RP:Exorcism

Bianca takes a deep breath and closes her emerald hues in an attempt to quickly ease her anxiety. What was she getting into? The young bard would have loved nothing more than to pretend that this was all some bad dream or that Jolene really had lost her mind. But it was perfectly clear to Bia; the entity had already revealed herself. The bard could have never guessed that she would have to face the mother who abandoned her all those years ago. But it was time. In order to save her best friend, Bianca, with the help of many others, would have to destroy Spina Baptista. With a final inhale, exhale exercise, Bianca’s eyes fluttered open as she turned to address the crowd. “I want to express my extreme gratitude for you all in aiding in this most dangerous ceremony.” She spins on her heel, keeping her back towards Jolene as she begins to instruct the others. “What you are about to witness is the exorcism of Jolene Monroe. By agreeing to be here, you are establishing to me and the others that you have immense faith in whatever gods, goddesses, or higher powers you worship. Throughout the ceremony you must retain this faith.” The bard gulps as she prepares herself for the truth. “Things can go seriously wrong here, people. But with faith, all things are possible.” Bianca begins to walk forward, stretching her arms out to all that are gathered here. “I ask that we all form a circle around Jolene and take up a vial of holy water. Bless yourselves, the other participants, and Jolene and prepare your bodies, minds, and souls for this adventure.” She nods to the crowd and forces a reassuring smile as she dispenses the vials.

Jolene remains silent as Bianca speaks to those gathered, sprawled out on a metal bed atop the marble altar, staring into space. Platinum locks are loosely piled atop her head, her wrists and ankles are tied to the bed, and she’s stripped entirely of all weapons and armor. Donning nothing more than a cerulean silk gown and slippers, she plays the part of the angelic angel quite while, remaining eerily quiet and surprisingly behaving herself for once. If one were to look close enough, they’d notice that the pupils of her eyes emit an eerie silver glow, and the vein in her neck continues to throb, be it in anger or fear. A decapitated parrot is nestled against her side, the head of the colorful bird recently sewed on, as the stitching was still visible. Hands were clenched into fists as she senses those gathered moving nearer to her, likely preparing to move into a circle. A low hiss escapes her chapped lips, the teen wildly glancing around and settling her gaze on Bianca, speaking for the first time since they all gathered at this sacred spot. “It’s an excellent day for an exorcism, don’t you agree?” A sinister smile is splayed, knowing that the bard would recognize her tone as that of her mothers. Spina Baptista, the evil entity that was currently possessing Jolene! “I won’t go down without a fight; I rather like this body that I currently inhabit…” If it wasn’t clear enough in previous weeks, it would be made clear now, by the altered voice and lightning-flickering eyes. Spina had taken over Jolene’s fragile form, and she was intent on keeping it that way. At the sight of the holy water, the teen cringes, bracing herself for the slashes that would appear on her flawless skin as soon as the water came into contact with the possessed body.

Shaelyn's jaw was visibly clenched tight enough to cause her entire face to ache. The teen's hands and petite frame trembled with the realization of what was happening. Her own emerald irises were locked upon the possessed form of her beloved sister, even as she absently retrieved one of the vials of holy water. The words spoken from the entity brought forth a low growl from Shaelyn, something unheard of from any that knew the youthful woman. "That body is not available, you bitch...” she spoke coldly to the spirit, now approaching where her sister lies strapped to the altar. The cork of the vial comes in between her teeth for her to jerk it from its crystal hold. "That is the mind, body, and soul of my beloved JoJo... and you are -not- welcomed...” The terrified teen closed her eyes and spoke a hushed prayer over her water before first turning to Bianca. A few drops of the water were dripped onto the woman's face and shoulders, as Shaelyn began the blessings. "Bless you," she repeated over and over, going about the circle one by one and sprinkling each of the witnesses with her water. As the circle was completed, the eldest Monroe turned to her darling sister. "I bless you, Jolene, and you alone...” The water soon found its way onto Jolene's face and shoulders.

