Cyriel

"Fera!" one of the young elves called. She turned, her hair glinting in the sun. The gold flashed - it looked like a crown of fire. As always, anyone who saw her always had to catch their breaths. "What?" she asked, keeping her eye on the herd of deer. They were small desert deer, quick as lightning and very agile. If you blinked, they could blend with the sand instantly. The young elven man spoke again, "There's a smaller group of the herd heading towards the Forest of Isis. Why not follow them instead?" He grinned slyly, knowing that the desert princess would follow the smaller group. She smiled wryly in return, and motioned to the rest of her hunting party, all young elves in their prime, "Let's go! Follow the smaller group! Let's make it a challenge, instead of making it easy following the main herd. Let's go!" Their sleek Arabian horses obeyed the slightest command, and soon they were racing across the sand. The dark blot that was the forest got steadily closer. Fera smiled, feeling the warmth of the sand rising up as the sun got higher. The wind puffed in hot breaths across her face. The deer waved in and out of sight, but were suddenly very evident against the looming trees of the forest. Fera took up her hunting spear, and the rest followed, "Come on, let's go! This shouldn't be hard at all!" They yelled and whooped, scaring the deer into the rambles. Some got trapped and were easily caught and killed. In a few seconds, they had killed 5 deer. They watched the rest run away in panic. The forest was cool and shaded, and the green was not something that they readily saw. They immediately prepared for a meal, and spread out to rest. They would return to the desert camp the next day, traveling at ease in the morning. It had been a successful hunt, and now they could rest. Fera watched as the sun loomed larger in the sky, and then went to a tree to nap through the hottest part of the day. After this would be all fun and games. This was a favorite spot of theirs, for it was well-shaded, and there was a waterfall quite near. A typical hunting trip. She smiled before she fell asleep, hand on her scimitar, not knowing that something was about to change quite drastically.

Name: Veil Age: 16 Race: pure elf (doesn't care) Appearance: 5'5", and a slender, smoothly-toned build. Still kind of in the adolescent stage, she hasn't really developed all that much...(get away perverts.) She has straight, short black hair, and light gray eyes. She wears a supple, misty-gray tunic over a dark, long-sleeved one. Abilities: Can call/disperse mist, fog, and clouds, which she blends into rather nicely. Weapons: a plain dirk, and a longbow. Background: Veil is a distant relative of Mystic, and recently has come to live with them because Adar is such a prominent noble (to her annoyance.) She has been raised as a proper noblewoman herself, but finds that it's just a waste of time. However, she does abide the formalities, so that she won't disappoint her family. Primarily Mystic has seen to the education and raising of Veil, since Adar doesn't really associate himself with his wife all that much. Veil is very fond of Mystic, because of her kindness and gentle nature. She gets very angry and annoyed at Adar because he spends his time in brothels...and so has a very strong dislike of him. Only recently has he noticed her because she volunteered to go and rescue Niesa. However, she's doing this as a chance to redeem Mystic in his eyes. Personality: She is very sensitive to her personal space. She doesn't like others touching her, and keeps physical contact with others to the very minimum that's necessary, unless she's trying to hack their brains out with her dirk. She doesn't really mind being at close proximity with someone, unless she's reading or cleaning her weapons. Only touching is the issue. She doesn't really like seeing death up close, so that's why she chose the longbow as her weapon of choice. Even that can be turned into a staff or whip if the enemy gets closer, and the final weapon would be her dirk. She's only really encountered guys in combat. If they try to hit on her, she will politely and distantly decline, her stony expression never changing. She hates the drama of love, and thinks you shouldn't let your feelings take over, because then you can't think rationally. She also kind of is biased against males, mostly because of what she's seen from Adar. Supporting Characters: Mystic and Adar Greenwood.

Name: Sare Suzume Hunter-Net Name: Shrapnel616 Age: 16 Hair: short, straight black hair. Eyes: light gray Height: 5'5" Weight: 110 lb Creed: Redeemer (heheh, so I'm stupid.) Weapons: home-made bombs, pipe-bombs, and the such. Anything that can be made using toxic house-hold items. Sare also usually carries alcohol, so as to make her favorite: Molotov cocktails. ;) Edges:Restore, Retribution, Impact (used with the bombs), Detect Appearance: Still slender and undeveloped, rigorous sports and activities have kept her body toned and fit. She wears what any teen would wear, and usually has light, indiscernible body armor on underneath. She likes clothes that are kind of loose, and that have lots of large pockets or clips. Biography: Sare grew up with a single mother, and a rich one at that. Very rich. Completely bored in the private schools she attended, she started hanging out with a group of...delinquents. They taught her how to make the small explosives, and after a while her own intelligence kicked in, and she was able to make original, ingenious designs of her own. She was well stocked with supplies as money was never a problem, and her room is like a small laboratory. After a while she drifted away from that group of friends, but still sometimes keeps in contact with them. She still lives at home with her mother, which accounts for her never carrying weapons. Her relationship with her mother is very caring and loving. Then, one day, soon after her 16th birthday, she hid a bomb in one of the toilets. It was a favorite prank of hers, but this time, something went terribly wrong. The bomb exploded while some teachers were talking in the bathroom, and they were badly injured...which revealed their true dead forms under their damaged human disguises. Imbuing: When the bomb exploded, all the students were evacuated, and the building was empty, but Sare went back to see because she was worried that people had been hurt. What she saw horrified her: three teachers were on the ground, knocked unconscious with debris around them, and blood seeping from their bodies. But as she watched, hidden, they got up slowly, and readjusted their bodies, bending limbs back into place, and realigning their skin. But unbeknownst to them, Sare had seen their rotting flesh underneath. When she returned to her home after the evacuation, her mother seemed extra-concerned, questioning her on everything. Since they were so close, Sare told her mother that she had seen Rots. Her mother had grown very pale and quiet, and then suddenly, she flung the door closed and locked it. Her mother then rushed towards her, and fangs grew from her mouth. Sare was so shocked that she couldn't defend herself - her mother was a vampire, and she was going to kill her. But then her survival instincts kicked in, and she fought as hard as she could. In the end, it wasn't enough. The vampire was too strong. But her mother couldn't deliver the final blow. Just as she was about to drink her daughter's blood, she started to weep, and then hugged her daughter. Sare, tears flowing down her face, knew that her mother indeed loved her, and knew that she would never be able to kill her. Instead, she used for the first time one of her Edges: Restore, to start healing their wounds. The next day, her mother showed her Hunter-Net, and Sare logged on as Shrapnel616.

