[Flashback] Catching a familiar scent (Rayage)

by **Nex Paciscor** on April 7th, 2011, 7:16 am

[Surya Plaza] 5th of Fall, 509 AV

Nex padded along the cobble stone walkway, making his way amoung the stalls in the only way he could. It had been nearly two years since he had been cursed by a evil mage, and finally it had been almost worn off completely. Still, pieces of rock still clung to his fur, just as much as part of his body, as he very skin was, and just as vital. Atleast he wasn't almost entierly covered in it still like he was in the begining. The years wernt two hard on Nex though, as he most enjoyed being in his natural form, and despite the discomfort the rock gave him, it gave him a excuse to stay in his wolf form and not have to take on a human guise as perfore various chores and what nots. His current ailment had severly dampered his effectivness for the labors he would have his servant do, and since he was either unable or unwilling to try and revert to human form, he had been assigned with primarly courior missions, primarly supporting such packages on his back, a custom made back pack holding the items, curtousy of his master.

Nex licked his lips, and bounded between and around the market stalls glad to finally be rid of the burden. He still had some time before he would be expected back, so he figured he would be good to have a little bit of free time for himself. Ducking deftly into a side alley that bordered the market, he tugged off the custom made pack from his back, and then dropped it into a narrow crevice where it wasn't likely to be noticed by anyone casually passing by or through the presumably little used alley way. He started to take off down the narrow side street when he caught a whif of something strangely familiar, and started making his way towards it while he tried to decipher the puzzle the scent played before him. All of a sudden it dawned on him and caused him to suddenly skid to a stop. The same Nuit that cursed him all those years ago was here! As to why he was back here and his intentions, Nex did not know but he intended to find out he thought as he bounded away in the direction of where he thought the man to be nearest.

by **Rayage** on April 7th, 2011, 4:07 pm

Nothing was quite like people watching. People were interesting, people were talkable, they were suspicious of nuits, but mostly, the thing that really got to him when he people watched, was they were funny in public. Simple mistakes that they made amused him to no end, and there was just something about watching someone mess up that brought this warm, almost cheerful smile to the mages face. It was his kind of entertainment, but here he might be the hypocrite because he doesn’t like failure happening to him no matter what. Does it ruin his self-image? Maybe, but it is more of a painful reminder that he is mortal just like everyone else when, most of the time, he likes to fancy himself even above the gods.

In fact, his work, attempting to ‘better’ life that already is, doesn’t that sound like a gods work? Oh yes, he believed it to be, and his alchemy was his god, was his power, and what how he was going to accomplish this drastic change in nature. Alchemy was his everything and as such he wasn’t just people watching, but trying to decide based on their aura which one might be able to survive a transmutation or two, or three, or five; until the desired effect is labeled and a part of them.

You see, he had a theory about auras, as he does with most magic he uses to compliment his Alchemy. He believed by looking at ones aura one could determine how a person, object, thing would react to a alchemical reaction. Of course having no idea which colors mean what so far, he hasn’t quite yet tested his theory, he was going off gut instinct this time and selecting the one that ‘felt’ the most promising. It was that simple, that easy, that was his method as of right now and that is how it will stay.

Leaning against a market stall, having been pretending to look over the mans wares, he all but gave up and stayed near the stall. There was nothing interesting, just a bunch of useless junk as far as he was concerned, but someone, some fool would buy it. Oh yes, he knew someone would, else the man wouldn’t be here if he knew he didn’t have some chance of selling something. The place was on the outskirts of the plaza so the nuit could effectively gaze over almost all present and see their aura and get a feeling of who he wanted to ‘borrow’ to go with him this time. There was a chance that once borrowed you could come back, but that is either if you failed, i.e. die, or escape once the transmutation is over.

