Hikari vs Elesia: Blood tainted wings

Match type: Special
Location: Temple of Soloman
Rules: Inside the temple lies the ancient relic: The Ark of the Covenant. Obtaining the relic will give the user powers from the Lord. One must spill the blood of their an angelic or holy maiden upon it and wield the relic for over a minute to obtain the powers.
Victory conditions: Wielding the relic for 60 seconds while it is touched by the blood of your opponent.



That message... she would never forget the words she heard from up above. They were from the gods themselves, the very celestial beings she fought for, and not long ago, she had been given an important message; an offer from the gods, and she could not refuse it.

'Inside lies a relic that can grant you with powers that not even the holiest of man should wield. You have proven yourself worthy in wielding it.'

And just like that, she was sent here, to a temple beyond the material plane, and now somewhere she never thought possible. It was a church, but one the young nun had never laid eyes upon before, and with divine power, the gods had sent her here, the relic surely awaiting for her; The Ark of the Covenant. And today; Elesia Thanatos was given the chance to not only hold it, but possess it's powers. She had heard of it, nearly every angelic or religious thing in this world had, and knew the power it possessed. Not only must you hold it close to you and pour your very soul and being into it with the desire for power, but your body must be pure enough, thus the Gods would know such a power would be in the right hands. And not only that... but blood was needed as a sacrifice. Not much, but it still had to come from an angelic or pure creature that was not of yourself. This was another test from the Gods, a way of making sure others feel you deserved such a power. Though… where would she get such a thing?

After being teleported here, Elesia slowly stepped forward, her black boots beneath her simple, blue, nunâ€s robe making hallow clicks that echoed throughout the entire church. The place was massive large marble pillars keeping the place upright, countless rows of benches for prayer, a grand podium an evangelist or preacher to stand behind, numerous walls coated in stained glass with images of the Lord and other Gods… the entire place was more grand than her organization, Black Cross! It was astounding, and for a few moments, Elesia stood in awe, walking forward at a slow pace along the marble floor.

There was something… odd about the place though. Several manuscripts from the bible were placed on the pillars, the place looked like not a soul had been here in ages, and it seemed much darker than it should be, like there was nothing on the outside at all; no world, no land, not even a sun. Just where did this temple even exist? It certainly wasnâ€t on Earth any more…

Swallowing hard and keeping a steel resolve, Elesia adjusted her glasses and the bangs of her blue hair, her innocent appearance defying why she was really here as she stepped closer to the preachers alter, seeing just off in the distance of this massive temple a relic. There were two golden plated birds; wings spread forth, just barely touching at the ends of their wings. They were laid out on an old plated table, risen a few feet from the podium, clearly taking the highest priority in this room, as it was impossible to look away from, especially what lied between the two golden birds. It was a sphere, no larger than a baseball, actually floating there. Its colors actually shifted slowly, going from silver, to gold, and then a pure white, a faint glow of powerful energy emanating from it.

That had to be it…

Elesia was not alone. She was not the only one selected from the material world to go seek out the most powerful artifact in the history of the world. The Ark of the Covenant, the place where the original tablets detailing the 10 commandments were stored. Though the tablets were shattered, they still held the power of the Holy Name, the one word which can command legions of heaven. King Solomon once had that power, a single golden ring upon which the name of God was carved. That was the foundation of his wisdom, and the base of the Holy Land's power.

The Ark of the Covenant was lost to history however, as the location of the tablets disappeared. The truth was, the power of God's name was sealed away, in the true Holy Temple of Solomon. The temple upon Earth in Jerusalem had already been destroyed through the passage of time, but the true temple, the one beyond the curtains that hid away the gateway to heaven, still stood. It was timeless, a sanctuary for the holy relics that man cannot and should not find. There was knowledge and truth hidden in the Temple of Solomon, and with it the power that comes with knowledge and truth.