The two girls started laughing as they splashed each other, and soon enough the whole pool had erupted into a giant water fight. Mr. Smith could be heard over the laughter, "Stop! Stop this instant!" No one payed any attention. "Hey, Kari, are you going to try out for the swim team?" Ceris asked as they retreated to the far (and calm) end of the pool. "The swim team?" Kari asked. "Yeah. Our team is pretty good. And I bet that boy *wink wink* will be on it too. He's got amazing skills in the water," Ceris added slyly. Kari blushed again, sinking into the water to hide her red cheeks. Ceris laughed, "You're so funny! But you have to learn to not blush - it gives you totally away. But try out! It'll be fun! And usually everyone makes the cut. Of course, Mr. Smith is the teacher, but that's not too bad...usually." "Have you been on the team before?" Kari asked. Ceris nodded, "Yes, I've been on the team for three years. Last year I was captain, but since that new guy's here, I don't know. He's pretty good. Try out with me! It'll be awesome." Kari was convinced, "Well, ok. When are tryouts?" "Next week on Wednesday, right after school," Ceris answered. They got out of the pool, and went to change and dry off.

OOC: oopsy. I don't know what I was thinking of...why did I think Toshi was a prince? o_0 "What, and not wait for the others? What if they get here after we leave?" Veil asked. "Let's wait a little while." "Well, fine," Toshi said impatiently. "Oh, by the way, why did those Creatures want you anyways? Explain that to us while we're waiting." Toku looked at Toshi, "Creatures? Where?" Toshi shook his head, "I'll tell you later, but right now, Veil should answer the question." "Toshi, didn't you just see at all?" Veil asked, rolling her eyes. "The Creatures want me because I can tap and open the portals. I can actually go from the inside of the Gate to this world. I didn't this time, because there was no need to, but you saw it." "That was the Gate?" Riv asked solemnly. Veil nodded. Another flash! Asunan popped out of the air, "Hey guys! Glad we caught up! Line and Tr'shiel should be here right after me."

Arima, still on the stairs with Sukishi, couldn't believe her ears. That weird guy named Keitaro was going to be the landlord?? How could this happen? This was a GIRLS' DORM! And she heard that Keitaro was trying to enroll in Tokyo U., the same school that she currently attended. Naomi saw Arima on the stairs, "Suzume-senpai! Hey, the pervert is our new landlord! And he's applying to Tokyo U., where you go! Maybe you can give him some tips!" Keitaro looked up at this, looking towards Arima. He couldn't believe that she attended Tokyo U...she looked like she should still be in high school... Arima was getting a headache from all this, "Um, well, I don't know. Maybe later, I have some things to do." She hurried up the rest of the stairs, retreating to the solace of her room.

