Little Serenity

[i]Umeko traveled down the path she had chosen. Meanwhile, she made sure that she only picked the flowers with red pollen. Finally, she came to a dead end.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Ack... great. I'll have to go back and wait for Max. [b]???:[/b] I don't think that will be necessary. [i]Umeko remained calm.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] I wish you stupid riders would get off our backs. Fortunately for you, I can't stand killing people, so you're going to get off easy. [b]???:[/b] I doubt very much that you could kill ME. Bik-san Umeko... You have an excellent talent for martial arts and a keen sense of theivary. I tried to persuade my superiors to mindwipe you, but I was unsuccessful in swaying their opinion. [i]Umeko started to turn.[/i] [b]???:[/b] Not another inch, Bik-san. (He rests a sword on her shoulder) Or I may be forced to use this instead of my intended weapon. [b]Umeko:[/b] At least tell me who's going to kill me. [b]???:[/b] My name, is Tsubasano Yabun Kuro, or Tsubasa for short. [b]Umeko:[/b] So, if I were to scream, Max might find my head and you? [b]Tsubasa:[/b] You are a smart girl. But I doubt that you can scream when you are poisoned. [b]Umeko:[/b] WHA-?!! [i]Tsubasa pressed a giant flower with purple pollen against Umeko's face. She held her breath, trying not to inhale the pollen. She started coughing and gasping for air. Tsubasa released her. Umeko's vision was fuzzy, but she could make out Tsubasa's ratty black hair and yellow eyes.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] It's-- funny. Your name-- (cough) means Night Wings of Black (she fell to her knees) But your eyes are the color of the sun. (She gasped, drawing a last intake of breath.) I'd run-- if I were, you. Max'll tear you apart. [i]With the last of her air, she screamed as loud as she could.[/i] [i][/i]

OOC: eeks... the pendant got destroyed!! Oh well... so much for my idea of trying to drown everyone. ^_^ ---------------- [i]Mei walked toward the main building again. She was so confused. Tobias seemed to really like her, but he gave her a necklace that had nearly killed Max. After she had started training, she couldn't remember much. All she had known was that she was getting stronger and she was gaining more power and that she would show everyone.[/i] Mei: Maybe... it was a mistake. Maybe Tobias didn't know what he was giving me. Maybe it just... [i]There were so many maybes. So many variables that what was what seemed to be distorted.[/i] Mei: I can't even concentrate. There are so many things flying around in my head that I can't keep them straight... (She paused) I have to find out the truth! Tomorrow, I'll talk to Tobias! I'll just... tell him what happened, and he'll explain it to me. [i]Mei watched Max practicing in the distance.[/i] Mei: I hope his answer is acceptable... [i]Mei sat by the river she had trained at, staring at her reflection. Suddenly, Tobias' reflection stared back at her.[/i] Mei: T-Tobias! I thought we were only going to meet once a day? Tobias: I was in the neighborhood. (He smiled, then noticed her bare neck) Where's the pendant? Mei: I... wanted to talk to you about that. (He raised an eyebrow at her) I... attacked Max under its influence. I didn't mean to! I didn't even know what was happening! I just... zoned out! (He sighed impatiently) Please Tobias!! Tell me that you didn't know about this! (He turned his gaze) Tobias...?! Tobias: I knew that this act wouldn't last long. You stupid girl, you were supposed to serve your purpose by drowning everyone in the school!! [i]Mei stared at him in horror.[/i] Tobias: But your little friend just had to come and interfere! Feh, I actually thought you were pretty, but now... you're just an incompetant witch! Mei: You... YOU USED ME!! Tobias: Get a clue, Blue-nette!! [i]Tobias formed a void in his hands and hurled it straight at Mei.[/i] Mei: *I only have one attack. It just might...* [i]She lowered her arm and formed a drop of water on her finger. She fired it at the void. The droplet shot straight through, not changing the void's course. It hit Mei full force. She tumbled backward covered in mud.[/i] Tobias: Now you look even uglier!! (He laughed harshly as Mei tried to wipe the burning mud off her) You're nothing. You go to this school, yet you can't even control your own element! I have no choice but to put you out of your misery! Mei: I... am not... PATHETIC!! (Tears streamed down Mei's face, wiping away some of the mud) You're the one who's pathetic! You used me to kill everyone including myself instead of facing them like a man! You USED a GIRL to get what you wanted! It makes me SICK to LOOK AT YOU!! I don't care if I can't control my element! My spirit will endure and believe you me, I will defeat you even if it takes me seven lifetimes!! I AM THE POWERFUL ONE, AND YOU ARE NOTHING!!! [i]Suddenly, the sky opened up and with a giant earsplitting roar, a blue chinese-style dragon appeared out of the sky. Mei was surrounded by a blue aura which dissolved all the mud away. When the aura cleared, Mei had two wrist glaives.[/i] Tobias: That! That's impossible!! You have your weapon!! Mei: And a beast. I can feel words coming to me... in short (she smirked) YOU'RE toast. FANGS OF THE DRAGON!!! [i]Two sharp waves of water sped towards Tobias, blasting him into the forest. Mei came after him, but he had escaped.[/i] Mei: Wow... (she looked at the glaives, slowly she brought her hands together trying to form a void. No luck.) Argh... I can't form the void!! Guess I'll have to rely on brute strength... OOC: Heh, just a question. Where should I post a pic of Mei? ^_^ Thanks!

