What is Strength?

"Take my king.. without taking any other pieces." -Vanth talking to Mareo when warning him.

With the Circle becoming bolder in their attacks on the Nation members, Lady Saffron decides that it is time to strike back. She leads them in an attack on the Nexus at the base of the giant tree in Nerva. The attack is successful, ending in the theft of the Thorn Nexus and Dark's promotion to an Enforcer of the Nation. Elated with their victory, the Nation prepares for the Circle's counteratttack, which oddly does not seem to come. While debriefing afterwards, Pyre suffers a vision of the future. She seems abstract symbols and shapes that, to her have no meaning. The event is brushed off as inconsequential but noted for the future. Dismissed, they are allowed to return to their normal duties in the Isles.

Tired, Pyre grants Vanth control and "goes to sleep". Dark, trying to make friends with the being that inhabits his love, engages her in conversation. Vanth makes obscure references to Pyre's physical strength being a problem in the future. Worried, Dark tells Mareo of Vanth's words. In response, Mareo calls Vanth to him for questioning about it. Over a chess game, Vanth hints that Pyre will signal the next attack against the Nation. She points out that in order to bring the Nation down, the Circle would not attack Lady Saffron directly. Mareo agrees to be wary and for the next week, he and Dark both continually question Pyre on her well being, much to her eventual annoyance.

However, one day Lady Saffron comes to the volcano, reporting that a small group of circle had attempted to attack her. The attempt was found laughable and dismissed. A day later, Pyre begins to fall ill. Her control over her gifts begins to deteriorate. She is plagued with "bad dreams", her healing gift becomes unpredictable, and her fire starts to escape her control. At first, she tries to hide the illness, but is soon found out by Dark and Mareo. It is also found that Vanth no longer has the energy to manifest. They struggle to find the cause when Lady Saffron also starts to fall ill.

Eventually, the cause is determined to be a magical illness that targets demons. Lady Saffron was infected first, but since Pyre's constitution is weaker than the succubi's, she exhibited symptoms first. Baal'it conducts a powerful spell that reverses the magical illness's effects and cures them. The group then heads out to deal the Circle another decisive blow for their meddling.

Inner Demon

"I am not Pyre.. my name.. is Vanth." ~Vanth introducing herself.

Pyre and Dark spend the next few days repairing the damage the Mage caused in their relationship. Soon their relationship was as strong as if not stronger than before. Their bond is tested again when one of Pyre's contacts informs her of a Circle of Thorns stronghold where several of the mages that held her are residing. Eager for revenge, Pyre easily convinces Dark to join her in slaughtering the lot. The two make a path of destruction throughout the Circle temple, although Pyre becomes more and more enraged at some of the biting comments a few of the mages make. They kill their way to the arch-mage in charge of the temple, who praises the "return of his pet". Blinded by feral fury, Pyre attacks the mage viciously with claws and fire. Seeing that his defeat is at hand, the mage casts a spell with his dying breath that causes Pyre to scream and fall to her knees, clutching her head.

Worried, Dark tries to determine what is wrong with her, but is rebuked. Pyre pleads for the pain to stop and yells that she "can't control it". Abruptly, Pyre falls limp and unconscious. However, before Dark can touch her, she stirs and stands.. and laughs. Except that the voice Dark hears is not the light and musical one of Pyre, but someone else. This other being chuckles that the "insolent mortals" will pay. She bounds off, further into the cave to completely eliminate the Circle mages there, leaving a confused and scared Dark standing alone. After a moment, Dark follows, calling to Pyre and trying to figure out what's wrong. After a few more mages fall to her fire, the being turns and looks at Dark with glowing gold eyes and comments darkly, "I am not Pyre." Fire engulfs her and then dissipates, leaving a morphed Pyre in its place. The being laughs again and bounds off again, calling for the mages to come face her.