Smiling he saw something coming towards him, and as he recognized who it was the realization only brought a grin to his face. Oh, how you have come a long way sense that day about… five years ago? He wasn’t sure, being a nuit he had no sense of time because he really didn’t care to keep track. Though one thing would be for sure this was going to be interesting, and… entertaining for him. It wasn’t every day something survives an alchemical reaction.

by **Nex Paciscor** on April 8th, 2011, 3:20 am

He stalked his way through the masses of people just as he might should this setting be in the forest, and the people brush and trees. It was a fitting comparison he thought in his mind, and smirked only slightly. In effect he was heedless of how rude he appeared to the people as he was tripping them up, causing them to stumble, and otherwise hinder them in there day to day activites as he pushed his way through the crowd in a effort to get to the object of his hate. Even amongst the cacophony of sights and smells that attaked his keen senses. He had only recently exited the maze of alley ways that he had traversed to try and steal a moment of suprise on the evil brute. As he looked up however, he noticed that the man, if you could even call him that, had obviously noted his presence, but Nex marveled at how he had managed such a feet, so choked where the streets at this moment in time. The wolf pressed on still, despite the fact that the element of suprise had been lost, thus causing him to lose the advantage and put him on even grounds with the warlock. He suspected that he would need every advantage he could get if he was to get even close enough to this man to do him harm.

Nex gritted his teeth in concertation, eager to rid the air of this ones foul smell through mortal combat, or other more clever plans. He thought briefly to rousing the crowd to the threat this Nuit presented, but that would have to rest soley on the hopes that the kidnapping of the boy, those long two years ago, would still be fresh on their minds. Nex had eventually returned to Lhavit, the younge one in tow, and the boy had been safely returned, altough no one really knew what happened to him or who had taken the boy because Nex had been trapt in his wolf form, as he still was now. All they saw was a wolf carrying a wayward boy in its teeth, and he was hailed as a rescuer, and of course the boy not recalling any of what happened didn't help his cause at all. They did however know that somthing indeed occured, but not the details, nor what to look for so even if he had been able to communicate with them, it was very likely that they wouldn't believe him, or atleast not accept his accusation immediatly.

This really only left him with only one solution in his mind, to outright attack this foul creature that had invaded this place he held sovereign above all others regardless of the rules and conduct of society. Getting closer with each passing bound, Nex made sure to pace himself and remain wary, as he knew the all the mage's tricks from their last encounter, or so he thought.

by **Rayage** on April 16th, 2011, 4:31 am

There always seemed to be something akin to excitement in the face of danger, and possible death. He didn't know what it was, but it just gave him one of the greatest thrills. Well, besides the activating of an alchemy circle, that was on a whole other level, but this excitement that was brooding inside him, building up, slowly reaching its peak was amazing to say the least. He felt alive, and having survived death and though almost countless years he has learned, arrogant or not, that death wasn't his enemy, but those who oppose him. Nothing was ever how it seems, and this nuit was a prime example. He had a way about him, a way of twisting words and perspectives that could be seen as unique, but was more leaning towards, now at least, the bored and cynical side of things.

He was only a being seeking excitement, that was one of the many things that drew him to alchemy and leading him to overcome all the risks involved in such a dangerous art. Everything can be transformed, everything can be changed, even the strongest of wills can be altered, if only slightly, but sometimes slightly is just enough. Excitement was the point of his existence, and he found the most in his work, in his quest of making a homunculus.

Looking around the crowded place he would only smile as the familiar wolf stalked towards him. Would he dare make a move in public? He had done nothing wrong, no, nothing at all. There was action and then events that follow, it was all cause and effect, action and reaction, decision and consequence. It was not his fault that the wolf bore the burden the rock being transmuted into his very being, no, it was his own fault. He put himself in the situation, he was the one that decided to jump and save the boy, and it was for the wolfs own, presumably selfish, self-righteous reasons that he was in the position that he was in today. Ray didn't intend to put the rock there, it was an experiment after all, and one that the wolf shouldn't have even been in. If he would have minded his own business none of this would have happened in the first place. It is rather rude to blame others for your mistakes and misfortunes. One should take responsibility for their own actions, and, even more importantly, their own fate.

