Max's mind dipped deeply into a pool of thought. Thoughts could be scanned and measured with machinery for synaptic reaction and stimulation's. Thoughts had never been measured against time. Was time relative to thought? Or could the mind pass through both time and space if trained to do so? This thought would wait for another time, or so Max thought.

Max could see the creatures molecules change. Amazing he thought. This was a tell of sorts. Thinking in terms of his once a month poker nights.  He saw the two energies that held the same space in time and knew he could work within the laws that governed this creatures actions.

Though Max had never tried to separate two connected energies he knew it could be done. Tibbs had experience with this when he exercised demons from some ones body. The concept was simple on paper, but tricky in reality. But it must be done.

Max quickly studied the creatures energetic makeup, gathering his own energy. He envisioned his actions in his minds eye. The creature was now water. Water flowed and could take any form it wished, but was never solid as earth. Gripping and holding tight on it's properties.

The negative demonic energy was separate from the creature of element. The demon controlled the creature of elemental adaptation. In an instance the creature had taken on the very element it was fighting against moments earlier. He could see the mask over the water creatures face and would focus on that. By waters own liquid properties to ebb and flow he would tear the demon mask from the water creatures face.

Like a hand dipping into a pool of water and easily removing a leaf. He saw the back yard swimming pool and the debris in the water as he used pool cleaning filter to do the job. In his mind he dipped his psychic pool filter into the water creatures head and removed the demonic mask. As a leaf from the water.

Max spoke to Tibbs of his plan. "Old man, I'm going to remove the demon mask from the water creatures face. Be ready to do whatever you can to subdue or banish it."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Tue 23 Dec 2014.

Max was a bit shaken after hearing the demonic power speak. Did anyone else hear and understand what this hell spawn was saying.

Wanting confirmation the guys heard what the demon said and if they understood."Guys the demon says 'there's no reason to fight, the land will be his, and that Xuan will be eaten.'

"Tsunami your hit blinded it and cut the mask, great job. I see the mask is separating from the water creatures face. It's the time to finish this demon off. I see both beings energy and one is weak."

Max focused on the demonic mask and the plan...
This message was last edited by the player at 05:02, Sat 27 Dec 2014.

      "I heard it, but I didn't listen, it only has lies," Orlando shouted before he ran at the creature.

       Magic was fairly complex but could be spoken in any language, what was needed was three things focus, words helped with that, and mental stamina, but the last was the most important.  Most people could wield magic if they had to use the first two. The most important need was the ability to draw on the energy of the soul, like a prayer, years of harnessing the energy of one's soul was needed.  The soul was powerful and divine. The reason why he had been so successful with his father in all of those exorcisms was his inate ability to use his soul as a weapon again the demons.  Now, was only slightly different, tougher yes, more dangerous....no.  His soul was always at stake when dealing with the damned.

     Orlando charged in chanting a very special prayer, fueled by his soul, this prayer...was a weapon. Orlando ran in and dodged the creature's bulk as he attempted to touch the creature with his power. He went straight for the weakness that Max had mentioned.  He wanted to disrupt the demon mask, so he hit it right where it hurts...the face!
This message was last edited by the player at 02:20, Sun 28 Dec 2014.

The water sloshed to the ground as if someone had pulled the plug on a huge water basin exposing the true creature. He had a momentary look of disbelief and shock. "逃离。运行;," the creature quickly shouted at the group attacking it.


If you speak Chinese...

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Get away. Run for life.

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Max's telekinesis had further ripped Xuan's cut, fully ripping the mask in two pieces.  As the blind creature felt the tear at its face Orlando touched his body with his bloody hand. The creature stumbled backwards a step as Orlando's command surged through its body and lost all of the water it held from its power.  It seemed to be stunned and didn't move to further attack the group.  The area felt heavy and dark, a pulsing fear surrounded the group. It was unseen and ominous, giving the entire group goose-bumps and alarm


OOC-The creature is green, but a muddy murky green color, it does have the armor on it, but not the war hammer. Its face is imperceptable due to the mask which is broken in two. The mask is still pulled tight across his face.  There are chains connected to bolts in his collar bone.  The chains are thin, but they connect to the demon flesh by what looks like meat hooks.  The chains are holding the mask tight against his head and face.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:54, Sun 28 Dec 2014.

In reply to Seeker of Truth (msg # 159):

What Max saw was promising considering the situation. So much negative energy. Now was the time to pour it on.

"Guys I see the demonic predator. It seems desperate and shocked by it's separation from the elemental host. We must finish this now...before it regains it hold on the host." Max said a silent prayer to Shokti "...let our minds and actions be as one." Maxs' voice was that of urgent, desperate, confidence.

