~*~* Chronicles Of The Rift II *~*~ Starts [Mature] FINISHED!

[Haruko]

Ovan
-after an endless dream, in this miserable world / that's right, maybe not using common sense isn't so bad after all / even with these awkward wings, dyed with images that seem to stay / i'm sure we can fly, on my love.~Butterfly-Wada Kouji-

'Don't you dare!' Sharp words rung in my head as I was trying to communicate to Adalia. I didn't see the use in hiding ones identity, especially when..'Not even you would understand.'
I stopped short for her, knowing it'd be best for headaches sake. I saw Adalia being taken away by Danarica, and sat up slowly to see the ensuing battle. By the time I got up, it seemed as if it were over, the Phoenix shrieking it's last cry, then doing what Danielle mumbled as the "Green Spark" effect. The sparkles condensed after being in the air for a short bit of time, then formed a massive black mananite
'I don't understand this..'
'Huh?'
'If we were called here by this worlds god, and this temple is one devouted to that god..even if haunted by demonic creatures, why have us destroy a sacred guardian?'
'Eh...I can't really give an answer to that. I guess to recharge the bigger crystals that exist out there.'
'I never really liked religion..'I heard her sigh, and I agreed her a bit, although this wasn't the place to think such thoughts. I slowly got up and held my chest, my shirt was in ruins, so were part of my pants. my gloves and mail were fine due to the runes protecting them, but the mail didn't activate in time to help the burn. Thanks to Adalia, all there would be after a while would be a scar. I looked over to her and saw her treating Loki, one of the half breeds, in a state of panic.

'She'll be fine, we need to pick up this impure mananite first..'I thought, talking inside to myself and Danielle. I didn't feel much pain from the wound, but I could sense Danielle was, as if she took the front for me. Silly woman. I walked over to the mananite, placing my sword in its hilt in the process, as I never got the chance before, falling and such. It's impurity was shown in its dark, black color. Either due to the fearls or lack of faith, hopefully somewhere...

I touched it slightly, and like a fragile piece of glass, it Green sparked, the black parts showering down to the ground as shards. All that remained was a white center, as Danielled dubbed - 5 inches vertically, 3 inches horizontally. I stepped on a few impure shards to reach the center and touched it, it shining in the moonlight. As the black casing did, the white center shattered into "quarter" like pieces. I bent down slowly, and I took each piece into my pouch on my belt, which remained intact besides a few scorch marks here and there. I wasn't able to encase all of the mananite in my pouch, and another human - Ban, came over to collect some as well.

"I'm sorry for not arriving sooner.."I said lowly, embarrassed. I wasn't the only one, Danielle was inside, all anxious, even if she wanted to say something. I sighed slightly and looked around, seeing Moswen and Dimitri unconscious, most likely due to their heroic acts in the finale of the battle.

'I'm sorry..I can't..it hurts..'I heard a whimper in my head, and all of the sudden, my chest lit a fire in pain. The burn wound, although 2/3 of the way healed, caused havoc on Danielle and she was only holding it back as much as she could. I held my chest and winced, wanting to yell a little in pain but kept it in. People started to take other people for piggy back rides to the hotel, and I felt useless as I commited such a reckless act that injured myself..and kept the pity to myself as we walked back to hotel, finished from the battle.



I DING PAGE 2 IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE! =D

[classy_cat18]

Shonta/Kite
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you catch me dreaming
Please don't wake me 'til I'm done
Just leave me sleeping
Until the morning comes

"Just pass me over
Make believe that I'm not there
Just leave me be
Until the saviour comes

I love that song. Don't know why, but its seemingly melancholy tone masked a religious meaning. Right now its chorus was echoing in my head so loudly I thought that someone was playing it on a stereo nearby. It repeated itself as I collapsed on the other bed in Dimitri's room. My body could hardly move and even Kite was silent.

I couldn't do this. The danger and drama that this adventure promised would tear my spirit apart before it was half over. If my bones wouldn't break by the Fearls' attack, then my heart would from the knowledge that Ryan, even though he was Adalia here, had another love in his/her life. I was sort of relieved that she was worried about Loki at the moment. The less she thought about me, the less she could worry about me.

Just leave me to sleep. Let my mind drift until this whole nightmare is over. My eyes closed to blissful slumber.

"Mommy? Hot Rod?" My six-year-old self wandered through my grandmother's house, finding no one to look after me when I got home from school. The place was so quiet I was afraid to hear the slightest sound.

"No one's here," a voice said from behind me. It was me...an older version of me, probably eleven or twelve years old, with braids in her hair and a serious face. "That stinks. The only people that would care if you disappeared aren't here anymore."

"What are you talking about?" I asked her.

"Those Valentines you're carrying aren't worth squat. You'll find out soon that your so-called friends wouldn't give you anything if they weren't obligated. They're sick of your innocent nature and eagerness to please the teacher. You should've stayed quiet. That way you won't have to worry about those little trips to the psychiatrist." She glared at me and vanished.

"Huh? You're wrong; they do care."

Another me walked into view, this one a lot older and wearing glasses. "Are they? You don't know now, but you're going to live a lonely life. You're me; you should know that no one cares. No one wants to know you or understand you."

"That's not true!"

"It is! Everyone has left without notice or warning, without anything for you to remember them by. Not even a phone number, e-mail, or change of address. If they really cared about you, then they would've wanted to tell you how they were doing with their new life."

"Stop it, please!"

"Aww, poor baby. It seems I'm the voice of reason. Why do you cling to life? You're not making a plausible attempt of securing your future. Every day seems to get worse as you seem to fade way. So disappear completely and let someone else fill in the space."

My eyes shot open. A little light shone through the window, indicating that the sun was rising. I held up my shaking hands and tried to shake away my thoughts. I was still so tired I felt that I could sleep all day. "I need some air."

The hotel was silent but my ears could pick up the sounds of steady breathing. Just a couple of doors over was an open door that showed an open patio. There stood Adalia. At least you care, Ryan. But how can you handle such a complicated matter as this? You love me, but Adalia loves Loki. And you two are one in the same but I still feel like I'm still Shonta.

"Couldn't sleep either?" Adalia asked me as she noticed me watching her.

I shook my head. "I really wanted to but the nightmares wouldn't let me." I stood by her as we watched the sun rise. She smiled at me and leaned against me. Trying to show some concern I changed the subject. "So how's he doing?"

"Better now. He's sleeping, and I am trying to build back up my mana." I nodded, unable to hide the slight irritation from my selfish side. She frowned when she saw that look. "You don't like him much, do you?"

Despite my will to get along with everyone, I chose to be honest. "If he leaves me alone, I'll leave him alone."

"It's because of me..." She hung her head. "You guys don't like each other because you both love me."

As absurd as that sounds, it's absolutely true. I groaned and headed toward the door, wanting to end the conversation right there before it got too melodramatic.

"Don't leave...please, Shonta."

I stopped in my tracks at the sound of my real name. "Look, I'm exhausted from holding a shield up for so long and don't feel like getting into any drama. Just stay with Loki for now." I gestured to the sleeping half breed in the room.

She looked down with sad eyes. "I'm sorry for making you mad. I always seem to be screwing things up. First with the kiss, now this."

Great. Now we're talking about the kiss and how much she thinks she has screwed this up. "I was the one that got sucked into this fantasy. I feel like I'm intruding."

"You're not intruding," she told me as she held my hands in her significantly smaller ones.

I immediately pulled away from her. "I'm an intruder. You and Loki already had something going and then I came along."

"You aren't really, I want to be with both of you!"

"You can't be with both of us, not at the same time!"

Her heart was starting to crack. "Why not?"

"You just can't."

"But if Loki says it's okay..."

"Now I know I'm intruding!" I said loudly. It had to be bad if I had to get the other boyfriend's permission. I turned my back to her to make another attempt to leave. "You'll be okay without me for a while."

I heard a small gasp from her. "Are you breaking up with me?"

Wow. I never guessed that I would be breaking up with my first boyfriend. "I'm just stepping aside and giving you and Loki some air. He'll do a better job of taking care of you here."

"But I want you too." She grabbed the sleeve of my shirt.

Then something unexpected came out of my mouth: laughter. Somehow I was amused that I would ever hear this. "Why?"

"Because I like you." She said this as though it was so obvious, which made me laugh even harder. She started to cry at the heartless creature before her. "Why are you laughing about my feelings? Is it a joke?"

The stupid dream came back to me in full force. "You'll leave sooner or later. They all do."

"No, I won't!"

"Just because you say it doesn't make it true. Just be happy with Loki."

It got more emotional as she threw her arms around me. "I want to be happy with you too."

"You'll be happier not having to try to keep both of us happy."

"Can I try?"

"You'll just get a headache," I warned her.

"Please dont do this!"

"If you want me to be happy, then keep your distance." With that, I left before she could stop me again.

Someone's being heartless...and stupid.

'I knew you'd pop up. Anyway, it's better for both of us if we didn't have to worry about a love triangle. Besides, things like this end up on Jerry Springer.'

Idiot. With that he withdrew again.

I returned to my bed and felt my exhaustion come back stronger than before. "Just pass me over, make believe that I'm not there..." I whispered as I went back to sleep.

Whoa, that was long. By the way, I was referencing 'Pass Me Over' by Anthony Hamilton. Haven't heard of him? Grab some soul and groove.

[Prof. Jb Wolf]

Ban Ravi
~Picking up the Pieces/The Battle's Reprieve~

As the phoenix went up in green sparkles, I drove Miroku into the ground as I fell to one knee. I could feel the adrenaline drain away and while I wasn't completely spent I was more than a little winded. It was a strange feeling to still have energy after such strenous activity, especially for someone like me who would rather use the computer than go play basketball.

"Gotta love that partially demonic constitution." I smirked at the thought as I withdrew Miroku from the earth. Untying the cloth from my brow I swiftly wiped it along its edge before resheathing on my back. Despite the grisly stains, I tied the red dyed cloth against my prow before surveying the damage done.

The church was partially ruined, its innards gutted by the phoenix's flight. If it had not been for that shield Kite had put up the two of us would have been incinerated along with most of the remaining Fearls. Said catboy was leaning exahustedly against his halberd the drain of using his newfound powers to stem the fiery bird's attack I supposed. Most of the others were relatively unhurt, having gotten their either too late or mostly using long-range attacks. Loki had the worst of it judging by the frantic yelling Adalia was doing. Danarica helped calm her down and start her healing mojo.

"All things consider, things didn't go TOO bad."

You should probably check where that object fell. Phoenixs do have a tendency to ressurect themselves from their ashes you know.

"I think Ovan beat us to it." Said warrior was stumbling towards where the phoenix and that shard had fallen. There was a flash and he began collecting bits and pieces on the ground. I walked over to help, scooping the glowing shards into the pockets of my coat.

"I'm sorry for not arriving sooner...." Ovan muttered as he unsteadily got to his feet.

"Better late than never, and that was some hit boyo." I flashed a friendly grin. "But next time, try to save the whiskey and sex for AFTER we kill the beastie."

He gave me an uneasy smile and started walking away as I pocketed the last of the glowing substance. Looking around I could see black shards littering the ground, but no sign of anything that looked like an egg. "Perhaps it only happens when they die naturally?"

There. Turning my head as the spirit prompted, a warm red light radiated from the grass. Pushing it aside there lay a perfect red/yellow egg emanating with warmth. Gingerly picking it up I looked at it as it glowed brightly in my hand. "What should I do with this?"

A Phoenix may prove a powerful ally.

"Or it could remember who killed it and want to fricasse us the moment it revives. Maybe I could cook it."

I do not think that would be a good idea. It may just revive itself within you a-

"Yea...thanks for the mental image there. I think I'll just keep it. Worse comes to worse, I can chuck it in a river, right?"

Lets hope we do not come to regret this decision.

Slipping the egg into a pocket within the recess of my battered coat I turned to see the others limping back to the inn. Adalia was helping to support an unsteady Loki to his feet as Kite hobbled over to help. Danarica and the others were picking up the fallen Dimitri and Moswen as Ovan staggered down the street. Walking over I gently picked up the two of them, slinging one over my shoulder and holding the other up by the waist. "Here I got these two." I looked at Danarica before jerking my head to Ovan, who was bracing himself against a wall. "Why don't you go help your 'partner' over there."

She had the decency to blush a bit before running over to help out the injured warrior. Sighing and shaking my head I started down the road. "This is going to be a loooooooooong journey."

[Bulbasaur4]

Moswen
^><^><^><^><^"Time can tell us so many things... but it rarely speaks"^><^><^><^

Moswen's eyes fluttered open as she semi-conciously felt her body being moved. Everything was moving in a rather fuzzy pattern before her wolfish eyes adjusted, and near her lighter right side was a face she recognized- Ban. Then it connected with her who Ban was from TPM, which made her smile as she turned her head to look at him.
"Yeah... I sorta figured that out the moment people were drunk."
She said in an almost-beyond-a-whisper voice, finding that she was a bit numb to speak. Still, as Ban looked at her with his side glance, Moswen formed a smile on her face as her hair swayed slightly with his walking movement.
"You woke up fast..." He said, looking to Dimitri in his other grasp. Dimitri was completely wiped out, looking rather worn as he limply was held. Moswen's head seemed to pound with a resound thudding as the world occasionally swam before her eyes.
"I'll probably fall under the unconcious spell again..." Moswen trailed off, her tail flickering slightly from behind. "... never meant release so much Nuanica power so early..."
Moswen said lightly, resting her head against whatever was nearest to her as she was held. Ban opened his mouth as if to say something, but Moswen didn't see as she added.
"... I just saw so many others getting hurt... I wanted to help Dimitri end the battle to protect Adalia, Loki, Kite, Danarica, Dimitri, Ovan and you... just... everyone... I don't like seeing pain in other-"
However, before Moswen could finish it seemed her voice trailed off as the darkness once again swept across her mind. Moswen found herself suspended in darkness, no longer aware of the real world.

A little girl was crying, clutching a ragged stick and standing over her bike. Moswen tilted her head to the side, confused as she swiftly knelt by the girl's side.
"What's wrong little one?" Moswen asked, tilting her head to the side as the girl's brilliant blue eyes looked up at Moswen. Tears streamed down her face as she sucked in air with each trembling breath.
"I... I don't have friends..."
Moswen frowned at this, turning her head to look about but she saw no one in sight.
"I'm sure that's not true... you look like you'd have lots of friends."
The girl firmly shook her head, clutching the stick in her hands as if it were going to burst into flames.
"N-no... people lie... everyone lies... they all say they're your friend. But in the end, when things go wrong... they run away or they just hurt you."
Moswen's eyes widened, as she went to rest a hand on the girl's shoulder but the little girl stood up over her bike and shouted.
"Everyone just ends up leaving me!"
With that, the girl dashed off... and Moswen tried to shout, tried to chase after her... but the girl was running too fast... she was getting too far...

[Roy Karrde]

David Ryan Lutz
~*~*~*~*~ Shocked ~*~*~*~*~

I sat down outside, shivering with tears running down my cheek. Every few minutes I would get a hiccup, before I continued to cry. My hands tightened into balls as I held my head. People would pass by, paying no attention to me, and I paid no attention to them as they continued on their way. Eventually a hand came and touched my shoulder, I turned expecting Loki, but found Ovan instead, his face a mixture of pain and shock at the sight of tears running down my eyes. “Ryan?” He whispered, kneeling down to my side and wiping my eyes with a piece of cloth. “What happened?” He asked.

Tears began to run down my cheeks again. “Why is it, every time I fall in love..” I hiccupped and the tears became worse. “That they leave me?” I bawled putting my head in my hands.

It was long until Ovan placed his arms around me, pulling me into a deep hug and allowing me to cry on his shoulder. “People are just stupid..” He whispered running his hands up and down my hair.

“I don’t understand, I don’t understand.” I must have repeated that over and over again for hours.

Eventually Ovan pulled me away, running his hand over my forehead to brush the hair out of my eyes. “I saw that there was a market close by, I was going to go and pick up some clothes and supplies, lets go and try to cheer you up, I will pay for it.” He flashed a lopsided grin as I nodded slowly looking up at him as he stood up and took my hand.

I clutched his hand as we walked, staying as close to him as possible with the occasional tear running down my cheek. “Hey you two!” Danarica yelled, racing up to meet us. “You should see the stuff at this place.” She jerked her finger toward the rows upon rows of tents set up to create a flea market of sorts. His eyes fell upon me and I jerked my head away to hide my face.

“We were going to look for things for our journey.” Ovan explained walking forward and moving me along with him as he went to the first tent.

“Oh hey, Adalia I got hit pretty bad, and this wound just won’t stop bleeding could you take a look at it?” Danarica asked, Ovan looked over at her and glared, but all I did was nod and placed my shaky hand on where he was pointing. Mana began to flow from my hand, into my fingers, and then into her. Only the mana seemed to split off, going to another life source while the other went to Danarica and the wound.

The feeling was odd and alien causing me to quickly jerk my hand away and cradle it. “There is something wrong with me, the mana was going to two different lives.” I whimpered, this had never happened before, something was screwing me up. Danarica’s face turned several colors of ash as did Ovan’s as they looked at each other.

“Two different?” Danarica began to ask, her voice trembling.

“Adalia go away for a few minutes.” Ovan barked harshly. I drew in a short shocked breath through my nose and looked up at him. “NOW.” He yelled, I winced, almost expecting a slap or a shove, moving away as fast as possible. Ovan and Danarica began to talk as I moved further and further away, not daring to look back.

My eyes began to wonder the booths, looking at each one as I made my way through the people, squeezing between some people, just to look at what was in each booth. Most of it was food and clothes; the next one I visited though was surrounded more with people my own age. I moved in, wiping the tears from my face with my sleeves and looked in finding a assortment of toys.

It took a little bit of time but I finally made my way up to the front table to look at a lay out of toys that looked some what crudely made by modern day standards. All of them though looked handmade. My eyes came to fall on a beautifully stitched rag doll made of cloth and felt. I snatched it up and held it close to me, enjoying the warmth for a second before holding it out to look at it. She would never leave me, not like how Shouta did, and I could have some one to hold on to and talk to during the long journeys!

“C’mon Ryan.” Ovan grasped my hand pulling me out of the crowd of children. I turned and looked up at him, holding out the doll. Since he had all the money I would need him to buy it.

“Please?” I looked up at him, gone were my eyes that were full of pain, instead they were full of hope and happiness.

“I thought you were twenty one in the other world, you shouldn’t be playing with dolls.” My heart and my eyes fell as I looked down at the doll, feeling like some one being scolded on by their parents. “And a boy at that.” He scoffed.

I nodded my fingers trembling as I ran them through the doll’s hair. “You’re right, I just..” I took in a deep breath biting back tears. “I thought it would be something fun to play with.

“Dolls? Fun?” He almost laughed bringing back memories of Shonta laughing to my face about our friendship, our relationship.

“To pretend.” I explained.

Ovan shook his head with disgust, placing his hands on the doll and taking it out of mine. “You need to stop playing around then.” He tossed the doll back on to the table and took me by the shoulder. “with… little … girl things..” He mumbled.

I turned and looked back at the table, being swarmed with children. I felt like a outcast, I wasn’t a child, and I wasn’t a adult. If I acted like either I was yelled at. “It was just a ragdoll..” I tried to explain.

Ovan brought me around to a booth full of clothes. “See these? These are clothes.” He explained angrily pushing them into my face. “We would have to carry that ‘doll’ around with us.” Saying the word doll as if it were a cuss word. “And things that aren’t necessities are burdens!…” He explained, as if he were talking down to a two year old.

