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Karina
Feb 19, 2021 11:07:52 GMT
Post by dora on Feb 19, 2021 11:07:52 GMT
Name: Kiskil-lilla Alias: Karina, Pizna, Naamah, Lilith, Abitu, Abizu, Hakash, Avers Hikpodu, Ayalu, Matrota, Lamia Race: Demon Gender: Female Age: Not Known (One of the first beings to walk the earth) Height: 6'2" Weight: 100 lbs Hair: Black Eyes: Crimson Appearance: Karina's appearance is that of a young woman. Through appearance alone, she looks to be in her mid twenties, her skin fair and firm. Her eyes are a deep crimson color, often echoing the color of blood. Her hair jet black, flowing to about the length of her waist. Her legs and arms are long, matching her height, and proportioning her well. Alignment: Chaotic (Evil) Personality: It's hard to truly describe Karina's personality. She acts how she acts, each situation different than the last. The easiest thing to say about her, is that she's a cold blooded murderer. She'd kill a innocent child, just as easily as she would kill a full grown man. A soul is a soul in her eyes, no matter its age or innocence. A demon of the devil, she works to serve his purpose, though in her own form of doing so. She could, and would kill easily without remorse. She doesn't think herself better than other beings around her, though she doesn't acknowledge them as anything other than temporary souls. Though a friend to no one, she does have select few beings, usually of her kind, that she won't find necessary to kill, and on some occasion help in their endeavors. Team: None Faction: Chaos Swarm Strength 3+0: 3 Agi/Speed 4+2: 6 Accuracy 4+0: 4 Durability 2+1: 3 Will Power 2+0: 2 IQ 6+0: 6 Wealth 0+6: 6 |P o w e r s| Inhuman physiology (1): [800xp]{No Level} - Having lived centuries, experiencing every type of wound ever concevable, Karina has built a tolerance to pain, and thus feels none when injured. She can feel the wound, and the pain is there, but she's able to ignore it. Extended Life/Immortality: [800 Xp] After meeting the Demon Lord, Solomon, Karina gave her soul to him, in return being granted immortality. Translation: [300 Xp] Between Karina's long life and her demonic gifts of language, she can speak and understand any language. Radar Senses: [200 Xp/Level (2000)]{Lvl 10} - Upon becoming a demon, living in hell, the body begins to adapt into a higher species, allowing the senses to hear and see things they wouldn't normally. Reflexive Aim: [150 Xp/Level - 25Xp/lvl = 125Xp/lvl (1250)]{Lvl 10} - Upon becoming a demon, living in hell, the body begins to adapt into a higher species, allowing the senses to hear and see things they wouldn't normally.[Linked to Radar] Reflexive Dodge: [150 Xp/Level - 25Xp/lvl = 125Xp/lvl (1250)]{Lvl 10} - Upon becoming a demon, living in hell, the body begins to adapt into a higher species, allowing the senses to hear and see things they wouldn't normally, allowing the ability to react much quicker.[Linked to Radar] Prescience: [300 Xp/Lvl - 50Xp/lvl = 250Xp/lvl (1250)]{Lvl 5} - After centuries with heightened senses, Karina's brain evolved further unto allowing her the ability of foresight. However, she is not a creature of mind control, or power of the mind, so her skill remains average at best. [Linked to Radar] Flight: [200 Xp/Level -100XP/level = 100 xp/level (600)] { Level 6 } Upon given her demon form, Karina sprout wings from her back, allowing her flight. [Obtained through wings] Inhuman Physiology (2): [2000 Xp/once (2000)] { No Level } Upon becoming a demon, Karina was given horns, wings, and a razor sharp tail made mostly of bone. Because of the density of her bone, nulling piercing penetration, Karina's bone had to be hollowed in order to allow flight. Blood black from selling her soul, she also remains heartless, quite literally. (See Origin for more detail) Elemental Weapon (Piercing Tail): [150 Xp/lvl + 50 Xp/lvl + 200 Xp/lvl = 400 Xp/lvl (4000)] { Level 10 } Karina's tail ends in a razor sharp bone blade that can pierce the strongest of materials.[Linked to Inhuman Physiology (2)] [Piercing] [Non-negatable] Healing Factor: [200 Xp/Level + 200 XP/level = 400 XP/level (4000)] { Level 10 } Healing is a basic ability given to demons worth more than a speck of salt. As her triumphs for Solomon continued, he granted healing to the demoness, to protect her from any injury leading to death. [Enhanced] Telepathy: [100 Xp/Level + 100 XP/level + 50 XP/level = 250 xp/level { Level 1 } Telepathy has always been the main form of communication among the higher class demons. Although some can use it as a weapon, Karina however, only uses her telepathy to send and receive messages over distances. [Read Thoughts][Create Links][Multiple targets] Berserker Rage: [500 Xp/Level - 100 XP/lvl = 400 xp/level] { Level 7 } Karina's bracelet is now under her own control, and rather than acting as the cause of her rage, it's what keep it in check. Without the bracelet, Karina would fly into an unbridled rage, attack anyone who got in her way. With the bracelet, she can keep such things from happening, if she so chooses. Karina's body changes into an armored, feral, more powerful state when she goes berserk. [Out Of Control Without Device] Acrobatics: [75 Xp/Level] { Level 10 } Karina's demonic form allows her amazing acrobatics she'd normally not have were she a normal human. Toughness: [600 Xp/Level + 200 Xp/level - 50Xp/level = 750 xp/level] { Level 7 } When Karina goes berserk, an incredibly strong, piercing-resistant armor forms over her, protecting her from nearly all injuries.