 pm

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Contract :

2,000,000

Jewels :

2,746,250

Rank :

S-rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

718,875

Reputation :

9,400

Class :

Hunter

Magic :

Third Generation: Woodland Dragon Slayer

Strength :

203

Speed :

131

Constitution :

93

Endurance :

33

Intelligence :

73

Mana :

3,250

Weapon :

Jigoku blade (Darkness)

Off-Hand :

Kimetsu Blade (Light)

Head :

Tobi's Mask

Body :

ↂ Fafnirskin

It was true, the warriors of this country had much blood on their hands. We were called in to be weapons to settle a family squabble. But because of their royal blood, it engulfed those who did not belong in it, themselves included. Though as far as relaxing for summer was concerned, he had much to do.

"Today will be my day of rest, after this its back to business as usual for me." He said as, drinking more of his mimosa and putting out his cigarette. Now would of course be the time he would get to the bottom of why it is she called him out here. That was his real reason for coming. Wanting to satiate some curiosity.

"So, cards on the table, what am I doing here." He asked as he turned his sapphires onto her. It could not be because she was simply lonely, she was more than popular among those in the guild. So her being lonely wasn't something he could easily wrap is head around.

Perhaps it was bad news, she seemed like the kind of person who would want to give someone one last good memory before the rug was pulled out from underneath them. He was a big boy, so what ever it is she had to say to him, he could take it. He was one who could make peace with just about anything in his life. He had endured much tragedy, which made it easy. Not fun mind you, but quite easy to say the least.

**Atani** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 6:08 pm

Epithet :

The Sylvan Fay

Guild :

Rune Knight

Jewels :

4,840,250

Rank :

B-Rank

Race :

Athlas Elf

Experience :

154,625

Reputation :

9,300

Class :

Paladin

Magic :

Yuan, the Goddess of the Mercy

Aura :

Empress

Strength :

1

Speed :

13

Constitution :

61

Endurance :

9

Intelligence :

211

Mana :

2,975

Body :

Fafnirskin

Cape :

Heart Cape (ↂ)

Ring :

Ring of Hrava

Modification :

Divinitas (Permanent)

Atani Tathvir

Bâd gurth vi ngalad firiel

- 207 | Bikini | @ Manzo -

"Just one day?" she smirked. "I was going to give myself three before I got itching for some work again."

As much as Atani enjoyed relaxing on the beach or reading in her bedroom or taking a forest stroll, none of that was fulfilling to the mage. She was more of a workaholic than she thought herself to be. It seemed like her and Manzo were one in the same. The fact the Slayer wanted to cut to the chase reinforced that. Atani too liked to get to the point-- She did, at least, when it wasn't her bringing up a touchy subject.

"What, isn't it enough to want to hang out with one of my guildmates?" Her throat caught on the last word: guildmates. She bit her lip as the elf's Freudian slip revealed her given reasoning was decidedly not the case. The blonde shook her head and quietly sighed. She took yet another sip of her sparkling beverage as she tried to gather her thoughts. She could gradually express her feelings on the matter first, or she could just come out and say what the problem was. Ripping off the band-aid seemed to be the easier of the two.

"I'm thinking of leaving Blue Pegasus."

bloop ♡

template by punki of adoxography

**Manzo** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 6:17 pm

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Contract :

2,000,000

Jewels :

2,746,250

Rank :

S-rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

718,875

Reputation :

9,400

Class :

Hunter

Magic :

Third Generation: Woodland Dragon Slayer

Strength :

203

Speed :

131

Constitution :

93

Endurance :

33

Intelligence :

73

Mana :

3,250

Weapon :

Jigoku blade (Darkness)

Off-Hand :

Kimetsu Blade (Light)

Head :

Tobi's Mask

Body :

ↂ Fafnirskin

At her words he sighed to himself. It would seem that she did indeed bring him out here to say a goodbye of sorts. He was never one for goodbyes. Though this one hurt all the more. He was saying goodbye to her for the second time it would seem. Not something he was looking forward to, it was something he had hoped would not occur ever again.

But that of course was wishful thinking on his part. He was at the end of the day, the only consistent thing in his life. It was something he had just come to accept. Thankfully for him. It could not have come at a better for himself. Seeing as it seemed she was thinking of breaking things with herself and the guild.