He knew in his heart and mind this group of amazing brothers, he was honored to know and work with, could do what ever they sit their actions and minds to. Including defeating this demon dog.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:00, Sun 28 Dec 2014.

The connection had been damaged, Aeviternus could see the captor clearly above its victim, his own nostrils stung with the stench of it even as its posture was not one of confidence.  Damaged was not broken, however, and the prevailing power of the mask seemed evident by not having had been fully removed, giving the sense that the creature still had a chance to regain its puppet.

On two planes it seemed Aeviternus still had the advantage of not being noticed, it was almost a sensation of being home for him.  One hand clutching the weapon, the other outstretched before him to better guide his intent, the head of Lotus went silently to the armored man's head with its blades retracted in the core, chain trailing softly behind it, moving through space quickly but not recklessly.  Using the magnetic charge already coursing through the ancient metal, Aeviternus guided it for the binding chains attached to the mask to send it snaking between them and their base.  He wondered idly at how much pain this may cause the being they were attached to if his mark was made.

Lastly, he prepared to send a bolt through the weapon upon its consumation with the chains to help with the final move.

Somewhere in between awe at his success with the new water power and shock at the transformation of the demon, Xuan halted mid-flow. Maybe it was the Chinese he spoke. Or maybe it was the panic in his eyes. Either way, there was a sincerity in that demon host that gave Xuan pause.

The pause was only long enough to determine what to do next if this creature would not be despatched with prejudice. This change of course found Xuan flinging his water-sword at him. As it flew, Xuan focused on gathering water to the sword like metal shavings to a magnet. It was already softening at the front as it closed the distance. Should it make contact, it would splash around the creature and wrap him up in all the water Xuan could summon. Maybe he could contain him in a watery prison until a new plan could be devised.

Since he understood Chinese, Xuan threw some back.

"Liú!"

      Kirby saw Aeviternus's weapon shoot forward and hit the creature's chains attached to his head.  Now that the water had shed from the gargantuan man he could see what Ace was aiming at. Kirby didn't have his gun, but he did have Aeviternus's weapon. The movement drew to him, like a whisper and he answered. Kirby's right hand arced up into a right  hook, pulling Aeviternus's blade across the throat of the creature.  It swung attempting to cut the creatures chains on the other side of his head.

In one fell swoop the chained weapon of Aeviternus slices through all four chains on the hulking creature, "Schnick, schnick, schnick, schnick," the sound happening in rapid fire. The creature seemed to be free of the strange torture device.

     The creature took a step, feeling the strain loosen on his neck, he reached up with both hands and ripped the fleshy mask from his face. Each hand came away with a tatered crumple of leathery parchment.

     The creature looked around suddenly as if coming from a stupor, then proceeded to fall face first in the mud, his head landing at the foot of Kirby and Max.

     As if coincidence, the clouds broke with a crack, and almost all of the wind completely died down. Kirby's pappa landed a heartbeat later and collapsed on the steps of what was left of his house's porch.

In one fell swoop the chained weapon of Aeviternus slices through all four chains on the hulking creature, "Schnick, schnick, schnick, schnick," the sound happening in rapid fire. The creature seemed to be free of the strange torture device.

     The creature took a step, feeling the strain loosen on his neck, he reached up with both hands and ripped the fleshy mask from his face. Each hand came away with a tatered crumple of leathery parchment.

     The creature looked around suddenly as if coming from a stupor, then proceeded to fall face first in the mud, his head landing at the foot of Kirby and Max.

     As if coincidence, the clouds broke with a crack, and almost all of the wind completely died down. Kirby's pappa landed a heartbeat later and collapsed on the steps of what was left of his house's porch.

"Don't touch the mask;" Aeviternus called out to those in proximity, the urgency in his voice hopefully stopping any who might have the inclination.  The voice at first came from nowhere, but as he finished the sentence his form began to appear once more as if from another dimension behind the poor soul who'd just done a faceplant in the mud, Lotus retracting quickly back to its small staff form.  In the intrest of his teammates, Aeviternus made for the fallen pieces of the mask to take a closer look while ensuring he made no contact just yet.

Heeding Ace's warning, Max stays away from the mask. He takes a deep breath, thanking Shokti for the victory.

Max takes the opportunity to cautiously scan the area for the demon dogs energy as well as scanning the cut up demon mask.

     Orlando, rushed over as well to kneel by Aeviternus to take a look at the mask. "Let me see what we can see, "said Orlando moving in a way where he was obviously heeding Ace's warning.  His hand hovered out palm facing the mask on the floor, Ace could here his words," Lord, give me sight to see what I may, that's veiled from this world..."