[Linked to Berserker Rage][Null Armor Penetration] Invisibility: [150xp - 50xp = 100xp/lvl] { Level 6 } With the ability to naturally blend into the shadows should she find herself needing to sneak attack, Karina becomes quite invisable to the naked eye. [Max Duration] Vision Enhanced: [150xp + 150xp = 300Xp (300)]{No Level} - As a demon, Karina has the ability to see others Aura's and Life Energy, allowing her to pursue whatever goal needed when recruiting souls, or extinguishing them. [Auras][Life Energy] Wall-Crawling/Climbing: [100 Xp/Level] { Level 7 } In her feral form, Karina's claws can dig into just about any surface, allowing her the ability to cling to walls and ceilings. Claws: [200 Xp once] As her form changes, so does her feet and hands. Claws as hard as diamonds replace her soft flesh, allowing her to slice directly through even the hardest of armor. Growth: [600xp + 800xp - 100xp = 1300xp once] As her body contorts to that of her demonic form, Karina's height increases greatly, as well as her strength in her muscles. [Strength and Increase][Max Size of 30ft] Super Speed: [1000xp once] Gained by the muscles that grow during her transformation, Karina's speed intensifies. Item of Power Solomon's Ring lvl 3 Description: When Karina killed Solomon, she gained control of his ring and all of the powers that came with it. The ring has several jewels that also fit within it, though they are not necessarily part of the ring. However, the ring itself gives Karina the ability to control the minor demons of her realm, and protects her from the mental control of others. 80 + 240 = 320 XP/lvl + 300 once (1260 XP) Demon Control 200 - 100 = 100 XP/lvl * .8 = 80 XP/lvl: Karina is now capable of controlling the demons of Solomon's former realm mentally, at least those of lesser intelligence and lower caste. [Can Only Command Certain "Animal" Type] Defense Mental 300 XP/lvl * .8 = 240 XP/lvl: Karina is now afforded some protection against mental manipulation and damage. Unbreakable 300 XP: The ring is completely unbreakable, forged in the fires of hell and fit for a demon king or queen. Item of Power [All powers below given 80% cost, their total in (these)] Gem of Fire lvl 1 Description: One of the jewels in Solomon's ring is the Gem of Fire, which allows instant transportation between and about Hell and various other realms. 750 * .8 = 600 XP + 300 once (900 XP) Teleportation 500 – 100 + 150 + 200 = 750 XP * .8 = 600 XP: The Gem of Fire's main purpose is to transport Karina from one part of her realm to another, or to allow her access to other realms, such as Earth, altogether. [Detectable Appearance] [Interdimensional] [Can Send Others without sending self] Unbreakable 300 XP: The Gem, like the ring it fits into, is completely unbreakable by any means. |S k i l l s| Fighting Skills : [200/Level (2000)] {Level 10} Karina has honed her body into a deadly weapon, and is excellent at killing people in many ways should she get close to them. Arcane Knowledge: [100/Level (100)] {Level 1}Although Karina is not particularly inclined towards magic, being long-lived and a demon, she has gained some basic knowledge of the subject. Concentration: [200 XP] Concentration is key with using elemental weapons, as well as telepathy. In the heat of battle, Karina can focus on a single victim, or many, if need be. |C h a l l e n g e s| Haunted Past: [ 500 Xp] Please refer to Origin Non-Human Appearance: [ 500 Xp] With horns, wings and a tail, Karina only reverts to her human state when trying to attract a male. Also, when berserk, her entire body takes on the form of a feral creature, down to claws instead of fingers. Major Psychological Restriction: [ 300 Xp] Incapable of love, Karina has no conscience. She can kill without remorse, and often flys into blind rages that leave nothing but carnage in her wake. Being immortal, though she can still die, Karina takes that extra step of carelessness, cheating death at only the last possible second. Ruthless in her killing, uncaring for anyone, even herself, her lack of heart really leaves her a vulnerable mess. Especially when around others that show any sign of love or affection. |O r i g i n| Alive from the begining of time, Kiskillilla, or otherwise known as Karina, was the first woman to walk the earth. Or so the story is told. Married to Adam, she lived in the Garden of Eden, meant to keep her place by his side as his wife. Her longing for power and control however, cause her to leave her husband, finding her own path in the world, allowing way for Eve to replace her. Eventually Karina's path crossed that of Solomon, the Demon Lord, sometimes referred to as the "Angel of Death". Upon taking the Demons offer of power, his words enticing her to relinquish her soul, she soon had the ability's that other lower class demons carried. Transforming her appearance into that of what he controlled, she grew horns atop her head, wings dyed the color of blood sprout from her shoulder blades, and a serrated tail of bone, extended from her spine. Hidden beneath what would seem like drastic changes, was an even more drastic one. As her time as a demon passed, Karina's abilities grew, and her rank updated accordingly. Though she was still not considered anything to be concerned about, her powers not great enough to bring victory to a war, her importance to Solomon remained, her ability's to seduce men giving him more souls than most any demon he controlled. Unlike others, Karina's abilities to regain her human form was put to use many times, allowing her to grow close to enemies through bedding them. Because of this fact though, Solomon secretly removed Karina's uterus, leaving her barren. Time passed quickly, Karina's rank soon in the higher class of Demon. Spending more and more time with Solomon, their personality's meshing perfectly, Karina easily fell in love, for the first time caring about something other than herself. Wanting to do anything to please him, hopeful to feel his love returned, she became his personal servant, obeying his every whim. By the time she was considered one of the highest of Demons, Karina expressed her feelings to Solomon, revealing her love for him, and exposing the human within herself. Repulsed by her show of affection, angered at her weakness, seeing himself as perfection, worthy of something beyond what Karina could ever give, he rejected her love, casting her out of his sight, never to be called on personally again. Only given duties by messenger, never called to Solomons side, Karina was crushed, her heart broken by the only being she ever loved. Sickened by her weakness, hateful toward the one that rejected her, Karina ripped out her own heart, refusing to love ever again. How she survived is unknown, as even Demons have their limits, but its said that her heart had truly stopped upon Solomon's rejection, its capability to love or beat for another sucked dry. Since that point, the demoness began to change. Like most others disconnected from their human mind and souls, Karina ignored every scream from her better half, killing mercilessly