Still confused, but remembering how their comrades helped him, Dark frantically calls for help through the Nation's comm. Mareo and Lady Saffron answer his call and come to help. Mareo quickly corners the morphed Pyre and quickly deduces that this being is not the Pyre they know. He calmly questions her for her identity, to which the being responds that her name is Vanth and that Pyre is her unwitting vessel. Pyre suddenly regains control for a moment and falls to her knees. Seeing Mareo in front of her, she begs him to make it stop. Mareo tries to bolster her courage by telling her to be strong and fight off this other mind. Vanth, however, regains control and comments that Pyre seems to harbor "resentment" towards demons. Through more questioning and a few veiled threats from Lady Saffron, Vanth reveals that the spell holding her in Pyre is linked to Pyre's life force. To break it, they would have to extinguish Pyre's life. Reluctant to take this option at the moment, Mareo offers to speak to Pyre and calm her down. Vanth relinquishes control for the moment, allowing Pyre to come forth again.

Shakey and distraught, Pyre pleads for them to get the demon out of her, saying that she can't live with a demon inside of her. Mareo and Lady Saffron tell her that at the moment, it isn't possible. Mareo explains to Pyre that she may have to come to a compromise with Vanth over their shared body. They escort her back to the volcano for more questioning and to determine Vanth's goals. She is left under Dark's supervision while a few more members are gathered. Vanth quickly becomes bored and starts exploring the volcano, and effectively ignoring Dark. Just as she starts considering leaving, Mareo arrives with Jarn, followed soon after by Lady Saffron with Baal'it. Finding them amusing, Vanth reveals a bit more about herself and reveals that she is a neutral without any alternative motives towards them. Under Baal'it's demands, she swears loyalty to Lady Saffron and enters a pact with the lead succubi. While Lady Saffron indicates that they will eventually find a way to separate Vanth and Pyre, they will leave Vanth unharmed for now.

Scents Within

Some time later, Pyre called Dark to aide her with another investigation. When he arrived, she noticed several changes, namely his glowing green eyes. Initally suspicious of it, she listened as Dark explained that he had drained a mage's life and gotten his knowledge.. with some side effects. Her growing trust in Dark led her to accept the explanation easily and they continued on their mission. However, she starts to notice that Dark has suddenly become far more possessive and controlling than before. Hurt and believing that he does not believe in her abilities, Pyre seeks to try to prove herself, causing a few minor fights. This culimate when they raid a Circle of Thorns sect and she scents a mage nearby that she cannot see. Tracking it, she is horrified to realize that it is her love, Dark, that smells like a mage.

Feral fury takes her as she shrieks at the "mage" that she will never surrender to them again. She flees a confused and distraught Dark but returns as her feral instincts demand the mages immediate death. As she threatens the possessed Dark, the mage forces him to attack Pyre. Nearly being strangled, Pyre lashes out and frees herself, forcing the possessed man away from her. She moves in, the killing magic on her fingertips, to finish him off when the flickering torchlight in the cave catches on her ring, reminding her of Dark's love and her own promise to stand by him, no matter what. Her energy spent, the feral Pyre utters one word, "Forever." and collapses. Dark rouses, seemingly unaware and confused as to what happened. No longer feral, but in full possession of her memories, Pyre bursts into tears and pleads for Dark's forgiveness. Confused, Dark asks why she is asking to be forgiven when he notices the marks on her neck left by his hands. Distraught, Dark collapses as well, unable to believe that he had attacked his love. No longer sensing the mage, Pyre attempts to comfort Dark when the mage seizes control again and grabs Pyre, announcing that Dark is no more. Filling with fury again, Pyre lashes out, connecting a solid kick to Dark's head, knocking him out.

