[Flashback] Rites Of Passage/Dark Beginnings (Coatl Please)

[Phoenix_Shadow]

Date: Summer AV 401
Age: 24 (Birthday)
Location: Riverfall

The sun peeked into Phoenix's window as it had crested the horizon on it's gradual decent of the morning. Phoenix sat up in bed and shook the cobwebbs of sleep out of his mind, then he stretched and took a deep breath of the cool morning air. He stood up and got dressed in clothing that was a little tighter than normal but not so much that it looked odd. After all Phoenix had to make sure he wore the right things so he could practice some before the rites of passage of the day came. Not only was it his birthday which was nice as another year of life was celebrated but the rites were particularly exciting. Phoenix had been hearing from his friends how hard it was, some of it from the older boys Phoenix knew was more of a scare tactic, but Phoenix never backed down from a challenge at any rate. "Show strength in the face of adversity." His father had always taught him. Phoenix finished getting cleaned up and then went out to train lightly for the rites that would come for when they did. The sun had just came up but the light was still dusky outside.

[Coatl]

The rite of passage was the same for all Akalak. They must enter the plains of Cyphrus with nothing but their newly made Lakan. They were to have no food or water given to them. They must fend for themselves in the plains. They had to head northeast into the zith lands and kill a zith hunter by themself using their Lakan or bare hands. The proof was the wings that had to be returned. Though the Akalak race was small in numbers, this ritual had gone back to the creation of Riverfall two hundred years ago. If the Akalaks did not try and control the Zith hunters and raiders, then their numbers would easily over run the city. Akalak men died from this test of manhood.

Phoenix had awoken and felt the blood pumping throughhis dark skinned veins. All Akalak who were ready for manhood felt this adrenaline rush. He was ready and desired to not only live up to the challenge but excel if possible. Combat was in their blood, and Phoenix was no exception. He was trained from childhood to become a warrior and something more. What that was, he was unsure of, but Wysar would reveal it in do time.

No one met Phoenix at his house. His father was no where to be seen. But Phoenix knew the drill. All of the Akalak were waiting for him in the Gideon Arena. This is where the Riteof Passage took place. The day before, his father had taken him to the smith yo have his Lakan made. He still had the burn scar on the palm of his hand where the red hot blade bit into his hand. The blood from his veins transferred some of his essense into the blade while the heat immediately sealed the cut by burning the flesh. All Akalak went through this. It gave the Akalak a bond to their Lakan. No matter where the blade was, Phoenix would now be able to feel it and find it.

When he reach the Arena, all of the Akalak who had become men were sitting in the stands. In the center of the arena was Nevar Chivan, Leader of Riverfall who served under their Father, Wysar, creator of the Akalak Race. Next to Nevar was Phoenix 's father. Phoenix had gone over the routine before and knew from here out he was not allowed to say another word.

"We Gather as one to watch our Brother go from Childhood to Manhood. We have all witnessed the transformation of this youth into a warrior. My father created the Rite of Passage so that each Akalak could prove his worth as a warrior to the community. If one could not kill a Zith, then one did not belong. You have entered that realm of the warrior, Young Phoenix. Now you must prove your warrior skills to the community and bring back the wings of a Zith that we may burn in the ritual fires to signify your manhood. We, the people of Riverfall, recgnize you know more. Go and come back a man!" Nevar spoke loudly for all to hear and had the tone of a leader in his voice.

Phoenix father gave an accepting nod of his head and a smile before turning his back to Phoenix as did Nevar. The rest of the Akalak men rose from their seats and turned their back to the young warrior. from here, Phoenix knew he was to run out of the city gates and into the plains of Cyphrus. He had to find a Zith. Did he still feel up to the challenge?