for herself. Defying Solomon every chance she got, though careful not to anger him and have her own head removed, Karina did everything her way, no matter the end result. Tending to leave her own prey dead, while retrieving whatever Solomon wanted, she'd purposefully leave his prey alive. Eventually, her smaller antics and trick grew, turning into outright lashing out against anyone who uttered the Demon Lord's name. Killing all messengers who dared give her his command, she eventually found her way past his protectors, her fury unleashed upon the beast that created her. For the first time, the demon within the demon came out, her body transforming into a feral monster, exacting her revenge upon the demon who broke her heart. No matter her strength in berserk form, Karina was no match for Solomon, and was easily restrained. Though she'd just found her power, the ability showing for the first time, the strength behind her beast form was immense. Enough so that instead of killing her, Solomon tried to control her. Placing a braclet upon her wrist, tailored to fit her and only her, tied to her own powers, its purpose to control her rage would prove to be a great weapon in the future. As such lowly things were beneath him, the job of taming Karina in berserk mode, and slipping on the bracelet found its way into the hands of another demon. What Solomon didn't know however, was the demon he'd entrusted the bracelet to was in fact an Angel, working against Solomon and his demons. Switching the gem inside the bracelet, its effect meant to do the opposite of what Solomon wanted, he successfully place it on Karina's wrist. Unfortunately for him, his mission was met with a cruel end, as the bracelets effect kicked in instantly. Ripping the Angel limb from limb, devouring his soft muscle and organs, the rage within the demoness was uncontrollable, only being stopped by pure force. Upon hearing what had happened, Solomon was left with an uncontrollable weapon, going off every few minutes and coming form him. Although he could easily stop her, his need for her was too great to kill her, though he refused to put up with her antics on a daily basis. Because of this, Karina was banished from hell, sent to ruin the good on earth. Karina now walks the streets of earth, her forms more controllable being away from Solomon. Through telepathic communication, messages are still received, and jobs are carried out. Though she now truly walks alone, her own will be done.
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Karina
Feb 22, 2021 3:04:43 GMT
Post by dora on Feb 22, 2021 3:04:43 GMT
Karina's crimson eyes scanned the crowd below, her gaze reflecting the burning fury within. Drawing a deep breath, her nostrils flaring slightly before her nose crinkled, Karina's eyes narrowed. He was here, she could smell him.
It had been centuries wince their last encounter. Centuries too long, yet not long enough. Every fiber of her being cringed at the mere thought of laying eyes upon his face. Even more so at the thought of him laying eyes on her.
Letting out a sharp breath, her wings sagging behind her, Karina focused. Her memories were painful, but not as painful as what the world would suffer should she fail in her task. Luckily for her, duty and revenge went hand in hand on this one.
Lowering her gaze to Central Park, the canopy of trees seemed to sway perfectly, parting just enough to allow her a glimpse of the ground below. Keeping her focus as her eyes adjusted, her vision zooming in on the area she was gazing, Karina eye's the humans below as they passed her line of sight. Each so absorbed in their lives, none could truly know the danger that walked among them.
Karina held no ill will toward humans. Without humans, she'd have no purpose. With no purpose, she'd cease to exist. Though that was a thought that crossed her mind more often that she would like, it was also one easily shoved into the back of her mind.
For now, Karina was content with simply following the divine path that was set for her. A messenger of God. A warrior of the humans. An avenger of Evil.
Feeling a sudden surge rush though her body, a mixture of pleasure and pain, Karina whipped her head around quickly, her eyes darting around the rooftop which she was perched. Looking slowly from one spec of nothing to the next, Karina left no inch unturned. She'd felt that feeling before. A need to satisfy your craving, while at the same time wanting to plunge a knife into your chest, just to escape the pain. It was a feeling she was all too familiar with unfortunately. Luckily for her, she knew how to deal with the source. Finding it on the other hand, was something else entirely.
Narrowing her eyes as she looked away, glancing skyward briefly, Karina focused back on Central Park, though she was keenly aware she was not entirely alone. Until made know however, there was little she could do.
Drawing another breath, her senses being flooded with a now very potent smell, Karina's nose wrinkled in disgust. What was worst, was the fact that the undeniable wreak of death was being masked by various florals. To any human nose, the scent of flowers would be all that filled the air. To Karina, she only wished she was lucky enough. Though it was pertinent to aiding her skills in battle, as well as tracking, the stench flooded her senses, overwhelming more than just her sense of smell. The deception, the unholiness, the memories...
Clenching her jaw, bringing the back of her hand to her nose in an attempt to block out the smell, Karina held her breath. She knew he was down there, and having this sin against God hovering about, there was no denying it now. How he even tolerated her antics, it boggled the mind. Thought Karina had sworn an oath to God, and vowed to forever protect the innocent, there were just some that were too far gone to save.
As the stench continued to overload her sense, seeping into Karina's every orifice, she couldn't take another moment. "Lexi! Come fight me already or fly down wind you fucking walking contradiction." Growling to herself as she held her breath, her eyes shifting from Central Park and turning back to the rooftop. If she didn't show herself willingly within the next second, Karina would-
"Or what?" Lexi taunted, her demonic wings lifting her thin frame into the air.