     It was English that he spoke, no fancy ancient Hindu text, just simple English. Some magic was complicated, yet some very simple. He began to reach into his satchel, he had to fiddle with it, like being twisted in sheets, it was still slung on his back. Orlando looked uncomfortable and a little disheveled as he attempted to take his back pack off. He took out some tongs and a lead looking box.

Aeviternus eyed Orlando as he made to remove tools from the satchel, careful not to stare.  There was no telling what was still happening in the house when the first wave of the group exited the house to face the demons, Orlando left to deal with a possession on his own.

The question was practical.  "Are you hurt?"

Confident that Orlando and Aeviternus had the mask issue well in hand, and being the higher accumulated knowledge in that particular field, Xuan strode up to their felled opponent. Careful not to touch any particles of the mask, he reached down slowly to place two fingers to it's neck. It was better to know if it was dead or just unconscious. Hearing Aeviternus' words to Orlando, Xuan spared a concerned glance his way, hoping he hadn't been damaged during the fight.

"Was he just a victim as well?" It was a question to no one in particular. Turning to Kirby and Max he asked, "Do you see any other danger lurking?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:10, Sat 17 Jan 2015.

The rain continued, without wind and without the malice it once held. The sky lightened as the cloud went from black to dark grey.



Max was able to relay to the group that the infernal dogs were no where to be seen. Their energy seemed to have left upon defeat or at the break of the storm. He couldn't tell.

Orlando, looked grave, he relayed that the mask was of the most evil dark magic. He didn't sense an active enchantment, but it held inherent evil.

    Orlando looked at Ace briefly, the man rarely talked, and when he did you knew words weren't wasted.  He was a legend, a myth, and now he had spent so much time together.  He knew his words were earnest. "Nothing that a hot dinner and warm bed won't fix, you?" Orlando said going back about his work.  Orlando took out a small  pewter looking box, using the tongs he folded the remnants of the mask and placed it in the small little metal box.

     Once that business was finished he looked back at Ace, was he really ok? Orland then took a look at the rest of the crew. Everyone still standing in muck and mud.

     He noticed Kirby's grandfather and rushed over to the man.  "We need to get him in the house, "he looked at Rafi when he spoke.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:08, Sat 24 Jan 2015.

Relieved and satisfied at Orlando's response and the retrieval of the mask, Aeviternus remained silent at the question rebounded back and simply watched as the task he felt most pressing was completed.  As Orlando attended to Kirby's grandfather, Aeviternus made his way to Xuan who was kneeling by the fallen being and looking for signs of life.  As he did so the suit once more retracted to reveal the boy in the hoodie and he replaced Lotus in his pack.

To Xuan he asked, "Does he live?"  After a pause he added another thought; "We should do something with him one way or the other.  My experience with masks like that indicate he was indeed a victim, however he is not awake to confirm or refute it."

Sensing no danger, Max heads towards the large elemental creature, John and Aeviternus.

Max scans the creature for life energy when in range.

Seeing this young man meet and defeat this divine challenges before his eyes was astounding. Great risks are honored by great rewards. This reward could be as simple as knowledge and the honor of helping others overcoming adversity. Max smiled at the two men around him and continued.

Asking. "Tsunami are you all right? Are you still one with the water elemental? Do you need any help?"

In reply to Aeviternus' inquiry. "Ace, please wait before making a choice. Allow me to scan for life within the body and possible intent."

Xuan stood up again, his face grim.

"He breathes, but it is shallow. He lives, at least for now." A bitterness was apparent in Xuan's voice. That the host might survive may not have been a good thing. From what Xuan could tell, this unconscious person was in terrible shape, starved and likely at the end of a tumultuous journey. From what Xuan knew of Demons, once they possessed a body, they ravaged it like an invading army to a small town, killing and razing every step of the way. By the time they found no more use for the host, they would either burn it out completely or leave it a shell. This of course was mostly on a spiritual level, though the physical aspect was real enough over time. But the troubling thing was the mask. That implied a willingness on the host's part. And if not, who or what was behind it all?

Xuan hadn't realized he was burning a thoughtful gaze right through Ace. Turning his attention from Ace to Max he continued, "I am fine, and as far as I know the water spirit now lives within me. For whatever that means. I doubt the body has any ill intent. He seems to be just a broken shell, left hollow from a malicious parasite. But by all means, have a good look."

Aeviternus remained still with his hands in the pocket near his stomach as Xuan seemed yet again to stare him down.  At least that's what it seemed at first, during which Ace wondered what it would take to earn the barest of the warrior's trust.  It was the coming-out-of-a-trance switch that seemd to flip which caused the more probable nature of the gaze to be cognitive rather than challenging come to light.  After all, they'd fought together; there was no better way to get to know a companion.  Then there was the comment about the water spirit, and Aeviternus went into a trance of his own trying to remember the first time he shared a body with another spirit.  Throughout history he'd been comparitively selfish, his quest taking precedence over anything the sharing soul might have been striving for in its natural host, and that thought caused concern.  He was always significantly more powerful than these host-mates, not the smallest contributor was that most were children selected for the task at an early age and therefore much more compliant and moldable.   Xuan's was an interesting case; his soul already established and sharing with a spirit that was certain to be ancient.  Would the ancient one seek dominance?  Or was it content to simply aid John's efforts on the basis of common goals?