Filpien twitches slightly as his own memories of possession come to the forefront of his mind. He grits his teeth, nearly audibly grinding canines into his bottom row. As water is sprinkled and a blessing occurs, he nods, having willed away any thoughts of deities for quite some time. A swift flick of the cork on his own vial and he spritzes Shae before she walks off, mutters his own words in Arcanum, then moves to the table. His eyes burn down onto Jo's form before he leans down to the possessed one's ear and whispers, "Your kind are parasites. Your likes will never thrive, and this case shall be no different. Be prepared for judgment witch." He smirks slightly, showing his teeth once again cemented together, and steps away from the table before following Shae's lead and spritzing everyone, then muttering his arcane prayers. It was after this that he took up his spot next to Simi, wove the fingers of his real hand into her own, closed the fist of his metallic appendage, and finally, bowed his head.

Simaria trembled slightly as Bianca spoke to those gathered, amber hues never straying from the young girl bound to the alter. The empath felt as if she were a sieve, hearing the words, feeling the tumult of emotion, but naught would take hold. She stood as she was told, moving to her place beside her brother, vial clutched tightly in one hand. It felt as though a vise had clamped around heart, seeing this girl she had grown to love more than her own life this way. She barely registered the touch of her brother's hand as she stalked towards the altar. Her head bowed in silent prayer, she reaches the altar with veiled eyes. Opening the vial with one hand, she sprinkles water onto Jo's face. The voice that emerged next from the dryad was nothing like her own, for it was pure hatred, “You are a weakling. We will defeat you, and my sister will return one way or the other." She smiled coldly as she turned to walk back, spritzing all as she went.

Garith takes his place in the circle and begins to meditate, pushing out all external influences, focusing all of his being on the task at hand. Reaching out with his mind, very faintly at first, he feels the malevolent presence within Jolene, and he physically cringes at the animosity projected towards the gathering of people. Jerking back to the physical world, due to the blessing done with holy water, he nods in appreciation before going back to his concentration. Taking a deep breath, the monk concentrates on throwing up a mental shield, reinforcing it wherever need be, not wanting any of that baleful spirit to slip past his defense. Walking up to the dais and looking the woman in the eyes, “You will not survive the day. You will leave this host, and return to the depths from whence you came.” Opening his vial of holy water he begins to bless those in the circle and then finally Jolene. Unsure of what to do next he returns to his spot in the circle and waits for the others to begin; hoping, if nothing else, to buffer the strengths of those who know what to do.

Ekimrelyt moves forward in turn uncorking the small crystal vial with his overly large hands, having trouble with the tiny bottle. Jolene is his Colonel, his fiancés best friend. "Leave Miss Jolene alone. There’s no way to put fear in you so there’s no point in trying." Ekimrelyt reaches down and with one of his massive hands clenches Jolene’s jaw, and opens it up. The Centaur pours some of the water in her mouth and then sprinkles the rest on her body in one swift, fluid, motion. No doubt the pain would be excruciating for Jolene, but it would be just as bad though tenfold for Spina. If any none of the rest of the water did anything this sure would. “You will leave her body” He speaks as he back away from her quickly, her body starting to thrash about. “You will leave her body this night.”

Bianca watches intently as everyone follows the instructions and gives their own blessings. She uncorks the vial and dips her finger, lightly dampening the digit. She proceeds to draw the sign of the Goddess on her forehead and quickly whispers a prayer to herself, bowing her head respectfully. The bard watches as the others encircle both Jolene and her and offers her own blessings upon them. Harshly inhaling another ragged breath, Bianca finally turns around, facing the teen for the first time. Her green gaze holds nothing but loathsome hatred for the beast possessing her dear friend. This was going to end, and it was going to end today. While keeping her watchful eyes on Jolene, she speaks quickly to the others. “Now join hands and do -not- let go…” She pauses for a moment so that all might comprehend exactly what she is saying. “You must not break hold of one another. The circle must be cast and not break, no matter what happens.” She takes a few steps forward, her ecru curls cascading down her back as a bead of cold sweat forms on her brow. Upon reaching the teen, the bard sprinkles some holy water into her palm before placing it on Jolene’s chest, aiming above the heart. As her hand lies upon the magess she begins to chant a Protection Prayer. “I call upon the Goddess of the Moon for your protection and help today, tonight, and forever more. I place myself in your protection and hope for all to be right. To forever follow the white way, the one you hold with all your might. Guide me now to protect myself and the others here today. Help all those in need. Keep us safe and warm until in death we sleep.”