Turning to face the demon, Karina began to walk so that the wind would force Lexi's stench away from her sensitive nose. Letting down her hand when she did so, Karina's eyes would narrow.
"I still don't understand how and accident like you has the ability to give life." Before she could even get a chance to regret what she said, Lexi snapped back.
"Jealous?" She sneered, her thin lips twisting with an evil smirk.
Tightening her fists at her sides, Karina's eyes narrowed as her gut wrenched. It mattered little how much time had passed. The fact that she was barren and that Lexi's master had been the one to do it to her shredded her insides every time.
"One of these days Lexi, you'll suffer a fate fitting of your actions." She whispered, the obvious hurt deep within her throat.
Seeing how much her comment and implication had hurt, Lexi landed upon the rooftop, simply smirking. Like most demons, Lexi dawned the traditional demonic leathery wings, curved horns adorning her head, and pointed tail. Her skin was a fair color, faded with the lack of sunlight and nourishment of being alive. Her hair was short, and nearly pure silver. Though she had a glint of beauty to her, it was obvious she had been stunning in her lifetime. Death had seen to stripping Lexi of her flawless beauty, replacing it with glimpses of what was.
Karina found joy in this. Though it was wrong, she couldn't help but think it was exactly what the bitch deserved.
As Lexi stood there, smirking, her posture screaming of superiority, Karina rose a brow. While the demon's comment still stung, Karina had quite a long time to cope with her loss. She'd never fully be over the unborn child that was lost, but the fact didn't cripple her anymore like it once did. And Lexi saw that reflect within Karina's eyes.
Scoffing, Lexi's face crinkled as she brushed off the failure of her insult. Standing tall, Karina simply stared at the demon. "Whatever reason you have come to torment me, it won't work." She said, her hand reaching behind her back, gripping the handle of the sword that was securely fastened.
Seeing what Karina was reaching for, Lexi took a step back, but rolled her eyes. "You can't do anything to me. I might be a demon, but I'm not an idiot. If you could kill me, you'd have done it by now." She stated, a slow smirk forming on her lips.
As Lexi stood there, cocky with her conclusion, Karina simply smiled. "Oh Lexi. naive, simple minded Lexi. You think I've not killed you yet because I can't?" Giving the demon an almost nurturing smile, Karina unsheathed her sword, the long metal blade reflecting the moon as a beam of light traveled it'd length.
Stepping toward the demon, Karina smiled as Lexi's eyes widened, her own steps matching Karina's... in the opposite direction. "I've not killed you, because you're not worth the exertion in doing so." Karina gave the woman a small frown, as if to say 'poor you'. Not a moment later, however, her frown lifted back into a smile as she rose the sword over her head. "But today Lexi, today you've just ranked high enough on my nuisance list to be deemed worthy. Congratulations!" She said with a smirking sneer, her face going blank as she quickly swung her sword over her head, aiming to decapitate the stunned demon.
Despite Karina's lightening quick abilities, Lexi was easily given the opportunity to escape a Karina had purposefully aimed too high, with a fraction of her speed and power backing the swing. Within the blink of an eye, her sword was swiping as various cascading flowers, those that neared her swords sharp blade severed in half.
Narrowing her eyes as she looked around the rooftop, Karina sucked in a breath. Fresh air at last. Of course, it wouldn't last long. He knew she was watching him, and Lexi was the distraction to verify the fact.
Turning toward the ledge of the building, Karina lowered her eyes once again to Central Park. His surfacing could mean a number of things. Taunting her being one high on the list. He, however, was not a moron like his little lap dog. No... if he ventured to the surface, it was with full knowledge she would be hunting him. Whatever brought him up this time, it s was significant. Significant enough to spend this amount of time, with this amount of risk.
Letting her senses a moment to take in her surroundings once again, Karina stood on the edge of the roof, her white dress vigorously dancing with the wind. Re sheathing her sword, her eyes narrowing, Karina's black wings extended from her back.
Though she was an Angel, rarely did she look the part. With wings a rich ebony, matching her hair, and no glowing halo to dawn her head, she was often confused for the more common 'mutant'. Of course, it didn't bother her. What others thought of her meant little. And with less religious debacles ensnaring her, she was relatively free to roam the earths surface, and save the innocents she was meant to save.
In moments like this though, Karina was an omen. With her dark silhouette against the night sky, she was death to demons. Demons of all kinds. Especially those that personally targeted her.
Letting the wind flow through her dark feathers, Karina quickly leapt from the roof, diving down the side of the building with incredible speed. Skimming the surface of the building, nothing but a blur to those on the inside, Karina pulled up just above the treeline, gliding over the canopy. Scanning the ground, her senses driving her closer and closer to demonic activity, a flash of black streaked across the ground, shifting through the shadows like a gassy tar.
Narrowing her eyes at the sight, her wings shifting her position to follow the lost soul as it sped across the ground, they narrowed even more. What was it doing?
Continuously feeling its presence beneath her as she darted through the air above, Karina's eyes lifted to the surrounding area. There didn't seem to be any particular reason for the low level demon to have surface here in particular. There were no humans to devour, no souls to claim, no other demons to connect with. Clenching her jaw slightly as any explanation came up blank, suddenly the demon dropped from her radar, causing her eyes to jerk back to the ground, her wings shifting forward to halt her flight. Cringing slightly from the shooting pain traveling through her shoulders and down her spine from the abrupt halt, Karina bore through the pain, searching the ground for the demon she'd been following.
Gritting her teeth, she dropped even lower into the canopy of trees. Normally she'd remain as high as she could, as it provided more than just a keen line of sight. It enabled her to find her mark, attack it swiftly, as well as give her a barrier of protection from any airborne assaults. Dropping beneath the trees gave demons many angles to attack, and gave her little time to counter, or recover. In this case though... she needed to take risks.