Rage began to boil up inside me as I shot my head up looking right at him. “JUST FORGET IT OKAY?” I yelled at the top of my lungs.

Ovan took a step back for a second shocked, before finally shaking his head and pulling out a marble of mananite. “Buy it..” He sighed dropping it into my hands.

I grasped the pebble and threw it back in his face before stomping away. “You just want to use it to make fun of me.” I shouted back at him, merging in to the crowd and disappearing from his sight.

[kalad1]

>>Danarica<<

“There is something wrong with me, the mana was going to two different lives.”

That line sank in faster than a bolt of lightning, chilling me to the core, the blood draining from my face. No... god no... it couldn't be... I offhandedly felt a presence shrink away to almost nothing, probably the part of me that was Dennis.

I couldn't keep my voice steady, as I practically squeaked out, "Two different?"

I felt tiny, insignificant, like nothing in the grand scheme of things, a bug easily smashed, a flower easily crushed. I felt small, helpless, and alone. Last night, I was powerful, had nothing to fear, now, now I was nothing...

I barely registered Ovan sending Adalia away, in my confused mental haze, eventually managing to find a voice. "I- I'm..."

"Preg..nant.." He finished, seemingly equally stunned.

The full weight of my condition came crashing down on me, squeaking out unsteadily, "I- I'm going to b-be a mother?"

"Seems like it..unless Adalia's mana was wrong.." Ovan commented, almost distractedly, it looked like he was tapping his head, not like it mattered...

"But... the quest... I'm not ready..." I managed to get out, terrified of what was happening. How could I fight? It wasn't just my life on the line, and supplies, and other things. I'd be a burden, I'd be alone...

Then, Ovan did the thing I expected the least, gently hugging me to him, and reassuringly stating, "It'll be ok, I'll protect you. And don't..worry about the quest.."

"But... but..." I tried to think of something to say before beginning to cry, practically melting into his hug.

"If it's because you were a guy in the other world.. it's ok." He was obviously unsure of how to handle it.

"Why? Why did I have to be so stupid?" I cried out between sobs, lightly pounding my fist on his chest, as I berated myself. He remained silent, keeping up the comforting embrace, allowing me to eventually regain my composure.

"Sh-should I keep it?" I asked, perhaps they had a way to...

"That's your choice.. and I don't think there is a way to stop a pregnancy here.." He answered.

I thought about his words, it was unlikely, and probably risky, and... I couldn't do it. I couldn't blame the life growing in me for my stupid mistake. And... I had...

I looked down at my belly, covered in the cloth of my tunic, considering things, "The kid'll need a father..."

He nodded, replying, "It'll be a while anyway..."

I nodded to myself, leaving the hug, "You'd better find Adalia, I- I'll go find the others."

"You sure?" He asked, obviously still concerned.

I nodded in reply, commenting, "I... I just needed to let all that out." I then got a small smile on my face, a slight teasing tone entering my voice as I added on, "But you better look into getting me a ring, or whatever they use in this world."

"Heh." he replied, obviously glad I was feeling better, "I... never told you my creator's SN from pokemasters, correct? I should tell you that at least."

I nodded cautiously, knowing it was a sensitive subject.

"It's PoLHaruko..er..san? yeah.." He answered somewhat nervously.
It was almost... funny, the way he handled that.

"Okay, I'll keep your secret." I quipped back, giving him a light kiss, just a peck really, on the lips, "We better get going."

To which he only nodded.

[Haruko]

Ovan
-standing at a steep cliff and feeling the wind / all you can see is your own weakness, right? / but whatever troubles you have, they'll become the chances to fly far away,/ and they conceal miracles.-

Morning rose as quick as the moon fell.

I sat up slowly from bed, arising from a..well, half nights slumber. My wound was now bandaged with what I could find in first aid; and of what Danielle knew of it. I got off the bed and placed a shirt on that I found in a closet, it was nearly identicle to my old one. My pants, however, needed replacement. I'd have to go to the main streets and buy a pair. Right now, the old pair with burn marks, and holes on the leg, would have to do.

I walked downstairs and out of the inn with a silent aura, picking up a fruit for eats while I passed by the kitchen. Nearly ashamed for what I had done whilst drunk, and I guess the feeling of Danielle's solitude started to 'pour' into me. For better or worse, I wouldn't know.

As I exited, I saw Adalia in the corner of my eye, and Kite just brushed me by. Adalia, or as Danielle knew her as, Ryan, was crying. I walked slowly to her, unsure of what to do. As I came to Adalia, I placed my hand on her shoulder for comfort.

"Ryan?"I addressed her by...his other world name, "What happened?"
“Why is it, every time I fall in love..”She cried out, hiccuping in middle sentence, which only made the crying worse,“That they leave me?”

'...' I could feel unease with Danielle.'I...heh...'
'What is it?'
'I used to be with him, a while ago...' Her voice echoed in my head, with a bit of guilt. 'What he..said...heh..'
'What?
'It isn't of your concerns..'I felt her withdraw.
'You really should try to open up..'

I then went to go hug Adalia, not allowing Danielle's anxiety get in the way.
"People are stupid.."I said.

“I don’t understand, I don’t understand.” is all Adalia could repeat for a bit as I held her in a hug, not knowing what to do. I then remembered about going to buy new pants..and since girls like shopping..
'Not all!'
'Not the point'

“I saw that there was a market close by, I was going to go and pick up some clothes and supplies, lets go and try to cheer you up, I will pay for it.”I offered, trying to cheer her up. I stood up and offered my hand, grinning slightly. She took it, of course, and we headed out to the markets for stuffs.

“Hey you two!” Danarica yelled, racing up to meet us. “You should see the stuff at this place.” She pointed to the rows of tents that made the place like a outdoors flea market.
“We were going to look for things for our journey.”I explained to Danarica, walking along to the first tent I could see.

“Oh hey, Adalia I got hit pretty bad, and this wound just won’t stop bleeding could you take a look at it?” Danarica asked Adalia, and I shot her off a glare. Although in her current state of instability, Adalia nodded and placed her hand near where Danarica's wound was. I payed close attention to the mana, and saw it going off into 2 directions, Danarica's wound and her stomach. Adalia, noticing this, jerked her hand away as the wound was healed. She held it, a bit unsure of what to make of the situation.
“There is something wrong with me, the mana was going to two different lives.”She pointed out the obvious. My face suddenly felt flushed, as so did Danarica's.
“Two different?”Danarica asked, her voice shaking.I felt the same anxiety as she did, knowing what that mean't...Last night..

“Adalia go away for a few minutes.”I asked Adalia, needing to talk to Danarica in private. My tone of voise was rushed and a bit furious, and it was clear Adalia noticed. But when she didn't move, I lost my temper as quickly as water puts out a flame. "NOW!"

After Adalia left, I looked at Danarica, who seemed to be in a complete state of shock."I- I'm..."
"Preg..nant.."I finished her sentence, shocked and stunned aswell.
"I- I'm going to b-be a mother?"She asked with a voice of doubt, wanting to believe Adalia was wrong..

'This is it!'I could hear Danielle intrude, her feeling of anger rushing through me. 'You take over my body.'
'My body, you created it..'
'Whatever. And you get some girl pregnant! Fuck!'I could hear the panic in her voice, as well as the obvious anger.

"Seems like it..unless Adalia's mana was wrong.." I replied, tapping my temples slightly. Danielle's ranting was driving me up a brick wall.
"But... the quest... I'm not ready..." I felt unsure of what to do to comfort her. All I knew is what I did next, and that was to hug her.
"It'll be ok, I'll protect you. And don't..worry about the quest.."I replied, the quest we were placed here for was the last thing on my mind now.
"But... but..."She said, slowly starting to cry.

'You know, Danarica is just like Adalia. Both were created by males.' Danielle stated, ' I guess that makes it a little less awkward..'
"If it's because you were a guy in the other world.. it's ok."I said, unsure and trying to use what Danielle had said to use.
"Why? Why did I have to be so stupid?"She cried, and slowly pounded my chest in fustration. Words couldn't express how I felt, it was a mixture of fustration, anger, and uncertainty. Maybe a bit of happyness aswell, but..
"Sh-should I keep it?"She said.
'I doubt the methods of removing a baby from the womb is safe here..'Danielle guided me to an answer.
"That's your choice.. and I don't think there is a way to stop a pregnancy here.."

"The kid'll need a father..."She said, looking down at her tunic and her stomach. I nodded in response.
"It'll be a while anyway..."

"You'd better find Adalia, I- I'll go find the others."With that she left my embrace, and backed a little.
"You sure?" I replied to her gesture, concerned for Danarica. She nodded, then replied;
"I... I just needed to let all that out." She then got a small smile on her face, and added a teasing and taunting tone to her voice. "But you better look into getting me a ring, or whatever they use in this world."

"Heh." I replied, and knew if things were to be carried out correctly, she..Danarica and Dennis, should know Danielle. "I... never told you my creator's SN from pokemasters, correct? I should tell you that at least."

She nodded a reply, knowing how sensitive it was a subject to me.
'PoLHaruko-san'Danielle reminded me.'I was going to get it changed though..
"It's PoLHaruko..er..san? yeah.." I twindled my fingers a bit, and probably mispronounced the name aswell.

"Okay, I'll keep your secret." She chirped back, then gave me a light peck on the lips "We better get going."

I nodded, and she left. I turned and looked around the "flea market", seeing Adalia in the distance, at a booth. I walked up to her, and saw she was admiring dolls.

'Dolls!?'
“C’mon Ryan.”I grasped her hand, trying to pry her out of the crowd of children.The last thing I needed now was a fustration.
"Please?"She asked, holding onto a doll.
“I thought you were twenty one in the other world, you shouldn’t be playing with dolls. And a boy at that.."I could feel myself letting my anger out on her, even if I didn't want to.Perhaps a bit of Danielle's sarcasm was 'pouring' into me aswell.
“You’re right, I just..” She took a deep breath, obviously upset, “I thought it would be something fun to play with."
“Dolls? Fun?” I was definatly taking out fustration on her.
"To pretend."She replied. I shook my head out of disgust, we didn't need a doll or any extra luggage on our journey. We already had enough of that.

“You need to stop playing around then.” I took the doll and tossed it onto the table, then took her by force, on the shoulder, “with… little … girl things..” She looked at it as it fell back onto the table.
“It was just a ragdoll..”She tried to explain..

I took her to a clothes booth to show her what we really needed.
“See these? These are clothes. We would have to carry that ‘doll’ around with us.” I said with so much anger in my voice, I couldn't distinguish myself from Danielle, or perhaps the ones who made Adalia upset.

“JUST FORGET IT OKAY?”She yelled, in rage and fustration. I stepped back in shock, then sighed, taking a marble of mananite out for her to purchase her doll with it. It'd be her responsibility.
"Just..buy it.."I dropped the mananite in her hands.She just shoved it back into my hands, furious.

“You just want to use it to make fun of me.”She finished, and furiously, merged with the crowd and away from me.

'Great..I was supposed to cheer her up, but all I did was make her more upset.'
'The fact he acted like a baby about a stupid doll in the first place..'
'He's a she now, people have needs. Just because...'I stopped, knowing what I'd say next would make myself a hypocrite.

"Might aswell find new pants.."I sighed, and merged with the crowd myself.



@.@

[Bulbasaur4]

Name: Knes Ehaid
Gender: Male
Race: Seems to be a half breed
Age: Seems to be 12
Bodily Appearance: Knes is a strong, slightly fierce looking young boy who stands at a height of 5 feet. His face is pretty defined for his age, having a strong jaw line and nice facial features. His eyes are two different colors, one being a normal olive green while the other is a ruddy but striking red color, and that eye is upon the right side and has a scratch-like scar the skin around the eye. His hair is black in color, but seems to be cut at medium-length for a male and has a messy yet attractive look to it. A few strands of hair waver over his eyes, often covering his red eye slightly. His skin is slightly tanned in color, and he has another clean scar across his chest. For a young kid, he has a fairly toned build. The reason one would believe his a half-breed, is because he has two small black wings that seem to almost “float” beyond his back- they’re not attached. They’re tiny too, about the size of humming bird wings and hard to see. Plus, his speed and jumping ability suggests he is not human.
Clothing Appearance: Knes wears a tight black sleeveless shirt, that zips up the front- almost leather like in a way. Upon his lower half he wears breathable pants, being baggy but yet fitting him perfectly around his waist and being held up by a wide leather brown belt. His pants are a crimson red in color, and he doesn’t wear shoes. Around his shoulder he has a sky blue bag-like pouch, where he keeps various things. He also has black, fingerless gloves.
Weapon: Knes has gauntlets with silver spikes protruding from them. Despite his size, he packs a punch.
Magic: Knes has teleportation abilities… which seems to be his only true magic ability. He does seem to have an uncanny ability to sense Fearls... even up to miles away.

Knes
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* You choose your own isolation *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The young boy wandered through the ruins, his brilliant and curious eyes scrounging through the mass amounts of debree and dirt. Finally however, he came to the barely tracible amounts of ash that remained. Leaning to the ground and sniffing, he tilted to his head in curiousity. Taking his hands, he began to dig deeper into the hole where the traces of ash had been... digging, until suddenly a soft shimmer entered the air. Reaching down, his soft hands felt the smooth surface of the deep crimson jewel. It was warm to the touch, and he peered at it before opening his pouch and placed it inside.

Standing upwards, the wind blew across his face as he closed his eyes and withdrew a deep somber breath.
"Yes... it is beautiful, isn't it mother?" Knes said softly, his deep yet child-like voice trailing off in the air. Knes seemed frozen for a moment, as if a memory held onto his mind for a split second before he shook his head- as if brushing it away.

Walking away from the ruins, Knes daintly walked through the city streets. The air was warm today and it seemed to softly glow from his hair as he gracefully darted around the many shops and people.
"Watch it kid!" Someone shouted to Knes as he leapt over one of the carts filled with delicious-looking fruit. Knes turned back and waved an appology, but suddenly he seemed to knock someone down as his body made impact with someone else. Looking down before him, a young girl rubbed her shoulder as she looked up at Knes. For a little bit, Knes said nothing but simply just stared at the human girl. Then recognition seemed to flicker through his eyes, before he gave a nod and held out his hand to her.
"I'm sorry, I was careless." Knes said warmly, helping her to her feet and brushing a bit of dust off her shoulder.
Her eyes seemed as if she was concentrating on something else, to which Knes decided to perhaps lighten the moment.

"Umm... I'm Knes by the way." He said with a smile, the wind tickling his face softly to reveal his red eye for a moment.
"Adalia.." She said shyly, as Knes took her hand and gave it a delicate kiss on the top.
"It is nice to meet you."

[Roy Karrde]

Adalia
~*~*~*~*~ Hungry ~*~*~*~*~

The two of us sat in one of those back alleys that contain the crates for stores and dumpsters, although from the smell, it seemed as if it was more of a place for the homeless to sleep. We would each look over at each other for a second and then snap our heads back forward looking at our knees. “What were you doing in the market place alone?” I finally asked breaking the silence. “Do you have a family?”

He looked down at his hands for a few minutes and I could feel my heart rise into my throat. “I have a younger sister, she looks just as pretty as you.” He whispered the last part shyly, almost too low for any human to hear. “What about you? Do you have a family?”

My mind flashed to my family at home, and then my family here. Ovan, Loki, Shonta, Dana. Loki was more of a boyfriend than a brother, and everyone else, they seemed to hate me. “I’m a orphan.” I whimpered, Knes eyes looked over at me sympathetically, placing his hand on my arm for a second.

We went back to sitting in silence for a few more minutes before a loud gurgling from both of our stomachs broke it. “I guess we are both hungry.” I yawned wiping my eyes with my arm. “And a bit sleepy too.” I added, Knes already rising to his feet and offering a hand, which I slowly took, he pulling me up to my feet lightly.

Knes and I crept out of the alley onto the busy street, making our way toward the marketplace. “I’m sorry but I don’t have any mananite.” He apologized. I winked back and brought out my staff as we crept into the marketplace where the food stands were located.

Knes watched with a confused look upon his face as I pointed the staff at a few overlarged oranges, or what looked like oranges. I waited till the shop owner turned away, and shot a mana bubble over to the fruit, enveloping the fruit into the bubble and sending it over to Knes’ open arms. He looked at the fruit with wide eyes before slowly picking one up and biting into it. “That’s so cool.” He mumbled between bites as I grabbed one of the fruit out of his hands and bit into it.

The fruit was tangy with a skin that was very soft. “You two! Hand the Fruit Over!” A overly large man for a starving world yelled at the two of us, jabbing a chubby finger in our direction. I glanced over at Knes who had grown distant and silent his eyes looking off into the horizon and mumbled something about some one coming. “Hand it over now. Or pay the two mananite fee of shopping here.” He commanded stepping forward as both Knes and I stepped back in fear.

I glanced over at Knes who looked back at me, each of us wondering what the other was going to do. The man stepped forward again and the two of us turned, taking off running. “Thieves! THIEVES!” The man roared charging after us, and gaining ground no matter how fast our small feet could run. We turned the corner, causing Knes to drop a few of the fruit onto the ground. I glanced behind us to see the man turn the corner, his feet landing on the fruit sending him sprawling out of control, and headfirst into the mud.

Knes and I made it around another corner and melded into the crowd before bursting into a fit of giggles and laughter. We slowed our pace catching our breaths before Knes stood back up straight and rigid. “I have to get my sister.” A look of fear came over his face.

“Why?” I gasped.

He turned toward the rest where smoke was rising; soon the sounds of screams could be heard. “They are coming, they are coming and are going to take the whole town because the mana shield is gone.” His eyes were wide with fear, turning as he prepared to bolt off in the direction of the smoke.

“Knes! KNES!” I screamed after him as he took off running in the direction of the screams, and the direction of the Fearls invasion.

The Fearls are breaking through the West Wall and are coming in the Thousands, don't try to be a hero, gather everyone up and lets abandon the town.

[Bulbasaur4]

Moswen
* * * * * * The darkness within you can mask your true soul... * * * * * *

Moswen's eyes opened softly, fluttering ever-so slightly as the haze of sleep lingered for a moment. Blinking a few more times, Moswen cleared the sleepiness from her eyes and sat up swiftly. She was in a room, one that looked awfully familiar- like Adalia's room before.
"I'm back at the house..." Moswen muttered to herself softly, taking a hand and brushing the hair from her eyes. Her ears perked as she heard voices from downstairs, and quickly the memories of battle flooded her head. It must have worked... Dimitri's attack...
Oh, that's right, Ban carried us back...
Moswen remembered her brief moment with Ban before dazing back off into the unconcious realm.

Turning her head to the right, she saw that there was another bed next to her and in it was an unconcious Dimitri, sleeping soundly. Moving quietly so not to wake him, Moswen rose to her feet and silently placed the covers back upon the bed. Heading to the door she opened it, and walked downstairs just in time for her ears to pick up more noises- but they were growing louder in volume. As Moswen reached the main lobby, she saw Ban talking loudly with the old lady. Upon closer inspection, the old woman suddenly grabbed something and darted out the door.
"The lady says the mana shield is down on this town... and now Fearls are-"
Before Ban could finish, a large monsterious figure suddenly crashed through the window. Moswen's eyes widen as Ban drew out his sword, flashing a gaze at me.
"I was going to thank you for carrying me... but apparently we've got more important things." Moswen said, turning to face the creature as Ban lashed at it.
"We'll have to run... she said there are thousands.." Ban huffed, as Moswen nodded as a few of the others ran downstairs.
"I'm going to get Dimitri. Someone get Loki. We should get out of this city and hope that the others who aren't here do the same..." Moswen called to the others as she darted up the stairs with as much speed as her legs could muster.