"Well, if that's what you want." He said with cold dissonance in his voice. It would seem that she was dead set on keeping up their game of cat and mouse. He was getting to old for the game. Was looking to settle down here long term. He had a life here, something worth protecting, and didn't really have the time to chase women around. Or in her case, a ghost.

He had to ask himself that question, did he care so much, because the ghost of what was haunted his bed at night. Sure he had his fill of many women, but it was Kerii he couldn't quite shake. But she was not Kerii, so in all honesty, he should simply let her go.

"I won't beg you to stay, cause a scene, or break the news to anyone else if this is what you want."

**Atani** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 6:35 pm

Epithet :

The Sylvan Fay

Guild :

Rune Knight

Jewels :

4,840,250

Rank :

B-Rank

Race :

Athlas Elf

Experience :

154,625

Reputation :

9,300

Class :

Paladin

Magic :

Yuan, the Goddess of the Mercy

Aura :

Empress

Strength :

1

Speed :

13

Constitution :

61

Endurance :

9

Intelligence :

211

Mana :

2,975

Body :

Fafnirskin

Cape :

Heart Cape (ↂ)

Ring :

Ring of Hrava

Modification :

Divinitas (Permanent)

Atani Tathvir

Bâd gurth vi ngalad firiel

- 210 | Bikini | @ Manzo -

Manzo took the news well. There was a harshness in his voice. She expected that. But still, Atani considered that to be an appropriate response. After their exchange of tender moments, after him telling her of a woman who left him, it was going to happen all over again. Perhaps not quite to the extent of his previous relationship with the elf Atani reminded him so much of, but it was still hard nonetheless.

"Thank you," she told him. She didn't want any dramatics involving her departure. "I... I think I just joined this guild too early, you know? I was new to Fiore. My life had been turned completely upside-down. I wasn't even sure of who I was anymore, but Blue Pegasus was just right there. It was something to keep me grounded while I was trying to figure things out."

Truth be told, she couldn't say she was any closer to figuring these 'things' out, but her time in Blue Pegasus told her the guild wouldn't be of any help with that. If anything, it would be a hinderance. A painful reminder that people like her, Ray, and Lee didn't fit in.

"And now I feel the complete opposite of grounded. Nothing in my life makes sense anymore."

bloop ♡

template by punki of adoxography

**Manzo** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 6:47 pm

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Contract :

2,000,000

Jewels :

2,746,250

Rank :

S-rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

718,875

Reputation :

9,400

Class :

Hunter

Magic :

Third Generation: Woodland Dragon Slayer

Strength :

203

Speed :

131

Constitution :

93

Endurance :

33

Intelligence :

73

Mana :

3,250

Weapon :

Jigoku blade (Darkness)

Off-Hand :

Kimetsu Blade (Light)

Head :

Tobi's Mask

Body :

ↂ Fafnirskin

Her words, no sound came from them. He felt nothing from her in this moment. Nothing but cold separation from the world around him, the once bright and shining sun that she was in his mind, now setting over the horizon. Sad to an extent, but perhaps for the best.

He turned to look at her, seeing her lips moving, but once again no sound. As though there was a disconnect between his ears and his mind. Perhaps it was his body going into shock to keep him from feeling any kind of abandonment as well as pain from her.

His view of her began to go hazy, as though the pieces of a puzzle were being removed. He knew the pieces fit, because he watched them fall away, mildewed, and smoldering. The light that once fueled the fire between them had burned a hole of separation between them.

There was no fault, no one to blame. Though that didn't mean he didn't want to point his finger at her. Place the blame of his pain upon her, such a thing would help no one. But it would be so easy, so easy to curse her name, her face, her very existence.

He had become such a tribalist in his time in blue pegasus. Perhaps that was due to his overwhelming since of family will all those who bore the same mark as he. It was hard to place where it was coming from. Or perhaps it felt like losing Kerii all over again, something he swore he'd never feel again.

"May the roots of the great tree guide you home. May the sky we share bridge the gap between us. May the ocean swallow you whole if you stray from yourself."

