Board Thread:Roleplay/@comment-28358106-20170331010116/@comment-28358106-20170408014658

Baku feels something pass through his body like a blade of ice, and Cyndwella gasps. It instantly saps his strength and he stumbles, he and Cyndwella both fall and tumble to a stop. Lying on his back, he looks down at himself; he has no injuries, external or internal, but he feels as if he's been forced to run three consecutive marathons. His energy is gone.

He looks up to see Astrid catch her scythe as it whirls back to her from his position. She blinks, and is beside Cyndwella.

Cyndwella only struggles a little and gives exhausted gasps of protest as the Wraith hoists her up. Astrid raises her into the air with one arm, and there is a burst of dark energy as Cyndwella is launched into the air. As she comes back down, Astrid readies herself. Just as she almost lands, Astrid bursts forward, passing through her. The explosion of dark energy blasts out in a shockwave, knocking dirt and splintered wood outwards.

The crescent blade passes through Cyndwella as she hits the ground. The cut left in reality lingers for a few moments before disappearing.

Cyndwella coughs and tries to get up, her flames dying out. Her arms and body shake as she strains with the effort.

Astrid walks up slowly to Cyndwella and gets behind her, straddling her as she stands over her. She reaches down with one hand and slowly pulls Cyndwella's head back. Cyndwella doesn't have the energy to fight it, and Astrid brings her scythe around slowly, its blade in front of Cyndwella's throat.

"This should have ended differently, Aunt Cyndwella. I'm sorry that it came to this..." She prepares herself to yank her scythe back and deliver the killing blow. Cyndwella says nothing, but simply sobs, tears streaming down her face, her eyes squinted shut...

...And Astrid pauses. Several seconds pass. Something changes in her expression, but it's impossible to determine what it is. Slowly, her scythe lowers.

"I...I cannot do this..."

She gently lets go of Cyndwella head and pulls her scythe out of the way. She unstraddles Cyndwella and takes a slow step back, looking at her.

"...You...you were always so kind to me, Aunt. You were always so kind.  Of all within the Crucible, who looked upon me with such fear, you knew me best.  You always had an encouraging word, always had time to listen to me.  Your anecdotes, your acceptance...though I never have told you so, they always made me feel...at home.  Mother loved me, and Father trusted me.  But you..."

She stops, her expressionless face turning away. "...You were company to me in ways others could not be."

She steps forward and gently helps Cyndwella up. Cyndwella speaks, her voice weak and hoarse.

"Astrid...I never blamed you for who you were. Not once.  Not even now.  And I still don't..."

She stands on her own shakily. Astrid steps back and speaks. "And you were always so mercurial. Such as now.  This isn't an appropriate response for the Aspect of Vengeance..."

"Not any more, kiddo," Cyndwella laughs, coughing a bit and holding her side. "I quit. So is that why you've been pulling your punches this whole time?"

Astrid shifts in place. "...Perhaps."