As Elesia walked down the aisle, another figure walked out from the doors leading to the podium. To the eyes of an ordinary person, it was just a girl. She looked to be eighteen, wasn't very tall, and had a delicate look. Her features gave away that she was of Asiatic descent. Her hair was done up in two long pigtails. She wore a single piece school skirt, seeimgly incongrous with the surrounding environment. Despite her ordinary appearance, she appeared to be completely relaxed and at home in this extraordinary place. Her eyes were kept intently on the altar, or actually what was on top of the altar.

"That's it then?" Hikari thought.

"That is it," came Ariel's response, reverberating though her head.

"It looks a bit small," Hikari thought, "Not quite large enough for two stone tablets."

"You're thinking in the physical sense," Ariel responded, "The tablets are in there, with the Name of God."

Hikari then heard the light tapping of Elesia's footsteps on the steps leading up to the altar. "Someone else is here!" Hikari thought, "She's going after the Ark!"

"Don't let her touch it," Ariel responded. Hikari nodded, understanding what Ariel meant. She ran forward, not bothering to hide her presence. Instead, she let the power flow from her like a beacon, trying to distract Elesia. In her hand a blazing flame appeared, then shaping into a sword.

"Stop!" Hikari yelled out, rushing Elesia with her sword out in front.

It was nearly impossible to fathom the feelings Elesia had right now. Her entire life was dedicated to serving god, being a zealot who vanquished the wicked, punished the unjust, and protected the faithful who could not protect themselves. And now, not only was she to be rewarded for all her hard work and suffering, but she could have everything she lost. The many years of her life she gave up, the people she lost, the suffering she always witnessed but was not powerful enough to stop; all of it could change once she had that relic.

Swallowing hard as she slowly stepped closer, Elesia's cerulean blue eyes focused on the orb as it was still a fair distance away from her, about ten rows of benches still as she did. She couldn't look away, not even aware that she was nearly in tears at the realization that her very dreams were all going to come true today, she truly took the time to enjoy this moment, disbelief shaken off by a proud thanks she was giving to the Gods, silently muttering a prayer as she stepped closer slowly.

Then, she heard something, and it caused the nun to immediately come to a halt, her hands that were once folded together falling to her sides. Stop...? Did she just hear someone else here? Impossible!!! This place was untouched for years, probably even centuries and yet this very day, there was another soul inside this holy establishment? Quickly, Elesia turned around, letting out a silent gasp as she looked to see where the source came from, and then she saw the flames forming in a teenage girl's hands, charging towards her while it became a sword.

Questions wracked in Elesia's mind, but she had no time to ask as the blade came for her as this strange girl charged. Instead, hardly even taking the time to look over what she imagined to be her opponent here, Elesia took the initiative to dodge. Leaping to the side, Elesia tucked in and rolled, extremely agile for what looked like just a young nun, springing to her feet like a deft fighter, but crouched down with her palm on the ground, leaning foward like she was ready for anything after avoiding the attack coming for her, landing close to one of the benches.

"Who are you? Why do you intrude this place and taint it with your presence, reckless creature?!" Elesia's question came out bold and firm, sounding less shocked and more demanding than anything, like a paladin demanding justice. The way she saw it, this girl... Hikari, she was nothing but an intruder with dark intentions. Those who try to strike another without question, especially a holy warrior like herself, it only reeked of evil and foul intentions.

Hikari didn't know who Elesia was, or why she was seeking the Ark. She only knew that Ariel, the Cherubim that was connected to her and was the source of her power, didn't want any human to touch that sacred artifact. Ariel had told Hikari many things about the history of Heaven and the Holy Land. Hikari trusted Ariel's judgement; if Ariel didn't want this person touching the Ark, Hikari would prevent it.

Hikari stood in front of the altar, having forced Elesia to retreat. She stood in between the altar and Elesia, blocking it with her body. Hikari held the sword in front with both hands, flames dancing upon the edge of the blade. She was tempted to lower the sword and talk with Elesia, but then Ariel spoke to her.

"She's a human," Ariel said, "Humans aren't supposed to touch this Ark, it is forbidden by Heaven."