OOC: Veil doesn't have daggers. She has a glave and a staff. The girl immediately started, setting quite a fast pace. Veil waited a minute before following, but after seeing Toshi and Riv go, she followed also. But some questions seeped into her head...why had that girl just automatically attacked her? The obvious choice would have been to attack Toshi, who was a prince, and who was the one that was supposed to deliver the message. Why had the girl attacked her? Veil's suspicions were wiped out of her mind as they entered a clearing. Suddenly, they were surrounded by people dressed exactly like the girl. And...there was..a strange scent in the air that was lingering around their bodies. Veil's eyes narrowed, "A trap. I knew something was wrong." She stepped in front of Toshi, taking a defensive stance. Her glave gleamed. Riv also readied himself, but spoke first, "What's going on? We mean no harm to anyone, as I already told that girl. Let us pass peacefully, and we will do you no harm." The girl now turned, and her face was oddly stretched...her voice changed as she spoke, "You may pass. And he may pass. But this girl cannot." Riv turned threateningly, "Why? She has no business with you. And if we go, she must go with us." The figures swathed in cloth made no movement. They were all silent. Suddenly, Veil understood, and her eyes narrowed, "It's no use. They're not what they look like. And only Creatures have that scent." Toshi's eyes widened, "Creatures? They're Creatures? Are you sure?" Veil nodded grimly, "I'm positive. I should have noticed it earlier, but I didn't, and now we're stuck." Riv shook his head, "Yes, we're stuck, but we can get out. We'll have to fight, and Toshi, you better use that blade of yours this time." "No," Veil said quietly. "We can't fight - it's hopeless. There are too many of them. Not even you can defeat this many. Especially not without training. I know a way out. You, both of you, hold onto my shoulders." Toshi looked puzzled, "What? Hold your shoulders?" "Yes, and hurry up. Hold on tight. No matter what, don't let go. And keep your eyes closed, or this is going to make you very very sick." Veil put her hands over theirs, making sure that they were holding on tight. Suddenly, the Creatures noticed what she was doing, and started towards her, drawing their own dark weapons. They were fast...so unbelievably fast, like dark lines. Their faces were now stretched, disguises coming off, and their real bodies began to show. "Close your eyes!" Veil yelled, and the sight was shut out by Toshi and Riv. Veil concentrated, following her training. She could feel the small ball of power...she found it! She tapped it, opening the portal, and suddenly, with a small heat wave, the trio was gone, and the demons were left with empty hands. They cursed in their dark tongue, and quickly dispersed. Veil concentrated, training her gaze on the path...she couldn't miss it, because if they did, she wouldn't be able to get them out of the path. Different spheres of power zipped by, but she didn't tap any of them. She prayed that Toshi and Riv were still with her. Suddenly, the Gate blazed before her, and her feet were on solid ground. "Where are we?" Toshi asked, seeing the Gate. Suddenly, dark shapes appeared in it, and Veil grabbed their hands again. "Don't look! Close your eyes again!" She quickly tapped into another power sphere - they were numerous around the gate - and then they were on the dark path again. The hundreds of spheres were around them...all she had to do was make sure she didn't miss the right one...and there it was! She tapped it with her power, and then she closed her eyes. The familiar heat wave, and then, solid ground beneath her feet. She opened her eyes. They were outside the castle in Krii.

Ceris closed her math book with a snap, causing the teacher to glare at her. She smiled back and waved. She nudged the new girl next to her, "Hey, Kari, lunch is next. I'll show you what's contaminated." Kari looked up, her eyes wide, "Contaminated?" Ceris laughed, "I'm just kidding. Well, sort of. Let's just say that some of the food is...less than appetizing. But there's some good stuff. However, I strongly urge you to bring a cold lunch from now on. It's much safer." She winked, and the bell rang. They were the first out of the classroom, Ceris pulling Kari by her arm. The lunchroom was already crowded, but Ceris slid to the front of the line. She did it so cunningly that no one even noticed. Ceris grabbed them both trays, "Ok, just follow me, and you won't be throwing up in the water during swimming, k?" She winked again. Kari wanted to laugh at Ceris's impish grin. They went through the line, and sat down at one of the farther tables. Looking out the windows, they watched the cars go by. It had started to rain, and the clouds darkened the sky. The lunch hour went by quickly, and all too soon they were headed for their next class. Kari and Ceris both went to the locker rooms, but since it was the first day, they didn't need to change into their bathing suits. The teacher called them all down to beside the pool, and Ceris noticed that there were alot of new kids in the group. There were so many that she hardly saw a familiar face. One boy, someone with light, spiky yellow hair, kept looking at the water. She saw Kari staring at him, and she almost laughed. Elbowing Kari, Ceris whispered, "Whp are you looking at so hard?" Kari blushed, and then stared at the ground, smiling wryly at Ceris. The teacher, Mr. Smith, had noticed the disturbance, "Miss Opel, would you like to share with the class?" Ceris smiled coolly, "I apologize Mr. Smith. And no, I wouldn't like to share with the class." Mr. Smith looked at her for another second, and then went on to explain the rules of the pool. Obvious to Kari, this teacher did not like Ceris very much.