**Atani** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 7:49 pm

Epithet :

The Sylvan Fay

Guild :

Rune Knight

Jewels :

4,840,250

Rank :

B-Rank

Race :

Athlas Elf

Experience :

154,625

Reputation :

9,300

Class :

Paladin

Magic :

Yuan, the Goddess of the Mercy

Aura :

Empress

Strength :

1

Speed :

13

Constitution :

61

Endurance :

9

Intelligence :

211

Mana :

2,975

Body :

Fafnirskin

Cape :

Heart Cape (ↂ)

Ring :

Ring of Hrava

Modification :

Divinitas (Permanent)

Atani Tathvir

Bâd gurth vi ngalad firiel

- 272 | Bikini | @ Manzo -

The elf's lips twitched in the ghost of a quiver as she looked at Manzo's expression. It was a distant void filled with nothingness. It was as if not a word she spoke registered in his mind and for the life of her she couldn't figure out why. Nothing she said should have made him gloss over like that. Nothing recent at least. It was possible her revelation took a moment or two to take full effect. The more she thought about it and the more she rambled on, the more Atani came to realize that was most likely the reason.

"I'm sorry," she murmured. Im naer as it was said in Val'Elvarin. She knew she should've been more gradual about that.

Several more moments of silence passed. They were spent with Atani studying the silver-haired man's face trying to get some reading off of him. Anything. But it was futile.

Finally, he spoke.

He said things about the tree, the sky, the ocean. He wished that nature would watch over her, that it would grant her safe passage through whatever journey she decided to set herself on. She appreciated the sentiment, but it couldn't erase the feeling of guilt she still had left behind for Blue Pegasus.

"Thank you again. Really, I appreciate it, but it's okay if you want to say something else. I know someone's left you before, and I know we talked about traveling together, and I know these aren't the same circumstances as before but, ugh-- !" Atani set her glass down and buried her head in the palm of her hand. "I don't know what to do."

bloop ♡

template by punki of adoxography

**Manzo** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 8:07 pm

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Contract :

2,000,000

Jewels :

2,746,250

Rank :

S-rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

718,875

Reputation :

9,400

Class :

Hunter

Magic :

Third Generation: Woodland Dragon Slayer

Strength :

203

Speed :

131

Constitution :

93

Endurance :

33

Intelligence :

73

Mana :

3,250

Weapon :

Jigoku blade (Darkness)

Off-Hand :

Kimetsu Blade (Light)

Head :

Tobi's Mask

Body :

ↂ Fafnirskin

He could not help but feel the ice that encased his heart melt as he watched her break before him. He knew she was struggling, quite badly at that. Such anguish in her eyes. She could not hide that behind a beautiful smile. Or in the hypnosis of her curves. He knew of one thing that would ease her. A bond of pain, a form of trauma sharing used only by the ancient elves.

A technique they used to gain true understanding of each other. He moved his body over to her, they now face to face with one another. The feeling of his breath brushing against her. "I am the air in your lungs." One hand tilting her face up to meet his. "I am the ground beneath your feet." He spoke in elder tongue. A lost language known only to those who swim in the river of time.

His next hand he would place on the cheek of the elf. A bond of magic now formed. A symbiosis between the two of them. He had been trying to perfect this ritual for someone else. But now seemed like the best time to test it out to see if it was truly something that would work.

"I will lighten your load, and share your burden. May we find peace in the arms of the goddess." With the uttering of his final words. He would place upon her lips a deep kiss, laced in magic. The essence of his soul spilling forth into her.

**Atani** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 8:40 pm

Epithet :

The Sylvan Fay

Guild :

Rune Knight

Jewels :

4,840,250

Rank :

B-Rank

Race :

Athlas Elf

Experience :

154,625

Reputation :

9,300

Class :

Paladin

Magic :

Yuan, the Goddess of the Mercy

Aura :

Empress

Strength :

1

Speed :

13

Constitution :

61

Endurance :

9

Intelligence :

211

Mana :

2,975

Body :

Fafnirskin

Cape :

Heart Cape (ↂ)

Ring :

Ring of Hrava

Modification :

Divinitas (Permanent)

Atani Tathvir

Bâd gurth vi ngalad firiel

- 273 | Bikini | @ Manzo -

Atani knit her brows. She was angry, though she tried her best not to show it. She was angry that Manzo wasn't telling her how he truly felt. She hurt him. She knew it. She hurt him when she came to Fiore. She hurt him when she joined Blue Pegasus. She hurt him when she said she was thinking of leaving. Every choice she made somehow caused someone around her to ache. No matter how strong her healing magic was, there was no fixing a person that kept leaving chaos in her wake. She wanted Manzo to blow up in her face. She wanted him to set her straight. She needed him to.

But he wouldn't.