Jolene unleashes an animalistic growl as everyone bombards her with insults and holy water, the droplets leaving deep slash marks on her face, neck, chest, and arms. The once attractive teen now looked like someone that was tossed into a bush of thorns, her face smeared with blood and tears. As the last of the holy water is doused onto her petite form, she stifles a cry of pain and begins to whisper unintelligibly beneath her breath. Tears stream down her face as smoke emits from her mouth, her tongue and throat burning and tearing the skin on her cheeks and lips. Bianca’s prayer was the last straw, the woman clenching her hands into fists and breaking free from her restraints. Sitting up, she grabs Bianca by the wrist and pulls the bard close, a hellish fury evident in her silver flickering gaze. “Aren’t you going to give your mother a kiss?!” Without waiting for an answer, she leans forward and sinks her teeth into Bianca’s cheek, spitting the flesh at her ‘audience’ that was watching in helpless horror. A manic chuckle interrupts her moment of exultation, as she pushes Bianca backwards and stands up on the table, delivering her threat and preparing to harm any that dared to take her soul from the body she worked so hard to possess. “How –dare- you insolent fools insult me! Don’t you know that when you harm me, you’re potentially harming that precious blonde bitch?” Turning her head to the side, she hops down from the table and responds to each face with a heated glare, searching for the next victim to take out. Ekimrelyt was given a sneer, as she skips over to him and blows the smoke in his face, hating the centaur with a vengeance. The scent of charred skin would fill his senses, hopefully disabling him as she peers above the male’s head, eyeing one of the stone pillars with glee. Her weapons may have been removed, but her ability of telekinesis would always remain, giving her the upper hand in this current situation. Focusing solely on the pillar, she steps back and swiftly returns her gaze to Ekimrelyt, as the sound of rolling thunder fills their ears. Knowing the male couldn’t leave the circle without undoing all that was currently done, she at least prepared to disable or kill all those gathered, as this was her last resort and chance at life. “Take that, horse boy!” She growls, eyeing Garith next, as she retreats to the middle of the circle, preparing her next attack.

Shaelyn began to tremble violently, abruptly taking her place between Filpien and Garith. Each of their hands were grasped up into her own and squeezed mercilessly. The sight of her sister's blood was nearly too much, and her body swayed, eyes threatening to roll back into her head. Again, she clenched her jaw shut with an audible 'snap', concentrating on breathing through her clenched teeth. The prayers continued as she tried desperately to summon her own holy powers. Ever so slowly, her gaze once more opened, though the emerald hue was now overcome by a brilliant gold. The very hairs upon her arms stood on end, as well as a few of the loose, golden strands atop her head. Should the entity try to physically touch her, or any she was in close contact with, she would surely receive one hell of an electrical jolt. The urge to run to her sister was overwhelming, but the teen held her place within the circle.

Filpien was currently being electrified. The conducting metal of his right arm meeting the electrical currents of Shae's energy, paired with the constant shock of his only power source, the black aether, left smoke rolling from the point at his shoulder where his metal prosthesis was attached. He was cringing, literally hard enough to send his body vibrating. When the sound of stone cracking sounded like thunder in their enclosure, his eyes, jilting like mad rabbits back and to in his skull, fall upon the failed column. He stills, and then whispers to his sister, "Simi, I've got to." With that, he saps some of her strength, then some of Shae's electricity. With that boost, he closes his eyes and pulses aether from his body in a solid burst, streamlining the almost liquid black for the column. Upon impact, all that would be left of the stone would be a pile of very fine dust, therefore only coating Ekimrelyt in stuff that would make him ghostly grey. The sight of that alone, Fil thought, would be worth the entire evening, with the special added bonus of having Jo back with them. He grins the grin of a weak man, and then refocuses on Jo's possessed form.