Kari, Sare, and Makiyu were returning to the house. Their mother stood outside, ready to greet them. Suddenly, Sare stopped - her father had come out. Kari and Makiyu waited, watching what Sare would do. Slowly, trying to control her breath, Sare walked, greeting Kari's mother. She didn't acknowledge her father in any way, not even looking at him. He silently made way for her, and she passed into the house. Kari watched as Sare disappeared into the house, "Mama, stepfather, I'm back." She hugged her mother, smiling through tears. Makiyu stayed back and watched, until her mother came and hugged him. "Thank you," she said. "Thank you for helping my daughter." Makiyu just nodded, but inside he felt his spirit lift up. They all slowly made their way into the house. Her stepfather's stony gaze had not lifted, and he kept looking in the direction of Sare's room. "Kari, why don't you, Sare, and Makiyu go and get washed up. After you get cleaned, we'll eat dinner early, so you all can get a good rest," her mother said, smiling gently. Kari nodded, and she headed to Sare's room with Makiyu. Makiyu spoke softly, "Kind of uncomfortable, isn't it?" Kari let out her breath, "Yes, it is. I hope that it all works out between Sare and her father." She knocked on Sare's door, but there was no answer. "Hey, Sare, it's just us. Can we come in?" Makiyu asked, knocking in turn. Still no answer. "Sare, we're coming in," and with that, Kari opened the door. Her eyes widened in shock. The room was empty, and the room was almost completely destroyed. The bed was completely destroyed, and the walls had cracks in them. Pieces of wood and cloth had been flung everywhere, and blood spotted the debris. The window was open, and the cool breeze was fluttering the ripped curtains. Even Makiyu had to catch his breath at the astonishing sight. Kari ran out, "Mama! Mama, Sare's gone! And, I think she..." Her mother understood immediately, "Kari, we have to find her. Take Makiyu with you! I'll go with her father!" The two adults immediately ran out, grabbing their weapons as they ran. Kari grabbed some thick coils of rope, and a bag of powder. "Kari, what's going on? What's happening?" Makiyu asked, a foreboding feeling entering his body. Kari was almost at the point of tears, and she could barely speak, "I - I can't- Sare, she - I mean - " she stopped to calm herself, "Sare. She's - she's... Sare's a berserker." Makiyu stared in disbelief, "What?? Sare?" Kari nodded, tears filling her eyes again, "Yes, Sare. And we have to find her, quickly, before she does anything. We have to find her before she kills someone...or everyone." She left, and Makiyu quickly followed. "How could Sare be a berserker? And doesn't something need to cause it? What could have set her off?" Makiyu asked as they ran out the door. Kari shook her head, "Yes, they need to be set off. Sare usually doesn't do this - the last time was when some strangers came into town, and they tried to...hurt me... Anyways, it really takes alot to cause the berserker to come out in her. The only times it's ever happened is when one of us is about to be seriously hurt, or close to death. She must have been really hurt by this issue of marriage. Oh, how could I not have noticed? She must have been so upset, and she was hiding it all...and then, she came home, and she saw the father who betrayed her..." "Betray her? But her father didn't betray her, did he? I mean, it's only marriage-" Makiyu was interrupted by Kari. Her eyes had turned icy and cold, "Only marriage? It would be kinder to kill Sare than to force her into a marriage. Otherwise she wouldn't be doing this. This is the first time that she's ever done it because of herself. It's always been for us." They ran on in silence, and the sky started to darken with clouds. Kari prayed that her sister was safe, and that nothing had happened. Rain started to fall.

When Kari, Sare, and Makiyu returned to the house, they found that Sare's father had returned. He looked very grave, and motioned for Sare to come to the table. Kari and Makiyu wisely left them alone, going to Kari's room to listen to the conversation. "Hello Sare." Her father sounded tired. Sare answered shortly, "Father." Kari's mother tried to diminish the tension, "Sare, why don't you sit down. I'll get you two some tea." Her father merely nodded. "Father, you know that I'm not going to marry, don't you?" Sare questioned sharply. He slammed his hand down on the table, "Sare! Be quiet!" Everything was silent, and Kari's mother didn't return to the table. Sare glared at her father. In her room, Kari was trembling slightly, and her eyes were wide with surprise. Makiyu notice her, and whispered softly, "What's wrong? Are you ok?" Kari nodded, "I'm fine. It's just...this is the first time that Sare's father has ever been so angry. He's never done this before." Makiyu nodded, and paid attention as Sare's father began to speak again. "Sare, listen to me. I went to speak with Carding, but he won't budge. He's a very powerful man. But I have good news: he said that he would wait until your 17th birthday before marrying you." Sare jumped up, "What??? Marry me? I will not marry that man! I don't care if he postpones it til my 60th birthday - I will not marry him!" "SIT DOWN!" her father roared. She sat. " I am your father, and it is your duty as a daughter to obey me. Do you think this is easy for me? To marry off my only daughter to some rich man in a foreign village?? Believe me, this is not only hard on you, but he is powerful. I have no way of protecting you, and you cannot protect yourself." Sare glared icily at her father, "I don't need a protector. I'm strong enough to fight my own battles! You know this! You've raised me, seen my training. I can beat anyone that Kari can! I'm no stranger to combat!" He shook his head, "Enough of this. I was too soft on you, giving you your heart's desire, training you to be able to fight. But enough. No more of this. You will be married, unless Carding finds someone he prefers, but I doubt that. He has heard of your pride and passion. But now you must tame it. Enough." "NO!! I will not willingly go to him! I will not be a lamb sent to slaughter! I fight with my own strength - I need nothing from anyone! You cannot force me to give up my life." Her father stood, a statue of stone, "I'm not asking you to give up your life. I'm asking you to have a secure life. And I'm asking you to give up your weapons." Silence. Sare stood, "You asked me this before, to give up my weapons, my dirk and my whip. Why do you do this to me? Am I not your daughter? Did you not love my mother? And these weapons were hers before! Why do you do this?" He sighed deeply, "It's what your mother would have wanted - " "NO! It's not what she would have wanted! You cannot say that because you don't know any better than I do!" Sare was screaming now, tears running down her face, her cheeks bright with anger. Her father held out his hand sternly, rock hard, "Give them to me. Now. Your mother is not here, so I speak for her. Give them." Sare whispered softly, hate glaring through her eyes, "I have no mother. I have no mother but Kari's mother, who takes me in and loves me better than my real mother could have." Her father's eyes darkened. Sare continued, "I have no mother...and...I have no father either!" She pushed over the table and chairs in her rage, and ran outside into the dusk. Her father stayed standing, stunned at Sare's words. Suddenly, a messenger was at the door, "Excuse me sir, but the Elders of the village wish to speak to Kari Sanai and Makiyu."