Landing hard on the ground, the thud sounding into the night sky, Karina quickly looked around her. Nothing. Still nothing. Not many demons had the power to shield themselves from her, especially not low level demons like the one she'd been following.
Narrowing her eyes, Karina cursed loudly. It had been a decoy. Just like Lexi... he was doing everything he could to distract her... even using his own demons as bait. While that didn't surprise her, as she knew from experience that anything was expendable... the powers and sense she was getting kept pointing her in one particular direction. And this demon, it had seemed to be following the same sense.
Extending her wings, ready to take flight again and follow the path she knew would lead her to her demon, Karina crouched slightly, only to pause, her eyes slowly lowering from the night sky toward the treeline surrounding her. Staring into the darkness, seeing nothing, her eyes continued to deceive her as her senses began to scream inside.
A soft giggle from above caught Karina's attention, her eyes lifting toward the lower branches of the nearest tree. "Who's the nuisance now?" Lexi sneered, her eyes glinting with evil satisfaction, as her crossed legs swung childishly to and fro, her hands gripping the tree delicately as the oak seemed to caress Lexi's body as it swayed in the wind. As her final words dissipated, the shadows from the dark woods began to shift within themselves, pulsing, expanding, inching its way forward, beyond the mere shadow of the trees.
Narrowing her eyes, her hand clenching by her side, ready to wield her sword, Karina's gaze didn't leave the growing darkness, though her words were aimed directly at the childish demon. "I suggest you leave Lexi, lest you find your head severed from your body."
Despite Karina having 'missed' Lexi earlier, and Lexi scoffing at Karina's threat, her expression lost its superior smirk, and with a poof of falling flowers, Lexi vanished from sight, leaving Karina alone to deal with the horde of demons that were slowly inching their way toward her.
Allowing her senses to overtake the area, feeling the demons as they emerged, their entirety surrounding Karina completely, her eyes shifted from one creature to the next, keenly aware of those that were closing in behind her. Before she could so much as lift a finger toward her sword however, the moving mass of demons paused in their advances. Narrowing her eyes slightly, suspicious of their hesitation, Karina scanned the area before her. Without so much as a hint of scent, Karina was slammed with a powerful sense, causing her to flinch. It wasn't who she was searching for... but it was damn close. And damn powerful. There was little doubt left in her mind... whatever he was doing, she was the last being he wanted interfering.
Keeping her senses locked on the upper level demon hidden within the swelling mass of darkness, Karina waited, her chest heaving slightly with anticipation. This battle would be fierce. Not because of the horde before her... but combined with the looming power hidden within them. Whatever this creature was... it was a mere step below its master. And to defeat it, while fending off the shrapnel of demons that would jump her in the process... she would have little left for him.
The moments seemed to stretch into an eternity as Karina stood there, waiting for them to attack. Waiting for the upper level demon to emerge. Waiting for the world to shift on its axis, just to favor one side or the other. Though Karina knew better... knowing this battle was small in comparison to what could be, to be standing alone, defending the world from yet another threat that only she could stop... everything seemed to stand still, as if contemplating the moment for what it really was. In reality, no more than a few seconds passed, when the horde of demons surged forward in a massive growling roar of evil, aiming to overtake Karina with their sheer numbers.
Removing her sword with lightening speed, her blade swinging over her head in a wide arch, the world around her slowed as the metal whizzed through the air, the nearest demon leaping toward her, claws extended, teeth bared and dripping with blood. The instant her sword made contact with the demons neck, slicing through its thin flesh like soft butter, the seeming standstill erupted in a burst of screams as time caught up with itself, surging forward, trying its hardest to keep up with Karina's quick movements.
Turning instantly, her other hand reaching for her second weapon, a dagger sheathed against her thigh, Karina's sword severed the next demon in half, her other arm extending behind her to plunge the daggers blade deep into anothers gut, wrenching upward and gutting the creature with ease. Turning again as the demon fell, black blood oozing from its open wound, its internal organs spilling to the ground as it already began to sizzle and dissolve with death, Karina's sword split the next demon in half, its upper body continuing forward as she ducked, its lower half crumbling to the ground. As she continued to slaughter every demon that came against her, the demonic screams filling the night air seemed to take over every conceivable sound emitted from New York City.
~~~~Fade to Black~~~~
Landing with a thud, Karina eyed the mausoleum before her. It looked no different than any other, the stone old with age, but the exterior was well kept. The cemetery was a rather popular one, housing a majority of New York’s dead. The fact that this pentacle of power lay in plain sight both intrigued, and scared her. How he knew about it... and how she didn't, a small part of her fumed inside.
Stepping forward, her mangled raven wings folding with slight difficulty against her back, Karina looked around her. Luckily, there were no humans visiting at this hour, though it mattered little what exposure she got now. Her previous battle had nearly killed her, and if it hadn't been for divine intervention, it very well would have. Because of it, her timing was thrown considerably, leaving her body in shambles as she ignored the healing process, pushing her body to the extreme just to arrive. That she did this was obvious, as even the minor wounds were still frantically pumping out blood. Karina was immortal, yes, but she was not invincible.
Shifting her eyes back to the mausoleum, Karina outstretched her hand, gripping the giant door handle. Unsure what to expect, having just gone through enough hell simply to arrive, she drew a deep breath, her eyes lowering to her arm. Down the length, deep gashes ripped through the muscle, the white of her bone glinting against the dark crimson blood that continued to flow. She knew she couldn't go into this with half her strength, but what choice did she have? There was no time, and no Angel that even halved her strength. Besides that... Karina had a score to settle. And nothing, nothing could take that from her.
