Paladin Academy II: Crystal's got an Upgrade

[Silverraptor]

Paladin Academy: Chapter 2: Part 21
-Cast-
Nil
Blue
Penny
Rabbit
Kurama

Spoiler

Show

Nil was finishing healing a paladin that was in the middle of a crater. Even though he had turned into crystal before the golem stepped on him, the stress and strain caused him to fall unconscious. After making sure he wasn't in danger of dying, he looked up to see Blue float down to him.
"About time! At least you managed to bring that thing down."

"My apologies. Thinking moves faster than talking. Probably the reason we can think twice."
He lands next to Nil.

Nil gets to his feet.
"What was th-"

"NIL!!!"

Both of them turned to see Penny flying quickly to them. She was carrying someone in her arms and her face was fearful.
"Penny! What's the matter?"

She quickly landed in front of them, laying Lix on the ground.
"Lix is hurt! She's acting weird!"

Nil noticed that she seemed to be convulsing. Foam began to form over her mouth. On quick examination, Nil saw the armor on her back punctured from a blade.
"Wait, the armor... and the symptoms... This must be..."
He turned to look at Blue, but the Wizard disappeared in thin air.
"Blue! I need you!"

With a pop, Blue reappeared in the same spot, however he was holding a vial of purple liquid. Without hesitating, he quickly poured the liquid over the wound causing it to foam up. He then bent over a poured a little liquids over her mouth. Lix stopped convulsing and the foam over mouth began to recede.
"She is out of immediate danger."
He turned to look at Nil
"I could not explain myself before teleporting. The wound was so deep that the poison would've run its course in seconds. That said, just a scratch would kill anyone within 30 minutes."

Before Nil could respond, a cry was heard from afar.
"Nil!"
Kurama hurried up to them followed closely by Rabbit. His armor was covered in dirt, but he was otherwise unhurt.
"Is everyone alright?"

"Yes, it seems that way."
He looked over at Rabbit.

"I'm sorry. He managed to escape from me and made it over the wall. It was definitely Recaiden."

"Damn."
He began to chew on his knuckles.
"I hope everyone is okay. I've healed the most injured I could find."

Kurama bent down over a cloak on the ground near the unconscious paladin Nil had just healed. He then began to start rummaging in the pockets.
"What's this?"

Nil payed no attention to him for the moment. He continued to look at Rabbit.
"What about you? Did any of you find anyone seriously hurt?"

Rabbit shook her head.
"No. Just a few scrapes and bruises. But for the most part, everyone isn't seriously hu-"

She was suddenly interrupted as Kurama gasped loudly. He turned and ran towards the fortress as fast as he could as a piece of paper floated to the ground. Nil bent down to pick it up.
"It seems that not everyone is okay."
Blue's voice was coated with anxious worry. Nil unfolded the paper to see a sketch of Viola drawn on it with the word 'Target' on the bottom.

*************

Recaiden continued his relentless pace from the fortress. After a moment, he dared himself to slow down. He then collapsed against a tree, placing his palm against it. He coughed and gasped for breath for a while as he rested. He could not believe that he had escaped from the fortress with all the paladins between him and freedom.

He briefly recalled the entire ordeal that he went through. He then focused his memory back to where he had cornered his target. He remembered waking up from across the room after he tried to stab her. He had taken one last look at her before running.

Recaiden's gasps for air then started to change into laughter. It was low at first, but it soon became louder and louder as he laughed up into the heavens.

*************

Viola continued climbing the stairs. She could see the first door feet above as she continued to climb using her crutch. She was out of breath as she neared the door and she didn't quite know why. She needed to warn everyone that Recaiden was in the fortress. She wiped a bunch of sweat off her face as she climbed the last stair. It was then she saw a faint stain of blood on her palm. She looked in the handle of the door and saw, with its reflection, a thin scratch across her cheek.

She then tried to open the door and step out into the hallway. In mid-step she lost balanced and collapsed onto the floor. It felt like something was forming in her mouth and lungs, making it very hard to breathe. She coughed and a bit of foam flew out of her mouth as she lost consciousness.

[Lix Lorn]

Oh noes D=
(Yay for me though :P )

[Silverraptor]

*Pant Pant*

Okay... I think I've sent all the pms and email to the people I needed to to inform them I've started this up again. Is that wrong of me to do?
...
...
...Nah!

[5a Violista]

*gasp!*

Oh, no, what's going to happen? This is a very villainous villain.

(Someone else want to come up with a title for this one?)

[Grim ranger]

It is good to see you updating again, Silver! I rather enjoy reading this, even if my own character has bitten it a while ago

Also, sorry that I vanished before, but... is the Paladin Academy RP still on the table?

[Silverraptor]

It is good to see you updating again, Silver! I rather enjoy reading this, even if my own character has bitten it a while ago

Also, sorry that I vanished before, but... is the Paladin Academy RP still on the table?

Of course! Though it'll be up to you guys to start it.

[Grim ranger]

Of course! Though it'll be up to you guys to start it.