[i]Mei jumped a foot. She panicked.[/i] Mei: I don't have a weapon! I won't be able to defend myself! I'm toast!! [i]A tall, dark boy of around 16 pushes a branch aside. He has dark green hair and deep brown eyes. He smiled at her.[/i] ??: Don't worry, I'm not here to hurt you. I just saw you practicing and I couldn't resist. Mei: What's to resist? (miserably) I suck at magic. I can't even control large portions of my element. ??: I wasn't talking about your element. (He approaches her) You're very beautiful when you concentrate like that. [i]Mei blushed and turned away hastily.[/i] ??: My name's Tobais. And yours? Mei: Mei. Tamiko Mei... Tobias: That's a very pretty name. (pause) I can control water too. Mei: You can?! Tobias: Mmm hmm. Watch. [i]Tobias raises his hands above his head. Muddy water spirals around him in an elegant pattern.[/i] Mei: (applauding) Wow! That's great! Tobias: I got all my power from this. (He holds up a blue sapphire pendant) Would you like to have it? Mei: Oh, I wouldn't want to take it from you... Tobias: Just think of it as a gift. (He ties the pendant around her neck.) Can we meet here everyday? Mei: Alright! I'll show you everyday how good I am with magic! (she smiles.) Tobias: Good. Until tomorrow. (He re-enters the undergrowth) [i]To himself:[/i] Or not...

Erm... I know I'm a bit late... but does anyone mind if I join as a late-comer? O_o;; I couldn't find the recruitment post... Name: Mei Tamiko Element: Water Mei: AAAAHHH!!! [i]Mei Tamiko: always late for everything. Her long blue hair with sporadic braids flew through the wind as she gripped her bag and ran. She flew across the grounds with her long legs. Being late for practically everything, she had developed a talent for running.[/i] Mei: I'm SO sorry Fire-sensei! I just lost track of the... (sees all the monster corpses) tiiiime!! I missed another battle!!? Max: 'Fraid so. Fire: Mei! This is the eleventh time this week that you've been late! Have you any explination?! Mei: Well... uh... That is I... Fire: (sighs) Look, I've just clued everyone in on what the new rules are going to be from now on. [i]He explained them to her.[/i] Mei: Well... I suppose that's okay. I really don't like running into monsters unprepared. Fire: Mei, as your punishment for being late, you will have to train twice as long and hard tomorrow, when I can supervise you. [i]The group headed back to the main building.[/i] Meteo: You know Mei, you'll never amount to a respectable Element X if you can't show up in time to save someone. Mei: I know, I know. It just seems like I can never concentrate on anything. That's why my magic sucks too. Max: Nothing could ever be achieved without hard work. (yawns and stretches) Mei: Alright! I get it! I'm a ditz because I'm late! So what?!! (storms off) I'll show them. I'll be the best Element X this world has ever seen, even if I'm late to everything except meals! [i]Mei stopped, gazing at a gentle stream trickling down a hill. She sighed. The sound of flowing water always had calmed her nerves.[/i] Mei: I'll show Fire-sensei. I'll practice really hard right now, and then I'll be able to surprise everyone! Maybe I'll even get my weapon this time! It seemed like everyone had already gotten theirs... (stands firm and resolute) I'll just, start small... [i]Mei began spinning teardrop sized orbs on all her fingers. She couldn't create a void yet, but she could control her element easily in small portions.[/i] Mei: I wonder... how everyone else is doing... [i]Suddenly, there was a giant crunch that came from the undergrowth.[/i] (I'll delete this if it's too late to join... Gomen!) ~LS