Now was not the time to press the tortoise on these potentials, there were tasks at hand and people who's protection needed securing.  But he found himself snapping out of his own reverie moments later, deciding he had nothing more to contribute just yet, waiting for Max and whoever else needed to inspect the being so they could make a decision on what to do with it.

     The sight of the big brute on the ground was unnerving. At one point seeing his handi-work would have made him smile but not today. Being home and have this terror at his house where his loved ones could get hurt, he felt he would have lost his stomach if he'd eaten recently. He quickly scanned for movement from the brute. Seeing his team move to the creature he ran to his grandfather.
"Poppa, can you hear me?" he said not caring to hold back his desperate tone.

He helped Orlando bring him to the house. "Raffi, get the men, we need to patch the house and stairs. Bring the biggest laddah you got," Kirby spoke quickly to the ranch manager.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:00, Mon 02 Feb 2015.

Watching everybody bustle around, Aeviternus found himself once more in the comfort of not being noticed, his movements aiding this effort by never quite being in anybody's way or even peripheral vision most of the time.  There was plenty to distract; an ill grandmother, a house to be repaired, a previously possessed stranger in a coma... Ace simply disappeared into the chaos.  At some point he found himself in a corner of a room with a sleeping Eh-eh on a bed nearby.  Aeviternus had taken note of the talk that while it seemed she was free of whatever demon had detained her, her slumber continued likely due to some evil still lurking in her home land.  He recognized an opportunity or two and decided it was as good a time as any to try some new things.

He slid down into a sitting position with his legs crossed as if to meditate, his back pressed against the two walls meeting in a seemingly purposefully unadorned corner to create some negative space perhaps or maybe she just liked things simple.  This time his travels would bear a new tactic; he would allow Avery to be alert in their body while the old spirit moved about freely on the plane it was fastest on.  Lotus appeared in his hands, resting it in his grip upon his lap.  The hood remained up and casted a shadow over the face, this time the eyes stayed open and watched the world while Aeviternus took a quick journey about the perimeter.

This requires great focus, boy.  We can communicate instantly but you'll need to give a great deal of attention to the world around you.

I got it.

Granted as much as he was going to get from this exchange, Aeviternus set himself about the land to see if he could gain some insight on what kept the old woman from the waking world.

     Ace sat quietly into his all familiar posture of traveling, only this time was much different...

     Aeviternus appeared first by Eh-eh's bed, looking at her, then at his body. He stared, and his body's head turned and looked at him, eyes wide open, Got it, came the reply from Avery with a small smile. The boy didn't need to flex, didn't need to run or be free, he had been a part of every thought and movement of Aeviternus. They're life was shared in all, the bond made it a peaceful union, nothing forced, nothing lost...only the bond. Aeviternus felt strange however, in this way their bond was...less, weakened somehow.  He made a mental note, this separation had limitations and must be handled with care.

     Aeviternus looked back at Kirby's grandmother, her body seemed to be sick, as if she had...a disease like... the plague. The Plague? Yes, he recognized the similar symptoms, but the festering was on her soul, not the skin. He looked her up and down careful not to touch her, he confirmed it, she had a plague like ailment. He took a look around the room stopping upon the herbs that Elsie had brought in, he frowned at what he saw. He needed to confirm his theory. In the blink of a thought he was outside looking. The land around the house was dying, he moved all around, and noticed that the vegetation to the south was farther along into it's death cycle. He stopped to look more closely and noticed that the leaves had blackish veins. He flew up above the tree line and noticed a darker swath of forrest all around him, shadowing darker towards the depth of the forest, and more importantly, why they had originally come. The coordinates that they had decided to travel to find Xuan's mother and Max and Orlando's partners were in the path of the darkening forest. Aeviternus, spit, out of reflex, for the plague, for the darkening forest, and for the fact that once again he was confronted with the inevitable truth. There were no such things as coincidence.

The impending sensation of all things coming to a violent end brought the single word back to his mind like an unrelenting, hated song that claws at one's consciousness.

Dhroga.

Unsure whether that was the answer, Aeviternus presumed it a likely culprit in this scenario.  There was still so much to be done... were they bound to simply try to outrun the influence or could they stop the effects in some way as they sought the final resolution?  Was this even related?  Determined to find out, the old spirit set out for some answers.