Not trying to be quiet anymore, Moswen slammed the door open with a strong hand as Dimitri stirred and mumbled something while becoming only half-awake.
"Mmmr... what?" He said slowly, blinking as Moswen rushed to his bed, grabbed his hand and practically yanked him out of bed.
"Fearls are taking over the city... too many of them. We have to leave."
With that, she grabbed his hand without thinking and guided him downstairs where the others finished the single Fearl off and had the door open to leave.

Knes
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Used to this pain <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Knes darted along the streets, heading into the mobs of screaming people and half-breeds alike as they were mauled and destroyed by black monsters called Fearls. Knes narrowed his eyes as he used his surprising speed to avoid the clusters of death, sprinting through the open gaps of people as his life depended on it.

His eyes scanned the area around him as he ran, seemingly searching for something that was important. The further he ran however, the thicker the fray became and more Fearls were infesting the streets.
"KNES!" He could hear a girl's voice shout behind him, but as he heard the voice he suddenly saw what he was looking for too. Sliding to a dead stop, Knes stared before him as Adalia rushed up to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder. She was breathing heavily, as she stared at him.
"Knes, we have to go! There is to many of them... we gotta run!"
Knes did not reply, but instead looked dead ahead of him. The two of them were in a small alleyway, and heaped against one of the trash cans was the body of a young girl. Her face seemed to stare off in horror to the sky, as blood matted her shirt. Her torso was ripped open but her flesh remained, making it apparent that she was killed in a murderous rage. The fearls did not eat flesh... they did not need food most of the time. They killed out of their own murderous rage.

"Oh... " Adalia gasped, making the connection as Knes stared at the body.
"Let's... go..." Knes said, clenching his fist as he turned and walked away.
"I'm sorry Knes..." Adalia began, but Knes shook his head and turned to look at her. A soft but pained smile came to his face as he grabbed Adalia's arm and gently tugged her to him. Adalia's eyes seemed to water, as Knes shook his head again.
"Don't cry for me Adalia... cry for this town."
With that, Knes closed his eyes and pulled her closer to him so that their bodies were touching closely.
"I'll get you away from this..." He whispered, hugging her tighter for a brief moment before the two of them seemed to disappear in a moment of an instant, their bodies leaving nothing but a slight trace of dust.

It felt as if someone was spraying a few flecks of cool water over the skin- a cool and refreshing feeling. After that, it would feel as if a nice warm tropical breeze kissed against the skin... that was what Knes's teleportation felt like. He was good at it, perhaps his past helped him learn such a delicate and most stressful art.

The two of them reappeared just on the outskirts of the city, and the two of them turned to see the town burning in an inferno. It was gone to the Fearls...
"The others!" Adalia gasped, her eyes looking hopeful as she saw a large group of humans and half-breeds emerging from the destroyed village.

[Dr.McNinja]

Bryan wasn't awake yet. The magic he had summoned into his Tower card still had him wiped him out. Maybe with the experience he had now he could have managed the card without these effects, but the first time using a new card was always a challenge. He had never known the power present in the Tower before. Now he did and was wiser for the experience. Bryan idly wondered why he felt his body moving, why he heard Moswen's voice. Certainly he couldn't be awake yet, his conscious was still muddled, still fuzzy.

Rest yourself. I can manage for the time being. We are not so different that I will act in a way you would disapprove of.

Bryan idly wondered at that voice. Why was the Dimitri side of him differentiating itself so suddenly? What was the catalyst? Then he became to tired to care. Then too tired to even remain coherent.


------

Dimitri was walking by himself by the time Moswen and he reached downstairs. A hand was already in his cloak, flipping idly through his tarots. The situation was deteoriating, and they had to get out of there right then.

"Alright, let's get goin...."

No one was listening, they were all absorbed in their own problems. Sadness, fear, uncertainty, distraction, preparation, all were showing different signs. Dimtri felt them all too, one couldn't push all it away, but an adventure worth of terror and action had allowed him to bury those feelings over what needed to be done.

That was when the next feral came flying through the window, claws bared and jaws wide.

A hand burning with red fire grabbed the thing out of the air, another similarly wreathed coming up right behind it. Dimitri bared his teeth and glared at the thing, his dizzying eyes taking in its distorted and twisted form.

My God there's something seriously wrong in this world for this to be possible. For what reason does something like this need to exist?

As the thing growled and flailed in his hands, Dimtri planted his feet and pulled. The fire wreathing his hands burned brighter, even as Dimitri strained. There was a wet ripping sound, a final gurgled cry, and two halves of a feral fell to the ground bleeding forcefully. Dimitri watched as the blood on his hands dried and disintigrated under the flames covering them. The light of the Strength tarot could be seen through his robes at it burned with a similar color and ferocity. Breathing heavily now, his teeth bared, Dimitri turned back to his companions. They were certainly more attentive now.

"Watch yourselves, watch each other. We're all we have in this world. Look around, these are all you are going to have to trust and rely on for a long time. Figure out your problems, deal with them, bury them for all I care. Who lives and who dies is going to depend on how much you all want to stay alive....now let's get the hell out of here."

[kalad1]

>>Danarica<<

To say I was stunned would be an understatement. An entire town, gone, and I had been practically helpless to stop it. The sheer numbers had been boggling. Why was this happening? We were supposed to be heroes, and even if I was probably going to be a bit less effective, how were we supposed to be effective against such numbers? Having to run, rapidly going from shadow to shadow, watching people being grabbed before me... it left a nasty taste in my mouth.

Why hadn't something been done sooner? Why did the world even need champions? My thoughts raced along these lines as I left the city, though a part of it was worrying about the others, and Ovan, and Adalia, if something happened to them... I shook my head, nothing would happen, everything would be fine, yes it would. Oh who was I kidding, I was worried to hell and back about them.

Then I saw them, the rest had managed to find each other. I waved, running over. Adalia and some other kid was with her. They all nodded rather solemnly, it was a rather sobering incident. I sighed, if I was going to keep going with them, they'd need to know, so I nudged closer to Ovan, and spoke up.

"Uh... could I have everyone's attention for a sec?" I asked nervously, and Ovan took my hand in his, squeezing it in support.

"Yeah? What is it?" one of the guys responded.

"Well, before we go further, I think you deserve to know that..." I paused, gathering my wits, and merely saying one of the hardest things I'd ever said, practically squeaking it out, "I'm pregnant."

[classy_cat18]

OOC: Aww, no love for the caracal. You just leave him in there to be eaten. For shame!

Shonta/Kite
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wake up, you fool!

I mentally groaned. 'It's loud enough without you yelling in my head. What's the problem?

I was answered by the breaking of the nearby wall. The fur on my tail stood on end as I jumped up with a scream. There was no time to get myself together, however, as a Fearl peered in the room and prepared to pounce. My hand instinctively grabbed my halberd and swung at the beast. As it stumbled around with a gash on the side of its body, I used the hole as a shortcut out of the hotel.

I quickly caught up with Mowsen and Dimitri during our rush out of the city. "Thanks for letting me sleep, guys. I would've loved to stay and be devoured!" I shouted at them with sarcasm clear in my voice. "Be glad you still smell sweaty or I wouldn't have found you!"

More of our group joined us as we neared the outskirts of the city. But Adalia was nowhere to be found. Where is she? I thought she would've been with the others. But we finally found her waiting for us with a boy her age. "This couldn't get worse," I grumbled to myself as I looked back at the smoking ruins of the city.

Then Dana gave her little announcement.

You were saying?

I was stunned. "Um, should I sympathize or congratulate?" I asked her. I got a few fierce glares. "Open mouth, insert foot."

The others talked with Dana for a minute and then set out for our next destination. But the glaring wasn't over. Loki's eyes felt like they were burning through my skull. I took this for about thirty minutes and then turned around to face him. "Okay, what's your problem?" I asked him.

"You don't think I heard what you said to Adalia this morning?" he growled.

"She'll live."

He grabbed my shirt collar in anger. "I know that you and her had a relationship in the other world. Why are you throwing it away?"

Not to be intimidated by a fellow feline, I snarled at him. "I hate to be pointing fingers at a young innocent girl, but she was the one that neglected to tell me that she had something going on here. If I would've known I would be sucked in here, I wouldn't have started anything!"

I could faintly hear Adalia starting to cry again but I wasn't done with my rant. "She thinks that she could love both of us at the same time. That can't be done! That sort of thinking leads to all sorts of problems! Didn't you know that people used to be beheaded over this sort of thing? Ask two of Henry VIII's wives!"

By this point Loki looked like he was going to tear my head off. "I don't want her heart to be broken," he said as calmly as he could.

"She has you! And...whoever he is." I pointed to the new kid. "She doesn't need me. Besides, I'll always be her friend. It's not like I hate her now."

"But..."

"You think I'm devastated about this? People come and go. I'm used to walking alone." I pried his hands off of my collar and went back to walking.

[Prof. Jb Wolf]

Ban Ravi
~Fighting for a Reason~

Though I had gotten some sleep within the few hours before daybreak, I found that I had a lot of energy leftover from the battle with the phoenix. That, coupled with all the questions swimming through my mind, was why I was sitting on the roof of the inn. We knew too little about this world, or at least I did, and neither of the voices in my head were much help.

Ban was content to let me be the dominant personality, manifesting himself only when in the heat of battle to coordinate our body with his fighting experience or to complain about an urge for 'a woman and some good drink.' He cared not much for saving a world and left the 'big picture thinking' to me. Likewise, due in part to my own design, the spirit held little knowledge of the world around it and calmly reassured me that 'time would reveal all things.'

On the upside, the time had allowed me to commune with Miroku. While the blade itself wasn't sentient, like any artifact, it took time and experience to unlock all of its secrets. This is where the spirit itself came in, guiding my mind so I knew exactly how to call upon its powers to aid me and my fellows. Visions of black stone, obsidian, filled my thoughts - a towering mirror, a broken path of shards, an imposing coffin. Drawing a deep breath, I felt the stirring of power within Miroku, eager to release itself in the form of destruction.

You must surpress its nature, for much like fire it will consume you and everything if you let it.

There was a slight twinge as that moment of doubt almost let loose the energy. "No, no...I CAN do this..."

Closing my eyes as I reigned in the demonic power and I felt the presence loosen and come back under my control. I smiled, opening my eyes and looking at the black blade with renewed enthusiasm. Suddenly there was an audible 'grrrrowl' that emanated from my stomach. Realizing I hadn't eaten anything since we'd arrived in this world, I sheathed the blade, grabbed my coat and headed back down into the inn proper.

It surprised me to find the old woman bustling around the kitchen, throwing food and flasks into two large bags on the dining table. Grabbing what looked like an apple from a dish before she dumped that too into one the bags, I looked at her quizzicaly. "Oi, baa-san...." After years of watching anime, I found myself using some terms in regular life. "What's with the rush?"

She barely turned to look at me, continuing to pack away anything remotely edible. "The city's mana shield has fallen and the beasts are preparing to attack." As she placed the last of the items within the bag she quickly tied them shut. "You and your companions must flee. I've already placed the directions to the next shrine within these bags"

"Flee!? We should fight, I mean there can't be th-"

Our eyes met and the sheer intensity stopped me mid-sentence. "You cannot face them as you are now, their numbers are too numerous. They will sweep through the city, leaving only the dead and chaos in their wake." She lifted one of the bags and placed it my arms. "Flee, find the other shrines and restore the flow of mana!"

"But, what about you and the other folk!?" I waved a hand towards the street as people began to flee. "We can't just leave you like this! Whoever brought us here told us we're suppose to restore faith in this world! How will it look if we just abandon you now of all times!?"

The old woman grabbed my hand in hers, her grip much stronger than her frame would suggest. "You and your companions are the chosen ones, the only hope for my people! You must understand that if you fall now, the Fearls will consume our entire land. We have already lost our homes more tha once..." Her grip on my arm loosened before she let go. "Another city will make little difference. You are the lights of this world now, go and spread it before the darkness takes us all!"

Before I could answer her she was gone, leaving only the other bag on the table. Faithless? It seemed to me that this old woman did not lack any. This lay heavily on my mind - could we accomplish this? Could we save this world? It was almost too much to think about. My reverie was broken by the sound of the stairs and I turned to see Moswen standing there apparently recovered.

"The lady says the mana shield is down on this town..." I grimaced at my next words. "..and now Fearls are-"

There was a crash as a Fearl burst through the large window set in the dining room. It larger than the ones I had fought in the church, obviously sacrificing any semblance of grace for sheer power. It growled at us as I unsheathed Miroku and the others took up arms.

=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=

The next few moments were a blur in my mind but soon found ourselves on the outskirts of the city. All of us had made it out, none the worse for wear. Okay, Danarica just told everyone she was pregnant and there was a new member, but no one was badly injured physically. As the others began talking about plans as to what to do, I found myself standing off and watching as the city burned.

Both the old woman and Dimitri's word's were on my mind, the answers to the questions that had kept me awake. We had been chosen and there wasn't a damn thing we could do about it. Right now all we had to rely on was each other, and we were charged with a mighty task against impossible odds.

"But we wouldn't have been chosen if we couldn't do it, ne?" I said quietly to myself. Raising my right hand I looked at it for a moment before clenching it tightly. "This cannot happen again. I won't let it happen again. I'm going to get stronger. I swear it."

Within I could feel the voices of Ban and the spirit echo my resolve. I swear it.

A gentle hand laid itself on my shoulder and I turned to meet Moswen's mismatched gaze. "Hey, you better hurry up - can't leave anyone behind." She gave me a wan smile which I returned as I picked up the bags with our supplies and the map in it.

"Right - we've got a world to save."

[Haruko]

Ovan
-i arranged the lies of self-satisfaction / and locked the door so no one could come in / and in an almost shut-off room / i couldn't even find myself.-

It was as soon as I picked my new pants from a vendor that my sword had givien off a pulsating feeling. I had looked onto the horizon to see hundreds of thousands of ferals coming..
"The mana shield!" The clothing vendor scrambled, picking up what money he had. "Please, mercenary, I'll pay you, take me out of this city!"
'Huh?!"I looked him, shocked, but as quickly as he offered a job, he took my hand and ran. We ran against the grain of the fleeing villagers, but also diagonally away from the ferals. I scrambled to place the pants on my arm and hold my sword, in case.

"Feral!"The merchant cried, running behind me as one of the ferals ran stray from it's bethran, and to us. I unsheathed my blade and held it, concentrating and placing mana.

'Fire?!?'I thought, shocked, as my blade ignited in flames. Was it due to yesterday, or..
'Heh..'Danielle muttered in a bit of shock.'Be reckless, and be like the flame. Be reliable, and be as calming as the water.'
'I know that!'I thought in a rush, almost snapping back at her. Just because she created me, doesn't mean she was a know it all! I rushed to the feral and hit my blade against it's neck, and the fire & blade combination quickly beheaded the feral. I stabbed it for good measure, then withdrew the mana from my sword and sheathed it.

"Amazing, mercenary.."The merchant smiled. I picked up my pants and we ran to the outskirts of town, where I could see my comrades."This is your pay."
He took out 5 Mananite marbles, 2 almost clearly white, and 3 white with some taint."And the pants. I owe you my life, aswell."
"It was nothing.."I nodded."What are you going to do now?"
"The next town is where my family lives, I travel here weekly to sell what my wife weaves. I'll go there. I know some magic, I should be ok for the ride." I nodded to his response and we shoke hands. We departed ways, me going to the group, who was congreating to the outskirts of town.

'Everyone is safe'I sighed in relief. I came up to the group. I walked to Danarica, and took her hand. She was still shaken from knowing she was pregnant, and now the feral attack couldn't of helped.

"Uh... could I have everyone's attention for a sec?"She nervously said, and held my hand a bit more tightly.
"Yeah? What is it?"One of the guys responded to Danarica's announcement. It was for the best for everyone to know, but it made me nervous. It made Danielle pissed aswell.
"Well, before we go further, I think you deserve to know that..."She paused briefly, then added," I'm pregnant."

Mostly everyone had their bits to add, either acknowledging it or saying smartass remarks. I could feel Danielle shrinking inside of me, embarassed to hell. I continued to hold Danarica's hand, but my mind drifted elseware.

'I should..just..stay quiet for the rest of this.'
'Why?'
'I have no part to play, and you're in control.'She said, I could feel her words tightening with anxiety near the end.'Why am I even here if I'm not in control..'
'I...'I thought, not sure of what to say.'There is always a reason..and maybe..you'll be control sooner or later..'
'I doubt it!'She snapped.'With you pregnating Danari..Denis, then...'

'I can't do this.'She repeated, with each word, I felt her presence a bit less.'Tell me when it's over..'

It was with those words that I felt at complete loss, I couldn't feel Danielle in me at all..



If you figure out with using Yin and Yang, Yin(female) is almost completely out driven by Yang(male) at this point. (The wiki says Yin is female and Yang is male.>.<; Referance

[Bulbasaur4]

Yeah, I realized half-way through the RPG that I totally mixed the two up in my sign up. *shame shame* Which is bad since my major demands I know this... but hey, if you have any further questions about Yin and Yang, you can ask me. I know extensive stuff about it... and Wikipedia does a good job, but nothing is really finite about the two. Mwhaha... so Moswen's darker half is yin and her lighter half yang, doesn't change anything about my character since her dark yin powers are called Nuanice anyway.

*grabs Danielle* NYUUU! Don't leeeave!
I am posting after Ryan, btw. *sits and waits*

[Roy Karrde]

Adalia
~*~*~*~*~ Riding ~*~*~*~*~

We had come across a farm in the outskirts of the town, the farmer seemed to have already abandoned his place for higher ground once news of the Fearls had reached him. Although we all felt bad about it, we needed transportation, so taking the Caligrey, which are a type of deer used for riding, was the only option. Some of us paired up, others road their own. “Which way do we go?” Bryan asked pulling up along side of the group shifting her head from side to side.

Ban pulled up next to him and pointed out a small dirt path that traveled north. “I hate traveling on these things.” Moswen groaned behind him. I tried to keep myself from giggling my head laying against Loki’s back with my arms wrapped around his tender waist. “Anyway north we go.” She sighed as Ban and everyone else slapped the reigns and we were off.

The sun began to dip lower into the sky as we continued to ride, the horizon littered with trees and no signs of a city. I shifted my head to look at my left, looking at Knes who looked a mixture of sad and worried, and then Shonta came into the frame and I quickly turned my head away. “What’s wrong?” Loki winced as I fed a bit more healing mana into him.

“He hates me… they all do.” I wimpered back.

“I don’t think all of them hate you..” Loki began, reaching down with one hand and grasping my own rubbing his thumb across the palm for a sympathetic stroke.

“You weren’t at the market place..” I sighed placing my arms tighter around him for support. “I’m so glad you are here.” I whispered leaning up and kissing the back of his neck.

My stomach began to grumble again as did others around us as we pulled to a slow trot and finally to a full stop near the side of the road. “Dinner Time!” Moswen swung off her Caligrey as Loki helped me down. I turned and watched Danarica and Ovan as they sat down together and began to talk. She was pregnant? Who was the Father? And how did she get pregnant?

All these questions filled my mind as I slowly walked over to them and touched Danarica’s shoulder. “Are you two still mad at me?” I asked slowly, sitting down next to them as Danarica gave me a soft smile. “So how did you get pregnant?” I asked curiously looking at her stomach, which didn’t even look pregnant. Maybe my Mana was wrong.