Instead, he moved in close. He spoke in the ancient language Atani had heard before, but could not understand. As the words were spoken, a haze settled over the elf's mind. Her vision became defocused to reality, yet enhanced all the same. Her will became weak as he took her face into his hand and guided it to his lips. Emerald eyes closed shut. Their lips touched. The last sensation Atani could remember was the taste of pomegranate lingering in one another's breath before her senses were flooded with a rush of magic.

She didn't see black behind closed eyelids. She saw colors. Colors that were in all shades of silver and blue. It reminded her of blades slicing through the sky. It was beautiful, but it was pain. Not hers, but Manzo's. It was a vastness that led to nowhere but trials and conflict with no safety net in sight. He was alone...

Just like her.

bloop ♡

template by punki of adoxography

**Manzo** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 8:53 pm

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Contract :

2,000,000

Jewels :

2,746,250

Rank :

S-rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

718,875

Reputation :

9,400

Class :

Hunter

Magic :

Third Generation: Woodland Dragon Slayer

Strength :

203

Speed :

131

Constitution :

93

Endurance :

33

Intelligence :

73

Mana :

3,250

Weapon :

Jigoku blade (Darkness)

Off-Hand :

Kimetsu Blade (Light)

Head :

Tobi's Mask

Body :

ↂ Fafnirskin

He sank further into her, their lips dancing around one another's. It was as if they were locked in a dance, the music, agony. Shared agony, he could not give her words, he could not give her direction. He could only give her pain. His pain, a bond forged in trauma.

He showed her the many faces of himself, the truth of his life. The truth of his past. The blood soaked fields of Joya. The demon filled streets in astera. The bodies his left in his wake in Bosco.

The moment he was exiled from Blue Pegasus to save the future of Alisa. The days in his prison cell in the capitol to pay for the blood he had spilled. The day he was let out, and the bodies he left in his wake for the name of Blue Pegasus, crushing their enemies far and wide.

His hands came to rest on her hips, his tongue now slithering it's way into her mouth. There was just so much to show her, so much for her to feel. In order for her to understand him. Understand his true feelings about her departure from hargeon.

Now, he would show her the dream he had on the day she reappeared. It was that of the woman Kerii, in solid white, accented by a field of roses, her hand extending out to him. Forever unable to reach the hand of the woman who touched him in such a profound way.

In his heart, all was lost. No matter who came into his life. He could never forget his first.

**Atani** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 9:53 pm

Epithet :

The Sylvan Fay

Guild :

Rune Knight

Jewels :

4,840,250

Rank :

B-Rank

Race :

Athlas Elf

Experience :

154,625

Reputation :

9,300

Class :

Paladin

Magic :

Yuan, the Goddess of the Mercy

Aura :

Empress

Strength :

1

Speed :

13

Constitution :

61

Endurance :

9

Intelligence :

211

Mana :

2,975

Body :

Fafnirskin

Cape :

Heart Cape (ↂ)

Ring :

Ring of Hrava

Modification :

Divinitas (Permanent)

Atani Tathvir

Bâd gurth vi ngalad firiel

- 384 | Bikini | @ Manzo -

The streaks of blue mingled with silver became tainted with splotches of red. It deepened in color until it resembled blood. Then, everything changed.

Atani didn't know what to make of it all. She could almost see the images clearly. Almost. Perhaps it was due to her fragmented memories. It was hard to tell for sure, but she saw not the Joyan fields, nor the demons, nor the deceased in Bosco. She saw nondescript hills spattered in blood, dark shadows with claws, and limp bodies cloaked in sheets to hide their injuries. Even so, it was not hard to piece the story together.

As Manzo's hands slid to her hips, hers slid to his sculpted shoulders. One found its anchor in his mess of silver locks. The other remained firm in its place, though her thumb drifted down as if trying to reach the inked guild mark Atani knew to reside on his pectoral. The colors shifted from dark to light as a far clearer image surfaced in the depths of their shared minds. It was her.

But it couldn't be. That girl was younger, brighter, untouched by the plagues of humanity. Her hair was shorter, her figure was healthier. She was surrounded by roses-- Atani wasn't even overly fond of roses. But regardless, her mind recognized her as her own, and as such, her own brain seized control of the symbiosis.