Arima silently agreed with Naru, and felt really grossed out. She didn't like males all too much. Luckily, she had seen Keitaro's towel starting to slip, and had quickly hidden her eyes before she saw anything. She heard him swear and run to get some clothes. When the others were laughing, she opened her eyes. Her breakfast was still on the table, but now she didn't feel like eating. She sighed...her morning calm had been ruined...and now it would take her ages to get that calligraphy done. Time to play the cello to restore her contented mood. She quickly walked up the stairs and ran smack into someone, and then hung on so that she didn't fall backwards. "Well, hello Arima! I didn't expect a greeting like that from you! But please, hold on to me until you feel safe," a familiar male face said. Arima grimaced, "Sukishi, how nice to see you. Please go away before I get Motoko." Of all the people to run into, why did she have to run into Sukishi? Where had all the luck in her quiet morning gone?

Veil saw Riv's look when he saw the mountain, and continued to watch his expressions. They had all heard the legends of Riv, but she wondered what it was really like to return home...she wondered how it really was to be a renowned hero. How would she feel if everyone knew about her life story? Toshi was now asking Riv all sorts of questions about Mount Kivanri, "How long did you fight Rimnil? Was he really good? How did it feel when he died?" Veil elbowed Toshi in the ribs, hard. Toshi, pouting, finally shut up, noticing the look in Riv's eyes. Riv's mind filled with memories, and they silently passed the mountain. Suddenly, Riv snapped to attention, sensing danger leaping from above, "Watch out!" he yelled to Veil and Toshi, drawing his sword...

Ceris walked the familiar halls, apathetic towards returning to school. It was her third and last year at Advent Middle School. Familiar faces were everywhere, but there were new ones too. Too many to keep track of. But that was how Advent was - people coming and going without notice. Ceris didn't pay attention to them anymore. What was the use of getting to know new kids if they were just going to leave again? She walked into her classroom, shrugging her backpack off her shoulders, and taking the seat closest to the door. Screw the seating charts. Slowly, the clock ticked, and the students filled the desks. Ceris looked through the door and across the hall into the other classroom. It was a 7th grade classroom, and she could see kids talking and laughing. And there was one very nervous boy. She could instantly tell that he was new. It was in his posture, his attitude, as he sat and watched the others. He suddenly noticed Ceris looking at him, and his eyes widened with nervousness. She waved and smiled reassuringly, and then turned to her books.

Sare had seen Makiyu's surprised expression when he had held Kari's shukusen, "Heavier than it looks, isn't it?" Makiyu nodded, and Sare said, "It's more dangerous than it looks too." Their mother gave Sare a glance that told her to be more nice, and Sare sighed. Kari interrupted the strange silence, "Makiyu, after lunch if you're feeling ok, then Sare and I could demonstrate how to use the shukusen for you." Sare looked up, her mouth hanging open. Kari smiled innocently at her. Makiyu looked at both of their faces, and then nodded, "Sure, that would be fine. I'm sure it'll be very interesting." "Kari's way better than me - she's been practicing forever. I didn't even touch a shukusen until I was 14, when Kari taught me," Sare said, taking another piece of bread. Makiyu compared them again, "It's strange, but you two don't really look like sisters. I mean, you both could be related and all, but you don't look like sisters." Sare looked surprised, and then recovered, "Oh, that's because we're stepsisters. It's kind of weird that you could tell, because usually people think we're really blood sisters. My dad married Kari's mom." As she mentioned her father, Sare's face had a grim look to it. "Where is your father?" Makiyu asked. Sare didn't answer, stonily eating her bread. "He's away on a trip - he should be back soon," Kari's mother said, and then she promptly changed the subject. The meal continued as normal, and Sare was her usual self through the rest of it. Later, before they left, Kari explained to Makiyu about Sare, "There's been some tension between Sare and her father lately. Recently, Sare got a marriage offer from a different village, and that's where her father is right now, discussing it. She told him she didn't want it, but the man who offered is pretty rich, so now they're negotiating. Sare's father wants to decline without offending the guy, but he doesn't know if its possible. And I think he told Sare something else too, but I don't know what it is." "But aren't you the oldest? Shouldn't you get married first?" Makiyu asked, wondering why this beautiful young lady wasn't already married. Kari laughed, "Oh, well, I've gotten offers, but I've turned them all down. Mama says she'll let me choose, and Sare's father doesn't really have a say in it since I'm not his daughter. And whoever gets turned down can't really do anything about it since I'm a summoner." She smiled as she said this, remembering how young men would tiptoe around her so they wouldn't offend. Makiyu nodded, "I see. So Sare doesn't want to get married. She's quite pretty, so I can see why she's already gotten offers. But aren't potential suitors afraid of her too? She's pretty tough." Kari nodded, "Yes, she's tough, and definitely doesn't want marriage. I can see why; she's only 16! And sure, people might be slightly afraid of her, but...she can't summon. Actually, she doesn't have any magical abilities at all. So yes, she's strong, and has mastered her weapons. She could probably beat anyone in the surrounding area, but since she can't do magic, men underestimate her. They just think of her as some exotic possession they can buy." Sare was at the door, interrupting the two, "When are you guys coming? You're taking forever! Let's go!" She turned and raced down the steps, laughing as she ran to the fields. Makiyu watched as Kari followed, a solemn, concerned look on her face. he knew that she was worried about her sister.