Danarica and Ovan’s face went completely white in fear. Ovan quickly twisted his head around looking in all directions. “Why don’t you go play with your friend, he looks lonely.” Ovan pointed to Knes who was sitting on his knees using a stick to dig out pictures in the dirt. His eyes narrowed into a glare. “Now.” I shot a glare back, puffing up my cheeks, and got up walking away from them with hands on my hips in annoyance.

I stood behind Knes for a few seconds curious on what to say, what could I say, he just lost his sister. I finally just reached out and touched his shoulder. “I’m sorry about your sister.” I began as he rose to his feet with the stick and smiled. “If… later I would like to know what she was like and talk about her.” I spoke trying to choose my words carefully.

He nodded and I reached over picking up another stick. “So.. want to play?” I asked taking up a fighting stance pretending the stick was a sword. “I may be a girl but I can still beat you with one arm tied behind my back!”

It’s time to Ride and Eat guys, enjoy the Scenery and catch your breath.

[Bulbasaur4]

Moswen
*^*^*^*^*^* A single light shines brightest in the greater darkness*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Moswen scratched absently behind one of her ears as she let out a yawn. The ride on the Caligrey wasn't the most pleasant of experiences, but she relief on Ban to make the ride somewhat bearable. It had seemed like forever until the group came to a place to rest, in which the others took the time to do whatever they wanted before we had to ride again.

Without hesitating, Moswen walked over to the newer member of the group. He seemed to be a bit wide-eyed and seemed to stare at everyone like a curious child. Bending down to him, Moswen held out her hand as her ears perked forward.
"I am Moswen." She said, her voice gentle yet containing its exotic tune.
"Knes." He replied firmly, and Moswen cracked a smile. She could see in his strange-eyed gaze that though he was young, he was tough. Or at least, he tried his best to be that way.
"Well Knes, if you need anything... I would be glad to help you."
Knes gave a nod, as his eyes wandered over to Adalia who was near Loki. Moswen raised a brow to this, and then withdrew a sigh as she shook her head. Not knowing on what to say in such matters, she rose to her feet and walked away.

"Dimitri!" Moswen said, walking over to him. Dimitri turned around from whatever he was doing, looking at Moswen with a "what"? look. Moswen stood before Dimitri and narrowed her eyes slightly, folding her arms above her chest as she looked to him.
"So, I guess I'm not talking to Bryan?" She stated, as his eyes seemed to widen. Shaking her head, Moswen cracked a smile as her eyes seemed to glitter with a little bit of an unidentified emotion. "I could tell, back by all those Fearls, that Dimitri - you - had come out. I could tell it wasn't... Bryan, I guess. Just wanted to see who was around now."
Moswen glanced upwards at the sky and withdrew a breath.
"Bryan is just resting... " Dimitri responded.
Is there Moswen in me too? Would she ever come to take over this body? She thought, glancing at the others. Had they been taken over at some point too? Who was who at times...
"What about Moswen?" Dimitri asked, to which she shrugged.
"No idea. I've been in control the whole time... although, there are some points where I state my power levels or a random figure comes into my head... but I don't think she's ever truly surfaced. I haven't made contact with her... I don't know what she's like.."
Memories or thoughts of the last RPG came into her head. She remember that the personality of that body took her over... but it wasn't so much the personality as it was the chaos of power. It snuck up on her back then... so much that she didn't notice. Not until it was too late... and she had been pushed aside and lost. The personality simply took over because it deemed itself more powerful... and then...

"No... that won't happen." Moswen said, shifting slightly as she looked back at Dimitri. "I'm glad Bryan is getting his rest." She gave Dimitri a soft hug, quite randomly perhaps for Dimitri before she let go. "When he wakes up, give him that for me."

"Food... the others are going to want some." She mumbled to herself, looking about to see Ban near the Caligrey.

"Hey Ban, want to go food hunting?" She asked, touching his shoulder lightly as she nodded her head off into a direction. Ban looked in that direction, to see that Moswen had already spotted a few rough looking plants that could perhaps hold some fruit. Not too far from that were a few deer-looking animals, that did not look like Caligrey.
"I don't know your stance on hunting..." Moswen said, as the two of them began heading over in that direction. "... but the others are going to need some food, and I figured the guy with the big sword was the best bet." She said with a wink, trying to lighten the mood. The mood needed to be lightened... after such a devastating occurance of losing the town.
As Ban and Moswen reached the area, Moswen bent down to inspect one of the plants to see that there was fruit upon it. Sniffing it, her instincts seemed to kick in from her animal half... the fruit smelled good and untainted.
"Hey... Ban...?" Moswen said, picking the fruit and looking up to him.
"Are you worried that something about this place seems wrong?" Moswen's face seemed a bit distant as she spoke, staring at the fruit.
"... I keep thinking that the only things I can trust are.." Moswen's voice trailed off, as she left the sentence incomplete.

Knes
~>~>~>~>~>~> Lose can only occur if you let it happen... <~<~<~<~<~<~<~

Knes had watched Adalia with the other male for a lot of the ride. Knes had been riding with the figure known as "Dimitri", although he remained mostly quite. A few words had been said, but Knes otherwise was thinking about other things. When the group came to rest, Knes immediately tried to go off on his own but another figure stopped him. One known as Moswen, introduced herself and then offered her help if needed. Knes weakly nodded, but then looked to Adalia and the other figure once more before feeling his heavy gaze sink.

It wasn't long before Knes was crouched on the ground, etching things into the sand with a stick. However, soon Adalia came and grabbed a stick... challenging him to a fight. His deeply moved gaze rested upon Adalia, as he stood up and held the stick calmly. Withdrawing a deep breath, he soon let a smile form upon his face.
"I won't go easy on you..." He said, just as Adalia charged at him. With a grin, Knes leapt into the air and soared above Adalia's head. He landed on the ground behind her and spun around, just as she whipped about with the stick. Their sticks clashed together, as they fought back and forth for quite some time. Finally however, as the two of them were standing infront of eachother- both blocking the other's move, Knes leaned in towards Adalia.
"You see... you gotta watch for the surprise element." He said, to which Adalia made a confused face. Suddenly, Knes disappeared from her eyes and before she could react, he reappeared behind her and instantly had a stick to her neck. He dropped the stick however, and simply took a few steps back with a bow.
"I used to spar with the kids back in the town..." He said humbly, bowing his head before Adalia. "I'm sorry if I surprised you."

Adalia looked at Knes and then her face shifted into a laugh, as she shook her head. "That was fun! Don't be sorry."
Knes nodded and then sat down on a rather large rock, as Adalia walked up to him.
"I'm sorry about your sister..." She trailed off, but Knes shook his head and looked up at Adalia. He let a small smile trace upon his lips weakly, as he shook his head.
"I'm alright... I'm used to losing things... she's in a better place now anyways... better than this world." He nodded, looking at Adalia and then his eyes seemed to scan for someone else. There was silence for a while, as Adalia sat next to Knes. The wind blew against their faces as they seemed to sat... mostly in contemplation.
"That guy you were riding with..." Knes began, looking back at Adalia but then quickly looking away. "Is he your ... boyfriend or something?"
Adalia's face seemed to grow red as she shook it and held up her hands. "Umm.. no... he's... he's a friend." She stated, and Knes's eyes widened slightly.
"Really?"
Adalia hesitated for a second, but then nodded. "Yeah."
A blush rose to Knes's cheeks for a second, before he softly gave a smile but then looked away.
"O... okay.." He said quietly, fiddling the glove on his hand.

[Dr.McNinja]

Dimitri watched silently as Moswen strolled away. After a moment he sighed and sat back on his Caligrey.

You are lucky to have friends such as her

Bryan heard Dimitri's voice and stirred from his rest.

And what about you Dimitri? Who were....are your friends? I never even knew that you existed in me before, why are you coming out now?

A soft chuckle echoed through the shared mind.

Many reasons. Do not fear however, I have no desire to control this body. We work for the same goals, and once we are done you will leave me once again. I suppose...I wanted to thank you.

Bryan's confusion was palpable in the bond.

Yes, thank you. My entire life I worked, trained, prepared for my chance to do something worthwhile in a world, any world. I never got that chance...until you arrived.

You still might, just because I'm not around doesn't mean you can't do great things.

This time the chuckle was more ironic, the irony tinged with something...sad.

Yes...yes it does.

There was a long pause before Bryan's voice was heard again.

Dimitri...are you?

....


Dimitri's eyes snapped open...he hadn't even realized he had closed them. There was a different light in them this time however. Bryan's persona had returned to control.

If you need me....I'll be here for you.

Guiding his mount over to Moswen, Dimitri smiled at her.

"Thanks for the hug...I needed that."

[kalad1]

>>Danarica<<

My hand rose and fell, stroking my stomach over and over again. What was inside of there? Was it a boy or girl? How could I be a mother? I knew nothing about woman hood!

The sounds of others arriving back from their hunt caught my attention yet only vaguely. “Dinner… I think.” Ban along with Moswen returned with handfuls of fruit as well as a dead animal slung behind Ban’s back. I turned my attention back to my stomach. Would these clothes even fit a pregnant woman? A familiar touch landed on my shoulder, I turned to look up into Ovan’s loving eyes. “You can’t starve.” He mumbled.

“I-I’m not hungry.” I lied.

Ovan cracked a smile and leaned down grasping my hand and helping me up to my feet. “Eat, I don’t want my baby to die from starvation.” He said half jokingly. I followed limply walking after him over to the campfire, pilling off a slab of roasted beef. Nibbling on it slowly.

"So.. are all of you from another world or something? You guys don't seem to act like you are from here... or...atleast... that is what it seems." The new kid, Knes, said, unkowingly striking a nerve, home, or... Dennis' home... what did that mean for the kid? I shrugged noncommitedly, trying to avoid the subject.

With one kid talking it was the next to follow. “How about we talk about home?” Adalia chimed in. My head began to buzz from a headache, the buzzing only swelled as she spoke again. “Why don’t you go first Dana?” She asked clasping her hands and turning to me.

The buzzing began to rattle my brain as I rose, walking away. “Just leave me alone.” I muttered, not even at the tree line before the soft pitter-patter of foot steps told me she had followed me. “I-I’m scared, Ovan support help’s but…” I leaned against a tree with a closed fist. But it how long till it couldn’t support me anymore?

"We're all scared." Adalia stated, innocently but perceptively. She may be a kid, but kids weren't completely stupid, just.. inexperienced. But, she didn't percieve the nuances of the situation. I decided to inform her.

"But it's different for the others." I stated, "They don't have a... passenger..."

“Well I doubt you will have to worry about it. I doubt we will be here nine months and then poof.” She used her hands to emphasize the grizzly destruction. My face drained of blood in shock, poof? The baby would be gone? The little girl placed her hands behind her back, rocking back and forth on her heals. “You know I am a very powerful white… magic… mage… person.”

"And?" I asked a tad bit sharply, what good was bragging going to do for the situation? Not only was I going through this, I was probably going to lose the kid, no matter whether it be boy or girl.

The girl cupped her chin, looking down at the ground. “Well babies are made by cells splitting apart and making more right?” She asked, deep and thought. I began to wonder if I was talking to the twenty one year old college student now. Or the eleven year old curious little girl. “Isn’t that the same thing my mana does?” She spoke up looking into my eyes.

My eyes bugged out a bit, thoughts racing through my mind, the implications of what she was saying going through my mind. She could... speed it up? Well, it WAS magic...

A bit shakily, I asked, "So, you're saying you'd..."

She shrugged her shoulders. “ I could try, and it wouldn’t hurt I mean people don’t say I hurt them when I use my mana.” She shook her hands trying to calm me down and then stepped forward. “But it would take a few times… I mean my mana isn’t that strong..” She drooped her shoulders, as I let out a sigh knowing I wouldn’t be inducing pregnancy out here.

Probably a good thing, though, there were no midwives out here. And I really should marry Ovan before I actually have the baby. Taking a deep breath, I calmed my nerves, and answered, "O-Okay..."

She stepped forward placing her hands on my stomach. A warming sensation began to fill and surround my stomach. Like laying in a warm bath. I idly began to stroke her hair, would my daughter.. would she have blonde hair too? My eyes snapped open finding her dropping to her knees, groaning and coughing a few times. “I think we better stop.” I leaned down feeling a sudden additional weight in my stomach… and chest, Though the outward change was minimal so far.

[Roy Karrde]

Adalia
~*~*~*~*~ Outdid Herself ~*~*~*~*~

My mind was full of a foggy haze as Dana helped me along through the forest. I knew the feeling, mana shortage, and the only cure was a nice long sleep. “You will get right in bed when we get back.” I could hear Dana whisper as I leaned heavily onto her for support. Something in her voice reminded me of my mom.

“What ever mom..” I groaned tripping up once or twice as we reached the edge of the tree line. The Orange Tint of torches lit the horizon “What is that?” I opened one groggy eye, the torches were moving down the hill and toward our small little group.

Knes and Loki were quickly at my side, taking both of my arms and moving me close to the group where it was safer. “Where have you been?” Loki hissed, his voice filled with concern. His eyes lifted to the torches, carried by men on Caligrey as they came to a halt near us. The group was rag tag, and filled with many who seem to have just grabbed their belongings from the city and ran.

Moswen stepped forward with an open hand only to be met with a screaming woman who pointed a shaky finger. “It’s them! The traitors! They lowered the Mana shield I saw them!” She screamed at the top of her lungs.

Several large thugs stepped forward, none of which looked like police officers. “All of you are coming with us.” One of the large men grabbed Shonta by the arm bringing a growl from her. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way, but either way you are going to Talidan. They know how to deal with traitors like you.” He growled jerking her forward.

“Talidan..” Knes whispered in fear.

I turned looking at him, seeing fear in his eyes. “Talidan is a border town.. full of people that have experienced daily attacks by Fearls… We’re all going to be hung.” He whispered in shock as the full realization hit me. “Don’t worry… I will protect you, some how.” He turned a icy glare back to the mob.

Alright it is a full night’s walk to the border town and this group will probably not let us walk on Caligrey’s so we have to walk it. If some of you want you could try to run, and regroup, and try to mount a rescue attempt. Otherwise we may be facing the noose by tomorrow morning!

[Haruko]

Danielle
-i became just a little adult / i like to copy a experienced, standing on tiptoe. /everyday, it doesn't seem to end: Always searching for the answer..-

"...there is no need for me.."I sat in a bright white room. It didn't even seem like a room, it was more like endless space. There was a bed, a mirror, and a chair. I could just sleep..and maybe wake up, and be home.

Home..

I slowly walked over, taking one glance into the mirror, which showed Ovans sight. He seemed to be in trouble, with what seemed to be some people on some huge walking deer things. I turned my head away and walked over to my bed, laying my head down on the pillow, my hair going across my face. My eyes slowly closed themselves, trying to get rid of the world around myself.

"Wake, Danielle."I heard a strong, yet gentle womans voice. I slowly opened my eyes and ahead of me was a tall, armored up woman with long, braided up blonde hair. In her hilt carried the same sword I created for Ovan."Now sit.."

She walked over and sat down on the bed as I slowly sat up, looking at her. Her crystal blue eyes struck me, reminding me of ice. A moment of silence passed us before I wondered why, or how, she was in "my spirit".
"I am the spirit in your sword."She said gently, her voice echoed throughout the room."I was a warrior in this world a long time ago, and I sealed my soul in this sword---"
"But I created the sword."
"No, you mearly described the first sword in your heart, which happened to exist in this world. The god here then took me and placed me in your custody."
"I see.."I thought."Then why are you here? Me being all pissed and upset has nothing to do with you.."
"Yes, it does."She sighed, and stood."I was assigned to you. Not Ovan. Ovan can only wield me when you're at his side, and that is not to my full strength. Without you at all, my hilt will burn his hand and reject him."

"..."I looked down."I can't go back. I have no place. He got someone pregnant, I can't deal with that! And then Ryan.."
"Ryan?"
"I can't have him know it's me here. If it's Ovan all the time, he won't suspect a thing and nothing will go wrong."
"What would happen if he knew it was you..?"She asked, sitting back down besides me.
"Probably cry."I laughed a little, remembering the incident of Adalia crying after an incident with Kite. "But he'd be mad, or something.."

"I just.."I placed my hand over my heart, and remembered everyone I missed back home.."really..want..to go home." She then placed her hand over mine, and positioned her head to look into my eyes.
"I promise, I will get you home."She smiled."Me and you both, but you must...come out.I will help you in every way, Danielle."

I then looked over in the mirror, where Ovan was walking with his hands tied in rope. He was feeling ashamed, not being able to protect Danarica, and curious - just as much as I was. I looked over to the plate-armored woman, and stood.
"Whats your name?" I asked.
"Huh?"She seemed suprised,"Well, it's been a while..I don't remember my name from when I was human."
"Hmm..Well, from Norse mythology, you seem a lot like a battle maiden, a Valkyrie. I think that'll be your name."I smiled, placing my hands on my hips. She smiled back, and noded.

I looked up, and to the infinte white space that surronded us.
"Now, how do we get out?"



Danielle can control these elements through Valkyrie, with controlling her emotions, Danielle is Valkyrie's true master: Ovan cannot control these elements at all, and Danielle cannot control Ovan's elements.
Lightning: Blue and yellow lightning currents surrond Valkyrie, shocking the enemy with a large voltage. Is identified by Danielle's sarcasm.
Ice: Cold, visible waves of frost surrond the sword, which Danielle can control at will to surge into the enemy at will when near the enemy's skin.Is identified by Danielle's antisocialness.
Earth: Danielle stabs the sword into the earth, and the gem on the hilt glows. The earth beneath the sword then swallows the blade and makes an even bigger sword for the time being.Is identified by Danielle's perfectionism.


A bit of an odd post. If anyone includes Ovan before my next post, he's a bit aloof at the moment since Danielle isn't @ whole with him(like 2 halfs to a whole.)

[Prof. Jb Wolf]

Ban Ravi
~Answers, Lost But Seeking~

Though it was only a short time, I found I had grown somewhat attached to the Caligrey we were riding. Sure riding bareback was a bit sore on the pelvic region, but once you learned to roll your hips with the movements it wasn't so bad. Plus, Yakul (as the name over his stall had dubbed him), was a rather gentle fellow. Moswen didn't quite agree and was most grateful when we finally stopped for the night.

"Thanks for the ride, Yakul." I said quietly to the Caligrey as I patted it lightly on the head and offered him what I assumed were sugar cubes I'd taken from the farm. The deer-like creature licked the cube from my hand before nuzzling my palm.

"Hey Ban! Want to go food hunting?" A familiar touch on my shoulder made me turn to Moswen. She flicked her head towards some fruit bearing trees and some creatures that appeared to be deer.

I nodded to her to show that I would and we started off. "I don't know your stance on hunting," She said with a wink my way. "But the others are goign to need some food and I figured the guy with the big sword would be the best bet."

We'd probably be better off with a spear or bow. A sword is a weapon, not a utensil.

'Remind me to get one when we get to the next town.' I thought back as I gave Moswen a grin.

Picking up one of the fruit from the ground Moswen gave it a few sniffs before giving me a thumbs up. We began gathering and soon had a small pile of fruit laying between in one of the bags the old woman had given me. Having picked up all the good ones from the floor, I climbed the tree to try and get some of the riper ones. Moswen stood beneath me as I tossed down the fruit. Straightening as picked one up she glanced up to me.

"Hey...Ban..." Her voice was a bit subdued, but I could hear her clear enough. "Are you worried something about this place feels wrong? I keep thinking the only things I can trust are...."

