Re: In the Kiln [Alex, Kimitsuki]

Fri Feb 05, 2021 1:00 am

Alex

Alex shook out his hand as the two of them returned to a more neutral position, the pain of the destroyed bones definitely more than a little bit annoying. He'd need to get this fixed up at the hospital, unless Nel decided she'd actually be willing to fix this up. She usually didn't when he made a retarded decision, though.

"Ah, that was nothin'. Oughta see me when I'm not sick as a dog."

It was nice seeing Kimitsuki get into it now, and he met her flame with a quite exceptional wave of his own. The violet inferno, even for all of Alex's handicaps at present, was still intense, still hungry to burn, and of course, still supernaturally heavy and dence, paradoxically metallic in its nature despite very much being flame. Such an expenditure of energy absolutely cut down the time before the Hollow in his soul could rear its ugly head, so he'd call it a win.

Every blow Kimitsuki threw, Alex simply took. Much as he'd have loved to really throw hands, especially with someone else that got hot, there wasn't a chance in hell that he'd be able to keep up in his current state. Just one more reason for him to get better, he guessed. She was pretty good, and even if he was normally tough enough to take a beating from some of the strongest fucks around, right now he had to keep his guard down. He just took the hits, and waited for a good opening. After all, even if he wanted to get his ass beat, he didn't wanna just let her wail on him for nothing, yeah?

The point blank fire breath was just what he was looking for. This was probably his best bet, especially since he'd already tossed out all that energy so casualy earlier. Igniting his left hand now, filling it with all the heat he could muster, Alex wreathed his fist in purple flame. Blowing that much fire was bound to block your vision, and Alex swung low with all the force he could still manage, gladly eating the fireball right to the face to trade for a hit to Kimi's gut.

Upon impact, that arm did every bit the same thing that his right arm had. All of its head simply burst outward, a venting that left the limb in charred shambles. However, this time Alex could feel the pain in his chest getting that much sharper. He knew exactly what was about to happen now, and he grimaced a touch as he gave Kimitsuki a nod.

"Look's like we're on step two now. Get ready, eh?"

Taking a deep breath to collect himself, Alex just sort of accepted it as the familiar white bone-like material began jutting its way from his chest. Unfortunately, this had happened enough that he sort of knew what he was supposed to do by now to deal with it. More difficult than the physical pain, to be honest, was the spiritual effort, feeling his soul start to slip away by the second. That would fuck anyone up, no matter how fuckin' tough they were. Biting his lip, Alex looked to the Danava of Flame once more. Despite his bravado, there was an undeniable pleading in his eyes. She was, at this point, pretty much his only hope.

"On you now, girly."

Tue Feb 09, 2021 8:30 pm

In the Kiln [Alex, Kimitsuki] - Page 2 6EdIfMt

THE LIBERATED FLAME

Artist: JubyPhonic - Song: Wildfire (Cover)

Alex took everything Kimitsuki did; taking a wave of fire even if it burned him greatly. He took all of her strikes as Kimitsuki punched, kicked, slashed, and bore fire down on the man. However, he had found his one opening. When Kimitsuki was breathing fire, straight onto Alex; she felt a fist encounter her stomach. It was a good hit, one that would certainly leave a sizable bruise on Kimi's abs; one in the shape of the fist that caused her breath, and the fire, to hitch in her throat a bit. Kimitsuki stumbled back, her fire still burnt; but it didn't rage to harm Alex. She wasn't a terribly durable demon, after all; so a good punch like that was enough to make her cough and splutter.

She raised her head to Alex as he spoke, briefly seeing his nod before he had spoke. Kimitsuki had her own grimace as she felt her stomach twinge in pain from the punch that had been delivered to it; leaving an odd crack in her skin. No, above her skin. Clearly, Alex could get hot enough to damage Kimi's thermal armor. However, the woman noticed Alex breath and then...

A spear of white burst from Alex's chest, as if someone had just stabbed him from behind; but, he wasn't impaled. It was the hollow that was ebbing at, devouring, his soul; now doing it's best to actively devour and TAKE Alex for himself. As Kimitsukii watched, Alex had been ingulfed in pain she could never understand. She could only stare, her hair returning to its normal color as pure surprise poured over her being. It was hard not to be surprised. However, the gaze that Alex bore towards Kimi...

It was pleading, desperate; he wanted her, Kimitsuki Yamamoto, to help him. Alex wanted her to save him. Kimitsuki was absolutely floored by this, however, Kimitsuki moved forwards towards Alex. She put her left hand on his shoulder and gave him a big smile; attempting to reassure him that he was going to be perfectly alright. Afterwards, the Danava gently used her right hand to sweep some hair away from her right eye; and then, fire erupted around them. However, it wasn't hot like before. The area felt as if everything felt so much more... free. It was an odd feeling, perhaps, but it was one where Kimitsuki felt the most alive she had in a long time. She let out a warm sigh, her hair once more gaining the fiery color; raising up thanks to the flame around them. She let out a soft sigh, allowing herself to breathe calmly.