Veil stayed with the king a few moments more, and then ran after Toshi and Riv, "Hey, wait up!" Toshi and Riv stopped, looking impatiently at Veil. Veil, caught up, explained what the king had told her, "Ok, we're supposed to go and warn King Sero of the coming dangers, you know? And we're supposed to convince him to join forces with us. But then, after that, the others (Asunan, Toku, Line...etc.) are supposed to join with King Sero's army as a show of goodwill. And then we're supposed to go to the other countries in the north and try to convince them to help us too! Oh, and he really wants us to go to Razzaria too." Toshi stared, "You mean we basically have to warn EVERYBODY??" Veil nodded. "No way! This is way more than I asked for! I am not going to walk a hundred million miles just because the king is too lazy to send his own messengers on horse-back, and I sure as heck am not -" Veil cuffed him again, "Toshi! This is our job! Sure, we completed our first mission, but we can't stop now. They need us to do this! I know that Riv understands, and you don't see him whining, do you? Now come on, the king can't spare anyone to go deliver messages right now, so we have to. I don't really like it any better than you, but right now, we sort of have no choice. Come on, we're supposed to get to King Sero before the others do." Toshi sullenly followed her, while Riv looked humorously at him. In the palace, the others had finished their breakfast with the king, and their mission had been fully explained. Now they were packing for the journey, and Line was calming a very worried Tr'shiel. "Hey, it'll be ok. Nothing's going to happen. Well, actually, we might be fighting and all, but if you stick with us, nothing will happen. Don't worry, we won't let anything happen to you," Line said soothingly, patting Tr'shiel on the back. Tr'shiel nodded, swallowed, and then looked like she might be sick. Toku nodded at her, "Is she coming with us? Can she handle it? I mean, she does look like she's going to barf or something. What's she going to do about fighting?" Asunan defended Tr'shiel, "She'll be fine! She's coming with us anyway, so there's no need for her to fight if she doesn't want to." Toku shrugged, "Ok, whatever." Tr'shiel took deep breaths, trying not to be too stressed about the upcoming journey. They would leave at noon, after getting a bit more rest, and Toshi, Riv, and Veil would be far ahead of them. Line watched over Tr'shiel as she slowly fell asleep again.

Veil followed behind Riv and Toshi. She was very annoyed, but at the same time curious at what was happening. First of all, Toshi needed to put some clothes on, and next it was really nerve-racking being around Riv because he was such a legend. Really, what if they did something wrong in front of Riv, and then he thought they were complete idiots? Veil really did not want to mess up on this mission. The fact that it was 4:00 a.m. did not help her mood, and she felt like her senses were on fire. She was constantly looking around at the shadows, and she was getting a headache. What could the king possibly want at this god-forsaken hour? And why was it only the three of them? They walked on.

Arima looked up to find an almost-naked Keitaro running straight at her, screaming "Help me!" She couldn't stop a small shriek from escaping her lips. Jumping up as he reached her, she used the newspaper to push him under the table without touching him. She then turned to face the oncoming predator, the girl who was still trying to wring Keitaro's neck, "STOP!! Stop stop stop stop stop!" There was complete silence, and Arima continued speaking, "Do you know how loud you two were being? I'm sure that you just woke up the entire block. Now stop being immature, put some clothes on, and then go and fight outside. Go! Schnell schnell!" OOC: Who is the girl that's chasing Keitaro?

Sare ran to her house as soon as she heard that Kari had discovered a wounded stranger. She burst in, panting, "Where's Kari? And is the stranger here?" Kari, still in the bathroom, quickly ran out when she heard Sare, and still blushing, she quietly ran to her room. Sare's stepmother (Kari's mother) answered calmly, taking in her stepdaughter's windswept appearance, "Kari is in her bedroom, and the stranger is in the bathroom, so don't go in there. You don't have to be worried - the Elders asked Kari to take care of him for now." Sare was still suspicious, "Do they know anything about this guy? How did he get injured? What if he wants to secretly kidnap and kill Kari?" Kari's mother started laughing, "Oh, my dear, I think you're using your imagination a bit too much. And his name is Makiyu. And I don't think he has any hidden intentions. Be nice, alright?" She turned back and continued preparing the meal. Sare went to Kari's bedroom and immediately walked in, not bothering to knock, "Kari! What did the Elders say to you? Are you sure that this guy isn't dangerous?" Kari was sitting on her bed, and smiled, "Sare, little Sare, are you scared for your older sister? The Elders said to take care of him, and even if Makiyu's dangerous, we should still help him. He's hurt." Sare sat on the bed, annoyed, "Kari, I'm not little! And of course I'm worried about you - you're too nice to everyone." Kari laughed, "Sare, you're only 16. Don't worry, I can take care of myself, and you don't have anything to worry about from Makiyu. And if anything goes wrong, I'll tell you, ok?" Sare held out her pinky, "Do you promise?" "I promise." "Well, ok!" Sare jumped up happily from the bed, "I'm so glad we're sisters! Just don't leave me behind, ok?" Kari nodded again, "Ok, don't worry. I'm your older sister - I would never go where I couldn't take care of you." She didn't mention that she had been in the bathroom alone with Makiyu, but at the moment, the thought had completely slipped her mind.