A shadow formed around her brightened figure. It grew until it became a defined replica of herself, which then detached from her body like in the Peter Pan story so many human children were told. The shadow raised her arms and with it the roses grew. The petals wilted until all that was left was a thorn bush. The shadow was Ëala: the dark spirit who had possessed Atani's body, given her the gift of nature magic, and had to be torn apart from her soul, ultimately resulting in forgotten memories.

The thorns thrusted out in every direction. One ran through the young Boscosi woman. Another an innocent wolf. More through sailors. The last pierced an elf's chest... An elf she had let herself grow close to in her time of need. They all represented lives lost from failure to control her own magic, and she was terrified of it happening again.

bloop ♡

template by punki of adoxography

**Manzo** · Sun Aug 15, 2021 10:11 pm

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Contract :

2,000,000

Jewels :

2,746,250

Rank :

S-rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

718,875

Reputation :

9,400

Class :

Hunter

Magic :

Third Generation: Woodland Dragon Slayer

Strength :

203

Speed :

131

Constitution :

93

Endurance :

33

Intelligence :

73

Mana :

3,250

Weapon :

Jigoku blade (Darkness)

Off-Hand :

Kimetsu Blade (Light)

Head :

Tobi's Mask

Body :

ↂ Fafnirskin

He found his free hand trailing up her body, stopping short of her bust. Because now he found himself within her subconscious. But it was not he who was there. Not in body, in body, he found himself assuming the form of a raging fire. A bright burning being of fire.

With every step he took within he was greeted with images of terror, much like the ones he had shown her. Though unlike her he could make out all of it. At the center of it all, he found a shadowy being separate from the form of Atani. Intertwining her body in thorns, and dead vines.

In that moment, he found himself on the outside looking in, something much stronger had take control of his body. The spirit of the gourd, his totsuka blade. Had opened the breach between consciousness. To act on his behalf it would seem.

Totsuka simply touched the vines, black flames engulfing them, burning away the corruption of the dark spirit within her. Totsuka was after all the holy flame that snuffs out corruption and evil. Funnily enough, it ended up in the hands of a blood soaked bastard like Manzo.

Totsuka looked over to a disembodied Manzo and simply nodded it's head, The being made of fire had done it's job. It had freed her from the pain, though what Totsuka could not do was mend her mind. It could only ease the lasting effects of having her true self stolen.

Though one thing was made certain to him in this moment. Kerri, and Atani, were one in the same. Something, that strangely enough, brought him a shred of joy in what was this melding of pain.

**Atani** · Tue Aug 17, 2021 7:02 pm

Epithet :

The Sylvan Fay

Guild :

Rune Knight

Jewels :

4,840,250

Rank :

B-Rank

Race :

Athlas Elf

Experience :

154,625

Reputation :

9,300

Class :

Paladin

Magic :

Yuan, the Goddess of the Mercy

Aura :

Empress

Strength :

1

Speed :

13

Constitution :

61

Endurance :

9

Intelligence :

211

Mana :

2,975

Body :

Fafnirskin

Cape :

Heart Cape (ↂ)

Ring :

Ring of Hrava

Modification :

Divinitas (Permanent)

Atani Tathvir

Bâd gurth vi ngalad firiel

- 376 | Bikini | @ Manzo -

The fear of losing control was one thing. The fact that Ëala took on the form of a darker version of herself was another. In the vision she shared with Manzo, this spirit was not just another entity. It was an extension of herself. All the ugly bits and pieces she kept hidden away, the parts she let be masked by light guilds, they still trailed behind her in the form of a shadow. All it took was one slip up for the spirit to reveal Atani's true colors... which might have been even more terrifying than the fear she showed Manzo.

Even so, the spirit was gone. Ëala was out of her body. There should have been nothing left for Atani to fear, yet she couldn't help but feel as if she could never truly rid herself of the dark spirit. It was like a stain on her clothes that was impossible to get out... except it was imprinted onto her soul rather than fabric. Temporarily forgetting about the spirit was the closest thing she could get to removing it from her life, but even that failed.

But this? The vision she was sharing with Manzo? It was not real. What she was seeing was not the spirit in and of itself, but simply an imitation of it. Therefore, it could be harmed in ways not possible with the real Ëala. From what was certainly Manzo's doing rather than hers, a sword as black as night materialized. It became encased in flames of the same color and scorched away the vines suffocating her figure. With them, Ëala's replica perished as did the manifestations of her fears. She was safe.