Pulling the door toward her, they began open up to the mausoleum, their heavy movement and creaking noise the only signs thus far that this building was a decent amount older than the rest of the cemetery. Narrowing her eyes lightly as hardly any dust at all fell from the seal, Karina shifted her gaze into the darkness within. He was here, but she knew that already. What she didn't know, was whether or not he'd decided on bringing his several thousand friends with him. Yet at the same time, did he think she would have survived?
As she stepped through the door, her eyes sweeping over the darkened room, Karina’s brow furrowed slightly. The room was dark, save a single lit candle, illuminating the far corner of the mausoleum. From that light alone, she was able to see just how abandoned the building was. Or rather, unkempt. On the outside, every surface was pristine, but within, it was quite obvious the owner of this mausoleum was either uninterested or long since dead. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling, draping down and stretching across the spance of the room. Layers upon layers of dust gathered over every surface, hiding the smooth stone beneath. With a bit of a spruce, Karina could see just how beautiful the mausoleum could be.
Narrowing her eyes as she moved through the stale mausoleum, Karina sucked in a deep breath. He was here, she could smell his presence reigniting through the building. At that thought, her brow furrowed. She could smell him… but only him. Not even the overwhelming stench of Lexi touched this place. Of course, this could mean little, as he had the power of teleportation… yet why would he have gone through the trouble of coming to the surface anyway, when he could simply just appear? No… despite everything inside wanting to scream that this was a trap, there was more than met the eye. Either way, Karina would take caution.
Scanning the surfaces, her eyes glancing over every crevice and possible hidden opening, she took note of what had been disturbed, and what hadn’t. Though he knew he was following her, he was taking little care in hiding just where it was he was going. His trail was so incredibly clear, one could be blind to all the senses and still follow him. Another reason for Karina’s guard to remain up. For whatever reasoning, he wanted her here. Yet at the same time, he didn’t.
Bringing her hand to her head, her fingers gently rubbing her temples, dry blood cracking from the disturbance, Karina rested her eyes. She could feel her wounds finally mending. The few moments she took here was all she really needed, yet even know, she could barely afford to take them. With too many variables, there just wasn’t enough for her to truly rely on. In most cases, Karina would take it a little more cautiously, but in this one… though she would do as much to ensure the mission was complete, there was no use in trying to assume one thing or another.
Rolling her head to the side, feeling the muscles in her neck strain, then relax as they repaired the small tear in her shoulder, Karina opened her eyes. Stepping forward, the rest of her body repairing slowly as she continued forward, her eyes closed suddenly, his scent overwhelming. Shuddering slightly, her body betraying her mind, Karina let out a small snort, her eyes snapping open. Turning to look around her, she extended her hand, and pressed it flat against the wall before her. Smoothing her hand over the surface, the difference in texture was minuet, but for Karina, very distinguishable. Pressing the rectangle brick in, a distinct thud sounded as the brick locked in place. Taking a step back, she watched silently as the wall broke away from the rest of the mausoleum, revealing a small corridor. Smelling his stench, now only stronger in the confines of the damp walkway, Karina let out a breath before walking forward. Finding him from here… no matter where within the walls he went, would be simple. With his lingering scent, it would lead her directly to him.
As Karina made her way through the corridors, each leading to a lower, even longer passage, she made little note of her surroundings. Though others might be interested in the type of location that could possible house an immense amount of power, her thoughts were on one thing alone. From what little she did gather as she made her way deeper into the earth… was just how untraveled the walkways were. Other than the scent she was following, there were only a few lingering smells, long since past. Mostly, the air was stale and stagnant. It was no wonder this was the first she was hearing of this pentacle.
Bringing her hand to her nose as his scent grew stronger, Karina paused, just before rounding another corner, her other hand resting against the cool stone wall. Letting herself breathe a moment, her body still trying desperately to heal, she leaned against the wall. Closing her eyes, her wings gently pressing into her back as her head tilted toward the ceiling, Karina let out a shuddering breath. “God, I know you cannot aide me in this battle, nor would I ever ask, but please, give me the strength to endure.” Though she’d been given aide in the last battle, the nature of this one, as righteous as it might be on a larger scale, Karina’s efforts were fueled by revenge, and that simply wasn’t something the Lord couldn’t condone.
Hearing a high pitched scream, Karina’s head jerked to the right, her eyes flashing open. Without second thought to her injuries, she sprinted forward, turning the corner to the opening of a large room. Furrowing her brow as she saw nothing, the scream sounded again. It was a woman’s.
Quickly making her way forward, her hands pressing to the wall, searching for the same type of opening she’d encountered at the beginning, Karina cursed. “Where is it… come on you piece of shit.” Pausing in her motions, her heart beating steadily in her chest, Karina closed her eyes and focused. She was frantic, and that wouldn’t solve anything. Especially if she was trying to focus on something that she knew he could mask if he truly wanted to. Cocking her head to the side, her brow furrowing as another scream echoed through the corridors, Karina’s hand began to move, her feet slowly following. Feeling for the stone through her fingertips, while her nose tried to zero in on his scent, eventually her nose crinkled, and her hand stopped. Opening her eyes, a small smirk tugging at her lips, Karina pushed in hard, revealing the same stone mechanism as before.
As the wall began to retract and slide to the side, another high pitched scream of agony sounded. Whatever he was doing to her… it wouldn’t last much longer by the sounds of it. Whether she was able to stop him… well it hardly mattered. The woman, important in her own right, held little thought to Karina. If she could save her, she would. But her main focus was stopping him before he could do whatever it was that he was down here to do. And likely, it had something to do with the woman screaming. As much as he might like ambiance, this was a little much.