She looked down, growing silent. I gave a small shake of my head as I leapt down. "Your not the only one with a bit of doubt about whether we can do this or not. All of us probably share it to one degree or another. But you gotta remember what Dimitri said - We have to trust and rely on each, watch each other's backs if we're gonna survive." I put a reassuring hand on her head. "There's a word I learned in Japanse - 'nakama'. It means something akin to a trusted friend or ally, comrades that have complete faith in each other. Your my nakama, and for better or worse, I'm your nakama. You can always trust in that."

Her head came up, giving me a small smile as I grinned back. She caught me off guard as she suddenly hugged me before turning back to our pile of fruit. "Thanks for that Ban, now lets see what we can do about meat."

=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=

Turns out the spirit and Ban knew a thing or two about hunting. With a little bait and some luck I was able to nab one of the deer before they ran off. Offering a small prayer over it, Moswen and I returned to camp with our spoils. Dinner was a simple affair, some roasted meat and fruit with some stream water.

The sun soon began to set and as the surrounding hills were bathed in the last rays of light, I almosted missed the glow of torches from the hills. Grabbing Miroku, I saw the others do likewise with their own weapons as Loki and Knes went to get Danarica and Adalia. Soon it was apparent that the torches were being carried by a large group of people, most likely refugees from Sunde. Most of them were mounted on Caligrey themselves and as Moswen stepped forward to speak a loud shout went up. "It's them! The traitors! They lowered the mana shield, I saw them!"

Several of the larger men came forward, one grabbing Kite by the arm. "All of you are coming with us! We can do things the easy or the hard way, but either way you are going to Talidan. They know how to deal with traitors like you." He began to roughly drag Kite towards the mob.

Eyeing them I sheathed Miroku, I began walking forward. Trusting that her ears were more than just for show, I whispered to Moswen as I passed her. "When I say so, you and the others get running. I'll buy you guys some time to get away." Her eyes flicked towards me. "Don't worry, I'll be fine and catch up to you guys soon."

Nearing the man holding Kite, I placed a hand on his arm. "Now now, gentlemen. No need to be rough. We'll come along quietly..." My grip tightened and there was a quiet 'crack' as I broke his wrist. "...Over my dead body."

As the guy let go of Kite I shoved him into the other thugs. "Moswen, NOW!" Out of the corner of my eye I saw Moswen hesitate before signaling to the others to run. As the group dispersed, I saw the thugs rush forward. Meeting their charge, I slammed an open palm into the lead man's gut, knocking the wind outta him. Before he hit the ground, my leg swept out to knocked over the men closest to him.

Getting back to my feet, I was surprised to find the other thugs staggering back holding their guts. Standing fists raised was Knes, a fierce light in his eyes. "Why didn't you run when you had the chance?"

"I said I'd protect her." The boy said fiercely.

Shaking my head as I fell back next to the kid, I couldn't help muttering. "What is this a reverse Saotome Complex?" Knes looked at me confused. "Nevermind, just watch my back alright kid? And remember we're just buying time, not trying to kill them."

He nodded as more men from the mob surged forward to attack.

[Dr.McNinja]

Dimitri sighed. It never seemed to fail. Someone always misunderstood, overreacted, and then forced you to messily dispose of some of the people you were trying to save.

Or maybe not.

Knes and the kid with the claymore...Ban...weren't doing that bad a job at not brutally massacaring the maladjusted and viscious mob. For his part, Dimitri followed Ban's wishes and fled with the rest. His hand idly shifted through his Tarot cards as he rode, just to be safe. Good thing he did too, a sudden jolt on his arm announced the arrival of one of the more quick wited and fleet footed of the thugs. Dimitri's head shot around to glare at the rather dity man.

You've never tried this before you know

Yeah, but it won't be as draining as a Tarot...who knows how long we need to fight

Well...try to be creative at least

Dimitri closed his eyes for a split second. As he did so, the black coloring around his eyes began to spin and morph dizzingly. With an almost palpable wave, Dimitri's eyes shot open with a look of utter hostility on them. The eyes themselves were awash with color, his pupil and corona no longer seeming to be constrained within their normal bounds, spinning and swirling together. The thug blanched, his eyes growing wide and frightened. Gibbering incoherenly, the attacker released Dimitri and staggared back, only managing to vomit messily on the ground before collapsing in a twitching fit.

What...did you send him?

Everything and everyone he ever loved being slaughtered and burned alive as he watches, unable to help or call out to them?


.....effective.

Indeed it was, however more of the mob had caught up to them by now. Getting away wasn't going to be easy, even with Knes and Ban punishing most of those who tried to move past them towards the rest. Loosening his staff from it's resting place, Dimitri continued to flee, bashing whatever individual idiot tried to dirty his robes with their grubby little hands.

[Bulbasaur4]

KNES
*^*^*^*^*^*^* A will to fight *^*^*^*^*^*^*

Knes grimaced as he clenched his fists and charged openly at one of the human figures. A large clattering sound could be heard in the distance as Ban disarmed yet another man, both Knes and Ban sweating from their work.
“Stay BACK!” Knes roared, his olive-green eye flashing while his red eye still remained the same. His fist connected into the man’s gut, and it seemed as if a rippling effect in the air occurred as the sound of bones crunching split into the air. Coughing up blood, the man staggered back and soon fell to his knees. Knes leapt back slightly, breathing heavily as he regrouped with Ban. The two of them had been fighting for a while now… and the others had gotten a ways off, but there were simply so many humans. They seemed to come from all directions… as if they had planned an ambush and the torch-bearers were just a decoy.
“There are so many of them…” Knes gasped, showing impressive fighting ability and stamina despite his twelve-year-old figure. Ban gave a grim nod, but his eyes still flickered with an inner fighting spirit that seemed to mirror Knes’s green eye.

A few more figures charged at them, and Ban swiftly took them on. Knes watched for a split moment, in awe how the man seemed to handle the sword so wondrously without killing the men but disabling them.
“Come ‘ere squirt!” A voice yelled in the air, and Knes reared about to snarl as he ducked out of the way of another sword. Bunching up his legs and leaping into the air, Knes came downward on the man with a powerful kick to the jaw. Swiftly it dislodged as the man fell to the ground, and without hesitation Knes knocked the man out with a swift punch to the face. While his covered hand was only roughened up, his other uncovered hand’s knuckles bleed slightly. However, the little one continued to fight with a driving force behind it.
After what seemed like several minutes, Knes and Ban both were left standing. Breathing heavily, there were no more around them… but that included the group that ran off.
“We should find the others… they were pursued.” Ban said, looking around. “Let’s look for them…”
“We should split up.” Knes said, looking up at the warrior. Ban began to shake his head but Knes quickly added. “I can teleport. Don’t worry about me… if I run into any trouble, I’ll teleport out of there.”

Ban hesitated for a second, but then nodded and the two darted off. Knes swiftly ran in one direction, his heart beating fast from the exertion that he had put himself through. He was surprised at himself for lasting so long and putting up his own… but he had no time to think about such things. He had to find the group.
“Damn them…” Knes swore to himself, thinking of the attacking outsiders. People were so rash… everyone was rash. No one thought about anything other than themselves anymore.

It wasn’t long until Knes suddenly stumbled upon Adalia, Moswen and a group of others. Being unfamiliar with the main group, Knes was not sure if they were all there. However, they were being attacked… and it seemed as if most of them were ready to fight.
“Leave her ALONE!” Knes roared, suddenly leaping from the shadows and aiming a punch straight at a man who was lunging at Adalia. He connected with such force, that blood instantly gushed from the man’s face as he crushed the bones within the centered area. The man was sent sprawling on the ground, screaming in pain as the blood oozed down his face and he pressed his hands to his face.
A scream soon pierced through the air however within an instant of Knes’s action, and whirling around he saw Adalia being held by a larger man. He had a glowing dagger to her throat, while another man stood by his side.
“Don’t anyone move…” The man growled, “Or I’ll slit her throat.”
Knes stopped for a second, staring wide-eyed at Adalia and the man. A few thoughts ran through his mind, but soon another member of the group was caught and placed in the same predicament. (Knes was unsure of the name.)