Simaria grasped the hand of her brother, as well as the centaur, Ekimrelyt. A sardonic smile had taken residence upon the dryad's countenance. She braced herself as Bianca said the ritual words, her ebony locks tying back into a bun on their own accord. The dryad was ready to do battle; fight the depths of hell if need be, and was certain that everyone else present here tonight was ready to do the same. As Jolene broke out of her shackles, amber hues seemed to glow as Bianca was bitten. The dryad would tremble as Spina spoke, anger spiraling through her petite form. She knew that it would be this night. This night would cement her future, her life in Hollow. Suddenly the air was alive with electricity, pulsating as it was, streaking gold. Ari heard her brother's voice, and with a nod lent him some of her power. Leaving her brother to tend to that, she focused her energy onto Bianca, emitting a lilac streak of power at the woman. The glow would cast over her, healing the wound on her neck, albeit only partially as blood would still seep slowly out of the bite. Saying each persons name aloud, an emerald hue would encompass all but Jo, lending all of her power to the shield. The others, excluding herself, would be protected partially by the field of energy, only lending powerful attacks any damage.

Garith grimaces as the possessed woman begins her rant, feeling sorrow for those whom, if it had been any other time, would be considered enemies. Turning his full attention back towards Jolene, he continues his low sonorous hum, part of his meditation. Drawing upon the full extent of his mental prowess he prepares himself mentally and physically for her next assault, assuming himself to be the target. Continuing his chant, not reaching out to a deity per se, more so reaching out towards all of them at the same time, he begins to bless the possessed girl, “You witch, shall be removed from your vessel, as it is not yours to lay claim to. I banish you from this realm, from this point hence, never to return, only to stalk the edges of existence. Caught in a place where you will know no more people in which to lay your curse upon.” With that he returns to his concentration once more, this time taking note of Shaelyn’s own power, shifting some of his to empower it with his own energy.

Ekimrelyt is now coated in the grey dust. The taste of it sets on his tongue as he breathes in and the dust begins to settle within his nose. Ekimrelyt keeps hold of the others' hands and begins to speak once more.”It doesn’t look like I have to worry much about anything. I have people who want me to stick around. That’s more than I can say for you." The Master Centaur lets out a bark of laughter at Spina and her suffering knowing that his Colonel would soon be back to normal. Ekimrelyt would have to start training her soon, to keep her strong against such things so that she never has to go through this again. "I told you before; you will leave this body tonight."

Bianca lets out a hellish scream as the flesh is torn from her cheek and her frame is tossed backwards as if she were nothing more than a sack of old rags. Her body lands on the impenetrable ground and a deafening crack can be heard. The crystal bottle flies out of her grasp, shattering as it, too, smashes to the floor. “Damn it! My ribs!” The bard yells out in agony, as her bones break once again. Instinctively, one hand meets her bleeding flesh as sanguine fluid trickles down her arm, as the other caresses her side. She weakly lifts her head to see Jolene break through her restraints. She definitely wasn’t expecting that. Spina had gotten a lot stronger within the last few days. Emerald hues dart in Ekimrelyt’s direction but she does not falter, knowing he is capable of handling himself. Shaelyn’s appearance goes unnoticed as the bard picks herself up and staggers to a standing position. Relinquishing her cheek as she feels the fibers of her flesh mold back together thanks to Ari’s power, Bianca wobbles over to the dead parrot, clutching her side as she walks. Still muttering prayers under her breath, she picks up the carcass and hurls it in Jolene’s direction in an attempt to distract her from harming the others. She only halts her ritual to call out, “Hey Mom! Catch this, bitch!” Not waiting to see if Petey did the trick, Bianca runs in Jolene’s direction, yelling as she does so, “May the power of the Divine Three compel you! I call on Sven, Hind, and Lore to restore this body and soul to the rightful owner! I ask Loda, Arkhen, and Cyris to cast you out and banish you! I pray to Cire, Xalious, Selene, Zaytor, Aramoth, and Q’na to protect us and keep us safe! I even ask Delisha, the Spider Goddess, and Vakmatharas to take you, Spina, to the hell in which you came!”