Knowing that this is beyond her skills to fix, she takes Dark back to the volcano and finds Baal'it, begging her to help Dark. Baal'it quickly figures out what is going on. Using her magical skills, Baal'it suppresses the mage and tells Dark that he'll need to be strong to fight this off. She sends Pyre to retrieve the mage's body for the next phase of the ritual. The mage threatens to kill Dark, which doesn't even phase Baal'it who declares that she will claim his soul whether Dark dies or not. Pyre returns with the mage's body, to which Baal'it gives her blood and kisses. With one last reach, the Mage surcumbs to Baal'it's power and leaves Dark forever.

The Meaning of a White Rose

"What's a 'marriage'?" -Pyre displaying her unfamiliarity with human customs.

After running a few heists, Pyre decided that she wanted a break from the fighting and led Dark to an old watertower. There the two talked about the days events and where it left them. Dark once more confessed his feelings for Pyre, hoping she would not reject him. However, Pyre was feeling freer and more clear, having felt that she had relieved herself of the burden of trying to be loyal to Baron. She found that the shield she had made around her heart to keep from being hurt again was unraveling. Listening to Dark's proclamation that he would never lie to or hurt her, she quietly admitted that she felt that she could now believe him. None of her bad memories trigged to ruin the moment, as they embraced and she confessed that she loved him too. They agreed that no matter what happened, they would always have each other and would be eachother's strength. Pyre is still scared at what this exposes her too, but also feels a growing confidence that Dark meant it when he said he loved her and would never betray her.

The two began spending every moment they could together, carrying out missions and heists to further the Nation's cause. However, one of Pyre's contacts, the Diviner, then informed her of an imminent threat on her life, but refused to tell her more unless she performed some jobs for him. Upset and frightened, Pyre took the offer and lead the way to the first job. Dark quickly determined that something was troubling her and asked what was wrong. Reluctant to tell him, but not wanting any lies or secrets between them, Pyre told him what the Diviner had told her. She was shocked when Dark became furious and determined to prevent it happening.. even offering to kill the Diviner. She quickly calmed him, telling him that killing the Diviner would prevent them from learning what was trying to kill her. They agreed that they'd have to play by the Diviner's rules for now. They carried out several errands for the man, bringing back priceless red coral and other mystical artifacts. In doing so they exposed a cult who planned to release a powerful entity into the world by sacrificing Pyre. In working to eliminate this threat, Dark discovers just how deep his feelings for Pyre run. During one mission, Pyre notices that Dark seems disturbed about something and presses him to find out what's wrong. Instead of hearing a problem, Dark starts lavishing her with praise. Flattered she calms him and then is shocked herself when Dark proposes to her. Uncertain of what a "marriage" actually is, Pyre accepts Dark's offer of time to think about it. They finish up that mission and decide to take a break. Returning to the base, Pyre decides to relieve stress by cooking. Psychocat and Penny-Dreadful both show up to her offer of dinner. While talking to them, she revealed the box and Dark's proposal, and received some advice from Penny that made things a lot clearer to her. Pyre decided to accept Dark's proposal and wear the ring (after some momentary confusion as to which finger to put it on).

Determined to stop to save not only Pyre but also to eliminate any threat to the Nation, the two met up again at their next location. Pyre played coy in hiding her hand until Dark got cocky and was nearly killed, as she yelled at him to never scare her like that again, Dark noticed the ring she wore. Elated at her decision they embrace and Pyre tells Dark not to scare her like that again. They then get back to work and follow the trail of clues right to the Priest in charge and destroy him and the seat of his power. Thus ending the threat and saving Pyre.

Debts Repaid

"Jarn thinks you're dead. You're also cured. This is the last thing I will -ever- do for you." ~Pyre to Baron Crimson

Pyre continued to spend more and more time with Dark, hoping that he could teach her how to trust again. Even through set backs, the one constant she saw was his promise to never betray or harm her. Her courage grew as time passed and after one mission, feeling greatly daring, she gave him a kiss on the cheek. A few days later, they met on a rooftop to simply talk and enjoy the view. It was there that Baron found them. He came to confront Dark about his wavering allegience and was interested to find the "traitorous hellcat" Pyre with him. However, after observing them, Baron remarked that he was pleased with how far they had both come and how they were living examples of his ideal. Pyre insisted that her new found strength would never have come from his tutelage. Baron responded that if she hadn't joined him, she never would have been exposed to the betrayal and heartache that had made her so strong. As the conversation went on with barbs and veiled threats tossed between them, it culminated to the point that Pyre was considering 'shifting' Baron off the building, knowing fully well that his human body would not survive the drop.