MOSWEN
~~~~~~~Secrets hidden play in shadows... ~~~~~~~~~

“Fine… we’ll go with you.” Moswen suddenly said, looking at the others and then gazing to the men.


Moswen knew there was little choice. The group was tired from their journey and fighting, and there were simply too many humans at this point. Plus, they now had the upper hand with having two “hostages” within their group. Moswen knew her and the others could probably kill them, but it could not possibly guarantee that Adalia and the other would not get killed too. And the glowing dagger seemed eerie… as if it held a property other than to kill.
“There’s one missing from your group.” The man holding Adalia said, peering at the others. Moswen’s eyes searched the group – Ban. Hesitating for a second, her ears perked up slightly as she heard something far off. The humans couldn’t hear them and Moswen doubted most half-breeds could hear either. But she recognized it… and could sense that Ban was near- most likely observing from the shadows.
Ban… stay hidden… Moswen thought, as she spoke to the others.
“That was a swordsman we hired. He most likely ran off… since fighting your group would not be apart of his contract.”
The humans seemed to hesitate, as if untrusting.
“His name is Dael M’var, a mercenary we stumbled upon in the other city. If you do not believe me, perhaps you can fish out his old records in the destroyed city?” Moswen’s lie seemed to easily escape past her lips, so swiftly and readily that the humans obviously believed there was no way for her to construct a lie so readily. Accepting the answer, they prepared the group to leave.
I know you can help us… wait for the right time. Moswen thought, her eyes drifting to the shadows for a split second before they were ushered off.
And if they try to do anything to my beloveds… I’ll kill them.. A slumbering voice seemed to whisper within Moswen’s mind.

[Roy Karrde]

Adalia
~*~*~*~*~ Exausted ~*~*~*~*~

It was dark, darker than any night that I had been through while living in the city. Everything around us was pitch black, mud splashing along our feet as we walked. The only light came from the torch in front of us and the torch behind us. I could barely see Knes who stood by my side as we walked. “This is all my fault.” I mumbled, my legs swaying and aching with each step.

Knes moved closer allowing me to lean against him as we walked. “Don’t say that, I promised to protect you and I couldn’t…” He replied, trying to shift the blame on him for support. I opened my mouth to protest but all that came out was a long yawn. My feet twisted out from underneath me and I was sent sprawling into the mud.

Knes was immediately at my side, as was Loki, both helping me up from each side. “My two strong boys.” I blushed trying to stand up on my own legs only to have them buckle from exhaustion.

“It’s okay, I’ll hold you.” Both exclaimed to the other’s shock.

Loki made a additional move, reaching over and picking me up in his strong arms as I snuggled in against his chest. “You two can trade off… that way no one gets too tired because of me..” I whispered my eyes drooping heavily. I gazed up at Loki’s face who smiled back down at me as I leaned against his shoulder. “I love you.” That was the last thing I remember saying.

I was jolted back awake by some movement and talking. “Be careful with her head… there you go.” Loki whispered ever so slightly, I could feel his hand move away and Knes replace his hand where Loki’s was. “We’re coming into the town… I’m going to go move to the front of the line.” He explained his footsteps becoming fainter.

I opened my eyes even more, finding the trees have given away to fine sand, with stone house upon stone house lining the road. The sun just peeking over the horizon, and lighting up the four mana crystals very far off in the distance. One glowing a deep green while the other three were completely black. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know you two..” Knes whimpered, his voice filled with sorrow and sounded as if he were about to cry.

I turned my eyes and looked up at him, a tear dripped down his cheek before he jerked his face back up, sucking down the emotion as if too afraid to let me see him cry. “Don’t cry because of me..” I said, I never wanted anyone to be hurt because of me, I had felt so much pain in my life before because of relationships, I didn’t want anyone to feel that pain. But Shonta, Loki, and now Knes. All of them felt that pain because of me. “Maybe Loki will let me date you too.” I tried to give him some hope but the expression on his face remained emotionless.

“I promise to protect you..” He said, his voice stern.

I couldn’t help but smile back. “My handsome Knight.” I grinned softly, leaning up and kissing his cheek. Knes’ face instantly warmed and flushed, his hands wavering in shock to the point that he almost dropped me. We were led into one of the largest sand stone buildings in the town, most of the mob awaited outside as a large man pointed for girls to go into one room and boys into the other. While all of our gear was dropped into a large box. “I’ll see you later.” Knes whispered putting me on the ground, holding on to me until he was sure I could stand upright.

Once in the room we were ordered to strip with the guard standing over us, I glanced over at Moswen who nodded and I slowly undid my robe, sliding it off and handing it to one of the men that entered the room. “Hey, I said strip, that means your armor too.” One of the men jerked a finger at Moswen’s armor. She grinned a mischievous grin and the man backed away. “Alright maybe not, it isn’t dangerous any how.” He shuttered, extending his arms and pushing Dana, Moswen, and myself against the wall.

The largest man pulled out a large book and a quill, dabbing it in ink on the desk before approaching us, as another came by snapping on black collars on our next with a crystal attached to them. “These will dampen your natural powers as you so willing displayed when we captured you. Now comes inspection in which we will decide if you will be sold or hung.” The large book man said a bit smugly.

I turned my head looking up at Moswen. “Inspection?” I asked, her face remained stern but her hand moved down and held mine tightly.

One of the men stepped up to me, indicating I was first. He tipped my head up first checking each side of my face, and then ran a hand through my hair, poking and prodding it. “No lice or any other bugs.” He said and then went down onto a knee, not even looking into my eyes. He placed his arms on my shoulders squeezing them and then placed his hands on my chest running a finger over my nipples as I tried to squirm away. Moswen’s grip became even tighter. “No breast growth either.”

He went to each of my arms, prodding the muscles on them. “Sub par muscle strength..” He moved down and placed his hands on my hips as my legs began to shake from fear. I drew in a large breath to keep from crying. “No birthing hips yet.” He replied and moved his hand toward my crotch causing me to jerk away in shock, using my free hand to cover the area. “I’m done with her, send her to the gallows tomorrow.” He sighed rising up and moving to Moswen.

A few tears rolled down my cheek as my whole body continued to shake. Moswen let go of my hand and touched my cheek wiping a tear away. “You were strong… you were strong.” She whispered to me. I didn’t feel strong…

Alright guys we have a long journey through the mud and sand before finally reaching the jail. You will go through processing no matter what your gender and given the barest of clothing. You guys can decide what the verdict will be, slave or gallows. But either way we will be stuck in a jail cell in two different rooms, unable to talk to the other group, for one day while Ban plots our escape.

[Haruko]

Ovan
-tomorrow never knows but now / i don't have any hesitations / like the wings / that gets lost in the sunny sky.-

I couldn't protect her. Or even myself.

I tried to pull my sword out to protect us, but my hand burned the instant it touched it. Why...No..was it because I couldn't feel Danielle's presence?

"Run!" I yelled to Danarica as I tried to outrun the people pursuing us. I tried again to draw my sword, but with no avail. I was slowly backed into the tree as 2 males approched me. I tightened my fist and punched one in the face, but left myself open to the other man, mostly due to my irrational thinking. He kicked me in the spine and I fell down to the ground, my arms then tied together with rough rope.

"Heh!I thought you'd be more trouble, but it seems that you're out of it."The one tieing my hands joked, and they forced me up. I grumbled and looked around for Danarica, who seemed to be with Moswen and the others. I was pushed to walk to their Caligrey's, and I saw that they had Adalia by knifepoint.

“Fine… we’ll go with you.”Moswen said in response to Adalia in danger. I could count everyone but Ban, who seemed to make it out safely.
“There’s one missing from your group.”The one with Adalia said. I hid myself in shame, I couldn't defend myself, I thought irrationally. Ever since Danielle said she's come back when it was over, I felt odd..not whole.
“That was a swordsman we hired. He most likely ran off… since fighting your group would not be apart of his contract.” Moswen replied, the man hesistant to accept the response.
“His name is Dael M’var, a mercenary we stumbled upon in the other city. If you do not believe me, perhaps you can fish out his old records in the destroyed city?”Moswen smirked, and the man seemed to accept this. We started our trek to Talidan, a Caligrey was striding behind us, before us, and multiple people walked with us, securing us and keeping torches lit, which seemed to light the way in the now dark forest. I kept my eyes almost closed the entire time, ashamed of myself. I ignored anything anyone said, mostly out of my pride being bruised.

We soon made it near the town, most noticable was the change of sand from the forest landscape we once walked upon. The group was led into was seemed to be one of the biggest sand-like stone buildings, and were divided. One man pointed for the girls to go into one room, the men/boys into another. I glared and growled instantly as the guard eyed Danarica.
"Lay your hands on her..and.."I growled at him, hesistant to enter the mens room.
"And what?"He laughed."Go and get yourself killed for a woman?" I continued to glare at him as I was kicked into the mens room, stumbling in. The door was closed and someone bent down behind a desk as other personal of the building ordered the other men to strip.

"Get rid of all your armor, and that sword."The personel assigned to me cruely said, pointing to my sword. He untied me and I got my gloves and mail off."Now your sword."
"I can't touch it."I mumbled.
"A sword you cant use!?"He laughed, then placed his hand near the hilt. Flames erupted from the hilt and burned his hand severly, as he cried out in pain and ran off, another personel coming to me, glarign in annoyance. He looked and examined my belt, then my sword, and slowly took the belt off, holding it with extreme care as he placed it behind the counter. He then came back to me, and sighed.

"Not my favorite part, but inspection."He sighed, and motioned for my pants to go down. I blinked my eyes, did he...?!
"I'll do it for you if you don't do it."He said in annoyance, and I sighed in grief, taking them off slowly."Now..."
I slowly did it, uncomfortable that I had someone watching, felt..around there. He nodded, jotting notes. He motioned for me to put my pants back on, then to take my shirt off. I did that easily, and he jotted down taking notes, smiling as he did so.

"You're lucky."He nodded."Muscles..and...well endowed status. You'll go well in the slave market , attract the rich women."
"This one is Slave."He yelled to the main personel behind the desk, and he gathered a small collar with a blue crystal hanging from it. He placed it around my neck and the crystal glew, my strength was fading tenfold. I felldown onto my knees, only to be pushed into a corner, away from the others who were either done with their examination or in the middle. I could barely lift my finger as I heard something faint coming from through the wall.

"Hah, that one can't control his mana without a rune or sword, so why bother with a mana drainning crystal!"The personel that examined me laughed, and I shot a faint glare. I was moreso paying attention to the noise of whining and grief coming from the other room.

"...dana?"



Ryan said it was ok to use a different collar since Ovan can't really control mana without a rune or sword.

[classy_cat18]

Shonta/Kite
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Take off your shirt," the big guy told me. With slight hesitation I slipped off my shirt. Not that I had a choice; the smallest resistance could result in a beatdown from the bouncer-like guy.

The big guy gave me a wicked grin and squeezed my arm tightly, making me grit my teeth. "A bit scrawny but fairly muscled," he commented as he gave one last squeeze and withdrew his hand, leaving bruises. He then pointed to my shorts, which I removed but not before letting out a small growl.

I felt fingers curl around my neck before I knew it. "As much as I bet the ladies would love a wildcat like you, I don't think it's a good idea for you to be defying anyone," he told me. I nodded slightly as he let go and dropped my shorts. "Good leg muscles. You'll be nice for manual labor or...whatever."

"Damn cracker," I muttered, letting some of my "black" side slip. One of the guys -- I don't know which -- snickered at my comment.

"What did you say?" Bouncer snapped.

"Nothin', massa!" I exclaimed quickly and innocently. More snickering. Had they understood the sarcastic joke I would've been in the gallows right then.

"Slave, as long as he keeps his mouth shut," Bouncer told the other guy with the pen and paper.

Oh goody. Nothing like re-enacting pre-Civil War times. I sighed and put my clothes back on as the men moved to the next guy.

Another man came into the room with a smug look on his face. "We have a nice bunch of ladies. Too bad the little girl's gotta go," he told the other two.

My heart skipped a beat as I realized who he was referring to. "What do you mean?" I demanded loudly.

"Quiet, you!" Bouncer told me.

I seriously considered obeying him as his muscles bulged a little. But then the newcomer casually walked up to me and grabbed my chin. "The little doll is going to the gallows tomorrow so you'd better pray to the gods that her death is quick and painless."

Nothing could stop the growl rising from my throat. Without warning I lashed out and swiped my claws across his face. Immediately Bouncer and his friend jumped in and tackled me to the ground.

I growled like the angry wildcat I was modeled from. "You bastard! You'll die for this! I'll see to that myself!" I spat. Various threats spewed from my mouth as I was pummeled into submission. I couldn't move a muscle by the time they were done.

"I'm having serious doubts about this one," Smug Guy said as he tended to his scratches.

I hope you don't have any regrets seeing as our death is near.

'You're not helping.'

Oh, now you want my help. It's a little too late to be asking.

'Go play with my inner child or something. Just leave me alone.' I felt Kite recede to a corner of my mind as I curled up in the corner of the room. My spirit hurt a lot more than my body, which is saying a lot considering that it felt like a couple of bones were broken. "Adalia...I'm so sorry."

[Dr.McNinja]

Dimitri was last in line to be processed, and as such he had a few moments to think before they grabbed him and roughly began removing his clothing. He couldn't believe that he was about to do what he was but...well having some advantage was better than leaving all the cards in your opponent's hands....literally. As the brute behind him began ripping his precious cloak off of him, Dimitri feigned a stumble from the jerk, shooting one leg back as he did. For the first time since he had taken on Dimitri's body, Bryan fully appreciated the advantages having reverse jointed legs gave him. In this case, a very hard, pointy object aimed directly as his captor's crotch. A satisfying thump later and his assailent was on the ground holding himself tenderly. Dimitri's cloak was hanging half off, and he used the moment to discretely move the hand still in it into one of the pockets. Another guard came over to see what had happened and, after cuffing Dimitri despite the seeming innocence of his stumble, took over for the injured thug. The half-breed watched somewhat sadly as his possessions, especially his feathered hat, were taken away. He had no idea if there would ever be a chance to retrieve them but a pair of clothes were hardly worth his life.

The inspector came over, a less than excited look on his face. Dimitri supposed that half-breeds weren't as exciting to grope and fondle as humans...for the second time Bryan appreciated his extremely animalistic form. The inspector simply felt his muscles, noted his eyes, and checked his teeth. Dimitri just stood there in silence, his fur provided at least some covering and he frankly didn't care if they looked at him or not...it wasn't his real body anyway. Shrugging, the inspector murmered to a nearby attendant.

"Slave, someone'll find him exotic or something...specially with those eyes."

They then shoved Dimitri into the cell with the other male members of the group, throwing a flimsy shirt and pants at him as they did. Dimitri watched them dissapear down the corridor leading to the cell, idly chatting about whatever it is dimwitted hooligans talked about these days, waiting patiently until they were gone. The cell was damp, cramped, and disgusting in almost every sense of the word. Dimitri idly hoped that the girl's cell was at least less....nauseating. Ignoring the idle, scared, determined, or nervous chatter from the rest of the males. They certainly needed to all talk and plan...but Dimitri had a more urgent matter to attend to at the moment. He slowly reached under his arm, pulling from the pocket between his torso and tricep the single card he had managed to randomly pull from his cloak. The collar prevented him from channeling his magic correctly, but he bet...hoped maybe...that he could still manage the barest spark of power needed to activate a card. Once that happened, the magic of the card was in control and the collar shouldn't be a problem. The clever smile spreading across his face faltered and faded as he looked at its face. The skeleton on the card continued to smile however, the scythe it held in its hands making the smile less than pleasant.

Of all the cards to pull...there was only one of these in all the decks you were carrying...

What does it do?

....I can't tell you

Why the hell not?!

Because if you know...you won't use it when you have to

....

[Bulbasaur4]

I colored the picture of Moswen btw! Here she is!
Moswen!


Moswen
~*~*~*~* Defy the Odds *~*~*~*~


Moswen had flashed a vicious grin at the guard who had made a motion to take off her armor. Frankly, she had wished he would have tried… for a nasty surprise would have come from it. The only worry would have been if all the pieces of armor had come off, but she knew they would have died before removing the third piece.
Being half naked was an odd feeling… especially since the guards didn’t quite know what to make of her armor. While it was connected by chains, the main body pieces about her left breast, pelvic half and leg seemingly clung to her body without anything holding it up. The silver sheen glinting in the dim light of the cell, as Adalia, Danarica and herself lined up.
Adalia was the first to be “checked” and Moswen could sense the fear in the small girl. Narrowing her eyes with a look of disgust, Moswen held the girl’s hand tightly in support. After it was said and done, Moswen knelt down and wiped away a tear from her eye- trying her best to comfort her.
“You did great… you’re a strong girl.” Moswen said softly, snapping her gaze back at the guard with a menacing glare. However, it was her turn and she stood up strongly. Her fierce, two-colored gaze stared straight into the man’s own gaze… figuratively shattering his in half. He seemed shaken for a moment, and then looked away- concentrating on her more appealing side. He touched her silky hair, commenting on the odd two-color contrast with appeal. His disgusting grimy hand then groped her available right breast, checking the firmness from her ripe age and conditioned body. More stroking of her body- feeling her creamy skin, commenting on the exotic tattoos upon her left side and then going for the most intimate place. Moswen bit her lip absently, fighting the urge to raise a knee and nail the man in the groin.
“Lingering, aren’t you?” She spat, causing the guard to cease and step back with a wicked grin on his face.
“She’s a prime slave candidate… exotic and physically prime. Definitely a slave here, we’ll make an excellent profit.”
Moswen could have vomited at his words, watching as they moved to Danarica.

When everything was done, they were finally left alone and in ‘peace’. However, tears flooded Adalia’s eyes and swiftly Moswen wrapped her arms around Adalia. Adalia continued to sob, for Adalia was being sent to the gallows. To be killed…
“Adalia… Adalia…” Moswen said softly, grabbing her gently by the shoulders and pushing her back so she could look in the small girl’s face.
“You are not going to die Adalia.” Moswen said firmly, causing Adalia’s eyes to widen with a bit of shock.
“B-but… they said…” She began, but Moswen shook her head.
“You are not going to die. On my life, I swear to you… I will not let them kill you. I will kill them all and send them straight to hell before anything like that could happen. No one in our group is going to die here…” Moswen said, causing Adalia to sniffle and nod her head slightly. Moswen hugged her once again, withdrawing a deep breath and looking to Danarica for a moment. She thought of Danarica’s child… they had more life in this cell that could not be risked to death.

Ban… I trust you, I know you’ll help us soon. Then when the time is right… we’ll be out of here and on our way.
Moswen absently wondered how the males were doing, but she trusted that they could take care of themselves appropriately. Looking to Adalia, she smiled once again and rested her plush tail to the ground.
“You look tired… why don’t you sleep?” She offered, patting her thick plush tail. She was silently thankful for her half-breed form… and Adalia was able to rest without having to lay upon the disgusting grime of the cell.
This place… I cannot help but feel as if… it brings something out of me… Moswen thought.
That is because I am awakening.
You are… awakening? W-wait… you spoke before… who are you?

… but there was nothing but silence

[Roy Karrde]

Adalia
~*~*~*~*~ Soft… ~*~*~*~*~

I rolled to my left, and then to my right, my eyes shut tightly, sweat dripping down my hair and rolling off of my forehead. “Soft..” I whispered, breathing in a deep yawn, finally opening my eyes to find deep rich black fur all over my face. “Fur?” I mumbled raising my head out of the fur.

Dana and Moswen were both looking down at me, a soft, almost motherly smile on both of their faces. I bolted straight up, my face turning several colors of red. “I must have been sleep talking!” I tried to make an excuse, shifting around on my butt, as the memories were coming back, the memories that told me that I only had a few hours to live. Tears began to brim around my eyes as the deep rich reds of sunset filled the grimy cell.

Moswen was the first to come, bringing me into a deep hug against her chest. “No one will hurt you, I promise, even if I have to take your place.” She whispered, I nodded. At that moment Dana took the chance to deepen the hug causing all three of us to fall onto our left side.

We each rose back up laughing at what had happened, it felt good to laugh, it made the pain in the bottom of my stomach seemingly disappear. “So girl power?” I asked with a sheepish grin as both nodded. I could only smile back, thankful to have such great friends as drops of sweat traveled down my hair and onto my nose. “Can I take this stupid shirt off? It’s so hot in here.” I asked.

Moswen turned to Dana, who only seemed to shrug in response. “Nothing we havn’t seen.” Moswen replied, I breathed in a sigh of relief and quickly stripped the shirt off, tossing it down onto the floor and breathing in more of the rich hot air. Moswen stepped forward resting her hands on my shoulders, I looked up gazing into her eyes. “You will grow up to be a beautiful young woman, I promise.”

I nodded in response. “Ad-Adalia?” A quiet voice asked from behind. I turned to find Knes standing against the jail bars, clutching a doll to his chest. His eyes went wide with shock, his face turning white, and then a deep red. “You… you’re.” He whispered.

A smile overtook my face as I raced forward and threw my arms around him, giving him a deep hug. “Adalia… you’re naked.” He whispered, his voice filled with shock. Just as quickly as I had hugged him, I let him go, taking a few steps back with a arm over my chest. “I’m sorry.” He whimpered covering his eyes as quickly as possible as I put the sweat soaked shirt back on.

He stepped forward still with his eyes closed and thrust out a doll. For a second I had no idea what it was, and then my eyes lit up. It was the doll that I had saw yesterday at the flea market place. “Loki gave this to me to give you…” He mumbled as I scooped it up into my arms, snuggling it as tight as possible. I sighed clutching it tightly. “I am glad that you like it.”

He turned to the others. “I was going to see if I could go find Ban..” He explained as I slid down against the wall.

“I want you to stay… please.” I quickly spoke up, drawing all of their attention. “Just for a little while?” I whimpered dropping my eyes back down to the doll, running my hands through her hair. Knes glanced at the others who seemed to move to the far end of the other side of the cell and began to talk on their own.

“I heard… about…” His eyes teared up, for the first time ever he was crying, he didn’t even cry when he saw his sister die. Did I mean that much to him? He slid down next to me, slowly placing his arm around my back. “I… want.. to protect you, but I don’t know how.”

I looked up, into his eyes full of tears. I wanted to tell him I know, I wanted to tell him that Moswen would make sure it was okay. I didn’t I just ran a hand against his cheek, and leaned up, kissing him on the lips. I could feel him draw in a breath of shock for a second, and then leaned in, wrapping both arms around my back as we drew into a deep embrace. I wanted the kiss to last forever…

[Prof. Jb Wolf]

Ban Ravi
~Late Night Preperations~

I reigned in Yakul as I came up to the edge of the forest. It had suddenly given way to what seemed to be a desert. Not to far was the entrance to the frontier town where the others were being held. Even further in the background were four massive crystals, probably remenants of the shield we were suppose to put back up that protected the land from the Fearls. "Just my luck. I stay behind to hold off them off and they STILL get capture. Some distraction I was...."

You cannot blame yourself.

Yea, it's not your fault you weren't able to keep that mob from overruning you and st-

"YOUR NOT HELPING BAN!"

Sighing, I held my forehead as I went over what had transpired. Apparently the mob had been bigger than we thought, having captured everyone else just after Knes and I split up. Moswen's quick thinking had kept them from looking for me, but meant I was on my own to free them. I doubled back to camp to collect our food and was surprised to find Yakul and the other Caligrey had returned. Unfortunately, I also found one of the people that had accused us rounding them up.