[Phoenix_Shadow]

Phoenix fully understood how this was to be. He didn't even hesitate he headed out of the city gates. If he was not able to even defeat a Zith then how could he be a man. Phoenix searched searched for most of the day although he knew that the best time to get a Zith was near night time.
Phoenix searched and around dusk time he did find one Zith. The Zith at first did not even notice him at first but then quickly noticed and came on the attack as their instinct instructed them. Phoenix stood still partially because he knew the Zith could easily out manuver him in the air and also he had to admit he was scared at least a little bit, seeing a Zith face to face...the intensity of the Zith. The Zith came at him closer, closer until it seemed that Phoenix would put up no fight and become victim to the Zith. This however did not happen, at the last moment Phoenix rolled almost into the Zith but below it's talons, while rolling he flashed his Lakan up hoping he would hit something. There was resistance in his Lakan and Phoenix thought he might have just hit the dirt and came up to his feet, that is when he heard the screech of the Zith, he had thrust forward at first then upward in his roll and in doing so he first cut the Zith along the legs and, the Zith must have tried to correct it's course and not miss Phoenix because the Lakan in his right hand stuck for a moment in the Zith's right side of it's chest.
That was the resistance Phoenix felt, the Zith fell to the ground and was kind of twitching, at the same time Phoenix could fill a warm sensation along his right abdomen, indeed the talons of the Zith had grazed him, if he had not twisted to the side with his roll the injury surely would have been fatal, as it was it was merely a minor wound. Phoenix did not give the Zith much time to recover, as soon as it began to stand he was upon the Zith, he kicked it straight in the chest, catching it by surprise and sending it flying onto it's back, it's talons flashed up, Phoenix went in between the slashing talons with at first his left hand catching the Zith in the right shoulder then the Zith started to block and Phoenix stepped into the Zith his hip colliding with the pelvis and his own shoulder slamming the Zith midline as he rolled to the right, the Zith started to adjust it's stance and go for Phoenix's throat. Phoenix slashed with his left hand quickly to deflect the talons and then with his right hand he came up in between the Zith's arms, also he sprung to his feet at the same time, the Lakan caught the Zith on the underside of it's chin, Phoenix shot up and let out a yell as he pushed the lakan through the mouth, then with his left hand he brought the other lakan down on the top of the Zith's head then he twisted practically tearing the face off the Zith. Phoenix fell backwards as the Zith's death lunge knocked him over.
Phoenix used his legs and kicked the Zith off of him and he stood in a stance, the Zith fell over lifeless, Phoenix approached slowly and made sure it was dead, then he in a almost ceremony like manner removed the wings and buried the Zith. Phoenix then bound his wounds upon his abdomen and the other along his arms and shoulder.
Phoenix then headed back to Riverfall to present his wings to his people. While he was tired, in fact exhausted in that fight realizing the accomplishment he had achieved drove new fire into his body as he returned to Riverfall.

[Nickorius]

The hunting party of Zith had been zeroing in on a kill. Just some local wildlife, the kill had been more of a distraction from their real mission, finding human flesh. They had been out for hours, and the group had been getting restless. One Zith in particular had gotten too reckless and it's curiosity took over as it wandered away from the rest of the group. It's curiosity led it to an area near Phoenix, and it's ultimate demise. The rest of the group had been too busy toying with the lives of the animals below to notice her wandering. It was only after the kills were finished and their need for action satisfy that Pitch, the leader of the hunting band, noticed that one of the younger females was gone. He looked around furiously, if this hindered their hunt there would be hell to pay. Pitch emitted a high shriek, as loud as his lungs allowed, trying to make her come back. After a few moments of no reply, he became worried and took flight immediately. The rest of the hunting party followed. He circled the area, worried for his younger family, almost to a state of panic. He saw a glimpse of a dark body, hovering over a Zith body. He snarled, though his newly acquired target could not hear him. Pitch beat his wings furiously, flying at full speed at whatever had taken his young Zith, the rest of his party was a second behind him, all felt the loss of a member of their family. All wanted to distribute retribution. As the Akalak came into view, Pitch snarled and growled. Pitch hovered above him alone just for a moment, staring at the Akalak with hate. His instincts almost overpowering him. Urges. Whispers from his body. Kill. Maim. But he wanted this Akalak to have to suffer a few minutes first. Knowing that he was going to die. A moment later the Akalak was surrounded by 5 furious Zith, hovering overhead, snarling at him, just waiting for an opportunity to feast on his flesh. Suspending in the air, the leader barred his teeth at the over matched Akalak. Pitch screamed, and the Zith opposite to him dove at Phoenix, slashing at his leg with outstretched claws. At the same exactly instant, the Zith on his left dove in front of him, slashing at his face, and blocking his exit. The rest of the Zith hovered above, waiting for their chance at the pathetic Akalak. Pitch signaled to all that the killing blow would be his.