Soon, Kimitsuki's right hand burst on fire with her Liberation flame; nodding at Alex. Afterwards, without prompting, without a warning, Kimitsuki grabbed onto the white bone-like material, which was a hollow, and pushed her flame into overdrive as the flame tore down the white like material; attempting to follow the essence of the hollow inside and burn it out with the liberating flame. She was attempting to free Alex from the hollow that was trying to consume his life; his very soul. As the flames permeated Alex's very being, Kimitsuki breathed calmly; and then, Alex could likely feel the fire inside his very self.

Her intention was to liberate the link between Alex and the hollow; to liberate Alex from the hollow. Frankly, it may be quite an odd feeling for Alex. Indeed, it could result in catastrophic failure; however, Kimitsuki was resolute to save the man before her. As her grip tightened on the white material, her power would surge as she did her best to save Alex. She was not going to let this hollow have it's way; she was NOT going to let this Nel and Alex's daughter lose him. She completely refused; and in such a refusal to give in to such containment, such enslavery, that made her liberation flame burn brighter. As it burned, she intended to sever the connection between Alex's Hollow and Alex himself; to tear it out of his very being and then incinerate the hollow. She was going to save Alex, and she refused to let some hollow take Alex from his family.

"I-I will NOT let it take you..."

Wed Feb 10, 2021 11:43 am

Alex

It was difficult for Alex, at least at this stage, to fully parse any incoming stimuli. Most of them were being overridden by the more immediate, searing pain of the Hollow consuming him, not only spiritually, but physically, as well. Of course he could not stand, and even though his eyes were open, it wasn't really as though what he saw astually carried much meaning in a mental state like that. By all accounts, it would have been rather fair to say that Alex was close to losing any sense of self in this moment. It was only by Kimitsuki's intervention, by the infusion of the Liberation Flame, that he did not succumb.

Internally, however, it was an entirely different struggle from the more immediate struggle externally. Kimitsuki had stunted the Hollow's ability to grow entirely, seared away any capacity to destroy Alex. But the insidious nature of such a Hollow was that, even if cut back, it was simply Alex's own soul, corrupted to such a degree that it would poison itself. The Hollow could not grow outward even one iota so long as Kimitsuki were there, but to destroy the Hollow would be no different than to destroy Alex's own soul.

It was that moment of stalemate, where Alex could feel freedom so close and yet so far, that he felt that familiar, searing call within his chest, one he had not heard in quite some time. It was muted, chained, and yet it was unquestionably the Riot of the Blood, crying out to be set free. In most circumstances, he would have been glad it was so far away, glad he didn't need to go through that all-consuming, self-destructive rebellion.

But, right now, his own self was the biggest obstacle.

Taking in a very unsteady breath, raspy and lacking in vitality, Alex used nearly every bit of strength he had to place his hand atop Kimitsuki's upon the Hollow spur jutting from his chest. It was partially just to get her attention, but it was probably crucial that he actually touch the Hollow, and her.

"This'll...probably sting. Sorry 'bout this, but I think...think we got this now..."

His voice was quiet, shaky, so far removed from its usual cocky and boisterous energy. But even in spite of that, there was a profound confidence in it, a confidence in Kimitsuki, and he smiled very faintly. He knew he wouldn't have had a fucking chance in a million years at this if she wasn't here right now; he'd owe her big time when this was over, probably bigger than he'd ever actually be able to repay. Taking a breath to center himself, Alex focused inward at the searing pinprick in his soul that he hadn't felt in so long now. This Hollow wasn't fucking around, it was resilient. But hey, so was he.

Alex's whole being quite drastically rose in its temperature. It wasn't a cakewalk with the Hollow eating at him, still consuming his energy, but the change he'd hoped for slowly began to emerge. His body started to break down; the Riot of the Blood had begun. The final barrier that kept Kimitsuki's flame from incinerating the Hollow's vicegrip was rapidly collapsing. Alex's body and soul no longer acknowledged themselves, every cell and every spiritual particle doing their very best to rip themselves apart. All the while, Alex simply grew hotter still, the dust of the arena turning to glass as he reached his peak. As long as he didn't die, he didn't care how much he destroyed himself.

There wasn't much left for him to do now; he was burning it all in this last risk. If he fucked up even a little bit, he'd be nothin' but ashes--but the thought of the two waiting for him at the Tundra was enough for him to try, anyway. All of his heat, all of his flame, could no longer be contained, and it rushed through his unstable being in a flash, erupting outward.With this final pillar of flame came the being which could no longer find the soul it was a part of; the Hollow, severed from the scorched chaos that was now Alex's soul.