Name: Ariyel Appearance: She has a slender jaw and high, smooth cheek-bones. Light gray eyes exude her inner strength and wisdom, while a flitting smile indicates her fanciful nature and curiosity. She has light, delicate hair that floats like gossamer around her shoulders, and it's shorter than most angels'. A simple, thin silver diadem adorns her hair. Her robes are plain, but at the same time graceful and light, with a delicate silver chain around her slender waist. Her sword is smaller than average, and is kept within easy reach on the silver chain. Around her neck on another delicate chain are two rings: one made from black gold, and the other a soft, rosy-colored metal. Her wings are lighter and smaller than most, and instead of just a pair, she in fact has two pairs on her back. Personality: Ariyel is not shy but sometimes mysteriously quiet, instilling a curiosity in others. She's quite wise and knowledgeable, as she likes to learn from Uriel. She doesn't like to judge others, but instead accepts them immediately on their word. Trustworthy and whimsical, Ariyel has been entrusted to keeping the Dawn and the Rainbow, both of which are her responsibilities to release and lead. The two rings on the chain around her neck are the sign that she is the keeper of both. Her flitting, delicate smile is almost mischievous, and she has a curious and cheerful nature. She loves the rain, because she likes to spread the Rainbow. With her four light wings, she is the quickest angel in the heavens, and has therefore been appointed as the official Messenger of Heaven. As she goes delivering various messages, she likes to take detours through somber households on Middlore, spreading her quiet cheer and putting a dance in their steps.

Name: Veil Age: 102 Gender: Female Element; Direction; Race: Life/Death; West; God/Death-eater Description: slender figure, 5'6", short, straight black hair, gold eyes, pale smooth skin. Special Ability: has the ability to heal/give life to others at the cost of health/life from someone else. This comes from her mix of God and Death-eater blood. Bio: Veil is a half a God from the East, and half a Death-Eater from the West. Her homeworld is the twin world of Cardinai, and when she was born, she was sent to the Elves of the West, who were the only ones who would accept her strange powers and breeding. She's been there her whole life, and has never returned to the other world. She also has not been the Men of the East, who would likely just try to control her for her powers.

Arima walked over nonchalantly, "Well, if there's a "pervert," just kick him out. And while you're doing that, make sure that Sukishi doesn't sneak in." She sat back down at the table, newspaper and tea in hand. Mitsune and Naomi both watched as Arima calmly sipped her tea. "GET AWAY GET AWAY GET AWAY!!!!!!" the shrieking started once more, along with the sounds of a vicious beating. A male voice could be heard squeaking in surprise and embarrassment. The fierce sounds of battle seemed to get closer and closer. Mitsune and Naomi shrieked and tore away as two people came running down the hall. Arima didn't even notice as two scantily-clad figures raced past the table, both yelling at the top of their lungs.

Arima jumped at the yell, and in the same movement accidently swiped her brush across the page. She looked at the black ink, inkstone, and then her paper. The work was ruined now - sighing, she tossed the delicate rice paper into her calligraphy recycle bin. She'd have to start over later. She went to the bathroom and washed her hands, wondering what she was going to do that day, since she didn't have any classes. "I'm going to do what I do on any other day: eat, practice, work, study, sleep." Arima sighed again, and went downstairs for breakfast, completely ignoring the chaos of sounds now coming from the hot spring.

Name: Arima Suzume (nickname: Ari) Age: 16 Gender: Female Occupation: Student at Tokyo U/Author/Artist Personality: Arima is quiet and laid-back, usually quite isolated. She likes a quiet and calm environment, where she can practice her cello, and her writing and art. She can't stand alcohol, and usually doesn't speak to people if she doesn't think they're intelligent. So unwittingly, and usually not on purpose, she appears to be aloof from others, and can be very patronizing. However, she doesn't do this on purpose, and just likes to have an intelligent conversation with someone. She also likes playing poker with high stakes.:cool: Bio: Arima moved out when she turned 16 because her parents were divorced. She hated shuttling between both of them, and decided to get her own living arrangements so that if they wanted to see her, THEY could come visit HER. However, her parents are usually wrapped up in their own lives and new children to pay much attention to her. They pay her a generous monthly allowance, as both of them are pretty rich, and that's about it. Arima has played cello since 4th grade, and is now a rising star and leading soloist in concerts and competitions. However, none of the press or paparazzi knows where she lives, so she's safe, for now. :D She also sometimes writes columns in magazines, collecting various sums of money for her freelance writing. At this point she's working on her first novel. As a hobby she also does art, and japanese calligraphy, which can sell for some tidy sums. She does this even though she doesn't need the money, because her parents send her more than enough money to live on. However, to replace their love and satisfy her own need for accomplishment, she writes and paints. She's a student at Tokyo U. already because her parents enrolled her in respected private schools when she was young, in which she went through the accelerated program. She had earned her high school diploma at the age of 15, and although she could have gone to the U.S. and Ivy League, she decided to stay closer to home. In her free time she'll play poker, sometimes holding "poker nights" in her flat in Hinata House inviting anyone who wants to play some high stakes poker. Description: slender and strong, 5'5", large black eyes, and short, clean-cut black hair. She likes to tuck her hair back behind her ears, and when worried she picks her lip.