Eyes now glued to the wolf in a challenging way he smiled as the creature came even closer weaving through the people. How can you be more direct than that? Though as the creature neared the smile on his face would turn to a grin, one rich with self-confidence and an almost god-like ego, "Its been far too long." He would say, addressing the wolf as he got within earshot. His voice laced with the same power as it had been so long ago. This indeed was going to be an interesting encounter. There would be a slight sense about him, a slight nagging feeling as the wolf approached. Not of fear as it was last time, but of a certain excitement that seemed to only promote thoughts of vengeance, and ones that would get adrenaline pumping. Though it would be only slight, sometimes only a slight, vague sensation was all that was needed to set the right mood to meet once more .

by **Nex Paciscor** on April 16th, 2011, 5:09 am

In his vision, never wavering in the slightest, was the figure of that Nuit whom had cursed him so long ago. All thoughts where turned towards him, in combination with his keen senses, and what he wanted was to sink his teeth into that monster's decayed flesh, and rend mottled, rotted skin from brittle bone. With a clearer head, he might have found that rather disgusting, but as of the moment right now, he gave into his more primal urdges, running on that hatred, usining it to his advantage, but still lacking mastery of it, and finding himself unable to control his present course.

His logical mind felt like a prisoner in a cage at this present moment, his efforts to resist attacking proving futile. The wolves legs still stalked inexorably forward, his direction never changing in the slightest. Nex's inner more intellegent self struggled against the animalistic rage that consumed his body, but atlast could do nothing to break the bonds, and so he decided to make the best of it, and hoped that he'd kill the undead thing before someone stopped him.

It will be very pleasurable maiming this one is one of the virtual hornets nest of thoughts that zoomed through his mind. He would rather it had been a more secluded location, but this would just have to do, was a sentiment he shared with himself when he got within earshot of the mad mage. A low rumbling growl seemed to emanate from within his chest, and suprised and scared himself a little bit. The withered man, uttered some words that didn't quite catch, but he figured they wern't laced with magic, for he didn't feel any different. Waste of breath mage he thought wickedly as he came within range of foul being, its unatural presence effecting his keen senses a bit harder than it probably did the population of citizens that surrounded the pair, unknowing of what was about to occur.

The crowd, for a few moments atleast, seemed to be a living and breathing entity, but after only a short time it seemed to let up for a bit. Nows my chance Nex thought as he bunched up his hind legs, and pounced at the source for his malice.

by **Rayage** on April 16th, 2011, 6:03 pm

As the wolf would jump there would be a sound from the nuit, something that sounded out of place. It wasn't a scream of terror nor was his face distorted with the fear of possibility, of what was going to happen to him. No, none of this was present in him, but instead that grin that was held for so long, as if the arrival of the wolf was a joke in itself, was still ever present and it seemed to grow. The noise, the one much unexpected of those who are being attacked by a beast, was a laugh. It sounded happy, confident, but more so mocking. Surely it was enough to turn heads to the situation at hand. He wasn't scared of this puppy, no, and he thought it humorous that someone with such a strong moral compass could even leap at him.

Where is the beings philosophy when it comes to preserving life now? A life is a life, usually, but no, not in this case. That is problem with people who have 'moral compasses' they seem to think that they can just pick and choose, and judge. What gives them the right? Who granted them the power besides their own inflated sense of self-importance? No one! And that is the problem with the 'hero' types. They think they are above everything and their own thoughts dictate the fate of others. What a twisted place we live in indeed, and Ray thought it all an extremely bad joke.

The laugh of the mage would last even when he fell backwards and to the ground, the wolf successfully on top of him. His gaze would be locked in the creatures eyes as he saw within them intent. Oh yes, he has seen that look before, that perfectly human look, but also the perfectly animal as well, the look of wanting to tear something apart, to vent your rage on another being. He was all too familiar with this look and that only made him laugh even more. "What are you going to do now?" he asked, his voice full of the pleasure of the hunt, "Are you going to take some misguided revenge?" He asked, "Are you going to rip into me with those teeth and claws of yours?"

He laughed again, "Pathetic!" That was his judgment of the situation, "If you are, be warned, rotting flesh can carry some very nasty diseases" The point of using a suggestion here wasn't to affect the creatures attitude, no, there were many ways of using the same method for different results. The hope here was to get the wolf to think about his words. Ray was a talker, not a fighter, but if it came down to it he could try. Though, a good crowd of people were already looking over the scene waiting for something to happen.