The matter was taken out of her hands by the arrival of the obsessed Jarn. The incubus had been tracking his quarry for sometime, determined to uphold his promise to kill him. Pyre tried, halfheartedly, to stop the battle as more of the Nation's members arrived. Baron, who's cancer was nearing ending his life, was hopelessly outmatched by the stronger and faster Jarn. The ending came as no surprise to any of those present when Baron fell down dead at Jarn's swords. Pyre watched as Psychocat played with the body like a marionette, her thoughts in chaos as she tried to sort out what she should do. Jarn, laughing at his "victory", pulled the Baron's essence from his body. It was then that Pyre made her decision and stepped forward, demanding that Jarn put the essence back. Stating that the essence of a coward and weakling was worthless, Jarn complied. Psychocat wanted to continue toying with the corpse, but Pyre insisted that she would dispose of it. Mareo offered to be the one to inform Lady Saffron of what had transpired.

Pyre took the body to a wooded area nearby, intending to follow through on the decision she had made. As she sketched magical runes on the ground, she was unsurprised by Dark's reappearance, having gotten used to him following her for the past few weeks. As she finished the runes, she stopped again when she noticed that Mareo had also followed. Unsure if she should go through with her plan with him knowing, he made the decision for her by telling Pyre "not to stop on his account." Pyre turned and using a massive amount of her magical energies, she resurrected the Baron. She turned away, refusing to look at him as she said what she felt would be the final words she would ever say to the man who had first given her a purpose on the Isles, "Jarn thinks you're dead. You're also cured. This is the last thing I will ever do for you." and then calmly walked away.

Mareo followed her, with Dark coming soon afterwords to ask if she was all right and understood the possible consequences that could come from her actions. Pyre replied that she was fully aware but felt that there had been some truth to the Baron's statements that she would not be where she was today if not for him. She also stated that this final action repaid whatever debt she owed him for it. Mareo only commented that she would be responsible for her own actions but that he wouldn't tell Lady Saffron or Jarn. Pyre expressed her gratitude for his discretion and then asked if he would interview Dark for membership into the Nation. A few minutes later, Mareo offered Dark another comlink from his, apparently, endless supply of them.

After giving Dark a tour of the base, Pyre fixed Dark some dinner and the two went to the lounge to sit down. They talked for a while longer about what had happened, and Dark stated that he was not mad at Pyre for what she had done. Deciding that she wanted to get her mind off things, Pyre decided to do a favor for a contact and accepted Dark's offer to accompany her. Mareo stopped her as she left, suggesting that she not dwell to long on what had happened today. She promised to try to move on and hoped that this mission would do it.

Memories of friendship

"Why can't I remember what I did?" -Pyre Curse

Once Pyre had agreed to join them, King Fish quickly spurred his troops into a manhunt on Baron Crimson, intending to kill him. Pyre was left under the protection of 3 of their members in case Baron attempted to raid the base again. Lady Saffron appeared and quickly got to the bottom of what had happened. Luckily, she found Baron first and soon after, the manhunt was called off. Pyre was advised to, at least for a few days, not leave the base alone. Deeply depressed by all that had happened, and her lack of memories to what she had done, Pyre agreed to stay with them. She began taking steps to try to remember what had happened that could have made her betray her master. With no one to follow as she had Baron, Pyre was lost as to what to do with herself. She felt as though her life no longer had a base. Gradually, she made friends among her new comrades from the psychotically fun Psychocat to the mentor-like Mareo.