Their feelings now shared, Atani slowed her display of passion with Manzo. She eased her grip and let her hand fall from his silver head. Her lips softly touched his one final time before the elf gently pulled away. It was only then she realized that while her mind was busy sharing memories with the Slayer, her body had shed tears. She brushed away the wet streaks that laid on her cheeks with the tips of her fingers. There were only two words the Wood Elf could find the strength to say:

"Im naer."

I'm sorry.

bloop ♡

template by punki of adoxography

**Manzo** · Wed Aug 18, 2021 12:46 pm

Guild :

Blue Pegasus

Contract :

2,000,000

Jewels :

2,746,250

Rank :

S-rank

Race :

Human

Experience :

718,875

Reputation :

9,400

Class :

Hunter

Magic :

Third Generation: Woodland Dragon Slayer

Strength :

203

Speed :

131

Constitution :

93

Endurance :

33

Intelligence :

73

Mana :

3,250

Weapon :

Jigoku blade (Darkness)

Off-Hand :

Kimetsu Blade (Light)

Head :

Tobi's Mask

Body :

ↂ Fafnirskin

The deed was now done, Manzo ran his fingers through his snow white hair and took a deep breath. It was a harrowing experience for both of them. He could only imagine what was going through her head. He did wonder if he had made a mistake by performing the ritual. But then again, it was successful, which is what he really wanted to know.

Being capable of elven magic was important for him, if he was every to rip kerri back out from the depths of Atani. Making the two one would be something damn near impossible without the knowledge and ability to use the magic of the ancient elves. While most people believed him to be a simple shop owner, as well as lover of plants.
He was after all, still a great sage.

Meaning everything he had done had a reason. Perhaps it was time to start planting those plants he had read so much about in the old texts. But now was not the time to ponder that. He had to wrap his mind around the fact that his once paramour was now in front of him. All his suspicious confirmed, what was he to do now. That was the question.

He wiped the tears from her face, hearing her apologize made no real sense to him. What exactly did she have to apologize for? Nothing he saw was done on purpose, or anything of the sort. So he hadn't exactly the foggiest what it was there was to apologize for.

"There's no need for all that."

**Atani** · Sun Aug 22, 2021 1:04 pm

Epithet :

The Sylvan Fay

Guild :

Rune Knight

Jewels :

4,840,250

Rank :

B-Rank

Race :

Athlas Elf

Experience :

154,625

Reputation :

9,300

Class :

Paladin

Magic :

Yuan, the Goddess of the Mercy

Aura :

Empress

Strength :

1

Speed :

13

Constitution :

61

Endurance :

9

Intelligence :

211

Mana :

2,975

Body :

Fafnirskin

Cape :

Heart Cape (ↂ)

Ring :

Ring of Hrava

Modification :

Divinitas (Permanent)

Atani Tathvir

Bâd gurth vi ngalad firiel

- 317 | Bikini | @ Manzo -

A warm sensation trickled down the elf's spine as the man in front of her gently touched her cheeks, drying the tears she hadn't managed to clear herself. She apologized. He told her there was no need.

"No," she insisted. "There is." Taking a moment to compose herself, Atani stood and folded her arms across her chest as if ashamed. The gesture to cover oneself was a subconscious way of hiding, even if the mage knew the effects of doing so were negligible.

"I shouldn't have needed to show you that. I never wanted you to see what I did, and I never wanted you to know about my fears... Not like that at least."

She took a breath to steady herself before continuing.

"I can't control my magic. I can't remember my past. I can't predict if I'll wake up wanting to help others, or if I'll wake up with darkness taunting me to do something else." Explaining what that meant was a conversation Atani was not yet ready to have with Manzo. LeeAnn was the only one who could even begin to understand, and even then the blonde was reluctant to involve the kitsune with her affairs.

"So yes. I'm sorry... I'm sorry I'm leaving you, but I'm not sorry for leaving the guild. I don't want to hurt anyone... Not here. There are people in Astera who can help me. If you need me, I'll be there. Enjoy your mimosa."

With that said, Atani raised her hand. The ring on her finger let off a golden glow before returning her belongings set upon the sands to her pocket dimension, save for the alcohol. With the stem of her champagne flute clenched in her hand, the Wood Elf turned her back on Manzo. She didn't want to let him see the tears returning to the corners of her eyes. This would be goodbye.

Astera awaited.

- exit -

template by punki of adoxography

Riptide [Manzo]

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