"Remember, you reap what you sow" the mage told him, "I am aware this applies to me too, but not yet, not today. I have work to finish. Then, if I am continent enough, I will accept my own fate." But... not today. There was still a lot to be done and even more enemies to make.

He laughed again, "Go on, do what you came here to do." he challenged the wolf, "You will be doing me a favor" he told him before whispering, "This body has been needing replaced for some time... Would you give me an excuse to find another?" This would be interesting indeed. For the wolf to satisfy himself in his way of vengeance, would he give the nuit an excuse to take another life to find another body. What was revenge worth to him? That is what it all boiled down to, and the answer to that question would answer many, many more. Let's see just how accurate this moral compass is.

by **Nex Paciscor** on April 16th, 2011, 11:46 pm

Above everything else, the nuit's laughter unnerved him. It was a dry and raspy sort of thing, and yet it seemed that it radiated through his bones. It made him feel cold to his very core, and somewhat tappered of the rage swelling inside of his mind, allowing him to begin to think clearer and sharper once more. As his more rational side began regaining control once more, he squeed shut his eyes, and opened them once more. He was ontop of the undead wizard, his claws partially sunk into the mottled flesh on his shoulders, and his fangs just inches from the man's face, his more primal side, still itching to snap it off. With a strong effort of will, he restrained himself from ripping of the undead creatures face, whom was even now speaking to him.

The crowd thrummed around them, everyone wanting to catch a glimpse of the confrontation in the streets, the newest attraction on the road. Nex could feel thousands of eyes on him, each watching expectantly eager to see what the other would do, like the blood thirsty mob of people whom enjoyed betting on games of death. Of course the cultured people of Lhavit would deny being tempted by such sport, but in every society there was always those whom desired to see battles, blood spilt, and the inevitable conclusion, this city was no different. The gaurds might even let it go on for a little bit before they where forced to become involved, as is there duty of peacekeepers in this place. Afterwards the citizens where sure to say that they had been appalled of such a display in the beautiful streets of Lhavit, but secretly, he knew, yes secretly they would be buzzing with the excitement they had witnessed that day, and maybe eventually even miss it and continue with their daily routine, hoping that one day something exciting would happen again.

The amount of gazes upon them forced Nex to check himself, and he supposed the fact that he had not continued the attack, and the undead nature of his victim, had kept the gaurds from intervening yet, but he knew that would not last long. He also knew however that he needed to think about what he was going to do next.

The man's words made him realize something as well. He didn't quite know how to kill one of his condition, and if he couldn't kill him, then this attack would serve no purpose, other than to cause him a minor inconvenience perhaps. Also, and even more troubling, was the man's suggestion that by hurting him, he would give him a reason to take another life, and that he just couldn't abide by. By such a logical conclusion it also lead him to realize other things as well. When he had interrupted his spell so long ago, he had caused the man to overgive, and thereby ruined his body, causing him to seek another form by all reasoning.

Waves of guilt suddenly swept through him, as he realized by effect he caused the death of another. It did not matter that he had saved a life from this man's clutches. The his current reasoning, the boy could have survived the spell, where as whomever this man victimized stood no chance. Still he did not regret saving the boy, only that he was too weak to stop this man in the first place. He knew even now he could not stop this man, and the realization of that made him falter, and backup off of him, his growl replaced by a keening whine.

Hurting this man now would serve no good except to allow this man the luxury to kill again. The sense of utter helplessness overwelmed him again, like it had long ago, exept this time, he noted sadly, it was not spell induced. He bowed his head low, and it would almost seem apologetic, if he did not so loath the man that lay before him, but to the rest of the crowd it seemed to be a apology and a resigned reaction, and the soon lost interest, moving on to continue with there lives. The gaurds thankfully as well did not move immediatly to accost him, and instead stood there, still taking measure of the situation. He had failed for a second time in his life, and worse of all, he had lost face amongst the public.

by **Rayage** on April 17th, 2011, 5:17 am

The nuit could see and feel the crowd that gathered wanting to watch a simple fight, and smiled as he watched the wolf all too closely for a reaction. He could see his words have made him think, and therefore his magic was a success. He laughed again as the wolf got off of him. propping himself up with his amrs he slowly got up and dusted off his robes with a couple pats. The dust coming off quite easily as the crowd seemed to move along. "Look what you did." he said in an accusing voice, "Draw attention to me, and dig your claws into my shoulders." he sounded disgusted, "Rip my clothes... Going to have to patch it up some more." He laughed, "I swear, one day I will be nothing but sown together rags." He mumbled.