Oh, I see. I will see what I can do tomorrow then. I do wonder if anyone else is still interested, though...

[Silverraptor]

Oh, I see. I will see what I can do tomorrow then. I do wonder if anyone else is still interested, though...

Well, let me know what you guys come up with. If needed, send me pms and I'll help you.

[Recaiden]

It is good to see you updating again, Silver! I rather enjoy reading this:

Agreed. I'm glad to see it start up again.

Oh, I see. I will see what I can do tomorrow then. I do wonder if anyone else is still interested, though...

I'm interested, although I'm not sure that I'd have the time to participate too often. I will try.

[Silverraptor]

Paladin Academy: Chapter 2: Part 22
-Cast-
Viola
Rabbit
Kurama
Penny

Spoiler

Show

Viola's eyelids opened slowly. She found herself back in the same bed up in the infirmary. She could see Kurama, Penny, and Rabbit all watching her anxiously.
"Wh...What happened?"

"You were poisoned by Recaiden. Kurama found you collapsed in the hallway. He quickly brought you to Blue so he could administer the antidote."

Kurama rested a hand on her's.
"I was so worried about you. I saw your mouth foaming up and I..."
His voice trailed off.

"But Viola showed him! She wasn't going to let some stupid assassin kill her!"

Viola blinked.
"Kill me? Like... I was his target?"

Everyone looked at Penny with disapproving looks. Penny looked guiltily back at them.
"Oops."

"We didn't want to tell you until you've completely recovered."

She looked confusedly back at all of them.
"But, why would he want to kill me?"

"We don't know. Nil is extremely worried. He probably wants Mordokai to come back soon."

"Speaking of Nil, I need to go let him know you're awake Viola. Now you..."
She puts a hand on Penny's shoulder who straightens up in surprise. She then points at Kurama with her other hand.
"And you. We have some things to take care of."

Kurama looks up at her.
"Could I please have one more minute here?"

Rabbit holds up a finger.
"Only 1 minute. If you're here when I get back, you are 4 minutes past and there will be consequences for each of them."

Kurama nodded.
"Fine."
Rabbit then left, pulling a disgruntled Penny with her. When the door closed, Kurama looked back at Viola.
"So, you are able to walk now? I only ask because I found you near the main stairs."

Viola smiled.
"Yeah. Blue left me a crutch as if he knew I would try."

Kurama nodded, smiling.
"Well, with all that has happened today, I guess that's one piece of good news to hear. Were you going to come outside to be with us?"

"Eventually. I first planned to go to the crystal cavern to look around for a moment."

"Too bad you weren't able to get there. You would've been safe from Recaiden then."
He stood up.

"What do you mean?"

"People who aren't paladins can't go down there. Not even Blue has been down to that area. He always get shivers and can't proceed any further. Anyways, I have to go or Rabbit will have me clean several other floors."
He starts making his way to the door.
"At least now you'll have company."

Viola blinked.
"What? Who?"
Kurama pointed down to a couple beds down before closing the door behind him. Viola looked over to see Lix laying on the bed. She was on her side, having her back to Viola. Viola could see her back bandaged up pretty tight.

[Lix Lorn]

And as we all know, I'm SO protagonistic in this setting...

[Silverraptor]

Hey guys, this is just a roll call. How many people are actively reading this currently? I just want to know so I can figure out what I can actually do to bring back the readers. Feedback was one thing that really made my day whenever I checked this thread.

[BladeofObliviom]

Generic positive Feedback.

()

More seriously, I'm still here as a regular reader.

[Lateral]

Generic positive Feedback.

Laconic assent.

(Seriously, it is really cool that this is starting up again.)

[Hiro Protagonest]

And as we all know, I'm SO protagonistic in this setting...

That implies that it's not that way in every setting.

My first thought after reading the part was to make a comment suggesting that Viola was probably better off alone.

[Recaiden]

Hey guys, this is just a roll call. How many people are actively reading this currently? I just want to know so I can figure out what I can actually do to bring back the readers. Feedback was one thing that really made my day whenever I checked this thread.

Ineffective villain present! You're keeping up the suspense well.

[Silverraptor]

Ineffective villain present! You're keeping up the suspense well.

Excellent!

And thanks guys. I really want to get to 2 parts from now. I'm so looking forward to writing it out!

[Lix Lorn]

Hey guys, this is just a roll call. How many people are actively reading this currently? I just want to know so I can figure out what I can actually do to bring back the readers. Feedback was one thing that really made my day whenever I checked this thread.

Meow!

That implies that it's not that way in every setting.

My first thought after reading the part was to make a comment suggesting that Viola was probably better off alone.

Mwah? I am offended!
I am ALWAYS the hero.
(backstabs someone)

[Lateral]

Mwah? I am offended!
I am ALWAYS the hero.
(backstabs someone)

*bleeds green blood out of back*

Ow.

@V: I don't know. You're the one doing the stabbing.

[Lix Lorn]

...why would I backstab you? You're my favourite pyromancer!

[smuchmuch]

...why would I backstab you?