[b]Umeko:[/b] Thanks again for the... er... treatment, Eve! (follows Max) So... we're picking flowers... (arches an eyebrow) [b]Max:[/b] Yep. [b]Umeko:[/b] With RED pollen... [b]Max:[/b] Yep. [b]Umeko:[/b] Okay. (shrugs) Could be worse I guess. (Pause) Hey, you think that those Dark Riders will come back? [b]Max:[/b] Who really knows? [b]Umeko:[/b] Yeah... It's just that, I'm more of a "pick the lock, get the goods, get out safely" kind of person. Not the brute strength kind. (another pause) Just wait. I'll get my act together, and once we need something opened, look out! I'll have it opened up in no time flat. [i] The pair comes to a fork in the road.[/i] [b]Max:[/b] I think the flowers are over there. (points to the left) [b]Umeko:[/b] Let's just get this over with quick. I've never been into picking daisies myself. I'll take the right fork, and you'll take the left one. [i]He nods. Umeko shoulders her bag and heads down the path.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Holler if you find anything... interesting.

(Yeeks!! Sorry DFX!!! I can never remember names. ^_^;; And Ohkami? It's Serenity, not Serendity. ^_^) [b]Umeko:[/b] Well, I'm all for this whole quest thing. Sounds like fun! *I have to get over my fear of blood or else... I'll just be dead weight to everyone. I want to help out so much but it seems as though brute strength is a requirement now.* [i]Max notices Umeko's solomn silence.[/i] [b]Max:[/b] Hey, you okay? [b]Umeko:[/b] (nods) Yeah. By the way... I never got a chance to thank you for saving me. I don't normally play the damsel in distress, but you were great. (she smiles)

[i]Umeko watched as all the Dark Riders fell to the ground as a result of Sakura's attack.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b](While walking back to the cottage) Well, we made short work of- [i]She stopped. Casually, she had glanced over at Max who stood near the dark rider he had slain. His throat was still bleeding. Umeko hadn't noticed it after Max had saved her because he had pushed her out of the way.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] (stammering) Bl... blo- BLOOD!! [i]The one thing that Umeko couldn't stand was the sight of blood. It was kind of a subconscious thing as a result of the riots in her village.[/i] [b]Sakura:[/b] Umeko! What's wrong?! [b]Max:[/b] She's gonna be sick! She's breathing to heavily! At this rate, she'll- [i]Umeko crumpled to the ground.[/i] [b]Max:[/b] Pass out. [b]Eve:[/b] Ah great. We can't have this dead weight on our hands. We'll be sitting ducks. [b]DMX:[/b] Take her back into the cottage. [b]Sakura:[/b] Uh... okay. Any takers on carrying her? [i]Bik-san's eyes fluttered open. She touched her forehead gingerly.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] I'm sorry. I can handle myself. (She struggles to get up.) Let's... get inside, (laughs half-heartedly) okay?

[i]Umeko burst out laughing as the Dark riders were humiliated.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] That was great!! Let me give it a go! [i]Bik-san stepped up to the plate as the riders mounted and charged. Umeko's grin vanished for a split second and she closed her eyes. The swords of the dark riders sliced across the air where Umeko had been. Confused, the evil group looked up, the last thing they saw being the sole of Umeko's shoe.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] Piece-a cake! [b]Sakura:[/b] They're getting up again! [i]Umeko turns around, sighing.[/i] [b]Umeko:[/b] If they want more, they can come and get it. [i]Umeko charged at the dark riders, performing the same manuver to get around the horses. However, one of the riders had caught on to Umeko's game, and grasped her leg as she flew in for the attack. Umeko tried to use an evasive manuver, but the rider threw her to the ground. She rolled until she hit the wall.[/i] [b]Dark Rider:[/b] You there! Take care of our little problem! [b]Dark Rider (#2):[/b] Yes sir! [i]The dark rider approached Umeko and held a sword at her throat.[/i]