Hikari understood. She was to stop Elesia at all costs. She kept in her sword in a defensive position in front of her. "My name is Hikari. You shouldn't be here. I don't know who you are or what you want, but you shouldn't be here. Please leave!"

Elesia stood there with determination and a strong resolve as she remained ready to pounce. She could see that this girl was more than just a normal human, especially when she saw that blade as the flames danced around it's edges, which was enough to tell Elesia that this was something to take seriously. However, this was her trial, not this girl's, and she would not allow anyone to intervene.

Standing upright, Elesia's stance suddenly went casual and limp, like this whole situation didn't frighten her. No, it wouldn't, not ever. She had died before, and by now, there was no fear that could ever fill her heart. Instead, she was a servant of the Gods, and she would follow their orders to the very last breath. There was only the hope that it wouldn't have to resolve to that, but she was prepared if it had.

For a moment, those cerulean eyes darkened from behind the lens of her glasses, and Elesia looked strait at Hikari. Her glare was like that of paladin with the resolve of an army, ready to take on whatever was placed before them, with no intent on losing. But she didn't fight just yet, she would give the one standing in her way one final warning.

"I suggest that you ask yourself, why it is that youâ€ve come before me. This place is for one of God, not violence. However if you continue to stand in my way... I will strike you down with divine punishment."

Hikari stood her ground, observing Elesia and her actions. "She's a nun," Hikari thought, "Kinda pretty too... I wonder why she's here." That brought another thought to Hikari's head. "Wait, why am I here?"

"You're here to protect the Ark," Ariel said, "That s the task given to you. You are the physical host to a Cherubim, one of the guardians of Heaven. One of my charges is the Ark of the Covenant, and now there is a threat to it. Thus, by the will of god, you were brought here to protect it."

"Umm, ok," Hikari said, "I'll trust you Ariel. I just wish you'd tell me more!"

"It's a need to know basis kinda thing," Ariel responded, "I never thought you needed to know. Oh well, now you do."

"Stupid angel," Hikari thought.

She now responded to Elesia's challenge. "Who are you to think you can strike me down? I am here to protect the Ark and the Temple of Solomon from all intruders. Now leave!"

It seems there was no choice, this girl would not back down. And thus, Elesia was now going to get rid of the 'obstruction' that stood in her path.

A long breath escaped the nun's lips, her eyes closed for just a few moments, and her hands stretched out to her sides, open palmed as if she was reaching for something. For those few moments, there was a faint glow emanating from under her long, blue skirted dress, and a aura of holy energies seemed to flash for a few moments from her. What this really had been was a summoning spell, the marks upon her body hiding her abilities and weapons in the celestial plane, acting like a summon. The spell's markings on her flesh were hidden from under her dress, but Hikari would be able to detect it. The spell was rare, hardly ever used by humans; but there was one organization known for using it...

Black Cross. And that was exactly who Elesia worked for, serving them with every whim of her being, but her faith dedicated directly to god. Though Black Cross was seen as a holy church that used their paladins and priestesses to destroy evil and unholy creatures, it was hard to imagine one of them actually being here. But then again, Elesia was not like the rest, she may have been most pure, but she was also one of the most deadly...

"Who am I...?" She said rhetorically as her hands were still outstretched and the spell had finished. When it did, six blades had appeared. But they were unlike anything that anyone had seen before. The crimson handles looked like ancient keys, almost like they were a relic in itself, and she held three in each hand between her knuckles and fingertips, the long, thin swords acting like giant claws in the way she wielded them.

"I am the black void. I am the cold steel. I am the just sword.
With blades in hand shall I reap the sins of this world, and cleanse it in the Testament and the fires of retribution!
I am The Shadow of God! And your end has come!"

The blades in hand and her judgment upon this girl announced, Elesia charged at her with a steel resolve, her speed was incredible as she dashed towards her, going for a wide, downwards slash with all three blades from her left hand, hoping to cleave her into pieces with a single attack.