Jolene hisses as her attempt at disbanding the circle by taking out the centaur fails, leaving the entity pouting, though she quickly recovers. Icy hues were now fixated on Shaelyn, who just happened to be in between her next two victims. “Hmm…How convenient…” Giggling in glee, she snaps her fingers as a crimson-runed staff appears seemingly out of thin air. Spina wields Bofida and holds the staff gingerly in her left hand, while her right hand is motioned towards the large dust pile that resulted in the rubble of the fallen pillar. “You better pray that this wind doesn’t pick up!” A gentle breeze caresses her lacerated cheek as a gust of wind violently blows towards Shaelyn, sending the marble debris straight into the teen’s eyes, aiming to blind the blonde being. “It’s your fault that Jolene is in this predicament! She felt unloved and lonely, and so she practically welcomed me into her body!” Knowing her words would sting, and that her attack would likely affect Garith and Filpien as well, she mutters another incantation to ensure that at least one of the men would fall. This time, a real clap of thunder is heard, as a streak of lighting skitters along the ground, dancing in and out of Garith’s feet, circling Shaelyn, and finishing by dancing in and out of Filpien’s feet. The spark of lighting was sure to deliver a lethal jolt to any that were unable to dodge the attack, though dodging the attack would also mean breaking the circle, a well-thought out plan on Spina’s part. An icy glare was exchanged between the possessed teen and Simaria, though it was obvious that the strength of the entity was deteriorating with the whispered prayers. Stumbling backwards, she collapses on the metal bed and hugs Petey to her chest, ripping the cadavers head from its carcass and hurling it at Simaria, too tired to initiate a full blown attack. Turning to Bianca, she speaks through a clenched jaw. “You fool! Your words mean –nothing- as Jolene is no more! I took over her entire body!”

Shaelyn was indeed caught off-guard by the entity's harsh words. The golden hue that signaled her power within her gaze faded swiftly, falling back to reveal nothing more than the mere human stare of the teen. The wind rushed from her lungs as though she had been hit square in the chest, just as the cloud of dust engulfed her form. A sudden gasp was taken in, carrying with it choking particles of the pulverized stone. The teen began hacking and coughing; gasping for air and blinking against the debris blinding her sight. On top of this, Spina's electrical current wound up her legs, sending the teenager's body into a frenzy of jolts and tremors. It was too much. Shaelyn collapsed to her knees, leaning towards Garith for whatever support the lycan might offer. Her hands were still gripped mightily, refusing to break to the circle, though she fought to hold consciousness; growing weak and unresponsive.

Simaria winced slightly as the carcass of the animal hit her squarely in the chest, having not much effect in the way of attack, the wince was more to the fact of who had thrown it. Staring into icy depths, the dryad closed her eyes, the shield taking most of Shaelyn's weight as she lilted onto Garith. Pressing all else out of her mind, she fought to gain entrance to Jo's mind. A white mist would float towards the entity, fusing itself onto Jo's small form. The vision in Ari's mind would take form, a dark, hellish void, reeking with some unknown odor. It had to be one of possession, of impending doom. The dryad forced her mind through the shadows, searching desperately for Jo, even as her strength ebbed. Suddenly, a fine, cerulean cloud appeared, and for the first time, hope sprang eternal in her heart. Sending a shockwave through it, she found Jo on her knees, hands held up to her ears, eyes closed. Drawing nearer, she was alarmed at the thin quality of Jo, her body seeming translucent. Grasping one hand, she pulled slightly at first to gauge a reaction.

Garith turns towards the possessed woman, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes, as the lightning darts around his feet, he takes the bolts in stride, cringing at the burn, almost stumbling, but the electricity itself did nothing. Buffering himself with his own reserve energy, his chants grew louder, the prayer beads around his neck begin to glow, as mentally he achieves the state that most monks strive to do their entire lives, Zen. His new found state of enlightenment only helps to strengthen his conviction. He launches himself against her mentally, attempting to shove the spirit out with force of will, “You don’t belong here witch, and you aren’t welcome. Jolene was loved and cared for, look around. She has friends and clan mates that care for her, and even I, a stranger, would unite with those whom on a daily basis threaten my own clan. This is your last edict. You have tested all of our wills and we find you wanting. Go back to the pits from whence you came; no longer will you haunt these lands.” With that he continues to combat her on a mental level, hoping only for triumph. Catching Shaelyn, supporting her the best he could without breaking the circle, buffering he with the last of his reserve energy, if only enough to ease her into a slumber.