[I]The group all followed Eve into the cottage.[/I] [B]Sakura:[/B] So... is this place yours? [B]Eve:[/B] Yeah, I thought it would be a good place to hide. [B]Max:[/B] It sure is. I don't think anyone would be able to find us here! [B]DMX:[/B] Then... uh... who's that dark shadow in the corner eating all your food? [I]Eve turns around, sweatdropping at the small figure in shadow chowing down.[/I] [B]Eve:[/B] JUST WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!! [B]???:[/B] Ehh... [I]smiles widely[/I] Byeee! ART OF THE BAKKEN: MASQUARADE! [I]The group looks frantically around the space where the curious figure was. She's no where to be seen. The group realizes that maybe one of the dark riders HAD indeed found them, and they drew their weapons. DMX was especially still and silent.[/I] DMX: I found her energy! [I]With a quick swipe of his fist, the mysterious figure fell onto the floor, rubbing her head.[/I] [B]???:[/B] Ack... if only I'd really concentrated! All that food really got to me. (giggles) [B]Eve:[/B] How can you giggle at a time like this?!! You've been busted! [B]???:[/B] Hey hey hey, take it easy! I'm no dark rider, just a common theif. The name's Umeko Bik. [B]Sakura:[/B] What kind of a last name is Bik? [B]Umeko:[/B] Ya like it?! I made it up myself. I... (serious) I couldn't remember my real last name. [I]Umeko brushed aside a strand of white hair and explained about the riots which had killed her parents, orphaning her.[/I] [B]Umeko:[/B] So, I'm here. I was hoping to run into you Sakura! [B]Sakura:[/B] Who me? [B]Umeko:[/B] Yep! A long time ago, I trained with my dad on how to be a great martial artist. When I was around 8, I got a calling from Eden. She told me that when I was almost of age, I would have to fight off a great evil. I asked her if she would ever speak to me again. She didn't. (laughs) But that's okay! You're the chosen one! [B]Max:[/B] So where do we go from here? [B]Umeko:[/B] You got me. But... (listens intently) Someone's coming, and their aura is evil.

Eeks! This looks really cool! Mind if I join? ^_^ Name: Umeko Bik Age: 15 Male/female: Female Class: Thief, but can cast minor masking spells and such Weapon: Mostly her intellect and martial arts Description: Messy, kind of spikey white hair and deep green eyes. She wears goggles on the top of her head, thick gloves, a tight white capped-sleeve shirt and baggy black pants. Bio: Umeko trained with her father to be a great martial artist. He had plans that she would one day defeat the Espers single-handedly, but then he was killed in a riot. Many people from Umeko's village were angry that Umeko's family lived in such comfort while they starved. The mob murdered her parents and Umeko, being only 12, lived on the streets and learned how to be an excellent theif. She's very happy-go-lucky and cheerful towards any idea as long as it's logical. Umeko only becomes serious in the face of true danger. I'll draw a pic and post it later. See you guys in the actual Adventure! ^_^;; ~LS

O_O One Piece and Shaman King?!! (Composes herself) Inner Serey: YESSSSSSSSS!!!

Hmm... favorite anime couples... ^_^ I have a few controversial ones up my sleeve. Faye and Spike (Cowboy BeBop)- I never really got the impression that Julia and Spike were in love. Plus, heh, Faye reminds me of myself and Spike reminds me of... *blush* (Washu-esqe) Oh I'm so embarassed!! Miaka and Tamahome (Fushigi Yuugi)- C'mon, if you get out of a friggin' book to be with the one you love, that's gotta count for something! ^_^ I always cry when I watch that anime. Naru and Keitaro (Love Hina)- I find it so sweet that no matter how much the other screws up, the latter always forgives them and picks them back up. Keiichi and Belldandy (Ah Megami Sama)- ^_^ what can I say but: awww... Yusuke and Keiko (Yu Yu Hakusho)- Keiko supports Yusuke even when he's beating his head against a wall (literally...) It's kinda weird to see how much their relationship has progressed since Day 1 of the series. Well, that's all of them that I can think of right now. ^_^

O_O oh dear... Well, the one time I played D&D, I was a druid elf. I had cool small daggers. ^_^ But Mimiru is cool too. She's my favorite chara in .hack. Perhaps I'd be a kind of mage/dagger person?? O_o;; eeks...