Knocking the guy senseless, I took his cloak and unbridled his own Caligrey before saddling up Yakul. Securing the haversacks along with Miroku to Yakul, I then tied together the other Caligrey so I could lead them down the path. Even though they probably weren't looking for me, I decided it was the better part of discretion if disguised myself. So I had unwrapped my bandages and my headband. I retied the bandage so it covered half of my face and tied my headband over my hair. My coat lay on top of the bags while I donned the guy's cloak.

So far my plan consisted entirely of posing as a Caligrey herder, if any of those existed, counting on my head coverings to obscure any of my features. Disguised as such, I would gather information before coming up with a way to free my companions. It wasn't much yet, but I needed to know what I was up against before freeing them. Patting Yakul on the neck, I urged him and the other Caligrey forward into the town proper.

=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=

After finding a berth for the Caligrey, I spent the next few hours in the market. Though smaller than the one in the last city, I was still able to purchase a few items with I would need with the mananite I had on hand. So far, it seemed, my disguise and I was able to glean some information from the townspeople. Those who went to the prison were often sold off as slaves, while those deem unfit were apparently confined within the prison itself.

Thus I mulled this information over in my head in the inn, which doubled as the local tavern from the looks of it. I consulted with the voices in my head, but Ban's idea of an escape plan was to bust in there and kill anyone that tried to stop us. It was a tempting thought, but we were trying to save these people after all.

Stealth is the key. We still have the element of surprise on our side.

"Right, but we don't know what security is like in there or where they're being held. If I could only get my hands on someone who did...."

Something caught my attention in the corner of my eye. Turning for a better look, I recognized them s some of the thugs that had accosted us on the road. They were dressed in uniforms and apparently enjoying an evening drink. Bobbing up and down on one man's head was a rather familiar looking hat.

Oi, ain't that...

"That's Dimitri's hat!" I smirked as a plan began to forumlate. "I think I've found our source!"

Picking up my mug I sauntered over to the group. "Good evenin' ta ya gents!" I said, affecting a mangled mix of Irish/English accent. "I couldnae help but notice this fine hat that yer wearin' sah and was hopin' ta find out where ya got it. Lost me own sometime ago and been thinkin' it'd be time I got a new one."

The man snorted, but gave me a grin. "Between you and me pal, I took this off some stinkin' half-breed we caught on the road. Seems he and his friends were responsible for taking down the barrier in Sunde."

"Oh, ya don't say. Good ta hear the blaggards 'ave been caught." I gave the group a smile. "In fact, that sounds like a cause fer a celebration. I made some good money last night and tis burnin' a hole in me pockets. 'ow 'bout I buy you gents a couple o' rounds, eh?"

My offer was greeted with a hearty cheer. A couple of mugs of alcohol later, I was the group's best friend. With some deft prodding I steered the conversation towards the prison. Their tongues and minds by now loosened by the quantity of alcohol, I was able to learn where the rest of the group's stuff were kept and where they were being held. Some of them began to joke about how well they would sell as slaves and what they would do if they could get their hands on Moswen or Danarica. I felt a twinge of rage well up deep inside me at such a callous disregard for my comrades' lives, but I kept my friendly facade up.

"Pity 'bout that kid though. Ain't useful fer breedin' or labor." The guard said. "It's the gallows fer her come noon tomorrow."

"They had a child with them? The poor thing, I'm sure she was just an innocent, may-"

"Naw, the kid was apparently in on the whole thing. Probably would've fetched a pr-"

I stood up quickly, staggering slightly as if drunk. "Excuse me gents, seems I've 'ad one too man ta drink." I placed a bit of mananite on the table. "This should cover the rest of the drinks."

I staggered a bit up the stairs towards my room, but straightened as soon as I was out of sight of the main room. I quickly entered my room, grabbing up the equipment I'd purchased earlier that day and donned my cloak. "Thank goodness for that iron stomach of yours Ban."

And you said drinkin' was a waste of time! I could hear the smirk in his voice.

"Yea, well I'd like to debate the merits of binging with you..." I thought as I opened the window. "We've gotta free the others before Adalia loses her head."

=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=

Y'know, this'd be easier if you'd just use my plan.

"We're not going over that again..."

Though I had to admit, hanging off the side of a wall ten stories tall, Ban's plan was looking better. Watching carefully as the guard turned away, I speedily ascended the rope. With as much stealth as I could muster I slid on to the rampart and quickly gathered the rope. Throwing myself from the rampart, I hit the courtyard with a dull 'thud' and sprinted for the nearest shadow.

Catching my breath as I hid behind a couple of barrels, I quickly scanned the area for guards. I could see one of them looking in my general direction, but he soon returned to his patrol. Breathing a sigh of relief, I gathered my cloak about me and inched my way along the wall towards the door. "Ah, good. Unlocked." Pulling it open I swiftly disappeared inside.

Sticking close to the walls, I made my way down the halls. If what the guards said was true, this building held all the items they confiscated from their 'prisoners'. It seems no one was patrolling the building tonight as my search remained unimpeded. Finding the storage room, I began to root around for the others' stuff. "Where is it...where-AH! Jackpot!"

I smiled somewhat as I opened the lid of a trunk revealing Ovan's blade, Kite's halberd, and the rest of their weapons and accoutrements. "Yosh, now all I have to do is bre-"

I stiffened at the sound of the door opening behind me. I had not brought Miroku with me, but I still had the dagger around my neck. Pulling it free from the where it hung, I threw myself into a roll towards the door. I brough the blade up to where the man's neck should've been but only caught air. "What?"

"BAN!"

I look down at the yell to see Knes, staring up at me. "Knes?" I lowered the dagger. "How the hell did you get away?"

"The guards thought I was too young to have any sort of magical powers. So I teleported as soon as they left us alone. I was going to go look for you but I got..." He blushed brightly. "...a little sidetracked."

I decided not ask what he meant by that. "So everyone's still okay?" Knes nodded. "Great. You can give me a hand. Teleport us and this box outside of the prison. We'll return for the others in the morning."

"But Adali-"

"Yea, I know all about that, but I'm gonna need Miroku and some other gear if we're going to get everyone out safely." I grinned at him. "Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to the little Hime-chan. Jeez, first Kite, then Loki, now you. Girl sure has a lot of admirers."

Knes flushed again but nodded as he grabbed my wrist and touched the box. In an instant we were transported outisde of the prison. Grabbing up one end of the trunk, Knes took the other and together we headed back into the town proper.

[i]"Just hold on a little longer guys. I'll have you out in no time."

[kalad1]

>>Danarica<<

I stood there, pondering the offer the vile people that ran this place had given me. Freedom for me and my child, so long as I was willing to turn on the others, and confirm that they were indeed the "Traitors" that they had sought. It filled me with distaste, a nasty, putrid feeling that ate away at me. They just HAD to pick ME to give the offer to. They felt I was THAT desperate? I shook my head. I'd mentioned it to Moswen when Adalia had been asleep.

She'd said to go for it. That I could help Ban, and that it'd lessen the number of people at risk, and... would keep my child safe. I frowned, turning to Moswen, and nodding at her. She nodded back. I then motioned to the guard, whispering to Adalia. "Don't worry, I'll come back for you."

She looked like she was going to ask what I was talking about, but I made a shushing motion with my fingers. The guard then unlocked the cell, asking, "So, you're giving in, eh?"

"On the condition that I can speak to the father of my child before I go." I stated firmly. He looked like he didn't like it, but shrugged, obviously giving in to the condition. I followed him to the cell Ovan was in, after I explained to him what was going on, I'd see if I could find Ban, and stop this injustice.

[Haruko]

Danielle
-stringing together stale words / even so, all we want to do / is to share simple thoughts..-

"I thought I had more time.."Valkryie started to fade, her legs first to go."I must be taken away by someone, but who.."
"Don't go."I said sternly, holding onto the once semingly solid hand. My hand ran through like water, and she smiled.
"Be strong."She smiled as her face started to disappear, before her helmet fell onto the ground, the last part of her to remain.

I stood up slowly from my bed as we had a long proper chat prior to her disappearing.

'Only you and the others can save this world.' I remembered, looking into the mirror in the room. Ovan was in a room with a teenager, who seemed to be caring for his ruins.

'Ovan cannot. He is not your replacement, nor a shield.'I glared at the mirror, her words ringing clearly through my 'head'

'He is only a blanket to hide under.'I picked up her helmet, and placed it on my head.A part of me was probably going insane from being under the surface, but her voice brought so much comfort..

'Only you can wield me properly. That is why you must break free from your selfmade cage and travel with me!'Her words rang a strong tone, and I walked over to the mirror.

"Sis.."I smiled, keeping my eyes closed."and John" I chuckled,"I'll be back, I just have to..blossom is all." With that, I closed my eyes and punched straight through the mirror, hoping to reach the surface.



Ovan
-the light that spreads through the pale sky is continuous / the repeating days, excuses and lies and don't know.-

"Oi.."I heard someone coming over near my cell. I was redressed into dirty clothing shortly after, and I could feel my burn wound sting with a near infection. That was the only feeling in me, pain. I didn't have the strength to feel anything more than that, and care."That one had a wound, right?"

"Yeah.."The gaurd he was talking to walked over to him,and both looked down at me, through the bars."So?"
"He won't sell well if he's dead by morning, stupid!"The first guard yelled at him, and sighed."Go in there and lessen his crystal, and bring him to Stella."

'Stella..?'I thought.'Is she some old hag..to be here and work for them?'
'Either way, the name is..familiar..'

The 'lesser' guard came over and placed his finger by the crystal, and more feeling - not a lot - came back to me. He looked under my shirt and almost turned white.
"Yeah...Stella should probably see him.."He ran out, almost grossed out. The upper guard came in laughing at his lower in command, and took my cuffs, forcing me up.

"He's afraid of blood, the wuss."He sighed."Come." We walked out of my cell and through what seemed to be hallways upon hallways before coming to a solitary door. He knocked on it, and it opened almost to the instant he finished.

"Oh!"I heard a feminine, certinaly not old voice."What did you do now!?"
"HAH!"The guard laughed,"He was like this when he came, he just hasn't gotten very good treatment for it. You do the rest Stella, I'll be waiting for him outside."He pushed me through the door, and closed it behind me.

Ahead of me was a girl no younger than 18, no older than 20. Her brown hair flowed down to her shoulders, and her green eyes seemed alive.She wore a skirt with a top, and seemed..just..very out of place for such a horrible place as this.

"Sit!"She smiled, chalantly. I did as such to the nearest chair, and she got a pair of scissors. She cut through my shirt and then through some..very gross gauze. She seemed a bit grossed out, but hid it as soon as I saw it.

"How did you get it?"She asked, walking over to a sink and getting a fresh cloth, putting some soap and warm water on it.
"Being reckless.."I sighed.
"Not like that."She said, wiping down the wound. I winced and wanted to yell, but couldn't find the energy."It's shape..is odd."
"Like?"
"A bird."She studied it."Yeah, a beautiful bird.Atleast you'll have a pretty scar."She smiled warmly, then looked at me serious.

"You guys, took down that barrier in Sunde right?"She asked me, eye to eye. I nodded.
"It wasn't..intentional."I told her. I decided to keep quiet about it, so she didn't say a word to the guards.
"I see."She looked away, and got up, going over to some baby herb plants."I heard, from someone, that guardians guard the crystals. You were burned with the birds flames, directly?"
"..Yeah.."
"Normally the flames on a phoenix is hotter than the flames she sends out.It's for protection."Stella responsed, looking outside the solitude window. "I doubt healing magic will heal those burns.."

She placed her hands over the baby plants, and I could see mana flow from her hands to the plants, their size increasing to fully grown herbs. She picked a few up, then a bowl and a crusher. Taking a chair near me, she sat and crushed the herbs. I studied her..and noticed crystal earings on her that seemed very similar to the one on my neck.

"It prevents me from growing the plants big enough for me to escape."She sighed, crushing the herbs into a mixture."This place has been my prison for 13 years.."

My eyes widened as she admitted this to me. She seemed so sullen in her chair as she ground the herbs..
"Mana is a curse, and a blessing."Stella said, getting up and putting some pastes into the bowl, mixing them with the herbs."My dad..he was a great botanist. Plants were his life, he cared for each of them in his plant house like his children.."

"When my brother went away to travel, my dad grew into a depression. I was only 4 at the time, and everytime I would try to cheer him up..he just ignored me."She sighed, putting some of the herb paste onto a gauze pad. It stung, but brought what seemed to be a cool relief afterwards."He stopped his study, and because it was so important to the townspeople, there were riots infront of our house."

"We started not to be able to buy food,"Her eyes grew sullen, but seemed dedicated."and soon, we could barely pay taxes."

"They...hung my dad."She cried."In the gallows, in front of me. They did the same to my mom too, but looked at me and decided I'd stay alive and repent for their sins! Theirs, not mine!I was only 5 then, I could barely do anything!"She seemed to explode."They only keep me here in a clean room because I can treat their injuries well, if I did't, I'd be dead."She finished putting the paste on my wound, and gathered up some gause. Wrapping it around tightly, yet not to tight, she seemed to want to cry. Yet she was holding it all in..

'Danielle..'

"These crystals are my shackles, the window is my torture."She looked into my eyes."I see a world I want to be in so much, but I'm stuck here."

I suddenly remembered how Ban would be rescueing us, and closed my eyes.
"Stella.."I asked,"Why did you tell me these things? I'm only a 'traitor', so they say."
"Because..you remind me of my brother."And that was it, it was decided. I moved my head towards her ears and whispered.


"I'll free you from your shackles, and let you see the world you want to so desperatly.."

----------------------

The look on Stella's face remained on my mind as I was taken back to my cell. It seemed to have been cleaned up a bit, only due to my wound. They threw me in there and motioned a hand signal, the feelings more than pain I expieranced before disappeared. However, the only feeling left was hope, as I patiently awaited Ban to come. I wanted to see Danarica more than anything, and being free from this hell hole we dug ourselves would be a good aswell. One thing at a time..

I stopped all thought at once, and felt my body loosen. My grip slowly loosened, and I felt a presence in me that had disappeared earlier. She was in complete control, from being at the bottom of the pole. What happened!? I couldn't lose control, not now..

'So, you met a girl named Stella?'Danielle asked.'And want to free her..?'
'I have to, once Ban comes..'
'You're the reckless one that got us into this mess and stabbed the stupid birds back, I'll be the one to get us out.'She said, completely ignoring me. She seemed annoyed at having no physical energy as she tried to lift our arm, then sighed.

'Danarica!'

Danarice, followed by a guard, came in. I faught my way to get control and did such. It was an endless tug of war for me and Danielle, but I needed to comfort Danarica...




Name: Stella D'Aubigne
Age: 18, just about
Sex: Female
Personality: Simply put, Stella is always troubled with her parents death and remembers it every second of the day. However, she hides it and doesn't show it to anyone. She keeps a happy face on and tries to be cheerful when she can, realistic when it needs to be.
Appearance: Around 5'4", Stella stands with fair skin and down to her shoulders brown hair. Her eyes are green, showing her magical abilities(in which she inherited from her father), almost a surreal green. She likes to wear long skirts with a tunic, but will wear pants in cold weather. Likes to keep a tropical flower in her hair at times for a weapon. She also wears a napsack across her chest, which holds her herbs and canteen.
Magic: Stella, like her father, has the ability to manipulate plant life. Make it grow, die, form it into a weapon or gather poisonous fumes from plants for fights. Stella has had trainning in the 13 years without her "shackles" on, but she has no real battle experiance with them.
History: Always looking up to her father, but always shunned upon her for being a girl and having his magical abilities, she grew with no real interaction with her father. Her brother had inherited her mothers magic traits(the ability to manipulate wind), something her father didn't want, but didn't use it as an excuse to not grow close to his son. Shunned by her father and cared barely by her sick mother, she was always stuck entertainning herself. When her brother went away to hone his magical abilities, she saw it as a excuse to grow close to her now depressed and nearly mad father. 6 months passed and when they couldn't pay taxes due to her father stuck not working, she saw her parents hung infront of her eyes. They decided to keep her due to her magical abilties, hoping to not only use her as a first-aid technican, but as a powerful weapon when her powers grew.
Weapon: The flower in her hair is always alive, and she can take it out and extend it's stem into a long, fencing like sword with thorns. Unlike a stem, it's hard and very durable, like steal when it's in Stella's hands.
Others: Ovan reminds her of her brother, which she both loved and despised. She hates fighting and isn't religious due to her loss of contact with the outside world, so the group will probably have to fill her in if she travels with them. She, in no way, loves Ovan, just see's him like a brother.(And sympathizes with Danielle when she hears the story.) She's also a vegetarian. Not a vegan, but..vegetarian. YAY for tofu!*numnum*

[Roy Karrde]

Adalia
~*~*~*~*~ Waiting ~*~*~*~*~

It was early in the morning when I woke up again, the first dawn rays beginning to creep into the cell. Moswen’s tail twitching back and forth woke me from my dream. I stretched a little in the uncomfortable clothes and yawned. I really wasn’t afraid, I knew Moswen would protect me, as well as Knes. But in the back of my mind was the urge to scream and cry, to dig a hole in the ground with my bare hands. Instead I sat in a corner of the cell. Drawing a picture in the dirt. “Ow, ow, my tail is stiff.” Moswen groaned as I gave back a tiny giggle.

“I’m sorry..” I tried to hide a grin as Moswen went to the bars and peered around. “Hey… where did Dana go?” I asked, continuing with my dirt drawing. Moswen came walking over and slid down next to me, pulling an arm around my back.

“She… she went to work on our escape.” She responded, although I knew it was only a guess, that she didn’t really even know where Dana was. “She’s beautiful I didn’t know you could draw like that.” Moswen pointed to the drawing of a woman I was doing on the floor.

“It’s how…I thought I would look like if I grew up.” My voice caught in my throat as I was fighting tears back down. Moswen responded, drawing me into a deep hug as the cell bars swung open. “I don’t want to do this, I don’t want to do this.” I shook my head, burying it into her shoulder as two strong hands grabbed me from behind pulling us apart.

“MOSWEN!” I screamed out, kicking and screaming as I was lifted into the air and dragged out of the cell, kicking and screaming with tears running down my face. If the man that was holding me didn’t have gloves on I would have bitten into his hand with all the force I could. Behind me I could see Moswen snap the neck of the first guard, tossing him away like a rag doll. She leapt out of the cell only to be slammed against the wall by the second guard. “MOSWEN HELP!” I cried out again.

She dug her nails into the second guard almost taking his head off; he dropped limply to the ground. Her moment of triumph was quickly ended though as a third one hit her in the back of the neck sending her slumping toward the ground. It was the last I saw of her as we rounded the corner, throwing two heavy wooden doors out of the way and entered into a courtyard.

To my left there was a large wooden cell where Loki, a barely conscious Moswen, Shonta, and everyone else was being herded. I matched eyes with Loki first, tears ran down his face as he and Shonta both threw themselves against the bars. Loki mouthed ‘I love you’ as I was carried up onto a large wooden platform. The mob already filling in to watch below. “Please don’t do this, please don’t do this.” I begged each of them as I was lowered down onto a wooden door that was barely being held in place.

My first instinct was to run but two hands held my shoulders in place. “Please, I just want to go home.” I was just mumbling now, tears running down my face in the bucketload. One of the large men placed a thick rope around my neck while some one else was talking. Saying how I would pay for my crimes.

My whole world was awash in colors from the tears, smearing and blurring everything. The crowd began to chant, screaming for my death. An explosion happened in the background but I couldn’t see it.

“Mommy…” I begged.

Everything began to go black, the rope around my neck cutting off my breath as the man next to me tightened it. I could hear a second explosion followed by more and more screams. That had to be Ban... or Moswen... they were going to save me... Those were my last thoughts as everything went black.


Alright time for Ban, Knes, and Dana’s rescue attempt. Adalia did NOT get her neck snapped yet, but she is not breathing, and wont be able to start breathing with out atleast CPR. The door is about to open. Sorry Poli.

[Bulbasaur4]

Moswen
*~*~*~* Don’t mess with the angry guardian*~*~*~*

Moswen felt the man hit her from behind, as she slumped to the ground for a moment. She could hear the cries of Adalia… causing Moswen to clench her fist but she continued to act as if she were unconscious on the ground. Moswen remembered her words to Adalia… how she would not let Adalia die… how Adalia would be fine.
I will keep my promise! Moswen thought bitterly, feeling the guards grab her body and toss her into another area where others were gathered. For some reason they were putting all of them into the same cell… and Moswen’s keen ears could hear the gentle roar of the crowd outside- craving for a death by hanging.
“Moswen… Moswen?” The familiar voice of Dimitri could be heard, as Moswen continued to feign her unconscious state. The guards backed away and were discussing the slave auction which would take place after the death of the ‘little girl’. Moswen bit her lip… damn the collar! Slowly rising upwards, Moswen opened her eyes to see the entire group was around her except for Ban and … Knes, he was gone too. Panicking slightly, Moswen could hear the crowd even more. Looking over, she saw Kite staring out through the bars at the crowd… practically screaming in vain at everyone outside. Looking about… she saw Dimitri in deep thought as well. Moswen bit her lip again, suddenly taking her fist and punching a nearby wall- only causing pain to seer up her arm and blood to trickle from her knuckles.
“Ban and Knes will come…” A voice said quietly, as Moswen clenched her eyes shut as her keen ears heard Adalia yell as the crowd roared for her death.

Moswen… there is no time to lose.

The voice within her head spoke again, and suddenly Moswen opened her two-colored eyes as if a new realization had hit her. Turning to look at Dimitri, she saw him reach into his pocket for something but she held out her hand and placed it on his arm to stop him. Dimitri looked at her, but instead of seeing her normal sky blue right eye and violet left eyed-gaze, he saw that they both were glowing the same color- a fiery pigment of purple. A strange and unnatural wind picked up in the cell, as Moswen spoke- her voice emotionless and far from her normal tone.
“Nuanica Powers Activate. Releasing Natural Armor Restriction One.”
Suddenly the sound of sliding metal pinged in the air, as the piece of armor around Moswen’s wrist lost its shiny silver coating and turned into a deep obsidian. The tattoo markings along Moswen’s left half let out a small flash of violet color, but it soon subsided. The collar that the guards had placed upon Moswen’s neck was doing its job… acting as an unnatural restriction upon her mana powers. However, Moswen didn’t have time to think about that- actually, she couldn’t think of it.
It was as if she was doing everything by instinct… with no thoughts, but as an outsider who was feeling someone else take control. But it wasn’t her… it wasn’t a Kalah or Moswen… it was something else. Some thing far more superior in this moment.

“Nuanica Powers Activated. Power Level Currently Inhibited. Releasing Natural Armor Restriction Two.”
Suddenly, not the restriction collar that the guards had placed… but Moswen’s own natural neck armor made another metallic noise. The lustrous silver coating faded away, seemingly sinking into the metal itself as it darkened into the color of night. The wind around Moswen picked up further… as those in the group started to stare at her. Their senses slightly heightened as they backed up… knowing that some thing was happening with their comrade. Not only that, but judging by her glowing eyes and the appearance of wind… they knew it was going to be big. The death-like glare within her eyes and the snarling facial features were enough. She looked like she was almost going feral.
With the second armor plating gone, Moswen’s tattoos flashed another glow of violet- as if trying to release. The glow lasted longer this time… growing upwards towards the collar on her neck. The collar shook slightly around her neck, cracking a bit before the glow faded away. The guards must have been weary of Moswen and her odd appearance or slight show of abilities… because the collar they had placed in her, was seemingly top-of-the-line for absorbing mana and related powers. Still, it had cracked a bit.
