Fallen: Weak and Pathetic

It was then that the sound of faint clapping could be heard in the distance. As the clapping got closer Cipher could make out the faint silhouette of what looked like a man. At this point Cipher was still on guard, having just finished his battle with the Gargoyle moments prior, his body was still in an alert state. As the silhouette got closer Cipher could see the facial features of the man coming up to him, he was a younger man with a soft-looking face and stern eyes. Cipher couldn't help thinking there was something wrong with the man in front of him. It sounded like he had been there the whole time, why didn't he help?

As the man got closer, his values and the reason he hadn't helped Cipher became clear. The man was a Dark Light a Corrupted Knight of Light also known as a Fallen. Cipher had been warned extensively about their existence and on how to avoid becoming one. Cipher had hoped to avoid coming in contact with any Fallen all together but seemed like fate had other plans for him.

Looking at the Knight of Light in front of him, Raze couldn't help but clap. Raze had been around for a long time, seeing many different types of Knights of Lights come and go. Prior to becoming a Fallen, Raze had actually trained about seventeen Knights, so watching Cipher he could tell that the boy had just completed his training. Actually from what Raze could tell this was likely the young Knight's first mission. He had seen the boy approach the "Weeper", and couldn't help laughing when the boy was caught off guard by the fact that it was actually a Nightmare. This was a telltale sign that the boy hadn't acclimated to his Appraisal skill yet, making matters worse the boy was so startled that he ran and fell into this pit of despair.

There were two things that did surprise Raze though, the first being that the boy actually killed the (B-Class) Earth Gargoyle and the nest of Lesser Mold Fiends. The second thing that surprised Raze what that the boy was actually able to channel the Extradict Spell into his weapons. Raze could recall trying to utilize that method as a Knight, but it required a heightened sense of control along with a weapon or weapons both suitable and powerful enough to handle the strain.

Cipher seeing the Fallen getting closer spoke to DEM, [what do should I do? I can't win a battle with a Fallen]. Axel had told Cipher that Fallen could be sadistic, so it was in Cipher's best interest that none found out about his immortality. If Cipher did fight the Fallen it would only be a matter of moments before the Fallen figured it out, especially with the massive power difference between them. {DEM ~ Try to find an opening to run. Even then though the chance is slim, it is your only chance}.

As Cipher started searching for an opening the Fallen spoke, "laughing.....hold up kid. You gave quite the show back there just now, I was actually impressed, good thing I wasn't placing a bet I would have been in the hole. The name is Raze, and as I'm sure you already know I am a Fallen. I usually just kill Knights of Lights, but I find you interesting. You provided me some excitement just now, I was surprised when you were able to survive the onslaught from the Lesser Mold Fiends. An I was absolutely jubilated watching you kill the Earth Gargoyle, the way you performed that backflip after running up the wall...beautiful."

Cipher watched as Raze sat down on the ground with his legs crossed as he leaned back onto his elbows, this would have been the perfect time to run if Cipher felt he could escape....which he didn't. Even while Raze was sitting in what seemed like a compromised position he still gave off a murderous and powerful aura, giving Cipher the impression he wouldn't get more than a step if he tried to run.

Watching Cipher an idea came to Raze, it was perfect and guaranteed he would have some more excitement even if only a little. Thinking it over Raze made a decision, "What's your name kid, and don't try to lie?" Cipher had thought about lying, but with Raze's comment, it didn't seem like the best idea, "My name is Cipher Starlight." Pleasantly surprised that Cipher had actually heeded his warning, Raze decided to be just a little lenient on the conditions he was about to set out for Cipher.

Looking at Cipher Raze gave a big creepy smile and said, "Well Cipher I decided I am going to give you an ultimatum, You will have two years....no that's too much. You will have six months...no that's too little. I got it, you will have one year to find and kill an Elder Vampire. If you can't do it, let's see.....pause...I got it, if you can't kill an Elder Vampire within a year I will make sure the village you trained in is completely distroyed and everyone is killed." Standing up Raze still looking at Cipher lifted his eyebrow, "I know what your thinking Cipher, your thinking there's no way Raze can find out where I live...WRONG! I don't need to, I will just have all the villages near this location destroyed. So what do you say, you in, I mean if not I will just kill you here and destroy the towns...totally up to you though."

Cipher was speechless, He didn't want the Town of Sol destroyed, the people there were kind, and also he didn't want to sacrifice other people's lives, so there was only one answer Cipher could possibly give. Looking at Raze with an intense and resolute look Cipher spoke, "I'm in, I have two questions though would you be gracious enough to answer them?" Raze looked at Cipher eye big and wide, it was the first time a Knight of Light had the courage to ask him a question, [Very peculiar] Raze thought to himself be answering Cipher, "Yes you may ask them, doesn't mean I will answer them, but ask away." Cipher looking at Raze took a breath and asked, "First, where can I find an Elder Vampire? Second, Why did you Fall, why do all of this?"

Raze gave a Cipher a bizarre look before speaking, "Loaded questions...I love it (clapping), To answer your first question there is an Elder Vampire that can be found in the screaming forest, far north of here. Answering your second question....that's a little harder....it would be better if you understood the struggles of this world before I answer that question. How about I give you an answer once you have killed the Elder Vampire, then you can ask me why all you want."

Raze turned around and waved at Cipher, "Well I am off, have fun and enjoy yourself boy, I will be watching."