Once the stone wall had shifted, Karina sprinted forward, heading toward a flickering light up ahead. As she entered the room, its magnificence was lost, but not unseen. Though her eyes flicked directly toward the source of the screams, the rest of the room was nothing more than lavished with candles. From every shape and size, not a surface untouched, literally thousands lit the room with their flickering flames. The effect on the room was spectacular, shadows dancing between the light, objects casting their own world of darkness behind them, the golden hue… it was both heavenly, and sinister.
For Karina, no view, no matter how magnificent, could stop her now. Except… the one her eyes rested on currently. Standing where she’d paused to find the source of the screaming, Karina’s hands were balled into tight fists by her side, her breath caught as her watering eyes gazed at the view before her. Feeling her hot tears streaming down her face as her heart beat wildly in her chest, it took everything she had to hold back the sobs that threatened to escape. Whatever she thought he was doing… whatever she could have even imagined it was… never once did this thought come to mind. Nor could it.
“Isn’t the passage of life beautiful Karina?” A deep voice sounded, approaching Karina from behind as she stared in disbelief before her. “I was hoping you would make it my darling.” The voice sounded again, this time closer, softer.
Her fists now trembling at her sides, Karina stared at the woman lying in the bed just before her. Her deep red hair was matted to her skull, her belly protruding before her, her legs spread with her dress hiked up. Her complexion was nothing more than a pasty white, sweat beaded all across her flesh. The woman’s chest was heaving as she struggled in the bed, pain clearly wracking her fragile petite body. While Karina wanted so desperately to feel sorry for the woman… she couldn’t stop the hatred from reflecting in her crimson colored eyes.
As another scream tore through the woman, Karina’s fists tightened. “Now, now my love. You know you couldn’t bare my heir. You saw with your own eyes what the prophecy foretold.”
Closing her eyes as his voice breathed in her ear, his hand gently smoothed over hers, causing her fists to unclench. He was right… it was seen, if she bore his child, it would have grown a monstrous killer, with both their strengths combined, killing not only them, but the rest of humanity. His heir conceived by Karina, would have been the mightiest ruler of the underworld… but without a human to rule over. Though her former lover has his faults… he understands just how necessary humans are. Her eyes opened, gazing once again upon the woman before her. Clearly.
As the woman cried out in pain once more, Karina’s eyes narrowed. “You know I cannot allow this to happen.” She said coolly, her stance unchanged, despite the feel of his chest pressing against her wings. “Of course I know you’ll try to stop this. But we both know you cannot kill me Karina. Otherwise you’d have done so already.” He said, his voice buttery smooth, his other hand gently wrapping around her waist to smooth over her stomach. “Besides, you’d never kill an innocent child… would you?”
Feeling her heat skip, her breath catching in her throat, Karina fought back the tears stinging at her eyes. Swallowing the lump lodged in her throat, knowing that no matter how hard she fought back the physical signs of distress, he would be able to sense them anyway. He always had been. It was what had attracted her to him in the first place. Tightening her fists again, her jaw clenched, Karina spoke, all the emotion drained from her voice, save one. Anger. “No… that’s your forte.” She spat, turning abruptly, her elbow aiming to lodge directly into his chest, her other hand following up with a sharp palm upwards toward his nose.
Of course, not a single blow landed, but that was to be expected. His proximity to her, knowing her, and feeling her movements before she could fully make them, he leapt back gracefully, his demonic wings catching the air to glide him back even further. As he landed several feet away, his smile taunted her. “You’re not still bitter my love?” He said, his voice unchanged as he took a step to the side, away from any walls. “I was merely looking out for both of our best interests darling, you can understand that, can’t you?” His voice practically dripped with rotting sweetness.
Clenching her fists as the woman behind her let out another loud scream of pain, Karina’s jaw clenched. “I understand perfectly.” Surging forward with bitterness in her eyes, Karina thrusted her barely healed wings in order to give her an extra push. Bringing her fist forward, she aimed to connect it with his chest, following with the swing of her other hand. Upon her back, her sword glinted in the golden light of the candles, dancing behind Karina with every movement she made. With a single thrust, everything would be over, yet she refrained from pulling the sword from its sheathe, wanting nothing more than to beat the life out of him with her own two hands. She wanted to feel his disgusting blood oozing out of his flesh. She wanted her knuckles to be raw and bloody from the force she used on him. She wanted to kill him, and feel every second of it.
Fighting him was like… fighting water. You could attack it all you wanted, you could manipulate it, you could bend it with your fists, but in the end, nothing you did to it seems to matter. He knew her moves, he knew her skills, and worse yet, he knew her weaknesses. With every punch she gave, he knew exactly how to evade and where to hit back. With every new surprise, he was able to brush it off like nothing had even hit. Karina put everything she had into fighting him, everything she had even been, or had every done. She put all her anger and hatred for him and his kind behind every blow, and still their fight wore on, neither giving in, neither wearing down.
As the woman behind them finally seemed to stop screaming, the sound of a babies cry replaced its mother’s. Taking a step backward, fresh blood running down the side of her face, Karina’s eyes lifted toward his. He of course, was not without injury, but far from beaten. Catching her breath, her eyes betraying her will as she stole a glance toward the woman and her baby, he wasted no time in taking advantage. “You can still have that life Karina. You can still be the mother of my child, and the Queen of the Underworld.” His breathing, like her own, was slightly strained, yet his composure wouldn’t have given that away.
Looking back toward him sharply, noting that the woman was unmoving, her eyes narrowed. “I’d not stand by your side as your lover, or anything else if you were the last living being in existence.” She spat, her eyes glinting with fury. Anger began to boil deep in her blood, the mere thought of his offer enraging her beyond belief. How could he even think she would ever be interested in having anything to do with him? To rule the underworld by his side? Her fists tightened in anger, her nails digging so deeply into her skin, blood began to drip from her clenched hands.