Shifting his gaze back to the wolf he crossed his arms, "So, what are you going to do now?" he asked almost mockingly, knowing that he could be understood, "Is the guilt too much for the poor doggy?" he smiled, his teeth rotten with age and decay, "It is all cause and effect. There is an ultimate order in this world. One thing leads to another which leads to another, its all logical, and if you press the right buttons." he smirked,"at the right time, then things magically go your way. Its all about timing and then, then once you understand this order, once you understand people, places, and things you can control the force that is more powerful than even magic; that is fate." he gave his little lecture.

"You must be wondering why I'm telling you this; the truth is I find you pathetic. You need to take action, logical action, work towards a goal, you know?" he was now talking to the beast as if he were his master, "Such a creature as yourself should be hunting deer or something, not meddling in an old mages work. You know, emotions are so misguiding," he shook his head, "yes, so misguiding when there is an order to everything. The only constant in this world is change, that is the only thing that can be predicted, and if you can influence this change then you can gain control of an entire situation. That is where magic comes in, both alchemy, and hypnosis."

"Like it or not I'm an agent of change, and I see so much that could be changed, so much to improve in this world..." he shook his head, "So, since you can't kill me today I challenge you." he paused, "I challenge you" he repeated himself to be sure he could be heard correctly, "to make action and take control of a situation next time we meet." He grinned down at the wolf, his superiority oozing out of him, "And with that situation I want you to try to kill me."

"A truce for now?" He laughed at his words as if they were a joke, but he was oh so serious. He wanted the wolf to understand the effects of his actions and the results that they brought about. Everything forges the future by action, and by action, if one were to think about it before they do so, a direct and linear result will occur. Some people call it fate, a giant plan for the future, but it is more like a blank canvas waiting for paint to splatter on it to create a work of art. Each drop of paint being the actions of those all over the world, and the picture something unique and unpredictable, the final result only to be seen at the end of time. If such a time should happen.

by **Nex Paciscor** on April 21st, 2011, 9:56 am

Nex felt so helpless at this moment, but despite the despair, he took solace in the fact that he was virtually out of options. Still his inability to do anyting about the present situation made him weak and useless, and he could feel himself begining to sulk. He eyed the man with pure burning hatred, watching this man with open contempt, his eyes relating that on no uncertain terms would he back down the next time they met. The next he came across this undead creature, it would be a showdown to the death, the death of the man, or him, for neither could live with the other still alive. Emitting a low growl, he nodded his acceptance of the challenge. Yes, he would get his revenge one day, and how sweet it would be he though as he eyed the mage with open contempt.

by **Rayage** on April 26th, 2011, 5:15 pm

Rayage smiled as the beast backed down. Kill him, he laughed at the challenge that he just issued. He would die when he was due and ready. Nothing can stop a man with a dream, and even though he was no longer human he didn't let that fact say that he could no longer dream. No, nothing can take away the right to dream, not even the gods. Dreams and meaning will stay with those who look.

The nuit laughed as he saw the disdain in the creatures eyes, "Do you..." ther would be a small pause just long enough to gain attention to what would be said next, "hate me?" He asked finding the concept itself silly. He just kept his self-assured smile to himself as he began to walk away. He would leave the doggy with that one question to brood over along with everything else that he had said. Hopefully he would connect one thing to the other and redirect his energies from revenge to looking to past actions and moving on. He carried no discontent with the thing that had confronted him before, no he was merely a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things, a bump in the road, and the thing that those who don't carry the badge of undead understand is the past shouldn't be brooded upon, and the energy would be put to better use dreaming of the future.

He didnt consider himself evil, no, quite the opposite, or nothing at all. Good and evil didnt exist in his little frame of mind, and the only merit that actions provide is the promise of future action and thus the continuance of the cycle of action and reaction.