Mod NoteI don't know if you realize, but we like to RP battles out here. I know you may have just been unwitting in your first post, but from now on we'll do it the right way. You state your attempts, I'll say what happens with your opponents. You still have a chance to get out of this here, but it will take more than one post.

[Phoenix_Shadow]

Phoenix moved out of the way of the first two Zith. This was what they called a rite of passage. Damn, oh well he looked back at the leader.
"Takes a whole group? Eh?...what else would I expect from you're kind." Phoenix said and drew his daggers. If the leader brought him down then very well that was fate it was not in his hands to decide fate. Nothing else was needed to say. Phoenix then waited for the leader or any other Zith to get close enough to make the fatal move where he could strike a mortal without exposing himself too much.

[Nickorius]

As Pheonix deftly dodged the two attacking Zith, they flew past each other, recovering quickly from the missed attacks, and rose back to the circle of Zith above Pheonix's head. They all hovered for a moment, all obviously angry at the young Akalak, but one in particular seemed furious. While all of the other Zith looked to their leader for instructions, as it seemed this Akalak was particularly skilled in combat, the one furious female kept her eyes locked on the young man. Pitch screeched, seemingly talking to no one, or rather everyone. His eyes were also locked on Pheonix, pure hate saturating the air. The circle all began screeching at Pheonix, crying at him in their native language. Then, suddenly, the furious female lashed out. A ferocious snarl escaped her lips as she pumped her wings with all her strength, hurling herself at Pheonix. Claws extended and aimed for his face, the Zith flew hard and fast at Pheonix.

Mod NoteSorry it's short and SUPER late. I had a hard time with it. Be sure to explain your battle movements a little more in your coming posts. Explain seeing/hearing/feeling them coming at you, then say how you turned/rolled/jumped out of the way. And then fully describe any retaliatory actions you take.

[Phoenix_Shadow]

The female almost surprised him at first and Phoenix could feel fear well up inside him, this could be it.
Time seemed to slow, every second seemed like minutes. As the Zith closed in Phoenix still stuck to his plan.
Calculating the distance, it was a guess at best but still it may buy him some time. If he could at least wound the female maybe it would give them pause. Phoenix highly doubted that.
The Zith were all pissed and from what he knew once Zith were angry there was no stopping them.
"Come then." Phoenix whispered. With only one weapon he had to choose his targets carefully.
Phoenix stood there his heart raced for a moment as the adrenaline pumped through his veins. He was flying by the seat of his pants here but he was damned if he was going down without a fight.
When the female came into distance Phoenix dove diagonally half towards the attacking female doing so he twisted his body into a roll to avoid the claws and not give her time to correct her course until he made his next move, as he came out of his roll his next move was to slash toward the closest vital place with the dagger in his right hand, any place would do but the more blood loss the better in case she did not relent her attack.
Phoenix did not expect to hit unless it was out of sheer luck, Zith were swift this he knew. Phoenix hoped it would merely cause the Zith to counter and thus taking the claw attack out of play for this round.
Ultimately his plan was to either one scare off the remaining Zith which looked like he had a snowballs chance in hell of doing that or waiting for an opening to get away from the surrounding party, that meant outrunning the Zith, not a very tenable opition.
Third option and the most dangerous. Getting close enough to the leader to strike a blow that made them retreat if he got lucky maybe he would hit a vital area at any case he was going to do his best to survive even if that meant killing as many of these damned Zith until they killed him,. There were by far less honorable ways of living and dying but he sure as hell wasn't going to make this easy for them.