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Ariel felt the celestial energy gathering around Elesia first. "She's trying something," Ariel warned, "Stay sharp now! Ready your defenses."

Hikari heard Ariel's command and quickly called up the celestial power of the Cherubim she represented. Her clothes, the school skirt she wore, promptly transformed into the Angel Mail she normally wore in combat (basically what she wears in the picture on her profile). The sword in her hand blazed brightly with flame as Hikari channeled more energy now that she had released more of the celestial power.

Ariel observed Elesia closely. The spell she was casting did not appear to be offensive, or defensive. Rather it seemed to be some kind of summoning spell. But Elesia had no summoning circle or any of the symbols that bound summoned creatures. So what was she doing? Then Ariel noticed the signils on Elesia's back, though they were covered Ariel could feel their power through her entire body.

"No!" Ariel thought, "Hikari quick! Ready the shield!"

The swords appeared in Elesia's hands, ans she charged forward. Hikari was surprised, but Ariel's warning gave her enough time to bring out her Aegis shield. She raised the shield up, deflecting the blow. Clang! The shield managed to block the swords, but it shattered right afterwards, overloaded with power.

"Ahh!" Hikari screamed as she fell backwards from the blow. Ariel knew that Hikari was going to need all of her power, so she readied herself for the transfer, gathering her very existence up and preparing to infuse Hikari with every bit of power she had.

With a speed only the most athletic mortal could hope to achieve, Elesia had came down fast and hard with all her valor, hoping to end this with a single blow. She could sense something though.... was it fear? Perhaps regret for choosing to resist? Or was it something else...?

There was another presance here. It was hard to detect, but she knew a holy individual when she sensed it, and there was another one here. It was hard to detect, but after her blow struck a shield that had been summoned, Elesia had a strong feeling she knew what it was.

The shield had shattered, and Elesia leapt back, not wanting the shards to cut her or distract her vision. Instead she would keep her eyes trained on Hikari at all times, only backing away for a moment as she witnessed Hikari finding and tapping into another strength.

"Ah... you share a bond with something I sense. That matters not in this place; where justice is lord, and I am itâ€s blade." With a confidence ringing in every word she said, Elesia stood firm and would take start to take the advantage of the enviroment, just like she was most skilled with. She never prefered an up front and close fight, though it was certainly possible for her; Elesia's best advantage was her surroundings, no one used them better than she had.

So, after leaping back when the shield shattered, Elesia turned towards one of the marbe pillars, and jumped towards it, going feet first. Leaping about eight feet into the air, her feet planted against it, and she used it to kick off, coming at Hikari once again, going down with a dive as she thrusted her right hand this time, trying to pierce downwards strait through the girl's torso. By now, Elesia didn't care what she was, she was an obsticle; that was all.

Hikari's feet were frozen in place. She could not move, could barely even breathe. Her shield broke as if it was made of glass, not the strong heavenly forged iron. She felt vulnerable and weak in the face of her opponent. She realized that Elesia was going to show no mercy, even if she was a Cherubim Elesia was going to strike her down.

She suddenly realized that Elesia was coming for another assault. She cried out in fear and raised her arms, as much good as that would do her. Her sword was held out uselessly in front, unable to parry or block in any way. Hikari was frozen with fear.

She was just about to be skewered when Ariel appeared in front of her and took Elesia's stab head on. The three swords pierced through Ariel's celestial form, one through the chest, one through the solar plexus, and one through the naval. Blood did not flow for angels did not bleed, but three glowing holes appeared in Ariel's body.

"O-ouch," Ariel said, "I didn't expect this to happen. I thought the swords would just bounce off me." The six-winged angel fell to her knees.

"Ariel!" Hikari cried out. She ran up to the side of her celestial partner. "No! Don't die!"

"Silly, I can't die, I'm an angel," Ariel said, "It's just going to take me some time to recover." Ariel closed her eyes, and her body glowed. The glow surrounded Hikari, then bonded with her. Six wings erupted from Hikari's back as the full power of the Cherubim Ariel bonded with Hikari.