Anarchy within, Liberation without; from this there could have been no possible escape, and the Hollow was sent into Kimitsuki's waiting grasp. Alex could certainly do no more, his entire being now struggling simply to keep from collapsing, but still he stayed upright. His own pride wouldn't let him fall 'til this was finished.

Thu Feb 11, 2021 2:52 pm

THE LIBERATED FLAME

Artist: Yasuharu Takanashi - Song: Dragon Force

Alex was straining for all he was worth to make it so this hollow could be removed from him with as little damage as possible; even if that as little damage as possible could become quite extreme in the end. However, Kimitsuki kept fueling her flames of liberation as Alex struggled with the hollow that was intent on taking him over and forever depriving his family of a father; a lover. As Kimitsuki and Alex struggled with the effort, Alex seemingly struggling far more, Kimitsuki did her best to keep her liberation flame burning free. However, as time went on, Kimitsuki felt the heat in the room increase; heat that was not from Kimi herself.

Indeed, Kimitsuki was so absorbed in her effort to endure the growing heat, and to keep her liberation flame burning free, she did jump a small bit when she felt Alex's hand upon hers. Upon hearing what Alex had to say, the Danava gave a grim nod; a silent, but firm, nod. If they truly were to have this... Kimitsuki was absolutely determined to prevent Alex's untimely demise. The amount Alex's voice shook, how it seemed different from when they met; how much he nearly sounded... frightened. However, in spite of whatever might be causing his voice to diminish like such; it was obvious he was confident. Kimitsuki could not help but grin back at Alex when he smiled. She had a feeling that this meeting was oddly ordained; and one that was very good for Alex. After all, Kimitsuki could likely be among the few who could free Alex from such a fate.

A quiet had fallen upon the room, aside from the crackle of fire, as the pair fell silent as Kimitsuki felt the hollow material under her hand squirm and struggle; as if it knew what the pair were attempting. Then again, it probably did. A wave of heat tore through the room as Alex had started to focus and heat up, doing what he could to rip the hollow apart from his soul without killing him. A break down of his body, perhaps even his soul, started as the heat in the room built to levels that Kimi was all too familiar with; starting to feel a little hot even for her. Her own thermal armor was likely starting to lose its cohesion under the constant exposure to such great heat. However, she didn't care. She was going to save Alex from this hollow even if she too got burnt and singed in the process.

Dust turned to impure glass, other materials simply melted or were completely incinerated; and bit by bit, Kimitsuki felt as if the hold the hollow had was... loosening. It was an odd sensation, as if she could feel the riot within Alex rejecting the hollow with every fiber of his being; breaking the beings hold on Alex in ways that were quite painful. As Kimitsuki watched, she felt the hollow beneath her hand squirm in absolute panic. It knew what Alex was trying to do, what they were trying to do, and it was losing this little contest of strength. And then, it happened.

Alex had certainly been able to do what he needed with the anarchy that was coursing through his very blood; rejecting and rioting against the constriction that this hollow had upon him. Meanwhile, Kimitsuki's liberation did its best to free Alex from the hollow's enslavement. However, a change came over the situation as Alex's power came out in an unstable show; a pillar of fire that engulfed the pair of them. However, in such an action; the hollow that was tearing at Alex's soul was torn from Alex. He was free from such a terrible burden. And in such freedom, a dragon reared its head.

As soon as Alex had expelled the hollow from him, and Kimitsuki was certain their lives were no longer linked, Kimitsuki tore the hollow free from Alex's form; denying it the chance to reclaim it's vessel. As the Danava slid back from Alex, leaving some liberation flame with Alex to help him, the flames around Kimitsuki returned to normal; and they burned even hotter than before; possibly even causing metal around her to begin melting. She growled at the hollow she had recently torn away from Alex; the incomplete being attempting to escape from the immense heat that was melting the material around Kimitsuki. However, she wasn't going to let this hollow harm Alex, nor anyone, any longer.

With a burst of energy, and even a slight bit of force, Kimitsuki grabbed the hollow with her other hand; yelling as fire erupted around her. The flames started slow, calm, as Kimitsuki held the hollow still with both of her hands; refusing to let it get away from her. In moments, nay, seconds, Kimitsuki and the hollow were engulfed in a red-orange torrent of flame that burned hotter and hotter by the moment. Any cries of pain the hollow might, or could, make were lost in the roaring of the Danava of Fire; both the flames and the woman herself. She continued to let the torrent of flame erupt around her, making certain the hollow was completely incinerated. In the meantime, however, the room was filled with the roars of dragons.