[Nickorius]

As Pheonix leaped into the air, h attempted to position his body in a half roll, as to avoid and deflect the attack of the infuriated Zith. Right after his body left the ground, he knew he shouldn't have even tried to out maneuver the Zith in the air, especially without any background in acrobatics. He lurched off the ground, straight on a collision course with the attacking Zith. He managed to turn his body slightly, facing the Zith with the back of his shoulder, but any other movements were out of reach for such a novice. The female was completely caught off guard with the Akalak's leap straight for her. Such a strange reaction could never be anticipated. The Zith tried to modify her attack to swipe the young Akalak with her claws, but it was only mildly successful. The two combatants collided with a tremendous amount of force far before either one of them was ready. Pheonix's shoulder and back collided with the Zith, who was still trying to reposition herself. Claws strached and scraped superficial wounds into the Akalak as he flailed, attempting some spin move that was obviously unsuccessful. During his flailing and attempted attacks, the Akalak's blade found itself somehow connecting with and embedding itself in the Zith's left wing. As they both unceremoniously parted, the blade tore a large hole in the wing and both combatants fell to the ground, hard. Pheonix, armed with the realization that he couldn't fly, broke the bulk of the impact with outstretched arms and a rolling motion. The Zith wasn't so lucky. She instinctively tried to pull out of the fall with furious beating of her wings, which only made it worse. She spun, off balance from the air flowing through her left wing, and hit the ground hard. Losing all of her breath, she writhed on the ground for a moment, in shock and wounded.

[Phoenix_Shadow]

Phoenix pressed his advantage, as little as it was. He went after the wounded Zith with another rolling motion. This may have been rudimentary at best but it was his intention to not stick his head straight up in the middle of a group of flying Zith. He went in and attempted to bring his dagger right into the wounded Zith's neck in an attempt to dispatch her. If he was lucky maybe this would give the other Zith pause for a moment, but he seriously doubted it as the leader was still giving the commands, well he assumed that is what the screeching was about. Right now Phoenix was going to take any advantage he could. If he could not kill the Zith right away he would at least attempt to use her body as a shield if other Zith came diving in, if not, if his attempt at getting the neck portion of the Zith, depending on what she did he would just drop his knee into her body and push her back if nothing else. At least he wounded her, maybe without the ability to fly so quickly if might put them on more of an even ground, even though she may be more agile than him. That was the plan for this next step, fate would be the deciding force if he could make a kill and bring honor to his people or if he would have to wait for his prize.

[Nickorius]

The Zith was stunned for a few moments, completely in shock that this Akalak had got the best of her. Now she couldn't even fly away to save her life. Her whole world had been turned upside down in the span of a few moments. What whipped her back into reality wasn't the greatest realization either: The Akalak was now head straight for her, Lakan in hand. She tried to leap up and run away, but it was to late for that. The Akalak fell on her, his Lakan diving into the Zith's neck with ferocity that surprised even the feral Zith viewing the attack. The spattering of blood that followed sent yet another Zith into a frenzy. This time it was male, the one who had been hovering next to the now deceased female. Sent into a bloodthirsty frenzy by watching the death of his family, he dove at the Akalak who was hovering over his fallen friend. With the speed and agility that only a Zith could possess, the male dove at the Akalak and collided with him directly, grabbing onto Pheonix and digging his claw in as they rolled away from the body of the fallen Zith. Pitch screamed at the attacking male, furious. Everything was going wrong. If they attacked one by one, the Akalak might win, now their numbers were down and their advantage grew less and less each passing moment. He screamed to stop, screamed wordless screams of pain and irritation. This was not how today should have gone.