Bianca begins to breathe heavily as she watches the scene unfold before her. Dust and debris clouded the shrine making everything blurry and the bard had to squint her own eyes for protection. She jumps slightly as thunder is heard and flashes of lightening begin to dance around the participants’ feet. She only hoped that the circle would hold. Bianca feels her own energy waving as the ceremony was definitely taking a toll on her as well. Yet, the bard could not help but feel a grin tug at the corner of her mouth. Spina was wavering. She was growing tired. While all might not be able to see it, the bard could -feel- it. Whether she liked it or not, this was her mother. She knew now what must be done. Although the attacks of the others had weakened the entity, it was up to Bianca to finish her off. Bianca begins to step forward gingerly, reaching in her pocket for something she had concealed. As she walks towards her mother, the bard’s own manic chuckle begins to fill the air. “You know, Mom, I really thought you had won.” She knew this would be a big blow to Spina’s ego. Bianca begins to circle around her mother as she continues to talk; now gripping whatever was in her pocket. “Your plan seemed flawless. You took advantage of a young teen who was feeling depressed and rather alone. However, what you didn’t count on was the fact that Jolene was -wrong-.� Bianca sighed as the anxiety seemed to leave her own body. With this new found backbone she steps forward, her face mere inches from that of her Mother. “Jolene has many people who love and care about her, as you can see by tonight’s events.” The bard then quirks a brow as she continues, “There was something else you didn’t take into consideration. You see, right before you took over Jolene’s body, she gave me a gift.” Bianca offers her hand to teen and snickers as the vein bracelet dangles from her wrist, gently pulsating. “You could not possess this vein because it is not in Jolene’s body! However, it is still a part of it. It her blood and her magic run through it.” Finally unveiling what was concealed in her pocket, Bianca uncorks another flask, this one containing Divine-Blessed Water. She mocks a fake pout in Jolene’s direction and utters “Goodbye Mommy Dearest,” before dousing the vein bracelet with the water.

Jolene was growing weaker with each breath she took, and it was obvious. Breath ragged, appearance unkempt, and scars coating her entire upper body, she was clearly worse for wear. The toll on the entity itself was extraordinary, as both Simaria and Garith attacked her twisted mind. At a loss for words or actions, she crosses her legs and remains seated on the metal bed, stroking the headless bird for comfort. Without planning a rebuttal of any sort, she eyes each of her potential victims within the circle, as though she were trying to find the weakest link. Plucking the feather’s from Petey’s carcass, she hisses, staring in disbelief as Shaelyn remains holding tight to both of the male’s hands, the teen thinking that she would’ve been the one to disband their pathetic union. Realizing that she failed at possessing the blonde’s body, and that she’d likely be sent into another realm, she meets Bianca’s gaze defiantly, fear flickering in her eyes at the sight of the vein bracelet. “You wouldn’t dare!” Choking on her own words, she bites back a sob as another voice emanates from the frail figure, the voice of Jolene herself! “I –would- dare, you selfish bitch! How dare you try and take over my body! You abused me to no end! You killed off my lover, made my own body reject my soul, and harmed my clan and friends more than is imaginable! I’m back to claim my body, right NOW!” As the bracelet is doused in holy water, Jolene’s eyes return to their normal steel blue coloring, her expression one of pride rather than anger as she once more held possession of her own body. Raising a dainty hand, the teen slaps herself forcefully on her lacerated cheek; her figure hurled from the bed to the ground as a high-pitched scream is heard, echoing against the marble confines of the shrine. The teen had in a sense, kicked her own ass, but she also kicked the entity out of her body, with the assistance of those dearest to her. Black smoke oozes from Jolene’s pores as the entity dissolves into nothing, as Jolene’s soul is returned to its rightful body, the teen collapsing in a heap in the middle of the circle. The exorcism of Jolene Monroe was now complete, as the beautiful blonde would shortly recover and roam the lands once more…