Feeling a rise of infuriation… Moswen didn’t notice as several guards entered to stop her- sensing she was up to no good. Ovan and the others, although not armored… sensed that it was important to keep Moswen untouched. With their bare fists and forms they fought the guards off… despite being slightly under handed with no weapons and loss of their powers. It would only be a matter of seconds before they reached Moswen…
Adalia’s cry echoed in the air.
A large extra blast of wind was released in the cell like a rampaging beast itself.

“Power Level Further Inhibited. Warning Caution Level Disabled. Releasing Natural Armor Restriction 3”

Within a blink of an eye, after Moswen uttered those emotionless words, her armor around her lower leg lost its silver color as well and grew to obsidian. Instantly, her tattoos began to glow an intense violet color, before suddenly a fiery aura of purple engulfed her entire left side. It rose upwards from her wrist and swiftly reached her neck and the collar. The aura seemed to grow tendrils as it wrapped about the collar, crushing it. Instantly the aura suddenly flushed about her entire left half, the tattoos glowing from beneath the flames as well, casting a shimmer around the cell. Moswen gave out an inhuman howl, her hands growing some claws as her left eye became a wolfish gold. It was an intense power overload- the collar no longer inhibiting it.

“Nuanica Power Level Breeching Critical. Nuanica Powers at 60%.”

Moswen seemed to be on fire as she took one step forward at the wall. Ban and Knes had appeared outside of the cell, having killed many of the guards and reaching the others from the barred entrance. They were there to free everyone… but they still were not outside near the mob. They had to get the others out first… and there was no time. Just as they reached the others, Moswen held out her hand at the wall.
A large explosion echoed as the stones that had built the wall exploded outwards as Moswen’s aura reacted with her arm movement. Screams arose from this, large pieces of rock crumbling onto spectators. Moswen seemed to pay no heed however, as she went to all fours and simply leapt into the air. With faster movement than shown before, she headed straight towards Adalia as she was just about to be dropped.
Adalia was being strangled by the rope, but with a blink of an eye Moswen appeared and cut the rope with her hand. She grabbed Adalia with her arms, landing down upon the platform. Several guards charged at them, but Moswen immediately took them out. Extending her arms outwards, the aura flew to them like tendrils of a monster… wrapping about their heads or vital parts and crushing them swiftly. Blood exploded into the air as she did this, causing more screams from the crowd as they ran.

“Pathetic traitors of the world… you’re blind to your own God!” A voice seemingly not Moswen’s spat from her lips.
Grasping a bit of what was happening… Moswen blinked for a moment, before grabbing Adalia and rushing back to the others. They had already exited through the hole and were attempting to escape. Appearing before Ban, Moswen gave a throaty growl but set Adalia down.
“T-take… care of her…” Moswen said. “I-I… h-have to disable…” Moswen continued to speak, but shook her head as she took off ahead of them. Moswen took out as many guards as she could on the way, her mind focusing on her state.

It was apparent that in order to get rid of the collar she had to unleash a lot of power… so much power that the collar wouldn’t be able to handle it. However… once the collar had been disable, those powers were in full motion.
I need to get them off… Moswen thought, feeling a deep feral instinct trying to grab a hold of her. Moswen didn’t even move in a humanoid way anymore- she was on all fours, having claws from her hands and feet with fur sprouted along her forearms and legs.
Do not worry. The powers will fade in approximately two minutes. The turmoil placed upon your body will cause you to collapse. Find a safe place.
That same voice spoke within Moswen’s head. Nodding, Moswen leapt into the air and landed upon a rooftop and soon after a few jumps later, had more than cleared herself away from the crowd and followers.
“Shiiiing!” The metal sound echoed in the air, as the armor pieces upon her neck, wrist and leg gained back their silvery traits. Grunting, Moswen felt light headed suddenly as the world around her began to spin and her yin powers were subdued.
“This is sa-…” Moswen was about to say to herself, before she merely collapsed upon the rooftop and grew unconscious.

[Haruko]

Name: Stella D'Aubigne
Age: 18, just about
Sex: Female
Personality: Simply put, Stella is always troubled with her parents death and remembers it every second of the day. However, she hides it and doesn't show it to anyone. She keeps a happy face on and tries to be cheerful when she can, realistic when it needs to be.
Appearance: Around 5'4", Stella stands with fair skin and down to her shoulders brown hair. Her eyes are green, showing her magical abilities(in which she inherited from her father), almost a surreal green. She likes to wear long skirts(mostly khaki colored) with a tunic(always green.), but will wear pants in cold weather. Likes to keep a tropical flower in her hair at times for a weapon. She also wears a napsack across her chest, which holds her herbs and canteen.
Magic: Stella, like her father, has the ability to manipulate plant life. Make it grow, die, form it into a weapon or gather poisonous fumes from plants for fights. Stella has had trainning in the 13 years without her "shackles" on, but she has no real battle experiance with them.
She can also toy with Healing Magic, since I would guess it's a derived from er...'nature' magic? It takes too much mana to convert it though, so she only does it on a strict emergency basis.She'll pass out or get tired afterwards from the mana drain.
History: Always looking up to her father, but always shunned upon her for being a girl and having his magical abilities, she grew with no real interaction with her father. Her brother had inherited her mothers magic traits(the ability to manipulate wind), something her father didn't want, but didn't use it as an excuse to not grow close to his son. Shunned by her father and cared barely by her sick mother, she was always stuck entertainning herself. When her brother went away to hone his magical abilities, she saw it as a excuse to grow close to her now depressed and nearly mad father. 6 months passed and when they couldn't pay taxes due to her father stuck not working, she saw her parents hung infront of her eyes. They decided to keep her due to her magical abilties, hoping to not only use her as a first-aid technican, but as a powerful weapon when her powers grew.
Weapon: The flower in her hair is always alive, and she can take it out and extend it's stem into a long, fencing like sword with thorns. Unlike a stem, it's hard and very durable, like steal when it's in Stella's hands. The flower at the base looks like this
Others: Ovan reminds her of her brother, which she both loved and despised. She hates fighting and isn't religious due to her loss of contact with the outside world, so the group will probably have to fill her in if she travels with them. She, in no way, loves Ovan, just see's him like a brother.(And sympathizes with Danielle when she hears the story.) She's also a vegetarian. Not a vegan, but..vegetarian. YAY for tofu!*numnum*

Stella D'Aubigine

Today was my freedom day.

I noticed it was early morning when I woke up, most likely due to excitement. I smiled, looking outside. All I'd have to do is get a guard to let me watch the slave auction, and that was it. I thought these words over and over in my head as I got dressed after a quick scrubdown in my tub. Khaki skirt, check. Olive green shirt, check. My napsack was full of herbs, and my canteen was full of ice water. There was only one thing missing...

"I've saved you for this day."I smiled, looking down at a pot near my window. I had trainned with vines before, but I needed one to survive on my own. I already had this growing, and it was similar to the one I was using before hand. I clipped it from the start of the soil, and concentrated my mana at the base. Feeling the life in the lily continue after seperation from it's roots, and living on my mana, was the que I needed to stop projecting my mana before my earings went off. I placed it in my hair and smiled.

I slowly opened my door and looked about. There were no guards on duty on my floor, so I'd have to go and ask one on another. I took to and walked down the stairs, to the next floor down. As soon as I landed, I saw a guard infront of me.

"Stella! What are you doing out of your room?"He asked, in a rush. I put on a innocent face and replied:
"I heard there was a slave auction today from some of the guards.."
"Yes..So?"He replied back.
"I would like to watch. I'm allowed out once a week, and I haven't been out yet."I smiled to his reply, and he sighed. He took my hand and we walked down to the lobby, where there was an aftermath of a commotion. As we walked to check me out of the building for my hour, I saw a caged cart go through the door, to the outside. Inside I saw Ovan, and the people he talked about. I hid my smile, only making a smirk to the guard instead.

"Wha?"He asked, filing out the paper necessary for me to go outside.
"No, I saw a cute guy in there.."
"Well, they're all for sale."He responded, "But you can watch them be bought, if you fancy that.."
"Sure."I responded. He finished the papers and we walked out, heading towards the auctionhouse. I saw the cart being moved to there, but something else caught my attention, and I stopped completely.

A young girl, in the gallows. Men were putting the rope around her..


--

"No, daddy!"I yelled, held back and restrained as I tried to leap foward. It was a cloudy day, the gods must've been pitying my father and mother. I cried as my mom did aswell, but my father...stood there like a mad man..

"It'll be ok Stella...your brother will come and save daddy.."He replied, in a state of daze. Brother had been away for a while now, why couldn't father get over him, and accept me!? If he did..

If he did, nothing would've happened! He'd be alive!
--

I felt my neck tighten up as my eyes started to water. The guard had stopped aswell, to watch in amazement.
"She was one of those filthy traitors."He told me,"They all deserve to die, if you ask me."

I paid him no mind as I couldn't get my eyes off the small girl. How could someone small be a traitor? All these thoughts rushed in my head as I heard 2 explosions going off, and I could feel a huge surge of mana coming from the auction house. As the girl was dropped to be hung, a flash of..something, or someone with a huge surge of mana, came through and rushed to save her.

'Now is the time to act..'I thought to myself.'Ovan said they were going to escape, and if this is their plan, I must surely follow.'

"Stella, we must get you back inside the main building" The guard took ahold of my left hand, trying to rush me towards my old 'home' in the midst of chaos. I stopped, and he looked back at me as I pulled the flower out of my hair.
"No."I replied."I want my freedom."I told him sternly, and concentrated all the mana I could without the earrings reacting into the flower, making the stem grow into a long, and steel-like fencing sword. As if it were a rose, thorns grew around it, providing more lethality.
The guard seemed to be in a state of shock as I hesistated, but quickly brought an end to his life by stabbing him through the heart. Never have I felt such a rush of hatred, a rush of excitement before....I snapped out of it and withdrew my sword, and ran. I heard running behind me, guards, but I didn't stop running. I kept running to the hole that was made in the explosion and followed a group, that from what I saw, included Ovan. I kept following until they stopped.



This is all I can press out of my head atm. Stella will basically heal Adalia's windpipe and then perform CPR, but probably will be low on mana afterwards.

I'll post as Ovan tomorrow. As of the scene atm, his collar is at 50% capacity, so he can run, but not as fast.(His is a physical restrainning collar, not mana.)He'll probably need a break after they're done aswell.

[Prof. Jb Wolf]

Ban Ravi
~Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men~

Simple is usually best and that was what my plan was. Swoop in, save Adalia, break out the others, and then have Knes port us to where Danarica was waiting with the Caligrey. Then we high tail it as far away as possible from this twice-damned village as fast as possible. It was simple. It was efficient. It would work.

Of course I hadn't counted on the unpredictability of Moswen.

The first indication that something was wrong was after Knes and I had taken care of the guards in the front. It had been easy, the group still nursing a hangover from the rounds I had purchased for them the night before. As I grabbed Dimitri's hat off the unconcious man, I heard a muffled explosion from the execution site beyond. "What the hell, I haven't even drawn Miroku yet."

Knes and I looked at each other before I knocked the door down with a kick. A huge crowd stood around the gallows where Adalia was held, her neck already in a noose. The explosion had come from what was left of a cage where the others had been held. Amdist the wreckage stood a howling Moswen with the others backing away from her frightened. We immediately went into action, cutting a swath through the crowd towards them.

That was the beginning of the chaos. The rope fell, people screamed, and Moswen was among them like a streak of lightning. It was pademonium. I'd barely gotten to the others when Moswen returned, Adalia cradled in her arms. She growled for me to take her, her own eyes whirling with energy and her tatoos glowing. Then she was gone, moving as swiftly as before.

I looked down at Adalia, her body so still and no breath escaping. "And she happens to be our only healer."

Life has not left her just yet. You must hurry and get her and your friends out of here.

"Right. But we have to go get Moswen too..."

I kneeled down and handed Adalia off to Knes. Moving swiftly I grabbed the collars around Ovan and Kite's neck. Gritting my teeth I ripped them free and tossed them aside. "Kite get up a barrier before those guards get to us. Ovan..." I pulled his sword belt and gloves from where I had them around my waist, shoving them into his hands. "You and Dimitri are rear guard, get clear of the prison. Knes will port you guys out as soon as your clear."

"Danarica is sh-"

"She's fine. Knes will get you to her and our ride outta here."

"Adalia is sh-" Loki ask as he bent over Knes and her.

"If we get her out of here fast, we can save her." I yelled, as I tossed him his sword. Breaking Dimitri's collar I passed him his hat and deck. "Now move. I'll go after Moswen."

"WAIT! Take me with you!" A woman appeared, what appeared to be a sword growing out of a flower in her hands.

Miroku immediately came up but Ovan laid a hand on my shoulder. "Wait Ban, she's a healer maybe she can help Adalia."

I looked at him out of the corner of my eye. "You sure."

He nodded and I gestured to Adalia who Knes was holding on to protectively. The woman stepped forward, a green glow surrounded her palm as she bent down to her aid. "Okay. Ovan, Dimitri, Loki you guys back up Kite. Make sure they don't get past that barrier. I'll meet you guys where Danarica and the Caligrey are."

He nodded as I rushed back into the crowd. The trail was easy to follow. Moswen left a trail of dead guards in her wake, most of them looking as if they'd been ripped open with her bare hands. Those who were still living were either wounded or stunned into silence."Great, she's berserk."

Just watch the claws and hope she's not a biter!

"Thanks for the helpful advice Ban..." I was starting to regret waking up his personaility.

I caught sight of her as she leapt on to a nearby roof. Rushing forward, I used my momentum to run up the wall and grab the lip of the roof. Grunting I pulled myself up in time to see her rushing along the tops of the building. As I straightened I felt something dig into my back. Turning my head slightly I saw two feathered shafts protruding from my back as well as some archers standing nearby. "I do not have TIME FOR THIS !" I could feel power pulse through me as I slashed towards the archers an arc of energy flashing through the air.

Not bothering to see if I'd hit them I took off after Moswen. I grabbed at the arrows poking out from my back pulling them free. One was stained with some blood but the other had gotten caught in my chainmail. Cursing under my breath I chucked the arrows away as I leapt across to the next rooftop. There wa sa wet feeling as my coat flapped against my back, but I wasn't in any danger yet.

There was a sound that rang in the air, like a sword being resheathed as I came upon the unconcious form of my erstwhile ally. Whatever had possessed her had passed, her armor and tatoos having faded back to the original coloring. Grunting as I lifted her on to my shoulders, I murmured quietly. "You are one scary woman Moswen-san."

Grimacing slightly at the weight on my wounded shoulder I leapt off to the next rooftop towards the woods where hopefully the others had made it.

[Bulbasaur4]

You… you are serving me well.
Who… who are you? Are you Moswen?
No. Moswen is you and you are Moswen. Unlike the others, there is no difference.
The others… there are differences? Oh wait… yeah, I saw that in Dimitri and Bryan. They were two different beings in the same body, weren’t they?
Correct. Much like your past experience, in which you shared a body with the one you created, correct?
Yes… wait- how did you-
I live within you. While I am not you, I still am apart of you.
So… who are you?
I… I am the one who lived on the other side of the world.
The other side of the- I don’t understand…
You will learn… in due time… but now… wake up.

Wake up…?


Moswen’s mind opened up slowly, allowing her to be aware of the movement that she felt pulse against her body. Fluttering her eyes open slowly, she saw herself staring up at the face of Ban. He seemed to be wincing slightly as buildings whirred by with his movement. Concentrating, he did not seem to notice her awakening until she spoke with a gentle smile forming upon her lips.
“My… I seem to find myself in your arms once again.” She said with a soft tone, her slightly exotic tongue adding a bit of alluring sarcasm. Ban’s eyes shifted to gaze at her, as he managed to smile as well.
“You seem to put yourself in these predicaments…” He added with his own retort, smirking. Moswen laughed lightly, resting her chin on his shoulder slightly as she withdrew a deep sigh afterwards.
“I do apologize… I simply don’t want to lose anyone and I fight with most of my power.”
“Don’t apologize. It’s understandable… but I’m glad you don’t use all of it. I’d hate to see how you become then.”
Moswen smiled again, their tones being casually playful- instead of completely serious. It was nice to have a good conversation… one that wasn’t so serious, like when they were in prison. When Moswen had to constantly tell Adalia she was going to be okay… when Moswen had to put up her guard and become strong for everyone else.
“Thanks Ban…” She said, thinking back to the time they had gone off to find food. His reply to her question back then had been comforting… and she was very thankful that he hadn’t been with the rest of them. “I was right to trust you to rescue us.” Moswen added softly, closing her eyes as she felt some more fatigue settle in.
“I think I’ll do a repeat of last time and…” Moswen trailed off, drifting off into a more natural and peaceful sleep of exhaustion.

~~*~**~*~~*~~*~~~


Knes’s eyes widened as he watched the beast that was the one known as Moswen, rush in and save Adalia and within an instant seem to appear with her in arms. She left Adalia with the group and then tore off again… the bloody mess that she left in her wake surprising Knes more than perhaps the rest.
“Adalia!” Knes said, rushing to her side. She wasn’t breathing… which made Knes freak out even more. Ban swiftly handed her over to Knes, and despite his small arms he seemed to find the strength to hold her rather easily. Panic settled into his voice as he looked to the others and watched as Dimitri and Ovan swiftly began making quick work of the guards now, as the group began to make movements to clear away from the prison.
“We have to save her!” Knes yelled, his mind swimming with panic and frustration and the prospect of the healer dying. In a blur of a moment however, another woman rushed forward and seemed to be a healer. She approached Adalia, and Knes felt his grip tighten on her for a moment.
“It’s okay… I’m going to help her.” The woman said, looking earnestly in Knes’s eyes. Knes held her gaze for a moment with his green and right red eye, before giving a nod. He then held Adalia outwards for a moment, and watched as the woman summoned up her own hidden power and began to heal Adalia before his eyes. It seemed like days but Knes knew it was only moments as Adalia’s chest began to rise and fall once again, her breath returning to her fragile frame.
“No more of this Adalia…” Knes said outloud to her, “I’m going to fight for you more than anyone else.” With that, Ovan called over to the rest of the group- pointing to an area in the city that seemed to be clear.
“Thank you… thank you so much.” Knes said to the woman, giving a little nod as he raised Adalia closer to his chest and then ran towards the clearing. Ovan yelled for Dimitri to return, and swiftly the fox-like humanoid joined in the group until everyone was ready. Kite approached Knes, eager to check on Adalia but he confirmed that she was okay.
“Alright everyone… I need you to get in a circle.” Knes called out, surprisingly using a mature voice and sounding a bit different than normal. The group formed a circle around him, and Knes then gently placed Adalia’s body on the ground. Holding out his arms, Knes could feel the energy and mana within each of them.
“This will be easy…” he thought, a smile forming on his face as he then concentrated on their planned destination. Soon all of their bodies faded from sight in a tingling sensation, and then reformed in a return fade near the forest edge. Opening his eyes, Knes saw everyone check themselves over- as if they were afraid they lost a body part in the process.
“That was… very smooth…” Ovan said, before realizing that Danarica was near them as well with Caligrey. Knes nodded in appreciation, and then knelt down next to Adalia.
“Ban said for us to wait here… he should be coming back soon.” Knes commented.

[Roy Karrde]

Adalia
~*~*~*~*~ Flashes ~*~*~*~*~

Everything I remember after I fell, all of it was just a jumble of flashes. I remember being carried by some one strong, arms that felt loving. All around me we were running, Kite was screaming about everyone staying together because of the shield. The next thing I saw was Knes standing over me, he saying something about something being easy. After that I felt something rough yet wet lapping at my cheek over and over again. My eyes fluttered open to see yellow eyes looking back at me. It felt as if there were several small little things in my throat, almost like seeds. “Loki.” I grinned, my voice sounding as faint as a whisper. “I love you so much.” My eyes fluttered to a close for a second before I opened them again.

Loki lifted his front paws off of me and went around behind the tree, all the while I examined the scenery, trees were everywhere and the soft sound of birds chirping filled the trees. We must have transported out into the forest after the battle. Loki returned a few seconds later kneeling down next to me, only wearing the prison issued pants after having changed back into human form. “Knes teleported us out here, we’re waiting for Ban and Moswen to get back.” He explained and then moved a finger closer to touch my throat. “Are you okay? Does anything hurt?”

I gulped, a feeling of pain rushing down my throat as I shook my head, causing Loki to smile. “You were always a bad liar.” He moved his hand away from my throat and sat down next to me, his tail flicking back and forth, his eyes far off as if in thoughts. Shifting my weight onto my left side I turned over and placed my head against his chest. “Have I ever told you, that you have the most beautiful hair?” He asked running a hand threw my hair.

I shook my head, grinning from ear to ear from the treatment, this had been the first time in a long time that Loki and I were able to truly be alone and not have to worry about being interrupted. “Lets see if I can make you feel better.” He grinned slightly, placing both of his arms around me, and lifting me up and onto him, his arms wrapped around the small of my back.

I gazed at him for a second before returning with a stern yet joking look. “Lets see.” I replied weakly. He leaned in, his lips grazing mine for just a second as I took in a deep breath, reviling in his scent. His lips returned again as my eyes closed, his hands slowly began to roam, exploring up and down my body. I opened my mouth, his tongue licking the top of my teeth before pushing in further as I did the same. A few seconds later he pulled away, tears filling his eyes as his hands lay on my butt, I continued to press my body against his, a deep warm sensation filling me and running through me. “I’m leaving.” He whispered, his voice caught almost in a sob with his words.

I looked at him curiously as he picked me up with his arms and sat me aside, standing up to his full height as I gazed up at him. “Leaving?” I asked confused, as he turned his back to me.

He shook his head and took a step forward as I struggled to rise to my feet. “I realized something this morning, when I saw you up there with a rope around your neck.” He said, tears dripping down his cheeks and onto the ground. “That I can’t protect you, that I failed to protect you.” He explained as I moved forward and placed a hand on his back, to which he quickly jerked away from.

I opened my mouth, I wanted to scream at him for being a idiot, that it wasn’t his fault, but my throat wouldn’t allow me to produce any more than simple words. “It’s not just that, it’s also Knes, I have seen the way you two look at each other, I know you have kissed him I can smell his scent on you…you have been unfaithful.” His voice caught in his throat again as the tears began to drop to the ground faster as I looked at him in shock.

“You’re also still a kid, a child.” His words hit me like a ton of bricks, my legs felt like rubber as I collapsed back to the ground. “I havn’t been able to love you for a long time… I’m sorry, but I can’t fall in love with a kid.” Tears began to trickle down my cheeks now. Dana, Ovan, Kite, now Loki. All of them calling me a child.

He shook his head a few times and reached for a tree for support. “I need to do some thinking so I am going away… I may return some day, I may not.” He changed one last time into his panther form, shedding his clothes and leaping away. Running off into the distance.

Tears ran freely down my cheeks now, my hands shaking as I took in several gasps and released quiet but painful sobs. My hands pulling up the top of my shirt and pulling it over my head to hide my face. I crawled into a fetal position and continued to cry, a painful, long, horrible cry, that made me feel empty and hollow inside.

Tag Classy! Moswen and Ban should be back soon, everyone should regroup and rest with Dimitri going to announce some big news. Afterwards we will be heading back into the town for some new clothes and a plan of attack on the crystal!