If she wanted to beat him, force alone wasn’t going to work. He knew her inside and out… it would remain a stalemate if she continued the way she was. But how could she attack him in a way he wouldn’t know how to counter?
All that Karina knew in this moment was rage. Though it disgusted her, she knew that Solomon expected that, fed off of it. This entire show with the woman giving birth was to instill rage into her.
Just like that, it clicked in her mind. Solomon had brought all of this about knowing how she would react. He was using her, manipulating her, making an unwilling servant of her despite her intense desire to break free from him once and for all. This enraged her further, but she swallowed it down as best as she could. He wanted her to fight him like this. Fighting him in a way he could take indefinitely... and ignoring that this shouldn't be about her.
If she focused on her rage, on her revenge, she was acting on his behalf. Acting in a way he expected and cultivated. To defeat him, she couldn't do it of her own actions. The higher powers could not help her in an act of revenge and hatred, nor would she expect them to. She wouldn't be able to completely keep that from her mind either. But perhaps, by acknowledging it, and trying to work past it, and seeing Solomon as just not her own personal demon, but one that had plagued thousands, if not millions of souls... and trying to seek justice? Retribution?
She moved in as she had before, muscles moving like liquid steel. She did her best to control her breathing, control her rage. Use the adrenaline coursing through her in bursts. Striking him as she had been, but cooly. Though she still did little damage, though he still hit her back, he was clearly thrown off by her demeanor. His words were putrid, trying to instill more fire into her, but they washed over her. She ignored them, ignored the child. Ignored every aspect of the event he had constructed.
She grabbed for her sword, and though she still wished to beat the life from him with her bare hands, anything that would end with him bleeding was acceptable enough for her, and that to strike him down would take more than just her. It would take a blade that carried with it the judgement of a power that transcended even something as powerful as Solomon, something that would invert his evil back into him.
As she felt the blade cut into him, one smooth motion from sheath to flesh, his relatively calm facade began to crumble as he realized his control over the situation had been lost. In actuality, more than just his control had been lost.
Karina's blood soaked sword clattered to the ground as she took a step back, her crimson eyes shifting toward her fallen foe. Her eyes clocked upon him, watching silently as his own shifted up toward her, having dropped to his knees.
In this moment, an array of emotions should have washed through her. Relief, joy, fulfillment, sadness, more anger... every emotions she had felt over the centuries, compacted within this one moment. Yet as she stood there, staring at what was once the man she could have given her life for, she felt nothing. Complete and utter numbness.
Not once taking her eyes from his, she watched with a blank expression as blood began to ooze from his chest and neck. It all happened within seconds, but the moment seemed to extend into an eternity.
When the light finally seemed to fade from his eyes, Karina watched, her chest still heaving slightly as slowly, his head began to slide off his neck before plummeting to the ground. Turning her back to him as the rest of his body crumpled with a soft thud, Karina's eyes fell upon the dead body of the woman.
The child had grown quiet, though its presence still did not escape Karina. Walking slowly over to the bed, she glanced at the blood soaked sheets. This woman had gone through an entirely different hell of her own. Karina didn't know the circumstances that lead to the woman's pregnancy, but the end result was unchanging either way. No matter is she was his lover, or his victim, her death was unbearably painful.
Shifting her gaze from the woman, who had been too much in pain to pull her own child to her bosom, Karina's eyes fell upon the baby that lay silently fussing between wits mothers bloody legs. She stared at it for several moments, her hands clenched at her sides. This child... was supposed to be hers. It's very existence spat in her face. Though her love for him had long since faded, her yearning for a child, a family, remained ever strong.
Finding her eyes falling upon the child's, his fussing ceasing as his own gaze fell upon hers, Karina took in a sharp breath. He was the spitting image of his father. His eyes identical in every way. Even as she stared, this child's dead mother feet away, she saw no resemblance to the human in her offspring. It made her wonder if the woman even played any part more than an incubator.
Slowly bringing a hand away from her side, Karina tenderly extended it, hesitating just above the child's face. Clenching her other hand into a fist, her eyes unwavering, the baby softly kicked its feet, its own little balled fist raising. Shifting her gaze toward it's hand, Karina slowly brought her hand down, her fingers gently brushing the back of the baby's hand. Her eyes widened slightly as the baby stretched it's fingers, and with decent strength, gripped her pointer finger.
Cocking her head to the side a little, looking into the baby's eyes as it gazed back into hers, their contact remained continuous. Letting out a soft breath, her stance relaxed ever so slightly. "Sorry kid." She said softly, her thumb gently brushing the back of the child's hand. "You're better off..."
Pulling her hand from the child, Karina turned her back toward it. It fussed a moment, but remained relatively silent. Bringing a hand to her cheek, she wiped the tear streaming down it. The child was the spawn of a demon... to let it live... Swallowing back the first sign of emotion she'd allowed that reflected any sadness toward anything in quite some time, Karina walked over toward the demons corpse. Staring at it briefly, its rotting acidic smell wafting upwards as it continued to dissolve rapidly, Karina bent down and plucked her sword from the ground.
Turning her gaze back toward the helpless child, Karina's jaw clenched slightly. There were many decisions she'd had to make in her life... all of which were weighted with importance. All of which required the utmost care and thought put into them. This one however... was the easiest decision she'd ever had to make. And one that she would never regret.
Making her way toward the child once again, Karina paused before it, her eyes gazing into his. Despite looking like his father, a feature that both gave her stomach butterflies while curdling it, its innocent stare made her heart throb. Closing her eyes a moment, Karina quickly lifted her sword above her head. Opening her eyes, she swiftly brought the sword down with an effective thud.
( Ooc: Karina OUT )
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