A few days after joining, Lady Saffron gave Pyre back her lost memories, which Jarn had actually blocked. Suddenly feeling betrayed again, but more mature, Pyre did not give in to the rage that would have been her response a few weeks ago. Instead she sunk into a deeper depression that did not lift until Psychocat and Mareo made it clear what her choices had been and would be in the future. Now with a new outlook on life, Pyre is seeking to change herself to be better and stronger. It was not without cost since all the lies and misdirection had almost completely destroyed her ability to trust anyone.

Seeking to try to get over it all, Pyre threw herself into her work. She tracked down leads and brought down nests of CoT and other groups, continuing to establish her own information network. This was especially evident when she attended a meeting arranged by Lady Saffron with a potential ally and no less than 4 citizens who walked by commented on Pyre's most recent exploits. One evening, while tracking the kidnapped source of one of her contacts, she was surprised by the reappearance of DarkSlyde. At first confused by his happiness at seeing her after her betrayal of the Order, she quickly deduced that he hadn't seen Baron before finding her. Pyre shocked DarkSlyde by revealing that she had left the order when Baron accused her of betrayal and told him exactly what had transpired. The more confident Pyre also revealed her new revelations on herself and her life. While not intending to do so, Pyre also sparked new thoughts in DarkSlyde, making him see that Baron was possibly just using him as she had been used. They talked for a long while that night, eventually ending with DarkSlyde admitting to feelings for her. Pyre, aware the she was not ready to trust or love again, didn't want to lose a possible friend from her own misgivings. She told him honestly and frankly that she simply wasn't ready for it after all that had happened, but perhaps in time she could learn to trust again.

Wanting to earn her trust, and perhaps even love, DarkSlyde began seeking her out and aiding her on her heists. Appreciative for the help, Pyre welcomed his aide and was impressed by how far he'd come in his training. She was surprised to hear his theories in that Baron did not want him to survive his training. While Pyre could see how it might be true, she questioned the reasoning of why Baron would want DarkSlyde dead. As Dark's caring for her became more pronounced and obvious, Pyre had issues with past memories, especially when he tried to embrace her. Sad that he had frightened her, Dark promised that he would wait until she was ready and swore that he never wanted to hurt her.

Switched Loyalties

"My name is Pyre.. Pyre Curse." -Pyre introducing herself

Having given her word, Pyre fully intended to be loyal to Baron Crimson for the rest of her life. She took her responsibility as his lieutenant seriously and completely. The more time she spent in his company, the stronger his hold on her became. At a word, Pyre would have gladly faced death for him. She brought him prospects to join their cause as well as conducting heists to being attention to their name. She brought him anyone she could scent power in and felt held similar ideals. One such person was Baron Netherim, a former history professor and current vessel for a demon. Others included CappaKnee, a mercenary, Nikolai Thansis, a scientist, and DarkSlyde a powerful fighter.

Some of these new allies witnessed difficulties in her training, including various mental breakdowns and battlerage when fighting the Circle of Thorns. CappaKnee was present during one particularly violent episode when Pyre turned a CoT lair into ashes and hot rock, nearly spending her own lifeforce in her efforts. He swore to her that she'd need never fear them since he would never let them near her again.

A few days later, she chanced upon and befriended DarkSlyde, conducting a few heists with his assistance. Seeing potential in him and his inate skill she presented him to her master. Baron Crimson was also impressed with DarkSlyde's capabilities and inducted him into the order. After only a few operations, he was granted status as a lieutenant. Pyre Curse never knew what to make of the way she would often catch him watching her between battles. Serving Baron Crimson was her top priority, thus she never gave any true thought to the matter. She heard Baron casually mention that DarkSlyde had been sent away for specialized training, and she figured that it was none of her concern.