Wait...Y..you need a reason to backstab people ?!

roll call

(I wouldn't really call myself a regular reader per se, but for what it's worth I do read catch up with the story once in a while.)

[Cuthalion]

Hey. I try to stay on top of this. I really enjoy it. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

[ThePhantom]

Still here, still reading, still waiting.

[Nergalus]

Still here, still reading, still waiting.

*Nods* Yes, yes, finally. Thank you for picking this up Silver n_n

[Blue Ghost]

I'm still here.

[Silverraptor]

I'm still here.

Hey Blue. I wanted to ask, what were your thoughts when reading your moment of awesome?

[Blue Ghost]

Hey Blue. I wanted to ask, what were your thoughts when reading your moment of awesome?

Beautiful.

I'm getting rusty though, so I probably couldn't pull that off in real life anymore.

[Lix Lorn]

Beautiful.

I'm getting rusty though, so I probably couldn't pull that off in real life anymore.

Maybe I should give the ponyrexians a call. You could use a workout :3

[Blue Ghost]

Maybe I should give the ponyrexians a call. You could use a workout :3

Nah. I'm not afraid of them anymore. Being a brony will do that to you.

[Silverraptor]

Paladin Academy: Chapter 2: Part 23
-Cast-
Nil
Blue
Rabbit

Spoiler

Show

In the office of Mordokai, Nil sat heavily over the magnificent desk. His face was submerged in his hands, propped up with his elbows on the desk. On the other side, watching him patiently, was Blue.
"What was Mordokai thinking when he put me in charge of the academy while he was gone?"

Blue spoke softly to Nil.
"That you were the one he could trust to run this place properly."

"AND HOW IS THAT WORKING NOW?!"
Nil suddenly jumped up and yelled at him in anger and frustration. Blue leaned back with his eyes wide in surprise. Nil was never one prone to outbursts.
"The entire training grounds is torn up! Many paladins are injured! And I nearly had two die today! How can anyone say I've been running this place properly?!"
He turned and began to pace. His anger reached the point where he could not sit still lest it would explode inside him.

"Nil, the burden of leadership isn't easy and not to be taken lightly. You have to understand that unexpected things will happen under your command. Do you think it was easy for Mordokai to make the decisions he did during the demon attack?"

"This is different! I could have prevented everything that has happened! I failed..."
He stopped, staring down at the floor in shame.

"You did not fail. No one was killed, and that was due to-"

"LOOK AT THIS!"
Nil grabbed a sheet of paper and thrust in in front of Blue, causing the wizard to take a step back.
"This is a map of the academy that was in a pocket of Recaiden's cloak!"
He then grabbed a sheet of paper off the top of his desk among the stack of papers and scrolls and showed it to Blue.
"This is the exact same Blueprint! Last night, when Bis and Rabbit dropped these under Mordokai's orders so that I could go through! It was the first sheet I picked up!"
He then turned it around so he could look at it.
"It was the first and only paper I grabbed and looked at last night. It shows the hidden escape route, the same route Recaiden used to get in. It was right there, and I just tossed it aside..."

Blue's demeanor changed into that of careful explanation.
"Okay. Say that you did notice the passage last night. Then what? Would you have set guards over it?"
Nil opened his mouth, but no words came out. He closed it again and looked down.
"Nil, there was no way anyone could have known Recaiden was to breach the fortress. Not when we have all slept well every night with this same passageway being there. Mordokai would not have known, and neither would you."

Nil began to pace again, biting at his knuckles. He then turned to look at Blue.
"Then why do I feel so anxious? Why do I feel like I've failed?"

"The power of the heart can become quite a burden. Especially to one that shares the burden of others."

Nil looked around at the walls.
"So, its just the collective feelings of all the other paladins."
He then continued pacing.
"And now they have lost confidence in me as a leader."

"Misplaced, but not lost."
Blue leaned further onto his staff.
"A terrible ordeal has occurred, and one that none were expecting. It is to be expected to be nervous, but complete loss of faith? Please, put more faith into your juniors. They will still follow you."

Nil looked at Blue for several minutes considering his words.
"Perhaps."
There was a knock on the door.
"Come in."
Blue turns and Rabbit walks in.

She stepped in before standing at attention.
"Nil, Viola is awake. She is slightly dazed, but otherwise okay."

"Thank you."
Blue looked at him with a satisfied look.
"Could you go around to the other paladins and find out their mind-set and collect their inputs?"

"Of course. However, I will need to make a slight detour before doing that."

"Very well. Your dismissed."
Rabbit nodded and turned, closing the door behind her with a snap.

"It seems that we have started to return to what would constitute as normal around here."
He begins to turn, but stops and looks back to Nil.
"I will relay to Mordokai everything that has happened. Just remember, no matter his response, you are currently in charge and have the full situation realized."

Nil nodded. Blue then turned on the spot and vanished into thin air.
"That still won't stop him from killing me when he gets back."
He muttered to no one in particular before turning to stare out the window with the rapidly dying sun.