Name: Fera Age: 102 Gender: Female Species/Race: Elf Region: Desert Lands Description: About 5'5", Fera is slender and very strong. Living in the desert gives her dusty, darker skin color than most elves. Her hair is a burnished bronze/gold color from all the time in the sun, and her eyes are the same. She has high, sharp cheek bones, smooth skin, and almost no body fat. She wears a soft, supple tunic that is long-sleeved and goes down to lower/mid-thigh. Over that is a darker brown knotted netting, which is looser, and she has a dark sash around her waist. Sometimes she'll wear long boots that are made out of the same material as her tunic, but usually goes barefoot. In her burnished hair is woven and braided many items made out of gold, which include beads, small discs, ornaments, rings, chained links, and random pieces. Weapons: Scimitar: instead of the heavily rounded curve of seamen and pirates, Fera's scimitar is softly curved in the fashion of desert nomads. It's blade is actually made out of a rare kind of wood called Sorge found only in certain desert regions. It is a light brown with streaks of gold, and always stays razor sharp. Even though it is wood, it is stronger than any metal, and can delicately cleave through almost any known material. The handle is made out of the same wood, and has supple leather as a grip. Thin pieces hang down from the handle, and some have gold trinkets braided or woven into them as well. Whip: for opponents farther away, a whip has been made with braided strands of a mixture between Sorge and leather. The Sorge was pounded paper thin, twisted and twined tightly with the leather, and then braided. It's kept well-oiled and cleaned. It's length is about twenty feet, and in it's handle is a core of gold. However, Fera usually doesn't use the full length, and instead she'll hold the whip in loops with the handle. Bio: Fera is the princess of one of the elfen desert tribes. The tribe's entire wealth in gold is braided and woven into Fera's hair, while some trinkets are on her scimitar and in her whip. She's basically the wealth and entire value of the tribe. She's still kind of young for an elf, but has entirely mastered her unique scimitar and whip. She's a fierce protector of her people, a beautiful and exotic tigress. She refuses to marry anyone who cannot beat her in combat, and thus still remains unwed, and free to roam at her will. She leads the security of her tribe, while her father is the chieftan. Often she will lead hunts on foot, although sometimes they will ride their sleek Arabians to fly across the sands even faster. She is strong-willed, in body and mind, and famous throughout the desert.

Only Line had noticed the dark-skinned stranger. The others were blissfully unaware of her presence, caught up in Toshi's little mischief. Veil stood with her hands on her hips, "Toshi...what did you do this time?" Toshi laughed innocently, "I told you already, I didn't do anything. I don't know why you keep suspecting me. I mean, here I am, greeting a new member of our group, when -" He turned in panic as Mereduin came racing around the corner. She pointed, glaring evilly, "YOU again! You little...you're gonna get it this time. I'm not going to let you off easy!" She was already forming fireballs in her hands as she was closing the distance between them. Toshi immediately started running away, yelling, "No! It wasn't me this time! Stop! I swear, it wasn't me!" Silently swearing, Veil grabbed Toshi and stood in front of him, "Stop! Everyone stop! Just calm down and tell me what the heck is going on! We're all adults, except ONE of us *glares at Toshi* and we should be able to solve this like adults. No more immature quarrels in which we show off our powers! Really, we're on a mission, and if you fail *glare at Toshi again* we're all screwed. So everyone get your act together!" Merduin was steaming, "If he does one more thing, I swear, I'm going to tear out his intestines and make him eat them. One more thing, that's all it's going to take." Asunan and Amarest were beside her, smiling evilly at Toshi. He automatically retreated further behind Veil, who sighed and rolled her eyes. Evrunal spoke next, interrupting his usual silence, "I agree with Veil. If we're going to help Toshi succeed in his mission then we must stop these petty arguments. They're wasting time, and we don't know how much we have." "Which leads me to my next point," Veil spoke again, "didn't I tell you all NOT to draw your weapons in the city? And Toshi, we were trying NOT to run anyone to death, remember?" She looked pointedly at Evrunal and Toshi. Evrunal shrugged nonchalantly, and Toshi just giggled nervously. Mereduin interrupted, "Alright then, you'd better keep that stupid kid away from me unless you want him turned into sausage. Other than that, we'll keep your truce, and we'll keep away from you. Kindly do the same for us." She walked away with Asunan and Amarest. They disappeared into the crowd. Veil turned, "Alright! No more hunting down those three girls to cause trouble! And no chasing citizens through the streets, although Toku wasn't really innocent. And no more drawing your weapons until ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY! Lets get going." She took the lead again, and everyone followed through the crowded marketplace. "What a Nazi," Toshi muttered underneath his breath, "when did I get such a rock for my companion?" Toku laughed, and Line elbowed him. When he turned he for the first time saw the dark-skinned girl. His eyes grew wide, "Who are you? When did you get here?" Tr'shiel got nervous, and an uneasy look came to her face. She didn't answer. Line answered for her, "This is Tr'shiel. We just met, and she's going to be traveling with us, but she's quite shy, so don't scare her. Oh, and Tr'shiel, this is Toshi...the troublemaker..." Toshi stood indignantly while Tr'shiel took all the others in, keeping their appearances and weapons in mind.