Eventually, the din died down and the flame slowed in it's torrential assault upon the hollow that Kimitsuki had once held; no more than ash on the wind. As Kimi slowly came into view from the middle of the column of fire, Kimitisuki opened her hands to let what ash remained of the hollow to burn away; leaving the area her fire had raged, in a safe enough distance away from Alex, brutally scorched and melted. However, the Danava forgot any rage that her eyes may have once burned with; and she tore towards Alex; rushing towards him to support the man. With the hollow dead, incinerated by Kimitsuki's angry flames, Alex needed help even more now. After getting to Alex, whether she caught the man as he fell or prevented his fall, Kimitsuki gently engulfed his being in the warm, ticklish, flames that made up her liberation flame; intended to liberate him from as much as the life-threatening wounds as she could.

As it was, Kimitsuki was already breathing heavily from such an intense effort to liberate Alex from so much; but she managed to grin at Alex just a bit. Clearly, Kimitsuki at least felt some success in what the pair of them were able to do.

"You were right, that did sting a bit. How are you feeling?"

Thu Feb 11, 2021 4:05 pm

Alex

It was so...quiet. Perhaps not in reality, but certainly in Alex's head. He'd spent so long in constant pain, feeling every ounce of strength sucked up by his own soul, that he'd forgotten what it felt like to just, you know, breathe. Of course there was still pain. He'd broken a lot of bones, burned a lot of flesh, and there was still the massive fucking hole in his chest. It was all pretty fuckin painful--but, you know, there was no Hollow there making it worse.

Despite himself, Alex raised his gaze, if just barely enough to watch Kimitsuki destroy the Hollow that had, not five minutes ago, been...uh, well, himself. Was that right? He was pretty sure that's how those worked. But no, he was positive he was still him. Even if the Hollow had been made out of his own soul, it was gone now, and he was still here. The whole gambit had been more dangerous than even Alex probably could have grasped, but that was fine. He was perfectly content to watch until there was nothing left of the creature that had plagued him for the past year, and as Kimitsuki returned to his side when it was all over, he could only meet her grin with one of his own, leaning against her a good bit.

"Hey, never felt better in my life... I mean, you know, I'm a little sore, but it's nothin'."

Even just with the removal of the Hollow, Alex felt so much more alive, and it was obvious despite his injuries. He spoke more assuredly, carried himself about as well as he could given how much he was leaning on Kimitsuki not to collapse. Despite his wounds, there was a vibrance to him that hadn't been present in a very long time.

"I oughta ask how you're doing. Actually, I oughta ask you to take me to the hospital, but I wanna hear if you're all good while we're on the way there."

Fri Feb 12, 2021 5:48 pm

The Liberated Flame

Artist: JubyPhonic - Song: WILDFIRE!! (Cover)

Despite the fact that Alex had broken bones, burned probably his entire body, and had a sizable hole in his chest, he was still able to stand on his feet. Albeit, he was leaning on Kimi quite heavily. She couldn't help but blink in surprise at him before chuckling softly, once more utilizing her liberation flame to patch him up the best she could while also keeping him as stable as possible. After all, it wasn't everyday you burnt yourself to a crisp and tore a hollow out of your chest; or at least, Kimi was pretty sure Alex hadn't done this more than once. Regardless, this incredibly dangerous gambit had paid off; Alex would live to see the light of the next day.

Kimitsuki too found herself a bit worse for wear as well. Albeit, she didn't have broken bones; or burnt skin. Albeit, she did feel a few burns here or there from their small tussle and the conflict with that hollow. Eventually, Kimitsuki let out a small sigh and turned her gaze towards Alex; giving him a reassuring smile.

"I'm okay. A few burns and bruises; maybe more. But, I'm mostly just tired now. My liberation flame... Well, using it to such a high extent is quite exhausting. But, it is quite important you get to a hospital. Can't have you dying, now can we?"

A small grin danced across Kimitsuki's lips as she pulled a cellphone out of her pocket; making a quick call for an ambulance to come to them. Afterwards, Kimitsuki carefully helped Alex towards the exit so that they could meet the ambulance. Hell, she would even carry him if he really needed it. However, she figured Alex would wish to be able to walk a few feet as a free man; free from the shackles of a hollow that had imprisoned him for many years. Kimitsuki was almost certain that he felt more alive than he had when he came here; even if he was riddled with injuries. Eventually, Kimitsuki would arrive outside with Alex; intending to go to the hospital with him. After all, she did wish to appraise the doctors and EMTs with what had happened. Not to mention, she knew Alex would make a full recovery. If he had lasted a year dealing with that parasite of a hollow, he surely would recover from a day's beatings.

"Let's get you to that hospital, Alex; and home before you know it."