In befriending Baron Netherim, Pyre was also exposed to the demon within him. At first she found the demon's attitude to be insulting and infuriating, but her old fear of demon's returned during one mission when Netherim's demon called forth all of her old memories from the way her tribe feared and hated her to her torture at the hands of the circle of thorns. Distraught, and her emotional stability well-shaken, Pyre refused to leave her lair for several days.. much to Baron Crimson's annoyance. Upon her return she was reprimanded and lectured, with Baron reminding her of who she served and her duties. Which she promised to never shirk again.

She was instrumental in bringing them into an alliance with another group of villains whom could aid them as well... the Imperialization Nation. However, early into their alliance, it was clear that Baron Crimson and the Nation's second, King Fish, did not get along. During a second meeting, King Fish offered Pyre a place with their group, which she steadfastly refused. Baron Crimson laughed at the thought that Pyre's loyalty would deviate so easily, informing King Fish that Pyre belonged to him and that he was wasting his time in trying to convert her. It was not the end of it, since King Fish promised Baron Crimson that he would take her from him.

Gradually earning a special level of trust from Baron, she learned about the fatal illness that afflicted him. Unable to heal it, Pyre did the next best thing. Casting a modified transfer spell, she funneled away all the pain he felt onto her self. Leaving him pain free and able to fully function while she experienced almost constant waves of pain. This service made her nearly invaluable to him and she was entrusted with many of their Order's secrets and plans. Despite knowing that the illness was terminal, Pyre elected to try researching a cure anyway. Since the Imperialization Nation had a library far more extensive than theirs, and had given them permission to use it, she decided to start there.

While researching in their allies' base, she was found by King Fish. The base was deserted at the time, except for the two of them. King Fish seized the opportunity and began talking to Pyre. Naturally suspicious of demons and especially of King Fish for his earlier attempt to convert her, she rebuked him and continued her studies. However, King Fish was not to be so easily dissuaded. He coated his hands in catnip dust and approached her. The low dose was enough to relax her slightly, but not to completely drug her. She lept out of his reach onto a nearby machine, to which King Fish actively blew a current of the dust towards her. Pyre had never smelled it before, so before she could think to defend herself against it, her mind dulled under the herb's scent. The scent relaxed her and lowered her defenses, and was enough to cool her natural hatred of demons.

The final strike came in the form of King Fish's influence as an incubus. His entrancing voice coaxed out the secrets she knew. He questioned her first about Baron Crimson's weaknesses and her own strange bouts of pain. She eventually admitted to the pain spell and the reason for its casting... to King Fish's delight. Unable to resist his influence, Pyre listened to his veiled demands that she break her bond with Baron Crimson and undo the pain spell. Her minimal resistance was quickly overwhelmed by the catnip's influence and his soothing voice and touch. At his prompting, she broke the pain spell. It didn't take long before she felt Baron Crimson's approach and promptly told King Fish who was coming.

King Fish ordered her to stay in the lab while he went to meet Baron Crimson. He met Baron Crimson in the meeting hall with swords already drawn and taunting the Baron about having successfully swayed Pyre Curse. The two had a brief fight that the re-weakened Baron Crimson was forced to withdraw from. The Baron ousted from the Nation's base, King Fish went back to see Pyre again. She had fallen asleep in his absence and was just waking up again.. with no memory of what had transpired. He told her that the Baron no longer wanted her and had come to kill her, but that he had saved her. Stunned and flabbergasted, Pyre demanded to know what had happened. King Fish only kept reiterating that the Baron wanted her dead and that if she left the base, she would surely be killed. Certain that King Fish was responsible, she made an ill-concidered attack on him, seeking to wound him. Being far more skilled that she, King Fish had no trouble plucking her by the throat from the air and slamming her into the wall. He forced her to see the choices in front of her.. remain with them and survive, or attempt to return to Baron and surely be killed for her "betrayal". Seeing little choice, she agreed to serve him and Lady Saffron.